A/N
Hello My Beauties,
I know it's been a while since I last posted a chapter
R.L has caused me to fall a bit behind. But fear-not
my FanFiction beauties for I have
returned with and extra long chapter
for you to sink your teeth into
hope you enjoy
xxxx
I wish that I could have this moment
For life
For life
For life
Cos in this moment I just feel so alive
"Refill?" Stacey asks, reappearing with a coffee jug in her hand. Edward pushes his cup towards her and she promptly fills it. She then turns to me, shaking it slightly. I shake my head 'no' and she walks away. Anymore of that stuff and I can forget about falling to sleep tonight.
I can't believe I've just agreed to go out on a date with him again. Trust him? I hardly even know him. I mean, what are his intentions? His only 25 for crying out loud. Do mature 25 year old men even exist? What I wouldn't give to take a look into his mind right now. I stare at his forehead in vain willing my mind to pick up something, anything from his.
"What are you thinking about?" Edward asks picking up his cup of coffee and blowing into it carefully.
"I could ask you the same thing" he looks at me a little puzzled. "I'm just trying to figure you out"
"There's not much to know" he shrugs taking a sip of his hot beverage. Why do I get the impression that his not telling me the truth?
"So this date…" I probe "Are you planning on standing me up again? At least if I know in advance I can arrange to do other things. Like not waiting in a restaurant for over 2 hours on a Saturday night. I could paint my toenails or something." I say sarcastically, Edward smiles his crooked grin at me shaking his head, I'm glad one of us can find humor in this.
"That won't happen again, Bella" he says leaning forward
"Why did it happen in the first place?"
"I had family matters to attend to; I was pretty off the grid so I couldn't get any reception to call either." This guy has an answer for everything. I shake my head, glancing over at the guitar clock on the wall above the Chefs hatch. We should probably start heading back soon before anyone starts questioning my whereabouts. Just then Edward's phone starts ringing and he swiftly removes it from his pocket, answering it with a curt "Cullen".
Whatever the other person is saying on the other end seems to be slowly frustrating Edward slightly as his brows furrow and his lips press together. Unfortunately my hearing gift is limited when it comes to phone call conversations, so hearing what the person on the other end is thinking or even saying is completely lost to me. He waves over at Stacey and she quickly comes over. "The bill please" Edward says to her moving his ear from the phone to tell her. She wonders off to the back and Edward continues listening to whatever the other person is saying, finally ending the call with a stern "I'll handle it."
"I'm sorry about that Bella, but I'm going to have to leave" he says typing at his phone.
"That's alright, I hope everything's OK" I ask concerned
"It will be, tell Dr Willis that I'll call him in the morning to discuss the details of the hospital" I nod my head in understanding.
Stacey appears with a small silver dish and receipt placing it on the table and leaving. I reach over for it but Edward quickly takes it before I can get a chance to look.
"I'll get it" he says briefly glancing at it, he begins pulling out a thick roll of tightly coiled cash held together with a rubber band from the inside of his suit jacket and places a twenty on the dish. That's a lot of cash to be carrying around at one time, I think to myself. He stashes the cash back in his jacket and quickly gets up and walks to the door leaving me in the diner without another word.
Well that was strange. I wonder what happened for him to leave in such a hurry. I get out of the booth standing up and straightening my clothes and hair. I reach down to pick up my bag when I hear the diner door open back up. I look up to see Edward walking back in and over to me. I lift up my bag placing it on my shoulder.
"Did you forget something?" I ask a little confused as he approaches me. I thought he was in a hurry.
"Yea I did" he says as he stands in front of me. He gently puts his arm around my waist pulling me close towards him and placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "I'll call you later" he whispers into my ear sending a wave of invisible shivers down my spine. He smiles his signature smile at me and winks causing my heart to flutter a little. He walks back out the diner again out into the busy Chicago streets.
I stand there a little stunned as my cheek starts tingling. I eagerly take out my phone from my bag and unblock his number in my settings. That guy really is something else.
I leave the diner making my way out into the chilling November air. Walking the short distance back to the hospital, I wrap my jacket tighter around myself, crossing my arm as a frigid gust of wind blows through me. The snow has cleared completely now but small mounds of it are piled up on the edge of the sidewalk. As I walk, my mind can't help wondering back to the man with the blazing emerald eyes and our supposed impending date. I want to believe he'll show up this time but I can't help but leave room for disappointment. There's this peculiar attraction between us that can't be denied, I reach up and touch my cheek absently where he'd kissed me and I smile to myself. He is an enigma, in every sense of the word, making him intriguing yet confusing all at the same time.
