Under My Nose

by gabby1017

Edward Cullen turns thirty in six months and wants to leave the dating scene to find his "Miss Right". Leaving his restaurant behind, he drives a carriage in the French Quarter of New Orleans searching for true love. Who is it? And will he know, when he finds her? Or will she be right under his nose?

14. Chapter 14

Under My Nose

Bella Swan needs a change in pace, a slower groove to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer her. She moves from the Big Apple to the Big Easy, from subways to streetcars, from nouveau chic to historically quaint, from a large Manhattan apartment near Park Avenue to a shotgun house with her eccentric aunt, in Mid City and off Canal Street. She's ready for love, commitment and that happily ever after, but does she have the patience to wait out her heart's desire? It's frustrating to be right, "under his nose".

A/N: Recipes at the end.

Chapter Fourteen:

BPOV: January 3

As I close the door, I lean up against it and slide down the frame. I hear the startup of Edward's roaring engine, and as he turns the corner onto Canal Street, I hear the fade of the Harley's rumble in the distance. He couldn't get out of here fast enough.

I'm too numb to cry, although I ache all over from our 'disagreement'.

A man who doesn't know what he wants, and doesn't know that love is a walking heartbreak; a disaster waiting to happen.

I think I'll bake.

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Hours later, three batches of chocolate chip cookies, two pans of brownies and a chocolate, cherry, pineapple upside down cake make the house smell delicious. And I can't eat a thing.

I lay on my bed, in the dark, looking up at nothing. If I have the light on, I will see penises and I'll think of Edward. Yeah, I still have him on my mind.

The front door opens, and I can hear Aunt Sally with Richard coming into the house. Rooms become lit. "Bella, are you home?"

Silence.

I hear her whisper to Richard rather loudly. "She's been baking. She's either bored or upset." She shouts again, "Bella?"

I wistfully moan, "I'm here."

My light goes on; my arms go up to shield my eyes, the bed bounces, and Aunt Sally wraps herself around me.

"Oh, JujuBee, are you alright?" She whispers into my ear, holding me tight, nuzzling her head into the crick of my neck, breathing heavily on my skin and moaning; 'It's alright. It's alright, my little JujuBee'.

I sigh. "I'm fine, you nut job. Would you lplease unwrap yourself from me, I'm suffocating."

Richard walks past my room. "Hey Richard."

"I was trying to sneak by and give you two a girly moment." He smiles apologetically. He has some great teeth.

"No, no, that's fine. I'd actually like to pick your man brain." I sit up taking Aunt Sally and her death grip with me.

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Aunt Sally, Richard and I sit at the dining room table surrounded by a feast of sweets. With a cup of hot tea in hand, I watch my aunt stuff another brownie into her mouth as Richard stares in utter amazement and joy. He turns to look at me and defends her, "They are rather good, Bella."

I shoot him a grin and ramble, "I would think after her sixth one, they are!"

"She does have a chocolate thing," he defends again and takes a long sip of his coffee.

Aunt Sally looks at the both of us. "I am right here, you know." She swallows down a bite. "I eat when I'm upset."

"What are you upset about?" I ask.

She reaches out and grabs my hand and dramatically pines, "Oh JujuBee, I'm upset about you and Edward."

I quip, "There is no me and Edward."

"There could be," she spits out. "He basically professed his love for you."

I ignore her and look at Richard. "He professed nothing. Where in all that I explained that Edward said he loved me?"

Richard puts his cup down and clears his throat. "Bella, that boy does have eyes for you."

I grumble, "I'm a 'filler', until he gets his act together."

Aunt Sally whines, "Why would you say that?"

I glare at her. "I say that, because it's the truth. Pretty boys think I'm cute, funny and entertaining," I huff. "And when something better comes along, they leave." I cross my arms over my chest and sing, "Been there, done that."

"How did you get so cynical, JujuBee? Just because that Mark whatever-his-name-was bolted like a jack rabbit doesn't mean Edward is like that!" she scolds and grabs for another brownie.

I sigh. "No, it's not that. I just find that good looking men want supermodel partners."

Richard adds, "Bella, you are a beautiful girl."

I smile at him. Ah, Dick, you are a sweet man. "Richard, I know that, but most men don't. I'm not wasting my time on a clueless fool."

