"Alright short stack. Get comfortable back there and I'll make sure I get the heat cranked."
I'm thankful to him. Chicago winter's are known to be pretty brutal.
"Thanks, Emmett, but enough of the short stack. I'll have you know I'm the average height for a twenty year old woman, thank you."
His answering laugh is boyish and in that moment I know he's a big softie.
"Sure you are short stack."
I feel myself smile again and buckle my seatbelt.
True to his word, Edward is in the car, sitting beside me in less than 10 minutes. His face is red, and his breathing is accelerated, but he looks satisfied.
"Emmett, let's get going back to the penthouse. And can you put in a late night order to that chicken place I like? I'm starving."
"Sure, but after I've gotta get home. You know Rose will have my balls for being out so late."
"Tell her it was important and to call me later. I'll make sure your balls stay intact."
"Aw bro. I knew you cared about them!"
"Emmett, enough about your balls. Just get us downtown please."
"Emmett, you can take him wherever, but can you drop me at that shelter on Jackson please? I've got an in and it's late, but they'll take me."
"No can do short stack. You're going to Edward's."
I turn my head.
"Cullen, I really appreciate you saving me like this, but I can figure out the rest. I've kind of been doing that my whole life. No need to stop now."
"Isabella, no strings attached, my earlier offer to be forgotten. But I'm not dropping you off at a women's shelter when there's a guest wing at my penthouse. You'll come home with me. If you don't like it there or don't feel safe, I'll set you up with a hotel suite. But the shelter idea is officially dead."
"Ok Cullen. I'll stay at your place under one condition."
"I'm sure this will be interesting. Edward Cullen at your service. What do you want?"
"To know what you said to Mike."
The tips of his ears begin to turn red.
"I simply explained to him that his behavior was inappropriate and broke a couple of fingers."
"EDWARD!"
"And since I already seem to be in trouble, I told him that the next time he preyed on a young girl, his collarbone or spine might be next. I wrote your mother a check to fix up your house and told her I'd be in touch."
I could only stare at him, my mouth open. Vaguely I registered the sound of Emmett's voice on the phone. It must be the order to the chicken place.
"Come on Em. You know I want extra mild sauce! Get something for Isabella too. I saw uneaten food on the kitchen counter."
"Can I have another six piece please? Sauce on the side?"
I have to interrupt him.
"Harold's or Uncle Remus?"
"No self-respecting CEO wants Uncle Remus, Bella."
"Good point, Emmett. I'll take mine fried hard. No sauce on the side. Tell them to drown it."
I register the shock on Edward's face.
"I might as well get what I want if you're going to make me eat."
He smiles, a real genuine, heart stopping crooked smile.
"I think we'll get along just fine, Ms. Swan."