So sorry for the delay in posting this – I have had two weeks without a computer and am only now able to get it typed out and ready for posting. I hope it’s worth the wait. I sincerely hope to have the next chapter ready in two weeks’ time.
Thank you to my beta mxpi1970 and my pre readers who do an excellent job each chapter.
I own nothing except Edward’s dirty mind, but Carlisle loves it so that’s okay!
As always, all characters created and owned by Stephenie Meyer.
~xxXxx~
CHAPTER 8
CPOV
Unable to settle, I gathered up laundry and loaded the machine. I checked my messages yet again.
Nothing.
He’s with Emmett. Stop worrying.
My stomach growled, reminding me that it was almost lunchtime. I sighed and went to fix a snack, not really caring what I ate.
I pushed too hard. I should have just asked if I could check in on him, or maybe let him stay with Emmett. I fucked up.
Carrying my cup of tea, I drifted into the living room and switched on some soothing music, closing my eyes to try and somehow force my mind to relax.
The phone rang; the tone was loud and shrill against the soft strains of Debussy. My eyes snapped wide open and I grabbed it from the table with undue haste. Immediately my eyes went to the name on the display.
“Edward?”
“So, is it still ok for me to stay?”
My shoulders sagged with relief. Thank you, Emmett, for whatever you said to him.
“Of course! Do you need me to come pick you up?”
The doorbell chimed and I cursed inwardly. Not now.
“Someone’s at the door. Don’t go anywhere.”
Ready to lambaste whoever it was at the door keeping me from Edward, I wrenched it open. And there he was, smiling at me hopefully, his hair like copper fire in the sunlight.
“Where else would I go?” His smile made me weak. “Carlisle, I remember. I remember everything.”
~xxXxx~
When he dropped his bag and kissed me, I swear I heard Alice saying ‘Told you so!’ in my head. As we stood kissing in the doorway, I heard the sound of his ride pulling away and looked up to see Emmett smiling at me, throwing me a cheery salute as he drove off.
Almost pulling Edward inside the door, I resisted the urge to pin him against the wall, instead grabbing his bag from the step and dropping it in the hallway. He looked around.
“It’s good to be back. The last time I was here things got a little ugly.” I winced, remembering only too well. Listening to the music drifting through from the open living room door, he ran his hand through his hair.
“I love this piece.”
“So do I. Do you play it?”
“Yeah, it’s a favourite. I learned it when I was a kid. It ... uhm... soothes me.” He sounded almost embarrassed, but having seen and heard his talent I knew that he was just being modest. I made a mental note to have him play for me again soon, although I now knew it would need to be somewhere private as I was powerless to resist him when he bared his soul through his music.
He made his way through and sat on the couch, eyeing my half-finished cup of tea and discarded apple.
“Any chance I can get one of those?” He pointed to the tea.
I nodded, retrieving my cup and making my way through to the kitchen. He followed me, commenting on the way.
“I didn’t think you drank tea – I thought you were a coffee man.”
I chuckled. “In the mornings and at work I need the jolt, but at home I need to unwind. What would you like: Lapsang Souchong, Earl Grey or English breakfast?”
He blinked. “There’s a difference?”
I laughed at his expression, his frown causing adorable little furrows between his eyes.
“Yes, indeed there is! I’ll fix you a cup of English breakfast.” As I poured two fresh cups I saw him watching me intently out of the corner of my eye. I raised a questioning eyebrow, not looking at him. “What?”
He blushed. “Nothing... just remembering, that’s all.”
Putting down the kettle, I turned to him then, crossing the small space to reach out and clasp his arms, running my hands up and over his shoulders, feeling the firm muscles beneath.
“Just hearing you say that makes me so happy for you, and for us. How did it happen?”
He closed his eyes tightly for a moment, not breathing, before looking at me again, exhaling hard.
