I wanted to let you all know if you were curious how Bella's gown for the fundraiser looks, it is now posted on my website, along with a more reliable link to Esme's birthday party silver gown.
I hope you enjoy the auction!
Thank you HopeStreet for being a fantastic editor!
Chapter 13: Sixty six point six something dates
WHY am I doing this? Why am I DOING this? Why am I doing THIS?
Charity... helping people... giving back... not giving myself... giving... my time. Yes! If someone wins me, they're just buying my time.
They did it with men last time... that would have been interesting to watch. I wonder how much Edward would have been bought for if he were in my shoes. I can't even conceive a number because even the married woman I'm sure would find an excuse to bid for him.
Edward actually looked pretty upset when I told him I was going up there... Crap, I need to pull it together.
"Bella?"
Shit. Not ready.
"Bella?!"
Nope, not coming out.
"Isabella Marie Swan, where are you?"
"Hiding from Alice. Please don't find me."
Esme entered backstage exasperatingly but still said in good humor, "Bella I can see your dress. Come out from there. What are you doing, silly girl? You're holding everything up!"
"I'm sorry. Just let me finish freaking out a little. I'll be right out," Bella muttered from behind the mess of black curtains, causing Esme to laugh at Bella's blunt foolishness and adorable shyness. She pulled the curtains back slowly to reveal a very pale and nervous Bella, shaking uncontrollably like a leaf.
"Aw honey, come here. What's wrong?" Esme's maternal instincts suddenly kicked in, and she was no longer laughing at the ironic situation. The confident performer that was on stage just a short while ago was completely gone and in her place stood a girl looking utterly terrified. Esme opened her arms sympathetically, allowing Bella to fall instantly into her embrace and held her tightly feeling Bella's shuddering breaths on her neck.
"Shh. Shh. It's alright dear. Tell me what's wrong?"
"I'm not what you think I am...I'm not that brave. This—this is completely embarrassing. What if... what if nobody bids for me, or I only raise ten lousy dollars?"
"Hush, now. Why would you say something like that about yourself? Sweetheart, no one is making you go up there. Besides, it would be impossible for you to only raise ten dollars, the bidding starts at five thousand."
"What!?" Bella leaned back from Esme's embrace to see if she was serious. Then groaned, raising her head to the ceiling when she saw Esme nod, confirming the truth.
"Bella, I volunteered to be the one to find you because I wanted to be the one to tell you first, how proud we are of you. You have come so far and grown up so beautifully. I have every confidence that you're going to go far no matter what path you decide. And may I say off the record, that I couldn't help but notice how Edward couldn't take his eyes off you up there on that stage. I've never seen him so enthralled with another person before, and it makes me so happy to see he's caught your eye as well."
Bella blanched at Esme, who was looking at her with a knowing smile. "Don't think I didn't catch you singing that last song to him and how he suddenly disappeared after the second verse." Esme winked as Bella's face lit up like fire before she covered her scarlet cheeks.
"Of course, I noticed my other son had the same idea, but I gave him a chore to occupy him with. You see, he cannot say no to his mother," Esme wagged her eyebrows cleverly at her. "I think you've managed to bewitch Emmett as well..." Esme raised her eyebrow's insinuatingly in a playful manner, but it only caused Bella to panic.
Once upon a time, hearing those words from anyone would have been a dream come true. Now she feared that everyone would think she was only with Edward in order to make Emmett jealous, which was most definitely not the case.
"What do you mean?" Bella looked at Esme in horror, then animatedly sputtered out, "Esme, I promise you I'm not playing them. I used to love Emmett, but he's engaged and—not that that's the reason I want Edward... I mean... he—we... oh, my God just shut me up!"
Bella hid her face in her hands again wishing she could hide back inside the curtains, when she heard then saw Esme buckle over laughing hysterically.
"Oh my, Sue was right! You're a riot!" Esme wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes before clearing her throat. "Isabella, I understand. Trust me. I was in your shoes once, and although I love my sons dearly, they do have their flaws. I feel it's my duty to warn you; they are both cunning, persuasive, and too charming for their own good."
"Emmett loves a challenge and won't back down until he's won or at least outsmarted. As for Edward, he may be enamored with you now... but know that his attention span is usually short with women, and his drive to succeed is very strong; which means he chooses his career over the family 90% of the time. But hopefully this time will be different.
"I love both my sons, but they're both very competitive, and my point is to please be on guard and look after yourself no matter what your heart may tell you to do. But you have my support no matter what you decide, my dear."
Bella took two steps and wrapped her arms firmly around Esme as though she was her lifeline and was instantly comforted that Esme had always been on her side and looked out for her.
"Thank you," Bella muttered into Esme's shoulder before pulling away and smiling back at her.
"There's the smile I've been searching for!" Esme said bumping Bella's chin lightly with her knuckle. "Now get out there and raise some money for world hunger. I know you're going to be a sensation... and I also know the Cullen account will be a lot lighter by tomorrow morning."
"Why do you say that?" Bella asked as she took Esme's arm walking her towards the stage.
"Did you not hear what I said? I have two sons who are very competitive. I think we're in for just the beginning of the battle, my dear, and you're the grand prize."
Bella looked very wary due to Esme's words. She hoped she wouldn't be the cause of a rift between the two brothers, but Esme shook her head brushing it off, as though she could read Bella's mind.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. If all goes as planned, you'll have nothing to fear. Good luck." Esme winked before giving a thumbs up to Alice on stage, then walked out the stage door toward the ballroom to join her family.
Nothing to fear. Nothing to fear.
"And now to start off the auction, let's welcome back the lovely Isabella Swan!"
There she is... looking more beautiful than ever... and cue my tight pants. Edward thought while subtly adjusting himself under the table.
Fuck, how does she manage to do this to me every single time? My body hasn't responded this way to a woman since before I can remember. Which pretty much means never.
I can't believe I once thought Tanya was beautiful. Now all I see is a fake plastic shell with a rotten core on the inside. Thankfully, I realized that's who I was becoming when we were together, so I split before it was too late. And yet, even now she has a talent for bringing out the worst in me. But not Bella.
