Our fabulous betas are karenec, LJ Summers, AshesAshes, and jakeward. They make us laugh, they make us cry, they make us want to poke our eye… Okay, that was terrible; I'll stop now and let you read. ;)
Pictease: i50*tinypic*com/20z88lx*jpg
Chapter Song: "The Nearness of You" by Norah Jones youtu*be/8We0SwZHd9A
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Seventeen: Passion
The following Saturday, Vanessa and I spent the afternoon shopping for a dress for the benefit. I went through dozens, hating most of them. They were either too revealing, more suited for a nightclub than a ball, or too matronly. I wanted something elegant, but sexy, too. It wasn't until I tried on a black pleated halter dress that I fell in love. The bodice dipped into a low V that managed to cover just enough and yet leave a tantalizing slice of skin bare. The back was bare as well, sweeping in a gentle curve low on my back. I could practically feel Edward's fingertips against my skin already. When I stepped out of the dressing room Vanessa's jaw dropped.
"Holy shit, I'd do you."
I rolled my eyes at her and laughed. "You like it?"
"I love it. You look incredible. God…your legs look amazing; you're going to knock him dead."
"Knock who dead?" I feigned indifference.
"Your mystery guy—Edward, right?"
"How do you know I'm taking him?"
"Because if you'd been going alone you sure as hell wouldn't be showing that much skin. And unless you're holding out on me, I don't think you've picked anyone else up lately, either."
"Damn it, you know me too well. Yes, Edward is going with me."
"I still want to meet him, you know," she chided me.
"Yeah, yeah…." I rolled my eyes at her again and changed out the dress, loving the way it flowed around me as I walked, exposing teasing glimpses of my legs. Edward was going to love it.
~LTOYL~
When I opened the door the night of the benefit, Edward's jaw didn't quite drop to the floor, but it was close. I heard him inhale sharply and saw the way his fingers tightened on the doorframe as he leaned against it. His eyes raked over me and I felt a chill of excitement across my skin. My nipples tightened instantly at the heated look in his eyes, as if his gaze was an actual physical touch.
He shook his head lightly, as if trying to clear his thoughts. I stepped back, my eyes never leaving his and he followed me inside, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. He stepped forward until he was just inches from me and gently traced his thumb across my jaw and down my neck, careful not to disturb the loose curls gathered into a low bun. "You are absolutely stunning," he said in a low voice that seemed to rumble.
He leaned in, skimming his nose across my cheek and up into my hairline. "I want to kiss you so bad," he whispered in my ear, his voice fervent and heated.
"I haven't put my lipstick on yet," I whispered, suddenly desperate to have his mouth on mine.
"Oh, thank God," he groaned. The kiss was searing, and by the time he reluctantly pulled his mouth from mine, I was shaking.
"I guess I should go put it on now," I said, trying to control the quaver in my voice. I reluctantly pulled away from him and his hands lingered around my waist, equally reluctant.
I walked over to the mirror and heard Edward groan. "Your legs in that dress...those shoes...are you sure we have to go?"
"Unfortunately," I lamented. He moved to stand behind me and I looked up to see our reflection in the mirror. With some surprise, I realized we looked good together.
"Why don't you want to go?" he asked.
"I'm feeling less than enthusiastic about dealing with my mother tonight," I lied. "I'm very sorry you will have to put up with her."
"You're worth it."
His thumb rubbed gently across my upper back and I shivered. It was true that I was dreading dealing with my mother, but it was more than that. Riley and I had been going to this gala for years. I had so many memories of him there, and I was afraid I'd break down and ruin our evening. I closed my eyes and steadied myself. I desperately wanted a nice evening with Edward, without my past interfering.
"Let's go." I turned to him, really looking at for the first time that night. "You look pretty good in a tux you know?" He looked so different from Riley. Riley had been gorgeous in a tux, but Edward was breathtaking. It wasn't the fit; Edward's tux was clearly custom tailored just like Riley's had been. Edward looked like he was built to wear tuxes. I'd never seen anyone outside of an old movie actually look debonair before.