“Something Emmett said... about Lauren. He made a comment about her walking in on us – he didn’t know about that – and suddenly I was telling him about it. I’m still a little muddled, but,” he shrugged, “everything appears to be there. But most importantly,” his hand splayed over my neck, his thumb lightly caressing along my jawbone, “I remember meeting you and coming back here. I had never wanted anyone more than I wanted you. It was the best night of my life; I can finally tell you that. You changed my life that night.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Hearing him say the words that I myself wanted so badly to express made me light headed. He breathed deep before continuing.
“We’ve been through more in eight days than most couples should ever have to face. It feels like I’ve known you for months; we just ... fit. It’s so easy with you and I think that was what scared me when I was trying to remember us. How we hadn’t even dated, and yet it felt so familiar, so right. I don’t know if you understand what I’m trying to say.”
I nodded.
“I think I do.” My voice sounded rough, and I took a second to find the words, to share them with him.
“When you were brought into that hospital and Emmett told me who you were, I thought I was drowning. I-I couldn’t find a way to anchor myself to you; I wasn’t your doctor, I couldn’t help...” My fists clenched involuntarily. “I just had to stand on the sidelines while Alice and Rose kept me informed about your condition. I was so useless, overwhelmed with fear...”
My voice tailed off and I forced myself to continue. “I thought I was going to lose you, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it!” I choked, my emotions building; tears threatened as I unwillingly relived my night of personal hell. I felt his warm hands cradle my head against his, our foreheads touching as I struggled to hold myself together.
“And you’ve been dealing with this all on your own? Carlisle, you don’t always have to be the strong one. It’s okay to ask for help.”
He pulled me close and I relaxed into him, my tears of relief soaking his shoulder as my walls finally crumbled, safe in his arms.
~xxXxx~
When I had composed myself I stood at the window and drank my cooling tea. I could see Edward’s reflection behind my own; his arms holding me loosely round my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. Looking at us in the window, he asked me the easiest question anyone had ever asked me.
“So, shall I put my bag in your room or a guest room?”
“You really need to ask?”
“I hoped not, but it’s rude to assume.”
I chuckled. “Let’s get you unpacked.”
I picked up his bag and we climbed the stairs hand in hand until we reached my door. Pushing it open, I saw Edward smile contentedly.
“Now this I remember.” He winked at me and I flushed with pleasure. Sitting down on the bed his green eyes shone, his voice both cajoling and bewitching.
“Can we just lie here for a little while? I know I need to rest like you said and I just want to be close to you.”
“Anything for my favourite patient.” I kicked off my shoes and joined him on the bed, nestling my head into the pillow and holding out my arm. Edward crawled over to me on his hands and knees, laying down beside me and sliding my head onto his chest. His fingers slid into my hair and he played with the strands, running them through his fingers hypnotically. I could feel my eyes getting heavy as I slipped into a trance like state, lulled by his actions.
“Perfect,” he murmured, almost to himself.
I tilted my head back to look at him and he kissed my frown lines, his hand not stopping its movements as he continued talking.
“The first time I stayed here, I woke with you lying like this. I’d never felt so happy and so terrified at the same time.” I looked at him, confused, and he smiled. “I thought that maybe I was a one night stand and you’d forget me just as easily. Don’t worry; I know now I was totally wrong. But I just...”
When he paused, I shifted to face him fully.
I saw his internal struggle before he spoke again, not meeting my eyes, the words seeming difficult for him.
“I wanted you to know that I love you.” His eyes finally met and held mine.
“I love you, Carlisle.”
My breath left me in a whoosh as his words sank in, words I had longed to hear. Leaning in to brush my lips against his, I whispered simply,
“I love you more.”
His nose touched mine, his eyes speaking volumes as I knew mine did. When he finally spoke again, his voice was gruff.
“I want to make love to you, Carlisle, so very much. I need to be as close to you as I possibly can; I don’t care about concussion – I need you.”
My heart rate sped up at the rawness of his plea. So help me, all I wanted to do was rip off my clothes and lie back, letting him fill me until I was incoherent with pleasure. Common sense had to join forces with my medical brain and step in and stop me before I complied with my fantasy right then and there.