With Bella, it's like the clouds part and rays of sunshine light up my whole world. She's not only stunning, she's pure, loving, and trustworthy. She's the most beautiful person I have ever known... and she's mine.
I still can't comprehend that she's mine... I wish, pray, hope to God that I may find a way to keep her. She makes me happy. I can't recall the last time I've ever felt so happy just knowing she's near. Everything about her brings me in; her face, her smile, her laughter, her... shaking.
Why is she shaking?
That's a terrified grin... not an "I'm excited," smile. She's nervous. Really nervous. But why?
Doesn't she understand that I will always protect her? She's coming home with me. End. Of. Story.
Edward watched Isabella closely as Alice brought her on stage and addressed the remaining audience who were staying after dinner for the auction. Bella appeared to physically relax once Alice held her hand.
"And now it's time for the main event of the evening. I'm happy to announce that Isabella Swan, our entertainer extraordinaire, has graciously agreed to start the auction off tonight by offering a date to the highest bidder. The rules from last year still apply with ladies; there are to be no shenanigans after or during the date, only proper social conduct is allowed, or else you'll have ME to deal with! And trust me, you won't want to!" Alice pointed to the crowd with a crooked eyebrow while the crowd chuckled at her fierce pixie threat. Once the talking died to a dull roar inside the room, Alice smiled and lighten up instantly to happy host.
"Good, now that that's settled, let the auctioning begin!" Alice called out before the auctioneer stood at the front of the stage and started calling out numbers at lightening speed.
The first bid started at $5,000 and in a matter of seconds, the bid was already to $20,000! Bella could hardly understand what the auctioneer was saying, except every other word. She tried her best not to blush, but at this point, it was fruitless. And she was concerned she'd only raise a few bucks, now the bid was up to $35,000 ten seconds later.
For the first time, she looked out in the the crowd to see who was bidding. To her relief, she saw Emmett's paddle down and Edward's paddle stay up... Emmett wasn't bidding on her. Thank God! But to her horror, she saw Mike Newton holding up his paddle and twenty other paddles go up simultaneously when the bid reached $50,000.
Well, this is far from over.
This is ridiculous! Bella wanted to throw her arms up in the air and call them all crazy! She wasn't worth a $50,000 date! Bella was probably the cheapest date there ever was. She was even happier if her date didn't have to spend any money on her at all, and they just spent the time walking in nature or talking at a cafe.
$100,000... twelve paddles were still up, and Bella could start to make out the rest of the faces in the crowd of the ones who were left.
One was a sandy haired man sitting at table 32. Mike Newton, of course. Bella tried not to shudder at the idea of Mike winning the bid. He was a slime bag and definitely not on the top of favorite person's list.
$250,000... ten paddles were still high... and sitting at table 44 there was a handsome young black man with light eyes, but Bella couldn't tell the color from where she was standing.
$400,000... Bella wanted to pass out, and there were still nine paddles up. Bella looked around the room and saw two other faces at tables 20 and 19 with their paddles raised high...
$500,000... half a million dollars. It was definitely getting hotter in this room. Six paddles still in the air... and she was nervous that Edward would give in and drop his paddle. But he never did. If anything, he looked around the room to see who else still had their paddles raised high, but turned quickly back to the front looking more angry than Bella had ever seen him before, glaring at his brother who was having a conversation with his future in-laws.
How much longer was this going to go on?
The clever bastard. Edward sneered in his head. He knew I was going to bid for Bella, so he's in league with someone here to bid for him so he doesn't look like an ass in front of Eleazar. Which means it won't get back to Rose. He wasn't sure if she should be pleased or pissed at that fact.
I could applaud him for his cunning, if he wasn't so fucking frustrating at going after MY Bella! But I've got all night and a much thicker bank account than he does.
He just spent this month's allowance on this auction, but I make around $24 million per day because I fucking work for a living... not sit on my ass like some people I know. I'll bet he doesn't even know what day of the week it is! Half a million is pocket change. Keep it coming, brother, I can do this all day.
$650,000... poor Bella looks like she's about to pass out. She's hiding her beautiful blush from the crowd, looking more humble than ever... and so goddamn mouth watering.
$700,000... This is officially the highest anyone has ever bid for another human at any auction, even for a celebrity.
Although, I can tell she doesn't think she's worth it... I plan to prove her wrong.
There's still four fuckers left, and I'm guessing it's Mike Newton Em has payed off to win Bella for him. Mike is mainly keeping eye contact with Emmett, and not the auctioneer... yup, he just gave himself away.
Mike's family is well off, but I highly doubt he would pay that much for Isabella... unless he had other intentions toward her. That is unacceptable! I will break his little neck! I'll—
"Son... you're bending the silverware," Edward heard his father say before he put down his fork and kept his paddle up with his elbow resting on the table. He slumped back into his chair and chanced a glance at his idiot brother who was about to sit on another champagne fluke if he didn't surrender right now.
Emmett was sitting by relaxing and enjoying watching his brother sweat for outsmarting him for a change. He knew he wasn't concerned about the money... and if anything, he knew that Edward wasn't stubborn enough to hold his paddle until every last penny was donated to the damn charity. He would have to give in sooner or later, and the bid was now up to $900,000... a record high since the charity was established.
He was silently enjoying his victory while speaking to Eleazar about their game on the green earlier this morning, when he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. He looked down for a moment, not breaking eye contact with Mike for a second to answer his phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Emmy! How's the fundraiser going with our family? Are you having fun without me?"
SHITSHITSHITSHIT!
"Hey babe, yeah I'm sitting here with your parents at the auction. How's Cali?"
"Em, dear. Will you please take your call outside? You're disrupting the auction," his mother scolded looking very cross that he was rude enough to have his phone on during the auction.
"Hang on babe, I need to step outside." He excused himself from the table and stood up really fast, then heard the auctioneer shout out, "SOLD FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO NUMBER 107! CONGRATULATIONS, SIR!"
The room erupted in tumultuous applause as Emmett turned around and saw Alice rush up to Bella giving her the biggest hug of her life, before he even understood what happened.
