Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. All recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original content including, but not limited to, the ideas, plot line, characterization and intellectual property of this story are owned by OliviaRising. September 2010.
A/N: I know what you guys are thinking- FINALLY! I endeavor to update at least once a week, but that goal was just impossible with this chapter. I hate to blame RL, but it has been extremely hectic right now. I solemnly swear that I will try my best to be more consistent with my updates... but (pardon my French) shit happens. Sorry for keeping you guys on the precipice of the cliffhanger for so long! As a way of saying I'm sorry, I've updated bearing gifts- A SUPER LONG CHAPTER!
As always: Review = Teaser
A Beautiful Melody
Chapter Eleven
"Come, Isabella. Let me take you home."
I want to give in... I can feel the strong magnetic pull drawing me closer to him like a moth to a flame. The attraction is undeniable, but even in my drunken haze, I know I must resist. Giving in would just validate everything he has done and I cannot allow him to think that it's okay to jerk me around. No, sir, this is Bella Swan you're talking to- not some trashy ho.
"No, Edward. I came out for a night of fun, so if you are finished harassing me, I'd like to get back to my table."
I try to maneuver my way around him, but he is unyielding.
"Isabella, you are completely intoxicated- I can barely understand your slurred words. There is absolutely no way I am leaving you like this."
Slurred words? Am I slurring? His face is set in a determined glare and he looks so... hot. If I wasn't so mad at him, I'd probably want to rip his clothes off. Oh, who am I kidding? I do want to rip his clothes off!
I tear my eyes away from his piercing stare and try to focus on my goal. What's my goal again? My head is swamped with images of Edward taking me against this cold, hard wall and, just like that, escaping him doesn't seem so appealing anymore.
I hear Edward's breathing pick up and I realize all too late that my x-rated thoughts are probably transparent on my face.
"Isabella..." he practically purrs.
I don't want to look into his eyes because all will be lost- I will surely give in.
I feel his long, slightly rough finger tilt my chin up... and there I am... staring into the eyes of the beast. His nostrils are flared and his eyes are slightly hooded, but his emerald eyes still manage to pierce though my soul. I can't help but gulp. He looks like the ultimate predator... and I am his prey.
He leans down slowly and gingerly runs the tip of his straight nose along my exposed throat and over the curve of my jaw. I involuntarily let out a soft moan and am surprised to hear Edward growl in response. Yes, growl. I'm so caught up in the sensual moment that I have forgotten that Edward Cullen is the enemy. But, in my fuzzy, alcohol-infused state, sleeping with the enemy never sounded so good...
"Oh, Isabella, what I would like to do to you," he murmurs against my neck.
I moan in response, trying to convey that he can do whatever he wants to me- I am his willing servant- but I'm unable organize my thoughts enough to translate them into words. He seems to realize that I cannot form a complete sentence, and immediately steps back. I whimper at the loss of his body pressed against mine, not coherent enough to feel ashamed or embarrassed about my newly-discovered wantonness.
"Bella?"
Both mine and Edward's heads snap in the direction of the voice.
Riley.
Edward steps protectively in front of me, almost snarling in the process.
"Is everything okay, Bella? Is this man bothering you?"
"Who the fuck are you?" Edward hisses as he shields me from Riley's view.
Edward is positively seething. I can barely see over his broad shoulders but I know that he is glaring daggers at Riley. Realizing that neither men are going to back down from this ridiculous display of dominance, I attempt to intervene before things get physical. I push past Edward's tense frame and stand between the two cavemen.
"I'm fine, Riley. Everything is fine... Edward was just leaving."
I stare pointedly at Edward, hoping that he would get the message, but no such luck.
"Like hell I am!"
I am at a loss of what to do. Poor Riley, he doesn't stand a chance. What man wants a girl who comes with her very own stalker?
"Fine, you can stay but I'm leaving!"
Another night ruined by Mr. Edward Cullen... this is starting to become a common occurrence.
"Good, I'll take you home," he says, the anger slowly dissipating from his beautiful face.
I stare at him incredulously- he really isn't used to rejection...
"Edward, I-"
"No, Isabella, this isn't up for discussion. I've been more than patient- we're leaving now."
I cross my arms in defiance- I feel like a child being reprimanded.
"I think Bella can make her own decisions."
Riley seems to have found his voice again and obviously has a death wish. No, Riley, save yourself... it's too late for me!
Edwards snaps his venomous gaze back to Riley.
"She could if you hadn't supplied her with drinks to the point of incoherency."
I jump in before Riley can rebut.
