Stephenie Meyer owns these characters... I just wanted to play a bit. No copyright infringement intended. I don't own Twilight and everything here is fictional.
To the two people who make this jumble of words pretty and readable - thank you doesn't cover it. You're on my Christmas cookie list! :)
Thank you to those of you who are still reading and leaving me such lovely reviews!
Chapter 8
Slowly waking, I came to a delightful realization. I wasn't alone and I had an incredibly tantalizing body curled up next to me using my arm for a pillow. With a deep contented sigh, I wrapped myself tighter around her curves and buried my face in her silky hair.
Bella stretched her elegant arms and tangled her legs in mine. I pushed my hips flush against her and kissed her smooth shoulder. Her arms moved up around my neck and my hands wandered her nakedness as we melted into each other. Several sensual hours passed as we quietly explored and discovered each other.
Bella lay across me while her fingers skimmed through the hair on my chest. It was almost lunch time and we'd managed to avoid discussing the glaring issue of my departure. She suddenly placed her chin on my chest and looked up at me sporting a tantalizingly lazy grin.
"We should get up."
"We should. You probably have a million things to do and I need to call my sister. She's expecting me tomorrow," I replied quietly, finally bringing up the inevitable.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and sat up. I softly trailed my fingers from her forehead to the side of her face, where she rested her cheek in my palm.
The mood in the room became solemn. My internal conflict was raging, but I was determined not to ruin the last few hours with reality. Pulling her face even with mine, I placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Come on… let's shower and get something to eat."
She nodded in my embrace. We lathered, loved and lingered in the shower. Afterward, I wrapped a towel around my waist and headed to my suite to get dressed. Sitting on the end of the bed in my room, I wondered desperately what was going through Bella's head. The situation between us was incredibly complicated. I'd never been so attracted to anyone in my adult life.
Realistically, I wasn't sure it would even be possible for us. With my volume of travel and my home in Chicago, all I could surmise was that long distance relationships just don't work. There was also the review and my professional responsibility. However, I didn't know how I could just walk away from what was obviously building between us.
Sighing heavily, I found my cell phone sitting on the desk. Looking through the missed calls I noticed Alice called three times.
"Hello, dear brother," she said, answering the phone after just one ring.
"Hey Allie. How are you? I noticed you called last night, what's up?"
"Oh, I was just checking on you and making sure you're still coming to Seattle tomorrow afternoon. I made dinner reservations for Dad's birthday and Jasper was hoping you could come early to help him move the desk in our office."
I knew Alice would detect my frustration if we continued talking.
"Yeah Allie, I'll be there…probably by noon or so. Is that okay?"
"Edward, what's going on? You don't sound too excited about the visit."
"Nothing Alice, it's just a new development on this job that I'm in Sequim for."
"Well that's cryptic. Do you want to talk about it?"
"That's the thing, I can't. At least not yet, but I'll tell you all about it tomorrow."
"Are you sure?" She asked again concerned.
"Seriously Alice, I'm fine. I just have some things I need to work out."
"Okay…well I guess we'll see you tomorrow then. Love you."
"Love you too Allie."
Hanging up the phone, I smiled to myself. I knew Alice would sense something. She'd always been able to read me like a book and it was no different now than when we were kids.
Oo~TWSL~oO
Once downstairs, I didn't find Bella in the great room or the office so I poked my head into the kitchen. She was standing in front of the sink lost in thought. Sneaking up behind her, I wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my chin on her shoulder.
"What are you thinking about?" I whispered in her ear.
"God! I didn't even hear you come in!"
"So…what are you so deep in thought about?"
"Oh nothing… Just thinking about the things I need to get done around here."
I could tell she wasn't telling me the whole truth. I had a feeling she was worrying about tomorrow, like I was.
"Well Baby, tell me what I can help you with today. I want to spend the day with you." I placed a wet, soft kiss on the side of her neck just below her ear. Hearing her breath hitch reminded me of the intense passion we shared just hours before.
Putting the juice glass in the sink, she moved into my embrace and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. Her look was content and hopeful. She reached up on tip toes and placed a gentle kiss against my lips.
