Well if she comes to your town motors running top down
Careful she can change your world
Just let me tell you boy
She's an independent girl

-Independent Girl by Joe Nichols

Chapter Three

Gluttony

b.p.o.v.

My car really was on its last leg. When I pushed the gas pedal down to speed up, the car wheezed before slowly accelerating. I had thought idly about getting a new one but my lack of funding made it next to impossible. I would have been able to afford it, you know…if I lived in a cardboard box.

I sighed reaching up to run my fingers over my lips that were still tingling from the kiss in the parking garage. As for my other body parts, those were still on fire. If I had male equipment, it would be Smurf blue right now.

I had just let a stranger dry hump me in an elevator full of my coworkers. I knew they had to have known some of what was going on due to the fact that Edward made it impossible for me to keep quiet. When I tried to evade him afterwards, the man chased me to my car only to shut me up with a kiss and then ask me on a date. More like tell me we were going on a date.

I was soon after on my way home to get ready for said date with a man that had already given me an almost orgasm.

What an icebreaker.

I sighed and pulled my car into my normal spot and opted to take the stairwell to my floor. I called Angela on the way up to cancel our plans for the evening. She didn't seem to mind and I could have sworn I had heard a man's voice with her. I assumed she'd have her own stories to share once the weekend was up.

I unlocked my door and closed it behind me, walking to the kitchen. Seconds passed before I heard someone come in behind me.

"Don't you knock?" I yelled out and grabbed two water bottles instead of one.

"Do I ever?" a petite voice rang back.

Alice. She lived two doors down and we almost always got home from work within minutes of each other. Rosalie, the girl who lived in the apartment between us, usually followed close behind. Alice and Rosalie had known each other for years and had neighboring apartments for just as long. We'd become immediate friends the day I left my door open when trying to decorate my studio apartment.

Alice walked right in and had told me that my rug clashed with my couch and started rolling it up for me. Most people would have kicked her out, I invited her back to help me with the curtain I was hanging to separate my bedroom from the living room.

After a few hours of hanging pictures, Rosalie had come in and yelled at Alice for bothering the new girl while I wordlessly poured her a margarita.

The rest is history, I guess.

I plopped onto the couch and handed Alice a water bottle and threw my feet onto the coffee table.

"Why are you late? I've been home almost an hour now," she asked nonchalantly.

Alice took one look at me before turning her body on the couch to sit Indian style towards me.

"What happened?" she asked flatly. It wasn't a question if something had happened or not. She knew, probably from the flush still on my cheeks, that something had indeed happened.

She knew me far too well.

"I have an hour to get ready for a date with a guy I let feel me up in an elevator," I said without taking a breath, keeping my gaze from her.

She didn't say anything. Instead, she pulled out her phone and typed a message out at lightning speed.

"Alice?" she shook her head in response.

Rosalie ran into my apartment seconds later, phone still in hand.

"You let some dude feel you up in in elevator? You are such a hussy!"

Alice and Rosalie spent the next forty-five minutes lying on my bed while I got ready for my date, salivating over every detail. I finally had to force them out the door to let me finish my hair and makeup in peace.

I opted for a casual look, jeans and a tight fitted shirt with my hair loose. I was still finishing up when the buzzer sounded, letting me know that someone was here.

When I heard Edward's voice on the speaker my heart rate increased immediately. I buzzed him through and waited by the door for the knock. I stalled for half a second before I opened it and found him standing there, holding a little red daisy. He managed to get out half a compliment before I felt my face flush.

Seriously? His hand was up my shirt within minutes of meeting, but now I blushed when he tried to tell me I look pretty?

I let him in and watched him taking in my tiny apartment, looking at some of my older pictures of the city on the walls. Of course, I blushed like hell again when he complimented them. I wasn't used to anyone having this power over me. Suddenly I was in high school and hoping Edward would ask me to prom or something.

Only difference was, I had way dirtier thoughts than any high schooler should ever have.

I followed him to the elevator, thankful that he broke the tension with a joke. Elevators would take some getting used to.

We decided on sushi and a movie. Edward pulled me under his arm when I shivered, which had my skin on fire again with the innocent touch. I knew he felt it too, because when he turned to look at me, our proximity was dangerously close. I knew if I didn't make a move away from him, I would throw away any attempts at starting a normal dating relationship with him.

