Subject: Edward Cullen aka The Womanizer
Chapter Four - Gym
Betaed by: Caroline Z. Masen
Edward
I hadn't gone anywhere Saturday, and just watched TV or listened to music. Alice had called and asked if I was coming to the club tonight, but I had told her no, that I needed a break. She laughed, wondering if my equipment was still functioning.
The truth was I had been scared that she would be there. I hadn't slept well yesterday, after leaving the club. My dreams and thoughts were jumbled in my head with Bella as the star.
I think the reason I couldn't stop thinking about her was because she was unattainable. That simple fact made her irresistible, well that and her tight little body. You'd have to be blind not to appreciate all those curves.
I had to find a way to get her out of my system. Once I got her out of my system, I wouldn't give her a second thought. I was sure of that.
Project Seducing Bella Swan was now in effect.
Bella
Alice had called and said that Edward decided not to go to the club Saturday night. She had said that it was a first in almost two years. I played it off that maybe he wasn't feeling well, but she had her doubts. I didn't tell her that I had some, too. I sat at home Saturday just watching old movies, my thoughts filled with Edward.
I had decided I needed to head to the gym on Sunday, since my move to my new apartment caused me to miss a couple of weeks. As I walked down the street to the local gym, I thought about all that had happened since I took Edward Cullen's case.
The look on his face when he left the club Friday night looked like pain or doubt or – dare I say – vulnerability. There was no way that I could have possibly broken through to him so soon. It wasn't possible with someone like him and with his track record.
In the six years and nine subjects that I have had so far, the pursuit lasted weeks, sometimes months, before they caved and gave in to their feelings.
In that time, I learned that none of them really fell in love with me. They fell in love with the idea of me, with who I had become for them. That's why it was so easy to point them to the right person. All nine subjects found their partners, and I was happy to be a part of that.
It was the least I could do to make sure that something like what happened to Brianna and Jordan never happened to anyone else.
However, Edward was different. We had things in common, and I was physically attracted to him, much more than to anyone before. His touch had heat rolling through me, and I craved for more. That's why I hadn't been able to take my eyes off of him at the club. The way he had looked at me… it was like I was the only one in the room. His scent was truly intoxicating, his voice sensual. This was uncharted territory for me.
Fuck! I want Edward Cullen in every way.
I'm in way over my head.
Edward
I decided to go to the gym down the street, having skipped going after work Friday. I had to make up for it today. I threw on a pair of basketball shorts and a muscle shirt before heading out with my gym bag into the cool Seattle air. I walked through the front doors, automatically walking to my favorite treadmill that stood in front of the wall of mirrors.
I set my bag down beside me, set the pace and incline and started my standard routine. Then I looked up and groaned. I couldn't help myself.
There in the reflection of the mirror was Bella on a treadmill in a black sports bra and blue barely-there shorts. Her long hair was pulled in a pony tail, exposing the smooth skin of her neck. I groaned again as her skin glistened with a slick sheen of sweat.
Get over there idiot! Now is a good chance to put the plan into action.
I stopped my machine and slid onto the one next to Bella. She hadn't notice me since she was watching something on an iPod. But now that I was here, I wanted her to notice me. I set the treadmill and re-started my routine. I glanced over at her, but she still hadn't looked up.
"Bella," I stated like a question. She turned to look at me, and her brown doe like eyes widened in surprise. She looked around, closed her eyes for a moment, and smiled.
"Hey Edward," she said in slight confusion. "Do you live nearby?"
"A few buildings down the street. Why?" I asked, choosing to look at her reflection, hoping she wouldn't catch me staring again.
"Well you'd have to be living nearby to be coming to this gym since its half-way across the city from where you work." Bella shrugged her shoulders. She picked up her iPod and turned down the sound to the video she was watching.
"Do you?" I asked, wondering for a moment how she could afford a place anywhere near here. This area was one of the most expensive in the city of Seattle; it was why I had chosen it a couple of years ago.
"Don't be surprised. I told you I was well off," Bella huffed in annoyance. "I live a couple of buildings down the street."
I was about to ask if she lived close to where I lived when I was interrupted by a soft jingle from her cell phone. She smiled at me and mouthed "excuse me" before answering the call. I listened to the one-sided conversation, curious.
"Oh, hello. I was going to call you," she said. "You can't make it? That's fine. No… it's okay." She smiled at me, giving me a flirtatious wink. "I'll just have to find another sparring partner." I returned her wink with one of my famous smiles. "Yeah, you better make it up to me. Talk to you later."
