DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight not me. I just love playing around with the characters we all know and love. :-)
Authors Notes:
***Thank-you so much to everyone thinking of my baby boy. :-) I appreciate all the concern. So far he is showing ZERO continued health concerns so we couldn't be happier. :-)
***Thanks for the patience with my stories.
***I know I am REALLY behind with 'The Royal imprint'. I am working on it but the chapters are just not flowing right at all.
***Edward's POV back
***Lots of dialog in this chapter
***Longest chapter so far. Yay!
***I have a goal of 30+ reviews this chapter so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE review. :-)
CHAPTER #16: Causal Care
EPOV
"Daddy?"
"Yes baby girl?"
"Why do boys kiss girls?"
"Excuse me?" I starred up at Lizzie in the mirror of my bathroom as I finished getting ready for work. My clothes and hair were done and I was just putting on my watch. She was sitting on my bed chatting about anything and everything, until she decided to induce mild panic in her father that is...
"Why do boys kiss girls?"
"Are you talking about in your movies?" She had just been watching Tangled last night and had a bit of a soft spot for the bad boy in the movie. It seemed everyday she reminded me how right my dad was about daughters aging their fathers.
"Miss Swan said you should never answer a question with a question." She spoke with confidence and despite the topic I had to smile.
I went to where Lizzie was sitting while hugging her new favorite toy. In her art class Bella had introduced ceramics and each student made their favorite animal. Lizzie chose a unicorn and ever since she has carried it everywhere. I squatted down in front of her so that we were at eye-level. I smiled as I rubbed her cheek. "I'm sorry Lizzie. I didn't mean to be rude."
"It's okay daddy. I could never be mad at you." She smiled beautifully and I laughed before leaning in and kissing her head.
"I'm glad. I don't know what I would do without my number one girl."
"Are you going to answer me daddy?" Do I have to? I honestly shouldn't be surprised. She's at that age now where she's curious about everything... and I do mean EVERYTHING. "Truth..." She gave me her serious face and I fought laughing because she always gets made when I laugh at that. Such a strong girl I have.
"Men kiss Women for many reasons I suppose."
"Like because he loves her?"
"Yes." She nodded as she considered that.
"Why are you asking?" Please for the love of God don't be because there's a boy she likes...
"I was wondering if you ever kissed mommy?" Oookay... Has it really been long enough that she doesn't remember her mother and I together? Huh...
"When we were married yes." This was odd... She actually hasn't ever asked me about her mother and I in a romantic context.
"Not anymore?"
"No."
"Because you and mommy are divorced?"
"Yes baby."
"Do you still love mommy?" I had a strict policy of never lying to my daughter even if the truth isn't pleasant but honestly I was severely tempted to lie right now.
"No baby, but I do care about her." She frowned as she thought about that but didn't respond. "What is it Lizzie?"
"Will grandpa ever stop loving grandma? Or Uncy Em stop loving Autie Rose?"
"I severely doubt it."
"What does sever...ly mean?"
"Severely... It means I'm pretty sure."
"But it could happen?"
"Few things in life are guaranteed baby. All we can really do is hope for the best but prepare for the worst."
"Prepare?"
"Like making a plan."
"Oh... How do I plan if you ever don't love me?"
"Baby..." I immediately grabbed her into a very tight hug and seriously thought about never letting go. "I will love you forever and with all my heart."
"Promise?"
"There are so many things I sadly can't promise you but this I absolutely can. Yes Lizzie, I will love you forever and ever and ever."
"Good because I love you the best Daddy." She smiled at me easily and hugged me back tightly. The things children could say at times... Sometimes it was hard to remember that they only ask to understand, not break your heart.
"I love you too baby, more than anything in the whole world."
"More than chocolate?"
"Yes. Chocolate would give me a tummy ache if I ate to much. I could never get sick of you." She laughed before leaving my room to get a snack from downstairs.
…...
"Can I give Ms. Swan her birthday present today?" I was driving us to a small coffee shop for a quick breakfast before I took her to school.
"Her birthday is tomorrow baby." I glanced in the mirror and she was pouting.
"But I won't see her tomorrow."
"I'm sorry princess." I would let her give Bella the present we got together for her but it was to big for Lizzie to get to the school and I was worried about it getting damaged.
"Will she love it?"
"Absolutely. What's not to love?" Lizzie beamed. I was glad I had consulted my little girl for birthday gift ideas. She gave better ideas than my useless brother anyway... I already had a vague idea of what I wanted and Lizzie was able to help me come up with something perfect. Of course I was a creature of habit as well and had another smaller gift in line for Bella as well...
"Do you kiss Ms. Swan?"
"What?"
"Do you kiss Ms. Swan?" We had just parked and she asked the question as I opened her door of the car. I think she timed her question so she could look at me to weigh my response... Maybe she spends to much time with her grandmother.
"Yes." Like I said, I make a point never to lie to Lizzie. To my surprise Lizzie smiled at me before hoping out of the car and grabbing my hand. "Are you okay with that?" I couldn't help but ask. I hadn't been in a relationship since my divorce from Tanya and even-though I had been briefly involved with a couple of women none of them had any level of commitment that would require Lizzie to even know about them, let alone any intimate details. Because of this I didn't know how Lizzie felt about me dating.
"Is Ms. Swan your girlfriend?" I could have reminded Lizzie of her manners to answer a question before asking one but I chose to skip it.
"Yes." This was turning out to be a very heavy morning...emotionally. Kids truly did say the damnedest things at the drop of a hat. I had not anticipated having the 'Daddy is dating your teacher' conversation for a little while yet but apparently the time had come.
"Do you love her?" It was obvious she was relating our conversation from earlier about kissing and how it related to love. There wasn't really a way to explain to her things like attraction/lust/growing feelings. That was certainly not something a 5 year old could comprehend which left me a bit puzzled on how to explain myself.
"We haven't been dating for very long baby girl." She frowned at me but dropped the subject as we ate and I had coffee. She kept a contemplative look on her face during our whole meal which let me know that despite the intermission this conversation wasn't over.
