Mask'charade chapter 27, Awakenings

BPOV

I can't keep my eyes off of him. He's so handsome, even with the constant brooding; it actually makes him irresistible, somehow. I smile to myself, thinking about the moment we just shared on the dance floor. I have to say, him asking me to dance was a surprising gesture. With the way everything's been going, I'd never have expected Edward to do something like that. I was scared shitless, when he asked, and I looked at how sensually everyone was dancing. My heart sped up like I'd just run a marathon. I couldn't imagine dancing with him like that in front of a room full of people, but as I imagined him actually dancing that way, my curiosity got the better of me. I felt sure he'd be terrific at it.

I can't say I was upset that the music changed to something slower and more sensual. It gave us a reason to be close, intimate. His body still responds to mine; I felt the evidence against my hip. I felt it in the way he held me; his chest, against mine, pelvises pressed firmly together, hearts beating rapidly, his lips brushing my ear, as he spoke. Now, I'm certain he feels something for me. It's there deep within him, fighting to break out. I just have to be patient.

We're all at the table, still enjoying ourselves. I'm happy to spend time with Rose and Emmett again. I'm also happy that Jasper and Alice were able to join us. They all seemed to hit it off right away.

I check the time, and sadly, I need to end the evening. I have to be at work at an ungodly hour, and my pregnant body simply doesn't tolerate refusing rest.

"Guys, I've really enjoyed myself, but I'm afraid I have to cut the evening short."

"Oh, no, come on. It's still early." Rose practically whines. She's clearly a little tipsy, but as cute as button. I giggle at her.

"I can't, Rose, as much as I'd love to. I have to be at work early."

"Awe!" Emmett voices his displeasure, with a mocking pout, and my giggles intensify.

"Yeah, you don't want to get Jill riled up. She's a real ball-buster." Alice slurs, leaning on Jasper.

"Your boss is a woman….with balls?" Rose's face contorts in inebriated confusion, and we all burst into laughter. I look at Edward, and he can't help but smile, shaking his head at her.

"Okay, I have to go. No more drinks for that one." I push away from the table and stand. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

"Awe! They all whine in unison, then break out into laughter. I shake my head, and grab my jacket and purse.

"Wait, Bella, you rode with us. Jasper and I will drive you home. I probably should be getting home too." Alice announces, nearly wobbling on her feet, as she stands.

"Absolutely not. You guys stay and enjoy yourselves. The night it still young for most. I'll grab a cab."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive, Jasper. Stay, please. I'll be fine."

"Okay, well, call us as soon as you arrive home." Jasper insists, giving me hug.

"I will."

I hug Alice and share a brief embrace with Rose and Emmett, promising to see them again, before they head back to Napa. Edward gets up from the table.

"Can I uh…see you out safely?"

"Um…sure. I just need to stop off at the ladies room first. I'll meet you at the entrance."

"Oh, wait for me. I need to use the ladies' too." Rose slides out of the booth and leads the way.

"Bye Bella!" They sing out simultaneously, and I wave back over my shoulder.

Rose and I enter the bathroom, and before I get a chance to attend to my needs, she pounces.

"Okay, spill it."

My eyes widen and my brows rise in confusion.

"Spill….what? Are you okay?" I laugh, trying to lighten the moment. She rolls her eyes, looking slightly irritated.

"I'm not drunk, and I'm not blind either, Bella. You didn't have any alcohol to drink the entire evening, not even a beer. I know the signs. You're pregnant."

I feel the blood drain from my face, as I stammer to try and recuperate.

"Wha-what….that's one hell of an assumption to make just because I chose not to drink alcohol Rose."

"That's not a denial either, Bella. Look me in the eye and tell me I'm wrong."

She grasps me by the shoulders and locks us into a childish staring match. It only lasts moments, before I can't help breaking out into giggles.

"You look ridiculous, and you are most definitely drunk." I turn away from her, and begin fixing my appearance in the mirror.

"Still not denying." She sings, fussing with her long, golden locks.

"I just didn't feel much like drinking, because I knew I had to end the night early, Rose. It's nothing."

"Mmhmm. Just say the words, 'Rose, you're wrong. I'm not preggers.'

"Rose, you are being presumptuous, and I'm not answering." I tease.

It shouldn't feel like such a task to tell her a little fib, but for some reason, it seems like she already knows. She's relentless when she wants to know something. I learned that from the short time I spent with her in Napa.

