Chapter 18 received over 100 reviews. That's the most reviews I've ever had for a chapter. The story is up over 700 now and I couldn't be happier. Of course, it was this that encouraged me to write like crazy, despite my family's hectic schedule so I could get this chapter to you ASAP. We writers really thrive on reviews. Remember that, not only when you read my story, but any story.
Many thanks to Lisa and Kristi for the beta'ing despite the craziness that was the blizzard of '09 and last minute holiday shopping!
Chapter 19 -- Not Once, but Twice
APOV
I hung up the phone with Lauren down in reception and buzzed Mr. Cullen.
"Yes, Ms. Weber?" he answered.
"The desk just called. Your dinner has arrived."
"Oh. Ummm, Bella's showering. Tell Ms. Mallory to send someone up with the food. It's already paid for."
"Certainly, Mr. Cullen." I was relieved. I had been afraid he'd want me to go down and get the food and return here with it. It was just after five and if I planned on "accidently" running into Ben in the lobby I didn't have time to fetch their dinner.
I shut down my computer and gathered up my things. I had just pressed the button for the elevator when Mr. Cullen stepped out of his office. His hair was damp and he was wearing casual clothes, not his usual shirt and tie.
"Done for the evening, Ms. Weber?"
"Yes, sir," I said warily.
"Have a good evening, then."
Relieved, I said, "You too, Mr. Cullen." I decided I could spare another moment. "You have your grand opening tonight, don't you?"
"Yes, indeed. It should be an exciting evening. How about you? Any plans?"
Small talk? This was new.
"Not really." Well, except for bumping into Ben downstairs.
Mr. Cullen nodded as the elevator chimed.
"Good night," I said, stepping into the empty elevator.
"Good night."
EPOV
After Ms. Weber left, I walked back into my office and poured myself two fingers of Scotch. I carried the glass back into Mrs. Cope's office to wait for the food. I was sitting on the couch a few minutes later when the elevator chimed. I was surprised to see Felix Afton step off, carrying a large delivery bag.
"Mr. Afton, you should have sent one of the interns up."
"Not a problem, Mr. Cullen. It was easier for me to do it than issue a temp key to someone else."
"Well, thank you, then. Please put everything down on the table." I indicated the coffee table before me.
Mr. Afton walked over and deposited the bag on the table.
"Demetri was able to bring your car around already. It's parked in the usual spot right out front."
I nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
He was about to step back onto the elevator when the door to my office opened and Bella emerged.
"Edward, I…."
BPOV
I stepped out of the shower and dried quickly before walking over to Edward's closet and pulling out the robe that Alice had sent over for me. It was beautiful—floor length grey silk. I grimaced and shook my head as I took in the brand name.
Dropping the robe on the chair, I pulled on my new bra and panty set. More power panties. I was happy to borrow a little confidence from the sexy set. It had been a few years since I'd been to a club, and I'd never been anywhere that was as exclusive as Stroke of Midnight promised to be.
I toweled through my hair one more time before slipping on the robe and walking out into Edward's office. He wasn't there so I continued through to the reception area. I was looking down as I opened Edward's door so the fact that we weren't alone took me by surprise.
"Edward, I… Felix!"
The look on Felix's face stopped me in my tracks. His eyes moved quickly from Edward's damp hair to my pretty robe before widening.
"Good evening, Bel-…uh, Ms. Swan. I just stopped up to drop off your dinner," he said, gesturing to a large white bag sitting on the coffee table. He was obviously uncomfortable.
"Uh, thank you," I said in a quiet voice. I could feel my cheeks flaming though nothing inappropriate was happening. I could imagine what this looked like to an outside observer.
"Have a good night," Felix continued, stepping onto the elevator.
I gave him a little wave but was otherwise silent as the door slid shut. When the light indicated that the elevator had begun its descent I burst into loud laughter. I just couldn't help it. The situation was so absurd.
A moment later Edward chuckles joined my own. I could feel the moisture gathering in my eyes and walked over to Angela's desk to take a tissue. My laughter was completely out of synch with the situation, but sometimes that can't be helped. I continued laughing as I flopped down on the couch. I dabbed at my eyes as Edward joined me. He was also still laughing.
"This isn't funny," I managed to say through the laughter.
"No, it isn't," he agreed, chuckling.
I sniffed loudly, my cheeks aching from the ridiculous smile I couldn't wipe away.
"He's going to think…," I started, giggling.
"I know exactly what he's going to think," Edward said, shaking his head slowly from side to side.
We finally quieted down… only to burst into laughter once again a few seconds later. This time we didn't attempt to talk. We just laughed. My side started to hurt and I pressed my hand against it. Edward was leaning back on the couch. I could hear his laughter through the hands he had pressed over his face. This time my tears overflowed and I dabbed at them quickly, hoping to prevent them from staining the silk.
Eventually, with much throat clearing and occasional giggles we settled down.
