Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.
"And…" Rose asked anxiously.
"He kissed me on the cheek."
-(ROSALIE) queued chirping crickets sound effect-
"That's it? The boy is all hands at the beach and then he finally gets you alone and he kisses you on the Mother Flippin' cheek?"
Bella had just finished explaining to Rose, Emmett, and the listeners about the beach day yesterday. They seemed to be just as frustrated as Bella was about Edward still not having kissed me yet.
"I think maybe he's just being a gentleman. I mean, he does the whole opening doors, pulling out my chair, carrying things for me- like the cooler yesterday. Why would the kissing thing be any different? Fact are still facts, we only started hanging out like a week and a half ago."
"I see your point," Emmett pointed out. "Personally, I'm perfectly fine with him not having kissed you yet because kissing opens Pandora's Box of sin and sexual promiscuity."
"Are you freakin' kidding me, Em? It's not like he's going to ram it down her throat as soon as he kisses her," Rosalie stated.
"He better not ram it anywhere! Ever!" Emmett shouted. Bella scoffed.
"Emmett you need to get used to the fact that I'm 22, not 16. It's not like I'm a virgin or anything-"
"WHAT?" Emmett was fuming.
"Seriously, Em? You're going to go all 'Brother Bear' on me? Slow your role. You know me; I'm not going to do anything out of character. If I left it up to you, I'd be as chaste as a Jonas Brother. Besides, you like Edward. You guys were having a great time yesterday, so I think you need to take a step back and trust me."
"You're right," Emmett sighed, "But if he hurts my baby sis…"
-(EMMETT) queued punching sound effect-
"Yeah, I know. I don't want you to think I don't appreciate you protecting me. You know I love you, right?"
"Enough with the mushy stuff! Can we talk more about how HOT McHottie looked yesterday in his board shorts? Day-um, B! You sure know how to pick 'em!" Rose exclaimed.
"He did look very yummy, Rose. You know the hip bones, the *ahem* "Hump muscles". Ooooh, I thought I was gunna lose it! Those muscles are like, and arrow leading you to the Promised Land."
"I can't do it!" Emmett threw his arms up, "I cannot sit here and listen to my baby sister talk all… man-meat, and be alright with it. It goes against my nature as a brother."
"Then leave… we'll designate 'Medward Time' on the show where you can go have a Cherry Coke and a cookie," Rose suggested.
"Sounds good. But not right now. It's time for…" Emmett started.
-(EMMETT) queued ARTIST: Britney Spears 'Baby-One-More-Time'-
"… HEADPHONE Karaoke, Ladies! You're going down! Oh, Rosie, I can't wait to see you do your strip tease on the Party Barge!"
"In your dreams, Emmett! You're the one that's going to be doin' a little dance on Sunday; or perhaps Bellaaaa is going to give her new man a show!"
"Dude, I've so got this! I've been practicing! Let's do it!"
And so Headphone Karaoke: Round One began…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I sat with Alice under the red and white umbrella the following Wednesday afternoon. We munched on our salads and traded stories from our week thus far.
"So, Rose won the first round, and you won Tuesday and today," Alice recounted in laughter, "That means Emmett has to do a strip tease at 4th on Flagler? Is that legal?"
"Oh yeah. The station has this boat thing, we call it the 'Party Barge', and it will have a bar and snack type foods, and we'll play music and play games for prizes and stuff throughout the day. When it's time for the fireworks at 9 o'clock, VIP members and contest winners will get to stay on the barge to have front row seats to the show."
"Oh cool. Will you guys have to stay on the barge the whole time?"
"No, we'll be there for our "normal" morning time slot. We'll go back for a time in the afternoon for Emmett's strip tease, and then again for the fireworks. You're all coming, right?"
"Yep, Jasper is pretty excited to check out the local bands they're going to have there. Personally I'm pretty jazzed about the Firefighter's competition they're going to have," Alice waggled her eyebrows, making me laugh.
