A/N: This chapter is dedicated to the amazing count bessy! She is just finishing her fic Before I Knew You so if you haven't it read it yet, now would be a good time!
Chapter 3: The Meadow
EPOV
Everything with Judge Gibbons went off without a hitch. He was really happy we weren't going to trial. I had barely spoken to Bella after our early calendar call because she had moved up a deposition in another case. As we walked out of the courtroom, she had told me she was in hurry, before smiling at me and whispering in my ear.
"Tonight."
Tonight, indeed. I could hardly wait. Work was dragging on and on and I couldn't think of anything else but being in Bella's presence once again.
I called the restaurant to confirm, probably for the fifth time. I hope she liked the restaurant I had chosen, it was my absolute favourite but I had never taken a date there; it was too special.
I heard a half-knock on my office door and, as I told whoever it was to come in, they were already turning the knob and pushing the door open.
"Hey, Eddie. I heard you settled the Kidd case. Boy is Mike going to be pissed when he gets back." He laughed.
"It's Edward, Tyler. And, well, if you had any clue about the case, you would realize that Ezra Kidd was lucky I got Ms. Spelling to settle."
"Oh Eddie, don't you know that's not the way it works here?" He asked, putting his palms at my desk and glaring at me.
"I know you're new to this firm but we don't settle here. Especially not with anyone from Swan & Hale. Those do-gooders are nothing put a total pain."
"Well, thank you for your concern, Tyler, but I'm pretty sure I saved Mr. Kidd from facing a much larger judgment had we gone to trial. Now, if you don't mind," I said, pointing to the door, "I've got some work to do."
He didn't budge, leaning further over my desk.
"Scared of trial, Eddie? What is it with this Swan chick? I swear Mike had his appendix burst on purpose just so that he didn't have to face her in court. I know she turned him down for a date a million times but that doesn't matter in trial. You guys should have had this locked down." He pumped his fist in the air and it was taking all the restraint I had not to punch him in the face.
"Well, it's too bad that you're not the managing partner, Tyler, but thanks for the advice. Now, get out." I said, raising my voice at the end.
"I'm going, I'm going." He said, finally taking his hands off my desk and turning to leave. "See ya around Eddie."
God, could my co-workers be any more selfish? It's true, I was new to this firm but I didn't know how much longer I could take being around these guys and constantly pushing for a bottom line. It wasn't in my nature to care so much about money, at any cost. I let out a huge sigh and reminded myself to just think about tonight—Bella is so much better than work.
BPOV
I glanced at my watch for what felt like the millionth time today. This deposition was never-ending. I shouldn't have moved it up after I found out I wouldn't be in trial. All I could think about were green eyes. His green eyes. Was it a bad idea to have dinner with him so soon?
"Ms. Swan, any more questions." I heard, snapping me out of my fantasies.
Opposing counsel probably thought I was crazy for the glazed look on my face.
"Oh, um, no, I don't think so. Any more questions for you?"
"No, I think we're done here"
I rose, shaking opposing counsel's hand and escorting my client out of the conference room. I told my client some soothing words, anything to be done with today. I glanced at my watch again—perfect, I still had time to run home and change before meeting Edward for dinner. The message he left on my work voicemail was quite cryptic. He just left an address and a time, telling me he couldn't wait. I wondered where we were going, the address wasn't familiar at all.
I hurried to my condo, thankful I had worn flats to work today.
I ran into my building, waving at my doorman before dashing up the elevator.
I took a quick shower before blow-drying my hair and rubbing a drop of serum into the ends before straightening it. Alice had taught me well.
I had thought about my outfit all day, deciding I wouldn't dress too nicely or revealing for our first date, but I was still nervous.
I pulled on charcoal slacks, and a blue v-neck cashmere sweater—Alice reminded me time and time again that this colour was great on me—before applying very subtle make-up, just a bit of lip gloss, eye shadow and mascara. I really didn't need help in the blush department. I didn't like to wear much make-up, anyway, and Edward had already seen me on a normal day, when I wore none. I smiled at myself in the mirror before slipping into my favourite Laboutin alligator heels, not too high but still enough to show a flash of my ankle when I crossed my legs in these slacks. I double checked my clutch and my diamond earrings before glancing at my watch again. I was going to be right on time, provided I could get a cab quickly.