"Thanks."
He helped me with my wrap and offered me his arm to escort me downstairs. It was a beautiful evening out and I felt a thrill of excitement mixed with anxiety rush through me when Edward helped me up into his car. We hadn't seen each other since the trip to the planetarium. By the time Edward got back from New York, I was swamped at work and we hadn't been able to find any time to get together. We had called and texted each other sporadically, but nothing of much substance. I realized I had missed him. On the drive to the benefit, we caught up with each other. He was excited about the exhibitions he was working on for the upcoming year, and he listened attentively while I told him what I could about my cases.
We arrived at the Fairmont Hotel and Edward escorted me inside. Every time I stepped into the elegant lobby, I was awed by the architecture and design. It never failed to astound me.
We made our way upstairs to the ballroom and to our assigned table. My parents were already there, and although my father greeted us warmly, Renee was just as cold as I'd expected. My father hugged me and told me how beautiful I was, offering his hand to Edward. Renee's frosty greeting was far removed from that. She gave me a cool air-kiss on the cheek and spoke. "Are you sure that's really an appropriate dress to wear to this, Isabella?"
"I think she looks lovely, Renee," my father chastised her. I bit my tongue to stop myself from telling her about the revealing dresses I had passed over for this one.
"It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Swan," Edward said, giving her a smile that could have melted stone. Then again, with all of the surgery Renee's had, I was starting to wonder if that was possible.
"I'm sorry; I don't remember your name." The look she gave him was dismissive, as if to say he wasn't worth remembering.
Edward's smile dimmed marginally. "It's Edward, ma'am."
"Hmm." She looked away and I took Edward's hand to lead him towards the bar. I was going to need at least a couple of drinks to get me through the night. Spying a waiter with a tray of champagne glasses, Edward snagged two and handed me one.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
"Just infuriated with my mother." I took a sip and closed my eyes, the bubbles tickling my throat as I swallowed.
"Hey, it's okay. I'd prefer if your mother liked me, but I'm not going to let her get to me. And someday my charm might just wear her down. I hate that she puts you down though." He brushed a strand of hair away from my cheek and I wound my fingers through his.
"I'm used to it," I said. I had grown accustomed to Renee's behavior. The thing that bothered me was her attitude toward the people around me.
"You shouldn't have to be. You are amazing," he said warmly.
I took a deep breath, letting his words wash over me, and sink in. "We're going to have a great time tonight. Just find an excuse to get me away from her for a few minutes if I start to look like I might stab her with the seafood fork."
He chuckled and placed a kiss on my cheekbone. "I will."
We rejoined my parents at the table, and Edward and my father fell into an easy conversation. Thankfully, Renee was distracted by another couple at the table who were often seen on the society pages of the San Francisco Chronicle. He was an architect and she was a fellow socialite like Renee; they seemed to be hitting it off fabulously so I was spared her attention.
I glanced around the room; every inch of it was so familiar. Riley and I had gone to the Black and White Ball for years and it was always in the Gold Ballroom. Although I generally preferred simple, modern styles, I loved the over the top opulence of the Fairmont. Every inch of the ballroom was gilded in ornate scrollwork. There were elaborate chandeliers and sparkling crystal china.
During a lull in the conversation, I reached below the table to touch Edward's thigh. He turned to me, his expression sheepish. "I think I'm boring your father with my art talk."
I shook my head emphatically. "Not at all. He really likes you, Edward. Believe me. He may not personally be fond of modern art, but he's incredibly supportive of the arts in general. And he's very impressed with you."
He glanced over at Charlie, who was now speaking with the architect, and said, "I hope so."
I rubbed my thumb across the firm muscle of his thigh. "You're doing great."
