I accepted the wine happily. I had to admit that flying first class did reduce my stress level somewhat. Not that I flew coach, or even flew at all that often. The few times I’d flown with Rose, she refused to sit in the ’cheap seats’, therefore we always went first class.
The butterflies started to flutter as soon as the plane began to descend. I saw the Aspen airport getting closer, and knew Edward waited below. I couldn’t keep the giggle from escaping my lips. The lady next to me eyed me curiously.
Geesshh, some people don’t remember what it’s like to be in love.
I silently prayed that would never happen to Edward and me.
As soon as I passed the security area, I saw Sidney standing off to the side, silently waiting for me. I knew that I must have been grinning from ear to ear. Sidney returned my grin with a kind smile. We got my bags, and he ushered me outside.
Holy shit! It’s freezing. I mean Seattle isn’t warm but this is Siberia cold! Bella, don’t exaggerate.
I was just thankful that Rose made me wear her faux fur coat, hat, and gloves.
I wish I had on fur underpants, because I’m seriously going to freeze my ass off.
Sidney guided me to the car, and there was my Edward waiting for me in the back seat. I dove onto his lap. I was so happy. “Edward.“ I sighed.
“I missed you so much sweetheart.” He breathed.
I think it was a short drive from the airport to the Hotel Jerome, but I didn’t keep track of the time. Edward and I spent the entire time kissing. We didn’t come up for air until Sidney announced that we’d arrived.
I gasped when I saw the hotel. It was older and classically beautiful. I couldn’t imagine a lovelier setting to be married. Well, except of course my little Church back in Forks.
Holy crap why am I thinking about marriage?
I chastised myself, Edward and I had only know each other a little over a month. I blamed it on the romantic setting and our purpose for being here.
Sylvia and Mark had reserved the entire hotel for the weekend. Everyone was issued a special ID card to get in and out. They’d thought of literally everything to keep the paps away.
I chuckled to myself when I pondered my newly discovered paparazzi repellent in the form of Emmett’s noxious farts. I was so lost in my silly thoughts that I didn’t realize we’d arrived at the suite.
It was charming. Since we knew we couldn’t be parted this weekend, Edward had reserved a two-bedroom suite. One room for us, the other for Alice and Jasper.
Edward went to stow my bags as I admired the sitting room. At that precise moment, Alice came gliding in from her bedroom. “Bella! I’m so glad you’re here.” She said as she grabbed my arm, pulling me to the sofa. “We’ve got a very busy day tomorrow. Since the wedding isn’t until night, I’ve already informed Edward that you are mine for the afternoon. We’re going to the spa, and getting our hair done.”
Does she ever take a breath?
“Okay.” I knew that resistance was futile.
Edward had thought of everything. Knowing that I’d be nervous about my flight, and wouldn’t have eaten dinner, he’d arranged to have a food tray delivered to the suite.
I suddenly realized I was ravenous as I dug into the fruit, cheeses, crackers and finger sandwiches. Edward helped me eat some of it, and poured us each a glass of champagne.
On top of the wine I’d already had on the plane, the champagne managed to make Bella a very relaxed and happy girl.
That was until I opened my suitcase.
Rose.
Before I got home from class today, Rose must have re-packed my suitcase. I panicked. No jeans, sweatpants or t-shirts. I checked the garment bag to see if some of my missing things were there, but no, all it contained was the dress for the wedding.
I grabbed my cell and dialed her.
I hope I wake her ass up.
“Hey Bells. Before you start, I didn’t throw anything away, I just removed all your frumpy clothes and replaced them.”
“Why Rose?” I whined.
“Because Bella. You’re gorgeous, and you’re dating a movie star, you need to look the part. I’m afraid those nasty sweatpants and t-shirts are not going to work.”
“Do you realize that you’ve left me with nothing to sleep in? Did you seriously expect me to parade around in front of Edward in lingerie?”
“Of course you’ve got something to sleep in. I packed two lovely modest nighties in your bag.” Rose breathed out a sigh. “Look you two are wound entirely too tight, you both need to be more comfortable with each other. Don’t worry, it’s not like you’re going to lose your virginity this weekend.”
