Hey Everyone,
Hope you enjoy chapter 2, please review with any ideas, suggestions or feedback! It would be extremely appreciated!
Lots of fanfic love and happy reading! xoxo
I rounded the corner and was finally safely out of his sight. My excitement suddenly exploded and I jumped up and down on the spot. Did that just happen? I was literally shaking. I had to phone Alice. Images of him raced endlessly through my mind. I closed my eyes grinning like a cat that got the cream. And he was a talker. Thank god! Disturbingly sexy but with a personality to match it, apparently. If I was overdue any luck at all then I considered it well and truly delivered.
Rummaging my bag with jittery hands, watery eyes and in between squealing I managed to locate my mobile phone.
'Ohmygod don't talk a second and just listen. Alice, the most amazing thing just happened. So the job interview sucked blah blah but wow, i went into the café near Campus. Spilt my drink on some guy who just happens to be the hottest damn thing on the planet. He asked me out, we're going out and ohmygod he's so freakin' sexy. Like mad hot. Seriously. Hot.'
I took a breath and squealed.
'Ok crazy chick, calm down already! I barely got any of that. The job interview was a no-go?' Alice's voice was snapping me back to reality slowly.
'Yeah, totally messed it up. They said they'll be in touch but that's probably just code for 'you sucked but we don't have the heart to tell you to your face'. Anyways, you're totally missing the important part. This guy. Me. Date with. Friday. You gotta work your magic on me like you did today. It didn't score me a job but boy did it get me a sexy guy! Well a date at least.'
'So you spill a drink on him? And he asks you for a date? That's kinda weird Bells, was he being serious? No offence or anything...'
I laugh out loud.
'Well thanks a bunch, FRIEND!' I shout the 'friend' part loudly into my phone and we both giggle.
'Ya know what I mean, Bells, he wasn't just playing with you was he?' She sounded genuinely concerned and I felt my high slowly slipping away.
'Well I don't think so, I dunno. He seemed pretty serious, kept checking the twins out, was practically eye-fucking me within 30 seconds of speaking but to be fair I was doing it back...'
'No wayyyy!' She laughs loudly. 'What a brazen guy! That's so pervy!'
I then realise I've not painted him in the best of colours.
'No no Alice it wasn't like that. We had this insane connection, it wasn't pervy flirting at all, it was more like we were infatuated with each other. It's hard to explain but it wasn't creepy or anything. It was so empowering, it felt amazing to have his attention ya know?'
'Yeah but just don't be mistaking that attention for something else. He's still a guy, no matter what. He can't be wired that differently to the majority of them.'
'I dunno about that, you'll have to meet him. He's coming to ours to pick me up on Friday night. Will you be home?'
'I will until about 10, I'm going to a club with Jasper'. I wolf whistled down the phone.
It was easy for Alice to be judgemental about guys given she'd dated so many wrong ones. Jeff. Danny. George. Laurent. All bad eggs that were far from a glowing beacon of positive male behaviour. Her latest squeeze, Jasper, was a significant departure from the past though. He cared for Alice so evidently that I found myself jealous at times. I longed to find someone that looked at me with such devotion and worshipped me like I was a sacred statue. She'd only been with him for a month or so but their bond was undeniable. Alice was much happier than she had been in a long time and I owed Jasper one for giving me the true version of my oldest friend back.
'Alright well i'm coming home now. What day is it today? I'm not thinking straight, Tuesday right?'
Alice scoffed. 'It's Wednesday, Bells. Get that mad clever mind of yours out the gutter before you come home. I'm not seeing Jasper til Friday and I don't wanna be exposed to all this horniness, it'll rub off on me, excuse the pun'
We both laughed, it was obvious she was joking. We lived for our little sordid chats, we even had our own language for certain err...actions and activities.
'So no talking about 'jingling'? I listened to your Jasper stories, that's totally unfair!'
She giggled and sighed in defeat. 'Alright horny lady, we can talk about 'jingling'... well potential jingling, right? I mean what if he's a terrible date... bye bye jingling?'
I nodded in agreement and shut my eyes. Edward flooded my mind again, his scent, his eyes, his crooked grin. UGH!
'I'm guessing he's an insane jingler... he's so sexy it's unreal. Thing is, it was almost like he wasn't aware of it. He wasn't like flashing his muscles off or anything. He was just there. Relaxed. Comfortable. Not showing off at all, he was being goofy towards the end of it all as well. He's just not the typical male air head at all but he's sexy as fuck!'
I rarely used profanities but it was difficult to emphasise the point with standard vocabulary alone.
Alice listens intensely on the other side of the phone.
'Well he's met his match in you then Miss Thing!' She starts laughing again.
'No seriously, what if he meets me again on Friday and wonders "what the hell was I thinking?" Ohmygod, what if he was drunk just now?' My eyes widen in sheer horror, I clap my hand to my mouth barely able to contemplate the potential humiliation.
