I don't own Twilight, the honor belongs to Stephanie Meyers but I do own all the lyrics written for the Cullen band, cause that's how I roll.
This chapter would have been done weeks ago if I hadn't been drinking so much. A huge thank you to Vanessa for the constant 'Just do it, already!' moments.
Happy belated birthday to my beta Kelly (who is sporting the cutest belly bump!), did you think I forgot?!
And a HUGE thank you to Wearingwords for putting up with my bad grammar and slow ass. Seriously, I appreciate you help!
And congrats to my Twilight Sisterhood bloggers, MsBond01 & TheRobotMoose for winning the Judges choice in the Met at Work Contest. Congratulations ladies!
And don't forget to check out the Twilight Sisterhood blog.
By the time we made it back to the truck after a relaxing afternoon in Venice reconnecting with Edward, I was exhausted and the pain in my side had intensified. Always the gentleman, Edward opened the door for me, but I couldn't lift myself into the truck. "Edward, um, could you help me into the truck?"
"What's wrong?" he asked, frowning.
"The pain in my side, it's gotten worse," I mumbled as I leaned against the truck.
"Fuck Bella, you should have said something earlier," he grumbled as he lifted me into his arms and placed me in the front seat. "On a scale of one to ten, how bad is the pain?"
"A good eight…and a half," I said. He just nodded and buckled my seatbelt before closing my door. As he walked to the other side of the truck I could see him pull out his phone, I knew he was calling Carlisle. He got in the truck, started the engine and the AC, but still didn't put the truck in drive.
"She said the pain is about eight and a half," he said into the phone. "Yeah, I know where Cedars is located. Do I go to the ER? Or does he have an office I can go to?" Cedars? Isn't that the hospital Britney Spears was sent to after she had her first meltdown?
"No, no ER! I'm fine," I said but he ignored me and continued his conversation with Carlisle.
"Ok, thanks dad," he said into the phone. After he hung up, he pulled out of the stall and headed toward the hospital.
"Edward, really, I'm ok. Just need to take some more medication and I will be good to go in a few hours."
"Babe, I'm not taking any chances, ok? Dad's former intern is going to check you out just to be on the safe side," he said as he reached over to hold my hand. I stared at his large hands, his fingers were long, the tips a little rough from playing the guitar, but overall soft, manly hands. "Just rest, we're about to hit traffic."
I tried not to sleep, but with the stop and go traffic and the classical music Edward put on, I was knocked out within fifteen minutes. A few moments later I felt a kiss on my forehead, each eye, then each cheek and finally, my lips. I opened my eyes to find Edward leaning over the console, caressing my face.
"I knew that would wake you," he murmured.
I looked around to see we were sitting in a parking lot and a Cedars Sinai sign visible. "Can't we just go back to the house and make out? I promise not to move around," I said sleepily.
"Let's do this, otherwise I will be a mother hen driving you nuts. I'm doing this for our sanity," he said, trying to reason with me.
I knew he was right, but I hated to be a bother. With a sigh, I opened my door, prepared to jump out when Edward stopped me. "What are you doing?"
"Going to get this over with?"
"Let me help you, if you couldn't get up there is no way you can just hop down," he said, getting out of the truck, I could hear him muttering something about driving him insane, causing him to go gray. I looked at his bronze hair and didn't see a gray patch anywhere. Edward was able to extract me from the truck with ease but when I started to walk, the pain increased. A few minutes later we were in the lobby of OB-GYN, Dr. Peter Shields.
"He's an OB-GYN? I don't need that kind of treatment!" I said to Edward.
"I know that, but he's someone Dad trusts, so don't worry," he said as he approached the nurses' station. "Hi, we're here to see Dr. Shields."
xOxOx
The sound of a guitar playing woke me up; it wasn't loud, it was actually very soothing. I was still groggy from the Oxycodone Dr. Shield had given me after my examination. Thankfully, I hadn't re-fractured my ribs, as I'd suspected, the vomiting had just strained my side. I eventually opened my eyes to a shirtless Edward on the edge of the bed, wearing nothing but a pair of blue and white Hawaiian print board shorts. It was my version of porn but so much better. His body was just too amazing, he said he'd gotten soft, but that was not how I would describe him; his swimmers' physique was better now than it was a few years ago. He still had a six pack, not as defined as Emmett's, but still there.
