709Author note: Yes, I'm still alive! Thank you to everyone who messaged me to ask lol Life is kicking my ass, but I'm still here. If you have to go back and re-read the last chapter to catch back up, I don't blame you. For everyone who has kept up with this and for all of my loves who continue to review, I adore you.
BPOV
"Okay, Miss Swan. I think we have everything we need."
Detectives Keyes and Mendoza stood up from where they'd been sitting for the last hour and a half in my living room. They were older than Edward and Jasper, both smart and serious types, though Mendoza seemed a bit more relaxed.
Edward walked with them to the door, shaking both of their hands. He'd stayed with me last night, but I knew he hadn't slept particularly well, because I'd woken several times through the night to find him already awake. He sat in on the security meeting this morning, then had gone to the station for a few hours, but returned to be with me for the interview.
"Wait a minute, boys!" Mrs. Mavis called from the kitchen, and then hurried over, a white bag in her hands. She had arrived before Edward and the detectives and had immediately charmed all three of them with her motherly nature. "I have some fresh muffins for you two. Banana chocolate chip!"
They thanked her effusively and her smile warmed my heart. She had been so worried when I explained the situation, had cried a little bit and said she felt like she was abandoning me if I sent her to her sister. I'd assured her that for my own piece of mind I needed to know she was far away from any danger, so she finally relented and was flying out the next day. Her ticket was open-ended and I would bring her back when it was safe.
"So, what now?" I asked Edward after the detectives left and Mrs. Mavis had returned to the kitchen where she was making a pot of my favorite broccoli and cheese soup. She planned to cook a few different things while she was here and stock my freezer, she'd told me.
"Now, they go to work," he said.
I walked over to where he was standing and he wrapped his arms loosely around my waist.
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay, angel?"
"No, really, I'm fine. You need to go back to work, you're still on call. And I have a lot to keep me occupied. The extra security is all in place, and everyone is up to date. I won't be leaving the hotel at all today, don't worry."
"I'll always worry. That's what you do when you love someone as much as I love you."
I leaned up to kiss him softly.
"I love you, too."
"You'll call if you need me?"
"Of course."
Thankfully, the rest of the day passed fairly uneventfully, and I found myself slowly relaxing as I went about the familiar tasks of my workday. I called my uncle Marcus to catch him up with the situation and he was horrified at the turn of events, even offering his own personal security service, but I assured him that we were taking all of the necessary precautions, and I would let him know if we needed anything else. I also invited him over for dinner on Sunday night when we would be doing the Mexican feast, and he assured me he wouldn't miss the opportunity to visit with his niece and nephew and also meet the people in our lives who had quickly become so important.
Emmett called at lunchtime to tell me that my car had been picked up from the police station, and he was making arrangements to have it cleaned by a company who specialized in crime scene cleanup, the same people who had came to my apartment after the shooting. He already knew I didn't want the car back, so we decided the best course of action was to sell it. I planned on donating every penny from the sale to the local animal shelters. It still broke my heart and made me angry every time I thought about those two innocent cats who had been killed because some crazy woman wanted to scare the shit out of me. The sooner she was off the streets, the safer everyone would be, and I just prayed that she would be apprehended quickly now that the police had a direction to go in. There hadn't been anymore texts since the night before, but I was pretty sure it was only a matter of time before she did something else.
Normally I had a power yoga session with Bree on Thursday afternoons, but she'd had to cancel because her little boy had caught the flu that was making the rounds at his daycare, so I stayed busy until my stomach started growling and I realized it was after five. Alice and I were in the middle of talking about an upcoming event that the hotel was hosting, and she laughed at the loud noise.
"Go home, Bella. We can finish this up tomorrow."
"Got plans for dinner?"
"Yeah, I'm heading over to Dad and Greta's in a bit."
"What's on the menu tonight?"
"Chicken Parmesan. Dad's been hinting, you know it's his favorite. Wanna come? They'd love to see you."
Alice and her father were very close, as her mother had passed away when she was just a little girl. They cooked together once a week, taking turns at each other's houses. He was a sweet and gentle man who moved to Tampa from New York to be closer to Alice a few years ago, and he ended up meeting someone special, a chiropractor named Greta. Alice got along with her right from the start, and had been thrilled when they'd gotten married last year, happy that her dad had found love once more.
