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A Second Chance
8
In the heart of Washington, D.C., stood a peculiar little dress shop. Bella stepped inside, seeking refuge from the muggy summer air. The bell above the door tinkled cheerfully as she entered.
"Welcome to House of Lydia," the woman at the counter greeted her.
Bella's eyes scanned the room, taking in the racks of dresses, each more elegant than the last. It was just what she needed, she hoped to find something in such a short notice.
"Hi, I'm Bella," she said, trying to keep her voice calm despite the excitement bubbling inside her. "I'm looking for something to wear tonight."
The shop owner, a woman with a sharp nose and kind eyes, nodded. "Ah, you're in luck. We just got a new shipment of evening wear. Right this way."
Guided by the woman's graceful hand, Bella ventured deeper into the shop. The walls were lined with fabrics that whispered secrets of luxury and elegance. The event was a high-profile business affair, and she knew she had to look the part. She always did, but she was anxious because she didn't have much time.
"Do you have anything in coral?" Bella asked.
The shop owner raised an eyebrow. "Coral? That's quite a bold choice for an evening affair. But, I do have something in mind." She disappeared into the back of the shop and emerged with a few dresses in the color she wanted.
The first dress she tried on was beautiful but didn't quite fit. The second was too long, brushing the floor with a dramatic sweep that made her feel like Cinderella at the ball. But when she slipped into the third dress, something changed. It was a simple, yet elegant coral number that hugged her figure in all the right places. The fabric whispered against her skin as she twirled in front of the mirror, sending ripples of delight through her. The dress had split sleeves, an exposed back, and it fit her perfectly.
"Is this it?" the sales woman asked her.
Bella nodded, "Yes, I think it's the one."
While the sales woman wrapped the dress, Bella browsed in the small shoe and bag section of the store to see if they had anything that matched the gown. If not, she would have to make an early trip to the nearest mall tomorrow.
"These should do," she murmured, picking out a pair of gold stilettos that had just enough sparkle to complement the coral without overpowering it. She found a matching clutch as well.
The sales woman beamed at her choices. "You have a good eye, Miss. That's a stunning look."
Bella felt a warm glow of satisfaction. She had never been one to take compliments easily, but today she accepted it with grace. She went to the register and placed the shoes and clutch. On the case below the register she saw a pair of earrings.
"May I see those?" she asked, pointing at the dangling gold earrings. The woman handed them over with a smile.
Bella held them up to her ear, imagining the way they would shimmer under the lights at the party.
"Perfect," she murmured, placing them on the counter.
The saleswoman rang her up, but when Bella went to give her card the woman didn't let her.
"It's already been taken care of, Miss. Mr. Cullen left his information." She pointed to the note on the counter, with Edward's neat handwriting.
Bella's heart skipped a beat. "Mr. Cullen? Did he say why?"
The sales woman shook her head. "No, just that you should take your time and find something beautiful."
Bella's cheeks flushed. Edward had done it again, his thoughtfulness leaving her speechless. She knew he was trying to make a good impression, but his generosity was overwhelming. She felt a twinge of guilt for the extravagance. it was a trial weekend for them and she thought paying for her attire was too much.
The saleswoman noticed her discomfort and offered reassurance. "Don't worry, Miss. It's not every day we have someone come in and insist on taking care of a lady's shopping. It's quite romantic, if you ask me."
Bella couldn't help but smile at that. "Thank you," she said.
When she stepped out of the House of Lydia, she found Edward waiting for her, leaning against a sleek black car parked by the curb. He looked up from his phone and his eyes lit up when he saw her. "Bella," he said, walking towards her, his arms ready to take the bags from her.
"Why did you do this?" she asked, holding the shopping bags in the air.
Edward's smile remained unwavering as he took the bags from her. "It was the least I could do for inviting you in such short notice," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers.
"I'll even pay for your hair and makeup," he said as he took the bags from her and placed them in the back seat.
"That's not necessary, I can do my own hair and makeup."