As we were leaving she spoke up on the topic again. "Do you think you will love her someday?" Was I imagining the hopeful tone of her voice?
I leaned down while I checked the straps on Lizzie's booster, now that she does it all by herself 'like a big girl'. I looked into her eager eyes and smiled before giving her the most honest answer I could, hoping she would understand. "I think it would be a very easy thing to fall in love with Ms. Swan."
…...
"Happy Birthday Beautiful."
"Thank-you."
"Was I the first to text you with Birthday wishes?"
"Maybe. :-) Does it matter?"
"Yes. I'm a highly competitive man Isabella. I can't have someone else besting me as the most important person in your world."
"Cocky this morning I see..."
"Am I?"
"You usually are."
"You never answered if I was the first."
"It's 4 in the morning Edward. Of course you're the first one to wish me a Happy Birthday."
"You're already up aren't you? So clearly it's not a ridiculous time to text you if you're up."
"Maybe I sensed it was you and woke up."
"Oh really... Why so eager?"
"I'll never tell. ;-)"
"Oh sweetheart... Trust me you will."
"Anyway... What are you up to today?"
"Oh no you don't. No changing the subject gorgeous."
"You're not the boss of me."
"I beg to differ."
"Do tell."
"I'm more of a shower than a talker."
"Why?"
"Because talk is cheap..."
"...and you're a man of action."
"My girl knows me well... and don't think I missed you changing the subject by sidetracking me with naughty and sordid innuendos."
"You caught that did you?"
"Yes. Now be a good girl and tell me why you're so eager to hear from me."
"Maybe I don't want to be good. :-)"
"Careful Bella."
"Or?"
"Or I'll presume to show you how BAD I can be."
";-)"
"I'm waiting my naughty girl."
"You win..."
"I always do."
"If you shut up with the distractions I can answer your question."
"Baby are you giving me attitude?"
"Maybe."
"Fuck me that's hot."
"Men are so weird."
"Okay stop distracting me with your wicked wicked ways. Tell me."
"I was eager because I miss you."
"Didn't we just spend the day together?"
"I still miss you."
"I miss you too."
"I wish we were spending my birthday together."
"Is that your birthday wish?"
"Yes."
"I could kidnap you."
"Don't tease me."
"Would I tease you?;-)"
"Yes, you absolutely would."
"So little trust you have in me."
"I trust you."
"Such a dangerous thing that can be...trust."
"What are you planning to do with it?"
"Me? Nothing. Promise. ;-)"
"Hmmmm"
"So do you want me to rescue you? Yes or No?"
"Ha Ha"
"Oh I can promise you I'm not joking. I may not give you back though."
"Tempting..."
"Just say the word and I shall steal you all for myself."
"I wish you could but Angela would be crushed."
"*sigh* FINE, I'll share you... this time. No guarantees tomorrow though. *wink*"
"My parents are coming into Seattle to see me tomorrow."
"I hate the world."
"I'm sorry. When do you think we can see each-other again?"
"Oh, don't worry I've got something in the works."
"What?"
"Never you mind beautiful."
"Please?"
"So... What are the plans for your big 21st bash?"
"Did YOU just change the subject?"
"Did you know that for my 21st birthday I went to Vegas?"
"Apparently you are changing the subject..."
"I got so drunk that my buddies convinced me to audition to be a stripper"
**RING, RING**
"Hello?"
"You're messing with me." I smirked at how incredulous she sounded. Apparently my story succeeded in distracting her from what my plans involving her and I were. As much fun as the texting had been, a phone conversation assured that I could hear the consequences of my flirting.
"I swear to God I'm not."
"Okay... How did it go?" She was laughing hard as she asked and I couldn't help smiling at the sound. God how I loved listening to Bella laugh. It was so beautiful and free, somehow able to lite up everything around it.
"Well I really can't emphasize just how drunk I was to ever agree to the stupid dare. Unsurprisingly I actually blacked out and don't remember much before waking up in a hospital feeling like I'd been run over about 15 times."
"Such a shame..." I couldn't be positive she said that as it was practically whispered. "I bet you would have done well if you hadn't blacked out."
"Is that your way of saying you like my body?" I LOVED how much more we were flirting these days. It was like each day significantly increased how much fun we were able to have with the other.
"Yes."
"Hmmm. Say it out loud."
"What?" She was whispering now and I could hear the catch in her voice. She was nervous but she couldn't hide how excited she was at the same time."
"That you like my body.. say it out loud."
"I like your body Edward."
Despite knowing that she would do as I said, hearing the words made me moan just a little bit. "Baby that is just not fair."
"What? I just did what you told me to..."
"I know. Such a good girl you are." Just how much sexual innuendo could I pour into the word 'Good'?
"Behave yourself."
"Never." She started laughing and I joined in. It was amazing to have such a connection with a woman. I'd never felt this carefree, happy, excited, awed, turned on, and a million other feelings all at once until I met Bella. "So what are the birthday plans?"
"Most of them are a surprise but in a couple hours Angela is taking me to a spa day."
I had to laugh at her mock excitement. "Not the spa day type of girl huh?"
"No. I hate being touched, poked, and prodded at by strangers. I end up being so tense the whole time that I'm pretty sure it causes me more stress than it could ever help."
"So no poking and prodding you... Good to know."
"You're not a stranger Edward."
"No I'm not. Does that mean I have leeway to poke and prod?"
"Wouldn't you like to know..." GOD would I. Bella and I had known each-other for a few months now but had only been dating a couple weeks. It felt like longer though given our closeness and near constant communication with eachother. When I had finally gotten over my hesitance involving the two of us dating I found myself in a state of 'what now?'. All because honestly I didn't really know what to expect from our relationship. I didn't anticipate us together to be difficult exactly but I think somewhere in my head I was expecting obstacles. Career related, mine or hers... Lizzie related issues... my divorce... family/friend opinions of us...age... It seemed reasonable that SOMETHING would get in our way but so far nothing had. Because of this it felt like most of the emotional barriers I'd normally put up were nonexistent between us leaving me open to focus on us and how I feel about her.