“I feel sick.” I really did. “You have a twisted mind Rose.”
“Bella trust me, when you see Edward’s reaction, you’ll be thanking me. By the way, Alice has your ski apparel for your ski lesson tomorrow morning.”
“What ski lesson?” I asked bewildered.
“Edward will tell you. Oh, it looks like Emmett really did a number on those paps.“ She said with a chuckle. “If they ever come back, I’m sure they’ll be sporting gas masks.“
I had to laugh at that.
“Have a great time sweetie, and don’t worry so much. See you Sunday night.”
“Bye Rose.” I said, still feeling a little unnerved.
No comfortable clothing for two days!
I was regretting flying in a sweater and skirt.
Ugh I wish I’d worn my jeans.
I took the suitcase with me into the opulent bathroom. Actually, the nightgowns weren’t bad. The one I chose for tonight was burgundy satin with spaghetti straps, the neckline plunged a little low, but the hem came down to my mid-thigh, plenty long enough to cover my skimpy undies.
When I exited the bathroom, I found Edward lying across our bed channel-surfing. He glanced over at me and froze. His eyes grew wide, his eyebrows flew up and he seemed to have lost the power of speech momentarily.
“Um, Rose re-packed my suitcase, removing all my comfortable clothes. Do you think this looks okay?”
Edward finally closed his gaping mouth and visibly swallowed. He cleared his throat. “You look very nice.” He answered in a subdued voice.
“I need a shower.” He said as he stood abruptly and breezed past me into the bathroom.
What the hell? Rose was right.
I found myself silently pleased with his reaction.
I made sure I was under the covers when Edward came back to bed. He laid on his side facing me, with his head propped on one hand. I could tell he wanted to talk about something.
“What’s wrong Edward?”
He let out a deep breath. “You know Bella, I’ve always prided myself on my self-control.” He shook his head while chuckling darkly. “I realized when I met you that I’d never really been tested until then. Despite that, I still felt I was handling things pretty well.” He abruptly sat up in the bed and ran his hands roughly through his hair. “I owe you an apology.”
I looked at him, confused.
“When you came out in that nightgown just now, it was everything I could do not to go all caveman, throw you over my shoulder and take you to bed.” He murmured.
I gasped in surprise.
“Maybe if I’d had a little warning, I would have reacted more gentlemanly. I’m so sorry.”
I wasn’t sure what to think. Edward was apologizing for reacting like a normal boyfriend? I couldn’t let him continue feeling guilty.
“Edward please don’t apologize. It’s hard for me to say this but, I’m feeling really flattered right now.” I said in a whisper. “It makes me happy to know you want me in that way. I know we talked about wanting to be each other’s firsts, but you’ve been so reserved that I wasn’t sure if you were really interested.”
Edward’s mouth fell open, then he smirked. “Forgive me Miss Swan for not expressing my thoughts before now.” He let out a breath and took my hand. “Bella, don’t hate me for this but, I’ve thought of little else since you spilled coffee on your shirt the first day we met.” He chuckled. “Let’s just say that I’m getting used to cold showers.”
I was shocked, and I seriously wanted to do a little happy dance, but that would have been inappropriate.
Instead, I knelt in front of him and stroked his face with my hand.
When he kissed me this time, something was different. For one thing, his hands didn’t stay in one place as they normally did. I was vaguely aware that they were traveling along the bare skin of my shoulders, then down my back, coming to rest on my hips as he pulled my body to his.
Edward deepened the kiss. I opened my mouth and tentatively stroked his lower lip with my tongue. Feeling brave, I gently sucked on his lip. His reaction was immediate, and soon both our tongues moved together, each fighting for dominance over the other. Before I knew it, we were a blur of tongues, lips, hands and muffled moans. Our bodies were pressed against each other. Edward’s hands had wandered down to grasp my upper thighs, dangerously close to the hem of my nightie. Mine were under his shirt feeling the muscled planes of his back.
I need to get his shirt off right now!
I was suddenly brought back to my senses when I felt the evidence of his growing um, arousal against my stomach.
Oh my.
I realized that I needed to slow things down, or I would give over completely to these new sensations.