Mike shrugged at him slightly, but enough for Emmett to see that he was confused. But what the fuck for? His plan was perfect. Then it took only a second to realize his mistake. He gritted his teeth and snarled in a rage at the confounded Mike Newton, before his attention was drawn to his brother walking up on the stage to claim his prize.
Edward's smile was brighter than Bella had ever seen as he stood up and made his way up sides stairs, walking towards Bella and staring as though she were the only woman in the entire world. Alice was practically squeezing the life out of her with her tiny body like a boa constrictor as she whispered in her ear, "I told you! I told you! Thank you! Thank you so much for doing this!"
And that's when Bella understood why Alice had asked her to do the auction in the first place... the sneaky little... devil pixy!
Bella didn't get the chance to scold Alice for her devious scheme before she quickly let go of Bella's neck and bolted straight for Edward. Once he finished writing a check to the Laurent Brandon Charity Foundation (LBCF), he just managed to hand the check to the people sitting behind the table before a pixie tornado attacked him unawares, almost knocking him off his feet.
Everyone laughed at Alice's excitement while Edward's startled but indulgent expression never left the woman across from him, who was covering her mouth to hide her amused giggles. Suddenly Edward's expression darkened when he let go of Alice, which silently said, "you're mine, now," as Bella smiled shaking her head to tell him not to do what she thought he was about to do as the Greek God made his way towards her.
With a cocky grin, he graciously held out his hand to Bella, who obligingly accepted with a relieved smile thinking he wasn't about to make a scene in front of the reporters after all, until she yelped from being swept into Edward arms as he humorlessly dipped her before planting a firm kiss on her lips in front of the whole audience.
The light applause erupted into a thunderous roar, with catcalls and whistles as though they were kissing in a cheesy high school musical surrounded by teenagers. Bella noted to herself that even millionaires could be adolescents as she sportingly smiled into the kiss and wrapped her arms around Edward's neck before he lifted her feet off the stage floor and led her offstage as the camera flashes went off like crazy.
When Edward released her mouth, he smiled down at her before setting Bella back on her feet, and he whispered in her ear, "mine." Then kissed her cheek once before he led her off stage with a dazed and dazzled Bella. As they descended the stairs, the applause died down, and Bella could see Emmett's figure zealously leaving the ballroom followed by a petite strawberry blonde. The camera flashes continued as Edward smiled her favorite crooked grin.
Once they joined Esme and Carlisle, Bella was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Eleazar Hale, Emmett's future in-laws.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Ms. Swan. It's seems you've captured the attention of young Edward, here. He's a good man, and he's very fortunate to have won you as well... literally it would seem," Eleazar chuckled and was joined by the rest of the table as well.
"Yes... very lucky, indeed," Esme uttered while her eyes glanced at Edward with a quick wink and familiar crooked grin that Bella recognized all too well. At that moment, she felt Edward kiss her temple and looked up at him to see his warm loving expression as he muttered, "She's a priceless gem, worth every penny." The compliment caused Bella to blush and hide her face into Edward's shoulder as everyone laughed at her charming bashfulness while Edward held her to his chest.
"Where did Emmett wander off to?" Edward asked, sounding convincingly concerned in front of the Hales.
"He received a sudden call from Rosalie and needed to take the call outside, but he should be back shortly. I don't think your mother and I will be staying much longer since we really came just to see you perform Ms. Swan. My wife has been boasting about your talent for years, and you certainly did not disappoint tonight."
That was the most Bella had ever heard Carlisle Cullen say to her, and it practically made her speechless. His mannerisms and speech patterns were exactly like Edward's, as were his physique and chiseled features.
But Edward had a lot of Esme in him too. She had given him his messy bronze hair, his eyes, his lips and crooked smile, and high cheek bones that definitely made him the envy of every male and desired by every female present tonight.
"You knew she would be here tonight?" Edward said surprisingly to his parents, feeling a slightly betrayed that he was the last to know. But now it all made sense as to why Emmett made an appearance tonight at the fundraiser, when he most likely would have wanted to stay in bed.
"Who do you think gave Alice the idea to call Bella?" Esme said proudly giving Bella a small wag of her eyebrows, which made Bella throw her head back and laugh heartily.
"I should have known! Thank you Esme" Bella said shaking her head as Edward continued to hold her closely to his body, preventing her from leaving his side.
"Your talent and beauty is beyond compare my dear, and I know for certain there are a few people here tonight who would love to make your acquaintance. If you'll allow me, I would love to introduce you," Carmen said while holding her hand out for Bella to take so she could show her off to her musical friends.
Bella smiled excitedly and looked up at Edward for permission to leave his side so she could network, and he smiled back down affectionately for whispering into her ear, "Don't be gone long. I just got you back, and I would like one dance before I steal you away." He nudged her forward as her eyes danced with excitement and left with the Hales and Carlisle, leaving him alone with his mother who looked very satisfied with herself.
"Alright, get it off your chest before your brother returns."
"How did you know?" Edward smiled at his mother's playful arrogance which he knew he inherited from her.
"Darling," Esme chastised, "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean. I just simply sent a text to my future daughter-in-law to let her know Emmett was feeling better. I had no idea she would call in the middle of the auction," Esme flicked her hand before reaching for her champagne.
Edward ducked his head smiling downward to his chest, and leaned forward on the table to whisper to his mother, "You know... this whole time I thought I took after Dad, but I think I get most of my genius ideas from you."
"Not most, darling... all," Esme said lifting her eyebrow once and patting her son's hand before taking another sip from her glass.
"I'm doing this for both of your sakes... I love both of you equally so don't go shoving it in your brother's face or you will be sorry, Edward Anthony Mason!"
"Ooo, using both middle names. That's serious business. You have my word mother. I love you, you know that?"
"I know. Now go get your father before Alice comes over here and guilt me into buying another worthless trinket this year."
Yes... he certainly loved his mother.
Edward stood up after kissing his mother on the cheek and went in search of Bella so he could whiskher away from all the predatory glances of all the assholes in the room.
"Congratulations on winning the girl. She certainly is something, isn't she? Not voluptuous like Vic, but definitely gorgeous," James Hunter stopped him in his tracks as he was passing and saw that his fiance Victoria was not in attendance tonight.
"She is," Edward confirmed before trying to walk pass him again.
