Disclaimer: i do not own anything...
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Chapter 23
Concerns
EPOV
We flew back to Boston two days after Christmas and spent the New Year there. We flew the girl's parents out and they stayed with my parents since they had enough rooms. We watched the different fireworks displays all around Boston from my parent's rooftop deck. Our mothers prepared a delicious meal as well. Since we had a great New Year, I was looking forward to a good year ahead; especially now that I had Bella.
The past month has been chaos. We had two major trauma groups come in within the last four weeks. First we had an orphanage fire which destroyed half the building, and second a six car accident on the freeway. We still had the occasional stabbings and mauling.
Since I was now head of the ER I had to do all these censuses and it bothered me a bit more now when faced with the figures. I've seen so many casualties, and when you're treating them you tend to lose track after awhile. Bella had also been busy since my foundation was rebuilding the orphanage. Of course I would get their firm to do it again since they did an amazing job with the wing.
There were weeks when we could only spent nights together and we would take full advantage of them. We would talk about our days and make love, then sleep. We have been keeping this cycle for about a week now.
Though I knew she had been stressed, I could feel that there was something else bothering her. I would ask her once in a while but she would always say 'no I'm fine' or 'it's nothing' or 'it's just work'. I sometimes felt that I, myself, could feel what she did and I could tell when she is lying or hiding something. And most of the time that she gave me that answer I got this funny feeling in my gut.
I was starting to get worried so I decided to talk to Alice and Rose. Rose had a lot going on so I just went with Alice. I was set to meet her at 10:00 a.m. at the Public Gardens and we would go on the Swan Boats before lunch at Oishii.
I parked my car in the lot then headed over to the dock of the boats to get our tickets. About five minutes after I got there Alice arrived with Jasper. "Edward!" she called out to me.
"Hey, Alice, hey, man. I didn't know you had the day off," I said to Jasper as I shook his hand.
"I didn't know I had the day off either, but apparently I do. This little ball of energy, somehow moved things around to get me some free time. I could leave if you want," he explained.
"No, man, your insight will be useful," I said as I headed over to the counter to get another ticket. When it was time to board we got a seat at the back so as not to disturb the other patrons. It was also good that our boat was not full, since it was the first trip of the day.
"So, what's up Edward?" Alice asked as we pulled out of the dock.
"Well, Bella has been acting weird sometimes. I've tried to ask her about it, like if she's okay and such and she just changes the subject, but I can tell she's not completely alright. I might be crazy or over thinking things but I just can't ignore it. Has she mentioned anything to you?" I asked.
She pondered a while then shook her head. "I'm sorry Edward, she hasn't told us anything, not even Rose. Honestly we've not seen much of each other the past couple of weeks. But I would like to help out. So maybe you could tell me what the weird acts were and what has happened since before the holidays. I'm sure between the three of us we could come up with something," she offered.
"Well, honestly I think it all started when Tanya became more active again in my life. I mean she keeps bothering me and though I keep my distance, she's a bit persistent. Then she had her meeting with Jacob when we were in Seattle. There are also the occasional stares I get from girls and the nurses. I remind her constantly that she's the only one I want, but I feel it still is not enough to put her at ease," I explained.
"Okay, I see. Have you talked to her about it?" she asked.
"No, we haven't really gotten the chance. We've actually barely spoken as well the past few weeks. When we're together we do the lovie-dovie things. I'm sure you know what I mean; to elaborate would be inappropriate," I answered. She was about to speak when we started to pull back into the dock. They brought Jasper's car so I said I would meet them ay Oishii.
When we got to the restaurant I had them add another seat to my table. Once we were seated we ordered some sushi, maki, and tempura. Jasper and I ordered the Grilled Kobe beef while Alice had the steamed halibut.
When we were all set, Alice started to speak. "Okay, so here's what I think. First, you have to understand that Bella has a low self-esteem. No matter how confident she is now, she wasn't like that before. Rose and I would always have to remind her that she is a wonderful person and that she has to believe in herself. Aside from that she is a perfectionist. Even if others praise her work, sometimes she doesn't see that beauty herself," she explained then took a sip of her sake.