I just loved watching him, I loved how he bit his bottom lip when he was in deep concentration, I loved how he ran one hand through his hair while making notations in the leather bound notebook I'd seen in his bedroom on occasion. Whatever he was playing was so soothing, completely different from what he'd been playing at First Beach when he'd returned to Forks, it was whimsical and the soft lull caused me to drift back to sleep.
A noise startled me awake so suddenly that I squeezed my eyes shut as I pressed my hand to my chest in order to calm my racing heart. My breathing was labored from both the pain in my side and my dream which I couldn't remember, but knew hadn't been pleasant.
"Babe, are you ok?" I opened my eyes to find Edward standing at the door, holding a tray of food with a worried expression. "More pain?"
"Just had a bad dream," I mumbled and closed my eyes again, trying to mentally figure out how to get up. I heard rather than saw Edward put the tray down and then helped me sit up.
"Emmett bought you some soup. You'll need to eat something before your next dosage."
"I don't want anything too strong. Could you go in my room and get the purple draw string bag? It should be next to the bed."
"Ok, I'll get it, just start eating," Edward commanded softly, placing the tray in front of me. Not only had he brought me a small bowl of soup, but he'd included a small glass of orange juice and a small dish of sliced bananas. There was no way I could eat all it, but the gesture made my heart melt, as usual the Cullens always made me feel protected.
Eating was a challenge because I simply didn't want to, but I forced myself to eat. Edward walked in a moment later with the bag I'd requested. I found the Tylenol with codeine and popped one in my mouth. I continued to eat just to be on the safe side, I did not want to end up in the hospital. Once I was done, Edward removed the tray, I assumed he was taking it downstairs but he returned so quickly I couldn't be sure. He crawled into bed and gently gathered me in his arms, where I felt utterly protected.
"What were you playing earlier?"
"You heard that? Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he said into my hair.
"Only for a little while, it was pretty. Then I went right back to sleep. So what was it?"
"Curious, huh? Just something that was in my head, I doubt if we'll use it but I wanted to get it down so I can go back to it later," he explained.
"Well the little I heard was nice."
"Thanks," he said shyly.
"Will you play something for me?" I asked suddenly.
"What do you want to hear?" he asked frowning.
"Anything."
"Okay," he said giving me a peck on the lips, getting out of bed to retrieve his guitar. "You saw the Goo Goo Dolls last time you were here, right?"
"Yes, I can't believe you remember that."
"I remember everything about that conversation, it always pops in my head whenever I hang out with Johnny," he said.
"You know Johnny Rzenick? What is he like? What do you talk about?" I asked, holding my breath. I was suddenly a sixteen year old fangirl.
"Yes, I know Johnny, you'd like him," he said with a grin as he started to play the opening bars to 'Slide', one of my favorite Goo Goo Dolls songs. Before I had a chance to ask another question, he started to singing. As much as I loved Johnny's voice, there was something about Edward singing to me in bed. I would never forget this moment, it wasn't like he'd never sung to me before, but this time it just felt more connected.
When the song ended he re-tuned his guitar and suddenly asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were in pain today?"
"I don't know, I'm just used to not saying anything," I answered honestly. "Besides, I was finally starting feel less like the beaten wife and more like a normal girl, hell, like a woman. I'm tired of being a burden to you and your family. I'm just tired of being weak."
"I don't see you as weak, you're so much stronger than you realize. And you're never a burden to me. Baby, you have to remember when you hurt, I hurt."