"That little display on stage was something. You must have already known her since she didn't belt you one for molesting her like that," James laughed, but Edward found no humor in his suggestion.
"I've known her a long time. What's your point?" he sneered through clenched teeth.
"What do you plan to do with her?" James asked suggestively before taking a sip of his wine
"That's none of your business, Jay. Enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Give her my card, when you're through with her, Ed. I could... you know... give her a few connections to help her career take off. Tell her for me," Edward's face was like stone and his blood pounding in his ears. He looked at the card with disgust, then sneered at James, "Stay away from her," then continued to walk away, fulling intending to warn Bella not to set foot her the scumbag James Hunter.
He was getting tired of people, especially engaged people, trying to steal his girl away from him, and he would be feeling even less annoyed if he could only find her!
"Lost your prize already?"
"Not now, Tanya. Go find Garrett or someone else to bother." Edward knew she couldn't have gotten far, but she was nowhere inside this ballroom, so she must have made her way to the dancing hall next door with a live band, and half of the people who were not bidding tonight came after dinner.
"Garrett is at home sick. My sister is taking care of him. Dance with me?"
"No, thank you." Edward kept walking while looking through the mass off two hundred some people for a brunette bombshell in a shit hot dress.
"She's forgotten about and dancing with someone else right now. Just one dance for old time sake," Tanya said holding her hands up ignoring the look of rage on Edward's face.
"What?" That's when he saw her through the clearing dancing with a short, balding, round older man smiling but looking slightly uncomfortable and looking around the dance floor until she made eye contact with Edward.
She was dancing with conductor James Levine of the Metropolitan Opera Symphony and smiling to Edward forcefully while mouthing over his shoulder, 'save me!' then looking back to smile and laugh superficially at some remark he just said.
Edward shook his head amused by his own jealousy and thought about how best to tease her and 'save her' as she so desperately put it from the horny old man.
"Just one dance, Eddie. We have to let bygones be bygones at some point and learn to play nice with each other. Come on, just a quick dance then you can go find your little sl... friend."
Edward knew she was about to insult Bella but thought better of it when she saw the look of warning on her face, then Edward came up with a brilliant plan.
"Fine. A quick dance," Edward took Tanya by the hand and led her onto the dance floor quickly with her trailing behind him in high heels, and pulled her into his arms for the waltz.
"There you see? Is this so terrible?"
Yes... Edward though to himself while looking for Bella again and spotting her again with her eyes bugged out of her head, signaling that there was an inappropriate touch somewhere and it was now time for the intervention before Bella lost any hope of gain a connect to the MET before Edward punched its conductor's face in.
"Maestro, how nice to see you again," Edward said accidentally bumping into his shoulder and watching the relieved look on the Bella's face which made his heart soar.
"Cullen, my boy. I just saw your father and thanked him on the generous donation your family gave the company this Spring. I assume you know the lovely Ms. Swan?"
"Yes, just I won a date with her at the auction. Would you care for a trade?" Edward said stepping away from a shocked then livid looking Tanya Denali who was too flabbergasted to refuse.
"Of course, dear boy. Enjoy the rest of the evening Ms. Swan. And don't forget what I said," Mr. Levine pointed his finger at her before handing her over to Edward and taking Tanya's reluctant hand and waltzing away with her scowling at Edward.
"Thank you so much! You have no idea what I've just been through," Bella whispered into his chest while Edward held her closely inhaling her glorious fragrance and feeling relaxed once again.
"Do tell. You looked positively traumatized," Edward chuckled deeply as she molded into his embrace.
"I've been introduced to so many faces by your father and the Hales that I can't remember everyone names, and they all gave me their cards so I could call them tomorrow and set up coffee dates and interviews and..."
"Stop there... dates?" Edward leaned back so he could see her blush on her cheeks.
"You know what I mean..." she rolled her eyes and ducked her head to hide from him but he wouldn't allow that.
"No, I don't think I do. You're not going on any dates unless they're with me. I wrote the check to prove it. Of course, it is without a doubt the most expensive date I've ever paid for... but definitely well worth it," Edward smiled, enjoying how far the blush on Bella cheeks traveled down her body.
"Just out of curiosity, before now... what was the highest you've ever spent on a date?"
"The highest?" Edward thought back and looked up at the ceiling to see when that might have been and how much... cause he certainly knew who he spent it on.
"Let's see... I once surprised my ex-girlfriend with a trip Paris, and including the gas for the plane, the hotel, the spa, the meals, the opera, and the shopping... um... around fifteen grand."
"Fifteen grand!" Bella cried out before covering her mouth for shouting, "For one date?"
"Two dates, technically... but yeah. I haven't done that since. Mostly I take them out to dinner or—why am I telling you this?"
"Who would have thought that I would ever end up being an expensive date?"
"Indeed. But you're worth it."
"It would take like sixty dates to Paris just to match the amount you paid for me tonight," Bella marveled shaking her head in disbelief while Edward face lit up.
"Sixty six point six six something dates to be exact. Which is what you now owe me, Ms. Swan."
"Excuse me?" Bella drawled as she looked up to see Edward face who grinned like he just won the lottery.
"You owe me sixty six point something dates in exchange for my million dollars, which is the most I ever planned to spend on any date. I am known to be the most frugal of the Cullens, after all," Edward said with resignation and finality causing Bella to burst out laughing finding it very hilarious that being the most frugal entails only spending fifteen thousand on a date.
"Alright, Mr. Billionaire. I will go out with you sixty six point something times on one condition..."
"There's a condition?" Edward raised his eyebrows looking stunned that Bella would bargain with him after everything he offered to do for her, which is more than he did for anyone else... ever.
"Yes... my condition to go on these dates is... you don't spend any money." Edward stopped dancing with Bella instantly, too taken aback by what she said to move his feet.
"Come again?"
"No money or black credit cards will be leaving your wallet. Zilch."
"You're saying you don't want me to spend money on you for sixty six dates?" Edward repeated slowly to be sure he understood her correctly.
"That's right. You already paid plenty for me and, you don't have to spend anymore on me... because unlike Ms. Denali," Bells jerked her head to the side as they looked to see Tanya trying to get away from the wandering hands of Mr. Levine, "We don't have to go to Paris in order to have a good time."
