Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, but the plot is my own!
Chapter 9
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Five minutes into the drive, I took the gummy. Almost impulsively. It was only 50mg—nothing for me—so I wasn't worried about getting too stoned and making a fool of myself. The watermelon-flavored gummy rested between my cheek and teeth as I stared out at the passing streets.
The ride was quiet at first, but comfortable.
Edward drummed his fingers lightly against the steering wheel, stealing glances at me whenever he thought I wasn't looking.
"You keep doing that," I mused, tilting my head toward him.
He arched a brow. "Doing what?"
"Looking at me like that," I chewed and swallowed the rest of the gummy. It trudged down my throat. Before you know it I would be on a path to Stonerville in T minus thirty to forty five minutes.
A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips. "Can you blame me?" His voice dipped just slightly, that rich, velvety tone wrapping around the words. "You're kind of hard not to look at."
Warmth crept up my neck, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me flustered. Instead, I played along.
"Kind of?" I teased. "That's a little underwhelming, don't you think?"
He exhaled a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Alright, let me rephrase. You are, without a doubt, the most distracting thing I've ever had in my passenger seat."
"Oh, so you're easily distracted? Good to know."
"Only under certain conditions."
"And what conditions are those?"
His grip on the wheel tightened slightly, his thumb tapping against it in thought before his gaze flicked to mine—dark, unreadable. "Ones where I've got to keep my hands to myself around you."
The words settled between us, thickening the air in the car. He wasn't just teasing—there was restraint in his voice, deliberate. And it only made me want to push at it, just to see how far I could go.
"Oh yeah?" I echoed, my voice dipping softer now. "What, do you want to kiss me?"
His smirk was slow, wicked, the kind that made my pulse stutter. "I'd love to." His voice was rich with promise, but instead of giving in, he exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of temptation. "But I want to prove it to you, Leah. This is more than just that for me."
My heart lurched against my ribs. His sincerity was disarming, and it only made me want him more.
I wet my lips, tilting my head slightly. "That's a shame," I murmured. "Because I was really hoping you'd fail."
His grip on the wheel flexed again, his knuckles tightening before he let out a slow, measured breath. "You're a menace," he muttered.
I grinned. "A flirt?"
He glanced at me, his eyes dragging over my face, my dress, lingering like a touch. "The absolute worst," he said, but there was heat in his voice.
I pressed my nails lightly against my knee, fighting the impulse to reach for him. "Am I overdressed?" I asked finally, needing a distraction before I did something reckless.
"Absolutely not," Edward responded without hesitation. "You look incredible. That dress is like a second skin."
A slow flush crept up my neck, and I shifted slightly in my seat, his words sparking warmth low in my stomach.
His certainty eased me, but also sent a thrill through me. I exhaled, turning my gaze back to the passing streetlights and the blur of traffic outside.
"Wanna listen to music?" he asked, his voice dipping into something smoother, silkier.
I smirked, still staring out the window. "Yeah. Something to help you keep your hands to yourself."
"You keep reminding me," he said.
I looked over at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. He popped open the center console, revealing a collection that caught me off guard—an eclectic mix of Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, UB40, Randy Travis, The Smiths, MF Doom, Metallica, and more. It was unexpected, layered, like him.
"You have a lot going on in here," I said, raising my brows.
He chuckled, warm and deep. "I like a little of everything."
I settled on the album I Want You.
The moment the first track poured through the speakers, smooth, sensual, and deeply atmospheric. It opens with a soft, pulsing rhythm that immediately sets an intimate tone. The percussion is subtle yet hypnotic, like a gentle heartbeat, creating a slow and seductive groove.
Layered over this, the shimmering sound of a vibraphone drifts in, adding a dreamlike quality, while lush, sweeping strings subtly rise in the background, setting the stage for the song's emotional intensity.
Then, Marvin's signature falsetto enters—soft, pleading, and dripping with longing. He doesn't rush; his voice melts into the instrumental, almost whispering the words "I want you..." as if he's confessing something deeply personal.
The entire intro feels like stepping into a dimly lit room filled with warmth and desire—intimate, alluring, and unmistakably Marvin Gaye. The groove was hypnotic, wrapping the car in something warm and hazy.
Edward glanced at me, the corner of his mouth twitching up. "Good choice."
My dad loved Marvin Gaye. He used to listen to him in the mornings while getting ready for work. I remembered being super young, watching my parents dance in circles around the dining room while Seth and I ate our breakfast. The memory brought a quiet melancholy, settling over me like a shadow, but I pushed it down. Tonight wasn't about the past.
"So, Jacob—does he live with you guys?" Edward asked, his voice cutting through the smooth hum of the music.
The question caught me off guard, but I tried not to stumble over my answer. "Not if my life depended on it."
Edward glanced over at me again, his brow lifting slightly.
I was about to launch into a whole spiel, scrambling in my head to sort out the words before I even spoke.
"Well, Seth had been getting into loads of trouble. He's so close to graduation we can all taste it, but a few weeks ago? He was drinking, skipping school, hanging out with his asshole friends—I was on the frickin' brink of a heart attack—" I stopped short, realizing I was ranting.