I pulled out the scrap of paper I had carefully written the address on earlier, walking out of my building and signaling my doorman to hail me a cab.
Show time!
I was completely lost in my own thoughts as the cab made its way through the streets in the city. I had a vague idea of the neighborhood to where we were driving, but as we approached the address, nothing looked familiar. A small ball of stress knotted in my stomach, I was a bit nervous.
"Here is fine," I said, paying the cabbie and exiting.
I glanced at the address again, my curiosity growing. This little street was adorable and I don't think I'd ever been on it before.
702, 704 . . . I thought, glancing up at the buildings as I walked down the street.
I came to a stop at 706, checking the address again and looking up.
The Meadow.
What an odd name for a restaurant. I smiled, mentally prepping myself for his eyes and his hair, swinging the door open.
EPOV
I had taken pains to arrive at the restaurant early, scoping out my favourite table and pre-ordering the chocolate soufflé. I really hoped Bella liked chocolate. Now, I sat back, staring at the door and waiting.
After several false alarms, the door swung open—again—and there she was, finally walking into the restaurant, a vision. I rose up from the table, waving at her as she looked around the restaurant before seeing me. She smiled at me before walking over and I think my heart stopped beating for a moment.
"I guess you found it." I said, fidgeting with my napkin and unsure if I could hug her.
"It's adorable." She said, reaching for my hand before squeezing it and looking around.
She sat and I did, too, staring at her.
"Where did you find this place, Edward?" She asked, almost incredulous, but I think she liked it.
"It's my secret spot. Do you like it?"
"It's unlike anywhere I've ever been, so tiny and cozy, and the lights—is there anything but candlelight in here?"
"No there isn't, it's all candles, even the chandeliers, that's why there are so many," I said, gesturing around.
"Wow," she said, staring up at the ceiling before smiling at me.
"But what really intrigues me is the name, The Meadow, such an interesting name for a restaurant." She was twirling a strand of her hair and I dare hoped she was enjoying herself already.
"I know, it's why I came here in the first place. I had to know what it was like, and I'll tell you, I wasn't disappointed. The food is incredible."
The waiter came over at that moment, taking our drink orders and reciting some specials. We were each glancing at the menu when Bella gasped.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"No, no…I just wish I had known about the chocolate soufflés, it's my favourite dessert but it says ninety minutes for pre-ordering."
"I was hoping you liked chocolate, I already ordered the soufflés, they are unreal."
"Oh, thank you Edward." She said, blushing, and glancing back down at her menu.
I knew what I wanted to order so I took a minute to gaze at Bella, she was even more beautiful than I remembered. Her hair was absolutely gorgeous, flowing down her shoulders and her lips were slightly parted, leading me to think of a million things I wanted to do involving those lips. But what I was really drawn to her was her sweater, it was blue, and I didn't think there a colour in which she could look more heavenly. I was lost in thought when she looked up, closing her menu.
"I think I'm finally ready."
The waiter returned at that very moment, assuring Bella that the mushroom ravioli was excellent and taking my order for the osso bucca.
"So, Edward, do you take all your first dates here? It's quite impressive."
"Um, what . . .no, never" I stuttered, confused by her question.
She laughed and it was so musical. "Relax, Edward, I'm just joking. I'm just really taken aback by this place, it's magical."
"The truth is Bella, I've never taken anyone here before. Like I told you earlier, it's my secret spot. But, and I hope I'm not giving too much away when I say this, I wanted to share this place with you."
She blushed again and I thought, could she be any more beautiful?
She reached for my hand across the table, tracing my knuckles with her fingers. "I'm really glad."
I took a minute to just relish the moment.
I grasped her hand, intertwining our fingers. "Not as glad as I am that you agreed to dinner, I really think you hated me when we first met."
"About that, Edward, I wanted to apologise. I know I was serious in the negotiations but I honestly wasn't expecting to like you. No offense, but your firm has a bad reputation and after meeting Mike on this case, that reputation was confirmed for me."
