Chapter Eleven
With agonizing effort, Edward lies perfectly still. Cracking one eye open; he watches the innocent fascination play across the face of the beauty in his bed.
He struggles to keep his breathing shallow and even, but what she is doing is a delicious torment.
She lies next to him without touching him save for one curious finger that cautiously runs along the vein on the underside of his dick. Up and down, she watches with rapt fascination as it responds to her attention and goes from semi-interested to standing at attention, ready to engage.
"You're playing with fire, little girl," he rasps.
He smiles as she starts, but quickly recovers.
"Yours is just so pretty," she says dreamily.
"My what?" he asks, wanting to see what she will say. He watches her cheeks pink and holds back a laugh.
"Your, um—penis," she says quietly. He gives her snaps for completing the thought, however clinical the terminology.
"There is nothing pretty about my dick, Baby. It is a mighty and fearsome force," he states as he moves her hair behind one shoulder to see her better.
She giggles, closing the space between their bodies and kissing his shoulder.
Like a puppet master, she returns her attention to running her finger along the thick vein. The cool touch in contrast to his heated skin sends goosebumps down his thighs.
"Baby, would you like to touch him more?" he whispers.
She nods.
"Take him in your hand."
She scoots closer and wraps her delicate hand around him, "So pretty," she whispers and grins when he growls.
He places his hand over hers and begins moving them down his length. He squeezes her hand before he lets go and laces his fingers together under his head. She continues the pressure as she brings her hand back up, fascinated by the process.
As she slowly moves her hand down, he asks, "Sweets, what was your friend's name? Uh—gah, that feels good, don't stop."
With his praise, she picks up the pace a bit and is rewarded with him hardening further.
"Eric, why?" she says kissing just below his belly button, causing his dick to jump in her hand.
Fascinating.
"Well, you seem so intrigued by my—penis," he smirks, "did you spend much time with Eric?" After he asks, he wants to kick his curiosity's ass. Who wants to hear about the last guy's junk?
"Um—well, we didn't really take off all of our clothes. You know, just rubbin' and bumpin' on the couch during commercials, that kind of thing. He asked me to take off my top sometimes."
"Oh," he wasn't sure what else to say.
"So pretty," she whispers again.
"Seriously, Sweets, I'm about to get upset here—Oh God, fuuuuck." He shivers as she squeezes tighter and increases her hand's speed.
"Baby, Baby, Baby, you've gotta stop, too much, gah, too much. Daaamn, that feels good," he pants.
"I love your dick, Moondoggie," she giggles as she watches him struggle with control. A thrill washes over her, amazed that she has this kind of effect on him.
She sits up, pulls her T shirt over her head, and straddles him. He sits up, leaning against the headboard.
"So handsome," he says, palming her breast in a circular motion until they peak and beg for more.
"Hey!" she shouts pulling back from his hands.
He holds her by the hip and cocks an eyebrow.
She laughs and pushes her breasts back into his waiting hands, "Touché."
"Are you tender this morning?" he asks as he continues his ministrations.
She shakes her head and rests her arms on his shoulders, leaning in for the first kiss of the morning.
When he pinches and rolls her nipples, she jolts, sliding over his now painful erection.
"Up on your knees, Baby," he says helping her balance by holding her hip while his other hand positions himself under her.
"Okay," he pats her hip and helps her lower herself onto his rock-hard length.
Her hair tickles his thighs as she throws back her head.
"Feel good?" he pants as she grinds their pelvises together.
"So good, Edward," She groans as she rocks, enjoying the feel of him so deep while they rub where they are joined.
"I love that you call me by name in our bed, Baby," He says as he licks her firm nipple.
She watches him as she rolls her hips again and he runs his hands over her ass helping her move.
"I feel like I should send a condolence card to Eric," she pants.
He laughs and quickly joins her in a moan at how the vibration does funny things to them, "Why, Sweets."
