…'Meyer' made the mold…but we are all here to break it…lol…
Chapter 6
THE DOOR is closed.
He closed the front door.
He just…up and closed the mother-loving front freakin' door!
Why the fuck did he close the front door?
Her bitch blow rose as she crossed her arms in front of her waist. "Edward, I said 'what are you doing here', not would you like to stay for a drink…"
Suddenly Edward bent down to pick up the box, hefting it in his arms to get it settled and then proceeded through the living room towards her kitchen.
The sound that erupted from Bella's mouth was pure frustrated annoyance. She followed straight on his heels. "What do you think you are doing?"
Don't look at his ass, Bella! Don't!
She looked at his ass.
Edward just kept moving forward with purpose, and said looking back over his shoulder at her, "Mom said I needed to carry this heavy box for you to your studio…that's what I am doing here, Bella…minding my mother." He saw where her eyes were focused.
"See something you like, B?"
Bella stopped for a brief moment, horrified that he had caught her checking out his ass and then kept following, angrier now and about ready to spit fire.
She stuttered out, "Edward Cullen, your mother knows good and well that I can carry my own heavy supplies…"
Edward just ignored her and continued moving into the kitchen, stopping at the sight that greeted him there. There was food everywhere. "Jesus, Bella…you expecting the Olympic Team for dinner or something?"
Bella ran right smack into his back, causing Edward's much taller body to trip forward just a little as Bella's weight was thrown against him forcefully.
"Umph…oh shit!" Her arms flailed, reaching out to grab anything that would save her from falling. That anything would be number one, Edward's left pectoral…and number two, his lower right hip. She was pretty sure she was grabbing skin under there too.
Edward gripped the box tight as he used his leg muscles to stop their fall and regain their balance together.
.
.
She sniffed his shirt.
He smirked.
.
.
Neither one of them moved.
.
.
"You can let go now…"
.
.
Sniff…
.
.
"Bella…as much as I am enjoying having your front pressed to my back…you're fingers are about to rip my skin right the fuck off under my clothes."
Realizing exactly what she was doing, Bella let go of her grip and flew to the other side of the kitchen entirely away from Edward, covering her face once again with both hands.
Edward just laughed, watching her freak out, and said, "Bella, look, I always knew you liked me but give a guy a break. Stop falling all over me…"
.
.
She laughed a little.
.
.
Now she was laughing hard.
"This is ridiculous!" She wiped her eyes with her fingers, she was laughing so hard they were leaking. "I mean…" She snorted and motioned a sloppy point in his direction, "…you, you…it hasn't even been 24 hours and I can't…"
Now she was doubled over with unchecked borderline-hysterical laughter. Edward just watched her, not sure how this was gonna pan out but loving the sound of her laugh.
His left pectoral stung just a little now that her grip was gone.
Shit that feels good.
He twitched.
Bella held up her hand asking for a moment to collect herself. Taking several deep breaths and straightening up her body, she leaned back against the counter by the microwave and looked at him.
Has anyone ever died of embarrassment?
Never in a million years did she once let herself think that he would be here…standing in her kitchen…looking at her like he wanted to pounce. She had no idea what to do. This was just so fucking confusing.
Edward could tell she was about to bolt, and he also knew it was entirely because of him. But there was no way he was leaving yet. This was way too much fun.
Switching gears, he could tell things needed to calm down for now, so he set the box on the kitchen table and said, "Look, B, I…uh," his hands moved into his front pockets as he spoke smiling wide still, "I can't seem to behave around you at all. You always were my favorite person to play around with…"
Her eyes went wide and she gasped.
"Whoa…that didn't come out right. I meant to say that I didn't mean make you uncomfortable, but you, uh…I mean you and I are old friends and I can't get over how much you have changed." He took a step towards her as he pulled his right hand out of his jean pocket and ran it up to pull on his hair. "You are the same but not the same…at the same time…ya know?"
Bella snorted at that and watched his face for signs of any insincerity. She saw none. Her eyes traveled a bit over his form then. He was sure was irresistible when he laid on the charm. How can one person be so sexy in just a black t-shirt and jeans?
He probably doesn't dress like this in New York.
Bella moved a little towards her center island, trying to keep some space from him. The further away she was from him the better she could keep control of her emotions.
Edward took two more steps towards her.
She moved to the other side behind the island.
She keeps moving away now.
He keeps following me!
Spying her forgotten drink next to the sink, she changed direction. Grabbing it, she took a full mouthful, letting the hazelnut sit softly before gulping it down.
He couldn't take his eyes off her.
She took another sip, and he watched the muscles in her throat working gently through its motions and his jaw tightened. An overwhelming urge to kiss her rushed through him. He would kiss her on that delicate, smooth throat, on her neck.
Trying to divert his thoughts a little, he looked around more. There were platters of cheese, grapes and strawberries, crackers, and stuffed artichoke hearts. Wine bottles and polished glasses were ready for use. Seeing the fresh bread and a colorful salad, his mouth began to water. Were those pistachio-crusted goat cheese medallions? Christ…Bella could cook! He might never leave. Suddenly his stomach betrayed him and grumbled loudly.
