Thank you to the amazing Alice's White Rabbit and annaharding for pre-reading and beta-ing this for me. You wouldn't be reading this without them. I did add/change a few things after they saw it, so any mistakes I take full and complete credit for. Stephanie Meyer owns the original human characters. All of the dogs are mine.
Chapter 5
~~~HOME ALONE~~~
Arriving home, I let the boys loose and open up the back door so they can go out one more time. I look around and realize how lonely the house is. It's totally silent, and there are no real signs that someone lives here. Sure, there's furniture and such, but it looks staged. Even with what must be Edward's multimillion-dollar home and décor, there's a certain comfort there.
The boys come in, and I get ready for bed. I have a terrible time falling asleep, thinking about Edward and those kisses we shared. It's been a couple years since I've been with anyone, and my sexual frustration is at record heights, but for some reason, I can't bring myself to do anything about it. That, plus the fact I'm still on California time, means I don't doze off until well after midnight.
The dogs get me up the next morning around 5:00 AM, so I get up, well before I'm ready, but their schedule has stayed the same.
We head downstairs, and I let them out. While waiting for them to come back in, I turn on my phone, which I always turn off and leave downstairs, and see I have some missed text messages.
I'm horrified when I see they're from Edward. There are three of them. Just checking that you got home OK. The next one reads, I hope everything is OK. And finally, I'll see you tomorrow.
I immediately text him back. Sorry—phone was turned off. Home safe and sound. Heading to dog park around eight. See you there?
While I fix the boys breakfast, I keep looking at my phone, hoping he'll reply. Nothing. I eat breakfast, and still no response. I head upstairs to get dressed and nothing.
I know I shouldn't be this upset about missing his texts last night, but I really don't want him to think I don't enjoy hearing from him.
It's okay though. I'm going to go about my day. I was happy before Edward, and I'll be happy now.
We head to the dog park, and my heart drops. He, Bo, and Bea are nowhere to be found.
The boys are running around, and I follow them, picking up after them, and a couple of other "gifts" that other owners left behind, which annoys me to no end.
While walking toward one of the garbage cans, Bo and Bea run right for me. "Hey, you two!" I say while petting both of them.
I see Edward walking toward one of the tables with two coffees. A smile breaks out on my face, and I walk over to him.
"Hi. Sorry I missed your texts last night," I say.
"No problem. Here's your Tall."
"Thanks." I take a sip and hum quietly.
"I usually turn off my phone when I'm at home and headed to bed. If I'm on the road, it's on all the time, but not at home. I'm one of those old-fashioned people who still has a landline. Thanks for checking on me. Did you need something?" I ask, sounding too hopeful.
"No, no. I just … I kind of … I just wanted to talk, that's all," he says.
"Really? We just spent the whole evening together."
"Yeah, but I got used to talking with you each night while you were in California." He looks me in the eyes and continues. "And I liked it."
I'm surprised he can't see my heart beating through my T-shirt. He's totally serious.
"Me, too," I say, barely louder than a whisper. He immediately leans over and kisses me. When he pulls back, the smile on his face must match mine.
We turn back to make sure the dogs aren't in trouble, and he notices that Bo must have just done his business, so he's off to pick it up.
"Bea went at the house before we left, so she should be okay," he tells me when he returns.
"What do you have planned for today?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
"I'm working on a couple new songs. I suddenly find myself inspired, and I was up until almost three writing."
"Three? Aren't you exhausted?" I ask.
"Yeah, a little, but I didn't want to miss you this morning. I can always take a nap later."
"I had trouble falling asleep last night, too," I tell him. "I'm still on California time, and then there was the little matter of not talking to you before I crawled into bed."
"Bella, would like to go out to dinner with me tonight? And this doesn't count as the time you are going to pay! I really want to take you out. On a proper date."
I try to act casual while inside I'm screaming with excitement and jumping up and down. "Okay. What time?"
He thinks for a few seconds. "Let me see what time I can get a reservation, and I'll let you know?"
I shake my head. "You're not taking me to some really expensive place, are you? I'm really happy with someplace informal and inexpensive."
"It's just a nice restaurant, but they only have a few tables, so it can be tough to get in on a Saturday night. Let me see what I can do."
"Fine," I say while letting out a big sigh.
I realize we've been at the park for two hours, so it's time to go.
"Sorry, but I better get home. I've got some laundry to do, and I need to get ready for this date I'm now going on tonight," I tease. "What restaurant are we going to so I know what to wear?"
"It's going to be a surprise. The nice thing is you'll see people there in jeans and others in three-piece suits," he tells me.
"Well, that's not helpful. What are you going to wear?" I ask, knowing I could base my wardrobe on his.
"I'll probably wear a button-down shirt and slacks. Not too fancy."
"Okay. That helps." I then look for the dogs and call them over to me. They're tired, so gathering them up is easy, and we head to my car. As I'm loading them in, I hear Edward calling my name.
"Bella! I need to know your address so I can pick you up."
"I'll text it to you when I get home and send directions. It's about a mile from here, so it's close."
"Sounds great. See you later!"
~~~I FEEL UNDERDRESSED~~~
I get home and jump in the shower. When I'm out of the shower, I text Edward my address with a couple hints for directions. He immediately replies, saying our reservations are for 7:45 PM, and it will take about 30 minutes to get there, so he'll pick me up a little after seven.
Even though I have eight hours before he arrives, I start rummaging through my closet trying to find something to wear. I pull out various shirts, skirts, slacks, and dresses. I turn around, and my bed is covered with clothes. Oh, brother.