“Soon, love, soon. Just a couple of days to recuperate and then, I promise you, I am all yours, however you want me.”
My voice shook a little, growing huskier as desire crept in. As I watched, his eyes darkened, the dark depths of his pupils eclipsing the green. His hand left my hair and moved tantalisingly slow until he was feeling my ass through my pants, kneading and massaging the flesh while pulling my body flush against his. Hitching my leg across his, he rested it over his thigh, giving his hand more room to manoeuvre as his fingers gripped and caressed the firm muscle. His hand slipped down, glancing over my balls firstly with a teasing touch and then a more deliberate caress. My body was responding rapidly; my shaft swelling and lengthening and I shifted uncomfortably even as I pushed back against his questing fingers. His nose nuzzled into my hair, his quiet words holding so much promise.
“Okay, so no exertion, I get that. But this isn’t physically demanding, is it? Just a harmless cuddle with the man I love?”
His rhythmic stroking felt so good that I was rocking into his hand in silent encouragement. His wicked whispers continued unabated.
“And, if I were to ask you to unbuckle your pants and slide them down, that wouldn’t over exert me either, so I think you should do that, don’t you?”
My shaking hands found my belt and zipper and I fumbled them open, kicking the fabric down my legs, my underwear tangled up inside. I resumed my position, my leg crooked over his. His warm hand stroked my bare skin, sending shivers up and down my spine. I hummed with pleasure as he sensually caressed my ass and thighs, avoiding my exposed and aching cock and balls. I was startled to feel his fingers flutter into my crease and I gasped aloud when he skimmed my hole, gliding away quickly. It was no accident however, as seconds later his fingertips ghosted over it again pausing just a fraction longer to circle the sensitive opening before he move to cup my balls, high and tight from his attentions.
“Edward...” I moaned, feeling certain he would touch my swollen cock at any moment and anticipating his firm grasp on my excited flesh.
When he stopped all movement I almost whimpered with disappointment. Looking at him I saw a crooked smirk flash across his face before he hid it, and I wondered exactly what his game was. He raised an eyebrow, his smile barely contained behind his mock serious expression.
“As I need to rest, I’m afraid that I can only lie here. That leaves you in a bit of a predicament, doesn’t it? So what if I was to slide down this bed a little, get nice and comfortable, and open my mouth? Do you think you could use it for your own means? I hate to see you all frustrated.” His grin almost broke and he bit his lip to hide it before he continued.
“And I’m pretty sure it would mean minimal exertion for me. After all, I’m following doctor’s orders.”
Leaning over him I saw his eyes dancing with mischief as he stared up at me.
“Well, Edward, if you want me to fuck that dirty little mouth of yours I think I need to clean it thoroughly first.” My lips crushed his, our tongues each reaching out blindly to the other as I pinned him to the pillow in my desire. Hearing his low moan, I silently chalked up a point to me in this game of tease. As soon as the kiss broke he winked at me and slid down the bed until his face was level with my aching cock. Then, as promised, he opened his mouth, curling his tongue suggestively.
Reaching over, I grabbed my pillow and placed it under his head and neck before touching the tip of my cock to his parted lips, painting a trail of pre come all around them like lip gloss. I watched his tongue flicker out to taste and I pulled back and waited. When he opened his mouth wider, I sank my cock a little at a time into the warm, wet cavern so eagerly presented to me. Stroking along the roof of his mouth, I edged slowly deeper. I watched him resist the urge to suck, allowing me into the opening of his throat, gagging slightly at the intrusion. I pulled back before slipping in again, gliding over his tongue and farther down. This time he knew what to expect and swallowed around me.
My boy’s a fast learner!