"Um, so, do you want to eat?" Edward asked.
"Sounds good," I answered.
"What did you order?" he wanted to know.
"Chicken picatta with angel hair pasta and mushroom ravioli. There's salad and bread in the bag, too. It came with the entrees. I also ordered a bottle of Perrier. It should be in there."
Edward leaned forward and dug through the bags, pulling out the disposable aluminum containers and the bottle of sparkling water before spreading everything out on the coffee table.
"Looks good," he complimented, "which dinner is yours?"
"Take whatever you'd like," I said, pulling open the various containers. I plopped some salad on a plate and drizzled the accompanying Balsamic vinaigrette over it. Edward chose a small chicken breast and a few of the ravioli. Before settling back he walked into his office and returned with two glasses from his dry bar.
We both started eating. I was asking Edward to tell me more about his mother's Literacy Project when he interrupted.
"This chicken is good, but the ravioli is amazing. Here…."
He held out a piece of the ravioli on his fork. I hesitated. Angela's words came back to me,
"I guess that explains the feeding."
"Feeding?"
"The whole feeding each other thing."
"We didn't feed each other."
"Yes, you did."
I shook my head before leaning forward and closing my lips around the proffered morsel. I closed my eyes and chewed quickly when he pulled his fork from my mouth. He was right, it was delicious.
"Mmmmmm…." I moaned, "That's amazing. I wonder what kind of mushrooms are in there?"
I opened my eyes to find Edward gazing at me. I was suddenly uncomfortable. Damn Angela.
"Definitely Portobello," Edward mused, "but something else, too. They're great, right?"
"Yes." I scooped a few onto my now empty plate and began eating them myself. Edward continued his meal as if nothing unusual had happened.
See, I was right; us sharing food isn't weird. We're not 'feeding' each other; we both just appreciate really good food.
We continued eating.
"Umm," I hesitated, "how's Jasper doing?"
Edward sighed before pursing his lips.
"Not good. He and Charlotte broke off their engagement. He's a mess."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"I'm not. I always liked Charlotte, but the way things have been these last few weeks…it was bad. I hated seeing Jazz like that—always on edge and frustrated. He hasn't shared the details with me, but he will be at the club tonight."
I just nodded. I found Jasper to be a little intimidating, but I was sorry he was unhappy.
I gathered up my used dishes and threw them in the trash. I finished my drink and turned to Edward, "Do you want anymore Perrier?"
"No, I'm good."
I capped the bottle and stowed it in Angela's fridge.
"Are you going to get ready now?" he asked.
"I think so."
Edward nodded.
"I have a little work I need to get done. Let me get my clothes from the dressing room and then you can get in there. I'll change in the bathroom tonight."
"Thank you."
Edward got up and headed to his office. I grabbed his dishes and cleaned up our mess. I consolidated the leftovers and placed them in the fridge next to the Perrier before heading back into his office.
Edward was just walking out of his dressing room carrying his clothes for tonight. He smiled at me as he made his way to the bathroom.
I walked into his dressing room and sat down in front of the mirror. My hair was just wet enough to twist and pin. I'd pull it down when it was dry and it would flow down my back in loose curls.
This was a club opening so I decided to go heavier on the makeup than usual. It took almost a half hour to perfect my smoky eye and sheer lip combo, but I was pleased with the results. I hadn't worn this much makeup in a long time. I had originally feared looking trashy, but found the look to be a good one for me, instead.
I patted my hair. Still a little too wet. Glancing at the clock, I wondered if it would dry enough before I needed to take it down. I dithered a bit before finally deciding to ask Edward if he had a hair dryer in the bathroom.
I left the dressing room.
"Edward?"
"Mmm," he answered without looking up from the work on his desk.
"Do you have a hairdryer in the bathroom?"
"Umm, yeah. Second drawer on the right, under the sink."
"Thank you."
I walked into the bathroom and quickly found the hairdryer. It wasn't a particularly powerful one, but it blew warm air. It took about 15 minutes, but my hair dried enough that I felt comfortable taking it down. I retreated back to the dressing room.
Pulling the pins from my hair I combed through with my fingers. I fluffed it a bit and decided it was perfect. A spritz of hairspray and I was all set.
It was closing in on 8:30 and I knew it was time to pull on the dress Alice and I had chosen. I simply loved it. It was sparkly without being gaudy. I loved the subtle champagne color and the daring, but classy neckline. I slid into the matching shoes before opening up the clutch Alice had found and dropping in my gloss and phone. I took a long look in the mirror and decided that I looked good.
I opened the door and walked out into the office. Edward wasn't there. The bathroom door was shut so I assumed he was changing. I decided to finish off the bottle of Perrier and grabbed a clean glass off the dry bar before heading out into Mrs. Cope's office. I had just filled my glass when I heard the elevator chime. I looked up in confusion. Who would be coming up here now? It was close to nine.
