Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.
AN: I'm sorry that it took so long for me to get the next chapter up guys! But here it is! And at ten THOUSAND words! Nice and long! Remember that the faster you review the fast I put them out! Okay, not to the story…
When we emerged from the crowd, I found that my breath was coming at a fairly normal rate again. He turned to me and hugged me. "God, I couldn't find you and I kept searching. You really scared me, and when I saw him on you like that…" He let out a heavy breath which washed down to me. "I almost lost it. Do you see now? Why I don't want guys looking at you?"
I swallowed hard, not sure what to say. He had been looking for me. He hadn't abandoned me there for no reason. I had scared him as well. "I'm sorry."
He tightened around me before lifting my face and laughing. "You have nothing to be sorry for Bella. You can't help the fact that you are beautiful any more than what guys think. I just wish you didn't have to see it. And twice in one day, no less. Do you want to leave?"
I honestly didn't know. "Do you want to stay?"
He shook his head. "Not after that."
"Then let's go." I took his hand again, and we started walking to the front of the room. I reached into my purse and pulled out my cell phone. I didn't expect Alice to answer, but she did.
"Hello?!"
"Alice! It's Bella. Edward and I are heading out. We'll see you back at the hotel."
"Okay girl, have fun!" She sang out the last part, laughing as she hung up.
"Wishful thinking, Alice," I said under my breath, shutting my phone.
"What?"
I looked up, surprised he could even tell I had said something, much less have heard my voice. "Nothing. Let's go."
He smiled, nodding, and tightened his grip on my hand as he tugged me forward a little more quickly, the door in sight.
When we finally emerged into the night air, I felt so relieved, like we had been running from something and finally lost it. An odd feeling, to say the least. But neither of us said anything as we started back toward the hotel, no longer walking quickly, just relaxed. The night had gotten chilly, a cold breeze sweeping down the street, making most people slip on sweaters or duck into the few shops still open.
I finally looked up at him. I'm not sure why it was so difficult to say, but there's no denying that it was. "Thank you Edward." His eyes met mine, a bewildered look on his face. "It's the second time you've saved me today." I admitted, blushing a bit. "And from basically the same thing. Thank you for that."
He stopped and stared at me. "Bella…" I smiled as sweetly as I could, loving the moment. He looked almost lost, like he couldn't find a way to reply. Not that there really was one. What do you say to 'thank you' when 'your welcome' isn't quite enough?
"There's nothing for you to say, Edward. It's true. Just… accept it. Thank you." I shivered as the wind lifted. "I owe you a lot."
He shook his head. "You owe me nothing. I… shouldn't have let you dance with him, anyways. Now, come on, its getting chilly out here." He started walking again, pulling me under his arm so I would be warmer. "Is there anywhere you want to stop before we head back?"
"No, I'm good." And that was beyond true. I fit so perfectly under his arm and into his side. Just like I always had.
--
It was snowing when we all walked out of the theater and I was cold. How Alice had gotten me to wear the tank top I'm still not sure, but I was cursing her now. Why hadn't I at least brought a sweater or something? I just stared out the long window, glaring at the white flakes while the others ran to a store in the mall to get Esme a gift for her birthday. They had begged me to come with them, but - prepare for my extreme logic here - I was much more content shivering in front of the window while I willed the snow away. The worst part of the snow was, simply put, the damnable timing. I had to get halfway up a street where no cars could go to get to the store at which I had preordered the gift I wanted to give Esme.
"Bella, you ready?" Edward's voice was just as smooth and perfect as normal. None of this chattering jaw nonsense for him.
"Why not?" I sighed and turned. "Where are the others?"
"Alice decided she and Emmett had to get something. We're meeting in forty minutes at the restaurant, Angelino's. I'm going to take you. I suppose there was logic in bringing two cars after all." He nodded his head toward the door but noticed my reluctance a moment before he noticed by bare arms. "Bella, don't tell me you didn't bring a coat."
"Alice said very specifically that I wouldn't need one." I muttered. "She's never been wrong before."
He laughed, a little smile on his lips at the thought that his sister had screwed up. "No, she never has."
"Well, it was the worst thing she could have gotten wrong." I said, a little irritated, heading toward the door. The wind slapped me in the face, making my eyes burn as I stepped out of the safety of the building. I squinted and tilted my eyes down until I could hardly see at all. I took a few steps, grimacing at the sting of my skin and just wanting to get to the car as fast as possible without slipping. The only good thing about heavy snowfall like this was that if I did slip or fall, no one that was outside a two-foot radius of me would see.
"Bella, I was just teasing," Edward said over the wind, which was surprisingly making little noise. Then he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me back to his side. I glanced up at him as he tucked me into his coat with him. I felt instantly contented despite the fact that I knew my face - or nose more specifically - was swollen and red, my teeth were chattering together, and my eyes were little more than slits. He was warm, and I seemed to fit into his side perfectly. "Better?"
I smiled weakly. "Yeah."
"Good," he smiled back before he started heading out toward the parking lot. Being tucked into his side made it a pleasant walk. Not only was I warm and comfortable, I couldn't slip with him holding me so securely. I watched him more than where we were going. The ice was sweeping past him, and he didn't seem to find it cold at all. Of course, no ice would ever dare hit Edward in the eye like it did to me so frequently.
We didn't hurry, just walked as if it was a completely normal day. Which, I suppose, it was; snow was no stranger to Washington. But I was sure on a normal day, I would be bundled in my own coat while he laughed at me, not held under his coat while we walked to his car. Even with our not-too-quick pace we reached the Volvo too soon. He opened the door for me before removing his arm so I could climb in. The wind seemed to blow extra hard at that moment just so I would become instantly chilled again.
