Okay, so here's Chapter 1, as promised. Hopefully I figured this out, so it'll come up. Don't forget to review for me, so I know whether it's working, and whether it's worth continuing...
See you at the bottom
Chapter One: Day Like No Other
"Hey man, sorry I'm late. Work was a bitch."
I glanced up and smiled crookedly at my brother. Emmett was a giant of a man. Standing at 6'4, with dark brown hair and built like a nightclub bouncer. At first glance, you would probably steer clear of him because of the persona he gave off, but really, he was more like a giant bulky teddy bear.
"No problem Em, I only got here a little bit ago." Actually, I had gotten here about forty-five minutes ago, but figured I needed to get some work done of my own. I knew he'd be late, just like most times, but really I didn't care. After teaching grade school kids all day, the silence was bliss. I closed my laptop and placed it back into its bag, before taking another drink of my coffee.
"So, how were the little tykes today," Em asked. Like I said before, Emmett may look gruff, act gruff, but really…. giant… bulky… teddy bear.
"No different than any other day. How was work," I asked nonchalantly.
"Well, Rosie found a new project. She found an old Mustang that needs fixing up, and we've been at it all day."
Rosie… or Rosalie… or ice-queen as I like to call her, is Emmett's wife. They work together fixing up old cars to sell at my mother's benefit auctions and to overzealous car collectors. The money at the benefits go into helping with her cause of the month, while the money sold at the shop, goes directly to helping keep the shop stocked and the employees paid.
"Sounds… fun." Don't get me wrong, I love to fix up an old car as much as the next guy, but quiet honestly, I don't know how Em can stand that woman. Rosalie Hale-Cullen is a… well, I won't even go there.
"Ha, ha, smart-ass."
I couldn't do anything but chuckle. Em knew how I felt about her, but apparently how she reacted around me, and how she reacted around Em, were two completely different things. And quite honestly I didn't WANT her to act the same way to me as she did to Em….. shudder.
"Alright Em, let's get going, I'm sure mom's going to have a fit if we don't get moving soon." I said as I picked up my laptop and my coffee.
We walked out and headed towards our respective cars. Mom was having another benefit tonight, that we were all to be attending to. Black tie event of the month. What the cause was for this time, I don't even remember. I know it sounds bad, but even I can't remember each organization my mother is involved in; and even trying to, hurt my brain.
The drive from the coffee shop to our mother's house was only a fifteen minute drive, but Em and I usually stop at the coffee shop every Friday just to catch up. Had I known for certain whether he would be showing up, I would have told him just to meet me at mom and dad's.
I dialed the number to the gate operator, and let it ring three times before closing my phone. By the time we got there, Jonathan had the gate already open for us to pull in. That was the family code to the men for security to open the gate. Call, ring three times, hang up. Sounded somewhat cold, but it wasn't our decision. The men at the gate said this way, if someone else got the number they wouldn't actually know to only let the phone ring three times and then hang up.
When I turned off the ignition, and opened my door, I could hear my mother in the wide open door yelling up to my father as she was walking towards us.
"Carlisle, I mean it, if you aren't down here in the next ten minutes, I swear to God, you will never see the light of day again!"
I snickered looking at my brother, who was also trying very hard to keep a straight face.
"Oh, you think that's funny do you boys? Both of you are late, neither of you are dressed and so help me, if both of you aren't down here, dressed in your tuxes in those same ten minutes, I won't take a second to think to drop you both over my knee. Neither of you are too old for a good swat in the rear!"
We both looked at each other and ran inside. Sure, our mother was five foot flat, 115 soaking wet, and had never laid a hand on us as a means for punishment, but when she was on a roll, it was never a good idea to mess with Esme Cullen.
I ran up to my old room, grabbed the black clothing bag on the bed, and opened it to reveal my tux. After changing into the tux, I looked into the mirror, trying to put on my tie. These things always bugged the hell out of me. I've been to so many of these benefits, you'd think I could get this part of the parade down pact, but apparently all ties of the world were out to get me. (Lord knows I can't even get my ties for work on either.)
"ONE MINUTE!" I heard my mother yelling from the front entrance.
"Fuck!" I said to myself as I ran out of my room, and running straight into my father, who looked about as flustered as myself.
"Running late at the office dad?"
He gave me a "ha ha, real funny" look, as we both ran downstairs. My father was the Chief of General Surgery here in Seattle, which meant that he wasn't always around, but I respected and looked up to my father. He had always wanted me to go into the practice with him, but once in college I realized I wanted to teach; which he was completely proud of just the same.