It was the cart's rattle that first clued me in. I froze before turning slowly and watching as the cleaning cart was pushed off the elevator and into the office. I could feel the color draining from my face as Victoria followed a step behind dragging the vacuum.
I spun quickly so my back was to her and raised the glass to my lips, wishing there was something stronger than water in it.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Victoria said in a simpering voice, "I didn't realize anyone was still here. Do you mind if I clean or would you prefer I come back?"
Taking a deep breath I slowly turned to face her.
Her expression was blank at first before I saw confusion. Finally her eyes narrowed in recognition.
"You!" she hissed.
Metaphorically hiking up my power panties, I answered her. "Hello, Victoria."
"What are you doing here, Swan? And what the hell are you wearing?" Her words were dripping with venom.
I opened my mouth to answer her, though I wasn't sure what I was going to say when I was interrupted by Edward's office door opening. Victoria and I both turned to face Edward as he walked into the room.
Despite the bizarre situation unfolding in the room I couldn't help but be taken with how he looked; black slacks, a burgundy button down, open at his throat and a black blazer. His hair was in its usual state of disarray.
He froze when he saw the two of us looking at him in silence. I watched as his eye traveled from me to Victoria and back to me. I thought I saw the smallest hint of a smile. He took a few steps until he was at my side.
"Hey, beautiful," he said, loud enough for Victoria to hear before sliding his arm around my waist and kissing me firmly on the cheek. I could feel my skin heat at his casual familiarity and unprecedented affection. He was turned so only I could see his face. I watched as he winked at me exaggeratedly and bobbed his head slightly in Victoria's direction.
Oh!
"Hey, yourself," I responded leaning into his side.
"That dress is amazing," he continued, as if Victoria were of no consequence.
"Thank you," I replied with a wide smile, "you look terrific, too."
"Thanks. Can you come into my office for a minute? I have something for you."
"Okay," I said.
He removed his arm from my waist and grasped my hand instead, tugging me lightly towards the doors. I followed him carefully. He opened the door and gestured me inside. Before joining me I could hear him giving instructions to Victoria.
"The shower in my office is getting more use lately," he began, "it's going to need to be steam cleaned. If you don't have the equipment with you to do it tonight, please take care of it sometime this week. Also, I'm going to need wineglasses stocked on the dry bar; my girlfriend prefers wine to Scotch."
"Certainly, sir. Will there be anything else?" she asked in a sickly-sweet, fawning voice.
"Not tonight. I'd appreciate it if you stayed out here until we leave. We won't be long."
If Victoria answered I didn't hear it. Edward entered his office and pulled the door closed before turning to me with a huge smile on his face.
"Your old boss, I presume?" he asked.
I nodded. "Yes, that's Victoria. She wasn't happy to see me."
"Well, that's too bad for her."
I paused, not sure how to say what was going through my head.
"Edward…umm…thank you."
He smiled at me again.
"No problem. I remember how she spoke to you when you had her on speakerphone. I figured she wasn't a friend."
"No. Definitely not." I glanced around his office. "Did you really need to get something in here?" I asked.
"Oh yeah!" He walked over to his desk and removed a small box from the top drawer.
"I promised no necklace tonight, but Alice picked out these earrings for you."
He opened the box and held it up for me to see the contents. I felt my eyes widen as I gave a surprised gasp.
"These are beautiful," I breathed. "Don't tell me how much they cost," I added quickly.
He laughed as he handed me the box. I took the heavy topaz earrings from their resting place and easily slid the posts through the holes in my lobes. I shook my head lightly causing them to swing.
"They look good on you. You really do look beautiful tonight."
I could feel myself blush again at his sincere compliment.
"Thank you, Edward," I said with a small laugh to hide my embarrassment.
"You have everything you need?" he asked.
I scooped up my silky pashmina and small clutch before nodding.
"All ready."
Edward helped me wrap myself in the shawl and led me from the room with a hand on the small of my back. I could feel Victoria's eyes on me as we walked across the reception area. The elevator had returned to the lobby so we had to wait. After pushing the button, Edward leaned against the wall and pulled me to him until I was flush against his body. I could feel my face heating at the intimate contact. He raised a hand to the top of my shoulder. I felt his fingers curl slowly around my neck causing one gorgeous earring to swing lightly. He pulled me forward gently.
My eyes fluttered closed as his warm lips met mine. He kissed me softly at first, like he had at the Gala. I returned his tender kiss. I felt his other hand trail up my arm until it, too, settled around my neck. His thumbs caressed my jaw and my flesh broke out in goose bumps at the contact. With a gentle twist of his wrists he tilted my head a bit more and pressed his lips against mine more firmly.
I suddenly became very aware of my heartbeat.
I felt his lips part and the tip of his tongue emerged to brush lightly back and forth against my lower lip. Unsure of his real intention, I hesitantly opened my mouth and was shocked when his tongue swept in through my parted lips.
