After Aro introduced us, I sat down next to a woman who said her name was Heidi. Jake sat across from me and as the waitress came around, he ordered a beer and white wine.
The room we were in was a smaller area than the two main rooms. Three of the walls were completely covered with dark gold silk. The other wall was some kind of privacy glass, allowing us to see into the rest of the club, but not allowing those outside to see in. There were a dozen people sitting around the four tables that were pushed together. A half a dozen tables occupied the rest of the room, with a small bar area tucked into the corner.
While I was looking around the room I spotted Edward walking from the bar towards our table. He had two bottles of beer in one hand and a pitcher of clear liquid in the other.
I couldn’t turn my head away as I watched him move. Ok, to be honest, I didn’t want to. I mean who could look away from someone who was just oozing sex. His eyes met mine and I gazed into them for a moment, before I forced myself to look away with a blush.
He chuckled while approaching the table, setting down the pitcher and handing Jake one beer and Heidi’s husband -I believe his name is Demetri- the other one. Turning, he took a wine glass off the waitress’s tray - hmm, she must have been following him- and a large red glass with a lemon stuck on top of it.
He handed me the wine with a grin on his face. “White wine for Ms. Isabella.”
I reached out to take it from him slightly meeting my fingers against his, again feeling that tingle.
“Thank you, Edward.”
He smiled wider, “You’re very welcome, Isabella.”
I had to take a deep breath so that I wouldn’t embarrass myself.
He placed the red glass at the end of the table; he removed half a dozen shot glasses, placing them next to the pitcher of clear liquid.
“Thank you Lauren.” His voice was firm and it was clear he was effectively dismissing her.
She eyed him for a moment, “You’re welcome, do you need anything else?” she practically purred.
I hated her.
“No that will be all.”
I was shaken out of my conjecture by the sound of euphoric laughter that was coming from behind me; as I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes lit up.
“Bella?”
Leaping out of my chair, I hugged the small energetic pixy of woman, “Oh My God...Alice!”
“What are you doing here?” We chuckled together at our spontaneous question.
“My sister-in-law is having a baby; we are here to celebrate with them.”
I narrowed my eyes, “Oh.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
We let each other go and she walked around the table hugging and kissing everyone. The man that accompanied her sat in the empty seat between Jake and Edward.
Jake put his hand out to the man on his right, “Jacob Black.”
“Jasper Whitlock, Alice’s husband; pleased to meet you.” He had a slight southern drawl, he turned to me expectantly.
“Bella Swan.” I replied, shaking his hand just as Alice sat down next to me.
“So, what are you doing here?”
I looked at her to reply when I heard a velvet voice from the end of the table that sent shivers to my girly parts.
“Isabella wrote her Thesis on alternative lifestyles, Aro helped her with information.” I smiled at Edward, because that was an acceptable reason.
“Oh... sooo you and Jacob?” Alice asked with curiosity. From the corner of my eye I saw Edward lean forward in interest. Jake gagged and spit his beer out of his mouth.
“No, No, No... Jake...” I turned to look at him quickly before responding to Alice; he was still coughing and wiping his face with a napkin. “Oh... That’s just...wrong!” I shuttered.
“Because you are married?” She asked.
“Was... Not anymore, I took my maiden name back. I didn’t want anything from him.” I said the last part softly.
Alice leaned towards me with a broad smile, “I’m glad, he was a bastard!”
Jake started laughing, “Oh, I like her.”
I glared at him and he shrugged, “What? He is a bastard.”
I sighed because I couldn’t argue with that.
“So Alice, how do you know Isabella?” Edward asked his sister, but his eyes were on me.
Usually I would correct people and ask to be called Bella, but there was something sensual about the way he said Isabella. It made my belly tighten and my girly parts warm.
“We had some classes together at the community college,” her eyes turned back to me. “You transferred then, right?”
I nodded taking a sip of my wine, “Mmhmm, Dartmouth.”
From the corner of my eye I could see Edward’s face turn into a broad smile. “Emmett!” He called as he looked me in the eye. “We have another Big Greener down here!” And he winked at me, making my face heat up.
“No way!” The loud voice boomed through the room. Emmett moved swiftly to stand behind Jake. “Who?”
