**Words were added. Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.


Song:

"Meant to Be," Bebe Rexha (ft. Florida Georgia Line)


Chapter 6

The air between us hums with expectation, and I'm not sure if it's his or my own. I've built up this date in my head so much in the last few days, psyching myself out to go through with it, that I'm a giant tangle of nerves. His close proximity and the delicious way he smells in the enclosed space of his car is also making me dizzy … in the best way. But the effect he's having on me is also making me question everything about being here.

Edward glances at me, his gaze lingering on my legs for a moment before returning to the road.

I discreetly pull at the hem of my dress where it's ridden up a few inches, trying in vain to cover my legs. I clear my throat. "So, where are you taking me tonight?"

He looks my way and grins. "Not a fan of surprises?"

"Not usually."

"What if this is a really good surprise, though?"

"Well, if it's that good, you'd be setting the bar pretty high for a second date."

His grin grows. "If you're already considering a second date, I can't be doing too badly, then."

"I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"I guess we will."

The rest of the short drive is spent making small talk, most of it at Edward's prompting. My nerves keep me from saying much, and thankfully, he doesn't press for more. When he makes the final turn toward our destination, the sight makes me gasp.

He glances my way. "You know this place?"

"I've never eaten here, but I've heard they have a spectacular view." I'm suddenly worried I'm underdressed. I turn in my seat, facing him. "Are you sure I'm dressed okay?"

He reaches for my hand and squeezes it, and his touch sets me instantly at ease. "You look amazing. You'll be the prettiest woman up there."

He navigates the path until we reach the valet, shifting the car into park and jumping out of it. In a flash, he's around to my side, tossing the keys at the attendant before opening my door and offering me a hand. "Careful. Watch the curb."

"Thanks."

He doesn't let go of my hand until I'm steady on my feet. Then he places his hand at the small of my back to guide me toward the door. "After you."

"This place is beautiful," I say quietly as we walk through the lobby of the resort toward the elevators.

He leans down and whispers in my ear, "And you haven't even seen the best part."

We catch the next elevator, and two other couples file in with us, forcing me closer to Edward than I've been since the night we danced. I can feel the heat of his body as he stands behind me, and his nearness makes me warm all over. When one of the men next to us takes a step back, he bumps into me.

Edward reaches out to steady me, which only brings me closer to him.

"You okay?"

His warm breath wafts across my skin, and combined with his close proximity and the gentle hold he has on me, my body reacts. The fine hairs on the back of my neck rise and goosebumps erupt along my skin. The way his hands tighten almost imperceptibly, I can imagine the smug look on his face.

I look over my shoulder at him. "Yeah, I'm good."

Finally off the elevator, we follow the short hallway to the entrance of the restaurant and approach the hostess podium.

The woman there offers us a smile. "Hello. Welcome to Different Pointe of View."

Edward steps forward and smiles. "I have a reservation for Cullen."

"Oh, yes, Lieutenant Colonel Cullen! If you'll just give me a moment, I'll be right back." And with that, she turns to walk, presumably, toward the kitchen.

"Is there a problem?" I ask, unsure why she couldn't just seat us.

He shakes his head. "I'm not sure what's going on. I made the reservation the night we made plans, but—"

I fight a smile. "You made reservations that night?"

"Hey, I said I could be patient when I needed to be. You gave me the green light, and I wasn't going to waste it."

Before I can reply, an all too chipper voice cuts over the chatter of the busy restaurant. "Edward! You finally decide to grace us with your presence."

"Hey, Lawrence."

He shakes Edward's hand but looks to me. "Do you hear this guy? 'Hey, Lawrence.' It's like I haven't been pestering him for months to come back to my restaurant."

"I'm a busy man," Edward interjects, defending himself. He looks my way and smiles. "Besides, I haven't had a good reason to come back until tonight."

Lawrence raises a brow in my direction. "Then you must be one special lady to get him back in here."

Edward clears his throat. "Let's not scare the poor woman, Lawrence. But yes, I wanted to show Bella the beautiful view up here."

I'm a little stunned at their exchange, at not only their familiarity but also at Edward's words. I'm even more shocked when Edward wraps an arm around my waist and gives me a gentle squeeze.

He looks down at me. "Bella, this is Lawrence Stephens, the owner of this lovely establishment. He also happens to be our honorary squadron commander."

"Nice to meet you," I say, a little bit overwhelmed.

"You as well. I can see that this is a special night, so allow me to seat you myself at my very best table. If you will just follow me."

He walks ahead of us, weaving through the tables toward the terrace.