Once I was in, he closed the door and walked around the nose of the car to the opposite side where he took his seat, keys already in hand. The first thing he did once the motor was rumbling quietly was crank the heat up.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." He sounded normal but he was staring out the window, watching the snow with an odd look on his face. Was he nervous about driving in the snow? I had never seen him worried about anything having to do with his car unless it had to do with the mechanic that would be tuning it up. When he turned to look at me, I knew I had my eyebrows pulled down, my confusion written on my face. The look disappeared instantly, and he just backed out of the nearly empty parking lot. Apparently, most people hadn't been in the theater when it started to snow and had been smart enough to leave.
We drove in silence, as was usual for us. We both had an adoration for music, but it was never really needed on our drives. Silence was something that didn't bother either of us when we were alone because it was never awkward or empty - just comfortable. He glanced over once or twice, as if he expected to see something, but I would just stop staring at him from out of the corner of my eyes and pretend to be scowling at the snow again.
When we arrived at the parking lot for the street mall, Edward decided to go underground, so his car didn't get buried if the heavens continued to drop bucket after bucket of snow down. I climbed out of the car slowly, looking around the mostly empty garage and sighing. It's a good thing I love you, Esme. It was cold in here, too, and the wind was only a little better as it swept down from the main level. I saw the elevator and started heading toward it, glancing back at Edward who was only now getting out of the car.
"You've never been so slow, Edward," I called out as I pushed the button, teasing him as he reached the back of the car.
"Slow? I don't believe you should be calling me slow, Bells."
"Is that an insult, Edward?" I gasped. He wasn't even halfway across the garage, and I heard the door open behind me. Turning, I stepped through the door and into the small box. I turned back to hold the door for him when the impact came. His arms flung around me as he dove, sending us both to the back wall. I screamed, too shocked to hold it in, and wrapped my arms around his neck. The doors slid shut.
"Slow?" He was laughing.
I took a deep breath and leaned my head down, my forehead leaning against his chest. "Jesus Christ, Edward!"
He laughed a little harder, the chuckle sounding in his chest. "I'm sorry, did I scare you?"
I was still breathing hard, my chest pushing against his as we stayed pushed against the back wall. The tiny area of the elevator would have been enough to envelope me in his smell. Now with my head right against him, it was thick and amazing, making my heart beat faster, rather than the usual calm. He was so close and still had his arms around me. I managed to sputter, "Of course not."
"Oh, Bella." His laugh echoed threw my mind, making my heart almost stop at the whisper of my name. I looked up, lifting my head from his chest. He lifted a hand from my side and touched my cheek gently. "You never have been very good at lying."
I just stared at him, my eyes locked on that little smile, those perfect lips. I just wanted him to lean down a little, get his face close enough to mine. "Am I? I think I've done pretty well before."
"Oh yeah? What did you lie about before?"
"Well-" I started, but I shook my head, pulling my eyes up to his. I was going to say 'you'. "I'm not gonna tell you. It would ruin it."
His smile grew, and he got a little closer. "You can't do that to me, Bella. You at least have to tell me something."
"No, I don't." Inside I felt an incredible urge to, though. I didn't want to make him unhappy. I managed to bite that down though. "Maybe someday though."
"Someday like when?"
"Like someday when I can't stop myself anymore." My nonchalance was impeccable. "But, until that happens, you'll just have to wonder."
He chuckled. "Do I at least get a hint?"
"Nope," I said, shaking my head and controlling my breath well. If I stopped, I was sure to hyperventilate and faint. That was not what I needed right now. I looked past his ear for a minute, hoping that not looking at him would help, but that only served to make me feel him more. The hardness of his body against mine. That heaviness of his hand on my side while the other was on my shoulder now. I took in a slow, deep breath, feeling a bit dizzy.
"I know you want to tell me." His whisper was so sexy I had to close my eyes to keep in control. Why did he have to be so… perfect? Just a little flaw would be nice. Something that I could use against him. I mean, he wasn't even ticklish! WHO ISN'T TICKLISH?? I opened my eyes and looked at him, knowing he was right. I did want to tell him. He seemed to sense this and leaned down. "Tell me."
I couldn't, but I leaned up a little anyways. I had to do something. But, when I reached his ear, I had nothing. I just sighed, and he froze. His entire body went stiff around me, like something had just hit him. It took me a minute to realize what it had been. I leaned a little closer to his neck and blew gently across it. He stiffened further, his head turning so I couldn't get to him again.
"Not nice."
I laughed. "I can't always be nice Edward."
"Yes you can. That's just who you are Bella."
I had to laugh again. "No, I'm far from this angel you depict me as."
"You are no less than her," he whispered. I took in a deep breath and was about to say something back when the door slid open behind him. He didn't move for a second, giving me a look before stepping back and looking at the woman standing in the door with a kind smile. "Going up, ma'am?"
She nodded curtly as she stepped in, and Edward pushed the button. Obviously, she believed we had been doing something bad, not just talking. Too bad she was wrong. The elevator moved for the first time since I had been pushed back against the wall, and I just closed my eyes and tried to focus on something other than the smell that was still enticing my nostrils. When the elevator made a dinging noise, I opened them again and followed the woman out into the snow. I didn't even feel the cold for a second before I was again pulled into Edwards side and coat.
"You're going to tell me eventually, right?" he asked, looking down at me.
"Eventually," I agreed, leaning in to him and glaring at the snow as we began to walk down the white street. It was a few blocks up and we were in no hurry as we walked. His warmth enough to keep us both happy.