I decide to wear a navy blue dress with sandals. The dress is fancy, the shoes casual. This should work.
I touch-up my makeup, brush my hair one more time, and wait. Seems it's only six p.m., so I have some time. Why did I get ready so early? I let the boys out and turn on the television, getting lost in the news of the day.
At 6:58, Edward is knocking on my door. All three dogs greet him at the door. He says hello and offers his arm as we head to his car. Today, he's in the sports car.
Edward opens the door for me, and I slip in. The car smells new.
Edward gets in, and I have to ask, "Is this car new?"
"No, it's a couple years old," he responds.
"Why does it still have that new car smell?"
Letting out a small laugh, he says, "I use the new car scent in this car. I don't drive it that often, so it's usually pretty stale. I try to air it out every once in a while."
"So you don't drive it that often?" I ask.
"No, just on special occasions."
I'm curious as to what exactly this is. I saw Vanquish S on the seat when I got in. That didn't mean anything to me at all.
About 25 minutes later, we pull up in front of Eclipse—a trendy new restaurant where the wait list to get in is months long. "How … How did you manage to get a reservation here?"
Edward looks at me for a couple of seconds and shyly mentions, "My brother owns it."
We walk in, and everyone is dressed in suits and beautiful dresses. I'm immediately self-conscious about what I chose to wear. The sandals are completely out of place with the high and strappy heels. The dress is so plain compared to the beautiful dresses worn by others.
As if reading my mind, Edward whispers in my ear, "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"
I smile up at him and say a simple "Thank you."
A tall, well-muscled man approaches us. "Edward!"
Edward replies with, "Hi, Emmett," while giving him a quick hug.
"Ah, this must be Bella. I'm Emmett, the best looking one in the family, other than my wife Rose."
I'm giggling at his words. "Nice to meet you, Emmett. Thank you for squeezing us in."
"Oh, it's my pleasure! I was shocked when Edward called and wanted a reservation. He's eaten here before but with our parents or with me."
I notice Edward glaring at Emmett, so Emmett immediately starts to apologize. "Sorry. I have your table ready. Follow me."
We're seated at a table located at the front window where we can see the entire restaurant and keep an eye on what's going on outside. It's perfect.
Emmett pulls out my chair, and I thank him as he seats me. Edward sits across and asks if I want white or red wine. I ask for white and Emmett says he knows just the wine for us.
~~~I HAVE A "B" NAME FOR YOU~~~
The Pinot Grigio Emmett selected is perfect. Our dinner is phenomenal. It starts with a rosemary and olive drop scone with goat cheese, followed by a spinach and strawberry salad. Then they bring out an apple butternut squash soup and a strawberry crostini. The filet mignon is cooked to perfection!
During the meal, we talk, we laugh, and we even flirt a bit. My foot keeps accidentally rubbing against his shin. Edward stretches his arm out and gently runs a couple of fingers along the back of my hand and up my arm. Each time, goosebumps break out, and I am afraid he could see me shiver.
By the time dessert comes around—roasted pears with espresso mascarpone cream—I am only able to take one bite before I put my fork down. "I am absolutely beyond stuffed. Everything was so good. And the homemade bread? I can't believe I ate four slices!"
Edward smiles at me. "The look on your face as you tried each course? Those images are forever burned into my mind as some of the most beautiful expressions ever."
My heart stops. I stare at him for a few seconds, taking in what he said. I smile back. "It was all so good. But it was even better because I was with you."
"Do you wanna get out of here?" Edward asks me.
"Yeah."
Edward flags down our waitress, who informs him Emmett has already taken care of the bill. "That asshole," Edward mumbles under his breath. "Let's go," he says to me, helping me from my chair.
Edward holds the door as I climb into the car. I notice a couple of young guys walking down the street, admiring the car. Once Edward gets in, I comment, "Those guys who walked past us were really admiring the car. What kind of car is this anyway?"
Edward lets out a small chuckle. "Bella. I believe those guys were admiring you, not the car."
"Oh, no," I counter. "It was definitely the car. So, what is it?"
A small sigh escapes Edward's lips. "It's a Vanquish."
I look at him. I've never heard of a Vanquish. "Oh."
He takes my hand while we drive, gently moving his thumb. The local soft jazz station plays quietly in the car.
As we approached Edward's home, which was slightly closer to the restaurant, he asks, "Do you want to come back to my place for a nightcap?"
"Sure. I have some time before I have to let the boys out."
We enter Edward's garage, and as soon as the door opens, Bo and Bea are there to greet us. "Hello, you two!" I happily greet them, squatting down to get hugs and kisses in. I look up at Edward, who is beaming down at us.
"They sure do like you," he says.
"Oh, they like everybody. Don't you, Bo? Don't you, Bea?"
"What would you like to drink? Perhaps an after-dinner drink like a Courvoisier or Bailey's?"
"Oooh. A Bailey's sounds wonderful. On the rocks would be perfect."
Edward gathers our drinks, and we sit on the sofa. We each take a sip, and before I can comprehend what Edward is doing, he leans over to kiss me. "I've wanted to do that all night. I really like you, Bella."
"I like you, too, Edward. Remember when we met and we had all these B names? Bo, Bea, Beaker, Boomer, Bumper and, of course, Bella? And I said we needed to find a B name for you? Well, I think I've come up with the perfect name. That is if you're open to it."
"Oh, you have? Let's hear it," he says.
I smile widely and say, "Yes. Boyfriend."
~The End~
