I clutched Edward's hand in the backseat of a cab on the way to his Birthday dinner. This was it. The moment we have all been waiting for. He smiled at me reassuringly. I tried to force saliva down my parched throat but there seemed to be an immovable object in the way.
"Maybe if you tell me what you're so nervous about I can help calm you down." He chuckled leaning towards me. His nose skimmed my jaw line and he nuzzled the sensitive place behind my ear. My hands still shook in his but my neck went lax giving him more access. His chest rumbled with a laugh.
"That your parents won't think I'm good enough for you." I whispered peeking at him slowly. He leaned back slightly. Gently he rubbed his lips on mine.
"And why would they think that? My parents already love you if Alice, Emmett, and I do." My grip on his hand tightened even more but I doubt he caught his slip of words. He had inadvertently just said he loved me. I tried to hide the tremor in my voice. I was not ready to look at that information.
"That might be a façade! They might only put up with me because you want me around, but they really hate me." Edward's eyes sparkled with amusement at my break down.
"Bella, if my parents hated you I would not have invited you to a family gathering." He stated simply. His left hand that had been dormant resting on my knee inched up slightly but stopped at the hem of my dress. "You trust me don't you?" His mouth was against my ear and his fingers snaked up a little higher. My breath involuntarily hitched when they reached the edge of my panties but stopped. "Bella?" I had not even realized it was not a rhetorical question.
"I guess." I hedged. Our relationship was still new enough that I did not trust him entirely, but I trusted enough that he wouldn't put me in such a situation. He bit my ear lobe lightly and my earring tickled the side of my neck.
"And you know I wouldn't put you in such a situation."
"Mmmmm." His fingers slid along the edge of my thigh.
"Then you have nothing to worry about do you?" He huskily whispered into my ear before kissing me. He traced my lips with his tongue as his thumb found my clit. I gasped into his mouth as he rubbed it back and forth. I felt my eyes roll back into my head at the delightful sensations. His pointer finger traced my entrance and my legs slid farther apart in invitation. Edward's chest rumbled again and I opened my eyes. His were liquid emerald and seemed to ignite me farther.
My hands wound their way into his hair and pulled his face back to mine. Our tongues dueled as his finger entered me, then another. As my release built inside me I deepened the kiss. My inner thighs quivered with anticipation and tried to hold his hand closer. I tried to stifle my moans with our kiss but my labored breathing was audible.
Edward's lips slid down my throat and my head lolled back. His free hand pulled me closer to him as my release crashed over us. I tried to calm my breathing but it was proving difficult. I wanted to climb in Edward's lap and finish the job he just started but I remembered my surroundings. The cabbie kept glancing at me in the rear view mirror and I felt my face flush more. We had just given him a show. Edward pulled my gaze back to his but I could still feel the cabbie's stare.
"Are you still nervous now?" He grinned at his success. I had completely forgotten my nerves about the evening.
"Not as much no, but I would have preferred not to have given the cabbie such a show." I blushed and hid my face in his shoulder.
"We'll just have to be quieter next time." He breathed into my ear. I shivered with delight and horror at the thought of an encore.
We pulled up to the curb of a restaurant soon after and Edward paid the cab. The cabbie did not comment on our actions so we pretended nothing had happened. I carefully climbed from the cab and used my crutches to stabilize myself before Edward held the door open for me.
The Cullen's had rented out the entire restaurant so the hostess led us directly to our table. We were not the last ones to arrive. Edward pulled my chair out for me and I carefully lowered myself. He leaned my crutches against the wall and set up a stool so I could keep my foot elevated. I smiled at him warmly before I noticed the glances his parents where throwing at each other. Esme looked like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"Happy Birthday Edward darling. How have you been?" She stood and hugged him tightly. His arms encased her small form and he laughed.
"I have been great mom. Thanks for asking." Carlisle stood and shook hands with Edward and exchanged a 'Happy Birthday' as well. Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper were all not present yet. "I'm sorry, but I'll be right back." Edward dropped a kiss on my head before hurrying off to the men's room. I smiled after him until I realized my predicament. I was alone with his parents.
"Hello Bella! And how are you fairing?" Esme moved to the chair next to me and took one of my hands in her own.
"I'm well." I blushed as she smiled at me. Carlisle stood behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder affectionately.
"I was happy to see no tears of your tendons or ligaments Bella. How are you feeling?" He smiled a dazzling smile and I felt a little uncomfortable with their undivided attention focused on me.
"Well I was glad to have a capable doctor such as you to help me."
"It was my pleasure and job."
"I fell much better now."
"Well it looks better as well." He inspected my leg from where he stood but seemed pleased. I had been very careful not to step on it and I iced it regularly trying to follow his instructions precisely. Edward's care helped as well. He seemed to know little tricks to stop swelling and ease pain. It might be from his many sports injuries or growing up with a talented doctor as a father. We stood in silence for a minute. Esme just smiled brightly as me. I shifted in my chair under her gaze.
"Oh Bella, you have no idea how happy I am that you and Edward are together." She gushed finally. I blushed a deep red and grimaced. I did not want to have this conversation even if it was going in the opposite direction I had expected. "When I saw how beautiful you looked at the Wedding I know you could make him happy."
