Chapter 15

Edward

I arrive at Bella's apartment feeling utterly nervous. It sounds ridiculous, but I really like this girl and I want tonight to go well.

I really do. After our snowed-in little bubble ended I was sincerely worried that we would broken after that.

I press the buzzer and wait. My fingers fidget with the zipper on my coat. I can't help it.

"Edward?" a familiar voice says through the intercom.

"Yes."

"Come on up, the door's unlocked," she tells me, buzzing the lobby door open.

I climb the stairs and as I get closer to her place I begin to smile and relax. I can hear her laughing and just the sound is putting me at ease. That's the hold this beautiful woman has on me. It's insane that it's as strong as it is in such a short period of time. But she truly is something else.

In front of her door I take a moment to straighten myself before heading in.

"Hey, Edward," Alice shouts. I've met her a few times over the past year. Between the bakery and having Bella as my son's caretaker. She's a character, but really very nice.

"How are you?" I ask from the doorway.

"Good, come in," she says, motioning to me. "Bella will be out in a minute."

"Thanks." I nod, feeling awkward.

"C'mon old man, loosen up. You're going on a date with a hottie tonight. Show some excitement."

"Trust me, I'm excited," I tell her with a wink.

"Good." She grins. "Just don't get too excited; wouldn't want you to have an early ignition."

My eyes bug out of my head at her words.

"ALICE." I hear Bella shout.

"What? It's true," Alice says innocently.

"I'm coming," Bella yells.

"Well, maybe you won't be needed tonight after all," Alice comments with a sly grin on her face, and I chuckle.

"Jesus, you're quick."

"Glad to say I haven't heard the same about you," she retorts.

This girl is too much. But as I'm cracking up I pretty much stop dead when I see Bella round the corner and finally come into view.

Beautiful doesn't even cut it. She looks like a model. Absolutely stunning in a black dress that is long enough to make her look like a woman, but short enough to appreciate her long legs.

"Okay, I'm sorry about that," Bella whispers, walking up to me and pecking me on the cheek.

"No problem," I murmur, biting my lip. She looks so damn good. "It was worth the wait."

She smiles before grabbing her coat and telling Alice not to wait up.

We leave to the sound of Alice whistling and cat calling.

Bella shakes her head and grins. "I love my best friend. I really do and I'm sorry about that."

"Don't apologize. She's hysterical. And if she's your best friend I know she must be awesome."

"Thanks," she whispers as I help her in the car. Her heels are so fucking sexy, but not really meant for the sidewalks in December.

(*)

While sitting here in this lovely restaurant, enjoying the peaceful silence between us, I reach across and gently touch her arm. I can't help it. She's just so gorgeous, and not touching her is killing me.

"Hi, beautiful," I say quietly with a soft smile on my face.

She looks over her menu and smiles at me. "God, it's so hard to believe this is real."

"Really?" I wonder.

"Yeah…" She sighs dreamily. "I guess I just always assumed you were…never going to be a reality for me."

I shake my head. "I never thought this would be a reality for me. A relationship, a partner, or even…love," I admit. "It's taken me a while, but I think I've finally gotten it right."

"I'm glad we got snowed in."

I grin. "Me, too."

"It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm so happy."

I nod and smile, but our conversation is interrupted by the waitress coming to collect our order.

(*)

After dinner is finished, I ask her to dance. Something I'm proud of myself for knowing how to do. My mother taught me when I was younger.

"Uh."

"C'mon, one dance?"

"Oh, what the hell?" She grins and shrugs; standing and taking my hand.

The melody is smooth and slow.

"This is nice," she hums, sliding her hands around my neck.

"Yes. Yes, it is," I agree easily, pulling her close, savoring the way she feels next to me. This is incredible. I never thought I would feel this way with anyone else.

We move around the floor, swaying and bobbing to the music. It's simple, but exciting just the same.

My hands stray from her hips, slowly grazing her perfect ass. And when they do, I'm delighted by a giggle in my ear. "Edward," she sighs.

"You're so fucking sexy, I can't keep my hands off of you," I whisper in her ear.

She laughs softly, and we float around with each other.

Finally, my body can't take it anymore, and I'm about to do the least gentlemanly thing I've ever done in my small track record that is dating.

"Do you, uh, do you think you might want to come over to my place?"

She breaks out this breathtaking smile before nodding. "That sounds lovely."

"Great, I'll get the check." I don't want to rush us out of here, but at the same time, I do. I want to get her home. I need to.