As normal as it could be, anyway.

I did, however, manage to stick my foot in my mouth before we left the parking lot. Edward mentioned that he came from money, and so obviously when I saw the Audi he was leading us towards I made a joke and he immediately recoiled. I felt really bad.

My family was far from rich, and I had been working for Newton, barely keeping afloat since moving to the city. I didn't have anything against anyone who did come from higher means. I mean, hell, I was surrounded by people like that there. But it was obvious I had struck a chord with him and I made a mental note to avoid that in the future.

Dinner went by quickly; we talked a lot about our lives and our interests. I made a move to pay for dinner quickly and felt bad afterwards, realizing he wanted to pay. To compromise, I offered to let him pay for the movie and he agreed.

I knew I must really like this guy if he managed to get me to watch a horror movie with him. My father had tried for years and I wouldn't even watch those spoof horror ones like Scary Movie.

He assured me I'd be fine and had me snuggled under his arm in no time.

I don't really know, but I think it must have been an obscure, darkened room that fed the lust in me. My lips found their way to his neck during the movie, and not long after, we found our way to my couch.

I'm still unsure of how we were able to stop when we did. We were headed for a home run when we managed to pull ourselves apart and he walked out of the door with yet another sweet kiss.

Christ, I needed a cold shower and a cigarette. I didn't even smoke.

I'm not sure how much foreplay a human being can handle in one day, but I was pretty sure I'd hit the boiling point.

I walked back over to the couch and straightened up the cushions, trying my best not to inhale the lingering cologne smell lofting from them. I opted to shower in the morning, because as it turned out, sexual tension was exhausting.

I fell into a dream-filled sleep of the only person on my mind.

…

"Bella, come for me baby. Let me feel you," he whispered onto the goose bumped skin on my neck. The words gave me another set of chills as he pushed into me deeper.

"Edward, fuck… yes… please…"

He understood my mutterings and thrust into me harder, faster, while wrapping his arm around my back and pressing my body into his.

Edward moved his mouth south; traveling a path on my body like it was mapped out for him to bring me the most pleasure possible.

I moaned loudly, interrupted by Edward's hushing.

"Shh, baby, they'll hear you…"

Who will hear us? Before I could ask him, music filled the air loudly.

I groaned and rolled over; blindly searching for the devil device that woke me up from the hottest dream I'd ever had in my life.

"Yeah, hello?"

I peeked out through my eyelids to see it was just before eleven. Even though it was Saturday, I still rarely slept in that late. Edward wore me out, even in my dreams.

"Mind telling me who was doing the walk of shame out of your door last night? Please tell me it was the office hottie and then tell me why he isn't spooning you right now?"

"Alice, really? God, you are one nosey bitch," I groaned and rolled myself out of bed, walking aimlessly towards my coffee maker.

"Yes, that was Edward, and no, we didn't have sex. Does that answer everything?" I said while gaping at my empty coffee canister. New plan: Starbucks, then grocery store.

"That doesn't even touch my questions, Bella. Are you even awake yet?"

"I'm talking to you aren't I?" I snapped back, fingering the petals of the red daisy sitting in water on my countertop.

"Wow, you're feisty when you're sexually frustrated." Alice laughed back; I could hear Rosalie laughing in the background as well.

"Ugh, speakerphone, Alice, really? Hello Rose."

"Hey hussy!" she yelled back.

I rolled my eyes as if they could see me and started towards the bathroom so I could shower.

"I'm getting ready to go out, meet me at Starbucks?" I asked, turning the knob for the cold water. Extra cold today, thanks.

"No can do, we have to pick up a shipment in Jersey, it was supposed to come in yesterday but it didn't show. We'll be back tonight though so don't think you're getting away without interrogation, ma'am."

I laughed back and agreed to meet them later that night. Alice and Rosalie owned a small shop downtown selling vintage clothes and jewelry. They were quite profitable, for their little store. I couldn't say I minded the friend discount they always gave me either.

After my not-cold-enough shower, I made my way into the warm streets, camera in tow. I rarely left home without it. You never know when you'll want it in this city.

I opted to walk to Starbucks and grab my car afterwards for the groceries.