The whole point of thinking through my answer beforehand was to keep it short. But, honestly? I was tired of keeping things short. Tired of pretending everything was fine. It was like when people asked how I was doing, and I just said, I'm good—when I was anything-fucking-but.
I took a slow breath, grounding myself. Edward kept driving, calm and silent, giving me the space to finish. That was something I was beginning to appreciate about him—he let me speak, let me be.
"Needless to say," I muttered, turning my head to watch the blur of lights outside, "I'll take anything that gets Seth back on track. And Jacob seems to be it, for now."
"Seth seems to like his company, specifically," I shrugged. "He's a pest to me, but a saving grace for my brother, and that's what matters."
Edward nodded, his fingers tapping idly against the wheel. "That makes sense," he murmured. "Losing your mom… that had to hit him hard. At that age, any stable male figure to look up to—it's like holding onto a lifeline. Even if it's someone you can't stand, for him, it's grounding. A sense of guidance."
His words struck something deep inside me, a truth I hadn't fully let myself acknowledge. Seth was still a kid, navigating a loss that even I was struggling to process. If Jacob gave him even a sliver of stability, who was I to resent that?
I let out a slow exhale, sinking deeper into my seat. "Yeah," I admitted. "That's exactly it."
The city lights blurred against the windshield as we drove, the hum of the tires on the highway filling the comfortable silence between us. I stretched my legs out, the warmth of the car making me drowsy, but I could still feel Edward's gaze flicking toward me between turns. It wasn't just casual glances—there was weight in them, like he was memorizing something about me, like he was thinking of a thousand things he wasn't saying.
At a red light, his fingers drummed on the steering wheel, but his eyes stayed on me. "You're quiet," he noted.
"Just thinking," I murmured, tilting my head to meet his gaze.
He smirked slightly, eyes dark with interest. "Dangerous habit."
I scoffed. "Coming from you?"
The light turned green, and he chuckled, shaking his head as he accelerated. "Fair point."
The rest of the drive passed with soft jazz playing through the speakers, filling the spaces between our conversation. He made a comment about how good I looked under the glow of passing streetlights, and I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest lingered long after.
After a little over an hour, we finally pulled up to a swanky Marriott, its golden lighting spilling onto the pavement. Attendants immediately appeared at the car, one stepping up as Edward popped his door open and handed over the keys with a smooth confidence.
Edward's hand found the small of my back as he led me inside, the weight of it both protective and possessive. The grand lobby buzzed with quiet luxury—marble floors gleamed beneath the chandelier's soft glow, and the scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air. Edward moved like he belonged here, like he had every reason to be leading me through the space with such ease.
He already knew exactly where we were headed, his pace unhurried as he guided me toward the nearest elevator. Once inside, the doors sliding shut behind us, it was just the two of us—for the first two floors, at least.
Edward's hands settled around my waist, his grip firm but slow, savoring the feel of me. He dipped his head slightly, inhaling against my neck, and I felt the shiver his breath left in its wake.
"It's getting harder to keep my hands to myself," he murmured, his voice low and deliciously rough.
My fingers slid into his hair, my nails grazing against his scalp as I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. The elevator hummed softly beneath us, the world outside irrelevant for just a breath.
Then the elevator dinged, and I stiffened, instinctively pulling back. Edward, however, didn't move an inch. Unbothered, he simply traced the ends of my hair between his fingers as the doors slid open, letting a few more people step inside.
But even with others in the space, his touch lingered—just enough to remind me of the tension crackling between us, just enough to let me know that when we were finally alone again, restraint wouldn't last much longer.
The ride to the twelve floor went by eventfully with Edward's hands lingering on my body.
"Wanna go to a little party?" Edward asked, flashing me a smile once the elevator doors opened up. Revealing a long hallway with a big archway at the end of it.
I arched a brow. "Little?"
We made our way, eventually stepping into a sleek, modern showroom, the kind of place that screamed wealth and exclusivity. Paintings and sculptures were displayed throughout the grand space, but the real centerpiece was an enormous ice sculpture of a whale, gleaming under the soft lights.
"This is fancy," I whispered, suddenly feeling out of place.
Edward's warm hand skimmed up and down my back in slow, soothing strokes. The small gesture did more to ease my nerves than I expected. Though my body had a visceral reaction, breaking out into goosebumps as his hand moved.
"Don't worry," he murmured. "We won't be here too long."
I glanced up at him, searching his expression.
"Just making an appearance for Jasper," he explained. "Then we're out of here."
"Can we hit a pizza place after?" I asked, hopeful.
His cheeks puffed slightly, trying to hold back a laugh. Once he composed himself, he scanned the room. "Yeah, considering there's no food here—just an obscene amount of alcohol—I think that's a solid plan."
Suddenly, my phone buzzed wildly, my ringtone blaring through the noise. I snatched it up from my clutch and answered without checking the caller ID.
"Yes?" I hummed, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder.
Edward glanced over at me, his brows knitting slightly in concern, but he stayed silent, giving me space.
"Hey," Seth's voice came through clear. "Having a good time?"
