Oh my faithful readers, I want to apologize in advance if you get annoyed with my Bella/Edward dialogue repeat, but I wanted things to been see from Eddie's side too, so forgive me! I love you all dearly and you knock my socks off. Thank you all for the love!Thank you RL for reviewing for me, you are like the best kind of candy lol. Don't complain, you got two updates in one day! Show me the f-ing love lol Also guys I purposely spelled Reilly like this and not like Riley that. Its my story, if you don't like it, don't read it
CHAPTER 13
She wanted to work on another floor. That was fine, I could arrange it. I sent her to the 32nd floor. I never bothered to go there, that was Emmett's division. For some sick reason, maybe I liked to torture myself; I couldn't bring myself to dismiss Liam from trailing her. I felt the utter need to keep tabs on Ms. Swan.
Maybe I was being a bit overprotective. Knowing she barely had any friends since moving here, I needed to make sure she was safe. That was a gentlemanly thing to do, right? I had changed his reporting status however. I just wanted him to keep an eye on her; he didn't need to tell me anything further. When she was at work, he was not required to track her.
Her decision about me was made and she didn't quite seem the type to change her mind easily. I gave her distance. However I had grown somewhat fond of her smart remarks and sassy personality. She would have made a great submissive. The things that I could have taught her.
I saw her in the lunch room and tried to play it off like I didn't. She rejected me, not the other way around. I could see from her demeanor, she was trying to go unnoticed and that is how I left it. I would not make a mockery of myself over a female.
The afternoon was busy with meetings and potential mergers. One of my operation mangers, Reilly Biers would be here today. We were roommates in college. He was very intelligent and I had grown to like his business savvy. I hired him to work for my Chicago company.
It was around 1:15pm when Reilly arrived at my office. My phone buzzed and Leah's voice came over the intercom to let me know Reilly had arrived. I instructed her to let him in.
"Well if it isn't Edward Cullen, how the hell are you?" Reilly smiled with his hand outstretched.
I stood from my desk and walked to where Reilly was now standing.
"Reilly, it's been a long time, how are things in Chicago?" I shook his hand
"Well great, but you already knew that."
"Have a seat." I gestured to one of the chairs in front of my desk.
He took a seat, unbuttoning his suit jacket and relaxing his tie. I made my way back to my chair and folded my hands in my lap.
"It's not like you to invite me all the way out here. What can I do for you Cullen?" Reilly gave me a knowing smirk
"Always one to get to the point. It's one of the best qualities you have." I laughed
"I learned from the best." He smiled
"Yes, yes you did." I countered.
"Out with it." He chuckled
"I have recently acquired Harson Manufacturing. You are my best man when it comes to organizing a rather dirty mess, if you catch my drift."
"Yes I heard, the son pretty much ruined the company when his father died. I didn't think you would take on such a financial burden. But you are like an illusionist; you make things appear the way you want them to appear; Not how they actually are." He leaned into his chair
"I can trust you will clean this up for me then?" I motioned at him with my hand
"Already done. How long will you need me here? I just need to rearrange some things back in Chicago." Reilly asked.
"I think two months should do it. If I need you longer, I will arrange for it. But I have the utmost confidence in you, you won't need more time than that." I commented.
"Oh I wanted to give you my congrats about acquiring the Germans. I am still very impressed with that. I heard Embry wowed them." He smiled
"Well he had some help actually. We have a new operations director, Isabella Swan; she is quite the business woman. I see great things in her. She has only recently moved here in the Seattle area, but gaining a lot of respect from both myself and many others. I see her as being a great asset to the company." I checked my watch and realized I would be running late for a board meeting.
"I would love to meet her." Reilly began to stand up.
"Well soon, I expect you will. I don't mean to kick you out, but I have CEO duties to attend to." I stood walking to my door.
"Hey I understand. I need to make arrangements anyway, for my transfer." Reilly said making his way to the door as well.
"Let me walk you out." I nodded
"I am giving you the corner office down that hallway, what do you think?" I smiled at him
"I thought that was George's office?" He eyed me
"Yes it was, but he no longer served a purpose and we let him go." I laughed
"I guess that happens when you try to steal from Edward Cullen." Reilly chuckled.
"Precisely."