We spoke quietly together as we ate dinner, and I did my best to tune out my mother and focus on Edward. By the time the dessert was on the table and we were sipping our drinks, I was feeling flushed from the wine. The room seemed to sparkle. When Edward rested back in his chair, draping his arm against the back of mine, I followed suit. He rubbed his thumb across my bare back and I suddenly wanted to kiss him. A twist of Renee's lips as her gaze passed scornfully over Edward made me quash that impulse. The music changed to something up-tempo and the bandleader announced that the dance floor was opening up.
"Would you like to dance, Mrs. Swan?" Edward held out a hand to my mother and gave her the most charming look.
"No, thank you," she replied coolly.
"Bella?" He invited, moving his hand to me.
"I'd love to." I took his hand and he gently squeezed it, holding onto it as he wrapped his other arm around my waist and escorted me to the dance floor. With a gentle tug, he turned me and I found myself in his arms. Fred Astaire couldn't have executed it better. His arm tightened around my waist and his fingers clasped mine firmly as he began to move. I was not at all surprised to find that Edward was a fantastic dancer.
As we turned around the dance floor, I dropped my head slightly, feeling ashamed of my mother's behavior once again. "I'm so sorry," I apologized.
"For what?" He slowed our steps slightly and reached for my chin, urging me to meet his eyes.
"For my mother; she is being so rude to you."
He squeezed me gently. "I'll survive. Besides, you were the only one I really wanted to dance with." He pulled me closer and his lips tickled the outer edge of my ear, making me shiver.
"I'm not the consolation prize?"
"Never," he said fervently and picked up our gentle pace again.
The music was old-fashioned and somehow suited the evening. All thoughts of my mother's disapproval faded and I lost myself in Edward's arms. He moved fluidly, coaxing me to move with him. I reveled in the feel of his warm hand on my back, and his other hand intertwined with mine. I spun out, laughing as he twirled me to a faster song, and when it segued into something slow and dreamy, I moved willingly back into his arms, our temples pressed together.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you for coming with me."
"I'm glad you asked me."
I knew he meant more than the obvious. He was really thanking me for giving him a chance. I hummed quietly in agreement and closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me. I was disappointed when the song switched to something up-tempo again and I reluctantly drew back from him. He smiled faintly, as if he understood.
"I should probably go mingle a bit."
"You don't sound very enthusiastic about that," Edward observed.
"I'm not," I admitted. "It's my least favorite part about these events. I don't mind meeting new people, but the mindless chatter and politicking that happens at these things exhaust me."
"Mmm, me, too. It's why I'll probably never go after the director's position at the museum. I want to spend my time with the art, not schmoozing people to get them to give me money. Then again, I suppose nothing is set in stone, I may feel differently in twenty years. Life changes and we adapt."
I looked at him with some surprise. Edward was an intriguing combination of self-confident and ambitious, yet he seemed unconcerned about the unknowns in his future.
"Yes, I suppose that's true," I said somewhat absently, still thinking about what he'd said. I had always had a concrete plan for my future, which was just one more reason that Riley leaving left me feeling completely shattered.
"So, shall we?" Edward asked.
"Yes. But I require a glass of something a tad stronger than champagne before we do this."
He grinned widely at me and I laughed. "I will do my best to satisfy your desires."
Edward excused himself to the bar and I scanned the room to get my bearings. He returned shortly with two glasses of amber liquid over ice. "I even found you Drambuie, how did I do?"
"Exceptionally well." I hesitated before I reached for one. "The question is: do you remember which is which? I'm assuming the other is your Scotch."
"It is, and I'm fairly confident your drink is the one on the left."
"Fairly confident isn't saying much," I teased, "and is it your left, or mine?"
"My left, but I'll even brave the taste to be sure you get what you want."
He took a sip from the one on the right. "This is Scotch, I was right."
I took the drink in his left hand and took a sip, pleased that he'd found it for me. "Desire satisfied, thank you, Edward."
"You're welcome" —He leaned in closer to me and spoke in my ear, his lips tender against my skin— "but I hope I haven't completely satisfied all of your desires. Because I certainly have several of my own that aren't even close to being sated yet tonight."