"I'm a big girl, I can handle myself!"
Both men immediately tear their gazes from each other and turn to me.
Why are they looking at me like I've just grown three heads?
"I think I've proved my point- come, Isabella, we're leaving."
I turn to Edward, confused by the sudden turn of events. Why isn't anyone listening to me?
I try to question him, but he just wraps his arm around my waist and murmurs softly into my hair.
"Edward-"
"It's okay, Love. You're safe- let's get you home."
He ushers me past Riley who just stands their with perplexed and guilty look on his handsome face.
"I'm sorry- I didn't realize that she had so much to drink..."
What is he talking about? I'm fine!
Before I can reassure Riley that he shouldn't apologize for anything and that I had a wonderful time with him, Edward leads me out of the narrow hallway and through the pulsing crowd.
The lights are flashing and the music is blasting and, suddenly, I feel extremely dizzy. Each flash of light blinds my vision and my knees feel as though they might give out at any moment.
Edward has to practically carry me out of the packed club, and leads me to his sleek car parked directly in front of the entrance.
He is so gentle with me as he gingerly places me in the passenger seat and buckles me in tightly. I try to ask him where we are going, but my tongue feels heavy and my mouth doesn't want to cooperate. How did I get here? I was fine a few minutes ago... right?
Before I can completely register what is happening, we are speeding down the surprisingly vacant street toward East Village. The repetitive flash of the streetlights rapidly passing by is oddly relaxing and I soon find myself drifting off into unconsciousness.
The sunlight is blaring down on my face through a small slit in the curtains. My mind is fuzzy and my eyes are unwilling to open, but I feel oddly relaxed.
What happened? Where am I?
I muster all of my strength and crack open one eye- white walls and dark brown and white decor (Link on profile). My surroundings are comfortingly familiar and I am relieved to realize that I am in my own room, sleeping in my own bed. But how did I get here?
The events from last night are still a bit hazy, so I concede to take a shower and drink some coffee before even attempting to fill in the blanks.
I carefully untangle myself from the sheets, place my feet on the hardwood floor and look down.
When did I change clothes? Shouldn't I still be wearing my dress?
I am covered in an oversized Columbia t-shirt with... no pants. I don't remember undressing, hell I don't even remember falling asleep! The last thing I remember is... Edward's car! Yes, he was taking me home... but what happened after? Did he undress me?
My face flames at the thought and I quickly lift up my shirt to make sure that I'm still wearing the same underwear. Phew! My panties seem to have stayed in place all night- one less thing to worry about.
Frustrated, I leave my room and head straight for the bathroom. I try to clear my mind of all thoughts and focus on getting through my morning routine- I'll try to piece together what happened last night later.
Freshly scrubbed and wearing grey lounge pants and a white tank top, I pass Alice's empty room and make a beeline for the kitchen. I guess she decided to screw etiquette after all...
The apartment is completely in order except for two things- a blanket neatly folded on the couch and the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen.
If Alice isn't here, then who's making the coffee?
I carefully tiptoe past the living room and take in the glorious sight before me. There is a male model standing shirtless in my kitchen making coffee- is this Heaven? But not just any model, no, I would recognize that bronze hair anywhere.
He pours the steaming coffee into two mugs and then turns and faces me.
"Good morning, Isabella. I'm glad you awoke at a decent hour. How's your head? Are you feeling nauseous at all?"
I blink a few times... am I still dreaming? Why is Edward Cullen standing shirtless in my kitchen?
He brings one mug over to me and places two aspirin on the counter in front of me.
"Drink, Isabella. It will make you feel better. Maybe this will teach you to watch how much you drink."
Ah, and there is the arrogant bastard I know and love.
I hesitantly pop both of the aspirin and wash it down with a long drag of the coffee. I feel better already.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I couldn't just leave you here to fend for yourself while your roommate gallivants off with my head of PR. The state you were in, I'm surprised you got up before noon."
What state? I was perfectly fine... just a little tired...
"Were you- did you undress me?"
He gives me an incredulous look.
"Of course, Isabella. You were practically trying to rip the dress off yourself. But don't worry, I closed my eyes."
The smirk and the mischievous glint in his eyes tell me that he did no such thing. My face flames at the thought of him staring at my naked chest as he slowly undressed me...
"I think it's best if you take the day off from work, or at least the morning."
Work? Shit! It's Wednesday! What time is it?
I quickly glance at the digital clock and see the it is nine twenty-three. I was supposed to be at work twenty-three minutes ago!
I look back at Edward and he is staring at me with an amused expression on his handsome face.
