Singing Softly Chapter 18, a twilight fanfic

Hey everyone, welcome back to Singing Softly, I know you've all been waiting patiently and I've been slacking. Anyway I hope I didn't keep you all waiting so long that you've given up on our lovely couple. There's a lot coming up in the next few chapters, so you'll want to stay tuned.

I don't own Twilight or any of the songs used in this chapter but I do love Stephenie Meyer for writing such a wonderful story and for the artists who write such amazing songs that I have no choice but to use them in this little fic.

"Thank you. This next song I wrote for someone very special to me. I started it when I first saw him at a bar that I work at; I didn't even get up enough courage to talk to him for months, so I wrote this song bit by bit as the months progressed. Edward, you're my inspiration, the love of my life, and I can't imagine what my life would be like if you hadn't Enchanted me that very first night. This one's for you baby."

I had been practicing with a student of Peter's named Leah who has been learning the drums, my piano student Jane and Jasper to get ready for this performance for over a month; I picked the best of our students because they'd pick it up quickly. I wanted it to sound absolutely perfect and one instrument was just not going to cut it. I started with my guitar and began singing; Jane came in right after me with the keyboard. My eyes locked solely on Edward as the other instruments started in and the words started flowing through me.

There I was again tonight forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old tired, lonely place
Walls of insincerity
Shifting eyes and vacancy vanished when I saw your face
All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you

Your eyes whispered "have we met?"
Across the room your silhouette starts to make it's way to me
The playful conversation starts
Counter all your quick remarks like passing notes in secrecy
And it was enchanting to meet you
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

The lingering question kept me up
2am, who do you love?
I wonder till I'm wide awake
Now I'm pacing back and forth, wishing you were at my door
I'd open up and you would say,
It was enchanting to meet you
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you

Leah's drums were right on point and not surprising to me but surely a surprise to Jasper, his guitar back up was perfect. He was so nervous being up on stage for the first time and the added stress of it being my song and singing it for Edward made him even more nervous. I wasn't the only one who wanted this song to sound just right.

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

This is me praying that this was the very first page
Not where the story line ends
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you

The last part was all me, just my voice and my guitar and just as when I started my gaze fell right on Edward again as I sang the last verse of the song.

Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you

Everyone in the club was on their feet clapping, whistling and hollering, including Edward, when he mouthed "I Love You" I couldn't keep the huge smile off my face and more than anything I just wanted to be in his arms.

"Thank you! I did have a little help this evening. Give a big round of applause to Jasper Whitlock, Leah Clearwater and Jane Reynolds." The roaring applause was deafening in the small space and by the looks on Jas, Jane and Leah's faces I knew they were happy with how they did, they ate it up. "We're going to take a little break, but I'll be right back."

When we were all backstage I gave each of them a big hug. "Thank you guys so much. You were all amazing; I knew you could do it."

"Oh my gosh Bella, I can't believe I just did that. That was the most exhilarating experience of my entire life." Jane was practically bouncing off the walls and squealing, it reminded me of Alice actually. I pulled myself from my thoughts of my ex-best friend, not wanting to bring myself down with what was lost in the whole Jasper/Alice drama. I was over it, mostly.

"You did great Jane." I told her, she hugged me much like Emmett does, except when I gasped for breath she immediately let me go and blushed. Jane was accepted into Julliard, but wasn't sure if she could perform on stage, this just helped her realize that although it would be nerve-wracking, she could do it, which was my goal when asking her to accompany me on stage, well that and is one of the most talented pianists that I've seen in a long ass time.

"Thank you Bella for letting us play up there. I was so nervous, I think I messed up somewhere in the middle." Leah said nervously wringing her hands together, Peter had told me when I talked to him about having Leah help me that she was a perfectionist and more than likely she'd be hard on herself after the performance no matter how awesome she was and believe me, she was awesome.

"Leah, you were unbelievable, I don't think I could ask for anyone better to play drums for me. You were perfect Leah, really."

"Really? I know I slipped up a little near the end there too." She asked skeptically.

