CHAPTER 12
EPOV
The next day, I'd promised mom and dad I'd stop by and finally make an appearance. Technically, I needed to stop in regardless and return the swatches and paint samples mom loaned Alice during the remodel of her shop.
"Anyone home?" I ask as I open the door and step inside.
"Out back!" I hear my mom call out. I pass through the hallway, through the kitchen and into the green room out back. I'm surprised by the influx of boxes I'd passed along the way.
"You guys were serious about moving back to Forks, weren't you?" I laugh.
"Of course, we were," mom looks at me surprised. She comes over to greet me properly. Which, by her standards involves a longer than necessary embrace cutting off my circulation. "Let me look at you!" She pulls away, looking me over.
"Mom, this is a bit excessive don't you think?" I'm trying to move out of her hold, but she's got a grip on me.
"Well if you came around more often, then I wouldn't have to do be this way," she rebuts. She's staring me down, analyzing in the weird way she does. "Something different about you."
"Nothing really changed mom," I laugh. "Work. The move. Same old."
"No, something's is definitely different," she insists.
"If you figure it out, let me know," I laugh. "But here, Alice is done with these samples. I wanted to make sure they made it back to you."
"Thank you," mom smiles. "She said the pictures turned out incredible from the opening night."
My interest is piqued. Bella finished with the pictures this week. So quick? "You look surprised." Mom notes.
"Oh? I just didn't realize Bella could get them all done so quick," I tell her. Mom smirks at me.
"Bella, huh?" mom's eyeing me, making me nervous.
"Quit staring at me like that mom," I tell her.
"Am I making you nervous?" she laughs. "Or does the mention of this Bella make you nervous?" O jeez. Was I really this transparent in my developing feelings for Bella? "It is her! Edward, you've finally met someone?"
"I wouldn't go as far as to say that," I tell her, an attempt to calm her down a bit.
"Well how would you describe it? Because I can't begin to remember the last time the mere mention of a woman made you become so unhinged!" she's smiling.
"There's nothing going on," I tell her. "Bella isn't dating anyone."
"Well she could date you," mom teases. "Then she'd be dating someone."
"No," I laugh. "She said she isn't dating at all."
"And you're leaving it there? Just like that?" she raises an eyebrow.
"Well, no," I admit. "I figure friendship is a starting point."
"The best relationships develop from friendships," mom smiles. "What's she like?"
"She's incredible mom. She's beautiful, yes but there's so much more about her." I sit down. "She's kind, talented, funny. She's stubborn as all hell. It's like everyone who meets her gravitates toward her and she doesn't even realize it." Mom laughs.
"Oh Edward," mom's eyes are tearing. "She sounds incredibly special. And she must be to bring you back to life."
"I'm scared mom," I admit.
"There's no reason to be," mom reaches out and takes my hand.
"But Charlie," I tell her. She understands.
"Sweetheart, she would want you to be happy," mom assures me. "She'd want to you live your life. Your young and have so much more to experience and live for. And it does not mean you're forgetting her by moving forward."
"You don't know that," I shake my head.
"I know that for certain," mom tells me. "Once upon a time I felt the exact same way as you when I lost someone dear to me. But I got the closure I needed."
"How's that?" I ask her.
"Well I could tell you, but the skeptic in you doesn't believe in it," mom teases.
"Oh god, mom," I roll my eyes. "Someone fooled you too?"
"No," mom is adamant. "I'm not naïve sweetheart. I know there are people out there who will exploit your pain. I know it. I've encountered it. But the person who helped me? The real deal."
"I doubt it mom," I tell her.
"Well," she starts. "We're moving back to Forks. If that family is still around, maybe I can see if their family gift has continued to be passed down."
"Oh, an inherited gift, is it?" I ask. Of course, I don't believe a word of this. And if that family is still in town, I'd be curious who filled my mom's head with nonsense.
"You'll see," mom laughs. "Will you be at the dinner tomorrow?" Shit, I'd forgotten.
"I'm not sure," I tell her. She groans. "I have to be on sight to oversee a project in Seattle. I'll try to make it but no promises mom."
"I understand," she smiles. "Do what you can. Even if it's just for dessert. We'd all love to see you."
"You got it," I promise.
And I do just that. I do what I can to get out of Seattle and head back to Forks in time to see everyone. I'd even thought if I got there early enough, maybe I could find and spent some time with Bella. She'd rain checked our "dinner or something" but I sensed for her it was indefinite. And if I didn't get something concrete planned, I felt she'd be hiding behind her "I don't date crap" forever.
