THE OTHER WOMAN
DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS IT ALL.
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Enjoy.
July 10, 2015
BELLA
The aroma of ham and cheese spreads in my apartment as I fry the croquettes . I chuckle. It smells like Christmas. I look up at the clock hung in the living room and see it's almost six. I came home early today so that I can make some snacks for Jake. It was his first day at work after all.
The company is pretty huge. I saw it when I dropped him off in the morning because his car broke down. It was more than a twenty story building, so elegant yet sophisticated. Jake said he would be working on the 8th floor, because that's the one classified for just the interns.
I have no idea what his work enthralls as an intern. Design buildings and stuff? Ugh. I never understand what happens with architects. They just wear suits and draw stuff. I had seen mostly all the people walking inside the building wearing suits.
Men look hot in suits.
Speaking of hot, Edward comes into my mind for the nth time today. I did nothing but think about him the whole day. I sigh softly. Why didn't he come to the store? I was waiting for him all morning. Instead he sent his assistant, who looked intimidating. I expected him to forgot about the money but he didn't.
I grab the slotted spoon and remove the croquettes on a paper towel to let them cool. I am in the middle of frying the third batch when the door bursts open and Jake walks in with a splitting grin on his face.
He walks over and swoops me in his arms, hugging me tightly. I guess his day went pretty good. I suddenly realize my croquettes are in the pan and slap his arm so he can set me down. I keep them on the paper towel and turn the stove off.
"I'm starving." Is the first thing he tells me. I roll my eyes and he gets himself a plate. I serve him all of them and he walks over to sit on the bar stool across from me.
"How was your first day, Jake?"
"It was the best day of my life!" He says with so much energy and I know he must've done something good. I walk over and sit next to him. "We were told by the HRM head that we'll be selected to work on some projects but not everyone."
"So, you got selected." I stated and grabbed a croquette to eat. Jake glares at me like I just told a five-year old version of him that Santa doesn't exist.
"Hey! That was the surprise!" I smile and start chewing on the snack.
"Well, you can still tell me how you got it, honey." His smile generates again.
"Yeah, that's true. Anyway, so there were ten of us and some of us were going to be working on an Urban Planning project with Mr. Platt and the rest with Mr. Cullen. I really wanted to work with Mr. Cullen because his projects always have-" I hold up a finger.
"Don't get in the details, I never understand." He rolls his eyes.
"Okay, so Mr. Platt himself walked in, I was seeing him for the first time. He is really smart and around your age, I'd say. Oh my god! He was standing there for real, I couldn't believe it." I chuckle.
"You're fangirling over a man? I thought you liked girls." He pokes his tongue out at me.
"Well, no but it's one of the top companies in our continent right now. And has been for the past twenty something years." I frown.
"Hold on. You said the guy was around my age, how is the company so old?"
Jake rolls his eyes. "Well, Victor Platt owned the company before. Alex Platt and Edward Cullen are his grandsons who took over a couple of years ago." My heart pauses for a moment. Did he just say Edward?
"What were the names again?"
"Alex Platt and Edward Cullen." He drawls out with exaggerated slowness like I am some kind of retard. I just shake my head.
Edward? Hmm, I don't know the last name of the Edward I met yesterday. How am I supposed to know? Jacob's a guy, he obviously won't stare a man to study his features that I can investigate something about it.
"Oh."
"They're so cool. Mr. Platt just picked out the only two girls present at the internship program." Ah.
"Sounds like a real lumberjack to me. He didn't even give you boys a chance! Who does that?"
"Mr. Wallis, the head of the HR understood that and went to talk to Mr. Cullen," My heart skipped a beat. "Who agreed to see us. Well, only four of us. He was going to select one." I smile.
"He selected you, right?" He grins. Finally he'll be doing work that he loves. Doesn't matter if it's an unpaid internship.
"Yeah, it gets better." Oh? "Mr. Wallis just took four top ones and we went to Mr. Cullen's office. His office was as big as your apartment and so awesome but all of us were really nervous." Gah! Why so scared?
"Why is that?"
"Bells, he owned the whole thing. He could kick us out if he wanted to! People listen to everything he says. More than Mr. Platt, I heard. He was a pretty intimidating guy." Jake mentions the latter part with a rather conspiratorial tone.
"Well, I'll be reminded of you every time I zone out from now."
Edward's words, his gorgeous green eyes, how he smiled and that impish glint when he teased me is something I will not forget. The guy I met last night was not intimidating; he was fun and playful and beautiful and hot and sexy and curious and supportive and loving and-
"Bells! Hear me out before you get lost again!" Jacob yells, waving his hand in front of my face. I shake my head and give him a nod.
"Right, sorry. Please continue."
"So, he looked in a very bad mood and started explaining the entire project. But, what we didn't know was that, part of it was wrong."
"What?" I ask, confused.
"Well, he wanted to see if we can point out the simple mistake and give an explanation. He wanted someone on the team who uses logic when working and not just have textbook theories in our brain." Wow, that sounds impressive.
"Sounds like a stand-up guy."
"He is. So, I point out the mistake and he gets really mad at me and starts shouting of how dare I try to find mistakes and stuff. I grab my pencil and explain when making changes to it." I smile. That must've have gotten him the job.
"Then what happened?"
"He called his assistant and told her to have me on the team," My grin widens. "And that it's going to be a paid-internship and if I do good, I'll be given a job there." I squeal and hug him tightly. I am so, so proud of him.
"Oh, Jake I'm so happy and so proud of you. I can't believe it. He really said that?"
"I was shitting my pants, so I couldn't hear him. I asked him again and he laughed but said yes." I laugh and kiss his cheek.
"I've never seen you this happy." I murmur and feel like his face is going to break my smiling so much. "Mom would be so happy." I add and give him a teary smile.
"Don't cry, Bella." He wipes away my tears and I hug him again.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't do better for you, or enroll you to some Ivy League college but you still did so much better." He pulls back and stares at me firmly.
"You've done the best you can. You are the best sister a guy could ask for. Thank you. For everything. I told you I'd make you proud one day."
"You have. Every day." I see his eyes brimming with tears. "Hey, now you don't cry. How about we'll all go out for drinks to celebrate tomorrow. We'll invite all of our friends. My treat." This way they'll be in a major hangover to even think about going to that beer thing on Sunday.
"Bells, there's no need to-"
"Hush, it's something to celebrate. You can have drinks; enjoy." I shrug and give him a smile.
"No, we have to go to the Beer Fest on Sunday. We'll be meeting everyone anyway."
"But-"
"You're not getting out of it."
"It's so stupid and crass. People will be falling over each other from being too drunk. Very shabby."
"So, going out for drinks at a pub would be a walk in the garden or what?" I sigh.
