Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.I also don't own Sleeping with the Enemy. The book belongs to Nancy Price and the movie belongs to Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.
Sleeping with a Monster
Previously…
"Thanks for this Alice. It's been a long time since I've hung out doing girly stuff." I smiled as I turned to her.
"Oh Bella! I'm so glad to hear you say that. We are going to have so much fun!" she squealed, bouncing up and down in her seat. And suddenly I was genuinely afraid of what this little pixie had up her sleeve.
Chapter 14 – Just You and Me
Buzzzzz! Buzzzzz! Buzzzzz!
"Ugh," I groaned as I hit my alarm clock, not wanting to get up. "Five more minutes," I mumbled into my pillow. Sleep had eluded me for most of the night due to my nerves. Today was the first day of class, and I needed to get up and out the door by 6:00 am. I slowly flopped my legs off the bed not realizing how close I was to the edge, causing the rest of my body to roll off the bed. Of course, clumsy me lost her balance.
"Ooof!" I exclaimed as my butt made contact with the floor with a loud thud. "Ouch." I rolled to the side and rubbed my backside. Great way to start the day. I hope it wasn't a foreshadowing of things to come. The thought garnered a dry chuckle.
I slowly got off the floor, using the bed for support so I wouldn't have a repeat performance. I shuffled off to the bathroom to get ready. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and sighed as I saw how tired I looked. Maybe I'll feel and look better after a shower. I quickly shed my clothes and got in the shower, hoping the heat of the water would ease the tension in my shoulders.
As much as I loved being a teacher, it was always hard starting out in a new school. I didn't like being the center of attention. I was most likely going get more than a few curious looks than I wanted from the students and the staff, a sure thing being the new teacher. Hopefully in a school this size I wouldn't be the only new teacher. Eventually the novelty would wear off soon and I would get lost in the shuffle. I knew once the first couple of weeks passed by, I would cease to be the new teacher and just another member of the staff.
I realized I was taking too long in the shower and quickly finished up. Wouldn't want to be late for my first day, now would I. After toweling off, I quickly got dressed in my black knee length pencil skirt and matching jacket. I wore a light pink button down shirt under the jacket. Since I was going to be on my feet most of the day, I opted for a pair of low black heels. I was just finishing my hair and makeup when I heard the doorbell ring. A glance at the clock told me it was 6:40 am. I wondered who it could be this early in the morning as I cautiously walked over to the door. A quick peek through the peephole caused a big grin to spread across my face. I quickly unlocked the deadbolt before I threw open the door with more force than was necessary.
"Edward!" I grinned stupidly at him unable to hide my delight in seeing him at my door. I hadn't seen him since the baseball game due to our schedules. After shopping with Alice, we hadn't been able to get together because he had to work an extra shift. By the time he got home, I was already asleep. He then proceeded to sleep most of Sunday and had to work again that afternoon. His schedule was exhausting and I wasn't sure how he managed it.
"Good morning beautiful," he said with that gorgeous crooked smile of his. He must have just come from the hospital, still wearing his hospital scrubs, hair tousled and looking incredibly sexy, as usual. "Have you had breakfast yet?" He held up a bag and two cups of liquid.
"No, I was just getting ready to forage in my kitchen for something." I smiled as I stepped aside and motioning for him to come inside. As he passed by me, I could smell the aroma of the coffee.
"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty," he said as we walked into the kitchen.
"Not at all. What did you get?" I gushed, peeking inside the bag.
"I hope you like bagels and coffee," Edward said, his face hopeful.
"Perfect." I grabbed the coffee to get my morning fix, realizing coffee wasn't the only fix I was getting this morning. I could get used to starting my day out with Edward. In fact, becoming a morning person was a certainty, if Edward was on the menu. Edward chuckled at my reaction to the coffee. "What?" I playfully scowled.
"Big fan of coffee?" He smiled shaking his head.
"Mmmm." I hummed as I inhaled the aroma of the coffee before taking a sip. Edward pulled out a bagel and started to spread cream cheese on it. "What are you having?" I suddenly realizing he probably shouldn't be having coffee if he plans getting any rest.
"Don't worry – it's orange juice," he said as if reading my mind.
"So, to what do I owe this wonderful breakfast treat?" I cocked my head to the side as I leaned again the kitchen counter.
