The food tastes amazing, but the company is better as we sit on his deck and enjoy our meal. He asks me more about my schooling, and I lose myself telling him the plans I'd made. I was going to apply to the FBI Academy. I was going to make a difference and catch the worst murderers. I was going to understand what makes them tick and prevent other deaths.
I was going to be a hero.
"It's all out the window now." I sigh, lifting my glass of water. "I think I'd have been good, though. Like … leave a mark on this world kind of good."
He smiles sadly, nodding. "You would have been, but you never know what the future holds. While the FBI may be out of your grasp with a new heart, maybe a small police department isn't. You do know the town chief at least."
I laugh, shaking my head. "I think Emmett would threaten him to keep that from happening. If I do get a heart, I suppose I'll probably just keep baking. Maybe get some formal training and possibly take over for Ms. Sue. But that's a big if."
"No, it's not. I'm getting you a heart, Bella. The ICD already puts you higher on the list. There are all kinds of reasons that you could be chosen before someone else."
"And them chosen before me."
He sighs. "I suppose that's true, but I'm going to fight for you."
I cock my head and finally ask the question I've been wondering. "Why? I mean, you barely know me."
"I know enough to know that this world needs you in it. You're special, beautiful. From the moment I laid eyes on you when we boarded our plane in Seattle, I knew it."
I don't miss the change in nicknames whatsoever, but I like this one more—especially coming from his lips.
I bite my lip and decide to throw caution to the wind. "You said our coffee date would have led to dinner. What would have come after that? You know, if you weren't my doctor or my brother's friend."
He smirks. "It would have probably led to something inappropriate, to be quite honest. Should we really get into it?"
I nod, swallowing thickly. "I wouldn't mind something inappropriate, you know."
Usually, I need to be drunk to be so bold, but I want him. I want to know what he feels like and how he tastes. I want to throw the rules out the window, and from how he looks at me, I think he wants the same thing.
He pushes out of his chair, and I almost fall out of mine to meet him around the table. I throw my arms around his neck, and he lifts me up, pressing his lips to mine desperately. I wrap my legs around him and pull myself higher, moving my lips against his as he walks us back inside. He nearly throws me onto the couch, and I eagerly watch as he pulls his shirts off, showing off more tattoos and well-toned abs as he lowers himself above me.
He nips at my ear and says, "Tell me to stop."
I shake my head, grabbing his face and pressing our lips back together before our tongues entwine. "Not happening," I whisper as he pulls back and goes for my neck.
My hands explore his body, and I moan as he peppers my skin with kisses. I need more, though, and lift my leg, rubbing between his. He hisses, and it's beautiful.
"Are you sure?" he asks, pulling back.
I pull him back down. "Absolutely. I need you, Edward."
He's suddenly gentler, slowly pulling my hoodie and tank top off before unbuttoning my jeans. I go for his, and he shimmies them down as I do. When the tips of his fingers graze between my legs, I nearly lose it.
We fool around like teenagers, making out as we come with our hands. It's not all I want, but it's everything I need. He's an orgasm god, making me come three times before I can return the favor. I can't stop tasting his lips and fall into bliss with him as he lies beside me, pressed close on the couch.
We're both panting, so at least, it isn't like my heart is acting up. It flutters in the best way as he smiles at me.
"That … was not my plan." He laughs softly, bringing his hand to my cheek and caressing it. "You're gorgeous. A fucking dream, beautiful girl."
"You're not so bad yourself," I tease.
He's fucking incredible.
Literally.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
Thank you all so much for reading!
