I apologise for the delay. For a few weeks I was between beta's and so that delayed the update. I now have Marly580 as my beta who is already great at sorting my comma issues. Thank you to MrsK1981 and Myheroin1 for pre-reading for me and as always to the amazing Pattinlethr.
Thanks to TwiMomJen for recommending Cocktails as Fic of the Week on the Lemonade Stand! I didn't win but it was so good to see my story up there! Thank you again and to everyone who voted for Cocktails, it means a lot to me.
Disclaimer: As always the characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I just like to play with them
BPOV
I come home to a scene I could happily get used to. The dinner table is set—a white tablecloth covers it, two candles sit in the middle, and a bottle of white wine chills in a cooler resting on its edge.
Best of all, Edward is standing at the stove cooking dinner, looking all sorts of cute and sexy. His hair is in its usual messy mop, bronze strands sticking in all directions; and he's wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt.
I watch him take something out of the oven before I clear my throat, making my presence known. He turns as I enter the kitchen, smiling as I walk toward him. Picking up a wine glass and handing it to me, he opens the bottle.
"What's all this for? Where's Emmett?" I ask, holding out my wine glass as he pours.
"We're celebrating. Emmett's still at work and then he's staying at Rose's." Edward raises his glass, and I respond in kind. We take a sip and then place our glasses on the table. Edward then wraps his strong arms around me.
"Celebrating? Celebrating what? Is it something to do with the club?"
He chuckles. "No, your good news—whatever it is, we're celebrating that." He leans in, kissing me softly.
I moan as the kiss intensifies, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip. His tongue licks my lips and I open my mouth to him. He moans as our tongues meet. His hands move from my hips and find my ass, which he palms, pulling me to him.
What dinner?
"You don't even know what my good news is," I murmur against his lips.
"Mmm…why don't you tell me now and we can get to celebrating." He continues kissing me and I almost forget my news. He feels so good. He tastes like Edward and wine. So sweet.
His hands grip my hips as mine wrap around his neck. Pulling myself closer, I gasp as I feel his erection against my stomach. I grind against him looking for some, any, friction.
I'm just about to tell him to screw dinner and take me on the table, but he pulls away. He's panting, as am I. I'm drunk on Edward. Taking a step back, I shake my head to clear it. Edward does the same, leaning against the kitchen counter.
I look at him, his eyes bright green, burning with desire and lust. It takes all I have to keep this distance.
"Your good news, Bella?" he asks. His voice is husky with need, not doing anything for my resolve.
"Umm…right. I've…uh...been promoted. Sorta." Flustered, I take a sip of my wine. "Victoria isn't ill, she's pregnant. So they want me to fill in while she's on maternity leave." My legs still feel a bit wobbly so I sit down at the table. "As of today, I'm working full-time on the entertainment section. No more sports for me!" He chuckles as I grin at him—he knows how much I hate working on the sports section.
"Baby, that's great news! Congratulations! That is definitely something to celebrate." He turns back to the oven. "Just stay there and enjoy your wine, I'll get dinner ready."
"So, what are we having?" I do as I'm told and watch as he makes our plates.
He brings a large bowl filled with salad to the table. "Lasagne, if that's okay?"
I grin, "So you can cook? I was beginning to think it was a myth."
"Don't get too excited. This is my favorite, so it's the only thing I let my mom teach me to cook. It's an old family recipe." He brings our plates over and takes his seat next to me. "Enjoy." He smiles at me before digging in.
Dinner is great. The food is amazing and the company even better. Whatever had Edward scared last night is long gone. He's carefree, laughing, and generally relaxed. I was going to ask him about it, but now I don't think there's any need.
With dinner finished, Edward refuses to let me help with the clean-up, so I feed Jake and let him out for a quick run to do his business. I return just as Edward is finishing up, and we take our wine into the living room. Jake sits at our feet as I tuck into Edward's side and he wraps around me. Cuddling with Edward is the perfect end to my day.
"So, when do you find out your first assignment?"
"Actually, I already have one. We're doing a focus piece on Kate Denali and the girls have asked me to cover her gig on Thursday night." I look up at him. "Do you want to go?"
"Sure, sounds fun." His fingers run through my hair as I lean on his chest, my wine all but forgotten now.
