Chapter 15: Unexpected Surprise
Friday night: After the Auction
This is going better than I planned it would. But I'm surprised how long Ed is holding out. I was sure he would have thrown in the towel by half a million. Stubborn. He's always been stubborn and hates to lose.
Well we've fallen from the same tree.
I can see him from the corner of my eye. Boy does he look livid!
Carlisle leaned over to tap Edward on the shoulder, shocked and wondering at his son's involvement with Isabella that would cause him to bid so high. "Son... you're bending the silverware."
Edward looked down and realized what he was doing then looked up at Emmett with narrow hateful eyes, glaring like he wanted to skewer him with the bend fork.
I think he's figured it out, Emmett smirked and looked back to his future father-in-law.
$700,000... Fuck, it's just down to Ed and Mike now. Mike is looking very uncertain whether he should still be holding up the paddle. I need to make eye contact with him briefly hoping he sticks to the plan.
$800,000... Jesus H. Christ! I've never spent so much on a chick in my entire life. Not even on my fucking fiance!
What the hell is Eleazar saying? I'm hardly paying any attention while he rattles on and on about our game this morning on the golf course. My ass is killing me! I'm only sitting on one cheek as it is 'cause the right side is worse than the left.
Why did I leave my damn pills at home?
Esme didn't look very happy with Emmett at all for some reason. He began to wonder if she knew what he was up to...
Emmett looked over to Mike to make sure he stayed on target, then picked up the ringing cell out of his suit pocket without checking the caller ID.
"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," Esme snapped at Emmett appearing even more cross for his lack of manners.
Emmett held his hand up to her to excuse himself, since it would be worse keeping Rosie waiting. He'd never hear the end of it.
"Hang on Babe, I need to step outside," Emmett whispered, excusing himself from the table before standing up quickly to avoid his mother's death stare.
Almost instantly, Emmett heard a rupture of applause and his brother stood up from the table himself. Edward gave Emmett a victorious glance before strutting up to the stage to claim his prize.
MY PRIZE! I SAW HER FIRST DAMMIT! What the fuck just happened!
Emmett looked over to Mike enraged. He has the nerve to look bewildered and shrug at me.
Then he realized his mistake. I stood up. Fuck!
Edward arrogantly walked up to Bella like he was the King of the Universe who just broke the record of bids... which he did. It was supposed to be Emmett's secret victory and he had the nerve to dip Bella and kiss her in front of the whole crowd to rub it in his brother's face.
Emmett couldn't bare to watch anymore. He put ran his fingers through his short curly hair and pulled. Beaten at my own fucking game. He released a low growl into the receiver of his cell.
"Emmett, what is going on? It sounds like you're at a football game!"
"Hold on, I can't hear you..." Emmett grumbled as he stormed out of the ballroom and into the hallway.
"What the hell just happened? Did someone win the lottery or something?" Rosalie snapped sounding irritated for being kept in the dark.
"Yeah, something like that..." Emmett gritted through his teeth. Angry that he lost. Angry that Edward bested him once again when his plan was perfect. Angry at Mike...
I'm just fucking pissed right now!
"Emmy, talk to me. I've missed you. How are you feeling? Did you stitches come out today? Emmett McCarthy Cullen, are you still there?!"
Rosalie's voice feels like a bucket of cold water to Emmett's nerves and jolts him out of his funk.
I never understood how she could switch from being loving, to concerned, to pissed off at me in at matter of three sentences. Jesus, that's hot.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm here baby. I'm here. Jesus, I miss you . When are you coming home?"
"Awe Emmy bear. I miss you too, baby. You know my plane gets in next Friday but I'll see if I can't get back sooner. The sooner I come home, the sooner we can get started on wedding plans," Rosalie squeaked uncharacteristically in excitement.
Don't get your hopes up yet, baby. I'm not sure if there will still be a wedding. I may have to invest a bullet proof vest... for my dick.
"Yes baby, when you get back. Listen Babe, let me call you back tonight. I should get back to our family and let them know I'm leaving. I left my meds at home and I'm feeling a little... sore down there."
"Well, if I were there now I would kiss your gluteus maximums all better, baby. All. Night Long."
Fuck. She knows how to turn me on.
"Shit baby. I love it when you talk like that. Come home soon," Emmett groaned just thinking about her body and what it could do to him.
Fuck, he was engaged to this sexy siren! He was a lucky son of a bitch, who didn't deserve this goddess on the other side of the continent. She always made him come undone whenever he heard her voice.
"I will Emmy bear. Be good and I'll talk to you later honey," Rosalie cooed and they ended their call with lavish kissing sounds.
Perhaps the wedding should be on...
Fuck! I don't know anymore! Do I love her? Or do I love Bella? Is my heart speaking or my dick? I don't fucking know anymore. It's going to be a whole week until I get laid if I don't do something about it now. Then I'll have married sex the rest of my life... and my friends always complain it isn't all it's cracked up to be with their wives who are now chubby after popping out a few kids.
That's it. I need to go find Bella before Ed hogs her and steals her away from me.
Emmett made is way back to the ballroom but only saw his mother sitting by herself at their table. He wandered to the ballroom next store and heard jazz music being played and several dozen couples dancing on the dance floor and a few single ladies gossiping on the sides looking for fresh meat.
He perused the room trying to see if Bella was still at the party but stopped in his tracks when he heard a familiar voice from the past.
"Emmett Cullen, long time no see." Emmett turned around and saw Jessica Stanley, his old dance partner and one night stand, looking older and a little more heavy set then he lats remembered. She still had her curves but looked to have gained twenty some pounds since she stopped dancing and her bad eating habits finally caught up to her.
"Jess... you're looking well," he lied through his teeth and big smile, "Enjoying the evening?"
"The food was excellent. But nothing at the auction caught my attention. Care to burn the floor like the old days with her old partner?" She whispered huskily, hoping to come off as seductive.
"Actually, I'm looking for someone. You see my brother anywhere in here?" He figured Edward would be anywhere Miss Swan would be and he had every intention to try and get one dance before he left and ask to accompany her home.
Jessica tilted her chin up to look over the tall heads on the dance floor, "Edward dancing with his ex. I just saw him... oh, no wait, he's with that brunette girl now. The piano player he paid a million dollars for one date with? Ha! What a rip off," Jessica sneered and shook her head with envy as she watched the happy couple dancing and laughing on the floor. But her green face was nothing in comparison to Emmett's who looked more like a raging bull with steam coming out of his ears.
Edward was dancing with his dance partner. They had fit so well together the night of his mother's birthday party, and his brother had no idea how to lead with a talented beautiful woman such as Bella. But from the look on Bella's face, it appeared she didn't seem to care about his brother's sloppy dance steps.
