A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I love reading everyone's reactions to what happens with these two. We are getting close to some good stuff. ;)
Important message about the Emerging Swan Awards: I noticed there was quite a jump in votes over the last few days. While I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm with voting, I do want everyone to know that you are only allowed to vote once. We do monitor IP addresses and I am aware when someone votes numerous times. Unfortunately, all those votes will not count. I do truly appreciate and am humbled by some of you going above and beyond to vote, but please remember to follow the rules.
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or the characters. No copyright infringement intended.
"I swear, I'm not here to kill you," he said chuckling at his own joke.
I grabbed my chest and let out a long sigh to calm my nerves. "What are you doing? How did you get in here?"
"I hadn't heard from you all day and when I got home you were gone. I did knock but you must not have heard me. Your door was unlocked and I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine. I was writing. I guess I got caught up in it and lost track of time."
"Have you been writing all day?" he asked. I nodded my head and picked up the chair I had knocked over. "Have you eaten anything?"
"I don't think I've done anything but write. Well, that and talk to Alice for a few minutes."
"Alice…" he repeated dragging out the name. "She's the friend you had with you at the hospital the first time we met, right?"
"Yes. She's my best friend and we work at the diner together." The diner. "Oh shit! What time is it?" I asked franticly. Before he could even answer I was already rushing towards me front door.
"It's a little after nine. Why? What's wrong?" he asked following after me.
"Shit!" I repeated. "I was supposed to be at work an hour ago." I grabbed my phone realizing I had over a dozen missed calls from Alice. My phone was set on silent and I didn't hear a thing all evening. I shoved my phone in my bag and quickly put my shoes on.
"I'll take you," Edward offered as we left my apartment and headed down towards the parking lot.
"No, it's fine. I can drive myself."
"I can get you there a lot faster than if you drive your car. Besides, you still only have your spare tire on and that's not very safe. I promise I won't go that fast. I'll keep you safe." He held out his helmet towards me and as much as I knew I shouldn't, I gave in to temptation. I followed him out to his motorcycle and got on behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist while Edward started up the motor and headed out on the road. I kept praying my dad wouldn't catch us this time. I was already late for work so it didn't really matter how fast or slow Edward went, but I did notice he did his best to stay within the speed limit. Regardless, I knew I was either going to be in serious trouble or I was going to be fired.
Moments later Edward pulled into the diner parking lot and before he could even turn off the engine I was off the bike and running for the door. I quickly removed the helmet from my head and rushed into the back so I could put my apron on and start working.
"Where the hell have you been?" Alice asked.
"I know, I'm sorry. I got distracted and lost track of time. Where's Rose? Is she mad?" I asked.
"I covered for you but she's not happy. Lucky for you we weren't that busy tonight," Alice explained. "She went home for the night but she's going to want to talk to you tomorrow. You better not be late tomorrow especially since it's a long shift."
"I won't, I promise."
I started doing my normal routine but quickly realized there was nothing to be done. There were only a couple tables with people sitting at them and they had already been helped by Alice. All the tables and counters had been wiped down, coffee was made, and everything else was in order. Alice had taken care of everything.
I sort of stood there dumbfounded on what to do when moments later Edward walked through the doors. "Looks like you have a visitor," Alice said. "I noticed you had his helmet. Were you with him? Is that why you were late?"
"No!" She smirked and cocked her eyebrow like she didn't buy my story. I shook my head and gave her a warning look like she needed to keep her mouth shut before he overheard her. I remembered I still had his helmet and ran back to kitchen to grab it for him. I was sure he just wanted to grab it and get going. He'd been working at the hospital all day so he was probably tired.
He sat down at the counter and looked around. Alice walked over to him and asked if she could get him anything. "I think I'll have a cup of coffee."
She walked towards the coffeepot with a smile on her face and winked at me out of the corner of her eye. I walked over to Edward and handed him his helmet while thanking him for the ride. He nodded politely and proceeded to grab a menu. "What's good here?" he asked with a grin on his face.
Thanks for reading. If you haven't yet, please vote in the Emerging Swan Awards and please remember to only vote once. :)