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…
"Are you excited for your birthday? Only two more days." Edward teased as he pulled me down on the couch with him. I tucked my legs under me and cuddled into his side as I groaned.
"Are you sure I can't convince you to just forget it?" My voice sounded hopeful.
"Not a chance." Edward laughed at my reluctance to celebrate my birthday.
Chapter 26 – Motorcycles and Hearts
"Bella, please don't be difficult about this." Edward sounded exasperated.
"Charlie would be rolling over in his grave if he knew what you were trying to get me to do, you know that right? And on my birthday, no less!" I whined. I was excited when Edward had asked me to get my birthday off from work, that was, until I found out what we were doing.
"Actually I don't know that." Edward grinned, his eyes aglow with a mischievous light.
"Motorcycles are reckless and stupid," I said, quoting my father as I eyed the powerful looking bike in front of me. It was had a sleek look to it as tubes of chrome flowed and twisted into a menacing machine of power. Charlie instilled in me a fear of motorcycles. Having seen his fair share of motorcycle accidents, he made sure to lecture me about the hazards of riding one.
"You sound like my old drivers ed. teacher." Edward laughed as he put down the helmet he was holding.
"No, I'm just channeling my father, the police chief." I frowned as I folded my arms across my chest taking a stubborn stance. I briefly glared down at the white tank top with Harley Davidson emblazoned across the front with a swirling design that Edward had managed to talk me into wearing before he told me what we were doing. I had a feeling Alice had a hand in selecting my outfit, complete with black boot cut jeans and black riding boots. It was the three-inch heels on the boots that made me suspect Alice. I had to admit the clothes made me feel sexy, that was, until I saw the bike Edward wanted me to ride. I trained my glare back on him before he gave me a decidedly evil crooked grin. He crouched slightly and started to 'stalk' me.
"I don't know what you are planning Edward Masen, but it's not going to work," I said as I nervously started to back away from him and further into his garage, his grin getting bigger.
"Bella," he growled playfully as he continued to walk towards me, the sound of his voice sending a thrill of excitement laced with desire through my body.
"Time to use my powers of persuasion again," Edward said his voice husky. Having experienced Edward's persuasive powers, I knew I was in trouble.
"No. Stay!" I pointed at him, trying to keep my face serious as I fought down the smile that was threatening the corners of my mouth.
"You know I can't stay away from you." Edward's face looked even more mischievous as he continued his advance.
I glanced over my shoulder and realized I was almost to the door that led from Edward's garage into his house. I turned back to Edward to see him deepen his crouch slightly as he prepared to 'spring' on me. I tried to play it cool, but failed completely as a squeal of excitement escaped my lips as before I made a play for the door. Edward was fast and before I knew it, I found myself enveloped in Edward's arms and pressed up against the door with my hands flat against his chiseled chest.
Edward lowered his face to mine before he detoured to the side and trailed soft kisses along my jaw up to my ear. When he kissed the hollow behind my ear, a shiver ran down my spine and I fisted his tight, black, skull T-shirt with my hands.
"That drives me wild." I said as I pulled him closer to me, as Edward tightened his embrace.
"I'm counting on it." His breathy chuckle fanned across my skin and I knew it was pointless to resist him. Right now, Edward was fully aware of the effect he had on me and would use it to his advantage.
"Kiss me." I almost begged wanting to feel his mouth on mine. He quickly obeyed my command knowing he had won without a fight. Edward kissed me thoroughly before we pulled apart panting for air.
I closed my eyes and let out a long sign as I contemplated all the dangers that awaited me if I got on that powerful looking bike. I opened my eyes and glanced over at the bike. It looked fast and made me nervous. I looked up to meet Edward's gaze.
He eyed me for a moment before he chuckled and stroked my cheek. "Love, do you really believe I would let anything happen to you?"
"Oh, I trust you, Edward, implicitly. It's all the other idiots on the road I don't trust," I said, once again quoting one of Charlie's sayings from my teenage years. Edward threw back his head and laughed.
"I will protect you, even from them. Okay?" He gave me that lopsided smile that made me weak in the knees and melted my resolve to resist.
"Okay," I relented.
"Let's get going. I want to get down the road before it gets too hot." We pulled apart and walked over to the motorcycle. I had no idea Edward had this in his garage. Of course, when I thought about it, I had never been in his garage before.
