Bella's dress for the benefit
Edward's suit for the benefit (did I really need an excuse to publish this?!)
Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm grateful to Stephenie Meyer for her dream!
Chapter 8 – Back To You and Me
Edward POV
My voice was low against her ear, "Isabella, how much later?"
"Um…"
As I was waiting for Isabella to return to our designated meeting spot, I thought about the night before. I had done a bit of work by email once I left her at her father's. Then I went to bed. Sometime in the middle of the night, I couldn't sleep. I really wanted nothing more than to talk to Isabella, but I didn't dare wake her. She would think I was a nut or a stalker. Pathetic as I was, I had retrieved her now-dry hoodie out of the bathroom and placed it beside me on the pillow. I felt a calm come over me and I was able to go right back to sleep.
When I saw Isabella coming toward me with her shopping bags, I could spot that distinctive pink and white striped bag from a mile away. I groaned inwardly. Holy hell! Why was I so nice back at the airport to the ticketing agent? The damn weather was keeping me from New York and the chance to prove myself to Isabella again. My mind was running rampant at all the things that bag could contain and I couldn't wait to see them on the most delectable woman I'd ever laid eyes on.
My first thought was to run her out of the mall, take her back to our room, beg her to let me make love to her until she finally broke – but I knew I was on some sort of probation with her. Dammit – I knew in my mind I'd never screw up like this again. This was killing me.
"It's ok, love," I finally said. "You don't have to answer now. Do you want to go back to the hotel, get rid of our bags, and pick out a restaurant for dinner? If the weather clears, our new flight should leave at 10 tomorrow morning." She agreed and we were soon on our way.
There was a fine restaurant in the hotel, so we decided to eat there. We both ordered steak as that was one of their specialties. During dinner, I told Isabella there was a benefit dinner coming up for a local hospital next week that I wanted her to attend with me. This would be our first official date as a couple, at least in the public eye. There would be no turning back after this. I caressed her hand on top of the table and assured her I'd be right beside her, facing the press. She smiled weakly. I knew the first time would be the most difficult; after that, I felt she would be a pro at it.
After dinner, we discovered a nightclub inside the hotel with a jazz band. Several couples were dancing. I asked Isabella to dance with me and she agreed. It felt so good to hold her, especially with her arms wrapped around me as well. The past couple of days, it felt like she'd been withholding this part of herself from me. I knew I'd been the cause of that and I'd kicked myself many times over because of it.
Sue me, but the band began playing a very romantic song and I held Isabella even tighter to me. I gently brushed the hair away from her neck and bent my head down to begin placing kisses from her earlobe to the bottom of her neck. Then my mouth moved back up to her earlobe and I sucked on it a bit. A tiny moan escaped from her mouth. "Are you ok, love?" I whispered in her ear.
"Yes," she whispered back. And suddenly she turned her head and was facing me. She looked deeply into my eyes and then her lips found mine. It seemed her kiss was unconsciously saying, "I'm starting to trust you again, Edward – please don't leave me again," to which my unconscious was furiously agreeing, "Never!"
"Do you want to go?" I asked in between our now almost breathless kisses. She nodded and I found the exit for both of us. We had to control ourselves in the lobby and elevator as there were other people with us, but I continued to hold Isabella tightly to my side, never letting her go.
Once inside our room, I pulled my beautiful girl inside, shut the door, and then backed her up against it. My lips claimed hers once again.
I was kissing my way down Isabella's neck hungrily once again when she breathlessly began saying my name. My lust-addled brain took a few moments to register this information. I finally responded, "Yes, love?"
"We need to stop."
Stop? Stopping was the last thing on my mind. I wanted to keep going – more kissing, more caressing, taking Isabella to one or both of the beds and ravishing her body. Still, I knew she was right. I knew she wasn't ready yet. Fuck!
"I know, Isabella. Forgive me yet again." My hands caressed down her sides and moved carefully away from her.
"It's ok, Edward. I was in the wrong as much as you," she responded as she cupped my jaw and looked into my eyes. "We probably should get some sleep." I agreed and we got ready for bed.
