Nine
E
"No," Bella states firmly.
"Come on. You deserve it after everything you did for me tonight." I push half the tips across the bar, but she shakes her head.
I tried giving her the whole jar, but she refused, so I'm trying to find a middle ground. Too bad she's got a hard head.
Bella crosses her arms, pushing her breasts up and out of the deep V-neck of the shirt I gave her. I have to force myself to look up, and she smirks.
"Edward, you plied me with drinks and food all day. That was more than enough payment."
"Take the money, Bella."
"Nope."
"Why are you so stubborn?"
She rounds the bar and pokes me in the chest playfully. "You aren't used to hearing the word no, are you, big boy?"
I grab her hand. "I hear it all time. I've never met a woman who refuses money."
"I'm not a normal woman, I guess." She chuckles darkly. "Or perhaps you haven't met many decent women."
I grab the bills and slap them in her palm and turn away before I do something stupid, like kiss her pouty mouth.
I'm not expecting her to grab my arm and spin me around. I'm not expecting her to be standing so close I can feel her breath on my face, warm and tantalizing. I'm not expecting her to reach into my front pocket or for her hand to linger. My body reacts on its own accord.
"I'm not taking your money," she stresses. "Just thank me and get over it."
"Thank you," I choke out.
She smiles. "Good boy."
I can't take it anymore. I reach out, fisting her shirt and pulling her to me roughly, making her squeak in surprise. "Can I kiss you?" l ask breathlessly.
"Are you seriously asking me?" She laughs.
"I guess not."
I crash my lips to hers, and she throws her arms around my neck, holding me tightly while I dominate her sweet mouth.