Thank-you so much for the reviews!
Wonderful news, Destiny has a Beta Reader, loserbelle! Thank-you for your help on this chapter.
Happy Thanksgiving! I probably won't update again until next week. Now on with the story.
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer.
BPOV-Party Time!
"Hello, I am Edward Cullen, and you are?" Holy shit! I think I just died and went to heaven. Edward was super-hot. I had to work hard on suppressing the urge to squeal like a sixteen-year-old girl.
Edward had the greenest eyes that remind me of the forest in the spring. His hair was an intriguing shade of brown with red highlights. He had muscles in all the right places. I wanted him to turn around so I could see his ass. I bet it was nice and firm.
"Are you done ogling my hot body yet or do you need a couple more minutes?" Shit. I guess he caught me, but what girl couldn't look?
If he wanted to be cocky, then I am going to knock him down a few pegs. "Sorry, Edmund was it? I was just trying to figure out why you showed up 2 hours early to the party." I was so proud of myself when I saw the look of disbelief grow on his face. I knew I had to control my blush or else he would notice I was lying.
Suddenly, a sad smile appeared on Edward's face. He took a step back and looked down at the ground. "I am terribly sorry that I am early, but I didn't know what time the party started. Should I leave and come back later?"
Oh, he is good. He is trying to make me feel sorry for him and I was falling for it. Hook, line and sinker. "No, it is fine, Edward. The party starts when the first guest gets here. There was never any set time." I could feel the blush creep up my cheeks because I knew he knew I was lying earlier about not checking him out.
His face lost the sad smile and pulled into a sexy smirk. Uh oh, I think I am in trouble. "Now that we both know that you were checking me out earlier, what is your name beautiful?" I have never been called beautiful before by a guy. Well, I was never called beautiful by one that wasn't my brothers. I could feel my checks starting to heat up again.
"My name is..."
"Belly, who was at the door?" Damn Emmett and his horrible timing.
"So your name is Belly? Not necessarily a flattering name, but I guess it works." Edward, the smug bastard, started chuckling.
There was no way on earth I was going to let Edward think my name was Belly. Emmett came up with the nickname when I was little because I was a chubby child. I don't think he is ever going to let the name go. At least he is the only one of my brothers who calls me that.
"My name is Bella. Only my lug head brother can call me Belly." All of a sudden, Edward stopped laughing and the color drained from his face. I guess Emmett had given his brotherly warning to the team this year.
"Belly, it is not nice to call people names. Am I going to have to ground you? Don't forget I am your legal guardian." I could hear the humor in his voice when he threatened to ground me.
"Emmett, I am 22 years old. I am an adult and my own legal guardian. You don't have the power to ground me. Besides, lug head isn't even a mean name." When Emmett became my guardian, he loved to create rules and make me follow them. He even created his own holiday. His reasoning was that there is a mother's and father's day but not a legal guardian day. So, June 9th officially became guardian's day, which boiled down to me being his slave for the day.
"Whatever, Belly. Why don't you invite our guest in and go clean up a little? You look like a disaster with all that flour on your face." Thanks so much Emmett for pointing out how awful I look in front of the hottest guy in the world. I love Emmett, but I swear he doesn't have a filter.
"Come on in Edward. It is nice to meet you." I quickly turned around and ran up to my room. Of course, running isn't that easy for me. I tripped on the top step on the stairs. At least luck was on my side because Seth was able to save me from face planting onto the floor.
"Oh Bella, How many times do we have to tell you not to run up the stairs? You think you would have learned when you broke your leg last summer." I could practically hear Seth rolling his eyes while he was scolding me like some little child.
"Thanks for catching me. I won't do it again." I gave him my puppy dog eyes as he became putty in my hands. One good thing about having 6 brothers is I know just what to say to make them do whatever I want. They think they are in control, but I am actually the leader in this house.
Seth released me and I walked the rest of the way to my room, just in case Seth was watching to make sure I didn't fall again. I didn't even bother looking in the mirror before I took my shower. If I did, I wouldn't be able to look Edward in the eyes again due to my disastrous state.
After my shower, I stood in front of my closet debating what to wear. I knew I was wearing skinny jeans, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to wear my blue tank top or my green V-neck.
I ended up choosing the tank top because it was hot outside. It also didn't hurt to show off a little of my body for Edward. I am proud of the way my body looks. I run every other morning about 2 to 3 miles, so I am quite slim with toned legs. However, my face is pretty plain with long brown hair and brown eyes.
