Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns all things Twilight. I just decided it was time to shake things up a bit in her characters' world. And I wanted a bitchy Bella, so here we go!
Oh, and all of the references used in this story in relation to the advertising and marketing company and accounts are only used here for entertainment purposes; no copyright infringement intended.
Thank you to the following people: Flyaway Dove, my wonderful beta extraordinaire; angelicwish, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide this insecure writer with feedback; Lita for making me beautiful banners and being awesome in general; and last but certainly not least, to Jen – she makes me smile all the time.
Folks, we're back! Bella is talking now, and we're going to pick up where we left off, since I personally don't want to get into her head for the last few chapters. We know she's a basket case; 'nuff said. Let's see what happens for the rest of their Sunday!
Chapter Fourteen: Sex and sandwiches
After "sleeping in," we decided it was time to get to work; Edward jumped in the shower and I called down to the front desk to check on the status of my room. The manager was very contrite and offered to fully reimburse Swan & Platte for the entire week's stay, which was quite generous. I told him it wasn't necessary, and that a discount for the one night would suffice, but he was insistent. He informed me that the heating and cooling technician would be working in my room for the next hour, and that after that time, the repairs would be finished.
"Would it be possible for me to sneak in there to grab a change of clothes and my toiletries," I asked him. "I also have some work materials in there that I need to get as soon as possible." The manager replied that it would be alright and I thanked him. Once I was dressed in last night's clothes, I snuck next door and grabbed what I needed and closed the door behind me. Edward was just getting out of the shower when I returned, and once again it took all of my resolve not to tackle him. It should be illegal to look that sexy – especially without even trying. But I wasn't ready for this, and so I needed to keep my hormones under control.
He stood just outside the bathroom door, steam framing his lean, muscular body, his jeans hanging on his hips tantalizingly. As he toweled off his hair, Edward watched me as I set down my things and our presentation materials. I tried not to look at him, but it was virtually impossible to keep my eyes away from his chest, shoulders, abs and that damned V that disappeared below the top of his jeans, teasing me.
"Now you're trying to kill me, aren't you," I lamented. He grinned and arranged his features in feigned innocence.
"Whatever do you mean, Bella," he asked. "I'm just standing here. You, on the other hand, are definitely dangerous for me." He devoured me with his emerald green eyes, and I felt the blush as it exploded on my skin.
"Okay, okay, truce!" I begged. "We really need to get some things done today, before the start of the conference tomorrow. I still want to go through your presentation with you, and we need to review the schedule. Regardless of how much I'd rather make out." I walked over to Edward, reached up on my toes, and kissed him lightly. And then I trotted past him and into the bathroom, leaving him standing there with the towel clutched in his fisted hand.
What has he done to me? Have I transitioned from frigid bitch to smokin' vixen? I sincerely doubted the smokin' part, but my sex drive was revving like never before. For probably the thirtieth time since I'd met Edward Cullen, I had to remind myself to focus on something other than him. After a much-needed shower, I felt renewed and refocused, ready to get down to business. The business of flirting with Edward. No! Work only Bella! This, I could tell, was going to be a long week.
Still feeling a bit raw from the last twenty-four hours, I dressed quickly in the bathroom and pulled my wet hair into a messy bun, unwilling to tempt myself – or Edward – with any unnecessarily exposed skin. Turtleneck and jeans – check. Game face – check. I emerged to find him lying on the bed (thankfully fully dressed), his legs crossed at the ankles and one hand behind his head, studying some of the materials for our display. Still not helping, Edward.
"So…would you mind letting me see your presentation, and I'll time you," I asked, trying to inject as much seriousness as I could muster into my request. "Looking at the schedule here, they're giving you thirty minutes, and I know you have a lot of slides."
"Alright, I'll get the projector and laptop set up," he offered. "And we'll go through my presentation. But then we have to get some lunch. I'm ravenous." He offered me his sexy crooked smile and I would've bet my next big account that he was hungry for more than just lunch. The realization made me shiver.