"Fine! How about dinner?"
"No, that's okay. I'll go back to my place."
"Sit. I'll make your favorite. Mushroom Rigatoni." He fist pumps in the air.
"You're the best. I'll be back in twenty though. I have to freshen up." I nod and get off the bar stool.
"Finish this first." I point to the plate.
"What is it?"
"They are croquettes." Jake stares at me weirdly. "It has a lot of ham and cheese in it." He starts stuffing his face with it and I chuckle.
"I love this. It's awesome. You should try a new dish every day." I roll my eyes as he mumbles that with a mouth full of it.
"Yeah, because that's all I am here for. Cook food for you." He winks.
"You know it." I smile and let out a sigh.
At least my cup is half full.
July 11, 2015
I add one cup of sugar in the jug and grab the wooden spoon and continue to stare at my best friend. I study her nervous expression and she knows I'm mad at her. I use the wooden spoon and stir the lemonade, without breaking eye-contact. Her hazel eyes regard me warily. The clock ticks past her shoulder as she stands by the bar stools whereas I stand in my open kitchen. The ticking of clock and the clinking of the spoon against the glass of the jug is all that is heard.
Angela Weber.
Possibly the worst best friend in the world.
She looks pretty today though, with her brown hair slightly curled and light makeup adorns her face. Her green dress makes her fair skin look even better. I notice for the first time that she is holding a bag labelled Big Brown Bag and I internally roll my eyes. I know she's purchased me a dress. Ugh.
Angela must be the only person on earth whom I can tolerate even though she annoys the hell out of me. I know she expects me to nod my head along with whatever she would say but not tonight. This is for the third time.
"Bella, if you would just-" She screws her eyes shut when she's unable to talk as the volume of the clinking increases as I stir furiously. I stop and clink the spoon against the rim of the jug so that the remaining droplets fall in it. I pour the lemonade in two glasses.
"Here." I say calmly as I slide one of the glass in her direction. Angela drops the bag and lets out a sigh as she sits on the bar stool. I take a sip from my juice and try to not throw this on her face.
"Does it have pulp in it?"
"No." I lie. She grins and takes a sip, only to cough it out on the island. I take large swigs and empty mine and rinse the glass quickly.
"Clean this up and go out with Ben for the night." I state and do a little dance internally as I quietly go to my bedroom.
It's five minutes later when Angela barges in with the bag and keeps it on the bed. She stands in front of me with her hands on her hips. Her glare isn't that irate today. I keep my book away and look at her expectantly.
"Yes?"
"Isabella, you are going." She's using my full name.
"No, I'm not."
"You haven't been out on a date for months! You need to get laid!" I blush and look away. That is correct.
"Angela, please, not tonight. I don't feel good." Her face changes to a mask of concern.
"What happened? Are you okay? Are you running a fever?"
"A slight headache." I mutter and close my eyes, resting against the headboard.
"You just need a little change in your life. Go out on this date. You don't even have to take it seriously, just for fun, perhaps. Riley is a pretty awesome guy." My eyebrows shot up in surprise as I open my eyes.
"Riley?"
"Yeah, I know you liked him. He asked if you would want to go out. Riley really liked you too."
"We just met once at your anniversary party."
"You looked smoking hot that day, Bells." She winks and I chuckle. "Just go out once, if you don't like his company, I won't force you. I promise."
I gaze at her for a moment and then give in.
"What time?"
Angela squeals and tackles me for a hug, making me laugh.
I put on my black stud earrings and my best friend pushes me down on the chair. She stands in front of me and stares at me for a minute, then turns and grabs something.
"Close your eyes."
I do and let out a sigh when I feel something brushing against my closed eyelids. She reminds me to quit complaining and that she will not put on too much make-up on me. I try to stay still and not let my mind wander away from the date.
Edward. Why am I thinking about him out of the blue?
I wish the guy I am getting so dolled up for would be Edward. But it's not him. He probably has a hot girlfriend and they live in his fancy apartment. Huh. Even the thought of him with some other woman makes me jealous.
He clearly isn't as eager to meet again as I was to meet him, otherwise he wouldn't have sent his assistant to pay for the books. Edward said that he would pay. I dressed up yesterday for that one and only reason. Edward probably doesn't even remember me. He must meet new people every day. Wait. I need to know about his job. What does he do? I'll ask him the next time we-no, no. No meeting him. I have to get over him. Yes, I do.
Riley.
Riley Biers is very charming as well. He's no Edward, but whatever. He is a financial broker which sounds very complicated so I never dare ask him about his work. He must be around two years older than me which is okay because he is a very interesting guy.
Angela dolls me up for the next twenty minutes and when I open my eyes, I can't recognize myself. Wow. The dress is pretty good. Angela pats herself on the back and I grin at her. I stand up and look in the mirror.
I am wearing the black dress Angela got me, which is a lace-up V-neck that looks a little revealing. The dress falls until my thighs and I am having seconds thoughts now.
"Angela, I look like a slut."
"You don't."
"The lace is so plunging, you can see my panties if you lean in closer. And the length! If I sit down, he can see my panties. So in every possible way you have decided to show the guy my underwear." I say, my voice sounding high and squeaky for some reason.
"Bells, you look so sexy. If I were a guy, I would be throwing myself at you." I roll my eyes.
"Yeah, okay."
"Just remember not to trip. The entire lace-up is held by one knot. You untie it, you'll flash the whole restaurant." I glare at her whereas she lets out a snort. "Relax, jeez. You look amazing. Riley won't be able to keep his hands off you."
"That's the hope." I mutter sarcastically and put on my black four inch stilettos. At least, I'll stand up tall now.
I walk over to my closet and grab the matching clutch. I check my phone and notice it's seven already. He will be here any moment. I feel my stomach filling with butterflies and don't know why. I am never this excited to go out on a date.
Maybe it's because I want to get over my thirty-minute stranger talk with Edward.
Or maybe because Riley is a good guy.
I think I'll be going with the second one.
Scratch that.
I think it's because I don't want to look like a pathetic loser who stays in her apartment on a Saturday .
The doorbell rings and Angela squeals, skipping over to the foyer to answer the door. I take a deep breath and grab my trench coat.
It's going to be a great night.
"... and my dad hated him so much, so we were at this office picnic and my dad took me to introduce him. I told him that, 'My dad says you're a son of a bitch'. The co workers fed me ice-cream all day long because they wanted to always say that to him." I stare at Riley with my mouth agape.
"You didn't say that!"
"Hey, cut me a little slack, I was five." I laugh lightly and nod.
"Alright, five year olds are allowed to embarrass their parents."
"That's right. So you never have any embarrassing stories?" I blush.
"Well, every day there is a new embarrassing incident waiting to happen." He chuckles.
