Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. I own Dodge and Burn.
Much love and thanks to Editor Azucena , Pre-readers BtwntheStacks and Lemonmartinis and Beta-MsKathy.
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Dodge and Burn / Chapter Fourteen / Love Potion
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"Edward," Bella sighs, smiling. "You love me."
He lightly touches under her chin and tips her face up toward his. He smiles with happy eyes.
"I do. I think I always have."
"Oh, don't say that! Don't make this even more wonderful or it will be too much for my little heart to hold."
He rests his hand on her chest, where he imagines an iridescent ruby-red heart shimmers just under her skin. "Oh, I know this heart is really big, not small. You're so full of life, Isabella, that it astounds me. How could I help but fall in love with you?"
"Mmmm, so it's true…You love me," she whispers, as if she's still trying to believe it.
He kisses her forehead gently. "I do."
His lips skim down to her cheek. "I love you," he says softly. "Every single part of you."
Her eyes close and she takes a deep breath, feeling his lips on the tip of her nose.
"There too?" she asks, grinning.
"Oh yes, there," he confirms, lightly nibbling the tip before kissing it.
"Where else?" she asks.
She feels his warm breath brush over her as she closes her eyes. His lips gently press down over the right lid, and then the left.
"I love you here because you see me as I am, not as who you want me to be."
"That's lovely," she whispers.
"It's true," he insists.
He kisses her lips so tenderly that she almost swoons. "I love your lips because they tell me the truth, and in that truth you taught me to believe in myself again."
He hears her take a sharp breath and looks up in time to see a tear escape down her cheek. She swipes her hand across her face.
"Damn, I'm emotional today. No crying!" she insists to herself. "Not in this perfect moment."
He pulls her tightly against him. "Exactly, Isabella. Crying can make you feel weak, and we are strong."
She nods in agreement. "We are strong."
He runs his hand down her back. "Maybe we should do this shoot another time, when we're both feeling less..."
"Intense? Emotional? Are you kidding? That is the exact reason we should do it now," she insists. She pulls back and focuses on pulling herself together.
She turns and walks to the camera. He watches her look through the lens, take a moment to step away, and then take a deep breath and move back to look through the viewfinder again.
"Are you sure about this? Is something wrong?" he asks, wondering if something is off with the lighting or the camera.
But instead she shakes her head and grins at him. "No, no…everything's so right. I'm just buzzing with the thrill of all of this. It's unbelievably exciting, this surge inside of me, like fireworks going off in my heart. BOOM!" she says loudly, infectiously.
"Boom?" he asks, grinning.
"Boom, baby…BOOM! We are in love!" she says, her face alight. As he smiles back at her, the strobe light flashes again and again.
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In his early days he was photographed frequently, but he can't remember a shoot like this, where his connection with the photographer is so intense that he doesn't even realize the shots are being taken. Just like always, Bella brings something wonderful out of him. She makes him feel like he's the most interesting subject in the world.
They end the session with a long cable release in Isabella's hand. She joins Edward in the frame and he wraps her in his arms as she squeezes the trigger and fires the shutter at random times. They kiss, and laugh and hug, the camera a voyeur in the presence of something extraordinary.
There's no doubt she's captured him, both on film and in the flesh, and most profoundly she's captured his heart.
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..~*~..
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Two days later, the beach is empty but for a few random sunbathers as Edward and Rose walk along the shore.
"So Emmett says now that you're ready to proceed with the divorce that Lauren is starting to stall a bit."
Edward looks up at her, surprised. "Yeah, I guess so. I have no idea at this point what's on her mind. I'm leaving that up to the lawyers."
"You mentioned that you and she had dinner to finally discuss things. Did that change anything for you?"
"Yes and no. I've always known that the fact that I neglected her while I was taking care of Dad doesn't justify what she did. I know now that I will never get the answer that I had been hoping for, an explanation that would make me understand the choices she made. At the end of the evening we agreed to talk again, but now I really don't think I need to."
"Because you're focused somewhere else. Am I right?" Rose asks, smiling.