"So… your date is tomorrow. Are you nervous?"
"Yes and no, for the same reasons."
"What do you mean?" Alice had the cutest 'I-have-a-question' face I have ever seen.
"Well, Yes I'm nervous, because it's Edward. No, I'm not nervous because… well, it's Edward."
Alice nodded her head slowly, lost in thought.
"Thursday… what a weird night for a first date," Alice mused.
"He was probably just being conscientious of our working the Blue Martini on Fridays."
"Oh, right! Aww, that's sweet then. I have such a thoughtful brother," Alice beamed. "Where is he taking you?"
"I'm not sure, really. I know to dinner, but other than that I know nothing."
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Later that afternoon while I was getting my 'mandatory' mani/pedi with Rose and Alice, I received a text message from Edward with the details of our evening.
B, May I pick you up at your apartment tomorrow evening at 6pm. I'd like to take you to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner, if that'd be alright.
"The man even texts in complete sentences, Ladies; I don't know that he can get any more perfect."
"So tell us, Alice. What's with your brother not kissing Bella?" Rose asked.
"Our mother raised us to be respectful. So Edward won't kiss you until after your first date. And I don't mean, like, at the end of the date, but the next day or whatever. He may give you a peck on the lips or something though."
I closed my eyes and groaned loudly, my head flopping back on the headrest. Alice and Rose were laughing at my despair.
"I didn't let Jasper kiss me until after our first date. It adds to the passion for when it happens!"
"Hell at this rate I'll probably spontaneously orgasm!"
"Edward says he'll try his best to make that happen."
Wait. What?
I looked over directly to my left and Alice was on her phone. With Edward.
"Fuck. My. Life."
XXXXXXXXXX
I took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. My dress was a soft purple, BCBG dress with a cinched waist and square neckline adorn with a tasteful bow. My shoes were strappy heels of the same purple, and I accessorized with diamond drop earrings and a muted gold clutch. My makeup was simple, with just a hint of a smoky eye, and I wore my hair in beachy waves.
At six o'clock sharp, three quick knocks sounded at the door. I took another calming breath which, in fact, did nothing to calm my nerves, and opened the door. I had to stifle a laugh when I saw Edward's hair.
"Nervous?" I asked, nodding to his bronze locks.
He chuckled and tried to tame the mess, "Am I that easy to read?"
"You look great, Edward."
And he did. He had on straight leg, plain front black pants with simple black dress shoes, and a crisp white oxford with the top few buttons undone.
"You look positively celestial, Bella." He held out his right hand, in a request for mine. I placed my hand in his palm and smiled softly as he kissed the backs of my fingers lightly, never breaking eye contact with me.
"Thank you," I whispered softly.
Edward lowered my hand but did not release it; instead placing something in it.
"What's this?" I inquired, looking at the wrapped candy set in some sort of mechanism.
"It's a lick-o-meter. To answer our… little question involving Tootsie Pops." Oh, why can't I kiss that smirk tonight?
"That's very resourceful of you, Dr. Cullen."
"I'm very eager to learn, one should always be willing to do the research needed in order to obtain the information they desire."
"Well with a name as scientific as lick-o-meter, how can you go wrong?" I said with a wink and took his offered arm as we walked down to the elevators.
XXXXXXX
Edward pulled out my chair for me to sit when we arrived at the restaurant. I had never been to Ruth's Chris before and was excited to try it. A comfortable silence enveloped us while we looked over our menus. Edward asked what I would like before the server had come for our order.
"Would you like a glass of wine with your meal?"
"No, thank you, I don't drink. I'll just have water please, no lemon."
"I don't think I noticed that you didn't drink. Do you have an allergy of some sort, or is it a matter of personal preference?"
"I just have no desire to drink. The taste never really appealed to me. Emmett tried to get me to drink when I was about 16 so that I wouldn't tattle to my mom that he had been drinking at a party we went to, and I guess it just turned me off. I've always wanted to go to a wine tasting or something though, it always seemed so regal to me; to tilt the glass just right to take in the color and clarity, and then give it a swirl, smell the wine to take in the aroma, and then taste. I expect it would return a great payoff for having to go through all the work in order to just get to the drinking part!"