The ease of everything including our off the charts attraction was causing shall I say... frustrations for me. I had been physically drawn to Bella from day one because well frankly she's unimaginably sexy. Add in her beautiful heart, good girl nature, as well as our increasing physical interactions and I was completely wrapped in her... There really is no PC way of putting it, I want her and I want her badly. I'm not sure I've ever actually gone this long without at least something more physical with the woman I was with. Not necessarily sex..., but something more than what we have done.
I've always been pretty good at reading a woman to know when to initiate and when to hold back physically but Bella was a giant question mark for me. To say she's shy would be an obvious understatement but she's also amazingly self-aware. Her innocent nature in contrast with her inner strength leaves me a bit outside my depth when it comes to my experience with women. I don't want to pressure her but waiting for her to initiate something just does not sound like her at all. She's to soft, sweet, and beautifully innocent for that. Of course the idea of her ACTUALLY initiating sex was hot as hell and a fantasy I hold onto tightly but I just do not see it happening, at least not anytime soon. Does this all mean I SHOULD start something or does it mean I should wait? I guess only time would tell when the moment feels right...
…...
"Whatcha up to?"
"Texting the most beautiful woman in the world."
"You always make me feel so special."
"Only you can do that baby. All I can do is state the truth."
":-)"
"How goes the bar hopping?"
"Just started. I'm a bit embarrassed by all this."
"Why?"
"It seems a bit silly and juvenile to purposely get drunk so that I can feel terrible tomorrow."
"It's a right of passage."
"I guess..."
"Besides everyone needs at least one 'I got so drunk' story."
"Ha Ha"
"I'm serious. Besides how else will you know how bad getting drunk and hungover feels unless you experience it?"
"So this is all in the name of scientific exploration?"
"Of course. Don't forget to take lots of notes."
"According to your logic how will I know how terrifying jumping out of a plane is unless I do it once?"
"Excellent point. Are you free next weekend?"
"NO WAY, NO HOW!"
";-). Shouldn't you be talking with your friends instead of boring old me?"
"You are far from boring and I can multi-task."
"Sure you say that now... How much have you had to drink so far? Should I be expecting a drunk dial soon?"
"No drunk dial...yet. ;-) I haven't had a drink yet. We just got into the bar, finally. Maybe doing this on a Saturday was a bad idea. It's so crowded in here."
"Friday nights are worse."
"How do you know?"
"I know things."
"What are you doing tonight?"I smiled as I read that before looking up towards the bar. The place was packed with people. Literally the entrance where I was couldn't be that far from the bar but it was taking me forever to get past everyone.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"I smirked trying to imagine her response to that. I finally made it to the bar and ordered a drink which surprisingly the bartender recognized the name of. She told me there was a bit of a wait so I just nodded before glancing around the room.
My eyes caught a group far off in the back. There were a few girls total but I barely noticed them because one woman held all my attention. She was wearing a dark blue sleeveless top that hung from her neck and dipped low on the back. Really, really low and I couldn't stop my eyes following the dip all the way to her... fuck me... She's wearing a skirt and a very short one at that. A quick side view showed that beautiful mahogany hair I would recognize absolutely anywhere. She was more beautiful than I could describe and I hadn't even gotten to see her face yet.
She was facing her friends but had a phone on the table that she was looking at. I smirked as her friends snatched it away and she tried to get it back. I began walking towards them when I finally got a closer look at her front. WOW, I swear she got more beautiful every time I saw her.
As I approached I heard the laughter from the girls as Bella hid her face in her hands. I had no idea what they were saying but I would bet good money that it was about me seeing as I KNEW that blush. It was my blush.
"Tell us your passcode. We want to see pictures of your mystery man."
I stopped two tables over from them waiting for the perfect opportunity to swoop in.
"Not going to happen." I could barely hear her response as it was so loud in here but I managed.
"Why so secretive?"
"I'm not being secretive!" She took the opportunity of them laughing at her to seize her phone back. I would have been impressed by her quick thinking and faster movements except that the actions she took gave me a VERY GOOD view of her behind and now I was having trouble thinking straight. Thank God there was a table for me to lean on... She quickly started texting something while shielding her phone from her friends. Almost immediately I felt my own phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and had to fight laughing at what she'd wrote.
"I changed my mind. SAVE ME!"
PERFECT...
I stepped away from my own table and started walking towards them. A couple of the girls looked at me but most, including Bella, hadn't noticed me yet. I stopped right behind Bella and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"Help is here Beautiful." She flipped around so fast at the sound of my voice that I was surprised she didn't fall over.
"Edward?" Her eyes were wide as she starred at me. Before I could respond she gave me that smile I loved before jumping into my arms wrapping her own around my neck as she did. I loved that every time we hugged she did this. It was both cute and hot, her wrapping herself around me. She pulled back and I saw her blushing profusely though it didn't shake that incredible smile. God she's the absolute cutest thing. Even her own excitement can bring out the red color in her beautiful face. I refused to miss the opportunity to give my girl a PROPER greeting so I pulled her retreating form back to me by holding the small of her back with my left hand and her neck with my right. I guided her face close to me and kissed her without hesitation. Now I'm not exactly the type to care about an audience during PDA's though I don't typically welcome the attention either. However with Bella I didn't even think twice about it as I held her even tighter. The fact of the matter is that if I want to kiss my girl, I sure as hell will. I kind-of expected her to pull away or shift our embrace to a more chaste sentiment but she surprised me. She took what I gave and didn't pull away at all. Her hands went to my neck and held me strongly. I definitely liked this slightly bolder side of Bella and was quite curious about what else I would witness tonight.