Edward nods and turns his face up toward the sun. "I'm in love with Isabella, Rose."
She smiles at him warmly, yet remains silent as they move forward.
"What are you thinking?" he asks as he watches her. "Rebound? Too soon? That I'm moving too fast?"
She shakes her head. "No, none of that. I'm happy for you. I think Bella's great, and it's quite obvious that she brings out the best in you."
"She does." He sighs.
"I'm just waiting to hear what you were so upset about the other day when you called me about getting together. I could tell something was weighing on you. Was it about Lauren?"
His expression falls as he remembers calling Rose to talk about Isabella and the potential curse of her genetics. He's managed to push it out of his mind since the photo shoot.
"There's something about Isabella, something I'm trying to come to terms with."
"This doesn't sound good," Rose says somberly.
"No, it isn't good. It's horrible actually."
"Okay…"
"I found out from Isabella's son that there's a fifty percent chance she has the genes for the disease her mom died of."
Rose looks wary. "Which is?"
Edward takes a deep breath and steels himself. "Early onset Alzheimer's."
He can see the blood drain from her face. "I don't know much about that, but I have an idea. Define 'early onset'," Rose asks quietly as she looks down at the wet sand.
"It strikes between thirty and sixty, and the decline is faster than regular Alzheimer's," Edward replies.
"And how old is Bella?"
"Forty-two."
"Good God. So it could happen at any time."
Edward nods. "Yes."
"Can anything be done? Is there any treatment?"
"Nothing significant yet."
"So you could end up a caretaker again." She shakes her head. "Oh, Edward."
"I don't know what I'm capable of handling, Rose. Not when it comes to Isabella."
"I know what you're capable of. The question is, do you love her enough to move forward knowing that's a possibility?"
"Maybe when I first heard the news, I thought I had a choice to make. But now I don't feel that way. Now I can't imagine not having her in my life."
They walk a long stretch of the beach silently. The waves move in and out, rushing over their feet and washing away their footprints.
Rose steps close to her brother, and links her arm in his.
"Do you want to hear what I think?" Rose asks.
"That's why I'm here," Edward responds.
"You know, we never know how long we have with anyone Edward. There are car accidents and plane crashes, cancer and heart attacks. A father of one of the kids in Eric's class died instantly of a brain aneurism last month. He was one of the healthiest, most dynamic men I'd ever met."
Edward nods.
"She may not get it. You said fifty-fifty, right?"
He nods again.
"Or you may have ten brilliant years before it hits her. Or you may have one brilliant year and then you get hit by a bus." She smiles at him and he laughs.
"Yeah, a big-ass bus. What a mess that'd be."
"Exactly. And even if the very worst happens, she may not want you to be the one taking care of her. There are facilities with experts for that, you know."
It makes him sick to think about it. He couldn't just leave her in one of those places.
"Have you guys talked about all this?"
"No," he says. "It didn't seem like the time yet."
"Well, when you're ready you need to talk to her. I wouldn't wait too long, Edward. You need to start this relationship with everything on the table…complete honesty."
"Yes," he says.
"You and Lauren pushed everything uncomfortable away for years. Look where that got you. Do this relationship differently. Okay?"
He nods firmly. "I will."
He stops and turns to his sister, then kisses her on the cheek. "Thank you."
"Anytime, big brother," she says, squeezing his arm. "I'm always here for you. Don't forget that, all right?"
"I won't forget this time. I love you, you know," he says, feeling grateful to have his sister to talk to.
"I know. I love you, too. And I'm going with the glass half full. She's not going to get it. Positive thinking, okay?"
He nods. "Positive thinking," he says with conviction. He knows his Isabella would be that way if their situation were reversed.
They both turn and take a long look at the endless horizon before heading back home.
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..~*~...
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"You sure you don't want the house?" Lauren asks while her lawyer watches, mystified.
"Nope, you can have it," Edward replies. He knows he could never live there again. His new aim is to move forward, not to remain stuck in the past. Lauren senses this and seems to be rattled by it.