"Thanks Ali, but I'm pretty beat. Give them a hug for me and tell them next time."
"Okay. Night, Bella."
I shut down my computer, turned out the lights and locked up my office. As tempting as Alice's offer had been, I was actually looking forward to a bowl of homemade soup and one of the fresh Brioche buns Mrs. Mavis had brought with the rest of the groceries. She'd been quite busy all day, making a chicken and rice casserole and a ham and cheddar quiche, all divided into portions to freeze. I knew it was her way of trying to look after me even if she couldn't be with me, and I adored her for it. I'd given her an extra tight hug when she left, and told her to find a handsome Englishman to have a wild fling with while she was there. She'd blushed and shook her head at me, but then winked and said maybe she would.
Edward had been in touch off and on since he'd left me earlier in the day, kept busy with the new case that he and Jasper had been assigned. I could tell just from the brief times we'd spoken that he was tired and still frustrated, and I knew that it was difficult for him to hand over the reins, but he'd admitted that there was nothing he could do about it and instead focused his energy on the new case. He was also still on call until the next day, and was hoping for a non-eventful evening. Edward expressed regret about most likely not being able to see me that evening, but I assured him I was fine, and just planned to have a quiet night at home, which was absolutely the truth. A warm flush spread through my stomach when he told he loved me, and I was grinning when I said the words back to him. I would never get tired of saying them.
Ginger and Maryann met me at the door when I arrived upstairs, and I stroked them and handed out a few of their favorite crunchy treats from the little canister on the foyer table, then made my way to my bedroom. I stripped off the tailored trousers and blouse I'd worn all day and pulled on soft lounge pants and a tank top, sighing in pleasure. My eyes wandered to what was now Edward's portion of my closet and I smiled, remembering his reaction and the way he called me 'Sugar Mama'. Obviously, I knew he didn't need me to buy him anything, but it made me happy to spoil him a little bit. Like I'd told him, he'd have to get used to the perks of dating a millionaire. Of course, my actions weren't completely selfless; I was dying to see how he looked in the slim fitting Hugo Boss jeans I'd picked out. I just knew they were going to hug the sexy curve of his ass in the most delicious way.
I set a place at the bar top, heated up some soup, and buttered one of the Brioche buns. It was a simple meal, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and was just about finished when my phone alerted with a text. It was from Edward.
Jasper isn't allowed to pick up food anymore.
I laughed out loud. He'd me told about the times that one of them would go and grab takeout if they were working late at the station. According to him, Jasper ate like a college kid and when it was his turn he always picked fast food, the greasier the better.
I texted him back.
Do tell?
I got a picture in reply and shook my head at the image of a messy chili dog and sad-looking fries.
You have my deepest sympathies. Next time I'll send you to the station with provisions. The soup was delicious.
I'm jealous. Are you done for the day?
Yes, just finished dinner. Still working?
Unfortunately yes. So tired, I feel like I could sleep for a week.
My poor guy. Besides this whole ordeal with the mystery woman, I knew that he was also still troubled by the scene he and Jasper had discovered, the dead body and crying babies. For the thousandth time, I marveled at his determination to still do his job, and do it well, despite the horrifying situations he encountered on a regular basis. He said I was strong, but his strength far out-measured mine.
Call me before bed?
Of course. Love you angel
Love you too xoxo
EotN*
I stepped from the shower and grabbed a towel, frowning when I noticed that the wine glass on the counter was pretty much empty. I needed a refill. It had been my second glass, but even after a dinner of comfort food and a few reruns of Sex and the City, I found myself restless and a bit melancholy. So I'd poured the second glass and went out to the terrace to have a nice soak in the hot tub. It always helped me to relax, and I couldn't wait to get Edward in there with me. Soon, hopefully.
I never understood the meaning of the word yearn until Edward came into my life. But, I most definitely yearned for him. His voice, his smile, his touch, the smell of his skin. Everything. I was absolutely crazy in love with that man. Even though I missed him with every heartbeat, I hoped he would be able to at least get a full night of sleep because he certainly needed it. I vowed to spoil and pamper him this weekend.
The hot tub worked it's magic, and by the time I went back inside to take a shower it was just after nine-thirty, and I was feeling very loose and languid. The two glasses of excellent Mark West pinot noir probably helped with that as well.