"Next, her love life has not been perfect. I guess you could say she has been burned before. I'm sure she's told you about that," she said then I nodded. "I would think that she's a little insecure more about herself than your relationship. I mean she thinks your perfect and she's not. Am I right?" she asked and raised her brow at me.
"Yes, but I tell her that she's beautiful, even more so in my eyes, " I answered.
"I know, we tell her that, too. But she doesn't see that. She thinks she's plain and does not have much to offer, even if the opposite is true. She also doesn't see that she can turn heads. All she sees are the heads that you turn," she again explained.
I pondered on her thoughts as the waiter started to bring the sushi and tempura to the table. We started eating and after a while Jasper spoke. "May I say something?"
"Of course. No need to be too formal, we're not at a board meeting," I told him.
He nodded before he spoke. "I would suggest that you talk to her about all this. Take another weekend off, and I mean a non-working weekend, not like New York. Tell her your concerns about her and she should open up to you. Maybe not all at once but at least a little. Just to get the ball rolling," he said then took a bit of a shrimp tempura.
"Oh, Valentine's Day is coming up. You could time it then,"Alice suggested.
"Bro, you can take her to Martha's Vineyard. Your parents' house there has not been visited in quite a while," he suggested.
"Oh, that would be great. I'll help you set up the date and everything," Alice said as she started bouncing in her seat.
"Okay, I'll talk to mom and dad later today," I said as we continued to eat our meal. Alice threw different ideas at me and by the end of the meal we had a plan. Alice and Jasper declined desert so I settled the bill and we were on our way. We were parked near each other and said our goodbye's before getting into the cars.
When I got in to my car I pulled out my phone to call my mom. I pressed two on the speed dial and she answered after a couple of rings, "Hello?"
"Mom, it's Edward," I said.
"Oh, hello, dear. To what do I owe this pleasure?" she said sweetly.
"Ah, and you call me charming. I guess I got it from you?" I laughed and she laughed along with me. "No, Mom, seriously, are you busy? I need a favour." I asked.
"Not at all. What is it darling?" she asked.
"Are you home? I'd like to tell you in person." I told her.
"Oh. Yes I am, and your father should be home soon. Come over, we'll have some coffee and pastries," she offered.
"Ok, mom, I'll be there in ten minutes." I hung up and put the phone back in my pocket. I drove over to my parents' home and as I put the car in park, I looked up and saw my mother smiling at the door.
I walked up to her and she pulled me into a tight hug, "Hello, sweetheart. Come," she said as she ushered me into the den. "You father will be home soon," she informed me. We talked about some foundation details while waiting for my dad. We had made a quota for donations for the month and I was happy about this. I didn't expect it especially since we took on the orphanage. My mother also asked how work was going as well as my relationship with Bella. As I finished my story my dad walked into the den.
"Hello, son," my father said as he pulled me into a hug. "Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Yeah, I just wanted to ask a favour," I explained.
"What is it?" he asked curiously and my mother looked anxious.
"I was wondering if I could borrow your home on Martha's Vineyard over the Valentine weekend," I asked. My mother had a big smile on her face while my dad looked puzzled.
"Of course, son. It's as much yours as it is ours. May I ask why?" he asked.
"Well, Bella has been acting weird lately. Maybe it's just stress, maybe something else. I really want to clear things up as soon as possible. I talked with Alice and Jasper and they gave me the suggestion. I guess you should also know that I have already asked her parents if I could marry her." Before I could continue my mother squealed and threw herself at me.
"Mom, I wasn't done, let me finish," I said as I patted her back. "Oh, of course, dear. I'm sorry," she said and went to stand beside my dad as he put an arm around her waist.
"I just asked for permission. I'm not sure when I will do it. I guess I just wanted to be sure that I was accepted. All they asked was I let them know before I do it. I guess it's safe to assume that I have your permission as well?" I asked.
"Of course, Edward. We believe you're more than capable to raise your own family. And Bella is a wonderful girl; we love her already like our own," my dad said then took me into a hug. My mother just stayed put and had tears in her eyes.
I then filled them in on the plans that we came up with and my mother was thrilled. She said she would help me get the things I needed. She said most of it could be acquired on the island which made me glad. My dad informed me that the staff would stock the pantry and clean the house before we got there. I then joined them for dinner and headed home at around eleven.