"What about your writing? You should be working on what you came here for, not helping me with my business."
Guilt tore through my heart. Reactively, I turned her around and trapped her between the granite island and my body. Placing my lips gently on her neck, I felt her pulse increase as she tipped her head back to give me more access to her smooth, warm skin; her hair grazed my hands behind her on the counter.
"What are you doing to me Bella?" I breathed. I gently tugged on her earlobe with my teeth as her hands made their way to my shoulders, pulling me closer. I wanted to devour her. I stepped back grasping her thighs to lift her and placed her on the counter in front of me. Pushing her legs apart so I could feel her against me; our tongues began exploring and tangling. I grasped her shirt at the hem releasing her lips and pulled it over her head exposing her gorgeous body. As my pelvis pressed into her, my hands trailed down the sides of her neck. I felt goose bumps rise on her skin as her ankles pressed against the backs of my thighs drawing me even closer. Her hands were buried in my hair tugging and pulling and twisting and I needed this to be more.
I pulled the top of her pale pink lace bra down to expose her breast and my fingers grazed her nipple. It lengthened and tightened from the attention. Lowering my head, I sucked it into my mouth and she groaned above me, her hold in my hair becoming tighter.
"God, you're fucking gorgeous." I pressed the evidence of my arousal against her and was rewarded with a moan.
And I showed her just how much I wanted and needed her, suppressing my complicated guilt for a little while longer.
Oo~TWSL~oO
"So, what is it that we're actually doing today?" I asked buttoning my jeans.
"Well if you're truly determined to help me, I have to hang some laundry outside. It's a nice enough day, so if you want to help with that…" she trailed off straightening her shirt.
"Absolutely," I replied, placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder.
Picking up the wicker laundry basket that Bella had placed the freshly washed sheets in, I followed her through her suite and out the patio doors to the laundry line. The fresh September air enveloped us and we discussed that in this climate you had to take advantage of the nice days.
Bella grabbed the bag of laundry pins and set them on the ground next to the basket. While I pulled the first sheet out of the basket to hang, Bella grabbed a few pins.
"Okay…I've got to admit, I've never hung laundry on a clothesline," I said with a laugh.
"I live in downtown Chicago, so you're going to have to show me what to do."
"Didn't your mom ever make you hang out the laundry when you were young?" She asked with a grin.
"Here, you take this end and clip it to the line and I'll take this end and do the same." She continued, clipping a few pins to my shirt.
"So… my dad is going to be here sometime tomorrow." She interrupted the comfortable silence.
"Oh. He is? Do you have plans when he gets here?" I asked peering around the edge of the sheet we were hanging.
"He wanted to come this past week, but I really wanted to just get settled. I get the feeling he thinks I can't do this on my own and I'm determined to prove that I can."
The aggravation in her voice was clear and her stance was tense.
"Bella, you know it's okay to get help every once in a while. This place requires a lot of maintenance and I'm sure he's just worried about his little girl." Stepping closer I brushed the hair back behind her ear as she looked up at me.
"I just hate when he treats me like a child. I'm a grown woman and I watched my mom do it during the summers, so I know what it takes."
While I believed she knew what a commitment the lodge was, I also wondered if maybe she was being a little naïve about the reality of running it alone. I kissed her forehead reassuringly. "Let's finish this up."
After hanging the last of the sheets, and doing a few odd things around the lodge, Bella and I headed out to the dock to enjoy our last evening together. Sitting on the weathered wooden bench, Bella rested her head on my shoulder as we watched the sun set.
"Did you know that of all the beautiful places on the property, this is my absolute favorite?"
"It is? Why's that, Baby?"
"No particular reason. I just feel peace here and I can actually think."
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and tucked her into my side as tight as possible. Bella hummed in contentment and I immediately understood the feeling of peace she spoke of.
Once the sun disappeared below the trees, I laced my fingers with hers and stood, pulling her behind me back to the lodge.
We had a quiet, simple dinner, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I knew we needed to talk before the tension surrounding the next day consumed us.