"I figured that out at the party when you spilled the wine right on the crotch of the guy sitting next to us."
"Not my fault his pants were unzipped!" Riley shakes with laughter and I join him as we recall that night. That was fun.
"Oh god, I'm never forgetting that." He says breathlessly as his mind seems far off.
"Anyway," I say pointedly. "Where are we going?"
"Canlis, it's an elegant restaurant, I like it there." I nod.
"I've heard about it. Never been there."
"You don't go out much, do you?"
"Not really."
"Well, I'm glad you agreed to go out with me then." He sends an adorable smile in my direction and I blush.
"No problem." I mumble and realize we've reached the place.
The construction is marvelous, it looks like a modern house more than a restaurant. There are a lot of trees and I know it's going to be cold later tonight. The place looks crowded as well. It must be pretty popular.
After the car is parked, I step out of it and hear the gentle breezes of water. The view will be so fantastic with the lake nearby. I tie up my trench coat after I put it on and Riley places his hand on the small of my back as we make our way to the entrance.
A man dressed in a formal suit, eyes me as he opens the entrance doors for us. He gives me a wink and my eyes widen as I look away. What a leech. I notice Riley is checking his phone to notice what happened. I need to be careful when I exit this place. Once a guy like this followed me until Angela's place.
Riley makes me sit on the couch in the lobby as he makes a quick talk with the receptionist. I take an immediate glance inside and notice the place looks quite busy. I wonder if we'll get a table fast enough because I can eat some food.
"Come on." He gives me a smile and I stand up. We are led to a table, that has a view of the Lake Union from the side. It's so beautiful tonight. I sit across from Riley, with the view to my right and notice there is a partition separating this section from a room with an elaborate dining table. Must be for private dining.
My eyes survey this place carefully. Stone walls and wooden furniture give it a cave-like feeling and it's pretty chilly here, for which there are fireplaces all over. It's so amazing.
A man, not too far away from us plays a piano, a jolly smile on his face. He looks around fifty or something and I blush when he catches my eye. He offers me a friendly wink which doesn't creep me out. I offer him a kind smile.
The waiter walks over to us and I suggest Riley to order us some wine because I don't know squat about it. About five minutes later, blood red liquid is poured in my wine glass and I let out a soft, disappointed sigh. I would rather prefer white wine but I don't say anything.
I take a tentative sip and keep the glass back down. The warm liquid leaves a heated trail and I smile. It has been hell of a week and this place is putting me in a better mood.
"The menus, sir, ma'am." The waiter hands us the menus and I skim through the list. Everything sounds great but I would rather start out with something light.
"Bella?" I nod to Riley and look at the waiter.
"I'll have the Canlis Salad," He notes it down.
"And I'll have the Dungeness Crab."
"A fine choice. I'll be right with your first course." The waiter walks away whose name I didn't bother listening to.
"I've never seen a girl not eating salad on the first course." Riley teases and I mock glare at him.
"Well, it's the healthiest meal, did you read the ingredients?" He smiles.
"No, my eyes were set on the crab." I chuckle and look past his shoulder to see people rushing around the private dining, setting up the table and getting everything ready frantically. I can see the manager, yelling instructions and somebody drops a plate, making all heads turn as it clatters to the floor soundly.
The manager roars at the waiter and he scurries away from the room. Wow. And I thought it would be a peaceful dinner. If these guys are making so much noise, how much vocal would the people who'll be coming here be? So much for a great date night.
"Is the president coming or what?" Riley mutters and turns back to me. I shake my head and look outside at the lake.
"The lake is stunning isn't it?" I nod.
"It looks gorgeous being all lightened up. I can just stare at it forever."
"Wouldn't your eyes strain?" I laugh and turn to Riley.
"Maybe but I can catch some sleep in the morning. Why, you've never had a mind preoccupied with thoughts?" I ask curiously.
"No, I like to be impulsive." He winks and I see an underlying emotion in those eyes that I can't really understand. I just decide to shake that thought off.
"Fair enough," Uh oh, I have to pee. "Can you excuse me for a moment?" He shrugs and I stand up. I quickly make my way to the restroom I noticed before, which was second door from the entrance.
I quickly do my business and stare at myself in the mirror for a minute. My red lipstick is still in place and there is no need for touch-up. Thank you, Angela. I take a deep breath and walk out, staring at my feet and the heels twist for the millionth time in my life before I smack right into the person who was about to walk inside the seating area and turns out to be a man.
"Fuck." I hear the voice mutter and there is some kind of strain in that sound.
I don't dare look up and try to wipe off the mark of lipstick that printed at the arm of his light blue shirt. I notice he is wearing a dark gray vest which is thankfully not ruined. When I can't get it off, I give up and play with my fingers instead.
"I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen, I'm just clumsy and I can maybe send a new one of the some color? I'll just need to know where you got it from so that I can, you know buy it," What am I rambling about?! "Because it looks expensive."
His hands go deep into his pockets and a distinctly familiar scent wraps around me. I hear nothing but laughter as I wait for the person to say something.
"Bella, do you even know how ridiculous that sounds?"
My heads snaps up so fast, I swear it was going to fall off two seconds ago. Green emeralds are staring at me in the dark passageway. They hold an amused expression. Of course they do. I just made a complete fool out of myself. God, he looks so incredibly hot.
"Hi." I mumble and tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Sorry about the… you know." I motion to the lipstick mark.
"No problem." Edward smiles at me, which makes my heartbeats run faster than a hummingbird's.
Wait a minute.
I'm here for a date. That means he must also be here for a date. Oh god. I have to leave. But he doesn't seem to mind standing here talking to me. Maybe he is not out on a date. Relief washes over me at that thought. There is a possibility of that being true.
"So, what are you doing here?" I ask casually, and realize he was staring at my dress until I asked him the question. I blush. Thanks again, Angela.
"Well, I'm believing it's a restaurant, so my answer is going to be; to have dinner." He nods and I crack a smile. Out of my periphery I see a figure approaching us and I hope it's not Riley but I make out blonde hair. I look up to see a handsome man, almost as handsome as Edward, walking towards us, dressed in a suit as well.
Oh my god.
Edward is gay? No, that's can't be it.
"Hey, Edward? You coming?" The guy asks, staring at me with his blue eyes. I shuffle my feet and stare at my fingers. It's so awkward to make eye-contact with strangers. "And who's your friend?" I look up to find him offering me a very charming smile. My eyes widen and I turn to Edward, who is glaring at the guy. Maybe he doesn't like when somebody intrudes his conversation.
"Go. I'll be there in ten." Edward snaps and Handsome Guy let's out a chuckle, nodding at me with an amused expression as he leaves not before giving Edward's shoulder a squeeze like he is saying something about me and Edward gives a tight nod. Maybe not about me.