Before I realize it, I'm crossing the street and walking up to the entrance of the hospital. I head up to get changed back into my scrubs in the locker room of the Doctor's Suite. I tie my hair back into a low ponytail looking at my reflection in the mirror. "This too shall pass" I say out loud, closing my locker shut and walking back out and onto the busy wards of the hospital.
X
I step out of my car closing the door behind me with a resounding 'thud' locking it with the button on my keys. After my impromptu rendezvous at the diner with Edward the day seemed to pass painstakingly slow. I rotate my head and neck tiredly and pull my bags onto my shoulders traipsing towards the apartment, my feet aching from the long hours spent on them. I unlock the front door and enter the small lobby. I walk over to the elevators pushing the button and waiting patiently for it to come down. Thank god I have the day off tomorrow, all these long hours tend to catch up on you and if you're not careful you could end up making huge mistakes in the operating room due to tiredness.
The elevator arrives and I step in pressing the '3' button to my floor. Leaning against the back wall of the elevator I let my head fall back, closing my eyes feeling absolutely drained.
Every job has its pitfalls and mine is no different. Saving people lives, operating on one of the most crucial organs of the body, tending to the injured and fatally sick people of Chicago is no small task, but to be able to reunite families and restore someone's faith and hope is the most rewarding thing imaginable and gives me a sense of purpose in this world. The elevator dings and I open my eyes as the doors slide open. I make my way towards the apartment, unlocking the door and stepping inside, closing it behind me. Once inside I drop my bags onto the floor and sigh in relief, another day complete.
I look over to see Alice perched on the kitchen counter in her SpongeBob P.J's with a box of Cap'n Crunch in her hand, tossing the individual pieces into her mouth. She had finished work a few hours before me so is already home.
"Hey Bella" she chirps popping a piece of cereal into her mouth.
"Hey" I say tiredly heading over to her. I jump up on the counter next to her and she offers me some cereal. I put my hand in the box taking a small handful out. I pick up one of the golden squares putting it in my mouth and chewing on it slowly. We sit in comfortable silence for a while both of us exhausted from our shift.
"So Edwards quite hot" Alice announces after a while. "His got that Justin Timberlake meets Robert Pattinson vibe to him" I smile at her raising both my eyebrows "You know, in that stupid ass-hat kind of way"
"Yea his alright, we went out for coffee earlier. Turns out his only 25"
"Oooh check you out, you little Cougar" she says nudging me with her elbow "I can't believe his giving the hospital two million dollars. You know his only doing it to impress you, right." I see good news travels fast around the hospital.
"Hmm maybe" I say with a shrug putting another piece of cereal in my mouth.
"Oh come on Bella, you don't really believe that his doing it just in the name of charitable purposes"
"Well if he thinks I'm just going to drop my knickers like that for him because his splashed some cash, his got another thing coming" I say clicking my fingers on the 'that'. Alice bursts into a fit of giggles almost choking on her cereal.
"Aww Bella you're so British with the way you say knickers instead of panties" I roll my eyes and nudge her slightly with my elbow smiling.
"So what were you guys talking about earlier, when I was with Newton?" I ask remembering what she was thinking when I came back over to them.
"He was just asking how long I'd known you for and that we seem pretty close. He looked a little jealous when he saw you laughing with Newton though. I'd say his proper jonesing for you" she says pointing a sugary finger at me. I smile shaking my head.
"He asked me out on date again" I reveal.
"I thought he might. What did you say?"
"I said yes, against my better judgement" throwing the left over pieces of cereal in my mouth.
"Well Bella all I can say is just be careful; hopefully he'll get his priorities straight this time. When's the date?"
"I'm not sure he had to rush off before we had a chance to arrange anything. He said he'll call me later but I'm not holding my breath" Alice picks up her phone and starts typing into.
"I'm gonna Google him and see what comes up" she says the light from her phone screen illuminating her features as she peers at it intensely. That's a pretty good idea actually, I should have thought of that, shine a bit of light on the enigma which is Edward Cullen. I shuffle closer to her and she moves the phone so that we can both see what comes up. She clicks 'search' and a bunch of links pop up, she scrolls down stopping at a link that looks to be from some sort of online newspaper with 'Chicago's bachelor' in the description.
"Bingo" she says and taps on the link.
