A/N: So much love for the amazing team of people behind me on this one. My word-fairy MariahajilE, my personal comedian Layathomemom, my drill-sergeant Lamomo, and keeper of the heart; Serenshadow.
And to JiffyKate, I will forever swap words with you ladies like candy at Halloween.
I tweet at JennaRayFF and book faces at J Ray Fanfiction.
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"You need to convince Tall, Dark, and Shady to come by the bar sometime, so I can get a mental picture," Angela commented, opening the door to The Brewhouse.
"I don't know. You might overdose on his sex appeal if you see him in person," I answered, laughing.
"Doubt that," she replied with a snort.
I blinked at her, confused.
"What?"
"Oh, nothing." She grinned wickedly, making me feel as if I were missing out on a good joke.
I shook my head as we approached the small line ahead of us, attributing her comment to her quirkiness.
"Here." I pulled a ten-dollar bill out of my pocket and passed it to her. "Get me a vanilla latte. I have to go to the bathroom."
I shuffled around the line, locking eyes with the same barista from last time. She smiled at me as she took someone's order, and I returned it with a little wave, turning around the corner of the counter toward the restroom.
When I returned, Angela had both our drinks, and we took a seat at one of the small tables in front of the window. She pushed my cup toward me as I slid into the seat across from her, but she didn't look at me. She was staring at something at the front of the shop.
"What did you get?" I asked as I picked up my drink, prompting her to finally glance over at me.
"Tea. I don't like coffee."
"Is their tea good here?"
I took a sip of my latte and hummed in appreciation of the silky warmth sliding down my throat.
"Not really."
I gave her a look as I put my cup down on the table.
"So… You don't like coffee, and their tea isn't any good. Why do you even come here?"
"I have my reasons," she responded cryptically.
Her eyes left mine again, shifting back towards the front of the shop. This time, I followed them in an effort to figure out what she was staring at. I looked, but nothing stuck out to me. The line had dissipated, and the only thing to watch appeared to be the barista making drinks. There didn't seem to be anything for Angela to stare at. Still, when I looked back at her, she still seemed completely captivated with something.
And then I realized…
"Wait. Are you looking at the barista?"
"Yes. Yes, I am," she answered with a dreamy sigh.
I gaped at her for a moment, totally caught off guard.
"Oh…"
"She's so fucking sexy."
I blinked at her, taking a moment to comprehend this information, before a big smile spread slowly across my lips.
"Oh…" I replied, my tone now laced with understanding. "You have the hots for her?"
"Are you kidding?" she asked, turning back to me again. "For her, I've got the hots and the colds and everythingin between."
I glanced over at the unsuspecting barista again. I'd noticed her stunning looks the first time I'd seen her, so I could totally see why Angela drooled over her. If I were into girls, she could be my type, too.
"Well, that's cool. I just had no idea that you, you know…"
"Like pussy?" she asked, making me laugh.
"Well, yeah."
For the next hour, I listened to Angela recount every aspect of her crush to me. I learned all about Lauren, a 21-year-old student at the University of Houston. Angela had gathered this information while taking her breaks at the coffee shop, though she admitted she'd never had the guts to make a move on the girl. She did say she picked up on heavy flirtatious vibes from her, but regardless, she felt that Lauren might be out of her league.
She was crazy, and I told her so. Lauren possessed a striking beauty, no doubt, but so did Angela. Lauren's appeal came across dark and exotic, while Angela's felt more pin-up girl and airy. They were very different but would make one gorgeous couple.
I decided then that if Lauren was at all interested in women, those two needed to hook up.
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The next morning, I woke to a text from Emmett informing me he'd spent the night at Rosalie's and he wouldn't be home until later. Although less than pleased they seemed to be on the road to reconciliation, I found my silver lining in the fact that, at least, they hadn't stayed at our house. Rosalie and Emmett playing footsie under our kitchen table while drinking their coffee didn't make the top of my list of preferred ways to start my morning.
A second text from Emmett told me Jasper would be coming by around ten and instructed me to give him a box in the kitchen containing miscellaneous stuff he'd left behind. By the time I read the text, it was nearly ten, so even though I could've gone back to sleep, I decided I should get up.
Jasper showed up as I made the coffee, popping right in through the door from the garage, as if he still lived there. I supposed he'd never really feel like a guest, anyway.
"Hey, Bella," he greeted me, glancing up from his phone.
