Let Love Live
Chapter 7 – Christmas Greetings
BPOV
The next few weeks flew by. James hasn't contacted me since the pictures. Edward and I were hanging out often, sometimes with Alice, Jasper, and Riley too. Edward and I were definitely getting closer.
It's now Christmas Eve and I'm getting ready to go meet Edward's parents. I'm nervous as hell. What if they don't think I'm good for him? Little mousy Bella compared to perfect, handsome Edward.
A knock on my door drew me from my nerves.
"Coming," I called. I put the curling iron down and headed down the stairs to the front door. I opened the door and Edward was leaning against the doorframe.
"Hey," he smiled.
"Hi," I grinned. He came in and kissed me softly. Edward wrapped his arms around me as he deepened the kiss. I placed my hands on either side of his face. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I opened my mouth for him. His tongue slipped into my mouth, tangling with mine.
When he pulled away he rested his forehead against mine.
"I have to finish getting ready," I whispered.
"You look perfect just the way you are," he insisted.
"You're blind," I giggled.
"I have twenty-twenty vision, Baby," he laughed.
"Well, while you may think I look perfect, your parents may not."
"Don't be nervous," he said as he let me go so I could go finish getting ready. He followed me into the bathroom and sat on the countertop.
"Edward, I'm meeting your parents. I have every reason to be nervous."
"They'll love you, I promise," he smiled. I sighed as I continued curling my hair. Edward picked up my mascara and unscrewed the top before pulling the wand out.
"You put this shit on your eyes?" he asked.
"Yeah, it makes you're eyelashes look longer."
"Your eyelashes are already long," he noted.
"Are you going to criticize everything I am doing today?" I joked.
"Probably, yes," he nodded before putting the mascara back on the counter. He picked up my lip-gloss next. "Gross," he scrunched his nose.
"It's strawberry-y," I sang.
"I like the Bella taste better," he pouted. I giggled and put the curling iron down before placing a kiss on his lips. I pulled the lip-gloss from his hands before applying some. I then picked up my eyeliner and traced the edge of my eyes. I applied a thin coat of mascara before I was done.
"Tada," I smiled.
"You look beautiful," he said as he hopped off the counter and kissed my temple. "But, I'm not kissing you while you have that shit on your lips."
"We'll see," I giggled. I unplugged my curling iron before walking out of the bathroom to go change. I led Edward out of my room. "Stay," I commanded with a smile. He rolled his eyes and chuckled before leaning against the wall opposite of my room. I closed my door and changed into a pair of black skinny jeans, pairing it with a dark blue thermal sweater. I pulled on some socks and slipped my feet into my Uggs. I opened the door and found that Edward wasn't there.
"You don't listen very well," I called to him. I walked down the stairs and he was lying on the couch.
"Sorry, the floor wasn't very comfy to lie on," he shrugged. I went over to him and pulled him up and he led me out to his Volvo.
Edward reluctantly parked his bike for the winter. You would think the guy just found out he was going to die by the way he was acting after parking it.
Edward held the car door open for me. I got in and he went around to the driver's side. He got in and started the car. Once he started driving he placed his hand on my leg and rubbed his thumb across it.
We were at his parents' house in a matter of minutes. I felt my heartbeat pick up and I swallowed nervously.
"Calm down, Baby," Edward kissed my cheek softly. I turned to look at him and he stole a chaste kiss. He groaned, forgetting about my lip-gloss. I giggled before pulling away and wiping the gloss off his lips.
"Pink's not your color," I giggled.
"Come on," he chuckled as he got out of the car. He came over to my side and opened my door. I got out and he held my hand as we walked up to the door. He knocked before entering.
"Ma?" he called.
"Edward!" I heard a woman cry happily. She came out of the kitchen in a floral knee length dress with thick shoulder straps and an apron, wiping her hands on a towel before throwing it over her shoulder. She held her arms out as she came closer to hug Edward.
This woman, whom I'm assuming is his mother, had bronze shoulder length hair and greenish with a hint of copper eyes. She had a petit figure much like Alice's and looked too young to be Edward's mother, let alone a grandmother.
"You must be Bella," she smiled as she pulled away from Edward. "I'm Esme, Edward's mother. He has told us so much about you," she explained before hugging me. "There's no Mr. and Mrs. Cullen in this house, it's Esme and Carlisle," she said when she pulled away.
"Okay, Esme," I smiled.
"My, you're beautiful," she said and I blushed.
