heya, lovies! two updates from me in one day that aren't fake-outs! unheard of!

so here's jenniesmith, writing edward. enjoy!

Edward

I pulled up to Esme and Carlisle's house dreading what was to come. I knew that my aunt loved me and wanted what was best, but I had too much on my mind to act completely pleasant throughout a dinner for some lady that worked with Esme. The only thing Esme would tell me was her name-Bella.

Beautiful.

Knowing my luck, everything but beautiful was awaiting me on the other side of the door I was standing in front of. I had the dreaded suspicion that I was about to be introduced to a middle-aged single woman who was going to flaunt herself in front of me like all the other women I met at the piano bar. Masen informed me this morning that I was going to be giving Bella piano lessons for her birthday present. I would have to thank him again later for that.

When I moved here, I knew I needed a job and Carlisle suggested that I give piano lessons since that is what I had been doing before. I quit before moving and, truth be told, I did miss it. Whether it was missing the kids that I taught or the moms that brought them in, I couldn't tell you. Nine times out of ten I was giving the lesson so that mom could enjoy the view. On most occasions it wasn't too bad.

I knew the piano lessons weren't going to make ends meet so I decided to look into playing for venues around town. That is when I met James. He seemed to be a nice guy and was recording a demo album with a girl in town. He hooked me up with the studio and I began doing the same. It wasn't bad. I had to do something else, though, because even that wasn't helping to pay the rent.

That is when James suggested I come check out the piano bar he worked at. I went the first night knowing what to expect since I had been to them before, but what I wasn't expecting was for him to pull me on stage and make me play. I had been there every night since. Except for tonight, of course.

I knew that Esme wouldn't approve of me working at the piano bar, so I decided to keep that job a secret. She had to know I was doing something else though because there is no way the little money I made would pay for the apartment I was living in now. The apartment that had been the scene of my babysitting a drunken woman last night. I shook my head attempting to clear my thoughts of Angela and the night that we had. I couldn't believe how totally wasted she got at the bar and the events that followed.

I don't understand why people choose to get so shit-faced that they can't even remember their own name. I am sure that Angela has no recollection of last night and perhaps that is a good thing. It's not that I minded drinking, it was the whole issue of getting so drunk that nothing else mattered and that you put on a fake font. Plus all the dangers that were lurking with the addition of every drink, there was just too much to risk in my opinion.

I saw her when she came into the bar that night. It was hard to miss her. She was with a group of girls who were obviously celebrating something. As the night progressed, everyone in sight found out what that something was. Angela was getting married. We called her on stage as we always do and had a little fun with her. I couldn't imagine my fianceé coming into a place like this and letting someone plaster a sticker across her tits or ass. Yet there I was, doing it to someone else's fianceé.

James had obvious eyes for her all night long, and though I had an attractive one attached to me, I kept my eyes on Angela all night long. I knew what James was capable of and for some reason, I didn't want her to become one of his victims. James came to the bar at one point to get her a drink and I watched as he slipped something into it. I knew that I would have to keep an even closer eye on him just to make sure he didn't try anything.

It didn't take long for him to do just that.

I made my way over and joined in their conversation. Angela was plastered and whatever James had slipped her was making her even more unstable on her feet. I knew I had to get her out of there and luckily Mike, our manager, came over and asked James if he could help him in the office for a minute. I told James I would watch Angela and when the office door was safely shut, I put one arm around her waist and led her to the door.

I prayed the entire way home that she would not puke in my Volvo. It was my pride and joy. The smell of vomit would forever be in there and I would never be able to drive it again. Luckily, or not so luckily, the puking started as we walked into my apartment. I rushed to get her to the bathroom as quickly as I could, but I wasn't fast enough to save her outfit and shoes. I knew that I was going to have to strip her down and I needed to do it quickly so that I could wash her clothes.

I took her shirt off first, trying not to get vomit on her face or in her hair. I did my best not to look at her while I was doing this knowing that I was probably going to like what I saw and not wanting to take advantage of her. I then took off the rest of her clothes and leaned her against my bathroom counter while I got a towel out to wrap her body in.

When I turned around, I felt myself instantly get hard. I shook my head trying not to stare but it was hard not to notice the smooth curves or her body or the fullness of her breasts, or the neatly groomed triangle that I immediately wanted to bury my face in. I took two steps toward her and covered her up with the towel. Her eyes were closed and I knew that she was either close to sleep or already there.