"I was thinking of asking Alice and Jasper? I feel like I've been leaving her out of things since I've moved in. What do you think?"
"Sure, it'll be nice to go out with them. I don't think Emmett and Rose could come. If I'm out, then Emmett will be working." He takes a sip of his wine. "Where's the gig?"
"It's at Volturi, she's playing at one of their open mic nights." I sit up so I can take a drink of my wine. "It's one of the reasons why they want me to go and see her play. She makes a big deal of only wanting to play at small venues, so I want to see what the big deal is."
"Cool, maybe we can grab something to eat as well." He sighs. "Ugh, I just hope we don't have to deal with that grubby waiter again. I'm not sure I can be nice to him a second time."
I giggle. "He was being pretty insistent. But now you see how I felt, watching all those beautiful women hit on you at the bar?"
"What women?" he asks.
"Don't pretend you didn't see them. They were stunning." I pout, not quite sure why I'm jealous all of a sudden.
"I only had eyes for you, Bella. I still do." He sounds so sincere that I can't help but look at him. His eyes are bright, shining, and showing nothing but honesty. "I don't see anyone else."
I smile as he holds his arms open. I eagerly move back into my spot next to him. "Me too," I murmur, "I mean, he didn't really stand a chance with me. He still doesn't."
He leans forward, his fingers under my chin, tilting my head towards him. I have no idea what's going through his head at this moment. His eyes search my face—staring—before crushing his lips to mine.
The intensity of our kiss picks up right where we left off in the kitchen. His mouth opens to mine, leaving our tongues to meet. His strong hands find my hips, lifting me, pulling me to straddle him. I smile against his lips as I feel his erection between my legs. Grinding against him, he rewards me with a sexy growl.
His lips leave mine, but travel to my neck, collarbone, and shoulder. As he reaches the edge of my shirt, he pushes it to the side giving him more access.
"This needs to come off," he groans, pulling at the fabric. "Mmm…" He nibbles as more skin becomes available.
"Okay," I pant as his talented hands roam my body.
Pulling away, I stand and hold out my hand to Edward. He grasps it immediately, pulling me through the apartment toward our bedroom. Flicking on the bedside lamp, he falls back onto the bed, pulling me with him. Giggling as I fall forward, I brace myself with my hands on either side of his head.
He reaches up, one hand cupping my cheek. "You're so beautiful."
I lean into his touch, his words making my heart clench. Smiling, I sit up, quickly stripping, and throwing my shirt and bra to the floor. Once they're off, I stand and get rid of my jeans and panties.
Needing no further instruction, Edward sits up and strips, his clothes adding to the growing pile on the floor.
I'm back in his arms the second we're both naked. Lowering me to the bed, he nestles me between his soft sheets and his firm body.
He kisses me as my hand moves lower, wrapping around his hardening cock. He grunts as I work him with my hand. Our tongues meet, his moans encouraging me to work him faster.
"Ugh…Bella…" he grunts against my lips.
I feel the loss as he pulls away and question him with my eyes. He raises his hips, pulling his now-throbbing cock from my grasp. Leaning over, he grabs a condom from the top drawer of his bedside table. I really need to speak to him about not using them anymore.
He smirks before kissing me soundly, leaving me dazed.
Grabbing the soft hair at his neck, I bring him down to my level, kissing him, pouring all my feelings into this one kiss. I can't tell him how I feel—still too nervous I'll scare him off—but I can show him.
He's not ready for declarations yet, and I'm happy with knowing that he wants me and me only. I just need to be patient and hope that someday soon he'll feel confident enough to talk about his feelings.
His hands, his mouth, cover my body inch by inch. Within minutes, I'm strung so tight I just know I won't last long when he's finally inside me. His fingers tease, oh so slowly, keeping me close to the edge but never letting me go over.
"Need…" I mewl as his hands continue their sweet torture. He pulls back and rips the condom open. Entranced, I watch as he strokes himself before rolling it on.
Crashing his lips to mine, he kisses me with such intensity that I'm left panting for more. Settling between my legs, his cock rests at my wet entrance. He stills, his eyes meeting mine.
We have no words. I know we both want to admit our feelings—I can see it in his eyes. But neither of us have the guts to speak.
I smile, letting him know its okay. We have plenty of time.
