*FLASHBACK*
BELLA POV
"Where the hell have you been, Bella?!"
Alice was waiting for me as soon as I walked through the door.
"Please don't shout Aly, my head hurts."
"You look like you have a hangover, have you been drinking?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you bring her home? I said to have a long night out on the town and not rush to bring her back but I meant have her back by 1am. Not after 8am the next morning! I even called the cops."
"Awww, that's sweet, you were worried about me."
"You should have called." I could hear the worry in Alice's voice.
"She was in good hands." Edward added.
"I bet. Are you okay Bella?"
"I'm fine Alice."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I promise." I told her as I pressed my face against hers. Alice hugged me back and pressed her face against mine too.
I noticed Edward staring at us. He had the usual look of indifference on his face not giving anything away.
"Are you two related?" He asked.
"No." We both answered in unison.
"But Bella's like my sister."
"And Alice is my better half."
"I see... I have a business meeting this morning for 10:30, I'll call you later Bella. Don't forget to think about what I said."
Edward walked passed us and locked the door behind him. His mood shifted although it didn't show on his face, I could feel it. How weird is that?
"So what happened last night?"
"I got a little too drunk and Edward took me to his home. I guess he was too tired to make the drive back to our side of town. I probably put my phone on silent or turned it off last night, I don't remember."
"Did you get yourself too drunk or did he get you too drunk?"
"It wasn't like that. I tasted an expensive, delicious brand of champagne last night and it was amazing! I guess I just kept drinking, I didn't know it would make me feel so incapacitated. Now I'm paying for it with this migraine."
"I'll get you some advil."
I lied down on the sofa and thought about everything."
"So what else happened?" Alice yelled from the bathroom.
"I don't really remember much after the restaurant. I do know we had a deep conversation while lying in his bed but I can't remember for the life of me what I said. I hope I didn't tell him any of my embarrassing habits."
Just then Alice emerged from the hallway with wide eyes and a panicked look on her face. The fact that I was drunk for the first time and having a deep conversation that I can't remember with someone I barely knew hit me.
"Bella, you didn't tell him did you?"
"I don't know, I highly doubt it. I mean I was drunk out of my mind but I would never bring that up or mention it even if I were given truth serum. I put it away years ago and buried it deep in my subconscious. I don't even think about it. Are you mad at me?"
"Of course not. It's just you've never had alcohol so I've never seen how you react when drunk. Some people get violent, some sleepy, others reckless and of course everyone has lowered inhibitions while drunk."
"I got really tired and sleepy, that's it."
"Please Bella, try to remember something. Any little bits and pieces of the conversation."
I thought as hard as I could.
"I'm sorry but I don't remember. All I remember is lying on my back and Edward lying on his side, facing me. He had a smug smile on his face and I don't remember what I was saying. I remember my mouth moving but nothing coming out."
"This is great, just great. You may have a told him and we have no idea if you did."
"Maybe I should call him and ask him what I said."
"I doubt it. If you did blab he'll assume more than likely that you don't remember which means he'll tell you everything you said except that. If you did hopefully he thinks it was all a joke which I highly doubt. Edward Masters is a very shrewd man."
"If I did say something wouldn't he have drove to the police station instead of bringing me home?"
"No, what would he have to gain by turning you in? He's a business man Bella, someone like him would sit on the information until it's of use to him and that's when he'll use it. The world isn't as easy and simple as you think."
"I guess you're right. But I still think the conversation was more about our feelings for each other. I swore to you that I would never bring it up or tell anyone and I've kept my promise for all of these years. There's no way I blabbed just because I got drunk. It wasn't like the alcohol made me stupid, even then I knew what I didn't want to do or say... I just don't remember..."
"How much did you drink?"
"I think two bottles, maybe more."
"Damn, that's a lot."
"It doesn't matter. My mind wasn't in an altered state and I really feel like I didn't blab. Besides, the thought of Edward black mailing us is ridiculous. He's wealthy and we don't have anything that's of use to him or that he would want. Ohh I forgot to tell you, remember that time you dragged me across town in search of those newly released Valentino boots?"
"Of course! I got my favorite babies that day."