He'd show him how it's done. Then Bella would see him and want to dance with him instead of Edward. He would charm her right under his nose. He still had time until Rosalie came home... but perhaps Bella would be the one he spent forever with.
Her beauty, innocence, humor, sexiness and kindness were everything a man could dream of to find in a woman. She was the whole package.
But you're engaged to Rosalie... the little angel on his shoulder whispered in his ear.
But you're not married with a ball chained to your ankle yet... said the devil in the other.
"Actually, I would love burn the floor with my old partner. Shall we show them how it's done?" Emmett said holding his hand out like a gentleman to Jessica, whose eyes lit up like the New Year's Eve ball in time square, and led her onto the dance floor.
Emmett was a strong leader, even though Jessica wasn't as light on her feet as she once was, they still managed to dance an impressive Venetian waltz which turned several heads inside the ballroom... except for the one person he was trying to impress the most.
From the looks of it, she wasn't even aware that he was dancing circles around them while her incompetent dance partner merely did a two-step from side to side. Edward appeared to be oblivious to his presence as well.
They only had eyes for each other. Completely captivated in their own little bubble for two.
Showing off his moves was getting him no where.
When the last beat of the song finished, the couple in the center of the dance floor shared a conservative but tender kiss that only lasted a few moments, but from the looks of both their faces... they were a couple devoted and in love.
Bella was falling for his brother...
"Well, played bro..." Emmett whispered to himself knowing the battle tonight was won, but the jury was still out if the war was over.
He took a second to say a brief farewell to his old partner and parents, then left a taxi back to Long Island.
Tomorrow is a new day...
It had been a glorious two days since she left New Hampshire. Bella never felt happier as she lay in Edward's strong arms feeling post-coital bliss.
Unfortunately, they realized shortly after their love making that they were still covered in bits of sand and smelled of salt water. After recuperating, they observed the damage they created; leaving a trail of sand and water marks starting from the foyer leading to the bedroom. The comforter and bed sheets were completely drenched and soiled... probably ruined.
"Perhaps we should have undressed and showered prior to jumping in bed," Bella giggled as they got up from bed to take a shower and gave up brushing off the sand from the bed.
"I wouldn't have changed a thing..." Edward smiled jocundly following her into the bathroom, then kissed her shoulder as she turned on the shower, "Well, minus the sand."
Bella turned around sensing Edward slide under the shower of hot water behind her and giggled as he comically winced, scrubbing his scalp vigorously to rinse all the sand from his hair.
"Yeah, it really gets everywhere, doesn't it?" she chuckled as pushing him a little over to the side to get wet under the shower.
Edward happily grinned looking down as he watched her grab some of the hotel shampoo into her hand and to his surprise, began using her dexterous fingers to kneed, scratch, and massage his scalp. He groaned in sheer ecstasy, feeling the pleasure travel throughout his body from her tender touch.
"You're really good at that," he moaned, right before he felt her miraculous hands leave his scalp. The water sluice through his hair pouted from the loss of her touch. He heard her musical giggle once more before he felt her turn him around to face the water, and welcomed her small, but strong hands kneading and working the defined muscles on his back, using soap suds as lubrication.
"Jesus, woman! Is there anything you can't do? God, yes. Don't stop. Ugh! Right there," he groaned as he stretched and curved his back into her amazing hands, resting both his hands on the title wall in front of him for support as the water sprayed his neck and chest.
"Feel better?" Bella cooed in between the space of muscular shoulder blades as her hands massaged down his spine to the dimples on his lower back above his muscular ass.
"Fucking. Fantastic. I'm never letting you go... ever!" he panted uncontrollably from pleasure.
First life altering sex, and now this... eloping is sounding pretty darn good right now.
He felt the vibrations from her giggles into the curve of his back, praying to God he wasn't speaking his mind out loud. Then thanked God for her incredibly soft luscious lips currently kissing his skin sensuously, thereby making his cock spring back to life in world record time.
From the look of it, he was going to be suffering from permanent erectile exasperation 24/7 around this woman. It was absolutely remarkable the way his body responded and craved her like no one ever before. Even now when she was standing no more than a few inches from him inside the shower, she was too far away.
Bella was his own personal brand of heroine. And Edward was a class A Bella addict.
To his dismay, Edward noticed that Bella had stopped just above his waist line. Probably unsure if she had permission to go down further, even after she had completely given herself to him not but half an hour ago. Of course, he had given himself to her as well, and little did she realize he wanted her everywhere. He would rectify her uncertainty, right now.
Very slowly, he turned around to face her and looked down at her shy hooded eyes and flaming cheeks, feeling the water rinse away the soap she had just massaged into his back.
"Finish what you started, Ms. Swan. I'm all yours," Edward whispered huskily leaning into her hair. His lips brushed against her forehead while his hands grabbed onto her curvaceous hips, pulling her closer to the hardness standing at attention between them.
He heard her breathing accelerate, and rejoiced internally as she bravely lathered more soap between her hands and made to touch his chest and hovered over the heat radiating off his anxious skin.
The anticipation almost killed him and his heart beat radically inside his chest, until she finally placed her palms on his pectorals.
Bella was speechless and slightly taken back by her own boldness in volunteering to wash Edward's body.
Knowing how little her experience was with men, she couldn't fathom that she was actually taking a shower with Edward Cullen. And yet, she realized there was no better way to bathe...
She was completely captivated by Edwards empyrean beauty as the water gracefully shimmered off his sculpted body. The dark auburn stubble on his face perfectly outlined his jaw and high check bones. His green eyes blazed into her own boring brown eyes, and his deep husky voice would be her undoing. And his body... God his body! Every muscle was defined and built to perfection. His lean built matching his tall frame with broad shoulders tapering down to his waist. His biceps, triceps and forearms were strong, and his abs looked so hard, you could probably scrub clothes clean on those! His ass was epic! And his legs were long and muscular... even his feet were gorgeous!
Edward's entire body was hard with soft skin. But now, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the perfect "V" below his navel and between his hips which led to the most perfect gift God could have bestowed upon a man. And damn, if he didn't know how to use it!
Bella could find no flaws... the man before her was like an Adonis who had just made earth shattering. passionate love to her.
And he just said "he's all mine!" Hallelujah!
Bella needed to feel connected to him. To touch him again and again. She wanted to give him pleasure to thank him, in some small measure. for giving her the chance to worship his immaculate body.
Her eyes could not help but come face to face with Edward's impressive length, ironically poking her stomach like a child begging for attention. She couldn't help gasping, and silently thanking every deity known to man, for Edward awe-inspiring cock.