"Well it certainly sounds like you have the basics down already."
"As you stated earlier, one should always be willing to do the research needed in order to obtain the information they desire, " I said with a grin, "I thought that if I could learn how to drink wine then maybe I could learn to enjoy it."
"And I suppose it didn't work?"
"Nope," I said, popping the 'p'.
The waiter came then and Edward placed our orders. With no menu to fiddle with, I found myself fidgeting. Edward chuckled from across the table.
"I'm sorry; I really don't know why I'm so nervous."
He reached for my hand and laced our fingers.
"I have been so on edge today that Mrs. Cope, the charge nurse at St. Mary's, asked me if I was on something," he said with a depreciating laugh, running his free hand over his face. "She refused to let me stitch this one kid up because my hands were shaking so badly."
"I somehow managed to unplug the mics during the Morning Show, and for 30 minutes our listeners only heard the background music and stuff. I was outside of the sound booth so I didn't see all the phone lines light up. Alice sent me a text to ask if we had become mimes."
Edward and I laughed at our nerve induced blunders.
"Speaking of the show, will I be treated to a special show on Sunday?"
"Yes you will," I started, Edward's eyes lit up in excitement.
"Emmett with be doing his little dance around 6pm. I can get you VIP seating, if you'd like. I know a few people," I winked
Edward deflated a little. "That was mean."
"Awww, someone's got boo boo face," I said, commenting on his cute pouty lips.
"Boo boo face? That doesn't sound very manly," Edward laughed.
"A boo boo face may not be very manly, but it is very adorable."
"Good to know."
Our entrées arrived then, brining the conversation down to a lull between bites.
"What type of things do you do at St. Mary's as a volunteer?" I asked after taking a few bites of the delicious chicken.
Edward finished chewing and wiped his mouth with his napkin before answering.
"I don't get to do as much as I had hoped to do. Since they can't recognize me as a doctor, seeing as I'm there on my own time and not school sanctioned. I don't even get to do what a nurse is able to do; I'm more or less a 'candy striper'. I don't mind though, I'm leaning the inner most workings of how a hospital is run. I enjoy it really; I'm able to get involved with the staff and patients on a more personal level. My father says that doing the dirty work will help me be more respectful and understanding towards those who will one day be under me."
I'd like to be under you one day…
"That makes sense. I find it very admirable that you enjoy mingling with the little people," I teased.
Edward groaned and made a pained face, "I didn't mean to sound pretentious."
"I'm kidding; I think it's a smart career move. You'll be better received once you're on staff when they see you've emptied bedpans," I giggled.
Once we finished our meals Edward lead me to his car with his hand on the small of my back. It took all of my self control not to lean in and rub on him like a 'bitch in heat', as Rose would say.
"Bella, I'm not ready to end the evening with you just yet. I actually have a bit of a surprise for you, if you're up for it." I smiled and nodded my acquiescence. Edward's smile was nearly blinding.
We pulled up shortly to the Kravis Center of Performing Arts. I performed here in college with my choral group and told Edward as much.
"I know," He smiled, "They have an exhibition tonight featuring young musicians. I thought you might enjoy it." He looked at me intently, gauging my reaction.
I looked at him in awe.
"Edward, that's so thoughtful of you! Oh, this is wonderful!"
He helped me out of the car, and again led me through the building by the palm of his hand. This time I didn't hesitate to lean into Edward's side. He seemed pleased, as his hand slipped around to rest on my hip. We walked to the Junior Concert Hall where there was a small orchestra of 20 set off to the right side of the stage, forming a half circle around a single music stand. Center stage held a set of risers that the choral department would stand.
