CHAPTER 6
The next day Edward was on the house phone in the kitchen with his manager, Eric, when his cell phone started ringing on the counter. Before he could get to it, Rosalie walked in and picked it up. She held it up just long enough for him to read the caller ID display and then dodged away from his flailing arm.
"Hey Bella … what? No, this is Rosalie, I'm Edward's sister-in-law."
She placed herself just out of reach and stood swaying from side to side and pulling faces at Edward, who was frantically trying to finish his call.
"Eric, listen another call has come in and I'm going to have to call you back." Edward closed his eyes for a moment. "No we haven't gone over the other script yet, but I … uh-huh …" He grimaced at Rosalie who gave him a smug smile. Of all the times for Eric to call!
Rosalie continued to grin maddeningly at Edward as she talked to Bella. "No you haven't interrupted anything, Edward's just on another call at the moment. So Bella, we've heard a lot about you …" with that, Rosalie stuck her tongue out at Edward, turned and walked away, leaving him stuck on the phone in the kitchen silently cursing that when he had bought the house, he had never bothered to replace the old house phone on the kitchen wall with one of those newer "walk around" versions.
"Yes Eric, I agree, the script reads well so I'm definitely interested, but if you could just find out what they need and get back to me, I've really got to …" he sighed. Eric was definitely on a roll, there was no way he was getting off the phone for a while yet.
Rosalie, chatting amiably on the cell phone, had headed into the living room where Emmett was relaxing on a couch in front of the tv.
"Edward told me how you guys met."
Bella laughed. "Well I guess it's not the most original approach."
"True," Rosalie agreed, "but I can think of a few dates in my past where I wouldn't have minded the chance to interview them first."
"I'd never thought of it that way, I'll have to bear that in mind."
Emmett raised an eyebrow at Rosalie, and she quickly showed him the caller id before speaking again. Emmett looked blank for a moment, but his face brightened as he recognised Bella's name.
"So Bella, apart from the fact that Edward may kill me for answering his phone like this, can I pass on a message or get him to call you back?"
"Sure. I was replying to a text Edward sent me last night, and then thought 'screw it, I'll give him a call – it's more personal."
"Oh for sure, texting can be an easy way out. But hang on, shouldn't he be the one calling you? I'm sure his mother must have drilled some manners into him."
"Oh, I'm sure she did!" Bella gave an embarrassed laugh. She'd wanted to hear his voice again, and now she was finding herself in a conversation with his extended family. This was surreal.
"So, I'm guessing that Edward had a nice time."
"I hope so," Bella felt happy and shy all at once. "I've been staying with a friend for a couple of weeks so I was cooking her a thank you dinner and Edward was invited on the spur of the moment."
"How were your friends with that?"
"Well Angela was a little freaked out, but we all had a great time. I think Angela's boyfriend reaped the benefits afterwards!"
Both women laughed.
"I know what you mean," said Rosalie. "If I were to have George Clooney here I think there'd be some creative visualisation with Emmett later."
"Hey!" came an objection from the sofa.
"Oops, I think I said that out loud." Rosalie ruffled Emmett's hair and leaned over the back of the sofa to drop a kiss on his head.
"You could be in trouble now."
"I'm sure we'll work things out."
Rosalie peeked into the kitchen and got another glare from Edward. "Listen Edward is still talking, I think he might be a while, how about I get him to call you back?"
"That would be great if it's not too much trouble. It sounds like he's busy."
"He's just talking work stuff, but I'm sure he'll want to speak to you."
"Thanks Rosalie, and it's been great talking to you."
"Likewise. Actually," an idea was beginning to form. "Now that Edward has met a couple of your friends there's no reason why we shouldn't return the favour. Emmett and I would love to meet you, so how about we get you over here for dinner sometime?"
"Uh," Bella was taken aback. "Well that would be lovely, but I wouldn't want to intrude on you guys."
Rosalie smiled. She might be treading on Edward's toes, but she and Emmett had seen how happy he was when he got home from dinner, and he had been in a great mood the next morning so what the hell, she'd take a chance…
"Not a problem, we'll talk about this again in a little more detail soon, okay?"
"Um, alright then. G'bye."
"Okay Bella, great talking to you too and hopefully, we'll see you soon."
She hung up to see that Edward was finally off the phone.
"What have you done?" he asked as he headed towards her, his hand outstretched for his cell phone.
"Nothing that you wouldn't want to do Edward. She sounds nice."
"She is, but what have you done?"
"Um, I might have invited her over here for dinner sometime."
Edward stopped dead in his tracks. "You've what?"