He smiles back, closing his eyes as he enters me in a slow, deep thrust. Arching my back, I cry out in pleasure. Nothing will ever feel as good as Edward being inside me.
He stills as I get used to the intrusion. I hook my legs around his hips, keeping him close. Leaning down, he rests his head in the crook of my neck. We're still, enjoying the feel of each other. Then slowly, he places soft kisses along my neck and collarbone, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake.
Shudders ripple through me as he continues to kiss me, but refuses to move. I have to move. The need is too much, and I'm desperate for more. His breath is warm against my skin, our hips move slowly, rocking together as the warmth builds.
All too soon, he pulls back, his eyes meeting mine. We move together, savoring this. My hands move over his body, the muscles on his back taut, as he continues to move inside me. Our sighs and moans give clues to what feels best.
But soon our movements become hurried, frantic, as we feel it build. Our hips thrust erratically, no longer moving in time.
"Ugh...Edward…" I moan as he pulls back and brings one of my legs over his shoulder, this new position hitting perfect places.
I feel his cock twitching—I know he won't last much longer.
"Edward…touch me…please," I whimper.
His hand moves between us, grazing my sensitive clit. This does it for me. My stomach begins to tighten, my body quivers, and I pant as Edward continues to rub my sensitive nub in time with his thrusts.
The whole time, Edward's eyes remain locked with mine. The intensity is overwhelming. As I get closer, I feel the need to close my eyes, let the pleasure take over, but I can't look away. I need him to know how much he means to me.
"Bella…please…I'm…s-so close…please." His thrusts are erratic, his fingers relentless, and with one last pinch, I cum hard. My whole body feels like it's on fire. I arch up towards Edward, shaking with the force of my orgasm. I whisper, chanting his name as he continues to work me, covering my body with kisses.
A few more thrusts are all it takes for Edward to follow. He stills above me, grunting my name as he cums.
Flopping back against the bed, my body is now a quivering mess. Edward places a soft kiss on my forehead before getting up to rid himself of the condom.
I lay here, completely and utterly sated, with a silly grin on my face, waiting for him to return. Moments later, he's back and crawling into bed, pulling me toward him and wrapping his arms around me.
There are no words, but I don't think they're needed.
I'll admit now that I am in love with Edward.
I just need to wait a little longer until he's ready.
He pulls away and turns off the bedside lamp.
"Goodnight, beautiful."
I smile to myself in the darkness. "Goodnight, Edward."
EPOV
I wake with a smile on my face. I have a gorgeous woman asleep next to me—well almost on top of me—and I'm sure I'm in love with her. And even better, I think she loves me too.
Last night was amazing—and not just the sex.
Although, that was pretty fantastic.
I enjoyed everything about our evening—it felt so natural. Bella coming home to me after a long day at work, a romantic dinner, and then relaxing in the living room—it just felt right. It made me think about her living here on a more permanent basis, not just because she has my psycho ex-girlfriend after her.
Looking down at her now, I can't help my grin. Tucked into my side with one leg thrown over mine, she clings to my chest almost as if she were trying to prevent me from going somewhere. As if I would. Her eye make-up is smudged, her mouth is slightly open and she's snoring quietly, and her hair is all over the place—she would call it "sex hair". She's never looked cuter. Waking up like this every morning is something I can get used to.
I've been overthinking things recently, that much was made abundantly clear last night. I could see it in her eyes. She cares for me—a lot. Bella is not Lauren and won't hurt me like she did. I know this in my heart—it just doesn't seem to be transferring the message to my head. I just need a bit more time.
Deciding to let Bella sleep a little longer, I crawl out of bed and head to the bathroom. There's nothing I'd like more than to stay in bed, or even ask her to come shower with me, but she just looks peaceful and I really do need to get to the club.
After a quick shower and shave, I get dressed and head to the kitchen to make pancakes. I'm hoping Bella sleeps through the noise and I can treat her to breakfast in bed.
Luckily, she does.
I make my way back to the bedroom to find my girl lying on her stomach, diagonally across the bed, hugging my pillow, with a smile on her face. I smile at the sight and pray she's dreaming about me.
Setting the tray on the desk, I sit on the edge of my bed, next to Bella's head. I tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "Bella." I softly run my hand over her shoulder. "Time to wake up. I have breakfast for you."
"Hmmff," she mumbles into the pillow, turning over.