"WOO HOO!" AAAnnnnd my shy girl was back instantly. As soon as her friends reminded her of their presence Bella pulled away quickly so I barely had time to process her movements. I chuckled before pulling her back to me but managed to resist kissing her. I simply held her close to me in a tight but polite hug
"Happy Birthday sweetheart." I caressed her face gently as I spoke and her smile turned even more beautiful. How can this woman be so cute and sexy at the exact same time?
She was about to answer when someone else spoke up. "So THIS is the famous Edward we've heard so much about..."
"Uhhhh." She glanced at them before looking at me to which I quirked up an eyebrow in question. I smiled kindly at her friends while giving a slight nod.
"The one and only." the girls chuckled at my response as I turned to Bella questioningly. "What have you been telling them about me beautiful?" I tried to keep eye contact with her as I spoke but she averted her eyes before I could read her reaction.
"Nothing." Hmmmmm
"She certainly didn't prepare us for this." One of the blonde girls waved her hand up and down at me and Bella hide her face in my chest while I laughed.
"What's 'This'...exactly" I gave Bella a light squeeze illustrating that I was asking her but she ignored me completely.
"DRINKS!" A brunette that hadn't been there before came up to the table with a tray holding a considerable amount of brightly colored drinks. "And who is this?" She looked at me then at Bella who I still had my arm around. Eventhough she kept her face hidden I could still see how bright red it was. "You must be Edward." She had already placed the tray down and held her hand out to me. I excepted it while laughing at my shy girl, still hiding at my side.
"In the flesh. You must be Angela." Bella gently raised her bright face from me which was a beautiful sight because she was smiling despite her shyness. I gave her a light peck on the temple and she seemed to relax a bit. The other girls started laughing and asking Bella questions about me, most of which were more than a little naughty making my girl blush more. A waitress found me and dropped off my drink, which I'd already paid for. I thanked her then looked back at the table noticing that all the girls were mouthing something to Bella. I couldn't be certain but it looked a lot like 'OH MY GOD'
"What are you doing here?" She sounded eager, probably because she was clinging to the idea of a subject change.
"Do you want me to go?" I smirked as she shook her head rapidly.
"I can't believe you came." I smiled and followed her lead before our lips met. I pulled back just a small amount so I could look into her eyes.
"Did you honestly think I would miss your birthday?" She gave a bright grin while shaking her head softly.
"How did you even know where I was?" I reluctantly pulled away from Bella enough to glance in Angela's direction, silently explaining myself before looking back at her. She followed my glance and her eyes met Angela's.
"Guilty." Angela gave a laugh at Bella's confused face growing even more so.
"What?"
"I invited him."
"You said no boys allowed. You threatened everyone..." I chuckled and Angela waved off Bella's observation.
"He's hardly a boy and I knew you wanted him here." Bella smiled and Angela winked at her. "Besides the only point of no boys allowed was to ensure all eyes would be on the birthday girl." She shifted her eyes between Bella and myself with clear meaning. Since I came over here Bella and I hadn't left each-other's personal space. Even with her friends here we still were in a world all our own. "I trust focus going elsewhere wont be an issue here?" No one got a chance to respond before one of the other girls lifted one of the drinks. Angela raised hers as well which caused everyone else to follow suit. "NOW we have a group of lovely ladies wanting to show our best girl a good time for her birthday, plus her gentleman to keep the wolves at bay." Bella was the last to grab a drink so she was stuck with the only one left which looked like a lemon drop. "To Bella... The greatest girl in the world deserving of a birthday to remember."
After a bit of cheering from all of us Bella was able to drink down her cocktail quickly causing us all to cheer her 'officially' being 21.
...
Clearly Bella wasn't comfortable with all the focus being on her as she seemed to try and bury herself further in my chest as the night shifted to storytelling, mostly about her. I wanted to look at Bella more as she looked absolutely incredible tonight with smokey makeup, rosy cheeks, and bright eyes however I certainly wasn't going to complain about her shyness because she was by far the most beautiful woman here and it was comforting to be able to advertise her as mine without coming off as a domineering ass.
…...
"So are you bored yet?" After everyone had finished their first couple rounds of drinks they settled down chatting at a booth that finally opened up. I learned that most of Bella's friends were from her college or someone she met through Angela, all of which seemed a bit older than her. The thought made me laugh to myself. It just didn't seem like Bella associated herself with people her own age, they were either older or much younger...i.e. her 5 year old students...
"Bored?" We were sitting at a booth with Bella and I cuddled close on one side with the other girls coming and going as they went back and forth from the bar and dance floor. She chuckled while looking up at me coyly. Her legs were draped over my lap casually and I had my hand resting on them, rubbing gently. Honestly I wasn't doing it for any sexual purpose but for a territorial one. Many men had noticed my girl tonight so when she eagerly curled up with me I seized the chance to let everyone know she's mine. I would have almost felt bad about it except that she seemed to love the attention I was giving her and even kept rubbing my arm where I was touching her.
"I'm sure hanging around a bunch of girls and girl talk isn't exactly fun." I laughed at that. True the girls spent a great deal of time discussing topics I didn't have much care or interest in but at the same time Bella's reaction to a lot of their topics and jokes made all this well worth it.
"I do have a daughter so I suppose girl talk is something I should get accustomed to." I kissed her cheek as she looked up at me. "Besides you're here. What more could I ask for?" She leaned up to kiss my cheek but I chose to turn the kiss more pg-13 and met her lips with my own. This time without any prompt from me she deepened it before I could and I was more than happy to follow her lead.
"Breathe you two." Bella pulled away while instantly turning red and glancing down nervously. I looked over at the source of the interruption which was one of the girls, who I couldn't remember the name of. "Next round!" Everyone else cheered while Bella groaned and I laughed.
"I've got this one." I gently removed Bells legs, giving her a wink when she pouted. I helped her reajust before I stood up myself so that I could go buy the next round as Angela had paid for the last two. My offer was met with even louder cheers from the group, a couple of which I doubted needed more liquor as I was fairly certain they were already hammered. Oh well... when in Rome...