'Bella, I'm positive he wasn't drunk. I wasn't even there but truth be told, when you left the house this morning...I considered fucking you! Push these thoughts out of your head already woman!'
'Wow you really are horny!' We both giggle, I lean against a nearby wall suddenly feeling deflated.
'Seriously though, you gotta sexify me Alice. You're way better at this stuff than I am. I'm usually the brains and you're the beauty in these operations'
'Who says you aren't both Miss Swan? Now get your little behind home we need to discuss all this further'
'Yeah I'm on way now. See you in about half hour, sweets'
'See ya soon'
I hung up, plopped the phone back in my bag and dragged myself from the wall. I couldn't wait to see him again.
EPOV
Her scent lingered in the air as she backed away from me and sexily sauntered over to the exit in her black fuck-me heels. I pretty much hadn't stopped grinning since her eyes met mine. I'd even been daring enough to step back and check her out right in front of her eyes. She seemed to enjoy the flirting as much as I did which was a good thing, I doubt I would have been able to control it anyways even if it hadn't pleased her.
I poked my jacket, it moved limply. Definitely a lost cause. If it were anyone else, I would've probably hurled some profanities and then apologised for my insolence but seeing those heels and killer legs before I'd even seen her face had pretty much convinced me that whoever had caused this deserved much more than my infantile anger. Her legs seemed to go on forever, my mouth salivated uncontrollably at the mere memory.
I heard her apologising profusely, her voice was just heavenly even if it was coming in short worried bursts. I started grinning. She sounded like perfection; if perfection could ever have a voice then her voice would be it entirely. Standing up fully nearly forced me to fall right back down again. Her beauty was blinding, her hair fell haphazardly around her face and shoulders. Dark brown luscious curls, my fingers itched to feel them. I tried so hard to maintain my cool but it was so challenging. In my mind I'd already kissed her, I was close to fucking her outright.
Her eyes were personal pools of desire to me. They welcomed me in and I went willingly, I just wanted to stare at her and let my mouth drool openly. But I was more respectful than that, externally at least...
Her apologies were endearing and they came thick and fast. She was grabbing at my shirt and it was simply adorable. Her cheeks flushed making my stomach churn with desire. I imagined her underneath me...cheeks flushed...her eyes blazing into mine... I shelved my 'dirty Edward' persona so many times during our conversation but he refused to sit there twiddling his thumbs. Every little movement she made just encouraged my darker lustful side even if she wasn't intending them to cause such a stir. She bit her lip. I mentally groaned. She leaned forward in her seat. My dick twitched. At one point in our conversation I was forced to adjust my position so I could accommodate my raging hard-on. I prayed she hadn't noticed, I mean, she was up for flirting but I somehow thought spotting that would've perhaps taken it a bit too far on a first encounter.
She was incredible. I had to have her. Waiting for her to answer my dinner request was sheer torture. I was nervous she'd shoot me down but she was well worth risking my pride for.
She wasn't just physically enamouring either, everything about her drew me. The banter was just as much a turn-on as her cleavage. Her sharp wit, depth and intelligence were truly invigorating. She was worlds apart from the usual airheads that frequently tried to seduce me at work parties or social events, dazzled as they were by my Cartier watch or Dolce suit. So obvious and transparent, empty and uninteresting. I hadn't had sex in months purely because I refused to lower my standards to that any longer, I wasn't interested in fake tits, fake nails and hair extensions. I wanted a real woman, with real character, someone that could be my equal. And here she was. I was as sure as I could be in the short time we'd spoken, she was one of a kind and I was a good judge of character. You had to be in my line of work. Scoping out people was akin to survival skills.
I had to tell her how amazing she was before she left, even if it was particularly cringe-worthy. Her response blew my mind. It was incredible that her comebacks alone made my dick ache for her. Nobody in my 24 years had ever provoked such a reaction from me by their words alone and minus their hands and lips. The whole conversation was like verbal foreplay. Watching her leave was excruciating, probably made more difficult as the sight of her from behind proved just as delectable as the front. I wasn't going anywhere fast, I looked down at my dick and sighed. Traitor. But a worthy reaction.
Friday couldn't come quick enough. But it was time to pull out all the stops for this. Bella was not escaping my grasp. Ever. I instantly reached for my cell phone, time to get the ball rolling...
'Hi. Mr Hampton? It's Edward. I'd like to call in that favour now if that's ok? Excellent. I need a table for 2 on Friday night at about 8.30pm. Wonderful, that's all thanks. See you then.'
Well that was easy...
I had the perfect setting, I just needed the perfect girl. I looked down at my throbbing erection... boy, I need her alright... I grinned in anticipation, sniffing the air and letting her scent dance through my mind.