Edward's hand returns to the small of my back, and he guides me through the crowded dining room. People are watching us, and I realize Lawrence personally seating us is something of importance.

But when we step outside onto the terrace, all the other distractions fall away. I'm completely mesmerized by the distant scenery. North Mountain is highlighted by the setting sun, and the lights of Phoenix at her feet dot the low-lying landscape. It's touted as one of the most beautiful views in the city, and now I know why.

Lawrence stops at the far end of the terrace where a single table is set apart from the others just enough to make it a little more private. "Here we are. My best table."

Edward steps past me to pull out my chair.

I cast him a small smile. "Thanks."

He winks as he takes his own seat.

"I've taken the liberty of preparing a special menu for you tonight if you'd be so inclined." Lawrence looks between us expectantly.

"What do you think, Bella?" Edward asks me, raising his brow. "Are you up for a little adventure? Maybe try something new?"

There's a playfulness in his eyes, and his question feels like he's asking me about so much more than dinner.

I swallow my sudden nervousness and offer him a smile. "Yeah, I think I'd like that."

Lawrence claps his hands together. "Excellent. Then we shall start with wine." He motions behind him, calling over the server. "I selected this one myself, and it should be a perfect accompaniment to the meal."

Edward grins and leans back as a glass is placed in front of him. "You know, Lawrence, I really thought you'd let me sneak in and out of here undetected."

Our host laughs as the server pours a small amount of wine in Edward's glass. "No, I don't think so. It's taken me too long to convince you to come visit us once again."

Edward takes the sip and nods at the server to pour our wine. He turns back to Lawrence. "Well, like I said, I've been busy."

Our gracious host looks my way. "You must've bewitched him, Bella."

I can feel my cheeks warming in embarrassment as I smile in return.

"On that note, I shall leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do for you." Lawrence offers a slight bow, and after a wink at me, he turns and walks back into the restaurant.

"So … honorary squadron commander? What is that?"

"It's like a liaison. They sponsor the squadron, build goodwill between the base and the community. There are quite a few social functions where their involvement is important. And every one I've met in all the places I've been, they're good people."

My gaze returns to the amazing view. "This place is … it's breathtaking up here."

"It really is."

When I turn to look at Edward, he isn't looking out at the painted landscape. He's staring at me.

"But it pales in comparison to the beautiful woman sitting across from me right now. At the risk of repeating myself, you look beautiful tonight, Bella."

My gaze falls to the table, embarrassed by the unfamiliar attention. I reach for my wine glass and bring it to my lips as I murmur, "Thank you."

The server quickly returns with a breadbasket, and I'm thankful for something to do with my hands. I grab a slice of the warm focaccia and paint it with the basil pesto on the table. "So, what do you do when you're not on base or impressing women with fancy restaurants?"

He raises a brow, and his self-assured grin is almost irritating. "I'm impressing you, Ms. McCarty?"

"The view is impressive. The rest remains to be seen."

He chuckles, reaching for his wine glass. "Well, in answer to your question, I'm kind of an outdoorsy guy. I like to hike, swim. I try to get in a run every morning before heading to the base. I like to stay busy, which isn't hard these days."

"Lieutenant colonel is kind of a big deal, right?"

Amusement lights his eyes. "I'd like to think I am."

"When did you know you wanted to be a pilot?"

"Oh, I think it was always in my blood. I'm third generation Air Force. My grandfather retired as a major general, and my father is a retired brigadier general, so I was always around it. Dad always made it seem like this huge adventure, and as a little kid, it was. He got to fly, we got to see different countries, new places and cultures. It was exciting, and I wanted that."

"You grew up moving around a lot?"

He nods as he takes a sip of his wine. "Yeah, but I didn't know anything else, you know? It was the norm for us. What about you? Have you always lived in Phoenix?"

"No," I say, shaking my head while dabbing the corner of my mouth, "I'm from Clarkdale. It's a tiny town just south of Flagstaff. I didn't move to Phoenix until—" I shake my head. "Sorry, you probably don't want to hear all this."

"I do, actually."

I take a breath and blow it out, building my courage to talk about my failed marriage. "I didn't move to Phoenix permanently until I met my ex-husband. His family owns a construction company here, and he works for the family business."

"What about you? I'm assuming you didn't work with his family."

"What?" I ask with a laugh. "You don't see me working in construction?"

"She's got jokes," he quips. "You said the night we met you're still working toward your pharmacy tech certification. What did you do before you worked for Alice?"

"Well, I had an associate's degree in business, so I worked in an office for a couple of years after graduation. And then …"

He smiles. "And then you had your boys."

"And then I had my boys."