A picture of a man and some writing appear in the layout of a news article opens up. Alice zooms in on the picture so we're able to get a clearer view and its of Edward, looking rather dashing in a pair of grey suit trousers and a white shirt tucked in with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. His sporting a sky blue striped tie and a silver tie clip, with his hands in his pockets and one ankle crossed in front of the other. His emerald green eyes looking right into the camera lens with a passive expression on his face. A large window is behind him with what I presume to be a view of Chicago's skyline. I must admit he does look incredibly handsome seeing his face for the first time without any bruising or cuts. Me and Alice both turn to look at each other grinning like pair of fools. Oh yes that's him.
"And you said he was 'alright'" Alice jibes.
"I take it back, he is hot" I confess simply, the evidence of such is undeniable.
Alice zooms out of his picture and moves the screen over to the text, zooming on the short piece of writing.
'Edward Cullen, aged 25 is one of Chicago's youngest millionaires and most successful entrepreneurs owning a number of well-known establishments in and out of Chicago. The 25 year old claims to owe a lot of his success to his family especially his father who taught him everything he knows about being a successful businessman.
Graduating from the prestigious University of Chicago, U of C Edward Cullen finished top of his class with a degree in Business and Finance three years ago and has since been taking over the business world bit by bit. With his striking good looks and intelligent mind it's hard to believe this man still remains single.
Confident and generous Edward Cullen is quite well known for giving back to the community showing a particular interest in agriculture and victims of drug and alcohol abuse, raising and giving over 5 million dollars to housing projects in down town Chicago. Last year he won the highly famed Awards of Excellence at Chicago's annual Gala for his incredible efforts with the community. There are no doubt more wonderful achievements are to be expected from this young, captivating man in the next upcoming years.'
The article ends and I'm left feeling complete and utter surprise at the information I've just read.
"Well that was interesting" Alice says locking her phone and putting it back down on the counter
"Yea you can say that again, his like some sort of bloody male version of Mother Theresa" I say feeling more confused about him than I did before reading the article. I had the impression that he was some kind of young rich guy with more money than sense but it turns out his actually quite…decent.
I jump down off the counter dusting off my hands and head back over to the door to pick up my bags.
"So what you gonna do?" Alice ask also jumping down off the counter she heads round into the kitchen putting the box of cereal away and washing her hands in the sink. I lift my bags onto my shoulders
"I don't know, to be honest. He seems pretty great to be fair. His smart and handsome"
"and don't forget rich" Alice calls over her shoulder turning the tap off and drying her hands with a kitchen towel.
" Yea that too, but that's not really important. What is important is that I think that article raises more questions than answers for me" she turns around leaning on the counter looking at me.
"In what way?"
"Well for starters, if he's such a heroic figure within the community, why was he half dead lying by the dumpsters when I met him? Surely that seems a bit odd, don't you think?"
"I guess, but bad things happen to good people all the time Bella. I think you're just looking for an excuse"
"An excuse for what?"
"An excuse not to like this guy. Yea he royally messed up in the beginning but I think you need to give him a chance."
Clearly the news article has now made Alice, some kind of Team Edward fan girl. But maybe she's right. I suppose maybe I am reading too much into it and just looking for a reason to doubt him.
"Yea maybe, I don't know. I think it might just be my natural defense mechanism trying to protect myself after the first spectacle I had with him. He does seem good on paper but in practice who knows? I guess I'll just have to have an open mind"
"That's the spirit" Alice beams at me fist pumping the air. I laugh at her a little baffled to see Edward now has his own little cheerleader in the form of Alice.
After a while Alice switches of the light and we both shuffle down the hall where Alice bids me a goodnight and veers off towards her bedroom. I carry my bags into my bedroom turning on the light and dumping them in the corner. I take out my phone and put it on charge on my bedside table.
Sitting on my bed I take off my boots and stand up to undress putting my clothes in the dirty clothes basket, which seems to be getting fuller by the day. I make a mental note to do some laundry tomorrow and quickly change into a vest top and matching P.J shorts. I head out of my bedroom and down the hall into the bathroom to wash my face and clean my teeth.
Once back in my bedroom I switch off the light and climb into bed exhausted from the events of the day. I switch on my bedside lamp and look in the drawer of my bedside table for a pen and pad to make a list of things I need to do tomorrow. I locate a note pad and stretch my arm to the back of the drawer feeling around for a pen. All of a sudden my phone start ringing loudly, making me jump and causing me to bang the top of my forearm up into drawer quite hard.
"Son of a …" I mutter removing my arm out the drawer carefully. I unplug my phone from the charger and see a number flashing across the screen. I answer the phone placing it to my ear.