I heard the elevator ding and was very surprised to see Bella getting off of it. She too, looked very surprised when she saw me; her face turned that perfect shade of pink. Was she coming to speak to me? Unfortunately not. She explained she was going down, unfortunately the elevator went up. Just a coincidence?
I introduced her to Reilly and she seemed uncomfortable looking back and forth between us. However the part that totally took me by surprise was Reilly.
"Edward you failed to mention how stunning she was." He whispered to me.
I didn't say a word. I didn't like his sudden interest in her. There would be no way on God's green earth I would allow a womanizer like Reilly Biers to taint my sweet Bella. But then again, she wasn't mine. That was another issue.
I decided to reschedule my board meeting for later in the week. I felt it was time to pay Bella a visit. If she was still down stairs, I would wait in her office. I made my way to her floor to find Alec Bailey gawking at me.
Rolling my eyes I made my way to Bella's office and took a seat in her chair. Five minutes later she came walking in the room. The navy looked lovely on her creamy colored skin.
She questioned me with a pouty stare, for the reason why I was in her office. The truth was, I wanted to see her. I had missed our exchanges back and forth, so I made up a lame excuse about the Halloween party. She immediately took it wrong and I needed to clarify it.
Her question took me off guard for a brief moment. She asked if I would bring a date. I surely didn't expect her to ask me that. I stood up so I could look into her beautiful eyes. She was always one to cut to the chase. I asked her if it bothered her and she blushed. Oh yes I like that.
To my relief she would not be bringing a date, but then she said she wouldn't go. She must go though, I wanted her there. But why? To torture my masochistic side? She tried to change the subject with Reilly and I could see the flare go off in her eyes. She was interested in him. I will admit, it bothered me. Then she asked if he was into what I was into.
"No Bella, he's not a dom; at least not that I am aware of." I tried to hide the conflict that made me feel.
She sighed, like my answer gave her all the permission she needed to...I wasn't sure.
"Do you like him?" Sudden doubt clouding me.
"He seems like an okay guy, he gave me his number." She acted like it was nothing.
How dare he give her anything! He only just met her. I give him credit, the man does work quickly, but no way in hell will he get to have anything more than a simple hand shake from her, I will make sure of it.
"Are you going to call him?" I asked through clenched teeth.
"Does that bother you?" She glanced at me
"Of course it bothers me." I looked at her like she couldn't tell.
She asked me why? Sometimes Bella was so oblivious to the obvious. But her expression changed. It looked like confused.
"Are you jealous because he gave me his number or are you jealous because he might get to sleep with me and you won't?" She was goading me.
The laughter came out of me before I could contain it. Oh this poor misguided young girl.
"Oh Isabella, he will never get that far, trust me." The passion I had for her was burning in me.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Her voice barely audible.
She was so sexy when she played innocent.
"It means he is not going to have an opportunity to fuck you." I made my tone strong
Her look of pure submission was clear. at that very moment. She would give me anything I asked for. But I needed her words. I needed her to say yes and she had told me no. I stepped closer to her and she backed away from me, into the wall. I whispered into her ear.
"You should have said yes." With that I left her office.
Being so close to her was hard for me. I just couldn't handle it. I didn't want to force her to feel something she clearly couldn't. Why was I, Edward Cullen, chasing some girl? It didn't make sense to me. Nothing about how this girl made me feel, made any sense at all.
To top it off, I hated the idea of her with Riley. That infuriated me the most. He used women for his own purpose. Maybe it sounded the same as what I did, but unlike him, they knew what would happen. He broke random hearts just because he felt like it. Women always had an option with me. I never lied to them.
I spent the rest of the day in my office going over merges and other stuff. I hadn't even realized what time it was until my cell phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to reveal my father's number.
"Hey Dad." I said starting to pick stuff up off my desk.
"Edward I thought we were having dinner. I been waiting over an hour for you." His voice agitated.
I glanced down at my Cartier watch and realized it was 7:15pm already.
"Dad I am sorry, I lost track of time. Can we reschedule for tomorrow?"
"
Sure, but don't stand me up next time."
With that, I shut the phone. I packed up my briefcase and made my way to the parking garage. What I did not expect to see was Bella's Volvo still sitting there.