I picked her up bridal-style and took her upstairs, placing her in my bed after pulling back the blanket and sheets. I could sleep on the couch tonight so that she could have some peace even though my body had other ideas. That part of me wanted to crawl in between those sheets and ravish her, but my head knew that she belonged to someone else. What was it about this woman? No woman I had ever met or even dated had done the things to me that she had in the past four hours, and she had barely spoken fifty words to me.

I pulled the covers up and as I did, I pulled the towel from around her, not wanting her to get tangled up in it while she slept. I had no idea if she was a light sleeper or not and I didn't want the chance of her waking up in even more of a panic than I knew she would already.

As I pulled the covers over her chest and tucked her in I felt my body, once again, betray me, and lean down to place a kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight, beautiful drunk girl," I heard myself whisper before I made my way downstairs to wash her clothes.

After I cleaned her clothes I did my best to sleep. It wasn't that my couch was uncomfortable or that there was too much light in my apartment, it was the fact that there was a beautiful, naked woman in my bed and my body wanted to be there with her. I sat up and made my way over to my piano and was glad that I had shut the double doors to my room. I didn't want to disturb Angela and I knew that the sounds of my baby grand were soothing to me but to someone with a raging hangover, they might not be the same.

I hadn't been able to write music since my dad died. When that happened, I felt as if I had to give up the tedious process of writing to focus on other things, like my brother and my future. I knew that there was no way composing was going to provide for me. But that night when I sat at the piano, the music flowed from my fingers like it hadn't in a long time. I had been trying to compose a new piece for months but only now, at three o'clock in the morning, did it decide to come out. It was a turbulent piece, but I was instantly connected to the parallels of the piece and my life. I stayed up for another two and a half hours working on it before sleep finally came.

The next morning I woke up and left Angela a note before heading out. I wanted to avoid the embarrassment on both of our parts, so I headed down to the studio to finish recording some songs for a local artist. By the time I made it back to my apartment she was gone, but her cell phone was lying in the middle of my den floor. It must have fallen out in all the hustle and bustle of last night.

The sound of a car pulling up into the drive pulled me back into the reality of where I was. As I heard footsteps approach, I turned around and was shocked at who was standing before me. Angela.

Half the bridal party was with her and they didn't seem at all shocked to see me. Did they know who I was all along? That just pissed me off even more.

"Ladies," I said keeping my composure as best I could. "I would consider it the greatest of favors if you would pretend you've never met me before."

The front door opened at that moment and we were greeted by Carlisle wearing a black apron and burgundy oven mitts. I made my way into the house looking for Esme and hoping that tonight would go smoother when Tanya arrived. I called her earlier and asked her to come. I know it probably wasn't the best idea inviting a girl I just met to my aunt's for a dinner for another woman, but I felt like I needed some sense of normalcy.

Not even God himself could have prepared me for the night that lay ahead. I had an out that no one knew about, Tanya. I didn't know how this birthday dinner was going to go and I wanted an easy way out. I knew my aunt would probably get upset that I had invited her, but when I saw who the guests were, I couldn't have cared less about the repercussions of my invitation.

I was introduced to Rosalie and Alice by my aunt but the next introduction is the one that I was dreading.

"And this is my Bella. Isabella Swan. English teacher extraordinaire. The birthday girl."

I heard those words come out of my aunt's mouth, but they didn't register.

"Bella?" I somehow managed to get out. I am sure that she picked up on the slight confusion in my voice from the way her deep brown eyes searched my face.

There was no way this was the Bella whose birthday we were celebrating and who I would be giving piano lessons to.

This was Angela. The woman who came to my piano bar for her bachelorette party.

Not Bella.

I vaguely heard Carlisle offer us drinks and watched in horror as Bella tossed hers down her throat like it was nothing. Had she not gotten enough the night before? How could she even stand to drink after…

Oh, wait. She had no recollection of what happened. I could use this to my advantage.

If she wanted to lie to me about who she was and base our relationship on lies, then two could play that game.

Relationship? What the hell is wrong with me?

