Giant thanks to Sherry and Paige for betaing this! I couldn't do this without you!
"I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line."
-Johnny Cash-
BPOV:
Edward's agitated beside me, but I pay it no mind. I'm too busy being silently ecstatic about our current situation. Usually traffic like this gets my knickers in a knot, but there's something about being stuck in a truck with a handsome man that really changes things. Edward punches his steering wheel before leaning back in his seat with an exasperated sigh.
"There must be a crash ahead," I comment, wanting to ease the tension filling the cab.
"The sun's already setting," he says with a sigh, as his whole body relaxes next to mine. "There's no way we'll make it to El Paso by nightfall in this mess."
I wonder if he has somewhere important to be. Or someone who's expecting him at home? That thought doesn't sit well with me. I don't want to imagine Edward going home to anyone, touching anyone, who isn't me. Where did that thought come from? I can't be interested in this man! At least, not so soon... Maybe these thoughts are popping up in my head because I need to rebound. However, I can't rebound with a man like Edward. He's not the rebound type. He's not the rebound type, but he's exactly what I need. I can't begin to imagine how it'd feel to have his thick cock pounding into my aching pussy. Of course, I don't know if his cock is thick or not, but I imagine it's just as perfect as the rest of him.
As I daydream about how Edward fucking me would feel, he stews beside me hoping the traffic will disappear. It doesn't. Traffic is backed up for miles and miles. I look past the vehicles ahead as far as I can see, and find there's no end in sight. Claustrophobia bubbles inside of me as I consider how long we'll most likely be stuck like this. I surely hope Edward doesn't intend to continue in this traffic all night. He seems determined to get back, so I can't be sure how long he's willing to wait in this mess. I settle in my seat and sigh, feeling exhausted after the wild day I've had so far. I allow my eyes to droop with thoughts of a naked Edward in the front of my mind as I slowly drift to sleep.
"Move it, asshole!" and the sound of a horn jolts me awake. I rub the sleep from my eyes and look around for the source of the noise. Everyone is so rowdy! The cars around us are filled with road ragers who honk their horns and scream as if Moses himself would come and part the traffic for them to drive through. Holy smokes! The driver behind us is burrs in his saddle. He's slamming on his horn and appears to be fuming in his driver's seat. Does he really have to have a duck fit behind us? Doesn't he realize we're all stuck. I look over at my handsome driver and find that he's cool as a cucumber. He must have simmered down while I was asleep.
"Did we make much progress while I was asleep?" I ask with a small yawn.
He smiles and takes a long sip of his Coke. "Nah, not really. We've only moved a couple of miles. All the traffic must be merging into one lane," he surmised as he messes with the radio.
It's twilight and I wonder if Edward wants to drive through the night. I suppose I can sleep in the passenger seat, but I'd like to sleep in a real bed after the day I've had. "Do you think you'll call it a day anytime soon?"
Edward glances at the clock on his dashboard before looking at the traffic ahead with a sigh. "We still have four and a half hours ahead of us, and that's without traffic. I guess we can grab dinner and stop for the night." He sounds resigned, but also seems happy to get off the interstate.
It takes a good half hour to get off at the next exit, causing us both to itch with agitation the whole way. The exit is just as backed up with people dying to get out of traffic as well. As soon as we're out of the nightmarish traffic, I feel like I can finally breathe again. Edward drives as far from the interstate as he can get. He drives past a few hotels and restaurants that are packed to the brim with people. He must be like me. Most of the time there's nothing I like more than a dive bar and an empty restaurant. There's something about large crowds that I don't find pleasing in the least. The last thing I want to do when I'm ready to wind down is go to a bar where I'm surrounded with people.
Edward comes across a small diner and decides to stop when he sees there are only a few vehicles parked outside. I'm beyond thankful because I'm itching to get out of this truck and stretch my legs. I can barely wait for Edward to put his truck in park before I swing open my door and jump out. Edward chuckles but doesn't comment. He locks up his truck and throws his arm around my shoulders as we walk up to the diner's entrance. Feeling his arm around me makes my entire body flush with pleasure. His touch isn't sexual, but it makes my pussy tingle, as if it were more than a friendly gesture. I wonder if he knows the effect he has on women. Or at least, the effect he has on me. He can't be completely oblivious to it. He must be charming women out of their panties all of the time. As soon as we walk in and come face to face with a young hostess, my questions on whether he knows his own appeal or not are answered. He smiles at her, although he doesn't seem interested, and talks to her with a voice that's smooth as velvet. It's obvious he feels her attraction, and watching them talk makes me want to laugh. He's so cocky. It would be annoying if it weren't such a turn-on.
The hostess barely notices me as she walks us to our booth in the far corner of the diner. I have to smile as I watch her put some extra swing in her hips as she walks in front of us. If I weren't so into Edward myself, I would probably try to give this girl some tips. I nearly laugh as she bats her eyelashes in Edward's direction as she seats us and puts our menus down. I hold it in, however, because the last thing I want to do is embarrass her. She looks like a college student who doesn't seem to have much experience with men. I wouldn't want to harm her self-esteem. I remember my feelings were quite fragile when I was her age. She talks to us about the specials before giving Edward a covetous look before heading back to her podium by the entrance.