Edward and I sat down towards the back of the hall, to fully enjoy the acoustics of the building. The orchestra and choir filed in to their places on the stage, followed by the directors of each group. Introductions were made, the group being from Indian River State College. I looked over to Edward with wide, surprised eyes. I went to IRSC; I performed here during the same exhibition 3 years ago. I had put my soul into this group, it was my connection to music while I went to school for Broadcast Journalism. Edward's smile was smug but kind.
I ducked my head and smiled shyly smiled at him. In response, he slid his arm around the back of my chair, placed his hand on my shoulder, and squeezed lightly. I snuggled in close. We listened to the group, completely engrossed in the music. They played and sang the music of famed composers and even mixed it up a bit at the end with some top 40's pop to lighten the mood.
Edward held my hand the whole way to the car, and then again back up to our apartments. I stood with my back against my door, looking at Edward with a vibrant smile.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Edward. I really had a great time. The concert was a very nice surprise."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, I know I did," he said with a bright smile of his own, "I'd really like to take you out again sometime."
"I'd like that."
An awkward silence took over the space round us then was replaced by an electrical current that became its own entity. Edward was gazing at me with purpose. He shifted his eyes to my lips and licked his, causing me to lick mine subliminally. His eyes caught the movement and darkened in color.
"I really want to kiss you," he breathed out.
"So kiss me." I spoke barely above a whisper.
He shook his head slightly, still staring at my lips. He was pulling in air roughly.
"I can't kiss you like I want to kiss you. But…"
Edward leaned forward and placed a light kiss on the corner of my mouth. For such an innocent gesture it sure made my heart race.
"Goodnight, Beautiful."
Sigh.
"'Night." I entered my apartment in a daze.
XXXXXXXXX
The next few days were a blur. We didn't work the Blue Martini this Friday because it was 'all hands on deck' for the 4th of July event on Sunday. 4th on Flagler is a big music and patriotic festival on Flagler Blvd. in downtown West Palm Beach. The station works with the city to orchestrate music with the fireworks display, which I got to help with this year!
I didn't get to see Edward the rest of the week, only being able to exchange a few text messages with him. I had recounted our entire date on the air on Friday. Rose called our non-kiss kiss "bull" and said I should have just kissed him. To be completely honest, I liked that he was being respectful at the beginning of this. But now I was done waiting.
Rose and Emmett came over on Friday night and we lined up all of our programming for Sunday. Saturday was spent down town setting up. 4th on Flagler was going to be huge this year. They're having three sound stages and family fun areas, sponsor booths (that's us!), as well as craft and food booths along the intercoastal way. Rose and Em crashed at my place Saturday, seeing as we didn't get done with set up until 1am and had to be back at the booth at 7 a.m., and Rose and Emmett lived 45 minutes away.
When the three of us put our headphones on that morning we were met with dead air. The problem with broadcasting on site is that a plethora of things can go wrong, and you have to start from the top of the list and work your way down to find the problem. Everyone was rushing around checking cables and antennae. Everything was connected, so why weren't we live?
"Emmett!" Rose screeched, "You dumb ass! Your gargantuan foot tripped the power switch on the breaker!"
Emmett wasn't phased.
"Oops."
I flipped the switch and like MAGIC we were live.
"Hello? Can you hear me? Emmett, turned the power off kids," Bella laughed into the microphone, "If you have a mic in your face put some headphones on and say something to me so that I can mess with your levels."
"Testing 1… 2… 3…" came from Rose, ever the professional.
"Bella, Bella, bo Bella, banana fana fo fella, mee mi mo mella, BELLA!" sang Emmett.
"Really? You're gunna start that today?" Bella asked with a cocked eyebrow, "Rob, you're up."
"Hello? 1, 2…" Rob, the coordinator for the event, was the first interview this morning.
"Good, good…. Drew-B, Drew-B, Drooooo, let me hear ya," Bella asked of the new intern, Drew B, in song as she adjusted dials and volume levels.
"Bella, Bella, bo Bella-"
"I will cut you."