--
The walk was brief. Just me cuddling up to his side and silence. It was so simple, yet so absolutely beyond perfect. I loved the feel of him so close again, and I felt exactly how much I had missed him. What was I going to do when he had to leave again? How would I live without him again? No, I couldn't think about that. I had a month to make him fall in love with me… Oh god, I was turning into Alice. Just what I needed.
The man standing in front of the main entrance of the hotel smiled and opened the door. "Good evening."
We both returned his greeting and went inside, the lobby mostly empty. The same receptionist was standing there though, scanning Edward again despite the fact that I was right there, tucked into him. I wanted to growl at her as we got closer, and she just kept running her eyes up his body. In the end I decided to make another little exaggeration. "So, how long do you think we'll have?"
"Until Alice gets back and takes you away, you mean?"
I laughed, my eyes glancing a little at the girl again whose eyes seemed to have noticed me. "Exactly what I mean."
"I think we'll have a few hours, at least. She's always been a partier." He leaned down a little and quietly asked, "Think that will be enough for one of our talks?"
I laughed a little, seeing the perfect line instantly. "A few hours has never been enough, but we'll have to make due. Who knows, maybe she won't try to steal me this time."
She wasn't even looking anymore as we reached the elevator. The look on her face was completely irritated. It made me smile to myself. When had I become so mean? I mean, I couldn't really get mad at her for checking out the gorgeous boy beside me, could I? I did the same thing on a regular basis. And yet, here I was smiling when I dashed her hopes of being with him - despite the fact that she had a better chance with him than I ever did.
"You have a point." His finger hit the button of the elevator just as somebody else stepped up behind us. I glanced over my shoulder to see a guy, maybe around twenty-five with thick black hair and pale blue eyes. He smiled at me, and I nodded in return before looking forward again. "But we may have to cut it short. You know how Alice can be."
"Maybe if she has enough fun, she'll be tired when she gets back and won't bother at all."
"You should know her better than that," he squeezed me a little.
"You're awfully pessimistic, Edward. For all you know, she won't be back 'til three, and we'll have more than just a few hours. Like you said, she's a partier. And she really seemed to be having fun."
The elevator opened, and we all stepped in. "Come on, Bella. Alice knows us. She'll think that if she doesn't come get you, we'll stay up all night and ruin her early morning plans for tomorrow. And she's probably right."
"Eh, we've made it through all-nighters before. I don't see why we couldn't do it again and still manage tomorrow. It's only a bit of shopping."
"Because she would kill us," he said simply. We were only just passing the second floor now. I glanced over at the other man again and saw that he was staring at my legs. Not another one. I leaned a little more into Edward, and he glanced down. When he saw my obvious discomfort he looked over at the other guy, and his face changed. His jaw set as he tightened his arm and stepped sideways, putting us at the other side of the tiny room. Third floor. The move didn't faze the guy, he just followed me, his eyes moving up to just below the hem, which suddenly felt uncomfortably shorter. I closed my eyes, trying to pretend he wasn't there. "Besides, if we feel we have a deadline, we'll be faster."
Did all of our conversations have this same sexual double to it? It made me want to laugh, but I was already overheating. "I hate deadlines. Nothing is ever as good when you get done as fast as possible."
"Bella, we have a month. I think we can stand to have one night cut short. Whatever we don't get to tonight we'll pick up on tomorrow night. Alice knows she has to share you." His voice was light, but when I looked up, his eyes were in slits as he stared at the wall. I glanced over at our guest. He was now staring at my ass. The very one that Mark had grabbed earlier. I tried to sink into Edward. I would climb up into his arms if I had to.
There was a ding, and the doors slid open. Edwards stepped forward toting me closely and looking very determined in his walk. I felt an urge to run but knew that as soon as the door slid shut again, I would be far enough away. I glanced back just as closed, the guy still staring at me. I sighed in relief. "Creep much?"
"Another on a long list. It's a good thing you don't notice the others that stare if that's how you react." He was teasing now, his face just as light as his voice. "You would forever try to bury yourself in my side. Not the worse thing possible, but Alice would not be able to parade you around."
I laughed a little, glancing at the first few doors. "Okay, why don't we go back to my room first so I can drop off this stuff. Then we can talk in your room. Sound good?"
"How about you meet me in my room. I want to change."
"Okay," I agreed, letting go of his hip, which I must have latched onto at one point. "Five minutes?"
"Fine." He stopped and pulled his arm away. "See you then."
I started walking again, glancing back at him as he slid his wallet out of his jeans. My eyes racked down his body without thinking, and I had the sudden urge to pull his shirt off and slip into it. The fabric had been like silk against my skin for the entire walk, and now, more than anything else, I just wanted to strip him. Oh god, Bella. Get it together. I stopped at my door and pulled out my own key, slipping it through the lock and going in. I hurried to the bed, laying the key on the mattress beside me while I untied my shoe. This time I had no lines or unwilling knots to deal with, thank god.
After I had the shoes safely back in the box, I went into the bathroom. A glance in the mirror made me grimace. I needed a shower, that was for sure. But Edward would be expecting me in a minute, so I just ran my fingers through the curls on my head and hurried out of the room to let him know that I would be another ten or so minutes.
He answered my knocks pretty quickly, still pulling his shirt down, giving me a nice sight of a highly muscled and stomach and a beautifully inviting V-shape that his hipbones made just above his waistband. Yum. "Come on in."
"Yeah," I sighed, stepping in behind him as his shirt was tugged completely down. Then I stopped. I had come here for a reason. "Oh, Edward, I need a shower. I came over to let you know I was gonna be a few minutes."
He nodded. "Okay, no problem." Then he stopped. "You forgot your purse."
"What?" That was an odd statement.