Rosalie had the grace to look sheepish for a moment, and then decided to brazen it out. "Sure," she said flicking her hair off her shoulders. "We could have waited for you to do something, but I just don't know if anyone has that much time."
Edward was torn. He was pleased that he was going to be seeing her again, but he didn't want Bella to feel forced into anything.
"How did she sound when you invited her over?"
"Surprised but happy. We haven't set a date for it yet, because she wanted to know if it was okay with you." Rosalie stepped towards him as she continued. "If I were you," she said, tapping her finger on his chest for emphasis, "I'd give her a call. Soon." With that she turned and headed back into the living room, and planted a noisy kiss on Emmett's cheek.
"What was that for?" Emmett asked as he reached out and pulled her onto his lap.
"I'm feeling pleased with myself."
"Oh really, and what have you done this time?"
"Guess who's coming to dinner?"
Emmett gave his gave a slow grin. "Baby, I'm so glad you use your powers for good instead of evil."
"Oh you know it." She laughed as she pulled him in for another kiss.
Edward wandered outside onto the patio with his phone, and sank down onto one of the lounge chairs as he dialled Bella's number.
"Hello?"
"Bella, hey, it's Edward. How are you?"
"I'm great and having a very lazy day. How about you?"
"It's getting better." The smile that had appeared on Edward's face as soon as he heard Bella's voice grew wider as he spoke. "I've been working this morning, and the next month is going to be pretty busy."
"I know what you mean, I've been getting more work myself lately, but I think your schedule is probably busier than mine."
"I think you're right." Edward sighed. "Listen, I wanted to phone you to say thanks for a great night, but I've been told that you beat me to it."
Bella laughed. "I did! And Rosalie and I had a great chat."
"Oh I bet you did. She's going to give me no end of grief until I get you over here so they can meet you." He paused, "So .. uh … consider yourself invited, we just have to work out a good date."
"Edward you don't have to feel obligated because Rosalie has set you up."
"Hey," he objected, "I'm very happy that she did … just do me a favour and don't tell her that I said that, okay?"
"Your secret is safe with me." She assured him with a giggle.
"I know." He replied quietly. "And believe me, it's appreciated."
"Anytime."
"Unfortunately we won't be able to catch up again for a while, I've got another press tour that starts tomorrow."
"Already?"
"Yep. I'll be busy for the next month, and unfortunately for us, I leave tomorrow morning first thing, and that means dinner is going to be a while coming, so I was kinda wondering if … " he stopped and paused.
"If what?"
"Well I'd like to keep in touch with you while I'm away working. Can I get your email address?"
"Sure. I'm going to be a bit all over the place over the next month as well, so email sounds like a good plan."
They exchanged details and promised to keep in touch. Edward hung up and sat by the pool for a while, lost in thought and smiling to himself.
From their position on the sofa in the living room, Rosalie and Emmett could see him through the French doors.
"Think he's just called her?" asked Emmett.
"I'd put money on it." Rosalie replied.
"How much?"
Rosalie gave him a pitying look. "Baby, he's your brother, are you really going to bet against something so predictable?"
Emmett turned and looked back out at Edward, who was getting up and heading back inside.
"I don't know babe, he's pretty gun shy when it comes to women these days."
Emmett had to concede that Edward had a point where dating was concerned. As Edward had put it to Emmett a few months back, not many people could relate to being fearful of starting a new relationship, when your last three relationship break-ups had appeared on the cover of People magazine.
"I know … but c'mon, he's been wearing a goofy grin ever since he got home last night," Rosalie observed.
"True. This one must be a bit different."
"I think she is. She sounds like she has a brain for a start."
Emmet laughed, "Aw c'mon baby, we're not all that superficial."
Rosalie kissed him. "I know. But let's face it, the average man would love a woman for her brains if they bounced gently as she walked."
"Mmmm, well if you put it that way …" he ran his hands up her shirt to cup her breasts through her t-shirt. "What say we continue this debate upstairs?"
"What say we do."
"I love the way you think."
"Honey if you like the way I think, wait until you see what else I can do."
"Lead on." He swatted her rump affectionately as they got up to head towards their bedroom.
To:Bella Swan
From:Edward Cullen
Subject:Hey
Hi Bella
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back to you. Being on a tour means that my time is no longer my own, so chances to email you have been few and far between. How's working going? You didn't tell me what sort of articles you're writing these days – can I find you in print anywhere?
Tell Angela and Ben I said hi, and I'm looking forward to seeing you when I get back.
Cheers
Edward
PS. Rosalie and Emmett have just bought a business in town, so I've got an email address through their company. No-one else has this email address so use this one instead of the one I gave you. It will be easier (and for that I mean more private) for us to keep in touch.