The next day I had to make sure Bella's schedule was free so I called my accomplice, Angela. I dialled the office and asked for her. "Hello, this is Angela Weber how may I help you?"
"Hello, Angela. This is Edward Cullen," I said then she laughed.
"I know who you are. Your voice is very unique you know," she complemented and giggled. "What can I do for you doctor?" she then asked.
"Well, I was wondering if you could work your magic on Bella's schedule. I wanted to take her away for Valentine's. And since it's on a Friday I was thinking of leaving on Wednesday and come back on Sunday," I explained.
"I think I can work that out. May I ask why the vacation?" she inquired.
"Well, I wanted to talk to her about some stuff as well as take us away from work," I stated simply.
"Oh, God knows she needs that. I'll fix it up and let you know when I'm done," she said.
"Thank you so much! I owe you... again. Bye Ange," I said.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure one day I'll be able to collect. Bye," she said and hung up.
BPOV
I was sitting in my office going over some blue prints when Angela knocked on my door. "Bella, these came for you," she said as she put a bouquet of white, yellow, orange, and pink daisies on my table. She then came over and handed me the card. The elegant handwriting on the envelope already told me that they were from Edward.
I opened the card and read the message. It simply said, 'All my love, Edward'. It was funny how a simple message from him could brighten my day. "I take it the card is from the handsome doctor?" Angela asked, pulling me out of my daydream. I just nodded and she smiled at me before going back to her desk.
I picked up my cell phone to call Edward and say thank you. I pressed five on my speed dial and he picked up after two rings. "Hey there beautiful."
"Hello handsome," I said with a giggle. This greeting of ours has become so automatic and though I find it very endearing, it's still a bit funny. "Thank you for the flowers. They're so pretty," I said.
"Not as pretty as you," he replied. "I was wondering if you would join me for dinner tonight," he stated.
"Are these flowers a bribe, Dr. Cullen?" I teased.
"They could if you want them to be. But seriously I wanted to take you out to a nice dinner." he told me.
"Dinner at your place?" I asked.
"If you want. I have the day off and I would love to make you something. Or we could go out if you like," he suggested.
"No, I think I like your place better. I would love some tacos and fajitas if your game." I replied.
"Oh I'm game sweetie. Then maybe I could have you topped with whipped cream for dessert," he said. And that was enough to get me wet. So it's definitely his house tonight.
"I'd love that. I have to get back to work. I'll see you later," I told him.
"Definitely. Bye love," he said then put down the phone.
I left the office at about 5:30 and made it to Edward's in ten minutes. I parked my car in the visitors slot, grabbed my purse then headed up to his loft. After the elevators had opened, I turned right to head to his place which was at the end of the hall. I knocked on the door three times when I reached it.
When he opened the door I felt my jaw drop. He was standing in front of me, shirtless, wearing shorts and an apron. He put a finger under my chin and pushed it up. He had a cocky grin on his face. "Are you alright, love?" he asked, but I still could not form words.
"Bella, sweetheart, are you ok? Do I have to take you to the hospital?" he asked and that did it. I was pulled out of my reverie and was able to form a coherent sentence. "No I'm fine. Sorry, I just spaced out a bit." He then smiled at me, gave me a kiss on the lips, and pulled me into the loft.
"Dinner will be ready in a bit," he informed me then headed up the stairs to the kitchen. I took off my blazer and took a seat on the sofa. I removed my shoes and propped my feet up on it as well.
I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, I felt someone on top of me, kissing at my neck down to my collar bone, and a hand running up my inner thigh. "Hmmm, Edward," I moaned.
"Yes love?" was his brilliant reply. I felt him fumble with the buttons of my blouse then cup my left breast when my blouse was opened. He kissed between my breasts and sucked my nipples through the fabric of my bra. His other hand was also extremely close to me heated core.
I just moaned at how good his actions felt since I was again unable to form coherent sentences for the second time tonight. He reached behind me and unclasped my bra to free my breasts. He took a nipple in his mouth as he reached under my panties to rub my sensitive knob.
I felt my hips arch up to meet his thumb. He thrusted two fingers into me which hit my G-spot right away. "Oh, fuck, Edward!" He didn't seem to mind me and just continued on with what he was doing. Not long after that I felt my body convulse as I screamed out profanities into the air. It was good his neighbours were at a safe distance so they wouldn't hear us.