It was difficult, but I pulled back slightly, catching my breath, my lips swollen from Edward‘s kisses. He pulled back and looked at me, his eyes burning with desire. He closed them for a few seconds, and then blinked several times. He sighed.
“Maybe we should just talk for a little while.” He suggested.
We both relaxed and sat down. The only physical connection, our clasped hands.
“What do you want to talk about?” I asked, regaining my composure.
“Well, since we’re already on the subject…. Oh hell, I’m just going to ask. Bella, how much do you know about sex?”
That caught me a little off-guard. “Um.” I was thinking.
“I’m sorry, I’ve made you feel uncomfortable.” He was back to dragging his hand through his hair again.
“Edward, stop. I’m not uncomfortable.” I said. “I’m just trying to think how to word this without sounding stupid.”
“Bella, you’re not going to sound stupid.” He smiled encouragingly.
“Okay. Well, about three years ago Rose discovered that I was woefully ignorant about sex. She made it her mission to become my own personal ’Dr. Ruth’.” I frowned and shook my head.
“She started forcing me to read all the sex-related articles in Cosmo. At first I pretended to read them. She found me out pretty quickly, so she started quizzing me on what I was supposed to have read.” I cringed at the memory. “It was horrifying, and it went on for months. The worst part was that she would decide to quiz me at the most bizarre times, and sometimes in public places. I’ve never been so embarrassed before or since, even by the things Emmett has done.“
“I explained to Father Pat that I didn’t think it was a sin, because I hated every minute of it. And at the time, I was more afraid of Rose than of my punishment from God. She can be pretty intimidating.” I shuddered.
I stopped my rambling when I realized that Edward was laughing his ass off at me, again.
“You know, I’m so glad I amuse you Mr. Movie Star. I suppose you know everything about sex?” I said while I smacked his arm.
“Bella, I’m a guy, I think we’re born knowing it.” He said, still chuckling. “What we’re not born knowing, we learn from each other and other sources.”
“At the risk of sounding like an idiot, what sources are you talking about Edward?”
“Bella, come on, every guy I know has watched at least one porno, or a hundred.” He laughed out loud.
I’m stunned at the direction this conversation has taken.
“I think that was too much information Edward.”
“Don’t feel bad.” He said, gauging my reaction. “It was back in high school Bella.”
“Listen” He grew serious again. “I know your history, and I would never push you into anything you weren’t ready for. When we are ready for the next step, I think we’ll know. I don‘t just want you for a few months or even years, Bella, I want you forever. Believe me, I’m willing to wait as long as I need to.“
That night I fell asleep in Edward’s arms, completely content.
--V&V--
The next morning, as Rose had warned, I was scheduled for a ‘ski lesson’. I was beside myself with worry. I could only imagine that I’d lose control and end up crashing ‘ass over tit’ into a group of unsuspecting tourists.
“It’ll be fine Bella, you worry too much.” Edward tried to soothe.
“You don’t understand Edward, I‘m a walking disaster. When I was eleven, Emmett took me roller skating. I lost control when I was coming off the rink, and crashed into a group of older boys that were standing there talking. They cursed me out and I spent the next twenty minutes crying in the bathroom.”
Edward looked angry. “Please tell me that Emmett did something to them.”
“Well, when Emmett finally coaxed me out of the ladies’ room, he had all three of them lined up to apologize. When I asked him later what happened while I was in the rest room, he told me that he never laid a finger on them, but that he was so verbally persuasive that one of them started crying, and the other two pissed their pants.” I smiled remembering.
I really do love my brother.
As it turned out, I actually did pretty well during my lesson. The downside was that I was the oldest, and tallest, person on the beginner’s slope, therefore I spent an hour being ‘shown up’ by a bunch of seven year olds.
Assholes.
--V&V--
“I need to seriously get back to the gym. I’ve been really lazy since Christmas.” I said.
“I know what you mean. If I didn’t have my aerobics class I’d be the size of a heifer.” Alice responded.
As promised, we were at the spa. We’d been plucked, waxed, buffed and kneaded, and at the moment, were waiting for our nails to dry. Next on the agenda would be our hair.