I gave Bella a quick kiss on the top of her head then as I leaned away Angela leaned in to whisper the drink order in my ear. I had to laugh at her choice for Bella. Diabolical...
"I don't like the sound of that." Bella narrowed her eyes at Angela who smiled innocently back.
"What? I'm just ordering what I know you'll enjoy." Angela's innocent smile in contrast with her words had me internally dying at the double-tantra behind the words. Bella was completely unaware of the reason for my amusement and to answer her silent question I just gave her my signature smile. As mischievous as Angela's plan may be I would be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little eager to see Bella's reaction to her next drink myself.
"Really? Why not order it out loud then?" Her eyes flashed to me but I just raised my hands in a 'Nope I'm not involved' matter.
"Life is a mystery, just enjoy it."
"Can't I order my own drink?" Bella was trying to scowl through her pouting and somehow that was just too cute. God this girl already had way to much pull over me.
"You could if you actually knew any drinks to choose from." Angela smirked triumphantly and I leaned in to kiss Bella's pout away real fast.
"How about I order one of Angela's choice for everyone? Then you aren't singled out." The other girls seemed to get their interests peaked at my suggestion which just made Angela look more excited by the idea. I made my way to the bar and placed the order for a round of shots and also put in for a second round of waters and soda to be delivered to the table a little while after. I had stopped drinking as I planned on driving Bella home to make sure she was safe. I didn't trust strangers with sober women let alone drunk ones so I sure as hell wouldn't be allowing Bella to take an UBER or a cab if she had much more to drink. I knew Bella would appreciate at least something without liquor in it anyway so it seemed a wise choice for the table.
I turned back to watch my girl as the bartender made up the shots. She was laughing at something her friends were saying, while shaking her head exuberantly. When Angela had invited me to this I was hesitant for so many reasons. One of which being because I was worried I would be intruding. Would she want me in a setting like this with her? Maybe it was underlying concern I still had involving our age difference. It was an issue that wasn't really an issue for us but that still came to mind for me more than I wished it did. Would she be hesitant with me in a setting like this? Would she feel that she can't cut loose with me here? As I watched her tonight I realized my concern was unfounded. Yes Bella was looser right now, probably due in at least part to the alcohol, but she was still my girl. When her friends spoke she listened. Not in the waiting for an opening to respond way that most did but in a true manner that let you know she found everything being said to be worth her complete attention. I smiled as I thought about how even tipsy she was eternally that quiet, wise, maternal girl that I was losing myself in.
The waitress said she would bring the drinks over since the floor was getting more packed. I thanked her before turning to walk back. I caught Bella's eye as I started walking back and I swore I could almost hear her groan as she saw the full tray behind me that the waitress had grabbed to follow me with. I had to chuckle at her non-party girl mentality. As much as she was clearly willing to give all this a try for her friends it was obvious drinking wasn't going to be a favorite activity for her. The place was only getting busier as I got held up by a few separate groups of people on the floor, forcing me to stop and wait for them to pass. When I looked back up I saw about 5 guys flirting with our group and had to roll my eyes a little. All of them seemed pretty wasted and none of the girls looked remotely interested though quite amused by the drunken idiocy. As I got a little closer I saw a guy sit it my previously vacated seat...right next to Bella. Oh Hell no...
The guy started ogling her and slurring something to which she didn't seem to understand in the slightest. To my surprise and amusement she didn't even hesitate to deal with the guy twice her size. She just pointed away from the seat and clearly spoke the word 'Taken'. She was most likely referring to the seat but I chose to see 'Taken' differently. She was all mine, and that wasn't going to be changing.
I had just reached the booth when the dejected drunk had stood up and I saw a rather fake trip on his part before he began to lean forward. I had spent enough time in bars to recognize what he was doing immediately. It was the standard drunk spill a drink or trip move which gave them opportunity to grope an unsuspecting woman under the pretense of it being an 'accident'. I grabbed the guy before his hands could land anywhere near Bella and hauled him up to standing. I situated myself in front of him, which also put me in front of Bella.
"Watch yourself." The words could come off as concern by me for him 'Tripping' but he and I both knew it was a threat to make sure he keeps his hands to himself. He seemed young, probably about Angela's age, and had short dark hair. His eyes were glassy, clearly he was drunk and maybe had been doing something stronger than alcohol. His eyes narrowed at me but I kept my face neutral. He was a little shorter than me but had a good amount of muscle similar to Emmett, though Emmett was much larger.
"What's your problem man?" I barely understood him but chose to pretend I didn't hear him at all. I took my seat next to Bella and wrapped my arm around her. Sure it was a little possessive but I wasn't exactly going to apologize given her admirer. I leaned in and kissed her head, yes marking her as mine further, but again I didn't care.
"Out drunks. No boys allowed." Angela literally began pushing the wolves away and I chuckled at the amount of strength she had against so many large guys. One of them tried to point at me in which Angela didn't miss a beat before looking him dead in the eye. "He's all man and the only one that can keep all us girls satisfied." Our whole group started laughing except Bella who buried her face in my side. I was caught so off guard by her statement that I didn't know what to say or who to react. I kept my eyes on her and amazingly Angela held a complete poker face as she stared the guy down.
The guys decided to retreat and accept their failure, which gave the waitress the ability to put our drinks down. Bella pulled her face away and gave the shot a strange look before looking up at me in pure confusion. God she's cute... "Whipped cream?" At her words everyone except Bella started laughing so hard I doubted they could breathe. I held it in better than most trying my best to keep a gentle smile through the pure innocence her question showed.
"It's Amaretto, Bailys, and Whip Cream. It's good I promise." I was using every trick I learned from being a lawyer to keep a straight face right now and it was so unimaginably difficult I had to preatty much hold my breath to accomplish it. She looked around the table and everyone was trying, while failing miserably, to maintain an impassive expression. She glanced back at me so I gave her a little kiss on the side of her lips. She looked back at the shot and went to pick it up.