"Do you want to grab a bottle of wine from the basement while I start a fire?" I suggested, placing a tender kiss on her lips.
I noticed Bella's camera on the end table. While I'd seen some of her photographs around the lodge and in her suite, I was curious about her unedited shots from our hike the other day. Pressing the power button on the top of the camera, the digital screen came to life.
The pictures were rich and stunning. Her talent of capturing the perfect light and timing translated beautifully. As I scanned through the images, I happened on several of myself. I couldn't remember her focusing the camera at me. I looked surprisingly content. The outdoors had always been a passion of mine, but I hadn't had the opportunity to really, truly enjoy it. My expression in the photos was mostly attributed to Bella, though. What I was experiencing during the week at the lodge was certainly altering my view on life, both professionally and personally.
I turned the camera off and started building the fire just as Bella came back in the room with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
Settling into the corner of the couch, I took the glass of Cabernet Bella handed me. Taking a sip, I closed my eyes and appreciated the taste. Its bold plum, berry and caramel flavors immediately hit my tongue and it had a rich oak and vanilla aroma.
As Bella headed to the other side of the couch, I put my leg up on the cushion effectively blocking her from sitting anywhere but next to me.
"Come over here, Baby," I whispered cocking my eyebrow at her.
She lowered herself onto the cushion resting her back against my chest and bringing her legs up against mine. We were enjoying the warmth from the fire and the excellent wine but, the tension remained.
Drowning in silence, I finally heard Bella whisper, "Am I ever going to see you again?"
"Bella, I want to try. I really do. But, honestly I don't know how to do this. I mean, if you're ever in Chicago…" I trailed off tugging at my hair with my free hand in frustration.
"This isn't just casual sex, Bella. I want us to be so much more. I know it's hard to understand after just a week. But, I don't know how to make it work."
She took my wine from me and placed both glasses on the table in front of us. She turned in my arms and straddled my legs. My hand reached out to wipe the tear from her cheek as I brought her mouth to mine. Weaving my fingers into her hair, our kisses were slow and soft. I traced her plump lower lip with the tip of my tongue and gently massaged her neck. Her fingers were tracing patterns on my chest, gently scratching and teasing. She worked her hands lower until they reached the hem of my shirt.
I felt her warm, soft hands on my stomach as they twirled and tugged at the trail of hair the led lower. My hands glided down her sides tickling lightly along the way. I leaned forward to allow her to pull my shirt over my head and my hands reached for the hem of hers returning the favor.
Looking over her shoulder I noticed the fucking cat curled up on the blanket at the edge of the couch. Placing a small kiss on the corner of Bella's mouth I tried to give Quil a hint, but he still didn't move.
"Bella, Baby," I whispered, "I really want you, but your cat is staring at us and it's distracting."
She leaned back with her lips pursed and took in my concerned expression and giggled.
"You're serious?" She laughed harder and suddenly the tension disappeared.
"Please just get him out of here." I offered desperate 'puppy dog eyes' as a way to convince her.
Bella stood up and approached Quil. I swear the devious furball burrowed himself further into the blanket as she scratched the top of his brainless head. He closed his eyes and purred loudly. She picked him up, gave him a nuzzle and whispered something. Finally placing him on the floor, she gave him a tap on his ass and off he ran.
"Happy now?" She taunted standing in front of me.
I nodded while I greedily took in Bella's form. In a pair of worn jeans and that pale pink bra she was perfection. She pulled me to my feet. "Now where was I…" The touch of her fingers following the trail down to the button on my pants was maddening.
As her fingers opened the button she teased along my waist, lightly caressing and feeling every dip and curve of my muscles. Her fingers slid up my chest and laced together at the base of my neck. On tiptoes, her lips found mine again. Her breath was warm against my lips and her tongue softly caressed mine. My fingers trailed down her spine interrupted by the strap of her bra which I unhooked.
Loosening her fingers from my neck she stepped back and let the straps fall slowly down her arms and then to the ground next to us. Keeping her eyes on mine, her fingers worked the button on her jeans loose; she pushed the zipper down allowing her jeans and panties to fall to the floor.
