oOo
Bella couldn't find the right words. The cottage was perfect.
Once Edward had carried their suitcases inside, they stood and looked around. The main room held a big, comfy couch, two armchairs, and a huge fireplace. A dining table was placed by the large windows overlooking the sea, and there was an open kitchen. The interior was simple but elegant, and had clearly been selected by someone with a great sense of style.
"This is… wonderful," she said slowly, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
Edward pulled her in his arms.
"It is," he murmured, gently kissing her ear. "And to think that we have it all to ourselves…" His lips moved lower, nibbling softly, making her sigh.
"You want to have sex on a rug in front of the fire?" she said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"No, darling," he whisper-growled. "Not sex. I'm going to make love to you, I'm going to devour you. I'll kiss every inch of your body. I'll lick you all over, Bella. All over."
She swallowed. His breath was hot on her neck.
"Does that sound good, my love?"
"Y-yes…"
And then, surprising her totally, he looked at her with a smirk.
"Let's go and look at the other rooms, okay?"
Trying to shake off her erotic stupor, she let him grab her hand and followed him upstairs.
The bedroom was furnished in dark woods, with a king-sized bed. There was another fireplace, and the windows looked out on the seafront.
Edward set down their luggage and inspected the bathroom.
"Woo, look," he exclaimed, and Bella joined him.
The bathroom was clearly the most luxurious of all the rooms. The tiles were a light green, matching the towels, the curtains, and even the toothbrush holders. An old-fashioned tub was placed beneath the window, and there was also a shower.
"Tsk, tsk, Aunt Mary," Edward chuckled. "Never thought she'd do anything so fancy."
"I can't decide what I want to do first," Bella sighed happily. "Cook in that kitchen, or take a bath with you, or have you lick me all over… like you said."
She could feel her cheeks warm. Despite all the times they had been together, she felt a bit shy.
"Ungh." Edward groaned playfully and squeezed her ass. "We still have to get some groceries, you know that, love, don't you?"
"Later," she said decisively, and pulled him back into the bedroom.
.
"Edward," she murmured later. Her head was on his chest and her fingers made patterns on his skin.
They were both exhausted and in a bubble of bliss.
"Hmm?" He kissed her temple.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." He sought out her eyes, frowning slightly, not knowing what to expect.
"How… How many women have you… have you been with?"
Edward made a little, surprised sound.
"Why do you want to know?"
"That bad?"
"No. No, I don't think so." He placed his finger under her chin. She complied and looked at him.
His green eyes were as clear and loving as always. There was a small, considerate smile playing around his lips.
"I didn't make any notches in my bedpost," he said slowly.
"More than ten?"
"Yes." His face became serious. "Baby, why –"
"Less than twenty?"
Edward nodded decidedly. He framed her cheek with one large hand.
"Is that something you think about?"
"Sometimes." She bit her lip.
"Bella." He moved them around until he was on top of her. He looked almost fierce as he spoke.
"I love you. What we have is so much more than I ever dared to dream."
"Bu –"
"No. No buts, darling. I love you, and I adore you. And I want you, more than I can remember ever wanting a woman. Can you feel this?"
He was referring to his growing reaction to her naked body.
She nodded, and swallowed.
"You do this to me."
"I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I… I didn't mean to be nosy. I just…"
"Shh." Finally, he silenced her with a kiss. "Don't. The past is in the past. Okay?"
"Okay," she whispered.
He wished that it could always be so easy.
oOo