A/n: Firstly, I would like to say thank you to Lindsi loolabell for the sparking the inspiration I needed to finish my chapter with the beautiful banner she made for me. It made the last 3000 words of this chapter possible for me to write. So thank you, bb.
As I've said on Twitter and on the thread, and even in response to the lovely PMs I've been receiving lately, I truly appreciate the patience you all have shown me over the past several months in regard to my updates. Life can get pretty hectic at times and this year has just been unrelenting, so thank you for your understanding and support of this story.
Finally, thank you to my pre-readers once again, for being bluntly honest with me, even if it means telling me something I don't want to hear. You all couldn't be more appreciated.
Late Night Encounters 15 ~ Change in Plans
EPOV
Driving up to the hospital, I spotted Emmett standing beside his car and pulled in beside it. He gave me a tired smile and took the few steps toward the passenger side of mine, lowering himself into the seat.
"Sorry about this, Doc. Son of a bitch wouldn't start for anything this morning," he mumbled in frustration, glaring at his own vehicle as I backed out.
"Don't worry about it. I wanted to come in early this morning anyway," I replied encouragingly and pulled out onto the nearly deserted main road.
"Not this early to pick up my sorry ass though, I'm sure," he chuckled.
I laughed in response. "I don't mind, really. I was just going to see if I could squeeze in a few vacation days in a couple of weeks."
"Oh yeah," he smirked, his demeanor suddenly lightening as he glanced at me mischievously. "Two more weeks until Miss Bella arrives."
I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone, but still couldn't keep the smile from my face at the sound of her name. Along with the ache in my body at the memory of the night before. "Yes, and I'd like to take her up to Evanston for a few days."
His eyes widened and he turned slightly in his seat to face me. "You're already taking her to meet your parents?"
"And the problem with that would be?" I asked him challengingly with a raised eyebrow while keeping my focus on the road ahead of me.
"You're really serious about this girl, aren't you?" he continued in an amazed tone.
"Why do you sound so surprised by this?" I sighed heavily, leaning back against the headrest. I'd thought that I made it abundantly clear with my words and actions over the last several weeks. "I love her, Emmett. You're really asking me this? Besides, it's a far sight better than leaving her alone in my apartment or at the hotel with her friend all week while I'm at work."
"You still haven't told me about this friend of hers," he hinted, nudging my arm lightly.
"Nor do I intend to," I replied simply without so much as a sideways glance.
"Come on, at least tell me if she's hot, too," Emmett groaned, his head falling back in frustration.
"Watch it," I said in a warning tone, looking over to him as I parked in front of his complex. "And I wouldn't know, I haven't seen her. But I'm begging you, please, don't hit on her."
"Now why would you think I'd do something like that?" Emmett gasped, his hand roughly striking his chest in feigned hurt.
"Because I know you, Em. And the one thing I do know about Rose is that she's blonde," I replied, eyeing him meaningfully.
"Oh fuck me, hit me where it hurts and kick me while I'm down, why don't you," Emmett groaned, reaching for the handle.
"I'm serious, Emmett," I said firmly as he stepped out of the car.
"I swear, scout's honor," he smiled, holding his left hand up beside his head.
"First of all, you were never a boy scout, and also, it's the right hand," I teased, quirking an eyebrow at him.
"Not gonna ask how you know that," he teased, grabbing his bag quickly off the floor and backing away as I glared at him. "Thanks again for the ride. I owe you one, man."
"No problem, give me a call if you need a ride in tonight," I called out after him as he began walking toward his building, giving a small wave as he reached the door.
On the drive back, I refocused my mind to the task at hand— figuring out my schedule to make the most of my time with Bella. The wait had become more excruciating with each passing day. On more than one occasion, I had considered taking Emmett's suggestion and booking the next flight to LAX. Yet, I also knew that it wouldn't help and might even serve to make me miss her more, if such a thing were possible. To fly out for a day or two over the weekend, only to come right back home all too soon, would be torture. Letting her go in New York had been difficult as hell, and I knew watching her leave after the coming visit would be equally hard, if not worse. I wasn't sure how many times I would be able to be in that position and pull myself out of it as well.