"I wanted to wish you luck on your first day of class," Edward admitted looking down at the bagels. "Besides, I missed seeing you all weekend." He looked up at me from under his eyelashes, and I felt my pulse quicken.
"I missed seeing you too," I said shyly unable to break free of his emerald eyes. I noticed Edward starting to slightly lean towards as I felt myself do the same. Suddenly the alarm on my cell phone went off, breaking us out of our trance. I had set the alarm on my phone to give me a 10-minute warning before I had to leave so I wouldn't be late for work.
"Sorry about that," I mumbled sheepishly as I fumbled with my phone turning off the alarm.
"What time do you have to leave?" Edward said softly as he tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear before he ran the back of his hand back down my cheek.
"In ten minutes," I whispered, finding myself a bit dazzled by Edward.
"When will you be home?" He dropped his hand before he gave me a bagel.
"Just after four o'clock at the earliest. Of course it's hard to say with it being the first day of school." I furrowed my brow, unsure of how things would go today. "Are you working later?" I said trying not to sound too desperate.
"I hope not," Edward sighed shaking his head in frustration. "Would you like to come over tonight?" He flashed me that crooked smile of his causing my heart to flutter.
"Sure," I said returning his smile. "What did you have in mind?"
"I'll cook us dinner, maybe we can watch a movie or something," he said looking down at his orange juice, swirling it around in the cup. "You know, get to know each other better." He looked up as if he were asking if it was okay.
"Sounds wonderful," I replied, giving my approval. We looked at each other for a long moment before I realized it was time for me to get to work. "I guess I should probably get going." Saddened a little at having so little time with Edward.
"Okay," Edward said as he tried to stifle a yawn. "Oh, I'm sorry." He looked embarrassed.
"Get some sleep and I'll see you this evening," I said with an understanding smile.
"Yes ma'am," he said obediently before he rubbed his hands over his face. I grabbed my breakfast, purse and messenger bag before we walked out the door and locked it.
"Thanks for the wonderful breakfast," I offered after Edward walked me to my car and opened the door for me.
"Anytime. Have a wonderful first day." His voice was soft as he leaned down and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before I got in my car. He shut the door to my car and stepped back as I started the engine. As I backed out of the driveway, Edward waved before he started to walk back to his place. I returned his wave as I drove away.
*******
That went better than I expected.
I erased the last of my lesson after the final bell rang signaling the end of the first day of school. I had two Junior English classes, one Creative Writing class and two AP English Literature classes. Much to my relief, I found that I wasn't the object of too much attention. I looked around my generic classroom, deciding I might have to make a few additions to inspire some creative learning. I didn't have time to consider my room with my short notice addition to the staff.
I sat down at my desk and turned to the computer there to check my emails. As I scrolled through the various announcements, meeting reminders and student inquiries, I heard a knock on my open door. I looked up to see a pleasant looking man with blue eyes and boyish features. His blond hair was styled into a casual spiky mess that looked a little like he was trying too hard. He was dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a button down shirt, a tweed blazer and burgundy loafers. He was shorter than Edward, at around five foot ten inches and looked like he might be a few years older than me.
"You must be Isabella Thomas, the new English teacher," he said before he smiled and walked over to my desk.
"Please, call me Bella." I smiled back as I stood and offered a handshake.
"Mike Newton." As he accepted my handshake, his eyes raked up and down my body, making me a little uncomfortable. "I teach World History and American Government a few doors down."
"Nice to meet you. How long have you taught here?" I hated making small talk, but it was the polite thing to do.
"About three years now. Great place to work," Mike replied before he saw one of his students waiting patiently to speak to him. He waved good-bye to me as he turned to the young girl. "What can I do for you, Bailey." His voice grew distant as he walked down the hall with her.
I let out a sigh of relief before I turned back to my work, grateful for the student pulling Mike away. I wanted to get as much work done before I left at four o'clock. Unfortunately, fate was not in my corner. It was to be expected as various members of the staff stopped by to welcome me to the team. I glanced at the clock, 4:30 pm, as I gathered my things to leave. I stopped by the office to them know I was leaving when the principal, Bill Peterson, came out.
"How did your first day go, Bella?" he inquired nicely.
"Really good." I couldn't hold back the smile. It felt good to be teaching again.