I walked over to the security booth and asked the night guard if he knew if she was still in the building. He said he hadn't seen her. I put my briefcase in my car and made my way back to her office. It was completely dark on her floor.
I can't let this happen again. Not another woman. I made my way back to my office to scan over my security footage. I notice her say something to Seth and walk into the street. I decide to make my way back down stairs to wait for her, by her car.
About half an hour later she appears with Rose at her side. I am pissed, but she acts like it doesn't matter. Oh Isabella, your safety matters much more than you will ever understand.. We exchange comments and she gets in her car. I wait for her to pull out. Now I feel confident enough to leave.
Thursday came quickly. I had spent the last few days going over a lot of paper work. Emmett, Reilly and I were at Jasper's restaurant for lunch. We got a table in the back with only the four of us. We ordered drinks ,lunch and began with idle chit chat.
"So Emmett how did your date with Rose go last night?" Jasper asked sipping his glass of water.
"Well you know, she is amazing. I can't believe she finally said yes." Emmett seemed excited about her.
"No details?" I laughed at him.
He gave me an evil glare. I put my hands up in surrender. He knew I was referring to the unexpected first time I caught them fucking at the charity dinner last year. I would never let him live that one down.
"I had a date with that hot new girl Bella, last night." Reilly chimed in.
I immediately stiffened at the mention of Bella and date with Reilly in the same sentence. I tried my best to keep my emotions locked away. I was not going to reveal how much I didn't like it. Emmett gave me a knowing look.
"Oh yea, how was that? Boring I bet." I nonchalantly said sipping my drink.
"Actually far from it. She is very diverse in a lot of different things. I can see the fire you saw when hiring her." Reilly smiled at the thought.
No! He wasn't supposed to find her anything but dull. She was not meant for his entertainment. Strictly for mine.
"Yea but does she put out?" Emmett joked
I gave him the evil eye, but he simply just shrugged.
Reilly laughed before replying.
"I bet I could get her to. She seemed pretty willing when I kissed her goodnight." He tried to boost himself up.
It took everything I had in me not to jump across the table and beat the crap out of him. How dare he say such a thing about my sweet angel. She was not that kind of girl and now it would be my outright mission to make sure he never got another opportunity to be that close with her.
Emmett glanced at me and quickly diverted the conversation. I was thankful for that. We finished up lunch and I made my way back to the office. I was still pissed about what Reilly said about Bella. There was no fucking way in hell he would ever get the chance to fuck my girl!
I don't know what was happening to me when it came to her. I constantly thought about her and even though she rejected me, I still couldn't let it go. Every minute of my day was filled with memories of her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. No woman ever stayed on my mind like this. Only once in my whole life was I ever infatuated with a woman and that was years ago.
I tried to get some work done after lunch but all I could do was think about Reilly's comment about kissing her and making it seem like my Isabella was just going to be another notch under his belt. I would not have it! I stomped my way to the 32nd floor right into her office, slamming the door behind me.
She was sitting at her desk typing on her computer. She jumped at the sound of the door and looked at me with scared eyes. Oh baby you never have to be scared of me. In barely a whisper she asked what was wrong. What was wrong? Everything! You drive me crazy!
"You're dating him?" I was seething even more than before
"Dating who?" She looked at me with a dumbfound expression. How dare she play coy with me now!
"Don't play dumb with me Isabella. Reilly!" I said much harsher than I should have.
She told me it was none of my business and went back to typing on her computer. How dare she say its not my business! Everything that involves her was my business or was it? I was sounding like an obsessive overbearing ass right now. She was completely right, it wasn't my business. She didn't choose you Cullen
"I don't like it." I stared her down
"Well that's too bad because I like him." Her reply seemed like she was trying more to convince herself than me.
"He's not right for you." I said in a serious tone
"Oh and you are?" She said sarcastically
"I would be more fitting."
"So you're jealous?" She actually started to laugh.
Jealous? Me? I never get jealous. I have everything one man could ask for, except Isabella Swan.
"I'm not jealous. I just don't want you with him. Anyone else would be acceptable, except him."
"What is wrong with Reilly?" She seemed offended.
"I know him better than you do Bella, you don't know how he treats women. He will just dispose of you once he's had his fill."