We'd made it this far, and now we only had two more weeks to endure. I could wait that long, especially if we continued to have nights like the previous one to tide us both over.
Settling into my chair upon my arrival, I flipped on my screen and her beautiful face stared back at me, my smile returning at the sight. I instantly opened my email, sending a request to my supervisor for my accumulated vacation time and the schedule for that week.
Twenty minutes later, there was a knock at my open office door and he stepped inside. "Edward, do you have a moment?"
"Of course, Dr. Molina," I nodded, standing as he entered and gesturing to the chair on the other side.
"I received your request, and if I may ask, why?" he asked as he sat across from me, and I lowered back into my chair slowly in confusion. "I know that you rarely request time off, and I'm hoping you don't have plans for that week."
"Actually, sir. In fact, I do. My girlfriend is flying in from LA that week and we've been planning this for months," I replied, attempting to remain calm as my heart began pounding in my chest.
"I'm sorry, Edward. But I'm afraid I need you in Las Vegas on the eighteenth, for the Medical Business Solutions convention," he stated apologetically.
My breath froze in my throat and my eyes widened, unable to believe that this was happening. These conferences could last anywhere from three days to a week, and either way, I wouldn't be back in time to meet Bella at the airport. After collecting myself for a moment, I cleared my throat before responding. "With all due respect, sir. Is there no one else who could attend in my place? I'm an ER physician, not on the business end. Surely, there's someone more qualified..."
"Edward, I need someone I can trust to represent the hospital. And no one is more qualified than you are, in my opinion. You're the youngest chief resident we've ever had here, and why do you think that is?" he asked, leaning forward and folding his hands in front of him on the desk. I sighed heavily and leaned back in my chair, shaking my head. "It wasn't just the work you've done with those hands of yours. People respect and listen to you, along with possessing one of the brightest minds I've come across in my entire career. I'm counting on you for this."
"Her plane lands on the twentieth," I groaned weakly, rubbing my hands over my face roughly before driving them into my hair.
"It's only for five days, and I'll more than gladly grant your request for the time off the following week," he continued and I lowered my hands to my lap, meeting his gaze with mine and resigning myself to the fact that there was no way around it. Taking a deep breath, I nodded to him silently. "Thank you, Edward. My apologies to you both."
The moment he closed the door behind him, I tossed the pen in my hand roughly across the desk, cursing under my breath. While I knew that an entire conference couldn't be altered to accommodate my love life, I was also aware of how devastating this would be for Bella, as I was already feeling it myself. I couldn't imagine even a few more days of being away from her than we'd already been, and that trip to LA was seeming more and more appealing all the time. I wanted her in my arms, her body and lips against mine now, not having to wait the extra time.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I released a defeated sigh as I texted her, attempting to word it so as to not alarm her too much.
Baby, call me when you wake up. I need to talk to you. Love you. xo
BPOV
The buzz of my phone stirred me from a sound sleep, yanking me abruptly from my dream. The night before with Edward, while surprising, had left me more satiated than I'd been in weeks, and incited incredible images in my slumber as a result.
Each night of our agonizing separation, we'd been experimenting in more inventive ways to ease our physical longing for each other. I'd had no idea what to expect from him the night of my shopping spree with Rose, despite the origins of our relationship. I knew the lingerie would be well received, as I'd tested the waters with that before. However, Rose's suggestion of the stripper pole and the sex toy had even caused my eyes to bug slightly, unsure of how receptive Edward would be to that level of brazenness.
To my extreme relief, Rose had been right—in her own blunt words, 'if he's straight and has a penis, he'll like it'— and I'd never seen or heard him so aroused since our time together over New Years, and had opened many more doors of possibility for us.
And of course, heightened our mutual appreciation of Rose.
However, he'd even taken me by surprise and shipped me a 'care package' which had arrived the day before, with strict instructions not to open it until he got home. While the wait was painstaking, shock at the contents quickly replaced it. An internet operated vibrator, which allowed him to control every aspect. The accompanying orgasm had been mind-blowingly phenomenal.