Edward applied some sunscreen on my exposed shoulders before helping me into a lightweight jacket. It wasn't cold, but it was early and cooler than what I had grown accustomed to. Add that to the air that would be rushing past us, and we were sure to feel the chill. Edward already had on his jacket, looking like a Greek biker god in his black boot cut jeans. His black riding boots had a rougher look to them than my more fashionable riding boots did. I put on my sunglasses and scowled at the helmet Edward held out to me. He laughed.
"What? You say riding a bike is reckless and stupid, but you don't want to wear a helmet," he said humor lacing his voice as I combed my fingers through my hair.
"No. It's not that. I'm just sure I'm going to look like an idiot, not to mention getting sweaty." I quickly arranged my hair into a ponytail at the nape of my neck, not wanting to deal with my hair in the helmet.
"Better sweaty than dead." I rolled my eyes at him as I grabbed the helmet and shoved it on my head snapping the visor down.
"Happy?" I snapped playfully before I muttered, "I look ridiculous."
"Actually, you look sexy." He smirked. "But this helmet is going to make it awkward to kiss you whenever I want."
"Humph. I guess that's the price you'll have to pay for getting me to ride that." I shot him a look over my shoulder as I strutted out of the garage, playing it cool while my heart did flips in my chest.
"Stupid helmet," Edward mumbled under his breath as he pushed the bike out of the garage before he closed the overhead door. I snickered at his comments as he pouted playfully at me while he put on his sunglasses and helmet. However, my laughter cut off at the sound of Edward's bike awaking with a fearsome roar. I felt slightly queasy at the thought of straddling a growling beast full of flammable gasoline careening down the highway without the false sense of security an enclosed vehicle provided.
Edward smirked at my wary stance, as I stood there a little uncertain about what to do next. I placed my slightly shaky hand in to his outstretched one and he pulled me closer to the rumbling bike.
Once Edward had me situated on the bike sitting behind him, he showed me which pegs to rest my feet on and what not to touch to avoid burns. With my arms wrapped around his waist in a death grip, Edward maneuvered the bike onto our street. He took it slow, obeying the speed limits in the residential neighborhood. I had a feeling he was taking it slow for my benefit and I appreciated it, knowing that all too soon, we would be flying down the road at a high rate of speed.
Eventually we cleared the congestion of the greater Phoenix area as we made for the open highway, winding through the desert along a two-lane highway. After a while, I found myself actually enjoying the feel of the bike as we snaked along the curves of the road. I don't know when I relaxed my hold on Edward, but after while I felt confident enough to rest my hands lightly on his hips. Occasionally Edward would pull the bike over and we would get off to take in a beautiful vista of the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Lake or stretch our legs. We spent most of the morning this way - riding around the lake, looking at the scenery and talking. It was wonderful just to spend time together. Edward was true to his word – it was jus the two of us.
A little before noon we pulled into the marina and parked the bike. I removed my helmet and jacket as Edward did the same and got off the bike. He took our riding gear and hung it on the handlebars while I released my hair from the ponytail and fluffed it a bit.
He grabbed my hand and helped me off the bike. "Ready for another boat ride?" He pulled me into his arms and looked into my eyes. His gaze was full of excitement.
"I didn't bring a swimsuit," I said before my lips curled into a playful smile as I snuggled into Edward's chest. I breathed in his fresh masculine scent and sighed happily.
"I guess we'll just have to improvise." He laughed softly and hugged me tighter.
"I don't see your swimsuit either," I said lightly poking him in the side and smiling up at him.
"Like I said… we'll just have to improvise." Edward wagged his eyebrows suggestively. I found myself laughing at him and thinking of how much he reminded me of Emmett.
"What?" Edward feigned innocence.
"You look like Emmett when you do that." I mimicked his eyebrow wagging only to see Edward grimace at the idea.
"Emmett, huh." Edward gave me an evil grin before he suddenly hoisted me over his shoulder and smacked my butt with his hand. I couldn't hold back the sudden scream that escaped my lips at his sudden movements.
"Let's go, baby!" He shouted loudly, garnering the attention of everyone within twenty yards. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks at being the center of attention while Edward jogged with me down to the dock as I tried to keep my chest from popping out of my tank top.
"What are you doing?" I playfully smacked his backside before adding, "You actually called me baby?" My voice was full of mock distaste for the endearment. Edward stopped and slowly slid me down the front his body before placing me on my feet.