"Hello, Bella Swan" I say holding the phone between my ear and shoulder rubbing my forearm gently.
"Hello Bella, its Edward. Edward Cullen" says the smooth silky voice on the other end. I stop rubbing my arm and hold my phone to my ear with my hand, my arm suddenly not hurting as much now.
"Hey Edward, how it's going?" I say trying to play it cool as though the sound of his voice hasn't just caused unexplainable heart palpitations. I try to take deep noiseless breaths, as he laughs quietly into the phone like he somehow knows what his voice is doing to me.
"It's going alright, I want to apologize for leaving so abruptly this afternoon I had a few matters that I urgently needed to attend to"
"That's alright, I passed the message on to Dr Willis. I'm sure he'll be eagerly awaiting your call"
"And you? Were you eagerly awaiting my call?"
"I'm afraid not, no. You see I have this little thing called a life, that doesn't revolve around your phone calls" he laughs at this, the gentle sound causing me to smile involuntarily
"That's what I like about you Bella, you're not one to mince your words"
"Yea it's not really my style" I look down at my forearm holding it towards the light of the lamp, it looks as though I've grazed the skin a little.
"So, what are you up too?" he asks.
"I'm just in bed at the moment"
"Did I wake you up?"
"No, I was just about to write a to-do list for tomorrow"
"Why what's happening tomorrow"
"Nothing it's just my day off, they're so far and few between that I like to make sure that I spend my time wisely"
"Oh I can understand that" yea I bet he can, being Chigaco's most successful entrepreneur I'm pretty sure that his schedule is probably just as hectic as mine, if not more so. "Will you be free tomorrow evening for me to take you out on that date?"
Tomorrow evening? That's a bit sudden, but having a quick glance at my calendar on the wall opposite, I see that my next day off isn't going to be for a while. I bite the inside of my lip contemplating whether to wait till then or not.
"Bella, you still there?"
"Yes I'm here"
"If it's too soon, we can arrange it for another day"
"No, tomorrows evening is fine"
"Good, I'll pick you up at 6:30, sharp. I'll be there at 6:30. 6:30 in the evening"
"Oh so you'll be here at 6:30 then?" I say laughing at his nervous repetition of the time.
"Are you making fun of me, Dr Swan?" he asks with a mock serious tone. I can't help but laugh a little harder now, relieved that I can make him a little nervous too.
"Me?" I say in mock surprise "No Mr Cullen, I would never dream of doing such a thing" I say using my most innocent sounding voice.
"Hmm, it's a good job you're incredibly beautiful, Dr Swan" I smile widely feeling myself getting flushed at his compliment
"You think I'm beautiful" I ask shyly
"I don't think, I know"
We carry on talking and laughing discussing all sorts of things ranging from my job as a surgeon, my life back in the U.K to the upcoming festive holidays. The conversation flowing easily between us, alleviating some of the doubt I'd previously had about him. The way in which he speaks; the words he uses makes him sound much more mature and wiser than any 25 year old man I've ever encountered. A yawn escapes from my mouth and I look at my phone to see that we've been talking for over 2 hours. Where did all that time go? We bid each other a goodnight and I hang up, feeling a little more reassured about him. I place my phone back on charge and put my note pad back in the drawer too tired to write out a list. I snuggle down under my covers reaching over to switch the lamp off.
I close my eyes falling to sleeping with my chest swelling a little at the thought of him calling me beautiful.
X
"Bella if you keep pacing up and down like that you're gonna wear yourself out" Alice comments from the three seater sofa munching on a large bowl of popcorn. Her eyes darting back and forth with my movements.
"I don't think I can do this, I should call him and cancel before he gets a chance to stand me up again" I reach into my black clutch bag pulling out my phone, scrolling down to his number that I re-saved as Mr Emerald Eyes again. Alice jumps up dashing over to me and whipping my phone out my hand. Damn that little pixie can move fast. She puts her hands on her hips, looking sternly at me and points at the sofa for me to sit. I walk over to the sofa plopping down and crossing my arms and legs.
Waking up this morning, I was greeted with a text from Edward wishing me a good morning and that he can't wait for tonight. The memory of the last time he said that has been playing on my mind all day, causing me to feel anxious at the slight déjà vu ambiance of it all.