To:Edward Cullen
From:Bella Swan
Subject:RE: Hey
Hey there yourself Edward!
It was good to hear from you! I've been wondering how your media tour was going, but Angela has kept me posted – you'd be amazed (or not) just how much info there is about you on TMZ. It looks like Perez Hilton is carrying quite a torch for you as well.
As far as work is concerned, I've been getting a few freelance articles here and there. Nothing that's going to set the world on fire, but it's paying the bills for the time being. I've sold a few articles to the likes of Marie Claire, US Weekly and In Style. Of course, the 'great white whale' that still eludes me is Vanity Fair, but I remain hopeful. I just keep telling myself, one day …
The article I wrote from our interview has been sold onto a couple of online publications as well, although I have to say that it feels very odd to make a profit off someone I consider a friend. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that, but I guess it's something that happens to you all the time.
Angela says "Hi!". She's still laughing over the fact that Ben had no idea who you were. He saw one of your movies at Blockbuster Video last week and freaked out! Angela said it just makes her love him all the more.
Great news about Rosalie and Emmett's business, you must be pleased to have them around. I'll be looking forward to meeting those guys, and in the meantime please tell them I said congratulations.
Okay, this email is turning into an epic (can you tell that I'm a writer?) so I'll let you go before you fall asleep at your computer.
In the meantime, sweet dreams and I'll see you soon.
Bella
PS. How have the fans been this time around? Anything interesting happening in your interviews?
To:Bella Swan
From:Edward Cullen
Subject:Performing Seal Reporting for Duty
Hi Bella
You know ever since you called me a seal, it makes me laugh every time I'm herded into a hotel and given the interview schedule for the day. Luckily no-one has tried to feed me a fresh mackerel or asked me to balance a ball on my nose.
I was really pleased to hear that you've been getting more work. Does that mean you'll be in LA for a while yet? I should warn you that I have a very vested interest in the answer to that question, so be gentle with me …
Rosalie and Emmett are over the moon about their business. Emmett is the business brains and brawn, and Rosalie is the mechanical genius. Surprised? Most people are. Who would have thought that my brother would end up with such a hot grease monkey? That what he calls her anyway, but for my personal safety I'd rather you didn't tell her I said that! She keeps him on his toes, and they both seem to be really happy. They're going to be living at my place for the next couple of months, so the company is good – even if they do drive me nuts most of the time. That's family for you though.
It's Wednesday, so according to my schedule that means I'm in Mexico for a couple of days doing some radio and press interviews, and then I'll be back in the States working my way towards home.
Looking forward to seeing you. I'll call you when I get in.
You mentioned your 'Bitten' interview. I'm glad that you've made some money off that, and don't wig out over any profiteering from that afternoon. I'm glad of it, it's how we met after all.
Edward
PS. The fans are great, but wow … en masse those guys can be LOUD! Lots of journalists here, but no-one makes me laugh like you do babe.
Bella grinned as she finished reading the email.
"Another email from Edward?"
Bella looked up to see Angela leaning against the bedroom doorway with her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face.
"How could you tell?"
"Well you've come out with Ben and I a few times now and there's no want of men chasing your phone number, but I haven't seen anyone else make you smile the way Edward does. That must have been some email."
Bella couldn't help the hot flush that stained her cheeks.
"It wasn't that kind of email." She glanced back at the screen again. "He's pretty sweet, really."
"Uh-huh." Angela just stood there smiling indulgently at her.
"What?" Bella felt defensive. "What's the big deal? We're friends!"
"Oh so that's what you're calling it?"
"Well what else could I call it?"
"Mmm-hmmm, well let's see." Angela began counting points off on her fingers as she spoke. "You've had coffee with him, he's come here for dinner, you've talked to his sister-in-law, you've got his very private email address, and the two of you are in touch every chance you get."
"Well … yeah … so?"
"So that's all I'm sayin' … "
And with a shrug of her shoulders, Angela strolled off, leaving Bella sitting there wondering just what was going on.
"Edward."
No response.
"Edward?"
"Sorry, yes?" he looked up from his IPhone. "What was that?"
"I just told you that you've got another five minutes before the next round of interviews start."
"Right. Yes. Okay." He nodded absently. "Sorry."
The publicity assistant paused. When she had told she would be shepherding Edward Cullen on the next leg of his Bitten publicity tour, she couldn't get on the phone to tell her friends quickly enough. Granted, the man was sex on a stick, but what was his problem? She'd worn every seductive corporate outfit she could think of, she'd 'accidentally' dropped pens, cups, files, anything she could think of, to show him that she was wearing her new La Perla bra under her blouse. In desperation she'd even worn her lucky red underwear. It had never failed before. Now as she gazed at Edward who was seemingly engrossed with checking his emails, she absently flicked the red bra strap into a more comfortable position on her shoulder and sighed. Nothing. Maybe he was gay…..?