"Bella, I know. I'm new to the firm and I'm not sure it's working out. It's a bit too cutthroat for my taste."
"Let's not talk about work anymore, Edward, I'm just glad we settled this case so that we can get to know each other better." She smiled up at me, her hand still in mine. I smiled back and, again, I couldn't help but think I could get used to this.
BPOV
I knew there was something between Edward and when he asked my favourite colour. Since I was in kindergarten, my favourite colour has always been blue, but when Edward asked, I didn't hesitate to say . . .
"Green. Yours?"
"Green, huh? But, Bella, why are you blushing over your favourite colour?"
"I, um, it's the colour of your eyes," I said in a rush, looking down to conceal my blush with my hair, and hoping he didn't hear me.
"I know exactly how you feel Bella. After you walked in that door, blue became my new favourite colour. You should wear it every day."
I knew I was blushing again but I couldn't help it, this seemed too good to be true. There had been no awkward silences the whole night and the restaurant was amazing. This was quickly turning into my favourite night, I thought, as Edward reached across the table, brushing my hair behind my ear.
"Don't hide your face from me, Bella, I love watching you blush."
If it was possible, I think I blushed even redder.
Then, the waiter brought out our soufflés, just as I thought the night couldn't get any better.
"Edward?" I asked, spooning a bit of my soufflé into my mouth, and trying to keep my moan to myself.
His eyes were glued on mine and I savored the soufflé.
"Yes, Bella? I take it you like the soufflé."
"Thank you for dinner tonight and, yes, for pre-ordering the soufflés. It's been . . . well, perfect."
"Bella, you have no idea how happy that makes me. This night isn't even over and I can't help but wonder when I can see you again."
"Any time you want, Edward." I said, smiling, and no longer caring if I blushed.
______
Edward paid, before standing and helping me up.
"Can I drive you home, Bella? It's late and I don't want to leave you in a cab."
"Of course," I said, exiting the restaurant and following him to a shiny, silver Volvo.
He opened the door for me and I slid in, closing my eyes and savoring the moments of this night, again. I sighed in contentment as he slid into the driver's seat next to me. I reached for his hand and he never let my hand go as he started the car, asking me where I lived.
I was either very relaxed or had fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, Edward was crouched over me, unfastening my seatbelt. I blinked, recognizing my building.
"You're up." Edward said, smiling, and taking my hand to help me out of the car. "And here I thought I was going to get to carry you up to your condo."
Edward walked me to the door of my building and I couldn't stop myself from wrapping my arms around him, nuzzling his neck and inhaling his scent. He shivered under my lips as I let out a soft sigh of happiness against his neck. He pulled me even closer before tilting my chin up to his face and kissing me.
Time stood still and all the blood rushed to my head. I couldn't get enough of him and I pulled him closer, feeling like we couldn't get close enough. Everything I had felt between yesterday and today, I put into this kiss and it felt like Edward was doing the same. His hands were fisted in my hair to angle me closer and I wrapped my hands even tighter around his waist. How could a kiss feel so good?
I begrudgingly pulled back, feeling like I would pass out if I didn't breathe, my lips kissing down Edward's neck to his clavicle. He shivered again and let out my name in a hushed moan, "Bella."
"I know," I said as he placed his forehead on shoulder, his long fingers barely pulling my sweater to the side so he could lay his claim by kissing my shoulder. I pulled my face up to look at him.
"Wow," we both said in unison, just staring at each other. We were both breathing hard and his breath came out in a cold rush. I breathed it in; he smelled like honey.
"Sweet dreams, Bella," he said, kissing my neck softly and placing his hand on my hip so he could turn me toward the door. He stood still while he watched me enter my building.
I was at a loss for words so I walked to the elevator before turning to see him walking to his car, knowing my dreams would very sweet tonight, indeed.
A/N: So, I hope you liked it. If you're like me, you're probably wondering what Edward was thinking at the end. So, please review and let me know if you want EPOV for the kiss. If you do, I will add it to the beginning of the next chapter. Thanks for reading!