I glance at the time on the wall, 6:26 pm. I smooth down my dress for the umpteenth time since putting it on. I wasn't too sure about wearing a black dress as I didn't want it to look as though I'm going to a funeral, but Alice convinced me that every woman owns a little black dress for all occasions. I look down at the ¾ length black tight lace sleeves, that cover my shoulders creating a scoop neck, the material changing at the top of my bust into an opaque black sweetheart styled dress that flows out and flares into a perfect 'A' line, stopping just at my knees. The dress is paired with some black high heeled pumps. According to Alice the outfit looks 'positively classy, but still fuck hot.'
I drum my fingers on my knee feeling myself getting anxious again.
"Bella stop worrying, you'll cause frown lines. He'll be here." she says handing me back my phone. I put it into my bag, closing the clasp with loud snap.
"I can't help it Alice." I suddenly stand up. "Shit, I forgot to brush my teeth" I dart into the bathroom my heels clicking along the hardwood floor. I shut the door behind me grabbing my tooth brush and putting a generous amount of toothpaste on it, running the tap.
I brush my teeth thoroughly making sure to cover every inch of my mouth, rinsing my mouth and gargling loudly humming a random tune. I spit the water out into the sink and pat dry my mouth with a hand towel. I smile widely into the mirror making sure I haven't missed anything. I stare at my reflection puffing my hair a little; I decided to curl my hair with the curling tongs creating loose but bouncy curls. I nod at myself in the reflection channeling my inner supermodel confident goddess queen. I flick my hair over my shoulder and turn leaving the bathroom.
I step out of the bathroom into the hall and turn round the corner to see Edward sat on the sofa where I just was. My heart leaps into my throat. His here.
"Oh my gosh look at her face...She's so surprised... She just not have heard me let him in... I knew he'd turn up... I want to know all the details of tonight when she gets back..."
I glance over at Alice her thoughts penetrating my mind after the shock of seeing Edward made me lose focus of my shield. She winks at me smiling a huge grin, with Barney snuggled in her lap.
Edward turns to look at me as though sensing my presence, his crooked smile playing at his lips. He stands up walking over to me with an impressive bunch of red roses in his hand. Damn that picture really didn't do him any justice, even with his faint bruising and cuts he looks amazing in a dark grey tailor made pin-striped suit with a matching waist jacket and crisp white shirt and black tie, completing the look with a black handkerchief folded and peeking out the top of his left breast pocket, making his emerald eyes shimmer as they soak me in. I swallow down the lump that has formed in my throat. Fuck me, has it just got incredible hot in here or is it just me? I wonder to myself as I feel my body temperature rising.
"These are for you" Edward says his voice sounding like liquid silk. I take the roses off him lifting them to my nose and closing my eyes inhaling their beautiful fragrance.
"Thank you Edward, they're beautiful" I say smiling at him. He steps towards me placing a kiss on my cheek.
"You look incredible" he whispers into my ear making my whole body explode in goose bumps, his fresh smelling cologne makes me wet my lips.
I take in a shaky breath trying channel my inner supermodel goddess queen. I smile at him in what I hope is teasing but probably came out looking constipated.
"Shall we get going?" I ask placing the roses on the kitchen counter he nods his head and I walk to pick up my long navy woolen coat off the back of the sofa. Edward helps me into it and I button it.
I look over at Alice who is watching the entire exchange with eager interest. I wink at her and she starts fist pumping the air with both hands and screaming soundlessly behind Edward's back, causing Barney to scoot off her lap. I let out a little giggle which I cover up quickly with a little cough. I reach down picking up my clutch bag from off the sofa where I left it.
"See you later Alice" I wave at her as walk to the front door, Edward following close behind
"Bye guys have a great night. And remember no glove no love" she giggles and I turn back to look at her with wide eyes. Edward laughs gently at my reaction looking down at me with those piercing emerald eyes. I carry on walking out the door, Edward closing it behind him. We walk over to the elevator the sound of my heels ringing out through the empty quiet hallway. I silently send a quick prayer to whoever is listening that I don't fall and break my neck in these shoes tonight.
We reach the elevators and I press the button, the door immediately opens. Edward gestures for me to step on first and I smile at him stepping onto the elevator. He steps on after me and presses the 'G' button for the ground floor.
"You look nice" I say although 'nice' is a complete understatement. Phenomenal, exquisite or maybe even drop dead gorgeous would definitely be a more suitable description for how his looking right now. But best not to make his head too big.
"Thanks" he replies smiling and putting one hand in his pocket.
The elevator doors open up and we walk through the lobby and out of the front door of the apartment building. Sitting just outside the apartment door is Edward's sleek, black Aston Martin Vanquish, the only reason I know it's called that is because my brother back home is a complete motor-head, who'd piss his pants if he knew I was riding in one of these.