"- testing 1… 2…"
"That's better!" Bella messed with a few more knobs.
-(BELLA) queued INTRO: Morning Show-
"Oooookaaaaay."
"Got it, Bells?" Emmett asked. Bella hummed in the affirmative and the four started the interview with Rob. It was a basic interview, just location and activities, and pricing of the event. When that was done we went on to more goofy things.
"So Emmett," Rosalie dawdled, "Ready for your schmexy dance later?"
-(ROSALIE) queued ATRIST: Britney Spears 'Gimme More'-
"Heck yeah, Imma rock that sh-"
"DON'T!" Bella interrupted, "we don't have 7 second delay yet!"
"Oh right, sorry. I am going to own that," Emmett said with mock formalities and faux English accent, causing everyone to laugh.
Emmett started to dance around the booth to the song.
"Em, you know no one can see you right?" Bella asked between giggles as he swayed and pumped his hips.
"We can get down like there's no one around…" Emmett sang, pointing to Bella.
Rose, Drew B, and Bella were in hysterics, as were the few event patrons that had gathered around the booth.
"Sing it to me, B! This is the one you won with!"
He asked, so she did.
"The center of attention, even when we're up against the wall
You got me in a crazy position (uh huh)
If you're on a mission (ooh)
You got my permission oh
We can get down like there's no one around
We keep on rocking, we keep on rockin'
Cameras are flashing while we're dirty dancing
They keep watching, keep watchin'
Feels like the crowd was saying
Gimme Gimme more
Gimme more
Gimme gimme more"
Just then my cell phone vibrated in my pocket, making me stop singing.
"Hang on I got a text, talk amongst your crazy selves."
B, you sound great on the radio. We'll be there around noon. I can't wait to see you. Oh, Alice says 'hi' –E
Mother fuck, they're listening to the show. I knew Alice listened, but I didn't know how I felt about Edward listening. How would he feel about me broadcasting the development of our… relationship? Can we call it that yet? Either way, would he be upset? Has he heard any of it so far?
"You alright, Bella?" Emmett asked during commercial break.
"Yep! Edward, Alice, and Jasper will be here around 12, when we go off air." I hesitated before continuing.
"Hey Em, do you think Edward would be upset over me talking about "us" on air?" I was suddenly unsure.
"Nah, it's not like you give detailed information to your sex life or anything."
"That's true. Thanks, Em," I hugged my brother tightly.
"Anytime, you know that," Emmett rubbed my back with his bear-paws, "You sure you're alright?" I nodded. "Well, ok then, bring us back in, B!"
We did a few contests for the listeners that were at the event, and a few interviews with the firefighters that were going to be competing. A few hours later, things were getting messy.
-(BELLA) queued INTRO: Morning Show-
"Let's play another game, or a contest or something," Bella suggested.
"Like what?" Asked Drew B.
"I know!" Rose announces, "Let's initiate Drew B."
"Initiate?" Drew asks cautiously.
"YEAH!" Emmett cheers.
"Dude you are waaay too excited about this!" Bella chortled.
"What should we have Drew B do?" Rose pushed onward, ignoring Emmett's fist-pumping.
"Hmmmm…" Bella considered.
"I GOT IT!" Emmett, again with the shouting.
We wait.
…..
"Well, let's hear it!" Rose urged impatiently.
"Two words. Syrup. Chug."
Collective "OOOOOOOOH"s filled the air.
"No, dude, I can't stand syrup," Drew B stated
"It's either Syrup chug or wasabi toothbrush," Bella piped in.
"What's wasabi toothbrush?"
"You brush your teeth with wasabi paste for 45 seconds, no water," Rose informed.
"Ok, I'll take that one."
We broke for commercial while someone from production ran to the grocery store a block away for wasabi paste, and I ducked in to the booth next door, which happens to be a dentist handing out toothbrushes
What are the fucking odds?
-(EMMETT) queued ARTIST: Nelly 'Hot in Herre'-
"Ok, Drew B, you have to brush your teeth with the wasabi paste for 45 seconds. Got it?"