Bella hung up and returned her attention to me. I noticed that she didn't slow down the whole time she was on the phone. I also noticed that she and I were about at the same level of speed and incline, so I increased the intensity of mine. I knew it was childish, but hey, I'm the guy, I was supposed to be stronger.
"Sorry about that. I had a friend meeting me here to spar with, but she had to cancel." Bella shook her head and increased her speed slightly.
"Spar?" I was curious. What could this little delicate woman possibly do?
"Tae-kwon-do and jujitsu," she answered with a shrug.
She's got to be fucking with me.
"I'm not that soft, Edward," Bella said, giving me a glare at the look of shock on my face. "I routinely practice martial arts."
"I do, too." I answered, still not believing that she practiced it.
"Really?" Bella asked her eyes alive with excitement. "Interested in a little sparring?"
How can I say no to that? But I decided to play with her for a bit. "I don't know Bella, I'm pretty big and you're … um, tiny."
She glared at me, the skin of her neck and cheeks flushed with anger.
That's my girl. I love that blush.
Damn she's hot when she's angry.
She quickly composed herself, stepping off of her machine. She gathered her towel and water bottle, clearly annoyed. "Suit yourself, Cullen. I'll be in room four if you change your mind," she said, her hips swaying seductively as she walked away from me.
I was going to make her wait. If I ran in right behind her, she would think that I was desperate.
I managed to wait for all of sixty seconds before I ran after her.
So much for making her wait.
The door to room four was slightly open, and I walked in cautiously, hoping to get a view of Bella's tight little ass. The room she had chosen was usually used for aerobics and had a wall of mirrors along one side.
She was in front of the mirror, doing a routine of blocking techniques ending back into a normal stance. Her routine ended with a series of kicks, including a strong axe kick.
"Are you just going to stand there and watch or are you going to join me?" Bella teased, locking eyes with me in the mirror. I smirked and walked over to her, not even bothering to stop ogling her lovely ass.
"If I hurt you, you need to tell me so I can back off." I said, concerned due to the fact that I had at least a foot in height and sixty pounds over her in comparison.
Bella rolled her eyes, muttering a curse under her breath. "If it makes you feel any better, how about if instead of full punches and kicks, we just use open hand slaps and light punches."
I nodded in agreement, hell, right now I'd agree to just about anything. Even though I was listening to every word coming from her, I couldn't help but notice our reflection in the mirrors. Fucking in this room would be unforgettable. Yes, I'll have you, Bella, in this room soon.
After I shook the imagery of watching us in the mirrors, we pulled out the mats used for sparring and placed them near them.
We faced each other, both in a normal stance, and bowed slightly before getting into a proper position. We danced around each other for a few moments, sizing one another up. Bella made the first punch and managed to land it on my chest. I followed suit and was met with a middle block. She took two strikes that I blocked with a low and high block.
"So, did you enjoy Friday night?" I asked Bella, wondering if she left with the doctor. I hoped she hadn't.
"Yes, it was a fun night and your family was really great," Bella said with a smile before slapping my right bicep. The sound of our skin slapping against each other was making me have some very dirty thoughts.
I threw a right hand punch toward her chest to see if she would block it and was met with a middle block. Then I quickly threw a left hand punch and lightly brushed her right breast. Bella continued like it was no big deal so I continued my assault by slapping the skin of her thigh. God, I was rock fucking solid just from hearing that sound.
"I'm sorry I went off on you when you scared the doctor away," she said as she blocked two of my advances to the chest.
"You don't have to apologize," I countered. "It wasn't my place." It really wasn't my place, but I seriously hadn't wanted to see her leave with that prick. I have no idea why; maybe some strange instinct to protect her?
Bella surprised me as she landed three shots in quick succession. Damn she's good.
"I do have to apologize. His fiancée showed up a few minutes after you left." Bella shrugged. I used the moment of distraction to land two light slaps to each breast. She shook her head and looked like she was trying not to laugh. She smirked, cocking an eyebrow in question, so I just shrugged in mock innocence.
We sparred like this for several minutes before Bella decided to add kicking. She landed a side kick lightly on my chest and I stumbled back not expecting it. I cocked an eyebrow at her and she smirked motioning with her fingers to "bring it on." After that, our sparring intensified. We were both slick with sweat after thirty minutes. I landed a light front kick to her abdomen, but she doubled over groaning.
Panicking, I went to stand beside her, my hands massaging where I hit her, trying to do anything to help. "Bella did I hurt you? I'm so sorry." Then I felt her feet lock on my right ankle, her left hand making contact with my chest causing me to tumble backwards on the mat and land on my back.
