As we walked up the stairs and onto the porch, I couldn't help but gape at the sights before me. From my spot on the porch, I could see part of the property.
A massive building sitting between both homes, along with what seemed to be a greenhouse, gazebo. Along the property line, the massive lake. A small lakehouse, along with a pier on the waterfront, large enough to have an opened sunroom.
"What is that building?" I asked curiously, pointing at it.
He turned to look at where I was pointing before turning to look at me. "That's a pool and spa. There's a spa, an arcade on the other side of the building, and a kitchen, I think… That other building over there is lakehouse, and that is a sunroom, my mother uses it for her projects." He told me, flatly.
"You have a pool and a lakehouse?" I asked in disbelief, "You must be one of the luckiest people that I know. Can I go see them?" I asked, unable to hide my excitement, as I bounced on the balls of my feet to get a better look.
"We are sort of running low on time, so no. Maybe some other time." He tells me before turning to go into the house.
I stare at him for a second before trudging after him, with a scowl on my face.
"This is it." He sighs as he opens the door and gestures for me to go inside the house.
I felt my jaw drop as I saw the floor level for the house.
It had an open-floor layout. The color scheme sticks to neutrals. And the furniture was beige, yet the floors were made of dark wood. There were small plants in the corners of the rooms systematically. I was in love with the entire astethic of this room, and it made me want to work harder so that I could one day have a home like this.
"It's amazing. This doesn't seem like something you'd like, though." I told him as he led me to the dining room.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked me, offended.
"This house is very warm and welcoming and seems homey. Nothing like you. Quite the opposite, actually. You're cold, rude sometimes, and unfriendly." I state as I gesture towards the vase on the table with a raised brow.
He sighed, "My mom likes to bring flowers here. That's not my doing." He replies, defensively as he takes his glasses off. "Would you like some coffee or something else to drink?" He asked, changing the subject, clearly uncomfortable now.
"Sure. Do you have hazelnut creamer?" I asked politely.
He nodded stiffly as he made his.
I stared after him, "What about pumpkin spice?" I asked, trailing behind him, trying to keep an expressionless face as I gave him an innocent look, in case he turned to look at me.
He sighed as he made his way down the hall and into the kitchen, "It's not the end of the year, so no, I do not." He finally replies.
I sighed, "It's September. There should be some." I pointed out.
He ignored me as he went to the expensive looking machine and put a coffee pod in. "How old are you?" He finally asked.
"Have you not investigated everything about me since before we signed the contract?" I asked, sarcastically.
He ignored me, sliding the mug of coffee towards me as he turned to pull out a thin pitcher. "Do you have siblings?" He asked.
I shook my head, "Nope. Do you?" I asked curiously.
He looked away, "No. Mother? Or father?" He continued, with an unfathomable expression on his face, shoulders tense.
"No. You?" I asked.
He got a curious look on his face, nodding slightly before he tilted his head. "What happened to your parents?" I looked away, swallowing hard as I pushed down my emotions, "That's none of your business." I replied tensely.
"Alright. Do you have a boyfriend?" He asked as his face grew solemnly.
I shrugged indifferently, "Not currently. We broke up about three years ago. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to understand the concept despite him already being married. You saw it the other day." I reminded, "Any more questions?" I asked tensely.
He nodded, "Do you live by yourself?"
I sighed, setting the mug down on the counter as I looked up at him. "No, I live with my aunt Nat, and one of my best friends." I informed him.
"Who raised you?" He finally asked as he prepared his own coffee.
"My aunt. Actually, my aunt wants you to come over tonight for dinner." I told him amused.
He shook his head immediately, "Tell her I'm busy." He immediately said, looking away.
I narrowed my eyes at him before I shook my head and gave him a sweet smile, "What could possibly be more important than spending time with your fiance?" I retorted.
He gave me a scathing look as he continued to prepare his coffee as if I hadn't spoken at all.
"Hey, don't do that, you'll get me in trouble. How the hell am I supposed to make this shit believable if you keep rebuffing my attempts to project a certain image of you. Stop being such an ass, and suck it up. You wanted this, so help me do this. Otherwise, terminate the contract, and let's move on. Because your moods are giving me whiplash and a headache. And if you don't stip with the fucking attitude I am going to do something we'll both regret." I replied tensely.