"Tell me about them. Jacob and Seth, right?"

"Yeah." Just hearing him say their names makes me smile. "You remembered."

"It seemed like something important I should remember. You called them the loves of your life the night we met. They must be pretty special little guys.

"Well, they're not that little. Jacob turned eleven last month, and he's already almost as tall as me. Seth will be eight in May. They're growing up way too fast."

"Do they play sports? An instrument? Tell me more about them."

"They're typical boys, I guess. They argue, they're messy, and some days are noisier than others. Jacob's a little quiet these days. He plays soccer and loves to read. Seth is my little ray of sunshine and is asking for a skateboard for his birthday. Just last month he was asking me about getting a drum set. I love the kid, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all that."

"How are they handling the divorce?"

I suck in a quick breath and stutter out a laugh. "You're going straight for the heavy stuff, huh?"

"No, just the important stuff."

"It's been a while since I've done the first date thing, but kids aren't usually a first date topic, are they?"

"Maybe not, but I want to learn more about your life, and I know your boys are the center of it." He shrugs "It just makes sense to me to learn more about them."

"They're … well, they're adjusting. We're on month four of a week-on, week-off schedule."

"Did you all make it through the end-of-the-year holidays in one piece?"

"For the most part. It was a little rough on them, though, going back and forth. I'm just glad it's all behind us for now."

"Have you all settled into a routine?"

I tear at the bread on my plate. "I think so. Both of the boys are in counseling, which is helping them learn to deal with some of the new emotions and stress they've been under. Jacob's had an especially hard time with—" I glance up at him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be blathering on about the kids when this is supposed to be—"

He reaches across the table and stills my fidgeting hands. "I asked, Bella. What about you? How are you coping with all of it?" He sits back in his chair, his hand slipping from mine, and I already miss the contact.

"I'm … I'm in a good place, I think. The divorce was final in early November, so it finally felt like I could close that chapter of my life, you know?"

"I do, actually."

"Since we're going all in on the heavy subjects, you said you were divorced?"

"Yeah, eleven years now."

"How long were you married?"

He takes another sip of wine before placing his glass back on the table. "Four years too long."

"She wasn't the love of your life?"

He shakes his head. "No. Looking back, I think we were wrong for each other from the start."

"How so?"

"Now who's asking the deep questions?" he teases with a grin.

"Hey, you're the one who decided to take this evening in that direction. I'm just following your lead."

"You're right." He sighs and his expression turns a little more serious. "I don't think she realized what was involved in being married to me. I think she liked the idea of what it meant—traveling to new places with each assignment—but she couldn't handle the times I had to leave her behind when I was deployed. Apparently, she was really lonely."

"I'm sorry you went through that."

He shrugs. "It was a long time ago. We were both young, and maybe we had different expectations of what it meant to have a happy marriage. After my divorce, I promised myself I'd make sure if I ever took that leap again, I would be with the right person … someone who would put me first." He clears his throat. "What about you? How long were you married?"

"Almost fifteen years."

"You got married young, too?"

"We did. Right out of school for both of us. But maybe we were too young and too naïve to know what we really wanted … needed. Because apparently, I wasn't what he needed. But I can't regret any of it—Garrett may not have been the great love of my life, but my boys are."

The heavy moment that follows is interrupted by the server bringing our appetizers. I'm honestly grateful for the reprieve.

"The crispy seared blue lump crab cake for the lady and the achiote braised Berkshire pork belly for the gentleman."

"Wow, this looks amazing." And it is.

With the first of the food on the table, we move on to lighter subjects. We fall into easy conversation, and the longer we talk, the more comfortable I feel. The wine helps. It's delicious, and just as Lawrence promised, the perfect match for the food. We talk about where we grew up and our formative years. Well, mostly mine since he's told me about being an "Air Force brat." I tell him about my childhood, about growing up with Rose as a sister and the trouble we used to get into.

"What about you?" I ask him. "Do you have any siblings?"

"Nope. It's just me." His face lights in a grin. "I'm not sure my parents could have handled it if they'd had another one like me."

"So, you were a handful?"

"I was a lot. Let's just say they were happy when I told them I wanted to go to the Academy. The structure did me good."

"And you've never regretted your decision to join the Air Force?"

"Never. It's been the adventure of a lifetime. I've met some amazing people. I've traveled the world. And I've had the honor of defending my country. Who could ask for more than that?"

"Not everyone is cut out to serve."

"No, I guess not. But it was the right move for me."

"What's your job at Luke? It's a training base, right?"

