…'Meyer' made the mold…but we are all here to break it…lol…

Chapter 28

THE GIRL was flat out passed out.

After leaving the restaurant, they had taken a cab to Edward's apartment in the Gramercy East neighborhood, sitting close together while Edward pointed out some of his favorite places to eat and shop along the way. The limo driver, Demitri, had already delivered Bella's travel bags for them to make things easier, and they were waiting there when they arrived inside his 19th floor, 2 bed 2 bath apartment at the Post Luminaria, Unit 19D. It wasn't the largest they offered and it wasn't on the top floor either, but he scored big anyway he saw it because it was a corner unit and offered more privacy, more windows and had a balcony and a terrace.

Demitri.

Edward couldn't decide if he wanted to thank him for his part in Bella's tardy arrival or punch him for almost giving him a heart attack.

Leaving the doorway of his master bath, Edward walked across his bedroom to where one Ms. Swan lay sprawled on her stomach sleeping soundly across the middle of his bed.

God, she's beautiful.

Her flip-flops had already fallen to the floor. Bending over above her, her gently rolled her to her side and unfastened each button of her coat so he could remove one arm and then the other after a little more gentle maneuvering. She was sleeping so hard she didn't even stir the tiniest bit. He admired her petite feminine form in that tank and boy-shorts for just a moment. He loved his thank you present and would not forget to thank her for it later. Next, he lowered the covers on one side of his king-size bed and slid his arms under her neck and knees, lifting her and then placing her on the open area. She signed into her pillow and snuggled until she settled in and quieted again.

God she's cute.

Staring down at her asleep in his bed, Edward's hand rose to where his heart was and rubbed at the feelings he was experiencing there. Ten days with her would not be nearly long enough. But if things went exactly the way he was planning, he would have her for much, much longer.

Moving around to the other side of the bed, he undressed quickly, just letting everything, even his boxer briefs, drop to the floor where he stood, and then he lowered the covers on his side and slid in beside her warm body to spoon her from behind.

"Edward?"

"Sh, sweetheart. Just go back to sleep." He kissed lightly on her neck and shoulder.

"Okay."

It took him a long time to stop smiling. But when he finally did stop, he fell asleep to dreams of future plans, chocolate brown eyes…and pretty painted toes.

xxCSxx

"OH, FUCK what time is it?"

Edward groaned and pulled Bella's warmth back into his now cold chest. "B, for Christ's sake, are you trying to give me grey hair," he growled out and squeezed her a little, unable to resist pushing his hips into her backside. He buried his face in her hair and breathed her in deep.

Fuck she smells so good.

"Oh, shit…Edward…what…stop that! Where's your clock?"

"The only clock I own is located at my crotch, and it tells me without fail each time it's necessary to get up…which is now." He laughed a little at his awesome wit, punctuating his words with a small grind of his morning wood against her ass. He moaned into her neck and cupped her left breast through the fabric of her pink tank, "Mmm…"

"Oh my God…you're a juvenile!" He could tell she was trying not to smile through her reaction. She was barely able to stop from pressing back herself, he felt so good against her.

Do NOT let the pretty distract you, Bella!

She tried to roll to her stomach but only succeeded in Edward following her to press his entire front fully and wonderfully against the length of her back. They both groaned and Edward couldn't be more delighted with their new positioning. He ground down hard into her ass again, letter her feel him.

"Ung, Edward…" Bella whined. "Stop that! I have to get up and get ready to head to the gallery…please…"

Still grinding, but in slow circles, he spoke hoarsely into her neck, "Fuck, I love it when you beg me, B." He nipped her ear. "Do it again."

She shrieked, "Edward! Get off!"

"I thought that's what I was doing." Edward laughed at her exasperation, but wisely chose to roll off her to avoid getting hit or kicked by her struggling appendages. "Okay, okay. I surrender…for now. But just keep in mind that we have unfinished business, babe."

Bella scrambled from the bed quickly, almost falling as her leg became tangled in the top sheet, then she whirled around with both hands on her hips and puffing her breath upward to blow her wild hair out of her eyes. Once she was able to see him clearly her annoyance flew out the window as she took in the sight of one bare-chested and rumpled Edward Cullen, laying amongst white sheets just barely coving his hips, with sexy as hell morning scruff, sex hair that only the Devil could create and a mouthwatering erection to boot. Oh, and his eyes staring back at her with lusty promises.

Yeah.

Her nipples peaked.

He licked his lips.

She ran for the bathroom and locked the door.

Thirty minutes later she was freshly showered and dressed in her favorite no-nonsense, ready to get down and dirty, white men's undershirt, skinny jeans and, her splurge of the year, Nike Lady Free Run+ V3 Running Shoes…in awesome purple. She couldn't help but follow the aroma of freshly brewed coffee down the apartment hallway and into Edward's kitchen. Again, she was greeted with the sight of a half-dressed Edward, who now sat at his kitchen counter atop a tall stool wearing just those black sweatpants she had seen him in once before and sipping on a steamy cup-'o-Joe as he smiled and stared back at her over its rim.

Jesus, he is sin…

Smiling, he set his cup down and crooked his finger at her, silently asking Bella to come closer. Setting her portfolio case against the wall and dropping her purse down beside it, she walked to him and stopped to stand between his spread thighs as his hands reach to grab her hips, pulling her closer still.

"Hi."

"Hi, back."

"Want coffee?"

"No time."

Edward moved his hands around to her jean covered ass, holding her tight to him there. "Did I ever tell you how much I love your ass in these jeans?"

She snorted and shifted against him, "No, but I think I get the picture."

He leaned in to kiss her neck, letting his tongue peak out for a taste, "Mmm. How about how much I love the way you taste?"