His hands dropped from my neck to my hips and he pulled me firmly against him. My hands, which had been limp by my sides, slid up his arms and settled on his chest. The elevator chimed, heralding its arrival; however, Edward didn't stop kissing me. The door slid open. I felt one of Edward's hands leave my hips and heard the slap as he reached over to press the button to stop the elevator from leaving us again.
His tongue retreated and I reluctantly closed my mouth. He kissed me lightly twice more before tilting his head back, breaking contact. We were both breathing heavily. I opened my eyes to find him staring at me intently. Without a word, he grabbed my hand and led me into the waiting elevator. Once inside I turned to face the open door. Victoria was staring straight at me, an insultingly shocked expression on her face. When we made eye contact her expression changed. Her eyes narrowed maliciously and her mouth twisted into a silent snarl.
A satisfied smile crept across my face and I cocked my eyebrow at her, daring her to say something.
The door slid shut cutting her off from view and my brow relaxed, but I couldn't wipe the smile from my lips.
We were quiet as the elevator descended. Finally, I could no longer contain myself and let out a loud but victorious laugh. I looked over at Edward and he was grinning at my foolishness.
"Thank you!" I finally said, raising my arms over my head with my fists clenched tight.
"You never have to thank me for kissing you, Bella. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
I blushed at his confession while silently admitting that the kiss was thoroughly enjoyable outside its implications for my win over Victoria. I was facing the coming evening with a whole new positive attitude.
EPOV
Holy shit!
- - - - -
BPOV
There was a long line outside Stroke of Midnight when we arrived. Edward pulled his car off to the side and a valet attendant ran up to us and opened his door.
"Good evening, Mr. Cullen."
"Evening." Edward handed the valet a bill and walked around the car to open my door. Edward leaned in and spoke quietly in my ear.
"Are you ready for this?"
I swallowed hard and nodded, then braced myself for the inevitable, as I took his hand and stepped out of the car.
Instantly lights starting flashing. Voice starting hollering, vying for my attention. At first they tried to lure me with the same question they had before the Gala.
"Who are you wearing?" I heard shouted from several directions at once. Instead of answering, I stood at Edward's side with a smile on my face. We had talked a bit on the way over and he asked if I'd mind posing with him. He had a lot riding on the success of the club and believed that taking advantage of the photo ops would be beneficial.
Edward nodded and waved to the crowd with one hand why he held mine with the other. Local interest reporters and photographers called him by name.
"Mr. Cullen!"
"Mr. Cullen!"
"Edward!"
The shouts went on. I'm not sure why he chose the reporter he did, but I suddenly found myself being steered closer to the velvet ropes.
"Mr. Cullen. Congratulations on the opening," the reporter offered pleasantly.
"Thank you."
"You're known to be very particular about your investments, why Stroke of Midnight?"
Edward was off, answering the reporter's question with genuine zeal. I listened as closely as I could while scanning the crowd nervously. There were so many people here and they seemed to be pressing closer and closer.
The reporter had asked Edward a follow up question and he dropped my hand to gesture while making a point.
One photographer, perhaps more astute than the others, called over to me, "Miss? Miss?" There was a sincerity in his voice caught my attention. I turned slightly to address him.
"Yes?"
"You're quite beautiful, I love your dress. Another Alice Brandon original?"
I smiled. He must have been at the Gala and heard me drop Alice's name.
"No, I'm afraid this one wasn't done by Ms. Brandon, though I love her work. She'll be quite famous one day, mark my words."
"Can I quote you?" he asked kindly.
I hesitated. On the one hand, I'd love to give Alice the press, on the other I was hoping to preserve my anonymity a bit longer. Finally, my desire to see Alice succeed overrode my selfishness.
"Of course."
"Great! What's your name?"
"Bella. Bella Swan."
"Well, Bella," he said with a sudden smirk on his lips, "care to tell me how long you've been fucking Edward Cullen?" As soon as the words left his mouth he raised his camera to his face and started snapping pictures of me. To my credit, I don't think I reacted badly. My smile was frozen on my face as I contemplated his audacity and my own naïveté. He had used the tiny bit he knew about me to lull me into a false sense of security. He'd convinced me to give up my name simply to immediately abuse my trust in an effort to elicit a negative reaction from me.
I stood in silence for only a second before I felt Edward slide his hand around my waist and pull me close. The nearby photographers went into a frenzy. I chanced a look at my recent abuser. He was smiling at me maliciously now.
Edward leaned his head down and spoke directly into my ear, "Ready?"
I nodded slowly and allowed him to lead me into the club.
"What's up?" Edward asked taking in my still frozen smile.
I didn't answer him, just shaking my head.
"Bella?" he asked, now frowning.
"I did something stupid," I admitted as Edward led me through the dark, but loud club.
"What happened?"
"One of the photographers, he tricked me and now I feel stupid."
"What did he do?"