"Is that right," Edward playfully waggled his dark eyebrows at her suggestively as he pulled her hips against his before Bella slapped his shoulder laughing. Edward joined her musical laughter as he caught her hand and brought it to his chest after kissing her hand.
"What are we to do for sixty six point something dates, if I'm unable to spoil you?" Edward whispered huskily while bring Bella into to dance with him once again.
"Well, I never said that I wasn't able to spoil you..."
"You're one amazing woman Isabella Marie Swan. I love and hate that I never know the next thing to come out of your mouth," Edward pulled Bella into his chest once more to plant a soft kiss on her lips just as the music changed to the next song.
Edward pulled away from Bella's subtle lips and huskily speaking against her sweet mouth, "Who brought you here?"
"Alice," Bella whispered completely under Edward's spell.
"And who are you leaving with?" Edward pulled away to stare deeply into Bella's eyes to convey what his meaning was. Bella's breath caught inside her throat when she barely managed to whisper to answer.
"You."
"Exactly. Let's get out of here. I want to start our first something date right now," Edward took her hand and led her off the dance floor zigzagging through the dancing couples.
"Our something date?" Bella giggled as Edward called back over his shoulder.
"Well it won't be a full date since the night's almost over... so this will be our point six six six seven date."
They both laughed as they made it through the crowd and were stopped periodically by random people praising Bella for her performance and handing her more business cards to her collection.
By the time they made it to the outside of the Plaza Hotel, a bell boy waved for a taxi, which pulled up immediately after they both got inside. Edward told them the address and to Bella's surprise it wasn't the Cullen residence but to CCC.
"Why are we going to your work?" Bella asked as she fumbled with the ten cards in her hand.
"You'll see. Didn't you bring anything with you? A clutch or a bag?" Edward asked as he noticed the cards being shuffled in her hand and noticed one of them was from James Hunter and decided to keep that one before looking at the others to see who she should keep away from.
"No. Quill just kind of grabbed me from the campsite before lunch since we were in such a hurry to get to Alice's on time before the concert; I only had the clothes on my back and my cell phone in my pocket."
"So where are the other cards you told me about?" Edward asked while pocketing five of the ten cards in her hand, then bugged his eyes out when he saw Bella reaching for her cleavage and pulling out a stack of more cards and started laughing.
"You have no idea how uncomfortable that was. They were poking me like crazy! Oh, that reminds me I need to call Charlie back." Bella reached back inside her corset for her phone and pulled it out causing Edward to buckle over laughing even harder.
"Your boobs are like a Mary Poppins carpet bag! Wh-what else do you have in there?" he jokingly attempted to look down her corset before Bella slapped his fingers away.
"A booby trap," she snapped back at him, watching Edward practically pee in his pants from laughing so hard as she speed dialed Charlie.
"Hey Bells, how was the concert?" She heard her dad over the resounding laughter of the lunatic sitting next to her.
"It was great Dad. Sue was right. I met so many people in the music industry who all want to hear a demo of my music."
"Do you have a demo? Wait—who is that laughing like a hyena?"
"That would be Mr. Cullen, Dad. I think he's having a seizure." Edward started to cool down from his laughter as he wrapped his arm around Bella's shoulders and wiped his eyes with his other hand.
"Wait, which Mr. Cullen? Emmett?" Charlie's voice started to sound a little panicked, which Bella corrected immediately.
"No, Edward. He's taking me home from the fundraiser. He also won me in an auction," Bella smiled wickedly to Edward who looked back at her with suspicious eyes and thin lips.
"What do you mean, won you? What kind of fundraiser is this? I thought you were performing..." Charlie started to go off, but once again Bella eased his worry.
"I raised a million dollars for charity tonight, Dad. Which is a record for this fundraiser that supports a very noble cause. I'll tell you all about at home alright?"
"Alright, Bells. I trust you. But that's why I called you. Sue and I are deciding to stay the weekend and come back on Sunday instead of tonight. Pete and Charlotte left with Bree after dinner, but I'm extending my vacation another two days. I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't worry."
Bella smiled and hoped this meant what she thought it meant, "Thank you for telling me. I hope you two have fun and be safe up there."
"I always am." She could hear the smile in her dad's voice and felt her heart soar, hoping by the time they got back she would finally have an official mother.
"Okay. Love you, Dad."
"Love you too, Pumpkin."
She hung up just as they were pulling up to CCC, and Edward opened the door for Bella after he paid the driver and got out.
"Wow, I keep forgetting how tall it is." Bella craned her neck looking up at the building founded in 1901, as Edward took her hand to lead her to the front entrance.
"Have you ever been inside?" Edward asked as he nodded to the security guard outside the doors.
"Once. I used the restrooms while Charlie was fixing a flat tire. I can't believe there's still a payphone in the corner." Bella marveled as Edward put in a key in the elevator to the 40th floor.
"I like to preserve the history of this building. I don't let them remodel the architecture or historical artifacts downstairs from my great grandfather's age so we preserve the history of where CCC came from downstairs. But everything from the first floor up has been remodeled by my mother with a new age design. It's a mixture of old and new and represents over a hundred years of Cullen history when my great grandfather started from ground zero and worked his way to the top, and that's why this place means so much to me. This will be my legacy too..."
Edward's voice sounded more resigned than excited near the end of his speech, and Bella once again wondered if this was the life Edward wanted for himself or if he was merely doing this because he was programed to.
"Edward..."
"This is my life, Bella. I know what you're thinking, and we've already discussed this... it's done," Edward moved out of the elevator to escape the scrutiny of Bella's eyes and walked into the lobby outside his office.
"I was just going to comment on how fast this elevator is. Do you realize we climbed forty floors in thirty seconds? That's incredible!" Bella smiled as she stepped out of the elevator and started looking around at Esme's genius designs, leaving Edward once again speechless and shaking his head at her wit and obvious cover up.
"There are four elevators, and the one we took is the express; it only goes to the top floor."
"Sweet," Bella said as she looked at the city lights out the window in awe. Then she felt Edward take her hand to lead her to the right by the double doors.