Emmett had been ahead of us down the stairs, then my father, then me.
"Alright Emmett, good, good. Honey, handsome as ever, get going." As she came up to me, I held out my tie with a crooked smile on my face. With a huff she grabbed it, and started wrapping it around my neck. I could tell she was trying to hold back a grin as she continued tying the tie.
"I will never understand why you can't seem to do this yourself sweetheart," she looked up at me and I saw the twinkling in her eyes as she tried really hard from laughing.
"Hmm, I guess a boy will always need his mother." I kissed her on the side of her cheek once she was finished, and ran to the limo. I heard her laughing behind me, finally giving up and walking briskly towards me. I waved her forward, and she gladly went first. I hadn't noticed before but she was wearing a soft long sleeved black dress that went down to her ankles. My mother always had great tastes in clothing for these penguin parades, just wish I didn't feel like I was going to someone's funeral.
"And you're sure Rosalie will already be there?" My mother had asked that question about four times since we headed towards the benefit hall.
Emmett rolled his eyes towards me, and exhaled annoyingly. "Yes, mother. I already told you, I sent her a text not ten minutes ago, and she said she was already there."
THWACK
"OW, MOM, what the fu…"
"Emmett McCarty Cullen, you finish that sentence, and I will wash that mouth out with soap, do you understand me?"
Mom had just popped Em right upside his head. I tried my damnedest from laughing out loud, looking over at my father doing the same thing. Emmett couldn't help himself, he had the mouth of a sailor, and he was so used to using said mouth, that around my mother he just couldn't seem to contain himself.
"Sorry mom." He said dejectedly.
"Apology accepted. Now, next time you feel the need to roll your eyes and get snarky with me, I might just take the soap to that mouth of yours anyways."
Thank GOD we had just pulled out front of the building for the benefit. I didn't even wait for the driver to open the door. I couldn't get out of there fast enough before I started grinning like crazy. My father came out after me, who looked like he couldn't hold it in either. Emmett came next, still looking forlorn, but winked at me before turning to our mother to help her out of the limo.
And then it was my mother. Of course not one thing she had said to Emmett, or us earlier for that matter, had any real threat behind it. She smiled up at him and placed her hand on his cheek before walking forward to take my father's extended arm. She looked at me and winked, which caused me to laugh again. It was the exact same wink Emmett had thrown at me not thirty seconds ago.
We walked forward over the carpet that had been laid out, and stood every few minutes getting our pictures taken by the paparazzi.
"Dude, gotta love our mom, right?" Emmett said laughing quietly as he patted me on the back.
"Yeah man. Gotta love her."
We all headed through the throngs of cameras and questions being sent our way, and into the building. Once again mom had outdone herself. There was a sign at the front of the stairwell that led down into the actual main room for the benefit.
Oh yeah, now I remember. This is the benefit for the children's ward at the hospital. They were in dire need of new staff members and equipment, but due to the funds at the hospital, they were planning on cutting back A LOT. After hearing about it from dad, mom had gotten so upset. "Every child deserves a chance at life. They don't deserve the hurt they've been given." Ergo the name of the fundraiser tonight, "For Every Child."
As we descended the stairwell, I noticed a lot of people already here, all dressed up to the nines. I hated these things. Not that I hated the reason behind the benefits, they were always for worthy causes, but I always felt like the proverbial fifth wheel. Mom and dad, Emmett and Rosalie…
And then there was me.
I don't think these things would be so bad if I had someone to actually share it with, but being I didn't date, it just bored me to be here. Of course, knowing how much work my mother would put into these things, I could never not show my respect and be here for her. So, that's where I stood. I became the person who stood off to the side, had a few drinks, and practically said nothing all night.
"Oh honey, don't forget you promised to play tonight."
OH GOD.
"Mom, seriously, I can't. I really REALLY don't want to do that. I mean, can't you just keep the orchestra playing?"
I knew I was begging, pleading, sounding like a nine year old, but I hated playing in front of so many strangers.
"Edward, you promised me you would, as part of your contribution." Oh no, the LOOK. She always gives me that "please for mommy look," every time, and she knows she gets her way.
Sighing I agreed. "Okay mom."
"Thank-you sweetheart." she smiled as if I just lit up her world. She knew how I felt about playing in front of others, but was really hoping I would do this for her. How could I not do this for her, she's given everything to me, and I'm trying to slide my way out of it…
"When mom?"
"Oh, you can go do it now if you wish. Get it over with. Honey, I know how you feel about it, but let me at least welcome everyone first and introduce you."