To:Edward Cullen
From:Bella Swan
Subject:RE: Performing Seal Reporting for Duty
Edward
Well it's official. I am NEVER going to live that comment down am I?
I just told Angela about it and all she could do was shake her head at me. She can't believe I called you that, and that you're still talking to me. Maybe I should tell you when my birthday is so that you can buy me a verbal filter.
Okay Seal-Boy, well maybe I should make YOU squirm by telling you that right now I'm looking at the latest Who Weekly magazine, and I see that a certain someone has just been awarded the title of Sexiest Man Alive. Maybe I should let Emmett and Rosalie know about your new title as well …
Cheekily,
Bella
To:Bella Swan
From:Edward Cullen
Subject:RE: RE: Performing Seal Reporting for Duty
Dearest,Sweetest Bella
I, Edward Cullen, hereby announce that Bella Swan is the loveliest, most wonderful person in the universe. In return, Bella Swan will agree NOT to inform Emmett and Rosalie of the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title.
Beseechingly,
Edward
To:Edward Cullen
From:Bella Swan
Subject:RE: RE: RE: Performing Seal Reporting for Duty
Edward
I accept your terms.
Gloatingly,
Bella
PS. You realise of course, that Who Weekly is available everywhere. If Rosalie likes trashy magazines then there's a good chance they already know.
To:Bella Swan
From:Edward Cullen
Subject:Confession
Bella
Rosalie and Emmett have found out. My life is hell. I'm just lucky I've got you as the shining light at the end of the tunnel.
And yeah, I know they were probably going to find out sooner or later. I just wanted to let you know what I was thinking!
Twenty bucks says Emmett rags on me about it within three minutes of me getting home.
Hugs,
Edward
To:Edward Cullen
From:Bella Swan
Subject:RE: Confession
Maybe they're laughing WITH you instead of AT you?
No, then again, probably not, I don't think so either, but I figured it was worth a shot. I'll take that bet by the way, but my bet is two minutes … game on!
Oh and Edward – I like you too. Lots.
Bella
As the plane touched down Edward looked out the window with a sigh of relief. He was nearly home again. The month had been exhausting, and yet now that he was back in LA he felt energised. He was going to see Bella again soon.
Following the instructions of the stewardess, he had remained in his seat until the aircraft had come to a complete stop, and the seatbelt sign had been switched off. He reached up and took his travel bag out of the overhead locker.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but my sister … "
He'd heard that line so many times. He turned with an automatic smile and quickly scribbled on the proffered piece of paper.
Grabbing his bag, he shuffled towards the exit. One of the stewardesses shook his hand, slipping him a small piece of paper.
He flicked it a quick glance, and then looked back at her.
"Autograph?"
"My phone number," came the whispered reply. Edward sighed before he could stop himself. The stewardess flushed slightly. "Well, you can't blame a girl for trying when the Sexiest Man Alive is on her flight."
"And I appreciate it, really, but … "
She sighed. "I know, the good ones are always taken." She gave him a disappointed look before straightening up and offering the passenger behind him a bright and plastic smile.
Edward winked at her and kept going.
The marketing department had offered him a first class fare, and whilst he usually appreciated the resemblance of privacy it offered, he had instead bumped his flight to a seat in business class on a flight that would get him home a couple of hours earlier.
As he walked towards the arrival gate, he could hear the chimes of cell phones being activated. It was only a matter of time before calls were made, Twitter was updated, and the fans and paparazzi began to arrive. He could only hope that his luggage arrived quickly. He moved hurriedly towards the luggage carousel, and spotted a security guard. He altered his course slightly so that he could stand nearby. It was a ploy that didn't often work, but it was worth a shot. He reached up and tugged his beanie further down on his head. His copper hair was distinctive, so he tended to cover it up whenever possible. Of course, Emmett made the argument that "a guy running around tugging at a beanie" was just as bad, but short of shaving his head he didn't know what else he could do.
He pulled out his iPhone and dialled Emmett.
"Sup?"
"Hey Emmett, tell me you're at the airport."
"I'm out front ready for a fast getaway. You got your bags?"
"No, it's taking a while but … hang on, they're coming out now." The conveyor belt was activated, and luggage slowly began to appear. "It's a miracle, I can see my gear. I'll see you in a couple of minutes."
"You got it."
