Take Me, I'm Yours
Dinner was amazing, the food divine. The company, however, had been simply priceless.
Edward could hold a conversation unlike anyone she'd ever known. Despite their lull in the beginning of the night, Bella had never felt so comfortable with someone she'd just met before. And Edward had a charming sense of humor, keeping her in stitches at just the right moments and at a level appropriate for the setting. Their conversation branched from goals for the future to what they liked on their morning toast. Bella simply felt at piece with him.
Well, when the conversation remained mundane and completely focused on anything but her own insecurities.
After dinner, Edward took her for a walk along the terrace that bordered along the river. The wooden planks were aligned with soft white lighting, keeping their paths visible with just the right amount of light.
The night had a chill but nothing she couldn't manage without a wrap. Beside, it gave Edward an excuse to keep a close proximity, and that didn't bother Bella at all.
Bella leaned against the railing and looked out into the still water. The moon shun off the smooth surface as if it were made of glass. The air smelled like pine and musk, reminding her of home.
Edward wrapped his arms around her from behind and she melted into his embrace. Her head rested against his chest, her heart sighing in comfort.
"Thank you for tonight," she muttered into the quiet night, her tone matching the light touch of the atmosphere. Her eyes closed when she felt two soft lips press a kiss to her temple, and her heart skipped a beat or two.
"Thank you for accompanying me," Edward breathed against her skin. "I had a wonderful night."
"I did, too." Bella sighed, her entire body content next to his warmth.
"And I meant what I said," he told her solemnly, and the edge in his voice made her turn her head to look at him. "You are more than just beautiful, Isabella Swan. I must admit I am absolutely infatuated with you."
"You hardly know me," she reminded him, hating herself for stating the truth. But Edward smiled and kissed the tip of her nose.
"I know enough," he told her, then moved his lips to her forehead. "I know your heart, and I know your mind. I may not have learned every detail about your past, but I can tell you love fiercely. I know you've been hurt, and I know you hold deep passion within you."
He placed a warm kiss on the apple of her cheek.
"I know Mike was a fool to let you go."
He pulled back to gaze into her eyes.
"And I know that I am irrevocably attracted to you."
"Why?" Bella asked, genuinely confused. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, wishing with all she had that she could believe his words to be true.
"Because you're simply you, my bella. You deserve a man to treat you as a queen, and it will be my pleasure to make sure you believe that you're worth so much more."