I smiled instinctively. "Hey, kiddo. Yeah, we just got to the event. I'll call you when I'm heading home, okay?"
"Alright… Jake wanted me to call."
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "Oh, and here I thought you cared."
"I do!" Seth huffed, exasperated. "You're my sister, of course I care."
Edward's gaze flicked to mine again, reading my expression carefully, his fingers idly swirling the ends of my hair again.
I fought the wavering in my voice as I went on, "Well, make sure you guys clean up after yourselves. I'll call before heading back."
"M'kay," Seth popped lazily.
I sighed, softening. "Love you."
There was a quiet pause before he mumbled it back, then the line went dead.
I slipped my phone back into my clutch, exhaling.
"Everything okay?" Edward asked, his voice smooth but tinged with quiet curiosity.
"Yeah," I said, flashing a small smile. "Seth just checking in."
Edward smirked knowingly, his gaze lingering. "He's looking out for you."
"More like being nosy," I muttered.
His grin widened, but before he could respond, my posture stiffened. Across the room at the bar, I spotted her. Sage. She saw me, too. And just like clockwork, the sneer curled on her lips.
I had half a mind to ignore her, to pretend she didn't exist. But the moment we passed that bar, her voice slithered into my ear.
"Guess she finally figured out how to scrub the rez off," she murmured.
I hesitated, because I wanted to stop and give her the business, my hands smacking against my thighs as I exhaled through my nose. My jaw clenched, but I said nothing. She wasn't worth it. Not in a crowded room, Leah, spare her.
Edward, on the other hand, was already bristling beside me as we found a quiet corner away from everyone.
"I had no fucking idea she would be here," he muttered, voice taut with restrained anger. "What did she just say to you?"
"It's fine, Ed—"
"No. It's not." His gaze burned into mine, unwavering. "I'm gonna ask this last time. What did she just say?"
I hesitated before repeating it, my tone flat. "Something about scrubbing the rez off."
The muscle in his jaw ticked, tension rippling through him. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked toward her, his presence sharp and deliberate. I wasn't planning to follow, but curiosity got the best of me, and I found myself falling in step behind him. I stopped just far enough away not to intrude, but close enough to hear.
Sage barely had time to react before Edward was towering over her at the bar, his presence suffocating, his voice deathly quiet.
She flashed a smirk. "Well, if it isn't Daddy himself."
Edward didn't flinch. He just stared, unblinking, his jaw tight as he gripped the side of the bar. "Do you want me to get you kicked out right now?" he asked, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.
Her smirk wavered. "Excuse me?"
"You have no right to speak to her. Ever. Do you understand me?" His words were laced with an authority that made her nostrils flare.
She hesitated, then nodded, her pride forcing her compliance.
Edward still didn't move. "I am with her. She is with me. Don't fucking look at her. Don't talk to her."
And just like that, he turned away, leaving her standing there alone, her expression carved with humiliation. Lord knows where she ran off to after that.
I exhaled, something warm spreading through my chest as he closed the distance between us. He didn't say anything—just slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me into a light embrace, his lips pressing softly to my forehead. The affectionate display wasn't lost on the room. Eyes were on us, the elite and their expensive perfumes swirling in the air, but Edward didn't care.
"Wow," I huffed, looking up at him with something close to awe.
He smirked, fingers grazing my hip before he took my hand. "Come on," he said, leading me deeper into the gathering.
The introductions started immediately, but the names blurred together, nothing sticking in my mind. Edward was smooth, effortless in his interactions, but he never let go of my hand. Every time I looked at him, his expression softened, as if he could sense my discomfort and was anchoring me to him.
"This is my date," he told someone—maybe a politician, maybe a CEO. I wouldn't remember. But the weight of those words made something in me hum with satisfaction.
Eventually, the sea of unfamiliar faces parted, and we found ourselves in the company of Jasper and Alice.
"Fancy seeing you two," Jasper drawled, swirling the whiskey in his glass.
I nodded politely in their direction.
"Not surprised to see you with my buddy, to be honest," Jasper said with a smirk, looking over at Edward knowingly.
Edward nodded toward the bar. "Come with me. I need a drink."
Jasper shot a glance at Alice, who gave him a barely perceptible nod. He then clapped Edward on the shoulder, the two of them drifting toward the bar, leaving me alone with Alice.
I turned to her, my posture instinctively straightening.
Alice smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Well," she said, voice smooth and knowing. "Looks like you've really made an impression on him."
I tilted my head slightly, gauging her. "That a compliment?"
Her lips curled just a little, the ghost of something unreadable flickering across her face. "Of course," she mused. Looking at me up and down she smiled. "You're not in my gown, but you look like a goddess," Alice said with a bright smile, taking my hand and twirling it lightly, urging me to spin for her.
I let out a small laugh, playing along. "Thank you. You do too."
Alice gave a pleased hum, sipping her wine. "You must be thrilled to be here," she mused. "It's a different world, isn't it?"
I nodded, glancing around at the extravagant chandeliers, the perfectly tailored suits, and the polished elegance of it all. "Yeah… it's surreal." I exhaled softly, feeling a mix of excitement and wariness. "Feels like I'm breathing a different kind of air here."