He let me ride out my orgasm then ran his finger across my clit as he pulled them out of me, sending another shiver through my body. He reached up to kiss me, "Ready for dinner love?" he asked innocently. "Yes, just give me a minute to compose myself." I replied.
"Ok, I'll set up the food on the table. Come when you're ready," he said. "I think I already did," I said as I stood up and made my way to the bathroom to change into my robe. I also took time to tie my hair in a pony tail and put on my fluffy slippers before I headed to the dining room.
When I got there, all the food I had requested was set on the table with the dinner ware. I looked for Edward but he was nowhere to be seen. It was then I felt two arms wrap around me and familiar lips land on my temple. "Let's eat love," he said as he pulled out a chair for me.
I started to put together the fajitas and tacos while he got a couple of beers from the kitchen. "Bella, I did something for us, but before I tell you, you have to promise not to freak out," he suddenly blurted out. Oh gosh, now I felt worried.
"Okay, I promise," I said.
"Okay, since Valentine's Day is coming up I planned us a trip to Martha's Vineyard," I was about to protest when he put a finger on my lips. "Ah, ah, ah, you promised," he said and I just nodded. He moved his finger and his hand cupped my cheek.
"Love, I know there is something bothering you that you're not telling me," he said as he was looking straight into my eyes. All I could see in his was love and concern. "So, I've asked Angela to clear you schedule from the Wednesday before Valentines till that Sunday. We will be staying at my parents' home there. Now I want you to know why I'm doing this.
"I'm doing this because I want to help you find solutions to your problems, I want us to take the time off from work and just be with each other. I don't push you now since I know we are both really occupied with work. Bella I want to marry you someday..." WHAT? He kind of lost me after he said that, so I didn't get what he was still saying.
He wanted to marry me! I never expected that. But when I look in his eyes it held pure sincerity. Could it be true that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me? "Bella, sweetie, are you still with me?" he said. I was brought back to reality and he was kneeling in front of me, rubbing my arms.
"Huh, sorry, you lost me after you said you wanted to marry me," I said and he smiled. "I also said someday love. That is if you would have me of course. But this is not an official proposal so you don't have to answer right now. Anyway, as I was saying, we'll drive out Wednesday then back on Sunday. Angela has cleared your schedule as I have mine, so no work. Just you and me." he explained.
"Okay, sweetie. Just you and me. I won't argue with you on this since I'm tired, hungry, and I do want a break, especially if it's with you." As I finished he captured my lips with his and kissed me with all the passion and fervor he could muster. Just as he pulled away my tummy grumbled. We both laughed and he sat back down in his chair. "I think your tummy is mad at me. Let's finish dinner, love, so I can have my dessert," he said casually but sent a wink my way.
After we finished cleaning up the dishes, he took a can of whipped cream from the fridge and looked at me with an evil grin. "Ready for desert love?" he asked. I nodded and he threw me over his shoulder and carried me to the room. When he put me down on the bed I decided to let everything go and let this man have me anyway he wanted. He was all I could have asked for and more.
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Today was the day Edward and I were to leave for Martha's Vineyard. It would be about a two and a half hour drive, so Edward decided to pick me up at 8:00 so we could be settled in by noon. I was sitting in the living room sipping my coffee and looking over the Charles River into Cambridge.
My new blue Rimowa suitcase was waiting by the door together with my laptop bag and my black Ralph Lauren Bohemian tote. I took a glance at it and remembered my talk with Alice the previous night.
(Flashback)
I got home from work and took a quick shower before pulling out my LV rolling bag to pack for tomorrow's trip. "Bella, what are you doing?" Alice asked as she leaned on the door jamb.
"Uhm, I'm packing for my trip Ali," I said.
"You don't have to do that. I've packed for you. See?" she said, pointing to the corner. There was a suitcase I didn't recognize so I assumed it was new. "Uh, Alice, that is not my suitcase. Where did that come from?" I asked curiously.
"I bought it for you today along with some essentials," she said with a shrug.
"Alice, what did you do?" I said, my eyes growing wild.
"Nothing! I just got you a new suitcase and a few new lingerie pieces. The rest I pulled out of your closet. Come look," she said pulling towards the case. She opened it and explained each pocket. I didn't even know they made suitcases like this.