"Sure mom, that's fine, I'll go get ready." I gave her a weak smile, and went to go get "ready." By ready, I meant go take a shot of something hardcore. I walked away from her and over to the bar.
"Can I get a shot of whiskey please?"
The man behind the counter took a shot glass out and poured some of the dark liquid into it, dribbling it over onto the counter accidentally. I grabbed the shot glass and sighed resignedly. "Bottom's up." I drank it fast, as it burned its way down to my stomach. "One more." he filled the glass up one more time, and I drank it just as fast. I knew what this night was going to be like, and even though I knew I couldn't get completely trashed before hand, else wise my playing would suck, I could at least get some confidence out of the strong drink.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?"
Oh, God!
"I'd like to thank everyone for being here tonight for the benefit "For Every Child." We're going to start off letting everyone look around at the silent auctions, before the dinner is served. Please look around for your seating arrangements, and while we begin, I have a special treat tonight."
Well, guess I can't exactly wish for her to forget about it. Time to suck it up and just get through it.
"I'd like you all to please join in and listen as my son, Edward, has granted me a gift in allowing us all to listen to him play on the piano here tonight." At that she looked over to me and nodded her head towards the baby grand piano near the orchestra that had quieted down before my mother spoke.
I walked slowly over to the piano, took a deep breath, and sat down. I knew if I looked out at everyone, I'd probably find myself shaking like a rattlesnake and not go through with my mother's request. I hadn't even thought of what I should play, but figured one of my own pieces shouldn't be so bad. And the only one that popped into my head was Esme's song, the one she loved to hear so much at home. This one I knew by heart, I didn't need to see the keys, didn't need to look at music sheets, I could play it with my eyes closed.
Slowly I began to play. I knew if I looked at her now, I'd probably see a giant smile on her face. At home, there would be times that I would play for hours for her, just to keep that smile on her face. I decided that I wanted to make sure this was okay for her. I looked up to find her in the general direction that she had been standing, but she wasn't there anymore. Instead when I looked up, I stared directly at the stairwell.
My hands never faltered, over many years of practice with this song, but my heart. It felt like my heart was about to be squeezed right out of its chest. The most beautiful woman I had ever seen was standing there, looking directly at me. Her eyes were such a deep brown that I could see, even from my vantage point. I had never seen such beautiful eyes in my life. It was almost as if they were trying to drag me away from whatever it was that I was doing, and drop to her feet. Wait. What was I doing? I looked down, and realized my hands weren't playing. I knew I hadn't just stopped, but that in the back of my mind, I had played the entire song, and was just sitting there staring at an angel.
I realized that everyone in the room, was clapping as I stood up and brought my eyes back towards the stairs. She was gone. I searched the room frantically, not knowing why it bothered me that I couldn't see her anymore. I finally saw here standing by a short, black haired woman who was holding onto a man with blonde curly hair. As I started to walk towards her, my mother stood right in front of me.
"Oh, thank-you Edward. It was really quite beautiful. You didn't have to play that."
I smiled down at my mother and threw my arms around her in a hug. "I'm glad you enjoyed it mother. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I see someone I recognize, and wish to speak to."
"Oh of course, darling." She kissed my cheek and went to find my father.
I continued to stare in her direction. Not really trying to gawk at her, but I just couldn't keep my eyes off her. I walked towards the bar, and grabbed a glass of champagne. I watched as she started heading off towards a different table, and decided to go talk to her. I took one step towards her, and watched as a man came up beside her, trying to talk to her.
For all I know, that could be her boyfriend. Damn it. I stayed where I stood, and continued to watch. It seemed like the man was trying to advance on her, and she did not wish for it. I grabbed another glass of champagne and started walking towards her.
"My place isn't too far from here, how about you and I get out of here and go talk." I heard to man say to her as I walked closer.
"Really, sir. I'm actually here with my boyfriend, so if you don't mind I should really go and find -."
"Come on hun, you didn't walk in here with anyone, so where's this supposed boyfriend, hmm?"
Bastard! The lady doesn't want to go with him, and he's trying to force her.
"Sorry to keep you waiting love. The line at the bar was quite long." I handed her the other drink I had in my hand and looked the other man coldly in the eyes.
"Oh… thank-you…. Sweetheart." she spoke back nervously.
"I believe the lady is already taken sir. If you wish to keep your arms in once piece, I suggest you walk away. Now." I practically growled into this guy's face. He looked me over one more time, huffed, and walked away.
I closed my eyes for a moment, and looked back down to the beauty in front of me. She seemed to be shaking somewhat, so I took off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Are you alright miss?"
She held my jacket around her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I am, now that you're here. Thank you Mr. -."