Edward takes out his keys pressing the button on it to unlock the doors. The car flashes as if momentarily coming to life and Edward opens the passenger door for me to get in.
"Ma' lady" he says gesturing for me to get in. I thank him kindly and get into the car, sitting down on the plush black leather seat. He closes the door behind me and as he walks round I take a quick glance around at the interior of the car. It is absolutely immaculate; you can tell this thing is his pride and joy. In the car light from above I can see the clutter free dashboard, top of the range satellite navigation screen and all sorts of buttons and knobs that can probably turn this thing into a fighting Autobot or something.
Edward gracefully climbs in the other end putting his key in the ignition and turning it causing the powerful engine to roar to life. He swiftly manoeuvres the car out of the car lot and on to the main road with such ease and finesse. I put my seat belt on and Edward puts on his, steering the car with one hand.
"So what restaurant are we going to?" I ask turning to look at him
"We're not going to a restaurant" Edward replies driving a little too fast for my comfort level.
"Where are we going then?" I ask my brows furrowing in confusion, I'm sure we were meant to be going out for a meal.
"It's a surprise" he says mysteriously and turns the car left heading for the highway. I shift a little uncomfortably as for the first time in my life someone is actually taking me somewhere I have no prior notice of. An actual, genuine surprise. My heart starts racing and I take subtle deep breaths trying to slow it down. I don't think I like surprises.
Edward reaches over taking my hand and lifting it to his lips placing a sweet kiss on the back.
"You'll love it, I promise" he say reassuringly clearly seeing my apprehension, he gently strokes his thumb against the back of my hand and turns his face towards me and looks straight into my eyes. I see something in them that I've never seen before as he gazes at me causing my skin to flush and my breath to stagger a little. I slowly take my hand out of his and look away from him and out at the dark road outstretched before us. My mind too anxious to analyse whatever that look was in his eyes.
We talk a little about what we've been up too today and just general talk about the weather, and after about 30 minutes Edward slows the car down taking a sharp right. We seem to have driven out of the city and are now in the countryside with lots of dark foliage and trees. Edward continues to drive along a country road where we seem to be out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but space and what appears to be a warehouse type building up ahead standing out against the dark blue night sky.
Where the fuck is he taking me?
My mind is completely reeling as Edward pulls up to the large warehouse building where the huge double doors open up and he drives through. My mouth drops to the floor as the interior is slowly revealed.
"Oh my gosh" I say out loud my eyes wide as I take in the sight before me.
"I told you, you'd love it" Edward comments I turn to him shaking my head as he brings the car to a complete stop.
Turning off the ignition and taking his keys out Edward jumps out the car and round to the passenger side opening the door. Holding out his hand; I take it stepping out the car and standing just meters away from a staircase leading to a spectacular white private jet with a gold stripe painted along it. At either side of the staircase are men, one dressed in a smart pilot uniform and the other dressed in a white shirt and black trousers with a cloth hanging over his arm. They both smile kindly at me and I turn to see Edward looking at me expectedly.
"Edward I…" I'm completely speechless, this is way beyond anything I could ever imagine for a first date. He grins at my lack of words and I let out a puff of air from my mouth staring at the jet in complete and utter amazement.
"How?... What? … When?"
Just then the pilot steps towards us shaking Edwards hand.
"Good to see you again Mr Cullen"
"You too Geoff"
"It looks to be a perfect night tonight for flying, you're lucky the rest of the week they're forecasting heavy rain" Geoff tells Edward. Geoff then turns to me holding out his hand I take it shaking it gently.
"Hello young lady nice to meet you, my names Geoff and that over there is George your waiter for this evening" he says pointing over at George.
"She must be pretty special for Cullen to ring me up so early this morning to do him this favor" I see in his mind him remembering being woken up by a phone call from Edward at 6:00 am
His thoughts clear in my mind as the physical contact coupled with my current state of shock at being surprised easily breaks through my mental shield. I let go of his hand silently reinforcing the strength of my mental shield.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Bella" I say, giving a quick wave over at George who nods his head in greeting smiling at me from the side of the staircase.
"We're ready to take off as soon as you are Mr Cullen, Ms Bella" he says, Edward nods his head and the pilot starts walking round to the front of the jet probably to give one last final inspection.
Edward places his hand in the small of my back and steps towards the staircase but stops when he realizes I'm not moving with him. He turns to stand in front of me.
"What's wrong?"