"Alright, Ma, stop torturing my girlfriend," Edward chuckled as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. Esme giggled before ushering us inside.
"Carlisle will be down in a few minutes, he's just finishing up some work in his study. Alice, Jasper and Riley should be here any minute too," she explained. Edward sat in a chair and patted his lap. I sat in the chair next to him and he groaned. I giggled before putting my feet in his lap. He pushed my feet off his lap before pulling me up and into his lap.
"You two are too cute," Esme grinned. I blushed and bit my lip. Edward just chuckled and kissed my shoulder.
"Is that Edward?" a man called as he walked into the kitchen. Edward and I stood up and the man came over and hugged Edward with a few pats on the back.
"Is this Bella?" he asked when he pulled back from Edward.
"Yeah," Edward grinned.
"Hello, dear, I'm Carlisle," he said as he shook my hand. He had soft blue eyes, much like Alice's, and blondish brown hair. He, too, looked too young to be Edward's father. He was a very handsome man with the same smile as Edward.
"It's nice to meet you," I smiled. He nodded before going over to Esme and kissing her cheek.
"I'm going to give Bella a tour of the house," Edward announced. He grabbed my hand and led me back out into the room we were in when we first got here.
"Well, as you can see, this is the living room," he chuckled. I smiled as he led me through the house showing me where everything is. "The last stop is my bedroom," he said as he opened a door. His room had deep gray walls with one lined with CDs. He had a king sized bed with a deep red comforter against the left wall. There was a black leather couch in the middle of the room with a TV in front of it. On the far wall between two CD racks was a walk-in closet. On the right wall was a door wall leading out to a balcony.
"This is huge," I said in awe. He shrugged. I let go of his hand to roam around the room. He kicked off his shoes and pulled his coat off before lying on the bed. When I was done roaming I did the same before joining him on the bed and lying next to him. He grabbed my hand and held it between his. I leaned on my elbow so I could see him better. I leaned down and kissed him softly.
Edward let my hand go and pulled me closer to him so I was practically lying on top of him. His touch was so gentle, like nothing I was used to. It was so careful and pleasant.
"Uncle Eddie! Bella!" Riley said as he ran in. I pulled away from Edward and sat up.
"Hey, Punk," he said when Riley got on the bed.
"Nana said dinner's ready," Riley informed us.
"Okay, go tell Nana Bella and I will be down in a minute." Riley got off the bed and ran out of the room yelling for Esme. Edward sat up and pulled me up to my feet before lifting me up and kissing me again. I tangled my fingers in his hair as our lips molded together.
"Edward, we should head downstairs," I panted when he broke away for air.
"I suppose," he sighed. He let me down and I wiped away the lip-gloss from his lips with a giggle. "I'm throwing away all your lipstick," he joked.
"Lip-gloss, Baby," I laughed.
"Whatever it is, I'm throwing it out."
"I'd like to see you try," I smiled before grabbing his hand and walking downstairs with him.
"Hey," I greeted when I saw Alice and Jasper. Jasper got up and hugged me before clapping hands with Edward and slapping his back. Alice came over and hugged me tight.
We all settled at the dinner table. Edward sat on my right and Alice on my left. Edward placed his left hand on my thigh and I placed my left hand over his.
"So, Bella, Edward tells me you're a teacher," Carlisle said.
"Yes, an eleventh grade English teacher," I smiled.
"Good for you," he smiled.
"Thanks," I smiled back.
Dinner went smoothly, conversation flowing easily. After dinner we all lounged in the living room. Edward and I snuggled on the couch with me sitting with my legs in his lap and his arms around me. Alice and Jasper sat in the loveseat while Esme and Carlisle sat in chairs.
"What are you doing for Christmas, Bella and Jasper?"
"We're going to my parents' house," I answered.
"It's tradition that Bella, Rosalie and my mother cook dinner and we all sit around watching Christmas movies," Jasper extended.
"What fun," Esme smiled. I nodded. We continued with random conversations.
"I'll be right back," Edward said before he kissed my cheek and let me go.
"Where are you going?"
"I'll be back," he said again with a wink. I looked at Alice and she had a knowing smile on her face.
Edward had been gone for ten minutes. Ten very long minutes. I was starting to wonder where the hell he went when someone knocked on the door.
"I'll get it," Alice said as she sprang up from the couch. She went to the door and a man dressed in all red with a very long white beard and hair, black combat boots, a lumpy stomach, and a red sack came in. He looked at me and winked a green eye.
