One chapter will talk about the past, one about the present until we reach the point where we began with the present. Confusing much? It keeps things interesting. ;)
Same disclaimer applies-Twilight belongs to S.M., but the idea of this story is mine.
Many thanks to my awesome betas and friends - TeamAllTwilight and m0t0b33. And to my newest help: Momma Laura.
Present time
Slob's taking advantage that we're alone, and we're having some bonding time in the middle of the kitchen.
Kisses, licks, hugs, strokes—the whole deal.
Until the front door opens.
Well, he doesn't hear it, but I do, and I try to get up, but he puts his paws on my shoulders making me laugh.
Edward appears in the doorway looking like he's been run over by a train. He shuffles to the table and slumps in a chair.
"Awesome. Simply awesome."
"What happened?" I ask worried, pushing against Slob's head to turn it toward Edward. "Look, daddy's home."
It's like he sees Edward for the first time. His eyes light up, his ears perk, then he walks to him, rubbing his head on Edward's leg.
"Where do I start?" he mutters, scratching behind Slob's ears. "Alice is a tyrant. I don't know about you, but we visited every fucking special occasion suit store. I can't feel my legs, I probably have blisters and my back is killing me."
"Aw. I know how you feel. I was recovering last week when you came back home. Just imagine; I have to suffer twice…or more. Until I find the gown."
"Sucks. At least I found what I wanted."
"Calvin Klein?"
He nods, rolling his neck eliciting a loud popping sound.
"Do you want a rub?" I offer, getting up from the floor.
"It depends on what kind of rub you're offering."
"A back rub, you sick perv! You're in pain."
"And a bath, please."
While I draw his bath, Edward puts away his suit, shoes, shirt, and bowtie.
I can't wait to see him all dressed up, but he promises to offer me a free show only when I buy my gown—and parade for him.
Not happening anytime soon.
Strong arms wrap around my waist, making me squeak.
"I love to see you bent at the waist," Edward murmurs in my neck.
"You love any opportunity you get to ogle my ass."
"True." He kisses that spot behind my ear, his hands going to cup my ass. "Damn. You're killing me." He moans when I shake my butt, giggling.
"Strip and get in the tub," I order playfully, escaping his hug.
"No, no. You're taking a bath with me!"
"Just get in there, and stop complaining. Do you want a massage or not?" I put my hands on my hips, eyeing him.
Nodding, he starts undressing, groaning when his muscles ache. Poor baby.
When he slides in the tub, I crouch at the side. After wetting his back a little, I squirt some shower gel and start rubbing. I can feel his muscles straining.
"Lean forward," I instruct so I can reach his lower back. I try not to look at the ugly scar there, but it's so big and red. I hate it—and it's all my fault.
"Bella..."
My head snaps up, and I see him watching me, upset.
"Stop it, baby. I'm okay now. All thanks to you." He cups my cheek, pressing his lips to mine. "I love you."
I sniff, a small sob escaping me when we separate. I throw my arms around him, not caring about getting my shirt all wet and soapy.
"If I lost you, and the last thing I did was fight with you because I'm too freaking stubborn...I don't know...I'm an idiot."
"Don't say that. Let's not go over this again. I thought we put it past us," Edward says quietly. "Please get over it. I did."
How can I?
But I nod and smile.
He starts chuckling when I step back, his eyes on my boobs.
"Kid," I joke, pinching his cheek.
I finish washing him, then while he's drying, I take a quick shower.
"Do you want a massage of your own?" Edward offers, while he wraps me in the soft towel.
"I'd like that...unless it turns into something else."
*BH*
On Wednesday, as I wake up, I know it's going to be a bad day.
I feel like shit and wish I could sleep the whole day, never facing the world.
"Wake up!" I hear Edward calling to me. "Hurry. I have a meeting at nine thirty."
I hate that I'm procrastinating in deciding on what car to get.
Edward suggested a thousand times that I should buy my own car, because he's not always here. Sometimes he has to go somewhere, and I end up taking a cab home.
I finally drag myself out of the bed and to the bathroom. While brushing my teeth, I see something horrible on the tip of my nose. Now I'm not one of those girly girls who care all about their looks. I can leave the house without makeup and not give a fuck.
But this.
I keep staring at the huge zit on the tip of my nose.
Where the fuck did it come from?
"AHHH!" I shout, trying to squeeze it and not managing, only making my nose turn red. Fuck.
"You okay?" Edward bursts in the bathroom.
"I have a zit!" I hiss, pointing to my nose.
"Seriously?" he asks, rolling his eyes. "I thought something bad had happened."
"It did! You know I'm not one to whine about this shit…but this is on my freaking nose!" I mumble.