"Black doesn't get back until Friday. If anything happens, just say you were with me."
Yeah, I've tried that before. Jacob doesn't take impromptu 'meetings' with Edward so well- I know from experience.
"What about you? Don't you have work?"
Edward leans casually against the counter and chuckles softly.
"Baby, I'm the owner and CEO- I can do whatever the fuck I want."
Only now do I fully take in his Adonis appearance. This is the first time I've ever seen him without a shirt and I have permanently burned the sight of his defined arms and chiseled abs into my mind. His grey slacks are hanging oh-so-deliciously off of his hips and the sight of the narrow trail of dark hair beginning at his navel and disappearing beneath his pants makes every one of my muscles clench in desire. It should be illegal to look this good.
When I finally tear my eyes away from his lean, muscular torso, I look up and see Edward openly smirking at me.
"See something you like?"
My face instantly flames and I quickly look away.
"No, I... uh... thanks for taking care of me but I'm fine now, so..."
"Get dressed, Isabella. I need to feed you."
I'm not a dog!
"I'm not really hungry and I have to get ready for work..."
"Get dressed, Isabella."
And with that he walks past me, lifts his folded shirt from the bar stool and strolls leisurely toward the bathroom. Well, he's certainly made himself at home.
I quickly down my coffee and escape to my room. How did this happen? Yesterday, I never wanted to see him again, and now he's using my bathroom.
xoxoxox
Edward takes me to breakfast at Petite Abeille, a quaint little Belgian cafe know for its amazing Belgian waffles and imported beer. Edward looks comically out of place in his expensive slacks and white button-down shirt, but apparently he comes here often because the owner and staff greet him warmly.
The weather is beautiful and the cafe is a little packed, so we seat ourselves at one of the outside tables and peruse the menu.
"Do you know what you want?"
"I'm not sure, but I definitely want waffles."
Edward gives me a lopsided smile that makes my heart melt and my panties drench.
"I know just the thing. Do you trust me?"
Do I trust him? What a loaded question. Seeing as we are just talking about food, I think it's safe to say yes... he's never led me wrong in that respect.
"Yes..."
Before Edward can reply, a waitress emerges from the cafe and asks for our orders.
"We'll have one order of the Gaufre Exotique, one Omlette Parisienne and two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice."
The waitress scribbles down our order, takes our menus and then heads back into the cafe.
Gaufre Exotique? I didn't see that on the menu...
Edward seems to have read my mind and answers my silent question.
"It's a specialty. You have to request it, only the regulars know about it."
"You're a regular?"
I find it hard to believe that Edward frequents this little hole in the wall when I know he enjoys luxurious restaurants like The Pierre Cafe.
"I've been coming here since I was little. My mother used bring us after Church on Sundays."
Edward went to Church? I'm shocked that he has chosen to share this personal information with me... he's never talked about his family before... is he talking about Esme or his birth mother?
"Not anymore?"
I know I'm pushing my luck, but I have to strike while the iron is still hot...
"We all have our separate lives now... I don't have time for family brunches."
He looks wistful- maybe even a bit melancholy. I want to pry further, but I know that I'm walking on thin ice and one wrong move could make him shut me out forever. I decide to change the subject- I don't like seeing him looking so subdued.
"So, what were you doing at Cielo last night?"
And just like that his entire demeanor changes. I instantly regret bringing up this subject.
"Oh, yes, Isabella we still haven't addressed last night."
He is face is set with a look of reproach... he looks... angry.
"Wha-"
"Isabella," He says sharply as if he is reprimanding a child. "Do you make a habit of drinking heavily at public venues and putting yourself at risk?"
"I-"
"Thank God Jasper told me where you were going- who knows what would have transpired otherwise."
"Noth-"
"Imagine if you had given up your virtue in a drunken haze to man you barely know- would you be okay with that?"
My virtue? How does he know that I'm a virgin?
My face flushes scarlet as I desperately try to look anywhere but at his face. Seeing how uncomfortable I am, Edward reaches over the table and place his hand over mine on top of the table. He uses his other hand to gently tilt up my chin so that our gazes meet.
"Isabella, you deserve to be worshiped like goddess, not fucked like an animal. You have to be wary of the wolves that sniff around for innocent prey like you. Please, don't put yourself in that position again."
I don't know whether to be embarrassed, insulted, or turned on. Worshiped like a goddess? I like the sound of that...
"I'm not a child, Edward, I know how to take care of myself! Nothing would have happened between Riley and me- I had it under control!"