He sighed as he made his way around the breakfast counter, "Maybe I can go in for some coffee." He conceded.
I shook my head at him, "She's cooking a feast for us, so you need to stay for all of it." I stated. "She's making some pasta from scratch, and a few other dishes, you'll like it." I promised him.
He gave me a look, "Do any of those dishes include pork, because I don't eat anything with grease in it or anything that raises the cholesterol." He told me, firmly.
I smiled sweetly at him, "Then may I suggest you suck a lemon, you're coming." I replied in the same tone.
He sighed, "Right." He mumbled in defeat as we both turned to finish the rest of our coffee.
My hand hurt from the effort I was making to not smack him upside the head for being such an ass.
I ignored the looks he was throwing my way as I drank my coffee, and turned to stare blankly out the massive windows on the side of his house.
"Do you want to take a walk and see some of the property?" He suddenly asked me.
I tried not to show my excitement at the aspect before I shrugged in response, "Yeah, I do." I replied immediately as I turned and made my way back outside, feeling his stare as I made my way outside.
Edward's POV:
I watched her practically skip towards the door, as she made her way out of my house.
A small smile grazing my lips as I shook my head, and set the mug down, following after her.
That's when I noticed what she was wearing for the first time since I picked her up. I was almost convinced that she dressed comfortably because she was so used to working at the flower shop, and restaurant. Making a small mental note of talking to her about her attire before Monday as I slowly made my way outside.
She was practically skipping as she looked around curiously by the time I finally caught up to her.
"What is the point of having a pool if you have this amazing sight on your property?" She asked as she slowly walked down the path that lead to the lake house.
I sighed as I slid my hands into the pockets of my slacks and followed her, trying to remember the reason.
"My mother isn't a big fan of nature, these days. The pool was already here when they bought the house, my dad added the lake house once w-uh-- I got older." I told her.
She hummed in response as she looked at the lake house. "Does he spend a lot of time here?" She asked, curiously.
I shrugged, "Not really. This-- Uh, it's hardly been used for years. It's more like a small cabin." I told her shrugging. "It's got a sitting area, one bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. Nothing more." I informed her before she could ask.
She frowned, "Can I see it?" She asked.
I sighed and nodded as I made my way onto the small porch, reaching up on the eave of the door to get the key, almost smiling when I felt the sharp edge.
Without hesitation, I slid the key into the keyhole and twisted the key, hearing the click before I pushed the door open.
I stared blankly at the entrance before sighing and turning to her. She was practically bouncing in excitement as she waited for me to tell her.
When I realized this, I immediately gestured to go in. Taking a deep breath before we walked in. I immediately stepped back to let her explore.
Bella's POV:
I could feel his stare as I made my way into the lake house, almost gasping at the beautiful sight.
This wasn't just as small cabin, as Edward had so eloquently put it.
The entry had a foyer, which had a similar color scheme to Edward's house. A small table was placed by the entrance, along with a coat rack.
As I passsed the foyer, I made my way into the small, yet opened livingroom and kitchen area, on the left was a sliding door which lead to what looked like a back porch, and sitting area. The backwall of the living room is entirely made of stone, but the rest of the walls are white, or are windows.
In the middle of the living room held a white, L-shaped sectional, and a black leather chair. In the middle was a wood, and black metal coffe table. Instead of side tables, there were two large lamps, and in back of the sectional was another table, which had a book ontop of it, and a smaller lamp.
On the right side of the room another set of door lead to the otherside of the house, which look to have another type of sunroom, made entirely out of glass, and happened to be already furnished as well.
Next to the set of double doors a set of stairs lead up to what looked like the bedroom.The kitchen was cozy, and welcoming. It was small yet spacious. Cozy with a touch of luxery.
The cabinets were done in white to match the marble countertops. All the kitchen appliances were Kitchen-Aid, and stove was steel and black. On the right side was a double oven. The fridge was a maytag. But all of that wasn't what had me practically salivating. It was the breakfast bar. Which held the same marble texture of the other ones.
A smile spread on my face as I reached up to run my hand over it. The sleek and smooth surface making me sigh dreamily.
"Having fun there, Isabella?" Edward asked amused as he leaned on the opposite wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
I turned, startled, briefly forgetting that he was here too, before nodding. "This place is amazing. How often is this place used?" I asked.
