A/N: I don't own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. I just use her fabulous characters to entertain myself and you!
Thanks to my NEW Beta, Kaydee1005! I am so glad you decided to give me a chance, and I am forever in your debt—You ROCK! Thanks also to my pre-reader, Padme-And-Anakin-4-Ever!
Sorry for the long wait, this chapter has been written for a while, I was just hoping to find a beta, and she went ahead and worked on the previous chapters before this one, per my request. I hope you like this chapter, I wanted to use a real restaurant in Port Angeles, but couldn't find one online that was open 24-Hours; we will just have to pretend there is a Denny's in PA!
Have you got your Eclipse tickets yet? I do, I am doing a triple feature of all the movies so far, ending with the 12:01 of Eclipse on the 29th/30th! I also got my Remember Me DVD last week.
Chapter 6-No Hesitation
EPOV
She actually showed up, I couldn't believe it. Everything inside of her seemed to scream shy, but there she was, in the middle of the night meeting me for, whatever. She looked beautiful and I was willing to bet she would always look that way to me.
As the hostess guided her to our table, I reminded myself that I wanted to be a gentleman and take things slowly—actually get to know a woman. My mother would have been proud of me. I stood as she approached, and helped guide her into the booth opposite me. Her hands were in her lap, and I sat down on my side of the booth. She had her bottom lip in her teeth, and it took every ounce of my self-control not to reach over and remove it—either with my hands or my lips.
"Bella, thank you for coming, I'm really glad to see you. Did you have any trouble finding the place?"
She laughed at me, and my cock twitched. Down boy! "Edward, it's a small town and there is only one Denny's, and it is on the main road. Thank you for inviting me, I had no trouble finding it at all.
Her eyes turned down as her blush covered her. Damn, it was beautiful. "Well, I'm just glad you came. I was hoping to get to know you better, other than just at the drive thru or while I am being rude and compromising you."
Another blush, I hoped I could keep myself controlled. She was going to be my undoing, and I welcomed that future with an open mind and heart.
"I am glad you invited me Edward. I have to admit, I am really nervous though, no one has ever asked me out on a date, not that this is a date, or maybe it is. I don't know, this is so new to me, and I really need to stop talking…"
I interrupted her, she was just too cute, "Bella, it's fine. You can call it a date if you want; this is fairly new to me as well. Don't be nervous; just be yourself—that is the best both of us can do. Would you like anything to drink, it's on me?"
"Ummmm, can I have some hot tea?"
I tried not to chuckle at her awkwardness and answered her, "Bella, you can have anything you want, really it's no bother. You don't have to ask permission, but I'm sure they have some. Are you hungry as well?"
"No, just some tea would be great, something fruity. Thank you, Edward."
The waitress had impeccable timing and arrived to take our drink orders. I ordered Bella's tea for her and a coffee for myself.
Bella and I talked and talked. We learned about our movie and book preferences. I learned that Bella didn't watch many movies and loved to read; she liked the classics. I found out our music preferences were very similar, and I was surprised to find out she grew up in a town not too far from here.
I told her about becoming a doctor and how much medicine fulfilled me. She seemed to shy back a bit when I talked about it, and I reassured her that it does not make me better just because I was a doctor. I tried to show her how down to earth I really was. We talked about plans for our separate futures and our dreams. She told me of her meager living while growing up and her experience with working at the sporting goods store. She really was adorable and had so much passion. I could not get enough of her—she was simply amazing. I couldn't help but wonder where we would end up together; images of her in my future flashed through my mind as she continued talking.
BPOV
Oh my, Edward was amazing. When he talked about medicine and what he thought about being a doctor, I think I fell in love with him. He knew what he wanted and he went out and got it. I couldn't imagine being so confident with myself and actually pursuing my dreams. The man was perfect, both looks and personality, and I could sit and talk with him forever. I told him about growing up and all about my trips to the emergency room. I told him things about myself that no one knew; it felt good being so open with someone.
He gave me that crooked smile all night long, and I knew then, that I couldn't fight this anymore. Nothing is going to stop me from trying to make this work. I knew he wanted more than an easy lay just a few minutes into our date. He was different, and I knew I wanted to be different for him as well. I needed to be a better person, for myself.
I had to look at my phone once I realized I was yawning so much. Holy crow, it was 3:30 am! Where on earth did the time go? I begrudgingly told Edward what time it was and that I needed to get going. He seemed just as shocked as I was.
We stood up, and I waited while he paid our bill. He took my hand in his as he led me out the door, holding it open like a true gentleman, and the electricity from last night returned. He walked me to my truck, and I was surprised with myself that I wasn't embarrassed by it. We both stood awkwardly, looking at each other, unable to turn away. Neither of us wanted this to end.
"Bella," Edward whispered, "I had a really great time with you tonight. I…I don't want to let you go. I know it is strange to hear, but it's true."