"Esme, leave the girl be." Carlisle chided and sighed his apologies.
"Edward has not looked so happy in a long time." She patted my knee a final time and moved back to her seat as Edward came out of the rest room.
"So what did you guys talk about?" Edward asked taking the seat Esme just vacated.
"My ankle." I supplied not wanting the subject of Edward and me to reopen.
"You have done a wonderful job taking care of her Edward." Carlisle commended. Edward beamed at the compliment. Rosalie and Emmett entered soon after. Rosalie's hair was slightly disheveled as if someone had their fingers in it and her lips were swollen to a pout.
"Hey everyone, sorry we're late." Emmett grinned. He had a lip stick smudge on his neck and I snickered. Obviously they had enjoyed their car ride as much as Edward and I.
"Happy Birthday Edward." Rosalie kissed Edward's cheek and took the seat next to him. Emmett clapped him on the shoulder and grinned.
"Happy B-day bro." Esme rolled her eyes but smiled at her children.
Alice and Jasper arrived last. Alice looked perfect in a red fitted dress while Jasper looked disoriented. His shirt was zipped into his fly as he stumbled along after Alice. Rosalie and I both noticed and caught each other's eye. We raised our brows at Alice but she just smiled.
"Hello everyone." She took the seat to my other side. "Happy Birthday Edward." She smiled and Jasper seat down next to her.
"Happy Birthday Eddie." Jasper grinned at him once he seemed more composed. Edward grinned back and shook his head. The waitress materialized once we were all sitting.
"Good evening everyone, my name is Heidi and I will be your server this evening. How about I start everyone off with drinks?" She smiled at everyone but her eyes rested on Edward. I felt my nostrils flare as interest sparked in her eyes.
"I think a nice bottle of wine is in order." Esme smiled at her kindly. The girl begrudgingly turned her gaze to Esme and smile politely. Edward rested his hand on my knee and squeezed lightly.
"What type of wine would you like?" Heidi had he pencil poised over her little pad of paper.
"How about a Sauvignon Blanc?" Carlisle glanced at the wine selections. Everyone approved his decision so Heidi rushed off to uncork a bottle. She returned with a small amount in a glass. We watched as Carlisle sniffed and tasted the shimmering liquid. It must have reached his standards because we were each given glasses soon after his inspection.
"So Bella, have you come up with a good way at getting revenge on Jessica Stanley?" Alice asked after she took a dainty bit of lamb once our food had arrived. I chewed slowly trying to think of a good answer.
"Well technically she was doing her job. I know that I was quite angry because her job was to torment my father, but I cannot blame her for it." I frowned at my plate. I was trying to be noble but my anger at the interview had still not subsided. I was planning Jessica and Tanya's demise with every waking thought but nothing seemed adequate.
"Well that's surprising. I think I would get her fired for that stunt." Rose interjected.
"She should have had enough class to refuse such a horrible assignment." Esme decided sipping her wine. Her cheeks were flushed a soft pink and Carlisle smiled at her.
"I just don't want to draw more attention to myself over this. I want her to understand what she did without throwing myself into another scandal." I huffed hopelessly. The Cullen's were reiterating the argument I had been having with myself for days.
"I think revenge on Tanya would be a better placement of your time." Edward smiled at me. My brow furrowed. He had not been helping me plan at all and here he had good ideas? I punched his shoulder lightly.
"I would if I knew her weaknesses which you so stubbornly won't tell me." Emmett laughed.
"Come on Bella, isn't it obvious?"
"What?"
"Edward is her weakness. She wants him so badly she will sick a friend on a helpless old man. I thought you were smart." He grinned at my dumbfounded look.
"That's preposterous. I know she wants Edward but I can't use him as revenge. He isn't a piece of meat."
"Tell that to the fan girls." Emmett barked a laugh. I grinned thinking about the girls sobbing at the very sight of him. Of course if I didn't have him in my bed my reaction might be similar.
"I think it's time for presents!" Alice trilled as she stood from her chair to receive some boxes in the corner of the room. "You have to open mine first!" She placed a medium sized box in his lap. He shook it experimentally. Alice winced at the motion so he stopped.
"So I'm guessing it's fragile." He joked and slid his finger under the wrapping paper's edge. Jasper gave Alice a look as Edward tore at the box.
"You realize that that present is from Alice and me?" he asked taking a sip of wine.
"I figured you guys would go halfsies." Edward grinned as the paper fell away. It was a camera. But not just any camera, this was state of the art digital camera. Edward's eyes grew large as he inspected it.
"I figured that you needed it since you might want to keep some of your memories." Alice smiled at him. His face broke out into a smile.
"Thanks Alice, Jasper, this is great." His eyes still roamed over the box taking in the details. He popped the seal and started to take out the pieces before I stopped him.
"Perhaps you should wait." He nodded and pushed the Styrofoam back into the box.
"Ours next." Emmett stood and grabbed the largest box and placed it near Edward. "Open it!" Emmett seemed as excited as Edward. Edward's fingers tore the paper faster this time. Instead of popping the tape seams he just attacked the box.
