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Removed - Chapter 8

EPOV

After deciding that Alice and Jasper will bring Bella's car to her house tomorrow and Emmett will pick me up and bring me back to the house to help unpack in the morning, Bella and I settle into our cab. I was afraid after our little moment by the tree that things would be a little awkward between us, but it's not. In fact, there's a comfortable silence, something I rarely experience with other women.

"So, do you keep in touch with Victoria?" Bella asks out of the total blue.

"No. I ran into her the day before I made my appointment with your office, but before that, the last I saw her was when she broke up with me."

"Well, then, I feel like I should thank her . . . you know, for giving me another patient." This time, I know she's blushing. I want to kiss her so fucking bad.

"I'm okay with that. Hell, you can even send her my bill." I smile at her while sliding my fingers under my thighs. I'm really trying to control myself, because I don't know how Bella will react if I make a move. It's possible that she doesn't want me to touch her, but I pray that she does.

Bella snickers. "We could send a thank you-slash-bill to Jasper, too, I guess. He's the real reason you showed up in my office." She gives me a shy smile before biting down on her bottom lip.

I'm as wound up as a tautly-stretched balloon that's one breath away from popping in someone's face. Somehow, I manage to gently reach out and pry her plump flesh from the teeth holding it captive, before brushing my thumb along her jaw. Her breath hitches at the same time her pupils dilate and I'm unable to hold back any longer.

I slip my hand through her hair and tilt her head up before claiming her mouth like the hungry bastard I am. My mind reels from the feel of her lips on mine and, when she opens her mouth, my tongue pushes inside so I can taste more of her.

I try to hide my hurt when I feel her hand push on my chest to end our kiss, but I'm not sure I'm quick enough. Bella grabs her purse, hands the driver some cash and, before I can stop her, steps out of the car and makes her getaway.

Turning back, I watch her walking up to her door, barely noticing the small wave she gives as the cab departs.

I rub my hands over my face, feeling the weight of the night and the alcohol. I probably shouldn't have kissed her, but I'd be kicking myself right now if I hadn't.

Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Fuck! I knew that last Black and Tan was a bad idea.

...

I want to call Bella, but I'm not sure I should. I hate the way she bolted out of the cab the other night, but what else could I have done? Chased her down? Camped out on her front porch and begged her to talk to me? Send her flowers or a stupid singing telegram, apologizing for kissing her?

I'm pretty sure none of those things would've won her over. Besides, I'm not sorry I kissed her. Maybe it wasn't the best timing. Maybe all the alcohol I'd consumed made me feel invincible and pushed me to make a move when I shouldn't have, but I don't want to take it back.

Feeling her lips on mine was amazing. If anything, it made me want her even more but I'm not going to force myself on her; I do have some pride left. The ball's in her court and, although I'm not really looking forward to an awkward visit at her office in a couple of weeks, I'll just have to be patient.

I spend my lunch hour with Jasper, listening to how great married life is when you're not living with your in-laws. "Naked Cooking" nights sound dangerous, but I'm glad my friends are having fun. They deserve it.

If he's curious about what happened between Bella and me the night of his party, he doesn't make it obvious. I'm not ready to say anything about it, anyway, but I know he'll listen and not judge if and when I do decide to talk about it.

As I'm walking back to my desk, my office assistant tells me I have a call on hold. I thank Carmen before closing my office door and picking up the phone.

"This is Edward."

"Oh, um, hi! This is Bella . . . Swan . . . Dr. Swan. I mean, Dr. Bella, no, Bella, just Bella."

I can hear the exasperation and nervousness in her voice and I'm not going to lie, it makes me feel better. I know that's a shitty thing to admit, but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who's insecure.

I clear my throat and hope I can hold back the desperation that's bubbling in my throat.

"Hey, Bella. What can I do for you?"

Fuck, did my voice crack? I think it did. Damn it to hell!

"I'm sorry to bother you at work but I wasn't sure if I should call the cell phone number that's in your file here at the office."

"Either one's fine, Bella. I'm glad you called."

The sound of Bella sighing is loud even through our phone connection. She sounds wary and I hate it. I never wanted to make her feel this way.

"Edward, would you like to grab a coffee this afternoon? Or tomorrow, maybe? It doesn't have to be coffee—we can get ice cream or meet somewhere non-food related. Shit! I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm so nervous. I'd just really like to talk to you, if that's okay."

Well, that doesn't sound good at all. She obviously wants to meet in a public place because she's afraid I'm going to freak out on her when she tells me she can't treat me anymore, or worse, that her feelings aren't mutual.

I don't even try to keep the disappointment out of my voice. "Coffee sounds great. How about we meet at the shop across the street from your office at four o'clock today?"

"That'd be great, Edward. Thanks. I'll see you then!" She hangs up and I bristle at her evident relief.

A/Ns:

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