"What's that?" I took a sip of my drink, a little larger than the first; glad he couldn't feel how fast my heart was beating.
"I want to spread those long, beautiful legs and devour you until you beg me to stop."
I turned to look at him and my eyes dropped. His lips were just centimeters from mine; glistening with a trace of the Scotch he'd just swallowed. "Remind me again why we have to stay," I asked breathlessly.
"Because I'm fairly sure your mother will hate me even more if I drag you out of here."
"Right now, I couldn't care less what my mother thinks of either of us."
"Okay, then how about for your father and a little bit of networking for the firm?"
I sighed, acknowledging he was right. "All right, let's mingle."
Edward and I spent the next hour talking with society wives, self-important businessmen, and politicians. It was tedious as usual, but Edward made it more bearable. He was charming as always, while still managing to remain sincere. Although Edward had them eating out of his hand, he was very clever and never actually said anything that that I felt he didn't mean.
It was different from Riley. Riley played their game and pretended to be the man they wanted him to be. It didn't bother him to flatter people and pump up their egos. Then again, Edward wasn't trying to charm them for his own sake. Riley was always politicking himself at these functions. It was the one thing we hadn't seen eye to eye on. I supposed it was what made him so successful in society and politics, but it was where I fell short. I was neither willing, nor capable of sucking up to these people, because frankly, I didn't care. I wanted Riley and the firm to be a success, which to a certain extent did mean courting the upper levels of San Francisco society, but I wasn't angling for my own social standing. It was clear Edward wasn't either. After the umpteenth conversation with yet another socialite, I politely excused us. "I think I need to get some air. Edward?"
He nodded and ended his conversation. "It was nice meeting you."
With the formal goodbyes over, I gratefully followed him outside and onto the rooftop deck.
We walked quietly through the garden, hand-in-hand, the music filtering through the night air and mixing with the tinkling sounds of the fountain. There were several small clusters of people talking quietly, and Edward and I made our way over to the railing to take in the view of the city. I shivered as a breeze swept across the garden and Edward slipped out of his tux jacket to settle it around me.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." He pressed his lips to my temple and I melted into him.
"And thank you for getting me out of there; I was going a little crazy."
"I could tell. Anyway, I don't mind a few minutes alone with you out here in the garden."
"Mmm, me either. This is nice." He stepped back and led me over to the bench. I was only half-paying attention to the music when I heard the song change. I sat upright immediately and turned toward the door we had just come from.
"You all right?"
I reminisced silently. "Yeah, the song just ... brought back some memories."
"Good memories?" Edward prodded.
"Yes," I said quietly.
"Would you like to dance? Out here in the garden, I mean."
I shook my head. "No, I'd rather just sit here and listen, if that's all right."
"Of course," he said seeming slightly bewildered.
I laid my head on Edward's shoulder and, after a moment, I spoke. "This song was our song. Riley's and mine. We used to go to this gala every year, and he always requested it. God, the first year we came I was so nervous. It was the first big event I went to as an adult. Riley was brilliant, so charming, and knew just what to do to make me relax. He always knew how…. He didn't leave my side, the whole night… Every year we'd dance to this song and he'd sing the lyrics in my ear."
"That sounds special. He sounds like a nice guy," Edward said and I nodded, comforted by his words. We listened to the song and when it was over, I sat back.
"Thank you, Edward."
"For what?"
"For being so good to me. I know I've probably given you whiplash with my mood swings. And you've been so patient with me."
"I don't think you understand, Bella," he said cautiously. "I couldn't stay away from you if I tried."
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his and he responded. Gently cupping my face in his hands, his lips and tongue explored mine, until I was overcome by the sweetness of the moment.
He pulled back, rested his forehead against mine, and spoke softly. "I'm glad you could tell me about Riley. Don't ever hesitate to do that. It's obvious he was a huge part of your life and I'm not trying to replace him, Bella. You're an amazing woman, and I just want to be a part of your life."