"C'mon, baby. I at least want to see your face before I have to go to work." I bend down and softly kiss her bare shoulder. My dick comes to life. She's still naked under those covers.
She turns slowly, lifting her head off the pillow. "You're leaving already?"
"Yeah, we still have a lot to get done for jazz night next Sunday. I'll probably be pulling a lot more hours this week, babe."
She slides towards me, wrapping the bed sheet around her, but revealing a glimpse of her breasts to me. I focus on them immediately and my dick hardens further.
"Mmm…we should maybe make the most of our time, then?" Her arms automatically wrap around my neck, as she pulls me to her and presses her lips softly against mine.
God, do I want to make the most of our time together.
With strength I don't even know I have, I manage to kiss her back, but pull away as she tries to take it further. She moans, and I chuckle at the pout on her face.
"You're killing me, Bella." I get her breakfast, adjusting myself as I stand.
"I can take care of that, you know?" She smirks, gesturing at the bulge in my jeans.
"Later, baby." I smile and sit the tray on the bed.
"Mmm...coffee." She takes a big gulp before digging into the pancakes.
I smile, lean forward, and kiss her forehead. "I'll see you tonight, and I will be home for dinner." Grabbing my jacket as I leave the room, I turn just in time to see Bella blow me a kiss before digging into her pancakes.
Yeah, definitely something I can get used to.
BPOV
"So, are you free? I feel like we've hardly caught up with all the craziness going on." I balance the phone on my shoulder and make my way to the kitchen, where I have work spread all over the table. Putting a folder on the table, I take the phone in my hand.
Alice squeals into the phone, sounding excited about our date night. I feel guilty, like I've been abandoning her. "Yes! I'm completely free. It sounds like a fun night."
"Great! The show starts at nine, so do you want to meet us there about seven so we can have dinner and catch up before she starts?"
"Sounds great, Bells, we'll see you then."
Deciding I need to get out of the house before sitting at my laptop all day, I grab Jake's leash and take him out for a walk. Edward's apartment isn't really near anywhere good, so I drive to the nearest park so I can let Jake have a decent run. The second we arrive, I let him off his leash and he makes a run for it. But he never gets out of my sight.
I walk Jake for a while, stopping to play fetch with him every so often. My thoughts turn to the column. I'm so excited I'm finally getting my chance. The fact that Alec believes in me enough to hire me full-time is awesome, and I really want to make a good impression.
The fresh air helps me think, and I end up staying out much longer than I had originally intended, but I soon find myself back in front of my computer. I start it up and go straight for the internet. A lot of the information on here might be crap and gossip, but at least it will allow me to get the basic information about her. Sure enough, I'm only online for a few minutes when I come across some fan pages on her. Kate Denali is twenty-five years old and has been singing since she was a child. She's recently married her high school sweetheart, Garret Ledge, who as a writer is able to go with her when she's on the road.
I quickly jot some notes down and get my base understanding of her. She seems nice, down to earth, and overall a friendly girl. I'm glad—I was worried my first big chance would be with some stuck-up big shot.
I spend the rest of the day researching Kate and her music, stopping only to make dinner for the boys when they come home. They both look absolutely beat—I know they're working so hard to make this jazz night a success.
After dinner, the boys spend the evening relaxing and playing computer games as I try to get the column started. Quite early, Edward comes to say goodnight, letting me know that he wouldn't be opposed if I wake him nicely.
Eventually, I get to bed. It's after midnight and I can't bear waking him—he's out cold. As I get under the covers, Edward's body unconsciously moves towards me, his arms wrapping around me tightly. Smiling, I doze off quickly.
The following evening I'm already sitting and waiting for Edward, with a large glass of wine, when he arrives home. Apparently, they were swamped with promo work for their jazz night, which caused him to be later than planned.
I can't be mad at him. He looks exhausted and stressed, but his eyes are shining with excitement. He's had a great day— I can tell by his eyes alone. They always shine when he's working or talking about work. I love seeing him so happy.
He apologizes before going for a shower to freshen up. Half an hour later, I almost choke on my wine when he steps back into the living room, looking delicious. He's wearing a dark pair of jeans and a green shirt with a white t-shirt underneath. Of course, green is my favourite color on him and he knows it, using it to his advantage any time he can.