"Edward…" I started to say when he silenced me with a kiss. Before I had a chance to return the kiss he pulled away, repositioned his guitar and started playing a song that was vaguely familiar. As he started singing I recognized Rob Thomas's 'Ever the Same'. Unfortunately, I didn't follow Rob's solo career too closely, but remembered the guy from 'That 70's Show' was in the video.
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
His green eyes sparkled with unshed tears. It didn't matter how many walls I put up, Edward tried to knock them down. I'd have to learn to keep the walls down so Edward could come in. I tried to protect him from my mental break downs, but he was telling me it was ok to fall apart. I was trying to blink back the tears that formed. For once it wasn't sadness that brought tears to my eyes, it was this beautiful shirtless man who happened to be my boyfriend.
"Don't be afraid to let him in," Dee said to me before she left.
"W-what?" I sputtered.
"I recognize the 'look', you're either afraid of him hurting you, you hurting him or both. He seems like he's in for the long haul, whether it's a friend or a lover. Either way, don't deny yourself, you're allowed to find some happiness."
Instead of playing another song, he put his guitar in its case. He turned off the lights and slid into bed with me. Once again I was wrapped in his arms, as if he was my warrior protecting me when all I wanted to do was protect him. How do we learn to protect each other?
xOxOx
The sounds of birds chirping woke me as the sunlight streamed into the bedroom. Edward was snuggled against my back and I could hear a low snore in my ear. I looked down at his hands, he hadn't re-bandaged the finger, leaving the tattoo visible. I gave his hand a squeeze and reluctantly left his embrace to use the bathroom. As I stood I noticed only a dull ache, which meant nothing stronger than an Advil was required. I then noticed my jeans were missing and only wore the tee shirt I had to buy at Venice Beach. It was the second time Edward had removed my pants and I'd been too out of it to enjoy it. Bad habit!
After I used the bathroom, I grabbed Edward's laptop off the dresser and crawled back into bed. I logged into my profile in order to access the computer and did a quick search to find the photo contest site I used to frequent. It took a little digging, but I was able to find the contest I'd entered two years ago. The winners were listed, just as Jax said, I'd won third place. I never knew I'd been a winner, as far as I was concerned I was one of the many who'd submitted and hadn't won.
"Hey, you're up early," Edward said, his voice still thick with sleep. I looked over to see his hair sticking in every direction and eyes still half closed. I was simply enjoying the fact he was shirtless.
"Morning," I said. He sat up and gave me a peck on the cheek. "Remember that contest Jax mentioned yesterday?"
He nodded.
"She was right, I placed. I just never knew."
Shortly after entering the contest, James broke my camera during one of our fights. I'd gone to the La Push to photograph the costumes before the powwow and came home too late to have dinner ready for him. After attending to my bruises I'd found my camera in pieces. I never replaced the camera, knowing it would only have set him off again. It hadn't been until Alice returned that I'd started taking photos again.
"So, he hid this from you too?" he asked.
"Yes," I said with a sigh. "There's nothing I can do about it now."
"Well, you know the best revenge?"
"No, what?"
"Success. Trust me when I say you will be successful," he said, giving me a quick kiss on the lips before he went into the bathroom. I was thinking about what Edward said when I received an instant message from Alice.
NotnEffingPixie: Hey you're up! How do you feel?
BellsAringin': Much better! Hardly feel anything.
NotnEffingPixie: YAH! Are you up to some girl time with me & Rose?
BellsAringin': Please nothing too crazy.
NotnEffingPixie: I'm thinking a facial, mani-pedi and get our hair done. No shopping, I promise.
BellsAringin': No shopping? What have you done with my Ace-Girl?
NotnEffingPixie: LOL oh shut it! Just be ready in one hour.
BellsAringin': Ok….don't you find it weird we're IMing each other when you're across the hall?
NotnEffingPixie: Yeah but I couldn't really leave….Jasper is doing pushups with no shirt on…yeah let's make it 2 hrs. Need to some more shirtless moments.
BellsAringin': LMAO!! Just no howling please. Cya!
NotnEffingPixie: LOL Sorry I can't make any promises! Cya!