"That's fine," I said, trying to ignore his gaze. "And my room should be ready shortly as well, so that's good news." Brilliant. He probably took that the wrong way. Focusfocusfocus! He nodded but said nothing else, and moved to set up the equipment. Feeling completely out of my element once again, I decided to help him. Bad idea.
Being in such close proximity to Edward – near enough so that I could smell him, feel his warm breath, study his long eyelashes as he connected the multiple cords – drove me crazy with desire and produced sensations in my body that I couldn't disregard. Like an addict confronted with the source of her compulsion, I craved more, and stepped minutely closer as I watched his long fingers work.
"Okay, we're just about ready. Let me just find my file on the hard drive and…"
Edward looked up at me, putting his face less than an inch from mine, and stopped. Nervously I licked my lips, and I watched as his gaze flickered briefly to my mouth and then back to my eyes. His eyes darkened as his pupils dilated, and I studied his throat as he swallowed hard. Neither one of us spoke, but the air felt heavy with unmet want. I felt alive; every part of my body was alert and tensed for my brain's fight or flight response. Time slowed and my ears shut out every sound save for my thudding heart and staccato breathing.
Yep. I felt pretty certain at that moment that if Edward kissed me, I wouldn't stop him this time from going farther. I want him so badly, but I can't act on those impulses…can I? How would this ever work? He's my employee; I'm his boss. This has disaster written all over it. Could I even put all my baggage, all the shit, aside and be happy? Could I let myself? Maybe…
But all of my considerations were for naught, as he cleared his throat and looked down again at the computer screen.
"All set," he said, his voice catching. Apparently he intended to make good on his word not to pressure me – or do anything else to me, for that matter. Gotta give him credit for staying true to his word. Maybe he's reconsidering getting involved. Not that I can blame him. "Uh, want to turn off the lights?" Edward asked me this, his brows furrowed, as if he didn't think being in the dark was such a good idea. So I walked over to the door and turned off the lights.
It probably wasn't very nice to tease the poor guy, after all I'd put him through, but when do I ever play fair? Suddenly I wished I hadn't chosen a turtleneck.
Edward stood awkwardly, staring at the image projected onto the wall. Instead of sitting in the chair or pacing like I would normally, I positioned myself across his bed, lying on my stomach. When he saw this he swallowed deliberately again, and I bit my bottom lip to keep from smiling. Honestly, it was adorable and such a turn-on to see the effect I had on him.
Using my wristwatch to time his presentation, I crossed my bent legs at the ankle and chewed on my pen as I watched him. Occasionally I'd bounce my legs and he'd pause for a moment. A few times, when I licked my lips or sucked on the tip of my pen, his voice cracked as he spoke. When he was finished, he let out a ragged breath and ran his hands through his hair.
"That took thirty-two minutes, Edward," I said. "You're going to have to speak a bit faster…or eliminate some of those long pauses." Abruptly he nodded, and rushed to turn the lights on. It appeared that giving his presentation had taken a lot out of him.
"Can we get some lunch now," he asked. More like pleaded.
"Sure, but I'll go get it," I countered, crawling to the edge of the bed and standing. "I need to check on my room and stop and get a few things at the convenience store down the street. What do you feel like for lunch?"
"Um…whatever. Sandwich is fine…or whatever you want," he managed. He ran his hand through his dark hair once more, and this time I noticed his fingers formed a fist around his hair, like he was going to yank it.
"Okay, then I'll be back shortly," I said, grabbing my purse and room key. "Maybe while I'm gone you can practice a bit more." And before he could utter a response, I slipped out the door.
Even though it was past three o'clock, I knew that it wouldn't be difficult to find some sandwiches. The brisk fall air felt good on my overheated skin, so I walked to find us lunch instead of taking a taxi. It also gave me the opportunity to place a much-needed phone call.
"Hey Alice! Did I catch you at a bad time?" I asked when she answered the phone a little short of breath. Hopefully I hadn't interrupted her and Jasper; otherwise, I was surely going to have to hear about it later.