The lawyers finish the meeting by coming up with another list of things to resolve. Edward doesn't linger, but quickly heads to the parking lot. He sighs when he realizes that Lauren is rushing after him.
"Hey, Edward," she calls out.
He turns to her and waits until she reaches him. "Yeah?"
"We were going to do a follow-up dinner to talk about things. Can we schedule that?"
He looks down at his car keys as he turns them over in his hands. "You know, I think I'll pass on the dinner thing. I heard what I needed to last time. I'm finally moving forward. I think I need to keep my focus there."
"Really?" Lauren squints as she studies him. "Have you become more serious about the woman you told me about last time or something?"
He nods. "Yes."
"I see. Okay," she says, struggling to sound neutral. "Well, I'm happy for you."
He watches her, trying to figure out if she really has it in her to be that generous. He's doubtful, but he tries to keep things light. "Thank you."
"And what was this about you getting your mom's music program going again?"
She's up to something—he knows it. "Is this about the alimony?"
She laughs, but it sounds hollow. "You wound me, Edward…really. You know I always loved that program. I helped Esme promote it if you remember."
He softens as he thinks of it. "Yes, I do. I'm sorry. It's just…"
She waves her hand. "It's okay." She tips her head. "Listen, I saw someone post on Facebook that you guys are doing a benefit concert to raise money for it. If you'd like, I could get some of my big music clients involved."
"You'd do that?" he asks. For a moment, he gets excited knowing what a difference Lauren's connections could make, but then he wonders how Isabella would feel about Lauren getting involved. It's probably not a good idea.
"Yes, I would want to do that both to honor Esme's memory, and for the kids. It won't involve us working together or anything. I can deal with Alice."
"I don't know," he replies, shaking his head.
"Will you think about it?" she asks.
"Yeah, sure I will."
"I'll call you to see where things stand in a few days. Are you still living at the same place?" she asks.
He immediately knows she's fishing to see if he's living with Isabella. She always calls everyone on their cell phones. She could reach him no matter where he's living.
"Yeah," he replies. "Same place. That is, when I'm not staying at Isabella's."
He can't help himself, it feels great to say that. He can't even feel bad about the subtle way her expression falls.
In the next moment things get even better. His phone rings and when he lifts it up to look at the screen, he sees that it's Isabella calling.
"Sorry," he says to Lauren. "I need to get this. We'll talk later, okay?"
She nods and turns, but is still within range when he answers his phone with a strong, clear voice.
"Hey, baby, I'm done here. You ready for me?"
..~*~..
"I'm always ready for you," Bella teases. "Are you ready for me?"
He looks back to see Lauren walking away and then he slips into his car. "You bet. Where are you, home?"
"No, Alice and I just got back to the club. We were photographing the kids at the school today."
"How'd that go?" he asks.
"Great. They're so amazing, Edward. What talent!"
"They are, and that's why we're doing this. We can give these kids a chance with music."
"You're a giver, Mr. C. Just one of the many things I love about you."
"So what can I give you?"
"You can take me to this little hole in the wall Korean barbecue for dinner. I think I've convinced Alice and Jasper to come, too."
"I'm on my way."
..~*~..
Bella smiles as Alice is waving her arms dramatically despite the constraints of their booth at the Korean barbecue restaurant. "So then this kid picks up a saxophone and my God, I thought Charlie Parker had risen from the dead," she exclaims, as Edward and Jasper listen intently.
"And Sean just stood there glowing like a proud papa," Bella adds. "I got some great shots of him working with the kids."
"It's all coming together," Jasper comments. "The printer said he could do the posters and postcards Friday if you get him the digital files tomorrow."
"No problem," says Bella. She turns to Edward, excited. "And I talked to Angela today, and her daughter, Carly, wants to be involved. She's a music major at USC and she can earn credits teaching or whatever you need. She's just lovely, Edward, and incredibly talented. One of my favorite people."
"Well, there isn't a higher recommendation," he replies, grinning.
"Isn't she the one you mentioned earlier saying that your son, Jacob, was in love with for years?" Alice asks.