I started to thrust, gently at first, into his welcoming warmth, building up to a more demanding rhythm as my need to possess him took over. I felt the sweat bead on my forehead as I forced myself to control my movements, to not hurt him in my eagerness. My hands gripped the bed head tightly, and in my haze I barely registered the click until I felt wet fingers circling my hole, one pressing into me, penetrating the tight ring of muscle. The shock of pleasure was so unexpected that I faltered in my movements, shuddering as a second finger slid in taking full advantage of my distracted state. As he started to pump his fingers into my tightness I let my body take over, fucking his eager mouth with abandon, until his questing digits danced across my gland repeatedly as he enjoyed my laboured gasps of ecstasy. The combination of his talented fingers and hot mouth was too much and I barely had time to warn him before I pulled out and came all over his neck and chest, one last weak jet landing on his cheek and sliding down like a silvery tear.
His fingers slipped out of my ass and I all but collapsed next to him, kissing him gratefully, tasting my own come on his lips. He returned the kiss with fervour, pressing his erection into my stomach and reminding me that he was as yet unsatisfied, having put my pleasure before his own. He ripped off his shirt, unfastening his pants with indecent haste as I pulled them from his body. Kissing my way down his chest, I ran my nails down his sides, loving the way his body juddered under my hands, his cock jerking pleadingly toward me. I ignored it, instead sucking his turgid nipple into my mouth whilst my forefinger and thumb pinched its twin, my teeth grazing along his stiffened peak as I enjoyed his muffled grunts. Looking up I saw the cords stand out in his neck as he gritted his teeth, his whole body tensing. My tongue painted a trail down to his heaving stomach, tracing the definition I found there, until I reached his twitching cock, a pool of fluid already forming beneath it.
When I parted his thighs I heard him grit his teeth as he fought to maintain control.
“Carlisle, please, I need your mouth on me...” His words were cut off by a guttural groan of appreciation as I engulfed him in my mouth. Gathering some of his copious fluid, I applied a feather light touch to his twitching entrance. It opened to me willingly and a fingertip slipped inside, just enough to trigger hot sparks of pleasure to spike under his skin. As I sucked him hard, I worked my finger in and out until Edward’s foot was paddling the sheet, his hips thrusting up to meet me as he neared the point of no return. My finger circled and glanced his sweet spot, once, twice... his desperate cries grew louder, almost animalistic in their intensity as my tongue swirled around his cock head, focusing on the pleasure point just underneath.
“Can’t... hold... on...” he rasped, and one last stroke of my finger over his gland elicited a cry of surrender as he exploded in my mouth, his cock jerking long after he had emptied his balls into my throat.
As I sprawled next to him, both of us replete, he stared earnestly into my eyes.
“I don’t know how I could ever have forgotten that, but I’ll tell you this much – the next time I come I want to be buried in your ass.”
Goosebumps flared across my skin at his verbalisation of my thoughts.
“Yes, Edward. Oh God, yes.”
~xxXxx~
We lay there for a couple of hours, not talking, just holding each other close. While Edward slept, I went over my plans to take him shopping that afternoon. I had had an idea and I hoped he would be as keen as I, although I strongly suspected some heavy duty persuasion may be required on my part. I already knew that Edward didn’t like anything he considered ‘charity’, but this would be as much for me as it was for him.
Ever since hearing him play Irina’s piano, I had been obsessed with hearing him play again. I had looked into local piano rentals and found a place that both rented and sold second hand.
He’s only staying here a couple of days.
The little voice in my head nagged at me. I knew that he hadn’t initially wanted to stay but thankfully had changed his mind. I knew there was room in my house for a piano and I hoped that Edward would want to play. I couldn’t deny that I also hoped it meant that he would stay over too.
I felt him stir, his head rolling back toward me. His bruise was now a rainbow of colours, the purple having given way to greens and dirty yellows, the wound healing well.
After we had cleaned up and had a bite to eat, I drove us to the store I had tracked down that morning after I dropped Edward at Emmett’s. Anticipation mixed uneasily with my butterflies as I parked down the street so as not to spoil the surprise. We walked slowly, Edward’s interest piqued when I wouldn’t say where we were going. As we approached the store he displayed no recognition until he saw the sign outside; he froze, staring first at the lettering and then at me, uncomprehendingly. I tugged his hand gently, pulling him to the door to look inside at the variety of instruments displayed within.