"Well the restaurant Edward took me to was on that side of town but deeper in. It was surrounded by a giant wall, it's so high you can't even look over it. There were armed guards there and cars with diplomatic license plates and-"
"Huh? Why don't you just start from the beginning. Where did you guys first go after he picked you up?"
"Well when we were in the car he gave me these. I forgot to give them back." I gestured to the necklace and bracelet.
"I noticed the new bling. Does he want them back or do you just want to give it back?"
"I feel uncomfortable keeping them."
Alice rolled her eyes at me.
"Continue." Was all she said.
"Then we went to a charity ball at this beautiful castle. You know like the ones on the show perfect weddings?"
My skin tingled and my blood ran hotter through my veins as the images of what happened at the castle started flooding my head. My flushed state didn't go unnoticed by Aly.
"Omg. SPILL!"
I sighed.
"Um... How do I put this?"
Alice's eyes were about to bore holes in me.
"Bella did you have sex last night!?"
"No! Well, not exactly. Um... It was oral sex."
I covered my ears to protect my eardrums from Alice's high pitched shrieking.
"How? Were you drunk?"
"No! I wasn't drinking yet."
"I'm stunned. I'm just in utter shock."
"I know I know. It was too soon, do you think he thinks I'm easy?"
"Not in the least, Bella! Don't beat yourself up over it. How was it?"
Alice handed me two tablets and a glass if water.
"It was amazing."
Alice and I were both grinning like idiots.
"How, where, details!"
"It all happened so quickly, we were in a room at the castle."
"Twice at the castle?"
"No, it happened at dinner too. He knocked everything off of the table it was just..."
Alice's eyes was about to pop out of her head with excitement.
"I wanna know everything, starting from the castle!"
"Okay, this is going to be long."
I splayed out on the couch with a medium box of BBQ chicken pizza on my lap. I tried to focus on House but I just kept thinking about Edward's offer. Not even one of my favorite shows could distract me. I sighed.
After Alice's interrogation I had forgot to mention what Edward had proposed. She was focused on the sexual aspects of the night and if I was sure no sex took place while I was at his place.
My phone pinged and I was sure it was the low battery notification but it was a text from Edward. Crap, I couldn't stop the blush and Alice was sitting across from me eating ice cream and staring at the TV. I tried my best poker face and inserted the charger then placed my cell back on the table. I'll read it later cause if I read it now I know my face will go bright red and she'll be all over me again. I just want to relax right now.
Edward's POV
I went over revenue reports of potential buyouts and was quite unimpressed. Has Benjamin lost his fucking mind!? Before I could hit the speed-dial button for Benjamin the phone rang.
"What is it?"
"Sir, Mr. Coleman is here to see you."
"Send him in."
A few moments later Jasper was standing in my office.
"I was in the area and thought I'd stop by. Not to mention Emmett told me about your little delicate flower."
"I'm not surprised." I replied not looking up from the documents.
"He tells me the girl is nothing special."
"He is entitled to his opinion."
"And you?"
"I don't follow."
"What are you entitled to, Edward?"
"I see you and Emmett have been gossiping like little school girls. I don't have time for this, Jasper."
"I do. You've acquired a new taste in women?"
"What's with the sudden interest in my private life?"
"We're your friends Edward, don't you trust our judgement?"
"Very nosy friends."
"So whose the girl?"
"I handed him a folder."
"Isabella A. huh. Nice name, pretty, seems like an ordinary girl. What's so special about her, Emmett says she's making your cold, dead heart beat again."
Jasper was grinning.
"Funny. Don't you have somewhere else to be other than in my office trying to be a distraction?"
"Nahh. I'm free until my 4pm meeting with the president of Syndhi Corp. Did you fuck her last night?"
"What's with the sudden interest in who I'm fucking?"
"Just curious. Did you?"
"And if I did?"
"Then you did."
"Good. I fail to see the issue. Women are taken advantage of by powerful men almost everyday but they take the money and go quietly. I assume we're done with this conversation?"
"I'm just a bit curious and surprised. You were never one to be so reckless. Can't I be concerned about behavioral changes in a friend?