"Is this where all the magic happens, and you make your big CEO decisions?" Bella asked adorably as though it were bring your child to work day, but Edward saw her as anything but a child. Yet her sweet innocence and naivety endeared her to him to a point where he felt very protective of that innocent wonder about the world for as long as possible. She deserved nothing less than the best life had to offer... and he wished he could be the one to give it to her even though he knew it was not that simple.
She had goals and dreams to achieve while his work was here, and he couldn't just up and leave anytime he felt like it. He saw what happened in just two days without him around to make the decisions, and he knew he could never afford to have that happen again. If his company fell, it would be on his hands because it was left to him to carry the proverbial torch of his ancestors... he couldn't let them down.
So now here he was... showing this young, beautiful, virtuous girl the place where he had to make the toughest decisions that affected from one to thousands of people. He'd done some awful things while sitting behind that chair that Bella childishly plopped down in and circled around several times as though it were a merry-go-round ... things he never wished her to know about because what he had to do wasn't personal... it was business.
At least that was what he kept telling himself as he bought and took apart companies and sold them, putting over two hundred people out of work at a factory in Gary, Indiana, and countless other cities.
"What has you looking so serious over there Mr. Grumpy? Alice told me your office was like your haven... your zen or something like that. But you look like you just saw the Grim."
"Just deep in thought. So what do you think?" Edward gestured to the large office room and took in Bella's expression.
"It's incredible. But that's doesn't surprise me at all," Bella threw away as she twirled in the ginormous cushioned black leather office chair that felt softer than silk until she saw Edward give her a crooked grin and walk up to the desk in front of Bella.
"Not surprising, huh? How about you push on that button on top of the desk and see what it does?" Edward said confidently like something was up his sleeve, causing Bella to stop and look for some kind of button on top of the desk.
"What button?" She looked everywhere for something that even closely resembled a button but then found an object on the desk that looked like it would mean something to Edward and pressed it causing something in the distance to suddenly move and open.
"Ah ha! A secret entrance!"
"How did you know that? Did Alice tell you?"
"Nope, just process of elimination my dear Watson. You would never have a penny lying on your desk for no reason because first of all that, would be messy and let's face it, you're kind of OCD." Edward scoffed as Bella continued, "But the biggest clue was that you never carry change... you use credit cards so you don't have to, and for times you do give cash, you tell them to keep the change," Bella shrugged her shoulder as though this were common knowledge, but Edward was too taken aback by how much this woman understood him. What else had she picked up over the years that he wasn't aware of? He was dying to find out.
"You must have read too many Sherlock Holmes novels as a child to pay attention to details like that." Edward said as he took her hand to lead her inside his hidden bedroom that only a few people knew about.
"Close... I was a Nancy Drew fan. And you're just like Bruce Wayne aren't you. Does that room lead to some kind of bat cave with it's own private arsenal and high tech gadgets to save the city with?"
"Comic books... ha. How typical. But how do you know I'm the hero? What if I'm more like Lex Luthor, the villain?"
"Well that just proves you never read comic books as a kid. Lex Luthor was the villain in Superman, and you have way too much hair to portray him. I'd say you'd be better suited as batman's arch nemesis the Riddler because you, Mr. Cullen, are one giant riddle."
Edward chuckled as they walked through the door and the lights automatically turned on to reveal a modern masculine master suite with all the comforts of home. A small kitchen to the left with black and gray granite counter tops, two bar stools, a gas stove and oven, a wine fridge, a regular fridge, sink with a disposal, a dishwasher, and stocked cupboards with essentials and supplies.
In the center of the room was a king size bed, two side tables with lamps, two closets, and a fifty inch flat screen facing the bed on the wall by the door.
Finally to the right there was an en suite master bathrion with double sinks, a delux shower similar to Alice's, a three person jacuzi tub, and a his and gets toilet room.
It was a huge studio apartment with his office right next door.
"You could live here... why would you ever go home? This is perfect!" Bella said as she investigated every nook and cranny.
"I usually do stay here on weekdays and use the gym on the first floor before anyone else gets here so I'm ready to work by eight o'clock. The only ones who know about this room are family and four co-workers... and now you. This is my haven... where no one can bother me and I can find some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of family and friends.
"So... wait, you're telling me this isn't like your bachelor pad where you bring chicks and stuff. I'm the first girl you've brought here who isn't Alice or your mother?"
"And Siobhan, Alice's assistant, but you'll meet her eventually. I have my own apartment building a block away near Alice and Jasper's residence for weekends, or weekdays if I... you know... have a date."
"So why did you bring me here for our point six six six whatever something date?" Bella asked looking suddenly suspicious of Edward's motives.
Edward made his way toward Bella until he stood in front of her with his hands sliding up her arms, "Nothing untoward or whatever that look is supposed to mean, I promise. I just wanted you to know me. The me that... not everyone else sees. And unfortunately a lot of other... people have seen my other apartment, but this place is special—"
"Like a tree house club!" Edward's hands paused at Bella's long neck as he looked curiously at her not understanding her meaning.
"You know what I mean. A tree house club... with a sign that says something like, "no boys allowed," or in this case girls, but you get my drift. Only certain people are part of Edward Cullen's intimate circle... like an Edward Club!"
Edward laughed at her adorable rambling and shook his head while inching towards her mouth, "You're a goof," then he captured her lips in a soft but languid kiss, and he delicately cupped her soft warm cheeks in his large strong hands. They kissed for several minutes as they tasted, nipped, sucked, and bit each others lips, causing a lot of heat to rise between their bodies, and even more sexual tension to bounce and ricochet off the walls.
"Edward..." Bella muttered in between kisses and Edward turned her head to the side to get a new angle.
"Hmm?" he was almost completely gone. His new favorite thing in this world was kissing Bella. Only Bella... her lips were just too addicting, just like her scent and warm body.
"What are your... intentions tonight?" It was blunt and too the point... but Bella had noplans to beat around the bush. She wasn't ready to give herself entirely to this man, had no intention on succumbing to his seduction routine which he probably used on countless girls before her. She may have been inexperienced... but she wasn't that naïve.