"OH NO!" Angela stopped Bella's hand from grabbing the glass. "This drink doesn't just have a special flavor..." Another one of the girls, Leah, burst out laughing but Angela ignored her. "...it has it's own special way you have to drink it."
"What?" Bella looked at me and I nodded to confirm what Angela was saying. "Why?" Her eyes narrowed as she asked, which just made everyone laugh harder, including me. Her narrowed eyes shifted to me in response but I knew how to get back in her good graces and I could do it without having to say a word. I leaned in and instead of going for her lips I kissed the spot where her jaw met her ear then kissed down to her neck. She made a cute little noise which told me my distraction worked. I pulled back and gave a wink before gesturing to the drink. She breathed out a sigh before looking back at Angela. "What do I have to do?"
Angela was the only one standing now and she decided to demonstrate for Bella. She clasped her hands behind her back and leaned down to pick the shot up with her mouth. The girls were all watching Bella closely while she watched Angela, clearly wanting to learn this properly... I was now fighting the devil on my shoulder who was groaning at the images all this was putting in my head. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea... quickly, and like a pro, Angela stood back up taking the shot with her. She swallowed it down before pulling the glass from her mouth and bowing to the cat calls all the girls gave her.
"Can I sit to do it or do I have to stand?" Bella's legs were back in my lap and she seemed to want to keep them there. Again one of the girls giggled in response to the double meaning not that I blamed her. When it came to these shots EVERYTHING sounded naughty.
"Trust me you need to stand for this." I stood up so Bella could as well. Angela grabbed her arm and guided Bella right next to her. "Okay so hands behind your back. You CANNOT use your hands no matter what." Bella nodded and had a look of curiosity on her innocent face. Oh God she was gonna ask a question... and it was going to sound dirty.
"How do I stop it from getting all over me?" Dear god was she doing this on purpose? Again her increasingly drunk friends started laughing and I was wishing I was still sitting...
"Trust me that's the whole point and half the fun." When Bella looked more confused Angela just waved her off. I had no idea how she was keeping such a straight face while setting Bella up like this. "Okay Edward you stand next to her. You know your part right?" She gave me a bitch brow and I nodded while trying to think of baseball and cold showers.
"What do you have to do?" I was about to answer Bella but her friend Leah did instead.
"It's his job to clean you up after you're done." I narrowed my eyes at her to which she just smiled and waved. Without further ado Bella clasped her hands behind her back and bent down to grab the shot. She seemed to struggle getting a good hold for a moment but eventually did and just like Angela demonstrated she shot the drink back. Angela gave me a look so I gently pulled the cup from Bella's mouth and kissed her deep and hard. Her friends roared in laughter and cheers but Bella didn't seem to care enough to stop me. She wrapped her arms around me and I kissed her for a few more seconds before gently ending it with a couple soft pecks.
"Congratulations on your first Blow Job, B!" All the girls laughed as Bella quickly pulled away from me. Her eyes widened before looking down at the empty glass, complete with a small rim of whipped cream still on it. She looked back at her friends and I could tell the exact second she 'GOT it' by the color of her cheeks.
"Oh my God, you guys all suck." She buried her red face in her hands and I pulled her into a hug, trying and failing to resist laughing as I did.
"No, clearly you suck and very well I might add. I'm so proud." Angela laughed and Bella reached behind her to smack her as hard as she could.
"Ow!" Angela jumped back and rubbed her stomach where Bella had landed the blow. "No need to resort to violence, B. We'll all do one now while you get to laugh. Sound fair?"
Bella narrowed her eyes before reaching her hand out. Angela shook it as the girls reached their agreement. Everyone else stood up to take their own shots. I had ordered a couple extras in case anyone dropped them so Angela was obliged to take another. It was a little tight for space but all the girls managed before they bent to take the shots all together, getting more than a few looks from people around us, mostly guys. If that wasn't enough to get the guys attention what the girls did next sure as hell was. Each of them turned to the girl next to them and kissed each-other, just as deeply as I had Bella. Despite the hot scene in front of me my mind registered that there wasn't enough girls for each to get a 'clean-up' partner. Just as the thought came to me Angela reached for Bella but I intercepted her before Angela could kiss my girl. I narrowed my eyes playfully while fighting a smile. Angela responded by sticking her tongue out before cheering with the other girls on their successful 'blow jobs'.
Bella pulled back from my hold to watch me through a playful scowl. "I can't believe you set me up like that."
"Who? Me?" I asked innocently. She playfully punched my chest in response.
"Yes you." She rolled her eyes and went to hit me again but I intercepted her punch and gave her a hand a few soft kisses, keeping my eyes on her as I did. She blushed at me and I found myself lost in her beautiful brown eyes.
I pulled her close and she let me. Her arms wrapped around my neck and her fingers gently played with the hair on the back of my neck as she watched me. I reached up and lightly brushed her hair behind her ear as I continued watching those eyes. "I'm sorry for the set-up baby."
"Are you?" Despite the playful conversation our tones were anything but. My voice was quiet but firm while Bella sounded breathy and sexy.
I learned in and touched her lips with mine giving them a light peck followed by a gentle bite, then another peck. I repeated this a couple times just enjoying the feeling of her lips. Her eyes opened when my movements stopped. "Not even a little bit." She smiled and then kissed me again.
...
After a couple more rounds of drinks Bella had officially past tipsy and was now drunk. She was goofy while tipsy but as she reached drunk she became tired and cuddly. Frankly it was adorable. Like I really needed one more thing to find perfect about this girl... She practically curled herself into my lap as she closed her eyes. I held her to my chest as I made conversation a bit more with her friends. I wasn't even sure she was awake at this point.
"Thanks for coming Edward. I hope it wasn't weird for you." Angela toasted my water glass as I chuckled.
"No weirdness. I had a lot of fun." She gave a playful bow and I laughed. "Thanks for inviting me. I really wanted to see her for her birthday."
"Awwwww." Yes all of them were pretty wasted at this point as they slurred the sound.