We made our way into the dining room where dinner was served and I couldn't help but be transfixed by Bella. She was an exquisite woman who had completely captivated me, but I couldn't begin to understand why. The only times I have seen her, she has been sucking down the alcohol like a fish and I promised myself that I would never succumb to that level of person again. I had been hurt enough by the likes of her. Yet I couldn't stop staring at her. The way her hair laid softy over her shoulders made me want to run my hands through the soft tresses and whisper sweet nothings to her as we made love. Her full, pouty lips only drove me crazy as she lifted the glass yet again to her lips. I was shaken back to reality when she caught me looking. I am sure my face reflected the disgust I had toward her at this moment for the things she was doing.

I've been used to the idea that a pretty face doesn't have a lot to offer in the way of conversation, so when Bella and I had the kind of banter that made everyone watch us like we were at the US Open Final round, I realized that it was possible I had met my match. I also learned a lot in those few minutes of chatting with everyone's Precious Bella; she let me know in no uncertain terms that she was not going to take my criticisms sitting down. Little did she know how much of a turn on that was for me. I couldn't wait to get her one-on-one in our piano lessons. I knew at that point that it was going to be the best couple of lessons I would ever teach because I doubted she would last.

Tanya still hadn't shown up after dinner, and I can only assume that something (or someone) more pressing had her attention. Honestly, I was glad she didn't. As much as I loathed being around Bella, there was nothing I would rather be doing. Thinking back to last night, I realized that this woman had awoken me from a deep sleep. I had been unable to write, unable to sleep, and unable to enjoy much of anything until she puked on me in my apartment.

In short, she scared the shit out of me.

I had dated many woman and been transfixed by many more over the years, but none of them captivated my full attention like Bella. She was beautiful, sassy, a complete vixen, and apparently a true friend. Everyone here was falling all over her, and I made it a point to tell her that snidely during one of our many brief, intense conversations.

After we moved into the living room, Carlisle asked me if I would play "Happy Birthday" so that everyone could sing along. He ushered Bella to sit next to me on the bench and it became quite obvious that she was trying as hard as I was to avoid contact, even though the piano bench seemed to have lost six inches from the last time I sat here. I didn't want her to know that she had any effect on me whatsoever, so I began the chords of the song while Carlisle and Esme came in with a cake in hand. I glanced sideways to get a glimpse of Bella and couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face at the sight of the cake. Esme must have put a hundred candles on it.

I continued to play, all the while ignoring the feel of Bella's body as it lightly brushed against mine. Lucky for me I had played the birthday song enough that it didn't require much concentration on my part, so when I got lost in the feel of her warmth, my fingers took over completing the piece.

I finished with a little extra on the end to slightly show off the fact that I was an accomplished musician and couldn't resist as I leaded over to Bella's neck and whispered, ""Happy birthday, Bella." The scent of her hair and skin was enough to drive me mad. She smelled like freesia and strawberries and the combination of those two along with the obvious desire that was in both of our eyes was enough to call little Eddie out to play. I couldn't help but smirk as the look on her face clearly reflected the same, and immediately began to think of anything that would calm me down.

Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura.

Football.

Bella naked in my bed writhing under me.

No, damn it.

Aunt Esme.

And there it went.

The night ended with yet another one of our candid, sexually-charged back-and-forths, except this time Aunt Esme had the privilege of joining in. When she started in on me about being at bars, I could only pray that Bella wouldn't say anything to her about me working there. I would have to thank her later because even though she had plenty of opportunity to do so, she never did.

It was during this conversation that Esme brought up the fact that I would be spending more time with Bella on the weeks and possibly months ahead.

"So, Edward. Did I tell you that Bella is your new student?" I didn't have the heart to tell her that Masen had already informed me of this earlier today, so I decided to have a little fun with Bella instead.

"Really. Do you have any experience on a piano, Bella?" I smirked. The look on her face was priceless.

"Yeah, I do. And I must say, I was damned good, too."

"I'll just bet you were."

"People couldn't take their eyes off of me. But you know, I guess I was just born to perform."

"Of that, I have no doubt. It almost sounds like you don't need lessons."

"Oh, I bet you could show me a thing or two. You seem like someone who's had a lot of experience with performing to an audience."

"Oh, I don't know about that one. I play in front of them, if that's what you mean."

"Does it make you happy, putting on that kind of act, then?"

"Happy? Hardly. I mean, there's occasionally women who toss themselves in my direction, but I think everyone knows that chicks dig musicians. It's not me, it's the piano."

"Ah, so now the truth comes out."

