Thank you to my betas: Adt216 and PainJane.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters associated with it.
Chapter Seven
-The Prepared-
"Aro speaking."
"Hi, Aro. It's Isabella speaking."
"Oh, Isabella. This is a rather early call on a Monday morning, even for you."
"Yes, I do apologize if I'm interrupting your sleep."
"Not at all, love. I rise with the rooster."
"I'm calling you regarding Edward Cullen."
"Oh yes, any news on that?"
"Indeed. I spoke to him on Friday, and he would love it if you read the manuscript. However, he had a few conditions."
"Conditions?"
"Yes. You see, Edward is a very proud, young man. I knew this going into it, so when I approached him, I didn't tell him about our earlier conversation. He was willing to release his manuscript to me, if, and only if, I refer it to you with no strings attached."
"What is the meaning of all this, Isabella?"
"Basically, he doesn't want you to publish anything only because I, or whoever referred it to you, asked."
"In other words, I have to pretend that this is the first I hear of it?"
"Yes. He was quite adamant about being present when I make the call to you later, to ensure that I don't pimp it to you."
"How peculiar."
"You know how writers can be. They're a very temperamental species."
"Indeed, indeed. Well that's fine, I suppose. I'll wait for your call later and just pretend like I don't know about anything."
"Thank you, Aro."
"No problem, my lovely. Oh, and Isabella, please don't mention this to Jessica. She will surely be upset if she finds out the referral was practically stolen from her."
"So Jessica referred the manuscript to you?"
"Like you didn't know, my smart."
"Well…I…"
"I presume you've read it?"
"I have."
"Then it must be something special for you to go through the lengths you have. I don't know you to be so compliant to the writer's requests."
"It is…special…I mean."
"Then I can't wait to read it. Call me soon."
"Yes, sir."
xoxo
"So he actually kissed you?" Alice is practically screeching in my ear.
"Yes, Alice," I confirm for the hundredth time in the last ten minutes since she called me.
"Oh, my! Spill! How was it?"
"It's not like we went at it, Alice." I can feel my patience slipping. "It was a chaste kiss or two on the cheek and then one on the mouth."
"Oh." She sounds deflated, but I know her well enough to know that she'll bounce back swiftly. "But it was good right?"
"It was," I reply softly, turning on my laptop as I take a seat behind my office desk.
"I knew it would be! So, when is he meeting Charlie and Renee?" I've known Alice since high school and needless to say, she's become rather comfortable with my family. They were on first name basis since the very first day she stepped into our living room and made a smart-ass comment about Charlie's moustache.
"Tonight," I answer absentmindedly as I scan through my unread emails.
"I can hear I'm losing you," Alice sighs. "You in front of your computer?"
"Mhh-hmm," I answer only half-aware of what she asked.
"Call me later?" She knows me so well. Once I've started my day at the office, my attention focuses on work and nothing else.
"Okay," I reply noncommittally and throw my phone on the desk without waiting for a goodbye.
There are a couple of emails from Aro about work stuff. An email from one of my temperamental writers, which I ignore for now. And then, my eyes fall upon an email sent by Edward…last night.
What the…?
I immediately click to open it, my hands slightly shaking. I'm running through every possible scenario before the email even opens. What if he's pulling out? What if, by some sordid twist of fate, he spoke to Jessica since he left my house yesterday? What if he was so disgusted by the kiss that he would rather die a struggling writer than go through with this scheme?
My eyes scan the email and I fall against the back of my office chair with a sigh of relief. The little shit.
To: Isabella Swan
From: Edward Cullen
Subject: Flexible?
Dear Bella,
I'm reading through your detailed portfolio and find the need to ask: Exactly how does a senior editor go about becoming a yoga instructor?
Just Curious - Edward
I grab my BlackBerry and reply to his email.
To: EMC
From: BeSwan
Subject: Re: Some regard for propriety, please.
Dear Edward,
I would appreciate it if you can refrain from sending emails of such a private nature to my work email. Here is my private email address to which emails of such content can be sent. (preferable but not encouraged)
Regards,
Bella
PS: That was in my college years, so even though I still practice, I don't preach anymore.