"Ho, ho, ho," he said in a deep voice. "I heard there was a young boy here who sent Santa a Christmas list." I looked over at Riley who had a look of awe on his face.
"Santa!" he cried. He got up and ran over to Edward. Edward led him over to a chair and sat down before pulling him into his lap.
"What do you want for Christmas, Riley?" he asked. Riley looked at me and I smiled, encouraging him.
"I want Bella to be my aunt!" he said confidently. My eyes grew to the size of saucers and Alice brought her hand up to her mouth to stop from laughing.
"Whoa there, Riley. Santa can't make anyone family. Only they can do that. Would you like a toy for Christmas instead?"
"Racecars!"
"Let's see what Santa brought you," he said. He reached into his sack and pulled out a wrapped present. He set Riley on his feet before passing out presents. When he got to me he stopped.
"Would you like to sit on Santa's lap?" he winked.
"Santa, I have a boyfriend," I smirked.
"I'm sure he won't mind."
"I'll pass this year, old man," I giggled.
"Well then a kiss on Santy's cheek?" he pointed to his cheek.
"A kiss won't hurt," I gave in before standing up and placing a hand on his chest and leaning up to kiss his cheek.
"Ho, ho, ho!" he bellowed. "Here's your gift, pretty lady," he said as he reached into his sack. I laughed and took the present from him. "Now where's that charming young man?"
"We don't have those here," Alice laughed.
"Hey," Jasper and Carlisle whined.
"He'll be back soon. I'll take his gift," I smiled.
"What a sweet and beautiful woman! Lucky man he is," he rambled before giving me the final gift.
"Riley, my boy, you be good this next year so Santy doesn't have to bring you a lump of coal, alright?"
"Yes!" Riley nodded his head vigorously.
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" he cried as he walked out. A few minutes later Edward came downstairs.
"Hey, what'd I miss?" he asked as he came into the living room. He sat down next to me and wrapped his arm around me.
"Uncle Eddie! Santa came here! He gave me a present!" Riley held up a Hot Wheels racecar pack.
"I missed him?" he asked.
"Yeah, you missed him hit on me," I gently shoved his shoulder.
"She kissed him on the cheek!" Alice added.
"You did?" he whined.
"Yes, and I'm leaving you for him," I laughed before kissing his lips lightly.
"Lucky man," he grumbled.
"Here, he left this for you," I handed him the present, which was actually from me. I opened mine and was met with a silver chain and with a crystal heart pendant on it.
"It's beautiful," I whispered. "Thank you," I grinned. "Open yours," I insisted. He unwrapped the third season of Friends.
"Oh my gosh," he laughed. "Thank you," he said before kissing me. Friends is one of Edward's guilty pleasure shows. I lifted the necklace out of its box and turned before having Edward put it on me. He clasped it together before placing a kiss on the back of my neck. We exchanged the rest of the gifts.
Edward pulled me to lie down so he was on his back and I was between him and the couch, lying half on top of him. We all watched Riley play with his new cars.
After a while I couldn't keep my eyes open.
"I think I should take Bella home," Edward said as I felt myself being lifted up. I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I'll see you guys later."
"Let me know when you get home, Honey," Esme called. I felt the cold air hit my shoulders.
"My shoes and jacket are in your room," I mumbled into his shoulder.
"I know, I'll go get it after getting you into the car." He set me down so I was stepping on his feet before opening my door.
"Aren't I hurting you?" I asked.
"No," he shook his head. "You don't weigh enough to hurt me." He kissed my cheek before helping me into the car. "I'll be right back," he said as he shut the door. I pulled my feet up onto the seat and rested my head against the window.
"Baby, come on, put your shoes on." I groaned as I felt the cold air. He chuckled before grabbing my foot.
"I can do it," I mumbled. I slipped my shoes on before he helped me out of the Volvo. He held onto my waist as he led me up to the door. When we got to the door he stopped and pulled me closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Sorry about what Riley said tonight," he said sheepishly. "I was afraid you were going to run from the look on your face."
"I'm not going anywhere," I assured him. "And it's fine. He's stubborn. I know what that's like," I smiled. He smiled and leaned his forehead against mine.
"Are you still coming tomorrow?" I asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he smiled before kissing me softly. "Goodnight, Beautiful," he said and kissed me one more time before pulling back.