He nods, wiping his mouth after taking another bite. "It is. I'm in charge of a squadron, training F16 pilots, and the maintenance crew."

A vision of Edward barking orders at a group of pilots flashes through my head, and it does funny things to me. I shake my head, trying to rid myself of errant thoughts. "You don't feel like you're missing out on any action, being stationed here?"

"Not at all. To be responsible for training a group of pilots before they're sent out to combat is just as important as any other job."

"Where are some of the places you've been stationed? Alice told me Jasper's had assignments all over the world."

"I've been all over. I flew in Afghanistan. I was in Germany … Italy for a while. I've been assigned stateside quite a few times."

I take a sip of my wine, building the courage to broach the next subject. "A life like that can't make dating easy."

"No, it's not easy, but I've managed."

"You haven't left a trail of broken hearts all over the world, have you? Or maybe there are a few waiting for you to blow back into town?" I ask, only half teasing. The thought of this beautiful man wining and dining women all over the world makes jealousy flare in my belly. It also makes me feel strangely inadequate.

"While I can't attest to the broken hearts, there definitely isn't anyone waiting on me."

"That's good to know." The intense look he gives me makes me a little uncomfortable, like I've crossed some invisible line, so I scramble to change the subject. "How many times did you get to work with Jasper?"

"Tex and I crossed paths quite a few times over the years, but we were only assigned together twice."

"But you've kept in touch all these years?"

The corner of his mouth turns up into a lopsided grin. "We have. He and I spent four years together in the Academy and had our F16 training here at Luke. This is where we were when he met Alice. I was actually his wingman the night they met."

"You really have known him a while."

"I have. I was pretty excited to find out we'd be in the same place again. Then the son of a bitch had to go and retire on me."

"Do you plan to retire as a general like your father and grandfather?"

He cocks his head and raises a brow. "It's not a given that I would. It's incredibly competitive, and only the very top make it that far. I always thought if I ever made colonel I'd throw my hat in the ring for the honor of being considered. But now I'm not so sure. I've seen a few of my guys decide to punch when their lives change. I know for Jasper it was finally being in the same state as Alice's parents. She wanted to settle here permanently, and the opportunity of flying for Southwest presented itself, so he took it." His expression turns even more serious, and the look he pins me with makes me a little nervous. "I've learned in this life, every decision you make changes your trajectory a little. And in the end, it's all about timing and opportunity."


Side by side, we walk toward my door. He's so close I can feel the warmth of his body rolling off of him. With the cool early-February breeze, I have to resist the urge to curl into his side.

When we make it to my porch, I take the two steps up before turning around to face him. He doesn't say anything, choosing instead to give me that penetrating stare he's so damn good at.

"I had a really great time tonight," I whisper.

"I did, too." He takes a step up, the heat of his body once again invading my space. "I'd love to take you out again."

A smile involuntarily creeps across my lips. "I'd like that."

His lopsided grin returns. "I'm glad to hear it." He takes another step closer, and my heart beats double time as he leans in, cupping my cheek in his hand. "I'd really like to kiss you now," he says softly.

"I'd really like that, too," I whisper right before his lips touch mine.

They're soft at first, gently testing the waters. He tastes first my top then my bottom lip, each peck sending a shock of sensation clear to my toes. My hand splays out on his chest, to not only steady myself, but also because I need to touch him. I push my hand up to his shoulder, his neck, my fingertips moving to the short hair at his nape. His hand, in turn, slides into my hair, tilting my head to the side as he deepens the kiss. His tongue dances across my lower lip, and instinct drives me to open my mouth to him.

I taste hints of the wine we shared and the spice of the after-dinner mints he had. Combined with the smell of his cologne and him, it's almost overwhelming.

I grip him tighter, my other hand moving to hold onto the lapel of his jacket and pull him closer. My entire body feels like a live wire as he kisses me on my front porch for all the world to see, and for the first time in a very long time, I want to invite a man—this man—inside to see what other things he can make me feel.

But he's the one to put the brakes on. His kiss slows, his hold on me loosens, and with what feels like reluctance, he pulls away. Our eyes meet, both of us breathing heavily, and I can see the same heat in his stare that's burning inside me.

"I don't want to leave," he whispers. "So, I should probably go."

"Yeah," I say just as softly, "you probably should."

"Thank you for tonight, Bella. It was …" He traces a finger along my cheek, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "It was an honor to have you on my arm tonight." He takes a step back, putting distance between us, distance that feels all wrong. Another step. "I'll call you this week. Maybe we can catch a movie or something one night?"

The smile hasn't left my face. "I have the boys this week, but I'd like that."