"Where are we going?" I ask anxiously, something in my expression must be translating to Edward that I really can't take any more surprises tonight, especially ones that involve getting on a private jet with no idea of where it plans to land.
"New York" he concedes "I've arranged for us to have dinner on board then watch a show on Broadway" I nod my head coolly raising my eyebrows slightly in surprise, when on the inside I'm jumping up and down, doing cart wheels and back flips. Oh My God. New York! Dinner on a private jet! A Show on Broadway! This has to got to go down in history as one of the most astounding first dates ever.
"OK cool" I say calmly smiling at Edward and walking up to the staircase, climbing them as gracefully as I can in these heels.
I step inside the jet and look around at the luxurious core. There are stunning cream leather armchairs on one side and a matching sofa on the other with dark wooden paneling along the both sides of the jet. The thick cream carpet underneath my heels and mesmerizing chandelier lights above give the jet an ostentatious feel to it.
I walk through the cylindrical shaped vessel towards the back of the jet where I see to the one side is a table with a white linen cloth spread over it and two cream leather armchairs at either end. I walk towards the armchair furthest from us standing next to it and turning to see Edward unbuttoning his suit jacket. I take off my coat and George appears, ready to help me out of it. I hand it over and he smiles gesturing for me to take a seat. I sit down in the armchair and Edward sits in the opposite one, so that we're facing one another.
George disappears to the back and Geoff's voice is heard on the overhead speaker.
"Good Evening everyone, this is your Captain George speaking. Flight time to New York will be roughly 1 hour and 36 minutes. Please fasten your seat belts as I begin to taxi the jet to the runway"
With that the engine of the jet gentle rumbles softly beneath us and I look out the window to see Edward's car moving or rather us moving out of the large double doors and out the aircraft hangar onto the tarmac.
"I hope you don't have a fear of flying" Edward says as he finishes doing up his seat belt. I fasten mine leaning back in the soft leather armchair.
"It's a little too late for you to be asking me that now" I say thanking the stars above that I didn't eat before heading out tonight. Edward looks at me a little nervously "I'll be fine" I tell him as the jet moves steadily along the tarmac, then coming to a stop. Oh shit.
The engine thunders, rumbling the jet slightly as it launches forward, causing my stomach to slide backwards in slow motion. The force of speed making my body sink backwards slightly into the armchair. The front of the jet lifting up the front, the back gradually following making my stomach do crazy flips flop inside me. I close my eyes as we climb into the air I grip the arms of the chair tightly waiting for some kind of balance to be restored.
"Bella, you can open your eyes now" I hear Edward say to me after a while. I slowly open my eyes to see him looking across from me grinning like a Cheshire cat. I can't help but laugh at him and at what my face must have looked must have looked like during the take off. He unfastens his seat belt and leans forwards across the table his hands outstretched. I release my tight grip of the armchairs and wipe my sweaty hands on my dress placing them in Edwards and smiling at him.
George comes back out and starts setting the table placing plates and cutlery in front of us, offering a bottle of champagne which Edward pops open loudly; filling up two champagne glasses. He offers a glass to me and I sip it, loving the way the bubbles feel in my mouth. George leaves and we chat for a while. I can't help but ask Edward about the jet. It's belongs to his family, a Gulfstream G550 also known as a G5, it can carry up to 18 people and sleeps 8.
George brings out a cart, placing Mushroom Soufflé in front of us. How he managed to keep it from deflating is a skill in itself.
The Soufflé was brilliant and I finished every bite, eager to see what he was bringing out for our main. Edward and I chat easily with each other the conversation flowing as easily as it did last night on the phone.
I was incredibly interested to hear about his charity work and the way he talks so fondly about the activities his involved in within the community and how giving back has always been extremely important to him and his family, makes me feel a little bad for about doubting his intentions, but then again he really didn't leave me much choice. But seeing Edward like this relaxed and in his element makes me feel so happy and relaxed also. I realize now that Edward is a multi-layered individual where there is a lot more than meets the eye and I actually look forward to getting to know him better. George takes our plates away replacing them it Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagus all beautifully presented. I dive in, the Filet Mignon being cooked to absolute perfection.
Never in a million years would I have ever dreamed that I'd be sat here across from this remarkable man, flying 15,000 feet in the air, sipping champagne and eating Filet Mignon. I laugh out loud at the position I find myself in.