I stand, taking in the sight as he walks toward me. His smirk grows bigger the closer he gets, his eyes covering my body. I know he likes what he sees as well.
He stops inches away from me and I inhale— he smells so good, fresh from the shower with a small amount of aftershave. He takes the wine glass from my hand and puts it on the coffee table before pulling me into his arms.
"You look stunning," he growls, his arms tightening around my waist. "I don't think I want to let you out of the apartment tonight." He grabs my ass, pulling me closer.
"You don't look too bad yourself." I'm breathless, his closeness having the usual effect on me. My arms wrap around his neck, closing the gap between our bodies, before pulling him down for a kiss.
Our kiss is soft and gentle. There is no pulling at clothes, or dry-humping against each other. We both know that even if we want to deepen this, we don't have the time.
His hands leave my ass as he cups my face, his thumbs gently stroking my cheeks as he continues kissing me. His pulls my top lip between his, and I moan as he tugs on it softly. Leaning into the kiss, I growl in frustration as he pulls away from me.
"C'mon, beautiful. We both know if I let you get your way, we'll be cancelling on Alice and Jasper." He chuckles as I pout. "Hold that thought, beautiful, we can continue later." Winking at me, he takes my hand and we leave to meet our friends.
We park the car at Eclipse and take a leisurely walk to Volturi, happy to enjoy each other's company. I listen intently as he tells me about the work they're doing for the jazz night. Jazz is one of his favorite types of music, so I know he's looking forward to it. But he's admitted that they're worried that it won't be popular—hence the extra promotion they're doing for the night. Hopefully, since there's been buzz about the club, the media will continue to provide exposure.
When we arrive at the bar I give my name to the hostess. I had a feeling they would be busy and we'd have a hard time getting a table, so I called ahead and reserved one for us. Since tonight is also about work, for me at least, I needed to make sure I had a decent table for the gig later on.
As we push our way through the crowd, I see that my earlier assumption in reserving a table was correct. All the tables—bar one which I expect is ours—are full, some even pushed together where large groups have formed.
I slide into the booth first, Edward following me, and we order our drinks and have a look at the menus as we wait for Alice and Jasper to arrive. I snuggle into Edward's hard body as he puts an arm over my shoulder.
This is what we've been missing. No work, no stress, and no ex-girlfriend on the scene—just us. I smile and sigh—for the first time in I don't know how long, I don't have a heavy weight on my shoulder. I'm out having dinner with my boyfriend and one of my best friends. I don't feel worried about anything. All I feel is happy and excited.
"Well, looks like your admirer won't be around tonight." I look up to Edward, who's chuckling. He nods his head in the direction of the bar, where I see Jacob working. He's the only guy on the bar, and his flushed cheeks tell that he's feeling the pressure. If he hadn't been such a douche the last time, I would have felt sorry for him, but even I have to giggle a little at his misfortune.
"It feels like so long ago, doesn't it?"
I'm confused. "What does?"
"Our first date— here." He smiles as he looks at me, making me melt a little inside.
"Yeah, feels a lot longer than a few months, anyway." I pick up the menu and start looking through it again, unsure of what to have.
"Six months," he states.
"Huh?"
"Well, actually, six months and…" He frowns a little. "And one day. Yeah, it's been six months and one day since we were here on our first official date."
I gawk at him, shocked that he remembered. Mike never even remembered my birthday, yet Edward's reciting the anniversary of our first date.
"You remember?"
"Umm, yes?" He makes it sound like a question. He blushes and ducks his head, looking at his menu.
I take his hand in mine. "You don't need to be embarrassed about it. I'm just amazed you remembered it to the exact date." I squeeze his hand. "So, we've been together for six months and one day?"
"Umm…no, you didn't actually call me your boyfriend until the following Friday." He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. "So that means its six months on Sunday."
A soft blush colors his cheeks—he keeps his head down, refusing to meet my eyes. He keeps a tight hold on my hand, softly squeezing it every so often.
I can't find any words. This man is beyond amazing, and unlike any guy I've dated before. I already knew Edward was leagues above Mike and Taylor, but this— this just proves how much. Neither of my exes could remember my birthday, never mind any sort of anniversary. If they were lucky, they guessed the right month. And the fact that Edward can, right down to the date, amazes me. Once again, I see how lucky I am that he chose to be with me.