BPOV
I practically skipped the whole way home. Alice bounced into the hallway of our house and pulled me in for an almighty hug which almost took the wind out of me. I'm not sure who was more excited, her or me? She wittered on for about an hour describing how she was going to perfect my make-up, she'd even scheduled our Thursday for us so we'd be able to hit all the best stores to look for a 'fuckable outfit' – Alice's words, not mine but I shared her idea admittedly. I wasn't exactly an experienced dater. I'd had a few boyfriend's but dates with them had mostly consisted of the movies, and at a stretch we might have gone to dinner but none of them had ever left me feeling particularly excited, fulfilled or enamoured. I couldn't exactly guarantee that my date with Mr Hot-And-Sexy was going to be any different but I had a strong feeling that just his company alone was going to score him way higher than anyone else even if we just sat on a random park bench and talked until the early hours of the morning. The fact was, this guy was magnetic. He oozed sex appeal, oozed confidence and appeared to be more than an adequate conservationist, and that in itself was a turn-on.
Thursday seemed to fly by. Alice and I were beat after our epic shopping adventures but we'd been successful in our endeavours. A new dress, killer heels, some new (and pretty expensive) make-up, a few hair products... I was good to go.
I was a jittery mess on Friday. I'd barely managed to chomp down my breakfast or concentrate on an assignment with an impending deadline. Edward ravaged my thoughts and my mind frequently sailed away to different scenarios...with him close in tow. Edward and I at dinner. Edward and I at the movies. Edward and I in a hot club dancing in close proximity. He was undoubtedly distracting but what a mighty fine, welcome distraction it was.
It was 7.30pm, the clock in my bedroom was deafening, it seemed to tick far louder than it ever had done in the past. Perhaps my nerves were playing tricks on me? I stood in my bedroom inspecting my new dress as well as Alice's work in the full length mirror which stood directly next to my huge wardrobe, whose contents were spewed on the floor. I quickly concluded that this dress was quite possibly the best purchase I'd ever made, excluding the doomed hot chocolate the day before of course. Alice popped her head round the door with her eyes covered. She was clearly peeking through the cracks in between her fingers like a typically bad peek-a-boo player. I giggled.
'Can I look yet?' Even her whining was cute.
'Yes ma'am, what's the verdict?' I slowly rotated on the spot with my hands outstretched.
Alice stood with her mouth open for several moments. She suddenly blinked as though finally able to see again. I shifted and fidgeted nervously, was it really that bad?
'Alice did good!' She jumped up and down on the spot squealing excitedly before rushing before me and spinning me round to face the mirror.
The dress was simple and chic yet sexy. It was a black one shoulder body con dress which hugged my every curve. It was mid-thigh length and revealed a seductive yet respectable amount of my leg. Subtle light-catching diamantes were scattered across the strap which wrapped around my left shoulder. My shoes were black strappy stiletto heels complete with two strands of ribbon which tied in criss-crosses just above my ankles and round the bottoms of my legs. I looked like a movie star- all the finesse of a Hollywood actress complete with hopefully just the right amount of sex appeal. Fingers crossed.
Alice retied the ribbons on my shoes, finishing them off with a much neater bow than my first attempt had produced. I shot her a silently thankful smile. She nodded back, still starry eyed.
'Well, Miss Swan... you shall go to the ball...just call me your own personal little fairy godmother' She nudged me with her shoulder.
'Thanks for this Alice...let's hope it's well-received huh?' My palms grew sweaty with nerves as my stomach danced underneath the fabric of my dress.
'Honey, he'd have to be blind not to appreciate this...' She gestured my body as her hand swept through the air.
She began raking her fingers through my hair which she'd insisted on lightly curling with her trusty curling tong. 'It'll add some volume' she maintained.
The cute pixie was right. My hair was instantly more vivacious and a lot prettier than it had been before she'd started. It fell softly to the middle of my back, she scooped a few curls round to the front leaving them resting on my exposed shoulder. Her make-up skills had proved faultless as always. The dark grey and black eye shadow she'd expertly blended made my eyes pop and sparkle. The black eye liner on my top lash line added some definition whilst my mascara completed the look.
Alice lightly tugged my arm forcing me to join her as she plopped down on the edge of my bed. Her face was serious now but she still smiled.
'He'll be here in like 10 minutes.' She flickered down to her watch and angled it towards me.
I took a deep breath and flashed her an uneasy smile.
'Me and Jasper will be at 'Reflections' from 10.30 onwards tonight, if he's ok with it then you've totally got to come and meet us, I really wanna meet this guy!'
I nodded again, too nervous to speak. She placed her hands on top of mine and rattled them encouragingly.
We were interrupted suddenly as two streams of light flooded into my room through the window. Car headlights.
'Well, Miss Swann, go get him!' She winked at me suggestively and lightly pushed me off the edge of the bed, ushering me towards the door and down the stairs. I knew she'd be watching from my window, so from now on, it was all on me.
