Bella had barely arrived at work on Monday, when she heard Garrett, one of the partners, calling her into his office. He appeared slightly unnerved, which she knew meant one thing—they had received her notice.
"I don't know what to say to this, Bella," he said after nearly five minutes of her sitting across from him, watching his eyes staring intently at the computer screen, yet never saying a word. Somehow, it made her confidence rise even higher. "Are you sure about this? Is there nothing we can offer to change your mind?"
Bella sat up straighter, shaking her head determinedly. "No, I'm afraid not. I've been offered an amazing opportunity, and I have to take it."
Garrett sighed and sat back to look at her. "It's a damn shame because you're going places and the others here won't figure that out until it's too late." She appreciated his words, though surprised by them. He wasn't like the other partners. "I hope that you'll consider consulting for us?"
Bella cocked an eyebrow and gave him a look that she knew would've withered weaker men. "Mr. Williams, I'm more than willing to consult for the firm after I leave, but when I do, my fee will be extravagant."
"As it should be," he said, laughing a little. He agreed to her terms of leaving in approximately three weeks and said he'd inform human resources shortly. He asked once more if there was anything he could do to change her mind. She answered him with a firm no. With what seemed as reluctance, Garrett rose to his feet. "In my opinion, you've been an asset to the company. I'll reiterate, it's a shame to see you leave. As a matter of curiosity, and just between you and me, I can't help but notice that your resignation happens to coincide with Mr. Cullen's. Is there any correlation?"
Bella only answered with a barely restrained smirk, lifting one shoulder in a shrug, but it was clear that it was all the response he needed. He shook her hand with a smile and a wink, which she returned. As they stepped out of Garrett's office, Bella spotted his personal assistant, Heidi, pretending that she hadn't been sitting just outside of his door, listening intently the entire time, as she suspected she would. Bella was aware that, thanks to Heidi, everyone would know her news by the time she reached her desk.
With her head held high and near smug smile, Bella walked toward her office at the very end of the hall. In the land of the cubicles, a series of bobbing heads rose and fell as she passed, each whispering the news of her and Edward's departure, no doubt. As expected, word had also begun to spread that Edward Cullen was also leaving, sparking a multitude of rumors. Did that mean she was going with him? Would it be a partnership, or was there something else brewing there? She could only imagine.
Her eyes caught Edward's as she approached, where he stood leaning against the doorframe of his office. Dressed in a dark charcoal suit, a grey shirt, and a blue tie, he looked so damn good. He cocked his head toward the elevator and pointed at his watch. It was time for a coffee break.
"You buying?" she mouthed. He rolled his eyes but nodded. Suddenly, she heard a shout from the large corner office nearby—Eric's office. A curse, followed by a stream of unsavory words rushed out as his door swung open, and since she was so close, he nearly stumbled into Bella.
Dressed impeccably in a pricey grey suit, Eric straightened out, standing to his full height. In her high heels, Bella was about an inch taller. He seemed to have noticed this and ran his hand through his dark hair, clearing his throat.
"You're leaving the company?"
Bella couldn't help but cock an eyebrow. "Yes."
He huffed and needlessly adjusted a cufflink. "May I ask why?"
"I'm moving on to bigger and better things," she said with a careless shrug. "Somewhere I can spread my wings."
"I don't understand. You got the office you wanted last year. Haven't we given you enough?"
She crossed her arms over her chest, cocking a hip and leveled him a look. "You haven't given me anything, the partners did. The only input you possibly had was to make sure I was put in that damn broom closet, conveniently close to yours, so I would work with you on that project."
"We can give you more money, if that's what you want."
"You're not authorized to even say that, Eric," she said and shook her head. "I'm pretty sure your uncle would not appreciate it. Do you really think that if I chose to remain, you could get me to do more work for you?"
"I'll make it worth your while."
She sighed, tired of the conversation. Eric was not listening to anything she said. "I'm heading out for my break." She walked past him, but left him a parting shot, "There's nothing you can offer me to keep me here."