He sighed, shaking his head. "Bella, what did you do with your key?"
I felt my face fall as I remembered laying it down on the bed. "Damn it."
He laughed sitting down on the end of his bed. "Don't worry about it. Just use mine."
I nodded, not really willing to deny the offer. "You don't mind?"
"Not at all."
I smiled and headed to the bathroom that was across from his bed. I closed the door lightly and closed my eyes. Why didn't I remember to grab my key? Hadn't I learned by now? Shaking my head, I stepped up to the mirror and took a few deep breaths. Reaching around my back, I found I couldn't reach my zipper. God damn it. What was with me today? I stuck my head out of the door. "Um, Edward. Would you mind doing me a favor?"
He looked up. "Sure."
I stepped out. "I can't reach my zipper."
He stood and came behind me as I pulled my curls away from my back and over my shoulders. His fingers slid under the fabric, making my skin tingle. I laughed at the contact. He took the dress and slid the zipper down easily, but slowly. I felt the air touch between my shoulder blades, below my bra strap, the center of my back, my lower back. "There you go."
I nodded and went back into the bathroom, nearly hyperventilating for a reason that wasn't even fathomable to me. I pushed back against door and released the dress, letting it fall to a bundle on the ground. My breathing was still way too fast. I stepped out of the pool of green silk and went to the shower. The water would help clear my head. Stepping in, the heat seared my skin, and I cranked up the cold water only to have to adjust again.
After just standing under the water for a minute, I took a deep breath, the steam from the water invading my lungs. "Bella, you are going to kill yourself with this," I whispered, running my fingers through my hair. "Get over it, and move on. If you don't…"
Stopping the thought, I opened my eyes, finding Edward's shampoo in the rack. I smelled it and almost fainted. It was one of the smells that were always lingering on him. Not the strongest, but just the idea of smelling him in my hair for a while was simply fantastic. I smiled as I poured some into my hand and lathered my hand, staying extremely focused on the scent that was already filling the room.
When I shut off the water, I did feel a bit better, though I could still feel a bit of a blush for forgetting my key. I grabbed a towel off the rack and wrapped it around myself before stepping out. My foot hit the tile and slid. I let out a strangled squeal, and my ass hit the floor a second later.
The door flew open, Edward flying through only to have his feet tangle in my dress. I watched as he, in seeming slow motion, fell. His arms went out in front of him, catching himself in a very pushup like pose with more grace than I had in my entire being. I traced his body instantly, his arms roped with muscle and sinew, his visible stomach flat and tight, his back perfectly straight. He let out a breath and dropped down to the floor, looking at me as I tore the towel that had fallen back over myself, trying to cover what he wasn't supposed to see, though I knew I was a bit too slow. "Are you okay?"
My face was flamed as I clutched at the towel. "I'm fine. Just slipped. Are you?"
He laughed, running a hand through his hair in a seemingly nonchalant way, though I knew that was only what he did when he was nervous or felt awkward. Great. "Yeah, just tripped. Sorry about that. I heard a scream and a bang and, knowing you, assumed the worse."
I studied my breath and laughed a little. "I understand. But knock next time first. If I don't answer, that's a different story."
His cheeks went a little pink as he nodded and looked away to stand up. "Yeah, probably a good idea."
I stood too, keeping the towel clutched to my chest. I realized the problem with the whole 'just take a shower here' scenario. "But hey, while you're in here, do you think you have something I can slip on until Alice gets back?"
He smiled, meeting my eyes again. "I don't think my stuff will fit you, Bella. Pretty sure it would all just fall off."
"Maybe pants." I agreed, trying not picture the v of his hips again. "But a shirt?"
"I can do that. Let me find something that's long enough." He left the room, closing the door carefully behind him. I wrapped the towel around myself tightly before picking up my clothes and folding them over my arm. After placing them in the corner, there was a light knock on the door. "Can I come in?"
I laughed and opened the door to see Edward with a white button-down slung over his arm. "Trying to be the gentleman now, I see."
"Well…" he shrugged, not really needing to finish it. "Will this dp? It's the biggest thing I brought with me."
I took the cloth from his hand. "It will be fine, Edward. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
I closed the door, unfolding the shirt. When I held it up to me, I smiled. It was about the same length as the dress I had worn earlier. I set it down on the side of the sink and used my towel to dry my skin before wrapping my hair. I went back to my dress and pulled my bra and panties back out. Slipping them on, I could only smile as I stared at the shirt. Why I wanted to put it on is beyond me, but I was excited nonetheless. I lifted it gently above my head and let it slide over my skin, the fabric like silk and smelling of him. After unwrapping my hair, I looked in the mirror to see that the shirt was all but completely see through, my bra easily visible, which meant that my black underwear would be as well. Damn it. With a sigh I just shook my head a little and ran a brush Edward had on the counter through my hair, the smell of the shampoo encasing my head and mixing with the smell of his shirt. It was as good as it would get.
I opened the door and stepped out, taking a deep breath when I saw Edward lying across the bed, staring at me. I was practically drooling as I stared at him. He smiled sweetly, not looking at the shirt, though I was sure the black was hard to miss. He patted the bed beside him, inviting me. It took me a few seconds to convince myself to obey, but eventually, I was sitting beside him, leaning against the wall the bed was pushed against. If I didn't start talking soon I was going to explode. "So, I need to know what you meant earlier in the hall. What would you ever do that would disappoint everyone so much?"
He opened his mouth, only to close it and meet my eyes. It took him a minute to get it out. "I don't think I want to be a doctor."
My jaw fell. "What?"