"Enough of that, you nailed it. Would I lie to you?" She hugged me then whispering her thanks even though I felt like I should be the one thanking her. A tap on my shoulder broke us apart, but I was immediately enveloped in Jas' arms.

"You were amazing Bella. I'm really glad you had me come up there with you; it was just the boost of confidence I needed to continue my lessons. You're a great teacher B."

"Oh Jas. You did amazing. I had no doubt that you could do it."

"Bella?" Edward's voice came from behind me and I immediately let go of Jas and ran to him, leaping into his arms. He caught me, spinning me around and kissing me like he hadn't seen me in weeks. His tongue thrust into my mouth, both of us moaning. I didn't need his words to tell me that he liked the song; this kiss told me everything I would ever need to know. "Thank you baby that was…God Bella there are no words for that. I can't believe you wrote that for me. I love you so much."

"I love you too Edward." He kissed me hard again, his velvety tongue searching for mine; he turned my head to the side to deepen our kiss. I was getting turned on, ready to go into the dressing room and fuck his brains out right here, show be damned, Tay could figure something out.

"Bells?" Tanya came storming into the backstage area killing my mojo. Edward slowly extricated himself from my mouth, his eyes locked on mine like there was no-one else in the room. "There you are. You've got one more minute, and no leaving me stranded to get some with that HOT man of yours." You would think that she said that comment, not knowing Edward was right there, but she was looking right at him when the words escaped her mouth, I swear the woman has no filter what-so-ever.

"I guess I need to go back up there." All I really wanted to do was go home with Edward at this point, but I had at least another hour up on stage before that could happen.

"Yeah, but we'll continue this later beautiful. Count on it." He released me, his hand traveling down my arm then he laced our fingers together. We didn't let go until we were both too far to hold on. I didn't think it was possible to love someone as much as I love him, especially after everything that happened with Jamie, but I trust Edward with my life and I know he'll never break my heart. I hoped everyday that this feeling would never end. I heard Tay announce me again; guess it was time for me to go back up, by myself this time.

The next hour passed quickly, I sang a few of my own songs and some covers as well, the crowd was eating it up. I began to think that maybe I could actually do this, record an album, go on tour, all of it, as long as I had Edward I felt like I could accomplish anything. Little did I know that while I was on stage thinking that there was a talent scout in the audience that night.

After the show I sat in the dressing room, packing up my stuff when there was a knock on my door. I turn expecting to see Edward, but instead it's someone I've never seen before. Before I can ask if he's lost he speaks.

"Hi, I didn't mean to disturb you, but I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your performance tonight."

"Um, thanks?" I'm not sure how to take his compliment, to be perfectly honest he's kind of freaking me out with the way he just keeps staring at me and smiling. I arch an eyebrow at him, silently asking if there was anything else and it seems to bring him back to reality.

"Oh, sorry, I'm being so rude. My name is Bryan Jackson; I work for Denali Records as a talent scout."

"God damn-it Carlisle." I mutter under my breath. I thought Edward told him not to call his music buddies.

"What was that?" He asked, confused.

"Sorry about that. Look I appreciate you doing Mr. Cullen a favor and all but I'm really not…"

"I don't know anyone named Mr. Cullen. I am actually in town visiting my brother; he told me about this club and thought it would be fun. He never told me that they have live performances here though. Anyway, I just wanted to see if you were interested in recording a demo, we can do it from here; you won't have to travel at all unless my bosses think you have potential after they hear your demo, which I am certain he will. You have an amazing talent Bella." He stops for a second, taking in my shocked expression. "Can I ask you something?" I nod and he continues. "Those songs, did you write them yourself?"

"Most of them yes, I did do a few covers though." He laughs loudly.

"Yes, I knew that. Music industry guy and all, I probably wouldn't have a job if I didn't know that some of those were covers Bella." Bryan calms himself down while I replay everything he just said in my own head. Could I record a demo? Sure I could, I mean just because you record a demo doesn't mean that you're getting signed, recording an entire album then going on stage and singing in front of millions of people. Yikes. "So what do you think?"