"Great. Don't forget we have staff meeting Wednesday morning. Let me know if you need anything. Sorry, I'm late for a district meeting." He offered me a chagrinned smile.
"Well then, I'll see you tomorrow, Bill." I felt relieved that I could get out of there quickly without any lengthy conversations.
"Bye, Bella!" He waved as he rushed out the door.
I quickly made my way out to my car and drove home. Anxious much? I laughed at myself, knowing I could not wait to see Edward. I pulled into the driveway of my house, got out of the car and went inside. I tossed my messenger bag and purse on the chair in my office before went to change into a pair of pink cotton shorts, a white tee shirt and pink mary janes. I quickly brushed my teeth and my hair before I freshened up my lip-gloss.
I grabbed my phone and house key before I walked out the door and locked up. I practically skipped over to Edward's barely containing my enthusiasm at seeing him again. When reached his doorstep, I paused, trying to calm myself before ringing his doorbell. I waited patiently for Edward to answer, but no one seemed to be at home. Disappointment started to wash through my veins cooling my enthusiasm as I rang for the second time. I signed as the let down settled over me and my ecstatic mood dissipated. I was almost to the end of his sidewalk when I heard the door open.
"Bella?" a groggy voice mumbled. I turned to see a half-asleep Edward shielding his eyes from the outside light pouring in through his open door. "What time is it?" I stifled a groan – he looked so good unshaven and barefoot wearing a white tank top and yellow basketball shorts. His bronze hair was beyond messy as it stood up on one side of his head, obviously the side he was sleeping on.
"Hey there, sleepyhead," I laughed quietly as I walked back towards Edward. "It's a little after 5 o'clock." I stopped in front of him as he stood in the doorway still trying to comprehend what I was saying.
"Wow. I must have been out," his husky voice said a little louder, running his hand through his hair before bringing it down to rub the back of his neck.
"Why don't you go back to sleep and I'll come over another time." I smiled hoping to hide my disappointment. "You need your sleep."
"No!" Edward said loudly. I see by could by the sorry look on his face, he didn't mean to say it that loud. "I'm good. I don't need anymore sleep."
"Really," I said with a skeptical look on my face and a sarcastic tone in my voice.
"Yeah." He smiled and stepped aside before he motioned for me to come in.
This was first time I had been inside of Edward's house. The floor plan mirrored my own, but it was decorated decidedly better than my place. Dominating the living room was his shiny black baby grand piano that had its top propped open wide, situated so the person playing the piano had a view of the front yard from the window. The image of a shirtless Edward playing Clare de Lune popped in my head as I remembered the night he caught me watching him at the piano. I felt a light blush rise to my cheeks and I glanced up at Edward. He was looking down at me and he chuckled as he caught my blush. I bumped my shoulder into him shyly and he put his arm around me and pulled me into his side.
We continued into the house with his arm around me. The walls were painted a taupe color giving the home a sophisticated air. The family room was dominated by a large plasma TV on the wall and the massive stereo. He had a CD collection that would make any music store envious.
"Wow," I murmured a little distractedly as I looked at his collection. I felt Edward's body next to me vibrate as he laughed at my reaction.
"Do you mind if I grab a quick shower?" he said pulling away from me a little.
"Go ahead. I'll just look at your sweet CD collection." I pulled my eyes away from the massive about of jewel cases in front of me to glance up at him. Edward quickly kissed the top of my head before he disappeared down the hall and into his room.
I stood there for a moment, a little distracted by the thought of Edward in the next room showering and the urge to join him. I pulled myself away from that line of thinking, chastising myself a little. Instead, I turned my attention to his music collection and all the music titles, seemingly organized in no particular order. He had quite the eclectic taste in music.
After several minutes of perusing the music, I sunk down into one of his soft brown couches. They were covered in a soft woven fabric with overstuffed cushions. The back, arms and frame of the couches were covered in brown worn leather that was accented by big rivets along the bottom of the front of the couch and running up the fronts of the armrests. The furniture was masculine without feeling as if you were in a bachelor pad.
I leaned my head back into the soft cushions of the couch and closed my eyes for a moment as I relaxed. I wasn't alerted to Edward's presence until I felt the cushion next to me shift a slightly. I smiled a little before I opened my eyes to see Edward sitting next with his face closer to me than I expected, watching me. He hair was still wet making it a shade darker and had on a pair of black shorts and a red tee shirt.