I blinked back tears at his words. I was tired of running from Edward, tired of holding him at arm's length. I didn't want to keep ruining a perfectly nice time together. I wanted to be happy again. And Edward made me happy.
I kissed his lips again and composed myself after my revelation. I suddenly really wanted to leave and just be alone with Edward. We returned to the gala a short while later and I reluctantly handed Edward back his jacket, missing his warmth and scent immediately. The party was clearly winding down and more than half of the tables were empty. Yet still, my mother complained when we made our way to their table to say goodbye.
"Really, Isabella, do you have to duck out so early? You've hardly spoken with anyone tonight. Edwin has monopolized your evening."
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from blurting out the first thing that popped into my head; after I'd composed myself I replied, "Edward. And I think we've spoken to everyone who matters."
She compressed her lips. "If you're sure."
"Everyone of influence has left," I assured her.
"Have a good rest of the night," Charlie said and he swept me up in a strong hug. "You looked beautiful and I'm glad you brought Edward." He spoke the last part tenderly into my ear and I was happy he approved, even if my mother didn't. He shook Edward's hand warmly and my mother kissed my cheek. She merely nodded at Edward.
When we finally escaped and were outside in the cool, foggy air, I let out the breath I felt like I'd been holding all night.
"She drives me crazy," I said, when the valet had brought Edward's vehicle around and we were settled inside.
"Your mother?" He took my hand in his and his thumb stroked soothingly against mine.
"Yes."
"You are far more like your father," he said, clearly trying to be tactful.
"She's awful, Edward. She's awful to you."
He shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle."
"I just don't understand it. How can anyone not like you?"
He looked over and grinned at me. "I don't know; you didn't seem terribly fond of me at first either."
"You...unsettled me," I admitted. "It wasn't that I disliked you. I didn't like the way you pushed my buttons."
"And now?"
"Now? I think I just might like you, Edward Cullen." His expression softened, the happiness lighting up his face.
When we arrived at my building, he pulled into one of the guest parking areas inside the connected ramp. By the time I had gathered up my bag and wrap, he was out of the car and had my door open for me. He held out his hand and I took it, carefully getting out. Despite my best efforts, the dress slid higher up my thigh and I saw Edward wet his lips. I felt my heart thud in my chest, not wanting to wait the ten minutes it would take to get upstairs and into my apartment.
He held my hand as we walked through the lobby and I felt the excitement of anticipation as we walked to the elevator. I wanted to touch him, slowly peel off his tux, and let my lips explore every inch of Edward's body.
"Good evening, Miss Swan," Jake said. "Sir."
Edward returned his greeting and I nodded absently at him. Jake had marginally thawed toward Edward now that I was no longer bringing any other men home.
Once in the elevator, Edward drew me into his arms and I rested comfortably against him. His breath kissed against my ear, and it stirred the hair along my neck, making me shudder. I tilted my head to the side so he could have better access. Once we reached my floor, we went to my apartment. I was surprised when he didn't follow me in, but remained at the threshold.
"Aren't you coming in?" I asked him, suddenly disappointed.
"I was just walking you to your door; I didn't know if you wanted me to come in."
"I'm not ready for the night to be over, Edward," I said and I held out my hand. He took it and I tugged him inside, locking the door behind us. His fingertips glided across my hips as I walked down the hall, dropping my purse and wrap onto the entry table. He followed me into the living room and I turned to face him. His arms wrapped around me, low on my hips, pulling my body flush against his.
"I'm so glad. I've wanted to touch you all night," he whispered against my ear, sending chills skittering down my spine.
"Thank you for coming with me." I wound my arms around his neck, burying my fingers in his hair and kissing along his jaw. "You made the night so much better."
"I had a great time." He tilted his head back and my lips moved down his throat, smelling the clean, fresh scent of his cologne.
"Touch me, Edward," I pleaded.
"Where?"