After drying off and using my favorite peachy lotion, I wrapped the towel around myself and headed to the dark kitchen. I refilled my glass of wine, then made sure the doors were locked and set the alarm before returning to the bedroom. My phone rang as I entered my closet to get pajamas, and I turned back around to grab it from the nightstand. It was Edward.
"Hey there, sexy Detective Cullen," I crooned, loving the husky laugh my words evoked.
"Hello, angel. Sexy, huh?"
"Like that's news to you," I scoffed, then giggled when I lost my balance a little bit, almost spilling my wine. "You know how sexy I think you are."
"Yes I do, but I'm curious about what's gotten you all flirty tonight?"
"Probably the two glasses of wine I had. I'm working on my third," I told him, taking a sip.
"Ah, that explains it. The last time you were tipsy on wine, you flashed me in a restaurant."
"And you loved every minute of it."
"How very right you are."
"Hey, did you get any indigestion from that spectacularly messy chili dog?" I teased, remembering his grumpiness over Jasper's choice of food.
"Surprisingly, no. But it was so soggy, I only ate half of it. Jazz ate two of them, plus most of my fries, he's like a damn raccoon. I ended up nuking a container of my mom's paella from my freezer when I got home, and it was so much better than that mess. How was your night?"
"It was quiet. I had dinner and then watched some TV. Soaked in the hot tub and took a shower. Nothing very exciting, I'm afraid."
"Mmm, I disagree. You in the hot tub sounds very exciting to me."
His words made me grin.
"Well, it definitely would have been more exciting if you were in there with me. We'll have to make sure that happens soon. I miss you, Detective."
"I miss you, too. The good news is that I have the whole weekend off and I can't wait to spend it with you. We just have to get through tomorrow."
"I can't wait either."
"Did you know my bed doesn't smell like you anymore?" he asked in a perturbed tone. "Completely unacceptable. You need to come back."
"I wish I was there right now," I said with a sigh, honesty and longing in my words.
"Yeah?" His voice dropped seductively, and warm arousal awoke in my stomach at the sound of that single word.
"Mmm hmm," I replied. I took a large swallow of wine and thought about Edward's bed and everything we had done in it. The images were unbearably hot, and I pressed my thighs together as an insistent throbbing began between them. "I wish you were wrapped all around me, in your bed."
"Me, too. I miss your body, the way it feels against mine. And I miss the sounds you make when I kiss you. So fucking sexy," he murmured.
I ached for him. Literally ached to feel his warm breath on my skin while he said things like that. Leaving all the lights out, I took another sip of wine, set the glass on the nightstand, then unwrapped the damp towel from my body and dropped it to the floor. The city lights from the bank of windows were the only illumination in the room as I pulled back the duvet and got into bed, reclining on the pillows.
"Edward?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm naked. In bed, in the dark. Missing you so much." Wine and desire made me bold in the quiet stillness of my shadowed bedroom.
"Fuck, Bella," he groaned softly. "I'm as hard as a rock picturing you like that."
"Are you?" I purred.
"Yes."
"Then I really hope you're stroking your cock right now. Because when I think of you doing that, it drives me crazy." I thought of his big hand with those long, talented fingers, the way they gripped and slid along his thick shaft. The throbbing between my legs increased.
"Fuck, yes I am," he said huskily. "But, I wish it was you instead. I love the way you touch me."
"Good thing, because I love touching you." I trailed one finger down and circled over my nipple, then gently pinched and squeezed it. My pussy clenched in response. "If I was there, I'd put my mouth all over that amazing body. I'd slide my tongue along all of your tattoos, they're so hot, baby."
"You like my tattoos, angel?"
"God, yes. You look so sexy with all that ink, I thought so from the first time I saw them, that night in my office."
"And you really made yourself come in the shower just hours before that, fantasizing about me?"
"I absolutely did. You were on your knees, right in front of me, and I came so hard."
"I'll gladly fulfill that fantasy anytime you like."
"You're too kind, Detective."
"Bella?"
"Hmm?"
"In the hot tub tonight, were you naked?"
"Oh, yes. It's really the best way to enjoy it, Edward."
"Fuck," he moaned. "I'd love to see that. Your gorgeous tits bouncing from the bubbles, your skin all slick and hot."
