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.
Thank you to the best beta and friend in the world. Without you I'd be lost!
Thank you as always to all you wonderful people who are reading this … I can't say that enough.
We're closing in on the final chapters here - *sob* Hope you like it!
Chapter 19
Edward's POV
The windshield wipers on my new Jeep were challenged by the steady December snow. My quick day trip to Seattle lasted much longer than I'd anticipated. Bella originally planned to go with me, but woke up feeling ill. The winter flu had made its way to the lodge. I'd recovered quickly, a guest the previous week had to leave early and then Bella.
Since my return from Chicago, we'd taken things slow… at least slower than before. I spent the first several weeks in Washington traveling between Seattle and Sequim every chance I could. With torturous patience, I allowed her to lead our future. She missed me, wanted me, and wanted us… she finally asked over Thanksgiving if I would move into the lodge.
As I pulled onto the darkened drive, the familiar sound of gravel under the tires always reminded me of the first time. I would be forever grateful I took the assignment that led me to her, I couldn't imagine returning to my empty life before. Entering the quiet foyer, I toed off my wet boots and hung my down jacket on a hook by the door.
"Bella… My mom sent some beef and vegetable soup for you," I called into the dimly lit great room. Not hearing a response, I headed towards the kitchen. I'd noticed since my return Bella had become more adventurous with her cooking and baking. Attempting her own recipes and tweaking her mother's, she worried less and less about her ability to match Renee's style. She focused more on running the lodge in a way that she could manage. It was incredible watching her become more comfortable and actually enjoy without the stress, finally.
The typically bright and busy kitchen was dark and silent. There weren't any guests for the first time since I'd moved in. Bella needed the break to get over her illness. After leaving the soup in the fridge I went to our room and slowly pushed the door open. She was buried under the warm duvet on the bed, illuminated only by a soft light from the bathroom.
Quil was nestled greedily in the nook behind her knees, only bothering to lift an eyelid when I approached. I offered him my best warning gaze, reminding him he needed to move his fluffy ass from my spot. It was quite obvious he wasn't exactly interested in moving, I gave him a bit more encouragement with my palm.
I crawled in behind Bella, wrapping her with my arms and burying my face in her hair. She sighed when I breathed her in, and reactively pressed back against me.
"Feeling any better, baby?"
"Shit, what time is it?" She said clearing her throat, turning towards me for a kiss.
"Almost eight… It took longer at Alice's than I expected. These fucking stripes they're painting on the walls in the baby's room… They couldn't decide how wide they should be, it took fucking forever."
"Stripes? That makes me dizzy just thinking about it." She rubbed her forehead and winced.
"Then I stopped at my mom's… she sent some soup for you. Tell me how you are?" I caressed down her back.
"I slept most of the day. I feel so lazy, I guess I really just needed some rest; I never really had a fever... It's strange."
She snuggled in my arms, kicking back the covers and pulling me tighter. I trailed fingertips appreciating her soft flesh under only a t-shirt and panties. My body responded typically as she placed sweet, tempting kisses on my neck while her fingers stroked the bare skin under my sweater.
"Bella," I groaned. "Don't tease me. I know you're not up for…"
"Who's teasing?" She purred. Tasting the edge of my ear lobe, her breath tickled my neck, as I angled in for more. "Not me…"
Grasping her ass, I pulled her tighter towards my hardening length. I rolled us over, her legs parting to welcome my hips. Her nails dug furiously into my shoulders, pulling me closer, until my lips found hers. Her tongue tickled along my lower lip as my hips thrust towards her. The effect she had on me still surprised and stunned me.
"Baby, come on…you're not feeling good." I broke free of her grasp, pushed myself up and kneeled between her legs.
"Edward," she sighed clearly frustrated. "I'm fine now…I swear. I actually feel better than fine…" She said convincingly with an arched brow.
Her fingers dusted along her neck, tracing soft, slow patterns over her shirt, passing the swells of her breasts. I fisted my hands and watched the path of her delicate fingers over her body. Tending her nipples into hard peaks beneath her shirt and then continuing down over her taut stomach.
I groaned, licking my lips as she tempted, her fingers dancing from hip to hip.
"Don't you want to touch me, Edward? Or do you just want to watch?" She whispered seductively as her fingers teased lower over the sensitive flesh under her panties. She moaned lightly as she found her clit beneath the fabric. "These should be your fingers, baby."