Edward chuckled, taking her hand and leading her to the open passenger door.
Edward opened the car door for her, and she slid into the cool leather seat. She watched as he walked around the car, his movements swift and assured. He slid in beside her, the engine purring to life with a gentle growl.
"Dinner?" He asked, Bella nodded.
They drove to an upscale restaurant, the kind of place where politicians and celebrities were often spotted. Edward had made reservations, ensuring they had a prime spot overlooking the city. The lights twinkled below them like a sea of stars, casting a romantic glow over their meal.
As they sat opposite each other, a bottle of fine wine chilling between them, they began to ask each other questions, eager to learn more about one another. The conversation flowed easily, as if they had known each other for years. Bella has been working for Edward for almost four years, but they didn't know the nitty gritty details of the other. They talked about their childhoods, their families, their hopes and dreams. Each question was met with a thoughtful answer, each story shared with a gentle curiosity.
"Why did you start your own company?" Bella asked Edward, sipping her wine.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the candlelight. "I wanted to make a difference. To create something that would leave a legacy," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "What about you, Bella? What's your dream?"
Bella felt a sudden weight on her chest, her thoughts racing to the dream she had put on hold. She took a deep breath and said, "I've conquered my dreams, I have a wonderful job in a good company, that's all I ever wanted."
It wasn't the whole truth, there was one dream that had been shoved to the back of her mind. One that no one knew about, only James since he had been the one to put it on hold and now it may never come true.
"What do you mean, Bella?" Edward's question brought her back to the present.
She took another sip of wine, "What I do in the company it's fulfilling."
Edward leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "But there's more to you than work, Bella. I've seen glimpses of it in the office, the way you light up when you talk about your hobbies or your weekends."
Bella felt a warmth spread through her at his observation. "Well, I used to paint," she said tentatively. "But it's been a while."
Edward's eyes lit up. "Paint? That's wonderful. What kind of art do you enjoy creating?"
"The tulips in my office, I painted those,"
Edward's eyes widened. "Those are yours?" Bella nodded. "Yes, I painted them,"
"But I also like bowling,"
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Bowling?"
Bella laughed, feeling a bit silly. "Yeah, I know it's not exactly the hobby you'd expect from someone like me."
Edward's smile grew. "I love bowling," he said, surprising her. "It's a great way to unwind."
Bella's eyes widened. "You do?" Edward nodded, "Absolutely."
"Well, maybe we can go bowling sometime," she suggested, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"I'd love that," Edward said with a genuine smile.
After dinner, they headed to the hotel, the lobby was grand, with high ceilings and marble floors that echoed their footsteps. The scent of fresh flowers and polished leather filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of expensive cologne. The bellhop greeted them with a nod and took their bags.
As they approached the reception desk, Edward leaned in and whispered to the attentive young man behind the counter, "Could you possibly check if there's another room available?"
The receptionist's eyes flicked to Bella and back to Edward before he tapped away at his keyboard. "No, we are fully booked, all we have is a suite with two beds available."
"That's okay, Edward," Bella interjected. "Okay then, I'll change your room then." The receptionist checked them in and gave Edward two room keys.
As they walked to the elevator, Bella thought of Edward's gesture of asking for a double bed; it was both respectful and considerate, it showed that he valued their working relationship and didn't want to cross any lines...yet.
Once in the room, Edward carried their bags to the bed. Bella took her bag and excused herself to the bathroom. She took a moment to appreciate the luxurious space, the soft towels and plush bathrobe that were laid out for her. After a quick shower, and finishing her nighttime routine she slipped into her pajamas and padded barefoot into the bedroom.
Edward nodded at her and went to get ready for bed. After about twenty minutes he went back to the bedroom and Bella was asleep.
The moonlight filtered through the gossamer curtains, casting a soft glow on Bella's sleeping form. Edward couldn't help but stop for a moment and watch her. Her dark hair was splayed out on the pillow, and her breaths were slow and steady. In sleep, she looked peaceful, like all the worries of the world had been washed away.