Edward nodded, a grin still plastered on his face. "Just channeling Emmett for you, babe." I smiled at him with a sweet innocence before I slapped him upside the back of the head.
"Hey! What was that for?" Edward winced slightly.
"Just channeling Rose for you, babe," I said cheekily before I kissed him chastely on the lips. Edward tightened his grip on my waist before I could pull away.
"You've got a lot to learn about channeling Rose. That was not a Rose-like kiss." Edward started to lean in when I pushed him away slightly. I wasn't strong enough to move him, but I knew Edward would oblige my unspoken request.
"And what would you know about how Rose kisses?" I smirked at him before I added, "Is there something you need to tell me, and Emmett for that matter?" Edward's cheeks turned a slight pink, but his eyes still seemed to smolder as he looked at my lips.
"Not a thing." He lowered his head, his lips meeting mine. Edward's kiss was slow and so full of passion my insides turned to jelly. When we finally broke apart for some much-needed air, I had to hold on to him to keep from swaying.
Edward caressed my cheek. "What were you saying about Emmett?" His eyes were teasing.
"Emmett who?" I fanned my face like southern belle and winked at him. Edward laughed, reminding me of it's musical quality, and we pulled apart.
"So, where's this boat we're supposed to be riding?" I linked my arm through his and smiled up at him from under my eyelashes.
"This way," Edward said, returning my smile and leading me down one of the docks. There were boats tied up all along the dock that was slightly crowded with people. At the end of the dock was a red and white replica of an old steamboat. Painted across the upper deck at the back of the boat was the name 'Dolly' in red paint. I looked at Edward in surprise when he stopped us at the end of the gangplank leading to the old boat. He pulled out some tickets and handed them to the attendant standing there.
"Have a nice trip," the attendant said. We smiled at him as Edward pulled me onto the boat.
"This is quite the nice boat you have here Edward," I said coyly.
"Only the best for you, love," Edward said, kissing the top of my head as we made out way through the other passengers milling about the boat. We found a seat in the shade along the railing and sat down. Edward pulled me close into his side with his arm around me, kissed me on the temple and sighed.
We took the narrated cruise around Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat to see the more of the Sonoran Desert from the vantage point of the lake. After the cruise ended, we made out way to the Lakeside Restaurant and Cantina for a bite to eat.
**********
As we pulled into Edward's driveway, my phone started to vibrate. I pulled off my helmet, glanced at the screen.
"It's Alice," I said in response to Edward's inquisitive look as he cut the engine to the bike, set the kickstand, and got off.
"Hello?" I got off the bike and Edward wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and nuzzled my neck.
"Bella, It's Alice." She sounded very somber.
"Hi. Is something wrong?" Her tone worried me.
"I thought we were friends." I stiffened at how hurt she sounded causing Edward lips to stop massaging my neck.
"What are you talking about, Alice? You're my best friend," I said, confused at what I might have done to offend her.
"What's wrong?" Edward's breath fanned against my ear and I mouthed an 'I don't know' at him.
"How could you not tell me? I'm hurt that you would keep your birthday from me." As soon as Alice said birthday, I looked back and rolled my eyes at Edward signaling that everything was okay.
"Because I didn't want anyone to make a big deal about it." I could feel Edward relax behind me.
"Bellllaaa!" Her voice was high and whiny and I winced, holding the phone away from my head as the sound pierced my eardrum. Edward laughed softly at my reaction.
"Wait! How did you find out it was my birthday?" Edward resumed his preoccupation with my neck and I shivered in delight.
"Esme called Rose about an hour ago to ask what we were doing for your birthday. And Rose called me. Why didn't you pick up your phone?" Her impatience started to wane.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't know you called. Edward and I went motorcycle riding." Edward held out his hand asking for the phone and I gladly gave it to him. I turned around in his arms to face him.
"Alice, what are you planning?" Edward asked as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I gave him a slow, lazy kiss as he listened to Alice chirp on the phone.
Edward pulled back a little to reply to Alice. "Yes, I do, so we won't be going tonight." I didn't know what she had in mind, but I had a feeling it involved me being the center of attention tonight. I inhaled his scent as I buried my nose in the crook of his neck taking my time to nuzzle.