"Can I have some time to think about it?" I really want to talk to Edward about this and see what he has to say. I know he was supportive when we were just talking about, but at that time the opportunity wasn't right in front of me, would this change how he feels about it?

"Absolutely. Here's my card. My cell is on the back. Don't take too long though, I'm only here for a week and if you want to do this I'll need to set a few things up here in Seattle."

"Okay. Thanks." Bryan shakes my hand, tells me he looks forward to hearing from me then walks out the door. My mind is going a million miles per second at this point. What should I do? I just recently thought that I could perform in front of people for real and here was my chance.

"Hey baby." Edward, thank God he's here. I'm out of my chair and in his arms before I can blink, his arms wrap around me so tight that it should be uncomfortable, but it feels like home. "What's going on? Who was that guy that just came out of here?"

"His name is Bryan Jackson and he works for Denali Records." I tell him. His hands freeze in my hair and his body stiffens, it's making me nervous. "He wants me to cut a demo for his bosses, says I can do it here and I don't need to travel unless the higher-ups like my stuff."

"They're gonna love it Bella. You're amazing. I…I think you should do it." This shouldn't surprise me, but somehow it does. After everything we've been through for the past few months I guess I expected him to want to talk this out more before making a decision.

"Do you think I'm ready for that? What about my stage fright?" His arms tighten around me, it's comforting but I'm also curious as to what's going through his mind. We stay that way for a few minutes until his silence finally drives me mad. "Edward?"

"You're ready Bella. I know you don't think you are, but…your words and music they deserve to be heard by more than just the people who go to Requiems." Edward paused, placing a kiss on the top of my head as I thought about what he just said. I've never had anyone believe in me as much as Edward does. "You can do this and I'll be by your side the entire time. Besides it's just a demo, you don't need to stress about the stage fright right now. Let's just take one thing at a time, okay?"

"Okay." I whisper into his neck. He's right, there's really no point in worrying about the stage fright right now, and it's just a demo. We loosen our hold on the other so we can go home. I'm so ready to go home. "Let's get out of here, I'm completely drained."

"Me too baby. Your place or mine?"

"Yours!, Definitely yours." As much as I love my apartment I really don't feel like dealing with Jake, Paul or Tay at this moment. Edward chuckles, grabs my things and leads me out to his car. "Wait! I didn't get to see your parents."

"They left a little while ago; they did tell me to tell you that they loved the show and expect to see you tomorrow at brunch." Okay, I guess we're having brunch with Edward's parents tomorrow. After a quick stop by my place to pick up some clothes for brunch tomorrow we finally arrive at Edwards. Teeth have been brushed, clothing removed and now…well now we are making out on his bed like a couple of horny teenagers.

"Fuck Bella, you're driving me crazy." What's driving him crazy you ask? That would probably be all the moaning I'm doing while his hands explore my body, or it could be the way my hands go from lightly pinching his nipples to traveling down his abs but stopping right before I reach his aching cock. Come to think of it I'm pretty sure that's what is driving him the craziest. You want to hear a little secret? I want my man insane with lust so he'll fuck me hard. I love it when he just lets go, not that I don't adore the sweet slow love making, but sometimes a girl just wants to be fucked, you know what I'm sayin? My hand is making its decent right now in fact and I think just maybe he might have had enough, his stomach muscles are trembling beneath my fingers and his breathing has definitely sped up. "That's it, I can't take it anymore." YES! Edward rolls on top of me, pinning my hands above my head and his lips are wrapped around my left nipple. I start squirming beneath him, fuck he feels so good. "Is this what you wanted baby?" All I can do is moan my approval at him. He's leaving hot, wet kisses all along my body, his very hard erection is pressing into my thigh, I need friction, like NOW so I squirm a little more trying my best to line us up so he can just thrust into me, but it's just not working. His legs have me pinned down too making it nearly impossible to move. "Uh uh uh little girl! I'm in control here and right now I am going to torture you until you're begging for my cock."

That's all he needs is for me to beg? Well I can do that, I'm desperate here. "Please Edward."

"Please what baby?"

