Perfect Day

Story donated to the Fandoms 4 Autism fundraiser.

As always, all characters created and owned by Stephenie Meyer.

Summary: Today’s the day it all begins. Bella can see it all, her entire future with Jasper spread out before her eyes. She just needs to talk to him first.

~oOo~ 

Every day.

Every day, after lectures ended, he went to sit by the river and play his guitar.

I knew this because I had followed him once or twice. Hell, more than a few times, I’ll admit.

We shared English class although we sat different sides of the room. He barely interacted in class, but I knew his grades were way up there. I guessed he was a listener and not much for talking.

Jasper Whitlock.

He had transferred to our college at the start of the fall semester, and turned my world upside down. I had noticed him immediately; his messy blond, sun-bleached hair and blue-grey eyes that changed with the weather had owned me from the first glance. Yep, one look and I was done for.

He had made eye contact with me precisely twice. The first time was when we nearly collided outside in the wet parking lot. He was walking toward me, head down, and I had tripped and nearly taken him down with me. That was when I noticed his eyes, wide and startled, as he stumbled to maintain his footing and not land on me.

The second time was in class when Mr Berty sprung a pop quiz on Romeo and Juliet. He fired questions at us one by one, and when he barked “Whitlock!” Jasper’s head turned to answer him and caught my eye in the process.

So there you have it. The basis for a lifelong partnership right there, formed by a love of romantic English literature.

Noticing that he always left class bang on the bell, I decided one day to follow him and see where he went with such haste, praying it wasn’t to meet a girlfriend. I was surprised and intrigued when he stopped and took out his guitar; I wondered if he planned to busk, but instead he went and sat down by the river’s edge, playing quietly to himself, away from passersby. Finding a spot out of his view, I sat for a few moments to listen and was overwhelmed when he began to sing, his voice floating over the summer air to my eager ears. His voice was rougher than the guys I listened to on the radio, his accent prominent as he sang with a sexy drawl that caressed my skin like the seductive slither of a silk scarf.

I snuck away while he sang and my heart swelled with love for this lonely boy, no friends to speak of, and no one to call his own.

I followed him again a few days later, again hiding from sight, not that he’d notice, engrossed as he was in his playing. I wanted to be closer to him, to find a way to be his friend.

I wanted him to notice me.

The pattern continued for over a month. A couple of days a week I’d go listen to him play, always leaving before he was done. In truth, I had no idea how long he stayed there each evening. The rest of the time I was equal parts struggling to stay away from him and formulating a plan to approach him.

I didn’t want him to be embarrassed. He obviously didn’t want to be heard or he wouldn’t have chosen that spot away from the footpath. It was a peaceful spot, just the breeze and the gentle sound of the water for company.

Sitting quietly out of sight on one particularly warm afternoon, I made the momentous decision that today was the day.

~oOo~

I ran my fingers through my long, dark waves. Standing up, I brushed the dirt from my jeans and checked everything was buttoned and zipped. The last thing I needed was to stand in front of him with my shirt buttoned incorrectly as I so often did when I threw it on in the morning.

All he knew of me was that I studied English Lit, and tripped over quite a bit. It was time to change his perception of Bella Swan, future girlfriend, wife and mother of his beautiful children.

I took a deep breath and forced one foot in front of the other in the time honoured fashion. At first he didn’t react, maybe not noticing or hearing me approach over his music. But then, as my shadow played over his feet, he turned and looked up in surprise. A shy, gentle smile played over his lips as his eyes met mine, and he spoke to me for the very first time.

“What can I do for you, Bella?”

He knows my name!

Slightly tongue tied at being faced with having an actual conversation, my response was somewhat stuttered.

“I-I just wanted to say that your music is beautiful. It’s like you... I mean.... oh god... not that I think you’re beautiful! You’re more handsome than beautiful... I-I’m sorry...”

I turned to leave, mortified, my face flaming red behind my curtain of hair.

“Bella?”

His husky voice compelled me to stop and look at him; his face had flushed a delicate pink at my gushy monologue, his warm eyes looking into mine.

“Did you want to sit?”

He waved in the general area next to him and waited somewhat nervously for my answer. Not trusting myself to speak coherently, I nodded and sat down.

We sat for a few moments, neither knowing what to say. He turned to me with a nervous smile.

“This is sort of private time for me, you know? I’ve never played for anyone, ever.”

I felt bad then, and went to get up and leave him in peace. His hand stopped me.

“You don’t have to go. I was just thinking it was kind of cool that someone wanted to listen. It never happened before.”

“How come you play here? Can’t you practice at home? Sorry if you don’t want to talk about it.” 

His face fell.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t play for others as I feel kinda vulnerable when I sing. People can be so judgemental; take my folks for example. They see it as a waste of study time, a dumb hobby that will never be of any use to me in life, but the truth is I’d love to be a singer one day, performing on a real life stage, no matter how small it was. It would be a real dream come true.”

He fell silent as if he realised he’d revealed too much to a virtual stranger.

“So where do they think you are now?”

“The library.” His grin quirked his lip and I smiled involuntarily. “They think I go there every day after class.” He cleared his throat, looking embarrassed.

“So, do you need to go to the library after class to do homework? You can’t do it at home if they think you already finished it.”

“They expect me to study three hours a night anyway so I tell them I go to do research as it’s quiet there. Of course I do all my research online at night, but parents believe what they want to hear. And to be honest, my grades are good and spending time out here helps me focus a whole hell of a lot better than two hours in a stuffy library. It clears my head, and then I go home and study.”

His argument made sense and I smiled, feeling braver.

“Maybe if they listened they’d realise that your way works better, huh?”

His wry smile said it all; I guessed there was no reasoning with them, and that he’d given up trying. He spoke, sounding somewhat hesitant.

“So, what do your folks think you do when you’re not home?”

I fiddled with my laces, making sure they were even; anything to avoid staring at his beauty. My voice was little more than a mumble, and I cleared my throat before trying again.

“Mom’s cool. She lets me manage my own workload. If I need to study then I get it done.”

He nodded.

“You’re an A student, right?”

It was my turn to flush.

“I do okay.”

He grinned then, his face lighting up.

“So we both do okay; guess that means we have something in common then.”

My heart was hammering at that comment. Was he thinking the same way as me?  His gaze flicked to me more than once during the lull in our stilted conversation. The seconds ticked by and I pushed myself to my feet, feeling like a silly little schoolgirl with her first crush. I was acting as if I’d never talked to a boy before – it was tragic.

As I dusted myself off, he looked up at me, his hypnotic, chameleon eyes pinning me in place.

“Since you know my secret now, would you like to meet after classes tomorrow? We could... I don’t know... go for a walk or something?”

The way he asked, it was as if the words were foreign to him and he was sounding them out for the first time.

I agreed, unable to stop either the smile or the blush.

~oOo~

 After the last lecture finished, I gathered up my papers, stuffing them in my bag and heading out to the river to wait for Jasper.  Dropping my bag, I almost squeaked with fright when a voice said my name. Spinning round, I saw Jasper, hands raised, chuckling to himself.

“I’m so sorry, Bella. I didn’t mean to scare you, I swear. So, if you’re ready, shall we?”

He pointed down the river path, and I nodded with a smile, not quite able to believe we were actually talking, on the road to being friends.

And more, much more.

We walked slowly, my bag slung across my body left my hands free and I clenched them to not reach out and touch him. We talked about school, and a little about our families. Renee, my mother, was a totally cool mom who pushed when she needed to but otherwise left me to sort my own life out. Jasper’s on the other hand sounded beyond controlled; he had set study hours outside of school, and only escaped because they thought he was at the library.

“Jasper, all this study; what do your folks want you to be?”

He sighed.

“My mom is an English professor, and my dad is CEO of his own company. We moved here because mom got a new job. Dad works all over so he’s not home much anyway; he’s away on business a lot. As for me...”