I walked into the familiar green establishment that was bustling, as usual. It was only a block away, so I guess you could say I was a bit of a regular customer.

"Venti Chai, babe. Milk, not water," the tan-faced brunette behind the counter sang to me seconds after I walked in.

"Jacob, how do you do that?" I laughed and took the cup from him.

"Saw you comin' up the block. What's new?" he asked, continuing to make drinks for the other customers waiting.

I shrugged and tested my tea. "Same old, I had a date last night," I tried to it say nonchalantly, but ended up grinning like a fool anyway.

Jacob was the gayest, sweetest barista in blocks. Angela and I met him while apartment shopping for me. He may have slightly influenced my decision when he eavesdropped on our conversation during our first visit and demanded we include him on the gossip on his break. He was also a free-lance photographer on the side. Starbucks was pocket change compared to the money he raked in with his pictures. I wanted to hate him out of pure jealousy, but I couldn't find it in me. He had a small studio a few blocks away that he let me use.

Old habits die hard, as he was immediately tossing his apron on the counter and giving me that 'details now' look.

"Back in fifteen!" he yelled over his shoulder, earning dirty looks from his co-workers.

He guided me over to a corner booth and practically stuffed me inside in his impatience.

"Isabella Swan, you haven't given any man a second look in months, unless you count the randoms you click pictures of in the park. Who the hell managed to get you on a date?"

I ran my hands through my hair and rolled my eyes. I couldn't even lie, he would see right through it. So, I recounted the elevator experience and my date last night. Every detail, down to the cold shower.

"Okay, first question. When are you seeing him again?"

Jacob had shifted his position during my story; he was now sitting across from me with his chin rested against his fists, elbows on the table.

I sighed and shook my head.

"I don't know. He has my number but I don't have his. So I guess the ball is in his court."

"Okay… second, why the hell didn't you guys do the horizontal mambo again?"

My hand shot up to my mouth to keep my chai from shooting out of my nose.

"Jacob!"

He just shrugged and laughed. "What? Oh, come on, you almost get the big O from him twice in one day and then nothing? You need to take more notes from me. I'd still be sharin' a sheet with that hunk."

I laughed again and shook my head as I stood up. "You don't even know what he looks like. Go back to work, see you Monday morning." I walked past him, ruffling his hair.

When I pushed the door open to leave, Jacob called my name out.

"I don't know what he looks like, but he must be something if he's gotten this reaction out of you."

…

Jacob was more than right. I usually put up the façade of being too busy for a relationship but the truth was, I just wasn't interested. The few dates I had gone on since moving here had me home early, eating ice cream by myself. As colorful and vibrant the city was it sure had some dull men.

I started on my way back to my apartment with every intention of grabbing my car and heading to the grocery store. But my camera was calling my name. I took a right turn and walked the few blocks to the small park in my neighborhood.

It was crowded, but I expected no less on a Saturday. Children running around, blowing bubbles and flying kites. Runners and bikers kept the perimeter. I couldn't keep the smile off of my face when I took my shoes off and walked on the soft grass. I tilted my face towards the sky and absorbed the sun's rays into my skin.

This beat my stupid desk job, every single day. I'd have given anything to quit Newton's. I had enough money saved to last me a few months but then what? I knew damn well that I needed to keep this job with the economy the way it was. Handsy boss and all.

The best day I'd had at that job consisted of getting felt up in that damned elevator. The thought had me gasping with realization.

What if this didn't work out? What if Edward was thoroughly blue-balled and pissed at me after last night? Sure, he was sweet enough when he left, but he could've just been really good at being polite. He could thoroughly fuck up my job at Newton's.

"Uuuugh. What the hell was I thinking?" I asked myself out loud, earning a few odd looks.

I smiled politely at the strangers, attempting to assure them that I was not losing my mind.

I needed to do some serious thinking about what may or may not be happening with Edward. As much as I loathe my job, I knew that Edward could seriously hinder my performance.

I racked my brain while snapping a few pictures and unsuccessfully trying to clear my mind. It was no use. I knew I needed my girls to help me figure this one out.

I finished my grocery shopping quickly, not needing much for just myself. The apartment didn't have a lot of space to hold much anyway. I texted Angela to see if she wanted to come over but she had plans and said she couldn't wait to tell me about on Monday. I smiled to myself, knowing she must be with the mysterious Ben again.