I opened the front door and was instantly met by the sleek silver of a Porsche 911. The headlights were almost blinding as I stood directly in their line of fire, every speck of me visible to his gaze and illuminated by his stunning car. I tried to look past the lights and into the driver's seat, a vague shadowy outline moved just as the driver's door opened. The headlights went out.
My eyes readjusted and searched for his, I found them. He walked round the car door and strode confidently towards me. I took the opportunity to check him out and I was far from disappointed. His hair was styled but dishevelled looking, he wore a dark grey button down shirt with the top buttons undone, black dress pants which seemed tailor made for him they fitted him that precisely, a black sleek belt with a silver buckle and a pair of black stylishly smart shoes. Perfection.
He stood silently in front of me, leaving a gap between us and crossed his arms against his chest. His eyes narrowed and he flashed me a lop-sided grin. A nervous knot formed in my stomach exactly as it had in the Café two days ago. I looked down at myself instantly curious as to what had prompted his inspecting posture. He laughed quietly; the noise dragged me away from my panicked thoughts as I snapped my head back up to meet his gaze.
His eyes began to rake down my body, relentlessly scrutinising me from head to toe. I grinned at his obviousness, assured that this was definitely the same Edward from the Café who had likewise been just as unashamedly checking me out. I cleared my throat as adrenaline course through my body.
'Well Hi to you too, Edward'
He bit his bottom lip and we both laughed.
'I seem to be a bit lost for words, Bella...can't imagine why' He reached for my hand and placed a delicate kiss on the back of it as he whispered 'Hi'.
My arm instantly tingled with Goosebumps, his breath was hot and his voice was raspy. My stomach muscles tightened in response. He smelt divine.
He straightened up in front of me and closed the gap between us. His scent became even more intoxicating.
'You're flawless' He whispered again and captured my vision. It was impossible to look anywhere but into his eyes. He held my attention so easily and within seconds of seeing him again, I was practically putty in his hands, it was almost embarrassing.
'Well you're not so bad yourself' He smiled brightly at my response forcing my cheeks to blush feverishly.
'I'm glad you approve' His voice was teasing as a mischievous smile crept onto his face.
'Likewise' I cocked my head to the side playfully.
'Oh I more than approve, Bella. Shall we?' He side stepped and gestured his car with the sweep of his hand. I nodded firmly, beaming from our playful exchange. He elegantly glided over to the passenger door, yanked it open eagerly and waited for me to move.
I looked over my shoulder and chuckled at his enthusiasm. He had this weird ability to be absolutely alluring but at the same time, enthusiastic, innocent and adorable with all the excitement of a kid in a candy store.
I walked over to the door and ducked my head underneath his outstretched arm which he rested on the door frame. The gap he'd left me was pretty small, so taking the opportunity to be mischievous myself, I subtly pressed my back against his front as I brushed past him. The movement forced my backside to lightly graze over his crotch and he hissed quietly in response. I settled into the seat and looked up at him with a 'what-did-i-do-wrong?' type look. His eyes were clenched shut, his knuckles were white as they gripped the passenger door firmer. He slowly opened his eyes and exhaled.
'Now, that was cheeky...'
I stifled a giggle, batted my eyelashes and cocked my head to the side.
'I have no idea what you're talking about'
He winked at me obviously aware that I was bluffing and walked around the car to the driver's seat.
He started the engine and looked over his shoulder as he prepared to reverse the car out of the drive. His face was mere inches from mine and I couldn't resist staring at it, he seemed unaware of it though which I considered to be a good thing. Nobody wants to come across as desperate after all... even if I was desperate for his touch, his lips, and every mortal inch of him.
He braked suddenly forcing me to jolt forward in my seat, I looked at him with a confused smile. He turned his face fully towards mine and whispered.
'Last chance to turn back, Bella'
I smiled at him warmly and rested my hand over his own which gripped the gear stick of the car. He looked at our hands and returned my smile.
'Last chance to kick me out of your car, Edward'
We both laughed. He shook his head exaggeratedly.
'Not a chance of that happening... who in their right mind would kick out such a sexy passenger?' He bowed his head to me and smiled.
'Well, who in their right mind would desert such a sexy driver?'
We stared at each other silently for a few moments. The butterflies in my stomach seemed to flutter ferociously under his intense gaze. Heat pooled between my legs as he ran his tongue over his bottom lip. My breathing was rapidly becoming more erratic as I fought for control over my dirty mind. I bit down hard on my bottom lip trying to distract myself from wayward thoughts, Edward watched my every movement as the rising and falling of his chest began to give him away suggesting his own thoughts were about as impure as my own. I felt the car reverse as his hand directed the gear stick into reverse again underneath my fingers.