"Isabella, I had to practically carry you out of that club- if I had not been there, you would have been wrapped up in some other man's arms, and he might not have been so honorable.'
I snort.
"Oh, and you're so honorable? It sure didn't look that way when you had your tongue jammed down that woman's throat."
I know that I'm changing the subject, but why should I always be on the receiving end of the reprimands?
"Isabella, I made a grave mistake- one that I regret everyday. I was confused and I acted out. I was selfish and a complete ass. I never meant to hurt you."
I'm taken aback. That's not what I expected. What do I say? He seems sincere, but that doesn't erase what happened. And what does he mean by confused? One day he's kissing me, the next he's sucking face with that tramp... seems pretty clear to me!
I'm saved from responding because the waitress chooses that moment to bring out our food. It turns out that the Gaufre Exotique is a Belgian waffle topped with pineapple, mango, kiwi, banana, strawberries and whipped cream... mhmm... delicious...
We are silent as we eat our respective breakfasts, but I can't help but peek up at him through mouthfuls of waffle. He really is heartbreakingly beautiful... there's just something so sexy and erotic about watching Edward eat... maybe because I would like to watch him eat something else...
I nearly choke on my waffle from the directions my thoughts have taken. Luckily, Edward doesn't notice and he continues to eat his omelet in peace.
By the time Edward drops me back at my apartment, we have only said a few words to each other since his apology. He has given me a few meaningful glance here and there, but I'm not really sure what to say to him. I need to process everything- what exactly does he want from me?
Edward leads me up to my apartment door and then waits patiently as I riffle through my purse for the keys.
"I have to attend a meeting right now, Isabella, but I would like it if we spoke sometime tonight, whenever you're available."
I nod my head dumbly, not trusting myself to speak.
"Good, then I'll call you around ten."
Then, he leans forward slowly- giving me time to back away- and softly brushes his lips across my cheek. I can feel it flame under his touch, and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed that he chose my cheek instead of my lips.
"Have a good day, Isabella. I'll talk to you tonight."
And with that, he gives me one last smoldering look and strides away down the hallway toward the elevator.
When I'm in the safety of my apartment, pushing thoughts of today's breakfast out of my mind and lying haphazardly on the couch, I check my phone for my messages. There is one text from Alice and one from an unknown number.
Hey Bells! I hope you made it home okay!
I saw you talking to that hunky guy last night! I want all the juicy details!
I'm staying at Jasper's tonight and I won't be home till tomorrow.
Don't make any plans- I have SO much to tell you!
xoxo Alice
I smile to myself as I read her text- no doubt, I'm going to hear a detailed play-by-play of her and Jasper's sex marathon. At least someone is getting some...
I open the second text message from the unknown number and am surprised by who it's from.
Bella-
I hope you made it home safe last night.
I am so sorry that I wasn't able to take better care of you.
Let me make it up to you- how about dinner tonight?
-Riley
How did he get my number?
I am torn between my feelings for Edward and the sensible part of me that cautions that Edward is no good for me.
One dinner can't hurt... right?
I'm trying to move on anyway and Riley isn't a bad guy... so why do I feel like I'm betraying Edward by even considering his offer? It's not like I'm committed to Edward, and he is most certainly not committed to me... so what could it hurt? It's only one measly dinner... a girl's gotta eat...right?
Feeling extremely guilty, I send Riley a text accepting his proposal.
Great! Would you like me to pick you up?
How about 7?
-Riley
I definitely don't want him to pick me up- I need to be able to escape in case things turn sour.
We make plans to meet at Co Ba, a trendy Vietnamese restaurant in Chelsea, at seven o'clock. With Alice gone until tomorrow, I have no one to turn to for advice. Is it morally wrong for me to go out with Riley tonight when I just had breakfast with Edward?
The rest of the day passes with me working from home on my laptop. Before I know it, it's nearing 6:30 and I still haven't gotten ready. I rush into my bathroom, take a speed shower, and scour my closet for something to wear. It's drizzling outside, on the verge of full blown rain, so I decide on my beige Burberry trench-coat dress with simple ankle boots (Link on my profile). I run a brush through my hair and completely forgo make up because of the time.
The weather is dark and gloomy, but I manage to snag a cab without much wait. Unbelievably, the traffic isn't too bad and I'm only a few minutes late when I finally reach Co Ba.
Riley is sitting in a booth waiting patiently for me and he immediately stands when he sees me walk through the door. He's much more handsome than I remember... then again, this is the first time I'm actually seeing him in light...
"I'm so sorry I'm late," I say as we quickly hug each other.
"Don't worry about it, I almost got stuck in the rain too."