Edward hung up, but kept the phone up to his ear as he walked towards his bag. He reached over and grabbed them, and heard a couple of excited squeals behind him. He turned and gave what he hoped was a polite "I'm busy and can't stop" smile, and made a fast escape. Predictably as he made it to the large exit there were a few camera flashes and shouted questions.
"Happy to be back Edward?"
"How long are you in town for?"
"Sorry guys, gotta go – see you next time. I'm in town for a while so you'll get some better opportunities later." He gave them a broad grin trying to stay as polite as possible, managing not to flinch as the cameras flashed in quick succession. The bright white lights from the camera flashes were still visible in his mind, even when he blinked his eyes. Didn't they appreciate just how annoying this was at times? He was just leaving an airport after all – nothing remotely fascinating.
"Sure, thanks for the shots man."
He stood outside, squinting in the afternoon sun, looking for Emmett's jeep. His head snapped around as he heard three quick toots, and waved when he saw the jeep heading towards him. He threw his bags into the back and climbed in.
"Hey bro, thanks for the lift."
"Anytime. Rosalie's getting dinner ready at home. You hungry?"
"If it's not room service and doesn't come on a plastic tray, I'm interested."
"Doesn't take much to make you happy."
"Nope."
"Course, if we wanted to make the Sexiest Man Alive a whole lot happier we could always invite a certain someone over for dinner as well."
Edward checked his watch.
"Two minutes."
"Huh?"
"I had a bet with Bella, and you dear brother, have just cost me twenty bucks."
Emmett threw his head back and laughed. "What was the bet?"
"We were betting how long it would take before you started giving me hell about that damn title. I said three minutes, she said two."
"Hey glad I could help. Oh and by the way, Bella told Rosalie about the bet, and Rosalie told me." He grinned at Edward's indignant look.
"Bella told Rosalie?" he asked shaking his head wondering when Bella would have spoken with her. "And anyway, whose side are you on again?"
"Uh uh uh," Emmett held up a hand to stop Edward's protests. "Hear me out."
Edward subsided with an amused grumble. "Okay, I'm waiting."
"So she's won the bet, would that be correct Sexy Man?"
"Correct, ass-hat."
"Language! Now, if she has won the bet, then you'll have to catch up with her so she can collect. Correct?"
"Correct."
"Well there you go." Emmett shot Edward a smug smile and kept driving. They drove in silence for a while.
"So am I supposed to thank you?"
"It might be nice." Emmett nodded in benign acceptance.
"You know, if I'd won the bet, I'd still have to call her to collect."
"I know man, but letting her win puts her on the moral high ground. It makes them feel good to win now and then, and when a woman feels powerful …" he leered and winked.
Edward laughed, he couldn't help himself. "Is that what you do with Rosalie?"
"Yup. You're learning the secrets of the brotherhood now bro."
"So who the hell told you that one?"
"Dad, he said that sometimes he and Mom…"
"Dude, too much information!"
They both looked at each other and laughed. Edward wound down the window and grinned as the afternoon breeze hit his face. It was good to be home, and he was looking forward to calling Bella.
"Hello?"
"Bella!"
"Hey stranger, how are you?" Bella leaned back from her laptop, a wide smile of delight on her face.
"I'm glad to be home. When are you free?"
"Wow," she laughed. "You don't waste time do you?"
"Nope." Now he was laughing too. "After the last month I've been herded everywhere, now I've got my own life back for a few days and I want to make the most of it."
"So what do you have in mind?"
"Well, I thought we could .." his voice broke off and there were sounds of a scuffle in the background. "Sorry Bella … I …" she could hear muttered voices and the sound of running feet.
"Edward, are you okay? Edward!" something sounded wrong.
"Okay, I'm back." He sounded out of breath.
"What the hell was that?"
"My brother was trying to get the phone."
"Emmett? What for?"
"He wanted to remind you that I have to pay up on the bet, and then Rosalie started going on about having you over for dinner sometime soon. Jesus! I love those guys but they can be a real pain in the ass."
Bella burst out laughing.
"I'm glad someone is getting some amusement out of this."
"Sorry," she coughed to muffle her laughter. "You're right. I'm laughing with you Edward, with you."
"Yeah right."
"So, pay up time huh?"
"Something like that. I was planning on taking you out for dinner somewhere, but by the looks of things if I don't get you over here soon my life won't be worth living."
"Well," Bella thought about it. "We can't run the risk of a world without Edward Cullen. The earth would spin off its axis after all … "
"ha ha"
"I'm going to be working for the next few days, and I've got a couple of late nights ahead. Do you think we can do the dinner on the weekend."