"Was that your date?" I ask and he chuckles.
"No, we're here for a meeting. There are like the eight of us." He points towards the private dining and I nod. Yes, of course, that's why the manger was being so frantic about making it look perfect.
"Oh, so you like to work on Saturdays?"
"Who does? Although I don't work. We have all the board of directors, discuss their works and what they are currently working on. We do this every two months or something." He shrugs casually but I can see it in his eyes how important it is for him.
"That sounds interesting." Edward laughs at my comment.
"It can be. Are you here all alone? Because you shouldn't keep the person waiting." I can hear caution in his voice. Edward's eyes darken for some reason and I wonder what it is. Should I tell him I'm out on a date?
"He can understand that." I mumble and his smiles at me, but it doesn't reach his eyes.
"Date?" I nod. "Well, have fun then." He whispers as his green orbs stare into mine with an unreadable emotion.
"He's not my boyfriend." I blurt and he chuckles as I can see his shoulders relaxing. I blush because I have no idea why I had to say that to him.
"So a blind-date?"
"No, my best friend set us up. We met at a party once." He casts his eyes away and then nods.
"I'll let you be then, it was nice to meet you again, Bella."
"You too, Edward."
And we just get lost into each other's eyes for some reason. Green to brown. I can hear the piano music around us, know there are people talking, laughing inside, he has work waiting and I have a date but it doesn't matter when his eyes regard me that way.
I can see passion, tenderness and so much curiosity in them. His long lashes don't blink and I realize they frame his eyes so perfectly. His parents must be more attractive looking than I imagine. I have to go to Riley, but I can't move my legs.
I close my eyes and think about Edward, the one person I've tried to forget today but have been unsuccessful. He is standing in front of me. His intense stare is giving me goosebumps and I shiver slightly as a cool breeze passes around us. Why is it so cold here? It's summer for crying out loud!
So I open my eyes and notice the hallway has emptied, there is no one around. I frown. There was that lewd guy standing there a minute ago at the entrance. I notice the crowds' noise have dialed down to just murmurs. I look up and am met with those familiar green eyes from before.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" I say shyly, his gaze is making me so hot.
"Like what?"
"I don't know." I mumble and count the buttons on his vest. One, two, three. My eyes widen as the buttons get closer to me. Four.
Oh shit, he's coming closer to me.
Edward tips my chin to look up at him. I blink and stare at him from under my eyelashes. I step back as he strides towards me. I walk backwards until I am caged against the restroom door and his hard body.
His leans a little and presses his nose against my hair, taking a lungful of breath. I almost pale and my heart beats are so turbulent, one can actually hear it's thumping. His fingers stroke my cheek softly, grazing my skin and I lean into his touch.
"You look so beautiful, Bella." He murmurs and I blush as I look into his sensual eyes. I open my mouth but no words are able to come out. I have lost my voice just floored from his simple phrase.
You look beautiful, Bella.
I look beautiful.
Do I?
"Kiss me."
I murmur and he briefly touches his lips against mine, only to pull back way too quickly. I wrap my arms around the back of his neck and crash his lips against mine. He chuckles and kisses me back, his sweet tongue entering my mouth. I moan appreciatively as his minty breath is making my head swirl.
"Oh, Bella. You're so perfect."
"Not even close." I mumble and I feel his hand stretching behind me. I heard something twist and I gasp when I'm pushed against a wall. I open my eyes and see we are inside the restroom, as Edward closes the door.
"What if someone enters?" I gasp out as his hot kisses trail down my neck.
"Shh, it's just us." Edward pulls back and looks at me with his crooked smile, speeding up my heart rate.
"How do you know that?"
"Well, for one, you're dreaming and two; don't be such a prude, Bella." He teases and I blush.
"I'm not a prude," I ignore his first comment. "I can be pretty bold."
"Oh yeah, prove it."
"I have a date." He shakes his head and connects my lips to his soft ones. My fingers aggressively pull at his hair as we kiss feverishly and I just want to stay here forever, caged in his arms.
"I really have to go, I'm sorry."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do." I moan when he grazes his teeth against my bottom lip.
"Bella? Bella! What happened?" I hear Edward's voice snapping me back from the reverie. Another fantasy? When are those going to end?
I look around and the voices suddenly increase in volume as if somebody has just turned the switch back on. I see the lewd guy by the door and people laughing and chatting inside the restaurant.
"What happened?" I ask, confusion is clear in my features.
"You zoned out again, do you do that a lot?" Edward asks curiously and I blush scarlet.
"Not really," I will definitely throw myself at him if I stay here any longer. "I have to go now. Riley is waiting. Excuse me."
I make a hasty exit and go back to where Riley sat, waiting for me. I see him sitting patiently, checking his phone and notice the course is already served. I sit down quickly and he looks up at me with a smile although it seems a little strained.
"I thought you fell asleep in there." He jokes and I sigh with relief that he is not angry. I smile back.
"I got a phonecall. Sorry." I have no idea why I'm lying to him about meeting Edward.
"That's fine. Your salad will get cold." He make a face staring at it and I chuckle.
"Why don't you like salads? They're good. Healthy, even. It's got cheese. You like cheese, don't you?"
"Nope." I gasp with mock shock.
"I can't believe I decided to come on this date." He laughs and takes a bite of his crab cake.
"These are pretty tasty." I shrug and take a bite of my salad. "You want to try?"
"Only if you have a bite of the salad."
I slide my plate in his direction and he hesitantly eats a little of it, only to agree with me that he likes it, but I can tell he isn't very fond of it. I shake my head and eat one of the crab cakes from his plate. God, they are simply marvelous.
"I told you." I see his smug smile. I sigh but a smile tugs on the corner of my lips.
I can feel somebody's eyes on me. I look up and then to my left to see Edward still standing where I bid him goodbye, his eyes boring into mine and I offer a smile. He doesn't smile back and instead walks towards the private dining where people are already seated, probably waiting for him.
He saunters in there and goes to sit at the head of the table, facing directly to me. Great. My heart breaks a little when he doesn't acknowledge me and I fiddle with my food. I swallow dryly as the salad suddenly looks distasteful. I decide to forget about him and concentrate on my date with Riley, which is going pretty steady. We talk about college and our work and by the time we end on those topics, our first course is over.
"Bella, what are you having for the main course?" I browse through the menu and select an item.
"Um, I'll have the Filet Mignon with Forest Mushrooms, please." I smile at Riley, making him chuckle.
"I get it. And I'll have the Salmon with Wild Rice, thank you." He nods at the waiter and he takes our menus before walking away.
"So, are you only into reading?" He asks and I shrug.
"Not really. I have nothing much to explore, because I'm stuck with the store. Otherwise, I am interested in travelling." Aside from the fact that I never got to travel outside the state.