She laughed lightly. "Oh, you are. This is curated oxygen," her tone told me she was kidding.
I smirked. "What, imported from the Swiss Alps?"
Alice grinned over the rim of her glass. "Something like that. You get used to it after a while… if you stick around long enough."
I wasn't sure how to respond to that, so I just nodded, letting my eyes wander over the room.
"Well," she continued, shifting the conversation effortlessly, "Jasper and Edward have been friends since they were kids, so he's always been around, I guess." She swirled the wine in her glass, watching me carefully.
I glanced around the large room, letting my eyes skim over the expensive decor. "Fancy event," I mused, trying to keep the conversation light.
Alice smirked. "The booze is nice," she admitted, taking a sip. Then her gaze flicked back to me, sharp with curiosity. "So... you and Edward?" Her voice was casual, but the smirk deepened.
My lips parted, but I hesitated. What exactly were Edward and I? I decided to keep it simple. "We're friends right now," I cleared my throat, chuckling uneasily.
"You don't need to be coy, he called Jasper."
I frowned slightly. "Huh?"
She leaned in just a fraction, her voice dropping into something conspiratorial. "He was going on and on about you, more than he did with me before your first date."
My fingers tightened slightly around my glass. "Oh, that's nice," I muttered, struggling for a response.
Alice gave a small, knowing smile. "Edward's always been like that, you know. When he's into someone, he's all in—until he's not." Her voice was smooth, almost offhand, but there was something about the way she said it that made my stomach twist.
I nodded slowly, unsure how to respond. Edward had practically chased me down. If he put this much effort into every woman he pursued, I'd be shocked. That kind of dedication took energy. Then again, money made things easier, I supposed.
Alice sighed lightly, watching me carefully. "It's a fun change of pace for him, I get it."
My brows pulled together. "Meaning?"
She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Oh, honey, don't get me wrong, you're a catch—he knows that." She stretched the words out, voice dripping with something close to amusement.
I forced a small smile, though my jaw had tightened. Don't take the bait. "Well, that's good to know."
Alice tilted her head, studying me. "It's just... Edward loves a chase. The whole thrill of something new. But you strike me as the kind of girl who's looking for something... a little more permanent?"
I blinked at her, my pulse ticking up a notch. "And what makes you think he hasn't changed his mind?"
She shrugged, taking a slow sip of wine. "Call it intuition."
Then she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to make it feel more personal. "Ed and J are so close, he's like family. I just don't want to see him get hurt." She spoke with an air of confidence, as if she knew something I didn't. As if she had some unspoken claim to his well-being.
The seed of irritation had officially been planted.
I parted my lips to respond, to challenge whatever veiled message she was trying to send, but before I could, movement in my peripheral caught my attention. Edward and Jasper were making their way back, drinks in hand.
Alice's expression didn't change, but I swore I caught the faintest glimmer of amusement in her eyes before she turned toward them, her face lighting up with a charming smile.
Edward headed straight for me, his focus unwavering. As he handed me what I assumed to be vodka and cranberry, he got close, his lips brushing just near my ear.
"We'll leave after our drink," he murmured, his voice thick with intent.
He tapped his glass gently against mine.
"You sure?" I asked, gripping the drink in my hand harder than necessary.
He leaned back just enough for me to see his face, his expression unreadable but certain.
"Absolutely."
Jasper exhaled a laugh as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "You're getting old, man. Used to be, I couldn't drag you away from one of these parties. Now you're making exit plans before you even finish your drink."
Edward smirked. "Maybe the parties just aren't as interesting anymore."
"Or maybe you finally found something more interesting," Jasper quipped, tipping his glass toward me.
I rolled my eyes but took a sip of my drink, the tartness of the cranberry mixing with the smooth burn of vodka. It hit just right, but as the minutes passed, I started to feel a slow, creeping shift in my body. The edible I had taken earlier was settling in, warmth unfurling in my limbs, my senses growing heavier. A soft chill ran through me, but it was the sudden, dull cramp in my stomach that made me shift uncomfortably.
Edward caught it immediately. "You okay?" His voice was low, but his gaze was sharp, already scanning my face.
I exhaled through my nose, pressing my hand lightly against my stomach. "Yeah, just… I think that edible is kicking in."
Edward didn't hesitate. "That's our cue," he announced, already setting his glass down on the nearest surface.
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Already?"
Edward placed a hand at the small of my back, the touch grounding. "Yeah. We're heading out."
Alice's smile was small, knowing. "Enjoy your night."
"Trust me," Edward said, steering me toward the exit. "I plan to."
We ended up in the elevator again, standing on opposite sides as the doors slid shut. The air between us was thick, charged, and then—slowly—Edward started toward me.
His movements were deliberate, his gaze dark and lustful. I pressed my lips together, trying to look down at my feet, but he wasn't having it. His fingers tilted my chin up, forcing my eyes to meet his.
"I need to touch you so badly," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. His other hand pressed firmly against the wall above my head, caging me in.