"You're beautiful, do you know that?"
A deep blush spread across her chest as I gazed intensely at her. Reaching forward, her fingertips grazed my erection as she reached for the zipper of my pants and I groaned at the contact. As she worked the zipper down, I could no longer hide the effect she had on me.
She pushed my pants down lowering herself before me to help me remove my legs from them.. Looking down at her, I was convinced she was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. Her fingers teased up my calves to my thighs and then to the edge of my boxers on each leg. Her hands worked their way to the tops of my thighs and her thumbs grazed my balls. She worked my boxers down, over my erection and they pooled on the floor. As she slowly raised herself up, her lower lip erotically dragged along my length. "Fuck," I whispered. My fingers dug into her hair dragging her lips up to close the distance to mine. My skin was on fire as her body pressed tight to mine, my rock hard cock caught between us.
Bella pushed me back so I fell onto the couch. She placed one knee next to my thigh and straddled my legs. My head rested against the back of the couch and my fingers slid against her wet core. She hovered over my erection as my fingers teased her.
"I want this Edward, I want you." She slowly sank down on my cock and I groaned as her warm, wet heat surrounded me. She pressed her forehead to mine and the lust intensified as she slowly rotated her hips against me. My hands grasped her waist tightly, guiding her to provide the friction we both needed.
She grasped my hands pulling them to her breasts as she increased her pace. As my thumbs brushed over her nipples, Bella's hips continued swaying and rolling against mine. I let one hand trail down her stomach and a light sheen of sweat covered our naked bodies.
Bella leaned forward bringing her mouth to mine, as my thumb found her swollen clit. She gasped at the contact and as she rode me, my thumb swirled around her sensitive nub. I felt her walls contracting around me and I knew she was close. Her breathing was short with gasps and moans. We were no longer kissing but our lips were touching and our mouths were sharing the same breaths.
I wasn't sure how much longer I was going to last. Pressing my thumb down and pushing up with my hips I was so deep I wanted to lose myself in her forever. With a final thrust, Bella gasped my name and fell apart around me. I continued driving into her stretching out the pleasure. With one final thrust, the sensation in my body exploded and my arms wound around her, pulling her to me.
"I won't give up, Bella. We'll figure this out." I promised softly.
Oo~TWSL~oO
The next morning arrived with a swift vengeance. Again we awoke blissfully wound around each other. The clock on her side table read nearly eight o'clock.
I groaned while rubbing my hand over my face and Bella stirred next to me.
She lifted her head from the pillow that was my chest and peaked at me through barely open lids.
"What time is it?" She asked.
"Almost eight."
"Shit!" She exclaimed. "I have to get moving. My dad was probably up three hours ago and is already on his way."
"I'm going to take a shower. I'll be right back."
She hopped out of bed and attempted to hurry to the bathroom. But I was faster and grabbed her hand pulling her back to me.
"I need to say something before you do that." I smiled at her.
Pulling her face to mine, I placed a gentle kiss on her soft lips. "Good morning, Baby."
She smiled and tipped her head back.
"Good morning." She laughed. "Now I have to get in the shower."
"Okay, I'm going to head up and pack. I have to leave in a little bit to make it to my sister's like I promised."
Her smile faded. The reality of our situation burst our perfect bubble.
I lifted her chin with my finger to look in her eyes. "Hey, we'll figure this out."
She nodded and leaned in for another kiss then headed to the bathroom.
Would I ever be able to review the lodge objectively? Even if I removed Bella from the equation, my stay was still incredibly nice; despite making my own bed the first day and waking up to blood curdling screams and fending off a furry imposter. I laughed to myself then stiffened. Dammit, I'm such an asshole. What the hell I have been doing here?
I decided to call Sam as soon as I reached my sister's house. If I pulled out of the assignment it would probably cost me my job at Adventure. But the truth would undoubtedly cost me Bella.