"That's great."
Riley starts telling me one of the stories of his trip to Cairo and I can sense his eyes on me. I look past Riley and stare hesitantly at the familiar green eyes. He is so beautiful. I see a steaming plate resting in front of him but his eyes are looking at me.
Edward's eyes soften for some reason and he offers me a gentle, slow smile. I smile back shyly, my will to forget about him crumbling with every passing nanosecond. I see one of his colleagues talking to him but he continues looking at me.
"... so then I had to go over and literally pull them off each other." I hear Riley's laughing and break the eyecontact.
"That sounds like a fun trip." I mumble, taking a sip of water, my red wine barely touched while Riley drank two glasses till now.
I stare out at the lake again, trying to gather my scattered wit and fight these feelings I'm having towards this man, sitting not too far away from me. I can't help it though. Edward is so irresistible.
The aroma of garlic and fried mushrooms informs my stomach that I have to eat something. The waiter wishes us as he leaves and I stare at my elegantly decorated plate. The filet mignon is mouth-watering and dig into it, as Riley does with his dish. It is one mean dinner. God, I can murder someone to have food this good.
It's twenty minutes into talking and inhaling my food, that my plate is empty. Riley looks impressed and slightly amused. I blush and let out a chuckle, making him laugh.
"Oh, Bella. I take my words back. You are not like any other women out there."
"Thanks, you just indirectly called me fat."
"You are anything but fat."
He regards me with an unknown emotion, which makes me slightly uncomfortable. I don't know if it's the intense expression with what he is staring at me or the fact that I, for a second, just want to run away from here. Why do I keep getting creepy vibes from Riley in the middle of a conversation, I don't know. Maybe because it's our first date.
"Thank you." I mutter and gulp down the ice-cold water. I really hope he doesn't expect us to have sex tonight. I'm not up for it. I just want to curl up on the bed and go to sleep.
But to think about positive things. Dessert is next. I love desserts. They are the best part of the meal. I think I'll order the Hazelnut Cake.
Or the Japanese Cheesecake!
Uh, maybe the banana mousse, oh wait, but I don't like bananas that much. I'm feeling really low, I should have something with chocolate. Yeah, I'll have to go with the Hazelnut Cake.
Out of my periphery, I gaze at Riley speaking on the phone and that I haven't noticed because I was so busy thinking about having the dessert we will be having. The waiter walks over and takes our plates away as I patiently wait for Riley to finish his call. He looks very angry as he talks though.
"... I'm out right now. I can't." Uh oh. Will we have to leave? "No, I'm out on a date." He hisses angrily and I frown.
"Tell him to go to hell, I don't care. I can't." Someone on the other line speaks to him for five whole minutes and Riley winces so the person is probably shouting and then ends the call, sighing defeatedly.
"Is everything alright?" I ask, a little concerned. He places his hand atop mine and gives it a soft squeeze.
"Everything is fine. I just have an urgent meeting in fifteen minutes." Oh. Meeting, now? That's odd.
That's what happens when you give too much thought about having dessert.
"That's okay. We can leave right away." I say and Riley calls the waiter for the bill.
"I'll have to drop you home and then go, it'll probably take forty minutes. I'll have to ask if that's okay." He mutters and reads the bill as he keeps a wad of cash inside. "Thank you." He nods at the waiter.
Riley will probably be late for work. He looks really worried too. I check my phone. It's almost nine-thirty. Wow. Time probably passed away when I was staring at Edward, who is talking currently, maintaining eye-contact with every member sitting in that fancy room.
"You know what Riley, why don't you go ahead. I'll call my brother to pick me up."
"Oh, don't worry Bella, I can drop you home. If only the boss wasn't coming back from London right now. Our night was supposed to end much better." His suggestive tone makes me feel awkward for some reason. Thank god, you're leaving then. Maybe I shouldn't go with him because he might try something with me. I'm not yet secured around Riley so I should call Jacob.
"That's really okay. I don't want you to be late for work. Go. My brother won't mind." I give him a reassuring smile.
"Are you sure? Because I feel terrible. I swear, our next date will be much better than this." I chuckle and nod at him. "I can make dinner at my place, you can come over." He shrugs and I nod.
"Sounds like a plan. We can do that next weekend then. I can't wait."
I plaster a smile on my face to make him feel better, which works. I stand up when Riley does and he pulls me in for a brief hug. I hug him back, knowing no one can see us in the corner because public affections always creep me out. Edward is so close to us, I don't want him to see us for some reason.
"Thank you for this wonderful night. I'm sorry it's cut short but I'll make up for it." He pulls back and unexpectedly kisses my lips. I am slightly taken aback but brush my lips lightly against his. Oh, how much I wish these were Edward's set of lips. Stop it, will you?!
I break our kiss ten seconds later because I don't feel like kissing him and watch his face hold a dark expression before he recovers his charade to give me a hug and leave. I sag in my chair again and pull my phone from the purse. I call Jake. It reaches the voicemail. Damn.
Hey, it's Jake. Please leave a message.
"Jake, call me when you get this. Stat." Is all I say and end my message. I can't call Angela because she's out with Ben for the night. Seth and Paul must also be out partying, it's a Saturday after all. Tomorrow is their day off and we have to go to that stupid beer thing.
Suddenly my phone beeps and I stare down to see it switching off. What? No. Shit. This can't be happening. Oh god. How is Jake supposed to call me now? I can't believe this. The battery is dead! I'll have to find a cab for myself and walk all the way to the main street for that during which I'll end up tripping five to six times from these heels.
Tears gather in my eyes for some reason. I didn't have the dessert and then I can't even reach on time to get in my sweatpants and curl up to cry. Everything is just falling apart in my life. The one good thing about tonight was the hazelnut cake I was to have. Now, I can't even have that!
I stare at the lake and take deep breaths, trying to blink back my tears. Ugh. I am a mess. My life is a mess. After a few minutes, people will start looking at me weirdly because I'll be sitting here all alone until the management here will have to ask me to leave or maybe they'll show some sympathy and order me a cab to get home.
I study the calm water, floating gently and having a simple yet soothing sense to it. I feel a tear trickling down my cheek and quickly wipe it away.
"You know, tears are words the mind can't say nor the heart can't bear."
I whip my head to the left and see Edward, sitting on the seat Riley vacated few minutes ago. His smile is comforting for some reason and I don't want him to see me cry.
"I wasn't crying, something got in my eye." I mumble and he just continues staring at me.
"Why are you sitting here all alone? Did your date just leave you?" He asks and I can hear a tinge of irritation in his voice.
"He had some very urgent meeting, so I told him he can leave."
"And you didn't get a car." I nod.