My breath hitched, my lips parting instinctively. He noticed. Oh, he noticed.
"Then do it," I whispered, my clutch hung on my wrist as my hands slid down the wall behind me.
Something flickered in his expression—desire, restraint, a battle he was barely winning. His fingers flexed, his jaw tightening. "I want to do more than touch. And I'm afraid if I kiss you, I might not stop," he admitted, his voice low and deliberate. "And I need you to know that, for me, this is more than just sex."
A slow, delicious shiver ran through me. That had to be one of the sexiest things a man had ever said to me.
"But I want you to," I murmured, barely able to find my voice.
His eyes darkened further, his control slipping for just a second before he exhaled sharply. "I want to, more than anything," he said, his voice thick with want. "But, Leah," he warned, his tone edged with restraint, "it's important that I show you I'm serious. Especially considering how we met—again, I don't want you to think that's all this is about."
His words settled deep inside me, an ache spreading through my chest that had nothing to do with longing and everything to do with the fact that, somehow, this man—this impossibly intense, devastatingly handsome man—wanted me for more than just my body.
And yet, standing there, trapped between him and the wall, every nerve in my body hummed with the need to be touched.
Maybe it was the gummy from earlier, but I felt lighter, more carefree. A slow warmth spread through me as I took him in, the way his shoulders tensed, the way his lips parted as if second-guessing his own resolve. I understood what he meant—truly, I did—but it didn't make me want him any less.
"So no kiss tonight?" I teased, though the ache in my voice betrayed me.
His exhale was sharp, his hands flexing at his sides. "I don't think it's a good idea," he gritted out, looking at me as if pleading for me to stop tempting him.
The intensity in his gaze sent a slow burn through my veins. His restraint only made me crave him more. My skin felt hot, my body hyper-aware of the space between us—too close and yet not close enough.
That edible had me feeling unbothered and bold.
Also feeling playful, a little reckless, I decided to leave him with something to think about later when he's by his lonesome. Through the slinky fabric of my dress, I shimmied my red lace thong off, careful and deliberate. It was tricky work, but I managed.
Edward's eyes locked onto mine, dark with suspicion, until he caught the subtle movement. His smirk was slow, dangerous. And then, without a word, he crouched down, lifting the hem of my gown with practiced ease. His fingers brushed my calf as he helped guide the lingerie past my ankle, his grip firm yet unbearably gentle. The simple touch ignited an inferno in my belly. I almost moaned aloud.
He held the delicate scrap of fabric in his strong hand, his gaze flicking up to meet mine—intense, burning. "Is this for me?"
I grinned, playful and smug. "A parting gift. So you don't forget me."
His chuckle was low, sinfully tempting. He stood, his towering presence enveloping me again, the lace still curled around his fingers. "I don't think I could ever forget you," he murmured, his voice like a promise. "Even if I tried."
He shoved the fabric into his pants pocket, patting the spot lightly. "You're gonna be the death of me."
"Hmm, I'll make it fast and painless," I joked, using my hands to smooth back the curls that fell to my face.
Edward chuckled again, shaking his head in disbelief. "I'm sure you would. But I think I'd prefer a slow, tortuous death at your hands," he whispered. "I'm gonna kiss every freckle, every inch of you."
The urge in my loins was back with a force to shatter glass, making me want to smash my lips against his. But I stayed where I was. His hand found my face again, fingers skimming over my cheek, down to my jaw. But he didn't stop there. His thumb traced the edge of my lower lip, his gaze flickering down, his breath shallow. The space between us shrank, heat rolling off him in waves.
"Careful what you wish for," I giggled, breathless.
"I'm always careful...except when it comes to you," he said. Sounding like he was enjoying this back and forth. He also looked to be struggling to mask his own desire.
I could feel the tension crackling, a slow burn that had been simmering all night now threatening to spill over. His jaw clenched, his eyes stormy and unreadable, as if he were battling something deep inside himself. His lips parted slightly, his breath warm against my skin, and for a second—a single, torturous second—I thought he might give in.
But then he exhaled sharply, shaking his head as if trying to clear it.
"Not yet," he murmured, more to himself than to me.
His restraint sent a pulse of heat through me, my body screaming in frustration even as my mind reeled from the sheer intensity of him.
The elevator dinged, breaking the spell.
We stepped out into the lobby, Edward's hand settling instinctively on the small of my back as we made our way outside. The night air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the city, but the heat still simmered between us. A valet had already pulled his car around, and as soon as Edward handed the man a tip, he opened my door first before rounding to the driver's side.
The low rumble of the engine filled the silence as we pulled onto the road. At first, neither of us spoke, as if we were both still feeling the weight of what almost happened—of what was still hanging in the air between us.
"So," I started, shifting in my seat, my voice light but teasing, "you're really holding out on me, huh?"
Edward huffed a laugh, keeping his eyes on the road. "You're trying to get me to break, aren't you?"
I smirked, resting my elbow against the door. "Is it working?"
His fingers flexed around the steering wheel. "If I tell you yes, does that mean you'll stop?"
I pretended to consider it. "Probably not."
His jaw ticked slightly, but his lips curved. "Figured as much."