"Oh, no, B! I was just cleaning the apartment before Jasper comes over," she answered. "Rose is spending the night at Emmett's. Did you know you can burn about one hundred calories per hour just vacuuming and stuff? I'm trying to up the intensity with some dance moves thrown in."
I couldn't help but laugh as I imagined Alice vacuuming and dancing around her and Rose's apartment. Ah, my friend the whirling dervish.
"So what's up Bella? How's Chicago? More importantly, how's Edward?"
"Well, that's kind of why I called you," I began. Alice practically screamed into the phone.
"Finally! I knew it; I knew it! Tell me what happened!"
After I calmed her down, I filled Alice in on what had transpired between us (and what had not, specifically), and by the time I was finished, I had discovered a small deli a few blocks from the hotel. As I paced outside, Alice gave me another dose of her special advice.
"Bella, honey, just go for it," she ordered cheerfully. "Edward's a great guy; you're a great girl – easy as that. It's time you let someone in, and he's not just someone. I just have this great feeling about him, B – this one's special."
"Thanks Alice," I said, truly thankful. "I just feel…different when I'm with him. For all the fighting we've done over the last two months, it seems like it was building up to…something greater."
"Absolutely," she said. "And he's fucking hot!"
Laughing, I agreed, and thanked Alice again before ending the call. Then I stepped inside the deli to get us lunch. With our lunches bagged up, I headed back toward the hotel, and made a stop on the way. Then I practically skipped into the hotel lobby and over to the front desk. To my relief, the heating system in my room had been repaired.
I made a stop in my room on the way, and decided a wardrobe change was in order. Hurriedly I pawed through my suitcase, searching for a fresh pair of jeans and a nicer top. I don't even know what color Edward likes, or what he'd consider sexy on me. Finally, I settled on the red silk Robert Rodriguez top, and no shoes. My heels would have been much too obvious; as it was he'd surely notice I'd changed my clothes. I ran a brush through my hair and pulled it back up, and smeared some Chapstick on my lips. Giving my reflection the once-over, I slipped my store purchase into my purse and closed the door behind me.
The door swung open before my fist connected with the door for a second knock, and Edward stood there looking a bit crazed, his hair even more disheveled – if that was possible. Maybe he was really hungry. Hoping to tame the beast, I held up the bag of sandwiches. Suddenly his arm was hooked around my waist, and he pulled me inside so fast that had he not been holding me tightly, I would've tripped on the carpet.
My body was pressed against his, the bag of sandwiches dangling uselessly from my fingers. Edward's gaze was so intense that I pulled back an inch so I could look at him. His eyes were wild and brilliant, his nostrils were flared, and I felt his fingers digging into my lower back.
"I'm s-sorry; I came back as quickly as I could," I stuttered, taken aback by this sudden change in his demeanor. "Here, I…"
"Your shirt, Bella," he growled. "And those pants. What are you trying to do?"
Blushing instantly and thinking that I'd overestimated my "effect" on Edward after all, I started to back away. Maybe this was a bad idea. I opened my mouth to explain myself.
"Edward, I'm sorry. It was stupid. I, uh…"
And then my eyes moved from his chest up to his face, and his expression punched a gaping hole through my impenetrable wall. His mouth hung open, and the once-hungry look in his eyes was replaced by one of utter confusion and then hurt. I felt his grip on me slacken just slightly, and it was instantly too much.
I needed Edward; maybe he needed me too. And my decision was made.
Taking his face in my hands, I closed my eyes and kissed him, hoping to convey my feelings in that one gesture. It was hot and insistent, and his lips returned the favor. The bag of sandwiches dropped to the floor as he pushed me against the wall. I was barely touching the floor, so I wrapped my legs around Edward's waist, desperate for more contact and friction. He groaned when I grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled his head back. He ground his erection against my heated wet core when I licked and kissed and nibbled a path from his collarbone up to his earlobe.
"Fuck, Bella. I want you so badly. If you tell me to stop, I will. But please don't. Please."
At the sound of that word on his lips, please,my entire body responded. Nodding in agreement, I pushed us away from the wall and with one hand I began searching for the hem of my shirt. Edward caught on quickly, and without putting me down or ceasing his kisses, he moved us toward the bed.