Edward returned to bed a few minutes later, removing the computer and snuggling up to my backside. I let out a content sigh. "Feel better?" he asked, his voice was still gravely with sleep.
"Yes, so much better I'm going to the spa with Alice and Rose."
"Is that a good idea?"
"It'll be fine, I'm going to be pampered by professionals."
"I just want you to take it ease, babe," he mumbled into my neck.
"I'll be fine," I said as his phone started to ring.
He groaned as he turned over and answered then passed the phone to me. "It's Jake," he said.
"Jake!"
"Happy Birthday, Bells!" Jake yelled into the phone and started singing before I could say more. He was the only one who celebrated my birthday with me. The first year after my dad died, he'd picked me up early from the Ramsey's and we'd driven for hours to a neighboring reservation. We hadn't talked much, in fact he hadn't even acknowledged the day until we'd had lunch and he pushed a cupcake with a candle and sang 'Happy Birthday' to me. Since then, Jake had been the only one who helped me celebrate my birthday. "I can't believe you're not here for your birthday, it feels weird."
"I know, it feels odd to me too." I told him about the trip so far, about the dodger shirt Edward bought me and a night of drinking. I didn't tell him about my side hurting, I didn't want to mess up his good mood.
"As much as I miss you, I'm glad you're not here. Knowing you're safe and having fun is the only reason I'm not bawling like a baby," he admitted. "And I love not hearing that timid voice that used to greet me on the phone."
"Yeah, so am I."
"I'm not going to keep you but I wanted to call and say happy birthday and I love you little sister."
"I love you too." Every girl should have a brother like Jake.
oXoXo
Several hours later I stormed out of the Beverly Hills Day Spa with Rose and Alice on my tail calling for me to come back. "Leave me alone, I'm never speaking to you two ever again!" I yelled. If I'd known where I was going I would have walked back to the house. And I didn't have a cell phone so I couldn't call the guys to come pick me up.
"Bella, come on, we're sorry," Alice said.
"I can't believe you let them do that to me!" I was beyond furious.
"Come on, it wasn't that bad," Rose retorted.
"Rose, she stripped my nah-nah!" I yelled.
"Nah-Nah?" Rose and Alice exclaimed at the same time, I could see they were trying to hold back their laughter.
"Well, I didn't want to say vajayjay to the whole freakin' parking lot!" I fumed.
"Sweetie, you needed it, the au-naturale look is outdated," Rose tried to reason.
"And don't you feel better? Don't you love the way it feels?" Alice asked.
"No! My nah-nah is very angry at me!"
"I can't believe you keep saying nah-nah," Rose chuckled to herself as she hit the alarm to the BMW.
Once we were back in the car, Alice tried to reason with me. "It would be a lot worse if you'd worn the jeans. Aren't you happy I insisted on the dress?" Indicating the heather grey maxi dress she'd insisted I wear with a white cropped light weight short sleeve sweater.
"Couldn't you have warned me I was going in there to get a Brazilian?" I asked.
"And ruin the fun? Hell no!" Rose said, chuckling.
"Next time won't be so bad," Alice tried to assure me. "Plus, not only did you get a facial, manicure and pedicure, you also got a haircut. Now doesn't that make up for a little waxing?"
"Alice, I just re-enacted the scene from 40 year-old Virgin. No amount of pampering will change that the fact I want to sit in front of fan to cool off the sting!"
"Maybe sugar wax will better next time," Alice said thoughtfully. I just shook my head and ignored them and watched the people on the streets as we drove back to the house. After a few minutes our usual banter returned, there was no way I could stay mad at them. And Alice was right, when the wind blew there was a nice tingle down there. Well, who knew?
When we walked out to the backyard the sight before us made us stop in our tracks. The guys were shirtless, wearing nothing but shorts doing squats while holding 15-lbs weights. By the time they moved to arm exercises we had cold drinks while salivating.
"Wow, I never knew Jasper's ass was so…so..." I stammered as I tried to find the right word.