But first things first...
Slowly and surely, finding confidence somehow deep within, she raised her hands and began lathering Edward's pectorals down to his abs and obliques with the hotel provided soap. Finally, reaching his waist once again, she felt Edward's body close the distance between them. Leaning forward once again and pleaded hoarsely into her hair, "Touch me, Bella..."
He needed her desperately. Edward wasn't aware that he was holding his breath the entire time her hands memorized every inch of his body... until they reached the his aching member.
In several quick huffs, he breathed into her hair and squeezed her hips tightly as she gently reached and touched his impatient cock. He practically bucked over as she slowly and steadily stroked and pulled the loose flesh on his throbbing sex, causing him to gasp and moan.
"Fuck, baby. Yeah," he hissed through his teeth.
The two orgasms he has previously felt while they were in bed were by far the best he had had in a long fucking time. In fact, it never felt so good before and he wasn't used to feeling so insatiable with his sexual partners after the act. But that's probably due to the fact that Bella meant more to him than all the others combined... she was the ideal lover he had been searching for his whole life.
And she was currently giving him a... wait! No!
"Aw, no! Baby, please don't stop. Please!" Edward whined as Bella's hands moved on to other parts of his body. Teasing him by gripping his ass around his waist, intentionally neglecting his erection that could stop a freight train at 60 mph. With an adorable giggle her wandering fingers continued to wash him.
He could tell she was deliberately trying to get him all worked up.
Well, it was fucking working!
"So that's how it's going to be, Ms. Swan?" Edward drawled, enjoying the excitement in Bella's eyes as she continued to scrub the rest of this body with soap. Her extreme sexiness raised his libido through the roof and he could no longer resist her.
"I think I need to demonstrate—" he grabbed her wrists and spun her around so she was underneath the hot spray of water, "what it feels like to not finish what you start..."
A wolfish grin spread across his face as he saw the cunning smile disappear from her lips. He reached for the bar of soap without breaking eye contact created a lather between his hands. Very slowly he stalked forward as Bella crept backwards, finally hitting the tile wall. She was like a cornered animal, filled with a combination of fear and excitement.
Knowing his prey had no where else to go, he crouched down in front of her while keeping eye contact with her, slightly conveying what he planned to do to her.
"I think we'll start here. Lift your foot for me baby."
She obeyed by lifting her right foot onto his knee and tried to keep her knees from buckling when she felt him massage her foot, calves, and thighs with his soapy hands.
He lowered her right leg, and started on the left, always stopping right before he reached her dripping sex. She closed her eyes, moaning and writhing along the cold tile on the back wall as Edward worshiped her lower body. Then suddenly her eyes sprang open and felt herself cry out spontaneously as she felt Edward's talented lips start to kiss and suck on her sex in the most awe-inspiring way. Her breathing increased and her ability to remain standing was becoming more and more of a challenge. His tongue licked and penetrated as his hands continued to roam and explore while washing her flat stomach.
She felt the tickling vibrations from his moans when she aptly pulled his hair, and felt his teeth nip at her clit. She was so close... so so close... and then... he stopped.
No, no, no, no!
Bella writhed and whined as her impending orgasm melted away and looked down to see Edward looking back up at her with a devilish grin.
Cruelly, Edward stood up and took a step back right before she was able to her climax, thinking to himself that revenge never tasted sweeter. He also knew that his self control could only be contained for so long, especially when she looked at him thus; like he was a delectable juicy steak.
"Dear God," Edward groaned right before giving up and pressing his body urgently against hers. He couldn't resist her, which meant his self-control lasted all of three seconds!
Quickly, he wrapped his arms around her and crashed his mouth against hers, devouring her lips. Bending his knees slightly, he rubbed his hard sex along the length of her ready core, and twisted her around to the side wall so the water could rinsed both of their soapy bodies.
Bella found it difficult to remain standing as her knees practically buckled from the weight of emotions emanating from her body. Edward's engorged hardness stroked her pussy between her thighs as his lips hungrily kissed and sucked the water off her neck and chest.
"Jesus, Bella. You're incredible," Edward grunted has his large hands gripped and squeezed her resplendent ass, greedily pulling her closer into his body.
She was overwhelmed as she felt his large strong hands moving eagerly long the sides of her body, caressing and lathering her skin while owning her mouth.
When Edward's hands made contact with her breasts, he pinched and rolled the tips of her nipples with his finger tips. Savoring the shape and weight of her amazing tits.
He could tell the sensation in her breasts traveled directly to her core like a bolt of lightning, making Bella cry out and rest her head on his chest. Edward chose then to feel her sex dripping with desire with his right hand.
Bella couldn't stop the cries when she felt his ingenious hands travel down her ribs to her lower abdomen, until he finally reached the apex of her burning core.
Edward's lips were insistently nibbling along her neck as her panting sounded like a locomotive. She grasped his shoulders for support as his greedy fingers felt along the softness of her soaked pussy.
"Baby!" Edward cried out when he felt her small hand grip his cock between them again. She sucked on his ear lobe driving him further making him insane, that's when he knew he would not win this little seduction game of theirs... "Isabella, I need you. Now!"
"Yes," she gasped as he entered her with a slight adjustment to his height, and easily lifted her light body with his arms under her thighs, propping her up against the tile wall.
She was so tight, he was finding it difficult to not burst the second he felt her walls encompassing his length inside her.
He smiled against her cheek, when she commented on his size since she felt a little sore from their first round less than an hour ago.
"I'll go slow baby. I don't want to hurt you," he smiled benevolently at her before kissing her lips and slowly grinding inside her, with her pelvis resting on top of his.
Bella moaned in ecstasy as Edward filled her completely. She dropped her head onto his shoulder, nuzzling his neck and whispered vulnerably into his wet skin, "Oh—you feel so—God Edward... don't let me go..."
Bella's sudden plea made him stop moving for a moment to think about what she could possibly mean. What is a plea not to drop her... or to never let her go at all? Both options where doable. He never wanted her to leave him. She belonged to him now... but that did mean he shouldn't let her go if it what was in her best interest for her career... for her future. He would sacrifice his happiness for hers in a heartbeat... no matter how much it would hurt him to let her go.
Choosing the safer meaning he leaned back and glanced at her deep brown eyes, "Don't worry, baby. I got you." Then he kissed her soft lips, feeling her hands slide from his shoulders to the back of his neck.
He couldn't restrain himself any longer, he had to move inside her. Very carefully he held her against the wall and started pumping slowly and firmly inside her. Their mouths opened and fought for dominance. Finally, Edward coerced Bella to surrender all the control to him and allowed him to possess her body completely.