I tilted my head, watching him in the glow of passing streetlights. He was all sharp angles and focus, but beneath that—beneath the control—was something raw and wanting. I could feel it every time he looked at me like that.
"You talk a big game, but I think you like this little push and pull," I mused. "Maybe if I poked at you just a little bit more, you'd stop acting so serious."
His fingers drummed against the gear shift, and though his expression didn't change much, I caught the quick flicker of something in his eyes.
"Careful," he warned, voice low.
A shiver curled down my spine, but I refused to back down. "Or what?"
His gaze slid to mine briefly, filled with something unreadable yet entirely consuming. "Or you'll find out exactly how unserious I can be."
As he drove nearer to my little town, I instructed him to the best pizza spot.
The soft hum of the engine quieted as Edward pulled into a small parking lot, the glow of neon lights from Gino's Pizza casting a warm red haze over the hood of his car. The place wasn't much—a hole-in-the-wall spot I had been coming to since Seth and I were kids—but it was open late, smelled amazing, and, most importantly, was only a few blocks from my house.
Edward cut the ignition and glanced over at me. "This is your spot, huh?"
I grinned. "You're about to experience the best greasy pizza in town."
We stepped out into the cool night, the distant hum of traffic filling the air. Edward's hand found the small of my back as we walked inside, his touch barely there, but it still sent a slow, warm shiver down my spine.
The place was quiet, just a guy behind the counter and an older couple in a booth. I leaned against the counter, tapping my nails idly while Edward scanned the overhead menu.
"What's the move?" he asked.
"Pepperoni, extra cheese, well done. Trust me."
His lips twitched, eyes flicking down to me. "I do."
Something about the way he said it—low, sure, like it meant more than just pizza—made my pulse stutter. I swallowed, looking away just as the cashier rang us up.
Minutes later, we were outside again, the box warm in my hands as we sat on a bench beneath a dim streetlight near his car. The night was crisp, quiet, the city winding down.
I popped open the box, tearing off a gooey slice before offering him one.
"Moment of truth," I teased.
Edward took a bite, chewing slowly, making me wait before he finally nodded. "Alright. You weren't lying. This is good as hell."
I laughed, nudging his knee with mine. "Told you."
We ate in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other in between bites. When I reached for another slice, Edward caught my wrist, holding it just a second longer than necessary. His thumb brushed over my pulse point, slow and deliberate.
"You know," he murmured, his voice just rough enough to send heat curling in my stomach, "I think I could get used to this."
My breath hitched, my gaze flicking to his mouth before I could stop myself.
"Yeah?" I whispered.
Edward smirked, his free hand coming up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, fingers trailing down the side of my neck.
"Yeah," he murmured.
The pizza was all but forgotten.
"You make me so nervous," I admitted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
He tilted his head slightly, eyes searching mine. "Hopefully not giving off serial killer vibes."
I let out a soft laugh. "Is that what a serial killer would say?"
He grinned. "Probably."
I shook my head, exhaling. "No, it's just… you're incredibly forward. And I don't want to jump into anything too fast. I'm scared of getting hurt."
Edward's expression softened, the teasing edge fading into something more sincere. He brushed his thumb along my jaw, his voice low and steady. "I get it. And I'm not here to rush you into anything. I just want to be where you are, in whatever way you'll have me."
His words settled something inside me, a warmth spreading in my chest.
"I mean it," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not interested in playing games. If you need slow, we'll go slow. If you need space, I'll give it. But I want you to know—you don't have to be scared with me."
I swallowed, a lump forming in my throat, making it difficult to speak.
"That's… really nice to hear," I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Edward's lips curved into a small smile, his fingers lingering at my cheek. "Good. Because I plan on proving it to you."
I let out a breathy laugh, my mouth pulling into a half-grin, still stunned that this man was even interested in me. "You sound like you're actually thinking about a relationship with me. On the first real date?" I teased, watching as a faint blush crept to his cheeks.
He bit his lip, and for a brief, reckless second, I had half a mind to bite down on it for him.
"I literally told Jasper, 'Dude, I think I found my wife—'"
"Edward," I gasped, eyes widening. I was quite taken back, considering how this all began. "We just met."
"You want honesty, don't you?" he shot back, looking incredibly pleased with himself, his grin coy and utterly entertained. "I can't help that I'm feeling bold tonight."
"I like bold."
Edward chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I had a feeling the first time we met that we were going to have a lot of fun together."
"Think you can keep up?" I asked, letting my hand brush his thigh before quickly returning it to my lap.
Edward's breath hitched. I could feel the heat radiating from him, making my heart race. "Oh, sweetheart, I can keep up just fine—you know that."
"Do you feel it?" I asked, staring intently into his eyes.
He swallowed hard. "Feel what?" His voice was rougher now, thick with something unspoken.
I leaned in, my lips just shy of his ear. "I feel like you've been fucking me with your eyes this entire night."
Edward's breath stalled. My lips were close enough for him to feel my breath ghosting over his skin, and I caught the slight shiver that ran through him.
"And what if I have been?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I caught his earlobe between my teeth, my hand splayed over his thigh again. "I'd be happy to play along."