"Oh you mean just like you." Her words were direct and sharp.
I didn't have a witty come back for her. I didn't have anything I could say to convince her otherwise. For the first time, she had rendered me speechless. I gawked at her and walked out of her office. Did she really see me being no better than Reilly? I never thought of myself as a bad man because of my arrangements with women. I never went out to break hearts It was a lifestyle choice that most women would give anything to be a part of, to be with me.
I knew they went out on a few dates because Reilly wouldn't stop bragging about it. However he had yet to do what he set out for, have sex with her. And I would make sure he never would. I needed to expose him for the asshole he was. I needed for Bella to see the real Reilly. She was only a game to him, why couldn't she see that?
It had been two weeks since my outburst in Bella's office and I tried my best to avoid her. I felt like an idiot and honestly was embarrassed for myself. I'm sure she thought I was a complete fool. Maybe I was, but she made me that way.
I was on my way downtown to see my friend Peter's exhibit at the Sumoska Gallery. Peter lived with me and Reilly in Dartmouth. I had met Peter at a play party that Carmen insisted I attend. Pete and I became fast and good friends. He wanted out of the dorms and I had a spare room in my apartment to share. We both learned a lot from each other.
Peter is actually a very accomplished artist. Majority of the art in my home he had painted. He married his first and only sub, Charlotte. I loved her from the moment I met her and I could see why Peter was so taken by her. She was beautiful, with red hair and big brown eyes like Bella's. She was very shapely and intelligent. She always gave me a run for my money in any argument.
As I pulled up to the gallery I saw Reilly get out of his car. I watched him carefully noticing he didn't even hold the door open for Isabella. Did his mother not teach him any manners? I would have held her door for her. I looked over Bella's outfit and it fit her so nicely. She was not a skinny woman, definitely one with some curves and her outfit suited her nicely. I let them go inside before I exited my Lamborghini.
I looked around the gallery and noticed Reilly and Peter chatting. I noticed Reilly introduce him to Bella. I caught Peter's eyes then and nodded my head for him to come over. He said his good bye to the two and walked into my direction.
"Well if it isn't Edward Cullen." He laughed
"Peter you have quite the turn out tonight." I shook his hand
"Yes its my submissive collection. I was afraid how people would feel about it, but Charlotte convinced me it would be a hit." He smiled
"Was our little fire cracker correct?" I asked already knowing
"I've sold six pieces already. What do you think?" He was smug
"Completely unsurprised. You are the best artist I know."
"Edward I'm the only artist you know." He laughed even harder
"Exactly my point." I patted his shoulder
"She is everything you said she was. I'm impressed." Peter winked at me
"Ah yes, Ms. Swan." I admired her from where I was standing.
"You have a slight problem though Cullen. Biers likes her too." Peter eyed me
"I will fix that soon enough."
"I have no doubt. Well let me leave you to it, I have to mingle. Please if you see my wife, don't flirt too much." He pointed his finger at me walking away.
I just shook my head and looked back at my beautiful angel. I noticed Reilly saying something to her and she nodded. Then he walked away. That was my cue to approach her.
I stepped quietly behind her. I saw the painting she was staring at. It was my favorite of all. I had seen all of Peter's works before he unveiled them and this one stood out the most. The submissive. She reminded me of Bella and how I wanted her. I would buy this one tonight.
"Its a beautiful piece, isn't it?" I placed my hand on the small of her back. She actually shivered slightly.
"Why do I feel like you are stalking me?" Her voice deceiving her stance. My presence made her feel unhinged.
Oh Bella baby, but I do stalk you, way more than I will ever admit.
"I told you once before that you might just be right."
"You know I'm on a date with Reilly." She was trying to get a rise out of me.
"Hm, I could remedy that problem for you." I whispered into her ear
"Its not a problem to me." She said with an arrogant tone. She was learning from me.
I turned my head to look at the bar and noticed Reilly approaching. I took my hand from her body and instantly missed the connection. She always made me feel this tingle, I could never explain. She turned around and stared me down; I felt like I was being fucked by those big brown eyes.
I glanced at Reilly from my peripheral vision and he looked somewhat annoyed. I'm sure by my presence. Don't worry old friend, the feeling is mutual. He kissed her cheek I tried my best to not show my discomfort. Being a dom, I had to keep my control of my emotions and feelings.
