Subject: Edward Cullen AKA the Womanizer
Chapter Thirty-Three – Time Away
Betaed by Stratan
After leaving the airport, I felt an emptiness that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was something that overwhelmed me after my parents death. Over time, I hadn't allowed anyone to fill the emptiness within me, not even Esme, though she had tried desperately.
I realized that I hadn't felt this emptiness since Bella had entered my life. Sure, there were times where the inexplicable pain had been forgotten by losing myself inside countless women.
It hit me, I really had used them all, and not only for sex, but also to service a need to escape reality. However, that feeling had never really been filled, just mollified.
Instead of drowning myself in alcohol or drugs, I did it in countless encounters with faceless women. I had never really regretted my actions, not even when Bella came into my life, until that moment. I had regretted when my past came to harm her, but not regretted what I had done. I was just doing what any young, hot-blooded man would.
Had I been a sex addict, or was I leading down that path? The thought, considering all that had happened with Daniel, left me stunned.
No matter my past, I knew that I was much better. When I left Bella after the incident with Tanya, I hadn't allowed myself any release, because I felt I hadn't deserved it. I didn't need to find another woman to fulfill my needs, because I had only wanted Bella.
After we got back together after Daniel's death, there'd been only a few times we made love before we left to the beach house. My needs weren't the foremost thought in my head at the time, because Bella was in need of comfort, support and love. Sex wasn't something I needed to help her feel those things. Since then, we were a very active couple, but it wasn't necessary to feel close.
She wasn't something to dull the feeling of emptiness; she removed those feelings, filling the hole within me. I wasn't really aware of the change, because it happened gradually. I smiled as I drove toward the office, internally hopeful about our future.
~oOo~
Since my arrival at the office, my family had been on my ass. No doubt they worried about how I'd take Bella's departure. She may have put them up to it, too.
I received a text message from Bella, explaining that she had landed in New York and instantly whisked away to her first meeting. I worried about the stress level that the tour would take on her, but she told me that her doctor and agent were going to be careful. Her doctor sent me a message just after Bella's text. The text from the asshole informed me that Bella had eaten well on the flight. She also seemed to be coping very well with all the demands of her schedule.
I thought for a few brief moments that wasn't such a bad guy after all. Then he promptly reminded me that Bella looked great in her heels, but he asked her to change them when her feet hurt.
Yeah, he was still an asshole, but I was willing to overlook it if he took good care of her health.
I was having lunch with my aunt and uncle when they announced that they had some news. One of my home designs was going to be featured in a magazine. We spent the rest of lunch discussing details of what would occur over the next few weeks.
Carlisle expressed that he was very proud of me, and I couldn't help but miss my parents at the moment. I was positive that even though I hadn't followed in my father's footsteps, he'd been proud, too.
Later that evening, during dinner, Rose and Emmett gave me the news that they were having a baby boy. Rose sat beside my brother, her face glowed with pride and adoration as she showed me the picture of little Joshua Michael McCarty-Cullen.
What a mouthful. Emmett had chosen to keep both his given name and take Carlisle's on his eighteenth birthday as testament to Esme and Carlisle's devotion to him since his adoption. Rosalie had wanted to continue as such when he asked if his name had bothered her.
"Em, both names and both sets of parents made you who you are today."
I couldn't help but remember that Emmett hadn't always felt this way. I'd been living with my parents in Chicago, but I remembered some of the details. Emmett had been adopted at the age of eleven, and I was seven. He'd been a terror the first time I had met him. He acted all sweet and innocent in front of adults, but the moment we were alone he had tried all his wrestling moves on me.
Emmett had been placed in two homes after his parents were lost in a house fire that he had been the only survivor of. Carlisle and Esme had been told they couldn't conceive and had decided to open their home to foster children. That's when Emmett had joined them.
It had taken a great deal of time and patience before Emmett could manage to get through dinner without cursing. When his time with my aunt and uncle was ending, they noticed his demeanor change completely.
One week before his scheduled departure he had asked if they could adopt him. I remembered the call in the middle of the night my mother received, my aunt crying that they had agreed to adopt Emmett. They had already planned on doing so. I had a gained a new cousin, and he had been much nicer the next time my family and me visited.