He smiled at me, looking up under his eyelashes, and my heart skipped.

“I just want to be me. But they.... they want me to be a lawyer, or a doctor. Something noble, you know?”

“But you just want to play guitar.” Now I understood his needing to escape.

He nodded.

“I just want to play guitar. If only life were that simple. Unfortunately, my dreams aren’t their dreams.”

The towpath led us to a tiny outdoor café, usually swarming with tourists during midsummer, but quiet now that it was getting toward the end of the season. Jasper slowed.

“Can I get you a drink, Bella?”

I was taken aback by his old school chivalry and nodded, approaching the counter and ordering cold sodas for which he paid. As we walked away, sipping our drinks, his hand found mine, our fingers curling together as naturally as if they had known each other all their lives. The simple act of holding hands seemed to slow the conversation, and for a couple of minutes we just drank and meandered down the path, fingers clasped. Tossing his empty can into the nearby trashcan, he checked his watch. I felt his shoulders tighten, and it wasn’t because of the guitar slung across his back.

“We should head back, Bella. My mom will be suspicious if I’m late, and I need to stash my guitar in my car so she doesn’t suspect anything.”

I nodded, finishing my soda, and together we turned and headed back the way we had come.

If anything, we walked even slower back down the path, savouring both our time together and our newfound closeness. His thumb rubbed circles on mine as he asked more questions about me, and I blushed intensely every time our eyes met. I was walking on air, the sound of his voice holding me captive, his hand the only thing stopping me from floating away on a sea of happiness. I risked glancing at him when he was looking ahead, exhilarating in the shape of his nose, the length of his eyelashes, the curve of his lips; I wanted to discover them all with my fingertips and lips, to revel in the glory of his beauty.

I felt his eyes on me when I looked away; secretive looks under his messy curls that made my heart pound. I hoped his thoughts were the same as mine.

I dreamed of what it would be like when we were together properly. Of course, I knew that I was jumping ahead a little, but with Jasper I could see us becoming one, our bodies in tune, striving together for the ultimate pleasure. It would be incredible, a union so powerful that others would see it on our faces and feel somehow inadequate in their own relationships because of it.

My knowledge of the physical side was somewhat limited, my first time having been a bitter disappointment.

Edward and I had been dating for a few months when we decided to take things further. We had fooled around a little above the clothes, Edward never pushing me to go all the way out of respect for me, he said. When the time felt right, we had waited until his parents were out and then spent the afternoon in his bed. It had hurt as I had expected, but Edward apologised and tried to make it work for me. He was gentle, but due to his own inexperience it was a bit of a disaster. In the end I had to stop him as I was too sore to carry on.

The second time was more successful. We had spent more time on foreplay before he pushed inside me, but I was a little disillusioned to discover that Edward kept his eyes clenched shut the entire time, preferring to look inward it seemed rather than at me as he thrust into my body. The experience left me feeling oddly cold and lonely, finally ending when he came with a quiet grunt as if ashamed of showing any pleasure. I myself just lay there, wondering if there should be more to it than that.

Afterward, we both admitted that the earth hadn’t really moved for either of us and maybe it would be best if we just called it a day. The sad thing was that I don’t think either of us was really sorry about it.

But walking with Jasper now, his warm hand wrapped around mine, I could tell that we would be good together, in tune with each other’s needs. A breeze blew my hair across my face and I let go of Jasper’s hand to brush it out of my eyes; the unexpected feel of his fingers, delicately smoothing stray hairs back into place, sent shivers rippling through me. Our eyes met and locked, our faces close enough to feel each other’s breath. His thumb caressed my cheek and, looking to me for permission, he leaned in.

That first kiss was tentative, both of us nervous as turkeys at Thanksgiving. Our lips barely touched, a fleeting moment of warmth before they parted, but it was enough to make our breathing quicken. He blinked slowly before smiling his crooked smile that made my stomach twist in yearning.

“Can we do this again tomorrow?”

I didn’t know if he meant the walk or the kiss, but I was willing to agree to either.

Our life together would be so perfect. I saw myself in my wedding gown, facing Jasper at the altar, my father linking our hands as the minister spoke the timeless words. I could see our two children, a little boy with Jasper’s eyes and open smile, and a little girl with dark eyes and dark hair in pigtails. We would be so happy – it was destiny. Today was the day it all began.

We parted, agreeing to meet again the next day. He left me with one last grin that lit up my soul with warmth and longing as his hand slipped from mine with the promise of tomorrow.

~oOo~

I ran my fingers through my long, dark waves. Standing up, I brushed the dirt from my jeans and checked everything was buttoned and zipped. The last thing I needed was to stand in front of him with my shirt buttoned incorrectly as I so often did when I threw it on in the morning.

I took a deep breath, just about to put one foot in front of the other in the time honoured fashion, when I saw movement and ducked back down to watch from my hiding place. A figure approached, and I watched Jasper turn and smile, laying down his guitar before jumping to his feet.  From my vantage point I couldn’t immediately see the person he was greeting, and so I shuffled forward just enough to sneak a peek. I wondered who it could be as he had no obvious friends that I was aware of.

Craning my neck, I saw them then. I had had no idea they even knew each other, let alone that they were friends.

I watched them draw closer, my own beautifully constructed house of cards collapsing around me.

I watched as they kissed a simple greeting.

Except it was more than that.

It was Edward.

It was a kiss between lovers...

...it was the death of my dream.

FIN

Just an Interview

Driven to Desire Challenge

Penname – KellanCougar

Rating – M for slash

Genre – Humour/Romance

Word Count – 5179

Pairing – Jasper/Carlisle

Summary: This interview could change his life, and Jasper was ready, practised, prepared. Nothing could stand in his way... right?

Disclaimer: All characters owned and created by Stephenie Meyer.

~oOo~

“C’mon, Jas, it’s just an interview. Don’t stress it.”

Emmett looked at me over his raised beer bottle.

“It’s an important interview, Emmett. This job would get me out of the herd and into my own office. This job would make me financially secure.” I supped from my bottle moodily. He just didn’t get it. While he was chasing every hot piece of ass in the place, I was chasing professional success.

I almost hadn’t applied for it.

When I saw the job on the internet, I knew in my gut that it was time.

Time for me to escape my cubicle, time to become more than the overworked assistant of my idiot manager and move on up to become one of the big boys. I couldn’t lie, the idea of rising to the executive level was damn scary, but I told myself that I was ready. I just had to make myself believe it so that I stood a chance of convincing the interview panel. I had put this off for far too long; fear had held me back and made me miss good opportunities.

But no more. After that humiliating breakup over a year ago, I had decided to concentrate on my career, and making something of myself.

I sighed. I had practiced my responses as best I could. I had prepared intelligent, sensible questions to ask at the end if there was time. I had dry cleaned my suit and hung it up ready for the first round of interviews tomorrow.

I just needed to get some sleep. Like that was going to happen.

Grumbling to myself at Emmett’s laid back attitude to my future, I left the bar early, too worked up about the next day to relax. The walk home was short and helped clear my head somewhat. I’d only had one beer, and not even finished that. I tried to concentrate on the future as I walked; after tomorrow my life could change for the better. I could sell my ancient truck and buy something more reliable, more economical, just ... more. I just had to get through tomorrow, and after all, it was just one day. Same old 24 hours as any other.

It was just one day.

Just an interview.

No matter what Emm said, there was no way I would be able to breathe easy until this was all over, pass or fail.

~oOo~

I woke at 3am, hearing rain thundering against my window in the darkness. In the distance the wail of a car alarm perfectly completed the ambiance. Yep – no way was I getting any more sleep tonight.

Sighing, I swung my legs out of bed and staggered to the kitchen. If I wasn’t going to sleep I might as well get some interview prep done. I switched on the coffee pot and added enough coffee to keep the average person’s eyes rolling for 72 hours straight. It should be enough to get me through today.