"Please, just Edward." I said back to her staring into those beautiful eyes.
"Okay… Edward."
I practically rolled my eyes at the way she spoke my name. It sounded like heaven rolling off her lips. "Are you sure you're alright Miss -."
"Bella." she said quietly.
"Bella…" I whispered her name softly. It sounded so pure rolling off my own lips this time.
I watched as she looked down and blushed slightly, biting her lower lip. It was so sensual I almost ran my finger across her chin to pull her lip out of the hold it was in. Instead I took my forefinger and softly lifted her chin towards me so she was no longer looking down. I never wanted to look away from this angel's eyes. Once they were staring at mine again, I knew I wanted to keep her in my arms the rest of the night.
"Would you like to dance, Bella?" I couldn't believe how softly I had just spoken to her. I felt my stomach tighten into butterflies waiting on her response. I prayed she would let me.
"Oh… dancing? Um… I'm not exactly a very good dancer." she said quietly. I sighed and slowly nodded. The look on my face must have done something, because of what she said next. "But if you don't mind having your feet trampled on, then sure."
I felt like my chest just about broke with how happy she just made me. "Don't worry love, it's all in the leading." I winked at her. She handed me my jacket back, and I put it back on. I held my hand out to her, and slowly she placed hers into mine. I almost jumped back at the feel of how warm her hand was, how wonderful it felt in mine, how I could feel some static pull, pull me closer to her. Slowly I walked out into the area near the orchestra and the piano. There were a few couples already dancing when I turned around. I took her other hand and brought them to my shoulders. I lazily ran my fingers down her arms, to her shoulders, past her shoulder blades, to land on her hips. When she looked back up into my eyes, I slowly pulled her closer towards me until her feet were on top of mine.
"See? All in the leading." I spoke from where my head was tilted near her hair.
Mmm….. Strawberries and flowers. She smells wonderful.
"Oh god. I feel like a child at one of those father daughter dances." she giggled.
"You are definitely not a child, Bella." I spoke to her near her ear. I could feel her shiver, and I relished in the idea, hoping it was me that made her feel that. Slowly I started to move back and forth as I held her close to me. She slowly became more and more comfortable being twirled around until she was soon laughing and smiling. And well, because I seem to be so wrapped around this beauty's little finger, it make me laugh and smile as well.
"Edward. I wanted to thank-you for what you did back there. It wasn't necessary, but… thank-you."
"You don't need to thank me, Bella. I feel… very…. protective… of you. I don't want to see you hurt, love. You're worth too much for that." I tucked a loose strand behind her ear, causing her to look down and blush again. God, she's beautiful.
"You're a wonderful piano player. Where did you learn to play?" she asked as she looked back to me.
"My mother. She loves music. She had me learn as a child. She asked me to play tonight, and so I played her, her favorite."
"Who's it by? I don't think I've ever heard something so beautiful before."
I chuckled softly, feeling my own blush coming on. I looked towards my mother and found her smiling right at me as she was dancing with my father.
"I'm sorry." She whispered it so softly I barely caught it. "I didn't mean to embarrass you." She was looking directly into my eyes and it made me catch my breath. I had to shake my head a little before I was actually able to answer her. "Um.. I wrote it… for her. I finished it on her birthday when I was seventeen." I chuckled again remembering that day. She had cried when I finished playing it for her, and hugged me so tightly, whispering to me that she had no words to describe how she felt at that moment.
"She's a lucky woman to have you for a son." she said smiling up at me, with a look on her face that I couldn't exactly describe.
As I glanced back at my mother, dancing with my father, I knew that I was the lucky one. To have her as a mother.
"So tell me about yourself," I said to her trying to bring us back to each other.
"What do you want to know?" she asked.
"Everything." I said.
"Well… I -."
"There you are." We both looked over our shoulders and I saw the short black haired woman walking towards us. She had a smirk on her face as Bella pulled away from me slightly. I was a little upset, that we had been interrupted by this woman, but it was obvious they knew each other.
"Alice, hey sorry. We… um…" She looked back over to me blushing beautifully again. "Alice, this is Edward. Edward, this is my sister Alice."
"A pleasure to meet you Alice. I'm sorry to have stolen your sister away for the evening. I hope you weren't worried."
"No. Of course not. Um.." she looked just as bashful as Bella, blushing slightly as she looked back towards the curly blonde haired gentleman. "Bella, Jasper and I are going to head out. It's getting pretty late. I… I didn't know if you were ready or not."
Oh, no. Please, don't go yet.