His eyes became instantly worried. "It's not that the idea doesn't appeal to me… saving lives and all… It's just that I don't think it's meant for me. It has always been the plan, since I was six or so, but I'm just not sure that it's ever been what I really wanted. It's always just been what Carlisle always wanted, not really me. And I've always wanted to please him," he spoke fast, panic rising in his voice. I had never seen him so nervous before. "I don't know anymore. I mean-"
I reached out and picked up his hand. "Edward, calm down. I was just surprised. Breathe and try to explain a little slower."
He took the breath as instructed. "I just don't think that it's what I want."
I smiled, squeezing his hand. "And you have every right to feel that way, Edward. I know Carlisle, and you of all people should know he would never get upset as long as YOU are happy. He once told me to respect others' opinions but never let them change my own just to conform. If you feel that there is something you want, chase it. No one who knows you will ever be upset with you for that. We all love you too much."
He smiled a little. "You really think so?"
"Yes. I really do." I leaned back and completely relaxed against the wall. "So, what are you thinking of doing instead?"
"Well…" his voice died out until I squeezed his hand. "I want to be a composer."
I laughed, and his face fell a little, making me feel instantly horrible. "I'm not laughing at you. I'm just not surprised, and that makes it funny. It's perfect for you. I have never heard anyone play like you."
His smile was every bit as perfect as the rest of him. "You haven't heard me play in years."
"And if you were amazing then, I can only imagine your ability now." How could I never have thought of it before? What job could be better for him? He had always had the skill to be a doctor but had never talked about the career as if it was his own. "Will it be hard to switch majors?"
"No," he looked a bit sheepish. "It was already my minor."
"That must have sounded odd: medicine/composition." I laughed, glad he was more at ease now that he had gotten it all out and saw that I approved.
"It did get me a few looks," he said, his smile open and happy now. "But it's my turn." After a pause of consideration, he asked, "What were you thinking earlier?"
"Which earlier?"
"When Mark was groping you," he said quietly, not looking at me anymore.
I sighed, thinking about it. "Well, when we first started dancing, I was thinking that maybe pretending he was someone else would make time pass faster, but it really didn't. I just closed my eyes and waited for that song to end. When it did, I began to wonder where you were and kick myself for teasing you before leaving, thinking it could be your payback."
"Oh Bella, I would hope you would know I would never torture you like that. I have better ways."
I laughed. "Anyway, he started talking to me then, and I didn't like it. He was saying… stuff that I didn't want to hear, and I could feel him against me and felt the first twinge of nervousness. I tried to push him away and leave, but he wouldn't let me go even when I asked. He just kept saying he would give me what you wouldn't; he obviously thought that you were just being cold to me. I got angry… and I kept trying to get away, but he wouldn't let me go." My heart was pounding as I saw it again. "I just kept trying to push him away and searched for you, and no one around got the idea that it wasn't just dancing anymore. That was when he grabbed me. I was scared by then, not sure what to do when I could hardly move against him. Then you came… and it was all okay again."
He smiled and squeezed the hand that was still laced with his in my lap. "I'm sorry, Bella. I kept looking and looking, and all these people kept trying to stop me."
"You said that you almost lost control… what did you mean?"
"You've never seen me truly angry before… I would have hurt him. And I wanted to. Seeing him grab you like that, and listening to what he said…." He shook his head. "I was ready to tear him limb from limb. He can't even begin to imagine, and yet he thinks himself high enough to try to take you."
I didn't understand the last part, but decided to push it. The strain in his voice was enough for now. Maybe I would approach the subject later. "My turn. How do you resist them all?"
His eyebrows came down as he looked at me. "All who?"
"You have beautiful women hitting on you everywhere you go, and yet you pay no attention to them."
He smiled. "We apparently have different versions of beautiful. The girls that you're talking about think highly of themselves. They don't want to be with me. They want to rule over me, want to make me fall to my knees. There is no beauty in that."
I looked away, not sure how to respond and knowing I would start blushing if I kept looking at him. "Oh."
After a minute I looked back down at him and found him studying my face closely. "My turn. Why can't you see how beautiful you are?"
I opened my jaw before closing it and opening it again. I probably looked like a fish. He squeezed my hand in encouragement. "I just… look at me. I mean, I'm too skinny and can't gain weight. My legs look like they should be on a chicken. My hair is a mess 29 out of 30 days. My face is just… plain. I don't see how there is any beauty in that at all."
He blinked at me a few times, his face blank. "I see nothing that you are talking about."
I sighed. "You asked. Now accept the response. My turn…" I paused, moving to lay down on my stomach. "Have you written any compositions that I can hear?"
He smiled. "Maybe someday." His face became mischievous. "Can I read what you've written for your new book?"
"Maybe someday." I laughed as his face became irritated. "Soon. Before you leave even." His smile came back. I thought about my next question carefully. "What was your favorite thing from high school?"
He thought about that before meeting my eyes. "Honestly?"
"Of course."
"Meeting you." My heart rate doubled with that one three-letter word. "Emmett and Alice had always been the only ones I had really been able to talk to before we met you. I mean, I love them both, but their opinions have always been kind of bias."
"And mine aren't?"
He smiled. "Not like theirs. Yours are your opinion while they tend to lean more toward my side to avoid argument."
I laughed. "And I just dive headfirst, huh?"
There was a knock on the door. He looked over at it. "She can't possibly be home already."
DAMN IT! I got up and went to the door just as a second round of knocks came. The one night she had to be early. I opened the door, ready to give her a look that told her exactly how I felt, only to see it wasn't a girl at all but a guy instead. I let my face relax as I looked at him. He was maybe twenty, eyes widening when I opened the door. "Yes?"