At 5am I admitted to myself that if I didn’t have it by now then there was no hope for me. I prayed that my caffeine buoyed confidence held out. Heading for a shower, I found myself mouthing answers to imaginary interview 
questions. I managed to stop that before I got a mouthful of shampoo suds.

At 5.30am I checked my suit and shirt for any offending marks, no matter how microscopic. I added my best silk tie to complete the look, and then re-polished my shoes.

At 6am I was circling the room like a caged tiger.

Forcing myself to sit down, I reached for my book; the ragged cover and spine a testament to the number of times I had escaped into its pages. Sitting back in the chair, I allowed the words to draw me in, providing a welcome distraction from my worries. 

At 8am I resurfaced, downed another cup of rocket fuel, and set about getting ready for my 9am appointment with destiny.

~oOo~

“Mr Whitlock?”

 I sat stiffly in the modern, but damned uncomfortable, chairs in the foyer, willing my knee not to bounce. As I looked up, the receptionist cocked her head to one side waiting for my response. She reminded me of a cockatiel, especially with the bleached, spiky hair and wrinkled eyes where her makeup sat in the dry lines. She had to be fifty if she was a day, trying to come across, unsuccessfully, as a thirty something.  I nodded dumbly, trying not to stare.

She handed me a visitor’s badge to pin to my jacket.

“All the shortlisted candidates are to meet on the 3^rd floor, in the conference room at the end of the corridor.  Mr Berty will be taking the first part of the interview before you are then assigned interviewers for the second part. All clear?  Good! Elevators are to your left when you’re ready.”

She pointed in the general direction of the bank of elevators and then walked back to her colleague. As I stepped into an empty car, I heard her muffled comment, “He’s hot!”

At least someone thinks I have potential, even if she is old enough to be my mom.

I checked my hair and my tie, before checking my teeth in the mirrored interior of the plush elevator. I looked good, although slightly wide-eyed with muffled panic. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm down before the elevator glided to a halt. The carpet here was not as plush as downstairs, looking more like the regulation office style they had in my current workplace; for some reason this calmed my nerves a touch. Heading down the corridor, I easily found my destination.

Waiting uneasily in the line of chairs outside the conference room, I eyed the seven other candidates for my job. I knew that I had to pass this group interview to have any chance at the main one.  I looked up when a small, grey haired man with glasses opened the door, inviting us all come in and take a seat. We filed in like children into morning assembly, nobody speaking, everyone keeping their eyes front. It was only when I was unbuttoning my jacket and sitting down that I first noticed the other man sitting silently in the room. He wasn’t introduced, and I wondered as to his function in the day’s events. Quite possibly he was someone from HR, checking that everything was carried out to the letter.

I only glanced at him momentarily, but it was enough to catch his eye. He held my gaze a fraction longer than I expected, and I had to remind myself to breathe, feeling a childish blush threaten.

What the hell?

The man was blond, wearing a sharp black suit, white shirt and cuff-links. I had no doubt that, beneath the table, his shoes were buffed to a mirror shine. My practiced eye took all this in from my peripheral vision, not trusting myself to look back at him. I was sure I was imagining the way he looked at me, but just the same, I kept my eyes on the drab little man fussing with his handouts. Feeling the stranger’s gaze in my mind, I felt my collar tighten, and I resisted the urge to run a finger round it, my clothes feeling altogether too restrictive. I felt clumsy and inarticulate in his immaculate, polished presence.

Flicking my eyes to the right, my breath caught and my skin prickled.

He was watching me.

~oOo~

Mr Berty had finished his paper shuffling and was now getting down to the business of the interview.

First up, he informed us that we would be tested psychometrically. We would have ten minutes to answer the questions; we were to answer quickly and without thinking about it. In his dull monotone, he went on to explain that after that we would undergo numeracy and literacy tests, aiming to complete as many questions as possible in the 30 minutes allotted.

We all nodded in understanding, and the first sets of papers were passed around the table. Just like at school, on a given signal we were to turn over the front page of our booklets and start on the questions. The self important little man checked his watch and gave the signal; with a rustle of recycled paper, we began.

I tried not to think too deeply, to try and find the ‘right’ answers to the questions. Breathing deeply, I answered truthfully and hoped the real me was adequate. When the ten minutes was up we were told to put our pencils down and close the booklet. Mr Berty collected them and handed out the next tests, face down. He droned on about the importance of basic numeracy and literacy and I tried to pay attention to him. I hoped he enjoyed the sound of his own self-important voice as I certainly didn't.

Then, the beautiful blond stranger stood silently and walked to the door, admitting another man into the room. This one was incredibly tall, dark haired and built like Emmett. He too was not introduced to the group. I took what could be my only opportunity to peruse him whilst he was unaware. He took in his height, at least 6 feet 2 I should say, all long, lean legs and what looked to be a tight body under that designer jacket. For the briefest moment my eyes feasted on the swell of his ass before our attention was once again drawn to the clock.

We had thirty minutes. And I had the ultimate blond distraction sitting across the room, directly in my eye line. Vowing not to look up, I turned over my paper on the signal and began.

The test was simple. Ridiculously so. In thirty seconds I had identified the fifteen errors in the literacy test and started on the numeracy. I heard muffled noises from my companions, and saw the liberal use of the erasers provided around the table. Inwardly, I smiled.

I breezed through the second part in less than fifteen minutes and then realised my problem.

He was sat across from me. And I had nothing else to distract me now.

Let’s face it, even if they had provided plain paper, it wasn’t professional to doodle at a job interview.

Oh god help me, I want to look up.

I told myself that looking anywhere but at my own paper could be misconstrued as trying to cheat, so I kept my eyes on the fake wood of the desk in front of me. I stretched my fingers, imagining my plectrum in my hands, drawing soothing sounds from my guitar. To stop me from drumming my fingers, and to stop my eyes from looking anywhere else, I skimmed my pencil across my knuckles the way I did with my pick, keeping my fingers agile.

I had to be imagining the gaze that I felt focused on my fingers. I carried on floating the pencil until eventually I lifted my gaze just a fraction, peering at him under my lashes; he was smiling, his head slightly cocked to the side. I flushed and hoped he thought I was just embarrassed at being caught. The truth was that I had been struck by the incredible chameleonic colour of his eyes. They changed from blue to green in the light from the windows, and I wondered what it would be like to sink into them, to lean in to kiss him and watch the storm clouds gather there...

I felt beads of sweat threaten, and casually brushed my hands through my hair to try and calm myself. Thoughts like that were dangerous and totally inappropriate. While I was chastising myself, I dropped the pencil mid glide onto the table with a loud clatter, breaking the lead and attracting attention. Utterly mortified, I busied myself with checking the answers that I knew all too well were correct.

The clock on the wall marked each minute that passed, each tick loud as gunfire in the quiet room.

I had the feeling that no one else noticed.

When time was called, I sank back into my chair with enormous relief. I watched the other candidates lay down their pencils, looking unsure but trying to perpetrate an air of confident nonchalance. As for me, I was anything but nonchalant. My skin was hot, my tie too tight, and all I wanted was some water and fresh air.

As the papers were collected, we were told by Mr Berty that they would be marked immediately and the results announced in the next half hour. While he was gone, we would be given a short comfort break before the one to one interviews began. Not knowing anyone else in the room, I took the opportunity to visit the restroom, followed by the water cooler in the hallway. I wished I could go outside for a smoke before I remembered that I had quit.

Nerves: they really fuck you up.

Those few brief moments on my own were used to mentally calm down, to brace myself for the interview to come. I had no doubts I had passed the two tests although who could tell with psychometric testing? I needed to regain control, to be the organised, rehearsed Jasper I had been before I clapped eyes on Mr Beautiful in there with his designer suit, hair that begged to be fisted, and perfect lips that needed mine on them immediately.