"You mean I won't see you for another four days?" Edward couldn't keep the disappointment out of his voice.
"I know, I'm not happy about it either." Bella sighed. "Maybe we could catch up for a coffee sometime during the week? Somewhere quiet?"
"Well …" Dammit. He wanted to see her now. "Yeah that sounds good. It'd be nice to see you without the goon squad first anyway. How about Thursday morning – does that work for you?"
"Deal, I'll give you a call and we'll sort out a location."
"Sounds like a plan. Oh and hey Bella,"
"Yeah?"
Edward cleared his throat. "I'm .. uh .. that is I just wanted to say that I'm really looking forward to seeing you on Thursday."
"Me too Edward, me too."
Bella hung up the phone, put her head in her hands and groaned.
Angela popped her head into Bella's room.
"You okay babe?"
"Yeah." Bella looked up wearily. "Edward's back in town, he wants to catch up, and I have to work."
"Wait a minute," Angela walked in and sat on the bed. Bella swivelled in her chair away from the desk to face her. "You have the Sexiest Man Alive wanting to see you as soon as he gets back In town, and you've just fobbed him off?"
Bella nodded guiltily.
"Are you deranged?"
Bella waved her hand at the laptop. "I've got work to do. I need to finish two articles, and then I've got to cover a couple of bands for the next two nights."
"Right. And did it occur to you to maybe invite Edward along with you?"
"Huh?"
"I said, did it ever …" her sentence was cut off as Bella jumped up and hugged her.
"Oh my god, you're a genius!" Bella picked up her phone again and started dialling, then cocked an eyebrow at Angela.
"I'm going .. I'm going …" Angela got up and left the room. "Just call me Cupid …"
"Bella?"
"Edward, sorry I had a brain fart earlier when we were talking, and I've just had an idea."
He started laughing.
"What?"
"Brain fart? You know, I'm never going to buy you a verbal filter, you're just too much fun the way you are."
"Shut it Sexy Man, and listen. I've got to cover a couple of bands that are playing tomorrow night. I was thinking that if you wanted to catch up before Thursday maybe you could .. uh .. you know, come with me?"
"Yeah, that sounds great – where are they playing?"
She gave him the details, and they agreed on a time to meet at the club.
"Okay, so it's a date." Edward said.
"It's a combo. Date for you, work and date for me."
"Sounds like I get the better part of the deal."
"Oh I don't know … from where I'm standing it's all sounding pretty damn good."
"Hmmm, sassy."
She laughed. "Oh you ain't seen nothin' yet."
"I hope not. See you soon."
Edward hung up, feeling more optimistic about the week than he had been a few minutes before.
Edward had spent the next two days sorting through scripts, returning phone calls, catching up on laundry, and anything else he could think of to keep himself busy. Invitations to various events had been coming in thick and fast, but he had instructed his office to keep his diary as free as possible.
Finally, it was Thursday night. He had showered and changed into his favourite jeans, a faded red button down shirt and black boots. He popped the top couple of buttons on his shirt as he stuffed his wallet into his back jeans pocket. His iPhone gave a soft beep.
Am at the club, c u upstairs – B
He grinned. He felt like an excited kid on Prom night as he composed a reply.
On my way. c u soon – E
Bella gave a quick glance at her watch as she juggled her laptop into a better position on her knees. She had arranged to meet the band backstage before they performed, but the dressing room was rather cramped.
"So Jacob, what's your least favourite U2 song?"
The lead singer laughed and scratched his black spiky hair as he thought.
"That's like asking me who my least favourite supermodel is."
They both laughed at his response. Bella was enjoying herself immensely, and could see that the band members were pretty relaxed. She worked hard to develop a line of questioning that went beyond the normal "What's your creative influence" line of patter.
"Okay so what was your first musical memory as a kid?"
This one really go Jacob thinking, and he absently twirled the braided leather cuff on his wrist as he began to speak. "I guess it would have to be the drums that my uncles played at some of the gatherings."
"Those gatherings were to do with your tribe?"
"Yeah." His eyes were unfocussed as he stared into the past. "The rhythms were so strong. I guess the sound of that has created a heartbeat that I've followed ever since."
"What did those gatherings smell like?"
"Fire and … salt."
"Salt?"
"Yeah. The gatherings were usually held on the beach down at La Push on the reservation. I can remember the smell of the ocean, and watching the blue flames in the fire."
Jacob glanced shyly at Bella who nodded for him to continue, her hands flying over the keyboard as she typed.
"When you burn driftwood on the fire, the salt in the wood changes the colour of the flame. It's like the union of fire and water for a few seconds."
There was a brief silence after his answer, broken by Seth, one of the younger band members.