"Pllllllleeeeaaaseee." I moan.

"You need to say the words Bella. Tell me how much you want my thick hard cock inside your dripping wet pussy and I'll give it to you." I groan, fine, I can do this.

"Please Edward. I need your big beautiful cock to fuck my slick, wet pussy until I can no longer feel my toes. Please baby, I need it so bad." If that didn't do it then nothing would, but judging from the shuddering breath he just released I'd say my words hit the mark. He swiftly lined up our most sensitive areas and thrust into me roughly, it took my breath away.

"Jesus fuck Bella! I'm gonna fuck you so hard baby."

"YES!" And fuck me he does. He's thrusting into me at a maddening pace making me moan like a porn star. All too soon we're both coming undone. When he rolls off me we're both panting like we've just run a marathon, a thin sheet of sweat covering both our bodies and I don't know about him, because honestly I can't move a muscle, but the huge smile on my face is actually starting to hurt. I'm completely blissed out right now.

When I wake the next morning I am surrounded by warmth, Edward's legs are intertwined with mine and his arm is covering my torso, my man is a cuddler. I'm so comfortable I don't want to move so I snuggle into him taking in his serene face as he sleeps, smelling his delectable scent that makes me want to taste every inch of him, that gives me an idea. I lick him, but he stays sound asleep. Hmph. I'm kind of trapped here so doing what I really want to do isn't feasible unless he loosens his hold on me, but every time I move his arms tighten around me. What to do, what to do, what to do. I start placing small kisses along his neck from the space behind his ear all the way to the part of his chest that I can reach. Edward starts letting out these little moans so I figure I can get my hands in on waking his sexy ass up. As my hand slowly travels down his muscular chest I feel his body shudder, feeling empowered I keep going, lower, lower, lower until I reach his already hard cock and dear lord I am soaking wet. My hand wraps around his length and I start pumping, my lips never leaving his neck. Jesus I'm horny. His hips start thrusting into my hand so I know he's awake now, his moans and groans are getting louder and I'm pretty sure I heard a "fuck" come out of his luscious mouth.

With my mouth right beneath his ear I whisper "Morning baby."

"Mmm Bella."

"I want you Edward."

"Take me Bella. I'm yours to do with as you please. Please baby." Oh jeez, what his words do to me. Taking his words in I quickly extricate myself from his hold only to straddle his hips, my aching center hovering right above his erect dick, my hand still stroking him, seeing as I can't possibly have him inside me with my hand wrapped around him I let go and sink down onto him. "FUCK Bella!"

"You feel so good Edward; I don't know how I can ever get enough of you." Edward's hands move to my hips, fingers digging, almost painfully into my skin but instead of hurting, it just adds to the pleasure that his body is bringing me. He's hitting my sweet spot and I know I'm only moments away from coming, desperate for us to cum together I speed up my movements. I feel that familiar coiling in my stomach and Edward starts thrusting erratically. My orgasm hits me like a freight train, I can barely make out Edwards moans as he reaches his climax at the same time as I hit mine.

Flopping myself back on the bed I enjoy my post orgasmic high while I try to calm my breathing. I swear only Edward does this to me, he makes me feel…shit he just makes me feel plain and simple.

"I don't know what I did to deserve that but if you tell me I'll make sure to do it all the time." I laugh because he doesn't need to do anything but be himself for me to want him. "I love you so much Bella." He turns his head towards his nightstand, no doubt looking to see what time it is, I have to admit I'm curious myself, but it can't be too late since it's still a little dark outside. "We don't have to get up for a few more hours. Do you want to try and get a little more sleep baby?"

"Okay." I yawn; Edward chuckles, kisses my temple and drifts off back to sleep. By the time I wake again Edward is already up and I hear the shower running. I decide to get up and make us some coffee, although joining him in the shower is rather tempting but we just don't have the time. We have only 45 minutes to be out the door.

"Something smells good." Edward's arms wrap around me from behind, his head resting on my shoulder.