"Truth? I never denied it. Sure. I play the piano to get women."

"So does that mean-"

"Children, children." Esme was shaking her head at us. Judging by the look on Bella's face, she had completely forgotten that Esme was in the room as well. I turned around and leaned against the sink, crossing my arms across my chest while Bella stayed perched on the counter.

"Look, it's obvious that the two of you don't get along, but I'd really, sincerely appreciate it if you would both go along with the piano lessons. God knows Masen's excited by the prospect, and do you really want to break that kid's heart?" Esme was getting a little upset with us and I knew that I wouldn't do anything to hurt her or Masen. They both meant too much to me to even hurt them in the slightest.

And it wasn't that I didn't like Bella, because God did I ever like her. But the only thing that was going through my mind most of tonight is how I wanted to take her back to my apartment and give her a birthday present she wouldn't soon forget.

"No, Esme," Bella and I simultaneously mumbled and the look on her face instantly lightened as she yanked the dishtowel out of my waistband and snapped me in the rear with it.

"Now, scoot, you two. You're making a mess of my kitchen. Arrange your lessons and get on out of here. I love you both." I watched as she blew us both kisses and turned back to her sink.

We remained silent as I helped Bella into her coat and held the door open for her as we made our exit. There was no goodnight, goodbye, or eat shit as we departed.

I realized that we must live in the same direction, but after a few blocks I made my turn toward my apartment and she continued on.

I knew that I would have to get a message to her at some point about her first lesson and when I remembered that her cell phone was still at my apartment, a plan formed in my mind.

This was going to be more fun than I imagined.

"No, Paige. Remember what we talked about last time. You have to release the pedal when you see this sign written in the music," I said as I laid a hand on the eight-year-olds shoulder. She was a cute little girl, but it was nearing the end of our lesson and her concentration was quickly slipping. I couldn't blame her. My concentration was far from this room as well.

I sent Bella's cell phone with Masen the next day and programmed my number into it. I wrote Bella a quick note and told her that I expected her to call me as soon as she got it so that we could set up a time for her first lesson. Bella, however, had other ideas. She sent a text.

Be there at six.

I assumed that meant she knew where to come even though she didn't know where she was the other night. She must have paid close attention as she made her way home the next morning.

I wrapped up my lesson with Paige and noticed that Bella had already made her way into my apartment. I didn't even hear the door open.

I showed Paige out and watched as she walked down to her door. Her lessons were the most convenient because she and her mom only lived four doors down from me. I didn't have to worry about her mother hanging out and bothering me while I was trying to teach. That was the one thing I despised about giving lessons.

"Well, I guess we'd better get this show on the road," I said to Bella as I made my way back over to the piano.

I had purchased a beginner's book at the music store earlier because I had the feeling that this was something brand new for the precious Bella Swan.

"Seriously Bella, have you ever played before?" I asked as she made her way over to me, dropping her coat and purse off on the couch.

"No. Music was never my thing. I was too busy reading and…"

"Just as I suspected," I said, cutting her off from her explanation. I wanted to let her know that I was still not in the mood for her games. I didn't want to be overly rude, but I didn't want her to get the wrong idea. So I put my "Edward is Cocky" hat back on and let the games begin.

"Well, then. I guess we better get started," she said as she took a seat on my piano bench. For a split second I thought I detected a hint of hurt in her voice, but when she straightened her back and looked directly in my eyes, I knew she was ready to play.

I dug out the book I had purchased for her and propped it up on the piano, reaching over her slightly.

"Do you know your notes?" She nodded.

"How about anything having to do with time signatures?"

"Yeah… I read it in a book…"

"So you can read music?"

"A little…"

"This isn't like one of those romance novels I am sure you are so accustomed to reading. You have to actually put this to practice, though I am sure someone like you can put those to practice too, right?" I said, looking her directly in the eye.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She said as she turned her body to face the piano.

I did the same and opened her book to the first page. I watched as her eyes widened ever-so-slightly at the sight before her. I could tell that she had no clue what she was looking at.

"What about this?" I open up to the first page of the book. There were two songs displayed on it, both of them made up of only rests and two different notes. Songs that would be a breeze for anyone who had a basic knowledge of notes and time signatures, as Bella said that she did.

"Okay," she said as she placed her fingers on the keys. To my surprise she got all the notes right. Time signatures were way off, but at least I knew where to go from there.