I chuckled under my breath, remembering all the trouble we had gotten into when we were kids.
"What's got you laughing to yourself, Edward?" Rosalie asked, picking up her glass of water.
I smiled at her. "Well, I was remembering what Emmett was like the first time I met him." Emmett groaned and kicked me under the table. "What?" I looked innocently at my dear brother. "Do you want me to fill her head with images of an angelic Emmett?"
Rosalie snorted and shook her head, laughing. "I never believed him when he said that he was a model child."
"You know what they say, what comes around goes around," I said with a grin. "In other words, your kid is probably going to knock on your ass after running after him all day."
Emmett sighed and shrugged. "I'm gonna try to be a good dad, like mine were." I slapped him on his back and told him that he'd be great father. His lips turned into a mischievous grin. "Well Eddie, I'd be more worried about your kids taking after you."
My smile faded immediately. Well, fuck. There were a few tense moments, and Rosalie tried to break me out of my sudden somber mood.
"Edward, you're not that person anymore," she said thoughtfully. "Besides, Bella will be great mother, look how well Nessie turned out to be."
I nodded. Yes, Rosalie was right. I wasn't that man anymore, and I would be a great father. With Bella beside me, we'd learn from our mistakes and take pride in the child we raised. For the first time, I looked toward a future where I wasn't alone any longer. I loved the outlook.
~oOo~
It was roughly after eight went I arrived home, dying to hear from Bella, though at the moment, she was bumping elbows with some big wigs from a studio. I threw my suit jacket on the couch, taking a detour toward the kitchen. I missed the smells that I had been accustomed to when Bella cooked. I missed hearing the racket Bella made every single time.
God, I missed all those times where lunch or dinner laid forgotten on the stove as I made love to her on the counter or floor. I adjusted myself, cursing that I couldn't control myself for one damn night. I grabbed a bottle of wine and poured a glass. While sipping my drink, I thought about all that would occur when she came home from her tour.
Everything had thankfully worked out, and I only had to find a ring. Tomorrow both Esme and Alice would join me on a little hunt. I also had to meet Rosalie Thursday afternoon to view a house she believed was perfect for Bella and me. I started to remove my tie when I heard my cell phone ringing from the living room. I ran toward my jacket and dove for the phone. Yes, my Bella.
"Hello," I gasped a bit out of breath.
"You're breathing heavy, why?" she asked with a giggle.
Oh, she wanted to play. "I was thinking about you," I said huskily. I was positive she picked up on my mood because she instantly returned the favor.
"Mmm, what were you thinking about?"
I groaned as her tone turned sultry and raspy. I loved when she talked like that. I made my way to the bedroom, desperate to feel close to her by lying on our bed. "Before we um," I started, adjusting once again. "Get too ahead of ourselves, let's talk. How was your day, love?"
She told me that she had been busy with mostly meetings with publishing houses and studio executives. She mentioned that she had a radio show and a book signing the next day, followed by a photo shoot. While we discussed our days, I removed all of my clothing, except for my boxers, and settled in bed. I made sure to grab a few items from the bathroom, um, not wanting to make a mess. I told her about the magazine that chose my design.
"Is it the Behrman home?" she asked. I could hear what sounded like clothes ruffling in the background.
"Yes," I replied curious if she was getting ready for bed. It was a bit early for me, but I was all right with it. She squealed and thought that home was beautiful. Then it hit me… well shit.
"Bella," I said thoughtfully. "Would you like if I designed our house?"
She was quite for a moment. "Yes."
"Why haven't you said anything?"
"I wanted you to want to design our home."
"But waiting for construction and permits would take much too long," I reasoned. Truthfully I was already envisioning it.
"I know," she said. "We can move into a temporary home for now, but I'd like to move into something your beautiful mind imagined."
I sighed. "You give me too much credit."
"I know you well enough to know that you are already picturing it."
"Ah, you do know me. Love you, baby."
"Hmm, love you, too," she whispered, her voice transitioned to her husky tone. I groaned, the sudden shift causing me to harden further. "Now, Edward," she said. "Any chance I could get you to mount on our chair?"
Oh fuck.
