The First Signs of Love One Shot (as of now)
Hey y'all. Here's a lil one shot Ive been working on. Since like 2018! I completely forgot about it until I went through my iPhone notes tonight. I edited it MAJORLY but here it is! Not sure if its to be continued. BUT we will see!
"Charlotte!" I yelled after my daughter as she ran towards the swing set at our local park.
I sighed when I realized it was a lost cause. I wasn't one to let her get away with much, especially ignoring me, but it was one of the last days to play here before it got too cold and the play ground froze over. So instead I shook my head and smiled at her antics. She was excited and I didn't want to curb her enthusiasm.
I smiled at her sweet tinkling voice as it carried over to where I sat. Today was Saturday, which meant Lauren would be here. They played so sweetly together, for hours at a time if I let her. I tried to bring her most days after school as our apartment didn't have any yard space and I knew they didn't always get to play during school hours, especially in the winter, beside, she loved it so much, who was I to deny her something she loved?
While she played I wrapped myself tightly in a blanket I brought along with me and settled down with a book. I made sure to keep an eye on my girl as she played and I read, although there was never a minute I couldn't hear her.
Her voice carried and as she continuously chatted to Lauren. It never ceased to amaze me how children always had so much to talk about. After two hours of playing it was time to go. The wind had started to pick up and the sun was starting to dip, even though it was only 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Hand in hand, Charlotte and I walked back towards our home, chatting about the games she and Lauren had played.
It was a routine both of us were use to, having done the same thing just about every Saturday since moving to Seattle a few months ago. However, unlike previous Saturday's there was a man ahead of us, running after a very large brown dog. Its leash was billowing in the wind as it scampered away from its owner and towards Charlotte and I.
"Jake!" The man shouted after the dog. "Stop!."
The dog ignored him though and continued bounding towards us. I quickly pushed Charlotte to the side of the foot path and as the dog barreled passed us, I tried to grab his leash. Obviously startled by my movement the dog changed direction and before I even knew what was happening I found myself on the road, in a dirty puddle of curb water, with a huge dog towering over me, licking my face.
A fit of giggles came over me and Charlotte as the man approached us. He was obviously concerned with the situation and so a shocked looked came over his face when he saw us both in high spirits.
"I'm so sorry!." He said, apologizing profusely. "He usually doesn't do things like this."
"Don't worry about it." I insisted, trying to stand.
"Here." He said, pulling me to my feet. "You're soaked!" He exclaimed, pulling me flush with his long body.
It's really my first chance to properly look at the man. He's older than me, that much is obvious, maybe 35 or so, with the most incredible electric green eyes, beautiful pale skin, plump red lips, and a full head of coppery, bronze hair that is in complete disarray.
Pulled flush against him now I can feel how hard his body is underneath the thick jacket. He definitely works out and I can definitely appreciate it.
"Do you live far?" He asked while rubbing his large hands up and down my arms, creating delicious warm friction. Briefly I wish we were making friction another way. I'm shocked at myself for thinking such things about a stranger. A good looking stranger at that. But still, a stranger. This man is far too beautiful to not be attached.
"No, we're not far." I respond, shaking my head a little to dispel my earlier thoughts.
Holding my hand out to Charlotte I ask her to pass me the blanket I dropped and then I wrap myself in it. It helps with the shivers that have started to wrack through my body. The man quickly spins to see who I'm talking too, momentarily forgetting that we aren't alone.
"Are you alright?" He asked Charlotte, getting down on one knee in front of her.
"Just fine, sir." She insisted softly with pink cheeks. "You're puppy looks like fun." She tells him sweetly.
"He is a lot of fun, and a lot of trouble as well. Would you like to pat him?"
He doesn't push her, which I'm thankful for. She's never been around big dogs before.
Hesitantly she reaches out and pats the dog's big nose with gentle strokes. She giggles sweetly when the big mutts tongue darts out and licks her small hand.
"His name is Jake. He tells her, before standing up and pulling the blanket around me more firmly.
"You're sure you're alright?" He asked again.
I can see the worry and guilt in his eyes.
I nod, still mesmerized by how handsome he is and how sweet he was with Charlotte.
"Let me make it too to you both. Are you busy now, or can I take two pretty ladies to dinner?"
I blush at the compliment and hear him chuckle beside me.
"Like mother, like daughter." He muttered to himself, looking at my blush.
"Really…" I trail off, unsure of what to call him, ''Sir, it's fine."
"Edward, please, My name is Edward."
"Bella." I tell him. "And this is my daughter, Charlotte." I explain, pulling my little girl into my side.
I see his face drop a little when I say daughter, but I'm unsure as to why. He seems perfectly comfortable around children.
"Please can we go mummy?" Charlotte says, appearing in-front of us. "Jake is so much fun and I don't want to say bye yet."
I look up at Edward and see his beautiful green eyes pleading down at me.