"Edward, the sandwiches," I began, concerned he might step on them.
"Fuck the sandwiches, Bella. I'll buy you the whole goddamned deli later."
His legs hit the edge of the bed, and Edward quickly – but with care – eased me onto my back. He took over my attempts to undress myself, and in between kisses he managed to pull the red blouse over my head, as well as his own t-shirt over his. For a moment I marveled at the beauty of his hard chest and stomach; I watched with fascination as his shoulder and arm muscles flexed with the effort of lowering himself over me.
"Bella, I have to ask…are you sure," he whispered.
"Never been more sure," was all I could say. I reached for his face and held it between my hands. This man was special, and I wanted him – all of him. Raising myself off the bed, I captured his bottom lip between mine, and let my hands explore his naked torso. Edward held me to him, and with two fingers freed the clasp of my bra. He eased it off me with such reverence. First he slid the straps down; then he helped my arms through, saving the material that covered my breasts for last. And once they were free of the black satin, Edward inhaled sharply before taking one breast into his hot, wet mouth.
"Perfect," he said.
"Oh God, Edward," I moaned, as he used his hand to massage the other breast, paying special attention to my very sensitive nipples. "Please don't stop." It was his turn to moan, in response to my request. After lavishing the same attention to each breast, his mouth traveled to the space between them, down my stomach and to my belly button and the edge of my jeans. With a skilled yank and tug, my jeans were off, and Edward glanced up at me with lust-filled eyes after he took in the sight of the black lace covering me. His long fingers skimmed my hips and then the fabric, and with another long glance to make sure I was okay with this, he slowly pulled the thong down and off my legs. Edward kissed his way back up to my face, allowing me to free him from his jeans. No underwear. OhmyGod. Thank you.
As his fingers grazed my skin, I shuddered, the ache growing in the pit of my stomach. He settled himself between my legs, and when his erection brushed my hypersensitive core, I gasped. Taking that as his cue, Edward slowly moved his fingers down, and slid them easily inside me. The air rushed out of my lungs, and I dug my fingers into his shoulders.
"Bella, you are so fucking wet," he whispered huskily. Feeling a bit self-conscious, I kissed him again to shut him up. We rocked together as he brought me to the edge with just his fingers, but then he withdrew them. Just as I considered asking him if everything was alright, he brought his fingers to his lips and while holding my gaze, put them in his mouth. That sight alone nearly made me climax.
"You taste so good," he murmured. "Isabella, I need to feel you. I need to be inside you."
All I could manage was a frantic nod, but then I pressed my hands against his chest to stop him. He was already searching the floor around the bed for something.
"On the floor," I said, as Edward looked around. "In my purse."
Thankfully Edward's reach allowed him to loop a finger around the strap, without having to move off the bed. He handed me my bag and clumsily I searched for my prize. I found the box, and blushing profusely, I pulled it out for him to see.
"Ah, my girl was prepared," he said with a chuckle, taking the box of condoms. He tore through it and procured a foil package, swiftly ripping the corner with his teeth. After sliding the prophylactic down his length, he smiled at me – that crooked, sexy smile – and with a kiss, slid inside me.
We came together, groaning in unison; he filled me completely, and my body had to adjust. Edward began rocking slowly for me, and once he felt me stretch for him, he deepened his thrusts and quickened his pace. As he plunged in and out of me I continued to kiss every inch of skin I could access and wrapped my legs around him so he'd reach even deeper. Every moment our bodies came together, it knocked the wind out of me. Each time he withdrew I splintered into a million pieces; and each time he filled me, I was made whole again. It was a delicious sensation.
Whenever my brained tried to process what was happening, Edward seemed to feel me drifting away, and he kept me centered and focused on only him. With a kiss, or a caress or a look, he kept me connected to him in every way. It was slow, deliberate and intense. For the first time in my life, I felt like someone was making love to me. And it scared the shit out of me.