"I figured we could both use the coffee this morning. I better go grab a shower, we don't have much time." He nods, sticking his bottom lip out, which I bite, I can't help it, and he's just too damn cute.

"Bellllllaaaaa." He whined; see what did I tell you, cute.

"We don't have time sexy man."

"We can be a little late." I giggle because sex and Edward will never make us just a little late. My eyebrow rises at his comment, now he looks resigned. "Okay, go before I cancel all together so we can spend all day in bed instead." Shivers run down my spine while I seriously consider cancelling on his parents.

Twenty minutes later we're walking out the door to his car. The ride to the Cullen's house is quick, with no reason to be nervous this time Edward and I talk, having a great time connecting and sharing stories until we pull up. "You ready baby?"

"Yep."

"Bella, dear, I'm so happy you're here. We had to leave a bit earlier than we would have liked last night, I wanted to tell you how much your performance moved me, you're incredible." Esme really is the sweetest woman I've ever met.

"Thank you Esme, that means so much to me."

We enter the house; Carlisle gives us drinks while Esme finishes up in the kitchen. Talk immediately turns to last night and Carlisle can't stop gushing, telling me that he would have no problem having his music friends come out to hear me sing, that's when Edward tells them about Bryan.

"Are you going to do it?" Esme asks excitedly.

"I haven't decided yet. What if they don't like my voice? I mean I guess they could like my lyrics and I can be a songwriter which is what I wanted to do anyway…." I tell them wistfully. I still have yet to decide if I can do the whole singing up on stage thing with thousands of people watching.

Edward and Esme both scoffed at me at the same time. Carlisle and I start laughing at the similar expression on their faces, well that and the fact that they made exactly the same sound at the same time. They both soon started laughing with us, but not before giving us a glare, it only made me laugh harder, they really are a lot alike. The rest of our visit went on without much more talk of me recording a demo. I didn't really want to think about what could come after, I couldn't. The chances of me actually recording an album and going on tour were slim. Millions of people dream of making it in the music industry and maybe a handful of them reach their goals.

Out of the blue Carlisle started taking about me and my music again. "Bella, you're an amazing singer and songwriter. Those guys would be idiots not to sign you. And like you said if they don't then you have the songwriting to fall back on and it sounds to me like that's what you want to do anyway. You can't do either for a living if you don't take the risk though." I was taken aback by Carlisle's words; I truly had no idea that Edward's family would support me so much after only having known me a short time, but I could definitely get used to their unconditional love and support. My parents weren't overly affectionate and although I know they are proud of me neither of them are the type to say it out loud.

"Thank you Carlisle. I have quite a bit to think about, but not much time. He wants an answer before the week is through so he has time to set up recording time at a studio here." Edward and Esme talk about something while Carlisle excuses himself to take a phone call; meanwhile I sit there thinking over how my life has changed so drastically in the last few months. I went from being alone and scared of relationships to having a wonderful boyfriend that loves me with all his heart not to mention his family who are more like family to me already. I also have someone wanting me to record my own songs, which really is just so surreal that I can't even put it into words. I need to reconcile my thoughts on the matter and soon I suppose. Bryan did say to call as soon as possible. I keep going back and forth with this, not really sure if I want to do it, but then again my music is a piece of me and I want to share it with the world, it's just that I would rather someone else's voice be the one singing them.

"What do you think Bella?" Edward's voice pulls me from my thoughts, when I look at him with the blank expression I am sure is on my face right now, he smirks and shakes his head. "My mom and were discussing the upcoming fundraiser at the hospital. She suggested we invite everyone, the more the merrier right? I just wanted to make sure you were okay with certain people being invited." He rubs my thigh reassuringly. I love that a simple touch from him can instantly calm me.

"I don't see why not, it's not like I'm going or anything." I tell him teasingly, truth be told he hasn't even asked me to go with him yet.

"Edward Anthony, have you not asked Bella to accompany you to the fundraiser? I thought I raised you better than that." Esme smacked the back of his head and Edward had a look of shame on his face. He rubbed his head for good measure, although I'm certain the smack that Esme landed on him didn't hurt.