“But... what?” His face was perplexed, his hand in his hair. “Carlisle, what are we doing here?”
“You said your mom used to rent a piano for you to practice. I thought that was a great idea, and after hearing you play at the restaurant...” I watched his face as he blinked and swallowed hard. “You have to be able to play, Edward. You have such a gift, and I for one, need to hear your music.”
“But – I have nowhere to put a piano.” His face was full of longing, tinged with sadness. He shook his head. “It’s a dream, Carlisle, nothing more, a glimpse into what I can’t have.”
“But you can have it, my love. I have plenty of space, and you are welcome to come and play as often as you want, whenever you want.”
“But our work schedules... I work evenings, so when I’m home you’ll be at the hospital. It’d be like showing a kid a new toy and then locking it in the shed. When would I get to play it?”
I reached over and stroked his face, smiling.
“You’ll have a key. It will never be locked away out of your reach. Now, I called ahead and booked an appointment so shall we go in and take a look?”
He was silent for the longest moment and then he nodded. I let him open the door, entering the grand store that smelled of wood and polish. I listened to him as he discussed the merits of each of the second hand models, the vibrancy of their tone and the quality of the craftsmanship. The owner took his time, encouraging Edward to sit at those he favoured, to try them and see which suited him. He played snippets of music on each one, enough to make me want to hear much more. I noticed that he had returned to the same one three times and was stroking the wood longingly, but had yet to enquire about the price. I drifted over to his side and whispered,
“Is this the one?”
He swallowed thickly, nodding silently. Approaching the owner, I made discreet enquiries as to the rental costs and the duration of the maximum permissible period. The man was very helpful and accommodating, giving me a month’s trial rental at a very affordable price. I also asked if the piano could be purchased should it prove suitable. The price was steep, but not unreasonable, and I promised to get back to him before the rental period expired. After arranging delivery, I turned back to Edward who was completely absorbed, playing quietly amongst the beams of late afternoon sunlight filtering through the side windows, and my heart clenched with a love I had never again expected to feel.
When we back in the car and heading home, Edward spoke.
“I want to pay for it. I make enough to cover the rental, I think.”
Perhaps he did, perhaps he didn’t, but I knew that arguing would be fruitless. I had persuaded him to keep it at my house, and so if he wanted to pay then I had to let him, for the sake of his pride.
“Alright - it’s a deal.”
He looked surprised, as if worried I would insist on paying.
“I do have one stipulation though. Let me cover the first month’s rent, and then you can take over.” Seeing him about to argue, I held up my hand. “Hear me out. You need a car, and I suspect you need that more urgently at this point in time. Put the money toward that and get yourself mobile. Deal?”
He smiled ruefully.
“I guess you’re right. As soon as I’m allowed to drive I’ll get Emmett, and we’ll go car shopping. No point having a piano if I can’t get to it in the first place, huh.”
I chuckled.
“Absolutely; so, the piano is being delivered on Saturday, and so that gives us a couple of days to fill until then. How do you feel about a trip on the boat?”
His eyes widened. “Seriously?”
I laughed at his excitement.
“Seriously! Let’s pack a few essentials and go away for a day or two. We can stay out if you’d like to. Sleeping on a boat is so restful – plus we can go further out if we don’t have to get back for nightfall.”
His face shone like a child’s. He turned to me excitedly.
“Can we go to the bar tonight? Please? I want you to meet Emmett properly when you’re both not worrying about me.” His grin lit his face. “And if we go now it won’t be too busy...” his voice was cajoling and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Sure we can. But you have to tell me if you get any headaches or pain, okay? Promise me?”
His face was serious for a moment.
“I promise. Now, you do realise that it’s Wednesday night and, traditionally, this means we should be spending the evening lusting after each other across a crowded room?”
Slowing at the lights, I looked over at him.
“Oh, I’ll still be lusting after you, I can guarantee you that.”
~xxXxx~
EPOV
Truth be told, I was stunned when Carlisle rented the piano. Just when I thought he couldn’t get any more perfect he upped the ante once again.