I apparently was sleeping like the dead and rolled over in the middle of the night. I ran into something soft. Isabella had apparently crawled into bed next to me sometime during the night. "Oh Isabella," I whispered as I drew her into my arms. She never awoke and I fell back to sleep myself.
In the morning, as I reached over Isabella to turn off the alarm clock, I saw my current position. I was protectively draped over her and her warm body was snuggled into mine with her back facing me, and good morning, Mr. Woody! As soon as Isabella woke up, there would be no way she couldn't feel my morning erection curving perfectly around her ass.
I gently untangled myself from Isabella and lay next to her on my back. My movement must've disturbed her sleep as she woke up soon after. She turned over and said, "Oh! Good morning, Edward. I meant to get out of your bed long before now. I was just…I don't know…missing the feel of you."
I ran my fingers along her jaw and said, "Love, you never have to apologize for that." I leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, making sure to keep the bottom half of my body on my side of the bed. "Do you want to shower first?"
"Mmmm…no, I want to lay here and be lazy for a bit. When I get back to work, I have this task-master for a boss. He never lets me sleep in," she said.
I smiled wryly. "Well, hopefully he's on the way to not being such an overbearing asshole, Isabella. Please have faith."
She was suddenly hugging me with every ounce of strength she had and effectively pulling me back down onto the pillows. "Oh Edward, I didn't mean it. I was just teasing you. Please know that. I do have faith in you." Her kiss against my lips was much deeper than the quick one I had just given her.
"Love," I said when we finally came up for air, "you really are going to have to let me shower or we're not going to make it to that 10 o'clock plane. I will use every ounce of my persuasiveness that I have and getting back to New York to prove my worthiness to you won't matter so much."
She giggled and tried to struggle to get away from me. I was definitely up for this little battle. I was over her body in a second, like a mountain lion stalking my prey. She wasn't going anywhere, even though her hands were pushed against my chest. She squeaked out a little scream. I brought my face right down to hers and whispered to her, "Might I remind you, Miss Swan, you are the one who came to my bed in the middle of the night."
Her returning cheeky grin just about did me in. "You are far too dangerous for your own good, love," I told her as I kissed her again and then got out of bed. If she saw my resulting morning wood – well, it was her own fault. She was to blame. I went into the bathroom, shut the door, and turned on the shower spray. I was going to have to get rid of my Isabella-induced erection in the shower. I hoped I wasn't too loud about it.
After my shower, I dressed while Isabella took hers. She dressed in the bathroom and then we went to breakfast. While I was waiting for her to come out of the bathroom, I heard several airplanes take off, so I was glad about that. Not that I hadn't enjoyed our little bubble of being together, but we needed to get back to reality.
Our flight back home was uneventful. Sam met us at the airport and we dropped Isabella off at her apartment. Since we got back late East coast time, both of us were taking the next day off. I didn't ask Isabella if I could stay at her apartment. I figured she may need some time to decompress with Alice and have some "girl time." I never knew what girls talked about anyway and probably didn't want to know.
Bella POV
I left Edward the previous night with a sweet kiss on the lips and the promise to see him soon. I needed some girl time with Alice – I missed my best friend like crazy. I saw she left a note propped up on my pillow that said: "Wake me as soon as you get in. Love you." I quickly got into my pajamas and went into her bedroom.
"Alice," I said as I gently shook her awake.
Her eyes popped right open and she sat up. "Oh, Bella, I'm so glad you're home!" She reached up to me for a hug. Then she opened up the side of her covers nearest me and invited me inside. I knew she wanted to know all about my trip to Forks and how Edward had treated me, so I knew we'd be up for awhile. This was the perfect opportunity for snuggly girl talk.
Alice told me she'd threatened to punch Edward in the junk if he hurt me again. That got me laughing hysterically. I could just imagine his face when she said that. Then she asked how Charlie was. I told her he was doing fine and enjoying his newfound celebrity status, although rather confused by it. Then it was time to get down to the serious discussion.
I began, "I think Edward and I have really turned a corner during this trip, Alice. He was so sweet, caring and attentive – exactly everything I want him to be. He truly showed he adored and cherished me. However, I did put him on 'probation.' I told him I wanted to see how things went back here in the city. Things seem to be fine between us when we're out of town, but they get out of kilter when we're back on our home turf."