Feeling my body instinctively react, I downed another cup of cold water to douse that particular fire before I completely ruined my chances. When I saw the others returning, I headed back inside the room for the results.

~oOo~

Mr self-important Berty held the envelopes in his no doubt sticky hand. Before he handed them out, he took a moment to tell us the rules of engagement for the next part of the interview.

Each envelope held either a pass or fail notification. Those who had failed were to leave the offices, their time over. Those who had passed were to go to the room stated at the allotted time. He gave us all the directions for the staff restaurant where we could fetch a snack if we had a wait ahead before our slot.

As I waited, somewhat impatiently as the room grew ever stuffier despite the air conditioning, he then proceeded to introduce the two silent men in the room.

Mr Felix Volturi and Mr Carlisle Cullen were to interview us for the post.

The final bombshell was that Mr Cullen would be the manager of the successful applicant up on floor ten.

Heated blue/green eyes found mine when his name was announced. I felt a shudder of longing and in that moment, for the sake of my career, I prayed for the Volturi guy as my interviewer.

The envelopes slid along the table, I slit mine open and read the typed message:

‘Mr J Whitlock, your interview will be at 11.00 with Mr Carlisle Cullen & Mr Felix Volturi in room 7 on Floor 3. Please be prompt.’

I groaned inwardly.

Fuck.

Why hadn’t I listened to Emmett? I had worked myself up for this interview, believing it to be the door to my new life. If I had come in feeling casual and relaxed, I might not be in this predicament now: hungry, horny and damn near terrified.

For now, one of those three I could fix; I headed off to the restaurant in search of something to settle my stomach.

As I walked away, I could have sworn I felt eyes watching me go.

~oOo~

Trapped in a small room with him... heart thudding, breathing quickening, chemistry bubbling...

I shook my head and tried to concentrate on my innocuous chicken salad. Thinking of those eyes, that penetrating gaze that stripped me naked where I sat had me swallowing hard. Keeping my cool in that interview was going to be tough. I realised I wasn’t even nervous about that anymore – I was focusing solely on keeping my cool around the man conducting it.

I wondered if any of the other guys were having the same problem. Hell, I wondered if any were even gay. This got me to thinking: was Mr Cullen gay, or just trying some kind of elaborate psych out tactic to weed out the men from the boys?  My sexuality had never been a problem, but in a new company, who knew? Perhaps they had had problems in the past with male management, (make that gorgeous male management), being a figure of adoration. But then, women would be just as attracted to them as men.  I forced down another bite of chicken; this afternoon just got a whole lot more complicated.

The food sat heavily in my stomach and I gave up trying to eat any more. 
Sipping my coffee, I tried to focus on the afternoon ahead. Delaying tactics, diversions... I needed to find something to stop me from coming across as an unstable individual. I needed this job; it was unfortunate that the hurdle I had to climb in order to get it was a beautiful, powerful man. Let’s face it, I’d just as soon climb up onto that particular hurdle and ride him to the winning post...

No!

Staring at my cup of java, I willed control back into my groin as it perked up at the thought of Mr Cullen.

Impossible.

I screwed my eyes shut. Why couldn’t it have been that pompous ass, Berty, doing the interview? I could have aced an interview with that chump.

It’s a test.

It was the ultimate test.

A gay tour de force.

And nobody knows but me.

Fuck.

 ~oOo~

I sat in the empty waiting area, thinking of unrelated topics, harmless things that I could focus on, trying to compose my thoughts in a Sound of Music kind of way.

Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens...

Humph. Where I lived, it was more like raindrops on road kill and odours of landfill.

I shook my head.

Think of something else – my favourite show, NCIS, was on TV later. This cheered me for a brief moment.  DiNozzo was hot...

NOT helping.

 I gritted my teeth.

And just at that moment, the door opened.

“Come in, Mr Whitlock.”

It was the Volturi guy, looking taller than ever this close up. I felt short in comparison and unconsciously pulled myself up to my full height as I entered the room. It was all I could do not to deflate like a pricked balloon when I saw him sitting there, the air punched out of me by one glance of those blue/green eyes with their ever changing hue. I was waved to the empty chair across from him and my body obeyed without thought, feeling compelled to do whatever he commanded.

This is bad.

I understood then how susceptible I would be to mind control.

I am screwed. And not by my favourite, chosen method.

Tall, dark and handsome sat in the chair next to blond bombshell, and I surreptitiously tried to jump start my brain, reminding it that its participation in this event was rather crucial. At the same time, I reminded brain number two to stay the hell out of it; I had this covered.

Just please don’t let him smile.

My cheeks prickled with heat when I met his gaze, a wave of warmth flowing over me followed immediately after by a light sheen of sweat breaking out down my spine, mercifully hidden by my shirt and jacket.

I cleared my throat and waited, resisting the impulse to drum my fingers on my knee.

It was Mr Volturi that spoke first, his deep voice rumbling through the small space.

“So, Mr Whitlock. Congratulations on passing the tests to an adequate standard.”

Adequate? I aced them and you know it!

“Tell us why we should employ you for this position and not the other candidate.”

Candidate? There’s just one other? I can DO this!

I looked him in the eye confidently, aware that Mr Cullen was listening intently and noting down my answers. It felt like the time I got wrongly arrested for driving without insurance and the cop in charge had written down every damn word. The cop hadn’t been hot as fuck though. I tried to pretend he wasn’t there and carry on. I cleared my throat, keeping my eyes on the other guy. My skin burned, feeling Cullen watching me.

“As my résumé shows, I have been working closely with management in my current role for five years now. I have the skills to move my professional career forward and take the next step. I believe that I can bring something fresh to this company; I have vision and a proven track record in advertising. I won a prestigious award last year as you can see. Your company needs me, Mr Volturi.”

I sat back a fraction, indicating the ball was in his court. However, there was a somewhat illegal pass, as the next question came from his counterpart, and I tried not to squirm in my seat, knowing I would have to make and maintain eye contact.

His voice was low and calm, almost melodic to my ears. When I forced myself to look at him directly, I could swear his eyes darkened. I felt my palms start to sweat.

“You say that, but there are many talented advertising executives that might disagree. Why should we take you on? What campaign could you win for Wolf & Swan?”

I was ready for this. My heart was pounding out a bass rhythm so loud that I fully expected it to reverberate around the walls.

I pulled out my portfolio, containing sample campaigns for companies I wanted to pitch to. Which should I use? Which was strongest? Pulling out an innovative design of mine for a jewellery chain, I laid out the boards I had illustrated and watched, with no small amount of pleasure, as their eyebrows raised almost simultaneously.

Breathing deeply, I answered their questions, my confidence growing with each response, most of which were directed at Volturi guy. Things were looking good until there was a knock at the door. A harassed looking young man called Volturi over and in a brief, hushed conversation, he apologised and said he had to leave immediately, but that Mr Cullen would continue and complete the interview.

Crap.

I looked then into hooded eyes, now the colour of rolling waves at dusk, and knew I was done for. Everything I had achieved, everything I had wanted from this interview... gone.

My mouth was dry, and I sipped the cup of water provided for me, trying hard not to gulp it down, but my dry throat clicked when I swallowed. My tongue felt like it had swollen and I wondered momentarily if I was having an allergic reaction.

To what? Pull yourself together; you’ve a job to win here.

Tearing my eyes away from his, I looked down at the boards, struggling to find the words that had flowed so easily just a few moments prior. His hands reached for the nearest board and my eyes rested on his beautiful, graceful fingers.

Those hands on my body, touching, stroking...

And now brain number two was interested, despite my fervent efforts to will it back to sleep. I could feel the twitch in my pants and forced my body to remain still; fidgeting would make me look unprofessional and nervous. At least he couldn’t know about my burgeoning problem hidden beneath the table, and I intended it to stay that way. Laying the board back down, he reached for the one closest to me and in doing so, his fingertips brushed mine accidentally.