"He asked me about Alice. I hadn't planned on speaking to him, but I thought I would promote her by taking the opportunity to say how much I love her designs. He asked if he could quote me and I told him yes, and gave him my name. As soon as I did he asked me a nasty question about our relationship and then snapped my picture while I was stunned into silence."
Edward was now leading me past a large man who unhooked a velvet rope, and up a short flight of stairs to a raised portion of the club. This section had wide tables, long built-in leather benches and overstuffed upholstered chairs. It was very modern and overlooked the dance floor. A low, curved wall topped with a short, sleek railing further defined the space. Instead of a bar, beautiful, scantily clad women with small trays were delivering drinks. I raised my eyebrow in a silent question.
"VIP section," Edward explained briefly before returning to our previous conversation.
"What, exactly, did the guy say to you?"
"It doesn't matter. Nothing I hadn't expected, really, but he was really crass."
"Bella. What. Did. He. Say?"
I sighed. It seemed I wasn't going to get out of repeating the photographer crude words.
"He asked me how long I'd been fucking you."
Edward's eyes widened briefly before a scowl settled in.
"I'm sorry you had to deal with that. What did you say?"
"I didn't say anything. I'm actually not sure he was expecting an answer. As soon as he said it he started snapping my picture."
Edward nodded. "He was trying to get a reaction from you."
"Well, I froze and then you came over, so he didn't get much."
"Good." He paused, "I am sorry, Bella, but that won't be the last time, I'm afraid."
"Good evening, Mr. Cullen. My name is Tia and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get for you?" A beautiful brunette with an exaggerated hourglass figure had approached while we were talking. She had on what seemed to the club's standard uniform. The silver and black diagonally striped top had thin straps held on in the front with crystal clasps. A tiny black skirt, black hose and sparkly silver heels finished the ensemble.
"Good evening, Tia. I'll have Scotch, Macallan--bring the bottle. Bella?" He turned to me.
"White wine," I answered.
"Bring the bottle of that, as well," Edward told Tia.
"Yes sir. Mr. Emmett Cullen has already arrived and has a bottle of Macallan at his table. Will you be joining him?"
"Yes. Bring the bottle anyway. Was Mr. Whitlock there, as well?"
"Umm, I'm afraid I don't know Mr. Whitlock, sir."
"Tall guy, blond… never mind, where are they?"
Tia pointed across the VIP area where I could see the hulking form of Emmett Cullen and various others.
We made our way over to the group. Emmett was sitting with his back to us. His form had completely blocked our view of Jasper. Normally, this wouldn't be possible since Jasper was a few inches taller than Emmett, but right now he was slumped down low, legs splayed out, fingering a glass of Scotch. Edward indicated the spot next to Jasper and I slid along the banquette until I settled down beside him. Edward slid in next to me.
"Good evening," I greeted the table quietly. Everyone said hello, except Jasper, who just sighed.
Emmett was about to speak when a loud voice interrupted.
"Edward, you're here! Wonderful, wonderful! I hate to pull you all away from your dates, but you must come make the rounds with me," a boisterous man said, slapping both Emmett and Edward familiarly on the back.
"Aro, good to see you. How's it going tonight?"
"Wonderful!" The man named Aro beamed as he looked around our group, cocking an inquisitive eyebrow at me.
Edward took the hint. "Aro, this is my girlfriend, Bella Swan. Bella, this is Aro. He and his brother, Marcus, own the club."
I nodded and smiled at Aro, who reached over and clasped my hand, before bringing it to his lips and kissing it lightly. Despite the fact that my focus was on Aro, I was not unaware of the attention Edward had garnered from his friends and family by his announcement of our relationship. Emmett leaned over towards Rose and was speaking quietly in her ear. Rose was looking back and forth between Edward and me with widened eyes. Even Jasper seemed to have been pulled from his funk and was now eyeing me speculatively.
"Bella, beautiful! Edward has always had fine taste in women. I'm sorry, m'dear, but I'm afraid I must borrow your man. You understand, don't you?"
"Of course, Aro." Aro smiled brilliantly at my acquiescence.
"And your husband, as well, Mrs. Cullen," Aro said, directing his words to Rose. She smiled and nodded her understanding.
Edward stood, but leaned over to whisper in my ear, "I'm not sure how long I'll be gone. Enjoy yourself. Have a drink, talk to Rose," he pointed at the pulsating crowd on the dance floor, "dance."
I smiled at him and he smiled back before reaching out for my hand and squeezing it. Edward and Emmett followed Aro across the VIP section and through a small door.
I turned back to the table to face Rose just as Tia returned with a bottle of Scotch and my wine. She quickly served the drinks, giving Jasper the once over with a predatory eye before walking away.
"Hey, Bella," Rose greeted me as we took our drinks, "you look lovely."
"Thank you," I replied, "so do you."