Bella was laughing with a smug look on her face. "Ha, I fooled bad boy Cullen and got him on his back," she sang doing a little victory dance near my feet with her eyes closed
I glared at her, which went unnoticed.
Oh, I'm not taking this lying down, Swan.
I locked my legs around her feet, causing her to fall forward. I caught her and rolled. My knees were on either side of her abdomen. I was careful not to put my full weight against her tiny body, but enough so she wouldn't escape. I placed my hands on her shoulders in a mount position.
"You don't play fair Bella." I smiled, earning a glare from her. Then she smirked as she locked her left foot over my right ankle and her hands took hold of my right arm. She raised her hips and pushed with all her strength, rolling me over so she was mounting me.
Fuck me.
Her ass was on my abdomen and her legs wrapped around mine in a "grapevine technique", causing them to bend at the knees and spread open and lock in place. Bella pressed her upper body against my chest; her arms draped over my shoulders and her hands flat on the mat on either side of my head.
Both of our breathing was heavy and coming in gasps, her chest heaving against my own.
Fuck! She is going to notice my obvious arousal.
This was the only time I ever sparred with someone I was attracted to, and it was starting to feel like foreplay. I could get used to this.
Neither of us said anything. Our breathing was still ragged, our eyes locked. After several moments, Bella snapped out of the daze we were both in and untangled her legs from mine. She sat up on my abdomen, crossing her arms in front of her chest. She cocked an eyebrow and wiggled her hips slightly. I bit back a hiss. She dismounted and gave me a wink before grabbing her things.
"That was a good workout, Edward. We should do that again." She offered her hand to me, and I took it, resisting the urge to pull her on top of me again. Soon, I reminded myself. I got up from the mat and shifted slightly.
"I agree, Bella. I usually work out everyday after work." I said, hoping she'd join me again. Fucking in front of these mirrors would happen in no time.
"I'll keep that in mind. Well, I'll see you tomorrow." Bella smiled before turning and walking out the door. My eyes were on her ass, as usual. God, she had a great ass.
Fuck, how the hell am I going to survive tomorrow?
I was running thirty-two minutes late as I hit the top floor button in the elevator. I knew that I had a full schedule and a lunch meeting, and I was dreading it all. I didn't sleep very well last night. The thought of my last encounter with Bella left me with some very dirty fantasies of our next sparring session and pitching a tent every time I thought about it.
Fuck this was not the time to be thinking about that. I had to adjust myself – again. At this rate, I'd probably have a permanent hard on in her presence. The better to fuck her with, I mused.
I stepped out of the elevator, not expecting to see Bella standing there waiting for me with a cup of coffee. My first thought when I saw her was for me to pull her into the elevator and fuck her senseless. Of course these kinds of thoughts were not helping with the situation down under. I was going to have to resort to jacking off in my bathroom before my balls got any bluer.
"You're late," she lightly scolded, her nose scrunching up sweetly. "Here's your coffee; black, two sugars." She handed me my coffee as I stepped off the elevator.
"Thanks." I took a sip, my eyes appraising her red v-neck sweater and black skirt with her hair up in another sexy messy bun.
"Are you done?" she asked with an amused smirk before standing by my side and gesturing for me to continue walking.
She fucking called me out on my ogling. Fuck.
I started walking down the hall toward our offices.
"Okay," she started and then took a big breath. "You have a full schedule today, but luckily your lunch meeting with Phil Knight was postponed until next week." Bella smiled, keeping pace with me. "Your first appointment is in ten minutes which you have scheduled to last for thirty. I've left on your desk and computer all the necessary files for it."
"Sounds good. I need you to transcribe again," I said, taking another sip of coffee. I looked over at Bella as we made it to her office area.
"I'll be there," she said and smiled before taking a seat at her desk, looking at her computer. I took one last lingering look at her before going into my office.
With my first appointment, Bella escorted Mr. and Mrs. Weatherby to some chairs. Before taking a seat beside me, she went to adjust the thermostat. I cocked an eyebrow in question at her.
Bella pulled up a chair beside me and whispered in my ear, "Just so we don't have any problems again." She winked before opening her laptop.
Damn did she have to remind me of that? Wait. Is she flirting with me?
For the next thirty minutes, while discussing changes to plans for my client's new home, I kept glancing over to Bella. I'd catch her staring at me, but she'd turn away quickly and blush. I really liked to see her skin flush that delicious color of pink.
She is flirting and this is going to be too easy.
Bella escorted the clients out and I asked her to take a seat. Her eyes widened and she nodded before taking a chair in front of my desk.