"Night," I smiled. He let me go and I walked inside. He walked back to his Volvo and drove off. I locked the door before heading up to my room. I changed into sweat pants and a sports bra and beater before going into the bathroom. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun and took my make-up off. I washed my face and walked back into the bedroom.
"Ru," I called. He came trotting into my room and hopped onto my bed. I grabbed my trusty, yet worn out, copy of Wuthering Heights and sat in bed, propping my pillow up against the headboard. Rufus curled up next to me before laying his head in my lap. I opened my book and started reading.
Every Christmas break I read Wuthering Heights. It's been like that for the past five years. My phone beeped telling me I received a text. It was from Edward. Hey Beautiful.
I smiled before typing a message back. Hey yourself, Santa.
What are you up to?
Reading Wuthering Heights.
Any good?
Best book I've ever read.
I just wanted to talk to you before I went to bed.
How sweet is this guy? I bit my lip before typing a reply. How sweet of you (:
Merry Christmas, Baby.
I looked at the clock and it read 12:01. Merry Christmas, Handsome.
I didn't get a reply back.
"Bells, I'm home," Jasper said as he came in about a half hour later and sat on the edge of the bed next to me.
"You're home late," I wiggled my eyebrows.
"Alice and I sat around talking for a few hours. She's brilliant, Bells. Thank you so much for introducing us."
"No problem. I'm glad to see you happy," I smiled and ran my hand through his hair that had grown a few inches since he got home.
"And you have no idea how happy I am because Edward makes you happy," he smiled back. He patted my lap before getting up. "You keeping Rufus?"
"Yeah, he's pretty much passed out right now," I giggled.
"Goodnight, Bell," he smiled.
"Goodnight." He shut my door as he left. I turned my lamp off and put my book on the bedside table. I rolled to lay on my stomach, causing Rufus to groan disapprovingly.
"Sorry, boy," I mumbled. I crossed my arms under my head and fell asleep.
XOXO
"Bell, wake up," Jasper said as he came into my room. Rufus hopped off the bed and trotted over to him.
"Why?" I groaned.
"It's Christmas!" he said cheerfully. "And you need to get ready to go to Mom and Dad's." I sighed before getting up. I followed Jasper down the stairs and into the kitchen. I filled a glass with tap water before popping my anxiety medication into my mouth and chasing is with water.
I put my glass in the sink before going back upstairs to get ready. I brushed all of the knots out of my hair and decided to leave it wavy with a simple waterfall braid. I put on a coat of mascara before brushing my teeth and going to get changed. I pulled on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans before throwing on a deep blue sweater.
I went back into the kitchen and started making a bowl of cereal. I sat at the table and chomped away happily on my Fruity Pebbles.
"What time are Alice and Riley coming over?" I called to Jasper.
"They should be here anytime," he called back. "And Edward?"
"Anytime," I replied. I got up and rinsed out my bowl of colorful milk before placing it in the dishwasher.
"Bella, can I talk to you?" Jasper said as he sat at the kitchen table.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"I'm moving in with Alice."
"That's great," I smiled.
"Which means, this house is yours."
"Really?" I grinned.
"Yeah," he smiled. "You'll just have to take care of the bills on your own."
"That's fine," I nodded.
"You're really okay with this?" he asked.
"Yeah, I am," I smiled.
"Good," he said before getting up and heading into the living room.
The doorbell rang a few minutes later and I went for the door trying not to make my excitement too obvious.
"Got it!" Jasper called.
"No it's fine, I've got it," I said seeing as I was right by the door.
"No you don't," he said as he darted for me. He picked me up and I squealed.
"Jasper!" I squealed. He threw me over his shoulder and answered the door.
"Oh, hey Edward," Jasper greeted.
"Put me down you ass," I groaned as I smacked his back.
"Come in, come in," Jasper said as he turned, purposefully making me hit the wall.
"Ouch!" I yelled. "Help Edward? Please?" I craned my neck to look up at him. He was laughing silently as he followed Jasper into the living room. "Whose side are you on?" I accused.
"Yours, Baby," he chuckled before adding, "Always yours." Jasper dumped me on the couch and I landed with an audible "oof".
"Alice will be here soon," Edward said to Jasper as he helped me up.
"Thanks," Jasper nodded.
"Hey," Edward smiled as he drew me into his arms.
"Hi," I grinned and wrapped my arms around his neck. Edward leaned down to kiss me but Jasper cut in.
"Gross man, not with me in the room," he whined.