Despite our location, I was enjoying my time with Alice immensely. She couldn’t have been more different from Edward though.
Sort of like Emmett and me.
“Were you always interested in fashion Alice?”
“For as long as I can remember.” She answered. “My mother likes to tell the story of when I was four years old, I somehow discovered that babies came into the world naked, and it sent me into hysterics.“
“I was so upset, it took Mother hours to calm me down. I couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t let us choose a fabulous outfit to wear for our arrival on the planet. It seemed so wrong.”
I giggled at her sincerity.
I think I’m going to enjoy Spring break after all.
After we finished with our afternoon, Alice and I went back to the suite. She texted Jasper to let him know where we were.
“He and Edward went to the bar for a drink.” She smiled as she came to sit beside me. “They’ll be a little while yet. Now we can talk without anyone around.” She smiled sweetly.
“What do you want to talk about?” I was curious.
“Just something that’s been on my mind.” She hesitated, seeming to choose her words carefully. “Bella, I just can’t help but get the feeling that Edward is going to screw this up somehow.”
I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Don’t get me wrong, he would never do anything to hurt you on purpose, but he would sacrifice his own happiness if he thought that was what was best for you.”
I thought about her words. It was true, Edward was a selfless person, especially when it concerned me. But I couldn’t imagine a circumstance where he would do what Alice was implying.
She noticed my confusion and patted my hand. “Don’t over think it Bella. It’s probably nothing. I just hope that if he does anything stupid, you’ll remember how much you love him. Now that he has you, I don’t think he could survive without you.”
Nor could I survive without him.
Alice and I went to our respective rooms to dress for the wedding. The dress Alice had designed for me was so elegant. It was a teal tea-length strapless gown with bands of sheer material looping over each shoulder, giving the illusion of straps. After I had on my dress and shoes, I stepped out into the sitting room.
Edward and Jasper had just gotten back. Edward immediately came over to me, taking my hands, as he looked me over.
Jasper smiled knowingly and escaped to his room.
“Bella“ Edward gasped “you take my breath away. You‘re absolutely stunning.”
And because I can never be serious I responded “Now you know how I feel all the time, Mr. Movie Star.”
He smiled. “Silly girl. Okay, I’ll go get dressed, and then we can go downstairs.”
When Edward stepped back into the sitting room, it was my turn to gasp. He was gorgeous, and he was mine.
I’ve told myself this before, but it bears repeating. Bella you are one lucky bitch!
Alice made sure to coordinate Edward’s tie to match my dress. For the first time since I’d known him, I almost felt deserving to be on Edward’s arm.
--V&V--
The Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Jerome was a sea of candlelight. All the guests were seated at elegantly decorated tables. When the orchestra began Wagner’s traditional Bridal Chorus, all eyes were on the bride. Escorted by her father, she carried a bouquet of white calla lilies, the ballroom itself was decorated with bouquets of calla lilies in various shades from pale pink to deep burgundy.
The bride met her groom under an arch of twinkling lights.
The wedding guests included very few members of the ‘Hollywood’ community. They consisted, for the most part, of relatives of the bride and groom. I was introduced to exactly five actors, two directors and one producer, which accounted for a very small percentage of the entire guest list.
Sylvia and Mark were so down to earth. They welcomed me as a new friend with open arms. They also seemed to be aware that Edward never had a relationship with Tanya. I felt comfortable with them immediately.
Once again, I was impressed by the people that Edward had chosen to surround himself with. They were part of Hollywood, but lived their lives outside of the crazy, just like Edward.
“Why do you look sad Bella?” Edward asked.
I was in Edward’s arms, dancing with him to the strains of Truly Madly Deeply.
“It’s our last night.” I whispered, afraid that if I spoke too loudly the magic of the evening would be over too quickly. His arms tightened around me.
“I’m looking forward to the day that we won’t have to be apart any more Bella.”
“Me too.” I whispered.
--V&V--
I was lying in bed, spooning with Edward, his arms wrapped around me. I couldn’t help the silent tears that were streaming down my face when I thought of leaving him tomorrow.
He began to sing very softly, his lips close to my left ear:
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me….
His voice was the last thing I heard as I drifted off to sleep.
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