Alice grinned. "Tight. Yeah you can bounce a dime off it."
"Edward is looking good," Rose observed. "Nice legs." I had to agree Edward had amazing legs.
"Emmett's arms used to be bigger than that?" I asked as I noticed Emmett's muscles and wingspan. "I could just watch him lift things all day long." Rose nodded in agreement.
"Ick! I can't look at my brothers, my eyes are trained on Jasper," Alice declared.
"I got my sights set on Edward and Emmett," Rose announced.
"Sorry ladies, I'm enjoying all three!" I said with a laugh.
"Brat!" Rose said with a laugh, but we didn't take our eyes off the guys. They moved on from arm exercises and finally the abs.
Our afternoon delight was interrupted by the door bell. Alice ran to get the door and a few moments later she came out to the patio holding a beautiful flower arrangement.
"Bella, these were delivered for you," she said, frowning.
"Me?" I asked. "Is there a card?"
"Why do you need a card, it has to be from Edward," Rose said.
"Sadly, I didn't think to send flowers," Edward said, coming up behind us. "Who are they from?"
I found the card, the name I found was not what I expected.
Happy Birthday, Izzy. Always, James
My insides went cold. He'd found me. I couldn't breathe. I could feel the leash I'd relinquished tighten itself around my neck. I could feel myself hyperventilating. I tried to gain control over my breathing, but the more I tried the worse it got. I could no longer hear the voices around me, I no longer saw faces, they were a blurred picture. I needed air but I was already outside.
"Baby, look at me. Bella, look at me," Edward said, but it sounded as though he was underwater. I looked into his green eyes and everything started to come into focus. "In and out," he chanted. I was suddenly exhausted. He gathered me in his arms and I felt safe, they couldn't get me.
"Bella, take this," Emmett said handing me a pill and bottle of water. I don't know how long I sat on Edward's lap, but with him holding me helped keep the leash off. I kept touching my neck to make sure it wasn't there. I knew they were talking, but I didn't keep up with the conversation.
I was drained, and then I was just angry. I sat up stood up so quickly I stumbled over Edward's feet.
"I need a phone," I said, holding out my hand. Emmett handed me his Droid and I dialed the number I knew by heart.
"Ramsey & Ramsey, how may I direct your call?"
I clutched the phone tightly in effort to control the shaking that had taken over me. "Yes, may I speak with Jane Ramsey," I said in an unsteady voice. I could hear the gasps behind me but I ignored them.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Ramsey is unavailable," her receptionist replied. Typical. But I knew for a fact Jane was there.
"She's available for me, tell her it's Isabella Ramsey," I said.
There was a brief pause. "One moment please."
I took a few deep meditating breathes while sending a silent prayer to the-God-I-sometimes-believed in for much needed strength. I figured he owed me one.
"Izzy! Happy Birthday!" Jane said excitedly into the phone.
Who the fuck was this? "Jane, I don't have much time so let's cut the crap," I said, irritated.
"Izzy, you were never much fun. How's Los Angeles?"
"So, you told him where to find me?" I asked.
"Did you think I wouldn't find out?" asked Jane with a chilling giggle. "You're family and family sticks together."
"And I'm divorcing said family. Please tell James to stop sending me crap, if he has anything to say send it to Aro."
"Izzy, you belong to James and he doesn't let go of his possessions very easily. So this divorce is bullshit, just come back and he won't be angry."
Come back? "His possession? I'm a fucking person and I'm free to go--"
"No, Izzy you belong to us and we're not done with you," she said hotly. Done with me? "James wants to fix this marriage, he loves you." Her tone was suddenly calmer. She was definitely up to something.
"Jane, I would appreciate if you, James and Alec did not contact me. Please direct everything to my attorney, Aro Cullen in Seattle."
"Hiding behind the Cullens as usual I see. Tsk, tsk," she said mockingly.
