oOo
"Oh, crap."
Bella turned off the – now cold – water and wrapped herself in a towel as she stepped out of the shower. Why did the water at her place always run cold after five minutes, whereas at Edward's, she could shower indefinitely?
March had arrived, but temperatures still had not picked up. It was snowing, and Bella'd been cold all day.
"What's going on, love?"
Edward was leaning against the doorframe, a lopsided smirk on his lips.
"The water," she grouched, shuddering as she pulled a towel around her hair.
"You cold?"
"Freezing." She sneezed.
"Want me to warm you?" He took a step toward her.
The corners of her lips pulled up into a smile. She closed the distance between them and ran one finger down his chest. He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, his feet in the black Birkenstock clogs Bella liked to make fun of. He insisted they were comfy and he didn't mind looking like a granddad as long as he had warm feet.
The fact that he had bought a second pair to keep at her place was a sweet reminder of how serious he was about their relationship.
"Hmm?" Edward's hands settled on her hips and he pulled her to him.
"We don't have time for that," she whispered.
"Oh, but we have plenty of time for that." His hands covered her bottom as he kissed his way from her ear to her chin. "Ro and Em won't be here before seven…" His warm breath made her shudder. "And you're cold…"
"I'm not so cold anymore," she sighed, allowing him better access as he nibbled on her neck.
He pulled her closer still, and she could feel his excitement, and she became butter in his hands. When he lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around his hips, and nothing was further from her mind than protesting his actions.
.
They managed to be dressed and ready by six- fifty-five. Emmett grinned when they said hello to him and Rosalie, as if he knew exactly what they'd been doing previously.
The drive passed quickly, and they laughed and chatted as Emmett wound the car through the nightly London traffic. Bella was glad that they were going with Rosalie and Emmett – the prospect of attending a party at the Dorchester was rather intimidating, especially since the invitation had been made by Sir Alistair and Lady Samdon. Lady Samdon – Charlotte, or, as she was called by her friends, Lottie – was widely known as a patron of the arts, and both Edward and Rosalie were acquainted with her.
Edward had insisted on paying for Bella's new dress, a creation of dark green silk that showed off her cleavage and snow-white skin. She had only agreed when he'd argued that it was his fault she even needed it, that it would make him happy to look at her all night, that the colour suited his eyes. In the end, he had resorted to kisses and didn't stop until she said yes.
"You're beautiful." Edward kissed her temple as she slipped her arm through his and they followed Rosalie and Emmett inside. The car was being taken care of by a valet.
They entered a vast hall with marble floors and golden railings, crystal chandeliers and stucco. A staircase led up to another foyer. Their coats were taken from them and once they stepped into the ballroom, glasses of champagne were offered.
Edward, in contrast to Bella, who felt a little ill at ease and overwhelmed, was completely relaxed. His arm around her waist, he grabbed a drink from one of the trays, thanking the server and handing it to Bella.
He took a glass of orange juice for himself.
oOo
Thank you for your beautiful reviews. I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Sorry I couldn't reply to everyone yet, ff was being difficult.
All my love to you!