I put my phone down with a satisfied nod. I can't believe he would actually be as callous as to run the risk of exposing our agreement. It's not as if our emails are checked daily, but I'm a cautious person, and I am definitely not taking any chances. I stare out of my office window at the Seattle skyline, highlighted in hues of misty grey as the sun finally rises. I'm the only one in the office seeing as it is barely six. My mind wanders back to our meeting of yesterday. The man certainly doesn't lack confidence. Not that I can think of any viable reason why he should, seeing as there is absolutely nothing wrong with his physical attributes—or his mind for that matter. I find intelligence extremely appealing.
My phone alerts me of a new message, and I reach for it eagerly. It's from Edward, and I can't help but notice that my hands are still shaking a little.
To: Bella
From: EMC
Subject: Re: Put in my place
Well good morning to you too, baby. (just trying it on for size)
Thank you for your email address, I realize that I was a douche for sending the previous email to your Breaking Dawn account. It won't happen again.
So…when you say you still practice, does that mean you are in fact flexible? (for research purposes, of course.)
And if you just read my email sent to you last night, does that mean you're already at the office at this ungodly time of the morning?
Remorseful - Edward
I swallow thickly at his use of one of the endearments we agreed to try out. The email feels impossibly more personal due to the little offensive word, and I'm not sure whether I'm entirely comfortable with it. I'm surprised to see that he is far more confident today than he was yesterday, and I wonder if he would say the same things in this email to my face, or whether the impersonal nature of communicating through correspondence makes him more self-assured. I also notice that he saved my email address under Bella, and for some inexplicable reason, this sends a slight shiver of excitement up my spine.
I return the favour and save his address under Edward then hastily type my response.
To: Edward
From: Bella
Subject: Re: Baby? Really?
Darling?
I must say, I'm not sure I like the endearment you chose. Do you not think that for people of our educated background and maturity level (although I may only be referring to myself on that one) that something more tasteful could be used?
To answer your second question: Yes, I am in the office at this ungodly hour. This is some of the most productive hours of my day—although today this may not be true due to the incessant questions of a certain junior editor of mine.
I'm not answering your first question as I do not know what kind of research you are referring to. How will you knowing my level of flexibility help us at all? I find your request disconcerting and fear that maybe we are not on the same page. Maybe you could clarify?
Bella
I feel rather pleased with myself and my reply. Honestly, what is it with this man and his ramblings about my flexibility? It has absolutely nothing to do with our agreement and surely not something that will be mentioned in any of our conversations with my parents. Unless, of course, he is referring to sex, in which case I really don't understand how it is applicable. We were both rather clear about our terms, and sex is most definitely not even a remote possibility.
I shake my head and make my way toward the office kitchen. I need caffeine. Now.
After I make myself a strong cup, I walk back to my office and see the notification light of my Blackberry blinking. Two guesses who that might be?
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Bloodlines to Texas?
Baby,
Please tell me you do not expect me to call you 'darling'? What? Are we living in the South now? Although I have no qualms about the endearment, I'm afraid that someone of my educational background and maturity level (or lack thereof as you seem to imply) will not be able to pull that one off. I actually think 'baby' is growing on me… Maybe you could give it a chance… You know—"Bella Baby' makes for some great alliteration play and should certainly call to the writer in you?
Speaking of play—might need to teach you how to do that in our three weeks together.
In fact, I've just decided that that is one of my new terms. You will have to take part in at least one fun activity with me weekly…we can include your parents if you prefer. That adds up to three activities, a number I'm sure you'll be able to live with. No negotiations on this one.
Being at the office at the ass crack of dawn is one thing we might try to amend, no?
With regards to your flexibility, say for example I drop the TV remote and am unable to reach it, knowing how flexible you are will surely come in handy then, wouldn't you agree?
Ain't no cowboy - Edward
I sit transfixed, staring at the small screen of my phone in astonishment. Did he just imply that I don't know how to have fun? And what's with the new terms? I don't remember us agreeing that the terms can be amended and bended as we proceed. That is completely unacceptable, and something I will need to address before this turns into a circus. However, I must admit that it wouldn't be unlikely for me to be in a situation where I might need to entertain my parents. Surely, Edward's offer of taking part in 'fun activities', as he calls it, could come in handy.