"Then go wait on the porch for Alice," I said before kissing Edward. He trailed his hands up my sides and to either side of my head, cupping my jaw. He pulled away and pulled my hands from his neck to hold them in his. He took a step back and looked me up and down.
"You look beautiful," he smiled. I smiled and blushed, mumbling a thank you.
"Uncle Eddie! Bella!" Riley cried as he came over to us. He held his arms out for me and I picked him up. He hugged my neck and I kissed his cheek.
"Cooties!" he whined.
"If I have cooties then you have them too," I said as I blew my lips on his neck. He laughed and squirmed in my arms. He reached for Edward to save him.
"Sorry Punk, you have cooties," he chuckled. I giggled and set Riley on his feet. He ran off into the kitchen where Jasper and Alice were with Rufus.
"Cooties, huh?" I asked Edward.
"You know I'm kidding," he said as he came over to me intending to wrap his arms around me.
"No, I have cooties," I said jokingly stubborn and took a step back.
"Okay," he said as he held his hands up in surrender. I smirked triumphantly before heading for the kitchen. Edward's arms wrapped around my torso and I squealed as he picked me up.
"Edward!" I laughed. "Put me down!" He put me down before picking me up bridal style causing me to squeal again. "What are you doing?" I protested. He went over to the couch and laid down with me sitting on his stomach. I turned so I was straddling him. He grabbed my hands and entwined our fingers.
"Hey, you two ready to go?" Jasper asked as he came in.
"Yeah," I said. I leaned down and kissed Edward briefly before getting up and helping him up.
We walked out to my truck and I opened the hatch for Rufus to get in. I got in the driver's seat and Edward in the passenger seat.
"Your dad didn't seem to like me the last time I saw him," Edward said nervously.
"He's just acting tough," I assured him. "He loves Alice, and you're Alice's brother so he's going to love you."
"I don't think it works that way, Bells," he laughed nervously.
"Well, Mom will like you, I know that for a fact."
"Oh do you now?" he quirked an eyebrow.
"Yes," I said confidently. "You're polite and a gentleman. She'll love you."
I pulled up to the curb by my parents' house behind Jasper and Emmett's cars and got out, letting Rufus out of the back. Edward walked up to me and I grabbed his hand before leading him up to the house. I opened the door and Rufus pushed passed us and into the house, his tail wagging at high speeds.
"Rufy!" Mom cried out followed by Jasper's protests to the name. I giggled as I led Edward through the hall and into the living room. "Bella," Mom smiled as she got up and came over to me. "Who's this?" she asked.
"Mom, this is Edward, my boyfriend," I smiled.
"Oh, this is Edward!" she said happily. "I've heard so much about you," she held her hand out. "I'm Renee," she said as she shook Edward's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he smiled. She smiled wider.
"Here, let me take your jacket," she said. Edward shrugged out of it and thanked her. She took mine too and hung them in the closet.
"She's never done that before," I whispered into Edward's ear and he chuckled lightly. I heard a throat clear and looked over to see Dad getting up.
"Dad, you've met Edward," I smiled.
"I thought this boy was just your friend," he said gruffly.
"We were at the time I told you."
"Treat my daughter right," he said to Edward as he shook his hand, a warning in his eyes.
"Dad, behave!" Rose scolded. She got up and came over patting Dad on the shoulder, silently telling him to back down. Charlie went back to his chair and sat down. "Don't mind him. He's a little bit protective of Bella," she explained.
"No, it's fine," Edward chuckled.
"Make yourself at home," Mom insisted. "And I promise my husband will behave himself," she said as she shot Dad a disapproving glare. I led Edward over to the couch and sat down with him sitting next to me. He threw his arm over my shoulders and I rested my hand on his leg. I looked up and saw Mom beaming at us.
Riley came over to Edward and sat in his lap.
"Hey Punk," he chuckled.
"Can I talk to Edward alone for a few minutes?" Dad asked. I shot him a disapproving glare. "I just want to get to know him," he defended. "I'll behave, I just want to talk."
"Yeah, that's fine," Edward said confidently. I looked at Edward and he winked at me before setting Riley on the ground, squeezing my shoulder and getting up to walk outside on the porch with Dad.
"Bella, do you want to help me in the kitchen?" Mom asked.
"What's going on?" I asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, Honey, your father just wants to talk to him," she shrugged, clearly not knowing. I got up and went to help her in the kitchen. Rose and Alice followed.