"Um, yeah. I guess." she stared back up at me with disappointed eyes.
"Bella, coulditakeyouhome?" I said it so quickly, I don't think I understood it myself.
"I'm sorry?" she asked confused.
"If you don't have anywhere to be tonight, I'd be more than happy to take you home."
Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes!
I didn't know someone could blush so much, but she seemed to have done so again. She stared up into my eyes, as I tried to will her into saying yes.
"Alice, I promise to get her home safe and sound. I can give you my cell phone number, so you are sure she made it home safe."
"Well, I don't… I mean… Bella?" she asked pensively.
As she looked up into my eyes again I practically begged her to stay with me.
"Yeah, okay. Go ahead Alice. I'll be fine."
Oh, thank you God!
I gave Alice my cell number, and promised to text her when I got her home. Before she left she pulled Bella aside off of the dance floor. I happened to glance at my watch. Holy hell! We'd been dancing most of the night. It was already close to midnight. I looked around and noticed there weren't many people there. What happened to the dinner? I glanced over at my mother, who seemed to be speaking to a few colleagues of my father's. When I looked for Emmett, I couldn't find him. Perhaps he left with Rosalie already, I didn't know. Quite honestly I didn't care. All I wanted was to never let Bella go. It would be the worst thing I'd ever done, if I let her go.
She walked back over towards me, and looked at the clock past my shoulder. I watched Alice leave with the man she called Jasper, as he wrapped his arm around her, talking to her quietly.
"I didn't realize how late it was." She said softly.
"I know. Neither did I. I'm sorry you never got your dinner, but perhaps… well, perhaps you would like to go somewhere to get a bite to eat?"
"I think I'd like that." she looked up at me through her long eyelashes and I felt a shiver run through me.
I had a giant grin on my face as I placed my hand on the small of Bella's back, and walked her towards the door.
Being my family had all shown up to the benefit in the limo, I had the valet call a cab for the both of us. I felt Bella shiver in my arms, so I took my jacket off and wrapped it around her once more. She said thanks to me again and took a deep breath.
"So…"
I smiled down at her. "So…"
We stared at each other for a few moments. God, she is so beautiful. I didn't even realize that I had placed the back of my other hand against her cheek.
So soft. God, I just want to kiss those lips.
"Bella, I… would you…"
"Sir, your cab's here." The valet pointed to a cab off to the side of the walkway.
"Oh… thank you." I handed the valet a tip, and walked Bella to the cab. I opened the door for her and let her slide in first, quickly getting in as well. After I gave the cab driver the address to a local diner open all night, I turned back towards Bella.
"Sorry about the diner. It's one of the only places open twenty-four, seven."
"Don't worry about it Edward, it's perfect." She blushed again.
I could watch this woman blush all day long. It is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I smiled again as the cab stopped. I paid the bill, opened the door and helped her step out onto the curb. Before she had gotten out of the cab, her heel got caught inside the door and she started to fall forward. I grabbed her under her arms, and pulled her to me, placing both arms around her waist. Her mouth formed a perfect "O" as I held her tightly to my chest. I could feel her chest moving quickly as her breathing quickened.
I honestly don't know what came over me, but at that moment, I had to kiss her. Absolutely, one hundred percent, must, need, want, had to kiss her. I held her tighter with my right arm, as I took my left hand and placed it against her cheek. She kept looking between my eyes and my mouth but before even I could move towards her to kiss her, she wrapped her arms around my neck, and brought her lips to mine.
Her lips were better than I could ever have dreamed. They were soft and yielding to my touch. I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck, running my fingers through her hair. Her hair felt like silk between my fingers. Gliding my tongue across her bottom lip, I begged for access and was granted. She tasted amazing, our tongues fighting for control.
She pulled back suddenly and gasped for breath. "I'm sorry. I…"
"Don't… don't apologize." I begged, breathing heavily myself. I placed a chaste kiss against her lips and felt her sigh back into my embrace. "God, Bella. I've been wanting to do that all night."
Sheepishly she looked up at me, staring at me behind those long eyelashes.
"Me too."
I chuckled softly and pulled her away from the cab, thanking the gentleman and closing the door. I wrapped my arm around her waist as I walked her towards the door of the diner. We sat down at a table, ordered our meals, and started talking about everything. Her full name is Bella Swan Black. She had been married for five years before her husband passed away from cancer. She started to blush when she told me she has a six year old daughter named Alyssa, but I told her I didn't care, and would love to meet her. Bella was a nurse at a hospital in her hometown, but was hoping to get a job here at the hospital in Seattle. She moved out here with her sister and brother-in-law, after her house sold in Forks.