She opened one side and said, "Okay, so let me explain this to you. This pocket holds your shoes." I was about to object as she held her hand up." Please listen, Bella, before you go all psycho on me." I nodded and she continued. "As I was saying, this bag holds your shoes. Your silver strappy shoes are the only ones in there since they go with anything. I put your blue and black flats and a couple of flip-flops as well. Next, this bag holds all your lingerie and swim suits, while this one holds sleep wear. This bag holds all your toiletries and some other stuff both of you could use. Just check them out when you get there. Are you still with me?" She explained as she pointed to the toiletry bag and I nodded.
She then closed that side and flipped it over to open the other. "So this bag holds your shirts and this one your shorts," she explained indicating the respective bags. "Now, in the garment bag are a couple of dresses, pants, and blouses. I'm sure you can mix and match all of them as needed." I just nodded and she zipped up the bag again.
"May I say something, Bella?" she asked, a bit of hesitation in her voice. "Of course, Ali."
"Well, in the past few months I have seen how much Edward and you have grown into a great couple. I know that he cares for you a lot and is worried about you. So please, open up to him and be honest. I know you will say you're scared he would leave you or not understand, but believe me I know you have grown to become the world to him. Let him in and don't push him away," she said.
I sat there processing what she said then realized she was right. I would get over all of this and make this work.
(End of Flashback)
I was pulled from my thoughts by a knock on the door. I stood up and opened it to find Edward there with a smile on his face. "Are you ready love?" he asked and kissed me on the cheek.
"Yes, let me just wash my mug." I said and went into the kitchen. After I washed my mug I found that Edward had my laptop bag on his shoulder and a hand on my suitcase. His other hand was stretched out,giving me my tote bag.
I guess I had a confused look on my face since he said, "I know you don't like me carrying your hand bag." I nodded and smiled at him before taking my bag and slinging it over my shoulder. I really didn't like him carrying my hand bag since it is a feminine looking bag and mainly because I don't think its right. "Let's go love. We have a long drive ahead of us," he said as his free hand took mine and we made our way to the car.
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We arrived in Martha's Vineyard at about 10:30. "Would you like to have lunch before we go to the house?" he asked me.
"Yes, I think I'd like that. One can't live on just chocolate you know," I said and leaned over to give him a kiss. We drove around a while and decided on a small pub in Edgartown. He parked the car and helped me out as usual. We walked into the diner and found a table in the corner. He pulled out my chair for me and took the one by my side.
"Hello, I'm Donna and I'll be your server. Here are the menus. May I get you something to drink?" she asked. As I looked at her she was, of course, ogling at Edward. "What do you want sweetie?" he asked me. I took a quick glance at the menu and asked for a light draft beer and Edward did the same. She took the order and went on her way.
"Are you okay, love?" he asked me. I just nodded and looked over the menu. The waitress came back with our beers and asked as if we were ready to order. Edward looked over to me. "I'd like a French onion soup and a lobster roll please," I said as she jotted down the order and quickly turned to Edward. "And for you?" she said, batting her eyelashes.
"I'll have the crab & artichoke dip and a Ruben sandwich," he said, handing her the menu and turning his attention immediately to me. He took my hand and started to pepper my knuckles with kisses. He again let me have my own time as we just sat and held hands. Not long after, his phone rang. "Hello?"
"Yup... we're having lunch... uh huh... okay... thanks, Mom," he said and hung up before placing another kiss on my hand. "What did your mom say?" I asked.
"She just told me that the house was stocked. We should have all we need for the week unless we wanted to make something that would require something exotic," he said as the waitress brought over our food. Over lunch we discussed some possible menus for our meals. Since we went for simple things it looked like we didn't have to buy anything out of the ordinary. When we were done, he settled the tab and the waitress handed him a card. "Oh, I know the number here. I won't need this," he said, handing back the card to her. He then helped me into my coat and took my hand before heading out to the car.
The house was about ten minutes from the pub. Once again I was stunned at what I saw. We pulled up to a colonial style house surrounded my lush fields of green. I felt an arm around my waist as Edward whispered in my ear, "Let's go, love," he said, pressing at the small of my back.