"So, you want to grab a beer since we're retiring for the night?" I ask as I look over the drink menu. When he doesn't comment right away, I peer up at him and ask, "We are retiring after this, right? I doubt traffic's gotten much better and I could sure use some rest."
Edward thinks for a moment and then nods. "Yeah, I need some sleep. Sitting in traffic wore me out."
"People were going crazy," I comment with a giggle. I'm able to laugh about it now that I'm not stuck in it. "It's like the whole interstate was having one giant hissy fit."
Edward chuckles and leans back against the booth with a smile. "You missed the worst of it when you were asleep. I really got into it with the jackass in the car next to us."
"About what? It's not like you caused the clausterfuck of traffic."
Edward snorts and runs a hand lazily through his hair. "I wasn't close enough to the bumper of the car in front of me, I guess."
"I swear to God. Texas has some of the worst road rage I've ever seen."
Edward laughs and opens his mouth to comment just as we're interrupted. "Hey, I'm Becky," our blonde server begins with a bright, thirsty smile. "I'm going to be your server this evening. Can I get you started with something to drink?" Her question is directed entirely at the handsome man across from me and I stare at her in disbelief.
One thing I always did as a server was make eye contact with the girlfriend in the beginning. Of course, I'm not Edward's girlfriend, but the waitress doesn't know that so the same principle applies. The reason you want to make eye contact with the date, girlfriend, or wife first is it gives them a sense of security. They'll see you as a nice girl and a professional and won't feel threatened. Usually if I'm nice enough to the woman, she'll put in a good word for me when it comes time for her significant other to leave a tip. "Come on Fred. She was such a sweet young girl. Leave her more than a couple of dollars." Also, I find that the man's usually happy when I take care of his woman. They want their date to have a wonderful time, so seeing me cater to their date makes them happy. Becky, however, did not get this memo. She's making eyes at Edward as if I wasn't even there. Luckily, Edward is such a gentleman he won't let her get away with it.
"Bells, would you like something other than water?"
While he seems happy about the attention he's receiving, I can't help but feel he almost looks… embarrassed. Of course, I've never seen him embarrassed, so I can't say for sure, but he definitely doesn't seem too comfortable with the situation at hand. I don't see why he feels this way. I'm all about men, but even I can appreciate how hot our waitress is. He has no attachments to me, so it's not like he couldn't take her up on whatever she's trying to offer. However, we are just passing through and unless he plans on taking this girl back to his hotel room, I don't see how they're going to hookup. I can't help but imagine these two having sex for a moment. As her face slowly morphs into mine, I push that thought out of my head and answer him.
"I'll just take your most popular lager on tap," I say to Becky with a charming smile.
She quickly writes it down before turning back to Edward, as if her brain would turn to mush after hearing his voice and she wouldn't be able to remember my order after that.
"And what can I get for you, handsome?"
I can't help myself. A loud laugh passes through my lips before I can stop it. Becky-who-didn't-get-the-message shoots me a death glare and this only makes me laugh harder. As soon as I collect myself, I say, "Sorry, sorry. I'll give you two a moment. I have to go to the ladies' room."
I can feel Edward's eyes on me as I walk away from the table. I don't know why I find this so humorous, but I do. Is it always like this for Edward? Are women throwing themselves at him everywhere he goes? With a face and body like that, I can imagine so. I can't blame a girl for trying. Hell, I just broke things off with my fiancé only a few hours ago and I've already considered the possibilities of us in bed together. With a humored smile on my face, I use the bathroom and take my time washing my hands, fixing my hair, and checking my makeup before returning to our table. Edward's fingers are drumming on the tabletop and I can't help but smile once I see how annoyed he looks.
When he sees my smile, he rolls his eyes and comments, "At least one of us is having a good time."
"What?" I ask in feigned offense. "You're not enjoying having dinner with me?"
He chuckles and looks over at our waitress who is waiting for our drinks at the bar. "No, Bells it's not that. I just wanted some time to relax. I don't need a horny waitress hounding me."
"Oh, come on, Edward," I tease him, leaning forward and propping my tits on the table. He stares at them while I continue. "I thought you were enjoying yourself. That's why I left to give you two some time alone."
As if on cue, Becky returns with a tray of two lagers and two waters. She makes a whole show of bending over and setting our drinks on the table. Her movements are so exaggerated I have to try hard to fight off my laughter. Someone has watched Legally Blonde one too many times. She's as perky as can be when she asks if we're ready to order. Well, she doesn't exactly ask us, as much as she does just Edward. He gives her an uncomfortable smile and reaches across the table to place his hand on top of mine.
"Babe, do you know what you want to order?" he asks, his exhausted eyes begging me to play along.
I give him a chipper grin before glancing over the menu and saying, "Of course, babe. I'll take an order of chicken fingers and fries with a side of ranch. Do you know what you want, babe?" I know I'm just playing the part of his girlfriend, but I can't ignore how natural it feels.