"Because his dick is a sad imitation of the real thing." As if to prove her point, she lifts up and drops down on his length causing him to grab her ass and fist both cheeks, bringing her in for a hot kiss.
"It's all yours, Bella, only yours," he growls in her ear before running his tongue down her neck and across her collarbone.
"I love you, Edward, so much," she sobs out as a wave washes over her.
He growls, pulling her tight against his chest and rolling them.
"Let me show you how much I love you, Bella," he murmurs as he runs his hand up her creamy thigh, hitching it around his waist.
~o0o~
Moondoggie leans against the headboard with his Sweets wrapped around him. She has been quiet since they came together, clinging to each other. Now, he wonders if she is even awake.
Yesterday was such a roller coaster of emotions, he worries that it took more of a toll on her than she is showing.
She shifts, running her hands over his abs and giving his neck a lazy kiss.
"You okay, Sweets" he whispers.
"Mmmm," she pulls his earlobe between her teeth and then lays her cheek against his shoulder.
"I thought maybe I broke you," he murmurs as he runs his hand down her hair.
"That's a whole lotta love you've got for me, Moondoggie," she sighs.
He feels her cheek lift against his shoulder in a grin.
"There's more where that came from, Baby" he tightens his arms around her.
"No, any more of your 'show and tell' and I won't be able to walk. I don't think I've fully returned to my body yet," she sighs and kisses his chest before laying her head down on his shoulder again.
She feels him tense beneath her.
"Was I too rough, Bella?"
"No, Moondoggie, I promise. I'm just savoring this. I love that there's nothing between us now. I love being yours."
"Oh, Baby," he moans, pulling her to drape over him with her head on his chest as he wraps his arms snugly around her.
"I love being yours, too. I love being us," he kisses her forehead and gives her a squeeze.
"Yeah—us," she sighs.
"Yeah," he whispers.
~o0o~
"Should we get up?" Sweets asks, stretching.
"We have about half an hour before we need to get up," Moondoggie says, running his hand down her back.
"Am I a bad person if I don't want to leave this bed, like—ever?" she groans, kissing his chest and then licking his nipple, just because she can.
"If you're bad, Sweets, you're going to be bad only with me," he murmurs as he watches his hand run over her hip and down her thigh.
"K," she smiles against his lips.
"Okay, he nods before claiming her mouth with his and rolling them; sending her giggles and squeals echoing off the walls.
~o0o~
"We need to call Dunny and Bob today. We didn't get a chance to wish them a 'Merry Christmas' yesterday," Sweets says over her shoulder as she tucks her shirt into her jeans.
"Of course, Sweets, how about we call them at Mom and Pops so that they can talk too," Moondoggie says as he pulls on his boot.
"Oh, I'd like that," she nods, grabbing her coat.
As she walks past the bed, he grabs her wrist and tows her between his legs. He holds both of her hands and looks up into her questioning eyes.
"I love you, Sweets, so much. I don't want to spend the whole day away from you," he pouts.
She smiles down at her petulant boy and runs her fingers through his damp hair. "I don't either, Moondoggie," she whispers as she straddles his lap, "how about we make a pact to meet back here and reward each other for being so good all day?" She kisses behind his ear, ending by running his earlobe between her teeth.
"Mmmm, I like that," he growls as he unbuttons a button and kisses between her breasts.
~o0o~
"Where have you been? Maddie is beside herself that you weren't here when she got up," Alice exclaims as she pulls Bella away from Edward's arms and into the house.
"Good morning, sister, mine," Edward deadpans as he follows them into the house.
Esme rushes out of the kitchen at the sound of their arrival.
"Good morning Mom, Do you know where Alice is taking my girl?" Edward asks squeezing his mom and looking over her shoulder in the direction where Sweets disappeared.
Esme laughs, "I'm sure directly to Maddie. She threw a shoe at Jasper. She's been a terror this morning."
She holds her son at arm's length.
"Come keep me company while I set out brunch," she says putting her hand on his handsome cheek.
He offers her his arm, which thrilled, she takes.
