So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?
Things are going to be slow-going for these two. Part of it is Edward wanting to do right by Bella. She'd been shattered by Jacob. She's leery of fighters and Edward wants to prove to her that not all fighters are assholes like her ex. The other part is that not all relationships jump right into the physical aspect. For me, I need to be emotionally attracted and intellectually attracted to a person before I can even begin to think about sleeping with them.
What I own: A new dog … a sweet little shih tzu named Bailey.
What I don't: Twilight
Chapter Thirty
As she was tucking her phone back into her clutch, a small jazz combo began playing on the stage. Several couples went onto the dance floor, swaying to the music. Edward looked at her, giving her a shy grin. "Would you like to dance?"
Bella looked at him, blushing at his tender expression and sincerity in his gaze. With a bright smile, she took his proffered hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.
Holding Bella in Edward's arms was nothing short of a dream. Her body was soft, curvy, and warm, snuggled to him. Her hand was captured between his chest, just above his heart and his own hand. Her cheek pressed to his shoulder warmed him to his core while he brushed kisses to her forehead. Her other hand gripped his suit jacket like he was going to disappear. But, if he had his choice, he'd hold her like this for the rest of his life.
I love you, he thought as his arm tightened around her waist.
A soft click broke the spell as the ship's photographer snapped their picture. "So much love, affection, I couldn't not take the photo," he said. "How long have you been married?"
Bella blushed, biting her lip. Her heart gave a happy little twist at the mention of marriage, wanting it so much. But, the realization caused her brain to fritz.
"We're not married," Edward said. "At least, not yet."
Bella blinked up at him, shocked at how easily he said he'd wanted forever with her, despite their rocky beginning.
Edward moved his hand to cup her cheek, trailing his thumb down her pink cheek. She was lost to his loving, evergreen gaze. His eyes sparkled as he brushed his lips over hers tenderly. Both of them heard another click, but were too involved in their kiss. A quiet chuckle did pull them apart. "I'll have these photos for you by the end of the cruise."
"I want doubles," both of them whispered.
The photographer laughed, "That was a given. Enjoy the rest of the cruise and call me when you get married. I'd love to shoot your wedding." He reached into his pocket, handing Edward a card.
"Thanks for the photos, Peter," Edward read from the card, tucking it into his coat pocket.
The jazz combo played every romantic standard, encouraging the slow sway of couples in love. Edward took each moment to memorize the feel of Bella's curves, caressing her soft skin. It was singularly the most intimate moment he'd had with anyone, and they were fully dressed, surrounded by strangers. The warmth of her espresso gaze as they moved gracefully to the music ensnared him. He almost blurted out that he loved her when they docked, wanting her to know his true feelings, the depth of what he had for her.
Threading their fingers together, Bella and Edward practically floated off the boat. Peter was standing at a table with the souvenir photos printed out. With a sly grin, he handed Edward a thick envelope. "This is heavier than just a photo, Peter," Edward smirked.
"A gift," Peter replied. "Be happy and don't let go of each other. It's rare to see what you have as a couple." The light dimmed in the photographer's eyes. "I had it with my sweet Charlotte, but …"
"What happened?" Bella asked.
"She passed away five years ago. Ovarian cancer," Peter answered with a sad nod. "We thought we were pregnant, but instead it was a huge tumor. What should have been a happy time was the moment we discovered our love had an expiration date."
"I'm so sorry," Edward frowned. "Cancer sucks. My mom … she also died from cancer. It started in the breast but spread everywhere."
Bella's fingers weaved through his and she snuggled closer to him, wanting to give him comfort. She knew his mother died, but not how.
"Anyway, it's a gift. Seeing the two of you made me realize that … I can find someone as special as my Charlotte. Will it be her? No, but shutting myself away isn't the answer, either," Peter shrugged.
"Why not take the first step?" Bella suggested. "I know we just met, but my friend is having a party … Edward and I both work for Bull Dog MMA Fighting Club. He's a pro and I'm the general manager of the gym. One of our fighters is competing in a bout in Portland. We're watching the fight." She took out a card from her purse. She quickly jotted down some information. "This is the address. Rose puts on a big spread if she's not supporting her man ringside. I also included both of our numbers."
"I think I might come," Peter mused. "Thanks."
With a handshake with Edward and a brief hug to Bella, they left the dock and strolled to the parking garage. Sliding into the passenger seat, Edward handed her the envelope from Peter. She slid her finger under the flap, pulling out two sleek black picture frames. Inside each frame was a 5x7 photo of the two of them dancing. Bella's heart jumped, seeing how much emotion was flowing between them.
"Oh, wow," Edward whispered. "He really captured your beauty, Bella. I'm … beyond words."
"I was about to say the same thing about you, stud," she flirted, grinning at him coyly. "That jaw can cut glass." She reached over, brushing his hair off his forehead. "But, it's your beauty inside that makes you … amazing." Bella looked up into his eyes, seeing that same emotion in his evergreen gaze. It was heated and fiery, but beneath all that was something softer. Something loving. Did he love me? Bella asked herself. It was far too soon.