"Anywhere," I replied and he pulled back to look me in the eye. The side of his finger brushed lightly against my temple and down over my cheekbone. His lips followed, barely applying pressure, but it was enough to make my heart speed up in my chest. I closed my eyes when his lips touched mine, and the gentle coaxing of his mouth made me whimper. His lips were unhurried, firm, and smooth and when his tongue brushed against mine, I leaned into him, grasping the lapels of his tux to hold myself closer. His fingertips traced tiny swirling patterns across the bare skin of my back with one hand, while the other gently cupped the back of my head.
Edward's touch was gentle but passionate and I responded with equal desire, reaching up to untie his bow tie and drop it to the ground. I unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, slipping my hands underneath to touch his warm skin.
"I want to taste you," he whispered.
He led me over to the chair in the living room and I sat down hesitantly, not sure of what he wanted. He dropped to his knees in front of me, and his warm hands came to rest on my thighs.
He lifted one foot and began touching his lips tenderly to the inside of my ankle before making his way up my leg.
"I have been fantasizing about this all night."
"Me, too," I said shakily. His tongue trailed up my inner thigh as his hands moved along the outside. He moved to the other leg and repeated the teasing torture. My dress fell open, revealing all of my legs to him and he licked his lips. I swallowed hard at the sight of him kneeling before me, still dressed in his tux, worshiping me. He gently worked the shoes off my feet, his warm fingers tickling my skin. He looked up at me, placing his hands on my knees and I shifted in the chair; my body ached for his touch.
I parted my legs, my heart hammering in anticipation. "Lean back and scoot forward."
I did and his hands moved up my thighs, the cool air in the room a sharp contrast to his heated touch. He gently removed the tiny scrap of lacy underwear I'd been wearing and slid his hands under me, lifting me to his mouth as he lowered his head. The first touch of his eager, wet tongue made me gasp and I wound my fingers through his hair, crying out his name.
He was slow and teasing, making me gasp and writhe against his mouth, completely overwhelmed by his touch. My head fell back against the chair and my mouth opened; hushed, whimpering sounds were the only noises I could manage. His lips and tongue gently coaxed me toward an intense climax that left me shaky and flushed.
"Edward," I said and he lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine. "Take me to bed."
He stood immediately and took my hand leading us to the guest room. We slowly undressed each other; first, his jacket hit the floor, followed by his vest and then my dress. I stood there naked as I slipped the suspenders from his shoulders and unbuttoned the rest of his shirt. Easing each one from the buttonhole and then moving on to the next, his eyes never left mine; Edward stood in front of me, his hands at his sides, completely at my mercy. I pushed his shirt off and trailed my lips across his warm skin, from the smooth muscles of his chest and up to his shoulder. I worked the button loose on his pants and slid the zipper down, the sound filling the quiet room. I pushed his pants down and helped him slide his boxer briefs to join them on the floor as he took a seat on the edge of the bed and removed his socks and shoes; finally, he was bare before me.
I stepped forward, standing between his thighs and his fingers curled around my hips as he placed a tender kiss between my breasts. I gently pushed him back onto the bed and stretched out over him, my body covering his, his arousal pressed against my stomach. He rolled us over until I was lying under him and his mouth moved to my nipple, the wet warmth engulfing my senses. He gently swirled his tongue around it before sucking lightly and I arched up to him, needing to feel him inside of me. He switched to the other side and I watched him unabashedly in the light filtering in the window. When he was thoroughly satisfied, he sat back and grabbed a condom from the bedside table. My legs wrapped around his hips when he pushed inside me, and I clutched his hair in my hand, gasping at the feeling of him filling me.
"Edward," I said weakly.
His lips met mine in a deep, intense kiss and he began to move. It was as slow and tender as our first night together, but this time I didn't try to fight it. Instead, I welcomed it. We moved together effortlessly and I didn't try to quiet the sounds of pleasure that left my lips. I could feel his muscles flexing against me, and the whispery touch of his lips as they moved down my throat and to my shoulder. He buried his head there, tucked against the crook of my neck and I could feel his lips against my skin. He whispered my name, softly, and I tightened my legs around his hips, wanting to feel him deeper. It felt like we could go on forever.
