oOo
Edward insisted on buying popcorn, candy and giant soft drinks.
"What?" he grinned once they were seated side by side in the old-fashioned movie theatre. "You have to have snacks when you watch a film!"
"You do?"
She watched him stuff his mouth with a handful of popcorn. It was gross, and cute. She took one for herself, chewing thoughtfully.
Dinner had been lovely. They had talked, and laughed, and eaten. She'd hadn't eaten this much in what felt like forever. With Edward, everything was different. She was so relaxed. He made her feel so pretty, so… revered, in a way no other man ever had.
She was self-confident, sure, but Edward touched some part within her that had been asleep until now.
The lights dimmed and the previews started. Edward stopped munching popcorn the moment the movie began, and at some point, his hand found its way over to hers, and their fingers braided themselves together in her lap.
Bella's heart broke out into a wild gallop, making it hard to concentrate on the film.
Ever the analytical mind, she tried to figure out what was going on between them.
She was extremely attracted to him in so many ways. His sensitivity, his intelligence, his talent. The way he was so masculine on the outside, and so caring and sweet on the inside.
Yeah… his manliness… that was sexy. He was sexy. She even found the fact that he was so much older very attractive.
She realized that Edward was looking at her instead of the screen.
And then, he bent over and placed a tiny kiss on her lips, turning back to the movie afterward.
After that, it was impossible for Bella to think clearly.
The film ended and they walked into the brightness of the foyer. Edward discarded boxes and paper cups.
"Did you like it?" He raked his long fingers through his hair.
Bella nodded.
Edward smiled.
She was quiet on their way back to her place. Edward drove a red Volvo. He'd once told her that it was a very safe car to drive, and knowing how his wife had died – although they'd never talked about it – it made sense to Bella. He was a very careful driver, too.
The car pulled in at the curb in front of her building. Edward jumped out and opened her door for her, which, again, made her heart beat faster.
Bella knew that she was not going to need Jackie's "gifts" tonight, but she certainly wouldn't mind a goodnight kiss.
"Thank you for the wonderful evening," Edward said softly.
"Thank you. I really enjoyed myself."
"Bella, I…" He bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
Bella could feel the disappointment spread from her heart to her stomach.
Of course nothing would ever happen. There were too many differences between them, both in age as in their backgrounds. She sighed a little.
And was thoroughly surprised when, in an impulsive move, Edward pulled her close and buried his face in her hair.
"Bella," he murmured thickly, the sound muffled by her hair. "You mean so much… so much to me."
Her nose was squeezed against his neck, and she inhaled his scent. It was something like amber and honey and man.
"You mean so much to me too, Edward," she mumbled against his warm, stubbly skin.
"I do?"
He pulled away, but only so far that he could look into her eyes.
"You do."
His eyes shone brightly in the yellow lights from the street lamps.
And then, his face came closer, and he kissed her, and it was every bit as exciting as the last time – only this time, it wasn't innocent.
It was filled with passion.
oOo
I hope you all liked that?