"That sounds like a great idea for a song." He said quietly.
Bella asked a few more questions, but it was clear that Jacob's attention was wandering elsewhere. The other band members made up for this, happily chipping in their comments and playful banter. Finally she felt she had enough notes to come up with something good, and began to pack away her laptop into her satchel.
"Okay guys, well that's me done – thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it, what with you due on stage soon."
"No problem at all." Seth gave her a broad smile as they all stood up and began to shake hands. Their band – Wolf Pack – had slowly been garnering attention in the music press, but they were still at the shy, polite and excited stage. Bella wondered how long it would be before they were exhausted and jaded, and hoped it wouldn't happen anytime soon.
Jacob stood up slowly. He towered over her, and she had a brief glimpse of his broad shoulders before he surprised her by bending down and brushing a soft kiss on her cheek. She gave an inward groan at the blush that rushed to her cheeks as the other band members teased her good-naturedly.
"Oh! Um, thanks. What was that for?"
Jacob was watching her closely. "You got me remembering things that I haven't thought about for a long time … thanks."
Bella gave him a dazzling smile. She was always pleased when she managed to surprise her interview subjects. "You're very welcome."
As she turned to leave, Jacob reached out and touched her shoulder.
"Are you going to stay for the set?"
"Absolutely, I'm meeting a friend here." She checked her watch. "Actually he's probably here by now." She opened the dressing room door. "Good luck with the show guys, and thanks again!"
They all chorused their thanks and started to get their guitars sorted.
Bella slipped down the service hallway that led towards the main bar area, pausing for a moment in the doorway to see if she could spot Edward. The lights were dim, so it was a little hard to see just who anyone was. She sighed. This was going to take longer than she thought. She dug around in her bag and pulled out her cell phone.
I'm at the bar by the stairs – E.
Perfect. She made her way through the crowd that was starting to gather. The band was due on in ten minutes. A moment later she saw a flash of copper hair, and a mega-watt smile as he spotted her.
"Hey you." He greeted her with a smile. "Let me help you with that." He helped slide her heavy satchel off her shoulder, and propped it between his feet.
"Hey yourself." She said breathlessly. All the emails and phone calls were nothing compared to the real thing. She hesitated for a moment, and then leaned in to quickly kiss his cheek. She was about to pull away when she felt his hand cup her elbow, holding her close.
"I've missed you."
She ducked her head for a moment, grateful for the dim lighting that would hopefully conceal the blaze of colour in her cheeks.
"And I've missed you too." There. She'd said it. They both smiled at each other before Bella pulled a wry face. "So, um. Now what do we do?"
Edward knew what he wanted to do, but there was a time and a place for everything.
"You tell me, are you still on duty?"
"Only until after the set. I've already interviewed the guys backstage, so I just have to watch the show so that I've got a better idea of their sound, and I'm done."
"Alright then, so how about a drink?" Edward was half turning back to the bar as he spoke, but turned around quickly, wrapping his arm around Bella's waist as she was jostled against him. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Bella straightened up, feeling flustered. God he felt so good. She could feel his fingers splayed around her waist, and he involuntary pulled her closer as he watched her tongue dart out to moisten her lips.
"Bella, I …" he was leaning forward to speak quietly when they were rudely interrupted.
"Edward!"
They both looked up to see a very excitable woman gazing at him. To Edward's dismay, he knew the type. Blonde, surgically enhanced and very willing (and in some cases determined) to be as 'accommodating' as possible.
"Um, Hi." His arm loosened around Bella's waist as she carefully detached herself.
"?"
He was right. She was a squealer. Hopefully a quick photo and an autograph would send her happily on her way.
"Sure."
She had produced a camera, and thrust it at her friend before wrapping herself around Edward and beaming happily. The picture was taken, and she had all but passed out when he had dutifully autographed her camera.
"Sorry about that." Edward grimaced as he turned back to Bella who was waiting patiently behind him.
"No problem, but I don't think your worries are over just yet."
"Huh?"
Bella pointed silently over his shoulder, and he turned to see the fan girl squealing to a group of women sitting at a table, and five heads immediately swivelled in his direction.
"Oh god."
"Don't worry, I think I've got us covered."
Bella hopped up and braced herself with her elbows on the bar, and called out to a man who was serving drinks.
"Hey, Mike?"
The man looked up and nodded, finished his order and headed down towards them, wiping his hands on a bar towel that he kept slung over his shoulder.
"What's up Swan?" he asked. "Hey" he jerked his head at Edward by way of greeting, who acknowledged him in the same way.