Bella leans her hand into her cheek and sighs. "Honestly, I think he still is. He always asks about her. He tried to see her last time he was in town, but she's still dating that jazz pianist in her class."
"Oh, poor Jacob. Well, maybe one day," Alice responds.
"My hopeless romantic," Jasper says, leaning over and giving Alice a kiss.
"No one would be happier than me if they ended up together. There's nothing worse than watching your kid suffer a broken heart."
She's such a loving mom, Edward thinks affectionately. In moments like this, he's reminded of his own mom.
Edward reaches out and takes Bella's hand. She squeezes it back.
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When the dinner ends and the couples part ways, Bella insists that they stop for ice cream on Larchmont.
"Rocky road!" she yells out.
"This road seems fine to me," Edward teases as he cruises down Third Street.
"Mint chocolate Chip!" she yells a bit louder.
"Is this how it's going to be?" Edward asks. "You yelling flavors at me? What am I supposed to do with this information?"
"Yell flavors back. Jacob and I do this. It's a tradition."
"Vanilla!" Edward yells, laughing.
Bella howls. "Vanilla? Really?"
"What? I like vanilla." Edward scowls.
Bella just shakes her head.
Once they arrive at Baskin-Robbins, he's relieved that she doesn't yell inside the store. Instead she pulls on his arm. "Look Edward, there's a flavor called Wild and Reckless!"
"That sounds like your flavor," he comments.
"Mmmm, maybe. I don't know though, it's awfully green."
Edward wanders further down the display case. "Look Isabella, here's one called Love Potion #31." He turns and grins at her.
"No!" she says, moving toward him. "Really?"
"I wouldn't tease you about a love potion," Edward says as he tucks her under his arm.
"Oh, that's for me!" she exclaims before turning to the server. "A double scoop of love in a waffle cone for me, and the same for my man." She turns to him as she pulls out her wallet. "It's my treat!"
"But," he protests, pointing to the vanilla tub.
"You only live once, Edward. Time to be wild and reckless and taste some love potion with me."
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They take their scoops and sit outside watching the neighborhood people walk by.
"So, what do you think?" she asks when he's almost done. She licks her lips and then runs her tongue along her finger where the ice cream melted.
He watches her and immediately has wild and reckless thoughts.
"I'm feeling the love," he says playfully.
"Yeah? Me too. Maybe we should head home soon and put all those feelings to use."
He stand up, pitches his waffle cone in the trash, then reaches out for her hand. "What are we waiting for?"
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When they get home he's surprised to see clothes all over the bed. Isabella usually keeps her room pretty neat.
"What's all this?"
"I bought some new stuff for the trip, and it inspired me to try on outfits for Italy."
Oh no…she's an over-packer. "How much are you taking?" he asks, horrified, finally discovering a quality she shares with Lauren. "We're only going to be there for ten days."
"Don't worry, I'm not taking all of this. I was just having fun."
He pushes a pile over and sits on the edge of the bed. "Why don't you show me what you're thinking about. You know, so we can coordinate."
"Ha! Matchy matchy coordinate? Sure thing! You want a fashion show?"
He stretches out his legs across the duvet and folds his arms behind his head. "Oh yeah. A fashion show." He grins.
She scoops up the clothes in her arms and heads to the bathroom, then closes the door. While he waits he tries to imagine what she's going to come out in. Nothing will surprise him.
The door flings open and she saunters out, prancing back and forth in front of the bed.
He underestimated Isabella. She surprised him all right.
He's dumbstruck at first, then gets his bearings. "The rainbow skirt," he gasps. " You're bringing the rainbow skirt to Italy?"
He's waiting to comment on the striped vest she's wearing on top, with nothing underneath. He's a guy He can only address one fashion issue at a time.
"You like?" She teases and twirls. "Pretty fabulous, right?"
He shakes his head. "You're toying with me, Ms. Isabella."
"Maybe."
"If you wear that outfit, I'm wearing all black every day in protest. Besides, you may scare away Leonard." His eyes light up at the idea of it. "But maybe that isn't a bad thing."
"It's Leo, and where's your sense of adventure?" she asks. "Here, let me show you another outfit."