He shrugged, nonchalantly. "A few nights a week. I usual come over here when I need to be alone." He informs me with a small smile.
I raise a brow, in question, "But you live by yourself." I pointed out.
He nods, "On my parents property. Meaning they tend to come over very often. It's not something I like dealing with, so I tend to disappear, and go back once Eric tells me they're gone." He tells me.
"Ever heard of boundaries? Those can help a ton." I pointed out, sarcastically.
He shook his head, "My parents are a lot sometimes. I deal with it accordingly." He explains.
I nod, "That explains a lot." I told him, honestly.
He raises a brow, "What is that supposed to mean?" He asks, as I make my way towards the stairs.
I smile angelically at him, "Figure it out. You're a smart man." I snipped as I rush up the stairs.
He sighs, as nods in response.
The place is not what I suspected, its another sitting room. "Where's the bedroom in this place?" I asked myself, quietly.
"To your left." Edward tells me, in the same soft tone.
I jumped, "Will you stop sneaking up on me?" I gasped, holding a hand to my chest.
He snickers, holding up his hand in the air in front fo his. "Sorry, I thought you heard me coming up the stairs." He responds, covering his mouth to cover his laughter.
"That shit is not funny, you asshole. You could've given me a heartattack." I grumbled as I stomped in the direction of the bedroom.
Once again I was left speechless. The room looked small yet spacious. The wall were painted soft cream color, while the floor was a dark wood that matched down stairs. A large fluffy carpet was placed around and under the large bed.I almost wanted to throw myself onto the bed as I reach forward to touch the comforter. On the right side of the room was a large window which had the view of the lake. The bedside tables with made of wood and black metal, and hand a lamp on each of them. I noticed that there was a small plant in the small corner of the room, next to an overstuffed arm chair, which was placed next to a bookshelf.
"How many rooms does this place have?" I asked, in awe.
"Two. This is the master bedroom, and downstairs is the guest." He informed me.
"Who decorated this place?" I asked, curiously.
"My mom." He replied, flatly. "Can we move on now?" He asked, impatiently.
I nodded with an eye roll before taking a look at the ensuite bathroom. We headed out and he showed me the rest of the property before we circled back around.
Edward's POV:
"I don't understand why I can't go see the greenhouse." She complained, as her full lower lip jutted out in a pout.
I gave her an exasperated look, "Because that is my mother's and I frankly don't feel like running into her at the moment." I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.
She raised a brow at me, "Why is that? You scared of her meeting me?" She asked, amused.
I scoffed, "No, of course not. I just-- The other day. She didn't exactly find what happened amusing. She is the one who did the background check." He informed me.
She raised a brow, "I see." She replied, as we made our way back to the pier.
"So, what she doesn't like me?" She asked amused.
I gave her a shrug and turned to watch Eric make his way towards us with Buddy. Buddy immediately saw me, and rushed forward, wagging his tail as he did.
A smile immediately pulled on my lips as I watched his quick approach.
"Hey, Bud, how are you?" I asked as I bent down to pat his head.
"He's been a nightmare." Eric scoffed.
I rolled my eyes at him, before eyeing Buddy who was staring at Isabella, unblinkingly, as she faced the lake.
"Don't even think about going near her." I sternly told Buddy.
He looked at me in acknowledgement before turning back to stare at her.
Without warning he barked loudly, causing Isabella to let out a squeak as she jumped, loosing her balance immediately and falling into the lake with a massive splash.
Eric and I stare in horror as we heard the splash.
I immediately stood up right, and made my way to look at the water, to check on her.
"She hasn't come out." Eric said in distress.
"Fuck!" I groaned as I pulled out my phone, wallet, and shoving them into his chest before I jumped in after her.I looked around, concerned, when I didn't find her.
She was unconscious when I found her, and immediately swam to get her. Wrapping an arm around her body as I moved to pull her out.
Eric helped me pull her out of the water, as I pulled myself onto the deck, breathing hard.
"She's not reacting." He whispered as he gently tapped her on the side of the face.
I gave him a disbelieving look before shoving him out of the way, and hearing a splash a moment later.
Maybe a little too hard.
"That was uncalled for!" He yelled.
"So, is you being this moronic this early in the morning." I snapped as I began to perform CPR.