My hand found the solid bulge in my jeans as I watched her touch, breaths coming in shallow pants. I desperately reached for the panties, nudging her to lift so I could slide them down her gorgeous legs. Once she was bare, she gazed, eyes dark with passion and hooded with want. She sat up, sliding her fingers up my cock then to the snap of my jeans, quickly undoing and sliding down the zipper.
Bella pushed the denim over my hips, grasping my boxers and tugging those as well. She wet her lips at the sight of my erection, leaned forward and swirled the tip with her hot tongue. I buried my fingers into her hair as she slid up and down, taking me deeper.
"Fuck, baby…."
Her hum of appreciation sent vibrations through my body. As she slowly made her way back up my cock, my head fell back, reveling in the sensations. After one more pass, I gently pulled her away. I tugged my sweater roughly over my head as she did the same with her shirt. She lay back amongst the cream pillows, and I pressed against her unable to resist any longer. Her legs found their way up my hips, her toes pushed my boxers and jeans the remaining way down my legs and we were finally skin on skin.
Our bodies aligned perfectly, amazing me every time we made love. My cock teased the wetness of her folds; I circled my hips against her as she moaned. "Stop fucking teasing me, Edward, I need you." Her breathing was shallow, her nails dug into my ass attempting to pull me, her desperation was palpable.
I stroked forward, loving the feel of entering her. We groaned together as our hips met, and I buried inside her. She ground her pelvis searching for friction as I pulled back slowly. I grasped her thigh, pushing her leg towards her chest, allowing me deeper as I slid back in. She wrapped around my body as we found a steady pace. Her fingers worked between us rubbing, as her hips met my every thrust. It was almost more than I could take; my movements became more erratic as her moans became louder. I watched as her body took mine, walls tightening when she peaked. I rushed over the edge and collapsed with her.
"Fuck Bella…" I gasped, my lips sliding against her smooth neck.
I rolled us to our sides maintaining our connection. We cuddled close, her hands calmly feathering through my hair. She kissed me softly as we caught our breath.
"You're going to be the death of me … you know that right?" I said with a lazy smile.
"But you'll die happy," she said with a laugh.
"Mmmm, true."
Oo~TWSL~oO
The week before Christmas, we set up a large Western White Pine Tree in the great room. We had guests arriving and planned to entertain our families at a holiday dinner on the weekend. I was slightly anxious about formally meeting Charlie as the official live in boyfriend. Having my family with us too would help distract, but I was determined to make a good impression.
Bella and I spent a lazy afternoon hanging ornaments, sharing stories and decorating while enjoying a warm fire. Renee had accumulated a vast collection of eclectic trimmings over the years. The few nostalgic items that Bella and I had, filled only a small portion of the tree.
"Where's this from? Did you make it?" Bella asked, holding a small clothespin reindeer with pipe cleaner antlers.
"Ahhh, no my godson, Henry, made that."
"I didn't know you had a godson." She embraced me from behind as I reached high to hang a trinket. "And you kept his adorable craft? You really are the sweetest man." She ran warm, soft hands under my shirt. I turned in her arms, kissing her on the tip of her nose. She quickly caught my lips with hers, seeking more. Her fingers tickled up my chest as her tongue traced my lower lip. Suddenly walking backwards to the leather couch she pulled and willed with her wide suggestive eyes. She turned us around, playfully pushing me to sit. Straddling my legs, she yanked her green sweater over her head.
"Baby, you've been insatiable lately…" I teased as I unhooked her white lace bra.
"I know, I can't help it… is there a problem?" She whispered against my mouth, licking and tasting as I thumbed over her nipples.
The tree was soon forgotten...
Oo~TWSL~oO
"Dammit Edward will you please move this fucking machine!" Bella demanded through clenched teeth.
"Shhh, baby. What's wrong tonight?" I massaged her shoulders as she chopped and tossed on the kitchen counter.
"Nothing's wrong. I'm trying to prepare this huge holiday meal and your useless Espresso machine is in my damn way."
"Okay, I'll move it." I shifted around her and slid the machine further down the counter.
"Have you ever even used it? I mean really?" She challenged me with a large blade in her hand.
"No. It was a gift." I resumed my seasoning duties to avoid the wrath of a new mood.
Bella sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "I'm sorry. I'm just so tired… all the time," she muttered. I glanced over my shoulder offering a supportive, silent smile. It was the truth she'd been sleeping an hour later in the morning and going to bed an hour early at night. She joked the day before she was hibernating, but I was concerned.