"Okay, fine. I will take that as a yes…"

I spin around, glaring at her, mouth opened in shock.

"….but it's obvious you haven't told 'daddy' yet…"

"Rose, you can't say anything, not even to Emmett, please." I blurt out in panic.

"I knew it!" She squeals, and throws her arms around my neck. "Oh my God, Bella, this is fantastic! Aren't you ecstatic?"

"Yes, I am, but please, Rose, promise me. I haven't mentioned it to him yet. Please?"

"Of course I won't say anything. The news should come from you and only you, but what are you waiting for? He's going to be thrilled!"

She pulls me back into a huge embrace, still squealing with delight.

.

.

.

Edward and I stand out in front, waiting for a cab. Normally, cabs are lined up outside on a weekend. Maybe it's still a little early.

"I would offer you a ride home, but I'm not too sure how you'd feel about my method of transportation."

I follow his gaze, as he nods in the direction of a shiny black motorcycle.

"Wow…yours?"

"Yeah. I bought it a few weeks ago. It helps me clear my head when I ride."

"Oh. It's a…surprise. I never knew you were into them...I meant…well you get the idea, but um….I….me on a motorcycle?" I scrunch my face, and turn to see if a cab has driven up.

"I understand." His tone is quiet and honest.

I turn to him, and I realize he's not wearing a coat.

"Oh my God, you're going to catch pneumonia." I reach out and rub his arm. He smiles crookedly.

"I'll survive. I'm a lot stronger than I appear to be."

"Oh, you're very strong." I fire back, vehemently, and I instantly realize how my words must've sounded. They're not untrue, though. He's in extremely good shape, and has a marvelous physique. Although, I'm sure that's not what he was referring to.

"You think you know me pretty well."

His statement sounds accusatory, and coming from him, could easily be mistaken for curtness but there's a softness in his expression; one that hadn't been there before.

"It wouldn't hurt to get to know you a little better." I reply, hoping he'll follow my lead. He looks away, as he shifts from foot to foot.

"Me." He adds, assertively, and I understand exactly what he means.

"Okay." I respond softly with a smile.

"I can't promise you'll like what you come to know."

"I highly doubt that, Edward. I like a lot already."

My words bring a half smile to his face, as I finally notice a cab drive in. It stops a few feet away, and we make our way over. Edward opens the door for me, and I duck inside, instantly informing the driver of my destination.

"You promised your friends you'd let them know when you're home safely. Do I qualify for the same courtesy?" He asks, leaning in the opened window.

"More than qualify." I smile, and he rights his position and taps on the hood of the cab, letting the driver know it's safe to drive away.

The overwhelming feeling of happiness I have can't be contained for the entire ride home.

.

.

.

I'm doing some light rearranging in the living room, mostly putting away some books and important papers that I'd yet to unpack. I come across a box containing a lot of James' belongings. I must've taken them by accident. I lift the box, wanting to put it to the side to return to him, and it slips from my grasp. I mutter a curse, watching the papers scatter across the floor.

I kneel, and begin gathering the papers. They all seem to be important business documents, so I straighten them neatly, placing them back in the box. I blow out a breath in exhaustion, and I rest back on the sofa. My eyes settle on the phone; my urge to call him, just to hear his voice is eating away at me. Although, I've no idea what to say, there are so many things I could start with. I could tell him how much I've missed being close to him, how good he smelled, even though I let that fact slip out last night, while we'd danced.

God, that dance.

It was so sensual; intimate, and he was so irresistibly unassured, and gentlemanly. It was truly a one of a kind moment for us. I know he felt it too. I smile to myself, as I work up enough courage to send him a text.

"Just wanted to say hi. Thinking about last night. I can't wait to dance with you again."

Feeling like some giddy schoolgirl, I quickly place my phone back on the table, then stare at it in anticipation. The doorbell rings, and I hop up from the sofa and trot over to answer it.

"By the look on your face, I'd say you were expecting someone tall, bronze-haired, green-eyed and devastatingly hot." Alice accuses, walking in, donning a pair of darker than usual shades.

"Is it that obvious?" I say sheepishly and close the door.

"More than obvious. You two were pretty steamy on that dance floor last night. Do you have anything for a headache? I have the worst hangover; could barely make it into work. How the hell did you manage to get a half day?"

She walks into the kitchen and pours herself a glass of water.