"I was just on my way to a cafe to get myself some dinner. They allow dogs, which is why I have Jake. Please, let me treat you both. It's the least I can do. And hopefully along the way Jake will redeem himself."
I nod my head. "Okay. I would like to change first though."
"Of course. I'll wait right here for you both while you freshen up."
Grateful he hasn't asked to walk us home or come up to the apartment, Charlotte and I quickly make our way the last few yards down the side walk and make our way up to our place. We quickly change and I try desperately not think of this as a date.
Fifteen minutes later Charlotte and I are back downstairs and on the street. Edward is waiting on a bench, not far from where I left him. Scratching Jake behind his ears. As we reach Edward, Charlotte immediately reaches out to hold onto Jake's leash and 'help' Edward walk him as we head towards the dog friendly cafe.
"So Bella." He says after a few moments of companionable silence. "Have you lived long in Seattle?"
"A few months now. I recently got a job at Becker and Mayer as one of the assistant editors. So Charlotte and I packed up and moved. We're really loving it so far."
"Where'd you move from?" He asked.
"A small town about three hours from here, Forks."
"Oh I know Forks, my parents have a place there. They like to get away to the mountains and forest areas a few times a year and that's definitely something Forks has." He joked and explained.
Goodness, these people are definitely in a different tax bracket, I think to myself while chuckling along with Edward.
"Have you ever visited?" I asked curiously, wondering if maybe our paths have crossed without realizing it.
Although I don't think I'd ever forget his face, it's too beautiful and would stand out in Forks.
"Once, a few years back when they bought the place, but not since then."
Our paths probably didn't cross then, I was likely finishing up high school or buried in books at home while studying my online courses.
"So what do you do, Edward?"
"I work downtown at Cullen Incorporated. It's a consulting company based mostly in engineering and product development. I do a bit of everything."
"Oh, I know that building. It's not far from where I am. Do you live near me as well." I joked lamely.
He laughs a long with me but tells me he lives downtown. It must be a well paying job then. I remember how much apartments downtown were when I was looking for a place.
"Here we are." Edward informs us as we approach a small but quaint looking cafe. "We will have to sit outside because of Jake, but they have heaters to keep us warm. Will that be alright?" He asks the both of us.
"Absolutely. What do you think Charlotte?" I asked.
"Will I get to play with Jake?"
"Of course." Edward tells her.
"Then it's okay. Mummy, can I please have a hot chocolate?" My little one asks politely.
"You sure can sweetie." I respond, placing my hand on her soft brown hair. "And how about a nice bowl of warm soup. Does that sound good?" I ask.
She nods her head in response and then disappears below my eye line to play with Jake.
Edward asks for his usual table, he really must come here a lot. We take a seat right near one of the heaters and I feel very cozy in the small alfresco area out the front of the cafe. They've got long, clear plastic 'walls' pulled down to help keep the heat in and successfully block out the unwanted wind.
We order and for the next two hours the three of us get to know each other. Edward is such a handsome man but there's so much more to him that that. He's smart and unfailing kind, and so charming. He very obviously loves his job but doesn't hog the conversation and frequently asks about mine and Charlotte's lives. He makes us both laugh throughout the entire meal and I honestly forget that I've only just met him.
I peak at his left hand briefly, there's no wedding band or ring tan line, which suggests he hasn't been married or recently married. Upon seeing this the inappropriate thoughts come back in full swing and makes the undoubtable attraction, on my end, slightly less creepy and weird.
Still, he's at least ten years older than me and is obviously quite comfortable with his life. He's just being friendly and I try to keep reminding myself of that. Nothing wrong with a little daydreaming though. After all, who wouldn't want to be with this man?
We're interrupted by our waitress a little while later with the cheque. I just about choke mid swallow while I take a sip from my cup when I hear his last name.
"Mr. Cullen" She says, "here's your bill."
"Cullen." I mumble to myself, suddenly recognizing the name. "You're - Oh my goodness. I didn't realize." He doesn't just work at Cullen Incorporated, he runs it. Owns it. Built it from the ground up.
"Bella." He says, and then stops. Unsure of what to say, I'm certain. "Are you alright?" He asked, placing a warm hand onto of mine.
I look at our joint hands and swallow thickly. Now I definitely know that he's just being friendly. This man is out of my league in so many different ways. The day dream was nice while it lasted.
"Yeah." I respond, clearing my throat. "Yes. I'm okay. I just didn't realize who you were. You must be so proud of your empire." I offer, trying desperately to move on from my reaction.
Edward pauses, deciding on his words before responding.
"There was a time where it was my most important endeavor. Yes, I'm undoubtably proud of what I've created but I've reached a point in my life where I feel as though I've missed out on so much." Edward's voice trails off and is almost sad by the time he finishes speaking. His eyes land on Charlotte, who is finishing off her dessert at the table, and then flick back to me. Before a reassuring smile comes across his face.
I give his hand a squeeze and I hope my expression is one of comfort. I can see that pain behind his eyes and I hate that I can't anything to fix it.