I pull up to the house, hoping I didn't miss it all.
"Hello? Mom? Dad?" I call out as I step inside. I make it through the house and into the dining room, looking around the room to greet everyone. I do a double take when I see Bella. She's here? They invited her. Why wouldn't they tell me? I can't help the smirk forming on my face in knowing I now don't have to track her down. And she can't avoid me now.
"Edward, you made it!" mom comes over to pull me into a tight hug. Here we go again with her cutting off my circulation.
"I'll go grab another plate," Bella offers and gets up before anyone can stop her. She's headed for the kitchen. I say my hello's as I pass through and follow her in. I'm doing my best to ignore the knowing looks I'm getting from Emmett as I pass by. She turns around, plate in hand but I'm close. Maybe too close. She's anxious.
"Swan," I greet her. "I knew we'd be getting together soon for breakfast or something, but if you'd just wanted to skip straight to meeting my family you could've just told me."
"You're funny," she rolls her eyes. "Your sister invited me. It would be rude to say no."
"If I knew you'd be here, I'd have tried to get away sooner to be here," I tell her. Though I wonder if she's comfortable with how open I'm being in divulging how I'm feeling. Should I not?
"Emmett said that actually," she teases. Oh great. I could only begin to imagine what they said about me while I wasn't here.
"Oh god, what else did he say?"
"Not much more than that," she says. "I'm good at changing the subject." I laugh. She is very good at that, I'll admit.
"I do wish I'd come sooner," I admit. I notice a loose strand of hair and can't help myself. I'm reaching out to gently tuck it in place behind her ear. I feel electricity surging around us. A force is pulling us together and it's harder to fight it. I'm trying to fight the urge I suddenly have to kiss her. She licks her bottom lip and the movement catches my attention immediately. I'm leaning in…not thinking I could get much closer than I already was.
"Hey guys, what's taking so long?" Alice suddenly barges in and the trance is broken. I can't help but groan. Frustrated by the interruption. Her eyes widen at what she just possibly interrupted. "I'm so sorry!" she's apologizing profusely. "Carry on!" she squeals and bolts out of the kitchen. I'll never hear the end of this now.
"Saved by the Alice," she laughs nervously.
"Were we though" I ask. Was she truly relieved we were interrupted?
"I don't even know to be honest," she admits. "But it is getting late. I should start to head out."
"If you're heading out, I'm driving you," I tell her. She's not walking. Not from all the way out here. "You'll argue. I'll argue. You'll get in the car."
"Why are you so sure that I'll get in?" she's challenging me, narrowing her eyes at me.
"Because no one would enjoy the walk that waits for them this late at night in an area that's new…unless you come up this way all the time?" I meet her challenge.
"I really don't like getting in cars," she whispers. I don't fully understand it. Not yet. But I don't want her to feel uncomfortable.
"I get it," I tell her. "I may not understand why, but I get it makes you uncomfortable. I'll go slow, ok? Please humor me and let me do this?"
She looks uncertain.
"Alright, let's go," she says. At some point I'd taken her hand in mind and I'm relieved she's yet to let it go. We're holding hands as we enter the dining room to bid everyone goodnight.
"Do you really have to go so soon?" mom asks both of us.
"I want to make sure Bella gets home ok," I tell everyone.
"We just bet you do," Emmett coughs under his breath. He isn't subtle. We heard him. He's made it awkward and earned himself a smack on the back of his head by mom.
"Take some dessert," mom says. She doesn't give us much of a choice in the matter. She's already packing up slices of cake—several in fact—for us to take.
The ride back is awkward initially. We're riding in silence. She's mainly staring out of he window.
"Did you have a good time tonight?" I ask. I'm hoping to break some of the awkward tension.
"I did," she smiles.
"Hopefully they didn't give you too hard of a time, "I tell her.
"It wasn't too bad," she admits.
"Not too bad?" I tease. I dread what they said when I wasn't there.
"Your family cares a great deal for you," she tells me, turning to look at me.
"They're just protective," I say. "But they can be extreme."
"I think they just want to see you as happy as they are," she says. "You're lucky to have them, Edward."
I can't help but smile. I truly do feel lucky to have them.
"I didn't realize it was just you in town…" I tell her. "That your mom left when you were younger."
"I don't remember her all that much," she admits. "Here and there a postcard will pop up but I think they're intended for Gran. Gran raised me."
"Where's your Gran?" I ask.