"What do you think of her, Mom?" Edward asks facing the coffee maker.
She straightens from pulling cinnamon rolls out of the oven before she answers, "I think she's charming and sweet, and what my mother would have called 'an old soul.' I also think you're lucky she's still here after the atrocities of yesterday."
He turns and leans against the counter watching her begin to ice the rolls. "Yes, it's a good thing she loves my sorry ass," he mumbles and takes a sip.
"Edward," she warns.
He smiles sheepishly, "Sorry, Mom."
"She was hurt yesterday."
"Yes," he nods.
"You used a horrible tone with her," she states picking up another roll.
"Yes"
"You will never use that tone with her again."
"No, ma'am," he shakes his head and takes another sip.
"You made her cry," she puts the iced roll down and picks up another.
He hesitates and then nods, "Yes."
"Never again, son," she states as she flips on the faucet running her hands under the water. After grabbing a kitchen towel, she turns to face him, leaning on her own counter as she dries her hands.
"I'll try not to, Mom, but I'm not always going to get this right," he says shrugging.
She looks directly at him, "She's been hurt?"
He swallows thickly, "Yes, Mom, she has, all her life."
She holds his gaze reading between the lines, then nods.
Well, no more, she has us now," she says with finality before turning to cut the quiche.
"I love her, Mom," he whispers his confession to her back.
"You're going to marry her?"
"Yes, ma'am, I am," he smiles and takes another sip.
"When?" she asks, putting down the knife, turning to face him.
He smiles at his mom with her sparkling eyes, "As soon as she'll have me, but don't get too excited. She's young and we're moving at her pace."
"Of course," she says as she hands him the plate of cinnamon rolls and leads the way to the table carrying two quiches.
~o0o~
"…And God, when Maddie admits to throwing the shoe, Bella just cocks her head and says her name with the most disappointed tone and what does 'the little terror' do? Her face crumbles and she starts climbing on Bella's lap, just bawling her eyes out."
Alice reaches over and stops Carlisle's hand from bringing his toast to his mouth. "But guess what Bella does," she pauses for effect; "she stops Maddie from climbing on her lap and says, 'Daddy first, Little Bean."
She releases Carlisle's arm and sits back, "She's like some sorta 'baby whisperer'," Alice finishes with a grin.
Everyone laughs and Edward watches Jasper pull his daughter tighter against his chest while sending a smile across the table to Bella.
He looks down at his Sweets and catches her distraught eyes. He frowns in concern, but she shakes her head and lays it against his shoulder, letting her hair fall across her face.
Carlisle, seeing Bella's unease, redirects the conversation to shopping, insuring Alice's participation in this new topic.
Edward resigns himself to get her alone and get to the bottom of her distress, hoping nothing spiteful has come from Alice. With a sigh, he lays his cheek on her head for a moment before continuing to eat.
"Cinnamon, Sweets, my favorite," he growls into her ear and takes another bite of the roll.
She giggles quietly and nudges him with her shoulder, straightening to pick up her fork.
He sighs and kisses her temple as the tightness in his chest eases.
~o0o~
While everyone gets ready to go, chattering about which car to take and which route avoids the most traffic, Edward pulls Bella into the kitchen.
"Sweets, can you tell me what you were thinking when Alice was talking?" he asks helping her up on the counter and stepping between her legs.
She sits still.
He waits.
With a huff she begins, "Is that family?"
"Is what family, Baby?"
"Yesterday she was ready to throw acid in my face and today she sings my praise from the rooftops," she looks up with that searching, distraught expression.
Though Edward wants to laugh, he checks himself. She has no scope of reference and is truly baffled by this.
He clears his throat, "Yes, Sweets, this is family. I knew Alice would want her pound of flesh and then all would be set right. I'm not making excuses or allowances for her, but Alice is Alice. She's an acquired taste, but for what it's worth, I really think she's trying now," he says as he rubs his hands on her thighs.