He winks at me before saying, "I'll take the same as her."
"Well, let me know if there's anything else I can get for you," Becky says with a voice dripping with awkward, sexual innuendo. I watch her hips sway as she walks away and I smile.
"She really can't take a hint, can she?" I tease him as I move my hand away. Now that she's gone we can forgo the pretenses.
"No, I suppose not."
"Do you get this kind of attention a lot?" I can't help but ask.
He shrugs with a small smile. He doesn't say it, but I can tell that's a 'yes'. "It usually just comes from the buckle bunnies," he explains with a crooked grin.
I take a long swig of my beer and ask, "Buckle bunny? What's that?"
His smile grows and he takes a long drink of his beer before answering. "They're pretty much groupies for the rodeo."
I can't help but feel a twinge of jealously. I can only imagine all the hot women cheering him on, in hopes of getting laid by their hero later that night. I tease him, hoping I don't sound irrationally jealous as I say, "That must be nice. Getting all of that attention from beautiful women who have their sights set on you."
He downs the rest of his beer as if it were water before shrugging and answering, "It's pretty nice I guess. Although I don't notice the cheering when I'm focusing on winning. Certainly, you must know what that kind of attention is like."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're very beautiful. Any man would notice that. I'm sure you get hit on all the time," he says as he holds up his empty pint for the waitress to see and bring a fresh one.
Men do hit on me quite frequently. So much so, it surprises me all the time. I'm confident in my body and I find myself attractive after years of feeling inferior compared to all the women around me. Even when I wasn't confident in the least, men would hit on me. I never believed they found me attractive at the time, but now I have a clear head I can see their attraction was obvious. I nod my head and Edward smiles.
"I'm sure it gets pretty annoying for you sometimes," Edward comments as he gets another beer from the waitress. I finish off my glass and ask for another before she walks away.
"Well, it was annoying when I was engaged, but now I'm single again, I can't say I'd mind it," I say, trying not to sound too suggestive. "So, do you date any of these buckle bunnies?"
Edward gives me a tight, awkward smile before answering honestly, "I'm not sure 'date' is the right word."
Pretending like I don't understand his meaning, I sarcastically say, "You don't like going on dates!? Dates are so much fun. The perfect time to get to know someone." I can't help but throw that last part in.
He runs a hand through his unruly hair and says, "Buckle bunnies aren't the type you really have to take to dinner first."
My mind is running wild again with images of Edward fucking other women. Like before, the images start off with him fucking some tan, skinny blonde and transform into him fucking me. Which is something I find much more pleasurable. I can imagine his hips bucking against me just like they would when he's riding one of those bulls. I can only imagine what his cock would feel like as he's pounding into my wet core. Get ahold of yourself, Bella! Just as I'm pulling myself together, the waitress returns with a fresh beer for me and our food. I dig right in, using food as a distraction from my embarrassing sexual fantasies. The waitress returns with a bottle of ranch dressing for my fries and makes a big show out of bending over again. Someone needs to fuck this girl and put her out of her misery. Not Edward though… if he's going to fuck anyone it's going to be me. Jesus, what am I saying?
"That poor girl is trying so hard. The least you can do is humor her and flirt back," I say with a wink.
He laughs and shakes his head. "Why? It would just get her hopes up. Besides, the girls who act like that are usually the crazy ones who never leave you alone," Edward says with a shiver, as if he were having a particularly bad memory. "Plus, I'm having dinner with you. It would be rude if I just blatantly flirted with the waitress."
Eric flirted with women in front of me all of the time. And we were engaged! "Well, I wouldn't mind," I comment, wanting to seem cool and uninterested in the whole thing. How uncomfortable would it be if he realized I was attracted to him? We would have to suffer a long road trip filled with complete awkwardness after that.
"Really?" he asks incredulously. "You seemed kind of jealous earlier. I mean, when you weren't laughing at my expense."
I emit an unladylike snort before saying, "Me? Jealous? I think that's just your imagination talking."
"My imagination?" he asks with a chuckle. "My imagination," he muses with a grin. "Whatever you say, Bells."
We fall into an easy conversation over dinner and I find myself liking Edward more and more every second. I don't know if anything will come of this thing going on between us, but a girl can hope for the best. Truly, I have no idea about what will happen when we reach El Paso. He has an established life there already and I have a brand new beginning. I hope Edward will fit into that new beginning somehow, but I can't guarantee it. I decide to enjoy this time with him while I can and not worry about what the future holds. I'll cross that road when I come to it.
A/N: I'm so thrilled you guys are loving this so far! Side note: To any buckle bunnies that may be reading this, I'm sure you're lovely.
I'm going to be posting a EPOV outtake, but I'm going to wait for a few more chapters because I don't want to spoil anything in the story. However, I will have a poll in my FB group where you can vote for which chapter you would like to see in an EPOV. I'll let you know when I have it up!
Song- "I Walk the Line" – Johnny Cash.