"We didn't even have dessert and my brother didn't answer his phone and the battery of my phone died and," I choke a little. "And I just want to go home and stay in bed." I wipe away the tears that threaten to fall.
"You want to have the dessert? I can ask a wait-"
"No, thank you. I'm really not in the mood." Even if I was, I wouldn't tell him. I hear him chuckle and look up to find him staring at me amused.
"Well, not being in the mood helps. I can drop you home if you want. Don't trouble your brother, it's a Saturday night."
I look over his shoulder to study the people who are sitting in the room as we speak, only to find some of them turning to stare at us. I blush and look at Edward.
"Your people seem pretty mad at me."
"They aren't mad at you, they're mad at the interruption. I don't care." I stare at him with surprise.
"You don't care that people are mad at you?"
"They can be understanding about it."
"I really don't think it'll be a good idea. I don't want to intrude on your time with them. You seem to be discussing something important."
"Bella, would you stop thinking about everybody for a second, and think about yourself?" I hear his plea and know he has me figured out in the two times we've met. "How are you possibly going to go back to your place?" I stare at him with a clueless face even though I want to say reply with the word cab. "That's my point. Come on, grab your coat, we're leaving. I'll let them know and be with you."
I nod shyly and stand up because I really do want to spend some time with him, even though it makes me sound creepy. I quickly tie up my trench coat and grab my purse, trying to avoid looking at the private dining section, knowing I would receive some looks from the people. I rush through the passageway where Edward and I met a while ago and the Lewd Guy opens the door for me.
I hear him whistle but I ignore him and move past to stand at a distance from him, waiting for Edward as I don't know where he has parked his car. Lewd Guy ogles me, a disgusting grin on his face and I squirm uncomfortably. I check my purse and realize I don't know what time it is.
I see Lewd Guy's footsteps approaching me and I back away, turning to my left. I see Edward coming into my view and let out a sigh of relief. He walks over to me and clears his throat, making the idiot turn to him.
"G-Good evening, Mr. Cullen." He stammers and Edward gives him a deathly glare.
"If I ever find you anywhere near her, you better start finding yourself another job." He snaps and Lewd Guy nods, only to scurry away. I shrink staring at Edward's darkened gaze and his eyes soften when he looks at me.
"Ready to go?" I nod, tightening my arms around myself.
"Thank you again." He chuckles.
"That's fine, Bella."
We reach the dark parking lot with barely any lights on and I shift closer to Edward, feeling his body heat enveloping mine. I see a guy walking in our direction and he looks tall and burly. He has a very intimidating face as he strides towards us and I feel like I have seen him before. Is he glaring at me? What if he attacks me? But, I don't even know him.
"Who's that?" I whisper in a small voice.
The next thing I feel is electricity. A spark shooting up and down my right arm as Edward takes hold of my hand in his. I smile in the darkness and feel tingly all over my form. He's holding my hand! He's holding my hand!
I've never felt this kind of connection with anybody in my life. Edward sure is different. Not just because he's so utterly handsome yet thoughtful but also because our lives are so different. He is definitely stinking rich and I have to think twice before saving up some money to get anything. I could never match his standards, which is why I should try to keep my distance but can't.
"That's just my driver, don't worry. He won't kill you." I sigh but don't mind his hold on my hand. I saw him on Thursday, exactly.
"Mr. Cullen." He nods at Edward politely.
"Thank you, Matt and I'll see you on Monday. Take the day off tomorrow. I won't be home anyway." He's a good boss too.
"Thank you, Mr. Cullen," Matt hands the keys to Edward and nods at me. "Have a good night."
With that Matt leaves to go somewhere I don't know. I watch a car about ten steps away from me come to life. It's a red car, not the black one Edward went in the day before.
It is fancier and looks new. It's kind of cute. I can't imagine him driving this kind of car. But, well what do I know about him? Maybe he likes cute, sports car like this one. I look up to find him looking at me. I blush the color similar to his car.
Edward leads me to the passenger side and opens the door to let me sit. Such a gentleman. I sit on the plush leather seat and it smells wonderful in here. The interior looks so elegant and I know Jake would go nuts if he ever gets to sit in this.
I put on my seatbelt just as I hear the other door shut and turn to see Edward sitting, putting on his seatbelt too. He looks really large in this car.
"I like your car." I comment making him chuckle.
"It's my sister's. It's a gift to her. Matt and I just wanted to take a ride so I got it."
There are so many things I find out about Edward in the last two times we've met.
1. He is much more handsome in real life than on some magazine.
2. He is very successful because he has his face on the cover of Forbes magazine.
3. He is helpful, funny, charming.
4. Has good relationship with people who work for him.
5. Is a very sweet brother.
6. And again, is so handsome
"I kind of thought it wasn't your style."
Edward just smiles and starts the car. I tell him my address and I suddenly feel butterflies swirling in my stomach. Should I invite him inside once we reach? But, my place is so small, he won't want to be there.
No, I won't invite him.
"So, what do you call this car?" I ask, trying to distract myself. I turn to see him laughing lightly.
"It's a Porsche 718 Boxster." I've never heard of that. Well, maybe because I don't give a shit about cars.
"Oh."
Silence falls between us and I turn to stare at his face. Edward is concentrating on his drive as there is a little frown on his face and he looks adorable. I bite my bottom lip as I think what it would be like to remain friends with him.
Nothing will change. Really. But Riley isn't that bad. Considering he left me all alone at the restaurant but I told him to. Then my phone died, which isn't his fault either. But, I will definitely not have sex with the guy until the fifth date. That's my rule.
I can break that rule for Edward anytime.
Shut up! I'm not supposed to think of him that way. God! This is beyond difficult now.
"Are you originally from here?" Edward's question breaks me out of my reverie.
"Um, yeah. Well, Forks but I came to Seattle when I was four."
"Forks? I've never heard of that." He murmurs, giving me a quick glance.
"It's a three-hour drive from here."
"Oh, did your dad shift to the city for a better job?"
"Um, no. I lived with my grandmother here."
"What about your parents?"
"Well, my mom passed away giving birth to my brother Jake and my dad went to get groceries twenty-three years ago." There is a beat of silence.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't mean to-"
"It's okay, you didn't know."
I give him a smile and stare out of the window at the blurry figures in the starless night. How much I wish my life was different ever since I was a kid. A set of parents, the occasional meals in restaurants, celebrating holidays together. I never had it. But, it isn't the time to get sad about the past. The present it what matters.
"Are you okay, Bella?" I clear my throat and turn to him.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel so depressed as well." He finally smiles.
"You didn't. So, Vic came to your store, didn't she? My assistant?" My mood suddenly shifts.
"Oh yeah, she dropped by with the cash."
"I had a meeting rescheduled, to get there and pay for myself but some work got in the way." He sends me a panty-dropping grin.