He wouldn't be able to last much longer with the emotions running wild and pouring into Bella with every thrust of his hips. She hardly weighed like anything at all... so it was no task to pick up speed as the pressure inside his stomach twisted and grew in intensity.
Edward growled carnally through his teeth as he was on the precipice of release. He pulled his head back, releasing her lips to watch Bella come undone as a result of their love making. The trust and love within her eyes scorched into his dark soul.
She was innocent... loving, kind, compassionate... he didn't deserve her. Someone so good couldn't possible belong to him. It hurt to look at her, she was so beautiful.
"I'm yours, Edward. All yours," Bella whispered tenderly. It was as though she could read his mind. Knowing he was questioning his worth, but she was right there with him to confirm what he longed to hear.
"Yes, baby. I know," he said against her luscious lips as his tempo increased and he finally felt her body start to convulse and cry out in pleasure. "Yes, love. Let me hear you! Give in to me Bella! Come on!" he shouted out as her cries grew even louder until finally she exploded around him and he felt her pussy milking he cock like he never felt before, and it was his undoing.
His release was so powerful, he could barely stand up, let alone support the extra weight of the woman in his arms; no matter how light she was.
They panted into each other's necks, with hearts pounding, and ears ringing. Eventually, Bella unwrapped her legs from around Edward's body and easily slid down using the water as lubrication.
"Wow..." Edward sighed after a long exhale and smiling back at the satisfied look on his love's face.
"Indeed. I think it's ironic that I feel the need to get clean again while I'm still inside the shower," Bella laughed and saw Edward's shoulders shaking along with her. "That's a first," she said turning her back to Edward to reach for the shampoo.
"The first of many if I have anything to say about it," Edward whispered in her ear and felt her body tremble. "Actually, come to think of it, I do I have something to say about it... for at least another 65 dates—" he smiled and ducked as Bella's looked aghast slapping to his shoulder with nervous laughter.
The rest of Saturday went by rather quickly it seemed. After their shower they left for the carnival and rode some of the rides... all except the Ferris wheel, which Edward shot down immediately. Not even giving Bella the opportunity to use her favorite weapon on him, the infamous puppy face
They had dinner at one of the booths that sold all sorts of junk food. They each had hamburgers and fries which Bella insisted on paying for, or else they would go home.
Bella could be awfully stubborn when she put her mind to it, but luckily she was never unreasonable. And she always had an answer for everything... her wit and smart mouth reminded him of himself. But her kindness and generosity reminded him of his mother.
Edward observed first hand that Bella was very philanthropic and compassionate, with a soft spot for the homeless and animals. (Especially the homeless with animals.)
After returning from the restroom at the carnival, he saw her giving the rest of her food and snacks away to a raged old bag lady with a swollen or infected leg, he wasn't sure, and a German Shepard sitting loyally by her side.
He stopped and watched the scene as Bella let the animal smell her hand before she reached out to pet him and give him water from her own Avon bottle. She couldn't hear what they were saying but saw the care worn woman laugh from something Bella had said, and Bella gave the old dog the rest of her hot dog as he ate it in one bite.
Bella stood up and put her hand on the old woman who looked at her with just a warm thankful expression, but was ready to refuse what Edward thought was money from Bella's back pocket, but instead was a card of some sort.
The old woman glanced at it with surprise and uncertainty, as if it were about to bite her... then a smile spread across her wrinkled face. Bella pat the dog one last time then stood up and looked up at Edward as if she sensed him staring at her and made her way over to him.
When she excused herself to go wash her hands inside the restroom Edward went and bought her another hot dog, and more snacks and held them up to her when she returned.
She barked out laughing and shook her head at him, but didn't complain as they continued their walk through the crowd.
"Out of curiosity, what did you give the old woman back there?" he asked while trying to subtly grab her hand while they admired the venders on the street.
Bella smiled, ignoring his obvious desire for affection since she didn't wish to unman him, "Just a business with a number for her to call if she needed a job and a place to stay," Bella shrugged as she admired a turquoise necklace with her free hand.
"She lost her job and her husband last year with no pension or family to support her. They completely turned her away. All she has left is Liam," Edward scrunched his brow in confusion, "Her dog."
Edward nodded, suddenly feeling sorry that he didn't offer to help the old woman who obviously wasn't the typical beggar who only wanted money to feed an addiction.
"You learned all that in five minutes, huh?" Edward marveled at the amazing woman standing next to him who probably had no idea that she probably made that woman's year by stopping to talk to her.
But she brushed it off as though it were something any normal or decent person would have done... and yet she was the only one who had. She truly was a selfless and good person. He could learn a lot from someone like her.
"You know, the world could do with a lot more Bellas," Edward whispered into her ear before kissing her temple affectionately. He saw the modest blush spread from her cheeks down her creamy chest.
"Ironically, you're not the first person to have told me that," Bella teased, with mocking self-confidence.
"Is that so?" Edward crooked one eyebrow with disapproval, "Well, whether or not it has been said before, I will always have the original Bella to myself. I'm not too keen on sharing you..." he grumbled playfully, watching the surprise spread across her bright face from his admission... then artfulness.
"Well, we'll just have to work on that, Mr. Cullen," she lowered her lids feigning nonchalant with a single shrug before turning away from him only to be stopped with both of his hands on her shoulder pulling her back into his chest.
"Good luck with that, Ms. Swan," he growled huskily into her ear before placing a single nip on her lobe, then walking away as if nothing had happened.
Bella stood completely shocked and affected by Edwards words. She wanted him again, right now... crowded boardwalk or not. Getting arrested... no big deal. As long as they shared a cell.
Shit, what was he doing to her?
They left the hotel on Coney Island around midnight. They were completely exhausted when they returned to CCC and the 40th floor, that they merely stripped and pulled the sheets back before falling asleep.
On Sunday morning, Edward woke up and realized that he has once again slept in to 9AM with Bella resting peacefully on his chest. He was so happy he couldn't bare to wake her, so he simply watched her as she slept. Her breathing slow and steady. Her eye lashes full and gracefully resting on her rosy cheeks. But it was her mouth that called to him.
Her lips were curled slightly making it seem as though she went to sleep with a smile. The thought made it impossible for Edward to resist kissing her any longer.
Very gently, he brushed his lips against hers, softer than a butterfly's wings, eventually pressing a little harder.
He felt her lips curl into an actual smile before opening slightly to grab his upper lip between hers. Edward sighed deeply in his chest, pulling her even tighter to his body, knowing that she was fully awake now and kissing him back.
Unable to resist her any longer he rolled her on to her back so that he could position himself between her legs and relished the warmth of her smooth body. Their mouths became desperate and needy as their hands pulled, tugged, and stroked each other.