"Speaking of. What did you get her for her birthday? She's the hardest person in the world to shop for." I nodded as I agreed that she was a very difficult yet as it turns out surprisingly simple girl to get gifts for.
"I enlisted some help from Lizzie." Angela seemed surprised but I just smiled. I wasn't going to ruin the surprise.
"Fine keep your secrets."
"I plan to."
"Time to call it a night?" All of the girls groaned at Angela's suggestion, which signaled that for whatever reason they wanted to continue the night. Angela sighed before glancing at Bella, still curled up against me. I had my left arm cradling her whole frame and she was nestled into me unmoving. She was certainly asleep at this point.
"I'll get Bella home." I answered her silent concern while rubbing Bella's arm and kissing her temple. Since I had planned on being her DD anyway it wasn't an inconvenience to me in anyway. Plus Bella had told me Angela rarely got an evening or weekend off. It was understandable that she wanted to enjoy herself.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. I'm not as young as all you anyway and don't have much party energy left." Yes I was playing my age to make her not feel guilty about this. I wanted to take care of Bella. I still had my concerns for the rest of them though. "Will all of you have a safe way home?" I glanced around at a couple of the girls dancing on the floor with more than a few guys watching them.
"Yeah Leah lives close and we'll probably all crash there."
"You're sure?"
"Yes DAD!" She rolled her eyes at me and I laughed.
"I'm just concerned for your safety." I held up my one free hand in a surrender pose.
"Hmmm, exactly what a dad would say." She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Or... exactly what a decent citizen would say."
"Whatever gramps." She stood up as she spoke.
"I'm not THAT old." I stood up as well grabbing Bella in a bridal hold as gently as I could. Her face went to my neck where she made tiny moan sounds. So fucking cute...
"Whatever you say old man." Clearly age jokes would be on the menu for the foreseeable future with Angela. I was okay with it though as I knew I deserved it and probably more. After the way I had strung Bella along the way I had, I suppose Angela was paying me back out of some BFF passive aggressive solidarity. No matter, I can take my well deserved hits.
"Well it was nice meeting you Angela." Since my hands were occupied I just dipped my head slightly in her direction.
"You as well Mr 'so incredibly beyond cute'."
"What?" Maybe she was drunker than I thought. Did she forget my name or something?
She waved off my confusion before leaning in and kissing Bella's head. Immediately she narrowed her eyes at me and gestured with her two pointer fingers in my direction. "This girl is my best friend, non-blood sister, and the greatest person in the world. If you EVER hurt her I will kill you and dispose of the body." I went to speak but she kept going. "And the death will not be swift, it will be slow and messy. Got it?"
"Got it." I had to smile at the death threat.
"Good." She smiled as her mood shifted back to carefree and tipsy. "Now drive safely and have Bella text me when she gets home safe." I nodded before taking Bella outside. Unfortunately I had parked far away since parking was difficult in this area and with how dark it was I knew I wouldn't be able to spot my car easily.
Eventually I did find it and walked to the passenger side to put Bella in. I kissed her temple down to her cheek before moving to her lips. After a soft peck there she opened her eyes lazily and gave me a tiny smile. "Baby I need to put you down so I can reach my keys okay?" She seemed a bit confused by my words but nevertheless lowered herself from me and got to the point where she was leaning on my car. I unlocked it and helped her inside. As soon as we were both in and I started up the car she leaned over the console and held my arm in both of hers. Her eyes were already closed again and I couldn't resist kissing her head for the millionthtime tonight. I didn't seem to be able to stop kissing her anymore than she seemed to be able to let me go.
Traffic was worse than it should be but I got back to her apartment in decent time but it was still almost 2am. "Can you walk beautiful?" Her eyes opened and she nodded. I opened my door before getting hers. She stood up and I held her close before entering her building.
"Thanks for driving me home." She smiled at me as I pushed the button on the elevator.
"Of course." I gave her my signature grin which made her smile back.
"And thanks for rescuing me." I laughed at her bringing up our earlier text conversation.
"I'll rescue you anytime and anyplace." She leaned up to kiss me, her eyes already fighting sleep again. I held her up as I met her gentle lips with my own. Her hands craddled my face so softly as she let loose a soft 'Mmmm' against my lips. I pulled back and her beautiful brown eyes held me with their trust, innocence, and kindness. How I ever managed to get the interest of this amazing woman I would never understand. I brushed her hair aside as her tired but happy eyes watched me. I was about to kiss her again but the elevator door opened stopping me. I internally sighed before letting her continue leaning on me as we walked to her door.
She went to grab her keys from her purse but was so tired she couldn't focus. She made a cute whining sound and I gently helped her find the keys before getting them in the lock for her. As soon as the door was open I helped her inside then closed and locking the door. She wrapped her arms around my neck again but it seemed that she was doing it to stay upright. Her head rested on my chest as soon as she had ahold of me and her legs seemed to be getting heavier by the minute. "Let's get you to bed beautiful."
"It's so far..." I laughed at her pout before picking her up and heading in the direction I was fairly certain was her bedroom. As soon as we were inside I couldn't resist looking around since I'd never been in here before. She more or less collapsed on her bed though remained sitting as she tried to untie her boots. Her glazed eyes in combination with her frustrated scowl was absolutely adorable. Was she even capable of not being cute in my eyes? I leaned down and helped her untie the boots. She smiled in thanks, still fighting to stay awake.
As soon as they were off she rubbed her feet a bit. I gathered the boots were an Angela thing as Bella seemed too practical to wear something uncomfortable at least willingly. I remained kneeled down and gave each of her feet a gentle rub while smiling at her. Something about Bella made me want to take care of her. It wasn't that I was a selfish jerk with women before her it was just something about her brought out a gentler side of me. I wanted to be with her in all the small ways, taking care of her. As I rubbed I felt her kiss the back of my head while rubbing her hands through my hair. I looked up and she kissed me again, deeper than the pecks we'd been sharing but still sweet and gentle. However my body was beginning to respond in a less innocent way so I gently guided her down and adjusted her into a comfortable position. "Do you need anything else sweetheart?"