I reluctantly dragged my gaze away and removed my hand from his allowing him to drive without any distraction from me. He craned his neck towards the back of the car and steered the car out of my drive, I sighed at the loss of contact between us.
We drove silently for a few moments allowing me to shake away those impure thoughts. I finally found my voice again.
'So where are you taking me tonight?'
His eyes remained fixed on the road, a hand firmly gripped the steering wheel whilst the other lazily rested on the gear stick. He hadn't moved a muscle.
'I can't divulge that information I'm afraid.' He grinned widely.
'Am I dressed appropriately?' I was suddenly nervous.
'Well that depends on whose level of 'appropriateness' you're concerned about?'
I shot him a confused look.
'What does that mean, Mr Cryptic?'
He chuckled.
'Well, you're dressed perfectly for the establishment we're heading to. But... for me personally' He paused and purposely stalled on delivering his own verdict. '...you're wearing far too much...'
He flashed me a lop-sided grin and returned his eyes to the road.
I relaxed again and poked him hard in the arm.
'Such a tease!' I raised my voice slightly feigning annoyance.
'Hey now, it takes one to know one...' He flashed me another grin before returning to the road.
A comfortable silence filled the air again as we both sat grinning like fools.
I began watching the scenery fly by out the window as darkness nestled in between the trees and buildings. I recognised that we'd been heading North through town and were consequently headed for the Coastline. I'd only ever been north of the City a few times in my life, once or twice with friends for weekends away and once for my 15th birthday with my mother and father. I loved the Coast, something about the sea and its endless depth made me feel so liberated and at peace with the world.
'Are we headed to the Coast?'
'We are indeed. Are you ok with that?' Genuine concern tinged his voice.
'More than ok, I love the Sea!' I tried to sound enthusiastic in the hopes of also being reassuring in turn.
'Ah great! I chose well then?' He sounded hopeful.
'It would certainly appear so' I squeezed his hand, which still lazily resided on the gear stick. He smiled warmly at me.
I looked away and pulled my hand back slowly, overcome with shyness. I shifted in my seat and stretched my leg out in front of me at exactly the same moment we drove through a bend in the road. The movement forced my leg closer to the gear stick causing it to come into contact with Edward's hand. His hand fell from its position and landed gently on my knee.
I instantly glared down at it. The warmth of his hand sent tingles through my body, heat pooled in between my legs. My breathing became laboured and my lips parted, allowing air to pass in and out more audibly than before. I looked at Edward wondering if he'd noticed what had happened.
He was staring at my knee, his chest was rising and falling heavily as it had been before we pulled out of my drive. His other hand gripped the steering wheel tightly forcing the leather to squeak from the added friction. He continued staring as he shifted slightly in his seat, readjusting his position. His eyes became heavier, clouded with lust as he struggled to choose between staring at his hand on my leg or maintaining his focus on the road ahead.
I shifted in my seat and angled my body further towards him causing has hand to slip further towards the inside of my knee. He began to increase the pressure of his touch, my breathing quickened again. The car had slowed down slightly, apparently Edward had chosen to slow down so as to minimise the danger but continued to greedily survey the situation in front of him. I smiled at his decision and mentally thanked him for it, the feel of his hand on my leg alone was making me a horny melting mess and I wasn't quite ready to be ripped from my reverie just yet.
I looked down at his hand; it was a similar skin tone to my own and seemed to fit perfectly around the contour of my knee and leg. I'd been moulded specifically for his touch. His hand slowly came to life as his thumb began stroking my skin gently, teasingly. I watched his face as his eyes became hungrier, his gaze intensified, his hand began to travel far too slowly from my knee to my inner thigh. I closed my eyes revelling in the trail of heat his touch left in its wake. My head fell back slightly against the headrest of my seat; but I forced my eyes open again determined to watch him work. He shifted in his seat once more and gripped my leg tightly as we drove through another bend in the road. My leg was pinned to his hand as the movement of the car forced my body slightly to one side in my seat. At the close of the bend his grip loosened again and I exhaled deeply waiting for his next move.
He stilled the movement of his thumb and lowered his hand back down to my knee after reaching the hem of my dress. He turned his head to face mine, making eye contact with me for the first time since the tangling of legs and hands started. His eyes were heavy lidded and lust filled, his lips were parted and his chest continued to give away his excitement as did my own. I licked my bottom lip and his eyes widened in response, mesmerised by it. He had a way of making me feel seductively powerful as he shamelessly perhaps unavoidably displayed the effect I had on him.
Armed with this empowerment feeding my craving for more contact between us and sensing his fingers were aching for more, I covered my hand over his own and guided it back up the inside of my leg. His eyes drilled into mine, neither of us needing to see what was happening, instead only needing to watch each other's reactions as the pleasure etched slowly over our features.