I bit back a sharp inhalation, sipping more water to steady myself. The glass rattled on my teeth.

Calm down! It was an accident. You know he didn’t mean to do that.

My problem was growing, and I adjusted my jacket unnecessarily, using the opportunity to shuffle a little in my seat to ease my discomfort.

I realised he hadn’t spoken for a couple of minutes as he perused my work. Not able to ignore him totally, I allowed myself to study him as he in turn studied my campaign.

He was gorgeous. No other word summed it up better. Blond hair lay across the soft furrows of his forehead as he concentrated. A small smile curled the corners of his mouth and I hoped it was because of my design skills. Deep down I knew it was more likely he was enjoying my discomfort and was dragging it out for effect.

“These are very interesting, Mr Whitlock.” I jumped when he spoke, glad I wasn’t holding the glass.

“Where would you place these to provide maximum revenue for Wolf & Swan?”

Lifting my chin, I looked at him directly, trying to form coherent words. I had the overwhelming urge to wipe my mouth and I clenched my hand to prevent it moving.

“These types of ads are primarily aimed at men, to draw their attention to major celebrations and occasions. Women know what they like, what they want, whereas men can use a little more... guidance, shall we say. It’s a gentle hand on the small of the back to show them the way. These ads would run during male oriented TV shows to guarantee maximum... exposure...” My voice was breathy and I hoped he thought I was catching a cold.

Hell, I want maximum exposure of that tight body right now.

I was losing it - badly. I coughed, quite convincingly I thought, and sipped more water.

He tilted his head a fraction, and for a moment I thought I saw his tongue dart out to moisten his lower lip. Clearly I was hallucinating now. When I blinked, he was gazing at me.

“These are rather intuitive, Mr Whitlock. Would they work on you? Would they make you want to buy a present for a special lady?”

Oh shit.

“I’m sure my mom would love a piece of beautiful jewellery, Mr Cullen. As a son, it’s my duty to make the only woman in my life feel loved. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Stop flirting! What the hell are you doing?

I reached across the table to point to one particular board, and even I could see that my hand was shaking. I pointed to the wording.

“As you can see, I am making the advertisement ambiguous so that it can be for anyone, not just a wife or girlfriend. This particular chain also makes some beautiful men’s jewellery. We don’t want to be sexist in this day and age, wouldn’t you agree?”

He didn’t answer me, but his eyes held mine for far too long and I know I blushed hotly under his scrutiny. My practised eye glanced at his left hand and saw no ring, nor any marks from one.

When I saw his eyes do the same, I knew it was game, set and match Cullen.

~oOo~

Reading the letter quickly, I scrunched it in my hand as I headed for the elevator.

Stepping out into the impressive foyer, I was heading for the door when I heard my name.

“Mr Whitlock? Could you please wait for a moment?” It was the cockatiel. “I have a request from Mr Cullen. Could you please go on up to floor ten? You’ll find his office easily once you arrive.”

Turning back to the elevator, I pressed the button. This time, the reflection showed someone rather less polished, and I tried in vain to make myself look cool and calm.

Stepping out onto the tenth floor, I checked the name plates on the doors. It wasn’t hard to find as his office was the main one at the far end of the corridor.

Closed door, no windows, brass nameplate:

‘Carlisle Cullen, Managing Director’

Knocking purposefully, I had only a second before the door opened. Seeing me, he opened it wider, allowing me into the rather luxurious private space.

Turning to him, I waved the scrunched piece of paper, my voice level and modulated.

“I didn’t get the job?”

There was a beat and I saw his throat work.

“No. I’m sorry, Mr Whitlock, but we went with the other candidate. You simply weren’t suitable.”

The piece of paper slid uselessly from my grasp.

“Then forgive me, but why did you ask to see me?”

“Your interview was excellent. You are a talented man who would be an asset to this firm. But I simply can’t have you working for me, Jasper.”

My name was spoken in a whisper. He took a step towards me and I felt my body start to shake. His voice was low and seductive.

“In a couple of month’s time there will be another vacancy for a different department. I think you should interview for that position. I will put in a recommendation for you. Just understand that I have my reasons for not employing you for this post. This decision was not taken lightly I assure you.”

“So I was the best candidate, but you didn’t want to employ me. How does that work exactly?” Disappointment was making me brave.

“It wouldn’t be professional.”

“In what way?” I swallowed audibly.

“It wouldn’t be professional for me to have these thoughts about an employee. Especially when we’d be working together so closely for such long hours... I think you know what I’m saying.”

“But it’s okay to work closely for long hours with the other guy?”

“Oh yes, absolutely. I have no issue with he and I working late together.”

My breathing was laboured.

“You see, Jasper,” again the soft hiss of my name as if he were tasting it, “he’s really not my type.”

I heard the gasp tear from my lungs, the words tumbling out.

“Thank god!”

I lunged forward and pressed my lips to his, inhaling his scent. I had nothing to lose now except the excruciating sexual tension that had percolated for the last three hours. Before I could think of pulling away, hands gripped my head, forcing his mouth to mine, his tongue exploring my warmth, the intoxicating proximity of him driving me wild.

When we broke apart, his eyes were dark and devilish, his long lashes holding me prisoner.

I may have groaned, I don’t remember.

 But I know that I did later that evening, when that very same man, more perfect than even my most fevered fantasies could conjure, took my body on a voyage of discovery from which there was no return.

And I swam in the warm depths of eyes the colour of the blue lagoon.

~oOo~

LtF wins again! *shellshocked*

Over the moon at these wins! Didn't expect to win anything at all in these awards and so these were an amazing surprise. Thank you everyone!

Learning to Fly - Ch23

Since I last posted, my boys have won Best Slash Story in the Wordsmith Awards! I am humbled by this and can only say a huge thank you to anyone that nommed or voted for them.

I also discovered this week that my boys have been nominated for best non-canon pairing in the Non Canon awards which is just amazing! Thank you again to anyone that nominated them.

Thanks to my beta, mxpi1970.

As always, all characters created and owned by Stephenie Meyer.

~xxXxx~

CHAPTER 23

CPOV

Edward knew I was plotting something.

He tried to hide his curiosity, but the time that I caught him checking my browser history he went scarlet at being caught in the act.

“Looking for anything in particular, my love?”

He stuttered for a moment before recovering with a magnificent show of embarrassed nonchalance.

“Just considering buying one of these and thought I’d take a look.”

I tried not to smile. Over the past few weeks, he’d caught me closing the lid a couple of  times when he’d come too close, and I was glad I’d thought to use the incognito browsing feature for my plans; the lack of suspicious activity had clearly stymied him. I hoped it wouldn’t be too much longer before I could finally put him out of his misery.

“I didn’t know you were in the market for a laptop. We can go shopping this weekend if you like; we can find something perfect for you.”

“Sure.”  He grabbed his book from the arm of the chair and flopped down, his face despondent.

“Anything wrong, love?”

He sighed, his book landing on the carpet with a muted thud as he stood up again.

“What are you hiding?” His face was crumpled, his hands clenched and in that moment I felt bad for him. “I didn’t think we kept secrets.”

“Not a secret; a surprise.” I reached out for his hand and tugged him closer. He looked frustrated. I ducked my head, making him look at me. Squeezing his hands, I raised an eyebrow suggestively. “Don’t you like surprises?” 

Against his will, his lips twitched at the corners.

“Maybe; but you’ve been acting all secretive, and I was scared that...”

I looked him straight in the eye.

“Whatever you’re thinking? No. Just... no. Only good things, my love; we share everything. Except surprises.”

“Not even a clue?”

“No – I don’t want to spoil it.” I ran my fingers up his arm, encouraging him closer. “Trust me, love?”

“Of course I do.” His eyes held a reproachful look. “But how much longer?”