Without any further communication, Edward gripped her panties and pulled them down her legs in one swift motion. Once free of the barriers, Bella hooked her legs around his waist pulling him down even closer against her body. He was so thankful that they had worn so little to bed last night as he positioned himself at her ready entrance and released her lips to ask permission with one slight glance.
When their eyes met, green to brown, he eased his way inside her. Finally feeling completeness once again, they moved together watching each others facial expressions and short gasps of pleasure.
He wondered if he would ever be able to sleep alone again, while Bella arched her back trying her best not scream.
All Bella could think of at the moment, was when it would be an ideal time to tell the man making love to her in his kind size bed, that she loved him... that she was in love with him... perhaps now...
"Edward, I—" she gasped grabbing his face with her hands. God, now... it has to be now. But Jesus, she couldn't catch her breath!
"Edward!" she cried out uncontrollably as his hips pounded harder and faster, filling her so completely.
"God, Bella!" Edward grunted, unable to stop the boiling sensation insides his stomach, and the warmth spreading through his body.
Shit, he loved her so much. This was the only way he knew how to tell her... to show her how much she meant to him. This was just fucking... no... he'd never fucked her. But he could no longer control his body anymore.
He was so close, then he heard her call out his name, and he was done for. Her beautiful voice spread through him like a tidal wave, causing his body to convulse and spasm when he finally released his seed inside her.
Her walls collapsed around him when she screamed his name one final before he shattered on top of her. Her sweet pussy still milking and squeezing him so deliciously, he couldn't bare to move or be parted from her as he tried to catch his breath and slow down his pulse.
Their bodies were moist from their sweat. Their chests were heaving from exhaustion and there veins were full of adrenaline.
"Bella," Edward whispered adoringly as he nuzzled her neck and kissed her jaw. He felt her fingers delicately stroking his spine, causing shivers to travel down his body.
Bella giggled when she felt him shutter. Edward lifted his head to playfully scowl at her in disapproval for laughing at him. She caressed his face so lovingly, feeling the scratchy stubble on his jaw. She looked like she was about to speak when her cell phone rang loudly across the room on the kitchen table.
They both groaned and immediately felt bereft as Edward pulled his sated cock from her sex. Then Edward rolled off to his side of the bed, allowing her to get up.
"Who is it?" he groaned disdainfully aware that they could only escape the outside world for so long.
"I don't know this number," Bella pressed the green button and answered politely.
"Hello?"
"Hey there, Cricket! Long time no see!"
Oh my God...
"Emmett... hi," Bella said awkwardly and looked up at the bed to see Edward bolt upright on the mattress and whisper angrily.
"What does he want?" he hissed through his teeth heatedly. Bella shrugged and turned around so not be intimidated by Edward's wrath.
"What's up, Em?" Bella said nervously and heard Emmett chuckle on the phone.
"Not much. Just wanted to see what you were up to today. We haven't hung out since the party and I hardly got the chance to see you after the auction the other night..."
Bella could feel Edward before she heard him, "Let me talk to him," she saw his hand held out for the phone with a hard scowl gracing his handsome face. Bella narrowed her eyes at him and turned her shoulder to walk away for some privacy.
"Is Edward there with you now?" She could hear Emmett's voice go up in surprise at the end of his question.
"Yes, Edward is here. I've been with him since we left the fundraiser." Bella turned around to see the hard expression on Edward's face but was suddenly distracted by his immaculate naked body. She turned around again to hide her ridiculous blush.
"I see... he didn't waste anytime cashing in his date, did he?" Bella heard Emmett's amused voice conceal a dash of hurt, and it made her blanch. She knew she had to end this once and for all.
"So you spend the night with him then?" The resignation in his tone of voice was clear, and Edward's possessive growl on the other side of the island made her look back at him with a wary expression.
"Yes," she whispered embarrassed to admit it, but not sorry.
"What the fuck is he saying? Give me the dame phone, Bella!" He was getting more and more agitated that he couldn't hear what his brother said to her that made her face drop like that.
"Ooh, someone is getting jealous," Emmett teased causing Bella to smirk as she looked at Edward's boiling expression. "So tell me, doll face, are you and my brother an item now?" Emmett no longer sounded upset, in fact, it sounded like he approved of the idea.
"I hope so," Bella looked directly into Edwards confused eyes, and that look made Edward stop his tantrum and stare back at her pleading to let him in on what was going on.
"Well I know for a fact that he's crazy about you. So tell me now if you feel the same way..."
Bella whispered still staring into Edward's eyes as though she were confessing this directly to him, "Yes, I'm crazy about him..."
And that did it. Edward stopped glaring and his face softened immediately. She has just confessed to his pig-headed brother that she was crazy about him. Crazy... just like how he was acting in front of her right now. He didn't know what he had expected his brother to say to her to try and steal her away from him... but instead he got a downright confession out of her.
What the fuck was going on?
"Good. I'm happy for you both. Really. Edward deserves to be happy, and I know you're the right girl to give it to him. Listen, I was still hoping we could hang out sometime and talk. Don't care when, but I'd really like to get to know the girl who turned by brother's world upside down. What do you say?"
Bella smiled and finally broke eye contact with Edward's stunned but happy expression, and agreed that she would see him when they returned home today.
"Great. Pass the phone to my bro, would ya? I need to tell him something," Bella finally held the phone out to Edward who took it humbly from her and turned his back so she couldn't see the confusion on his face.
"Yes?"
"She's yours, okay. But I swear to God if you hurt her you will have me to deal with, understood?" Edward was shocked to hear the protective words for Bella come from his brother, like she had been more than just some conquest to him. Finally, he was able to put this war between them to rest.
"Understood, brother."
"Good. When are you coming back?" The instant change in his tone was surprising and Edward ran his fingers through his air thanks to his brother's mood swings.
"We'll be home in a few hours. I'm going to show her the EC today," he smiled with pride knowing that Bella was going to love the surprise he had for her today.
"Well don't put all your cookies in one basket. Or you'll have nothing left to impress her with," Emmett joked, knowing full well that he had done the same time to impress girls on the first or second date.
"Noted. See you later, Em."
"Oh and by the way... you might wish to hide the Times article from Bells until tomorrow. In fact, don't let her read any newspaper today."
"What are you talking about?"
"I won't say anymore because I know you're going to repeat what I say, then Bella will hear. So trust me, I'm doing you a favor for once. Catch ya later!"
Edward heard the line go dead and he wasn't sure if he should be thanking Emmett for unexpectedly approving of his relationship with Bella, or if he should give him a punch in the nose for being so obtuse.