But with a sudden deep thrust he gasped and threw his head back, his jaw clenching as he came. The change in angle toppled me over the edge and I came apart under him, the pleasure gripping me so hard I couldn't even speak.
Edward rolled us over and I could feel my body wanting to fall asleep almost immediately. I felt him pull out to dispose of the condom before turning back to me and gathering me into his arms. With my head on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heart calmed me as his fingers gently combed through my hair. I fell asleep easily without questioning how natural it felt to sleep in Edward's arms.
I awoke several hours later, panting and shaking from a nightmare. Edward was still sleeping beside me and I untangled myself from him, my eyes filling with tears at the memories of the dream. Not wanting to disturb Edward, I quickly got out of bed and wrapped a robe around my shivering body. Gently closing the guest bedroom door behind me, I walked to the living room and reached for a soft blanket to wrap around me. Muffling my sobs with my hands, tears spilling down my cheeks as I curled up on the couch. It had been one of the worst nightmares about losing Riley yet. It wasn't the typical nightmare of Riley being hurt or killed, or disappearing. It was worse. In the dream, Riley was cold and distant. Telling me he was going to leave. I begged him to stay but he told me he didn't love me anymore, and that he was in love with someone else. The casual indifference with which he walked away had destroyed me.
A part of me wanted to wake Edward and let him pull me close and soothe me. But the dream left my emotions too raw. Instead, I sat in the living room for hours, trying to calm myself. Eventually I fell asleep and, in the morning, I awoke early and peered in the guest room to find Edward still sleeping peacefully. I paused in the doorway, feeling remorseful for leaving Edward the night before but I wasn't really sure how to handle it. A part of me was tempted to just slip into bed beside him, but I felt awful after the night I'd had and wanted to clean up a bit. I grabbed Edward's discarded tuxedo shirt and went to shower. I grimaced at my reflection in the mirror. Maybe it wasn't quite so bad that I hadn't woken up next to Edward this morning.
I showered and dried my hair before I put on a little makeup but couldn't quite bring myself to get dressed. Instead, I slipped on Edward's shirt and went to the kitchen to make coffee. I sipped it while I gathered things for breakfast. I had just slipped the eggs from the pan onto plates and was buttering toast when warm arms wrapped around my waist and lips kissed the back of my neck, making me shiver with pleasure.
"Morning," he whispered in my ear.
"Morning, Edward."
"I missed you last night. The bed was cold."
I turned around in his arms and reached up to smooth down his hair. "Well, you were snoring," I lied. I pushed against him, backing him up against the counter.
"Liar." He kissed me anyway, tasting minty, and I was glad he'd found the mouthwash I'd left on the bathroom counter for him. His fingers found the top button of the tux shirt and undid it. "This is a good look on you. I might loan you my shirt again."
"I might let you take it off me again." He undid another button, his lips following down the path he made as he slowly moved down by chest. By the time he finished, I was panting and eager. He dropped his pants, fishing a condom out from his pocket before they hit the floor. He moved to the floor as well, sliding down so he was sitting with his back to the cabinets. He coaxed me down with him so I was straddling his legs and I knelt over him, burying my hands in his hair, and kissed him. When the condom was on, I sank down over him, gasping at the way he filled me. We kissed as I rose and fell over him, his hands gripping my bare backside.
I reached up and clung to the edge of the countertop, throwing my head back with pleasure as I came. I collapsed forward, my head coming to rest on his shoulder.
I realized he was still hard within me and I straightened up to look at him. "You didn't…"
He shook his head and gave me a slow grin. "Not yet."
His fingertips curled around my backside and I made him gasp when I clenched my inner muscles tightly around him. "Won't take long though. Do you think you can come again?"