"Can I be honest?" she asks placing her hands over his and looking up into his eyes.
He nods and turns his hands over beneath hers.
"She makes me very uncomfortable. I don't know what direction she will be coming from next." She lays her forehead on his as his fingers make circles on the tender skin of her wrist.
"I think only time will ease that. You don't know her and you can't trust her yet. Truthfully, I can't vouch for her. I don't know her anymore. She was sixteen when I left and the woman I see now is a fleshed out version of what I remember. Maybe if we give her time to prove herself you'll gain a friend and I'll gain back my sister."
He leans back to see what she thinks.
"I don't mean to be a drama queen." He shakes his head, but she continues, "I'll try harder, Moondoogie," she whispers.
Her timid words break his heart. 'Insecure Bella' is a new side of her; one that has just come to play with all the family drama. He hates that she feels on the back foot and tries not to let blame rain down on Alice. He has to have faith, that in time the two women will find their way, but for now, he focuses on his love.
"Baby, don't. Where is my tough cookie that set off on a cross country journey on her own; stared down a town of strangers, and shared her food rations with two old nobodies." She frowns at that, but he continues, "And took a chance on a loner like me?" He runs his fingers through her hair and pulls her in for a kiss, "Be that Bella, show them the Bella I couldn't help but love. You don't need to side step for anyone, not anyone, Sweets." He gives her one more kiss and releases her.
She tucks her hair behind her ear and smiles, shyly at first, but it broadens as she straightens and squares her shoulders.
"K"
He nods, "Okay then," and smiles back.
~o0o~
"We have seven o' clock reservations. So we'll be back by five to get ready," Alice declares to the room.
"Are you sure you won't come with us?" Esme entreats.
Bella smiles, "you sure you don't want to stay? Miss Maddie and I have a full day planned; you're going to miss all the fun."
Esme smiles brightly and hugs Bella.
"What's that?!" Alice bellows.
Edward freezes in the foyer with two garment bags draped over his arm.
Bella steps forward, "It's our clothes for tonight. We thought it would be best to get ready here." She turns to Esme, "is that okay, Moondoggie was supposed to talk to you."
"Of course, I don't know why you have to stay at a lonely hotel anyway. You're welcome to stay here as much as you like."
"Thank you," Bella smiles.
"I don't mean to sound snobbish, but I don't think the clothes you brought with you will be appropriate for tonight's venue. It's an upscale French restaurant. Why don't you let us pick out something better suited for tonight? I'd love to shop for you. You're so skinny I can put you in just about anything and see improvement."
"Alice, do you hear yourself?" Edward asks busting through the stunned silence of the room and towing Bella to him as he drapes the garment bags over the back of the couch.
"What?" Alice looks shocked by her brother's outburst.
"If you were aiming for a condescending snob you hit the mark dead on," Edward rounds on her.
"Edward, please," Bella hisses as she clings to his arm.
Esme's imperial voice shocks the room, "Alice, I had Edward in suits before you were born. I thought this catty behavior of yours was put to rest yesterday. I will not tolerate it. Apologize and mean it."
As she finishes, Carlisle wraps his arm around his wife in support and waits for his daughter's responds.
Alice looks to Jasper, but he shakes his head with a sad smile.
Her shoulders droop before she looks to Edward and Bella.
"I'm sorry for my poor choice of words. I didn't mean to overstep. I just wanted you to be comfortable tonight. I was looking forward to surprising you with outfits," she shrugs, ringing her hands, "and Bella is so slim that she would look good in anything."
Jasper wraps his arms around her waist from behind.
Edward feels Bella's hand squeeze his arm.
"That's kind of you to say. It's hard not to be envious of the curves Maddie has given your figure," Bella smiles sweetly.
Alice frowns as she tries to interpret Bella's words as a compliment or insult, and Jasper and Edward try to keep straight faces.
"Okay all, it's go time," Carlisle says as he waltzes Esme over to the mistletoe.