But I couldn’t take his money. It wasn’t right. Somehow, between the rent on the apartment, buying a car and day to day living, I would find a way to pay for it. Just having it housed at Carlisle’s place was almost too much to accept; I wouldn’t take advantage of him like that. It wasn’t my style.
I was excited that he and Emmett were finally going to meet properly; my best friend and my boyfriend, both equally important to me in their own ways. I hoped that they would bond as I needed them both so much.
The parking area at McCarty’s was quiet, and Carlisle nosed the Mercedes into a spot across from the doors. As he killed the engine I looked over at him.
“Nervous?”
He let out a half laugh. “Little bit, yeah.”
“You’ll be fine. Emm is protective, but he knows you already and trusts you. You should be safe enough.” I laughed dryly. As we walked in he excused himself and went off to the downstairs bathroom, leaving me to go find my friends. As usual it was too early for the crowds and so Riley was alone, wiping down the bar top as I walked over.
“How’s it hanging, Rile?”
His face split into a grin as he looked over and saw me.
“Edward! Man, is it good to see you! You’re not here to work, are you?”
I shook my head.
“Not quite yet, but soon hopefully.” I looked around and spotted a group of regulars and in the far corner a group of girls who appeared to be staring at Riley and plucking up the courage to speak to him. I pulled up a stool and ordered a soft drink.
“No Emmett tonight?”
“Oh, he’s here! He’s out back doing the books until it gets busy later. Want me to give him a shout?”
I smiled. “In a minute, Riley – I’m just waiting for someone.”
He slid over my juice and I took a sip, turning just in time to see a stunning brunette pulling out the stool next to me.
I smiled at her as she blatantly ogled me, her eyes sweeping over me like a Geiger counter over a radiation leak.
“Are you waiting for me? I’m Tina. Say, don’t you usually work the bar here? You shouldn’t be all on your lonesome. If you’d like some company then I’m right here.”
She fingered the stem of her wineglass in an overtly sexual gesture, and I raised an eyebrow at her blatant proposition. She couldn’t be more than 18 or 19, and very aware of her beauty. Her long, tanned legs were crossed and her short, pink dress scarcely kissed her thighs. Her breasts were barely concealed and, although I found them visually appealing, I had no interest in taking her home with me, which was clearly what she was angling for.
One thing working a bar had taught me was that women were suckers for a bartender. I had no idea why, but it had worked in my favour on many an occasion. Unfortunately for her, this time I had no interest in what she was offering.
“Uh, sorry, sweetheart, but I’m with someone so this really isn’t appropriate. You seem like a really sweet girl and it’s a pleasure to meet you, but I’m spoken for.”
I naively expected her to leave and return to her friends, but to my surprise she stayed, her hand straying to my wrist, her thumb rubbing circles over my pulse point. Not wanting to appear indecorous, I gently stilled her hand and removed mine from the bar. She really wasn’t getting the hint, and I was becoming a little annoyed.
“Please, I said I’m waiting for someone.” I kept my smile in place.
I looked over to Riley and nodded to the back room. He understood my gesture and disappeared to fetch Emmett from the office.
Tina’s hand had now strayed onto my thigh, and I knew I had to put a stop to this right now, but I was loath to make a scene where I worked. I gripped her wrist tightly and removed her hand and she frowned, leaning in to me.
“I could make you want me, baby,” she purred into my ear. “I could make you forget all about that other guy and turn you back to girls. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll make you forget your own name.”
As she was speaking, all I could see was Carlisle, the touch of him, the taste of him, his voice and his smile.
Oh sweetheart, you are so wasting your time here. That man owns me til the end of time. Wait a minute – how does she know about Carlisle? Has she seen us out together? Well, it won’t matter in a minute or two.
Emmett appeared and took in the scene before him with a frown.
“Dude, can I talk to you for a minute?”
I nodded, standing up from the stool.
“Sorry, Tina, this is business.”