"Edward I didn't know you were coming tonight." Reilly was trying to be casual with me
Then the asshole put his arm around her waist and I just about tried not to combust right there. Was he trying to stake his claim on her? Oh Reilly how delusional you truly are.
"Yes I was interested in seeing Pete's new pieces. I could always use a new one."
"He will appreciate that. You are his most loyal customer." Reilly laughed
"Oh you know Peter too?" Bella asked
"Um yes, we all went to Dartmouth together." I nodded my head at her
"More college friends." She muttered to herself
Oh how I loved watching her squirm.
"Yes, he is actually the one who painted the one you were admiring. Its a very alluring piece, don't you think Isabella?" The notion of it being her in the painting ran through my mind.
Her face burned red knowing exactly what I was referring to and she just about choked when she tried to drink that god awful wine. I could tell she had no taste for it when she nearly spat it all over Reilly. He began to caress her back and I tried my best not to grab him. I didn't like him touching her at all. Even a hand shake at this point would have my wrath upon him.
She excused herself and walked away from us. Reilly turned to me and gave me a look I never saw before.
"Edward, man, what is your problem?" He asked, unknowingly.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." I stared straight at the picture
"You been spending a little too much time with my date, that's not cool man."
"Your kidding me right now? All you want is to land in her in bed. Why do you care so much if I talk to her? And let me point something out to you Reilly, she is my employee and if you have a problem with me talking to her, bring it up with her, not me." I gave one last look at him and he walked away,
I turned my head to the bar and saw Charlotte talking to Bella. Well this wasn't how I wanted them to meet, her being Reilly's date and not mine. Sometimes you just can't predict things. I sighed and made my way over to the group.
"Charlotte." I smiled while joining her side.
She asked me how I was and engulfed me in her arms. I looked at Bella and smiled at her, letting her know I was happy with her choice of friends. I asked Charlotte about her kids and she rambled on for a few minutes about them. Bella was amazed how well Charlotte looked for having two young children Charlotte went on to say chasing them kept her in good shape..
"Yes so does a lot of extreme exercise." I gave a knowing smile to Charlotte and her face burned with color.
"I feel like I'm intruding." Peter walked up
"Not at all." I smiled at my old friend.
"Are you trying to flirt with my wife again Cullen?" Peter pointed at me
"But of course Pete." I winked at him.
Peter joined Charlotte and I stepped back a little. I watched Bella intently. Her face filled with sadness. I realized at that moment I never wanted to be the person to put that look on her face. I wanted to be the person who always kept her smiling.
Then I remembered I could never be what she needed or wanted. She was right, even if she never said it. What kind of man does the things I do to women? Even if they ask me for it, it still doesn't make it right. But how could I fight who I was? Fight what I loved and enjoyed? Oh Bella what you do to me. This feeling so foreigner to me.
I watched her excuse herself and disappear. I did the same and went to follow her. I needed to make sure she was alright. I spotted her outside on the bench and I went and stood before her. She was looking down and feeling my presence, she looked up at me. God she was so beautiful.
"I finally get you all alone." I laughed taking a seat next to her
Her smile was glorious.
"Are you okay?" I asked feeling overly protective
"I'm fine Edward, don't concern yourself with me." She seemed nervous.
With the sad look still on her face, I began to rub her cheek. I don't know what it was but something in her eyes was calling out my name. There was such a strong connection between us that I couldn't explain it. I felt the extreme pull and before I knew what was happening, my lips were on hers. She didn't fight me, if anything, she encouraged me. Oh the things you do to me Bella. But too soon her lips retreated.
"I can't do this. I'm with Reilly." She said out of breath
"He doesn't have any claim on you."
"Neither do you." She said almost annoyed
"I have more than he does." And I did!
She began to stand and I followed her movements
"I need to go back inside." She tried to leave, but I grabbed her before she could.
"Stay with me Bella." I wanted to beg her
"Let me go Edward." She looked down then back at me
She was feeling conflicted, I could see it and I had already meddled with her life enough, I needed to let her go. She walked away without a second glance and I felt my chest constrict. What was wrong with me? I had never forced myself on someone who clearly didn't want me. What was it that made her so different?.