I respond warily.
To: Edward
From: Bella
Subject: Re: Don't push it, buddy!
Edward, (I still haven't decided whether I accept your endearment)
First and foremost, I do not appreciate the implication that I don't know how to have fun. I'll have you know that I can be a lot of fun, which is something you surely will not be able to derive from the binder I gave you. What I do with my time remains my business (this includes the working hours I keep).
Secondly, I'm willing to accept your new terms given the understanding that I will have to be forewarned of what you have planned and am allowed to disagree if I feel so inclined. I'm only conceding to this as I'm sure my parents will enjoy the gesture.
Thirdly, am I to assume that you have now made your final amendment to our agreement, or can I expect more of this in the future? I must be honest and tell you that possible future changes make me more than a little nervous.
Finally, I do not own a TV, Edward, so that should dispel your remote control fears and certainly bring an end to the flexibility conversation.
Bella
I hardly have a chance to finish my coffee before my phone beeps again. That was quick.
To: Bella
From: Edward
Subject: Re: Don't push it, baby!
Shit, I lost track of time, and now I'm surely going to be late for work, and my boss is a real slave driver!
No more changes to the terms, I promise, and I accept your subsequent conditions!
Flexibility subject postponed for another time.
See you at work…baby!
So fucking late - Edward
PS: I never implied that you're not fun, only that you may have forgotten how to have some…
I spend the rest of the hour before the workday officially starts mulling over Edward's emails and getting absolutely nothing productive done, besides scanning my copy of Edward's manuscript to my computer. Before I know it, the office is buzzing with the voices of personnel filing in slowly. It's a grey and overcast Monday morning, and by the looks on the faces of the people taking their seats behind their cubicles, definitely a glum start to the week. I look at my watch and see that it is well past eight already, and Edward isn't here. I can't help but laugh softly at his last email. He most certainly is late. I'll have to chastise him for it, and the thought has my day becoming a little brighter.
My parents' arrival this afternoon is resting like a dead weight on my chest. I've missed them and I'm quite excited about seeing them; I only wish that it could be under different circumstances. This will be their first visit to Seattle as I usually make the trip to Forks instead, and I'm eager to show them the city I've made my home.
I hear a soft knock on my office door and call for the person to come in.
"Miss Swan?" I recognize his voice immediately and feel my stomach tighten slightly. I never considered the possibility of awkwardness after our rather forward emails from earlier this morning, but now it's all I seem to be focused on. How should I act? Should I pretend like we didn't correspond, or do I make a comment about it?
"Yes, Mr. Cullen," I reply stiffly as I lift my eyes from my computer screen to find him peeking around the door. "Do come in and close the door behind you, please."
He steps into the office, and I notice that his shirt is slightly untucked at the back, probably due to his haste to get to the office this morning.
"You're late, Mr. Cullen," I sigh and remove my reading glasses dramatically. I can't see any reason why I shouldn't play with him a little, seeing as he accused me of being no fun earlier. "Care to shed some light on the reasons for your tardiness?"
I look up to find amusement playing in his eyes. Thank goodness, he seems to realize that I'm only joking. Surely, I should shoulder some of the blame for his tardiness.
"I'm sorry, Miss Swan. I got held-up by something rather important and lost track of time." I notice him fighting back a smirk, and my eyes linger a moment too long on his lips. The same lips that kissed mine only hours ago. I feel the blush starting in my neck and immediately regret that I don't wear my hair down to work. I never had to in the past, but since Edward and I sealed our agreement, I seem to be blushing more that a new bride to be.
I nod and indicate for him to take a seat, which he does. I try to see if his tattoo is visible through his white button down shirt. It's not, and I'm almost disappointed. I interrupt my own perv-fest and try to concentrate on the matter at hand.