We headed for the front door and he unlocked it. As we entered the foyer I was rendered speechless at the scene before me. It led into a living area which held an overstuffed beige couch, while the arm chairs were light brown and made of woven sea grass and abaca. The table at the center was a Queen Anne coffee table in the same brown shade as the chairs.
Behind the living room set was a pair of chaise loungers, also in beige, looking out to a gorgeous view of the back lawn that meshed with the blue sea when they met at the horizon. "Love," Edward called me, that caused me to jump a bit. "Sorry, I'll get our bags upstairs, why don't you look around and I'll find you when I'm done," [U1] he told me and kissed my temple before heading back out to the car.
I wandered around and found a den with a huge TV and surround sound system. I continued to walk around and found another room which held a white baby grand piano, which I assumed, was Edward's. I went into the dining room which held an oval oak table and seating for ten, attached to it was the kitchen.
It was painted in a soft yellow color and had two islands with while marble counter tops. One held a five burner cook top while the other was just a plain counter, the sink was located at the far wall. The cabinet doors were glass, so you could see what was held in each. There was also a breakfast nook by the window across the kitchen.
I headed out the back door and I was met by a patio made of red bricks to my left which held a table and six chairs as well as a fire pit for barbecuing. To my right was another patio made of wood, a pool, and a Jacuzzi. This side held a Weber grill. There were also several lounge chairs scattered around.
To the far end I found a wooden walk way leading over to the beach. I didn't want to walk that far just yet, so I just walked to the middle of the lawn and sat down Indian style. I just sat there going over my thoughts. It started out with work then eventually went to what Alice had told me.
"Bella!" I heard Edward call out to me. I looked around and found him walking over to me with a blanket in one hand and my tote in the other. "I think I heard you phone ring," he told me as I took my bag. He then laid out the blanket and took a seat himself. "Sit on the blanket, love," he said just as I found my phone.
"May I sit between your legs?" I asked not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable. "Of course, come," he said to me opening his legs and reaching out to me. Once I had situated myself, he immediately wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his chin on my shoulder. I then looked at my messages and most of them were from Alice. I returned her call and she picked up after two rings. "Bella? Oh thank God."
"Alice, what's wrong?" I asked. She started to talk, but it was too fast that I didn't get anything. "Alice," I said but she just kept going and going. "Mary Alice!" I shouted and she shut up. "Slow down, I didn't get any of what you said.
"Okay, but don't call me that," she said and I could hear the pout in her voice.
"Hey, if it gets you to calm down, then I'll keep using it," I retorted.
"Okay, whatever. Anyway, I know you're on vacation and all but the witch from the library wants me to finish in a week, and to do that I need your drawings already. I know we have been busy but please tell me you have something?" she explained.
"Okay, no need to go hysterical. Yes, Alice, I have something. Just go to Angela and ask for the draft," I told her.
"Okay, thanks Isabella! Have fun and be good. But not too good," she said then hung up.
"What was that about?" Edward asked.
"The library project had to be sped up and she needed the drawing for the solarium so she would know what plants to put in it." I explained. We just lay there in silence looking over the water and cuddling into each other. I guess I must have dosed off since I woke up and I was already lying on Edward's chest.
"Good evening, sweetie. The stars are out tonight," he said and kissed the top of my head. I looked up and I saw the stars filled the entire sky. I haven't seen a sky like this in quite some time. "Wow, they're really beautiful," I said. "Not as beautiful as you," he said before kissing me full on the lips. The kiss became more heated as he pulled me to lie on top of him. Our make out session was cut short by a phone ringing.
He groaned as he pulled it out of his pocket. "Hello," he said with agitation in his voice. I moved off him but stayed close. It wasn't like I could get away since he kept one arm around my waist. I just lay quiet while he talked on the phone. When he was done he again kissed the top of my head. "You want dinner, sweetie?" he asked.
"Uhm, okay," I said as I got up and carried my bag while he took the blanket. We walked into the kitchen and he whipped up a salad and I put together pasta with pesto and shrimp. The pantry was quite impressive. Even all the vegetables and herbs in the fridge were fresh. After we ate and cleaned up I had an idea. "Edward?"
"Yes, love?" he said as he looked over at me. "You want to take a dip in the Jacuzzi?" I asked.