I chuckled at his impatience.

“Some things can’t be rushed.” I breathed out slowly. “And some things shouldn’t be.”

He blushed then, and I fell in love just a little bit more. He was a wonderful contradiction, so forceful when the mood took him and yet he reddened so beautifully whenever I insinuated sex in conversation. I wouldn’t change him even if it were in my power to do so. His flushed face ignited a fire within me, knowing what hid behind it. His desires were evenly matched with my own, our need for each other always simmering just below the surface. I had never been so happy, and this did not go unnoticed by friends and colleagues alike.

They all saw it. They all knew.

Edward Masen owned my heart.

Loving the heat in his cheeks, I pulled him in for a kiss. Passion, barely contained beneath his heated skin, burst free, enveloping me in its fiery embrace.

Sinking into his kiss, I burned too.

~xxXxx~

It was a couple of days later that I received the first email alert.

Further alerts followed and it was all systems go. I booked the tickets online and called Emmett to ensure Edward had the day off, freeing us up to leave early the next morning. I couldn’t wait to see his face when we got there; it was an experience we would share together.

Early the next morning, Edward’s impatient excitement almost made me spill the beans but I held it in. Despite not having the first clue about what the day (hopefully) held, he was brimming over with enthusiasm.

“Take a thick coat, love; it’s going to be cold later.”

He did just that, grabbing his scarf and gloves automatically while I made a flask of coffee to take with us. We had a long drive ahead to Anacortes where we would be catching the ferry across to San Juan Island. He was bemused by my tight lipped approach to the day, laughing eventually when he finally gave up cajoling me into telling him our plans. I knew that he would most likely guess once we arrived, and so I saw no harm in prolonging the mystery just a little while longer.

His hand slid over mine as it rested in my lap and I laced our fingers, content to spend the day having fun and making him happy. On his birthday he had given me a gift; this was my way of doing the same. We had made no plans for my birthday in less than a week’s time, and I thought that maybe we could go visit Demetri and Irina again, if Edward was in agreement. We could decide later; to be honest, as long as I spent the day with Edward, I didn’t care what we did.

Almost two hours later, we pulled up near the ferry landing and I parked the Mercedes. Unbuckling my seatbelt I paused, waiting for Edward to say something, but instead he looked confused.

“We’re going on the ferry? Couldn’t we have taken New Beginnings out if you wanted a trip on the water?”

I scanned his eyes and realised he had no clue why we were here. Leaning in, I stole a quick kiss.

“Not this time. Come on! The ferry leaves in less than ten minutes.”

Clutching our tickets, we ran like children to board the ferry and find ourselves seats. However we soon gave up on the seating idea when we saw the scenery we would miss by staying inside. It was pretty busy, but fortunately, not as busy as the weekend would have been. Most people were taking their cars for a longer stay in San Juan; however we were going just for the day, the two of us on an adventure.

The views from the ferry were breathtaking. All around us were the islands, the mountains and so many birds filling the skies. The water was calm, the wind cold and fresh. Standing on deck, I wrapped an arm around Edward’s waist which he happily reciprocated.  Snuggled up close, we marvelled at the beauty of the Puget Sound spread out all around us.

Nearing the docking slip, I saw a black fin and saw that Edward’s eye had caught it too. His head whipped around to look at me.

“Was that a whale?”

“Looks that way; bet you didn’t expect to see one of those today!”

He beamed at me. “I can’t believe I saw one! How lucky are we?”

“Tell me about it.” I leaned over and pressed a kiss to his temple. “Shame you didn’t bring a camera with you. But then, you weren’t expecting an Orca sighting, were you?”

He shook his head as he scanned the water for another glimpse.

“Hell, I wish I had!”

I smiled to myself, feeling the weight of the camera hidden in my pocket.

When we docked at Friday Harbor, I led him to the office to check in. With our reservations confirmed, we were led outside to join a small handful of other passengers waiting by a smaller craft, specially designed for tours. I watched Edward’s face when he saw the writing on the side of the boat: ‘whale watching tours’.

His face was a picture of excitement as he threw his arms around my neck, whispering “thank you thank you, thank you!” into my ear, his body shaking with adrenalin-fuelled happiness.

The other passengers watched us, observing our obvious closeness, and doubtless drew their own conclusions as to our relationship. I didn’t give a damn – I only had eyes for my love.  His smile filled my view and I wondered if I would even notice the whales when all my attention was focused on him and his reactions to the trip.

Once we were out on the waves, the guides started to tell us about the pods that passed through this stretch of water. The Orcas came to hunt Chinook salmon and were sociable around boats and humans provided a polite, safe distance was observed. The whales had been up to the boats the previous day, and the guides were hopeful they would visit us today.

Edward’s eyes were bright as diamonds, scanning the water for the first flash of a fin. The remainder of the group were quiet, expectant.

And then we saw it. The guide spoke.

“Here’s a young Orca; let’s see if she comes to say hello.”

As one we all turned, gasps of excitement mingling with the salty air. I felt Edward’s hand brush mine, and I reached into my pocket to retrieve the camera, handing it to him with a smile. He wasted no time in attaching the strap to his wrist and adjusting the settings, in preparation for a close encounter. As predicted, the whale swam nearer to the boat before popping her head out of the water in a quite obvious greeting. All around me, cameras clicked, her image captured by everyone on board as they leaned over the railings to get as close to her as possible. Sinking back into the water, her fin cruised alongside the craft before she surfaced again, rolling leisurely like a cat wanting her tummy tickled. The crowd couldn’t contain their cries of joy as the little whale performed like a pro for her enraptured audience, loving the attention.

Perhaps our little friend was the scouting party because, not long after, several members of the pod were swimming alongside, almost close enough to touch. We watched what could only be described as a happy display of their talents, breaching and slamming back down into the water sending sparkling spray over the delighted onlookers. There was laughter at their antics as they seemed to take turns in entertaining the crowd.

It was magical.

Despite his usual hesitancy in public, Edward’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me in close so he could rest his chin on my shoulder.

“This is amazing, thank you so much. I can’t believe you remembered.”

“How could I not? You so wanted to see them. I just had to wait til they arrived in the Sound before I said anything.”

“Exactly how long have you been planning this?” His eyes were questioning.

“Since July; a present for you on my almost birthday. Fair’s fair my love. I owed you.”

My discreet wink had his colour rising again at the memory. I chuckled, moving my lips to his ear, the words soft, private and full of promise as I hugged him in tighter to me.

“I love you.”

His wide smile, lowered eyes, and heated cheeks told me he loved me too.

Edward took a stack of photos during that afternoon, including some of us, windswept and relaxed. No one bothered us for the longest time until one lady offered to take our picture for us. We thanked her, touched by her offer and her open smile, and she snapped a couple of shots of us cuddled up in the cold before handing back the camera with a knowing look.

When it was time to turn back to shore, Edward watched until the whales disappeared into the distance, not wanting to miss a glimpse of the amazing creatures. Back at the slip we disembarked, all talking about our experiences that afternoon and how the whales seemed to want to be close to the humans, curious about us. We nodded and smiled to the others as they left for other destinations, throwing the friendly lady smiles and nods as we waited to board the waiting ferry back to Anacortes.

This time we stayed inside, the wind now much colder as the afternoon wore on. I tightened Edward’s scarf playfully and he cuffed my arm with a gloved hand, loosening it again with a fake snarl and narrowed eyes. I sighed to myself, hoping that this constant desire to touch him never faded.

~xxXxx~

The past three months had been both wonderful and difficult.

Lauren’s recovery was going well, and I was now spending Saturdays with her again like I had before Edward and I met. She was responding well to our old and familiar routine, and I loved spending the extra time with my little girl. The downside was that I now only got to spend Sundays with Edward, and even then I often had to work if needed.