As Bella went to grab her purse in her office, Edward observed as Eric nearly sprinted to his uncle's office. There was no doubt that he'd be desperate to keep Bella on, but it was too late. She made up her mind and he couldn't be happier.
Edward watched Bella walk toward him. A half smile almost lit up her face, chin tilted up giving him a tantalizing view of her graceful neck. Dressed in the pencil skirt he had a love/hate thing for and a plum top, she looked every bit the partner she was destined to be. The skirt hugged her every curve, the hem at her knee, but delicate ruffles along the back hem teased him. He wanted to tug on them and pull that amazing ass against him. Careful to keep his thoughts from going further, he averted his gaze under the guise of closing his office door to collect himself before turning back to her.
"Ready?" she asked him. He nodded, completely aware that everyone was watching them. It didn't matter; by the end of the day, rumors would have spread. It wouldn't take long for them to find out that they're going to be partners, and they'd speculate in what ways.
~oOo~
After work that day, Edward took a brief walkthrough of his place, making sure everything was in place for when Bella arrived. He stepped out of his dining room where the movers had helped him rearrange the furniture when they came to deliver Bella's desk. In one corner stood a table where the 3D models he'd been working on were set up. Hanging on the wall behind them were completed, highly stylized color drawings of those projects.
In the last eight months, Edward had been working an average of eighteen hours a day, leaving the firm at five, only to come home to do more after. The non-compete clause in his contract with Sherman made it difficult for him to approach anyone with his design concepts. He relied on his network and word of mouth to find what projects were on the horizon, both domestic and international. Privately, he worked on their future endeavors at a risk of losing them before he left Sherman. So far, he seemed to be on target with his concepts and deadlines were still months ahead.
Beside the window that allowed the most light inside, sat Bella's desk and his own. He arranged them so that they'd face each other. He told himself he'd done this since it was the most practical, but in all honesty, he loved to look at her. The idea of glass walls in their new offices sounded more promising than ever.
Edward had been home for almost an hour when a knock on the door had him taking a quick moment to compose himself. There was a reason Bella had never visited his apartment. He'd been afraid he'd see her everywhere he turned even after she left, and it would be constant torment to dream of things that could never be.
You've been holding it all in for three years, he told himself as he made his way toward the door. You can keep it up for a few more months. He opened it to find Bella on her cell phone, speaking furiously and waving an arm around further down the hall. With every word out of her mouth and the way her legs looked in her heels, he had some reservations.
"I don't give a fuck, Mike," Bella hissed, her hand tightening into fist. "You think I don't know that you're trying to dick me with that fancy name for a belt? I grew up with a freakin' mechanic, I knew what was wrong with it by ear, and it wasn't a goddamned belt! If I had any time to spare, I could probably do this myself and within a day, and you've had my car for two already. Replace the damn hose we agreed on, and I just had a tune-up done, so no, I don't need that, either. And I will be by tomorrow after work to pick it up, at the price we agreed on in the first place."
She touched her screen harshly and spun around to face him. Her mouth dropped open to a tantalizing shape he wanted to explore with much more than his eyes. "Sorry."
Edward shrugged and gestured for her to come inside. "Sounds like you need a glass of wine."
She offered him an embarrassed smile. "Three sounds better." She'd never spoken like that around the office, and even when they went out for dinner or drinks, curse words were rare. As she passed him to get inside, he caught the scent of her soft perfume and regretted that he had taken a deep breath. The punch-drunk feeling he often experienced in her presence outside of work forced his body to still, his breath to catch. If she noticed, she said nothing.
The moment she stepped inside, she started to remove her jacket. The dreaded skirt that highlighted every curve came into view. Edward did his best to keep his eyes between her shoulders, rather than on her backside or legs. She was silent as she looked around his living room.