Rosalie smiled. "I'm relieved to be back in this dress," she confessed, "it's taken me almost five months to lose the baby weight." Rose was in a fantastic silver cocktail dress with an asymmetric neckline.
I smiled back at her, "Well, no one would know."
"Thanks. So, I was going to hit the dance floor, want to come?"
"Sure," I answered, quickly finishing my glass of wine. While the more traditional dancing Edward and I had done at the Gala was outside my comfort zone, I could grind it out on a nightclub dance floor just as well as the next girl.
We stood and were just about to move away when I thought of something and turned to Jasper.
"Do you want to join us?" I asked him.
It took a few seconds for him to focus on my face, but once he did he slowly shook his head.
"No, but thank you for asking."
I nodded before moving away with Rose.
We hurried out to the floor and started moving around to the frenetic beat of the music. It was so loud on the dance floor that we couldn't hear one another, but we seemed to be able to communicate in the way long time confidantes often could. An eye roll here indicated a particularly trashy outfit, a raised brow there indicated approval of a nearby handsome man. A drunken reveler tripped nearby, falling right at Rose's feet. As he hauled himself off the ground he apologized profusely and staggered away, causing both Rose and I to burst out in hysterical laughter.
We must have been on the floor nearly a half hour, occasionally turning to dance a few beats with a nearby fellow club goer before rotating back to one another. A more techno number was blasting from the deejay booth when Rose leaned over and yelled into my ear, "I need to use the bathroom!"
I nodded and indicated she should lead the way. The relative silence of the large and crowded, but luxurious lounge was almost deafening. We both used the facilities before sitting down together on an ottoman in the lounge area and checking our makeup.
"So…" Rose started, but her voice fell off.
I met her eyes in the mirror and knew immediately what she wanted to know.
"Yes?"
"You and Edward…?" she led, with a curious look on her face. I glanced around at the other women in the room. They were scurrying in and out at a crazy pace. None of the women in here now had been here when we sat down and none were staying long. When I was sure that no one was listening I nodded my head.
"Yeah, we seem to have stepped up the plan. We were seen together tonight by someone I know fairly well, and then a photographer made a crass remark that I didn't deny because of my shock. I'm sure by tomorrow the fact that Edward and I are together will be all over the gossip sites."
Rose frowned and nodded. "So, that's all it is?" she asked. "An act?"
I shrugged, "Well, yeah. Playing his girlfriend is what he hired me for."
Rose's frown intensified for a moment before her face cleared.
"We should go check on Jasper. He's in pretty bad shape. I'm actually surprised he came tonight."
"Okay." I let Rose lead me from the bathroom and back to the VIP section.
Tia was back at our table, which was deserted except for an obviously drunk Jasper. She was bent at the waist, her generous cleavage spilling across the table, speaking quietly to him as he stared at her with unfocused eyes.
Rose cleared her throat, surprising the rapacious waitress. She looked over at us and asked if she could get us anything. I shook my head while Rose delivered a dismissive, "No, thank you," sending the covetous server on her way.
Rose settled down across from Jasper and I slid in next to him. She gazed at the suffering man with pity and was about to say something when Emmett returned to the table, interrupting her.
"C'mon, baby! I need to dance!" He tugged hard on Rose's arm, almost yanking her from her seat.
"Okay, okay!" she laughed before looking over at me.
"Edward's just finishing up," Emmett explained, "he'll be here in a few minutes."
"Will you be okay?" she asked glancing significantly at Jasper. I followed her gaze and took in his somber, distracted appearance and nodded.
"I'll be fine," I told her, pouring myself another glass of wine. Emmett wrapped his arm around Rose's waist and pulled her away from the table as soon as the last word was out of my mouth.
I sat in silence a few moments before I looked over at Jasper. He was still holding a glass of Scotch in his hands, alternately rubbing his fingers down the sides and swirling the glass around. A strange clinking noise was coming from the glass. I looked at it more closely.
"Jasper!" I gasped.
"What?" he asked, his voice surprisingly clear for someone who was so gone in drink.
"What's in that glass?" I asked, afraid I already knew the answer.
"What?" he asked loudly, "this?" He drained the last of his Scotch before turning the glass over on a napkin. Sure enough, the brilliant, cushion-cut diamond ring I had seen on Charlotte's hand last weekend was now lying on the napkin shedding drops of Scotch from its complicated setting.
"Oh, Jasper," I said my eyes moving quickly from his face to the ring and back again.
"You want it?" he asked, attempting to pick it up from its resting place on the table, but failing miserably.
"No, Jasper," I said, quietly, resting my hand on his. "Stop."
"No, Bella, no. You should have it," he said loudly. "I bought it for a woman who doesn't want it. It's only right that a woman who doesn't want it should have it. Here." He had finally succeeded in picking up the ring. He pressed it into my hand, then picked up the bottle of Scotch and poured himself a large drink, which he immediately brought to his mouth. I held onto the ring figuring it was safer in my hand than in his glass.