Jasper's frame, slender and lanky, stood a stark opposite of my brother's. His curly blond hair and the dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks only served to make him appear even more boyish. Nearing thirty, he actually looked like he could be younger than me.
"What's up?" I asked, smiling at him as I took a coffee mug down from the cabinet.
"Just another day of wedding shit," he answered with a sigh. "I'm stopping by to pick up some stuff I left behind."
"Yeah. Emmett isn't here, but he texted me about it. I think that's it over there," I said, gesturing to a box that sat at the other end of the counter. "Do you want some coffee?"
"Nah. I wish I could," he responded as he went over to the box and started to pick through it, checking out its contents. "Alice is waiting in the car. We're on our way to a cake tasting."
"Oh. Well, tell her I said hi."
"I will." He seemed satisfied with what he found in the box as he pulled it toward him. "I met the new roommate."
That got my attention. I looked up and over at him, trying not to appear overly interested.
"Oh, really? Where?"
"Here, just now. He's outside, just in front of the garage."
"What's he doing out there?"
"Smoking."
I hadn't realized Bright Eyes smoked, and that made me think there were probably a lot of questions Emmett and I should've asked but didn't. Then again, I knew Emmett had spoken to him on the phone on his own. Maybe he just hadn't fully filled me in.
"Oh. So what'd you think?" I asked.
The coffeemaker beeped, signaling that my coffee had finished, and I went about filling my mug.
"He seems cool. Quiet, though. Then again, I guess that's a good quality when it comes to a roommate."
"That's what Emmett said. Exact words."
"Guess we got sick of each other's loud and crazy asses then," he laughed.
"Nah. Emmett misses you," I assured him.
"I'll still be around," he answered, winking at me.
I went to the refrigerator to get the creamer and then looked at Jasper as I slowly walked back to my coffee.
"Glad to hear it."
"Well, I gotta run," he said, picking his box up. "Oh, hey. How's the job at the bar going?"
Turning to face him directly, I smiled at his thoughtfulness.
"So far, so good," I responded. "I really like it there."
"Awesome. I had a feeling you'd like it there." He took a few steps backwards, toward the door. "Alice and I'll have to stop by some night when you're working."
"Yeah, for sure."
I watched him turn to open the door to the garage, jumping a little to see Bright Eyes standing on the other side. He didn't say anything. He just stood there, a patient look on his face, and the space around us filled with uncomfortable silence until Jasper cleared his throat.
"Guess we're both coming and going at the same time, huh?" he said with an awkward laugh, trying to cut the tension.
"Guess so," Bright Eyes answered flatly.
He stood there for a moment longer before walking into the kitchen, sidestepping around Jasper. Edward's tall and powerful frame dwarfed Jasper's, making me want to laugh, but I didn't. I couldn't. Bright Eyes' presence filled all the space around him with such fascinating command that I felt like I could only stare when he was around.
"Well, uh… See ya, Bella," Jasper said, offering me a small smile as he stepped out into the garage.
"Bye, Jasper."
He closed the door behind him, and the air immediately thickened. Bright Eyes and I were alone, and I remained, with alarm, aware of every fraction of space he occupied.
My heart rate accelerated as I watched him move slowly from one side of the kitchen to the other, never letting his eyes leave mine.
"I, um… I made some coffee." As if he couldn't see that for himself. "Would you like some?"
Those mystifying eyes were almost calculating in the way he looked at me, as he leaned against the door frame between the kitchen and living room, crossing one foot over the other in a casual pose that somehow still felt predatory at the same time.
"No, thank you."
It took me a moment to pull my eyes from his entrancing gaze to turn around and stir some creamer into my coffee.
"You're wearing the underwear again."
I froze, caught off guard for just a second before I remembered I'd put on my running shorts when I got out of bed, intending to go for a run after Jasper left.
I didn't even bother to look at him this time.
"They're not underwear," I huffed, proud of myself for maintaining my composure. I'd be damned if I let Bright Eyes know about the tingles it gave me to know he was looking at my ass. "They're shorts. I run in them. Do you have some sort of problem with that?"
He stayed quiet just long enough to drive me crazy.
"No. No problem."
"Good," I retorted.
Then I heard his footsteps coming toward me. Just before I could turn around, there he was, moving right up behind me, closer and closer, until he had me pressed into the counter in front of me. I froze, stunned and disturbingly turned on to feel him semi-hard and nestled against my ass.
I jumped a little, dropping my spoon so that it fell from my coffee cup and clattered against the countertop.