Rolling onto my side with a smile still in place, I stretched my arm lazily for my phone, glancing at the most recent message.
My smile quickly faded at his words, something in the tone of his text not settling well with me. Why would he ask me to call and not text? What could be so important at 6:30 in the morning?
"Hey baby," his tired sounding voice came through when he answered and my worry heightened. "I didn't mean to wake you up."
"It's my fault for not remembering to silence my phone last night. I was a bit exhausted after we talked," I replied, trying to allow the memory of the night before to lighten my tone. "So what's up?"
His heavy sigh was not encouraging and I swallowed hard in nervous trepidation, until he uttered the four dreaded words. "Bella, something's come up."
"Oh no," I breathed out sharply, my hands beginning to shake.
"Yeah," he said softly and I felt my heart drop. For once, he didn't dispute my fear-filled tone and I sat up slowly in the bed. "I'm not going to be in Chicago on the twentieth."
"Wh-what?" I gasped in shock, my hand coming to my throat. "Edward, we... we've been planning this for months. Rose and I already have our tickets. How can you not be there?"
"I know, baby. Believe me, I know," he groaned and released another sigh. "My boss came to my office this morning and I'm needed at a conference in Las Vegas until the following Monday."
"Las Vegas?" I exclaimed, swinging my legs out of the bed and standing up. "Can't you tell him that you already have plans that week?"
"I did, Bella. But I can't get out of this." His voice was strained and I could hear the tension lying beneath. "I still want to see you. We'll just have to change your flight."
"And just lose half our week together?" I replied, waving my arm out in frustration, feeling the tears burning in my eyes.
"I don't like it any more than you do. But it's either that or..."
"Cancel the trip altogether," I mumbled sadly, my eyes falling to the carpet.
"Actually, what I was going to say," he replied with a small chuckle and I felt my forehead tighten in confusion. "How would you like to meet me in Vegas?"
My eyes widened in surprise at his statement and I was rendered momentarily speechless.
"I thought about just flying out there for a weekend before, but it still wouldn't make up for much. And I figured we could at least have the evenings together, and then we could all fly back to Chicago from there."
"You really want me to come to Las Vegas with you?" I asked softly in disbelief, gripping my phone to my ear.
"I don't want to spend a single moment more away from you than I absolutely have to, Bella," he whispered back, a subtle anguish present in his voice. "I've missed you so damn much."
"I've missed you, too," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. "Tell me where to meet you."
x-x-x
Convincing Rose to change our plans was done with two simple words—Las Vegas.
Aside from the obvious appeal that Vegas held, her eyes lit up with the prospect of shopping for the four days we'd be spending there. And following that trip, my suitcase barely closed, even with my full weight seated on it.
Instead of rerouting our flight, we'd opted to skip out on class that Friday and drive there, scheduling one with Edward to Chicago on Tuesday morning.
I stood in my bathroom the night before we were scheduled to leave, collecting my toiletries for the trip when my phone began ringing in the next room. In my rush, my foot caught on the runner rug in the hall and my knee slammed into the wall in front of me.
"Shit, that's gonna leave a mark," I snapped sarcastically and pushed off the wall, hurrying into my room when the ringing stopped. I groaned, falling onto my bed and reaching for my phone, selecting the missed call.
Edward.
"Hey, I'm sorry, I was in the other room and my 'graceful' self tripped in the hallway," I said hurriedly when he answered.
"Ah, thought you might be avoiding me," he chuckled and then let out a heavy breath. "You alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just gonna have one hell of a bruise on my knee. That's sexy, huh?" I replied, rolling my eyes and shaking my head. I turned over and stared up at the ceiling, feeling the muscles in my back releasing after the hectic packing I'd been doing all evening. "But why in the world would I be avoiding you?"
"I don't know. Cold feet? Sneaking off to the beach for Spring Break instead?" he said jokingly.