"She passed away ten years ago," she responds.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" I reach out to take her hand in mine, giving her a reassuring squeeze. It's all I can do while I'm driving.
"It was a long time ago," she tells me.
"I feel no matter how much time passes, it doesn't get easier," I say. I think of Charlie when I say this. Time doesn't make it easier. But I was trying. Or, starting to.
"You're right, it doesn't," she agrees. We finally make it to the pathway leading to her house. She hasn't made it a point to leave and neither have I. I turn the engine off and turn to look at her.
"What happened to her?" I ask.
"Car accident,"she says. "Though official reports confirm she had a heart attack before the accident."
"I'm so sorry Bella," I say. I recall Betty mentioning Bella hasn't driven since the car accident. "Was she driving?"
"No," she says quietly. She takes a breath as she looks at me. She's bracing herself for what she's about to say next. "I was behind the wheel. We'd gone out driving, exploring different places for me to take photos of. It was a thing we did. She'd suddenly called out in pain or shock, I don't know …and lost consciousness. I'd seen something on the road. I tried avoiding hitting it, but the truck swerved and went over the guardrail and into the river." I gasp in shock. I couldn't' help it. But the imagine of Bella gone is horrifying to me. But she did make it. She was here.
"But you made it out," I say. I'm almost saying this for my own sake.
"I honestly have no idea how I made it out," she says.
"You don't know?" I ask, surprised.
"I really don't," she admits.
"Maybe someone got to you? Before you were fully submerged?" I am thinking aloud here. I wasn't there so her recollection would be as good a guess.
"I was fully submerged," she looks away. "I remember being stuck. I remember the water completely entering the truck before it all went dark. Then I was laying partially in the river, partially on the grass, no one was there."
"You remember it?" I ask, shocked.
"Vividly," she admits .
"This is why you won't drive?" I suddenly understand. Her traumatic near-death experience has clearly made her fearful of getting into a car. It all makes sense to me now.
"Partially," she admits.
"And the other reason?" I ask.
"Truthfully I don't trust myself behind the wheel," she tells me. "I thought I saw something on the road. A woman appearing out of nowhere. But they claim no one was there." There's silence. Neither of us saying anything. Possibly unsure what to say with how serious of a turn our conversation went.
You are the dancing queen
Young and sweet
Only seventeen
We both jump, taken back by the fact that not only is music suddenly blaring through the car but the fact that there's anything at all considering I had turned the car off as soon as we pulled up. I'm too focused on the fact that of all things to be blaring, it's ABBA. AGAIN. What is with this song?!
"What the hell?" I ask, trying to push at the buttons to turn it off.
I'm trying to figure out how to shut it off when Bella's suddenly out the car and practically running up the pathway. Where the hell is she going? I'm rushing out, trying to catch up to her, calling her name.
"I need to get home," she tells me, not turning around.
"Wait," I finally catch up and lightly catches her arm. "Look I know that was weird, but we don't have to end the night."
"You mean your car doesn't usually start playing random music when it's turned off?" she's making a joke. Or I hope she's joking. She's joking, right? Was the car turned off? I hadn't noticed.
"I wanted to grab my camera," she admits.
"And do what?" I laugh. It's late at night.
"What most people do with cameras…" she states as it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"Far be it from me to disrupt creative processes," I joke. "But do you need to do this now? Look, mom sent dessert, do you want to have some before we call it a night?"
"Raincheck?" she asks. But I don't want another raincheck. I want to make plans with her.
"How about tomorrow night I come by, and we hang out," I offer.
"You seem intent on getting into my house Cullen," she crosses her arms. But she's misunderstood me.
"We can go anywhere Bella," I tell her. "I just want to spend time with you. Get to know you."
"As friends," she tries to clarify.
"It is a good starting point, " I smirk.
"Ok fine," she agrees. And in that moment, the music stops. We both glance over at the truck.
"So weird," I say, shaking my head.
"Right," she shrugs. "Weird."
She surprisingly doesn't cancel on me and we have an incredible time just talking and learning about each other. In fact, we begin to make it a point to connect by phone on days we miss each other or when I'm not in town.
I'm noticing the suble changes overall in my day to day. I'm not as tense. I'm not as quick to anger. I'm hopeful. More and more I look forward to simply hearing from Bella and how she's doing, trying my hardest not to be anxious at the thought of her walking alone when I'm not around. A few months had passed in this way. We were still in this limbo of in a relationship but Bella's straight up denial of calling it what it was. It was cute how she tried avoiding it. But the reality was, we were in a relationship. Whatever made her hesitant, I respected. And I didn't push any boundaries.