~oOo~
My sister and mother refused to drive, so I had a limousine service to take us to various fine jewelry stores. It was taking longer than I anticipated, and I couldn't find anything that screamed Bella. I removed a receipt from my wallet, unable to find paper, as we continued onto the next store. Alice and Esme were busy discussing if maybe we should look at something other than diamonds.
I started doodling when my phone rang, "The Reason," alerting that it was Bella. I answered quickly, a smile on my lips. "Hello, beautiful."
"Hi," she said almost in a whisper.
"What's the matter, baby?"
A sob broke out, breaking my heart. "I just miss you," she said. "And God, the book signing was so overwhelming. I had no idea."
"Tell me," I said. I sat there listening, my family entering the store to give me some privacy.
"There were hundreds, Edward, hundreds of people," she said. "There was a group of young women, I'm guessing in their late teens! There was a group of angry parents there, blaming me for their children reading my books. It's not my fault they don't know what their kids are reading.
"Edward, I will be happy when all this is over, and I will no longer be writing this."
"Will you really?" I asked, running my hand through my hair roughly. I should be there for her, especially when she was so upset.
"Yes. No more sex-how-to books. I'm not ashamed of what I've written, but I'll be glad once I've fulfilled my commitment."
"You love to write, baby," I said gravely.
"I'll still write, but I'll concentrate on characters and plots with more depth."
I laughed and smiled at her tone. "Okay, love." I sighed. "I'll stand by you, whatever you decide."
"Thank you," she said quietly. "So, what are you up to that you're not in the office?"
"Nothing," I answered quickly. I noticed Alice coming toward the car, her smile bright. She found something.
"Ah, I see."
"Um, I gotta go."
She laughed. "Okay, I'll call once I get in tonight."
"I'll be here, missing you."
"I know, Edward. Love you."
"Love you."
After ending our call, I took a few deep breaths and sent Bella's doctor and Rachel a text, explaining that if more security was necessary, that I'd pay for it. Bella would probably be angry that I was intervening, but if she was dealing with hate groups, it was best to be safe.
I made my way inside, where Alice was bouncing up and down in place. Esme tried to calm her, but there was no placating my sister. I chuckled and wrapped my arm around Alice's shoulder. I was about to ask what all the fuss was about when, I saw it.
Alice didn't even need to point it out. I knew the one she was talking about the moment I saw it. I smiled at my family, nodding. "That's the one."
Alice smiled and nodded, happily. "Oh, I knew going with something besides diamond would be the answer."
"She does look great in blue," Esme mused.
"That she does," I said in agreement. I asked the jeweler to let me see the ring and about engraving. I would be cutting it close to when I needed it.
"What are you going to say?" Alice asked.
I smiled. "You're my reason, my heart."
Alice smiled and wrapped her arms around my chest. "I'm so happy for you." Her words were sweet, honest and filled with a broken sobs. She'd been an emotional ball of energy since her pregnancy, so I should've been prepared for her tears. I wasn't.
"Don't cry, Ali," I said.
She sobbed and shook her head, burying her head in my chest. "You haven't called me that since you came to live with us when we were kids.
"I'm sorry," I whispered as tears started to prickle in my eyes.
"It's all right," she said. "You were just lost for a while."
"I'm here now," I said, ruffling her head like I used to. It annoyed the shit of her back then, and by the way she promptly stomped my foot, she still hated it. Esme chuckled beside us, her sniffles alerting me that she was in tears, too. "I'm never going shopping with you two again," I teased, pulling my aunt into an embrace so she too could take part in the hug-fest.
It was a nice day.
~oOo~
Bella called me after I had finished with dinner and made a few more arrangements for her return. All the calls had been made, and everyone agreed to attend. David agreed to house the event, and I spared no expense. They were all doing it for Bella – for us.
Bella listened to me talk about my day, needing to just hear my voice. She'd whispered her love occasionally, but I could hear that she was tired, probably even more so than she'd been the first night. We agreed to set up a time for the next evening to video chat.
I told her to head to bed when she asked me to stay on the phone until she fell asleep. I complied and even sang her to sleep. I hung up after hearing her breathing even out after several minutes. I had known what would happen next.