"How was your day," he asked softly, staring intently at my lips before he brought his eyes up to meet mine.
"Really good." His delicious scent swirled assaulted my senses and I unconsciously licked my lips. Just then, my stomach had to go and ruin the moment with a hungry growl.
"Hungry?" Edward laughed, just before his stomach answered mine with a growl of its own, causing me to let out a giggle. "Okay… Sounds like we are hungry. How about some spaghetti."
"You cook?" I asked a little shocked.
"Yes. I am quite the master of spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, canned soup. The list goes on and on." he crowed proudly as if he was a master chef, but his eyes were full of humor.
"Oh my. I had no idea I was in the presence of such greatness." I teased breathlessly fanning myself like I was about to swoon. Suddenly Edward jumped up off the couch pulling me with him.
"Come on. I'll teach you how to boil water." He laughed at my mockery before he grabbed me and hoisted me over his shoulder eliciting a surprised squeak from me. He carried me the twenty or so steps into the kitchen and gently set me down on my feet.
Edward and I quickly got to work making spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. Twenty minutes later, we were seated at his dining table and enjoying a good meal together. As we ate, Edward started to ask me questions, a lot of questions. But I didn't feel threatened by them. They were mostly trivial things like what my favorite food or favorite animal. A few of them caused me to blush, like when he asked what my favorite color was.
"Green," I blurted out without thinking. This caused me to blush because up until a few weeks ago, my favorite color was blue. Edward didn't need to know that the color of his emerald eyes was the reason for the change.
"What?" He looked at my blushing cheeks as I looked down at my plate. But I shook my head refusing to tell him the reason for my embarrassment. "Please… Tell me?" he said softly as he lifted my face to look at him.
"It's the color of you eyes," I sighed, giving in to his request as I looked back down. "I suppose if you asked what my favorite hair color was, I'd say bronze." I continued giving more information that I had intended. [A/N: Taken in part from Twilight, pg 230.]
Edward didn't pause for too long before he shot off more questions about favorite flower, movie, song, etc. He continued his interrogation as we cleaned up after dinner. By the time we made our way over to the couch in the family room, I felt like a game show contestant trying to answer rapid-fire questions before the buzzer went off. So when he asked when my birthday was, I told him without a second thought. He paused his questions as a mischievous smile broke across his face.
"No. No. No." I groaned and I covered my face with my hands.
"September 13th," Edward mused. "How old will you be?"
"Twenty-five," I grumbled into my hands. I looked up into his amused face. "Please don't tell Alice! I have a feeling if she finds out, she will make a big deal about it."
"And I won't?" Edward laughed.
"Edward! Please, no parties! I hate it when people make a big deal out of my birthday!" I wailed shaking my head.
"Okay. I promise…" He hesitated for dramatic effect. "…not to tell Alice." He busted out laughing at me and I smacked his shoulder with my hand. "Ouch!" He rubbed his shoulder, hamming it up a bit.
"Humph," I grunted in frustration as I crossed my arms across my chest and pouted. I wasn't really that mad at Edward, I just didn't want anyone to make a big deal about my birthday. I could tell by the smirk on his face that he wasn't fooled by my fake anger, but he played along anyway.
"Bella," Edward sang my name as he leaned in close. "Don't be mad. It will be just be the two of us. Okay?" He caressed my arm with his hand and I shivered at his touch and the prospect of 'the two of us.' He was driving me mad and I caved.
"Fine. Just you and me," I said sternly as my lips twitched into a smile. "But no one else." I looked at him pointedly.
"Okay." Edward pouted like a scolded child and I laughed, knowing our fake fight was over.
"So, how old are you? And when is your birthday?" I asked, hoping I could get a little payback.
Edward smirked, probably seeing right through me. "You missed it. I turned 28 on June 20th," I sighed in defeat. He put his arm around me and pulled me into his side. The warmth from his body relaxed me while we sat there in a comfortable silence for a long moment before he asked, "Are you ready for the movie?"
"What? No more questions?" I teased lifting my head to look at his face.
"I think that's it… for now." He pulled me off the couch to look at our movie choices.