"How can you say that? He told you he couldn't stop thinking about you. Apparently, he gets something!" Aunt Sally rants. "Who's the clueless one? I don't know, but when a man kisses me …" She smiles broadly at Richard. "And gets a hard-on, I'd say he's attracted and wants me."

I rant back, "Aunt Sally, it doesn't take a male dog a second to get a hard-on. Men are animals." I turn to Richard. "No offense."

He smiles at me. "None taken."

"He's never been in love, or in a committed relationship, Aunt Sally!" I grab a brownie, pick at it and throw it on my empty plate.

She scolds me, "Don't waste that! I don't understand you, I really don't. You were both getting along famously, until you shaved him. Well, after you shaved him …" She giggles. "You both had a pretty intense kiss. What made you decide to run like a scared little girl?"

"That's the kettle calling the pot black!" I snap.

"You mean, the pot calling the kettle black?" I get the eyebrow raise. I shoot her a 'whatever'. "I know I ran away from Richard at first, but he came and got me." They both smile at one another.

'Whatever! He's pretty' and pick up the brownie and take a nibble.

"It's the first time in twenty-seven years I want to smack you silly!" She's on the verge of tears and takes a slow breath. "Bella, didn't his friend, Alice, tell you to not to give up on him, and that he hasn't been dating? Yeah, I do pay attention when you talk with me."

"It doesn't mean he wants a relationship." I shoot at her.

"But does it mean he doesn't?" She shoots back.

"I think, if you don't mind me saying…" Richard timidly pleads with me.

I nod. "Go ahead."

"You need to talk with him. Nothing gets solved by backing away and not discussing the issue. Communication is important in a relationship." He reaches over, pats my hand and stands. "I've got to get going, but please think about what I said." He kisses Aunt Sally on the head. "I'll be back later."

Aunt Sally grabs his hand and kisses it. "I'll heat the oil."

I disgustingly groan, "TMI!"

"He's going to go workout. I massage his back after," she explains. "For God sake, get your mind out of the gutter, young lady!"

I shrug. "Sorry." As I roll my eyes.

"Now, get yourself all prettied up and go see him!" Richard shakes a finger at me.

I bite the inside of my cheek.

Aunt Sally orders, "Don't just sit there. Go!"

I start to pick up the plates.

"Go, I'll take care of that!" She gives me a smirk. "And take him some cookies and brownies!"

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The streetcar seems to slowly creep its way down Canal Street. I think I could run faster, or maybe it's the fact that I can't get to the French Quarter fast enough.

When I do finally get there, I see no Edward, no carriage or Julia. Garrett is out on a ride. I ask the other drivers and they haven't seen him either. I don't know where to look and I'm too proud to call him.

After walking around the square a few times, I look at my phone and it's a little past ten. It's bitter cold and I breathe the freezing air through my lungs. I deserve the burn, but bundle myself up with a scarf around my head and shoulders. Aunt Sally wouldn't allow me out of the house without it, and the matching gloves. I'm glad she insisted.

Slowly, I make my way to the fence on the Square and sit on the stone edge and lean back into the wrought iron, trying to talk myself into calling Edward.

I look at the few carriage drivers in line, waiting for customers and long for Julia; Edward.

With my eyes closed, I don't hear anyone approach me. The wind rears up a strong howl and I think I hear my name. I look up into the saddest green eyes on the most handsome face I have ever seen.

"Hey." He barely gets out.

"Hey," I squeak. I clear my throat. "You're not working."

"No, my heart wasn't in it." He gestures to sit and I nod.

"You're not working, either?" He sits next to me ... very close. "I looked for you at Cafe du Monde."

"Someone screwed up the schedule, but my heart wasn't in it." I shrug and give him a coy smile.

We both speak our names and, being the gentleman, Edward allows me to speak first.

"I owe you an apology." I humph. "You've been nothing but nice to me."

"Bella, stop." He takes both of my hands in his.

I'm afraid to look at him, so I do a side glance. "Edward, I was unfair." I mumble, "I'm sorry."

"No, you were right. I don't have a fucking clue about what to do. I've never had a steady girlfriend. I've never felt obsessed over a woman. I'm usually repelled by the attention. I've never wanted to spend time with anyone … other than you."