Reaching the edge of my dress I placed his fingers around the fabric and cocked an eyebrow. He grinned in response and took it as the encouragement it was designed to be. He roughly yanked the material further up my leg, exposing the tops of my thighs. No longer needing guidance from my hand he began his exploration alone again. His eyes swooped down to what he had just revealed, as did mine. He growled at the sight before him, his index finger began tracing circles, a traitorous sigh escaped me and he snapped his gaze to meet mine again, he was grinning broadly, satisfied with the reaction that had betrayed me. So much for silent and commanding, Bella!
Not content to let him win this little battle of sexual tug-of-war, I decided to up the ante. I placed my hand on his leg mirroring his position entirely. He looked down at his own leg, then out onto the road for a second and then back at me with wide eyes. I began stroking my thumb against the fabric of his pants, his eyes shut slowly as his head fell back. I reached across to the steering wheel having noticed another bend in the road approaching; I guided the car through the bend as Edward remained oblivious to anything else besides my thigh and my hand stroking his leg in return. Feeling the car tilt slightly he opened his eyes suddenly and broke away from his own thoughts.
'Shit!' He laughed loudly as he regained control of the wheel and reluctantly wrenched his hand away from my leg. Both hands now firmly wrapped around the steering wheel. The driver was back in 'driver mode'.
I giggled and removed my hand from the wheel, whilst the other gripped his leg tighter.
'I had it, no worries' I kept my voice quiet and although disappointed with his decision to cease teasing me, saw no reason to quit teasing him.
'Where was my head at?' He cocked an eye brow but remained fixed on the road.
'You tell me' I teased him further using my thumb to stroke the fabric again.
'...The best place it's been in a long time...' He looked at me from the corner of his eye and then looked down at his leg as he watched my thumb for a few moments. The sound of the car engine was soothing.
'I fear it hasn't quite left that place yet...' He shot me a toothy smile and I gave one back.
'Not that I'm complaining, of course...' We both laughed, the sexual tension was excruciating.
'Is this a solitary place then?' I raised my eyebrows questioningly.
'Well that depends, do you want to...Come. With. Me?' He emphasised the last three words and I watched intensely as they rolled off his tongue, the butterflies in my stomach were reawakened and fluttered around liberally inside me. His tongue was clearly a dangerous weapon, just watching it was making me weak.
I ran my fingers through my hair and giggled, suddenly nervous. He watched as my curls bounced back in place and settled on my shoulder.
'Absolutely...' I cocked an eyebrow and grinned. 'I'll come along for the...ride.' We both chuckled and looked back out onto the road.
He cleared his throat. I gripped his leg tighter and slid my hand closer towards the crease in his pants at the very peak of his leg.
'I for one can't fucking wait.' He looked down at my hand and I grinned in response. His voice was dripping with lust... much like me at that moment. His eyes snapped back to the road again.
I leaned toward him and whispered in his ear.
'That makes two of us.' I lightly touched the tip of my tongue to his earlobe then returned to my seat and watched the road with him. His hands gripped the wheel forcing another squeak from the leather as he took out his sexual frustrations on the car. Watching his muscles contract, his jaw clenched, his arms locked in position filled me with admiration, his body was divine.
I knew the sexual tension had to evaporate before we reached our destination or else we'd end up in the back seat fucking like animals. And that wasn't 'First Date Bella' behaviour. I filled the silence with small talk instead, taking the opportunity to learn more about this sex god with the impeccable sense of style and expensive car.
'Ok, here's a challenge for you, Edward' He nodded, accepting the challenge probably grateful for the distraction too.
'Tell me everything I need to know about you as quick as you can tell it...Go.'
Without pausing to think he simply began.
'I'm Edward, 24, live about a 20 minute walk from your neighbourhood, 10 minute drive given levels of traffic in Southsea Hills. I graduated 3 years ago from Lakeside University with a degree in Politics. I have a mother, father and an older sister who is engaged to my best friend which is surprisingly not as awkward as you might think. Various other family members live in New Zealand so don't see them often but they come over here for family functions and the like. I work in my father's organisation but not by choice despite how successful it is. The car was a 21st birthday present. I like reading, watching movies, socialising, and meeting new people. I love all music, going to gigs, clubs, art galleries, museums etcetera. But most importantly... I have a weakness for sexy women who throw hot chocolate over me.' He took a deep breath and flashed me a cheesy smile.
'Did I miss anything?'
I pondered his outburst and shook my head no. 'How old is your sister?'
'She's 26, her name's Rosalie. Fiancé is Emmet and he's 27'
I nodded and smiled.
'Same challenge to you then...hit me with your story.'
I paused for a few moments thinking of a way to make it punchy in the same way he had.
'Hey no pausing now, just coz you're sexy doesn't mean you get to bend the rules' His tone was accusational and I piped up in my own defence.
'But I'm thinking of how to make it punchy, yours was totally more nuanced and punchy than mine will be!'