"Because I made a promise to her," Edward said before he let out a small gasp when I nibbled his neck. I tuned out the one-sided conversation and continued my efforts to distract Edward. Apparently it worked but on the wrong person. I laughed internally when I realized I was so distracted, I didn't hear him end his conversation with Alice.
"That drives me wild." He let out a shaky breath as I continued to kiss and nibble his neck. A small giggle escaped my lips as I recognized my line from this morning.
"I'm counting on it," I mimicked his earlier response and we both laughed.
"Alice will be here in a few minutes." Edward buried his face in my hair and sighed.
"Why?" I returned his sigh, not caring about the answer to my question.
"She wants to help you get ready for dinner in a couple of hours." I pulled back to look at him.
"Is everyone coming with us?" I tried to make my voice sound light.
"No. It's still just the two of us." He gave me a reassuring smile before he added, "but, she does have something planned for tomorrow night." I groaned and hit my forehead against Edward's chest
"Don't tell me. I'm sure she wants to." Edward's face erupted in a devilish smile.
"She wants us all to go dancing at her favorite club."
"Edward! You told her." Alice's voice startled me out of my private cocoon with Edward as she walked up the driveway.
"Payback, Alice. Payback." Edward laughed at her pout. He turned his attention back to me and gave me a triumphant smile.
"I'll come get you at six thirty," Edward said as he lightly brushed his lips against mine before releasing me.
"Come on, Bella," Alice said as she grabbed my arm and started dragging me away from Edward.
"But…" I wasn't ready to leave Edward's arms just yet. I got one last kiss in before he was out of arms reach.
"We don't have that much time." Alice sounded a little impatient with me, so I decided against giving her any more grief. I turned and followed her out of the garage.
"So what have you planned for me to wear on this date?" I linked my arm through hers, hoping my omission of my birthday wouldn't damage our friendship.
Alice ignored my question as she asked one of her own. "I'm your best friend?"
"Of course you are." I reassured her. Alice squealed and threw her arms around me, giving me another one of her bone-crushing hugs.
For the next two hours, Alice helped me get ready for dinner with Edward. After my shower, she got to work on my hair and makeup while we chatted about our week. She told me Esme got my birth date from Carlisle. I forgot that as my former doctor, he had that information. She also told me about the children she taught at her dance studio. I told her about Mike's advances at work. Of course, when I told her about Tanya's visit to Edward two days ago, she almost fell on the floor laughing.
"I love it. I only wish I could have seen her face!" Alice giggled as she put the final touches on my hair.
"It was priceless. But, the best part was all the shrieking and stomping after we shut the door in her face. Of course, Edward's look of disgust when she threw herself at him was pretty good too." I laughed.
"Oh! You should tell Rose about it tomorrow night." Alice was bouncing up and down clapping her hands together in anticipation.
"I don't know. I mean Tanya is her friend. I don't know if she would find it as funny as the rest of us." I shook my head slightly at the thought.
"Maybe, but I think she'll surprise you." Alice had a knowing look on her face. I fell silent for a moment while I thought about it. I know Rose and I had started to forge a new friendship, but it was shaky at best. I didn't want to put too much strain on our new relationship by making a joke out of her longtime friend.
"Do you know where Edward is taking me tonight?" I was trying to sound disinterested, hoping Alice would give me a hint.
"Out to dinner," Alice was being coy and I glared at her.
"I know that much. But, what I want to know is where. What should I wear?" Alice shook her finger at me telling me I wasn't going to get any information out of her.
"Bella, Bella, Bella. I've already set out your dress on the bed." Alice sighed dramatically. I had discovered that with Alice it was better to go along with what she wanted rather than fight her. Her taste was impeccable and I knew that I would love whatever she picked out for me to wear. The doorbell rang and Alice started to walk towards the door of the bathroom.
"Now, hurry up and get dressed while I get the door." Alice flitted out of the room.
"Thanks Alice!" She waved at me as she left the room.
I picked up the floral rose print dress and put it on. It had short sleeves and a v-neck that plunged down between my breasts. Just under my breasts, there was a three in wide strip of fabric with a twist in the middle. The sheer fabric of the dress flowed down from the bodice to the skirt, flaring out towards the bottom. I completed the look with a pair of tan strappy sandals before I made my way out into the family room. Alice and Edward were huddled over something while they spoke in hushed tones. I could make out Alice's voice whisper 'perfect,' but as soon as I came into the room, they straightened up. I noticed the mystery item was gone as Edward and Alice gave me innocent smiles.