Edward let out a low growl as I nibbled his ear, his body tensing under my touch.
"You're a tease at heart—I knew it," he said with a strained grin.
"I know," I whispered, satisfied with his reaction. My fingers slipped into his hair, nails grazing his scalp. "I want you to tell me how you'd handle me."
"You have no idea," he groaned. "All this teasing is gonna turn around and bite you in the ass."
"Oh I'd adore a little love bite from you," I responded with a wide grin.
Edward closed his eyes briefly, savoring the feeling of my hands in his hair. He took a deep breath, his control visibly slipping. "If you keep this up, I'll take you right here on this bench."
I hummed by his ear, a low, melodic sound, and pressed a slow kiss to his neck. He shuddered, the reaction sending a pulse of heat straight through me. He clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around the pizza box as if trying to ground himself.
"You're making this real difficult for me," he said through gritted teeth.
Smiling, I pulled back and leaned against the bench, my gaze steady, never wavering.
Edward exhaled a frustrated sigh, the tension in his body easing slightly, though his eyes still burned as they swept over me. "You're going to pay for that at some point," he promised, voice thick with intent.
"I can't wait," I teased.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he shook his head in mock disbelief. His gaze roamed over me again, slower this time. "You're a handful."
"I've been told," I replied with a shrug, meeting his eyes without hesitation. "Question is, do you think you could handle me, Edward?" I asked. "I can be spicy sometimes, I've been called too sensitive in the past, and disobedient to traditional rules."
He chuckled at my question, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "I think I can handle you just fine, Leah. I like a little spice in my life, and I can appreciate a woman who knows her own mind. As for being sensitive, that's just part of being human. Everyone has their moments. And as for rules...well, I'm open to negotiation," he flashed me that dazzling smile as he finished.
"Would you ever hold anything against me? Would you judged me from my past, or my mistakes?" The skepticism in my eyes was probably showing. I'd been through a lot already. It felt like I was grilling him a bit, but he did not seem to mind.
His expression softened as he saw the look on my face. He reached out, touching my wrist again, his touch reassuring. "I would never do that, Leah. We all make mistakes, and our past is what shapes us into who we are today. I'm not perfect either, so I have no right to judge. All I care about is the person you are now, and the potential we have together."
His words were like hot molten lava in my brain. My whole body broke into goosebumps. Fuck he sounded serious about me.
"Do you want to make me feel something?" I asked, leaning forward just slightly.
By the look on his face, he knew exactly what I was implying. His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes darkening with desire. "More than anything," he murmured, his voice low and husky.
"I'm thinking if we make it to the second date, you might just get that chance," I said with a growing grin as he swallowed hard. "I already know how I make you feel."
His imagination seemed to run wild at my words. He squeezed my wrist gently, his eyes never leaving mine. "You're teasing me right now, aren't you?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice.
I shrugged. "Just being honest." I tried not to sound too cocky, but judging by the heat pooling in my stomach, I knew I'd been keeping both him and myself plenty entertained tonight. I had to behave—at least for now. We couldn't just jump straight to sex. But there was something undeniable about this man.
Edward took a deep breath, leaning back against the wooden bench, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You've got a lot of depth, Leah. I'm really happy we met. And I'm glad you let me take you out."
"Mm," I hummed, tapping my shoulder against his. "You're welcome for the pizza recommendation, by the way."
He chuckled, nodding. "Indeed."
He stood, grabbing the pizza box in one hand. "It's getting late. I'd rather not be met at the door with a shotgun."
I smirked as he walked me to his car, opening the passenger door of his Lexus with a warm smile. His hand rested lightly at the small of my back as I slid inside, a simple touch that sent a pleasant shiver through me.
As he got behind the wheel, he glanced over. "So when your parents passed… they didn't leave anything behind?"
I exhaled softly, turning to look out the window. "The house—and debt. My mom didn't know how to function without my dad. It was like a steady decline," I admitted. "She had a will, but she misplaced it or something." I huffed, shaking my head. "Not that it would've changed much. It was pretty unexpected."
Edward's fingers drummed lightly against the steering wheel. "If you don't mind me asking… how did she pass?"
A lump formed in my throat, my stomach tightening. I wasn't ready to go there—not tonight. The weight of that memory still felt too raw, too jagged to touch. "I can't," I whispered, barely audible.
His response was immediate and gentle. "That's totally fine. It's a fresh wound—I won't pry."
I let out a slow breath, nodding. "My bad, I just… I'm really not ready for that talk."
"Don't apologize," he said firmly. Then, with a small, reassuring smile, he added, "All things considered, I think you're doing pretty damn well for yourself."
I scoffed, shaking my head. "I'd still be a stress case if I hadn't gone through with the auction."
Edward studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Even without it, Leah… sometimes life simplifies when we stop overthinking."
I snorted. "Easy for you to say, Mr. Incredible."
His lips twitched, amusement flickering in his gaze. "I haven't been through the same kind of strife you have, but that doesn't mean I don't understand where you're coming from."
I tilted my head slightly, considering him. "I won't argue that."