I don't bother telling him that the real reason I'm tardy is because I lost track of time... the weather story is much less painful... for both of us.
After we order our drinks and starters, Riley and I make insignificant small talk. I'm waiting for him to ask me about last night but, instead, he just asks questions about my work, where I grew up, my alma mater, etc. By the time we begin our main courses, I decide cease the waiting and just dive right in.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you get my number?"
It's the question I've been dying to ask all night but his responding facial expression worries me. He is looking at me with a strange, bemused look on his face.
"Don't you remember...?"
Well, obviously not if I have to ask! Okay, I'm being a little pissy- but he obviously knows something that I don't and it's... disconcerting!
"Remember what?"
"Bella, you gave me your number last night... when we were sitting in the booth..."
The booth? I remember talking... and our almost-kiss... and getting up to go to the bathroom... but I don't remember exchanging numbers...
"I didn't realize you were so out of it- if I had, I would have ordered you water instead of rum."
He looks a little ashamed with himself, and I instantly feel awful that this man is taking the blame for my irresponsibility... but in my defense, I had no clue that I was so plastered.
"No, Riley- my wellbeing isn't your responsibility. I should have been more careful. I'm sorry that I put you through that... what a buzz kill."
Riley chuckles at my comment and I'm happy that the worry lines have vanished from his forehead.
"Bella, you could never be a buzz kill."
And the conversation moved smoothly from then on. We talked about our lives, and unlike with Edward, the conversation wasn't one sided- we shared information, instead of me divulging everything. It turns out that Riley is a corporate accountant, yet for such a boring-sounding job, he's actually pretty interesting. The conversation is easy between us, but I'm sensing that this may never go past the realm of friendship.
"So, that guy from last night... is there something going on with you two...?"
I nearly choke on my spring roll.
"Oh, him? No... he's just someone I work with... we have mutual friends..."
I don't sound very convincing even to my own ears and Riley is tilting his head in uncertainty.
"You two seemed pretty close when I found you..."
Yeah, and if you hadn't shown up, I'd probably be carrying Edward's love child right now.
"Well, I wasn't in the right... state of mind last night... Edward was just helping me out..."
Riley looks slightly placated but not completely convinced. For some reason, I feel like I'm leading him on.
The rest of the dinner goes smoothly- probably because we stick to lighter subjects- and by the time we finish, I find that I have actually enjoyed myself. There is none of the tension or anxiousness that comes with being around Edward- all in all, dinner with Riley was comfortable and relaxed, something I would definitely do again.
While Riley walks me out to the mosty vacant street and hails me a cab, all I can think about is how much easier things would be if I were attracted to him. He is sweet and caring and very handsome... but there's just something missing...
The yellow cab halts on the street in front of us and I tear myself away from my musings to say goodbye to Riley. I look up into his handsome face and am shocked to see that look. It's the one that I saw last night before I ran off to the bathroom, it's the one that heats me to my very core when coming from Edward, it's the one that will tell me once and for all if this thing with Riley is going anywhere.
He takes a step toward me and my body hums is anticipation.
The moment of truth...
He takes another step closer to me, his nose almost brushing mine.
Our breaths are mingling between us as his soft, full lips inch closer and closer.
This is it...
I close my eyes and let instinct take over. His lips brush over mine... once... twice...
And I feel... nothing. Absolutely nothing.
He pulls away and I keep my eyes closed for a few more seconds, trying to reign in the disappointment.
Oh God! Please tell me Edward hasn't ruined all other men for me! Please!
"I had a really great time, Bella. I hope we can do this again."
I nod my head in assent, too upset to say anything.
Not wanting to prolong this moment, I turn away from Riley and head toward the cab. As I am opening the door, I feel the distinct presence of someone watching me...
Oh no! Lord, don't do this to me!
Across the street in the unmistakeable figure of the man I love. He is staring at me with the most painful and forlorn expression on his beautiful visage. Through my eyes, I desperately try to convey that it's not what it looks like, but he has already turned away. The yellow cab is blocking me from running to him, so all I can do is watch as his retreating form escapes around the corner... and it feels as though he has taken my heart with him.
The longest chapter yet! (I'm starting to feel like I say that every time...)
Is this chapter what you expected?
Bella can't seem to catch a break! And poor Edward!
What do you think of Riley? Who wants Belgian waffles right now? Oh, and btw- all of the places I've mentioned actually exist in NYC!
Leave me a review, comment, hate mail (for not updating in so long)- whatever floats your boat!
Reviews = Teaser!
xXx Olivia