"Your notes were right, but the time signature was off in both pieces. Apparently, all that reading didn't do you much good," I said as I expertly played through both pieces so that she could hear what they were actually supposed to sound like.

"Try again."

She placed her hands on the keys but before she began to play I had to fix her wrists.

"Hold on a second," I took another deep breath. "Straighten up your wrists. You have them limp and slanted downward… keep that up and you'll have a massive case of carpal tunnel," I said as I grabbed her wrists and fixed them both. For a brief second, our palms touched and I felt an electric current pass between us. I looked up to see if it was just me that felt it, but judging from the look in Bella's eyes I was not.

We both jerked our hands away from each other instantly.

I ran my hand through my hair, which I am sure only made it stand even more on end. I learned long ago that there was no hope for it.

She placed her hands back on the keys and took a second to ensure that her wrists were exactly how I had positioned them on the keys moments ago.

She began to beat out the notes on the keys and I cringed at the harsh tones that were coming from my pride and joy. She seemed to not even notice that she was beating it to death instead of playing it.

"Bella, what has my piano ever done to you?" I asked, trying my hardest not to laugh at the look of concentration across her face. Her eyes were intent on the page and her brow was creased as she continued to pound on the keys.

"What do you mean, Edward? I am playing the notes on the page, aren't I?"

"Um, yeah. But you are beating the hell out of my piano while doing it. You are supposed to play with ease… so ease up."

"I am playing with ease," she said as she crossed her arms across her chest and let out a groan.

"Don't get frustrated. Not everyone can be perfect at something the first time they do it," I said as I covered my mouth trying not to laugh at the look on her face.

"What, like you? I am sure you just sat down at the piano and it all just came to you!" She was practically screaming at me.

"Look Bella, I don't know what I did to you today or any other day for that matter, but there is no need to yell," I said as I crossed my arms to match her stance.

"Edward…" she began as she stood up and scooted around the piano bench. She stood there in front of me, seeming to size me up and noting that I was not backing down.

"Yes, Bella," I said, hoping she would just spit out whatever she had to say.

"Nothing. I think that I have done enough for today. Is this my book?" she asked as she reached back to grab the book off of the piano.

"Yes. You really need to practice your scales until our next week. The notes are the most important part of the music. Maybe you can find some time to squeeze in a little practice between all of your bar visits," I said as I made my way into my kitchen signaling that I was as done as she was.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she said as she marched over to the couch and put her jacket on and grabbed her purse.

"Nothing," I said as I went to stand by the door.

"When do you think you can squeeze me in for another lesson? We have an obligation to your aunt and your brother and I would hate to disappoint them," she said as she joined me by the door.

"I don't know. I have your number. I'll call you."

"I won't hold my breath," she said as she put her hand on the doorknob at the same time I did. Once again the electric shock ran through my body upon our contact.

"Good job today, Bella," I said despite the terseness that we had shared in today's lesson.

"Thanks," she said as she made her way out of my door.

I shut the door behind her and once again found my hand in my hair.

I was completely frustrated both mentally and physically after my time with Bella. Just like the other night at Esme's I found myself in verbal altercations with her that only made me want to rip her clothes off and show her exactly what my lessons should entail.

I also knew that she was probably mad at herself because of her night at my apartment. I don't know if she even remembered throwing up all over herself, me, and my apartment, or not. My guess based on her behavior toward me was that she did not remember any of that and assumed that I had taken advantage of the situation. Not that the thought didn't cross my mind.

I picked up the books and sheet music that were lying around my piano stacking them up on the shelf where they would be housed until my next round of lessons. I found myself sitting at my piano and my fingers resting on top of the keys. I closed my eyes and could faintly smell freesia and strawberries lingering in the air and inhaled every bit of it that I could. My fingers began to gracefully move over the keys and I continued the piece that I had started the other night. I had an idea where this sudden inspiration was coming from and though I didn't want to admit it, I knew that the inclusion of Bella in my life was going to change me in more ways than I wanted to admit. And I was scared shitless.

spankward, scared shitless. yesssss.

so, for those of you who read my other crap, i sure hope you're planning on entering the smutty claus contest! and if you're scratching your head wondering what the hale i'm referring to.... go check out my profile.

and let us know if spankward lives up to yer lofty expectations!