Alice had decorated it, going for warmth instead of something that screamed bachelor pad. Thankfully, they had agreed on those terms when he moved in shortly after making his decision to leave the firm months before, a gift from his parents for finally moving on. He hadn't wanted to accept it, but they knew he was sinking every penny into his new plan and wanted to help in some way.
He watched as Bella skimmed her fingers along the buttery leather of the back of his couch. At that moment, he wished he could read her thoughts. "Is that one of the new televisions they came out with earlier this year?" He nodded and smiled a little, saying nothing. "It's funny. For years, they kept getting flatter, allowing for more space, only to come up with a curved concept that takes it up all over again."
"I love curves." His smile was tad on the wicked side.
She rolled her eyes. "Had to get the very best and biggest one, I see. You're such a man."
He slipped his hand in his pocket, shrugging. "I believe you have no problem with that."
"Definitely not," she said and laughed. "Besides, I want one, too." He chuckled, remaining by the door and wanting her to continue touching his things. He wanted her scent on them. Already, his imagination tried to take over. He saw himself lifting her up onto that couch and spreading her legs apart for his perusal, to taste and tease. "What?"
He leaned against the door, meeting her eyes. "You always surprise me." She gave him a cheeky grin, a small shrug that drew his gaze to the lacy edge along the neckline of her blouse. Only there hadn't been one earlier in the day, he noticed. She turned again, her eyes moving around the room, always observant.
It was a camisole or bra that he caught a glimpse of, forcing him clear his throat. Knowing the color and the fact that she wore lacy undergarments made his arousal difficult to keep under control. He was becoming increasingly warmer, and soon, he knew he'd become irritated. It was the last thing he wanted. It wasn't her fault his imagination was in overdrive.
He followed her throughout the main area. The living room opened up to the kitchen and flowed straight into the dining area that would serve as their office for a few months. Every surface, he wanted to lift her onto; every wall, he wanted to pin her body to with his own. He could barely restrain the groan in response to the images flashing through his mind. If he couldn't keep himself under control, they would never get any work done. Yet, seeing her so comfortably moving through his house, as if she were in her own, was rattling him, and that was both a good and bad thing simultaneously. "I'm starting to think this might not be my brightest idea."
The tips of her fingers paused from their tactile observation on the granite countertop in his kitchen. Her eyes still on the intricate grain, he could see her attempting to hide her smile. Yet, when she lifted her gaze to meet his, he saw it in her eyes.
"Think of how much better things will be…eventually," she said softly, walking toward the dining area. "If we acted on it now, sure it would be good, but I want fucking so damn great that we can't keep our hands off each other for hours afterward. That we have to turn off our phones and spend all day christening every room in this place, until we're worn out and completely sated."
"Jesus," he said, a little rougher than before.
"Besides, we can't honestly say we know each other." She ran a palm over the mahogany table that sat eight.
Turning serious, he grasped her wrist so that she'd face him. "How can you say that? Of course, we do."
"On a simple, friendship level, sure. We do. But I mean the deeper side of ourselves, the secrets we keep hidden away from the world. Things that no one but the very closest people to us know." Bella clarified, and Edward gazed at her worriedly. What could she have kept hidden from him, that she didn't trust him enough to share? "For instance, do you know that my mother abandoned me when I was seven? Just left me in a store and walked away."
"What the hell?"
"Exactly, you didn't know. You implied that you want more than a roll in the sheets, since you want to be able to focus more attention on our relationship and we couldn't do that while we start a new business. That's what I want, too. So, as we work together." She paused to look around the room, extending her arms up. "We can do that while we wait until we're in a more comfortable place to start something new. I want to know what drives you. I want to know your secrets, your passions, your dreams. Things that maybe you wouldn't share with just any friend."
"You've never been just 'any friend' to me, Bella," Edward replied emphatically, his shoulders stiffening a little.
"I know that, Edward. But to have more, we need to build it, and that's what we can take this time to do."