I stood there for a moment trying to compose myself, preparing myself to go back inside. Instantly, I heard the sound of heels hitting the pavement. My arm was being pulled and I turned to see my attacker, it was Bella
She kissed me so roughly I thought I would fall onto the cement, but I grabbed onto her and held tight. I tried to get closer to her, closer than our bodies already were. Her kiss was pure passion and every part of me was on fire.
She pulled away and I looked at her face. She had just dominated me and I was so turned on by it. Just like I would have done in her position, she simply walked away. I was left standing there, speechless. Fuck me, that girl knew how to handle me.
I wanted her to explain herself; I needed to understand. I watched while she spoke to Reilly. He began to rub her face and I wanted to break his hand. He walked away and I took the opportunity to ask her if she would leave with me.
She told me that our kiss was a mistake and for some reason, that shit hurt. It didn't feel like a mistake to me, but before I could utter another syllable, Reilly turned up and She left with him. I was crushed! I guess I was getting a dose of my own medicine and I didn't like it.
When I arrived at work the next day I debated going to speak to her in her office, but I decided against it. I didn't want her thinking she held any power over me, even if she did. I needed her to believe that I wasn't caving, even though internally I was.
I busied myself with work. I had a lot of things that apparently people I pay a lot of money to seem to not be able to handle very well. I needed to speak to Aro about the Detroit situation. His phone rang three times before his secretary Dianna answered. I announced who I was and she immediately transferred me to Aro's desk.
"Edward what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?" Aro knew exactly why I was calling him.
"The problem is still not resolved. I'm not a happy man. What do you have to say for yourself?" I was the one in a powerful position, not this ass wipe of a man.
"Well some complications arose. Derbok doesn't want to sell. But I am having a meeting this afternoon to persuade him further. You know how these family owned businesses are. They don't want to let go." His voice was calm.
I don't give a fuck Aro, help him let go. Tell him to take off the training wheels if he expects his company to survive another six months. Because if he doesn't sell it to me, I will make sure nobody even knows it exists. I hate incompetence." I could feel myself getting more frustrated as this conversation continued
"Edward I assure you, it will be dealt with soon. I haven't failed you yet, have I?" His tone was condescending
"You promised me a week ago that the problem would be fixed and it's still.." But my attention was averted when my office door flew open, suddenly.
Standing before me was an angry, but oh so sexy looking Bella Swan.
"I'll call you back." Without even awaiting his response I hung up.
I stood to greet her, but she quickly pushed me back into me chair. Oh how I love when she takes control. Such a turn on...
She began to yell at me, but to be perfectly honest I didn't hear a word she said. I just smiled at her. She had no idea how cute she looked when she was mad. Oh, I loved it on her actually. I would have to infuriate her more often.
"What the hell are you smirking at?!" Her pitch was that of a mouse.
I tried to hide my amusement for her benefit, but I just couldn't.
"Do you know adorable you look when you are mad?" I grinned at her
She gaped at me like I was out of my mind. Maybe I was, but so was she.
"You are so infuriating Edward Cullen!" She began to walk back and forth infront of me.
"Oh and you're not?" I chuckled thinking of all the times she had made me insane with jealousy and her indecision.
She raised her hand to I assume smack me. I had liked it the last time, but I wasn't in the mood for that right now. So I grabbed her wrist before she had the chance to land a blow.
"Ms. Swan, leave the violence to me."
"Let me go Edward!" She tried to fight my hand off her wrist, but failed miserably.
"I'll let you go if you promise not to hit me." I said feeling playful.
I let her go and she looked away as if she was giving up. If I had learned nothing from this girl it was that she was one of two things, extremely stubborn or determined. As she dove at me I slightly adjusted my position and our lips collided.
She was on my lap grabbing at my hair and I was clutching at her clothes. My office phone began to ring and I told her to ignore it, but it continued its ringing. Bella told me I should answer, but I had no plan. I wanted her too much right now. Someone began to bang on my office door. What the fuck!
"Go away." I yelled
"Edward I will not!" A very angry Esme Cullen called from the other side.
I'd forgotten about my lunch date with her.
"Fuck!" I whispered to myself
I pulled Bella off my lap with great hesitance and rearranged my shirt and hair.