Her lips were turning an alarming shade of blue as I worked over her and I felt myself trying to stay calm as I did what I was supposed to before moving to blow air into her mouth.
A moment later she gasped, sitting up to cough up water.Her eyes immediately filled with tears as she saw me.
"Wha-- How -- I-- I-- Thank you." She whimpered as she hurled herself onto me, almost causing me to fall back.
Fortunately for me, I was able to brace myself before loosing my balance. Still, her fierce hug, surprised the hell out of me.I was stunned for a second before I hugged her back.
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry. I tried to get to you as fast as possible." I told her.
She shook her head at me. "I don't know what happened." She mumbled as I got up and helped her to her feet only for her to gasp out in pain.
I immediately dropped my hand in horror, "Did I hurt you?" I asked, eyeing her.
She shook her head at me, "My ankle… hurts." She whimpered.
I frowned, "Okay, we need to get to my house, I have a first aid kit there, I can wrapp your ankle, and get you some clothes while yours are washed." I told her.
She sighed and nodded before she gave me a pained look."What?" I asked, frowning in concern as I looked around the porch, noticing Buddy and Eric were nowhere to be found.
"My ankle. I can't walk on it." She told me.
I sighed, and nodded as I opened my arms, "You mind if I carry you?" I asked her.
She gave me a hesitant nod, before hopping towards me."Okay. Here we go." I mumbled, as I picked her up and made my way in the directions of my house.
"Thanks again." She mumbled as I walked silently up the small hill.
I nodded in response, before I saw Buddy sitting on the top of the hill, wagging his tail.
"Little shit." I mubbled, shaking my head at him.
"Who-- Did you just-- M-Me?" She stuttered, as a shiver ran delicately through her small body.
"No, I was talking about Buddy. My dog." I told her as I jutted my head in the direction of the dog sitting there.
She frowned, before turning to look at me." Was-- Did your dog bark at me?" She asked.
"No. He is a little shit that likes catching people off guard. I warned him not to go near you. But apparently barking was okay to him." I stated flatly.
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Put me down." She immediately said.
"No. You can't walk." I told her as I reached the top of the hill.
"Do it." She firmly said.
I nodded, before setting down on her feet, watching intently as she tried to step and almost fell forward.
"Okay, so, I do need help." She admitted grudgingly.I held back a smile, "You don't say?" I sarcastically replied.
"Edward. Please. Help." She finally sighed.
Without a word, I moved to help her, this time by wrapping her arm around my neck, and holding as much as her weight as possible.
"I can do this…" She told me defensively.
"Is that so? Then why do you keep wincing when you walk?" I asked, sarcastically.
"Because I twisted my ankle, you ass, and its your fault." She snapped.
"How, pray tell, is it my fault?" I asked, in disbelief as I helped her up the stairs.
She remained silent but it was clear this discussion wasn't over.
As we walked onto the porch, she tried to pull away.
"Be careful." I warned her.
"I'm fine. I can fucking make it inside without you." She snapped.
"Okay." I told her, not believing her for one second.
She yelped in pain as she tried to take a step with her left foot only for it to give out when she tried to put any weight on it.
I immediately caught her before she could faceplant and made my way inside.
"I told you to be careful." I mumbled as I helped her onto the counter of the kitchen and untied her shoe to check her ankle.
She scoffed, trying to pull it away from my grasp, only for me to tighten my hold slightly causing her to wince, "I was being careful. You pushed me in." She snapped.
"No, I didn't. I wasn't even near you." I replied defensively, as I moved to go down the hall to the guest bathroom.
"I'm fine!" She called after me, stubbornly.
"You're clearly not. Look at the swelling around that ankle." I replied, calmly, as I pulled the first aid kit and moved to go back to her.
"Whatever." She grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Quit being a brat and let me help you." I sighed as I began to work on her ankle.
She winced as I slowly wrapped her ankle before helping her to my room and handing her a pair of sweats and a shirt.
"Get out of those clothes, leave them outside the door, and I'll wash them for you." I instructed before walking out of the room to give her some privacy.
Author's Note:
Okay, first, I want to thank you all for reading this story and for your reviews. You're all awesome.
Second of all, I want to wish every single one of you a happy Thanksgiving/holidays and to be safe.