The man was fair-haired and blue-eye, and had an open face. Too open, Edward decided, as he watched Mike's eyes roam over Bella. He could practically read the man's mind, and was surprised as the surge of possessiveness as Mike obviously added up Bella's finer points and came up with a very pleasing answer.
"Edward here is starting to get a bit more attention than he's in the mood for. Do you think we could watch the set from upstairs?"
"Sure, there are a couple of chairs up there, just be careful and don't knock anything over."
"Thanks Mike, you're a champion."
"You can thank me later." He said with a wink and a grin. Edward didn't grin back.
Mike waved them down to the end of the bar and let them through, pointing directions.
"Just go through that door and up the stairs. The lights haven't been installed up there yet, but you should be able to see okay. I'll send someone up to get you some drinks later."
"Where are we going?" Edward asked as they began up the stairs.
"I got here too early for the interview, so I got talking to Mike – he's the owner - before the guys arrived. He's renovating the mezzanine floor here so that he can cater for private parties and stuff. It's half done so it's off limits," she glanced over her shoulder as they reached the top of the stairs and walked into the lounge area. "I figured that would give you some privacy."
"You're beautiful." Said Edward, gazing at her in appreciation. She'd seen how uncomfortable he was, and had provided a solution that meant he didn't need to cut the evening short and go home.
"Why thank you sir." She dimpled her thanks at his compliment.
There was minimal furniture up there, but they found an old booth seat that had been covered with a sheet. Between them they moved it towards the balcony, dusted it down and took a seat. From their new position they could see the blonde roaming through the crowd, obviously on the prowl. She waved to get another blonde's attention, who shook her head.
"Good grief, it looks like some of your fans hunt in packs." Commented Bella, making him laugh.
One of the bar staff appeared in the doorway, and Bella quickly ordered a bottle of wine and some bar snacks. She and Edward continued to make small talk until their food and drink was delivered.
"Thanks so much for this. I think we'll be set for the rest of the set so you won't need to come up here again."
"No problem" said the barman. He flicked a quick glance at Edward and then looked away. He'd seen plenty of celebrities in here before.
Bella handed Edward the wine bottle so that he could pour, and picked up the glass. "I figured this was the way to go, as it means we won't have to run up and down the stairs for refills."
"You're a smart woman."
"I keep telling people that," said Bella with a sigh, "but they never listen."
They chinked their glasses together in a toast, and sipped their wine. The lights dimmed further and the stage lights blazed, signalling the arrival of the band. The audience began to roar its approval as the band members appeared on stage. Bella leaned forward to watch. A small notepad on her thigh this time as she jotted down quick dot points to jog her memory the following day.
Jacob owned the stage, prowling around like a magnificent animal as he growled and crooned his way through the band's catalogue of songs. Women swooned, men envied, and the band rocked on. After a while, Edward noticed that Jacob seemed to be searching the audience. His gaze roved around the room, squinting slightly against the lights.
Bella leaned forward to half-shout into his ear over the music, her lips tickling his ear as she spoke. "I've got all the notes I need, now we can enjoy ourselves!"
He turned to her and grinned as she stood up and extended a hand to him. She led him to the balcony railing, and stood there swaying in time to the music.
Edward took a deep breath as he watched her body move. Did she have any idea how appealing she was? Probably not, her naivety was part of the charm. He stepped closer, so that he was standing behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at him, leaning back against his chest. She was small, the top of her head brushed the underside of his chin. He pulled her closer.
Bella closed her eyes as she felt her body come in full contact with his. He felt so strong and hard behind her, and the scent of his aftershave coiled around her, dazzling her senses as the warmth of his body seeped into her.
They were in a club, and yet it felt like they were alone. The music was loud, and the audience downstairs was jumping and throbbing along to the beat of the music. Edward couldn't resist. He tilted his head and kissed Bella's throat behind her ear, pulling her closer against him. He felt her chest vibrate as she moaned, and turned and angled her head for a kiss. Her eyes were like dark pools in the dim light, and they gazed at each other for a long moment before their lips met.
Their tongues danced in a slow open-mouthed kiss that had her drowning. Her hot, sweet taste was addictive, and he found himself groaning aloud as he turned her in his arms and felt the softness of her breasts against his chest. She ran her hands up his arms and into his hair, pulling him closer.
Edward lifted his mouth from hers and began to rain kisses along the side of her throat, and for a moment opened his eyes to look down at the stage.
Jacob was still singing, and he had found what he had been searching for. His eyes blazed at Edward, who stood holding a quivering Bella in his arms, in silent challenge. Edward stared back for a moment, feeling curiously exultant that he was the one holding Bella in his arms, before she turned her head and claimed his lips again.