Eventually I told her about Charlie. Her compassion and understanding toward the situation, the lack of judgement made me feel so much more strongly for her. I didn't think I'd feel this way about anyone again.
I'm in Forks for the day, hoping to catch Bella and have a late lunch when Alice calls.
"Double date tonight brother dear," Alice tells me. There's no greeting, nothing. Just demanding Alice, as usual.
"I can cook," I offer. I know Bella hates crowds. The reason behind it, she'd yet to share with me. I sense there's a part of herself she's keeping from me but I'm trying to respect that with time, she'll let me in and stop hiding.
"Nah, let's go out!" Alice says. I'm reluctant to agree but I figure I can offer the idea to Bella and she can say no. "I'll send you the address."
"I'll talk to Bella," I tell her.
"She'll agree," but before I can say more, she's hung up. I'm waiting in the courtyard for Bella. She doesn't know I'm here. But her studio door is locked. I would've gone to her cottage but the "work in progress" sign is up, indicating she is here. I wait half an hour before the door is opening and Bella is stepping out with her client. Her client who looks as though she'd been crying. I wonder what that's about.
Bella notices me right away and smiles.
"Do you usually lock your door during sessions?" I ask.
"Every time," she tells me. "I like to respect their privacy." I follow her inside. Nothing looks out of the ordinary. I want to ask why her client was crying but I feel that's intrusive so I don't.
"Did you want to grab dinner tonight? Alice has been pestering me for a possible double date." I ask her.
"There's that word again," she rolls her eyes.
"What other way would you describe what we're doing?" I laugh but then realize I know exactly how she'd describe it. It's not funny anymore. "Never mind, I know how you would."
"You're not happy with me," she states. She's not asking.
"It's not that Bella," I assure her. "I guess I just don't understand what it is that holds you back. It's been an amazing couple of months. What's so different if there were real labels and exclusivity attached to it?"
She looks deep in thought, trying to find the right words to say. She's looking around, something catching her eye behind me. I look back, but there's nothing there. And she's back to focusing on me just as quickly. Odd.
"I don't have a good dating history Edward," she tells me. "I couldn't rely on those I've dated in the past."
"I don't think you need me to tell you that I'm not them Bella," I take her in my arms, offering her what I hope is a sense of comfort. "You set the pace for this, always. Hell, I'm easing into this as well for my own reasons, you know that. But I don't want to hide how I feel or what my intentions are." She tightens her hold me. Her gesture trying to convey the words she cannot speak "Hey, how about a photoshoot" I suggest. She'd yet to take a photo of me and while I normally prefer to not, it could be fun to lighten the mood. She looks at me surprised at the suggestion and is again looking behind me at something for a split second.
"Alright hot shot," she says "Take a seat." She changes the backdrop.
"You know, one of these days we should set something up for new head shots for me and the guys. New marketing for the construction business couldn't hurt," I say. It's not a terrible idea.
"Whatever you want," she says "Just let me know when and we'll make a plan." She starts taking some shots.
"Let's see…" I come over, leaning over her to see what she's got. I'm close. Her body stiffens for a moment, she's tilting her head in acknowledgement to something I'm not privy too. Her demeanor is changed and I'm curious if she's ok. I could've sworn she did a side glare but at what, I have no clue.
"You ok Bella?" I ask her, making sure she's ok.
"I'm great," she tells me and continues showing me some shots she'd taken.
"Here keep pressing this button here," she shows me what to do and walks over to her desk. She's sorting through things as though she's looking for something. I wonder why she needs to do that now out of all times.
"Bella these are incredible," I smile over at her.
"Hey Edward," she says. "Would you mind grabbing me a coffee from Betty's?"
"Sure thing," I tell her carefully placing the camera down. "Anything specific?"
"She knows my usual," she smiles.
I head across the courtyard to get her coffee. It's not a bad idea. I could use a cup myself.
I head into Betty's and as usual, am greeted with her pleasant smile.
"Edward dear," Betty smiles. "What can I get you?"
"Hot coffee, small for me and I'm told you know Bella's usual coffee order?" I ask. Betty looks thoughtful for a moment.
"Is it one of those days," she asks. I'm not sure what she means.
"Maybe," I tell her. She looks sad. It doesn't take long for everything to be ready and I'm heading back to Bella's studio. Her back is to the door when I come back in and I assume she's on the phone as I hear her say "I know how this goes."
"How what goes?" I ask. She turns around to look at me. I noticed the airpod in her ear. So she was on the phone, figures.