But despite everything that had happened in the last 48 hours, Edward felt the weight in his chest lift instantly, and the love for his brother return with a vengeance as though it never left.
Perhaps it never had... he had just been so angry with him that everything had been put on hold until this very moment. He looked up to see Bella staring at him with a smile, her arms crossed over her chest and leaning against the counter still naked as the day she was born.
"Are you mad at me?" she looked confident but her voice gave her away. She couldn't tell from his expression if he was surprised or upset.
"Not at all," he said, finally smiling at her and putting the phone on the counter while making his way over to in the kitchen.
"So... you're crazy about me, huh?" he drawled with a crooked grin spreading across his face.
She eyed him warily and rested her hands on his forearms when he gripped her hips.
"Yes. Because you drive me crazy," she raised her eye brow haughtily at him, knowing that he know what she truly meant.
"Well... for the record—" he leaned over and said against the corner of her mouth, "you drive me crazy, too. In fact, I could admit that you drive me absolutely wild," he moaned into the side of her mouth as he pushed his hips into hers, allowing his growing erection to stand at attention between them.
"Wild, huh?" she moaned, and dipped her head back as she felt him kiss and nibble at her jaw with his teeth. "How wild?"
"Insane."
At that moment he picked her up over his shoulder as she released a small squeak from surprise. Then Edward tossed Bella onto the bed and fell on top of her with his hands on either side of her head.
"Allow me to demonstrate just how insane I am..." he wiggled his eyebrows at her comically, then he silenced her laughter with a kiss.
Around eleven o'clock, they both got off Edward's motorcycle in front of the shipyard and took their helmets off on the sidewalk.
"What are we doing at the pier? Are we going on a boat?" Bella asked curiously looking down the dock wondering which one belonged to the Cullens.
"A boat of some kind. Come on. I want to introduce you to EC," Edward smiled taking Bella's hand in his own and leading her down the street to the next dock.
They passed dozens of sail boats, floating smoothing on the docks, but they were nearing the end where the boats were steadily getting bigger and bigger. Finally, Bella saw tied to the end of the dock was the largest, most beautiful yacht she had ever seen. Of course... the initials for Esme Cullen.
"A ten-year anniversary gift from my father to my mother. They've traveled all over the coast with this beauty. But today we only have time to sail around Ellis Island and back. You ready for the tour?" The boyish excitement in Edward's eyes was contagious and reminded her of a youthful more carefree Edward that she was coming to know and love.
"Lead the way, Captain," Bella saluted and followed him up the gangplank.
"Welcome aboard the EC, Mr. Cullen, Ms. Swan. She's all set for her journey whenever you'd like to take off, sir."
"That will do, Ben. We're all ready when you are. Bella this is Benjamin Mubarak, the current captain of the EC and our tour guide for today."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mubarak," Bella said politely shaking his hand and was surprised when he turned her palm up to kiss the back of her hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, and please... call me Ben," Ben smiled as Bella blushed from his charm and the handsome features of his face. His eyes were big and dark with tan skin and jet black air with a bright kind smile.
"Alright. Alright..." Edward grumbled, "Now that you've charmed my girlfriend, Captain... do you think you could ask the kitchen to have our lunch prepared on the roof deck in one hour?"
Girlfriend! Holy cow! That was unexpected... Bella thought as her eyes bugged out of her head, hoping that her reacting wasn't noticed by either of the gentlemen.
Bella looked up then and saw Ben knowingly smile at her, and his good nature remain in tact even with Edward's clipped sentences and cold demeanor since the introduction. Ben agreed to let them know about lunch as soon as possible, and patted Edward cordially on the back before turning around to leave, then disappeared inside the cabin.
"Another friend of yours, I take it?" Bella smirked at Edward's jealous behavior with a friend who was obviously just trying to tease him, and when Edward looked back at her his good mood seemed to automatically improve when they were alone once again.
"Yes. Let me show you around," Edward took her hand and lead her inside the most luxurious thing floating on water she had ever seen in her entire life. It was like a floating mansion... no, it was a floating mansion.
Naturally, she realized she shouldn't have been surprised. The Cullens only had the best, and Edward was no exception.
"How much is it costing you taking me out on this boat for the afternoon? I have seen five different people so far pass by in uniforms. How many staff members are on this ship?" Bella blanched as she saw another person come out... six.
"Well that would depend on the number of guests aboard, but typically we have a staff of sixteen who run the yacht for cruises and events and such.
"Sixteen! Edward you're breaking the rules again! I said to please not spend anymore money on me," Bella groaned, completely frustrated by the man standing next to her as they watched the boat slowly drift away from the dock.
"Well, that's the catch isn't it? Technically, this cruise is on my parents. Carlisle gave us permission to use it for our date since I had already paid a ridiculous amount just to spend time with you. Ironically, I think I unintentionally showed everyone that night just how much you mean to me... literally," Edward chuckled at his little joke, being joined in by Bella as she gazed over the starboard side watching the water contemplatively.
"Hey... what wrong?" Edward wrapped his arms around her stomach standing behind her while Bella's hands rest on railing.
"Are you mad at me?" Thankfully she shook her head signaling that she wasn't mad at him but she still didn't answer. He couldn't understand what changed her mood so quickly, then heard her soft voice speak,
"I'm never going to be able to reciprocate any of things you give to me. I have nothing I can offer you except myself, and it seems so unfair to you—"
"—I don't want anything but you, baby. Don't ever think you're not enough, because that's not true. You're different from anyone else I've ever been with. Just the fact that you want to give me things is more than anyone else as ever offered to do.
"The women I used to go with only knew how to take from me, and I let them because I only wanted one thing with them. Afterwards, I moved on because I didn't want a relationship with any of those shallow, conceded, plastic gold diggers. They used me, and I used them. Plain and simple. I'm not proud of it." His voice was soft as he rested his chin on top of Bella head. It was easier confessing this past to her when he couldn't see he disappointment her eyes for the way he used to be.
"Edward—"
"Bella all I ask from you is your time... and patience. I'm not perfect. I've done some shitty things in my past..."
"Like what? Why do you think so little of yourself?" Bella pulled away to look up at Edward's pained face and furrowed brow.
Is now the time I confess to her why she's here with me now? Because I'm a deceitful, selfish ass and you're too good for the likes of me. But he lost his nerve the second he saw her innocent beautiful face. He couldn't lose her. But he could at least warn her.
"I'm not good, Isabella. I've done horrible things... like I am now. I don't deserve to be with someone as wonderful as you. But damn it, if I can't help myself—" he crashed his mouth to hers and felt her surrender herself to him. She was so trusting with him... the way she allowed him to possess her so completely. He couldn't get enough.