"I'm not hiding Jane, I'm right here. Now as I was saying, Aro is fully aware of your cousin's abusive nature and I would like to continue to refrain from any contact in the future," I said.
"Izzy, this isn't over, my advice is for you to return home immediately. Then we can have a nice family get together." Family gathering usually ended with me cooking then getting my ass kicked because the food wasn't to their liking.
"Jane, I'm never coming back."
"This is not a game, Izzy!"
"You're right, it's not a game! It's my fucking life! And you, James, all the rest of you have literally tried to smother that life out of me. I'm not doing it anymore."
"Pity, I guess we'll do this the hard way."
"I've already done the hard way. I'm living my life, I'm done."
"No, Izzy, you're not," she said quietly and hung up the phone.
I remained where I stood, the phone still clutched in my hands, looking out at the city below but not really seeing it. Part of me felt exhilarated for standing up to her and another part of me felt chilled to the bone knowing this was far from over. I just hope I was up for the fight. Taking a deep breath, I turned to see Edward walking toward me. As if it was second nature, he took my into his arms holding me to his chest. He didn't say anything, as though he knew I needed some time to recover.
"Did I take a Xanax?" I asked.
"Yes, Emmett keeps a small supply on hand."
"Yeah, I remember him telling me that."
"Are you ok?" he finally asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I will be," I said, the chill was starting to dissipate. "Can you just hold me a little while longer?"
"Always, because I don't plan to let you go," he said in my ear, holding me closer to his chest. We stood there quietly for a few minutes as I tried to compose myself, drawing from his strength. As much as I wanted to do this on my own, I simply needed him there.
"Can we get some ice cream? I think I need it." I needed comfort food.
He chuckled. "Yeah, that can be arranged."
We walked back to the house where everyone was waiting. I handed Emmett his phone. "Thanks."
"Anytime," he said.
"I threw out the flowers," Alice informed me. "I can't believe that fucker did that."
"Neither can I."
"Okay we need to forget about that fucker. Let get the grill going and kick off the Bella Birthday Bash," Emmett said. I didn't have the heart to tell Emmett I hated celebrating my birthday, but if I was starting a new life, I knew I to change some old habits, starting with my birthday.
"Emmett, sounds like a plan," I said, grinning.
Jasper and Emmett quickly got started on grilling the meat, Rose and Edward made sides. Alice and I played testers and helped out when needed. Alice called Mike and he showed up with his new girlfriend, Jessica. As the evening progressed two guys showed up who were simply introduced as Phil and Bobby. Phil seemed to be the most outgoing of the pair started talking about the house, Bobby would chime in but pretty much kept to himself.
Once Edward passed out the beers to everyone Bobby seemed to open up. It wasn't until he said he was on tour that it clicked it was Bobby Long, the indie singer I'd been slightly obsessed with since Edward's return. Bobby's tales of the people he'd met and dealing with fans had me laughing, then Edward and Jasper shared their experiences. At some point during the evening someone gave Bobby a guitar and he started to play his song 'Who have you been loving?'
Edward came and sat next to me. "Enjoying the show?" he whispered in my ear.
"So much better than YouTube. I didn't realize you knew him," I whispered back.
"I just met him, Mike saw his show and knew I wanted to meet him and invited him over tonight."
When Bobby was done, the two beers I'd consumed caused me to scream out my request of 'Penance Fire Blues,' as just a few weeks before Edward had been playing that song in his parents' home. Edward and I were singing along with Bobby, which seemed to surprise him.
Oh let me run lord (lord lord lord)
Run lord, let me run
So let me run lord (lord lord lord)
Run lord, let me run
After Bobby's impromptu concert, Edward joined him for a few songs. It was around midnight our guests left and I finally enjoying a pint of Ben & Jerry's 'Everything but…' when Rose approached me about the photo shoot again.
"I know I've been avoiding the subject the last couple of days, but I think we should do it tomorrow, for real this time," she said, laughing.
"Okay, tomorrow morning," I suggested.
"Okay, I will work with Alice for outfits and she can help me with my make up."