"Mr. Cullen, although I realize that we find ourselves in a rather interesting situation at the moment, I can't have you disregard the rules of this office. Please, before you speak." I raise my hand as his mouth opens in defence. "I'm not trying to be difficult. It's no secret to anyone in this office that I tend to be slightly…demanding of you. I only fear that if that should change, it might cause some unwanted attention, if you understand what I'm getting at? He nods thoughtfully, and I take this as my cue to proceed. "I have a lot of enemies in this office who wouldn't hesitate to take a situation like this and expose both of us to Aro."
"Of course, I understand completely, Miss Swan." He smiles at me reassuringly, gone is the playful Edward, and he's swiftly replaced by the determined man who sat on my couch yesterday. "I won't be late again."
"I certainly hope not." I try to tease, but it sounds hollow even to my own ears. "So," I clear my throat, "you ready?"
"Ready for what, Miss Swan?" He furrows his brow in confusion, and I actually roll my eyes at his reply.
"I was planning on calling Aro while I have you in my office." I explain slowly, watching the embers of realization light up his remarkable eyes.
"Yes, I'm ready," he replies, and if he's attempting to sound less excited, he's failing miserably.
I nod and pick up my phone, pressing speed dial. I raise my finger to my lips to indicate that he should remain silent, and he nods infinitesimally.
"Aro, please," I reply and mouth to Edward that Lauren answered the phone to which he merely stares at me blankly. I'm not sure why I did that, and for a split second before Aro barks his greeting, I feel like a complete idiot.
"Aro, it's Isabella here." Edward is watching me with silent fascination, and I divert my eyes to my desk, afraid that my treacherous plans might reveal themselves through my facial expressions. "Good, good. Yes, already cracking the whip." I laugh nervously at Aro's ridiculous questions. I'm getting the distinct feeling that Aro is indulging in our covert operations a little too much. "Aro, I have a manuscript in front of me that I think you might be interested in taking a look at?" I raise my eyes to Edward in silent question of whether he approves of the way I'm going about this, to which he nods. "It's actually by one of our junior editors, Edward Cullen. Yes, he's in my team. Yes. Well, I know you mentioned something about looking into new authors, getting in some fresh talent." I pick at the cuticle of my thumbnail. "Well, I actually have it stored in PDF format on my laptop, if you'd like me to email it to you? Of course, I'll send it straight away. Thank you, Aro. Yes, they arrive around four. I will. Thanks again."
I put the receiver down and take a cleansing breath before I look up to meet the expectant green orbs staring back at me.
"He actually sounds excited." I smile hesitantly and fight the bile rising up my throat. I used to be a bad liar…seems like I'm getting better at it daily.
"Yeah?" Edward asks eagerly, and this time, he's definitely not trying to conceal his excitement.
"Yes." I nod.
"Wow, Miss Swan, I can't thank you enough for this." He pulls his hands through his hair and expels a loud gust of air.
"Actually, you can," I disagree pointedly, to which he laughs boisterously. It has to be one of the most carefree sounds I've ever heard, and I'm instantly envious of it and addicted to it simultaneously.
"Of course. And I will. You won't be sorry. I'll be the best fake boyfriend you've ever had." His light heartedness in infectious, and I can't suppress a small laugh of my own. It still sounds slightly forced, though.
He stands to make his way towards my office door, and I allow myself the opportunity to shamelessly stare at the movement of his thighs and ass as he walks away from me.
"So, I'll see you tonight then?" he asks as he reaches for the door and casts a mischievous smile in my general direction.
"Tonight," I confirm. "Will six be good for you?"
"Six will be fine," he agrees. "Do you think we're prepared?" he asks before he opens the door.
"As much as we'll ever be." I shrug, trying to hide my angst.
He nods at this and walks out of my office without another word, the door closing softly behind him.
I drop my head in my hands and realize too late that the walls to my office are made of glass, and my private moment is not as…well…private. I swiftly lift my head to see Edward watching me as he's walking towards his cubicle, a slight crease between his eyes. The moment he sees me looking at him, however, he drops his head and picks up his pace.
I decide to ignore his reaction to my little meltdown and turn my attention back to my laptop. I click on the manuscript, and once I've attached it to a blank email, I send it to Aro.
The easy part is over…now for the real humdinger. I take a deep breath, pick up the phone and call my parents.
This shit just became real.
xoxo
With Love...
Your Mistress
xoxo