'One of many talents, Bella' He laughed as my eyes widened, his comment taking me by surprise.
'I don't doubt that, Edward'
He winked suggestively. I shook my head as my hair fell in front of my face hiding my blushing cheeks.
'Is someone blushing again?' He removed a hand from the steering wheel and tucked a stray curl behind my ear.
I tried to back away, giggling as his hands flailed in front of me grasping at the air as he tried to juggle the duty of driving and teasing me by clearing my hair from my face at the same time.
'Ok I got it' I sat up properly in my seat and his hand retreated back to the steering wheel. He nodded seriously as though my 'story' required serious levels of concentration.
'Ok, I'm Bella, 21. I'm studying History at St Augustine University, due to graduate in 6 months. I live with a housemate, Alice, who studies Art at the same University as me. My father passed away when I was 10, my Mother lives in France with my step father and has done for 3 years now, since I started my degree. I too love music, gigs, art, and museums etcetera. I like watching movies at the cinema. Not a big fan of shopping like most girls, but Alice's enthusiasm more than makes up for my lack of. I like travelling and experiencing new things. I'm trying desperately to get a job at the moment but to no avail. It's my 22nd Birthday in a month's time. I love animals. I have no brothers or sisters, but Alice and my friend Jake are practically siblings. Oh and as we both know, I have a particular weakness for sexy guys who I just insist on pouring hot beverages over.'
We both laughed.
'Anything else?'
He reached for my hand and held it in his own, his eyes pierced mine and his face was serious.
'I'm sorry about your father, that can't have been easy at such a young age' His voice was firm but sympathetic. It touched my heart and my eyes watered and threatened to spill onto my cheek. It was never an easy thing to talk about, it was like ripping off a band aid, had to be divulged and explained quickly to minimise the pain.
'It wasn't. Thank you though, Edward'
He squeezed my hand tenderly and returned his eyes to the road, leaving his hand on mine.
'On the subject of employment though... I'd hire you in a heartbeat. I can see what the problem is for perspective employers though.' I looked at him surprised he was even considering critiquing me. He took his hand from mine and ran it through his hair uncomfortably.
'...You're too damn distracting... Superb for morale but so damaging to productivity in the office!' He looked at me expectantly and I laughed loudly.
'I have to disagree with you on that one I'm afraid' I said in between laughs.
'What's to dispute? Let's use some empirical facts shall we? So I met you on Wednesday, I've walked round my office with an almighty grin for 48 hours to the point at which my cheeks ache but have barely been able to concentrate in meetings. Morale. Check. Productivity decline. Check.' We both laughed. I cocked an eyebrow.
'Have I been distracting you, Edward? I must apologise'
He continued laughing and nodded.
'I'm certainly not ashamed to admit it. You made quite an impression on me, and I fear you will continue to distract me in the foreseeable future.' He grinned my favourite lop sided grin as his laughter faded out.
I shook my head as my own laughter ebbed away.
'So that must mean I'm bad for you then? That's a shame...' I tried to sound serious as I was genuinely concerned. If I honestly was stopping him from working, would his infatuation simply wear off? Would we date, fuck and never see each other again? I wasn't quite sure that was all I wanted.
'Quite the contrary, you're perfect for me... Besides, my personal assistant writes my notes for me in my meetings, no big deal! You're the best distraction I could wish for...' We laughed again.
'Well likewise, and I also had an assignment to do today which is still sat on my desk at home. So I know all about welcome distractions, and I think you should consider yourself one!' I winked at him. He cocked an eyebrow but grinned with satisfaction.
'Hmmm, apparently we need to find an incentive structure for each other then...' We laughed again, our conversations felt so natural and care-free. It was refreshing finding a new person so like-minded.
Most of the people I considered as 'friends' besides Alice and my old friend Jake were friends by the loosest of definitions. Jessica, Angela, Eric and the others that I often shared lectures with were fine as people to hit the clubs with, study with even go for lunch with but none of them really connected with me on a deeper level with a deeper understanding. With Edward, it seemed different. The sexual tension undoubtedly helped things along but more than this, the banter, word play and unspoken emotion between us seemed to put us on the same metaphorical page. Two sides of the same coin.
'What do you want to do?'
I looked at him confused, was he being suggestive again?
He laughed and looked over at me. 'For work. Of course.'
I giggled and blushed again. Damnit!
'Whatever comes my way really.' I continued staring out the window embarrassed by my lack of prospects and hoping with all my might that I didn't come across as a lousy student with no aspirations.
'I must say, I'm quite envious of your position' He continued staring at the road.
'Why's that?'
'Well, I'd give anything to have the freedom you have. I'm tied to my father's company whether I like it or not'
'What's so bad about that?' I watched as his face grew solemn and withdrawn.
'I'd just rather do other things. I'd have liked a choice in the matter, ya know?' He looked away annoyed.