This time she saunters out in some gauzy flowing pants that look like bad abstract art. Over it is a beaded tunic, cinched with a wide macramé belt, and a dark purple t-shirt underneath.
He laughs as she pulls on a wide-brimmed straw hat.
"Yeah, that's much better."
"I'm glad you like it. It will contrast nicely off your black Johnny Cash look."
He tips his head. "I can work with this with some alterations." He points at her mid-section. "Why don't you try taking off the belt and the hat?"
"So now you're a fashion stylist. Oh, you've got mad skills, Mr. C." She grins and pulls the hat and belt off, letting them fall to the floor.
"Why don't you take those pant things off. I kind of like the tunic thing."
She smiles and pushes off her pants, then twirls for him.
"Mighty fine legs you've got, Isabella."
She juts her hip out and grins. "Thank you, Mr. C."
He squints as he studies her and she notices his legs spread out a bit on the bed. He scratches his chin and gives her a sly smile.
"Hmmm. Why don't you take off the tunic for a minute. I think we can work with that t-shirt you have underneath."
She pulls it off slowly, and as it lifts over her hips, he notices a pair of sexy lace panties he's never seen before.
"Whoa, what's that?" he asks, his eyes growing wider.
"That's what I went shopping for earlier. There is this little lingerie shop that has Italian designs…"
He cuts her off. "Does that little garment have matching parts?" he asks while waving his hand toward her chest.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I think this is an outfit you may really appreciate."
"The shirt…" he says with a deep breath. He motions for the T-shirt to come off.
"So I take it that this is the outfit you'd really like to see?"
He nods and adjusts his jeans. "I want to see."
She slowly eases off the T-shirt, revealing a matching low-cut lace bra in the same deep red. Her full breasts almost spill out as she pulls her top over her head.
"Oh my," Edward groans as he reaches for her. "Come here, baby. I need to see it in more detail."
She crawls toward him from the foot of the bed.
"I like the way you shop," he says in a low voice as he beckons her closer.
"I definitely had you in mind," she says as she straddles him. She reaches down and toys with the opening of his jeans as he traces his fingertips in a slow curve along the soft skin where her bra ends and her breasts begin.
He adeptly pulls her around so that she's underneath him and kisses her slowly as he presses down against her. When she starts to rock her hips, he rises up on his knees and eases his shirt off. He gazes down at the deep red lace as he caresses her hips. "I love these so much, but they've got to go."
Looping his fingers into the sides of her panties, he slowly works them over her hips and down her thighs. "You're so sexy," he says softly as she spreads her legs for him. She sighs when he kisses her neck and eases down one bra strap, then the other. Her back arches when he pulls the cup down and his tongue swirls over her nipple.
"Edward," she groans.
His hot breath burns against her ear, "I want you, Isabella."
"I want you, too." Her eyes flicker with pleasure as he slides his fingers between her legs.
His hands move across her flesh, and his expression softens as he watches her react to his touch. His Isabella…
He loves her with her rainbow skirt and love potion seduction.
She grins as if she reads his mind. "I know. I love you, too."
When she finally pushes his jeans down and her fingers tighten over him, she smiles and whispers, "I think the love potion worked."
He nods and moans as he watches her hand move up and down his length. "I'm never choosing vanilla again."
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..~*~..
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In the early morning hours, Edward watches the room slowly fill with quiet light. Isabella stirs in his arms and he smoothes his hands over her hair and pulls her closer. She shifts even tighter against him, her warmth soothing after all of the months he survived waking up in bed alone.
He breaths her in, stunned to realize that in a matter of weeks she has filled his hollowed out heart. What if he hadn't answered the phone the first time she called late that night? What if he hadn't been brave enough to walk through her front door?
He has learned that love can be a secret tied up in your heart, and when it's released there's an awakening, bright as morning light. Now he doesn't want to miss a moment of this extraordinary woman he holds tenderly in his arms...
…he may never sleep again.
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I would definitely go lingerie shopping for Edward. Would you?
Thanks so much for reading. I love hearing from you...
xoxo
abbie
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