"Got to go," she says and takes the air pod out of her ear. "Just a movie."
"Got your coffee," I hand it to her. She steps closer to take it and surprises the hell out of me with a kiss on my cheek. It lingers…the feel of her lips on my skin.
"Betty asked if it was one of those days," I laugh. "I wasn't sure what she meant but said maybe."
"It's one of those days," she confirms. Was she upset? Did the phone call not go well?
"Want to talk about it?" I offer but she shakes her head no. "How about that date?"
"Why not?" she gives in. I guess we were going on a double "date" tonight. I was admittedly anxious given the fact Alice insisted on going out rather than staying in. Would Bella be open to that?
I arrived to pick her up on time and am blown away by how incredible she looks.
"You look beautiful," I tell her, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. Safe territory.
"Not overdressed?" she asks. She doesn't know where we're headed.
"Not overdressed," I promise her. "You're perfect."
"And you still won't tell me where we're going?" she tries again.
"Nope," I smirk. I lead her to the car.
"I don't think I've ever been on a date where I had no clue where it would actually be," she tells me.
"So, you're admitting it's a date," I laugh. She rolls her eyes at me.
"Don't dwell on it Cullen," she tells me.
I open the passenger door for me when we finally reach the car.
"Short ride?" she asks, hopeful.
"It's just outside of Forks Bella," I tell her. "I think you'll like it."
"Hmph," she grunts and crosses her arms.
The ride is calm. We enjoy the silence and I enjoy the scenery.
"You know," I finally say. "I think I've just realized you won't look straight ahead."
She looks surprised.
"Just now?" she asks.
"Yea," I admit. "Is it connected to your past accident?"
"I told you," she says. "I don't trust what I see in the car."
"Because you saw something or someone on the road that night," I recall her saying.
"Right," she tells me "Can you imagine if that happened again, even as a passenger and I caused another accident by freaking out?"
"But Bella," I start. I'm trying to find the right words. "They told you there was no one on the road that night."
"That they could see," she mumbles but I heard her clearly and glance at her for a moment.
"You don't think you saw…a... spirit or whatever, do you?" I ask. She's not answering but I sense her staring.
"Or whatever?" she asks.
"You know what I mean," I say. We're stopped at a red light.
"I don't know what I think about that night Edward," she says truthfully. "Could it have been? Maybe. Could I have imagined it? They like to think so. I don't know to say one way or the other what it truly could have been."
"Bella, you have to know that stuff isn't real," I tell her softly. A sound of a horn behind us startles me, bringing his attention to the now green light. I start on our path again. She doesn't respond. "Right?"
"I don't want to talk about this right now Edward," she says, looking away. I feel maybe I've offended her. But I'm failing to understand how something like this would be offensive. We could have different beliefs, sure. But this felt different, and I wanted to understand.
"I'm sorry," I say. She's not looking at me. She's avoiding me and I feel like an ass. A few moments later, I'm parking the car. "I hope you like Italian food." I smile. She's smiling but it doesn't reach her eyes. She's forcing it. Was this a bad call?
"I love Italian," she says.
"It was Alice's idea," I admit. "I thought we could do something together at home, in town. I know you prefer that. But she seemed to insist."
"Interesting and thoughtful of her," she says. "Shall we?"
I come around the passenger door to help her out and lead our way to the entrance where Jasper and Alice are already waiting.
"We're so glad you two could join us!" Alice exclaims.
"Alice, Jasper," she greets. "Good to see you." She's staring at the doors to the restaurant like she's afraid of them.
"Shall we?" Jasper offers. She's just starting at the doors, unmoving. I wrap my arm around her, bringing her focus back. She takes a shaky breath, and we go inside while Alice checks us in for the reservation. Bella's suddenly wobbly, losing her balance and I catch her.
"Are you ok?" I ask. She's saying she is but I can see that she's not. She looks overwhelmed and like she's in pain. She's cringing and taking deep breaths. What the hell? "
"Hello and welcome to Bella Italia, I'm Hailey and I'll be your waitress this evening," our waitress comes. "Can I start anyone off with drinks?"
Alice, Jasper and I order. Bella's remained silent.
"I'm sorry what was that?" she asks as we try to get her attention.
"Anything to drink?" Hailey asks.
"Water please," she tells her.
Eventually Hailey is back to take orders. But as soon as she's gone, Bella's excusing herself from the table. She bolts to the restrooms. Is she sick.
"I should go check on her," I say.