Edward stepped back, giving her the space she seemed to need. "As co-workers we kept ourselves from telling each other all those things because it would've brought us closer and made the attraction too much to handle."
"Yes," she said, taking his hand in hers and squeezing it. "So, let's start now. You know something that very few people know about me."
Edward searched for something that came close to the equivalent of what she told him, finding little. He had a loving family, both parents, a great relationship with his sister. It hit him suddenly what he could tell her, as she tried to catch his eyes again.
"I almost drowned once when I was twelve, haven't been able to swim since." She looked horrified for several seconds. "I'm fine, though." Her face softened and she turned pensive.
"Got it. Skinny dipping is out."
Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he turned her toward their desks. "That's where we'll be working."
The movement startled her a little, but her attention was soon drawn to the sight before her. "I think I'm going to love the view."
Lips beside her ear, he whispered, "So am I."
With a slightly exaggerated breath to steady herself, she stepped away from him, rounding toward the area where his models were on display. "Oh my God, those are gorgeous!" She made her way there quickly, viewing them from every angle. As he answered questions and reassured her that no one knew he was working on the designs yet, he realized that someone that loved the same things he did was very sexy to him.
They spent hours going over his designs and their long-term goals. She insisted on paying for dinner when it arrived, and they only paused long enough to grab some plates and drinks before they were back to work. Blueprints and books lay on the table, his laptop in front of Bella and she did some research on some laws and new regulations for the home on the cliffs.
They had both gotten so wrapped up in what they were doing that her chiming cell phone almost caused them to startle a little in surprise. "Okay, Jasper said he had the cost breakdown finished and would like to meet this week at the office."
"Tell him Thursday," Edward stated, double-checking the text from Alice he'd received earlier that day. "My cousin should have hers done, too."
"Perfect." She continued to type away.
Edward sat back in his chair with his hands clasped behind his head. "It's almost eleven."
Bella's eyes widened and she took a closer look at the time on the screen, whistling. "Time flies when you're having fun."
"Not sure that applies to everything fun we'd do together."
"I hope not," she said and laughed. "I'll call for a cab."
"I'll drive you," he stated, rising from his chair.
"I can take a cab."
"It's late and some of those cabbies are assholes, especially with a woman at this hour of the night. Please, let me drive you home."
She nodded and helped him clean up a little, following him down to the parking garage a few minutes later. "Thanks for doing this," she told him once seated in his car.
"I'm sorry if I came across a little strong upstairs," he said, looking at her. "I just want you safe."
"And I appreciate that," she replied and patted the dashboard. "Besides I love this car and any excuse for a ride is okay with me."
Edward groaned from behind the wheel, attempting to cover it up with a laugh. He wasn't very successful since she appeared slightly smug. He didn't mind the banter, it only added to her appeal.
Almost ten minutes later, he pulled up to the curb in front of her building. "Do you need a ride into work?"
Bella shook her head. "And send everyone into a frenzy? No, but thank you. I'll grab a ride with Angela."
"Goodnight, Bella."
She exited as he lowered the window, turning and looking directly at him. "I can't wait to hear you say 'good morning' in bed."
He held in his need to curse, forced his body not to react. "You don't play fair." Yet, he loved it anyway.
She patted the window's edge, giving him a tantalizing view of the tops of her breasts. "I never said I did."
"Maybe I should up my game."
Playfully, she fanned herself with her hand. "Don't, I'll never make it. Goodnight, Edward."
~oOo~
The weeks leading up to their last day of work were long and slightly irritating. Rumors ran rampant, and though she knew it would happen, it still infuriated her. Whispered conversations stopped the moment she entered a room. Those that insisted they didn't care proved themselves otherwise with their side glances and eye rolls.
When Bella walked into the building that morning, she was determined to keep her chin up through the final hours of her employment with Sherman and Associates. For most of the day, she was successful, but as she was packing up the last of her belongings in her office, she could feel every pair of eyes that passed her office burning right through her back. It didn't help that the few times she actually turned around, she found their gazes floating between her office and Edward's before they walked away whispering.