Around two-thirty in the morning, like clockwork my cell phone rang on my nightstand. Bella was frantic; a nightmare had invaded her dreams.
I did my best to calm her. I even attempted to convince her to video chat. She didn't want to be an inconvenience, especially since I had an important meeting in a few hours.
"Bella, just say the word I'll fly out there," I said. I knew she wouldn't ask that of me, but I wanted to go.
"No, Edward," she said firmly. "I just needed to hear your voice. I woke up confused about where I was and why you weren't beside me."
"Okay, but you need to slow down," I said, matching her tone. "You're having these nightmares because of stress which isn't good for you and the baby."
"I will, I promise."
"Can't wait to see you tomorrow," I said, hoping to lighten the tense mood.
She giggled. "Me either."
The rest of the week leading up to my departure was similar to that of her first night. Video chatting had turned into a fun game. We'd be talking to each other about our day when she'd suddenly flash me. I'd laugh, trying to shake off the image when she'd do it again. I'd keep sending dirty little messages about all the lace she flashed at me, and what I wanted to do with her breasts throughout the next day.
She had returned the favor while I was in the middle of a meeting. She had sent me a picture of her trussed up by her own bra. I had to leave the meeting and jack off to the picture in my bathroom or risk exposing myself to my associates. She had to have known what something like that would do to me.
She had, because she called just as I made it to my office. She had asked to put her on speakerphone so she could hear. That night, she let me watch her.
I was leaving the next afternoon to see Bella, and I wanted to get her something. I remembered that she said that her mother had given her a charm bracelet when she was younger, but she had lost it during one of her moves.
I found something I liked and Rosalie helped me find charms before we headed to another house. She had saved the best for last, and it was a good thing, because it really was perfect to start out in. I had figured while Bella was in New York, that I'd need at least two years before our home would be ready.
I had already found the property for it; a one-point-seven acre plot just outside of Seattle. It would be the perfect place to raise our child and a dog. I always wanted a dog. I took several pictures of the house Rosalie had picked out for us and of the plot so I could show Bella when I next saw her.
My cell phone rang as I took a photo of the trees along the property line. "Hello," I answered, realizing that it was Bella's agent, Rachel.
"Cullen," she barked. It sounded like she hadn't forgiven me.
"Yes."
"Bella only has a radio show tomorrow around ten, and then she's all yours."
"I'm not arriving in New York until three in the afternoon," I said.
"You can't be that dense."
"Excuse me?"
"You're going to make me spell it out, aren't you?" I waited. "In other words you can have an extra day with her if you can get here tonight."
Fuck yes. "Got it."
"About time," she spat. "I'll send you the hotel information and leave a key card for you in the front lobby."
"Thank you," I said, but it sounded more like a question.
"I didn't do it for you." Then she promptly hung up.
I smiled and called the airline for the private jet. Rosalie got wind of what was happening and was on the phone with Alice to pack my bag.
All I needed was to find a plausible excuse for my absence when Bella tried to call me later that evening. Rosalie helped me in that department as she reminded me to wrap Bella's bracelet.
~oOo~
Everything had gone according to plan. Bella believed that I was helping Emmett with a problem at a project site. That we were working with the crew late into the night so we'd be fine for the pending inspection.
Except the snow was my fucking enemy. I was scheduled to touch down by nine-twenty in the evening, but the snow was not relenting. Bella was staying at the Fairmount, and if we were diverted, I'd have to wait until morning to get a ride back to New York.
After circling for almost an hour, we were finally allowed to land. Thankful that Alice thought of everything, I bundled up in my heavy winter coat when I met the cold brisk air of the city. Rachel had a car waiting for me, thank God.
We pulled up to the hotel, the wind picking up as I helped my driver, Joe, with my carryon and suitcase. The kindly gentleman at the reception desk was fast and said that the wakeup call had been pushed back from six am to nine. I laughed at his teasing tone and made my way to the elevator.
My heart pounded in my chest as I tiptoed into Bella's room. I quietly left my bags beside the door to the master bedroom, watching her from across the room. Her body was covered in a thin sheet, the duvet twisted around her feet. She slept half on her side and half on her stomach, hugging a pillow. Her dark hair contrasted over the golden hue of the sheets, spread out across her pillow and back.