"Do you want us to help too, Renee?" Alice asked.
"Oh, dear, if you'd like," she smiled. "Would you guys mind setting up plates and silverware?" Alice grabbed silverware while Rose gathered plates and set them in a pile on the counter.
"What do you think Dad's saying to him?" I worried my lip.
"I'm sure it's not anything bad," Mom insisted.
EPOV
I walked outside with Chief and leaned against the railing while he lit a cigarette.
"Bringing your personal life into your job is risky business, Cullen," he said before taking a pull from the cigarette.
"I've got it under control," I assured him.
"That's where I think you're wrong," he smirked. "What happens if she figures you out?"
"This is exactly why I told you I wanted to quit."
"This is exactly why I told you no," he countered. "I can't ask you to break things off with her because I don't want to hurt her, but you have to make sure she doesn't figure you out, understand?"
"Yes, Sir," I said as I pushed off the railing.
"Now that you've brought your family into this, you and Bella aren't going to be the only ones hurt if she finds out."
"I know, Sir," I walked towards the door. As I was about to open it I turned back to him. "Please believe me, Sir, when I say that I do care about Bella."
"I know," he nodded. I opened the door and walked back in with Chief following me.
BPOV
I heard the door open and close again with footsteps following. I looked up from the pot of noodles and saw Edward and my Dad walk into the living room through the opening in the wall that is in between the counter and overhead cupboards. Edward sat down with the guys before looking over at me and smiling. I smiled back before tending to the noodles again.
"You are so head over heels for the boy," Mom said in a hushed tone so that the girls could hear, but the guys couldn't.
"So?" I blushed.
"How long have you two been dating?"
"Three weeks."
"Have you two," Rose questioned before making crude humping gestures while biting her lip and scrunching her nose.
"Rosalie!" I hissed. I looked back into the living room and Edward was looking into the kitchen with an amused smirk. I went over to her and slapped her arm lightly. "Edward saw, you bitch!" I hissed.
"Bella, language!" Mom scolded. "And Rose, no one needs to know about what Bella and Edward do."
"Especially Edward's sister," Alice added.
"Mommy," Riley said as he came running into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Baby?" she asked as she picked him up.
"I'm hungry," he pouted.
"Well, Riley, you're in luck, dinner's ready," Mom smiled.
"Let's get you some food," Alice said as she picked up a plate for Riley.
"Guys, come get some food," I called into the living room. They all got up and came into the kitchen. We helped ourselves to pasta, chicken, ham and vegetables before settling into the living room. Alice sat on the floor and cut up Riley's food before sitting with Jasper in the loveseat. Edward and I sat on the couch across the room while Rose and Emmett sat in the recliner. Mom and Dad settled into chairs that were brought in from the kitchen.
I cuddled into Edward's side as we ate.
"So, what'd you and Eddie-boy talk about?" Emmett asked Dad, earning a groan from Edward because of the name he used.
"Now that's none of your business, is it?" Dad asked. I looked up at Edward.
"He just wanted to make sure I was treating you well," he whispered in my ear.
"You're treating me perfectly," I whispered back. I leaned up and kissed him softly. I went back to eating the rest of my food. When Edward finished his he placed with a strand of my hair, twisting it between his fingers.
"You two are just too sweet," Rose commented. I looked up from my food and everyone was looking at us.
"What?" I asked, my mouth half full. Edward chuckled softly.
"Nice manners," Rose noted. I swallowed my food before sticking my tongue out at her. She giggled and winked at me.
"How're things down at the station, Pops?" Emmett asked.
"Pretty good, nothing too exciting." I finished my last piece of chicken before grabbing Edward's plate and taking both into the kitchen. I placed them in the sink before walking back out into the living room.
"Jasper tells me it's a tradition that you guys watch Christmas movies on Christmas. How'd that start?"
"Bella used to be obsessed with Christmas movies so we would pack them away with all the Christmas stuff in the attic where she wouldn't find them because, seeing as this is our only TV, we didn't want to watch them year round," Mom explained. "So, after a countless number of fits thrown by none other than the drama queen herself," she threw a pointed glare at me and I blushed, "we leveled with her and said we would watch as many Christmas movies she wanted on Christmas. I had never seen anyone so excited for Christmas." Edward chuckled beside me and I elbowed his stomach lightly.
