So, we've started a new journey. I do have a blog for this story. A link for the blog is on my profile. On the blog, there will be picture teasers, teasers and pervy picture teasers. This story is going to be quite steamy and it's pre-written.
I also forgot to thank my beta, Sally, for magical red pen and making sure that the commas and such were in the right spot. You are amazing. Thank you for suggestions and guidance! ;-)
Now, onto the story …
Chapter Six
The month off passed more quickly than Bella anticipated. She was preparing to go back to work at the Seattle office of Volturi and Volturi. Edward and Garrett had the keys to the house and permission from the home owner's association to do the necessary work without Bella being there. Her hand was still wrapped and stitched, so getting ready was a challenge, but somehow, Bella managed to look like the pulled-together attorney she was.
Her first day back at work was fairly easy. Bella got her keys to her new office, swipe card, login access to the intranet, and was given time to unpack her belongings. She was nearly finished when Marcus came into her new office. It was larger than her office in Chicago. The view was amazing, overlooking the Space Needle and Puget Sound. "Are you settled in?" Marcus asked.
"Just about," Bella nodded. "If only my new house was as easily set up as this office."
"Did your contractor give you a timeline for when you can move in?" Marcus questioned, sitting down in one of the chairs, folding his legs in front of him.
"Hopefully, in the next few months. There was a backorder on the countertops I chose and some substantial water damage to all the bathrooms that needed to be fixed before the renovations could truly begin," Bella explained. "I'm happy with what they've done so far."
"Who are you using?"
"Edward Masen and Garrett Keyes," Bella replied. "My best friend, Essie, suggested them to me. They're younger, but they really captured my style. It's warm and homey, but sleek and elegant at the same time."
"My daughter used them to renovate her condo in Olympia. They're really good and affordable, too," Marcus smiled. "I'm really glad you're here, Bella. We've already got a lot of cases that will need your tender care, but they can wait until tomorrow. Once you're done, you can go. I'll be nice and wait before I inundate you with mounds of paperwork."
Bella liked her new boss. He was in his mid-fifties and had a very dry sense of humor. Aro had adopted a father-like role in her life, but Marcus had more of Charlie's mannerisms. "You're a giver, Marcus."
"I do try," he laughed. "Oh and when you're more settled, my wife and I would like you to come over for dinner. I may be your boss, but I want to be your friend, too. I know you don't have much family and you only know Essie."
"I'd like that, Marcus. Just let me know when. I'll bring the wine."
Marcus smiled warmly before leaving. Bella left shortly after that, deciding to go to the house. Changing into some comfortable clothes, she picked up pizza for the crew, wanting to feed them since the kitchen was a hot mess. There was a fridge in the garage, but there was no microwave. Parking on the street, behind Garrett's Jeep, Bella balanced the three large pizzas and garlic bread over her shoulder. Slipping inside the house, she placed the pizzas on the makeshift table in the dining room. Two sawhorses and a piece of plywood acted as a spot for the blueprints, designs, and snacks. "Hello?" Bella called, walking into her home. She heard the sounds of banging and such, so she knew a crew was here.
Walking up the stairs, she found a crew in the oyster bathroom. They waved at her. "There's pizza downstairs if you want it," Bella explained. The crew thanked her and went back to their tasks, wanting to get to a good stopping point before stuffing their faces. "Are Garrett and Edward here?" she asked before leaving the bathroom.
"Garrett is. He's upstairs working on the master suite. Edward is making a supply run, Ms. Swan," answered one of the younger guys, Seth.
"Thanks, Seth," Bella said, leaving the bathroom. Walking up the stairs, she found Garrett installing the chandelier that would hang over the tub. "Wow! It looks better than what I saw in the catalogue."
"I was hesitant, but seeing it up, it adds to the space," Garrett said, climbing down the ladder. "If you're looking for Edward, he's picking up some more screws, insulation, and bathroom fixtures. The ones that were delivered didn't have a key component: the hose to connect it to the water."
"Oh, oops," Bella giggled. "I'm starting to see it come together. Granted, it's still very rough, but I can't wait to see the finished product."
"Me neither, Bella. This house is amazing. If it's possible, could I take pictures once you've moved in and post them on our website?" Garrett asked. "This, I have a feeling, is our best work to date."
"Of course, Garrett. And I know I've been a pain in the ass with the decision-making and shopping …" Bella trailed off.
"No, you haven't. Initially, I was hesitant to allow you that much leeway, but after working with you and knowing your story, you've been the most easy-going, fun client we've had ever," Garrett said, sitting down on the rungs of the ladder. "Hell, I'd hang out with you even if you weren't paying us."
"I'll take that as a compliment, Garrett," Bella snickered, giving him a wry look.
"You should. Most clients, we can't wait to be rid of. But you? Edward and I both feel kind of protective of you. You're out here on your own." Garrett blushed, biting his lip. What the hell am I saying? Just go with it, Garrett. "If you ever need anything, call either one of us and we'd be willing to come over."
"What about your girlfriends?" Bella asked, looking at Garrett with her deep brown eyes. He gulped, feeling his dusty jeans tighten as the power of her innocent gaze hit him like a freight train. She was so gorgeous, in an innocent, sweet sort of way. Long mahogany hair that was slightly curly, hanging to her mid-back, porcelain skin, and ruby red lips that Garrett pictured around his cock.
Now, that's more like it, perv boy.
"No girlfriends," Garrett whispered.
Bella smiled coyly, looking at the tall man. His blue eyes were flecked with green, and his cropped light brown hair was covered in sawdust. She could tell his body was muscular due to the work he did, and she found him rough, dirty, and very sexy. Garrett looked like he was dominant in the bedroom, taking what he wanted without any recourse. He was the opposite of Edward, really. Edward was still muscular, but his muscles were leaner, more akin to a runner. Edward was slightly taller with longer, disheveled bronze hair. Edward's eyes were the color of jade with golden hazel flecks. Edward was the lover in her fantasies, professing his undying devotion as he made love to her. Shaking off her fantasies, Bella sighed, looking at Garrett once more. "Good to know."
A/N: Now some Bella and Garrett flirting … Please leave me some! Pictures of Bella's office, and her view are on my blog. Link for that is on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and twitter: tufano79. I'll see you on Wednesday! ;-)