Chapter 13: Everything on the Table

Chapter 13: Everything on the Table

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I hear the shower going as I stretch my limbs.

Sore. Such a good sore too.

Last night was... 

Sigh.

After the rather desperate first time, there was a much sweeter, slower second time.

The first time had been all about conquering and quelling the desire that had been building up since the first time we met. 

Yeah we acted like teenagers. So what? Parents are still allowed to have hot sex, right?

Right.

And Lord knows I’d needed a moment to think about myself for a change, after investing so much of myself in my ex-husband and my child.

The child that Edward said was the best part of my old life.

Garrett is my world. I’d give it all up for him.

But a girl’s got needs, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I’m brought back to the present by the sound of the water turning off in the bathroom.

Edward.

Edward was taking a shower in my bathroom... in my bedroom.

Just... Wow.

I send a quick text to my parents to check up on G and see how the rest of his evening went. In response, my father texts a picture of a very happy five-year-old with a big ‘ol stack of pancakes in front of him. 

“What’s got you smiling so big?” Edward climbs back into bed-- the weight of him-- his clean, warm scent hypnotizing my senses as he wraps his arm around my torso, nuzzling my neck. My vision is filled with a backlit Edward surrounded by blooming flowers and birds singing.

I shake the image out of my head and attempt a coherent answer. “I’m sorry, huh?”

Edward pulls away and laughs, pointing to the phone in my hand.

“What’s got you smiling?”

“Oh!” I turn the screen towards him. He snorts.

“Looks like he’s having a great morning. Reminds me I should probably check in with Bree,” he says, reaching over to find his phone in the pockets of his pants somewhere on the floor. His call is brief, speaking first with Angela, then Bree. His face lights up when he talks to his daughter. It’s so endearing and completely melts my heart.

I know exactly how he feels.

I slip away so can he can chat, and I can make myself decent. When I look in the mirror in my bathroom-- still semi-foggy from Edward’s shower-- I take inventory.

Hair is a mess? Check.

Lips plump and swollen? Check.

I check my breath... holy smokes, that’s bad. I brush my teeth and tongue. Swish some mouthwash.

Fresh breath? Check.

I do a little stretch. Still sore?

Deliciously so. CHECK.

When I step back into my room, Edward’s got his glasses on and is typing something into his phone. He’s bare-chested with just his boxers on.

He fits so well here.

“Everything okay?” I ask, settling back into bed.

“Yeah. Bree’s good. Watching a movie with Grandpa.” He puts his phone down on the nightstand and turns towards me, his arms immediately pulling me closer.

I could so get used to this.

“So what do you wanna do now?” I ask as innocently as possible. 

Because, you know... I know what I wanna do now...

He answers by nuzzling my neck; his warm breath mixed in with his wet tongue makes my skin break out in goosebumps.

I know, deep down inside, we really should talk. I mean, there’s still a lot of stuff, right?

Especially about his past. He really hasn’t talked about it much.

I want to know it all. I have this sudden, desperate need to know every little thing about him.

But when he pulls me on top of him, pushing me down onto his erection...

Yeah, those questions can wait.

...

“So I’m thinking of taking the class on a field trip.”

Edward and I are enjoying coffee and French toast at the diner before picking up the kids.

“Oh yeah? Where to?” I peer over my mug at him.

“Well, it’s getting a little too cold for a lot of the outdoor stuff, but I was thinking the Children’s Museum in Port Angeles. What do you think?”

Ah yes. The Children’s Museum. Don’t get too excited. It’s not like the one in the city, but it’s cute. I have many memories of my parents taking me there as a child. It was a big deal when I was five.

It’s really just one little building with a green house attached to it. Inside the building are interactive stations for arts and crafts, a pretend grocery store, a pretend bank, and a space for temporary exhibits. 

It’s dinosaurs this month.

And yeah, G’s all about the dinosaurs.

“I think it’s a great idea! I’m sure the kids will love it, I know G will worship you more than he already does.”

His smug smile does me in every single time.

“Oh really? Well, G’s a great kid and a very good judge of character, so I’m flattered. But  I’m a little more interested in what his mother thinks about me?” he says, inching his hand over mine to tangle fingers together.

His eyes behind his glasses shine with mischief. So I decide to play.

“His mother? Oh, I have it on pretty good authority she thinks he’s a very good teacher, highly professional and very caring towards his students.” I give him an innocent smile.

“And?” 

“And... he’s very thorough... you know, with all his lessons and assignments. Garrett is progressing nicely.”

Edward groans and I try to hold in my laughter.

“Woman, you’re killing me here,” he says with a smirk.

“What? Oh, you want more specifics? Very well, then. Let’s see...” I tap my finger on my lips and look upwards in fake thought. When I glance at him once more, his eyes are locked on my lips.

I lean in, pulling on his hand for him to get closer. When he does, I whisper.

“I heard she thinks he’s amazing in bed.” 

His reaction. Damn it. I wish we were in private.

His eyes close briefly as his grin grows into a full-fledged smile. I smile with him.

Edward brings our locked hands to his mouth, gently kissing my knuckles. 

How can this beautiful man be so sexy and primal one minute, and still be the sweetest, most gentle man I’ve ever met?

I’m floored by him.

“Tell her I think she’s amazing in bed too. Actually, tell her she’s amazing, period.” 

Gosh, the sincerity in his eyes...

“Bella, I want to talk. About me. About my past. About... where this is going.”

I hear the honesty in his voice and it makes me place my other hand on top of our joined ones.

“Okay.” 

“Because, you know... we’re both parents here, and I know you feel the same way about wanting what’s best for our kids, and I can’t speak for you, but my main priority is Brianna. She didn’t have a mom growing up. She’s really fond of you, you know? I just want to make sure we’re in this with clear heads and always with our kids in mind...”

God, he’s adorable when he rambles.

“Edward, I get it. I really do. And I’m with you with everything you just said. I told you before, G’s my boy. He’s been through a lot. I’ve been through a lot. I want you to know this isn’t just about the sex either. What you said, last night... about you wanting more... I’m there too.” I trail off and I can feel the heat of my blush taking over.

His relieved smile makes me melt and when he finally adds his other hand to the pile, it feels like we’re making a pact. 

“Tell me about your wife.”

No time like the present.