I was riddled with anxiety by the time Alice and Rosalie made it back into the city. I threw my door open the second I heard them in the hallway.

"Alice, what the hell is in the bag?" Rosalie demanded when Alice closed her apartment door behind her.

"Mind your business."

They both filed into my apartment and I eyed them curiously.

"Alice, mind telling me what's in the bag?" I asked glancing at the brown paper bag she was setting on my counter.

"Girl's night!" she sang out in response, taking out a pint of ice cream and three oversized spoons.

"Hell, woman, if you ask to paint my nails, I am so out," I laughed, shaking my head.

"And ruin the pedicure I forced you to get with me last week? Not likely."

I plugged my iPod in, opening a playlist on low. Turning back, I noticed Rosalie staring at the Rocky Road with a disgusted look on her face.

"Rose?" I asked, stepping towards her.

Without a word, she turned on her heels and walked out of the apartment.

Within minutes, she returned, holding a bottle of Vanilla Vodka and three shot glasses.

"This is how the grownups do girls night. Take notes, Alice." Rosalie set the bottle on the counter, moving the ice cream to the side. Despite the faux aggravated look on Alice's face, I couldn't hold in my laughter. I clutched my stomach and doubled over giggling. I actually snorted once which had Rose and Alice laughing as well.

"Bottoms up?" I laughed out, grabbing a shot glass and holding it out to Alice. She took it and stuck her tongue out at me.

Two shots later, I told every detail of my date with Edward.

"And God, he freaking kissed my tattoo. I swear he likes it more than I do." I fell back into the couch with a groan.

"I'm still missing something here. Where is the problem exactly?" Alice asked, confused.

Rosalie took the time to chime in as well.

"Bella, the only problem I see is that he's not over here trying to get into your pants right now."

"You guys don't get it, I work with him. If we keep doing this, it's bound to be one hell of a breakup and I need that stupid job." I picked up my phone mid-sentence when it started blinking red, showing that I had a new message.

I opened the phone, not recognizing the number. But when I read the text, I groaned. I didn't have to guess who it was from.

"What? Who is it?" Alice asked, grabbing the phone from my hand.

Is it weird to say that I miss you?

She read the text out loud and barely stifled her giggles.

"Bella has a boyyyfriend," she sang out, waving the phone in the air.

"Alice, seriously," Rosalie spat at her, sternly but still playfully. "What are you going to do Bella?" She turned to me.

"I don't know. I really like this guy, and we are like borderline exclusive after knowing each other for two days. We're bound to fizzle out quick at this rate." I threw myself back on the couch and felt my phone land on my stomach where Alice tossed it to me.

"I think you're dumb to think this is anything other than good, Bella. He's obviously good looking and he's already got your panties in a bunch. You hate your job. If it ends badly, then deal with it then." Rose spoke matter-of-factly before turning to talk to Alice again. The subject was closed.

I heard Rosalie get up and walk to the kitchen to refill our cocktails. Thankfully, we weren't drinking too much tonight. I needed the clear head to figure out what to do about my mess.

I decided to text him back because, well, I am a glutton for pain, I suppose.

I guess I'm weird too. What are you up to?

I decided to keep the texts to myself for the rest of the night. Alice made it easy when she decided to tell me what was happening lately with her and Rosalie's shop. My phone blinked at me again.

Guy's night. Emmett is already trashed and Jas is playing Doctor Phil. Save me.

I laughed at our mirrored evenings. Rosalie's words were beginning to slur and if I let Alice, she would be preaching to me about what to do with Edward.

As if Alice was a mind reading minx, she turned towards me.

"So what about you, missy? Are you going to dump Mr. Elevator before it even starts?"

What about me? I just shook my head. I didn't know if I was wordlessly saying no or saying I don't know, but Alice accepted the answer anyway.

I started texting back.

No can do, girl's night. Rose is already trashed too.

I looked back up into Alice's expecting eyes. She wasn't dumb. She knew very well that I had continued texting Edward but thank the gods above; she didn't ask me to read them.

"I think I'll let it play out. Like Rosalie so nicely reminded me earlier…I hate my job. Might as well give myself something to look forward to, even if it does have 'messy breakup' written all over it."