"Bella, I wanted to see if you'd like to join me for lunch today," I asked looking at her under my lashes in an attempt to dazzle her. Dazzle? Cullen, clearly you have joined where there are rainbows and flowers – otherwise known as the dark side.
"Sure. You were scheduled for a two hour lunch with Mr. Knight starting at eleven-thirty."
"Eleven thirty it is," I confirmed with a smile.
"After lunch you have that big presentation with your father and the City of Seattle officials. I was going over some notes that your previous secretary left, but I have not been able to locate any files. I asked Margaret, your father's secretary, and she said that she didn't have them either."
"I'll send you all files I have pertaining to that project. I also need you to make the presentation reports for twenty by then?" I stated like a question knowing that she was barely going to have time to copy and pull them together in time.
"That's fine. The new, faster copier just came in, and I was itching to use it. Just send me the files and I will get started on that." Bella stated, and then bit her lip in concentration. "Now I won't be able to sit in the rest of your morning appointments. I'll leave a digital recorder to record the conversations and I will transcribe them later."
"That sounds great, Bella." I was in awe of her. She did not show any doubt that she'd have the large task completed in time.
"Okay, your next appointment is in twenty minutes. Did you need a refill on your coffee?" she asked while uncrossing her legs giving me a peek of the white panties she was wearing before getting up from the chair.
Great. I'm not going to get that image out of my head.
"Edward?" Bella pulled me out of my revere. I shook my head slightly before looking into her eyes again. "Did you need a refill of your coffee?"
"That's all right, Bella. Your morning is full enough. I'll grab another one before I head to Emmett's office." She nodded, giving me a breathtaking smile and left.
I gathered my thoughts and had to adjust myself again, remembering her white panties. I sent all my computer files pertaining to the city project to her. I left my office several minutes later and noticed that she was not at her desk. I headed to the employee lounge to grab another cup of coffee.
I opened the door to the lounge and Bella was at the coffee maker, her back to me with James standing just behind her. My fists clenched as I heard him talk to her.
"Bella, come on, let me take you out for lunch," James said insistently.
"I have lunch plans, James," Bella said, not looking at him. He pressed himself closer to her, his arms resting on either side of her body on the counter. She tried to move but James didn't let her.
"Back off James," Bella said her voice tense. I knew she could easily defend herself, but she seemed the type that wouldn't resort to violence unless it was necessary.
"Yes, back off James," I repeated walking toward them. James stood up, removing his arms from around Bella and took several steps back, glaring at me. She gave him a lethal glare and turned on her heel to leave.
"If you need anything, Edward, I'll be in the copy room," she said her voice a little shaken. I nodded in response, my eyes still locked with James as I listened to her leave.
"I told you to stay away from her, James," I said, my voice full of venom.
"I see you haven't gotten under her skirt either. Well, it's only a matter of time before she gives in to my advances. It would be nice to beat you to it."
"This isn't some kind of sick competition, James," I snarled, taking a few more steps toward him.
"Since when?" he retorted.
My jaw clenched as I refilled my cup with coffee. "Stay the fuck away from her, James."
James laughed for a moment, shaking his head before leaving.
Normally I would've been up for a game with James, but Bella didn't deserve that. Not that trying to seduce her into my bed was any better.
I'm so going to hell for this.
I decided to head over to Emmett's office for a quick hello when the copy room's door caught my eye. I leaned against the door frame, watching Bella stand by the copier. Her back was to me as she shifted from one leg to the other. Her legs were incredible, a beautiful creamy color and toned.
"Enjoying the view?" she asked with a soft laugh.
Fuck it, be honest. Women eat that shit up.
"Yes," I stated matter-of-factly.
Instead of responding, she "accidentally" dropped a paper on the ground beside her and bent over to pick it up. Her skirt hitched up and barely covered her fucking beautiful ass.
I couldn't stop my groan. I heard a soft laugh as Bella got up and turned to look at me.
She is so fucking with me. And I love it.
Bella's eyes raked from my face and down my body as she licked her lips. I bit back another groan.
What the hell is this woman doing to me?
"So am I," she said with a wink before returning her attention to the copier.
I strode over to her and whispered in her ear, her breathing labored. "I really enjoyed sparring yesterday."
"Oh, I know you did, Edward," she teased.
No question, she noticed my body's reaction to her.
"Any chance we'll get to that again today." I pressed my body a little closer to hers.
"Yes, but now your next appointment is in less than five minutes. See you later, champ." Bella purred, taking a small step back toward me – closer.
"Hmm, I look forward to it," I whispered in her ear, taking in the scent of her neck. I was near to losing my self control and stepped away in the direction of the door.
"So do I."