"Got it." Drew B centered his stance down low with the toothbrush poised at his mouth.
"Bella, get him some water for afterwards," Rose said, showing a moment of tenderness.
"Ok, ready Drew B?" Emmett set the timer, "on your mark… get set…BRUSH"
Drew B started to vigorously brush his teeth. It took about three seconds for the burn to set in.
"Oooomuhgaah"
Green drool began to pour out of Drew B's mouth; tears were running down his eyes. Rose and Bella were cringing from the sight. Drew B started gagging and sputtering. He spit a mouthful out on the table and Bella took off for the trash can.
I couldn't watch it a second longer. I expelled my breakfast in the trashcan behind the booth. I swiped another toothbrush from Random Man, AKA, The Dentist.
When I was fresh and minty, I walked back in to the booth to see Edward, Alice, and Jasper standing in front of it. Is it noon already?
I got Emmett's attention, who was currently dictating the goings on of the wasabi toothbrush aftermath, and pointed over to our friends, letting him know I was going over to them. He nodded his understanding.
"Hey guys!" I said to them as I walked up. Alice looked a little green as she looked on to the stunt in the booth.
"Alice, are you alright?" Jasper's face was full of concern.
"Uh huh."
"Why don't you go sit down?" I suggested.
Jasper led Alice over to a bench nearby bench. I turned to Edward.
"Hey," I said softly
"Hi." Hello smirk, oh how I have missed you.
"You look a little on the preppy side today," I started with a shy smile, straightening his collar," I like it."
He was wearing a blue and white striped rugby shirt and boot cut jeans.
His hands rested loosely on my waist and my body temperature instantly went up about ten degrees.
"I like you," Edward said quickly. I watched as his eyes widened comically, he must not have meant to say that aloud.
"Edward, calm down. Your eyes are as big as Lady Gaga's in that Bad Romance video."
He still looked a little sheepish, so I put his worries at ease.
"I like you, too." And queue the blush. His breathtaking smile was well worth the embarrassment of the admittance.
"How long have you guys been here?" It was almost 1pm.
"We got here just as you were hoaxing that poor young man in to brushing his teeth with wasabi, and then bailed as soon as he started having trouble," He was trying to sound appalled, but his laughter gave him away.
"Ew, I didn't expect him to spit it out on the table in front of me like that," I shuttered at the memory.
Edward chuckled and pulled me closer.
"You kind of own this show, B. It was fun listening to you this morning. I wish I could listen more often, but my schedule at St. Mary's doesn't permit for it."
"I'd rather talk to you in person than over the radio anyways," I stated, silently glad he doesn't listen on a regular basis.
We had drifted over towards in the others. The show must have ended. Nice.
"Hey, is Drew B ok?" I asked.
"Yeah, thanks for running off at the end there! I had to wrap by myself since Emmett was cleaning up Drew B," Rose huffed.
"Hey, you could have been the one cleaning!" Emmett stated. We all laughed at the visual of Rosalie cleaning up a drooling, crying, snotty Drew B.
"That was so gross, and kind of mean! Why'd you do that to him?" Alice looked horrified that we'd do such a thing.
"We've all been initiated," Rose told her
"What did you guys do?" Alice demanded.
"Syrup chug; 24 ounces in 60 seconds, I only got 12," Rose informed.
"Egg smashing, smash 144 eggs with my head in 60 seconds. I only smashed 74," Emmett offered.
All eyes turned to me.
"Body party weigh-in, my boobs weigh 4 pounds each."
XXXXXXXX
The remainder of the afternoon was spent with us all walking around to the different tents and activities. We listened to a few of the musicians, and Rose, Alice, and I cheered with enthusiasm at the Firefighter challenge, much to the chagrin of our boys.