"Yes I would actually," he said. "Okay, I'll go up and change and be back in a bit." I went up to the room and looked inside my suitcase. I looked in the bag with my suits but I decided to forego it. I assumed we didn't have any neighbours anyway, why not go skinny dipping, I thought.
I rummaged through the bag with my shirts and found a white racer back bra top dress. I took a pair of flip-flops out and headed into the bathroom. I heard a bit of movement outside and assumed Edward changed as well.
I headed out to the Jacuzzi where I found Edward already inside, "You're starting without me?" I pouted and crossed my arms over my chest. He let out a laugh while getting out and walking over to me. Before I could react he carried me bridal style and then ran for the pool and jumped in.
I held on tighter to his neck and wrapped my legs around his waist. "That was so not funny, Dr. Cullen!" I ground my crotch into him. I could feel him starting to get hard. His hand moved over to my ass and he realized I was not wearing a suit. "What do we have here, Ms. Swan?" he said as he moved a finger and ran it down my slit. "I have no idea what you mean." I played innocent.
"I apologize for getting you all wet," he said as he moved towards the other side of the pool until he was able to stand. "On the other hand, I think I'm not sorry for getting you wet," he emphasized the last word as he pressed on my sensitive knob. "I would like to make it up to you, if you would allow me," he said as he started kissing down my neck towards the valley between my breasts.
He pushed me onto the wall of the pool and I let go of his neck and held on to the side. He removed my dress completely and threw it away from us. He then started to suck my breasts, giving each one equal attention as he thrusted two fingers in me. He continued this until I reached my orgasm.
**************
I woke up feeling a bit sore, but lying on something very soft. I tried to open my eyes and found that I was in bed and Edward was nowhere to be found. I laid there for a while figuring out how I got here. I had no idea how many times he made me come that night since I usually stop counting after three, and I'm sure it was more than that. We did it in the pool, then the Jacuzzi, then the shower, and finally tub. I assumed Edward carried me here after we had a bath.
I looked towards the edge of the bed and found a caramel colored robe with my name embroidered over the left breast. I stood up and put it on and found a pair of matching fluffy slippers. I put them on and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
As I opened our bedroom door, I was hit by the smells of coffee, bacon, and eggs. I made my way to the kitchen since I assumed that's where Edward would be. I found him over the stove, wearing a robe like mine, but in his size of course. I went over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist as I kissed him between the shoulder blades. "Good morning," I said.
"Good morning, love. I take it you slept well?" he asked as he turned and took my face in his hands and kissed me on the lips. I just nodded my head as he pulled me over to the table. "Let's eat," he told me.
As we went through breakfast I decided to ask what we were doing today. "Well, I wanted to show you the light houses. I was thinking of heading to Gay Head which is on the other side of the island so it's about an hour's drive. But I think you'll like the scenery," he said then took my hand. "I was really hoping we could talk, and there won't be too many people there so I think it's a good place," he explained.
I thought again of what Alice said and I also thought that this would be a good time. "Okay, then," I simply said. He seemed to let out a breath he was holding before he again kissed my hand. After breakfast we cleaned up and got dressed for our trip.
We left at about 11:00 so we decided to eat before heading over to the lighthouse. We found a small restaurant in Lobsterville. We kept it simple and had soups, salads, and sandwiches. After Edward settled the bill, we made our way over to the Gay Head Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was perched on a cliff. It was made of bricks and had a black roof and a balcony near the top. We parked in the assigned area and walked over to it. There were several other people and Edward asked them to take some pictures of us. When that was done he laid out a blanket and sat us down.
He took my hand and kissed it before speaking. "I don't really mean to push, but I would really like to know what has been bothering you. And don't tell me it's nothing because I know it isn't." He turned his body towards me. He had a concerned look on his face and I knew one day he would bring it up again, so now was better a time than ever.
I took in a deep breath before I spoke. "Well, to describe it in one word, I feel insecure. That or maybe my self-esteem is just really low," I said and looked down at out entwined hands. He reached up and stroked my cheek. "Why is that my love?" he asked.
"Well, I think it all started after the New York incident with Tanya." I stopped but he didn't say anything. He just squeezed my hand and gestured for me to go on. "I guess I was insecure about how she looked. I mean she's a pretty lady, and full of confidence and I feel I have nothing on her. So I have this fear that if someone like that comes along again, you would see that there are others better than me and that would make you think twice about staying with me."