"What are you two whispering about?" I narrowed my eyes at them speculatively.
"Oh nothing," Edward said with a grin.
"Well, I've got to go. Have a good time you two and I'll see you tomorrow," Alice called as she quickly made her exit before I could say anything. Edward walked over to me and pulled me into his arms.
"You look beautiful." He kissed me lightly on the lips.
"You look quite handsome yourself." I gave him an appreciative look before I winked at him. He was wearing black pants and a light blue button down shirt that had a white paisley design.
We drove to a restaurant in nearby Paradise Valley called Elements, situated on the side of Camelback Mountain with a view of the valley below. The restaurant had three walls made of glass to capitalize on the magnificent view, and much to my delight, we sat at one of the window booths. The food was delicious and Edward was perfect, as usual.
After we finished our meal, we took a stroll, hand-in-hand, around the property of the resort the where restaurant was located.
"Love, I have something for your." Edward handed me a flat, square, black velvet box.
"Sweetie, you didn't have to get me anything. You've already gone to so much trouble and expense making this birthday the best I've ever had." I scrunched up my brow as I started to consider how much he had already spent on me.
"I didn't spend anything on this gift. It's a hand-me-down." Edward looked at me with an expression in his eyes I didn't see very often – nervousness. I took the box from his hand and slowly opened the lid.
"Edward!" My hand automatically flew to my mouth before I continued, "It's gorgeous!" I gazed at the exquisite, heart-shaped crystal pendant hanging on a fine gold chain.
"May I?" Edward asked as he took the necklace from the box.
"Please." I turned around and pulled my hair out of the way so he could clasp the necklace around my neck. I turned around so Edward could see the necklace in place.
"It was my mother's," Edward said quietly as he admired it, touching it lightly as it rested against my skin. I felt the tears well up in my eyes. How could he think of parting with such a beautiful memento from his mother, only to give it to me?
"Edward," I whispered. His face was full of happiness as he looked into my eyes. He pulled me close and kissed me slow and deep, before burying his face in my hair at the crook of my neck.
"My heart is yours. Happy birthday, Bella," He whispered in my ear.
"Thank-you. I love you." I hugged him tighter as I felt a few of the tears escape down my cheeks.
"And I love you," Edward said before he pulled me over to a bench to sit down. He reached up, took my face in his hands, and wiped away my tears with his thumbs.
"I have another gift for you. And just so you know, I'm not going to take 'no' for an answer on this one." He said giving me my favorite lop-sided smile as he released my face. Then, he handed me two sets of plane tickets. The confusion on my face must have been evident because Edward laughed.
"What are these for?" I looked at him warily.
"Love, don't look so perplexed. I have two reasons for this. First off, I finish my residency in a few months. That means I will be interviewing for jobs. I have some interviews with a few hospitals in Seattle and Chicago. I would like you to go with me." I went to open my mouth to protest, but Edward held up his hand to stop me.
"The reason I want you to come with me is, well… I don't know my way around Seattle very well and I can't stand to be away from you." He grinned at me and couldn't help but smile back. Although I didn't like that he had spend so much money on me for my birthday, I did like the thought of going with him.
"So, you want me to be your tour guide. Is that it?" My voice was tart as I teased him.
"Well that, but there's still another reason I want you to come." Edward hesitated but the plunged ahead saying, "I wanted you to have the opportunity to visit your father's grave. I thought we could drive over to Forks one of the days we're in Seattle." My silence that followed was due to surprise and the rather large lump that formed to block my voice.
My father's grave, my mind said. Suddenly the realization that I would be confronted with the final resting place of my father drove home the fact that his death would become more tangible. Logically I knew my father was dead. However, until I faced the physical evidence, emotionally I could deny, even in the smallest amount, that Charlie was really gone. I knew I needed this; I needed to have closure. Somehow, it suddenly seemed so concrete.
"Thank-you," I whispered, my previous unshed tears now running freely down my cheeks.
A/N: Fluff is good! Especially after three chapters of drama. Sorry it took so long. I thought I'd warn you that my updates will becoming about a week apart right now. Life keeps happening. Go figure…
Thanks to all for the wonderful reviews and for reading my story. Keep feeding my addiction!
For those of you who want to see what clothes my characters are wearing, I have a website with a photo gallery for your viewing please. Just click on my website from my profile here at FF. - SavageWoman