Alice replied, "I think that's fair. I do think Edward really loves you and wants to be with you. He just needs to curb his workaholic behavior to show my best friend she's the most fabulous thing in his life."
I hugged her again, smiled, and said, "No wonder I love you."
"Now," she questioned, "the really important thing is – what are you wearing to this upcoming benefit we're all going to?"
My mock shocked expression just made Alice giggle. I said, "I can't believe you didn't pick something out already!"
"Well, I kinda did, but didn't want you to get all bent out of shape about it." I pointed to myself and mouthed, "Me?" She playfully slapped me on the arm. "I'll show you tomorrow. Let's get some sleep, girlie. Some people have to work in the morning."
That night Alice and I ended up spooning together in her bed. It was nice feeling warm and loved. We normally didn't make a practice of sleeping together – it was just a warm and comfy place to be. Besides, if I was going to be groping anyone, it would be Edward. And I'm sure she'd rather be groping Jasper. We don't play for the other team.
In the morning, Alice was out of bed long before I was. My bleary eyes only caught the fact that my dress was red. She mentioned something about me being hopeless, but did leave me a chai tea on the nightstand and gave me a kiss me on the forehead on the way out the door. I woke up a couple of hours later to find light streaming in the windows. I microwaved my chai tea and it was good as new. I checked my cell phone and saw I had a text message from Edward:
Morning, Love. I hope you slept well. Call me when you're awake.
I checked the clock in the kitchen. It was about 10:30 a.m. I'd almost slept the day away! I texted back:
Morning! Of course! Be expecting a call soon.
He seemed thrilled to hear from me as we talked about everything and nothing at the same time for several hours. During our entire phone conversation, I never heard any tapping of a computer keyboard to indicate he was working. Finally, I gathered my courage and asked him what he was doing. He explained he'd been sitting in the garden at one point; at another, he'd gone to sit in a chair overlooking the water. He was eager for me to see the view from the back of the house – maybe at sunset some night.
At length, Edward asked, "Isabella, would you…do me the honor of going on a date on Saturday night?"
I replied, "I think that can be arranged. What did you have in mind?"
"I'll see if Shelly is able to get us tickets to The Lion King. Would you like that?"
One of the most fabulous musicals ever! Would I! There was no hiding the smile that came to my face as I said, "Yes, I would love that!"
"And, love," he continued, "I'd like to pick you up for work in the morning, if you don't mind."
"OK. That would be great. I'll be ready. I suppose I should get some things done around here."
After we said our goodbyes, I took a shower, started a load of laundry, then looked at dinner options. Alice would be hungry by the time she got home. Thank goodness we kept our kitchen well-stocked.
The next morning, I was dressed in plenty of time for Edward to pick me up. He called my cell phone to let me know he was waiting for me downstairs. As I arrived in the lobby of my building, I looked outside. There stood the most gorgeous man in the world in a suit and tie – waiting for me. As soon as I reached him, his arms went around me and he kissed me gently on the cheek. "I missed you," he whispered in my ear.
"I missed you as well," I told him as he guided me to the waiting car with his hand behind my back. I said my greetings to Sam and we were off into the New York morning traffic. I expected Edward to start working on his laptop or something, but he just kept grinning goofily at me. "What?" I asked.
"Nothing, love. I'm just drinking you in," he replied. Yeah, there might have been the tiniest bit of an eyeroll there. He kept my hand tucked firmly into his. I wasn't sure how to deal with this Edward. It almost seemed as though he had something up his sleeve, but I wasn't sure what it was.
Soon enough, we were at the Cullen building. Employees from all departments were streaming into the building lobby, coming in for another workday. I recognized several of them. We exited the car and were then in the lobby ourselves. I started walking toward the elevators, but Edward's hand gently closing around my arm stopped me. I looked at him questioningly and saw that his briefcase was sitting on the polished marble floor.