"This is getting tedious. What do you want to know Jasper?"
"Emmett told me you told him she was passed out in your bed. I never knew unconscious women were your thing."
"They aren't."
"Not to mention you took her to the restaurant and you've yet to have her sign an NDA. I just want to know if I should be informing my PR team that they'll be working twice as hard. I don't need people boycotting any of our businesses because a co-owner decided-"
"You're beginning to sound like Emmett. If you're asking me if I fucked her last night the answer is no. She kept passing out and like I just told you, unconscious women aren't my thing. I must say I'm a bit insulted. Now that I've answered all of your questions please see yourself out of my office. I have to deal with Benjamin and his incompetence."
"Don't get so touchy. I knew you didn't but I enjoy messing with you . So what happened?"
"We talked, she's very honest and open when she has alcohol coursing through her. I enjoy the sound of her voice. Please feel free to leave now, I have work to do. "
"Well well well what a surprise. I didn't know you were the type to want to know someone's hobbies or cared about their interests."
"I don't."
"But you do with this one."
"Correct."
"Why?"
"She's special. I think I'm going to keep her around."
"She must be. You seem to have everything under control. So I take it I don't need to inform my PR people about anything and I'll tell Emmett there's nothing to worry about and you're not a sex offender."
"I'm glad I amuse you."
"It's all in good fun. We both know Emmett can overreact and he likes to keep his image spic and span."
"If he cared so much about his damn image he would get rid of that whore who can't keep her mouth closed to the media about his private life. Since you appear to be in such good spirits and have nothing to do with your time would you be interested in taking Isabella's friend off my hands?"
"Friend you say?"
"She's a petite little thing, pretty with a short cut. I think she's a lesbian or bisexual, she and Bella seem unnaturally close and she clings to Isabella a little too much. Isabella seems to be a loner and her parents live in another state, her only friend and influence is that gold digger Alice."
"Alice?"
"Her name is Alice Blanc and I don't like her around Isabella, she seems to be your type."
"I take it she's almost the complete opposite of your precious Isabella?"
"She is."
"As much as I would love to I have my hands full, I have reservations at Péché for the next six nights and countless business deals that need tying up."
"Pity. I'll have to turn the girl's attention away from Isabella some other way..."
BELLA POV
The ping of my phone woke me up. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. Alice was on her side curled up on the loveseat, she fell asleep too. I picked up my phone and read the message from Edward. There was only one message, the second ping was just a reminder that I had an unread message.
Edward
Hey gorgeous. How's your day going? 1:57pm
I smiled and responded.
Edward
How about lunch for you and your friend? 1:58pm
Alice would definitely be up for it.
I walked over to Alice and shook her awake.
"Aly, Edward wants to take us for lunch. You okay with that?"
"Of-freaking-course! What kind of fancy restaurant are we going to?"
Alice was now awake and excited. She's even cheery when she's sleepy, what the heck does she run on. Maybe I need to hide the coffee for a few days...or months.
"I don't know."
Sounds great. I replied.
Edward
I'll send a car. 2:02pm
The more I thought about Edward's offer the more unrealistic it seemed. It does sound fun though and is very appealing.
"What's wrong Bella?"
"Nothing, I'm fine. Are you okay?"
"Are you!? You looked like someone just killed your puppy."
"I'm fine, just still sleepy."
"You can't lie to me Bella, what's the matter?"
"Edward offered to take me away, like travel the world with him."
"What!? When?!"
"Last night at the charity ball. I offered every excuse why I can't take him up on his offer but he had an answer for every one. He said he wants nothing in return and he'll accompany all of my wants and needs and do whatever it takes." I repeated Edward's words. "He said I can bring you too."
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my freaking gosh! He offered to WHAT and I can come with!"
"What's happening to you Alice?"
I watched the excited look disappear from Alice's face.
"What do you mean?"
"I just thought you would react differently. I barely know the guy."