The last item she set in the box was a framed photo she kept on her desk, one that always gave her strength through her toughest times, and that moment was no exception. Her father's face with his stubbornly hidden smile stared back at her, and she could still hear his words when she called to tell him of her plans.
"Good. You're way too smart for that place, Bells. I'm proud of you."
Her cell phone danced on her desk, signaling a text message from Edward. I'll be waiting at our office.
With a smile, she looked up in time to see him with his last box in hand, passing by her window with a grin, and she gave him a small wave. They'd done it; they had reached the finish line. It gave her a thrill to hear him saying his last goodbyes to some of their colleagues. She could almost hear Lauren, Heidi, and Megan crying over never having the chance with him and for the loss of the eye-candy he provided each day. They tried and failed on more than one occasion. She didn't blame them one bit for trying. They never understood that Edward wouldn't ever risk his career for a roll in the sheets or the kind of good man he truly was.
She took her time gathering her things to give Edward the opportunity to leave the building. She was thankful for his thoughtfulness in understanding why they had to leave separately. She was in no mood to put up with the vultures in the cubicle jungle outside her office. The gossip vine had been ripe for weeks and she was tired of being the main topic. Their opinions no longer mattered, but they would test her control if they pulled anything that day.
Eric had tried in vain to get her to remain with the firm, but she refused each of the benefits he had added to the package he offered. Even his uncle signed on in an attempt to keep her, but it was too late. She had made her decision, and nothing was stopping her from achieving her dreams. The kind she knew Sherman and Associates would never allow her to reach.
For the last few weeks, she had worked hard alongside Edward to get everything ready for when they could start their business. She had Jane's number ready to go, so she could make the call that would hopefully, land her a dream project. She'd fly out that night if Jane asked, but first, Bella wanted to celebrate her last day at the firm with Edward. Their business cards were ready, the rough electrical work was complete at their office and soon the glass walls would be installed. She couldn't wait to see the sleek, yet warm design that Alice came up with to suit her and Edward's tastes.
A knock on her door alerted her, opening to a slightly distressed Angela. "Yes." Out of all the interns and personal assistants, she was the only one that Bella knew had her back. The willowy woman, whom stood a few inches taller than her, locked the door behind her and gave her a tentative smile.
"I hate that you're going," Angela said, taking a deep breath, as she seemed to gather more courage. "At the same time, I can't wait to see what you come up with when you do." Bella smiled and thanked her. "I wanted to let you know, that if you ever need a receptionist or PA, I'd follow you in an instant."
"Angela," Bella whispered, pulling her friend into her arms. "If I could afford you right now, I'd ask you to come. Give us a few months and we'll see."
"Oh, thank God," Angela huffed, returning the hug fiercely. "You call me when you have a minute to yourself and we can do lunch."
Bella pulled away and laughed. "Of course. Now, is there any chance I can make my escape without being ambushed outside?"
Angela put on her serious face, shaking her head. "None whatsoever," she stated firmly. Her pin straight, dark hair threatened to fall out of its elegant bun. The tone in which she delivered her line ended with a snort, reminding Bella why they had always gotten along so well.
"All right," Bella said, straightening up her blazer. She spent a little extra time on her appearance that morning for a reason. Despite the whispers and gossip surrounding her all day long, and behind the glares, the looks she received in her new blue suit showed intimidation. She looked powerful for someone under six-foot tall. "I'm out of here."
Angela nodded and led the charge toward the door. Bella took one last moment to look around, and though she hadn't appreciated how imprisoned she felt within the firm, she did learn a lot. For that, she would always be grateful. She exited her office several seconds after Angela, not paying a bit of attention to some yelling that came from Eric's office. He'd been a bear for the last few days, ever since his girlfriend dumped him for being an asshole.