Hearing him, Bella turned slightly to watch from the corner of her eyes, a small laugh ready to come out.
Why didn't he just wait at the front door?
His stomach grumbles again.
Bella puts her hand to her mouth trying to hold in her reaction, and she asks, "Haven't you had dinner yet?"
"No, I haven't. And believe me, my spoiled stomach can't help but react to such a fine spread. There is so much food here…having a party, B?"
She almost snorted again…almost. "You're kidding, right? I haven't thrown a party, let alone been to one, in years."
He smiled at that, his sexy dimples causing her to flush all over. Moving to the opposite side of the island, Edward leaned toward her and said, "Now, I can't help but think that's an exaggeration, Ms. Swan! I mean, what is wrong with the men in this town?"
Her heart skipped a beat.
His eyes shined, and he continued, "Their loss then, 'cause I am a sucker for a woman who can obviously cook. Since you seem abandoned for the night, how about if I help you consume some of this obscene amount of food? I can be great company when the need arises."
Without waiting for a response, he moved over to the wine at the small side bar, checking out the two different bottles. A Shiraz and a Pinot. Choosing Pinot, he showed her the label, winked and waited.
Wait…what?
Bella is stunned…again. What the fuck is going on here? She had daydreamed at times about this person, this man…and here he was, right now, in her kitchen, all dimples and winks and asking if she would like to share wine and a meal with him. She couldn't believe it!
This was Edward Cullen, voted most handsome in his senior year book…and also an old kinda-friend of hers. As offsetting as some of their most recent encounters had been, Bella found that she still couldn't deny the thought of spending the evening with him exciting.
There is no other choice, really…
…fuck it…
Moving over to him by the wine glasses, Bella picked up the cork screw and looked into his green eyes. "Okay. Seeing as how I do actually have an insane amount of food here…and seeing that I am otherwise abandoned by my partygoers… I have no choice but to accept your offer as replacement for my lost company."
Reaching across his chest, she snatched the wine bottle from his hand, surprising him with her move, and poked the cork screw through the top. A few fluid twists and the cork came out smoothly.
"But this is my house, so let me host, okay? And, you have to behave, too." She blushed at that but he could see in her brown eyes that she was dead serious.
"Yes Ma'am!" His eyes widened. He was impressed…and he could take a hint. She was not a woman who liked having situations taken out of her control. Hence, her house, her rules.
I can do that...
Letting her take the reins, Edward grabbed two wine glasses, holding them out as she poured the wine. His grin had a little of the Devil in it as he remarked back, "Okay. I can only promise to try and behave…" he stated with emphasis, his eyes flashing, "…because if you happen to have the need to throw yourself at me again I can't be held responsible for my actions." He just grinned, and kept going, "But let's have a toast now, shall we, to old school mates…um…falling into each other. Cheers!" He laughs a little and then takes his first sip of the wine. The Pinot was very good…black cherry, long velvet-smooth finish…and a hint of vanilla.
Of course…
He surveyed their surroundings as he savored the finish. "You know, Bella, you have a very eclectic and comfortable set-up here."
Bella shook her head a little to clear her daze. What had she gotten herself into? She took a sip of her wine, enjoying the flavor, and said, "Thank you. I've lived here a pretty long time. It's very easy to accumulate things as the years go by."
He wondered what else, other than physical belongings, she'd picked up along the way. He knew the circumstances of her ex-husband. And he knew she was different now, more territorial and self-assure.
"Most came by way of rummage sales, but I like the old-feel comfort and mismatched pieces." Bella moved over to the sliding doorway to her studio. She could hear her radio still on and playing low.
Ha…Kiss You All Over.
Lame ass song.
She took another sip and spoke over her should to him, "I hope my girls didn't stress you out any. They can get a little out-of-control, especially when Tanya is here. They love her like an Aunt."
Edward watched her movements, thinking that no woman could be that sexy and not seem to know it.
He followed her to lean against the opposite side of the doorway, knowing she was really wondering if he was bothered that she had kids. He took a drink of the wine. "Ha! Not at all. But your oldest girl if one to watch out for I think…" He grinned as he remembered how Bella's daughter had…stared…at him…silently…, "And my line of work has forcefully and unforgivingly acclimated me to all sorts of situations, adults and children alike. Believe me when I say that in New York the adults can be just as difficult if not more so than the kids!" His smile was soft and reflective.
The wine was relaxing them both now.
"Tanya looks great, too. Who's the lucky guy in her life?"
Bella almost snorted… for the second time that evening if she was not mistaken, into her glass. Seeing him watching her again, she smiled and turned to face him, and said, "No, no, no…Tanya is not settled in any sense of the word. She has very high standards and won't stop looking until Mr. Right is found. She loves to be pampered and whoever-he-is will have to love that about her, too. Don't get me wrong. She knows how to take care of her man really well, but she just has to find the one that earns it the most."
Edward watched her as she spoke about her friend. He wondered if Bella had ever let herself be taken care of the way she needs. "Mr. Right, huh?"
His eyes bore right into her then.
His stomach grumbled again.
Bella laughed, glad for the distraction, and said, "Let's have some dinner…settle that complaining stomach of yours." She headed to the kitchen island and grabbed two plates. He watched her as she filled them.