After getting dressed and brushing my hair, I realized I had about 5 minutes before the cake would be done. I could hear a lot more voices as I started making my way down the hall to the stairs. I could hear a lot more voices so I guess some more people arrived while I was getting ready. I took a deep breath and prepared myself to talk to people. I am not a fan of parties because I am an introvert. I love my brothers too much, so I put on a happy face for them and join in the festivities.
I walked slowly down the stairs to try to avoid another failing incident. I could see Jake, Quil, Embry and Seth playing some game on the Wii. I got along with Jake, Quil and Embry. They were always over at the house playing video games with Seth. Jake asked me out once, but I turned him down. I felt awful, but I only have brotherly feelings for him. Plus, I didn't want him to get hurt if my brothers found out I went on a date with him. Jake was extremely cool about it, and now we are really good friends.
Emmett, Sam and Paul were arguing about something, but that was nothing new. Emmett and Paul loved to argue. Sam was always the peacekeeper between the two. Their arguments were always about little things like whose turn it is to take out the trash. Sometimes their arguments would get really heated, so they would start wrestling. Sam would intervene, say a few words, and just like that, the fight was over. The next minute Emmett and Paul would be laughing again. I don't think I will ever understand how a man's mind works.
After completely scanning the room, I didn't see my any of my other brothers around. I guess Ben was probably still at work, and Jasper would stay at campus studying, lucky bastard. Jasper and I have similar feelings about socializing with people. Oddly enough, another one person I don't see around is Edward. I hope he didn't leave.
I made my way into the kitchen to check on the cake, and was shocked at the view in front of me. Edward was bending over, and looking in the oven at the cake. My hypothesis from earlier was correct. His ass was perfectly round and tight. I just wanted to walk over there and squeeze it. I could feel the blush heating up my checks with all the naughty thoughts swarming my head.
When I came out of my land "naughty thoughts," I noticed Edward was looking at me with his smirk. Crap! He caught me staring at him again." Well hello again Bella. You look lovely all cleaned up. Since you have checked me out from both sides, I think it's only fair you return the favor. So, why don't you turn around so I can check you out from behind," Edward bluntly said.
I had no idea what to say to Edward's request, so I decided I would just ignore what he said. "I need to check the cake. Excuse me." Edward moved out of the way, as I made my way over to the oven.
"Wonderful idea, beautiful. We will reenact the scene you just walked into." Oh Edward, why can't you just leave me alone? I think my cheeks were going to be permanently stained red whenever Edward was around.
"Okay, I am in position. You can check on the cake whenever you are ready." Edward was over by the doorway waiting for me to bend down and look at the cake.
"Aren't you afraid of my brothers? They would beat you up if they knew you were looking at me."
"I am afraid, but you are worth it. Now hurry up before they catch us." So, he was afraid of my brothers.
I quickly grabbed the cake out of the oven. I could feel Edward's eyes on my butt the whole time. I never had a guy so openly stare at me before.
"Bella, you are fucking hot. Now we are even. Agreed?" Was Edward flirting with me?
"Yes, Edward. No more checking each other out. Don't you want to go mingle with the players? You don't have to stay in here with me." Half of me wanted Edward to leave so I could analyze everything that happened, but the other half wanted Edward to stay in here with me.
"But I like being in here with you. Can I tell you a secret?" He moved closer to me, staring deeply into my eyes. Intrigue washed over me as I wondered what kind of secret he would tell me.
"Of course, I am an excellent secret keeper." I didn't tell Edward that I didn't have anyone to reveal his secret to, besides my brothers.
"I am not much for parties. I only came to avoid being teased by Emmett." I could totally sympathize with him about Emmett. I have been teased by Emmett my whole life. He loves to make fun of me, especially when I fall. At least he always makes sure I am okay before he starts to tease me.
"I understand completely. I'm not really a fan of being around a bunch of people I don't know, hence why I volunteer to make the food. I get to stay in the kitchen most of the night, and don't have to interact with anyone." I replied as I started to ice the cake.
"We are pretty similar aren't we, beautiful? Would you like to go out with me sometime? We could meet up and go for coffee. We don't even have to tell your brothers." Oh my gosh. Edward was flirting with me, and he wants to go out with me! Okay Bella, be cool. Don't sound too excited about this, or he might run the other way.
I stopped icing the cake and turned around to look at Edward. "Edward, I ..."
"Bells I am going to …" Damn Paul and his poor timing.
Paul came into the kitchen wearing his uniform. He looked shocked to see Edward in here with me. "Who is this guy, Bella? Is he bothering you?" I think Paul was probably more protective of me than Emmett.
"No, Paul, I am fine. He was just helping me with the cake." Paul looked me in the eyes making sure I was telling him the truth. Paul could tell when anyone was telling a lie. That's why he chose to be a cop.