He takes another step closer to his car and farther from me, but then changes direction, running back up the steps, surprising me when he wraps an arm round my waist and his free hand cradles my cheek. "One more for the road."

This kiss is different but no less intense. In the fleeting moments his lips are on mine, those sparks make my insides flip and my toes tingle.

Just as abruptly as he wrapped me in his arms, he releases me and takes off in a run toward his car. He gets to his door and shouts over the roof, "If I don't go now, I'm not sure I'll be able to make myself leave. I'll call you."

He waits until my door is open and I'm waving from the lit doorway before pulling away. I close the door and press my back to it, my fingers coming to rest on my still kiss-warmed lips. Butterflies attack my belly, and I can't remember the last time I felt so giddy. I feel like I'm sixteen again and coming home from my first date.

"If I don't go now, I'm not sure I'll be able to make myself leave."

I'm still dancing with weightless excitement as I make sure the house is locked up for the night. The smile is still firmly on my face when I text Rose to let her know I'm home and will call her tomorrow. And I practically melt when I get a text as I slip into bed.

Thank you for the pleasure of your company tonight, Bella. I can't wait to see you again. - E

I drift off to sleep with a smile on my face.


"Oh wow," Rose breathes. "That place is amazing. That man pulled out all the stops, didn't he?"

"He did. And the food was amazing, too."

"Pshaw, that's a given, B. Tell me about him. And please, for the love of God, tell me you kissed that beautiful man."

"I did."

"Gah! Did you invite him in? Please tell me you invited him in, and he just left after making you breakfast in bed."

I laugh as I pour Cheerios into my bowl and sit at the kitchen table in flannel pajama pants and an old t-shirt. "No. He kissed me goodnight, and he said he'd call me."

"And did he?"

"No. But he sent me a text last night."

"What did it say?"

"He thanked me for the pleasure of my company and said he couldn't wait to see me again."

"The pleasure of your company?" She sighs. "I can't remember the last time Em texted me anything half as eloquent as that. Just yesterday he texted to remind me to pick up some Pepto because he had the runs. I'm going to have to live vicariously through you for a while, because … swoon."

"There was another one when I woke up this morning," I admit softly.

"And?" she prompts, drawing out the question. "What did he say?"

"Good morning, beautiful."

Another airy sigh escapes my sister, and I can picture the dreamy look on her face. "He's a man, Bella. He's not playing games like the boys did back in the day. Boys played games. You remember this. They had some stupid rule about not calling for three days or some other bullshit nonsense. If he messaged you again this morning, he means business. That's what a real man does. Please tell me you're going to go out with him again."

"I told him I would. But …"

She groans. "Please, please don't overthink this."

"But there's a lot to think about."

"Of course, there is. You're both adults with histories and baggage and all the crap that comes with it. I'd be worried if you didn't give it at least some consideration."

"But it's not just our pasts and baggage and all that, Rose. He's Air Force. He doesn't stay in one place. From what Alice told me, their assignments are like two years at a time. He could be moving on to the next place in … less than a year and a half." I stir at the floating oat circles in my bowl. "I'm not sure I should get mixed up in something that might end up being temporary."

"You're assuming it would be temporary. You're also assuming it'll turn into something more serious."

"And if it does? I can't exactly uproot my life and follow him around. I've got the boys to think about."

"I think you're putting the cart way before the horse, sis. Get to know the guy. Decide if it's something serious. Decide if he's serious. And besides, you have no idea what's going on in his head unless you ask him. Maybe he's thinking long term. But that's all beside the point. Get to know him. Have some fun. You, of all people, deserve it."

"Last night was fun," I admit. "Get this. He said he was honored to have me on his arm last night. I mean, who says something like that?"

"Someone who just might be worth taking a risk on."


A/N: Do we think she'll take the risk? ;) And what about that date? Their first kiss? I'd love to hear what you think.

The first round of the TwiFic Fandom Awards were posted Sunday, and I'm up for fifteen! awards this year. Y'all. Thank you. Truly. I'm humbled that someone thought enough of me and my stories to nominate me. It never fails to blow me away to see my name up there with so many amazing and talented people in this fandom. There were so many amazing stories shared this year, so it really means a lot that you thought of me.

You can vote in every category once every twenty-four hours, and the first round of voting is open through Sunday, 2/27. Even if you don't vote for me, be sure to show your favorites of the past year some love. Visit twificfandomawards dot blogspot dot com to cast your votes! Thank you again!

The words are still coming slowly, so with any luck, I'll "see" you soon!

Be kind.
Stay safe.
Stay well.

Lots of love
~Sunshine