"If I didn't get cold feet before New York, I'm pretty sure you've got nothing to worry about now that I actually know what I'm missing," I murmured in a soft tone. "And as tempting as a week on the beach sounds, in a bikini I wouldn't be caught dead in and my lily white skin blinding everyone in sight, I think I'll pass. There's no Edward Cullen there, so that squashes any appeal of that little scenario."
"God, I miss you so much right now," he sighed, his voice losing all hint of amusement.
"You sound so tired, baby," I said softly, wishing now more than ever that I were already there beside him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just hate these damn conferences," he replied, frustration evident in his voice. "I can't wait for you to get here."
"Soon. I'll be there soon. And then the last thing you'll be thinking about is that conference," I teased, lowering my tone. "You'll be way too busy concentrating on the borderline illegal things I plan on doing to that body of yours."
"Oh really? Care to elaborate?" he asked, a lightness returning to his demeanor, causing me to smile in relief.
"That would just take all the fun out of it. Though you are free to use your imagination all you like," I teased with a soft giggle.
"Oh, you are such a little minx," he reprimanded me jokingly, releasing a soft laugh. "So, what time are you getting in tomorrow?"
I laughed, rolling onto my side. "Hopefully around two or three, traffic permitting, but I'll be there waiting for you when you get back to the room."
"Okay, I'll have Emmett meet you out front around then. And if I can manage to slip away from the conference sooner than five, I will," he replied.
"I still can't believe that Emmett is coming with you," I chuckled nervously, shaking my head.
"He's anxious to meet you, but don't worry. I've told him to be on his best behavior, vacation or not. It was part of the agreement," he said with slight tension in his voice.
"I'm not worried, Edward. And Rose can hold her own and plans to spend most of her time at the slots anyway," I smiled, hearing his stifled yawn through the phone. "Baby, you should get some sleep."
"No, I'm fine," he replied stubbornly, his voice strained as if he were stretching. "I'd rather talk to you."
"Edward," I said firmly as I sat up on the bed, bending my leg up to my chest. "You need your sleep. You might not be getting much tomorrow night."
"Only might?" he laughed.
"Okay, you definitely won't, and you'll need all your reserves," I chuckled in response.
"Well, when you put it that way," he trailed off and I heard the click of the light switch. "Good night, Bella. I love you."
"Love you, too. Good night, Edward."
x-x-x
"Isabella Marie Swan, if you aren't out here in exactly five seconds, I am leaving without you," Rose's voice echoed through my apartment as I lifted my suitcase off the bed.
"Alright, I'm coming. Don't get your panties in a bunch," I groaned as I walked into the living room.
"Panty bunching is going to be your territory this week. Now, let's go. I've already checked the oven and the coffee pot, and everything is off. You are good to go," she replied, taking my suitcase from my hand. "You're not forgetting anything important, right?"
"No, Rose. Everything is packed and ready," I retorted, narrowing my gaze at her slightly. "Even though there is no way I'm ever going to use it all."
"Options, Bella. You always need options for every possible mood," she replied with a wink.
I rolled my eyes, yet couldn't help but laugh at her tone. "Okay, now you promised not to grill him, remember?"
"I made no such 'promise'," she smirked teasingly as we walked to the car. "I only said I would take it easy on him. No man gets completely excused from my test when it comes to my best friend."
"Please, Rose. He's really important to me," I pleaded emphatically.
"All the more reason," she replied with a shrug, closing my door behind me and hurrying around the car to get in herself. Meeting my eyes as she started the car, she shook her head and sighed. "Only a little, Bella. I promise. Though I must say, I'm pretty anxious to meet this phenomenon that is Dr. Edward Cullen."
Another smile crept across my lips as she dramatically drew out his name, but then my eyes fell to my lap.
She gazed at me briefly and then took a deep breath. "Have you heard from Alice, yet?"
"Nope. I've left her messages, but still nothing," I sighed heavily and shook my head. Since Alice had begun dating Jasper, we'd been hearing less and less from her until she finally even stopped coming to classes. To say I was a bit concerned was understating the facts, but I also hadn't been able to tell one of my best friends about Edward. Though it had served to bring Rose and I closer.