I watched as he drained his drink and poured himself more.
"Ya' know, Bella, I owe you an ap- apology. I was very unfair to you." Jasper's unfocused eyes were now aimed at me. I'd heard enough drunken confessions in college to know there was no point in interrupting. I simply faced him and let him speak.
"When I shaw you that day, down in the cafeteria…with all those guys hangin' around you, I thought you were jusht a gold digger, out to get what ya' could from Edward." Okay, even though I knew he was drunk, that still hurt a bit. "I shaw all dose guys aroun' you 'n figured it wash only a matter o' time 'fore you shold him out to the highesht bidder. But ya' know what?" he asked in an extremely loud whisper, like we were sharing a secret, "I had no reason to think dat, really. I didn't trusht you, 'cause I knew..." he paused and tapped his temple to illustrate his point, while squinting at me. "I knew, Bella. I knew dat there was shomething not right with Charlotte. I wash pro- projecting."
His words were becoming more indistinct as the large amount of alcohol he had consumed finally seemed to take hold of him.
"I'm shorry, Bella. I am. You're a nishe girl. Lemme make it up to you. You should c- come here, Friday night. Be my guesht. Bring a friend. It'sh a costume party. It'll be fun. I'll make sure your name'sh on the lisht. Okay? Okay?" He seemed agitated.
"Sure, Jasper," I said in a calm voice, figuring he wouldn't remember this tomorrow, anyway, "that sounds like fun."
"Awww, thanksh," he slurred leaning against me heavily. He reached out and hugged me with surprising strength, holding me tightly, his head leaning heavily onto my shoulder. He overbalanced and I found myself being pushed off the banquette as his full weight came down to rest on me. I had just resigned myself to becoming intimately acquainted with the floor when I felt a strong arm brace my back.
Edward reached over me and carefully unwrapped Jasper from my shoulders. Between the two of us we were able to wedge him more securely into the corner. As soon as he was stable I slid out of the U-shaped booth and stood next to Edward.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes," I said simply.
Edward frowned at his passed out friend before turning to me. I took his hand, which had been hanging limply at his side and opened it gently, depositing Charlotte's engagement ring in his palm. Edward's eyes widened briefly as he looked at the piece of jewelry.
"He tried to give this to me. Please keep it safe, he may want it back when he sobers up."
Edward nodded his head and slipped the ring into his jacket's inside pocket before grabbing my hand.
"Thank you," he said simply.
"For what?" I asked.
"For sitting with him. Jasper's like another brother to me. Seeing him like this, it's hard. I appreciate that you didn't abandon him." He shot a dark look to the dance floor where a wildly gesticulating Emmett and sinuously sexy Rosalie could be seen dancing together.
"It's fine, Edward."
He sighed. "You've been great, Bella. From the day you agreed to work for me, you've been nothing but spot on. The way you are around the office, around my family," he gestured to Jasper, "my friends…. You've gone out of your way to play your part to the fullest. That's why I'm really sorry about what's going to happen."
I looked at him and frowned. "What going to happen?" I echoed.
"My ex is here, Bella. Tanya. I should have realized she'd be invited, but have been so busy lately, I didn't give it any real thought. I saw her while Aro, Emmett and I were making the rounds earlier. She knows I'm an investor in this club so she knows I'm here, even if she hasn't seen me yet. I'm afraid when she does see me there will be a scene. I promised her that I wouldn't make a fool of her by seeing someone so soon after our break up. Unfortunately, our hand was revealed earlier than we expected, and by now she knows we're seeing each other. It might get ugly."
I took a deep breath as I considered what Edward was saying.
"What do you think she'll do?"
"I'm sure she'll have some unflattering things to say to both of us. It's probably best if you don't go anywhere by yourself while you're here. Take Rose if you need to use the restroom. I'll stay with you otherwise. I've had a lot of practice dealing with Tanya's moods. I'll do my best to deflect. I'm sorry."
I nodded. "It's fine, Edward. You're not expected to be omniscient. I can handle her."
Edward smiled, "Thatta girl," he said. We watched as Emmett and Rosalie made their way back to the table. Edward shot them a dark look.
"What?" Emmett asked.
Edward just scowled at him before turning to me. "You want to dance?"
I smiled and nodded. "Sure."
We both glanced over at Jasper. Seeing that he was secure in his little corner we turned and made our way across the VIP section and down the stairs. Edward reached out for my hand and we continued to the dance floor. It was packed tight, but Edward seemed to be able to move smoothly through the crowd, pulling me behind him. He found a relatively open spot and turned to face me. The pulsating crowd kept us pushed close together. He rested his right hand on my hip and grabbed my right with the other. He pulled my hand up to his shoulder and then released it, letting his hand fall back to hang loosely at his side. I slid my arm up so that my hand was resting on his back.