"Edward, I never…I couldn't imagine this…" I whimpered as I tried to convey my feelings. How could sex be like this the first time with someone? How could it be this good, this passionate? This just didn't happen in real life. But he quieted me and kissed my cheeks, my forehead, my eyelids and chin.
"Bella, just let go. Don't think; just be here," he said. So I tried that.
Mentally, I imagined my body relaxing. It must have worked – Edward pinned both of my hands over my head before I even realized what was happening. With one hand he held both of mine, and with the other he lifted my butt off the bed. Closing my eyes, I tuned out my thoughts and simply listened to his heavy breathing and my sighs. I forgot about the conference and what it would mean tomorrow – after – and felt Edward as he drove himself in and out of me with unrestrained fervor.
The ache was building quickly, and I knew I was close. Again, as if he knew this, Edward used his mouth to ensure my demise, sucking on my breasts, flicking my nipples with the tip of his tongue and licking my neck. As I climaxed he continued to move us together and kiss me until he followed. We lay there, together, for some time, kissing, until our pulses slowed and my legs began to fall asleep. Gently, Edward brought my arms back down and kissed each hand. He withdrew and disposed of the condom, and then rolled back to me.
For a few minutes we just stared at each other, without speaking, while my fingers roamed his chest and his hand smoothed my hair. I was afraid that if I spoke, I'd say something stupid and ruin the moment. I just wanted to enjoy my post-coital bliss in silence; thankfully so did Edward.
After kissing me a few more times, Edward was the one to break the stillness.
"Hmmm…that was..."
"…amazing?" I offered, hoping that was the word he was searching for.
"Definitely. Please tell me we can do that again."
"Mmmmm," I answered, tugging on his earlobe with my teeth. He groaned in response, and I felt him twitch. Damn. "But I'll need a little rest. You," I added, playfully poking his chest with my finger, "…are quite a handful." He laughed and blushed, and kissed me in silent thanks for the compliment.
Sitting up to look at the clock, I realized it was almost dinner time, and the sun had long-since set. On cue, my stomach growled, and I grimaced as Edward laughed. He sprang out of bed – quite a sight to behold – and located our forgotten sandwiches. Holding them up, he looked at me with a grin.
"Wanna have a naked picnic," he asked. How could I refuse? We sat in bed and ate our deli sandwiches and pickles, feeling generally fucking spectacular. I couldn't help but grin like I'd won the lottery; it felt like I had.
"What are you smiling about, Ms. Swan," Edward asked with a mouthful of turkey sandwich. This time the formal title didn't sound harsh at all.
"Oh, let's see," I mused. "I just had amazing, mind-blowing sex with you, with you, and we're naked and eating sandwiches in bed. What's not to smile about?"
Edward leaned over and kissed me, and I could have sworn I got a bit of his pickle in my mouth. No matter. The world outside could have ceased to exist, and I was perfectly content in that hotel room. Tomorrow is tomorrow. We finished our sandwiches and Edward slid off the bed to discard the wrappers. I watched him as he walked away, and as he returned I licked my lips in appreciation and renewed desire. Did I deserve this man? What the fuck was I thinking? Was I out of my damned mind?
"Hey, what are you doing," Edward asked me, getting very close to my face. "I know that look. Stop internalizing. We'll figure things out as we go, okay?"
Pushing my thoughts away for the time being, I nodded, and Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me off the bed. As we stood with our arms wrapped around each other, Edward kissed me – slow and tender at first, and then hard and insistent. A wave of lust rippled through me and crashed into the pit of my stomach. When I felt Edward's body respond to the kiss, I took a small step back to admire him, my brows raised in surprise.
"Mr. Cullen, you recover quickly," I taunted; then I had an idea. Leading him toward the bathroom, I decided that this was going to be a good thing – wherever this weekend led us. "Since you are feeling…well…again, I was wondering if you'd wash my back."
Author's Note: So, does this "do it" for you? We finally got there, and it was damn good, if I do say so myself. So let's relax and smoke one…if that's your thing.
Please leave reviews – you know I love them like a good, long-overdue romp in the sack!