"Pregnancy sometimes comes with perks, that, and an annoying case of morning sickness. I have some ibuprofen in my purse."

"Hmph. Maybe I should tell Jasper to knock me up."

"Morning sickness is a hell of a lot worse than a hangover, trust me. How late did you guys stay out last night, anyway?" I ask, handing her the bottle of pills. She quickly pops the top, and tosses the pills into her mouth.

"Well, tall and devastatingly hot left right after you did. Jasper, Rose, Emmett and I made a night of it." She plops down on the sofa, resting her head back, shades still firmly in place.

"So you guys must've really hit it off?"

"Yeah we did. Emmett is adorable, and Rose is an absolute riot…"

"Cute as a button." We say in unison.

After a moment of silence, she lifts her glasses, and glares at me.

"So?"

'So…what?" I look at her innocently.

"You and Edward, what's happening there?"

"Oh…" I sigh heavily and lean back into the sofa. "…we're taking things slow, getting to know each other again. At least that what he's calling it."

"What do you call it?"

"I don't know. I'm just relieved that he's allowing me to be a part of his life in some capacity. Our last encounter wasn't so promising."

She sits up and looks at me, not responding. Alice's silence is never a good thing. It's not in her makeup not to have an opinion or give advice.

"What, Alice? I know you have something to say, so out with it."

"I'm just a little concerned, that's all. Edward obviously has issues he needs to deal with; the whole 'Ned' thing."

"I know, and think he's trying to come to terms with that."

"Well that's a good thing, and I hope he can get the help he needs, but I'm more concerned about you, Bella."

"Me, why?"

"Okay, just hear me out completely. You fell in love with 'Ned', and now you seem to be getting close to Edward. I'm just wondering if you understand that the situation may not turn out the way you're hoping."

"I don't understand what you mean, Alice." I frown at her.

"You said Edward doesn't have any recollection of his time as Ned, which means he doesn't remember you."

"He didn't at first, but now he's having flashes of memory. Some are about our time together."

"Oh…well, that's a good thing….I think." She looks off into the distance, her forehead crinkled in thought.

"You said that you were concerned about me, why, Alice?"

"I am. It's clear that Edward is interested in you, and wants to explore what he feels for you, but what about you? Are you just hoping to get close enough to him to get Ned back?"

I stare at her briefly and process what she's asking. Liz's words replay in my head, as I contemplate my answer.

"Alice, I'm not naïve about this. I know the goal is to reach Ned, only to save Edward."

"Wow. That sounds like therapist talk. Is that what you really feel?"

"Honestly, Alice, I don't know how any of this is supposed to pan out; if Ned will show up, if Edward will lock him away forever. All I know is that I'm in love with him. It's the one thing I'm certain of."

"Ned…you're in love with him." She looks me squarely in the eye and says the words deliberately.

"Alice, please don't do that. I'm not crazy, and I understand that the situation isn't black and white. Ned and Edward are the same person, and even though Edward's mind doesn't recall our relationship, he does have an attraction to me, an intimate one. That can only mean one thing…"

"His heart is drawn to yours." She says knowingly and smiles. She shakes her head and pulls me into a hug. "Oh, what a beautiful, intense mess."

"It undoubtedly is." I chuckle lightly and return her embrace.

I'm lucky to have a friend like her, and I understand her concern, but my eyes are wide open. I realize Ned may be gone, but Edward is here right now. I'm just hoping we can find our way back to each other.

My phone chirps, and I glance over at the table.

"Looks like you have a message." Alice announces. "I thought we could make some dinner tonight. You game?"

"Sure."

"Great. I'm just going to wash my hands, and raid your fridge, while you respond to Mr. Devastatingly Hot." She says with a wink and heads into the kitchen.

I quickly swipe my phone from the table and read the message.

"Hi…I enjoyed dancing with you too. Rose and Em are leaving the day after tomorrow. I wanted to take them to dinner tomorrow night. Would you care to join me?"

Just as I'm typing my response, another message from him slips through.

"I meant us. Would you like to join us?

I continue typing my reply, my answer's still the same.

"I would like that."

I hit send, and he instantly responds.

"Okay, it's not going to be anything too fancy, so dress comfortably. I will pick you up tomorrow at 7?"

"7 is fine. I'll see you then."

I hit send, and he replies.

"Until then.-E."

I smile at his closing reply and set my phone back down. "Veal Parmesan, Alice." I call out happily from the living room, and make my way into the kitchen.