I finished my packing and grabbed my guitar case from the floor, realizing I never did play it during my stay. Thoughts of Bella lazily stroking my naked back as I played for her in front of the fire filled my mind. Soon. Maybe. I threw the strap over my shoulder, picked up my other bags and headed down the stairs.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs I heard the echo of a deep male voice in the front hall. Her father had arrived early. Mumbling a silent prayer to myself that we could avoid awkward introductions, I headed in towards them.
Bella was speaking quietly with him when I approached. She had a pleading look in her eyes, surely hoping I would participate in the act.
"Hey, Bella, I just wanted to let you know that I'm all set and need to officially check out."
"Oh Mr. Cullen, this is my dad, Charlie. He's staying for the weekend to help me with some of those projects I mentioned."
Her father met me in height and appeared typically rugged. It was obvious he adored Bella. He held a protective arm around her shoulders and narrowed his eyes as he gave me a once over before offering a hand to shake.
"Charlie Swan, nice to meet you. Bella didn't tell me she had any guests when I talked to her earlier this week." He glanced down at her suspiciously and cleared his throat.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Swan. I'm Edward Cullen. I was sort of a surprise… guest. I caught her completely off guard when I arrived, but she was kind enough to let me stay."
"What are you doing in Sequim, Edward?"
"My parents actually live in Seattle; I'm in from Chicago visiting them. But I needed some time to get in some writing before I head to their house."
Bella impatiently rolled her eyes at her father's interrogation. I simply smiled warmly at her.
"Here's my key. And I thought I would show you that… thing I had out in my jeep, before I left." I said looking at Bella.
"Let me get my father settled in his suite and I'll be right down to see you out, okay?"
"Sounds good. I'll be outside."
I placed my bags in the back seat and tucked my carry-on with my laptop and notebook on the front seat. I shut the door and leaned causally against the door.
She slowly moved out of the front door of the lodge. As she approached, my eyes swept over her body and settled on her face… memorizing. She placed her hand tenderly on the top of my arm and I closed my eyes, unsure of the next time I would feel her touch.
"So, I guess I should get going," I said quietly.
"Yeah, I guess you should."
We were stalling, dreading. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"I will call you."
"Yes. Or I can call you," she replied emphatically.
We glanced back towards the front porch sensing an audience. Charlie was leaning against the railing.
I reached for her hand. Our handshake turning into a gentle caress as I grazed my thumb across her knuckles.
"I'll talk to you soon, then. Good bye, Bella."
"Good bye, Edward." Her voice trembled.
Our fingers parted slowly as she stepped backwards towards the White Swan Lodge.
As I drove down the long gravel driveway, my eyes were locked on the rearview mirror watching as Bella became a mere speck in distance.
A/N
So... there you have it. Please let me know your thoughts in the reviews. Don't hate.. I have a plan :) *grins*
Please consider heading over to The Avant Garde Awards and voting... Surprisingly, Travelward is nom'd for Best Edward and I'm nom'd for Best New Author (blushes)
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Also consider heading over to the Sparkleteer Rare Gem Awards. BB is nom'd for Best Lemon, TWSL is nom'd for Best Story, Best Author, Best Kiss and Most Original Story. There are a ton of nominees that deserve your votes so please go show your support! thesparkleteerawards (dot) blogspot (dot)
Rec's this week...
I Never Knew by one of my fave authors of all time - nerac fanfiction (dot) net/s/6465577/1/ I'm totally hooked
I'm going to rec this one AGAIN cuz you should be reading it if you aren't The Geheime Vernietiging by amoredjenaue fanfiction (dot) net/s/6287890/1/ so good!
Drift by denverpopcorn still owns my ass fanfiction (dot) net/s/6388820/1/ as does Dead on My Feet by Cesca Marie but I know you are ALL reading that one! fanfiction (dot) net/s/6388820/1/
Last but NOT least - check out Love is the End - it's a beautiful love story by the lovely phoebes(dot)promise fanfiction (dot) net/s/6445022/1/ red clogs and all!
If you want to talk fics or look at RobpOrn or just see what kind of shit I'm up to, I'm on twitter - jaimearkin
xo everyone and thanks again for reading! (OH and Happy Thanksgiving early!)