He was working his usual late shifts, and so while we got to sleep together most nights, we had little in the way of social time. It was also true that neither of us slept well without the other in the bed. When I came home after an all night shift, Edward would come back to bed to hold me until I sank into dreamland. If I wasn’t home when his shift ended, I often found him waiting up for me; more often than not he was asleep on the couch, a book upside down on the floor next to him.

Our Sundays were special when we did get to share them, though. Leisurely breakfasts and lovemaking were the order of the day. Any time left after that might see us actually leave the house, although more often than not we just craved each other’s uninterrupted company. With all his spare time alone at home, Edward was writing music and would play it for me at weekends. I was overwhelmed by the power of his playing, raw emotion rendered into exquisite music that left me breathless and in awe.

It was fair to say that we both lived for our Sundays.

Having this extra day with him, to be able to go out and do something fun and enjoyable together, was a gift in itself. The Chief was happy I was finally using some of my accumulated holiday time too, and so I was working on finalising some extra time off around Christmas for us to relax and enjoy the festivities.

I was sure Edward wouldn’t object.

~xxXxx~

EPOV

I couldn’t complain.

I knew when I moved in that we wouldn’t get to spend that much time together. The hours we worked weren’t exactly compatible, but at least we got to sleep in the same bed most nights. We also got very adept at sleepy sex, leaving the more energetic, passionate sessions for Sunday mornings. 

And Sunday afternoons...

Sundays were our day.

 Carlisle’s birthday was coming up, and I had no idea what to do. There was nothing he needed, and to be honest, anything he wanted he would buy himself. My car was paid off now, thanks to mom and my savings on rent, but I still didn’t have that much money to use for a gift. It didn’t help that I could think of nothing that was good enough for him; it needed to be amazing. After all, he bought me a piano – how could I compete with that?

But what I hadn’t known until I spoke to Alice a couple of months back was that his favourite movie, the one he kept secret through sheer embarrassment, was Top Gun. And as a bonus, it was the 25^th anniversary of its release.

I spoke to Emmett, and he suggested we try and hire out a screen to watch the movie on Carlisle’s birthday, inviting him to the bar first to throw him off the scent. When I made the initial enquiry I found that I had to pay a large deposit to secure it for that showing, and it couldn’t be the more popular late showing, it would have to be the afternoon show. That worked okay; we could go for a meal and drinks afterward.  I talked it over with Emm and the girls, and they offered to chip in to top up what funds I had which worked perfectly. Alice and Rose also offered to invite Alistair and Liam if they were up for it.

It was all falling into place.

Then he started acting strange and secretive, and I stupidly let fear override my common sense, leading to me confronting him. Of course I was completely wrong; I felt even smaller when he took me to San Juan as a surprise and I discovered he’d planned a whale watching excursion for us because he knew just how much I would love it.

And I did. I loved him even more for thinking of it.

The whole day together was just incredible, and I hoped my own birthday surprise for him would go off as well as our day on the water had done.

~xxXxx~

I had given Carlisle instructions a few weeks back to book off his birthday from work. I knew that his boss wouldn’t object as Carlisle was a well known workaholic and didn’t take nearly enough breaks as it was.

The big day fell on a Monday, rather nice for us as that meant we got two full consecutive days together. It also happened that the rental fee for the cinema was considerably lower on Mondays and Tuesdays, enabling me to also purchase a more tangible gift with my left over funds.

Lying there, knowing we were spending the whole leisurely day together, I listened to his breathing as I waited for him to stir. As soon as he woke he shifted behind me, warm lips finding my neck. I couldn’t help the smile that blossomed on my face as I squirmed with pleasure.

A warm hand skimmed down my body as far as it could reach before slowly returning, nails lightly scratching over my hip, across the flat of my stomach and upward to tweak my eager nipple. Warm breath spilled across my throat as I inhaled sharply in response; I could feel his smile against my skin.

“Morning, my love.”

I wriggled against him in silent encouragement and felt his morning wood press against my ass in return. His hand slid down and cupped my ass cheek before pressing the back of my thigh, encouraging my leg up over the other. His firm cock now fit snugly along the length of my crease and he rocked back and forth, just enough to rub against my entrance and make my body shiver.

My head turned to whisper over my shoulder.

“Do you want to?”

His movements stilled and I wished I hadn’t said anything.

“Love, I wasn’t asking for anything. I just wanted to tease you a little to check you were awake.”

His lips found my earlobe for a moment and I relaxed until his teeth nipped the spot behind my ear that made me moan and buck reflexively. That movement caused me to push back against his cock and I felt dampness pool between my cheeks as he slid along a now ready lubed surface. Arching my back, I enjoyed the friction against my now tingling hole. He hadn’t touched my cock and neither had I, but I was hard as a maypole and dewy with moisture from his attentions.

The teasing was torture. I needed something, fingers, tongue, anything to assuage this burning need.

My voice was a low gasp.

“Please, love, I need more.”

His lips found my neck once more, kisses hot as fire heightening my desire. Leaning forward, I snagged my bedroom drawer, managing to locate a condom, handing it to him. The lube rolled out of reach and with a grunt I managed to catch the lid with my nails, scrabbling until I had it in my grasp. Carlisle’s cock was still stroking a damp rhythm over my fluttering entrance when I handed the bottle to him; I grew more impatient when I heard the click of the cap.

His fingertip circled and pressed against my entrance, slipping inside; I moaned with relief at the sensation and was rewarded with the smooth entry of a welcome second finger in my tight hole, circling and probing. Hot breath scorched the back of my neck and shoulders as I writhed under his attentions, desperate and eager to have him inside me again after so long. By the time I was rolling my hips, almost fucking his agile fingers, he curled them inside me and I shuddered uncontrollably when one glanced across my gland.

His talented fingers slid from me and he chuckled at my groan. I heard the rip of the foil packet and the click of the lube cap before his swollen shaft pressed into me, oh so slowly, stretching me still further. His arm held me flush against him, spooning me, setting a gentle, shallow rhythm.

“Is this what you wanted, my love?”

He slid in, deliciously slow, and I raised my knees towards my chest to deepen his movement.  I could only moan, my mind hazed with sensation, unable to focus on anything but the feel of him filling me and then sliding away. Each time that he almost slid free I felt the loss until my body rejoiced in his return, completing me, making me whole again.

My hand slid under and found his thigh, the powerful feel of it beneath my touch, tensing and releasing with each thrust, so primal, so erotic.

His hips rocked into me, his warm skin against mine so welcome, so essential to me now. I melted into him, one body, one soul. Without thought, my hand moved to my own hardness, but his hand batted mine away playfully. He stroked me in time with his movements, squeezing and tugging in tune to the slow nudging of his hips. Lifting my head, I craned my neck to look at him over my shoulder and was rewarded with a deep kiss before we broke apart, gasping.

My chest burned with the effort, my lungs struggling to pull in enough oxygen as my pleasure intensified, moment by moment, at the hands of my masterful lover.

His languorous strokes started to hasten, his hand working in sync with his hips sending my senses spiralling. Heat coiled in my groin, licking its way up my body, coursing through my veins before flaring white hot and urgent. With a harsh cry, I spilled over his hand, sobbing out his name as my body clenched tightly and rhythmically around him. He managed only two more shallow thrusts before I heard his strangled gasp, his head resting against my shoulder while he rode out his pleasure, his body jerking inside me.

We lay joined until our breathing steadied; with regret, I felt him slide from me, leaving me aching, but replete.

   ~xxXxx~

“You never cease to amaze me, my love. That was... incredible.”

All cleaned up, we were snuggled back under the covers, his sleepy, hazel eyes gazing into mine.

“I take no credit for that,” I brushed his lips with my own, “we just finished what you started.”

My fingertips traced his beautiful face, marvelling as always at the fact that he was here, with me.