"Sorry, ma'am." He stumbled over the words, his eyes sweeping down me. "Miss Cullen called and ordered in for a tray to be brought to this room."
I looked past him and saw the cart, a bottle of champagne visible. Of course she did. No, Alice could never just let things be and let me talk to him. I sighed. "Great. Bring it in."
I walked back into the room, sitting down by Edwards's feet at the end of the bed. He gave me a questioning look before the kid pulled the cart in front of me, his eyes glued to the black of my bra against the shirt. Joy. Another one. Edward sat up and sat on the end of the bed with me. He seemed to sense what the boy was staring at.
"Thank you," he snapped, pulling the boy out of his thoughts and away from my chest, which I instantly crossed my arms over.
"Miss Cullen sent a message, too… She said to have a blast and don't wait up. It will be a while."
Well, there was at least some good news in this interruption. I glanced at Edward who was staring at the guy as he took one last glance at me and walked out of the room. When the door shut, his eyes flicked to me. "Every guy stares at you just like that, and yet you still don't think you're beautiful."
I blushed, lifting the tarp off the top of the cart to see a tray fool of sweets. Chocolate-covered strawberries, whipped cream, plain chocolates, some red whipped stuff, a bottle of champagne and two flutes, some rather delicious-looking cookies, and two slices of red velvet cake. "Jesus, does she think we're having a party or what?"
He laughed. "I suppose that's the joy of a fridge in the hotel room."
I smiled a little, just staring at the food, not hungry but salivating all the same. I watched as Edward grabbed the champagne and looked at the bottle, shaking his head before popping the bottle open with his thumb. "Would you like a glass?"
"I don't see why not," I said, staring at a plump strawberry. God, Alice is the devil; who else would temp me with this much chocolate? She new that it hyped me up nearly as much as alcohol did.
--
And hour or so later we were doubled over on the side of the bed, leaning against each other as we laughed. The entire bottle of champagne was gone, drained to last the drop. I clutched at the stitch in my side, gasping for air as I tried to stop laughing only to find it extremely difficult.
"Oh dear god," Edward moaned, still laughing. "I completely forgot about that! I can't believe it! I had never actually been surprised at a surprise party until that day! I almost dropped you when they all popped out!"
I laughed a little harder. "I know! I had to cling on for dear life! We worked so hard to set it up too. Do you know what its like to have to deal with sitting for an hour to have Carlisle put on a cast when, for once, I didn't actually need it? I was miserable! But you face made it completely worth it." I grabbed my side a little harder. "Oh god! Ouch!"
He just kept laughing for a minute, then we both managed to let it go. He sighed. "Okay, back to what we were doing. I still haven't gotten my strawberry." He paused. "Chocolate covered cherries or frozen grapes?"
(AN: let me take a moment to explain this game. It's rather simple, and I wouldn't be surprised if you've played it. A person thinks about their likes and dislikes and puts similar ones together, before saying them out loud. For example, "chocolate covered cherries or frozen grapes". The other person has to guess what the like is and, if they are right, it's their turn, but if they are wrong they have to feed the person from their own lips. It's a middle school game that used to make everyone feel giddy because it was the closest thing most got to kissing without dating. Geeky, I know, but remember, they just chugged a bottle of champagne.)
I thought about that… what had I seen Edward eat? I knew that Alice liked her grapes, but did he? I paused, trying to remember. I couldn't remember. "Chocolate covered cherries."
He smiled. "Nope."
I sighed. "You've got to be kidding me. You don't like cherries?"
"Oh, I like cherries. It's the sauce around them that gets to me. Now, my strawberry, please."
I picked it up off tray. It was his last piece; he had won. I placed the base between my teeth and leaned in toward him, feeling my heart in my head as his lips parted and he look a bite off the end. He chewed it a little, watching me. When he leaned back in, he took the rest, his lips landing on mine as he bit. My heart stopped beating all together. He stayed there for a second as he got the meat of the fruit from me and then pulled away, chewing again as I pulled the base out of my mouth. I was trembling.
"Okay," I squeaked. "You win. You are superior in your skills of trickery."
He laughed and fell back onto the bed, his face holding my favorite smile as his eyes closed. I yawned. Yeah, I was feeling the sleepiness, too. "I wonder if Alice actually meant don't wait up for her."
I laughed, lying back beside him. "I don't know." My words slurred together, and I laughed at myself. "I think its time for bed, though."
He agreed with a nod, his eyes not opening.
"Edward. You have to at least lay up on the pillows." I stood up slowly, my legs weak. It only made me laugh more. I poked his stomach, making him open his eyes. He grinned up at me before sitting up and taking my hand to help pull himself completely up. It took a few times to get him on his feet. I patted his chest, laughing yet again now that he was finally standing. "There you are."
He whispered, looking down at me. "Here I am."
I felt my heart jump a little and just smiled before pulling him around the bed, toward the top. He walked behind me slowly. I pulled back the covers for him and waved a hand before pointing, telling him to get in. He just grinned at me before wrapping his arm around my waist and falling onto the bed, taking me with him. I laughed as I struggled a little, but didn't mind in the slightest. I ended up with my back pressed against his front, both sharing a single pillow. I could feel his heartbeat, strong and constant against my back as I settled in, his legs curling up behind mine. I could smell and feel nothing but him as I drifted off pretty quickly, focused mostly on his breath on my cheek.
--
A chill ran over my arms, making me shiver a little. I tried to lift my arm to search for the covers to find that they were already over me again. Which was a good thing because my limbs seemed to be filled with sand. I cuddled a little more into the pillow, not ready to get up. The warmth around me increased, and I sighed, contented as I just leaned further against the wall, my forehead resting into a soft nook. It shook a little but I didn't mind. What did it matter? It was time to go back to… shook?