I try to speak, but he stops me. "Bella, I went to the stables and Julia backed away from me." He shakes his head. "She usually listens to my ramblings. I mentioned your name, and she pushed me with her head. She didn't want me around with the mood I was in, so I went to Alice and Jasper's. Alice kicked my fucking ass. They both told me to grow a fucking set and level with you." He rubs the tops of my knuckles and lifts them to his mouth for a light kiss.

My mouth drops open as I watch him kiss my hands. God, I hope I don't drool on him.

He looks up at me through his long, dark lashes. My mouth still hangs open and he closes it with his index finger.

I shake my head and giggle. "It's too cold for flies."

And he smiles. I can hear angel voices breaking into a high note and a halo spreading over his head. Now, if he sprouts wings, I am in serious trouble.

With his index finger still on my chin, he draws my head up and very gently kisses my lips. "I'd like to continue what I started in the bathroom."

He pecks me a few times, and then goes in for the kill. Oh my God, I hear the whole freaking choir.

Edward runs his hands through my hair. One hand wraps around the back of my neck, while the other caresses my jaw. "Don't run from me, Bella." Kiss. "I will chase you." Kiss. He looks me straight in the eyes. "I'm really going to kiss you, now." He smiles. "Can I?"

I nod. I have no ability for speech or thought.

He captures my bottom lip in a small bite and then his mouth full on mine, and the angels burst into song, fireworks explode overhead, and I remember I have cookies in my purse. What? You don't think of food at a time like this?'

He still kisses me, as I speak between pecks, "I brought you cookies and brownies."

He groans. "Why are you always trying to feed me?" He rests his forehead on mine, and I get a wisp of a kiss on my nose.

A little smart Alec plays with me, and I taunt him. "Haven't you heard the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

He smiles playfully. "I have heard that. And speaking of food, I need to take you somewhere." He stands and reaches his hand out to mine. "C'mon, let's go."

I whine, "Hmm, already you're getting bossy. Where are we going?"

He leads me to the parking lot, holding my hand. We see Garrett riding back into the mule line with a full carriage. We wave and he tips his hat with a huge smile.

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At this hour, traffic is minimal, and we practically make every green light. Edward pulls into a small parking lot and slowly heads toward a wide, back door with a ramp. He revs his engine and the Harley roars. Within seconds, Jasper opens the door and we ride into an alcove.

I hop off of the bike with Jasper's help and he crushes me into a tight hug and whispers into my ear, "It's good to see you."

Once I let go and straighten out my jacket, I awkwardly mutter a 'thanks'.

Edward once again grabs for my hand and we enter through a restaurant kitchen. My eyes flitter around the spanking clean, stainless steel surroundings. Yeah, I know my way around a place like this.

We pass through stainless steel, swing doors into a warm, inviting, dining room area. I stop, let go of Edward's hand and take it all in.

In the corner is a small, baby grand piano. I walk over and lightly touch the keys. I look up at Edward, as he watches me with a curious expression.

I walk around the piano. "Nice place."

Jasper whispers to Edward, patting him on the shoulder before giving me a small wave and then exiting the room.

Edward walks to the piano and sits at the bench and tickles the ivories with "Moonlight Sonata".

I lean on the piano and watch his fingers nimbly move from one key to the next. He softens his touch, as he speaks, "I used to love to play, but this is the first time in months that I wanted to play for someone." I curiously listen. "This is my restaurant, Bella." He watches me intently. "I am a chef."

I bite the inside of my cheek and Edward leans up to pinch my teeth clear. "You're going to chew your face off from the inside."

I don't say anything. I just watch him sit back down and play 'Hey Jude'. Then, he sings:

"Hey Jude, don't be afraid

You were made to go out and get her

The minute you let her under your skin

Then you begin to make it better."

He fades off and looks up at me. "My apartment is upstairs; would you like to see it?"

I nod.

It's not easy to talk while processing the restaurant, the chef and 'Hey Jude'.

Edward stands and pushes the bench back, reaches for my hand and I follow him through the kitchen, back into the alcove and up a flight of stairs.