Unable to stop my grin, I reach for Edward and crash my lips to his. He's shocked at first but eventually reacts, his lips moulding to mine. It's quick, our tongues touching briefly before I reluctantly pull away, knowing if I don't stop now I won't be able to.
All the emotions I've had the last few weeks, bubble to the surface—those three all-important words are on the tip of my tongue. I look into his green eyes, shining with emotion of his own. I'm almost sure he feels the same, or almost does. But before I offer my heart to him, I need to be sure.
"Oooh, Jazz, I think we're interrupting a special moment here." I giggle as Alice appears at our table, Jasper standing close behind, both wearing knowing smiles.
"Evening, Alice, Jasper." Edward slips his arm back around my shoulder and nods at our guests. He gestures at the seats opposite us, and they both take their seats.
The waitress returns with our beers and takes Alice and Jasper's orders before rushing off again. I pass our menus to them since we already know what we're ordering.
The conversation flows effortlessly, and I realize just how much more time I've spent with Rose, without Alice being around. It never used to be like this. I know it has everything to do with Lauren, but it doesn't make me feel any better.
There's a definite split in the conversation—the boys discussing a football game on the TVs, while Alice and I catch up on our recent news. It's been so long since we've been able to just sit and chat about random stuff, and not worry about who's picking me up from work to keep me safe.
Without the thought of Lauren hanging over my head, I actually enjoy myself. I'm not fidgeting and uneasy—I don't have to look around for anything suspicious. I'm just more relaxed than I have been in a long time.
Alice notices my improved mood. "You seem to be doing a lot better."
I nod, swallowing a bite of my burger before answering. "I know—I feel a lot better. Lauren seems to have disappeared from our radar, and it's like this weight has been lifted." She nods. "You know, I never realized how much she affected me, even enjoying a night like this, but she did." I shrug. "I just hope she really is gone and that whoever her new boyfriend is, keeps a hold of her."
"Yeah, you've got to feel sorry for the guy, though." Alice groans, pushing her plate forward. "Ugh, I'm beat. I can't finish mine."
"Good try, though. That burger was almost as big as you." I laugh as she rolls her eyes and rubs her stomach.
"Hon, if you're finished, can I have it?" Jasper's eyeing her plate, having just finished his own.
"Sure, sure." She pushes the plate towards him and he digs into it immediately.
"I don't know how they do it." She watches Jasper with a look of half-disgust and half-amusement, as he inhales her leftover meal.
"Me, either." I roll my eyes as Edward steals fries from my plate now that he's finished his.
Once we've all finished our meals, the waitress returns to clear the table and takes another drink order. The guys stick with beer, while I change to water. Since I'm going to be working, I don't want to be clear-headed.
I look to Alice when the waitress leaves—she also ordered water. She mentioned months ago that they were trying to get pregnant, and I wonder if that's why she's not drinking.
The waitress returns with our drinks and the guys turn back to their conversation.
"So, what's with the water?"
She takes a sip before delicately placing her glass on the table. "I don't know what you mean." Her lips curl into a small smile, telling me she knows exactly what I mean.
"Liar."
She giggles softly before looking at me. "I'm not pregnant yet, Bella."
The smile falls from my face, and I reach across the table for her hand. "Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie." Alice has wanted kids for as long as I've known her. The minute she met Jasper, she knew he was her future—that they were destined to be together. If she's having any sort of trouble conceiving, I know it's bound to be killing her. I want to kick myself for being a bad friend—I've been so wrapped up in my own issues.
She squeezes my hand. "It's okay. It's just not happened for us yet." She smiles to reassure me.
"I…uh…is everything okay?"
"Umm...yeah. We were a bit worried because it's taking a bit longer, you know?"
I nod.
"But the doctor says there isn't anything wrong with us." She takes a deep breath. "We just need to keep trying." She winks and giggles, relieving the seriousness of the conversation. I can't help but laugh along with her.
"So, you're okay?" I gesture to the water in front of her.
"Oh! Yeah, I mean, the doctor hasn't told me I can't drink or anything…I'm just being extra cautious." She releases my hand to take a drink and leans into Jasper's side, as he puts a comforting arm around her. She smiles as he softly kisses her forehead.
I lean back in my seat, eyes on the table, feeling really shitty that I haven't noticed my friend is going through her own issues. I can't believe I've been so selfish.