"I have got everything set up for dinner in the studio, and it is so nice outside tonight I hope you don't mind." Edward moved to take his plate as she offered it to him, and they headed to the patio. His mouth watered for a different reason now. The food looked fantastic.
"This lasagna smells and looks really, really good. And I can't wait to chow down on that salad." Taking a seat, he watched as Bella sat as far away from him on the patio sofa as possible. "Uh, I don't have cooties anymore, B. You don't have to sit on the other side of the moon…" he said with a twinkle in his eye, and winked at her.
She stopped mid motion, her expression morphing into one of incredulous disbelief. "Seriously…how old are you, Edward? And I am pretty sure you have the worst kind of cooties ever..."
He laughed out loud at that.
Bella could feel her face flame, but she was not going to let him get to her again tonight, so she continued with a sly smile, "And, um, my girl cooties aren't looking to get down tonight…just so you know…"
Damn she's cute when she's like this.
She settled into her spot and twisted around to set her wine glass on the little table by the window, her dress pulling tight around her. Edward got a better glimpse of her curves, outlined by the soft fabric. Heat flashed to his groin, and this time he couldn't ignore it, biting his lip and staring at her eyes as she turned back toward him.
The look in his eyes was enough to cause Bella to freeze.
"Are you even trying to behave or do you just do that…thing…with your eyes unknowingly at all times? You're not some jerk who preys on old high-school friends, are you? I mean, you totally invite yourself to stay and you haven't stopped devouring me with your eyes since you arrived, even though you promised!" Bella crossed her legs, setting her plate in her lap and waited for his excuse at his behavior.
Edward laughed, "God, no! Look, Bella. I'm sorry…I just can't believe how beautiful you are. I mean, you're a knockout. How come you're still single? That ex-husband of yours must have done one over on you if you're still alone…"
He took a bite of the goat cheese salad. It was warm against the cool greens and tasted fantastic. He would have to remember this for his new project.
Miffed at the mention of her ex, Bella practically spit at him, "Wait a minute." Her eyes flashed now. "You can't possibly be stupid enough to open that can of worms! It is none of your business, anyway, what my personal life is like. Besides, I happen to know that you have not been such a saint in your dating habits. It seems like every time I go to your parent's shop there is some new story about some new woman and how you are 'living it up'. I mean, your mother thinks you have become a 'player' of sorts. And let's not forget in high-school how every popular girl wanted to get into your pants, Edward." Bella was more than a little hot around the collar. And it seemed that she had more than just a little to say to him.
Edward had stopped chewing midway through her rant. He stared at her, realizing that, number one: she had obviously taken some scars along with her divorce and he was wrong to go there; and, number two: she knew too much about his history of dating. And who was he kidding! It was not anything he was proud of. All those women using him. He realized that he had used them, too, and it had obviously made an impression on some of the people he knew back here.
"Whoa. That was harsh." He put his hand through his hair, embarrassed, and realized that there must be some tiny part of her that still cared about him to have reacted so vehemently about it. "Hey. I didn't mean to upset you, B. We should be laughing and reminiscing. Not taking jabs at each other. My mother should also know how to keep her mouth closed."
He set his plate down and looked at her face. "Look, I know that my high school girlfriends were not so cool towards you. Especially Lauren. And I know the reasons why. But, you should know something. Until the moment I saw your face this afternoon, I never realized how much I had thought about you over the years, how much I had missed your face. Your friendship meant a lot to me then. Bella," he reached out and lifted her chin, "I always knew with you there were no tricks, no schemes. You were kind and I was attracted to that very much."
Where is the rewind button?
Did he just say what she thought he had said? Okay, now it was her turn to drop her jaw. Her face must have been flaming as her heart picked up a more frantic pace.
He thought about me, too.
This is so weird…
"You…um…really know how to lay it on…" Could there be any more tension in the room? He probably thought that she would be putty in his hands compared to his big city girls. She was determined not to be so easily snared. "Look, uh, let's just eat our diner. My mouth gets away from me sometimes." She reached for her wine and accidentally sloshed some on his jeans across his thigh.
Could things be any worse?
"Oh, fuck! What is wrong with me? I am so sorry Edward!" Moving right next to him now, Bella took her napkin and, placing her free hand on his thigh, she wiped at his jeans frantically with the other.
It was too much. "No, it's fine, B. Don't worry about it…" Edward squirmed, both hands raised in the air, one still holding his glass of wine.
"No, no. I need to get it out or it will stain for sure." She began rubbing the napkin back and forth across his upper thigh and then pressing down firmly with her entire hand to soak up the wine.
Her breast lightly brushed against his side.
So fucking soft...
Edward groaned a little.
"Stop your moaning, Edward…If you care that much about your stupid jeans then I will replace…" She rubbed harder now.
"Bella! Bella! Just…you need to…stop…" He set his glass down on the table next to him and, grabbing her hands, he stared into her eyes and warned, "If you still expect me to behave, B, then I would suggest you stop doing that…now…"
a/n…this chapter was a challenge but so much fun to write…hope you laughed a little….let me hear about it….xxx jess