"I just don't think it's nice to tease people," he whispered hotly into my ear.
Feeling his breath against me made me tremble. His close proximity made me tense, but his hard-on against me made my whole body quake. My reaction to him shook me. I found myself feeling equally dismayed and mesmerized despite his completely inappropriate behavior.
I should have pushed him away, and part of me wanted to, but he smelled so good. His body radiated heat and desire that engulfed me, paralyzing me. He wanted me, clearly, and that thought sent a shiver down my spine.
"Maybe you shouldn't look then," I managed to squeak. "If it drives you so crazy."
"Perhaps." He lifted his hands to grip the edge of the countertop at my sides, caging me in. "Unfortunately, I find it impossible not to look at you. It's irritating."
I swallowed, feeling like I'd just been thrust into the Twilight Zone. This man didn't know me at all. We'd barely said a handful of words to each other, and he felt comfortable saying things like this to me? Who did he think he was?
"That sounds like a personal problem," I answered, out of breath.
"How old are you, Bella?"
His hips moved just slightly against my ass, and I closed my eyes, fighting to keep my mind clear enough to understand him as he spoke.
"I'm 23."
"Well," he answered, sounding pleased. "At least there's that."
"What are you talking about?"
"I want to fuck you, and there are already too many things standing in my way," he answered, his tone packing an authoritative bite. "I'm glad to know that your age, at least, isn't a problem."
I squeezed my eyes tighter, fighting a vicious internal battle against the immediate arousal that crashed over me. I'd never been this girl. I'd always been the girl who blended in, the girl who flew under the radar. Beautiful men didn't speak to me this way, and it took conscious effort not to melt in his arms and tell him to do whatever he'd like with me.
"Yeah," I retorted, my shaky voice betraying the impassive façade I'd hoped to pull off. "Because it's my age you have to worry about. Don't take into account my consent or anything…"
His deep answering laugh taunted me.
"There are things standing in my way of having you, but I'm fairly certain your consent won't be one of them."
"Says who? I didn't ask you to come over here and rub your cock against me," I seethed, irritated.
"No, but you're enjoying it, aren't you, kid?"
"You're arrogant."
"I'm confident," he snapped back. "Now let me give you a piece of advice." His lips brushed against my ear as he moved against me again, now heavy and thick against my ass. "There may be reasons I shouldn't pursue this inexplicable pull I feel to you, but I have a bad habit of feeling compelled to take things I'm told I can't have." I literally gasped, starting to fall apart. "So consider this a warning, Bella Swan," he continued, moving one hand to hook a finger into the hem of my shorts. "If you don't want me to take you, I suggest you don't wear these again."
He pulled at my shorts and flicked his finger so they popped back against my ass, making me jump. His finger had barely skimmed the back of my thigh, but it was the first time he'd touched me in any capacity. It ignited a burn within me that consumed me and left me breathless.
"Let me go," I ordered, feeling like I would surely combust if I didn't put some distance between us at once.
"Trust me. That's exactly what I'm going to do."
He stepped away from me, and I hesitated a moment, trying to ground myself. By the time I did turn around, I caught a glimpse of him as he turned the corner out of the room.
I ran five miles that morning, faster than I knew I could.
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When I got home from my run, Edward appeared to be stowed away in his room, which connected to mine by the bathroom we now shared. As I showered, I remained painfully aware of him just on the other side of the wall from where I scrubbed at my naked body. He'd touched me once, and now I felt like he'd been seared onto my skin. He'd infected me, and it burned me from the inside out.
The thought of facing him so soon after our rendezvous in the kitchen was too much to take, so I hurried out of the house before I could encounter him again. I ended up getting to work early, so I decided to stop into The Brewhouse to call and check in with my dad before I went in.
I noticed Lauren right away, but she wasn't behind the counter this time. She sat at one of the tables, sipping on a red beverage, looming over a book. I normally wouldn't have interrupted her, but she wasn't working. I considered it a good opportunity to dig for info I may be able to pass along to Angela.
"Hey," I said as I approached her table, provoking her to look up at me.
"Hi," she answered, a warm smiled spreading across her incredibly pink, plump lips.
"Mind if I sit with you?"
"Not at all. Be my guest," she answered, gesturing to the seat across from her.
"Thanks," I said as I plopped down into the chair, pulling my bag over into my lap. "I just have a few minutes to kill before I go into work," I explained.