I gasped at his admission, and tried to talk, but nothing came out. I probably looked stupid standing there looking like a goldfish with my mouth opening and closing, but I couldn't talk. Turns out I didn't need to, as Edward took a step towards me, his eyes locked on mine.
"Bella, I am going to kiss you. Please tell me to stop."
I couldn't say it, and even if I was able to speak, I didn't want him to stop. I returned his gaze, looking deep into his emerald green eyes. He leaned in, put his hands on both of my cheeks, and leaned even closer. My eyes clamped closed as his lips came into contact with mine.
If Edward hadn't had a good grip on me, I was sure I would have fallen down. His kiss made me weak in the knees and I wanted to melt. I returned his kiss and I felt his tongue sweep across my bottom lip. I opened slowly, allowing him entrance. I had stepped back against my truck while he continued tasting me, and I him.
He tasted divine—so much better than last night. This was different, it was slow and reverent. I could feel every emotion behind his kisses. We stood there for what felt like forever; our tongues mingling as breathing became harder and more difficult. My arms were around his neck and in his hair, as his hands had drifted to my back; we were so close to each other that I could feel every muscle ripple under his clothes.
We finally separated, both of us gasping for air, while still holding on to each other. I felt so complete; I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe this perfectly beautiful man wanted me. We stared into each other's eyes as we slowly peeled ourselves from each other, regrettably.
Edward promised me he would call again, soon, and I believed him. He had been nothing but a gentleman tonight, and I couldn't help but think what my dad would think of him. Bella, don't get ahead of yourself, it was only one date. We said goodbye, again, but this time he gave me a little peck on the tip of my nose and walked to his car. He waited until I got in the truck and drove away, before he left.
EPOV
I woke up at eight am and got ready for work, very thankful that I had a couple hours to sleep in. I slept very good last night, just like every night since meeting Bella. I did my usual morning routine, even having breakfast at home since Bella wasn't working today; yeah, I was going to be having McDonald's for breakfast more often.
That woman drove me crazy and made me want to be a better person—for her. I had never been a gentleman with women, and I certainly hadn't respected them like I had for her. I didn't want to defile her, or use her. Some of my 'regulars' had started calling me, but I ignored them; I was no longer interested in that. I wanted Bella, and I wanted her forever. I was going to do everything I could to show her I was amiable and worthy.
I ignored Emmett's questioning on my way out the door. Didn't he do anything other than sit on the couch and play video games? I got in my car, taking note that it needed a good washing, and headed to the office. I just hoped I could concentrate on my patients since I hadn't been thinking of anything other than Bella for the last three days.
The office was in full swing when I arrived, and Tanya greeted me when I walked in the door. I barely noticed her advances as I walked to my office. I had never given her any reason to think I was interested, but she didn't seem to get it. I really needed to deal with that situation, and I made a mental note to handle it later. I put my lab coat on, slung my stethoscope around my neck, and prepared for my day of seeing patients.
Six busy hours later, my day was finally over. It was the usual—physicals, sniffles, coughs, and sprains. I was so glad to be done with this day; I was very distracted. Between thoughts of Bella and the incessant flirting from Tanya, I was drained. I didn't even have time to take a lunch break, so I missed seeing Bella at work. Realizing today was only Monday, I resolved to call my dad and ask about the best way to deal with Tanya. She was good at what she does, but I couldn't handle the flirting anymore.
Upon arriving at home, I grabbed a quick snack and headed to my bedroom to make the needed phone call. My dad assured me that I can have this conversation with her and gave me some tactful ways to deal with it. I told him I had never reciprocated her advances and he was proud of me. I didn't know why he was proud; I would never endanger my professional life. But after fifteen minutes, I felt that I had the tools I needed to deal with Tanya and ended the call with my dad.
I was still hungry, so I called and ordered a pizza. I went to the living room to hang out with Emmett and informed him of our dinner plans. He was more than happy about the pizza, and even offered to pay for it; I refused his request. The only reason I had a roommate was because I loved Emmett and enjoyed having him around, most of the time; I certainly didn't need the financial help.
Emmett was a smart man; he even got his Master's in Business Management one year early. He wanted to take a year off before working, to rest and relax. I didn't understand it, but I supported it; the man could do anything he wanted. He met Rosalie a few months ago when he went to McDonald's of all places. She invited him to one of Alice's parties and the rest was history.
I finished eating pizza on the couch with Emmett, and then excused myself from the room. I went to my bedroom for privacy and picked up my phone. I looked at it in admiration as I scrolled through my contacts for Bella's name. I found it immediately and didn't hesitate as I hit the send button.
A/N: Thanks for reading. I truly love all of my readers, and cherish each and every review. Remember, I answer all of them, so don't be afraid to hit that button below. I have gotten all my chapters back from my beta, Kaydee1005, so there won't be any more delays. I am looking to update once a week. Does Friday sound good to everyone?
As usual, you can find me on Twitter... twitter (dot) com / melonscraps