I opened my eyes, noticed the breath on my cheek. My eyes were instantly scorched by light, and I groaned, squinting up at Edward who was looking down at me, my face inches from his, my head apparently having been buried in his neck.
"Good morning, Bella."
I froze instantly. Had I slept with Edward? I tried to remember the night and drew up a big blank. I seemed to remember something about strawberries, and I could taste chocolate still. I shifted a little to look at his face a little better, as if that would help. That shift allowed me to realize that I was completely pushed against him, his shins against mine. He was fully clothed.
I managed to choke out a reply. "Hello."
He smiled a little and turned his head away from my to look across the room apparently. "It's only eight. I vote for a few more hours of sleep."
I closed my eyes, allowing myself to catch up to myself. "I think I like that idea."
"Think?"
"Well, I'm not really sure of anything at the moment. My head is too full of bubbles for much thought."
He laughed, his body against shaking against mine. I noticed that he had an arm wrapped around my lower back, holding me to him. "I know what you mean. Just let go then. Go back to sleep."
I nodded, leaning forward again so I was on the pillow without opening my eyes. If this was happening, I wasn't going to comment on it. Just had to go with it and see where it took me. But, as if hearing that, there was a loud knock on the door. I groaned again.
"Yes?" Edward yelled, making me jump which made him tighten his grip on me in a hug while he laughed and apologized quietly.
"I need Bella, and you seem to have taken her from me," Alice said, the door closing behind her. Is this why she got two keys for his room yesterday? I had been wondering. She smirked at us, huddled on one side of the huge bed. I blinked a few times at her, not sure how to react. "Well, jeez, guys. Hungry much? I didn't think you would actually finish the platter."
Edward paused. "What platter?"
Alice just started laughing. "And the champagne, too, obviously."
I looked up at him. "Do you remember any of this?"
He shook his head, a frown. "Do you?"
"No," I said, sighing and looking at Alice who was still shaking as she lifted the bottle for us to see. That was when I noticed the cart at the foot of the bed, a silver platter holding two chocolate-covered cherries, a lot of crumbs and stems, two bowls, a spoon, and two flutes. I remembered the server then, bringing it up with a message from Alice. I remembered talking to Edward a bit before that. Edward didn't want to be a doctor. But after him popping that bottle was… fuzzy.
Alice stared at me, raising her eyebrows and a smile still on her lips. "Well, I see that you guys are nice and cozy and all, but Edward, look at Bella's head. You have to let her go so we can take of that. I'll give her back when I'm done."
I gave her a severe look. "What's wrong with my head Alice?"
"It's not so much your head as what's sitting on top of it."
I felt fingers on my head, Edward's obviously, running his fingers through my hair gently, a few knots catching. Oh dear god, I had never brushed my hair again after it dried, did I? I can only imagine….
"I don't know Alice. I like it."
"Only you, Edward," I said, sitting up a little and pulling away from his chest. "I'm gonna go with her. You try to remember what happened after that cork popped. I honestly can't."
He laughed and lifted his arm from around me. "Okay. I'll do that."
I smiled a little as I lifted the covers off of myself and looked at Alice who was looking critically at my shirt. "Do I want to know what happened to your dress? I know for a fact it's not in the room."
"It's in the bathroom." I said with a laugh. "It should be fine. Of course, Edward did trip over it."
She turned a death glare on her bother. "I swear to god, Edward. If you damaged it in any way, you are dead."
He just laughed. "Okay. Of course, just as a defense, if I had realized it was in front of the door I wouldn't have tried to run over it."
It was my turn to laugh as I saw him fall. "Well, if you had just asked in the first place, you wouldn't have had a chance to trip over it anyway."
"Okay, stop teasing each other. I'm going to get the dressed. Bella, get up. Time to get you into something not quite so… see through." She laughed as she walked, and I noticed Edwards quick glance at me. I pulled my feet under me, seeing that the only way off the bed was on the other side of Edward with the wall behind me and the cart blocking the end of the bed.
"You're waiting for me to get up, aren't you?" he asked, a little smile on his lips.
I just nodded.
"That's too bad. I'm quite comfortable, you now." He laughed this time, watching my face flash through surprise, confusion, and ending with laughter.
"You're really going to make me climb over you, aren't you?" I asked, a little excited about the prospect.
"Well, I'm not moving" was all he said back, a sexy and mischievous grin on his lips.
I sat up a little straighter and had the oddest feeling he was planning something but decided to climb over nonetheless. I lifted a leg and swung it over his him and went to slide across only to find his hands on my hips holding me steady just before he flipped us over. I laughed, not sure exactly how else to react to his sudden position between my thighs, my legs still gripping his hips.
"Its still too early. Go back to sleep," he whispered, relaxing his body onto mine, laying his head beside my own on the pillow and lifting the blanket over both of our heads..
"Alice would kill me." I said even as I relaxed my legs, not exactly disliking the position. "And you."
"She can't get to you and will eventually just leave us alone. You can't tell me you don't want to go back to sleep."
I nodded, lifting my hand to his neck and playing with a little piece of hair. "I do, but I'm not sure how much sleep I would actually be getting like this." Take of that what he will.
He laughed and it made my body vibrate. "It's up to you Bella. Stay here and sleep or leave, and I'll sleep."
I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs as I looked at him, our eyes locking. This was odd, even for us, and though we both knew it, we were completely comfortable. What happened last night? Either way I had to at least attempt to hold on to this. "It's worth a shot, at least."
He smiled and settled down on me, his body running up mine, a heavy slab of muscle that didn't seem to really be very heavy at all. "Just pretend you don't hear her."