Jasper and Alice gather Maddie to say their goodbyes on the porch with Carlisle and Esme close behind. It doesn't go unnoticed by Edward that Jasper gives Bella a wink as he passes.
As Bella and Edward reach the door, Bella asks, "Moondoggie, am I too skinny?"
He pulls her behind the door and run his hand over her ass, pulling her against his chest. "This ass—Baby, this ass is not the ass of a skinny woman. This glorious work of art belongs to a goddess, my goddess," his declares before claiming her lips.
"Oh come on you two, cut it out! Edward, we've got golf and beer waiting, let the girl go," Jasper whines from the front porch.
Edward steals one more kiss before releasing her and pulling a flushed and rumpled Bella from behind the door.
With last kisses and instructions exchanged, she picks up Maddie and they wave from the front porch as the two cars pull away going in opposite directions.
When the cars are out of sight, Bella looks at Maddie, "Cookies!"
"Cookies," Maddie parrots.
"We need to make cookies!" and smiles as Maddie claps her hands and squirms as they re-enter the house.
~o0o~
Alice watches Edward and Bella enter the restaurant and remembers coming home with Mom this afternoon and standing over Bella and Maddie curled up together, asleep. She knew at that moment that the time for grudges and hard feelings had passed.
Bella is graceful and elegant as Edward hands her coat to the maître d. She sees clearly that Bella is not a passing fancy on her brother's part.
Edward, dashing in a charcoal gray tailored suit, is wrapped around a natural beauty in a black, haltered, tea length Robert Cavalli. The brocade beadwork is exquisite.
Alice still feels the sting of walking downstairs and seeing Edward and Bella dressed to perfection and talking with Mom and Pops. Once again, she had misjudged them.
She takes Jasper's hand and smiles brightly as the handsome couple approach the table.
"Hello all," Edward says in greeting as he pulls out Bella's chair.
"Do we want to know what took you fifteen minutes longer than everyone else?" Jasper smirks.
"No, no you don't," Edward says emphatically.
The group laughs quietly as Edward takes his seat between Bella and his mom.
Carlisle watches his son kiss Esme's cheek, watches her glow with Edward's attention, and his heart overflows. He sits back and sips his cocktail, studying the family before him.
Jasper and Bella have an unspoken conversation across the table. He guesses this stems from being outsiders to this family's drama.
He watches Maddie hold up her arms for a hug from Bella and sees Bella's contented smile as she gives his granddaughter a squeeze. He cocks his head and takes another sip. There is an otherworldly bond between these two. As if their souls recognized each other.
As he brings Esme's hand to his lips, he watches Edward draw Bella back to himself and only begins joking with Jasper when he has her safely against him. Esme nudges him as Bella looks at Edward as if he hung the moon.
There is a magnetic energy between them. He recognized it immediately, that constant need to connect. Esme told him last night as she lay in his arms that their son and Bella could make love from across the room, much like themselves.
He smiles as Esme joins Alice and Bella in talking about Bella's dress, and notes Edward excusing himself from the table.
"I've only seen this one as a floor length, Saks?" Esme asks.
Bella shakes her head, "Nordstrom's."
"Ah, well it's perfect and the tea length is lovely on you," Alice says warmly.
"Thank you, Alice," Bella says. Her smile slips as the waiters enter the private room, but she breathes a sigh of relief as Edward follows them into the room.
Bella touches the forks to the left of her plate, trying not to panic over all the choices of silverware, water and wine glasses, and food for a formal, six course meal. Not to mention people waiting in judgement. She's going to embarrass Moondoggie and prove to Alice that she doesn't belong. She feels the panic crawl across her.
"Relax, Sweets, trust me, I've got you," Edward whispers in her ear as he retakes his seat next to her.
She sits back, dropping her hands into her lap and smiles at him.
"I love you," she mouths.
"I know," he mouths with a wink as he motions for the waiter to fill her water glass.
She takes Moondoggie's hand under the linen tablecloth.
Family—she can do this.