"Uh, no I guess I haven't." He turns to look me square in the eye before speaking again. Good boy. "Bella the hospital is having a fundraiser in a few weeks and I was wondering, hoping really, if you would be my date." His eyes penetrated mine as he asked me; I couldn't breathe with the look he was giving me. It was pure sex, but there was also love. I felt my stomach coiling as we stared at each other. All I could think about was getting out of here and having my way with him at home. A throat clearing broke our gaze, I predictably blushed bright red, wouldn't you if you had thoughts of fucking your boyfriend while in the same room with his mother? Talk about embarrassing. I was just thankful that she couldn't read minds; if she could I'd be in real trouble.

"I would love to go to the fundraiser with you Edward. Thank you."

"Great, now that that's settled, Edward can you make sure to invite your friends. They will of course need to be in formal wear. I doubt that will be a problem for the ladies, but remind Jasper and Emmett that if they don't have a nice suit or tux to get one." Edward agreed to tell everyone, just as Carlisle was coming back into the living room.

"I am so sorry about that. I am going to have to cut our visit short I'm afraid, I'm needed at the hospital right away."

"Is everything alright dear?" Esme had gotten off the couch and gone to her husband. He had a worried look on his face so I assumed that things were most definitely not going to be alright at the hospital.

"No, one of my patients has suffered a heart attack, they don't know if he is going to make it. I need to be there for him. Bella, I am very proud of you, I know you'll make the right decision as far as your music is concerned. I assume I will see you both at the fundraiser?" We both nodded and with a hug goodbye Carlisle was gone. Edward and I helped Esme clean up a bit before leaving as well.

In the car I was pensive, thinking through all the pros and cons of calling and accepting Bryan's offer.

"What are you thinking so hard about over there?"

"Hm? Oh, just the whole recording thing. I don't know if I should do it, I'm scared Edward." The car slows down and veers to the right, putting in park. "What are you doing?"

"Pulling over so we can talk about this." Once the car is stopped he unbuckles his seatbelt, turns his body towards me and waits.

"You know I have stage fright." He nods. "Well what if they love my stuff and want me to tour? What am I going to do then? I'm fine going on stage at Requiems with a couple of drinks, but that's singing in front of what, 50 people? Just the thought of singing in front of thousands makes me have cold sweats."

"Bella, we've talked about this baby. I know you're nervous, but I really think that we should take this one step at a time. There really is no point in stressing yourself out over this right now."

"I know." My words come out as barely a whisper, I'm not even sure he heard me, but it doesn't matter when his hand is on my cheek and his lips are pressed against mine at that moment.

"It'll be okay." He says against my lips before he kisses me again. "Let's go home baby." I nod and we're back on the road in no time. The rest of our day is spent watching movies on my sofa. We order in Chinese for dinner before going to bed. He sleeps at my place where we make love well into the early morning. He doesn't seem to care that he has to get up early in the morning to go back home for clothes so he can work all day. The thought crosses my mind that maybe he should leave some essentials here for times when he spends the night but has to work the next day, like tonight.

The next morning I wake up to the smell of coffee, my body aches in the best of ways from all our activity, which all becomes blaringly obvious when I stretch. Looking at the clock I notice that it's well past 10 am. Holy hell why did I sleep in so late and why didn't Edward wake me up? I know he's gone by now and I'm a little sad that he didn't at least wake me up to say goodbye.

With my robe wrapped around my still naked body I head into the kitchen for the sweet morning elixir sitting in my coffee pot calling out to me. I notice a note taped to my coffee maker, making me smile.

My Beautiful Bella

I didn't want to wake you; you looked so utterly adorable and peaceful. I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. I know you'll make the right choice for you as far as calling Bryan is concerned, I just want you to know that whatever you decide to do I will stand behind you *possibly ogling your delectable ass* every step of the way. ;)

Love forever,
Edward

Is he not the sweetest? I think he just might be, yes. After having my coffee I decide to shower. I have nothing going on today, but I do need to make a decision so that is my plan for today. I may even call Tay, Rose, Jake and…no, I can't call Alice anymore. Scratch that. I'll call the usual suspects, minus Alice for some outsider insight.