"That sounds like Edward!" Alice giggled and I looked up at Edward. "Except he was obsessed with Luck of the Irish! You know, that Disney movie? My mom bought it one year around St. Patrick's Day and Edward wouldn't stop watching it! Mom told him it broke and would only work on St. Patrick's Day," she laughed. I started laughing and Edward chuckled.
"Alice, would you like to pick a Christmas movie?" Dad offered once our laughter died down.
"Sure," she beamed. "Wanna help me Rie?" she asked. He nodded and they went over to our Christmas movie collection. Riley picked Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I cuddled further into Edward's side and he held me tight to him.
We watched about three more movies before we decided to head home.
"Thank you for having me over," Edward said as he hugged Mom and then shook Dad's hand.
"Just remember what I said," Dad nodded and I shot him a disapproving glare.
"Don't mind him, you're welcome back anytime," Mom insisted. Edward smiled and held my coat out for me to shrug into. He put his on before we walked out to the car, with Rufus trotting lazily behind us. I opened back hatch and Rufus jumped in before lying down.
"Good boy," I smiled. I got in front and drove us back to my house. Edward fell asleep on the ride home even though my truck was so loud it would probably wake people as we drove by.
When I pulled up to the house I killed the engine and unbuckled my seatbelt before leaning over and running my hand through Edward's hair.
"Edward," I said softly. "Come on, wake up." He sighed before opening his eyes and looking at me.
"Hey," he said huskily before stretching. I smiled. I got out of the truck and let Rufus out of the back hatch. I led him up to the house and let him inside. When I turned Edward was walking up the porch steps, still half asleep. He came over and wrapped his arms around me, laying his head on my shoulder.
"Stay the night," I suggested. "I don't want you driving home tired." He pulled back and looked me in the eyes, making sure it's what I really wanted.
"Okay," he nodded. I grinned before opening the door so we could go inside. We shed our coats on the coat rack by the door and kicked our shoes off before heading upstairs. I shut the door behind us so Rufus wouldn't come in. When I turned around Edward was right there. I shrank back into the door and looked up at him. He backed away and looked at the ground.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You haven't flinched away from me in weeks," he mumbled.
"Hey," I said softly and walked over to him. I cupped his cheeks in my hands and looked him in the eye. "I didn't expect you to be there. I'm fine," I assured him. He leaned down and kissed me softly. My fingers trailed back to his hair and grabbed a hold of it.
Edward's tongue traced my bottom lip and I granted him entrance. His tongue softly stroked against mine, caressing it. His hands trailed around my back and sides. I broke away for air but Edward's lips never left my skin. He trailed kisses across my jaw and down my neck, nipping and licking the skin as he went. I moaned at the sensation, urging him to go on.
His hands went to my butt and lifted me up. I moaned as his teeth found a sensitive spot on my neck. He lowered me onto the bed and hovered over me, resting his weight on his elbows. I trailed my hands down his chest to the hemline of his shirt. He helped me lift it over his head before I threw it somewhere across the room. His lips met mine again and rolled so I was lying on top of him. His hand slipped under my shirt and roamed my stomach, finding my belly button ring and toying with it.
"How did I not notice that before?" he asked when he pulled away.
"What?" I questioned, still caught up in the kiss.
"Your piercing," he nibbled at my earlobe.
"Mm, that?" I moaned. "I've had it since high school."
"It's sexy," he groaned. I pushed him up into a sitting position and straddled his lap. I pulled my shirt over my head. Edward swallowed thickly and admired my body. I felt blush cover my cheeks and neck. "You're beautiful," he mumbled before kissing my chest. I moaned and arched my back, giving him better access. He groaned before ghosting his lips along my breasts. He kissed his way back up to my lips. I brought my hands down to his belt and started undoing it.
"Baby, not tonight," he sighed against my lips. I stilled my movements. I felt rejection seep into my skin. I pulled away from him mumbling an apology. "Hey, I didn't mean to offend you," he said as he cupped my cheeks. "I don't want to rush this, okay?"
"Yeah, sorry," I mumbled, blush coating my cheeks.
"You're fine, Baby," he smiled before kissing me chastely.
"I'm going to change into some comfier pants," I said before getting up. Edward grabbed my hand.
"Bell, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," I nodded before placing a soft kiss on his lips. He let me go and I grabbed a pair of sweat pants before going into the bathroom to change. After I changed I crawled into bed where Edward was waiting in his boxers. He held me in his arms and fell asleep.
Hey everyone!
Thank you to everyone who gave me feedback on the birthday situation! I hope this chapter was worth the wait!
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki