Eleven

We walk and hold hands while sipping our hot chocolates. The lights reflect off the pond beside us in Park Central.

Dinner had been a small burger joint I knew. We'd both laughed and continued getting to know each other. His favourite colour is blue and he hates when the elastic on his socks weakens and they slip down into his shoe as he walks. He loves the rain, but hates the snow.

Our lunch had been a quick sandwich with a stolen kiss or two… with the promise of more tonight in the air.

He leads me to a bench by the water and stops to take a seat. The air is cooler requiring us both to layer up slightly more. Coats, scarfs and the need to stay close and use one another as warmth.

"So the wedding is just a few more sleeps away," I move to take a seat beside him, leaning into him as his arm moves around me, "I can't wait to see you all in a tuxedo."

"I can't wait to get you on a dancefloor," he smiles at me.

"You're going to save a dance for me?" I place my hand on my chest.

"Of course," he cuddles me closer to his side.

"What sort of dancing? Dirty?" I look up at him.

"When my parents look away," he leans down to place a quick kiss on my lips, "how's the search for a new job going?"

"Not well," I shake my head, "the opportunities are limited."

"Do you want another position writing about weddings?" He asks.

"I just want to cover my rent," I say.

"Perhaps I could move some mountains and get you a job back in the buildi…" he begins.

"No way," I shake my head smiling at him, "I'm not shoving my tongue down the CEO's throat to get a job."

"I understand why you'd find that uncomfortable. You have morals," he nods, "I have connections though. With other companies. I can pass on some emails and you could put out some feelers."

"I mean that could work," I nod.

"Consider it done. I'll have a look tomorrow," he promises, "any company would be lucky to have you. I'm annoyed that mine doesn't, but at least I've seen you in your underwear."

"I was willing to show you so much more," I tease, "but long game and everything."

"You came close to cracking me," he admits.

"Now I know for next time," I smile at him.

We sit in a comfortable silence, watching the world pass us by, enjoying the feeling of togetherness. Every so often he presses a sweet kiss to my forehead. It's absolute bliss each time he does it.

I realise just how much I like him. How much I want to get to know him more. To grow closer to him.

"I was wondering," he breaks me from my thought, "I have this work thing. It's next weekend, after the wedding and while it might be too soon to ask, I was hoping you'd perhaps be interested anyway."

"What?" I twist slightly to face him more.

"I have a work trip and I figured I could deal with the work shit and then con you into coming along for a bit of personal company," he takes my hand, "I know it's new. But we can explore a bit, eat good food together."

"Where is it?" I ask.

"Our London office just needs me to pop my head in. Afterwards we could enjoy the city for a weekend," he says.

"London?" My mouth drops.

"Yeah. I know. You likely expected me to say something within this country. But it's my first trip overseas as the CEO," he explains, "I'd love your company."

"I… I couldn't afford the air ticket or accommodation," I shake my head.

"Well you'd be with me. And it's all covered by my company," he smiles at me, "so… you'd have to just be fine with bunking with me."

"What happened to the long game?" I smirk.

"London will be long enough, trust me," he chuckles, "we could just get out of this city and have some alone time. No wedding plans. Nothing. I really like you and I want the chance to explore it. Distraction free."

"Your job distracts you that much?" I ask.

"It can do. I'm busy and I can't hide that," he shrugs, "but you need to know that if it were you, if this went anywhere, I'd make sure you weren't ever neglected or forgotten."

Glancing down at our intertwined hands I nod.

"The last time I had a good feeling like this was when I started my career. I knew I'd have a future within this industry. When I look at you I get the same good feeling," he says honestly, "you're perfect to me."

"I have my flaws," I disagree, with a small smile.

"And all I want to do is prove to you why they make you so perfect to me," he tucks a strand of hair away from my face, "come with me to London and I'll make sure that stunning smile on your face remains there the entire time."

"Fine," I nod, smiling excitedly, "I've never had a romantic getaway with a man before."

"Then I'll make sure I bring everything I've got," he kisses my temple once more.


It's late. But Rosalie is on her way out. Wearing a dress her father would hate and shoes so high that they'll accomplish what they're designed to do.

"Okay, I'm heading to Emmett's," Rosalie calls out.

"Okay," I yell back, "be safe."

In the kitchen I'm typing out the last of our job lists. Each bridesmaid has a list for the wedding, rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. To help ensure Alice's day moves smoothly. It's close to midnight and I'm feeling exhaustion creeping over me. I'd been racing around supporting Alice all day and it's finally catching up to me.

Once the door clicks closed I grab for my phone, noticing the missed message.

Edward.

"Hey gorgeous. I've been in meetings all day so I haven't been able to check in. But I'm home now."

It was sent just under one hour ago. Opening a new message I begin to type.

"Hey. I've been Alice's little workhorse today. Rosalie just left for a late night booty call to your brother. I'm using the empty house to my advantage." I write back.

The phone dings with a reply after a few minutes of waiting.

"Take advantage how?"

I smile at his message. For a moment I mull it over and then I let my fingers play hard back.

"Probably think about you… in bed… won't invite my pants." I hit send and smirk to myself.

"More info." He responds.

"Let's just say my vibrator is enjoying your long game plan," I laugh as I watch three dots appear in response to my message and then disappear.

As I begin to type again my phone buzzes with his caller ID. I answer and giggle out a 'hello'.

"You are torturing me," he groans out.

"Oh no. Poor Edward," I gasp out.

"I'm trying to build something slowly with you so this works," he sighs out.

"I know. I think it's fantastic," I smile at the sound of his frustration, "I just can't help myself with you."

"I wish I was more like my brother," he mutters.

"You want to be my fuck buddy?" I ask.

"I want to be everything and anything to you," he whispers with such angst, "every and any label. I just want to ensure it sticks for a long time. Because you're not the sort of girl that comes by often."

"Maybe I'm making it harder than it has to be. But I guess you just stir a fire in me," I think out loud, "I feel like the chemistry is burning me. No matter how close I get there's no remedy. Same with no matter how far away I get."

"I think we can't deny there's something between us," he agrees, "when I first bumped into you on that street I knew I needed more than a short hit of you. A lifetime supply of you wouldn't be enough. I think of you constantly."

"I know the feeling," I stammer out.

Every word he purred through the phone was having a deep impact. It's the reason I fall asleep with a large smile plastered on my face. Life is finally giving me something exciting.


Thanks for reading x