"When do I get my turn? I still don't know much about you." I realized that he had come out this answering only two of my questions.
"Friday," he said simply.
"Friday? What about it. You only answer questions of Fridays?" I said flippantly.
He laughed quietly and shook his head. "That's right and the occasional odd numbered Tuesday. Yes Friday, when you let me take you out for dinner, someplace nice."
My laughter rang out in the room before it morphed into a contented sigh. "Okay, Friday then." I turned my attention to the DVD selection trying to play it cool and not jump up and down like a silly schoolgirl who just was asked to the prom by the man of her dreams.
Finally!
Our last two dates outside of hanging out at his house had involved Rose. I was looking forward to going somewhere with Edward that didn't involve nasty comments and constant glares from his sister-in-law.
"So, what should we watch?" I asked not caring – as long as I was with Edward, I was good with just about anything. We selected a movie, dimmed the lights and settled in to watch sitting in much the same way we did when we spent the night on the swinging bench. Edward kept playing with my hair during the movie and if felt so good. He managed to distract me completely so that I had absolutely no idea what was going on in the movie.
About a half-hour into the show, we changed positions so that we were both lying down on the couch, Edward behind me with his warm chest pressed up against my back, his arm draped across my waist and out hands entwined. He had his head propped up on his hand to watch the movie. More than once I caught him watching me instead of the movie, but every time I did, he would quickly look back up to the movie.
I was still pretending to watch the movie when I felt Edward's breath on my ear and neck.
"Bella." The tone of his voice made my stomach quiver. I felt his nose skim my neck and my breathing hitched in my throat.
"Hm," I replied, unsure if I could find my voice. He pulled my shoulder towards him, rolling me on my back and I looked up at him while he hovered over me. Even in the dark room illuminated only by the television, I could see his eyes were clearly smoldering. Anticipation started to build as it started to sink in that Edward was looking that way at me. Me! How did I, simple little Bella, cause such a reaction in someone as gorgeous as Edward?
"You smell so good," he groaned softly while caressing my cheek. He slowly brought his head to down to mine and lightly brushed his warm soft lips against mine. I don't know what came over me; perhaps it was the building anticipation. But the moment his lips touched mine, I crashed my lips into his fervently kissing him, winding my fingers through his hair.
Edward froze for a brief moment before he returned my kiss with a passion matching my own pulling me closer to his body with one hand while he buried the other in my hair. The quiver in my stomach exploded throughout my body spreading out with the heat of our kiss. When we finally we broke apart for some much needed air, I heard Edward's ragged breathing, much like my own. He continued his kisses down my neck and back up again before he stopped at my ear.
"I've been wanting to do that for a very long time," Edward confessed in a rough voice, still breathing heavy.
"Why did you stop?" I teased, still trying to regulate my own breathing.
"Bella, please," he moaned. "Are you trying to test the limits of my self-control?"
"Your control appears to be fine. It's mine that needs the help." I laughed softly at the way I attacked him. I was too happy to be embarrassed. He answered with a laugh as he pulled me into his chest. I closed my eyes and inhaled his glorious scent. We lay in each other embrace on the couch as the forgotten movie played on. My previous night of sleeplessness finally caught up with me and I fell into a blissful slumber in Edward's arms. I was vaguely aware of Edward turning off the TV and pulling a blanket off the back of the couch and spreading it over us. I was right where I wanted to be, snuggled into his chest with his arms wound tightly around me.
A/N: Show me some love!
I know that was really fluffy, but... You know you love fluff. Besides I had to throw some in before the drama starts... hint, hint. Can't have one of these stories without some drama!
Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. And since I didn't get a chance to respond to most of the reviews for the last chapter, I'm giving a special thank to everyone who reviewed. So this 'THANKS' goes out to... washingtongirl-91, orlibluver, cantarbailar, future-impending, Bunnybabi, Bennyjo4, SarcasticProcrastinator-AMLF, junebug84, twilightobession, ThisIsMyDisguise, narniagirl17, jvanshuff, goldeneyedfanpire, FRK921, bitemeplease235, VanessaGirl123, Pup-of-Power, Loulabelle, itMUSTbeLOVE53. In the immortal words of Guitar Hero 3 (my favorite game, btw) - "YOU ROCK!" - SavageWoman