Our boys. Sigh. I felt oddly at ease around Edward. He had contact with my body the whole day, either with his arm around my shoulders, around my waist, or holding my hand. He would place gentle kisses on my cheek or my temple randomly. He was very courteous, getting me a drink if I mentioned I was thirsty, and he would surround me with his body if were in a crowd, almost protecting me with literal body armor. Hmm, Edward body armor. I like it.
We separated from the others with plans to meet at the barge around 6pm for Emmett's strip tease.
"What would you like to do now?" I asked, looking up at Edward.
His gaze was soft and adoring when he answered, "Whatever you'd like to do. You're the local."
"Wanna walk along the boardwalk?"
"Sounds great," He brought our entwined fingers to his lips and kissed my knuckles.
We strolled lazily along the water, leaning over the seawall to look at the various fish, pelicans, and seagulls. It was a beautiful day, but scorching hot. The sky was bright blue, adorned with white fluffy clouds. The sun's light glimmered off the water, and the wind swirled around us.
"It's Africa hot! Aren't you burnin' up?" I asked Edward, tugging at the pant leg of his jeans.
"S'not so bad. You should talk; denim capri pants aren't much shorter than jeans." He patted my thigh as he said this. His hand lingered a bit and then drifted up towards the curve of my butt.
We had turned to face each other at this point, and held each other's gaze. Edward stepped closer to me, the warmth from his body adding to the summer heat. My body started to hum with the current that seemed to always surge between us. His hands sat low on my hips; his thumbs slipped beneath the fabric of my shirt and started to rub soft circles.
The action caused my body to burn in delight, goose bumps appearing across my heated flesh. Suddenly I felt a vibration course through my body.
"You're phone is ringing," Edward exhaled in mild frustration.
"I will kiss you, Edward Cullen, if it's the last thing I do," I mumbled as I answered my phone.
"Hello?"
"Let's do this," Emmett boomed through the phone.
"See you in a few," I wasn't very happy with his… lip lock block?
XXXXXXXXXXXX
"What are you making him dance to?" Edward asked as we stood behind the soundboard.
"Oh, he's had this routine planned for weeks. We all have one planned, actually." His eyebrows shot up to his hairline and made me burst with laughter.
"C'mon, Edward! We always have to be prepared to do stupid shit like this. There is no shame when you are a radio DJ. He's dancing to 'Gimme more'." Edward looked confused.
"The song we played this morning." Recognition dawned in his eyes.
The barge was filled to the brim with drunken co-eds, clamoring to get a good spot in front of the portable stripper pole. Portable stripper pole? Nice. For the stripper on the go. I internally rolled my eyes.
Emmett walked in wearing the same clothes he had been wearing earlier. Strange, I'd thought he would have changed.
The crowd erupted in to cheers, whoops, and hollers, Emmet encouraging them all the while. Rose pulled Alice and Jasper into the DJ booth with us and grabbed a mic.
"AAAAAAALRIGHT Everybody! You know the synopses! Emmett lost, so now he STIPS!" Rose shouted over the speakers
First pumps and shouts of approval exploded once again.
-(BELLA) queued ATRIST: Britney Spears 'Gimme More'-
Emmett started swaying his hips from side to side, and then started singing with Britney, making some amendments.
"IT'S EMMETT, BITCH!"
He grabbed the pole and walked around it, trying to look alluring. He started thrusting his hips and pointing to people in the crowd. When the chorus started he peeled his shirt off; the squeals from the females nearly causing my eardrums to burst. At the risk of sounding incestuous, Emmett was hot. He had ripped muscles, and a lean body.
"YEAH BABY! SHAKE IT!" Rose was clearly enjoying the show.
Emmett started to rub on the pole- well more like hump the pole. When the chorus came around again the unbuckled his shorts and shimmied them down. Oh. Em. Eff. Gee! Emmet was wearing ruffled panties in pastel colors…
Hey, wait a minute!
I gasped in horror, my face surely reflecting my current emotions. Edward must have noticed because I felt him move behind me and speak in to my ear.
"Bella? Baby, what's wrong?"