When the meal came she looked back to me and said, "And what about you, Edward?"
I told her all about my family. How my mother takes care of those benefit dinners almost every month and my father worked at the hospital. She laughed when I told her about Emmett and Rosalie's latest spat about a romantic dinner she had prepared, and he showed up in a greasy tee and jeans.
"Oh my god, she actually hit him with a frying pan?" She laughed hysterically.
"Yeah." I laughed. "She actually bent the pan, but his head's so hard he said he couldn't even feel it."
She laughed loudly while tears fell down her cheeks.
"And what about you Edward. What do you do?"
"Well, I'm actually a fifth grade teacher up at Sander's Elementary. It's one of the schools off of -."
"Lexington Highway?" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, how did you know?" I asked surprised.
"Alyssa will be going there shortly. As soon as I get her enrolled."
"That's wonderful. I'll be able to see you more often." I said before shutting my mouth quickly. "I mean… that is… well if you're interested in seeing me, Bella?"
She giggled, and it made me blush a little myself. When she looked up at me she grinned at me. "I'd love to."
I reached across the table and stroked her cheek. "Good. Because I don't know if I could take no for an answer. It'd break my heart." I said with a crooked grin. I watched her eyes glaze over slightly before she glanced back up into mine. "Me too."
We sat there eating for a while. Once finished, our waitress came back over and asked us if we'd like dessert. I asked Bella, and she shyly asked if there was anything chocolate.
They brought over a chocolate lava cake that actually looked quite delicious.
"Here." Bella grabbed another fork, picked up a piece before putting it into the 'lava' and reaching towards my mouth. "There's no way I can eat this by myself." I took a bite of it and it was actually delicious. "Mm. It's very good." She speared herself a bite on the same fork and slowly rose it towards her lips.
God, how can I be jealous of a fork. I mean seriously, that fork is so fucking lucky!
She placed the piece of cake into her mouth and I actually watched her eyes roll. It was like watching a very private moment between her and that piece of cake. I could feel lower half getting turned on watching her.
"Ohh. That is really very good. I love chocolate."
I slid off my side of the table and over towards hers. Taking the fork from her I speared another piece and held it to her. "My turn." I said with a grin. I watched her bite her lip and blush slightly before opening her mouth for me to place the fork inside. She closed her eyes as she swallowed the bite.
Before she could open her eyes again I pressed my lips against hers in a slow kiss. I felt her moan into my mouth and I couldn't help the fact that I could feel myself getting harder when she did that. By the time I pulled away, we were both panting.
"Oh, Bella." I whispered against her lips. "I don't want this night to end yet."
"I know. Me either." she said slowly.
"Do you have to pick up your daughter tonight?" I asked looking down at the table.
She started to stutter, but then took a deep breath. "My father's watching her for the weekend until I can get the apartment set up with all the stuff from Forks. I've been putting our stuff away all week. Alice actually made me come out tonight… to take a break."
I looked up into her eyes and spoke very softly. "I'm glad she did."
I looked at the diner clock and realized it was close to two o'clock in the morning. "Perhaps you might wish to send your sister a text message. I wouldn't want her worrying about you."
"Holy crow." She glanced back at the clock, pulled her phone out of her purse and called instead of messaging her.
"Alice, hey… n-no… I'm fine… um no, I'm not home yet." She told me she'd be right back, and took the phone into a corner of the diner. The waitress came over with the check and I slipped a bill into the book, and gave it back to her. "Keep the change."
Bella started walking quickly back towards me. "Sorry about that. I told her I'd just call her tomorrow. She said she you didn't need to send her a message."
"Okay. Well, do you want to get out of here, maybe take a walk before…" before I have to take you home.
"Yeah. Okay." I grabbed my jacket from the table seat and wrapped it around her shoulders again. As I pulled it around her I placed a soft kiss to her forehead taking in her heavenly sent again.
As we walked out of the diner she told me that her apartment was actually a few blocks to the left. I laughed loudly and she looked at me very puzzled.
"My apartment's a few blocks to the right."
She looked over my shoulder and started laughing just as hard as I had. We both stood there like idiots, just laughing until tears were streaming down our faces.
Now my parents raised us to be perfect gentlemen, even if Em had a sailor's mouth. "Bella, I don't want to be presumptuous, but I really don't want this night to end, and well… it's your decision completely, but would -."
Before I finished my question she stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. Hard. I felt myself moan into her mouth, as she had done earlier, and it just seemed to make her kiss me even harder. As she wound her fingers through my hair I thought I had been lit on fire. Before we could get too far ahead of ourselves, we started heading towards my place.