Remembering then, I rolled away and fished under the bed for the package I had hidden there. It was large and bulky and took both hands for me to lift it from the floor. I yelped when I felt a playful slap across my bare ass as I leaned over the edge.

I fell back onto the bed, clutching the parcel to me, and his eyes grew large.

“What’s this?”

I felt a pang of nerves, hoping I had done the right thing. This gift was for him, of course it was, but it was also for me; for us.

“It’s a birthday present.” I raised my eyebrows. “Traditionally, these are given on such an occasion.”

He grinned and reached for it across the bedcovers. I gnawed my thumbnail as he ripped into the paper to reveal the contents.

I heard his intake of breath, and then silence as he gazed at the canvas.

After our whale watching trip I had downloaded the pictures from the camera. When I came across the ones taken by the kindly lady I had paused, swept away by the memory of the moment. I decided then to not show these to Carlisle just yet; I took them instead to the printers. The result was a canvas print of us, windswept and pink-faced from the cold, gazing into each others’ eyes like no one else existed.

It made my heart falter.

I looked at him now, transfixed by the picture. When he turned his head to me, I could see the emotion in his face.

“Edward...”

“Do you like it? It’s not much, I know, but...”

“Edward, it’s perfect.” His voice was low and husky, my pulse quickening in response.

He climbed out of bed, carrying the large canvas to the opposite wall. Reaching up, he removed the resident art print from its fixtures, setting it down gently against the wall before hanging the canvas on the hooks. I had to admit, it looked good.

We looked good.

He walked back to the bed, crawling up the mattress to me, wonderfully naked. When he reached me I pulled him down into my arms, cupping his face to mine and crooking my leg over his to pin him down.

“Happy Birthday, love.”

   

~xxXxx~

We dragged ourselves out of bed and into the shower some time later, and while he was shaving, I managed to sneak a text to Emmett to confirm timescales.

We were to meet at the bar for 14:30 for birthday drinks, and then Emmett was driving us all to the cinema. My persuasive skills were at full strength today, and the suggestion of a drink with friends was met with an enthusiastic yes. He had mentioned something about going to see Demetri and Irina again, and so I had called ahead and booked us all a table for after the movie. It would be great to catch up with them, especially as Carlisle and I were now an established couple, and not on a nervous first date like before.

I smiled to myself. Carlisle had an afternoon of treats ahead to enjoy.

 He appeared from the bathroom, hair still a little damp, shaved and groomed to perfection.

“You really shouldn’t wear that black shirt you know.” My eyes swept over him hungrily, remembering that same polo shirt from our first date.

“Great minds think alike,” he smiled, his eyes devouring me in my favourite purple.

I held out my hand and he clasped it. Together we headed downstairs and out to my car.

Pulling into the parking lot, I looked around seeing only Emmett’s jeep. 

Carlisle looked a little dejected.

“Are we early? No one’s here.”

“Were you hoping to make a big entrance?” I teased, nudging his arm.

He tried his best to look affronted but couldn’t contain a grin. I climbed out of the car and waited for him to join me before we made our way inside.

Emm and Rosalie were waiting, Rosalie throwing her arms around Carlisle as soon as he walked in. He hugged her tightly, kissing her cheek in greeting. I saw his veiled disappointment when he saw that there was no one else in the room.

“Emmett – have you closed the bar?”

“No, dude; the bar’s always quiet at this time; the lunch rush just finished.” He ducked under the bar. “What can I get you?”

Carlisle looked at me. “Well, I’m not driving so I’ll take a Jack Daniels and coke. Edward?”

“I’ll take an OJ, thanks Emm. I want to keep a clear head.” I slid onto a barstool next to him, trying not to think about what we’d done over one of these seats. Judging by the way he looked at me, he was thinking along similar lines.

Emm slid our drinks over, before coming back around to sit and chat. They were full of their news, Emmett almost glowing with pride that his beautiful girl was going to be living with him. Rosalie was radiant, chattering to Carlisle about their plans and I was happy to sit back and listen.

A short time later, Emm caught my eye and subtly looked at his watch. I nodded.

“So guys, time to move this party on.” Carlisle looked up at Emmett in surprise and then to me with a confused smile. I shook my head reassuringly.

Emmett called through to the back room. “Riley? Break’s over!”

He appeared with a tea towel over his shoulder and started to unload the dishwasher.

“Have fun, guys!” I looked around to see Riley’s wave as we left the warmth of the bar and stepped out into the empty lot.

Carlisle had turned towards the Volvo when I caught his arm.

“This way.” I led him to the Jeep and he shook his head in bemusement. 

When we were settled in the back, he turned to me.

“Is anyone going to tell me what’s going on?”

Emmett laughed loudly and Carlisle’s eyebrows rose.

“It better not be embarrassing, that’s all.” Emmett laughed even louder and Carlisle just shook his head in defeat. I leaned over and kissed his cheek before looking at him, trying to keep a straight face.

“No matter what happens after this, just remember it was all Alice’s idea.”

Emmett’s laugh exploded around the car and even Rosalie covered her face to hide a smirk.

  

~xxXxx~

I had paid a little extra to have the sign outside the cinema covered so the film wasn’t displayed. After his surprise for me with the whale watching, I wanted this to be a fun surprise for him too.

Once inside I heard a squeal and the tornado otherwise known as Alice hurled herself at Carlisle for a hug. He caught her easily, kissing her hello. Jasper nodded and grinned, slapping his shoulder in greeting. The last couple to arrive were Alistair and Liam, and another round of hugs ensued.

We all got our complimentary popcorn and drinks – Emmett got both sweet and salted as he said he couldn’t choose – and, loaded up with goodies, we climbed up to the premium seats and got settled in.

Carlisle took a sip of his coke and leaned over.

“Where is everyone? This is bizarre. And why were the snacks free?”

I caved. Clearing my throat, I spoke to everyone.

“Guys? It’s time to tell him.”

A chorus of ‘Happy Birthday!’ rang out through the auditorium amid chuckles and whoops. He turned to me with a heartbreaking smile in the half-light. 

"This is all for me? Just us, all together? This is incredible! Thank you, all of you.”

Emmett turned around, swallowing a mouthful of slushy and wiping his lips.

“As tomorrow’s Halloween, we were going to stay home and watch scary movies, but I happen to know you guys have a very scary movie in that collection that we don’t need to see. It certainly scared me.”

Oh god; please stop talking, Emmett.

 “How would you know how scary it was, Emm? Thought you didn’t watch it?” 

Carlisle countered with a smirk.

I looked at him in surprise.

The others were curious then, all turning to listen in.

“What movie? Guys? What’s he talking about?” Alice’s eyes were round.

Honestly, I wanted to throttle Emmett at that moment.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about, Alice. Emmett’s just being dramatic.”

Alistair looked at me then at Carlisle with a very knowing smile.

“You guys made a movie, didn’t you! Your own little private movie! Don’t deny it, I can tell from your faces!”

“No we didn’t, thank you, Alistair!” Carlisle’s hand captured mine and he lifted it to his lips.

“Not intentionally,” Emmett mumbled, before being cuffed across the head by Rosalie.

Fortunately for us, Alistair was too far away to hear Emmett’s comment and I thanked our lucky stars for that. As for Rosalie – I silently thanked her for her timely intervention, although I was slightly concerned that she knew more than she had let on.

Just then the curtains opened and our attention was diverted to the screen.

“So - what are we watching?” He looked at me questioningly, just as the opening bars to the Top Gun anthem started to play. His face was a picture, and just as I wished I had the camera, Alice turned around and snapped a picture of him, red faced and grinning.

“Alice – you told them! I cannot believe you told!”

Laughter rang through the auditorium as the opening credits played. We settled in to watch, munching popcorn and supping icy drinks.

By the time Maverick and Charlie were getting naked, Carlisle’s devastatingly expert kiss was taking my breath away.

   ~xxXxx~