Author Note: Thank you for the great response so far! Many of you think Charlie may be the key to solving the mystery of Edward.
Thanks again to moosals for pre-reading. Stephenie Meyer owns all characters.
Chapter 5 – Come Undone
That first Sunday starts a little bit of a routine, with Edward and Masen coming over every week for dinner. However, after the first week, he tends to steer the conversation toward me: what was it like growing up in a small town, why did I choose to become a teacher, etc. On the one hand, I'm frustrated at not finding out more about Edward, but on the other hand, I like that he seems interested in me. Unless he just doesn't want to talk about himself.
At least I know he's not a bad guy — my dad let me know that he'd run Edward's name through the police database and wanted list and came up empty. As if.
Edward is still the hottest man to ever set foot in Forks, but as I've gotten to know him better, I've learned that he's so much more than just a pretty face. He's still rather quiet, maybe even shy, but bits of his personality are starting to shine through.
And he loves his son — it's heartwarming to see how much. That little boy is clearly his entire world.
Just past noon on the day of what would be our fifth Sunday dinner, I get a text from Edward saying that he's not feeling well and won't be over tonight. I'm disappointed, but of course I understand. If he's got a cold or the flu or something, I don't want to catch it!
Around 10pm that night, I step out the back door so that I can wheel my trash can out to the curb for the morning pick-up. As I turn back toward my house, I see Edward sitting on his porch, his head bowed and his feet resting on a step.
"Edward?" I call and he lifts his head. I take a few tentative steps closer until I can better see his face. There's no sign of his son. "Where's Masen?"
In response, he lifts up what looks like the receiver to a baby monitor and I understand — Masen is in bed asleep.
"I thought you were sick?" I ask, trying not to sound accusing.
"I said I'm not feeling well," he replies in a raspy voice. Picking up a dark-colored bottle I hadn't previously noticed beside his leg, he swallows the rest of the liquid, then sets it in what looks like a cardboard six-pack holder and takes out another, full bottle.
I stand and watch him drink for a moment until I'm sure it's definitely beer. I don't know how many he's already had, but I'm concerned. "Do you want me to leave you alone?" I ask hesitantly.
He shrugs, reaching into the carton and pulling out another bottle, which he holds out to me. I'm not a huge fan of beer, but I'll take this as a sign he wants some company, so I accept the bottle and sit beside him.
I twist the top off and take a few tentative sips before peeking over at Edward. He doesn't look like he's shaved or slept in at least a couple of days. "What's wrong?" I whisper, hoping that he'll open up to me. I feel like we've forged the beginnings of a real friendship over the past several weeks.
He takes a long swig of his beer, then sets the bottle down beside him. "It's my wedding anniversary. Six years ago today…"
"Oh," I murmur, at a loss for anything else to say. I still know nothing more about his wife or his marriage, except from when he — I assume — let it slip that her name is Bree. I'm dying to know what happened with Bree, but I've felt like… he'd bring it up himself if he wants to talk about it. Maybe now is finally that time.
"You get married—" he whispers, then pauses to swallow thickly. "You get married and you think it's forever."
I wait with bated breath for him to continue, but instead, Edward picks up his bottle again and drains it, then swaps it out for a fresh bottle, increasing my concern.
"How many of those have you had?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Count them if you want. This is my second six-pack."
"No, I-I don't mean to sound like your mom, just… I'm worried about you."
He shakes his head. "This is far from the most difficult…" I watch Edward carefully, waiting for him to go on, but he doesn't. I'm insanely curious about what he means, but… I don't think I should push him right now.
We sit in silence as we both drink our beers. I think maybe he just wants the company. When I finish my bottle, I add it to the carton. I still see two full bottles with their caps and wonder if he plans to drink those, too.
I didn't bring a jacket for what was supposed to be a quick trip to the curb and back, so I rub my arms to warm them. "You're cold," Edward states.
"No. Well, maybe a little. I didn't plan to be outside this long."
"You can go back in."
"I don't feel right leaving you alone."
He turns to look at me, giving me a small smile, then empties his bottle and sets it back in the box. "All right," he says, getting to his feet. He's wobbly, holding onto the railing for support, and I quickly stand up to steady him.
"Why don't I help you inside?"
He nods and I reach down to pick up the baby monitor, then wrap an arm around Edward, helping him walk across the porch. He digs his keys out of his pocket and fights to open the door. Inside, I close and lock it behind us then start leading Edward toward the stairs.
"Wait," he says, pointing toward the bathroom. Chuckling, I help him to the door then leave him to do his thing in private. While I'm waiting, I make a quick trip outside to pick up the carton. I put the two full bottles in the fridge, leaving the rest on the kitchen table since I don't know where he throws his recyclables.
I hear the toilet flush and the sound of water running in the sink, then quickly station myself outside the bathroom door, still holding the baby monitor. When the door opens, I again wrap an arm around Edward's back and help him up the stairs. Flipping on the light at the top of the stairs so we don't trip over anything, I lead him into the master bedroom.
He flops onto his back on the unmade bed, groaning. I stand watching him for a few seconds, and when he makes no move to undress, I set the baby monitor on top of the nightstand and pull his shoes off.
"Edward?" I whisper. "Can you take the rest of your clothes off?"
He grunts, then nods. "Check on Masen?"
"All right," I nod my agreement.
In the nursery, I find Masen sleeping peacefully. Reaching down, I smooth his light curls. He's an absolutely beautiful baby. I wonder if Bree is blonde, or if perhaps Edward had lighter hair as a child. Maybe both.
