Across the Hall
Slam
My ears pricked up at Edwards door being banged closed.
He was still alive.
Sitting down my coffee, I rushed to the door, hopeful to catch him in the hallway as he waited on the elevator. My left leg bent backwards fighting on a high heel as my right foot tried to get it on all by its self. I wobbled about on one foot and my tight pencil skirt, and before I could reach to grab balance, I was falling face first into the carpet.
It didn't slow me down for long. I was instantly fixing my shoes then I heard the lift door open and close.
He's away. And I never saw him.
Is it wrong to go chasing after a guy who only just broke up with his girlfriend? Last thing he would be interested in would be a date, never mind me.
I wanted to pout but no one would have saw it so what was the point.
Making my way back to the kitchen I finished off my mug of coffee, slumping in the bar stool, defeated.
Slowly I finished off my breakfast and gathered my things and made my way to the elevator and made my start to the day.
Waiting on it, it pinged open and he was standing right in front of me. "Edward," I squealed, surprised to see him.
Yep, playing it cool. Take it down a couple of octaves, Bella.
He stood there in old jeans that were covered in splats of paint and slung low on his hips. His t-shirt was covered in paint too. In his hands he held a Starbucks coffee and today's newspaper. "Bella," He greeted with that warm smile. "You're out the door sharp this morning." See it wasn't only me who noticed these neighbourly things.
I shrugged. "I woke up early," To try and look pretty for you. "Aren't you working today?" I nodded to the paint splatted clothing he was making look so good. I could see the waistband of his boxers.
An Armani man.
A flash of discomfort made its way across his face and was gone again, instantly. "No. My boss told me I was to take a week off after my break up." He rolled his shoulders, clearly not wanting to talk about it. "He's a friend and made me do it. So I'm decorating. Tanya didn't want the apartment so I'm redecorating. A pink bedroom was never my thing." He laughed dryly.
Pink.
"Pink," I shouted out surprised and shook my head. "Is a pink bedroom anyone's thing?" Pink. God, this poor man. No wonder he dumped that bitch. Emasculating him like that. Ugh. "Maybe you can show me once your done." Oh sweet Jesus. Did I just try to invite myself into his bedroom?
Clearly I did because Edwards eyebrows went shooting into his hair line.
"I mean... you know..." Shh Bella, shhh. I closed my mouth.
He gave his shit eating smile to me and I did't know if it was because he was laughing with me or laughing at me because I was such a tit.
I'm guessing the latter.
"You know, you should. If you're free tonight, come over."
Wait? Was that an invite out of politeness or a date.
Date!
No, no. It was him being polite.
Or maybe it was him thinking he had something going since I had invited myself into his bedroom.
And he was newly single.
God it was getting warm in here.
"I could cook dinner. You know since I don't have that much else to do today. I can slave over a hot stove just for you." He winked.
Fuck.
Date!
Don't blush, Bella. Don't blush.
Too late.