Reaching over to my lap, she took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Alice will come around. You know how she gets sometimes. She lets herself get all wrapped up in these new relationships, and it's all she thinks about."
"It's been months, Rose," I replied sadly, still not raising my eyes.
"Do not let this ruin your time with your man. Just focus on him and we'll deal with Alice when we get back, alright?" she stated firmly, securing her hold on my hand and I nodded silently.
I knew she was right and I leaned back in my seat, focusing solely on the fact that within hours, I would be back in his arms. The one place I'd longed to be since the moment I left them in January.
As we crossed the border into Nevada, my stomach began fluttering even more in anticipation. I was officially in the same state as Edward was, finally. And when the first signs of Las Vegas appeared in front of me, my leg began bouncing excitedly.
I gasped in surprise when Rose's hand rested on my knee, halting the movement. "You're shaking the whole car, Bella. Calm down. Mirage, right?"
I nodded and my eyes followed her hand as it pointed in front of us. The sight of the immense hotel with its beautiful fountains in front took my breath away. "Oh my god, we're here."
"Yeah, someone's been in a daze for the last few hours," she replied, chuckling softly under her breath. "Guess I was right to insist on driving, huh?"
"Sorry," I mumbled apologetically as we parked in front of the hotel. "Just really anxious to see him."
"So I've noticed," she winked as she stepped out of the car while the attendant saw to our bags.
Having never been to Las Vegas before, the beauty of it overcame me. The structure of the building was remarkable, and I tilted my head from side to side as I observed it, until Rose took my arm.
"You are on Spring Break, need I remind you? No measurements or specs on anything but that glorious boyfriend of yours, got it? The architect stayed home this week," she scolded as she guided me inside.
"Bella?" I heard a deep voice beside me, startling me from the admiration of my surroundings as we stepped through the doors. Standing before me was a tower of a man, completely intimidating if not for the boyish smile on his face. "You are Bella Swan, right?"
"Oh, yeah," I chuckled in embarrassment. "I'm guessing you're Emmett?"
"The one and only," he replied, his smile broadening and engulfing me in a hug. "Nice to finally meet you. And this lovely lady must be Rose."
His eyes fell on my friend beside me as he pulled away, and she nodded. "Actually, it's Rosalie. Rosalie Hale."
His eyebrows rose along with mine as I gazed at her in disbelief. She hated to be called Rosalie, and her stiff posture displayed an evident discomfort that I'd never seen on her. "Rose..."
"It's nice to meet you, Rosalie," he said, shaking his head at me and extending his hand to her, which she curtly shook. Turning to the attendant, he handed him the keycard. "Tower suite on the twenty-seventh. I'll let you ladies settle in."
With that, he walked away and I turned to Rose, gaping at her. "What the hell was that all about?"
"I didn't come to Vegas to be hit on," she retorted and began following our bags toward the elevator.
"Rose, he was just being nice," I hissed under my breath as I caught up to her.
"Please," she scoffed sarcastically, rolling her eyes and folding her arms over her chest as we stepped inside. "Do not be deceived by those dazzling baby blues or the school boy charm, or that sweet little smile. That man is hornier than a college frat boy. Obviously flirting, and I couldn't be less interested."
"Yet, you noticed the color of his eyes," I mumbled under my breath.
"Kinda hard not to with the way he was staring," she huffed and remained silent for the rest of the ride up to our floor. Until we stepped into our room and our eyes widened at the sheer grandeur of it. "Holy shit."
I wasn't sure what I'd been expecting, possibly something more akin to the smaller, more intimate setting of our room in New York—but what was displayed before me certainly wasn't it. A large living area made up the center of the room, with doorways on either side leading to the bedrooms. Walking into the one on the right, I smiled as the unmistakable scent of Edward surrounded me and I sat on the edge of the bed. My eyes landed on bedside table were a small frame sat upon it, and I took it into my hand and laughed softly.
It was the picture of us in New York, and as I'd done so many times before, I ran my finger lightly over the image of his face.
"Okay, there has got to be a mistake here," Rose's voice snapped and I looked up abruptly to find her storming across the suite toward my doorway. "There is only one bed in that room!"
