ENTRY 1
FIRST DATE


Standing on the top steps of her apartment building, Bella looks through her bag for her keys.

Killing time, she knows she has a better chance of bumping into 2A around this time.

"So when are you gonna say yes to a night with me?"

Every damn time it's the same thing with 1A, she thinks.

She's pulling out her mase when she's drawn back into a chaste kiss. Only to have her eyes meet 2A's green ones.

""Hey you, is there an issue here?" Putting his arm around her and spinning them as he stares down 1A.

"Didn't realize she was spoken for." 1A glares at them as he backs away.

"Sorry about that."

"It's ok, thanks for helping me out."

"No worries. He's moving out Friday. Late Valentine's Day gift, right?" She hops on the elevator first.

"Definitely." Looking out of the corner of her eye, she catches his. They clear their throats as he adjusts his messy bronzed hair as the elevator chimes.

"This is us."

"Us?"

"Our floor." He stifles a chuckle as he lets her off first. He smells of aftershave and mints. "You smell really good."

"Come again?"

"Your aftershave." Swallowing hard, she realizes she spoke out loud.

"Oh, it was a gift. I'm Edward Cullen 2A."

"Bella Swan 2B. Thank you for the help down there"— she points to the lower part of her body—"Oh, my god! Not down there, I meant down in the lobby."

"Yeah I gotcha," he says with amusement, "nice meeting you Bella." He shuts his door as she fumbles with her keys.

The elevator chimes revealing a beautiful, petite woman stepping out and strolling over to 2A's apartment.

Before Bella closes her door, she can overhear 2A.

"Hey, you made it!"

Grabbing a book, Bella heads to her bedroom but hears them laughing. Unable to focus, she drops her book on her face in resignation. Suddenly Bella's head jerks forward as the idea hits her.

She begins jumping on her bed. The laughing stops. She jumps harder and moans.

"Don't stop. Oh, yeah!"

She claps twice, followed by a louder moan.

"Yes! Almost there!" she yells and claps one last time for good measure. Feathers float everywhere from her down comforter. Stopping to take a listen, she yelps, startled by a knock on her door.

She heads to the door with a smug smile. Looking through her peephole, she sees 1B. Bella sighs as she picks feathers from her hair and clothes.

"Hi, Miss Platt."

"Hi, Bella. Look, I don't mean to pry"—she clears her throat—"but if you lovebirds could keep the passion down."

"I can explain Miss Platt, come in."

"Please call me Esme."

"Thank you, Esme. I don't have anyone in my apartment." She nods to her clothed body. "I'm so sorry."

"I don't understand. So, the commotion?" She signals to Bella's bedroom.

""I have a crush on"— she points next door—"2A. The noise was a ploy to ruin his date."

"Oh. You know, you could just ask him out."

Bella laughs, snorts, and covers her mouth. "Easier said than done. I'm 24, but my brain is that of a 16-year-old with the opposite sex."

"Well, aren't we all?"

Bella accompanies Esme to the stairwell and agrees to a coffee date. Walking back up, she can hear Edward.

"Bye sis, I'll see you this weekend."

"Great! I'll let dad know."

Edward follows his sister to the elevator and notices Bella walking swiftly back to her apartment.

Dread washes over Bella at the sudden realization she's triggered the mortise lock on her door.

"Yep. Sure. Why not?" She hangs her head back as she groans.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes and no." Moving towards Edward, she missteps. causing her to fall.

He helps her up, pausing as he looks at her up and down.

"Are you checking me out right now 2A?"

"What? No. I mean yes, but just to make certain you're okay."

She moves backward to stand flush against her door.

"I'm sorry." He flexes his biceps as he puts his hands up defensively and a small moan escapes her throat. She realizes he's heard it when a crooked smile appears on his face.

"Do you think you could text the building manager or a locksmith please?"

"Can't you just tell your companion to open the door?" His face goes sour as he nods to her apartment.

"Friend? Who are you talking about?"

"You two weren't quiet." His eyebrows furrow as he presses his lips together. Then his insinuation hits her.

"Oh my God." Burying her face in her hands. "I'm alone, Edward."

"Alone?"

She turns, placing her forehead on the door, too humiliated to confront him. "Did the manager respond?" Her voice now muffled.

"Two hours. Valentine's Day is busy."

"Ugh. I'm tired, starving, and embarrassed."

"I have some take out coming if you want to wait and join me."

She peeks over her shoulder. "Thanks. I'm too hungry to turn down dinner."

He laughs and her throat goes dry.

"A Valentine's date then."

She tries not to grin too big as she walks past him. Just then he leans in close to her ear.

"I've been wanting to ask you out since the first day I saw you three months ago."

She stills. "Guess we have that in common."

He pulls back, shocked at her declaration. "I have to ask, what were you doing making all that noise?"

Bella groans. "How about I tell you on our next date?"

"Next date?"

—Three years later—

"That's what really happened that day."

"You were pretending to have sex to ruin my alleged date?" He laughs hysterically.

"I'm glad you find my anniversary gift hilarious!"

He pulls the comforter off them and settles his body between her legs. "I love it. To have and to hold Mrs. Cullen." Gazing at her face, he traces his thumb over her bottom lip. "And I'm never letting go."


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