Bella shivered at his words, "I, uh, think you might have hinted at that a time or two. Edward, I really need to get to the gallery…"

Moving back from her neck, Edward smiled then raised his right hand to tuck her hair behind her ear gently, speaking soft and sexy, "Will you have lunch with me this afternoon…at the restaurant?"

His green eyes were making her crazy staring at her so sweetly. "Um, I don't think I will have time. How about dinner instead?"

"Deal." He moved to brush his lips across her own and kissed her softly at first, but neither of them could seem to help themselves and the kiss soon became all open mouthed and hungry, full of tongue and teeth and need. Bella's hands found their way helplessly up into his hair, tugging his copper strands even as his own gripped and squeezed her ass for more.

Forcing her lips away from his, Bella sighed and you could hear the regret in her voice, "I really really need to go, Edward. If I don't leave right now I never will."

Edward sighed and rested his forehead against hers, taking a deep breath to calm down. "Alright, I know. But a man can only have so much control when his hot girlfriend attacks him in his kitchen and he knows that she wants him to fuck her silly."

Holy shit…

"Edward!" She stepped away, face full on red, and smacked his arm with her hand. "You truly have a one track mind." She backed away to where her things were against the wall, keeping her eye on him as she continued to make sure he stayed put on his stool.

"Oh, come on, B. You do too. Don't deny it, babe. You know you want it. Last night is proof enough because I still have not returned the 'thank you' favor and your pussy needs relief. I know."

"Oh my God, I am so outta here. I will call you later, alright?" Hiking her things onto her left shoulder, she glanced at his crotch, motioning towards it with her left hand, her voice sweet and full of snark, "Why don't you go take a shower…you know…so you can take care of that problem you got there."

At her taunting words, Edward stood up abruptly and took a step towards her, a wicked grin taking over his face, "Oh, you can bet your sweet ass I will be taking care of my problem, B." He watched Bella's mouth drop open as she stared at his hand now rubbing at the little hairs on his lower abs suggestively, right above where his sweats began. "But fare warning sweetheart, you have about five second to leave before I throw you over my shoulder and take you with me."

He took another step forward and she bolted for the front door.

Edward couldn't help but laugh out loud at her exit, calling out to her just before the door slammed shut, "I'll be thinking about you, B."

He could have sworn he heard a small 'fuck' just before the door clicked closed.

He sighed, raking both hands through his messy hair, "Is it dinner time yet?"

xxCSxx

BELLA FELT like she was almost living in a dream. More like Gallery Nine was a dream come true. She was loving it. She had arrived just after 10 a.m. to find bare white walls and all of her pieces unloaded and ready for arrangement. It hadn't taken long for her to hit it off with the quirky cute gallery manager, Angela Cho. She had this whole retro-nerd thing going on and owned it. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had met Bella there first and made the introductions themselves. They really were awesome people to have in her corner. After they left them to it due to a previously scheduled grooming appointment for Mrs. Henderson's poodles, Angela had taken Bella to the back of the gallery where various assorted breakfast items and fruits waited with coffee and juice. Thank god because Bella was starved.

Then they got to work. With each passing hour, Bella became more excited as she notice people walking by outside stopping to glance inside through the large front windows to watch their activity. Some even came in to get flyers.

She was going to need to give Stew-G a huge kiss for his part in those flyers…on his cheek of course. He had sent an email to her letting her know how grateful he was to her for the opportunity to get his name out there in any way, especially in New York City. He was stunned the gallery had paid him so well, too, and he would be putting the money toward a small work studio of his own.

Edward had called once not long after her arrival to make sure she arrived at the gallery safe and sound and to see if her plans had changed regarding lunch. No such luck. He sounded like he missed her, too. It was awesome and she couldn't wipe off the smile plastered to her face. Could he be any more irresistible? She assured him she would be finished for the evening no later than 7'ish or so and that she would meet him at Brazil right after for dinner. But Edward changed their plans, asking for them to just stay in tonight and eat at his apartment together…alone. He would bring the food and surprise her with his selections from Brazil's menu. How could she say no to that offer? Duh.

Lunch was delivered from this little Greek deli at around 2 p.m. She had her very first Falafel that afternoon and loved it, scarfing it down in under ten minutes while Angela watched and laughed and warned her not to choke to death before tomorrow's opening. After that comment Bella knocked on wood…several times just to be safe.

At around 4 p.m. she forced herself to take a break and call her girls. Tanya was treating them to a night out at the Alamo Draft House for dinner and an early movie. Apparently they were showing Edward Scissorhands, and being the 'Depp' fan she was, Tanya just had to take them to see it up on the big screen. Rosey got a little weepy on the phone but Bella just grinned a bore it, telling her baby that she missed her too…much more so, in fact…and that she would see them before they knew it, with presents to boot. June seemed like her usual self, a little annoyed at this and that and the other, especially with her younger sibling. Bella asked her to be patient and show the love and reminded her that bad behavior begot no treats from the Big Apple.

Before she knew it, time had flown by and it was just after 7 o'clock. She was beat, too. With most of her pieces already hung, she should only need to come in tomorrow morning for a couple of hours. Then she would have time to relax and get ready for the 5 p.m. opening.

With a quick hug and thanks to 'Awesome' Angela, Bella left the gallery and hailed a taxi for Edward's apartment.

Remembering Edward's threat from this morning, she laughed and smiled to herself.

She hoped she would have time to shower before dinner.

Hell, she hoped she would even get to eat at all.

Hornball.

a/n…apologies for the delay…a massive curveball came my way…leave me some love…review review review…please please please…review…

xxx jess