"Alice, I—"
"Bella, please don't apologize. There's nothing to apologize for." She smiles. "It's just taking us a bit longer than we thought it would. And you know how impatient I am—I just want to be pregnant already!"
We all laugh. The conversation turns to the upcoming gig and everyone's opinions on Kate. I watch as they interact and I vow to be a better friend. I should be there for them, even if I have shit going on in my own life.
The lights in the bar begin to dim, and the spotlights hit the stage. Jacob walks onto the stage and introduces Kate Denali. Pulling my digital recorder, notebook, and pen out of my purse, I place them on the table in front of me. Tonight, I'm here to listen and watch.
Kate walks onto the stage with an air of confidence about her. It's clear she's comfortable—like she belongs there. It comes as no surprise since she's been performing for years.
I watch as she walks to the center of the stage, an acoustic guitar slung over her shoulder. She murmurs a quiet "Thank you" into the mic before taking a seat on the stool. It's silent for a few minutes before she begins her first song of the night.
EPOV
My eyes scan the bar as Kate continues to play. The place is jam-packed, and I'm slightly jealous that they are this busy on a Thursday night. We're not even open tonight and this place is packed and has a line outside. I know Cocktails isn't the sort of place for a gig like this, but it would be nice to have the bar this busy mid-week. I can only hope that our jazz night is a success and brings in the customers as well.
My eyes turn to Bella as I watch her work. Bella loves to write and loves her new job. She's told me countless times how much she hated her job at the library and how grateful she is to have this chance at the paper. Finally, she seems to be getting the break she deserves, and I know she'll work hard to show her boss what she's capable of.
She's completely absorbed in her work, unaware of her friends around her. Every so often she stops writing, her eyes close, and she just listens. She sways to the music, a content smile on her face, and then she picks up her pen, furiously writing again.
I can't look away. She's simply stunning.
I'm so glad Bella found this job. With all the shit going on with Lauren, it's helped that she had something to focus on. And the fact that she enjoys her job is even better.
I'll admit when I first started dating Bella, there was a tiny part of me that was wary—worried that she was after my money. After my experience with Lauren, it was just something I couldn't shake. But as I sit here and watch Bella work, I can see just how passionate she is about her job. I know that even if told her she didn't have to work, that we could live off my money alone, she would laugh at me and continue working anyway.
I'm brought out of my Bella bubble as the bar erupts in cheers. Kate finishes her set, bowing to the crowd with a beaming smile, before leaving the stage to take a seat at a table.
Alice and Jasper, who had turned in their seats to face Kate, turn back to us. "Wow, she was amazing!" Alice is still clapping enthusiastically, even though the majority of the applause has now died down.
The three of us turn to Bella as she furiously scribbles before throwing her pen down with a big sigh. "Well, I think I have enough to at least start the column. She's amazing."
We all agree and start to collect our things. I slide out of the booth, taking Bella's hand to assist her. Once we're outside, the girls hug goodbye and we make our way back to my car.
Our drive home is quiet—only the noise of the radio playing in the background fills the car. My head is full of thoughts about the date and Lauren. I can't remember the last time I saw Bella so relaxed. And I know I've never seen her laugh so much. I know it has a lot to do with her stalker backing off.
I just hope she's gone for good.
BPOV
Last night after the gig, and early this morning, all I had time for was Edward.
We'd barely made it through the front door of the apartment before he was on me, hands roaming my body, lips nipping and sucking at any bare skin he could find. Somewhere in my lusty haze, I remembered that Emmett could be back any minute and I definitely didn't want him catching us—we'd never live it down. We quickly made it to the bedroom, shed our clothes, and spent most of the night, and some of this morning, appreciating each other's bodies.
It's all I can do at the moment. I still need more time before I can utter those words to him.
Before I get to the office, I make a quick pass by Starbucks for my morning coffee since I didn't have time for anything before I left. Today is the first day in weeks that I'm travelling to work alone. We agreed that since my stalker has pretty much disappeared, I'm safe to travel to work by myself. Although, I did have to promise to keep my phone charged at all times should I need to contact anyone.
As I'm waiting on my coffee at the counter, I see some breakfast muffins and decide to buy them at the last minute. It can't be a bad thing to tempt the girls with sweets.