She noticed Garrett watching with some amusement from his office door, quietly speaking with Heidi. He almost seemed to be waiting for some grand event to take place. The chances of that were slim. Yet, even as she thought this, Mr. Sherman himself walked toward her, calling her name.
Edward had warned her that it could happen, if they knew what was at stake. His smile had comforted her when she affirmed that nothing would change her mind to join him, and he assured her that he wasn't worried in the slightest.
"Mr. Sherman," Bella stated, shaking the hand he offered. "It was an experience working here, thank you." It was true, in a way. They had recognized her talent when she first applied, even if they hadn't utilized it properly.
"It was a pleasure having you here," he said, stoic in his demeanor but the tone was less severe. "May I speak with you for a moment?" Bella nodded and stepped back into her office, closely followed by her soon-to-be, ex-boss. "I'm under the impression that you would consider working with us in the future."
It was hard not to smile, but she managed. Slick as could be, she produced a business card seemingly out of thin air. The name of their business had come to them during a brainstorming session two weeks earlier. They wanted something different from all the companies that slapped their names together and considered that good enough. The card design and logo were easy after that.
"You can reach me here," she said, a smile that some would call slightly cocky tugged at her lips. "As I indicated, my consulting fees would be extravagant, but well worth it in the end, I assure you."
Seemingly surprised, Mr. Sherman looked at the opaque card, cocking an eyebrow when it confirmed that she was a partner with Edward. The subtle gray background was a house on a cliff side, blending into a cityscape. The name Quantum Architecture & Design was in red, slightly raised to give it texture. The day they came in the mail, she squealed and jumped around Edward's apartment. The hug they shared had almost turned into more, but a ringing cell phone had cut through it. A part of her had loathed the interruption and wished he had kissed her anyway, while the other was grateful. It left them with a lot to look forward to soon.
"I wish you luck, Ms. Swan," Mr. Sherman stated, offering his hand to her one more time before watching her leave her former broom-closet of an office. As she traversed the office floor, she held up her chin and ignored the whispers that followed in her wake.
~oOo~
Bella found Edward's door slightly cracked open when she arrived at his place almost thirty minutes after leaving the firm. There was a sense of panic she expected after realizing she had no paycheck coming next month, yet it hadn't hit her completely until that moment. She had some savings, mostly an inheritance she received from her grandmother years before. She'd survive, as long as she remained sensible.
She didn't bother knocking, since he knew she was coming up already. "For the love of God, please tell me you have wine or beer." Her purse landed on the side table by the door and she heard him chuckle a little closer than expected.
He stood only a few feet away, holding up a glass of wine already full and waiting for her. His suit jacket and tie were gone, a button or two loose on the top, and he had rolled up the sleeves of his grey shirt. She loved when he did that, and often found it hard to concentrate when he did. Without a word, he handed her a glass, while sipping on one of his own. His eyes remained on hers, slightly widening as she licked her bottom lip after her hearty drink. Before she had a chance to say something again, he reached his hand out for hers as he began walking backward toward his living room.
"Tonight we will celebrate. We're going to sit in front of the television, watch mind numbing shows, eat, drink, and enjoy a night off."
"Are we now?"
"You're not the only one capable of being bossy," he said, a grin gracing his face. The shadow that covered his jaw seemed to make that smile pop out. "We've worked eighteen-hour days for weeks now, we deserve it."
"We do."
The way his eyes traveled over her made her blood heat, but his smile disappeared. His gaze remained on her legs and the hem of her skirt as they set their drinks down on the coffee table.
"If we are doing this, I'll need to borrow a pair of shorts and maybe a t-shirt," she said, smoothing a hand over her hip. "I can't get comfortable in garters, heels, and a suit."
His fingers tightened around hers, his eyes once again skimming over every inch of her. A look shouldn't garner such heat, but his always did.
"That might not be a good idea," he said, his free hand rising to rub the back of his neck. "Anything shorter than that skirt might kill me, and there's nothing sexier to a man than his woman in his shirt." It seemed he wasn't aware of what he had implied with that statement.