He pulls his keys out of his front pocket, unlocks the door and gestures for me to walk in first.

I stand to one side as he turns on a light. Again, I scope out my surroundings; highly male and full of testosterone. He has a huge flat screen. I smile.

Edward watches and questions me, "What?"

I point to the flat screen. "Bet you watch a lot of sports on that thing!"

With a low chuckle, he grins. "Yeah, I guess I do."

He takes my jacket and hangs it on the hall tree with his. Offers me a glass of wine and asks if I'm hungry.

We both carry a goblet of wine as I get the grand tour. When we walk into Edward's bedroom, I take in his bed. "It's pretty big."

He stands next to me. "I'm a tall guy."

I look up at him. "Hmm, you are."

"I want to show you something."

My mind goes in many directions as to what he wants to show me, but he guides me through a small hallway, and flips on the light.

I just stare.

Seems as if it's a night of silence for me; so much to absorb. Yet, after seeing this shower, I think I've dummied up completely.

Edward bears his soul; letting me in, opening his life, his work and his home.

We stand in his shower, as he points out all the gadgets and functions. His exuberance over a light fixture and overhead jets overwhelms with guilt. And before I realize what I am doing, I quickly blurt out, "I'm a pastry chef!"

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Well, a little disagreement lead to confessions. Now, let's see what Edward thinks about Bella's little admission in chapter 15.

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A/N: Thank you to my Beta, Sunflower Fran. I appreciate her time, her proper grammar and quick pen. Another great find by PAD!

To Robseve and Postapocalypticdepository (PAD), my pre-readers that give their unselfish time and creative input. Both of these ladies are inspirations and true friends.

Now, let me rec Postapocalypticdepository stories, since she so graciously rec'd mine.

Never Judge by the Cover: 9056924

Boys Will Be: 8868006

Rude Awakenings: 8876785

It's a New Dawn, It's a New Year: 8862243 (complete)

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And thank you to all the readers, whether you review or not. I enjoy every comment and suggestion. Yes, NOLA (New Orleans, LA) is an exciting place to live. And to combine the old world with the new is a challenge, but the humor is quite a serious business. My objective is for all of you to smile, after each chapter.

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Recipes

Chocolate chip cookies

1 Cup butter flavored Crisco

¾ Cup brown sugar, packed into cup

¾ Cup granulated sugar

2 Tablespoon Nutella

2 eggs, beaten

1 Cup nuts

1 large bag chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Cream shortening with sugars. Add eggs, Nutella & blend. Add vanilla, nuts & chips. Blend together with all dry ingredients. Drop onto cookie sheet; greased or lined with parchment paper . Bake at 350 F about 15 mins. Still very soft for chewy. If you want them harder, bake for 20 mins.

yield: 4 dozen small cookies

Brownies

¾ Cup sifted all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 squares (2 oz.) unsweetened chocolate

⅓ Cup shortening

1 Cup sugar

2 eggs

½ Cup nuts (opt.)

Sift all dry ingredients. Melt chocolate and shortening over hot water and beat in sugar and eggs. Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

In a well-greased pan (8X8X2), spread mixture evenly. Bake at 350 F for 30-35 mins. yield: 16 2" squares.

Chocolate, Pineapple, Cherry Upside Down Cake

Basic chocolate cake:

2 Cups sifted cake flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ Cup butter

1 Cup sugar

2 eggs, separated

3 ounces chocolate squares (melted)

1 ¼ Cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ Cup brown sugar

¼ Cup Cocoa

Pineapple slices

Maraschino cherries

Milk chocolate chips

Sift all dry ingredients. Cream butter (gradually), until very smooth and add sugar, creaming until light and fluffy. Add beaten egg yolks. Nix. Add melted chocolate. Mix. Add milk alternately with dry ingredients. Beat until smooth with each addition. Beat for 2 full mins. or 300 in vanilla and stiff egg whites.

I 13 pan. line with parchment paper and spray with Pam spray.

Sprinkle brown sugar and cocoa on bottom of pan. Arrange pineapple, chocolate chips and cherries over sugar and cocoa. Pour in cake mixture.

Bake 375 30 - 40 mins. Let cool for a few minutes. Drop cake onto large platter.

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Next up: EPOV