"My shirt..." She reached for the tie on the back of her neck and I groaned. God help me... I went to pull her up by her hands and she complied.
"Do you have something else to sleep in?" Please say yes. If she needed anything else from me after this I knew my life would be endlessly easier if I didn't have to see her in just her underwear as I did it. She gestured to her dresser and the third drawer I tried had a big dark blue shirt on top. Perfect. I grabbed it and met her back at the bed. She rested her head on my stomach and continued to fight falling asleep. I gently began to untie her shirt, slowly pulling it away and letting it fall on the ground forgotten. I took a deep breath as I unfolded the large shirt to put her in. Being the gentleman I am I put every ounce of effort I could into putting the shirt on her without looking more than I absolutely had to. Thankfully as I got it over her head she was able to get her arms in herself. "Better?" She nodded and gave me that beautiful smile that warranted another kiss from me. She went to lay back and I waited to adjust the sheets for her. I glanced at her face and noticed a furrowed expression. "What's wrong?"
"My skirt..." She shifted uncomfortably and I had to close my eyes and take a few slow breathes. God that skirt. I had tried not to think about it all night but it had never strayed far from my thoughts.
"Did you want me to take them off?" I was well aware that the only reason Bella hadn't been blushing through all of this was because she was barely awake. Regardless of the calm that being sleepy caused I felt the need to make absolutely sure she was okay with getting my help with this. She nodded and already had her eyes closed again. I sighed before reaching up her thankfully long shirt and untieing the skirt. I pulled them off and tossed them near her end table.
"Thank-you." her eyes opened to give me that beautiful smile I loved and I smiled before leaning in to kiss her again. I found myself sitting next to her laying form as we peppered kisses on eachother. Both of her hands held my right as I leaned over her . I pulled back, giving her a smile before making a move to stand.
"No." She frowned cutely at me.
"No?" She shook her head and I was left puzzled.
"Stay."
"What?" Seriously, what?
"Stay...please."
I had absolutely no idea what to say to that. It never occurred to me that Bella would ask me to spend the night with her. Should I? If the question was did I want to the answer would be hell yes but still should I?
"You want me to stay the night?" I still felt the need to be quite clear with her.
"Yes. Stay." Her eyes were closed again as she spoke, still never letting go of my hand.
"Okay." The word was out before I actually even thought about it. Truth betold I didn't want to leave tonight and while yes I knew nothing would be happening here besides sleep I still wanted to stay. I wanted to spend the night with her, just to be with her.
Her only response was to smile as she finally released my hand, moving both her own to cradle beneath her face. Wordlessly I began removing my watch and emptying my pockets, placing everything on the end table beside her bed, close to her head. I watched her face, her content smile and closed eyes as I continued undressing. Next I took off my jacket, shirt, and then my pants of course leaving on my boxers. I walked to her light switch, taking one last look at my girl. This was not at ALL how I had pictured this night ending but I couldn't be happier with it. I smiled as she made a sleepy groaning sound. So cute...
I hit her bedroom light before crawling into the bed on the opposite side of Bella. She made more sleepy sounds but made no movement at the bed shift. She was out cold and I had to laugh slightly. My girl COULD NOT hold her liquor. I reached down and grabbed my pants to get my phone. I put in next to my watch and seeing it reminded me of Angela's request.
"Baby?" I shifted closer to Bella and wrapped my right arm around her middle, gently shaking her awake.
"Mmmhhh?
I chuckled before kissing her cheek. "Can you text Angela that you're home okay?"
"Hmmm?" I chuckled before leaning up and over her to grab her purse that I had put on the floor by the bed. I placed it next to her and she fumbled in it for her phone before pulling it out and squinting her eyes as she texted Angela. As soon as she had the text sent she laid the phone back down in the purse and curled herself back up. I heard the purse hit the floor but Bella was to out of it to even care. I wrapped my arm around her middle and her hand held mine in place.
I kissed her temple and she held my hand tighter. "Goodnight Edward."
"Goodnight Beautiful."
As I lay next to her, holding her tightly while laying kisses on her head here and there I couldn't help but think about the conversation Lizzie and I had about Bella. Lizzie had asked me if I loved Bella and truly I didn't think I was quite there but it was fast becoming very apparent to me that some day very soon I was going to fall hard for the girl currently sleeping in my arms. I had never felt for a woman the way I already do for Bella and that was a terrifying realization for me. Even at the highest point with my ex-wife I knew I couldn't say I was ever 'in love' with her. Yes of course I loved her at one point but it wasn't the same thing as being IN-LOVE with someone.
The only time I had ever 'fallen' in love was when I met my daughter for the first time and if I ever felt even half that power for Bella she was going to own me someday. I could already see so many differences in me since meeting her and all were for the better. She consumes me and despite how scary that is every part of it is something I don't want to miss.
With Bella I want so much. Whenever she talks I want to listen. Whenever she smiles I can't look away. Whenever she needs something I need to be the one to give it to her. All of that means something right? "Mmmm" Bella shifted back against me more, silently trying to get closer. I pulled her tighter to me and she fell back into deep sleep. Her request of 'stay' had just been one word that I complied to immediately. She asked and I listened. Not surprising as there wasn't much I wouldn't do for Isabella Swan and yes that meant something. It meant something big
END NOTES (Don't read until after you've already read the chapter as there may be spoilers):
-REVIEW Please I really want to hit 30+ this chapter
-Please Read/Review my other two stories as well if you haven't yet
-Edward and Lizzie's conversation is reminiscent to a conversation I had with my younger daughter. My oldest thinks kissing is gross but my little girl thinks it's 'beautiful'. She's already a romantic. She gets it from her grandma. :-)
-I originally planned a lot more for this chapter but somehow as I was writing the shorter version just seemed to fit better. I hope you all enjoyed it.
-No lemons yet. Edward is a gentleman and would never take advantage of a drunk woman. :-)