After a few minutes, I head back to the master bedroom to check on Edward. He's stripped down to his boxers but is just lying on top of the covers, seemingly asleep. Shaking my head — and trying not to stare — I work the covers free from underneath his body and pull them up to cover his bare skin.
As I move to pull my hand away, he reaches out, grabbing my wrist. I look up at his face, seeing his eyes are now wide open and staring at me. "Don't go," he begs in a whisper.
I gaze at Edward in confusion. He tugs on my wrist until I have no choice but to move closer and put one knee on the bed. Still staring into my eyes, he slowly lifts his torso off the mattress, reaching up with his right hand to grasp the back of my neck and pull me down to him.
At the first touch of his lips to mine, I almost feel like I'm dreaming. But as they become more insistent, I open for him, moaning at the touch of his tongue against mine. While some part of me wonders about his motivation — after all, he's never appeared to be attracted to me before — the way he's kissing me is unlike anything I've experienced before.
Edward's hand slowly slides down from my neck across my back until he's grasping my ass. He tugs me toward him and I obediently bring my other knee up onto the bed, moving my right one until I'm straddling him.
Oh! I can feel his want beneath me and I whimper, bracing myself on one hand while I use the other to comb through his silky hair. I'm nearly lying on top of him now, our lips meeting again and again and again. Without thought, I begin sliding myself back and forth over his erection. God, it's been so long for me and Edward is so freakin' hot and…
I moan loudly when he brings one hand up to massage my left breast. My nipples harden instantly; it really has been too long since I've been touched by anyone besides myself. And then I yelp in surprise when Edward suddenly flips us over until he's on top of me.
"Off," he mumbles, reaching for the bottom of my shirt, and I rush to help him remove it. As soon as it's over my head, he yanks one side of my bra down, attaching his lips to my aching nipple.
"Oh fuck!" I cry out, closing my eyes as I just let myself feel.
He's still tangled in the sheets, but I can sense him scrambling to free himself. I know he's free when his fingers slip beneath the top of my jeans to open the button. As he pulls my jeans and panties down, I reach down to help him as much as I can, finally using my feet until they land with a splat on the floor.
"Oh God!" His hand is between my legs, spreading the growing wetness. Is this really happening? Does Edward really want to have sex with me?
I open my eyes when he removes his hand, watching as he shoves his boxers down. The only light in the room is coming from the hallway, but I can see his cock standing at attention. And then he lifts my right leg, sliding inside me in one powerful thrust.
"Oh!" I cry out from surprise, and maybe a little bit of pain. He's above average and it's been years for me. As if sensing my discomfort, Edward remains still, staring at me with such adoration in his eyes.
"B—" he begins, but I cut him off with my lips on his. Finally, he begins to move, sliding nearly all the way out before pushing in again. I reach up, clinging to his strong shoulders as the initial discomfort gives way to more pleasure than I can ever remember having experienced. It's like our bodies were meant to fit together like this.
I'm startled when Edward wraps his arms around me, rolling us over until I'm on top. He remains in control though, pushing and pulling me exactly the way he wants. He unhooks my bra, tossing it away before sucking my hard nipples into his mouth. I feel myself getting higher and higher from the combined sensations.
When it hits, my orgasm is almost overpowering. I go limp in his arms, surrendering easily when he rolls us back over. He takes my hands in his now, stretching them up above my head. We kiss hungrily as he continues to chase his own climax. I've never been one for multiple orgasms, but I almost feel like I could come again if he keeps this up long enough.
When his thrusts become erratic, I know that's probably not going to happen. I'm not sure I could take it if it did!
"Fuck!" Edward screams as I feel him pulsing inside me. I can finally breathe again as he slowly pulls out, flopping onto his back beside me. I lie there flat on my back until my breaths and my heartrate slow and I start to feel his spunk leaking out of me. Despite being on birth control for years, I've never had sex without a condom and it feels kind of… gross.
"Um, I'm gonna go clean up," I mumble, pausing for a moment but getting no response. On shaky legs I crawl out of bed, making my way to the lone upstairs bathroom.
When I've cleaned up, I stare at myself in the mirror. I'm probably going to have to wear a turtleneck tomorrow, thanks to the beard burn all over my neck and the upper part of my chest. I finger comb my riot of hair then take a deep breath. I really hope things won't be awkward between us.
Stepping back into the bedroom, I find Edward still lying in the exact same position. "Edward?"
Getting no answer, I chuckle to myself. This part reminds me of my previous sexual encounters.
But now what? I can't just leave while he's asleep, can I? That feels so wrong after what we've just shared. But it's a Sunday night and I have to work in the morning. I don't even have my phone with me to set the alarm.
Glancing around the bedroom, I spot a clock on the bedside table. I pick it up, breathing a sigh of relief when I see that it has an alarm. I set it for 10 minutes or so before my usual wake-up time then start looking around the room for my clothes. I've always hated sleeping naked.
Finding my jeans and panties near the bottom of the bed, I quickly slip my panties on, folding the jeans and leaving them on the floor near the nightstand. I see the edge of my bra peeking out from under the blankets and decide to put that on too since it's my most comfortable "weekend" bra. My shirt is half under the bed, so I fold that on top of my jeans.
After turning out the light in the hallway, I slide into bed next to Edward, pulling the covers up over both of us, and turn onto my right side, my back to him. I hear a slight moan and then his arm comes around me, making me smile. I don't quite understand what happened tonight, but I really hope it's the start of something amazing.
A/N: I told someone that there weren't a lot of cliffhangers in this story, but this probably qualifies as one of them. The next chapter is titled What Happens Tomorrow. What do you think will happen?
Next update on Thursday.