Paul nodded, so I knew he was done with the interrogation for now." Okay, just scream if he starts to bother you."
"Anyway, I am off to work to clean up the streets of Seattle. Make sure Emmett keeps the noise down. Bye Bells." He gave me a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead.
"Bye Paul. Stay safe. I'll try to make sure the party stays under control, but no guarantees." He gave Edward one last glance before he turned to leave.
After Paul left for work, I went back to icing the cake. I focused all my attention on the cake, so I wouldn't have to see Edward leave. There was no way he was going to stay with the glares Paul was giving him. I jumped when I heard Edward ask, "Exactly how many brothers do you have Bella?"
I might as well get this out of the way since honesty is one of the most important things in a relationship. "Uhm, six and they are all older."
Edward looked at me with a confused expression. "Oh, I thought there was just Emmett and Sam."
Deep breathe Bella. It was fun while it lasted. "Nope, there is also Paul, Ben, Jasper and my twin Seth. I understand if you don't want to go out with me anymore. My brothers can…"
Edward interrupted me before I could finish my sentence. "Stop, beautiful. I still want to take you out for coffee, if you want to go." Really? Edward still wanted to go out with me even though I have six brothers.
"Of course I want to go, Edward. Most guys run the other way when they learn I have 6 brothers."
Edward looked me in the eyes and said, "Well beautiful, I have balls of steel." My jaw dropped in shock. I can't believe Edward just said that to me.
Edward came right up to me, and used one of his long fingers to slowly push my mouth closed. "Baby, close your mouth, before you catch a fly." Edward just touched me and called me baby.
Okay Bella, focus. You can't show Edward how much he affects you. Think Bella what were you even doing in the kitchen. Oh yeah icing the cake. "Edward I really need to finish icing this cake before Emmett starts looking for it." Emmett honestly did love cake. If I didn't finish it soon, I know he will be in here demanding that I hurry up because he's hungry.
"Of course Bella. So when do you want to get coffee? I am free this weekend." I didn't want to tell my brothers about Edward yet, which is hard because I live with them.
My brothers always sleep in on Saturdays. If they are up when I get back, I can just say that I went to the bookstore. "Tomorrow morning at 8 works for me."
"I will see you tomorrow then at 8 am. Can I have your number in case something comes up?" I gave Edward my phone number and programmed his number into my phone. I was extremely excited for tomorrow. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight.
"Well Edward, I guess it's time to leave our bubble and join the party. Can you grab the cookies out of the microwave while I will carry the cake?" I was sad that our alone time was over.
Edward grabbed the cookies and said, "I am really looking forward to tomorrow morning Bella."
We both walked into the living room and joined the party. Edward placed the cookies on the table and went over to where Sam and Embry were standing.
I wasn't even able to set the cake down before Emmett found me. "Belly, it's so nice of you to join us. I'll just take that cake out of your hands for you." I swear Emmett has a nose like a wolf. He is able to smell food from miles away.
"Don't forget to share, Emmett!" I yelled to Emmett as he walked away from me. I knew Emmett would eat that whole cake if he got the chance.
I scanned the room to see who had arrived while I was in the kitchen with Edward. I saw James in the corner talking to Sam. I felt a shiver go down my spine when I spotted him. He was creepy and would always stare at me. I had always made sure to be around one of my brothers when he was near. Seth and Jasper were the only ones who knew how freaked out I was by James. Seth only knew because of our freaky twin connection. Jasper knew because he could easily read anyone's emotions.
I quickly found Seth in the crowd. He and Jake were still playing Wii. I made my way over to them making sure to avoid James.
"Hey Bella. Has Emmett already confiscated the cake you made?" It was no secret how much Emmett loves cake.
"Of course he did. I wasn't even able to set it down." Seth and Jake were both laughing at Emmett antics.
"So Jake, how is football practice going this year?" This is Jake's third year on the team.
"It's good Bella. I'm really tired and sore, just like every year during training. How are your classes going?"
"Classes are going great. I am excited for next semester to start. I get to do student teaching. I hope I get placed in a kindergarten classroom." I knew Jake wasn't genuinely paying attention to what I was saying. He was too busy trying to beat Seth on whatever game they were playing.
"That's cool, Bella." That was the end of our conversation, which is fine with me.
I sat down on the couch and pretended to watch Seth and Jake play their game, but honestly, I was sneaking peeks at Edward. Occasionally, our eyes would meet, but I would quickly look away.
"Bella, are you even listening to me?" Damn! Guess I was too busy staring at Edward, and completely missed what Seth was saying.