Baby? Hmm, file that one away for another moment because right now…
"EMMETT! What. The. Fuck? Those are MINE!"
Emmett was wearing my fucking panties! Alice, Jasper, Rose, and Edward blew up in guffaws.
Emmett didn't stop as he continued to gyrate on the pole, and then climbed to the top like a damn gorilla and shouted to the crowd. When he slid down his penis was smooshed to the side of the pole, and you could see all of Em's good.
"Holy fuck," I covered my eyes and buried my face in Edward's chest.
A few minutes later Emmett stood in front of me looking thoroughly chastised.
"Aw, come on, B! I didn't mean to upset you. But, Rosie wouldn't let me use any of hers and we were at your place last night and I just… I'm sorry," He pouted.
"Mhmm, this just isn't how I pictured Edward seeing my panties for the first time, you know?" I said, cocking my eyebrow and crossing my arms over my chest.
Emmett shot Edward a warning glare, Edward had a goofy grin on his face, Alice squealed a little, Jasper was trying to calm her down, and Rose looked smug.
We ate dinner together and then headed over to the barge for the fireworks. We stood in couples along the sea wall. Edward had his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding my back to his chest.
The lights turned off and the music started playing, the first firework set off in the sky with a sharp pop. I jumped at the sound and felt rather than heard Edward chuckle.
The fireworks display was beautiful and was set to those go-to American themed songs that give you goose bumps when you think of all the men and women who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom and safety.
The sky filled with vibrant reds, blue, gold, purples, and greens. My attention shifted when I felt Edward's grip loosen and start to run his palms over my stomach and then up and down my torso. I felt his heart beat increase against my back, and his breathing pick up. I turned to make sure he was okay and had to stifle a gasp.
His eyes were captivating and filled with lust. He brought his hand up and cupped my face, his arm brushing the side of my breast as he did so. His thumb ran along my bottom lip and I licked my lip reflexively, the tip of my tongue sweeping across his thumb briefly, his and my breathing both hitched at the contact. My blood was racing through my veins, my pupils no doubt as dark as his.
He licked his lips, leaned forward and tilted his head to the side. I closed my eyes and waited for the arrival of his lips. He pressed his mouth gently to mine, his kisses soft and sweet, and his palm caressing my cheek. He pulled back and looked directly in to my eyes, both of us with soft smiles. It was the perfect first kiss.
Let's pass 'Go', receive $200 and proceed to the second, shall we?
Echoing my thoughts, Edward leaned forward again to meet my lips, this time with more force. I turned to face him and fisted his shirt in my hands, pulling him close. I sucked his bottom lip into my mouth and ran my tongue along it, asking for entrance. He moaned softly and opened up his mouth, his tongue eagerly meeting mine. He pulled me flush against his body with his hands low on my back, and I ran my hands up his chest and over his shoulders, coming to rest on top of his flexing biceps. Our mouths continued to dance languidly, igniting sparks low in my belly as sparks flew across the sky.
Our kisses slowed to a stop. Edward rested his forehead against mine, his eyes still closed, both of us breathing in soft pants.
"Wow," I whispered.
He didn't answer with words, just kissed me softly once more and nodded. I lay my head on his chest and closed my eyes. He turned us to the side so we could finish watching the fireworks. I saw Rose over Edward's shoulder and when she caught my eye she raised her eyebrows in question. I gave her a smirk and a subtle 'thumbs up'. Rose smiled brightly and turned back to watch the show.
A/N:
Holy moly, I hope that first kiss lives up to your expectations!
I have videos posted of the radio stunts and outfits on my profile.
Fic Rec's:
Are you reading these? If you aren't, I don't know if we can be friends…
from the dust by the lovely kymclark
Voice for Me by PachasPickMeUp
Homecoming by Dontrun (She also has another story 'Starts with Goodbye' that I love and want to make babies with)
The Hood by Yogagal
Major Misconduct by m7707
More Rec's next time…