"Okay, so let me get this straight, this guy offered you an opportunity to actually record your music and you're thinking of turning it down, are you insane?"

"No, Jake, I'm not insane, I'm trying to be practical here."

"Bella, I understand your reluctance here, but I have to agree with Edward. It's not like you have to go on stage and perform in front of millions of people tomorrow. All they are asking you to do record a couple of songs for the muky muks to hear. Touring or performing for that matter is so far off you really shouldn't be worrying about it at this point. We can all help you work on your stage fright if things even go that far. Just do it."

"Barbie's right, you HAVE to do this B. You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you don't." Rose gave Tay a dirty look for the Barbie comment, but Tay being who she is just blew it off, it's not like she's never called her that before or worse many times. I decide in the end that they are all right and I hold on to my original idea of just being a songwriter. All three of them are so excited about my decision that they refuse to leave. First I call Edward at work to let him know, but it goes straight to voicemail. I ask him to call me back when he gets a chance, but I don't tell him the news, I'd rather talk to him in person than leave a message.

I dial the number on Bryan's card, it rings three times, he picks it up on the fourth ring, right before I lose my nerve and hang up.

"Bryan Jackson."

"Uh, hi Bryan, this is Isabella Swan, we met at…"

"Requiems, yes, I remember. I was hoping you'd call. How are you?" I can tell he's just trying to make small talk to make me feel more at ease, it would work if not for the fact that my three friends are sitting on my sofa staring at me, listening to every word I say.

"I'm doing well thanks. How's your visit with your brother?"

"Good, his kids wear me out, but I'm having a good time." There's a pause in our conversation but I can hear a little girl talking to him on the other end. "Yes sweetie. Give Uncle Bryan a couple of minutes then we'll play. I promise." So freaking cute. "Sorry about that Bella. Now, I'm assuming you're calling about my offer?"

"Yes and I have decided to do it."

"That's wonderful. I am so pleased. I'll set everything up and call you in a couple of days with details. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. Thank you Bryan for this opportunity." I tell him.

"Please, Bella you're the one doing me a favor. If my superiors like you half as much as I think they will, well let's just say finding you could do wonders for my career." Well alright then. What do I even say to that? "Okay, I need to get going but I will call you in a couple of days after everything is all set. Do you have any restrictions on your time that I need to be aware of before I set up studio time?"

I tell him about my job teaching music, my karaoke gig and of course my weekly stint at Requiems and he assures me that he'll be able to work around that schedule with no problem. I feel relieved that the call is over with. My friends are beaming at me when I hang up the phone. They all hop off the couch, rushing towards me giving me a giant group bear hug. Tay says something about celebrating, Jake mentions tequila body shots and Rose says she'll bring the salt.

After we've all calmed down enough we talk about the fundraiser at the hospital. They are all so excited to go and we all plan a trip to the mall to shop for dresses, it takes a lot of convincing to get Jake to agree that he should rent a tux and not buy one. I try to tell him that I know he owns a perfectly suitable suit that he could wear but he rolls his eyes at me.

The Tequila is flowing and I've had quite a bit to drink when there's a knock at the door. Rose rushes over to get it since she's the closest, but nearly falls over a couple of times before she actually gets to the door. I hear the door open and muffled voices, but I can't make anything out, nor can I figure out who is at the door.

"Barbie! Who's at the door?" Tay screams at the top if her lungs.

"Fuck T! It's Dr. Feelgood." Rose saunters back into the living room and I see a tuft of bronze hair behind her. My heart speeds up as he approaches. I try to stand but fall right back on my ass, everyone then proceeds to laugh their asses off at me.

"Hey baby. I see I've interrupted something good." I'm finally off the sofa and in Edward's arms, his scent envelops me and I swear I could just stay there forever. He smells so good. I want to lick him. "Uh, Bella…we can't do that with everyone around baby." He whispers into my hair, his warm breath fanning over my neck causing me to shiver. I have no idea what he's talking about though, all we're doing is hugging.