Our interview with Kate isn't scheduled until Monday, but the girls want me in the office the following morning so we can discuss the gig and our thoughts on the column. Victoria will be going on maternity leave in a few months, and I need to learn as much as I can from her before she leaves. I'm just as qualified and I know I can do the job, but she has years of experience, so I know I still learn so much from her.
I'm not the first to arrive, but it doesn't shock me—both Victoria and Angela are workaholics. They're at their desks typing away, barely even glancing up as I approach them.
"I brought breakfast." I lift the Starbucks bag in my hand, showing them the muffins.
"Oooh, food!" Victoria rushes over to me, taking the bag from my hand while Angela just grunts and continues typing.
"How can she be so busy? Didn't you guys just finish a column?" I gesture to Angela, but speak to Victoria, who is now sitting at her desk devouring one of the muffins.
"Research. Emails," Angela grunts from her desk.
"She never stops. It's something you're going to need to get used to." Victoria smiles at me.
I laugh softly and start unpacking my stuff. I set up my laptop so I can show the girls the research I've managed to do so far.
Once again, I find myself smiling as I leave work. I love that this is becoming a regular occurrence. After years of working at the library, stuck in a job that I couldn't progress in, a job that I hated, I now have a job that I enjoy and it feels great.
Both Victoria and Angela loved my work—I was professional and objective, leaving my feelings out of my review, and that was pretty much what they were looking for. Of course there were areas I needed to work on. I listened eagerly as they gave their advice.
We'd stayed a bit later than normal, but it meant I'd have the weekend free. We have the base of the column ready and since the interview wasn't until Monday, there wasn't much else to do.
I arrive home to an empty apartment, apart from Jake circling my feet, eager for his evening walk. Edward and Emmett are both working some serious hours this weekend in order to get ready for Sunday night. They only have one band playing this week, but they're hoping if it's a success they can get a few more lined up for the upcoming weeks.
Rose is working, so I know she won't be home until later, and Alice and Jasper are spending some quality time together. I know she's desperate for a baby, as is Jasper, and I just hope it happens for them. I'm eager for some company tonight, to share my good mood, but I'm not going to cut in on their time together.
I throw my stuff on the kitchen table and go to the bedroom, where I quickly change into a pair of sweats and a tank top. Jake's following me, whining and dancing around my feet, so I know I should really take him out.
Nervously, I glance out the window. It's not too late—the sun is only beginning to set. It would only be a quick walk and I can be home before it gets really dark, but the thought of going out alone still makes me nervous. It would be easy for someone to follow me in the shadows, to watch me unaware. And then they would know if I returned to an empty house…
Deciding against the walk, I pour myself a glass of wine and settle on the sofa in the living room for the night. I love my nights out with my girls, but sometimes nothing beats a Friday night in front of the TV with wine.
I last about half an hour before Jake's pitiful whimpers make me feel guilty—he always knows how to play me.
"Okay, okay," I mumble to Jake, "Let's take you out." I quickly run to the bedroom and throw on one of Edward's hoodies and grab Jake's leash. He's already waiting by the front door, running in circles as I approach.
It's a bit darker outside than it was when I got home from work, but still not too bad. I decide just to stick to the main streets, making sure there's plenty of light and people. The last thing I need, just when things are finally going well, is to wander down an alley or go into the woods, practically inviting the stalker out of hiding.
I turn my thoughts away from all things stalker-related—otherwise, I'm just going to freak myself out. I focus on the walk, walking faster than I normally would, eager to get back home.
I'm almost halfway home when I start to feel weird. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I get goose bumps all over. I look to Jake to see if he has picked up on anything weird like he did with the break-in, but nothing. He's panting away, tugging on his leash and sniffing anything he can get close to.
Normally, this would reassure me. Tonight, it doesn't. I can almost feel the eyes on the back of my head as someone watches me walk my dog.
?POV
What is she still doing here? They shouldn't be together anymore—she should be gone.
She's persistent—I'll give her that—digging her claws in so we can't get near them.
We didn't plan for the break in to go wrong—it was perfect. She should have been so freaked out, she'd left him.
Why is she not going with the plan?
I smile to myself as I watch her nervously glance around. She may have let her guard down a bit, but she's still worried.
She should be.
Because we're back.
And we have a plan.
I'd Love to know what you think….