"Come here, Isabella," he said quietly, as he pulled me to him. What the hell was he doing? And then I was being dipped back, Hollywood-style, with Edward's lips against my own. As if this man's kisses didn't make me dizzy enough, he had to add in sweeping me backward? I noticed, over the blood pounding in my ears, the lobby became deathly silent for a moment or two, then applause, hoots and hollers broke out. I could feel my face become hot – I knew I was blushing furiously.
Edward's lips moved a hairbreadth away from mine as he whispered to me, "Love, this is for your benefit more than theirs. I want you to know I'm not afraid to show anyone we are together. I am committed to you and only you. We've totally gone public. I love you, Isabella."
I was too stunned to speak. Thankfully, he let me back up so the blood could start flowing normally through my body again. It seemed our coworkers had begun moving on to their jobs. It appeared I'd just be staring at Edward for a few more moments as I remained in his arms.
"Have I rendered you speechless, love?" he finally asked.
"Possibly," I replied. He picked up his briefcase, took my hand in his, and guided both of us to the elevator.
By 10 a.m., two dozen long-stemmed red roses appeared in my office, courtesy of Edward. I went to his office immediately. "What are those?" I asked pointedly.
He was grinning boyishly again. There was no suppressing this man on a mission. He got up from his chair and came to stand beside me. "You aren't going to give those to Lauren for her desk, are you?"
"No," I said.
He reached around my waist and gave me another dizzying kiss. "Am I still on probation, love?"
"Pro…probation? Oh yes. Yes, you are," I finally got out. Damn him and his persuasive ways.
By the end of the week, news of Edward's actions in the lobby was buzzing all over the building. Apparently when Edward Cullen acts, people sit up and take notice. Lauren was practically swooning from the romantic gestures he was coming up with. Thankfully there was only that one "kissing in the lobby" episode. The others had been decidedly more low-key – roses, lunches either in or out of the office, heart-pounding kisses in either of our offices, sweet emails.
Our date night at The Lion King was fantastic! We went to dinner first and then the performance. It was everything I could've hoped for and more. Edward's hand on my knee the entire night might've helped with the flushed sensation I was feeling.
On Sunday afternoon, I received a call from Edward. He informed me he needed to go to Florida for the week for a business meeting. He hoped to be back in time for the benefit dinner on Friday night. I hoped so, too, as that was to be our first "official" date as a couple. He told me normally he would want me to go with him, but he didn't trust this business owner as far as he could throw him, so he didn't want me involved in that. I appreciated that he wanted to keep me safe.
The next week at work wasn't quite as thrilling as the past week was – without Edward there. I received an occasional email from him when he wasn't busy dealing with this dreaded business owner. One day, a package arrived for me. The card attached read: "Isabella, I hope you and Alice enjoy this. I'll always remember sharing a bit of Washington State with you. With love, Edward." When I opened the package, I saw he had sent me some Pacific Northwest salmon packed on dry ice. It made me want to cry because I missed him so much. Just because I'm from the Pacific Northwest doesn't mean I'm big on seafood, but Edward was so damn thoughtful – Alice and I were definitely feasting tonight!
By the time Friday rolled around, Jasper sent my "mopey ass" (and yes, those were his exact words) home at noon. He knew I needed to get ready for the benefit, but I barely wanted to attend if Edward wasn't going to be there. The last couple of days, I'd barely heard a peep from Edward. I knew he was working very hard with this business owner who was probably playing total hardball. And I knew Edward could play the same right back. The last thing I'd received from him was a text on my phone in the shape of a heart. Fuck this probation thing – I was crumbling from the inside. I needed and wanted Edward – more than anything else.
Alice came home soon afterward. She hauled us off to Enrique's again – God help us all. At least they fed me lunch while they tortured me! This time my nails were painted a blood red color to go with that little sliver of a dress I remembered seeing through very bleary eyes one morning. My hair was clipped up in the back without a multitude of little pins. Good thing – because if Edward showed up, I planned on getting it down in a hurry.
Once we were back home, I dialed Sam's cell phone to see how close to home they were. Great – voice mail. Why the hell didn't anyone pick up the damn phone anymore? I left him a message, though. I asked him if he was able to get Edward to the benefit and then us out of there later, if he would mind leaving Edward at my place. It seemed my lovely roommate was staying at the Cullen's for the weekend. Hussy – which I say with love, of course.