Edward slowed the kiss down and kissed the side of her head, bringing her close to his chest.
"I want you to tell me... everything, Edward. We can't move forward if you're unwilling to open up to me. I don't care what you've done, because it's in the past. I care about you now; and right now I know you're good. I know you're worth loving. Don't let anyone else tell you different," she leaned back and placed her palm to his freshly shaved cheek.
"How do you know I'm worth—" he couldn't say the word to her, "If you knew—if told you I—" no, no! He couldn't. She'd run from him and never look back. He loved her so much and he wanted to keep her with him for as long as possible.
"I know your worth loving because... because—" she couldn't look at him... if she did, she would lose her nerve, "I've... fallen for you."
Sweet Jesus... Edward's mouth gaped open and his throat constricted so not even saliva could pass through.
His heart was beating furiously inside his chest, and he knew for a fact, that it was due to Isabella Swan that he was having a fucking heart attack right now. His breathing accelerated. He was having a panic attack on top of a heart attack! It was only Bella's voice that seemed to keep from from collapsing on the spot.
"Hey, shh... it's alright. It's okay. I've got you, shhh, I've got you."
The weight of the emotion inside his chest brought him down to his knees. Guilt. Fear. Happiness. Passion. Love. Fuck, so much love.
"Fuck, Bella. Bella... just... don't..." he didn't know what he was trying to say. But apparently she did.
"It's okay. I'm here. Calm down... it's alright, baby," she groaned, squeezing him tighter.
Jesus, he needed to hear that. He needed her reassurance and her arms wrapped around him holding him together. His frame completely engulfed hers, as they stood on the deck, not paying attention to anything but each other. The warm wind blew their hair, and the ocean spray brought back sense memories of them coming together for the first time yesterday afternoon.
It all happened so fast.
After almost thirty years of never falling in love and thinking he was never going to find it because his life never slowed down... she was finally here within his grasp. She was keeping him from falling apart and making a complete fool of himself. Edward didn't know how to deal with these emotions. He felt as though he might combust.
"No, don't let go..." he panicked the moment her grip on him loosened, but she was still there holding him as tightly as ever.
"You're heart is racing," Bella whispered into his chest as Edward rested his cheek on top her head.
"It's been that way since my mother's birthday, and whenever you're near. It feels like I'm having a heart attack," Edward winced as though in pain and held Bella even closer as he bestowed several kisses on her brow.
Bella looked up at Edward and saw the fear in his eyes from her admission, but his actions convinced her that he felt the same, or at least very strongly for her. When their eyes met, she knew he felt the same, but wasn't ready to tell her yet. She didn't understand why he was afraid, but perhaps over time he would confide in her the reason for his panic.
"You're so beautiful," Edward marveled at the woman he held in his arms, and sealed it with a reverent kiss. They both heard a throat clearing behind then and Edward looked over Bella's shoulder to see who had disturbed them.
"Sorry, for the intrusion Mr. Cullen, but there is a call for Ms. Swan on the bridge," one of the staff members announced.
"Thank you, Harry," Edward said gruffly then looked down at Bella's puzzled expression.
"Why didn't they call our phones?" Bella reached back in her pocket and realized her cell phone was in her purse on the sofa on the second deck and on her. "Crap, I left it downstairs," she muttered.
"We best not keep whoever needed to contact you waiting. Come on, this way," Edward took her hand and led her towards the front of the yacht onto the bridge. Edward was actually thankful for the interruption. He needed time to pull himself together and think about what his next course of action will be.
He had successfully made Isabella Swan fall in love with him... but little did she know that he had fallen in love with her first. He just wasn't as brave or in the proper frame of mind to admit it to her or anyone else at this time.
He needed to come clean... or not. Perhaps he wouldn't have to. Only himself, Jasper, and Alice knew of the plot to distract Bella from Emmett... and Emmett raise the white flag this morning so there was no danger anymore.
It could be as though the plan never happened.
Bella walked onto the bridge and saw the captain at the helm surrounded by a hundred or so gadgets, switches, and navigation tools. It was very impressive. Then Captain Ben pointed to the phone off the receiver on a dash-board and Bella answered it hesitantly.
"Hello?"
"Hello Pumpkin!"
"Daddy! Where are you? How did you know where I was?" Bella asked excitedly and nervously looking back at Edward who seemed to relax once he heard it was Charlie on the line.
"We just got back. Mrs. Cullen said you were still out with Edward and gave me the number for the family yacht. I tried your phones three times, I was worried about you... when I saw the paper."
"What paper?" Bella asked looking out over the ocean but saw Edward tense in the corner of her eye and looked back to see that he looked worried again.
What was he keeping from her?
"I'm guessing you haven't see it, then. Some paparazzi have been following you both around since the fundraiser on Friday. There's a whole story about in the Sunday times. You made the front page..." Charlie said sounding a bit uncomfortable over the phone.
"WHAT!" Bella shouted unintentionally, still looking at Edward who appeared to look slightly guilty.
"You knew about this?" she accused Edward who put his hands up in defense.
"I haven't seen it yet, but Emmett told me about it over the phone this morning. He recommended that you wait to see it when we got back... I'm not sure why." The look of concern on his face made her anger at him slowly ebb away and she turned back to her father on the phone.
"What does it show on the front page, Dad?"
"Um... I'll let you see it for yourself sweetheart. It's nothing bad, but it does suggest that you and Edward are now together. Is that true?"
Bella paused for a moment, not certain if she wanted to break this new to her father over the telephone, but now there really was no other option.
"Yes, Dad. We are." Bella glanced back at Edward amorously. Edward couldn't resist coming closer and putting his hands around her waist to pull her back into his chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder affectionately, but secretly wished to hear what they were saying.
"I see. Will you put Mr. Cullen on the phone please?"
"Dad..." Bella said uncertainly which Charlie assured her that he wasn't going to rile him over the phone.
Bella twisted in Edward's arms and held the phone up to him, "He would like to speak to you," she said warily watching Edwards expression carefully.
Suddenly it seemed their roles were reversed, and it was the first time Edward actually looked uneasy speaking to her father... his chauffeur.
"Hello Sw... Mr. Swan," Edward corrected instantly since his usual address to Charlie was strictly his last name to save time, but now he wanted to show respect to his girl's father. This was certainly awkward to say the least.
"You may address me as Charlie for informal occasions, Mr. Cullen."
"Then please call me Edward, Charlie. I would like to seem less impersonal from now on," Edward assured him.
"Very well, Edward. I was wondering if you would be interested in joining our family tonight for a casual supper tonight at our apartment. I trust you've shown my little girl since I've been away, and I have the pictures in the paper as proof of that. But I must tell you as a father and not as an employee, if you hurt my little girl we will have problems. Are we clear young man?"