"So, we're doing this?" I asked skeptically.
"Yes, tomorrow morning. Really, I swear!"
True to her word, Rosalie met me in the backyard the following morning wearing her favorite white Peasant skirt, with a white tummy baring camisole. Her hair was in its natural state of messy curls and she wore minimal make-up.
"Emmett prefers me without make-up, so I used a powder to take away the shine," she mumbled. Her nervousness was apparent.
There were a few large rocks in the garden area, I was able to get a few pictures before she started to shake. "Rose, take a deep breath," I said to calm her. She closed her eyes and tried to meditate, I took a few pictures while she did this exercise, but I knew she was going to freak soon.
I heard a noise and turned to see Jasper walking over to join us wearing blue ripped jeans and white tee shirt and barefoot. He sent me a shy smile and then sat next to his sister. I could see Rose start to relax when her brother arrived and I was able to get a few frames of both of them. My favorite had to be when Rose was leaning on Jasper's back, his head bent, and Rose smiled into the camera.
After a few minutes, Jasper left, but instead of freaking out Rose kept going. I was able to get a several frames before she said she wanted to change.
While she changed I had Edward and Emmett help me set up the makeshift lights in the living room, since I wanted to change the setting a little. Rose returned in her Harajuku 'Rocker' shirt and shiny black tights with black ankle boots. Alice followed her down, helping with the make-up, the outfit she wore simply required heavier coverage.
Once Rose was comfortable she needed very little direction, was in her natural element. Tyra Banks would have been proud of the eye contact she made, as well as the poses she used. When Rose wanted to be sultry, she gave it to you, when she was playful it was still sexy but created a moment.
Not that the shoot was completely breezy, there was a moment during the third change when she started to shake again, but Jasper was on an important call and wasn't in the room. Emmett came to the rescue, he didn't say anything, he simply lifted her chin up until she met his gaze. It was as if the both were hypnotized and few moments later she stopped shaking. As this was going on I continued to snap the camera, I was like a demon possessed but deep down in my gut I knew I could do this. Thoughts of the Ramseys never entered my head, they no longer mattered. And before I knew it, we were done. For the first time since my father died, I didn't feel like a failure.
Today was a good day.
After the shoot, I uploaded the photos to the Alice's computer. I went through each frame several times and I quickly found my favorite shots and starting editing on the ones that had potential. The day flew by, I barely stopped to eat and I only did that because Edward threatened to remove the battery to the computer. I ate so quickly I was shocked I didn't choke. I didn't realize how long I sat editing the photos until Edward walked in the room and sat next to me.
"You promised not to overdo it," he murmured against my hair.
"I know, I just got so excited," I said, starting to feel achy from being hunched over the computer for so long. I saved my last edit and shut down the computer, the work would still be there tomorrow.
"From what I've seen, it looks really good and I understand being proud of your work."
Damn this man just got me, it was great to relate to someone about my passion without ridicule. We walked upstairs to his room, I realized I hadn't used the room other than to change clothes, I'd been sleeping in Edward's room. "You need to unwind," he said leading me to the bathroom.
"What's this?" I asked, taking in the lit candles, I could hear soft music completely mesmerized by the awaiting tub.
"I prepared a bath for you," he said with a shy grin and all I could do was stare at him in complete disbelief. "Call me if you need anything." He gave me a soft kiss on the lips and walked out of the bathroom. I shook my head in amazement, Edward was constantly surprising me.
I threw my hair in a mess pony tail and quickly undressed. Even though I'd been busy my side didn't really ache, but I was sure a bath would ease the last of the aches I had. I felt like a princess as I submerged my body into the tub, instantly relaxing. I could feel myself dozing off within a few minutes. I don't know how long I slept when I saw Edward walk back into the bathroom, wearing nothing but a pair of white loose linen drawstring pants which brought out his newly acquired tan.
"Relaxed?" he whispered.
"Yes." I couldn't help but stare at his chest.