I missed her so much. For a few moments more, I watched her sleep peacefully. I stepped out of my clothing and slid into bed beside her. She mumbled as I pulled her back toward my chest. I kissed her hair and neck before I whispered in her ear, "Bella."
"I'm dreaming," she mumbled then moaned as I whispered again, my breath warming her skin.
"I'm here, flew out early," I said, her hands meeting mine on her bare stomach.
"Hmm," she breathed. "An extra day?"
"Yes," I said. I wanted her, but if she was tired, I'd let her sleep. My hands ran over her naked body, humming with pleasure to find nothing but bare skin. "I love you," I whispered. She ground her backside against me, making me shudder with need. "Go back to sleep."
She shook her head and turned to face me. Her eyes were lidded with desire and love as took my face in her hands. "Edward," she said in a whisper. She kissed my lips gently, licking my bottom one. I groaned and pulled her even closer – she was never close enough. She rolled over me, her lips still on mine.
Her hands moved over my chest as she pulled away to sit up. She straddled my hips, and my hands instantly sought the warmth of her body. My fingers skimmed over the taut skin of her thighs, and I teased the back of her knees. Her lips and teeth explored my neck, shoulders and chest as my hands reacquainted themselves with every inch of her body. Her legs tightened on each side of my hips as she sat upright to take me inside her.
I pulled her toward me by the back of her neck, seeking her sweet lips. I groaned as I completely filled her just as she done with my heart.
Despite the late hour and our desperate need, we made love slowly. We weren't seeking only pleasure, but reassurance that our time apart had changed nothing. It hadn't, and in fact, I'd say it strengthened our bond. We knew each other at a level that no words needed to be said, we just clicked and moved in harmony.
Bella tugged on my arms, because she wanted me closer. I sat up, our hips still joined together intimately, and the connection deepened further. I groaned as her soft whimpers played in my ear, our movements steadily becoming more erratic. Our kisses were chaste at first, but we allowed them to crescendo as our bodies quaked, falling over the edge together.
Spent, I laid Bella back on her pillow, kissing the soft skin of her neck. I took my usual spot on her chest as her fingers found their way to my hair. We hummed together her lullaby, allowing ourselves a moment of contentment as we drifted off to sleep.
~oOo~
I felt her mouth on me as light interrupted the darkness behind my eyes. Her lips were soft, moving over my Adam's apple, her tongue darting out to taste the skin there.
"Good morning," she said cheerfully. "I know you're awake."
I tried to play it off that I was still asleep. I lolled my head to one side and added a snore for effect. She giggled softly, and then she fucking palmed me, causing me to groan. Damn it!
I pouted and felt her shift to sit on my chest, keeping most of her weight on her knees. I felt her hair curtain around my head as her lips and tongue sought out new skin to devour. I moaned into her mouth as my hands cradled her backside, groping roughly.
She seemed to be in a playful mood, so I swatted her behind and earned a yelp. Surprised by my sudden attack, she glared at me, scrunching up her nose and brow in mock anger. She smirked and held my hands over my head.
"Someone wants to play," she mused as she nipped at my lips.
"Always," I groaned out, her teeth at my neck. I pulled away from her grasp easily and grabbed onto her hips. I rolled us over abruptly, and another surprised yelp left her lips as I mounted her carefully. With her wrists captured in one of my hands, I went to work on her mouth. "My turn."
~oOo~
"We need to shower," Bella whispered as her fingers trailed paths over my chest. I hummed in agreement but made no effort to move. "My people," she said in mild revulsion "will be here soon."
"How many are we talking about, baby?" I asked in a teasing tone. I had known since the whole Isa Virgin reveal that she really hated the amount of pampering all her people gave her. "Give me a ball park figure," I continued as I wrapped my arms around her.
"Rachel, Mark, Ruby and Erika will be here," she said. "They're my agent, doctor, hair and makeup." I gave her a speculative look to which she just shrugged. "It's been like that every day since the tour started. Oh, and I said no on the talk show."
She hopped out of bed quickly and headed toward the bathroom. I gave her a few minutes and followed once she opened the door for me. "Don't hurt yourself thinking, Edward."