He was going to come to the store! Yay! That means he didn't forget about me.
"Oh. Well, your assistant did a very thorough job of getting the cash from her purse. Not many know how to do that. You need people from Forbes cover shoot for that." He lets out a laugh and I smile at that sound. Who knew laughter was musical and so erotic?
"I had her trained, I'm sure she could do it." I chuckle and suddenly gasp when I notice the speed at which we are travelling.
"Edward, oh my god! Why are you driving so fast?" He stared at me confused.
"I'm not."
"Concentrate on the road!" I almost scream making him laugh.
"Alright." Edward looks away.
It's twenty minutes into the ride when the car halts someplace. I frown and study the place but find no one around but an empty street as I know there is no reason as to why we would wait here. I panic. What is going on? Edward gets out of the car and I watch him walk towards my side. My hearts thumps in chest as he opens the door. I sit inside like a statue. He cocks his head to one side and just gazes at me.
"Aren't you coming out?"
"Where are you taking me? Do you have some work?" I ask in a small voice, knowing how nervous I must sound.
"Trust me, come on." He extends his hand and I take it without hesitation. I step out and he shuts the door behind me.
"Where?" I ask again and he smiles as we turn away from the empty street.
"To have the dessert you were so heartbroken about."
Laughter escapes my lips when I see that we are are standing in front of a deserted Ben & Jerry's ice-cream parlor. I look at Edward, who gives me an impish smile and leads me inside the place. I sit by one of the high wooden tables and Edward sits next to me.
"Won't you get late for any of your work?" I ask.
"It's a Saturday, Bella. You've only asked me questions since I stopped the car, would you relax?"
"You're counting?"
"Four questions." I blush.
"I won't ask."
"What would you like to have?"
"Ice-cream." He chuckles.
"That's a good point, since we are sitting in an ice-cream parlor but what flavor?" I think about it.
"What are you having?"
"That's another question." I roll my eyes.
"Um, well since I'm a chocolate fan, I'll have Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Tell me yours, I'll go get it." I stand up but he does too.
"Why do you think that's going to happen?"
"Because you're dropping me home. It's fair enough if I pay for this."
"Nope. I won't let you pay. Sit. I'll get your ice-cream for you."
"Yeah, after I buy it."
"Where's your purse?" He smirks at me and I am reminded that it's in the car. Ugh! I glare at him.
"Give me the car keys."
"Sorry, ma'am. I can't."
"Then, I don't want to have ice-cream." I am about to turn when he lets out a sigh.
"Fine," I grin and turn to him. "How about this, I pay for it now, and you pay me back once we are in the car? That'll save us time." I shrug.
"That's fine."
Edward smiles and walks over to the counter while I sit back in the chair. I watch the girl standing behind the counter, make eyes at him and for some reason, jealousy creeps inside me. He got here with me, why is she flirting?!
It's two minutes later when they both turn to me and color rises in my cheeks as my eyes widen. Okay. Why are they looking at me? I stare at my fingers. I hear footsteps approaching five minutes later and I look up.
A pint of ice-cream rests in front of me that contains mouth-watering chocolate and my heart sings out to it. It looks so good, I might start crying. Edward lets out a sigh as he sits next to me and I stare at his ice-cream. I never had that flavor.
"That's um, Half Baked, I don't know enough about ice-cream flavors, I just asked which is the most popular one." I stare at him with a blank face for a second.
"You don't eat ice-creams?"
"Not much." I watch him take a bite from his. "Mm, this is good." I can see that.
"I know," I mutter and grab mine. The chocolate melts in my mouth and I smile as the sweet flavors burst in my senses. "Oh, god. Can't believe I survived a week without this." Edward chuckles.
"You eat ice-creams every week?"
"Every weekend."
"Wow, so you're not into low-crab kind of ice-creams?" I make a face and his eyes stare at me fondly.
"That's not even real ice-cream. When was the last time you had ice-cream?"
"My last birthday." I smile.
"When is your birthday?"
"June 20." He says softly and I gasp.
"You haven't had ice-cream in 13 months?!" I say appalled which he finds rather amusing.
"Why is that so hard to believe?"
"Don't you have desserts?"
"Sure. Tarts, pies, puddings, cakes…" He shrugs.
"You just don't go with the classic?"
"I'm nothing but classic, but ice-creams are not really my thing."
"They should be." I say firmly and take a bite.
"Is that a compulsion?"
I blush. "No, not really. I'm not bossy by nature."
"It's a good thing you haven't met my sister then." I look at him curiously. "She's bossy as hell."
"Younger sister?"
"By seven minutes." Wow! This is so cool!
"You're a twin."
"Yes, ma'am."
"So, you have a brother and a sister."
"Yes. My brother is two years older than me. I know you have a younger one."
"Five years younger."
"So, you pretty much took care of him yourself."
"You can say that."
"He must be very grateful for that."
I smile. "He is. For the most part."
"What does that mean?" I can see the confusion in his green eyes.
"I just don't think he appreciates it enough." I admit and Edward sighs. What the hell am I doing sharing my pent up emotions with a stranger?
"Maybe you should talk to him about it."
"It's not like I expect him to," He nods. "I can't ask him. He is my responsibility."
"Oh, Bella. He's not."
"I promised mom." I murmur and stare at him.
"He isn't your responsibility," Edward repeats softly. "I can see it in your eyes how much sacrifices you've made for him. He should know how important you are."
"He does."
"Your face doesn't look earnest enough for me to believe it." He tucks a stray piece of hair away and my heart almost goes into overdrive. Oh my god. His touch is so electric and warm.
"I don't understand." I whisper out breathlessly but he just lets out a chuckle.
"My words will sink in when the time is right." I glare at him. How can he even judge my brother? He doesn't even know him! Sure, I can ramble shit because I know him but Edward doesn't!
"You don't know my brother at all, I don't want to argue but I just think we should drop this." I mutter under my breath.
"I'm sorry if I've offended you. I didn't mean it." I look at his handsome face which really looks apologetic.
I take a bite from my ice-cream as an uncomfortable silence fills around us. I have never felt this awkward with Edward before. What should I say? I need to make this better. I would like for him to be my friend.
Edward finally breaks the silence. "So, what would you have done if not for maintaining a bookstore?" My eyes show the relief at the change of topic and I notice he looks at ease as well.
"Well, I always wanted to travel around the world, but I barely got a chance to go out of the Washington state." I realize I have shared the same piece of information with Riley as well.
"Where all?" He asks me curiously. I think about it.
"London, I haven't seen New York or Boston either. Uh, maybe Paris, Vienna," I shake my head. "You know there is a long wish list."
"You have a wish list?" I blush. Mouth filter.