"Now we have to make sure you're all clean," he said softly.
"Clean?"
"Oh yeah, when I walked in you were asleep and I have a feeling you missed a spot."
"Well I wouldn't want to walk around all dirty, now would I?"
Using the washcloth, he added a quarter sized portion of shower gel and began to gently clean my neck. He trailed down to my chest, I sucked in a breath as he gently cleansed each breast as if it was precious metal. He dipped the cloth in the water to rinse me off again.
"All clean?" I asked, not recognizing my own voice. He simply shook his head no, as he leaned over to kiss my lips. His tongue swirling with mine was intoxicating. My nipples were instantly hard, I entangled my wet hands in his hair, wanting more just as he pulled away. He caress my breast then trailed down my chest to my belly even though he hit water his fingers continued the trail until he reached my nether region. I'd never been more thankful Alice and Rose made me get a Brazilian wax as I was at that very moment.
Edward placed a hard kiss on my lips, he dominated the kiss devouring my mouth at the same time he eased two fingers inside me. My heart was racing out of control, I was getting dizzy, and I was tingling everywhere. I didn't understand what was wrong with my body, the sensation he created was something I'd never felt before. Before I could release whatever demon he'd awakened, he stopped. I let out an anguished cry.
"Why did you stop?"
"Because you're all clean now," he replied smoothly. His hair was wet from my fingers and his chest also glistened with water. And when he stood, I could see he was hard, which made me want him more. I did that! Edward returned with a towel, and, feeling a little braver than usual, I stood, watching as his eyes became more hooded. I could see his Adam's apple bob, I think he was actually salivating.
He wrapped the towel around me as I stepped out of the tub and walked into his arms. We shared a kissed that was just as intense as when I was in the tub. I loved the feel of his scruffy jaw in my hands as he sucked my bottom lip. As I intertwined my fingers in his hair, I felt his hands touch my back.
I froze. His gaze held mine as his fingers traced one of the raised scars near the middle of my back, a gift from James. I tried to pull away but he held me tighter and his touch continued to trace.
"Please let me go," I whispered.
He shook his head, "Do you think this changes what I feel for you? I know I'm pretty shallow, but not that shallow."
"You're not shallow."
"Some would disagree, but I digress... these scars don't make you any less beautiful. It doesn't make me want you less," he said against my lips. My arms wrapped around his neck, I pressed my naked body against his. He lifted me into his arms, his lips never leaving mine. He laid me on the bed, looming between my legs, his hands caressing my body. His lips against my neck he murmured, "You're so beautiful."
His mouth found my breast, sucking my nipples. His hands continued to roam my body, making the need to be closer intensify. He began to place small kisses down my body, his touch gentled when he reached my ribs, he continued the stream of kisses first my right inner thigh.
"Um…what are you doing?" I asked shakily.
"Bella, what do you think I'm doing?" he asked with a smirk. I frowned knowing my sexual knowledge was very limited. "Bella, you've never…"
I knew my face was beet red but there was no way I could answer without feeling like a complete idiot.
"We shared an important 'first' in your life and I want to share another one. Just relax and just feel," he said kissing my thigh. When I felt his breath, my lips dripped with anticipation, I suddenly wanted him to touch me. As if reading my mind, I felt his tongue kiss me in the most intimate manner. If I hadn't been laying down, I would have passed out. I arched up to meet his tongue, his hands on my hips held me tighter, his tongue seemed to awakened parts of me I never knew existed.
When I almost couldn't take it anymore, his warm tongue flicked over my clit. "Let go," he commanded. And I did. I felt as if I was having an out of body experience, the ecstasy seemed to make me unravel. I felt as if I was about to explode, I wanted to get away yet stay and continue the dance. I needed to feel more. I let out a groan when my toes curled and I saw stars. I knew I stopped breathing but I never felt so alive.
"Oh, wow," was all I could manage. Oh dear god I had my first orgasm.
A/N: Okay what did you think? Enjoy the mini lemon?
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