"I thought you liked the idea of a show," I said. I walked over to her as she brushed her teeth. She finished as I picked my own brush from the counter.
"No, I never really did," she stated, turning to the large shower enclosure. "And if my fan base was this big, I can't imagine it after doing a show. Plus the co-host they had in mind is a complete asshole."
"Well, if that's how you feel, then that's that. But I have to admit, I'm a little relieved."
"I know," she whispered. She sat on the granite countertop, waiting for me to finish as the bathroom to fill with steam. I finished brushing my teeth and was about to shave when Bella stopped me. "Leave it." She kissed my jaw, the stubble there the heaviest than she'd ever seen it. "I love it."
I smiled at her and stood in between her legs. I pulled her closer, her naked center caressing my erection. "Shower time. Need a hand with washing?" I asked, my fingers combing through the silky waves of her hair.
"Of course," she said with a smile.
~oOo~
Bella and I had breakfast as we waited for her crew to arrive. She sat on my lap, feeding me bacon as we discussed my week. There was a knock at the door, which promptly opened without an invitation. Rachel and Mark entered first, and thankfully, we had changed before having breakfast. Rachel headed straight toward the coffee and took two sips then launched into an explanation about the show later and Bella's schedule after I left.
Mark placed his medical bag on a table and took Bella's blood pressure quietly, trying his best to ignore me. I glared and Bella pinched my thigh. I growled under my breath as Mark openly ogled her legs since she was in a robe.
"Good morning, Isa," Mark said rather cheerfully. After he finished with the cuff he took her a finger and placed a lancet at the tip. "Need to check you're iron."
Bella nodded. "Morning, Mark," she said, placing a kiss on my shoulder. Mark wandered off to the side, busying himself with a machine he had placed on a table.
"Bella, have you thought at all about the offer from the cable company?" Rachel asked, looking over a newspaper.
"Not really," Bella said. "I'm not sure if I want to be a part of something like that."
"You're just selling the idea behind the scripts, that's it."
"Yes, but my name will appear in the credits," Bella said angrily. Rachel put up her hands defensively. Bella sighed and apologized for her outburst. "Sorry, Rach. Give me some time." Rachel nodded and went to answer the door to the rest of Bella's people.
Bella was right, time moved rather fast as she was primed and readied for her appearance. I had asked why the primping for a radio talk show, and she said that they usually recorded guest appearances. The videos were then later uploaded on their websites. In other words, she had to look good.
I watched as they transformed her from the soft curved, warmth of my Bella into the unmistakable allure of Isa Virgin. I had no doubt in my mind that had I met her as Isa first, sure I'd want to fuck her, but I'd probably would've been intimated by her confidence.
From underneath Isa's darkened lashes, I found my Bella's warm eyes. "Ready?"
"Not really," I said with a grin.
"In about ninety minutes we'll have the next thirty-six hours to ourselves," she said. "I wonder what we'll do with all that time."
"Hmm," I whispered, kissing her lips. "I could do a lot in that amount of time."
"Oh, I know you could," she teased as she pulled me closer, her fingers clinging to the belt loops of my jeans.
"Isa," Mark interrupted as Bella's hairdresser shooed me away so she could finish. "Don't forget about your doctor appointment tomorrow."
Bella hissed at him, surprising the both of us. "Mark that was supposed to be a surprise," she spat. Mark looked properly chastised and left immediately.
"What doctor appointment?" I asked, suddenly worried that something was wrong. Bella stood up as my hands moved over the small bump of her abdomen.
"We're going to have one of those 4D ultrasounds of the baby tomorrow."
I smiled and pulled her close. "Are we going to find out if we're having a little girl or boy?"
"If you'd like," Bella said quietly, tightening her arms around me.
"Hm, please. We need to time to figure out names."
Rachel interrupted and burst our little bubble. "God knows you'll need the time if it's a girl."
"Shut it, Rachel," Bella said quickly.
I stiffened when I realized that Rachel was right. It would take some time to figure out a name for a little girl. If I counted all the first and middle names of the women from my past, we'd have to cross out almost sex hundred names – fuck.