There was still no word from Edward as Alice slipped my short red Chelsey McLaren dress over my head. It was flared out at the bottom with a white petticoat slip and a slit up the back. I wore it with black stilettos which had ankle straps. Alice decided I looked adorable. I supposed outwardly, I did look nice, but inside, I was still missing Edward and only wanted to be in his arms.
We arrived at the benefit, where Jasper met us. "Have faith," he told me, in answer to my unasked question. Apparently I still looked pretty miserable. He was a master – as was Edward – at speaking to the press. They didn't have any interest in me at the moment, as I just appeared to be tagging along with Jasper and Alice. I looked over and saw Emmett with a beautiful blonde woman. That must be Rosalie Hale. They were speaking to the press as well.
After a round of drinks, we sat down to dinner. As they brought out the salad course, the seat next to me was still empty. I could barely eat past the lump in my throat. I was going to have to buck up and get over missing Edward. We could have a first "official" date some other time.
I was gazing miserably into my salad when I heard a quiet, "Bella," to my right. It was Jasper handing me his cell phone behind Alice's back. I looked up at him. "Apparently Edward's trying to text you and you don't have your phone."
Shit – my phone. I had left it in my haste of getting out of the apartment with Alice. I took Jasper's cell phone and looked at the display.
Jasper, is Isabella with you? I need to speak with her.
I typed back: Edward, it's Bella.
A moment later, a response: For fuck's sake, love. Where is your phone?
I responded: At home. I forgot it.
Another text: OK. I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late. I love you.
My response: I love you, too.
I handed Jasper back his phone, which he mercifully just slipped back in his pocket without reading the messages. Not that we'd said anything crazy, but it was nice to know he wasn't going to read our exchange right here and now.
Our salad plates were cleared away and the uniformed staff were just getting ready to serve the main course when my main course – Edward – came striding through the room to sit next to me. And then I smiled the first real one I believe I gave all week.
He grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. He nuzzled his nose gently to my neck for a moment and whispered, "Oh love, I've missed you."
I murmured, "Me too."
Dinner progressed normally, but with a slight buzzing throughout my body, now that Edward's thigh was permanently up against mine. The way he kept rubbing my neck during the auction afterward was distracting.
All too soon, it was over. Now it was time for the press to descend. I was not looking forward to this part at all. Edward held me to his side and said, "It will be over soon, love."
The press all jockeyed for position, almost overwhelming us, especially since Edward hadn't been there before the dinner started. And then they finally took notice of me.
"Ma'am, what is your name?" Bella Swan.
"What do you do?" I'm the Assistant to the Chief Operations Officer at Cullen International.
"I see you're here tonight with Edward Cullen. What is your relationship with him?" He is my boyfriend.
"Does he satisfy you in the bedroom?" No comment.
Seriously? I looked at the troll that asked that last question and knew she had to be from some gossip rag. I then I walked toward the limo where Sam stood holding open the door. Edward was still firmly within the grasp of the reporters.
Sam said, "Good evening, Bella. Edward wanted to get here as quickly as possible. He was changing in the car on the way over."
I giggled and said, "Good to know. Everything a 'go' for later?"
"Definitely!" he affirmed with a smile.
Finally Edward joined me in the car and we were off. He looked at me and said, "You seemed to do extremely well there, love, until the end."
"Well, I figured your performance in the bedroom was none of their business."
"Oh," he said, "I agree. Good job, love." He smiled at me.
We arrived at my apartment building and Edward got out of the car with me to give me a kiss. I shut the car door behind me.
Edward's arms were around me and his lips were branding into mine – just the way I'd dreamed of all week. He felt so good. My hands were on his shoulders and then in his hair, tugging on it. Sometime during our kiss, Sam had driven away.
When we came up for air, Edward said, "Now where the hell did Sam go?"
"Edward," I said, smiling and grabbing his hand, leading him toward my building, "probation is over."
Understanding dawned on his face with a slow smile and we went into the building together.