After paying the check and collecting our coats, we're on the way to my car.

I hold her door, letting her in. Then I nearly run around to my side of the car. Driving down the streets I begin to wish I'd picked a place closer by.

"We're going to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, right?" she asks with a glint in her eye.

"Oh, yeah, a cup of coffee," I agree with a humorous smile.

"And maybe if you're up for it, we can have two cups?" she hints into my shoulder, pressing a kiss on my neck that makes me need to readjust.

"Jesus," I mumble. "Yeah, two cups of coffee would be real nice."

Her hand makes it worse, resting high on my thigh. I want nothing more than to move it just a little higher.

"I bet you want some of my cookies, too," she whispers sweetly.

"I love your cookies," I tell her, trying to rush back to my house. Because if we don't make it there soon; I'm going to have to pull over and do something real un-gentlemanly.

Thankfully, the next turn is mine and we're soon in the driveway. As soon as I put the car in park I hop out as if the seat's burning my ass.

But the devilish grin on her lips needs to be remedied. So I grab her and twist her 'til she's facing me, pushing her up against the house, next to the front door.

I grin down at her, loving those sweet, brown eyes that are sparkling back up at me before kissing her.

"Oh," she moans softly.

"Yeah," I whisper against her lips.

She hums happily.

"We should go in before I eat your cookies out here," I suggest, then deepen the kiss.

She nods with a beautiful smile on her freshly kissed lips.

I break our kiss, finally opening the door. "C'mon baby. He'll be asleep," I whisper, leading her inside.

"Oh, good, you're home," Mrs. Winter's says with a smug smile on her face, meeting us at the door.

I can't help but laugh. "Yes, thank you again for watching Ej. I hope he wasn't too much trouble."

"Not at all," she tells me, waving me off.

I quickly pull out some cash for her trouble.

"Well, I'll just be on my way. Have a nice night you two," she says on her way out the door.

We both look at each other, giggling like teenagers for moment.

"You think she knows?" Bella asks.

"Oh, yeah, she totally knows, but I don't care," I tell her, pushing her into the kitchen counter and planting my lips on hers.

As soon as Mrs. Winters is gone we're a rush of kisses and hands.

Her moans are sweet, but I definitely don't want this evening to end now by having Ej waking. Don't get me wrong. I love my son. But my need for Bella is trumping just about everything right now.

Sliding my hand into her hers, I pull her into my room, closing and locking my door behind us.

"Your cookies are mine," I whisper, pulling her dress away from her body.

"Yes, yes they are."

We strip each other in between messy kisses.

And when we're both naked I pick her up, throwing her on to my bed.

"Edward," she chastises as I crawl over her, covering her.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I ask, grinning down at her.

"I need you," she whispers, running the tips of her fingers along my jaw, sending shivers down my spine.

"Okay, baby."

I reach for the top drawer next to my bed. I quickly locate and roll on a condom, before covering her again. This time, she's grabbing at me, kissing me. And I'm loving every second of it. But I know she wants this as bad as I do, so I position myself and lock my eyes with hers, taking care to brush a few strands of hair away from her face.

I slowly push into her, reveling in her heat, her wetness, everything. "Fuck," I whisper.

"Oh, God," she breathes.

I stop for a moment when I reach the hilt and savor the feeling. It's incredible at how well we fit together.

"Please," she begs. I open my eyes and stare down at the gorgeous woman beneath me and smile.

"Anything for you," I tell her as I begin to move my hips.

Our breathing is harsh, rasping as I reach my hand between us and press on her clit.

"Shit," she grinds out.

I rub and rub on her clit, hoping to further the spark between us.

"Yeah, come on. Come for me," I encourage, feeling the pleasure beginning to bloom in the pit of my stomach.

Her moan turns it to a muffled scream and her walls squeeze me in the most delicious way that I can't help from speeding up and coming right along with her.

"Oh, God," I wheeze, resting on my weak-feeling elbows.

"Yeah," she sighs, trying to catch her own breath.

"That was…"

"That was amazing," she finishes for me. "So perfect, Edward."

I smile and kiss her nose, rolling to the side and disposing of the condom. I toss it in the trash before snuggling next to her.

"Goodnight, baby," I whisper, sliding my arm around her.

"Night," she says sleepily.

I sigh contently knowing that our impulsiveness was worth it. And smile to myself knowing that Ej might just get his wish after all.