"Who is that?" She questioned.
"Its Esme, my mother." I felt like a kid being caught with a girl in my bedroom.
I opened the door and my mother walked in gracefully. They exchanged pleasantries and Bella excused herself.
I eyed her and she looked as if about to speak, but Reilly approached her. I wanted to kick his ass for ruining out moment, but instead turned back to my mother.
I closed the office door and mom stood in the middle of the room.
"She seems very nice" She beamed at me
"She is just one of my employees." I muttered grabbing my jacket so we could leave.
"Just an employee huh." Esme winked
"Are you ready?" I asked her ignoring the winking
"But of course. Will Emmett be joining us?"
"I think he has plans." I nodded to the door and we exited.
We went to one of Jasper's restaurants for lunch and we ordered our food and sipped on our drinks waiting.
"So how's business doing sweetie?" Esme asked over her iced tea
"Business is doing well Mom, thanks for asking. How's the firm?"
"Well you know things are going well. We hired a new girl Stephanie, you would just love her. She is about your age, Harvard grad. She is just lovely, after work you should stop in and meet her." Mom smiled at me
"Have you not learned anything about setting me up?" I laughed at her
"Oh honey, she is a nice girl I think you both would have a lot to talk about."
"You said that about the last four and look how those turned out." I shook my head at her.
"Edward, I just want you to be happy sweetie." She grabbed my hand giving it a gentle squeeze.
"What makes you think I'm not happy? I'm rich and powerful. The world is mine." I held my fork in the air like a king with a sword
Esme giggled at me and rolled her green eyes.
"Money and power aren't anything compared to love."
"I love my money and power." I smiled at her.
"You wait until the right girl comes along and you will see. All the money in the world won't amount to her." She winked at me
"Yeah yeah." I mumbled
"Bella seems like a nice girl. Is she single?" She inquired.
"I don't know, I try not to ask personal questions about my employees." I answered, being less than truthful.
"She seemed to be a little more than just another employee by the way her clothes looked." Esme said sipping her water
"Mom, drop it." I gave her a tight smile
I tried not to lead on to my mother that I was in fact very much interested in Bella, it was none of her business. Lunch finally came and we finished the rest of the day in conversation about other things. I kissed my mother goodbye after helping her to her car.
It was time for me to head out and I made my way down in the elevator. Bella had been invading my thoughts all day. How I wish she would have submitted to me like she almost did this morning before my mother's intrusion. The door opened and to my utter delight, there stood the beauty herself. She smiled shyly at me and got in.
We began small talk about coincidence and fate of our meeting. I tried to tell her about how I felt earlier when she came into my office, but she cut me off with her own apology. I let her decide whatever it was she thought I was going to say. Little did she know I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed her intrusion. Hell I wish she would intrude on me, like that, everyday!
"Are you bringing a date tomorrow?" Well Ms. Swan that was out of left field.
"I haven't decided. Will you be going with Reilly?" The thought was irritating at best.
"I haven't decided."
Her answer was all the permission I needed and I stepped closer to kiss her, but we were broken from our connection by the damn elevator. I really needed to learn to press the stop button when I'm in this thing.
I felt awkward suddenly and walked away from her. I was almost to where Garrett was waiting for me, but I felt I needed to finish this. I needed to make a decision for her. I was the one she should be going to that party with. Correction, I was the one she needed to be leaving that party with.
I walked up to her conveniently closing her door and crashing my lips to her sweet ones. The kiss was longing and soft. I didn't want to put my usual dominating lock on her, I wanted her to see another side of me, that I could be sweet too. Or maybe she was showing me. All I know is when I pulled away, all I wanted to do was make her mine and not as her dom.
"My sweet beautiful Isabella." I said rubbing her beautiful face.
I needed some time to think about what was happening to me. I opened her door letting her into the car and closed it. I walked to Garrett and waited for her to pull out. Once she did, I left, as well. I don't know what she was doing to me, but I couldn't make it stop and now I realized, I didn't want it to.
Let me know what you all thought. Writing in Edward's POV is actually not that easy lol I'm not sure why, but its always a challenge, but I love a good challenge, hope you all enjoyed that! Next up, Halloween!