Conversation was all but impossible, but our close contact allowed us to move well together. I was thoroughly enjoying myself. Edward was an excellent dancer, and that let me take chances I normally wouldn't while dancing. If I leaned back his loose hand would come up behind me to support my back. If I was pressed against him by the crowd he'd easily take a half step back to give me more room.
Every now and then someone would come up to Edward and say something close to his ear. He usually nodded and smiled at these people. Sometimes he would lean into them and say a few words. Some of them would smile at me or offer a silent greeting, which I would return politely. I was surprised by how well-known he seemed to be. After one inaudible conversation he leaned over to me and put his lips almost on my ear.
"Well-wishers," he said, by way of explanation.
I nodded my understanding and we continued to dance.
We had been dancing to a particularly raucous number when the music suddenly shifted into a slower, more sinuous beat of Timbaland's Scream. I felt the area around me open up as some people left the floor. It was still crowded, but I wasn't pushed up hard against Edward anymore. We continued to dance. The music was seductive and sexy. A random bump against my back pushed me into him. Instead of stepping back, I slid the hand that had been on his back around his neck. He looked at me questioningly. I dropped my chin and looked up at him through my lashes. I watched as he swallowed hard. He was looking at me intently.
So won't you scream at the top of your lungs…if your body's feeling right.
A small voice in the back of my head was trying to get my attention. It was reminding me that Edward wasn't really my boyfriend and my "come hither" look was probably altogether inappropriate, but Edward didn't seem to mind and I told the voice to shut the hell up. I brought my other hand up behind his neck.
And you're the designated driver, yeah, I'm not afraid cause I'm a rider, yeah, ain't nothing wrong with feeling right.
Edward grabbed my hips hard with both his hands and rotated me slowly so my back was to his chest. I'd managed to keep my hands locked behind his head. He slid one arm down my hip to the outside of my thigh and left it there. The other moved to my waist and pulled me against him tightly.
Well, well, well. Hello, Mr. Calm, Cool and Collected…. Not.
Cause when it feels good, don't fight it, if you like it. Don't fight it if you like it.
Edward's voice suddenly sounded quietly in my ear, "Turn your head."
I did as he requested, turning my face towards the sound of his voice. His lips were hovering just a breath away from mine and I decided it was my turn to initiate. Rising up on my toes, I pressed my lips firmly to his. The hand he had resting on my thigh began to travel slowly up to my hip and then back down to its original position. He rubbed me slowly as he kissed me over my shoulder.
If it feels good, why don't you scream?
I broke away from him in an attempt to catch my breath. Instead of raising his head, however, he dropped it lower and nuzzled my neck through the curtain of my hair. My heart began to pound. It had been a long time since I'd had this feeling. His grip loosened enough that I was able to turn in his arms and face him as the song ended. Edward raised his head. His eyes were very dark. I saw his lips move, but didn't hear what he said. He slowly lowered his mouth back to mine as the pulsating beat of the next song started.
His warm lips felt amazing against mine. Like back at the office, his tongue brushed against my lower lip and I opened my mouth to let him in. His flavor filled my senses. Scotch and Edward. Feeling brave, I tentatively touched his tongue with mine. He responded immediately, stilling our swaying bodies as he stroked my tongue with his own. A moan I couldn't control bubbled up from the depths of my soul. I doubted he could hear it, but I was sure he could feel it. His hands were moving up and down the length of my sides. Mine traveled down his back and up to his neck. I was about to fist them in his hair when Edward stumbled forward into me, breaking our kiss.
Edward's arms tightened around me, making sure I had my balance before he turned with a snarled curse to whomever had bumped into him so hard. I took a second to wipe at the corners of my mouth and waited for Edward to turn back. He didn't. Instead, one of his arms shot out behind him as if he was protecting me, pushing me back from whatever was happening in front of him. I rose to my tiptoes and peeked over his shoulder to see who he was confronting.
There, in front of him, was the slightly familiar figure of Tanya Denali. Edward's ex. I recognized her from the picture that had been in Edward's dressing room the night I met him. She caught my eye over the top of Edward's shoulder and I saw fury there. Suddenly, I understood Edward's earlier apology.
This was not going to be pretty.
- - - - -
Sorry to leave it there, bbs. Well, not really. How could I get you to come back unless I promised you a catfight or epic proportions? Or not. I guess you'll have to come back to see.
As much as I love you all, and I do, there's no chance of a real update before Christmas. I am toying with the idea of a smutty little outtake/oneshot set in the THTF universe, though: what would have happened in Edward's shower if he weren't such a gentleman the night he met her? What do you think? All I want for Christmas is a review. Would you make my dream come true?
Pictures linked in my profile for this chapter are:
Power panties
Bella's La Perla silk robe
$50,000 Tiffany earrings
Bella's dress
Stroke of Midnight cocktail waitress uniform
Rose's dress
Scream by Timbaland (Thanks, snshyne, for finding this song for me. It's hottt with three t's!)