He studied her face, noticing the gentle curve of her cheekbones and the soft pout of her lips. Her lashes fluttered slightly as she dreamed, and Edward wondered what stories played out behind her closed eyes.
The digital clock on the bedside table ticked away the moments as he sat there, his gaze never wavering from her.
Edward's thoughts were a whirlwind. He had never felt like this before. It was as if Bella was a puzzle piece that had finally fallen into place, completing a picture he hadn't even known was incomplete. He found himself tracing the lines of her face with his eyes, memorizing every feature. Her beauty was not just skin deep, it was in the way she talked, laughed, and moved. It was in the way she made him feel alive.
With a soft sigh, he turned away and went to get ready for bed. He knew he had to be professional, to keep their relationship strictly business. But as he climbed into his bed, his heart whispered that it was already too late for that.
The next morning, the sound of distant traffic woke Bella. She slipped out of bed, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the short night's sleep. Edward was already up, dressed in slacks and a sweater that made him look even more handsome than she remembered.
"Good morning," he said, handing her a cup of coffee. "Ready for breakfast?" Edward asked as he handed her a cup of tea. He knew she didn't drink coffee in the morning.
Bella nodded sleepily, taking a grateful sip of the steaming liquid. The tea jolted her awake, and she started to get ready for the day. About twenty minutes later she followed Edward to the hotel's dining room. The room was bustling with early risers, the smell of fresh pastries and sizzling eggs filling the air. They grabbed their plates after going through the buffet and sat at a table by the window, the early morning light casting a warm glow over the white tablecloth.
The breakfast was heavenly, with eggs benedict and fluffy pancakes that melted in her mouth. Edward had a more substantial meal of eggs, bacon, and toast. They talked more about the party, about the people they might meet and the topics they should avoid. Edward's knowledge of the political scene was vast, and Bella felt a bit out of her depth.
"You'll do great," he assured her, placing a comforting hand over hers. "Just be yourself, that always seems to work," Bella couldn't help but smile.
They finished their breakfast and Edward suggested they visit the Smithsonian Museum before getting ready for the party. It was his way of helping her relax, and she appreciated it.
The museum was a maze of history, each room they entered was like stepping into a new world. They wandered through the exhibits, pausing to admire the ancient artifacts and discussing the art.
In the Air and Space Museum, they found themselves staring up at a replica of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. Edward spoke with a passion that Bella had never seen before. He talked about his love for space travel and the dreams he had as a child to become an astronaut.
"As every child did, right?" He laughed. Bella giggled as she took a picture of him.
"It's not every day you see your boss geeking out over rockets," she said, her voice filled with affection. Edward blushed slightly and shrugged.
An employee offered to take a photo of them. Edward looked surprised as Bella handed over her phone. They posed awkwardly at first, but the woman's cheerful banter soon had them both laughing. The camera clicked, capturing a moment of genuine happiness between them.
As they exited the museum, Edward suggested they stop by the gift shop. Bella's eyes widened at the sight of a miniature space shuttle. "You have to get that," she teased, pointing to the toy.
"Why not?" he said with a grin, placing it in his basket. They wandered through the aisles, picking out small trinkets for themselves and their families.
After the museum, they decided to grab lunch at a quaint little bistro around the corner. The restaurant was small and intimate, with ivy-covered walls and a menu that boasted of fresh, local ingredients. They sat outside, there was a moment of silence as they looked at the menu.
"What are you getting?" Edward asked.
Bella looked up from the menu with a grin. "I think I'll go for the salmon salad. It sounds light and fresh."
Edward nodded in approval. "And I'll have the salmon with vegetables," he said to the waiter.
As they waited for their food, the conversation turned to the party. Edward's phone buzzed with messages from the office and some clients.
"We are going to be busy tonight," Bella observed, watching him navigate through the notifications.
"It's part of the job," Edward said, sliding the phone into his pocket. "But for now, let's enjoy our lunch."