I continued placing sweet kisses against her hand, her neck, her lips and forehead as we walked briskly home. I stopped moving quickly at that sentence to turn to kiss her again; well, my home. Not… I mean… oh fuck! She had just sucked my earlobe between her teeth and nibbled against it. The pressure in my pants is so painfully tight at this point that I was practically running up the front steps. I heard her giggling as I focused on trying to get my keys out of my pants pocket.
I pushed my front door open, rushed her into the hallway, closed the door, and pushed her up against the wall. "You, Bella, are going to drive me insane." I growled at her.
"Hmm, that seems to be the idea." she giggled back.
I moved closer to her and placed both of my hands against her cheeks before pulling her close to me and kissing her passionately. I pulled away and gave her one last chaste kiss. "Would you like something to drink?" I asked as I pulled her into the kitchen.
"Um… Sure I guess, why not. Do you have any soda or something?" I grabbed two glasses and poured us each a glass while she placed my jacket on the chair of the table. I handed her, her glass and took a swig of my own. I really, really wanted this woman. This is not what I wanted to drink, but I wasn't about to just throw her into my bed like an animal and…
I looked up at her quickly, ran my fingers through my hair and said "Do you want a tour?"
I could see her eyes crinkle into a smile as she was taking a sip from her glass. "Sure."
I walked her into the living room where I had a piano in the corner, near the windows. You could see the moon shining down directly onto the piano, illuminating the black sleek wood against all the other furniture in the room.
"Oh, Edward. It's beautiful." She slowly walked over to the piano and ran her fingers along the edge of it. "Would you play for me?"
"Anything for you." I slowly walked over to the bench and sat down. The only song that came into mind was Esme's song, being it was the one I played tonight. As I started to play I watched Bella's eyes roll backwards as she listened to the music. I'm so glad I know this song by heart, because I don't think I would be able to take my eyes off of her if I tried. How her lips slowly opened with a slight smile in them, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks, the moon hitting her skin making her look porcelain. I could sit here and play for this woman for the rest of my life. Again I hadn't even realized I had finished the song. It wasn't until Bella's eyes opened slowly and she smiled down at me, that I realized. I looked down and saw that I was no longer playing.
At the same time we both whispered "Thank you." I looked up at her with an amused look on my face.
"For playing for me." She whispered.
"For helping me forget I was playing at the benefit."
She looked at me quizzically. "I kind of have a slight fear of an audience." I said to her as I stood up and placed my hands on her hips. "You helped me get rid of that fear."
She continued staring into my eyes as I pulled her closer to me as I brushed my lips against hers. I felt her wrap her arms around my neck and into my hair again. When she pulled back to gasp for air, I trailed my lips down her chin, along her jaw, to her collarbone.
"I feel like you're a dream, and you're going to disappear," she whispered softly.
"I'm not… going… anywhere." I looked back into her eyes as I took her hand and walked her up my stairs. We walked into my bedroom over to my bed. It was at this point that I really looked at what she was wearing. It was a deep blue strapless dress, that flowed gracefully down past her ankles with a train. The dress hugged her hips as if it were made for her. It was soft, with a shimmer to it. Her hair was half up, her soft curls flowing past her shoulders.
"You are so beautiful." I whispered to myself mostly.
"Thank-you." She reached up to her hair and pulled the pin out of her hair that made the rest of her long dark strands fall around her like a waterfall. I reached around and I ran my fingers through its silkiness. She turned her back to me and reached behind her to start pulling the zipper of the dress down. I moved her hand away.
"Please… may I?"
She looked over her shoulder and nodded with a blush. I swept her hair to the side as I placed kisses down across her shoulder blades. As I inched the zipper down, I continued to kiss the perfect skin that stood before me. She held the front of the dress so it wouldn't fall, as I turned her around. I pulled her hands away slowly and watched the dress cascade down to her feet.
I couldn't help but stare at the goddess before me. She wore a strapless navy blue lace set that was perfect against her skin. I set her down to sit on the bed as I picked her dress up and draped it over my dresser. I knelt before the Goddess in front of me and picked up her ankle. I slipped her heel off her foot and kissed the inside of her ankle. I heard her gasp as I did this. I smiled as I placed her foot down onto the floor, and picked up the other, doing the same with it. I placed the kiss on her ankle and trailed open mouthed kisses to her knee.