His gaze lingered on me, something unreadable flickering behind those eyes. "By the way, I'm sorry about that earlier shit with—" he paused, as if refusing to say her name. "I really had no clue she'd be there."
I loved the way he didn't even acknowledge her directly. I waved it off. "It's all good. Honestly, it was kinda sweet, watching you get all pissed—defending my honor and all."
His jaw tightened slightly, but his smirk remained. "Fuck yeah. She doesn't have a pot to piss in."
I bit my lip, tilting my head. "Think she was jealous?"
Edward let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "That she can't hold a candle to you? Without a doubt."
I shrugged, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Too bad we're taking this slow. Imagine all the single men and women feeling utterly devastated when they see us tangled up in each other."
We made it to the front of the house. He parked. His smirk deepened, something knowing and dangerous curling at the edges. He leaned in just slightly, his voice dipping low, rough. "You keep poking at me tonight, Leah. Makes this even harder." His gaze burned into mine, his restraint teetering on the edge. "But I can't just tell you this is different and expect you to believe me—I have to show you."
A slow heat spread through me at the promise in his words. My voice came out softer than I intended. "Do you actually like me like that?"
His stare never wavered. "It's not obvious by now?" He leaned in just enough for his breath to ghost over my lips, sending a shiver through me. Then, his voice dropped even lower. "I have your thong in my pocket."
Laughter bubbled out of me, rich and unrestrained. "Yeah, I realize that," I teased, sliding my hands up to the back of his neck. My fingers found the soft baby hairs at his nape, playing with them gently. His eyes fluttered for half a second, betraying just how much he liked it.
"I'm fucking struggling," he admitted, voice almost pained. His hands flexed at my waist. "I wish I could spend the night with you."
My heart flipped. I leaned in, my lips just brushing his ear as I whispered, "Maybe when we upgrade our friendship, I'll consider it."
A small hum left my lips as I savored the way his fingers twitched slightly, gripping air instead of me.
"So what's the deal? Have I achieved second date status?" he asked, his voice carrying the faintest edge of need.
I squinted one eye playfully, pretending to weigh my options. Edward watched me, amused. "Wanna set the date?"
"Is tomorrow too soon?" he asked, his tone hopeful.
I chuckled. "I've got stuff to do, but how about next Friday?"
His grin was genuine, though there was a slight hint of disappointment in his voice when he replied, "Whatever is good for you, sounds good to me."
"As long as there's food and music involved," I added with a smile and a nod.
Edward's eyes lit up at the mention of music. "Music it is, then. I know a little jazz club downtown—nothing too fancy, but it's got a great vibe."
"That sounds beautiful," I said sincerely. "I love jazz."
Edward's smile widened, pleased. "Me too. Ever played any instruments?"
"I played the recorder in elementary school," I admitted with a small laugh. "Dabbled with guitar. I absolutely adore string instruments, but I was always too nervous to try anything when I was a kid. Afraid I'd fuck it up."
Edward nodded, eyes sparkling with interest. "Recorder's a good place to start—teaches you how to read music. And guitar's pretty straightforward. I think you'd be good at string instruments."
I raised a brow, my fingers tapping lazily on the back of his neck. "Oh yeah? What makes you say that?"
A slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips. "You seem like the type who's good with her hands."
I rolled my eyes, suppressing a grin. "Apparently, you think so."
His laughter rumbled low in his chest, and for a moment, everything else faded—the past, the complications, the weight of reality. It was just us, caught in this magnetic pull neither of us seemed eager to escape.
"We could even grab something to eat before the music," he suggested, referring to next date, his voice easy, as if he wasn't just setting my entire body on edge moments ago.
And honestly? I didn't mind that one bit.
"You gonna eat me first?" I asked, my breath shaky, my words slipping out before I had the sense to stop them.
His grin turned sharp, predatory. "That depends," he said, eyes dragging over me like a slow burn. "Are you going to be a good girl and let me?"
A shiver coursed through me. "What if I'm bad?" The words tumbled out, almost defiant.
His smile only widened. "Then there are consequences."
I inhaled sharply, my pulse thrumming. "Mm, I'm a glutton for punishment," I whispered.
Edward let out a low chuckle, his hand twitching at his side as if fighting the urge to reach for me. But before either of us could push the moment further, a bright light cut across the driveway, the front door creaking open.
Seth stepped outside, leaning against the doorframe with a knowing smirk, waving lazily in my direction. Behind him, the faint glow from inside cast long shadows, and I didn't have to see Jacob's face to know he was likely stewing somewhere in the background.
I exhaled, grounding myself.
Edward's eyes flicked from Seth back to me, his smirk never wavering. "Looks like we've got an audience."
"Yeah," I muttered, pushing my hair back. "You wanna keep the pizza?"
"You take it with you, I've already got something to remember you by," he said, tapping his pocket.
"You'll probably sniff it when I'm not around," I sighed, while gathering myself.
Edward only chuckled, leaning back just slightly to adjust himself—but the weight of his presence still lingered. The unspoken promise, the tension, the everything.
This wasn't over. Not even close.
...
..
.