"What did you have in mind to do tonight?" Edward grinned as he pulled away from her mouth just long enough to get the sentence out before pulling Bella backwards onto the bed and setting her down gently so she couldn't injure herself. Always protecting...
"Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Cullen?" Bella pushed on his cheek just enough to raise her eyebrow at him in disapproval and saw Edward's heated stare through hooded eyes as he responded in his lowest and sexiest voice that would have most girls begging by now, "Why... are you turned on?"
"Nope."
Lies...
"No? Not even a little bit?" Edward looked disbelieving at her and seeing the wavering resolve behind her nonchalant expression. She wants me... it's written all over her face.
"You'll have to do a little more than that to get me all hot and bothered, Edward Cullen."
"How little?" Edward said as he started playfully creeping his hand up Bella's torso and stopped under her breast.
"Don't even think about it. You're not getting lucky on the first date... especially not on the point sex... I mean SIX—" but it was too late...
Edward was already busting up laughing at her slip up and Bella covered her red face while laughing into her arm. They laughed for several minutes on the bed, laughing at the each others laughter, chortles, snorts, and giggles until they finally calmed down, facing each other on their sides.
"Silly Bella. I was only teasing... I promise there won't be any sex tonight," Edward chuckled as Bella sighed and admired the laugh lines on Edward's face and how much younger he seemed when he let go and laughed.
"I trust you, Edward. You've become one of my very best friends... thank you," Bella smiled and closed her eyes sighing contently into the comforter on the bed as Edward's head reeled from her saying the word "friend" again.
"We're back to that again? Is that all you want from me Bella? Friendship?" he said it as though it were a bad word. He was becoming upset with himself for getting his hopes up once again, only to be shot down with another 'friend' title.
"I thought... I mean—earlier you said that you were... Have you changed your mind? Or—Shit, forget it." He sat up feeling flustered and confused wanting to step away from her to ward off anymore pain from her mixed signals. He wasn't sure his ego could handle another rejection from her.
"Edward, Edward... wait. Don't go." Bella pleaded for him to listen and understand, but Edward stood up to walk off whatever he was feeling and didn't look at her.
"Listen, I meant what I said after the show. Please, let me explain," Bella got up off the bed and stopped Edward from pacing by putting her hands on either side of his face so he could look at her only he kept his eyes shut.
"Edward... look at me. Please baby..." that did it. The term of endearment which made his heart skip a beat as her voice caressed the name like it was precious to her. Like the meant something to her.
"Baby, I already told you... I'm yours if you want me. What I meant just now is you've not only become someone I want, but someone I trust and respect like a friend should be. And I have many friends, Edward but you're special. You're my only friend who I want to see naked someday," Bella smiled as she saw Edward smile and relax into her touch as he let his head drop to her forehead in relief and satisfaction.
"I want to be whatever you let me be to you... a friend, a confidant, a protector, a music agent..." Bella laughed as Edward smiled and whispered his last words, "a lover. Whatever you want, baby... just let me make you happy. You've come to mean a lot to me too and so this can be whatever you want it to be. I'm sorry I got upset." Edward pulled Bella into his arms and rested his chin on top of her head as her body perfectly moulded around his torso.
"No, don't apologize. I'm sorry I confused you. I know we haven't spoken in a few days, but I admit I kept reading and re-reading the last messages you sent from Wednesday morning so many times... I think I knew then that you've become more to me."
"I've never had a girl who was a friend before... Alice doesn't count 'cause she's like the annoying sister I never had, so forgive me if I suck at it," Edward teased as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Well, I hear the best relationships start out as friends, so we're already on the right track," Bella smiled as she looked back up at Edward's handsome face.
"You're beautiful. Do you know that? And I don't just mean on the outside... because everyone at the fundraiser tonight who was a attracted to woman noticed you in this dress. They also saw someone with a beautiful soul and generous heart. You're a good person inside, and you made everyone fall in love with you tonight, Bella. I feel as though I've won just by you being here with me... I just hope some of that goodness rubs off on me too...because right now I'm too selfish to share you."
Edward crashed his lips on Bella's eager mouth as he lifted her into his arms and placed her back on the bed so they could lie down and make out.
After another minute of kissing and groping Edward pulled away to see Bella's bee stung pouty lips and heavy panting.
"Stay... stay with me here tonight. I just..." he tried to gather his thoughts and his breath. He couldn't bear the thought of letting her go tonight so he was prepared to beg if necessary. "Bella, I overheard your father tell you he's staying til Sunday, so I'm asking you to stay here with me until he returns."
"Ed—" Bella started but Edward stopped her mouth before she could reply so he could convince her before she turned him down.
"I want you," kiss, "all to myself." Kiss, "no distractions, no annoying brothers or nosy family or friends to interrupt," Edward kissed further down her neck, "I just want us... you and me," he kissed down her cheek as she arched her neck back to give him more access.
"Plus," kiss, "I think I will go mad if I can't hold you in my arms again all night..."
That did it.
"Jesus!" Bella cried as she attacked Edward's mouth pushing him onto his back against the bed and climbing on top of his waist to grind her hips with her dress hiked up to her thighs and Edward's hands palming her breast while they violently kissed and moaned into each others mouths.
When they came up for air to breathe, Edward panted for air as Bella continued kissing down his neck and untying his bow tie from his neck.
"There's only one problem," Bella muttered against his warm skin as Edward groaned in pleasure arching his neck back to give her more places to kiss.
"What?" he breathlessly breathed out as Bella stopped and looked up at him.
"I don't have any clothes here..." she stated, pursing her lips to the side of her mouth looking disappointed.
"I am all for that plan. Clothes are overrated anyway," Edward said teasingly while Bella looked at him feigning being upset.
"Fine," Edward heaved out dramatically, "You can find something in my closet. Party pooper," he grumbled into her shoulder as Bella laughed at his adorable childish disappointment. She was certain that this was the not a side of Edward Cullen he let everyone see... and it was becoming one of her favorite parts... the playfully childish young man she knew who was locked inside a tough and serious businessman.
As she got ready for bed in the bathroom, she noticed something peculiar sitting on top of the counter on a side tray and picked it up to see that it was a cap from a coke bottle. She thought it was a peculiar thing to keep in a bathroom, especially one as neat and tidy as this one, so she asked him about it.