She stepped closer, placing her hand on his chest and loving how his heart flew beneath her touch. "Then I'll just take off my hose and garters. That might help me relax a little better." She shrugged a little, trying to play it off that it was no big deal. She knew it was, since he had yet to take his eyes off her legs.
She watched as he swallowed and tried not to imagine what it would feel like to put her tongue on his throat when he did. Her fingers on his chest itched to explore, but his hand rose to lift them to his lips to nip at playfully. She shivered and watched his full lips around a fingertip. Breathe, Bella.
"I'll grab you a pair of sweats," he said, his voice lower than before. He gestured toward the bathroom, and even went as far as telling her to stay there. A trip to his bedroom would not be a good idea. Someday, she told herself.
"Don't forget a t-shirt!" she called out to him as he walked into his bedroom down the hall. His groan made her smile. "Should I order food?"
As he walked out into the hallway, he shook his head. "I ordered from Antonio's and it should be here in twenty minutes." He handed her a jersey and a pair of black sweats; she didn't think he was serious about those. She'd swim in them!
"Trust me," he said gruffly. "It's safer this way."
She shrugged and watched as he walked back into the living room, not missing the way his hand swept the front of his slacks or the groan that accompanied the move. A whimper escaped and gained his attention. The look he gave over his shoulder made her step toward him.
"Not yet, Bella."
She nodded and waved the jersey he gave her. In big black letters was CULLEN across the shoulders on the back. The ass had the audacity to smirk. "Staking a claim?"
He didn't even pretend to be shocked by her insinuation, and instead, his smile grew as he waved his arms out. "I thought that was obvious earlier."
"Neanderthal," Bella muttered jokingly under her breath, loud enough for him to hear, as she made her way to the bathroom to change. Yet, she couldn't contain the shiver of excitement that ran through her. So, that wasn't just a slip of the tongue, and it made her smile. Already he thought of her as his as she did of him as hers. It was going to be a long few months, but it would be worth it. When they could finally have everything they wanted, with no distraction or outside worries weighing on their minds.
Minutes later, she joined him in the living room as he refilled their glasses. She had to roll up his sweats around her waist and ankles. The moment his eyes caught hers, he froze with another long, exaggerated swallow, and set the wine bottle down on the table. "I hope you know that you're not getting this shirt back anytime soon."
"Fine by me. Looks much better on you," Edward replied with a smile, though his voice was even huskier than before. He stepped closer to her, taking her hands in his as he ran his gaze over her. "But there is something I need to do."
Bella had barely drawn her breath in to reply when his hands rose to frame her face, tracing his thumbs along her cheekbones. Her heart picked up a beat and her eyes fluttered closed as he moved closer, brushing her lips softly with his. After a soft whimper, she brought her hands to his sides and gripped his shirt, deepening the kiss for a brief moment before they both pulled away. "What happened to waiting?"
"That was just a preview. Nowhere near everything I'd like to do."
With her eyes wide open, she brushed her lips over his one more time, sweeping her tongue across his mouth. His hands tightened and she knew he struggled to maintain some control, so she pulled back. "For once, I don't think I would mind a lot of previews."
His chuckle was a series of tantalizing, warm puffs of air along her jaw. "For now, let's keep them PG. I'd like for you to stick around for the end credits, a long time from now."
She realized he meant every word. He was making an effort to get to know her on a deeper level, and that was so much more than anyone else had ever done. In the weeks since they took a chance to work together, they focused on their business. Yet, there were moments where he'd suddenly ask a question about her that he wanted to know. He learned more in those brief Q & A's than her last two boyfriends had in their entire relationship.
She sat down and tugged him beside her, grabbing the remote. "I plan to stay, so for now, let's stick to horror movies or comedies."
"Anything but romance, please."
Leaning toward him, she pressed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Noted and seconded."