"Yet you hard oral sex with him twice in one night and before you get all sensitive and hurt I'm not saying it's a bad thing! Speaking of what's happened to me, what's happened to you. You let him get pretty far within the first night of meeting him. That's surprising of you, again, not a bad thing and I don't think any less of you. It's actually quite common, I'm not one for waiting too long either. I just... I still can't believe it. Your first date with this guy and you got ultra drunk. Just don't do it again. I'm not saying you shouldn't drink but try not to overdo it. Masters could have been an undercover weirdo and taken advantage of you. I'm glad he turned out to be a good guy, he earned half a point in my book."
"Half a point?" I laughed.
"If he had brought you home he might have earned two points."
"Wow a whopping two points. By the way I'm glad your opinion of me hasn't changed." I said dryly.
"Don't be that way, Bella. It's surprising that you of all people did that. I'm happy you're having new experiences, it just seemed a bit...rushed...even for me."
"I don't know. When he's near me my mind is cloudy and I can't think straight! When he's around my decision-making is poor and I feel so frustrated right now just talking about it."
"I guess Edward is bringing out things in you that you didn't know existed. It's just I would be totally freaked if he wanted to take you around the world alone. Since I can come along too I'll be the ever-present third wheel...or chaperone hehe. We don't have to tell your parents, we can say we're just taking a celebratory graduation trip. Just relax and get ready for lunch."
"Seriously!?"
"What?"
"I'm having a crisis and you're only interested in going out to eat?"
"You're not relaxing like I said. Calm down, everything is going to be fine. Maybe you feel so strongly about him because he's the one or maybe he's just for fun. Point is there's no hurt in trying and seeing where this goes. I know what you're thinking. You think I'm only interested in pressuring you to accept because I want to live in luxury for a while but that's not completely true. I've always had your best interest at heart, I still do now and I always will. I'd never put my wants before your happiness and well being Bella because that's all they are...wants. Not necessities."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have doubted your intention and reasons."
"It's okay, if I wasn't pushing you to him since day one you wouldn't have doubted me. I have been acting as if material things are all that matters. I'm sorry. I just want you to get out there and experience things. You do need to live a little, Bella. Remember, I'll be right by your side. If he gets pushy we can leave and catch a flight home. Besides, he doesn't want to piss us off, we can always go to the media and he won't want that. Everything will be fine, he seems to really be into you."
I thought for a while.
"I can't believe I'm doing this."
Alice started screaming in my ear.
"Yayyyyyyyy! We're going on vacation! Where do you think he'll take us. Maybe to an island in the Caribbean or maybe we'll go to Europe, the heart of fashion and designer clothing!"
Alice was hugging me and shaking me in ecstatic joy. I don't want to tell her about my doubts, she seems so happy. I texted Edward and told him I accept his proposal. My phone immediately started ringing.
"Mr. Masters..." I was smiling so hard I'm sure he can hear me smiling through the phone.
"Ms. Adams... You've made me a very happy man."
"That seems to be going around a lot. I made Alice a very happy woman as well."
"From what I can hear it would seem so."
Alice was running and jumping around the apartment screaming with glee."
"The driver should be there shortly to take you to lunch. I have one more meeting and some business to attend to. I also instructed him to take you to my hangar after lunch. You can pick which jet you prefer and I'll meet you two on it after I'm done with my meeting. Don't bring anything. Like I said, I'll handle all wants and needs you and your friend have."
"O-Okay." I was speechless and didn't know what to say.
"And Bella?"
"Yes."
"I can't wait to see you."
I felt a warm tingle run through me and I blushed. That's the first time he's called me Bella.
"I can't wait to see you too."
I hung up and stared into space for a little while. Wow. I must be dreaming.
"Alice stop it! If you keep running around the apartment screaming our neighbors are going to call the police!"
"I'm sorry Belly, I'm just excited."
"I'm going to take a shower and get dressed. Edward said not to bring anything, he'll take care of our wants and needs."
Alice went shrieking again and I couldn't help but laugh. I wonder if I should tell her we're going on a private jet and we get to pick which one. Hmm, I'll wait until she calms down.
I really hope I don't regret this...
"Nothing is as it seems. Black can appear white when the light is blinding but white loses all luster at the faintest sign of darkness."
-Christopher Pike
Péché is French for the word 'sin', it's also the name of the restaurant Edward took Bella to. I hope everyone is enjoying the new year. :)