I nodded, closing my eyes and relaxing as much as I possibly could with my heart speeding like it was, with Edward so close, with that smell filling the tiny area under the blanket. I focused all my energy on not focusing on him, only increasing the power of his presence. His sweatpants had ridden low on his hips, his shirt had ridden up, letting the bare skin of my legs press against his own heated skin, making my own burn. My breathing increased a little, though I managed to keep it fairly steady. How could he do this to me? He always had from the first time I had seen. He'd always been able to take my breath away.
"Edward Cullen! Get off Bella! I know what you are doing and today is not the day for this." She stopped for a minute, waiting for some movement. "I'm serious! I understand that you are tired but that is your own faults! Get up! I want to be out of here before eleven, and there is a lot to do before then!" I laughed a little at her tone. She heard. "Bella! Don't tell me this was YOUR idea! Using my brother like a shield?"
I sighed, glancing at Edward who just nodded. "No, Alice, it wasn't. But we need more sleep. Just give us an hour. That will give us three to get everything done!"
I heard the irritation in her voice. "Fine, but only if you let me pick out your clothes for today."
Like it would have gone any other way. "As long as it's not a dress."
She was happier now. "Okay. I'll wake you both up in an hour."
I smiled when I heard the door close and looked back at Edward. "We have to humor her at least a little, right?"
"No, YOU do. I can say 'no' whenever I want. I just choose not to." He rolled off of me, propping himself on his arm beside me and looking down, the covers still over his head. "What do you remember?"
"The club, locking myself out of my room, the shower, you tripping, talking, the tray arriving, and you pouring two classes of champagne. After that everything becomes… fuzzy. I seem to remember strawberries but not really eating them or anything. I can't even remember going to bed."
He nodded, neither a frown nor a smile appearing. "That's about where I'm at. I popped the cork, poured two glasses, and you made a little toast to friendship and the future."
"Yeah," I said, the memory coming back. "I remember that now. About you changing majors. Then you said you weren't sure if you were actually going to, and we got into an argument and ended up draining our glasses."
He nodded. "And I have a vague memory of letting it go and just pouring two more glasses to replace ours, but what next?"
"I THINK we talked for a while… but I can't remember exactly what it was about…"
He shook his head and lay back down. "I think I had more than you did."
"Probably," I agreed. "I don't think I could have managed half that bottle in one sitting." Something came back to me. Something about This or That… no, that couldn't be right… I hadn't played that in years. I froze as I seemed to feel the strawberry between my lips. "You won This or That."
His eyebrows shot up. "What?"
I shook my head, "I'm not sure how, but we ended up playing… and you won."
He smiled a little. "I haven't played that since seventh grade or so. I'd completely forgotten about it."
I just nodded, getting odd images of Edward taking the strawberry from my lips, his own pushed against mine. I closed my eyes, willing more to return, but none obeyed. "I know what you mean."
I felt his fingers on my cheek, but didn't open my eyes. "You're blushing, Bella. What else do you remember?"
"Nothing," I said honestly.
"What are you thinking about then?" he whispered, his breath filling my lungs as I inhaled. It was the oddest thing, the smell of his breath never changed, no matter what he ate. It always smelled just like him.
"Nothing." Not quite so honest this time.
"Something," he corrected, his thumb running over my eyelid which opened instantly. His face was pleading. "Tell me."
"I'm just remembering the game. 'Chocolate covered cherries or frozen grapes'. That was your winning question."
"You didn't think I liked frozen grapes?"
"No, I didn't think you disliked chocolate covered cherries."
"But that wouldn't make your cheeks flare like that." His observance was not appreciated in the least. Couldn't he just let me go this time? "What did I win?"
"A strawberry." A simple question deserving of a simple answer, but I felt my cheeks darken. Damn them. You would think I would have grown out of this.
"And what did I do when I took it?"
I was surprised by his accuracy, though I really shouldn't have been. Edward had always been good at those kind of assumptions. But I couldn't let him know that. "Who says YOU did anything?"
He laughed. "You're too sweet to have done something."
I shook my head, not looking at him. He was wrong, though he had guessed right this time in the way that I hadn't been the one to try something. Of course, he hadn't either. He hadn't really kissed me, our lips had just touched, just as the game was supposed to make them. "You didn't do anything. Neither did I?"
"Then why do your cheeks get hotter and hotter?"
"I have my reasons," I muttered, meeting his eyes.
He smiled and shook his head. 'Okay, leave me in the dark then. I don't need you to tell me. Let's just try to get some sleep before Alice comes back."
I nodded and relaxed into the pillow, glad he had let it go so easily. The fingers that had yet to leave my cheek brushed back some hair, curling it behind my ear before running it down my jaw. The air around us suddenly seemed to have turned to static and I opened my eyes to look at him. A smile spread across his face and he pulled his hand away, making me miss it. I sighed, "It's not fair."
His eyebrows went up. "What's not?"
"You make me feel guilty for not telling you something without even trying, but anything you don't want to tell me is just shrugged off." I took a deep breath, shaking my head. "It's just not right."
"You don't' have to tell me anything Bells." He touched my cheek. "Even angels have secrets. I can't expect you to share everything with me."
I sighed. "Even that makes me feel guilty."
He laughed and pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around my waist in a tight hug. "Don't. Really. It's okay."
I laid my forehead against his chest, squeezing him in my own hug. We both relaxed but didn't remove our arms in a mutual feeling of comfort. I slowly drifted off, and my mind zoned out, a heart beat like a drum in my head, relaxing more and more as Edward's breath came deeper and steadier as he fell asleep beside me.