"Are you working next door?" she asked. "I saw you in here with that bartender from over there."
I smiled widely. She'd given me a perfect opener.
"Yeah, I do work there. You saw me in here with Angela. She's been training me. She's awesome."
She stirred her straw around in her drink, pensively.
"Yeah, she's cool. She comes in here a lot."
She glanced down at her book.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your reading."
"Oh, no. It's fine… I'm really not that into this book anyway," she shrugged.
"What book is it?"
She lifted it up so that I could see the cover, revealing a green witch I recognized from one of my favorite movies as a kid.
"It's Wicked," she said as she placed it back down. "You know, like the musical?"
"Oh, yeah, cool." I nodded. "You don't like it?"
"It's okay; it's just not my usual reading style. I'm only reading it because I have a friend who's going to be in the production in New York."
"Oh, wow. That's awesome."
"Yeah, I thought I'd check it out, but maybe I'll just wait to see the musical."
I remained quiet for a moment, trying to be wise about what I said next. I needed to think of a lead-in to find out more about this girl.
"I'm Bella, by the way," I said as I extended my hand to her, realizing I hadn't introduced myself to her yet. "You'll probably be seeing me quite a bit, because I'm working right next door, I'm a coffee addict, and I just moved in practically down the street."
"Lauren," she answered as she shook my hand. "And I'll be more than happy to service your coffee-addict needs."
The way she smiled at me and the length of time she held my hand in hers made me wonder if she might be trying to flirt with me. I could definitely see how Angela had picked up on that sort of vibe from her. I'd always been inept at flirting with anyone at all, male or female, and the only way I seemed to know if someone showed interest in me was if they shoved their erection against me, the way Bright Eyes had.
"Thanks," I said, pulling my hand from hers.
"So, where'd you move from?"
"California."
"How do you like Texas? Have you made friends?"
"Not really, but my brother lives here. I live with him, actually, so at least I know someone."
"Well, that's enough, baby doll. You need some girlfriends."
I smiled at her, inspired.
"Well, Angela and I have hit it off pretty well. I'd like to think that she and I could be friends. Maybe…" She closed her book, leaning a little more toward me. "Maybe you'd like to go out with us sometime? I don't know anything about nightlife in Houston. It'd be cool if you guys could show me around sometime."
I wondered what had gotten into me. I wasn't this outgoing person, and I certainly wasn't one to want to check out the local nightlife.
But here, I could be. I could be anything here. Nobody knew me, other than Emmett.
I attributed my newfound sociability to the fact I was on a mission. I didn't truthfully care much about clubbing, but it seemed like a good way to get Angela and Lauren together.
"That'd be cool."
She picked up a pen off the table and reached out to pull my hand toward her. She glanced up at me, smiling, and then turned my hand over to slowly write seven digits down on the back of it. The motion of the pen on my skin tickled, making me shiver.
"Text me," she said, clicking the pen and dropping it back onto the table. "I'll take you wherever you wanna go."
"I will."
She stood up, picking up her book and slipping into her bag before slinging it over her shoulder.
"I've gotta get back to work." She picked up her cup and started to walk away, throwing one last inviting smile at me over her shoulder. "See ya, Bella."
I dug my phone out of my purse and saved her number into the address book. Seeing that I'd used up most of my extra time, I decided to send my dad a text instead of calling.
I think Houston's going to be good for me. I'll call you soon. Love you.
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Angela arrived to work late, which sucked, because I was buzzing with anticipation to tell her both about scoring Lauren's number and about Bright Eyes getting touchy feely with me in the kitchen. She came around the bar as I continued rolling silverware. I barely gave her enough time to stow her bag away before I shoved my hand in her face.
"Look what I got," I grinned.
She looked at my hand and then up at me blankly.
"Whose phone number is that?"
"Lauren's."
Her eyes lit up.
"No shit? You asked her for her number?" she asked, opening up a drawer to snatch an apron.
"I did, and I came across very suave about it, if I may say so myself. I pulled the 'I'm new in town and don't know anyone' card. It seemed to be very effective. I suggested that the three of us go out sometime, you know, because I need people to show me around town."
She finished tying her apron around her waist and held her hand up for a high five.
"Hell, yeah!" she laughed as I obliged. "You're awesome, Bella. Best wingwoman ever. And she wrote it on your hand?" she continued dreamily. "That's so sexy."
"It is?" I asked, clueless.
"Yes."
"We have to make plans soon."