I nodded and slipped a hand between our bodies, letting him control the rhythm of my hips. Two fingertips on my clit in a firm circular-motion had me throwing my head back with pleasure and Edward cried out when I shuddered and ground against him. "Oh, God." I gasped, overwhelmed by how intense it was.
"Bella..." He panted, his fingertips digging into my hips as he held me tightly against him. I watched him come, his eyelashes fluttering, his breathing fast, his face a mask of agonized pleasure.
"You feel so good," he groaned. He relaxed his hands, delicately rubbing my skin as if apology for how hard he had been gripping me. One hand came up between my shoulder blades and he pressed me forward until I collapsed onto his shoulder again. His fingers idly played with the ends of my hair as we rested there for a moment.
After a moment, I lifted myself off him and moved aside, gasping at the feeling of the cold floor against my bare skin. I re-buttoned the shirt and we both stood up. "I'll just go clean up," he said and I nodded, heading for the bathroom near the entryway of the apartment to do the same while he used the one in the guest bedroom. Edward returned just a moment or two after I did, dressed in the tux pants and a white undershirt. I poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him before I finished making our plates.
Instead of taking a seat at the counter, or taking his plate to the dining room, he sat on the floor near my feet and grinned up at me. His hair was disheveled from my hands and he looked rumpled and sexy.
"Our breakfast is going to be a little cold," I apologized, turning to look at Edward. He was staring at my bare legs and I nudged him with my foot. "Hey, are you paying attention to me at all?"
"Just to your legs. Sorry," he apologized, running a hand up the outside of each thigh. "Have I ever told you how fantastic they are? I'm obsessed with them."
I smirked and carefully balanced the plates as I took a seat on the floor next to him. I handed him his plate and fork and he took them with a murmured thanks. "Thank you, and yes, I can tell you're obsessed with them. What I said earlier was that breakfast would be kind of cold, and I'm sorry."
"Oh, it's fine. Thank you for making it."
"You're welcome."
He took a bite of egg and then spoke again. "Do you want to tell me why you really left the bed last night?" he asked.
I took a moment, thinking of my response. "I'm sorry, Edward—"
"Hey," he cut me off, rubbing his thumb across my knee, "just talk to me. Am I really that horrible to sleep next to?"
I laughed. "No, of course not." I took a bite of toast.
"Is it because of Riley? Is that why you don't like to stay the night with me?"
Once again, Edward read me all too well. I nodded. "It's just…I know it's messed up, but some things are hard to let go of. It's one thing that Riley and I had-we always shared the same bed. Having that with someone else…it's like letting another part of him go. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that."
"Bella, it's okay. I don't want to make you do anything you aren't okay with. I like falling asleep next to you and it would be nice to wake up to you, but if you aren't okay with it, that's fine. And if you change your mind at some point, and you are okay with it, tell me. Remember, just be honest with me."
"I will," I promised. "When I woke up alone this morning, there was a part of me that really wished I was still in bed with you. I'm glad you stayed."
Edward looked pleased and he leaned forward to kiss me. "I'm a patient man, Bella, I don't want to rush you."
We set our half-eaten plates aside and I curled up on his lap, combing my fingers through his hair. We sat in the kitchen for a long while, talking softly, kissing.
"I should probably get going. I have plans with my friend Emmett, and his wife Rosalie. I need to get home and shower before I head over to their place."
"All right." I stood up and helped him locate the rest of his tux, slipping into my robe as I handed him his shirt. Dressed in tuxedo pants and a wrinkled shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, he still looked incredible, though I was glad he was the one doing the walk of shame and not me. I kissed him goodbye at the door to my apartment and watched as he palmed the doorknob. He hesitated as if he was going to say something, but instead opened the door, giving me a wink just before he walked out.
I don't know about you, but picturing Edward in a tux always does things to me. Let us know what you think; we love to hear from you! We'll see you next Thursday with chapter eighteen!
Story shoutouts: Love, Save the Empty by AshesAshes, Client Number Five by hollyholiday, and Try by Shellshock. Show them some love and tell them we sent you. ~xo
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