"Edward, what's this?" she held it up for him to see as he was pulling away the comforters and saw something else that made her almost faint... Edward was wearing glasses. Really, really, sexy glasses.
"What is it baby?" Edward looked up and saw that Bella looked pale like she was about to pass out.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" he walked over to her looking concerned.
"You... um... take... glasses...now!" She looked up at him feeling way too turned on by his glasses than any sane person should feel.
"I'm sorry, I don't speak gibberish. Say that again in a complete sentence. What about my glasses?" Edward asked, putting his hands on either side of her hips and noticed for the first time that all she was wearing was one of his black wife beaters that only came to her below her hip bones, and exposing her fuck hot black laced boy short panties. He almost creamed in his expensive tuxedo pants and that would have been a bitch to explain to the dry cleaners.
"Holy mother of baby Jesus... is that all you're wearing?"
Bella nodded her head unable to say more than, "Pants didn't fit," she said, putting her hands on his chest not knowing what to do with them. "I didn't know you wore glasses," she said brushing the side of his chiseled jaw admiring how stunningly handsome and intelligent he looked, no matter how cliche that sounded in her head.
"Yeah. I wear contacts. My eyes stink. I'm nearsighted so I can't see any shit farther than ten feet without these things. They look dumb, I know—" he was about to take them off when Bella stopped him.
"No! No don't take them off... I just didn't know. You never wore them on our trip."
"That's 'cause they're lame and I don't like to wear them in public," he scoffed as he walked inside the bathroom to change and brush his teeth to get ready for bed.
"I think they're really sexy actually. Just saying... you don't have to hide them from me. I love them," she said through a spurt of courage since he was blindly putting his glasses down, no pun intended, and the last thing she wanted was for him to never wear them again.
Edward laughed behind the door and called her strange while Bella crawled under the cool fluffy comforters and once again felt like she was lying on a poofy cloud.
Only the best for Edward Cullen. He would accept nothing less. Which started to make her wonder what it is he saw in her. But she was too shy to ask that particular question so instead she got underneath the covers and pulled them up to her nose she could get warm.
Edward turned off the light and walked into the bedroom to see Bella completely drowned in pillows and blankets and he made his way to the bed on his side to get in and find her hidden body.
Although once he was under the sheets and blankets, her body was like a homing device or magnet because it immediately found his and he instantly felt warmth and comfort spreading throughout his body. A peace he hadn't felt since Monday night before they left Martha's Vineyard.
"Are you warm enough?" Edward asked as he turned off his bedside lamp and felt Bella snuggle even further into his chest and hum in satisfaction.
"Hmm hmm," she moaned drowsily and clung to Edward as though he was her life force.
"Good night sweet girl. Sweet dreams," Edward said kissing her forehead before resting his head on top of hers and fell into a deep, deep, deep sleep... and dreamed of how his first time making love to Bella would feel inside and outside. How much his body craved her... how his hands longed to touch her skin, and squeeze her brunette silken hair, and never stop kissing those luscious pink lips. And finally when he gave her her third orgasm, he finally sunk himself deep inside her and found the salvation he'd been aching for. He found his home... the one person he couldn't live without because it would tear him in two if he ever lost her now.
He needed her.. he needed to feel this good every single day... that meant having her repeatedly every single day. His body rejoiced at the idea.
He was so close now, he could feel the pressure building up inside him, and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold on much longer until... ah, ecstasy. Bliss... love. So, so, so much love for this beautiful girl and he found himself unable to contain the emotion he held inside for so long as he whispered those three little words into her ear that he knew she longed for him to tell her. He had waited so long to tell her, to be sure that it was true... but there was nothing more true than this. Nothing more pure than the love he felt for B—Tanya?
He head lifted his head from her shoulder and saw a nightmare lying underneath his body rather than his angel.
No...no no no!
"You're a fucking selfish asshole. You don't deserve her! You and I belong together, forever. You're arrogant, an idiot! I fucking loser! You're nothing! Nothing without me!"
He scrambled out of the bed to get away from the hellcat and try to understand what went wrong? Where was she? Where did she go? How could he do this to her? Bella? PLEASE, BELLA!
"Edward! Edward! Baby wake up. Wake up, I'm here...shhh, I'm here."
Edward jolted awake at the sound of her voice and sat up trying find her... to touch her, to know he wasn't dreaming and that she was real. Then he felt her arms wrap around him... her scent engulf him, and his body fell back into her comforting arms, and closed his eyes in relief.
"Honey, your heart is pounding. Just breath... slowly. It was just a dream."
A dream... an awful horrible dream... she was gone... she left him... and it felt so real. He then felt the wetness in his pants and groaned that the good part of his dream caused him to act like a fucking teenage virgin. He was embarrassed and knew he had to leave her to clean up, but that was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment. So he let her comfort him... and he felt her kiss his head affectionately and dare he think... lovingly.
"What happened. What did you dream about?"
Edward shook his head because the last thing he wanted to do was scare her away. Maybe that's what his dream was telling him. That if he told her how he felt then she would run away. But as he looked into her warm chocolate eyes, he knew Bella would never desert him willingly like that. It wasn't in her nature. She was a fighter. She was stubborn and independent... and knew how to communicate.
Edward on the other hand was sucking at communication right now and needed to say something to placate her.
"I can't remember it all... but my bitchy devil ex was there making my life miserable yet again... because misery loves company I guess." It was mostly the truth. But he didn't want to tell her he dreamed about making love to her and it was be best make believe sex he had ever had.
"You were calling my name..." Bella muttered into his shoulder, almost as if she was embarrassed to admit this information... as though she were the one who had the bad dream and made a fool of herself.
"I don't remember why... but I'm glad you're still here," Edward said kissing her softly on the lips before getting out bed and heading towards the bathroom.
"Of course I'm still here. Where else would I be?" Bella chided playfully as she lay back down and closed her eyes again as Edward closed the bathroom door and lightly banged his head on the frame.
He didn't want to think about where else she would be other than lying safely in his bed, because he knew deep down inside that was where she belonged... with him.
Tomorrow, he decided he would prove it to her.