"What do you mean?"

"You just licked my neck Bella, you know what that does to me and as much as I would love to fuck you right now I'm not into doing so with an audience." His words go straight to my core making me impossibly wet.

"EVERYBODY OUT!" I yell. Edward winces, oops; I must have done that too close to his ear. Thankfully he starts laughing almost immediately after so it couldn't have hurt too badly. Jake, Tay and Rose are all looking at me like I've lost my mind not making a move. Did I not just tell them to leave?

"Bella, thas…neway (belch) I ca…leave." Rose slurs, but sadly she's right, she drove here and there's no way she can drive right now. I sigh feeling resigned that I don't get to fuck my hot as hell doctor boyfriend.

"Yeah, besides we want to be here when you share your news with Dr. Feel-me-up." I scowled at Tay, she threw her hands up in surrender, as she fucking should, he's not feeling anyone up but me, besides that she's happily married and it gets it regularly, lucky bitch. Wait, so do I, except for the married part. I'm a lucky bitch too. That puts a smile on my face.

Edward looks confused and I can tell when he figures things out. I hadn't made up my mind before he left today and I never did get to talk to him today. "What did he say baby?" I go on to tell him exactly what I could remember from the conversation, I think I got most of it, but I would talk to Edward about it tomorrow when I was a little less drunk. "Bella, that's great." He kissed my lips so hard I thought they might be bruised later, but I didn't really mind. A throat clearing broke our kiss that was heating up quickly, why does everyone ruin my fun by clearing their damn throats? I hadn't realized it, but when my guests burst my sexual bubble I was letting my leg down from around Edwards hips. Oops again.

"Well if you guys would have left when I said then you wouldn't have to see me molesting my boyfriend. "

Tay wiped at the fake tears under her eye. "Our baby's growing up." This comment earned her an eye roll from me.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't you have a husband to fuck?" Rose burst out laughing, Jake snickered and Edward, bless him, was trying really hard not to laugh at my outburst. That was until Tay started crying. I immediately felt horrible and wondered if there was something going on. I have been so focused on the Denali offer that I didn't even notice if Tay was off today. I'm a terrible friend. "T, I'm sorry, what's wrong?"

She straightened up and looked at me; there wasn't a tear in sight. "Gotcha! But you're right, I do have a husband that needs tending to." She walked over to me with a smirk plastered on her pretty face and like the mature adult that I am I stuck my tongue out at her, she grabbed said tongue and wouldn't let go. Her fingers tasted like lime and salt from all the tequila shots. "I'm proud of you B. I'll talk to you tomorrow." With that she let go of my tongue, hugged me and walked out the door with a backwards wave.

"I'm gonna take off too Bells, Paul is waiting for me."

"Okay Jake. Thanks for the moral support today."

"Anytime, B. Later Barbie!" Rose flipped him off as she snuggled into the couch. I told Edward to make himself comfortable in my room while I got some things for Rose, she was already snoring loudly on the couch when I came back out. I decided to leave her there even though there was a bed in the guest room I didn't feel like moving her or trying to wake her. Usually when Rose passes out there's no getting her up until she's good and ready. That didn't mean that I would let her be too uncomfortable all night though. I grabbed the extra pillow from the guest bed as well as the throw my mom got me from one of her many trips, got Rose situated then headed to my room to "talk" for my hot as hell boyfriend. *wink, wink* You and I both know there won't be a whole lot of talking going on in that room tonight, but when I went inside to join him he was fast asleep on top of the covers. I took his shoes and pants off so he could be more comfortable before getting ready for bed myself.

As I got myself situated next to Edward I thought about agreeing to the demo. I really hoped that I made the right decision, I guess only time will tell.

And that's all she wrote for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it, go ahead and recommend it to all your friends and review, those are nice too.

The song used in this chapter was Enchanted by Taylor Swift (Yes I love her, don't judge, she's amazing.)

Is everyone ready for Halloween? Who's dressing up? I am, I'm going to be our lovely Bella Swan this year and I am very excited. Have a good week all.