He still said nothing and I took another deep breath and continued, "And from that moment, every time a female flirts with you, I'm always reminded by that fact. I know I'm plain and not as attractive as others but I have grown to believe that I have other things to offer," I finished and pulled my hands away from his and put my face them. That was the only time I realized I was about to cry since my palms felt wet when I rubbed my eyes.
He left me alone for a while before trying to pull my hands from my face. When he started to do that I cried a bit harder. He started to rub my back as he situated himself behind me, before pulling to his chest. "Shh, love, relax," he said over and over, but it didn't seem to help my crying. I'm not sure how long I but when I finally calmed down he handed me a cup of water.
"Are you okay now?" he asked. Was I okay? I myself wasn't sure. "Not really, but I will be," he took the cup from me and replaced it on the thermos. "May I speak?" he asked and I nodded.
"First of all your 'assumptions' are ridiculous. You have to know by now that I'm not as shallow as other men. Yes, a lot of women flirt with me, and believe me it is very irritating and unattractive. But, I do have to admit to you that you are right in saying that you have a lot more to offer," he said, then took my face in his hands and tilted it up to look at him.
"I think I have to enumerate to you how captivated I am with the 'other' things you have to offer," he said and pecked me on the lips before continuing. "First, you have the most beautiful, soft, mahogany hair that I have ever run my fingers through. Though that might be a bit biased since I don't really like playing with hair, but yours is just irresistible," he said, then ran his finger through my hair to prove his point.
"Next, you have the most expressive brown eyes that I have seen," he said kissing each of my eyes. "Your lips are the plumpest and kissable ones I have had the pleasure to lay mine upon," he said then kissed my lips. This caused my cheeks to turn pink. "And most of all, your blush is the most enticing of them all," he said then kissed my cheeks.
"And that's just the beginning," he said and released my face and took both of my hands in his. "Physical qualities are minimal to me. It is more important to me what is inside. You, Isabelle Marie Swan, are one of the most kind-hearted, hard-working, caring, and humble people I know. Honestly, you are everything I like in a woman. So your assumption that I would find someone better and leave you is again ridiculous. I have told you, I want to marry you some day, and I really hope you will have me when the right time comes along.
"Please never think that anyone who comes up to me can grab my attention like you do. You fill my thoughts every moment of the day. Every time I'm down, I think of you and I always seem to perk up. You have done so much for me, besides my mother, like I never thought anyone else would." And with that he crashed his lips to mine and put all his emotions into that kiss. I returned the kiss and hoped he felt all the emotion I had put into it.
I wasn't sure how long we were kissing, well, making out seemed to fit more. The next thing I knew I heard the click of a camera. We reluctantly pulled apart and saw an elderly man holding our camera and pointing it at us. A lady, whom I assumed was his wife was standing next to him, smiling. "I'm sorry, you two just look so in love I couldn't resist to take your picture, especially when I saw your camera sitting there," he explained as he handed back the camera to us.
I was a bit embarrassed at the situation and just buried my face in Edward's chest. "No need for apologies, thank you sir," Edward said as the elderly man handed back the camera. "Take care of each other. I know that you two were meant to be," the elderly female said before they walked away.
"Edward," I started to say but he put a finger on my lips to stop me from continuing. "I wasn't finished love," he said and I nodded. "I love you Isabella Marie. Please never doubt that. I know that you are it for me, that no one can have a hold of my heart the way you do. So please, try to be at peace with this. I'm not saying that it will happen immediately, but please try. I don't want to lose you over something like this," he explained.
"Yes, Edward, I will make peace with this issue. I'm sorry I didn't open up sooner. I was scared you would find it really shallow and you might not put up with it and find a way to leave me. I also don't want you to feel obligated to assure me every time, once is enough. I also promise to be more open to you. I love you Edward Anthony. And yes, I would love to marry you someday," I said and leaned over to kiss him.
We stayed a while, cuddled together, looking out to the sea. When it started to get dark, we fixed up our things and headed back to the house.
After we got inside and locked he the door, Edward quickly tackled me over to the couch and started to kiss me all over as he undressed me. He then made passionate love to me on the couch and all through the night.