Rosalie leaned back into the chaise she was sitting on and closed her eyes.

"Quit expecting a breakup when you aren't even dating yet. You're going to get wrinkles."

Ah, there's the Rose I know and love.

Please remind me to introduce her to Emmett. I think they are written in the stars.

"So, did I tell you guys where Angela is tonight?" I asked, deterring the conversation away from me so I could sneak another text back. Alice had been just as nosey with Angela this morning so she already knew about IT Ben.

I'm not even drunk. How sad is that?

I sounded pathetic. But I was desperate to keep the conversation going.

Me neither. When can I see you again?

I'm assuming the pillow that just flew into my face meant my blush was visible.

I suppose I could check my calendar…

Another pillow.

"Alice!"

"What? You're grinning like a fool over there."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Edward's reply.

Let me come over.

Holy shit.

Now?

I didn't even pretend to listen to the conversation in the room. I opted to stare at my phone instead.

Yes.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Way to cool things down, Bella.

"So…I think I'm going to call it a night," I said, stretching my arms above me, peeking over at my friends to see if they were buying it.

I was met with Alice's shit-eating grin and Rosalie's lifted eyebrow. Nope, not buying it.

"I hope you're planning on changing before he comes over," Alice said, walking straight for my closet.

Rosalie just laughed from the couch as I ran after Alice, tipping her drink back.

"You can at least help!" Alice yelled at her, moving hangers around.

"Alice, it's almost ten o'clock at night. I don't need you primping me up." I sat on my bed and finally texted Edward back.

I'm kicking the girls out.

I sent it quickly and surprisingly didn't object when Alice pulled out what she wanted me to wear; a pair of yoga pants and two different tank tops. It was painfully obvious that she wanted me to show off my slim curves. But at least she got the hint that I didn't want to look like I had changed. This seemed like a fitting ten o'clock outfit.

I accepted the clothes with a smile before politely shooing my friends towards the door.

"Wear a thong. Panty lines are not your friend." Alice was speaking quickly as I tried to close the door.

"Got it, Alice."

"Take your hair down. You look homely," Rosalie said with a wave and a laugh.

"Goodnight girls! Keep your peepholes closed tonight." I finally got the door shut and ran to my bathroom to take my hair out of its messy bun. Thankfully, my natural curls didn't look horrendous after spending the day in a hair tie. I ran my fingers through them a few times and added a touch of mousse to keep them in place. I rarely let my hair curl on its own but I knew I didn't have time for a straightener.

I hadn't worn any makeup that day either, so I put on some mascara and some chap stick. It would have to do.

I pulled the curtain down, closing off my room and quickly cleaned up after my short-lived ladies night. Popping a movie into the DVD player, I sat down to wait.

And wait.

…and wait.

An unknown amount of time passed, as I had fallen asleep on my couch. I heard the buzz coming from the speaker and jumped up, racing towards it.

"Hello?" I grumbled out, wishing I cleared my throat after my impromptu nap.

"Bella? Hey it's me, um, Edward. I'm sorry it took me so long. I can come by tomorrow if you want."

"No, no it's okay." I hit the button to buzz him through.

I waited by the door for the footsteps. When I heard them getting louder, I opened the door so he wouldn't have to knock.

So much for trying to get ready and seem like I naturally looked cute this late. I was sure my hair looked like a lion's mane and I hoped to God my breath wasn't too horrid.

When my eyes met his, I didn't find it in me to care. Had it even been twenty-four hours since I'd seen him? My body responded like it'd been weeks.

There he stood, hair disheveled, wearing tight jeans and a fitted black shirt. He wore the most adorable crooked smile when he breathed out a "hello."

I vaguely remembered that I wanted to take things slow when I found myself pinned to the wall, just on the inside of my apartment.

I aimlessly kicked my foot out a few times until I found the door and pushed it shut.

Something told me Edward would be getting the full tour of the apartment tonight.

A/N: I can't thank my partner in crime enough. AcrosstheSkyinStars keeps my sanity. I think I wrote her thirty emails trying to get this chapter done. She replied to each and every one and hasn't disowned me yet!

You should worship readingmama and her beta-whip. Without her this chapter would be extremely over excited. ( I like exclamation points. Way too much.) She's made of awesome!

My amazing co-writer will bring you EPOV soon!