'Sorry, I didn't mean to pry' I quickly spoke up.
'Oh no no, it's not that. I just find the situation exhausting. I don't get on with many people in the office, my father included. I don't mind the work, I'm sort of well suited to it really but the environment is just unstimulating as a whole. No passion or excitement in it. It's just empty.' He sounded almost sad for the first time, not the usual upbeat playful Edward that I'd tipped my hot chocolate over on Wednesday. I was stunned by his openness. Most men are ambiguous, difficult to read and secretive to an extent. Edward was the direct opposite, willing to share information without being relentlessly provoked even if that information seemed quite personal. He was like an open book, free to read and learn from.
'Well what would make your job more fulfilling?'
He shot me a mischievous grin, playful Edward was back. He laughed.
'You.' I saw it coming but still, laughed at his shameless flirting.
'I'm serious Edward, if it's the people that are the problem then perhaps look past that and focus on achieving and actually performing well? Maybe that'll give you greater satisfaction'
He laughed again and raised his eyebrows in feigned horror. 'Are you suggesting my performance isn't up to par?'
I laughed in response. 'I couldn't possibly comment'
He grinned and lowered his tone. 'You will soon.'
The sexual tension returned with a vengeance and I shifted in my seat suddenly aware that my dress had dipped slightly across my chest revealing more of my cleavage than I'd meant for it to. Edward watched me as I fiddled with the front of my dress, raising it back into place. He snapped back to the road as sheer determination crept across his face.
'Definitely too distracting for the work place' He grinned and looked at me from the corner of his eye.
I laughed again and shook my head at his flattery.
Moments later we pulled up outside a building I instantly recognised, the sea raged against the cliff side. My mouth dropped, overcome with shock and awe as I took in my surroundings. Edward was watching my reaction, smiling brightly in the corner of my eye.
'Edward, is this CoastalCuisine?' I leaned forward in my seat trying to catch a sight of the restaurant name I was convinced I'd recognise. It shone brightly and confirmed my initial thought. CoastalCuisine was a highly regarded restaurant frequently visited by international royalty, diplomats and Hollywood stars. It was considered to be one of the greatest restaurants in the world and was praised for its location, set at the very edge of a white cliff far isolated from anything else besides the open Sea.
I looked over at Edward and he nodded in response to my question.
'It is indeed, you ready?'
I nodded and he sprang from his seat instantly. He opened the passenger door for me and offered me his hand. I took it and began tugging at my dress to straighten it out and pull it down. Car journeys and evenings dresses were rarely a good combination. But they had their uses... My thoughts were clouded with visions of Edward's hands exploring my leg...leaving a trail of heat, knots in my stomach tightening, my breath quickening. A wave crashed loudly against the cliff snapping me back to reality. I ran my fingers through my hair as I tried to boost it to life again.
Edward stilled my movements and closed the gap between us, shutting the car door behind me.
'Relax, you look impeccable'
A valet in a neat red uniform rushed over to us and Edward handed him the keys to the car.
'Look after her' He smiled at the valet who nodded in response and replied with a quick 'Of course, Sir.'
We began walking up a royal blue carpet with white drawn-on sea shells scattered across it. The building itself was white stone and contrasted incredibly against the dark star-lit sky. Edward stood on my right side and pulled me close to him, wrapping his left arm around me and resting his hand on the small of my back as he guided me towards the entrance.
He looked at me tentatively and asked 'Is this ok?' gesturing his arm and hand on my back.
'Of course, more than ok' I smiled up at him and he grinned like a Cheshire cat.
'Good, I wasn't going to remove it anyway. It fits so well there' He looked into my eyes and they seemed to sparkle. Every fleck of gold in them shone brightly making my heart warm and my stomach flip again. I could feel the warmth of his hand spread so evenly across my back and I realised in that moment that his hand did fit perfectly there. He was right.
'Good and I agree' I hoped the sparkle in my eyes mirrored his own.
The doorman stood to the side and opened the doors allowing us to enter. I felt so insignificant in such beautiful surroundings.
'Edward, I'm not sure I'm good enough or important enough to be seen in a place like this.'
He frowned and his hand cupped my chin forcing me to look at him.
'Don't be ridiculous. You're far more important and beautiful than anything this place could ever hope to see. And even more than I could have ever hoped to encounter.'
I smiled and looked away shyly, I could feel his eyes on me surveying my features, it forced my cheeks to flush as I thought about my imperfections being visible from this distance. His hand remained still, cupping my chin.
'You're exquisite, Bella.'
I looked up after hearing the sincerity in his tone and replied just as tenderly and sincerely.
'Ditto'
He smiled, removed his hand from my chin, returning it to my lower back and continued to guide me past the lobby and into the main dining hall of the restaurant.
Thanks for reading, please review! Lots of fanfic love! xoxo