"Do you want to come back to my place?" Edward questioned, taking her hand, and kissing her palm. "It's closer than your house. I really want to hold you …"
"Just hold me?" Bella quipped.
His eyes darkened as he grinned crookedly. "Maybe some more, but I think we're ready for the next step," he said. "Trust me, I've taken so many cold showers because of my pervy brain. I want nothing more than to feel your soft skin under my palms, to taste every inch of you …"
"What's stopping you?" she asked.
He reached over, trailing a finger down her cheek. "You, gorgeous. Are you ready to make love?"
Biting her lip, she imagined what he'd described. She wanted it. However, she was paranoid that he'd betray like Jacob did. She heaved a sigh. "No. How did you get to be so smart?"
"Northwestern education, Bella," he snickered, sliding his arm around her waist. They walked away from the dock after saying goodbye to Peter. Edward opened the door for Bella and helped into the SUV. Driving back to his apartment, more of the music that had captured Bella's attention filled the car. She hummed along, idly tracing the veins on the back of Edward's hand that rested on her knee.
Arriving at his place, the sexual tension was palpable as they rode up the elevator to his penthouse apartment. Unlocking the door, Edward ushered her inside and slipped off his jacket.
"Interesting décor," Bella snickered. "I'd forgotten the rustic motif of this place."
"Yeah, I liked the layout, but décor leaves much to be desired," he said, walking to the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink? Wine? Water? Soda?"
"Some wine sounds good," Bella said, slipping off her pashmina and sitting down on the couch. "Are you looking for someplace more permanent? I know you signed a lease …"
"I've got time," Edward answered, finding a bottle of wine from one of his new sponsorships as a token of appreciation, along with brand new training gear and a slew of other freebies. "I hope you like merlot."
"I'm normally not a red wine drinker, but I do like merlot," she smiled, tucking her feet beneath her on the couch.
He poured two glasses of wine and strolled back to the living room. He placed the wine on the table, crouching in front of the fireplace. Opening the chimney, he turned on the fire. "It's not the real thing, but it looks pretty." He sat down next to her. "I use it to meditate … watching the flames dance around the fake wood."
"I have a fire pit. It's like this plus the authentic popping and crackle of a real fire," she said, sipping her wine. "Oooh, and the luscious scent of burning wood and leaves."
Edward slid his eyes over her, as he drank his wine, looking at her sexy, lounging form. Her legs were curled underneath her tight body, with just a glimpse of dark nail polish on her toes. "Next time, your place with your real fire, gorgeous." Her grin was infectious as she unfolded her legs, moving to straddle his lap. He chuckled, placing his hands on her waist. "Is this an invitation?"
"Yep. The cruise was prolonged foreplay," she purred, moving her fingers to his shirt, and idly unbuttoning the top few buttons. "Holding you, swaying to the music, the soft kisses? It made me yearn for more, baby."
"I agree," Edward murmured, trailing his fingers from her hips down to palming her ass. He pulled her closer to where their mouths were millimeters apart. "We may not be ready for sex, love, but I do want explore and play." He nipped at her lips, making her whimper.
"Edward," she moaned, tangling her fingers into his soft hair before crashing her lips to his. It didn't take long for their kiss to grow heated with Edward's shirt untucked and unbuttoned. Greedily, she caressed his muscular torso, needing to feel more of his skin. She felt him harden beneath her. Rolling her hips, her moan turned wanton as his length pressed against her center.
"Bella, baby … fuck, you feel so good," he growled against her mouth. "I want to continue this, but in my bed." He pulled back, staring at her. He knew his gaze was fiery, as was hers. "Hold on."
She grinned wickedly before sucking the skin on his neck as he stood up, easily picking her up. She latched her legs around his waist while he carried her to his bedroom. The room was dark, save for the moonlight shining in the window giving the simple room an elegant, ethereal glow.
Carefully, he lay her down on the bed, holding himself above her body in a plank. Bella didn't like that. She grabbed the lapels of his open shirt, pulling him down on top of her before shoving the shirt off his body.
Edward slid his hand up her leg, pushing her dress up. She arched her body while they kissed each other hungrily. Her dress loosened and she shimmied out of the top of it. Her black bra was sheer and sexy, leaving very little to the imagination. Her nipples pebbled underneath the lacy material. He stared at her heatedly. "Bella …"
She sat up, reaching behind her back and unclasping her bra. She went to lower the straps, but Edward slid them down her arms and reverently stared at her. Soundlessly, he dropped the bra onto the floor, maintaining his gaze on her face, searching, and memorizing her features. "Touch me, Edward," she whispered into the darkness.
"This feels like a dream," he breathed, tracing her jaw line. "I've imagined this … sharing this moment with you …"
"Me, too," she said, shifting to remove her dress completely, leaving her in a pair of matching panties. They also left little to the imagination. "Touch me … feel me …"
And he did.
A/N: I hated to do it, but I just didn't want to add a lemon. We'll get the snuggling and such in the next chapter, but I want to propel the story forward. The citrus wouldn't have done that. *Shrugs*
Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
Anyway, the next chapter will finally be the fight for Emmett and spending some time with our favorite gang, plus a new friend … Peter. Leave me your thoughts. Thank you for your patience and for reading.