"Can't you…break it or something?"
"I tried," I moan.
"Well, I love you anyway. Zitty or not."
"Not funny."
"Get ready, Bella. I'll make you a coffee."
I pout as he kisses my brow before leaving.
I know he loves me anyway, but I'll be self-conscious the whole day. And he'll probably be too busy to boost my self-esteem when everyone will stare at my zitty nose.
Fuck, I sound like a stupid girl.
I apply a ton of foundation—which I never use, mind you. Thank God for Mom and her buying me this thing. It could be expired, but I don't care right now.
When I look human again, I make my way downstairs with my jewelry in one hand and shoes in the other.
"Are we still on time?" I ask, dropping the shoes on the kitchen floor scaring the dog who jumps as if burned. "Sorry," I tell him sheepishly.
"Yes, still on time," Edward answers, taking my necklace from my hand.
I love how we work. I don't have to ask, he simply offers. When he's in a good mood.
I put my earrings on, then work on my charm bracelet—it keeps slipping until a chuckling Edward takes pity on me. I have two left hands. Blame my parents.
"If you're done, you can take this. I'm not changing my rule." He offers me a cigarette.
I quickly take it from him, lighting it up. It goes wonderfully with my coffee.
"How's the last project going?" he asks casually, leaning against the counter and lighting his own cigarette.
"With a little luck, we can finish today. I love this team so much, I might take a leaf from your book and take them out." I wink.
"Sounds nice. Just let me know if you decide to go out or not so I'll find a good take-out restaurant."
I laugh and walk to him, kissing his cheek. "I'll take you with us."
"Really?" His eyes light up.
"Well, isn't it normal? We're engaged, and even if we weren't, I doubt I could have gone out without you." I shrug. "I know you do it, but it's different. You need your man time with James and Emmett and others."
"You make me feel guilty. It's your special quality," he mumbles.
"Oh, shush! If I'd be closer to Rose, we'll go out, too, but I'm not. Vic is still a minor, but don't worry. I think Alice is what I've been looking for." I beam then make a face. "That came out wrong."
Edward starts laughing. "I had no idea you were into girls."
"Shut up!" I moan, covering my face. "Shit!" I just touched my nose. The fucker hurts, too.
*BH*
At work, in the elevator, Edward keeps eyeing my boobs.
Maybe today's blouse is too low-cut, but I might have done it on purpose.
Of course, the ride to our floor is spent with his hands molesting my poor boobs and our mouths fused. When the doors open, we straighten our clothes and step out as if nothing has happened, giggling like two teenagers.
It's his fault for bringing this side out of me.
He walks me to my office, keeping our hands locked. Stealing glances, smiling bashfully.
God, I love him.
"Edward, Mr. Cooper is in your office," Tanya calls from her desk.
"Shit." With a peck on my forehead, he sprints to his office.
"That's early," I comment, looking at Tanya.
She shrugs, not taking her eyes off the computer.
I don't relent. "Didn't he say nine thirty?"
"Yes, he did," she answers, still not looking at me.
"Well, it's only nine."
This gets her attention. "Bella, it's nearly ten."
My eyes widen as I turn my head to the wall clock. Holy shit.
I turn to go to my office when she calls after me. "What is it?" I ask, frowning.
"Well, several somethings actually," she laughs. "First, your lipstick is all over. Maybe I should have warned Edward, too," she adds contemplatively. "And secondly, Luke or whatever his name is…gave Mr. Brown the advertisement you were working on. It was way too early to hear them shouting when I arrived."
"What?" I ask in disbelief, while trying to wipe my mouth.
Tanya offers me a paper tissue.
I storm in my office to find it empty then go to the team room. They're all quiet as if waiting for the hell to break loose.
"What the fuck did you do?" I yell, glaring at all of them.
"It was me, Ms. Swan," Lloyd, not Luke like Tanya called him, whispers, getting up.
"Why would you hand James something unfinished, or let's say it was finished, but without me looking over it again?"
"Uh, I thought I'd do a good deed," he mumbles.
"You never do something like that without my approval!"
"I'm sorry." He looks down.
Taking a huge breath, I walk to an empty chair. "Okay, so what did James say?" I ask, rubbing my temple.
"He was happy at first, but then when he asked why didn't you bring it or why it was blurry and didn't have a name, I realized my mistake. He started shouting at me, and eh…he told me to wait and tell you, then pack and leave."
I want to feel bad, but I can't.
What kind of idiot does this?
He did help with most of the graphics, though, considering Seth had to go to his hometown—where his mom is sick.
I need Lloyd. I have to sweet talk James into keeping him and vouch for him with my ass. Fuck.