Her face clouded and I could have sworn I heard her mutter “pussy” under her breath. I could hear the whispers from the girls in the corner of the room, and I wondered if I had been the subject of a bet or a dare. Clearly Tina would be paying the forfeit if that was the case.
Moving to the far end of the bar, Emmett stepped out from behind the mahogany.
“Ed, you do know that girl is a friend of Lauren’s, right?”
“Are you sure?” I was taken aback and starting to realise where Tina had gotten her information.
“They’ve been here every night so far this week, the nights you usually work. I didn’t know they were in already tonight. If you’d called I could’ve warned you.”
“I didn’t think. I wanted you and Carlisle to meet properly, away from the hospital and so this was a spur of the moment thing. He’ll be here in a second, he’s just downstairs.”
Emmett grinned. “Sure, I’d love to shake the hand of the man who makes my friend smile like that. You do know that your whole face lights up when you say his name? It’s kinda cute, in a manly way of course.”
I cuffed him playfully. “So can you spare a few minutes from your hectic schedule to have just one drink with us? You can tell us how your date went with Rosalie.”
“You bet. By the way, have you told Riley yet? I think you’re going to shock that poor boy.”
I shook my head.
“I’ll be gentle with him, I promise. I’ve just got him working my way; I can’t be doing with having to train someone else!”
Emmett’s loud laugh echoed around the room and he went back behind the bar. As I returned to my seat, to my dismay, Tina tried one last time to seduce me. If anything, her dress was now even lower over her perky breasts and she pushed her arms together to emphasise them as she leaned in to me, her cloying perfume clogging my nose.
“Are you sure I can’t tempt you?” Her face suddenly dropped as lips pressed against my uninjured temple, a warm hand clasping mine. I turned to him like a plant to sunlight, smiling up at him as he pulled over a seat, never letting go of my hand.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Riley’s expression which, in a different time and place, would have been truly comical.
Tina’s eyes flitted from one to the other, her lips moving but nothing coming out.
But then the ball dropped.
“She never said you were with him! She said you were telling yourself you were gay now and playing around with some guy, but she never said who it was! Oh, this is priceless!”
Carlisle looked up from ordering his drink. I heard the whispering grow louder from the corner of the room and I turned to see Lauren, now visible without her wall of friends for protection. Her face was ashen, and at that moment I realised that her plan all along was to try and make me cheat on Carlisle, or better still, leave him. That way her friends would never find out who I left her for and her precious reputation would still be intact.
She set me up again. No wonder she’s here so often; she’s been biding her time until I showed up, but she got more than she bargained for when Carlisle came with me. And now her friends all know the truth. I’m sorry, Lauren, but this is for keeps. You need to come to terms with that.
I saw that Carlisle was upset, but there was nothing I could say to make him feel any better. In trying to hurt me, she had succeeded in hurting both her father and herself instead, and now the truth had finally been exposed to her little pack; those girls had been scenting the air like wolves just waiting for the full story to break.
I could hear the childish taunts already coming from the table, despite their ages, and with a sob Lauren scraped back her chair and made for the door. Before she reached it, however, a voice called out from the pack:
“Hey, Lauren, what’s it like having two daddies now? Do you get twice the pocket money?”
She turned to look at me and I jumped down from the stool to go after her, catching up with her as she stepped outside. She spun to face me, her eyes unrepentant, even in defeat.
“I just don’t understand how you could do this to me, after all we meant to each other! I thought you loved me, Edward!”
“I cared about you, Lauren, I still do. But the lying has to stop now.”
“But we slept together!” Her voice was smug as she threw what she assumed was a fait accompli in my face.
“No, we didn’t! Just admit it, Lauren!”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you - me letting you off the hook to go and screw my dad? Well it doesn’t change the facts, Edward. You slept with me and now my period is late, so who’s lying now?”
I shook my head in disbelief.
“Then you need to see a doctor, sweetheart.” Carlisle’s voice came from the dark doorway behind us. Would you like me to take you to the hospital and run a sonogram? We can soon sort this whole mess out.”
~xxXxx~
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