The salmon salad was indeed light and fresh, with a zesty lemon dressing that tickled Bella's taste buds. Edward's meal looked just as appetizing, the salmon flaking perfectly and the vegetables steamed to perfection. They talked more about their childhoods, their favorite movies, and their most embarrassing moments. Just like the day before, the conversation was easy, and Bella felt herself relaxing even more in Edward's company.
After lunch, they returned to the hotel. Edward's hand brushed against hers, and she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her. She glanced at him, but his eyes were focused ahead, his mind seemingly on the day's tasks.
Bella decided to take advantage of the quiet time to nap, she needed to be well rested for the party. She kicked off her shoes and curled up in the plush hotel bed, the softness of the sheets enveloping her like a warm embrace. Edward took the opportunity to retreat to the balcony, the crisp air invigorating him as he sat down at the small table with his laptop. The city sounds below created a soothing backdrop as he worked on the proposal, his fingers flying over the keyboard.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the cityscape. Edward took a break from his work to gaze into the room, his eyes drawn to Bella's peaceful form. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically with each breath, the soft light from the setting sun painting her features in a warm glow. He couldn't help but feel a strange sense of protectiveness and longing.
At four, he decided it was time to start getting ready. Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of the chair and into the bathroom. The shower washed away the fatigue of the day, leaving him feeling refreshed and ready for the night ahead. He shaved meticulously, the scent of sandalwood filling the steamy room.
Bella was awake when he came out of the bathroom. He was wearing a lounge set as it was still too early to get dressed.
"Bathroom is all yours," told her.
Bella nodded gratefully, heading to the bathroom. As she showered, the warm water cascading over her, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. The ease with which they had talked and laughed together, the way Edward's hand had grazed hers, it was all too much to ignore.
Bella styled her hair in an updo, she then meticulously applied her makeup making sure to set it right, so it would last all night.
Meanwhile Edward pulled out a black tuxedo from the closet, Bella had insisted on covering the dry-cleaning bill, he had sent the tuxedo to be ironed along with her dress, they had delivered it while they were out. The bowtie was a perfect knot, his cufflinks gleaming in the mirror.
As Edward was buttoning his jacket, Bella stepped out of the bathroom, and he couldn't help but stop mid-motion to take her in. The coral dress hugged her figure in all the right places, making her look like a Greek goddess that had just stepped off a pedestal. The gold earrings she had bought the night before sparkled as she moved, she was a vision. One he didn't want to stop seeing.
"I just need to put on my shoes,"
Bella said, her cheeks flushing at Edward's appreciative gaze. She slipped into the gold stilettos and picked up the matching clutch. The dress was perfect, and she felt beautiful. Edward offered her his arm as they left the hotel room, the weight of their combined anticipation thick in the air.
When they arrived at the party, a flurry of flashes greeted them as photographers snapped away. Edward's hand was firm on the small of her back as they moved through the throng of guests, smiling and waving at the press. her heart raced as the cameras clicked around her. She had never been photographed like this before, but she knew that this was an important event, so it was customary. Someone asked where she had gotten her dress and she told them House of Lydia. She was asked to pose a few more times as they wanted to get a few shots of the dress.
Once they were inside, the grandeur of the event was breathtaking. The room was a kaleidoscope of color, with elegant gowns and sharp tuxedos mingling together like paint on a canvas. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over everything, reflecting off the crystal glasses and gleaming silverware.
Edward led Bella around the room, introducing her to various high-profile guests. She was poised and confident, her charm and wit leaving a trail of smiles in their wake. As they moved through the crowd, Edward couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. She was handling herself perfectly, and he knew that she would be an asset to the company tonight, just like she always was. Bella had attended many functions, but this one was the biggest one of all, it was an elite event for the most successful businessmen of the country.