She moved her foot back to the floor and I stood. She stood with me and moved her hands to take off my tie. She looked into my eyes first and asked permission. I nodded my head, afraid to speak. She slowly took the tie off my neck and placed it on the bed. She unbuttoned my vest, pulling it off my shoulders, laying it with the tie. She stared into my eyes as she started to unbutton my shirt. I watched her starting to breathe heavily as my shirt fell to the bed. I kicked out of my shoes and socks as she worked on my belt. Once it was placed with the rest of the clothes she looked up to me feeling my hard-on through my pants.
"Bella…" I closed my eyes relishing in the feeling of her hand through the fabric. I pulled her towards me and kissed her lips, pressing myself against her. I could feel her warmth from her center through my clothes and it made me moan into her mouth.
"I want you… so bad it hurts." She moaned between kisses.
She undid the fastens of her bra and pulled it away from her breasts. I unzipped my pants and let them fall to the floor. I watched her look down at my length, licking her lips as she picked up my clothes and placed them on top of hers on the dresser. I grabbed her hand and made her lay down on the bed. Her hair fanned her face against my pillows, as I reached for the waistband of her panties. I looked up into her eyes begging for permission. She nodded, and slowly I slid them down her thighs, kissing the trail it left down to her ankles. I laid against her, my weight on my arms as I kisses her lips. I could feel how wet she was and although I needed her badly, I wanted to make this special for her… for us.
I trailed my lips down her chin, past her collarbone, before I took one of her nipples into my mouth.
God, she tastes amazing.
I placed all my weight on my elbow as I took my other hand and gently rubbed her other nipple between my fingers.
"Oh God…. Edward." She started to gyrate her hips as her legs wrapped around me.
"Wait love, not yet. I need to taste you. Please." I kissed my way down her stomach to her bellybutton, making swirls with my tongue. She moaned again grabbing a hold of the headboard above us.
"Please… Edward."
I smiled against her skin, knowing what I was doing to her. I lowered myself further down the bed as I stared at the sexiest thing I had ever seen. Bella was squeezing her legs together, trying to get some type of friction to her core. I pulled her legs apart and took my first tentative taste of her.
Heaven.
I felt her writhing against me, as I sucked and licked her sensitive nub.
"Oh God, Edward…. I can't… I need."
"I know beautiful. Let go baby." I pushed my finger into her warmth and felt her arch off the bed. I listened to her fall into her orgasm, as my name graced her lips. I continued to suck and lick every drop she gave me as I placed another finger inside her.
"Fuck Bella, you taste so good." I felt my way up her stomach to one of her breasts and ran my palm over her nipple. I rubbed her clit with my thumb frantically to bring her more pleasure.
She moaned again as I could feel her walls clench around my fingers.
"No. Edward, I need you. Please… Pl…" I could feel her about to come again.
"I'm not going anywhere love. Come again for me."
I curled my fingers to her sweet spot and heard her scream my name this time. I sucked everything she gave me, wanting more, but knowing how much I needed my release too.
I watched her look at me as I placed my fingers into my mouth, licking off the last of her taste.
She sat up and kissed me passionately.
"Edward, I've never… I mean. Wow." she said breathless.
I smiled at her and pressed my hand against her chest to push her back on the bed. She laid down as I laved kisses on her stomach and her breasts. She placed her hands into my hair, running her fingernails against my scalp.
"Fuck… Bella… I need… please, may I?" I begged her.
She nodded her head "Yes, it's okay. I'm covered."
Oh Thank God!
As I laid myself between her legs she wrapped them around my waist and kissed my lips. I asked her for permission one more time before she nodded and I started to slowly slide into her.
"Fuck… Oh God, Bella… so tight." I pressed my forehead into her shoulder as she ran her fingernails down my back. I placed my arms under her shoulders and slowly slid out and back in again. She moaned into my shoulder as I started to pick up the pace.
"Edward… Oh God, Edward. Harder… please Edward harder." She thrust herself harder into me, as we met together, causing my pelvis to create friction on her very sensitive bundle of nerves.
"Edward… I need to… I'm gonna…"
"Bella…" That was all I could get out before I started to fill her completely. She arched into me as we both rode out our orgasms together. Her fingernails dug deeper into my shoulders as I held her tighter to my body. As our breathing slowly leveled out, I look down at her. Her hair was sprawled all over my pillows, her lips were swollen from our kisses, her eyes were still closed and she looked absolutely breathtaking.
We slowly disentangled from each other as I pulled her body against my chest. I grabbed the cover from the bottom of the bed and wrapped it around us as I felt her breathing even out. I kissed her shoulder softly as I felt myself slowly succumb to sleep...
Alright, well don't forget to review. There's the first full chapter. Hopefully it's to your liking.