"Yes, I have the cities ranked."
"So, is expanding your store your number one wish?"
"Nope, that's number two."
"What's your first wish then?" I blush brighter and shake my head.
"I can't tell you that."
"Why not?"
"If I do, I'll have to kill you."
"Seriously, Bella?" I nod and he chuckles. "You must've read a lot of books to come up with something so corny." I mock glare at him.
"I'm not that bad."
"You're right, it could've been worse." He murmurs under his breath. I smile and eat my half-melted ice-cream.
"You don't have interests outside of work?"
"I like travelling as well, I'm not much into reading but I try to find time to read something. I love playing my piano as well."
Hmm, I can imagine him sitting and playing piano, with his long fingers gliding over the keys. I bet he is excellent at it.
"That sounds great."
Fifteen minutes later, we are done with our dessert and make our way back to the car. Edward opens the door for me to sit in and I blush because it's the third time that he has held the door open for me.
I grab my purse and turn to him. "How much was the ice-cream for?"
"Impatient, aren't you? Pay me when we reach your place. I'm fine with that."
"I'm not." I mutter and stare outside at the passing houses and trees as Edward smoothly dodges through the traffic when we join the main street.
His in-phone rings and before I can turn to the screen at the media player, he ends the call. I shrug to myself and lean my head against the window. I close my eyes and the phone rings again. I hear him sigh and end the call.
The third time it rings and I open my eyes to tell him to answer it but before I can say, he does. I see the name on the screen. Victoria. His assistant.
"Evening, Vic."
"Hey, boss. How was the meeting?"
"It was alright, what is it?' Edward asks with a frown on his pretty face.
"Your sister called to ask your plans for tomorrow. She asked me to cancel your conference call for Dubai."
"Didn't you tell her like I told you to?"
"I did, Edward. She is very demanding. She won't even listen to me."
"I'll talk to her."
"She is very mad at you."
"Alice will understand after I talk to her. Is there anything else?"
"Nope. Have a good weekend!" Her voice sounds cheerful and not the clipped one that she used at the store. Maybe she isn't that bad.
"You too. Good night."
The call ends and silence fills around us. I realize we are just ten minutes away from the house and I don't want the night to end so fast. I can invite him inside. Yes. I'll invite him inside.
"That's me." I murmur when the car halts in front of my building. He smiles and turns to me.
"Good night, Bella."
"Thank you for dropping me off. I knew you had an important meeting."
"I'll catch up on it on Monday. Don't you worry about it."
"Have a good weekend then." I wish and smile.
"It has started amazingly well." I blush, not knowing what to say. "I'll see you around then."
"Likewise." My fingers are knotted on my lap and I don't want to leave. "Would you like to come inside my apartment?" Edward sighs, as if regretting something. My heart halts it's heartbeats. I know I shouldn't have invited Edward to my shitty apartment.
"I would love to, Bella. But I promised my sister I would meet her. She will kill me if I don't. I'm sorry, but maybe some other time." He suggests with an assuring smile. I sigh with relief.
"Oh, sure. Of course." He suddenly frowns.
"Do you live here all alone?"
"Yes."
"It's not a safe neighborhood." He mutters to himself.
"My brother lives two blocks down." I tell him, trying to make the frown disappear.
What is to him anyway? Where I live, or how my store is? Although I like him being worried about me. I have met him twice, I shouldn't!
"That's better. You should still stay safe."
"Always am."
"I'll let you be then."
"Okay." I shift and tug on the car door handle.
"Bella?" I turn immediately as I am unwilling to leave.
"Yes?"
"You look great." I blush the brightest I ever had. I look great. I'm not even dreaming this time.
I finally stammer out."Thank you. You're not all bad." Handsome and charming and hot and oh so, sexy.
"I'll take that as a compliment." He smiles and I grin, shifting to the door, when I'm suddenly reminded of something. I turn to find him staring at me.
"How was the ice-cream?"
"It was the best I had in years." I smirk.
"See? A little change never hurts."
"No, it doesn't." I can hear the undertone in his voice. I frown and pull the handle. "Also, I'll drop by at the store sometime, I'll get my sister, she'll love it." I beam at him. This means I'll have to dress up for all the days that are to arrive until he gets there. Ugh.
"I would really like that." You have no idea how much.
I begrudgingly step out of the car and the cool air hits me. I shut the door and wrap my arms around myself. The window rolls down and he leans over to look at me.
"The air must be chilly," He says softly. "Stay warm. Bye."
"Bye, Edward." I whisper and he smiles but I can sense the reluctance in it. The window rolls back up and I nod at him as the car leaves. He speeds into the night, taking a right and disappearing, just like that.
I shrug his thoughts away and make my way to the elevators. I see Marcus, the night guard, sitting and humming to himself. I shiver internally and quickly walk over so that I can stride past him.
Marcus is the new night guard who joined last week. He is around my age and has a very chilling smile. I usually don't get out of the house during nights to even have a reason to walk by this man. He is very crude.
"Looking fine, Ms. Swan." He drawls in a gruffy voice and the clicking of my heels increases as I reach the elevators as soon as I can. I press the button and the doors open. I step inside and press three.
I tap my foot impatiently as I wait for the doors to open. Something suddenly dawns on me and I gasp. I didn't pay Edward. Oh shit. I should've paid. He must think I'm a cheap person, just getting along with him to eat free ice-cream. I loathe myself.
The doors open and I step outside in the lightened passageway. There are just two of the four apartments used, the rest are empty. Mrs. Schiffer, a 60-year old woman lives here all alone, but I do notice her son and daughter-in-law visiting her with their son sometimes. She keeps to herself, just like me.
I stay alert as I look around, especially after what Edward said about it being a bad neighborhood. I let out a little scream when my phone buzzes and I roll my eyes but get it out. I groan when I see it is none other than Angela.
"Hey." I mutter as I unlock the front door of my apartment.
"Hey, Bells! How was your date?"
"I'm having sex with Riley right now, can I call you back?"
"I know you don't have sex on first dates, how was the date?"
"Well, the date was alright, but it was the best night ever." Angela gasps just as I flick on a side light before making my way to my bedroom.
"You had sex in the restroom? Good job, I'm so proud of you."
"No! Riley had to leave before we had the dessert, had some urgent call in for a meeting."
"Oh," Her voice turns sour. "So, how can you say it got better?"
I chuckle and throw the clutch on the bed as I plop on it, sighing softly. "It got better after he left."
Edward made it all better.
Author's Note:
Let me know what you think about this chapter update! Thank you once again for the overwhelming response to my first chapter. I appreciate your reviews! Next update on Friday and I can't wait for you guys to read it.
Please do REVIEW because I really love your feedbacks!
Until next time guys!
Love,
Paint the Walls.