Bella spotted a group of men discussing the latest tech advancements, her ears perked up as she recognized the potential for new business. She gently extracted herself from Edward's side, excusing herself to go to the bathroom. Edward nodded, understanding that she was really looking for an opportunity to network. He watched her weave through the throng of people, her confidence growing with each step.
Approaching the group, she waited for a lull in the conversation before interjecting with a question about their discussion. The men looked over at her, their eyes lingering on her dress before focusing on her face. She introduced herself and the company she worked for, and before she knew it, she was in the thick of it, explaining what Edward's company was about and how they could help them.
As the conversation grew more intense, Edward watched her from afar, a proud smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of something else, something that went beyond mere pride in an employee's performance. Her passion for her work was undeniable, and it was clear that she was more than just competent. She was a natural at networking, making everyone feel included and valued.
The group of tech moguls around Bella grew larger as the evening progressed, their interest piqued by her sharp insights and the promise of Edward's company's innovative solutions. She listened attentively, nodding at the right moments, asking questions that made them realize she knew what she was talking about. And as they talked, she managed to slip in the details of their latest projects and how they could potentially collaborate.
Not being able to resist any longer, he excused himself from the conversation he was in, making his way over to her.
"Miss Swan," Edward said, his voice low and velvet-smooth. "Could I have this dance?"
Bella looked up from her conversation, her eyes meeting Edward's intense gaze. The music had changed to a slow melody, and the room had shifted to make way for the couples that had started to sway to its rhythm. She felt a thrill of excitement run down her spine. It had been ages since she was asked to dance. It's been a while since she's had a partner to dance with. The last few times she's gone to the club she danced by herself or with her group of girlfriends, but it wasn't the same.
With a nod, she allowed Edward to lead her to the dance floor. His hand was strong and steady at the small of her back, guiding her through the dancers. As they reached the center, he took her hand in his and pulled her close. He looked at her for approval before he moved his left hand. Bella nodded and his hand rested on her hip, his touch sending a shiver of anticipation through her.
They began to dance, their bodies moving in perfect sync. Edward had a surprising grace, and Bella found herself lost in the rhythm of their steps. His hand was gentle but firm, guiding her with ease. The coral dress swirled around her, the fabric whispering against her skin as they twirled and dipped to the music.
The song ended, and they remained in each other's arms, the moment stretching out between them like. Bella's heart raced, her eyes searching Edward's for some clue as to what was happening between them. His gaze was intense, his thumb brushing against her palm in a way that was both comforting and electrifying.
"It's time for dinner," the MC announced, breaking the spell.
They made their way back to their table, as they sat down, Edward's hand brushed against hers, and she felt another jolt of energy.
The dinner was exquisite, a five-course meal that showcased the chef's creativity and skill. Each dish was a delight to the senses, with flavors that danced on their tongues and presentations that were almost too beautiful to eat.
As the night grew late and the party began to dwindle, Edward suggested they take a walk on the expansive grounds. Bella nodded in agreement, eager for some fresh air and a moment away from the bustle of the event.
They stepped out into the cool evening, the moon casting a silver glow over the manicured lawns and ornate fountains. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and a hint of the distant city's nightlife. Their heels clicked on the cobblestone path, the sound echoing through the quiet night.
"Are you cold?"
"No," Bella said as they strolled through the moonlit gardens.
"Good," Edward said, "The evening is perfect for a walk."
Their conversation grew quieter as they moved away from the lights of the party, their shadows stretching out before them. Edward felt his heart rate pick up as they approached a secluded bench, the moonlight casting a romantic glow over the area. He hesitated for a moment, then took the plunge.
"Bella," he said, turning to face her. "I know this is a bit unexpected, but I wanted to thank you for being here tonight."
Bella looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the soft moonlight. "Thank you for bringing me," she said, her voice a little shaky.
Edward took a step closer, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "You've made this night incredible," he whispered, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw. "And not just because of your networking skills."
Bella felt her heart skip a beat as she looked into his eyes, searching for the truth in his words. "What do you mean?" she asked softly.
