The Fic Lab Prompt #17: I want to hear you beg for it.
I didn't think this day could get any worse. But as I stand outside the lab and see that Edward Cullen has reserved this time, I know he's the last person I want to deal with.
I had everything planned perfectly. I would get off work at the diner, quickly grab something to eat and still be able to make it to the lab for my reserved time. Today is the last lab day available to complete our experiments before we present our results next week.
But then Jessica called out sick and Mrs. Cope needed me to stay an extra hour until she could find a replacement. I knew that would be cutting it close, but Mrs. Cope has always been so accommodating with scheduling my work shifts around my classes that I couldn't say no the one time she needed me.
So I stayed until Angela showed up to take over Jessica's shift. I was cutting it close, but if I didn't stop to get food, I'd still have time left at the lab before my reserved hour ended. I'd have to finish the experiment in record time, but I was sure I could do it.
And then I got a flat tire on the way to the lab. I called the garage, but they couldn't get someone out to tow me for another 45 minutes. If I waited that long, my lab time would be over and I'd miss the chance to finish up my experiment. My entire semester grade depends upon finishing.
So I changed the tire myself. Thankfully, with the how-to videos all over YouTube, I was able to follow along on my phone. It was harder than they made it out to be, especially getting the lug nuts off, so it took me longer than I anticipated, but I finally got the tire replaced with the donut. I'd have to get a new tire this weekend. One more thing in my already overcrowded schedule and limited budget. I was already exhausted.
By the time I was finished, I had missed my lab time completely and my only hope was that whoever had booked the last hour of the day would let me share the lab with them. I couldn't imagine anyone being selfish enough not to, knowing how much of our grade was on the line with this project.
That was until I saw Edward Cullen's name on the sign up sheet outside the room. Of all of my classmates, why did it have to be him? Edward Cullen infuriates me like no man ever has before. He also excites me like no man ever has before. And that infuriates me even more.
Edward is a lethal combination of sexy and smart. I could ignore him if he was just good looking, which he most definitely is, but Edward is also insanely intelligent. His mind is the sexiest part about him. That's what pulls me in and has me fantasizing about him when I'm all alone.
But Edward is also the most arrogant guy I've ever met. I can't really say I blame him, what with his being that insanely good looking, insanely smart and insanely rich. I imagine growing up with that trifecta would make anyone arrogant. I don't want to contribute any more to his ego, so I refuse to let him know his effect on me.
I realize that Edward and I are in two separate leagues in most ways. But while I may not be as good looking or have as much money as Edward, I can compete in one attribute⦠like him, I am insanely intelligent.
I think that is why Edward and I butt heads so often. He and I are both chemistry majors and have shared many of the same classes over the past 3 years. We are always fighting for the first and second spots in each class. I don't think he's used to the competition and he resents me for it. How dare someone with nothing compete against someone like him, someone who has had all the privileges life has to offer.
But I am resilient and I work hard for what I want. I received a full scholarship for my education and I won't let this opportunity go to waste. So I just keep to myself, attend my classes, study hard and work hard. That's all I can afford to do right now.
I'm not going to let Edward Cullen prevent me from finishing my lab assignment. I refuse to be intimidated by him, so I gather my courage, and knock on the door.
Almost as soon as I do, Edward pulls the door open. He looks surprised to me, but then immediately gives me his signature smirk. The arrogance of this man! I wish I didn't find that smirk so sexy.
"Well, looky here, it's Bella Swan! What are you doing here during my lab hour? And what happened to you?" he says as his smirk turns into a full on grin.
"What do you mean?" I ask. I'm not sure why he's laughing at me, but he is.
"You're hair is all over the place and you have something on your face," he says as he moves closer to me, reaches with his hand and rubs his finger across my cheek. An unexpected jolt runs though my body at his touch and I inhale in a gasp. "I think it's grease," he frowns as he grabs for a paper towel to wipe the grease off his finger.
I'm mortified right now. I hadn't even thought to look in the mirror after I fixed my flat tire, I was so desperate to get to the lab. Of course I would look all disheveled in front of Edward Cullen. I wouldn't care if he wasn't so perfectly put together all the time and didn't pounce on any show of weakness.
"Oh, I had a flat tire. I must have gotten some grease on me when I changed it," I say quietly. I need to put my embarrassment aside and focus on with my reason for being here. "Listen, I know this is your time in the lab, but I missed my time due to the flat tire and I'm really hoping you'll let me share this lab time with you so I can finish my project. I'll stay out of your way, I promise."
Edward scrunches his face as though he has to really think about this. I can't believe he's making a show of this. I need his help desperately and he knows it. He wouldn't really say no, would he? He is so frustrating, but standing this close to him is making my heart beat faster and this thought makes me even madder.
Before he answers, Edwards moves even closer to me until we're practically touching. I feel his breath on my face and take in his clean manly scent. He leans over and seductively whispers into my ear, "What do you have to offer in return?"
I feel my breath stutter and my heart pound. I don't understand what is happening. Edward could have anyone he wants, I can't believe he'd want something from me. But the thought that he might makes me lightheaded and I can feel the heat creeping through my body.
"What do you mean, Edward?" I pant as I reply to him. "What could I possibly offer you?"
Edward stares directly into my eyes when he replies, his voice low and breathy. "I think you could offer me plenty, Bella."
As soon as those words are out of his mouth, he backs up a little, giving me room to breathe. "But for now, you need to use the lab and I want to hear you beg for it."
His last words are like cold water on my overheated body. Was he just playing me and I fell for it? He's just taken our rivalry to a whole new level. But I don't have any other choice in this moment and have to put that aside for now. My grade and my scholarship depend upon my finishing this project.
"You're an ass," I tell him with a smirk of my own. "But I have my scholarship to worry about, so sure, I'll beg you." I look directly into his eyes this time, put on my most seductive expression and say the words he wants to hear. "Please, Edward, will you please let me share this lab time with you? I'm begging you."
And because I'm feeling bold, I wink at him. I can tell I've surprised him as he looks down and lets out a breathy laugh, but then he opens the lab door wider.
"Come on in, Bella," he says, sexy smirk now firmly back in place.
Edward Cullen may have won this round, but now that I know the game, I'll be more prepared next time. I can't wait for round two.
AN: I was trying to see if I could write sexual tension with this one. I'm not sure how well I did, though. Feel free to let me know in a review.