The doorbell sounded, and I immediately went to greet. Charlie and his girlfriend Maggie stood shivering; I hurried them inside the foyer. The festive atmosphere of the lodge at Christmas eased any awkwardness. Charlie and I shook hands firmly, and then he went to hug Bella in the kitchen while I showed Maggie around. My parents arrived just as we came down the stairs from the second floor tour. Everyone settled in to a glass of wine and the fire, including our guests Bree and Seth, a young engaged couple from Olympia. With lively conversation flowing, I stepped back in to check on Bella, who I found sobbing over the cheesy potato dish.
"God, Bella what's wrong now?" I asked quietly.
"Nothing… it's nothing. I don't know, I mean I just started crying and it's nothing… I'm fine," she cried, reaching for me. I soothed and held her while turning off the oven and burners behind her. So forgetful lately too.
"Okay, enough. I'm good. I'm fine." She took off her apron and smoothed down her hair. I wiped my thumbs over her cheeks, grinning.
"You're beautiful. Have I ever told you that?" She rolled her eyes, smiling in response. She blew past me out the swinging door, leaving me holding on tight to the side of the roller coaster car that was our relationship.
Charlie and Carlisle chatted and joked easily. Her dad was seemingly newly in love and surprisingly relaxed, fortunately for me. Charlie was quite vocal in his pride over Bella's success with the lodge. Carlisle commented on the natural beauty of the property and the excellent quality of the lodge structure.
My mother asked about my novel progress. Bella interjected, gushing proudly that it was finally complete and ready for query. She squeezed my knee under the table then laced with my fingers in my lap.
"I'll start the agent hunt after the new year." I explained.
"Will you ever tell us what the plot is?" My mother asked curious and excited.
"Soon, I promise." I taunted the group.
Bree complemented Bella on the taste of the delicious meal…. spiral cut ham, cheesy potatoes, garlic green beans and homemade dinner rolls. "Thank you, I'm so glad you like it. Do you have any typical holiday food traditions? I'd be happy to make something for you this weekend." Bella beamed.
"Well, my grandmother usually makes just a bunch of snack foods on Christmas Eve, like meatballs and stuff," Bree answered innocently. Bella brutally gripped my hand under the table, stabbing her nails into my knuckles. I reactively looked at her in surprise. Completely drained of color, her other palm flat across her mouth, she quivered in her chair.
"Excuse me…I'm sorry." She apologized, barely audible. Leaping from her chair, she raced towards our suite, tripping over Quil in her wake. I followed, also apologizing, slightly shook from worry.
I found her heaving, vomiting through tears and embarrassment. "Edward, don't…" She mumbled, finally falling to the tile. I scooped her against me, ignoring her hands pushing and fighting me off.
"Maybe it's the damn flu again…"
"Bella… baby…" I laughed lightly, stifling my smile in her hair.
"Is my dying from nausea funny… to you?" She asked, frustrated and stilling in my arms.
I kissed the top of her head tenderly. "No, baby. This is definitely not funny." I sighed, leveraging along the floor and wall with wide eyes and an even wider, knowing grin.
A/N
So… there's that. Hahaha and just a few to chapters to go… I'm pretty sure one more chapter and an epilogue. #sadpanda
Thanks again for reading – I hope you'll let me know what you're thinking!
So – the always lovely phoebes(dot)promise is hosting a readalong for TWSL on Monday, March 14th at 8 CST. I hope you will all join in – I'd love to know what your favorite parts are! I'm on twitter if you want to follow jaimearkin – she's at phoebespromise
We've set up a joint ffn profile where you'll be able to find all our collaborations… I hope you'll follow us – cuz that's where the next project is going to be posted! www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/~aftrnoondlight
And if you're ever looking for my blog it's at www(dot)jaimearkin(dot)blogspot(dot)com – you can see what I'm up to over there!
I'd be remiss if I didn't share a couple faves with you –
One of my fave fics posted it's last chapter last night – if you haven't read it, you must – On Grey Mornings by littlesecret84 www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6284948/1/
Please check out L'Hotel by samrosey – www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6773133/1/
The lovely jacndaniel has written A Whole Lotta Trouble – head on over and give it a read www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6652785/1/
And I found this story – Release by writingbabe via Indie Fic Pimp – it's really really good! www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6313679/1/