Edward took a deep breath, his hand still resting gently on her face. "I mean that you've made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time," he said, his voice husky. "You're not just an employee to me anymore."
Bella's pulse raced as she looked into Edward's eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation or regret. But all she saw was earnestness and a hint of vulnerability.
She had the weekend to decide if she wanted to pursue a relationship with Edward. She could not deny that there was something between them, yes, she was a little scared, but she was going to go through with the rest of the weekend.
"You look really beautiful tonight," Edward said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Bella felt her cheeks warm under his gaze. "Thank you," she murmured, her eyes dropping to the ground.
Edward took another step closer, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. "I know I shouldn't say this," he began, his voice tight with emotion. "But I can't help but feel drawn to you."
Bella's heart raced as she met his gaze. "I feel it too," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
They talked a little bit more, their conversation flowing as easily as it had the night before. The tension between them grew, palpable and undeniable. Their hands met unexpectedly on the bench, fingers entwining without either one of them making a conscious effort to pull away. The warmth of his skin sent a jolt through her body, and she felt a sudden, intense desire to be closer to him.
The sky above them was a tapestry of stars, the moon a silver sentinel in the velvet darkness. The sound of the fountain's gentle cascade filled the silence that had descended upon them. It was a moment of pure tranquility in the midst of the bustling party, a stolen instant of peace in an otherwise hectic evening.
Bella's gaze drifted from the stars to Edward's face, his eyes searched hers, and she could see the question in them, the same one that was echoing in her heart. With a sudden boldness she didn't know she had, she leaned in closer and whispered, "Kiss me."
The air grew still, and Edward's hand tightened slightly around hers. For a moment, she thought she had made a mistake, that he would pull away. But then his eyes dropped to her lips, and she felt his breath warm against her skin. Slowly, as if in a dream, his head bent towards hers.
"Are you sure?"
Edward's question was barely audible, but Bella heard it, she nodded, her heart pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat. He leaned in, and for a moment, their breaths mingled. And then, their lips met.
The kiss was soft at first, a gentle brush of skin on skin. But it grew in intensity, a spark igniting into a flame that threatened to consume them both. His hand slid up her arm to cradle the back of her neck, pulling her closer as if he couldn't get enough. Her hand found his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath his tuxedo.
Bella's eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sensation of Edward's lips moving against hers. The taste of mint from the mouthwash he had used earlier mixed with the sweetness of the dessert they had shared. His touch was firm but tender, as if he was afraid she might break.
The kiss grew more intense, Edward's other hand resting on her waist, his thumb tracing small circles against the bare skin above her dress. Bella felt her body respond, leaning into him, her free hand resting on his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart. The kiss was intoxicating, her head was spinning.
They broke away, both panting slightly. Edward's eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of doubt or regret. But all he saw was the same desire reflecting back at him. Bella smiled softly at him, and he returned the gesture.
"I've wanted to do that for so long," he admitted, his voice thick with emotion.
"I didn't think I would have a chance to kiss you again,"
Edward said, his voice still filled with the same intensity from moments ago. Bella felt a warmth spread through her body, his admission only adding to the excitement of the moment.
"Well," she said, her voice still a little breathless, "now you have."
The moment was charged with a new kind of energy, one that neither of them could ignore. They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Then Bella leaned in again, and their kiss deepened. Edward kept his hands on her waist, he didn't want to take more than what he had been given.
When they finally pulled away, Bella's cheeks were flushed, and Edward's eyes were dark with want. They stared at each other, the air between them thick with unspoken words.
Bella's fingers went to her lips, she could still feel the weight of his on them. She took a breath and looked at him.
"Edward, I want to tell you something," she started.
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "What is it?"
"I want to tell you what inside the white box,"
Edward looked confused but intrigued, the tension between them had shifted into something else entirely. "The one from your basement?"
"Yes," Bella said with a nod. "I wasn't sure if I wanted you to know about it, but now, I think I'm ready to talk about it."
What do you think it's in the box?