"What so funny?" Edward ask smiling over at me his emerald eyes twinkling in the light of the chandelier
"This" I say motioning all around me "it all just so… breath-taking. I was just thinking to myself that this kind of stuff never happens. Well not to me at least"
"Well it should, because you Dr Swan are an extraordinary woman" he says leaning forward at me, dazzling me with his crooked smile. How is it possible that I get called Dr Swan on a daily basis yet when he says it, it sounds so seductive. Damn these champagne bubbles must be getting to me.
"Why thank you, Mr Cullen. You're not too bad yourself" I say with a smirk, looking straight into his eyes. I see him draw in a steady breath our gazes locked on each other, until George returns to take away our empty plates breaking the intense trance we were just in.
George disappears and returns quickly, laying what appears to be molten lava cake decorated with powdered sugar and strawberries in front of us each. By this point I am so incredibly full but this cake looks too damn delicious not to at least try it. I pick my dessert spoon breaking into the soft spongy middle watching the warm dark liquid Belgian chocolate escape. I scoop a large amount onto the spoon and put into my mouth. Some of liquid spilling from the spoon and dribbling down my chin. I reach for my napkin to wipe it of when Edward calls over suddenly
"Allow me..."
I hadn't notice that he'd been watching me this entire time not even touching any of his dessert. He stands up stepping over towards me and crouching down beside me. He softly reaches up turning my face towards him and with thumb swipes my chin. Looking straight into my eyes he removes his hand from my face and puts his thumb in his mouth sucking off the chocolate from it. I swallow loudly as that has to be the single most sexiest thing I have ever witnessed a man do. My body is suddenly overwhelmed with sensations in areas that I'd never think I would feel. In this moment I have never felt such longing and want to be touch by someone…intimately. I think he may have just turned me on.
A clash from the back of the jet snaps us both out of it and I turn my face tucking back into my cake. Edward stands up and sits back in his seat and begins eating his dessert.
"This dessert is fabulous" I say after a short while, breaking the silence that has surrounds us.
"Yes, I've recently become quite addicted to all things chocolate" he says smoothly the double meaning not being lost on me.
"Is that so?" I say coyly
"Indeed, Dr Swan" his voice pure silk
"Well Mr Cullen" I say leaning forward into the table "I've heard that just that first taste can get any man hooked" I see him visibly swallow and pull at the front of his collar styling it out by flattening his tie
"I happen to have heard the same thing Dr Swan, and I'm slowly starting to find myself having quite the…appetite" he says his voice growing deeper as he looks into my eyes imploringly. I pick up my glass of champagne sipping on it carefully my eyes never leaving his.
"As long as you can eat it in moderation, Mr Cullen I can't see there being a problem" I say leaning back in my seat and smiling over at him shamelessly. His eyes widen slightly and he takes in a deep breath blowing it out of his mouth with a quiet 'whoosh' his expression almost ravenous. He raises his glass of champagne inclining it towards me.
"Touché, Dr Swan"
We finish our cake and George returns to collect our plates and clear the table and I thank him for such an exquisite meal, he bows his head at me and once everything has been cleared away he returns to the back of the jet. The pilot speaks again over the speaker announcing that we should prepare for landing. I fasten my seat belt, feeling a tiny bit tipsy from the champagne. I feel the jet drop slightly as we begin to decline to the ground. Looking out the window I see the bright lights of New York below us and I feel myself getting excited, knowing that there is still more time to be spent with Edward.
Gradually the jet lands hitting the tarmac with a little bump, the jet keeps moving along the ground finally coming to a complete stop. We unfasten our seat belts and Edward heads to the front of the jet to have a quick chat with the pilot. George brings out my coat and kindly helps me into it. I do up the buttons as Edward reappears walking down the jet towards me, he peers out the window and takes my hand walking back up to the door. As our fingers entwine and I can't help but feel ecstatic and positively elated. Edward turns back to look at me and I beam at him making him smile widely at me. He presses a button on the wall of the jet and the door opens up unfolding the stairs and banister.
A black limousine is waiting at the foot of the stairs and Edward gestures for me to go first. I climb down the stairs trying to make it look effortless and wait at the bottom for Edward. I wrap my arms around myself the biting New York temperature hitting me like a bucket of ice water. Edward climbs down the last step, heading over to the limo door and opening it for me.
"Your chariot, Dr Swan."
What a date? He's definitely pulling out all the stops for her now. Please leave a review and let me know what you think.
P.S I would like to mention that I am still on the look out for a very good critical beta as my chapters seem to be getting increasingly longer it's really important that I find someone who will be able to proof read my chapters before I post them up. If you know anyone please PM with their details as nothing irks me more that re-reading my posted chapters and noticing massive spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Thanks xxxx