She came over to me, taking half my stack of napkins to help me with the silverware.
"We can all go out to some club or something, and I can have some convenient emergency at home. Then you two will be left alone, forced to get to know each other better."
"Or," she argued, nudging me with her hip. "You could bring Tall, Dark, and Shady."
"Yeah, right," I scoffed. "Because that wouldn't be the most awkward thing ever."
"It wouldn't be, if you just took the initiative to get to know him."
"I think we already got to know each other a little too much this morning…"
"Ooh, what happened this morning?" she asked with excitement.
I told her everything and laughed at the thought she was quickly becoming my human diary for everything relating to Bright Eyes. Lucky for me, she remained more than willing to let me vent. In fact, she ate it up, and she just about hit the floor when I finished.
"So," I concluded. "I left early for work. I guess I'm too much of a coward to face him."
"Why?" she whined. "Bella, this is some kind of shit out of a movie. You need to pounce on him."
"Angela, he's my roommate."
"So what? That just makes him more convenient."
"What exactly are you suggesting I do?"
"Fuck him! Duh!"
"I can't just sleep with him, Angela," I said as I tossed another roll of silverware into the basket.
"Why the hell not?"
"Like I said, he's my roommate."
"So? I'm not telling you to marry the guy. Haven't you ever had casual sex before?"
"Not with a complete stranger," I answered, laughing at the absurdity of the conversation.
"You've never had a one-night stand?"
"No. My sexual experiences are limited to my high school boyfriend turned friend with benefits."
She put the silverware she'd been holding down on the counter with a thud, turning to face me directly with an incredulous look on her face.
"Are you shitting me? You've only had sex with one person?"
"Yes." My cheeks heated under the intensity of her stare.
"Oh, my God. You are so going to do him. I'm going to make you."
"Angela, no," I responded, shaking my head. "I'm not that kind of girl."
"And what kind of girl is that?" she asked with a huff. "Bella, having sex with him isn't going to turn you into a slut."
"I know that; I'm just… I'm not–"
"Bella, you just moved to a new state and started a new job. You have a fresh start, a new life. What better time is there to do something crazy and totally out of your comfort zone? You admitted you're turned on by him."
"That doesn't mean I have to bang him."
She sighed as she turned back to the silverware.
"Bella, I could see how wound up you were the first time I saw you," she said with a solemn tone. "Sometimes, a little bit of calculated risk is healthy."
I brushed her off with a scoff, but I considered her words a lot more than I let on.
She turned to me and opened her mouth to add something else, but the front door opened, ringing the bell at the top, before she could get it out. The man glanced at us and nodded politely before going to take the last seat at the opposite end of the bar.
"I'll get it," I offered, pushing the last few pieces of silverware toward her.
"This conversation isn't over," she said to me over her shoulder as I walked by.
I simply laughed, rolling my eyes at her as I made my way to the other end of the bar.
"Hey, how's it going?" I asked the man as I slid a cocktail napkin in front of him.
He looked up at me, his eyes lingering on my face a moment longer than natural before he spoke.
"No complaints." He looked at me with a searching gaze that made the room feel hot. "Are you new here?" he asked. "I come here almost every day, and I don't think I've seen you before."
I relaxed immediately, so much so that I exhaled audibly. His seeking stare had a reason. My new face made him curious because he didn't know me, and everything about that eased me.
"Yeah," I answered, nodding. "I just started here."
"Well, nice to meet you." He extended a tanned, toned arm to offer his hand to me. "I'm Jake."
I placed my hand in his, warm and strong as he shook mine.
"Bella," I answered, and his grey eyes seemed to twinkle a little.
"Well, Bella," he began as he released my hand. "You'll be seeing a lot of me around here."
I took my turn to survey Jake's face. I knew his type. The lines on his face and the dusting of grey hair at his temples made him appear around forty, and middle-aged men who hung out at bars every day were not foreign to me.
"I guess I better learn what you drink then."
He grinned widely. Jake had a great smile. Twice my age or not, I found him very attractive.
"Crown on the rocks."
"Coming right up."
I turned around to pull the bottle and glass, taken aback when I turned back to find him still staring at me. Most people would toy with their phone or look at the menu while I fixed their drink, but this guy watched my every move. It had me a bit on edge.
"This obviously isn't your first job bartending," he commented, I guess because I worked quickly.
"Nope. It's not," I answered as I placed his drink on his napkin.
"Where are you from?"