For the first time in his life, Edward felt nervous and a little intimidated speaking to Charlie, who had always treated him as his superior. Now that their roles were reversed in this circumstance, he was sure this dinner would be uncomfortable. Especially since Bella's 'family' as she called them, all worked for him as well.
But he knew that he dare not refuse... he walked away for a moment to the other side other bridge, "It would be an honor to have dinner with your family, Charlie. And I understand completely; I will not take your words lightly. She means the world to me. I want nothing but her happiness and what's best for her."
At his words, Charlie seemed to relax and divulged one more bit of information, "Very well. One more thing. Would you be so kind to have her home by four o'clock this evening. Tell her there's a surprise waiting at home for her if she gives you any lip." Edward could hear Charlie chuckle over the line. Obviously, her father knew how stubborn and headstrong his daughter could really be.
"I shall indeed, sir. Thank you, and we will see you this afternoon. Goodbye," Edward said politely handing the phone back to a smiling Bella.
"I guess I'm seeing you this afternoon, then?" Bella smirked while looking up at Edward who went back to being his normal charming, carefree self. It seemed the talk with Charlie was a good idea after all.
"That's right, pumpkin. We'll see you then. We have lots to discuss." Charlie hinted of course towards a conversation about Edward which Bella was not to keen on having.
"Okay. Bye Dad."
She hung up and saw that Edward had left the bridge so she went in search of him in this ginormous ship. Yacht... whatever.
She spotted him at the port bow of the ship and followed his line of vision to Ellis Island where the Statue of Liberty stood tall and majestic. Bella walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek in the center of his back, simply needing to be close to him.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes. Very," she sighed but she wasn't even looking at the sights. She was too happy cuddling with him and breathing in the salty sea air combined with his sandalwood citrus scent. Something that was completely Edward. She then felt his slightly laughter shaking his body.
"I have, too, you know..." Edward murmured softly, almost too low to hear what he had said, but she felt and heard the words vibrating through his back, and it was enough to lift her head and ask him what he meant.
She moved to the side so she could see his handsome profile and saw a contemplative and serene expression on his face. "I've... fallen... for you too," he whispered with a furrowed brow... too nervous to look down and see the wonder imprinted on her face.
"I know..." Bella smiled as Edward looked down at her in surprise.
"How?"
"Well... let's just say... you've already told me so," she turned her head away from his startled expression to look out at the island, and Edward of course took the bait.
"Wait a minute. Wha—I don't remem—When?" He turned her to face him anxiously waiting for an answer. Feeling a mixture of embarrassment and relief which was utterly confusing to him. Nothing he'd ever felt before.
"Remember you had a nightmare Friday night?" Edward nodded as saw Bella's face morph from arrogantly playful to compassionate.
"Well you... talked. You said my name a few times... then muttered something that sounded like, 'I love you Bella'. Then almost right after you started screaming 'no' several times, and that's when I woke you up. When I realized it was a nightmare..." Bella admitted looking down at her hands shyly, only to have Edward's finger hook under her chin and lift her mouth up to his.
"Bella you were the dream part. I hate to admit that I lied to you when I said I didn't remember the dream because I didn't want to admit what it was about. I was embarrassed..."
"Its' okay," Bella brushed it away. "What as the nightmare part about?"
"You were with me one moment, then it was my bitchy ex, Tanya. I tried looking for you, but you were gone. You'd left me," Edward winced in pain from the memory of how that felt when he couldn't find her.
"I'm right here. I promise you I'll only go away if you tell me to, otherwise you're stuck with me Mr. Cullen," Bella smiled and went up on her toes to kiss the side of his mouth.
"I'll hold you to that Ms. Swan," he mumbled before pressing his lips tenderly to hers and remained in physical contact with her for the remainder of the cruise.
"So what exactly is so important that we had to come back home by four o'clock?" Bella asked as they got out of the taxi and paid the driver.
"Honey, I told you I'm just the messenger. He wanted you delivered by four 'cause he has some surprise for you... oh, and he invited me to join you for a family dinner tonight," Edward smirked watching the surprise spread across her face.
"You're coming to a family dinner? At my place? Above the garage?" Bella's voice went higher and higher in pitch because the idea that Edward Cullen would ever subject himself to a family dinner with her father, Sue, Peter, Charlotte, Maria, Marcus, and Aro is more than she ever expected for him to do after only their second date... technically.
"That's the plan. Is that a problem?" he asked warily grabbing her hips and raising his eyebrows at her.
"No of course not. It's just..." she laughed once and shook her hand, "I'm just going to apologize now for whatever they do or say tonight and hope to God you survive the interrogation."
"So this won't just be a private dinner with your dad, I take it..."
"Not if Charlie said 'family dinner,' that would meant the whole crew. If it's just myself, Charlie and Sue it would just be called 'dinner.'" Bell patted him strongly on the shoulder, "I wish you luck," she nodded her head once and heard Edward laugh at her hopeless expression and cupped her cheek affectionately.
"I need to go upstairs a do some work before dinner tonight. Would it be too much to ask if I requested you don't read the Times until after dinner so we could go through it together?" Edward threw in his green-eyed puppy face for good measure, which of course worked on Bella every time.
Bella sighed heavily looking dismayed that he used his secret weapon on her, "Yes, it is a lot to ask... but I'll wait for you anyway. You're going to use that face on me whenever you want to get your way, aren't you?"
"Only when the situation is dire. I don't want you running for the hills after reading whatever it is they wrote." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and started backing away... realizing then it was getting harder and harder to leave her.
"Go to work. I'll see you tonight. I think I'll go find my dad to see what this big surprise is suppose to be," Bella waved her hands unenthusiastically in the air but was startled when she heard a familiar voice that she hadn't heard for almost a month now.
"It's standing right behind you, Bells."
Bella spun around quickly with her mouth gaped open and did the first thing her instincts told her to do, "JAKE!" She ran directly into his open arms, and almost knocked his huge frame down on his ass as she wrapped her legs around his hips.
"Jacob, I can't believe you're here!" Bella said pulling away from Jake's shoulder with a brilliant smile, completely unaware of the look of death being directed at Jacob, ten feet behind the reunion with her best friend on the steps of the Cullen mansion.
Edward started stalking towards them with one thought on his mind, "Who the fuck is this guy?!"
Ah yes, he's back folks. But not to worry, I won't keep you hanging for long. Labor day weekend is coming up which means plenty of time for writing and relaxation.
If you're curious to know the details of Edward's yacht, I have a link here to show you some pictures and specs:
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Till the next time, let me into your mind, I let you into mine!