"Thanks Em!" Edward chuckled to see an erector set. I laughed at the sight. I could actually picture Edward sitting on the floor of his apartment and building the different prototypes available. "Thanks Rose." Edward leaned over and kissed Rose's cheek since she was sitting next to him. Emmett beamed at his present's success. Carlisle shook his head slightly but smiled. He then tossed Edward a small flat box. Everyone quieted to see what was inside.
I leaned over Edward's shoulder to get a good look. This box was not wrapped so all Edward had to do was lift off the lid. He tentatively lifted and we both gasped. The certification for a Steinway baby grand piano stared back at us.
"Dad… Mom…. I…" His voice trailed off in wonder.
"What is it Edward?" Alice asked impatiently trying to see what was inside of the box. He passed her the sheet of paper and she smiled. "That's perfect!"
"I remember how hard it was on you when you could not play every day after we moved; we just wanted you to be happy." Esme smiled with tears glassing over her vision.
"Music is part of you son." Carlisle smiled reassuringly. My mind was boggled at the thought of such an expensive gift. It was perfect for Edward in every way, but it put my gift to shame. I clutched the
box in my purse through the fabric. It would be embarrassing to give him such a gift after he received a piano.
"Thank you so much." Edward smiled hugely and hugged both of his parents. I tried to smile as well but I felt inadequate in this family.
OOOOOOOOoo
Hours later we lay in Edward's bed. I stared out into the Seattle night while he absentmindedly twirled my hair in his fingers. His present still lay in my purse so I pretended being his slave for a day was his gift. I sighed unconsciously and he shifted.
"Why do you keep sighing?" His fingers slid through my hair from scalp to tips. I closed my eyes but could still see the lights of the city.
"I was just thinking." I sighed again.
"Is there something wrong?" Edward tried to sit up but I was on his chest. I moved off of him and sat up myself and he leaned against the pillows.
"No, everything is perfect." I smiled at him because it was. Nothing was wrong. His parents seemed to like me and the paparazzi had lain off a bit. I had no reason to be sad, but I was. His life was just a different caliber of living.
"Bella, tell me what's bothering you." He smiled at me kindly and caressed my cheek. I gazed at him through my lashes.
"I did buy you a birthday present." I admitted as my fingers twined together.
"You didn't have to do that. Why didn't you tell me?"
"You aren't going to like it." I inspected my thumbnail to avoid his eyes. He tilted my chin up and I reluctantly looked at him.
"I think that's my decision to make." His finger slid over my bottom lip before he released my face. I sighed again and pointed across the room.
"It's in my purse." He got out of bed and walked to where I pointed. I still felt self conscious even though I spent most of my time naked when I was with Edward. I could feel his eyes on my body as he returned. I pulled the small box from the folds as he handed it to me. Edward rolled his eyes at me but held his hand out expectantly.
Gently I lay the box in his palm and I sat waiting. I bit my lip in anticipation as he opened the box. Inside there was a pocket watch and chain. It was old and beaten up but something about it called to me. The silver was tarnished when I first bought it but I buffed it to a dull shine. The hands were in the wrong place originally but I wound it back correctly. Inside the delicate dented cover was an inscription that had originally caught my attention. It read 'With love to my dearest Edward, 1908'. I did not have it engraved so the fact that the name fit made me buy it.
Edward took the watch out of the box carefully and held it in his hand. He opened the cover and tilted it so the street lights illuminated the writing. His eyes sought mine when he finished reading.
"Why didn't you want to give this to me?" I bit my lip and stared at my hands again.
"It's no Steinway… it's just a watch I found in an antique shop and made me think of you. It's just, not in the same league as your other presents." I glanced at him. His eyes burned with anger. I knew he would hate it, but I didn't think he would be angry from such a poor choice of present. "I'm sorry. I'll take it back." I reached to retrieve the watch from his hand but he moved out of my way.
"You cannot take it back."
"If you don't like it, you don't have to keep it." I explained holding my hand out for the gift.
"Did I say I didn't like it?" I hesitated. He didn't have to say anything. I just knew.
"Edward, please just forget about it." I moved to the edge of the bed once more and watched out the window. I looked out across the street and saw a few drunken men stumbling along.
"Isabella you are right, this present is not in the same league as the others I received tonight." I cringed at his words. "It is beyond them. I received materialistic wants from my family. That is what I'm used to so this caught me off guard, but that does not mean I don't love it. This present is unique and will always make me think of you. Isn't that what gifts are for?"
"They are to commemorate a special event." I mumbled as a car passed by.
"And what better way, than here with you right now looking as beautiful as ever convincing me of my luck? This watch symbolizes the love shared between two people so long ago, but it will never die because the words are saved. This is what I hope we one day will be. This watch is the first step." Edward moved to sit next to me. I looked at him and only saw truth in his eyes.
I promised myself I would not fall in love with Edward Cullen. I promised myself that I would not break my own heart that way, yet here I was at the pinnacle. I could step back and refuse my feelings and lose him forever, or I could leap off the edge into the unknown and hope that Edward Cullen would be there to catch me. I sighed again. He better not drop me.