I looked up at him. He'd asked an innocent question, typical bar conversation, but I wasn't looking to get into a conversation about where I came from with this stranger.
"Around," I answered. "Enjoy the drink. I'll be back in a sec to check on you."
His eyes just narrowed, thoughtfully, as I smiled at him.
"Thanks, Bella," he said to my back as I turned to walk back over to Angela.
She'd abandoned the silverware, even though she'd nearly finished, and had instead taken out her phone and started texting.
"Well, I just met my first regular," I commented as I approached.
She glanced up from her phone, craning her neck a bit to look around me.
"Who? That guy?" she asked, sounding confused.
"Yeah," I answered as I went back to the silverware.
"Huh."
"What?" I asked, glancing up at her.
"I don't recognize him."
I froze.
"What? He said he comes here almost every day."
"Hmm. Well, I haven't been working my usual shift this week," she shrugged. "I've probably just been missing him." I swallowed. "Besides, I'm notoriously terrible with faces and names and all that."
I tried to let her words calm me. I tried to attribute my uneasiness to paranoia. But when I looked back down the bar over at Jake, his gaze remained fixed on me.
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I arrived home to find Emmett and Bright Eyes in the living room, with Emmett babbling animatedly about cars. Some car show played on the TV in front of them. They didn't even seem to notice me, not when I slammed the door behind me or when I went to sit in the chair across from Bright Eyes. Just looking at him made me blush as my mind flooded at once with thoughts of…
"I almost bought one," Edward responded, answering something Emmett said I hadn't paid any attention to. "I've never really been a fan of Beemers, actually, but I fell in love with the 7 Series, so I went with that instead."
"A solid choice," Emmett answered, nodding. "I always say you can't go wrong with German engineering. That's why I bought my sister a Jetta."
"Volkswagen makes good cars," Bright Eyes replied approvingly. "I think it's one of your top choices for a mid-grade."
I couldn't resist.
"BMWs are expensive. Especially yours." I sounded much more accusatory than I intended, but I went with it. "Why does someone with such an expensive car want to rent a room from a couple of strangers?"
"Bella," Emmett admonished, shocked and bothered that I would ask such a thing.
I didn't look at Emmett. My gaze remained fixed on Bright Eyes, who didn't look offended at all. No. He looked amused.
"It's all right," he assured my brother. "To answer your question, Bella, I could very much afford to live on my own or buy a house. But I'm in a bit of a… Well, I'm in a transitional period, I guess you could say. I needed a place quickly without too much commitment. Your brother is letting me lease month to month." He paused, with a challenging smirk at me. "Is that a satisfactory explanation?"
I ground my teeth at his patronizing tone.
"Excuse my weird little sister's intrusive questions," Emmett apologized, giving me a pointed look.
"It was just a question," I answered, defensive.
Emmett sighed, shaking his head as he glanced down at his watch.
"Shit. I've gotta go get ready for work," he said, shooting up from the couch.
I watched him leave the room, and then Bright Eyes and I were left alone. His gaze remained fixed on me silently for a moment longer before he leaned back to reach into his pocket and produced a pack of cigarettes.
"Do you smoke, Bella?"
His tone had changed. When speaking to my brother, Edward spoke like a man casually shooting the shit with a friend. When speaking to me, Edward spoke with this unidentifiable edge to his voice.
"No."
"Good," he answered as he stood, his long and sinuous fingers working to pluck a cigarette out of the pack. "It's a terrible habit." His tongue wet his bottom lips as he held my gaze. "Though, I can't say I wouldn't like to see those pretty pink lips wrapped around something… and sucking."
My cheeks heated up rapidly as Bright Eyes turned, walked into the kitchen, and headed toward the backdoor as if he hadn't just said something inappropriate to me for the second time that day.
"Hey! Bella!" Emmett yelled from somewhere down the hall. "You're a girl! Let me get your opinion on something!"
I cleared my throat as I shifted in my chair, not wanting Emmett to see me drooling shamefully over Bright Eyes.
"What's up?" I called back just a moment before he entered the room.
"Which one do you prefer?"
I looked up at him, horrified to find him standing before me, holding up a leopard print man-thong in one hand and a hot pink one in the other.
"Oh, my God, Emmett!" I shrieked as I looked down again, hiding my face in my hands. "What the fuck…"
I didn't live in a home. I lived in a freak show, in a room right between the world's sexiest man and the man born with no boundaries.