"Sorry, Seth, I was thinking about a paper I had to write for one of my classes." Seth gave me a quick glance. I could tell he didn't believe what I was saying.
Seth leaned into me and whispered, "We will talk about this later, Bella." Great, now I need to think of an excuse for Seth's questioning, and get ready for Paul's integration.
I didn't have much time to think before I saw Sam and Edward walk over to us. "Bella this is Edward. Edward, this is Bella, my sister." Why was Sam introducing us? Usually my brothers didn't introduce me to boys.
"It's lovely to meet you, Bella. I hear wonderful things about you from Emmett and Sam." Sure Edward, I bet Emmett loves to tell stories about my meetings with the ground.
"Nice to meet you too, Edward. Don't believe everything they tell you about me though. Some of it isn't true." This was kind of awkward because we were all just standing there.
"I am Seth, Bella's older twin brother." Thank you, Seth, for breaking the silence.
"Well, I am going to see if I can get a piece of cake before Emmett eats it all," Sam said as he motioned to Seth and Jake. "Why don't you two join me?" Something was up with Sam. Why would he leave me here alone with Edward?
"Come on, Jake. Let's go get some cake. Bella makes an amazing cake. It was nice to meet you, Edward." Before the trio got too far away, Sam turned around and winked at me. Was Sam trying to set me up with Edward? I would need to have a talk with him later.
"So, Bella, this is kind of awkward. Is Sam trying to set us up?" Edward looked at me with a smirk.
"Yep. Well this is a first. I have never been set-up by one of my brothers before." I can't believe this. At least one of my brothers would be on my side when I tell them that I am dating Edward.
"So are you going to tell them about coffee tomorrow?" Edward asked as he sat down on the couch next to me. There was a considerable amount of distance between us in case my brothers were watching.
"Probably not, unless you are ready to deal with them." I really wanted to see what this relationship could develop to, and I was afraid if my brothers got involved they would ruin it.
"We can tell them whenever you want, beautiful. At least it seems like Sam is on our side." I am glad Edward isn't going to push me to tell my brothers.
"I think we should wait to tell Emmett and Paul until we know where this is going. Seth will probably find out tonight because he caught me staring at you earlier. Jasper and Ben won't really care as long as you treat me right. Obviously, Sam is trying to set us up, so he will be ecstatic that his matchmaking worked. Great, I will never hear the end of it."
"Whatever you want, baby. For the record, those guys that ran, when you mentioned your brothers, never realized what softies your brothers actually are. They don't sound that bad." I guess I gave Edward the wrong impression on how my brothers would accept our relationship.
"Edward, I think I gave you the wrong idea earlier when I said they would accept you so easily. Seth, Jasper and Ben will definitely act tough. But just remember that they are big softies." Why were we even talking about this? Edward and I haven't even been on our first date yet. Is tomorrow even a date or we just meeting? I need to stop over thinking about this because the smile was starting to fall off my face.
"Bella, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Edward moved closer to me with concern highlighted across his face.
"I'm fine. I was just wondering…" Edward looked at me expectantly as I hesitated on asking my question. Come on Bella you can do this. "Is tomorrow a date?"
Edward looked shocked at what I just asked. Of course, he wouldn't want to date me. I was just plain and boring. Guys like Edward date models and cheerleaders. I am way out of his league.
Before he replied, Edward scooted closer to me. He was now only inches away. Hopefully, Sam was keeping my brothers occupied so they won't see how close Edward and I were. "Beautiful, whatever you are thinking stop it. I thought you knew tomorrow would be a date. Of course, I want to date you. Why do you think I was asking about your brothers?"
I couldn't believe it. I was going on a date tomorrow with Edward. This would be my first real date. I wouldn't tell Edward this though. I don't want him to realize how pathetic I truly am.
I was asked out once when I was a freshman in college, but when he came over to pick me up, Paul answered the door. Paul started interrogating him about his speeding tickets. The guy left before I could make it downstairs. Turned out, Paul had performed a background check after I told them that I was going on a date. I didn't talk to Paul for a week. He apologized a million times, but I could tell he wasn't really that sorry.
"I don't know what I was thinking. It's just guys like you usually don't date girls like me," I said sadly, as I turned my gaze to the floor.
I felt Edward grab my hand. "Bella, I think you are beautiful. I will date whoever I want. Truthfully, I think you can do way better than me. I'm just thankful that you gave me the chance to take you on a date tomorrow." Thank you, God, for giving me a man that knows how to calm my insecurities.
"Bella, whose fucking hand are you holding?" Fuuuuuuuck, we were caught!
Uh oh, who caught Bella and Edward? Any guesses. Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!