"I'm all slick and hot right now, baby," I told him, sliding my hand down and stroking along the swollen lips of my pussy, rubbing my slippery clit softly. "Because I'm thinking about how much I love sucking your cock. Your long, hard, cock. I love the way it feels in my mouth, the way you taste. And when you grip my hair and fuck my throat? There's just no way to describe how much it turns me on."
"Oh, I'm gonna do that again, angel. I'll slide it between those sexy lips, all the way in, over and over. And you're going to take all of it, aren't you?"
"You know I will," I breathed.
"Are you touching yourself?" His tone was dark and erotic.
"Yes," I answered, moaning now and rubbing my clit harder. I was close already and his words were pushing my arousal higher and higher
"I wish I was licking that beautiful pussy right now, angel. You taste so fucking sweet, I'll never get enough. I want to fuck you with my tongue," he said huskily. "I want to suck on your clit while you sit on my face and ride my mouth."
"God, Edward," I whimpered, sliding my longest finger inside my slick core, wishing it was his hard cock instead.
"Are you close, Bella?"
"Yes."
"I can't wait to be inside you again. Can't wait to slide into your wet pussy and feel you all hot and tight, squeezing my cock."
"Mmm, you always fuck me so good, baby," I told him softly. "If you were here with me right now, I'd spread my legs wide open and take every inch of you." I was panting now, exquisitely poised on the precipice of falling apart.
"Bella. . . God. . I'm gonna come."
"Yes, baby," I encouraged him. "Let me hear you."
"Fuck, fuck, fuck," he chanted, his breathing harsh. In my minds eye I saw the sweat beading on his forehead, how his teeth would bite into his bottom lip, the way he threw his head back. That sexy image came to me again, of his big hand wrapped around his swollen erection, and that was all it took. My entire body arched off the bed as a gloriously hot orgasm crashed over me, pulsing and sublime. My toes curled, and I heard Edward's loud groan in my ear as he too found his release.
"Jesus," he gasped a few moments later. "Hang on a second."
I assumed he was cleaning himself up, and I rose from the bed on shaky legs to do the same. I was a soaking mess.
"I miss you so much more now," Edward murmured as I made use of a warm washcloth then slid on underwear.
My heart melted at his tender declaration.
"I miss you, too. I suppose that's the next best thing to having you here with me. Though, I'm glad we waited until now to be together like that, and not while I was in New York." I told him, pulling a nightgown over my head and remembering that flirty phone call.
"God, you drove me crazy when you sent that picture from the bathtub. You're so fucking beautiful, Bella." His voice turned sweet and adoring. "Sometimes I still can't believe you're mine."
"Well, believe it," I said softly, swallowing down the lump in my throat that his words had caused. "No one has ever belonged to anyone as completely as I belong to you. And tomorrow, I'll make sure to remind you so good that you will never, ever doubt it."
"I love when you say things like that," he confessed. "And, I can't wait."
"Will you come for dinner? I'll cook."
"Absolutely."
"Seven o'clock? I mean, you can come over whatever time you want, you know that, but I'll plan for dinner at seven."
"I'm gonna try to leave the station at a normal time tomorrow, so seven should be good. Will you come home with me on Saturday? Pack for a sleepover again?"
"I'd love to." I thrilled at the thought of sleeping in Edward's yummy bed again. The very one he was in as we spoke.
"One more thing," he requested.
"What's that?"
"I, uh, cleared out some places for your things, if you wanted to bring any over. Like extra clothes or shower stuff or whatever. That way you won't have to pack for sleepovers anymore. They can be spontaneous," he teased, but I heard the underlying tone in his voice, almost like shyness, and I could have died at how adorable he was in that moment.
"I could do that," I replied, smiling.
"I'd love it if you did. It was such a thoughtful thing, when you surprised me with the clothes and stuff at your place, but I knew I wouldn't be able to do that because I'm pretty clueless when it comes to what you would need, besides a toothbrush," he said with a laugh. "But, I want you to be comfortable when you're here with me. So feel free to bring anything you want, okay?"
"I will."
He let out a huge yawn and I smiled.
"Go to sleep, Detective."
"I love you, Bella."
"I love you, too. So much. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay, see you then."
After we hung up, I pushed the button to close the blackout blinds and then crawled back under the duvet, knowing that by the same time tomorrow Edward would be in bed with me. The thought made me smile drowsily and I drifted off to sleep.
End notes: Awww! Why is Edward so adorable? I'd love to hear your thoughts. xoxo