I stood and followed her back to the second bedroom, covering my mouth with my hand. "Rose, it's only for a few days."
"Oh, no. You really don't think I'm going to be sharing a room and a bed with that behemoth, do you?" she replied sharply, shaking her head. "Someone is going to be sleeping on that couch out there, and it sure as hell isn't going to be me."
I sighed as I watched her storm across the room, mumbling under her breath as she began to unpack. Knowing it was best to leave her alone at times like that, I retreated back to my own room to do the same.
The two hours after Rose left to go to the casino seemed the drag on, as I sat impatiently waiting for Edward. I lay down on the bed and inhaled the scent of his pillow, closing my eyes and picturing his face in my mind. Even with the aid of his picture that I'd comforted myself with during the long weeks of our separation, I knew that seeing him again face to face would be so much different. And I had changed as well. I'd gained a few pounds and even cut several inches off my hair, though it still fell well beyond my shoulders, and I hoped he liked what he saw.
"Bella?" My eyes shot open as I heard his anxious voice carry through the suite, springing off the bed and racing out of the room. His smile stretched across his face as he spotted me, while my breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. His suit jacket was draped over his arm and his tie was loosened, the first few buttons of his shirt undone. He'd never looked sexier. "Get over here."
I shrieked slightly at his relieved sigh, surprising even myself as I ran to him and he tossed his jacket aside, catching me in his arms and hugging me fiercely against him. He pulled away slightly to look at me, smiling before capturing my lips with his and I moaned softly against them.
Sweeping me into his arms, he carried me into the bedroom and kicked the door closed, laying us down on the mattress and brushing his lips gently against mine once more. "I never realized exactly how much I've missed you until just now."
"Me either," I murmured against his lips, my fingers tracing the contours of his face, relishing in his presence. "No dinner reservations this time?"
He lifted his head to look down at me, grinning as he shook his head. "Room service. Later."
"Mmm, I like the way you think, Dr. Cullen," I smirked before claiming his lips with mine again, tugging his tie free and tossing it to the floor.
The room around us filled with the heavy pants of our breathing and the soft whimpers of our moans, as inch by inch, we discarded our clothes until he began kissing down my body. His lips felt like heaven against my skin as his fingers lowered the last remaining garment between us down my legs, stopping at my right knee. His eyes met mine as he brushed a soft kiss against the bruised skin there before bending it slightly to remove my panties from my ankle.
Sliding his body along mine to bring our faces level again, he reclaimed my lips heatedly and I embraced him tightly around his shoulders. His hardened length glided along my slickened skin as my hips lifted from the bed and we both moaned into the kiss, one of his arms slipping beneath me.
"Bella... I need... I can't," he panted heavily against my lips, his hand running along my thigh.
"I don't want you to," I replied breathily as my body arched against him. "Please just take me, Edward."
Slowly, he pressed inside me and I whimpered against his lips while my fingers gripped his shoulders. His hands moved to rest on my hips as his thrusts began and my eyes closed, my lashes fluttering with the sensations coursing through my body. My breath caught in my throat; it felt so surreal to be with him again like this—almost too good to be anything but a dream. Yet when I opened my eyes, he was still there.
His movements increased in urgency and I finally released the breath I'd been holding in a sharp, abrupt sigh, and then clenched my teeth tightly as my orgasm began to taunt me.
"Please... it's been too long since... oh fuck," I heaved, my eyes burning with tears from the heat coiling in my stomach, feeling as if my body were about to burst.
With a final, deep thrust, a groan resonated from my chest as his release actually sparked mine and our lips met passionately.
As our bodies began to calm, our kiss slowed and deepened, our hands gently caressing each other's skin. Looking into my eyes, he brushed my slightly dampened hair from my face and a smile returned to his lips.
"I love you," he whispered and tears welled in my eyes again, bringing my hand to rest on his cheek. Pressing my lips softly to his, I sighed against them from the feel of his breath ghosting over my skin for the first time as he spoke those words.
"I love you, too."