"No, no," Alice insists and stands up, not giving me more of a fighting chance. "This is all my fault. I'll be right back." She takes off.
"What's her fault?" I ask Jasper, confused.
"No clue," Jasper laughs.
Eventually they both come back, and the food is served. Bella doesn't look any better.
"So, any plans for Thanksgiving Bella?" Alice asks.
"I usually stay in," Bella tells her, she's staring down at her plate but barely touching anything.
"Oh say you'll join us this year?" Alice pleads. Thanksgiving is an entire month away.
"Don't feel like you have to Bella," I assure her, reaching out to take her hand, giving her a squeeze. I'm trying to silently express my concern. Maybe we should leave if she's not feeling well.
"Why wouldn't you want your girlfriend over for Thanksgiving?" Alice asked.
"Bella isn't my girlfriend," I say, though I wish it were not the case.
"Wait what?" Alice asks. "You've been going out practically for months. I figured that distinction was applied."
"He just got me to agree to the fact we're dating," Bella chimes in. I can't help but laugh. The admission. "What's meant to be will be."
"She'll come around eventually," I smirk.
"Bella is that you?" we all look to the side to see Clara, owner of the florist shop in town. We have a town florist? Good to know.
"Hi Clara," Bella greets her.
"How are you dear?" she asks.
"I'm well and you?" Bella is being polite. You can tell it's' a bit forced.
"Oh good, good," she says, she's awkwardly looking around the table and finally introduces herself. Though Alice already knows Clara.
"You don't have your camera with you," Clara says suddenly. Why would that matter? I'm sure the restaurant has a photographer who circles around offering to take photos of the guests. She could go to them. Why Bella?
"I'm out to dinner tonight, Clara," Bella tells her. The kindness leaves her tone quickly. "I don't make it a habit of bringing my equipment."
"Of course," she nods in understanding, but I can see she wants to press the matter further.
"If you call the studio, we can set up a time for you to come in," Bella states.
"Come Clara," the gentleman with her urges her. He gets the hint. She does not. "Let's leave everyone to their meal."
"Right," she sighs. "I'll talk to you soon Bella." She's urged along.
"Well, that was odd," Jasper laughs. "You really are in high demand Bella."
"What can I say?" she laughs.
"Do townsfolk truly think you'll bring your equipment with you when you're off the clock?" I ask, surprised by the incident. It was all bizzare.
"More often than you'd think," she tells me. .
When we're done, we head outside, and Jasper and I agree we'll each bring the cars around so the girls don't have to walk. While it's not too cold of a night, there is a breeze and it looks like rain is coming.
Once more, we're en route. I can see a shift in Bella the further away we are from the restaurant.
"You doing ok Bella?" I ask. "You seemed really out of it throughout dinner."
"I know, I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I really don't do well in crowds."
"You weren't kidding," I laugh. "But you're ok now?"
"Much," she smiles. And we sit in comfortable silence until make it back to the pathway to her cottage. She knows at this point there's no questions of will I or won't I be walking her up. It's a given. We walk hand in hand together on the lit pathway to the.
"I'd invite you in but I do feel I should rest after tonight's exciting events. "she says.
"You'll be ok on your own?" I double checks. She stares at me, overcome with an emotion I can't quite place. But suddenly, I feel her tugging on my collar, pulling me down until I feel her soft lips form with mine.
I'm surprised at first but then respond immediately. I feel like my entire body is alight with an electric current. Feeling a bit bold, my tongue cautiously seeking entrance and she grants it immediately. A fire erupts and we're closer together than I thought possible. My hand snakes around her waist in an effort to get her even closer. The other, on its own accord, weaving into her hair. I feel her arms secure their spot around my neck. We move together with the perfect synchrony. Quite literally, I could kiss her forever.
Eventually, she pulls away.
"Well shit," she says, gasping for breath.
"Not very lady like Swan," I tease her. "Not that I'm complaining but what brought that on?"
"I just want to show you how much you mean to me," she tells me. "And how much it means to me how you've been there for me, being patient with me."
"Always Bella," I lean in to kiss her softly on the lips. "You should get inside, get some rest."
"Good idea," she says. Neither of us make a point to move away. We're stealing more kisses until I can see the exhaustion creeping in on her face.
Reluctantly, she pulls away and opens the door to step inside.
"Goodnight, Bella," I tell her and start to walk back the lit pathway to his car. I occassinaly looking back at her, smiling when I see she's looking my way. I realize, in that moment, that I may be falling in love with Bella Swan.