"There's something about you Bella." He says softly. "May I see you again?"
The shock must show on my face because he chuckles at my response. "You want to -"
"Go on a date with you." He finishes for me, with a tentative smile.
My eyes flick to Charlotte, my beautiful daughter, who is once again playing with Jake. I haven't had a date since having her. Not because their weren't opportunities to do so, but because I didn't think it was fair to Charlotte. I didn't want men walking in and out of her life and I definitely hadn't met someone I considered worth her meeting, let alone starting up a relationship with.
Until Edward.
He must understand my hesitation because he starts to reassure me.
"I understand your reluctance. But I promise to always treat you both with the upmost respect. Which also means accepting your decisions, no matter what you choose. I also understand that you're a package deal and I wouldn't want it any other way."
"It's been five years since I've even had anything like a date. I'm afraid I've forgot that they're like." I joke. "But there's something about you Edward Cullen. Something that makes me think you're worth our while. I don't want to see you walk away. I'm not ready to say goodbye to you yet."
We slowly make our way back to my apartment. My reluctance earlier about him seeing where we live is long gone. He's a wonderful man and Charlotte and I have nothing to fear from him.
We take the elevator up to our floor and along the way I feel a little embarrassed about the state of the building. We aren't poor thanks to my job and savings aver the last few years but it's certainly not fancy or new. And I wonder what Edward thinks of it.
I know he's too kind a human being to judge me for it but it still makes me feel insecure.
When we get to the door I open it and let Charlotte inside.
"Goodnight, Edward." She says and then bends down to give Jake a big hug and a kiss. "Love you, Jake." She says sweetly.
"Start getting ready for bed." I call out as she runs inside. Turning back to Edward I say, "I'd invite you in but I have to get Charlotte to bed and -"
He cuts off my rambling by holding his hands up and nods in understanding. "It's late, and time to call it night. Don't worry. I know that Charlotte is your number one priority. I understand."
"Thank you."
"When can I see you again?"
"Is tomorrow too soon?" I asked, half joking and half serious.
The smile that comes across his face is spectacular. "Not too soon at all, beautiful. What do you usually do on Sunday's?"
"Sleep in and then hang out at a park that isn't far from here, although I think it may be a little too cold tomorrow for that. Maybe the zoo instead?" I offer, unsure if that's what he had in mind.
"The zoo sounds wonderful. And how about I make you both dinner, when we're finished?" He asks, almost pleadingly.
"Dinner at your place?" I respond, thinking of all the breakable and precious things that could be dropped or drawn on by little uncoordinated hands with crayons.
"Are you sure?" I ask, uncertainly.
"Don't worry about Charlotte, my apartment is child friendly." He responds, confidently.
For a moment I think it's because he's got children of his own but he's quick to clarify.
"My brother and sister have children and they're all over frequently." He explained. "I've got toys and child friendly food, changes of clothes and a bed if Charlotte needs a nap."
"I didn't realize you had such a big family. That must be so wonderful, Edward. I would have loved to have siblings growing up."
"You're an only child?" He asked, curiously.
"Yeah, thankfully I get along with my parents really well. And I have Charlotte now so I'm not alone."
We both smile at each other when we hear a little voice call out.
"I'm ready for my bath, Mummy."
"Duty calls." I laugh. "I had a great time with you Edward. Thank you for dinner. You've definitely made up for this afternoons blunder."
"I'm glad to hear it. I had a great time as well. I'm sorry Jake pushed you over but at the same time I'm thankful for it too. I might have never met if you he hadn't." He explained, taking my cold hands in his, much warmer hands. "Does that make sense?" He asked, stepping loser to me and brushing some hair away from my face.
"I feel the same way Edward." I whispered, with my eyes on his lips and my skin tingling from his touch.
"I really want to kiss you, Bella." Edward murmured, while pulling me closer until I was completely fluid with his body.
The warmth radiating of him is intoxicating and for a moment I can't believe that this magnificent creature wants to kiss me.
Me.
Bella Swan.
A little nobody compared to him.
"Please, kiss me." I begged quietly.
And so he does. His lips brush against mine and they're so warm and soft and mould to the shape of mine.
They're just moist enough to make the moment perfect and I love the taste of him on my lips. He lets out a soft moan when I lean into him further and when I reach up and tangle my fingers in his hair he moans again.
When we finally manage to part, he rests his forehead on mine, both of us trying to catch our breaths.
"What time can I come by?" He asks, still a little breathless.
"Ten?" I offer. Just as breathless.
"Sounds great, beautiful. I miss you already."
As I watch him walk away I enjoy the view of Edward from the back. His behind looks edible in the dark jeans he's wearing. I love how they mould to his legs and show them off, without being too tight.
I sigh when I lose sight of him. What a sight indeed.
And what kiss.
Wow.
I touch my lips to check that it really did happen.
"Mummy." A little voice asks while gripping my shirt and tugging on it. "Is it bath time?"
I laugh at her innocences and then tell her to lead the way.