Jake turned saying over his shoulder, “Bella, she had a full scholarship. You should have seen her father’s face when she showed him the letter” I shook my head and blushed. “Better yet, you should have seen the Bastard’s face, that was priceless.”
Jake laughed, and I looked down at the table, because that wasn’t a night I wanted to think about right now.
Emmett questioned Jake, “Bastard?”
Jasper smiled and Edward replied, “Isabella’s ex-husband.”
Again with the Isabella, if he keeps that up I’m going to have to go to the bathroom and dry out my panties.
“Someone need an ass kicking little Bella? Cuz, you know I’m not opposed to opening up a can of whoop ass. Especially for a fellow Big Greener.”
“No worries Emmett, it’s been taken care of.” I assured Emmett.
Jake snorted, shaking his head “Yeah, for the most part.” Emmett glanced at Jake, expecting more of an explanation; I shook my head at him imploring him to just drop it.
When I glanced at Edward he had a look of concentration on his face, but he didn’t say anything.
“Fellow Greener’s, stand up!” Emmett picked up the pitcher with the clear liquid, pouring three shots; I rose and he handed me a shot glass. Edward stood up taking the other one, I smiled no wonder he seemed so interested.
“To the class of 2002," Emmett said.
“2004,"came from Edward.
“2006," I smiled as we clicked our glasses and did our shots. Oh my…kamikazes. Yummy, smooth, and warm.
“Emmett, don’t be doing too many shots or you’ll be sleeping in the car!” He looked over at his beautiful wife.
“Awe Rosie, it was one shot” he whined.
I giggled because it was comical, this big bear of a man actually whined. Jasper smirked and Edward chuckled. Emmett leaned down to whisper, “You know how pregnant women are.”
Alice yelled, “No Emmett, how are pregnant women?”
We all snickered.
Rosalie was right next to Emmet immediately. “What are you saying?”
He just shook his head, “Nothing baby, nothing. Just talking Dartmouth memories and I said you were pregnant and we are really happy about it.’
I had to look down at the table, and bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing. Unfortunately for Emmett his family didn’t hold back and all three of them, including Jake, snickered and laughed.
Emmett shook his head, “I see how it is; little Bella, I’ll talk to you later. The rest of you can kiss my ass!” He followed Rose and the five of us burst out laughing.
“How long have you been married?” I asked Alice.
She beamed and looked at Jasper. “Five years, we have two children,” she was reaching into her purse to pull out her phone. After clicking some buttons she showed me a picture of two adorable round faced children.
“Vincent will be five in two months, and Mia just turned two.” She pulled up a few more pictures, one of Mia with spaghetti dripping off her head and one of Vincent dressed in a Mariners outfit.
“They’re adorable,” I smiled at her. “Did you finish your degree?”
“Oh, yes. I have my own business,” she raised her eyebrows suggestively. “I design custom made naughty lingerie.”
I chuckled and was going to inquire more information when Jake leaned across the table, “Do you do maternity?”
I looked at him while Alice leaned closer to him. “What do you have in mind, Jacob?” She asked, seductively.
Jake’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head and he turned a shade of red I didn’t think was possible.
Alice sat back in her chair. “That good, uh?” She said adding a wink before reaching into her purse and handing him a card. “Tell ya what, you give me a call and I’ll hook you up with whatever your little mind can conceive.”
I snickered, Jake looked at me pointing a finger, “Don’t you tell her.”
“I’m not saying anything” I told him with a laugh holding my hands up in surrender then added “You better hurry up though, you only have a few more months.”
Alice flicked her wrist in the air in a dismissive gesture “Anything that is let out can be pulled back in. Besides, all women want to feel sexy, even pregnant ones. I’m designing a whole line for Rose. Also, your wife will more than likely have at least one more baby, so then she’ll be set for it. If not, I can alter it.” She looked at Jake again nodding, “Yeah, you call me.”
Jake nodded his head, tucking Alice’s card away.
Throughout this conversation Edward was talking to Jasper; every now and then I would steal glances at him, sometimes he would catch me, and other times when I looked in his direction he was watching me.
“You teach Bella?” Alice asked, and I was wondering how she knew. Jake was nodding so I guess in my Edward-induced daze I missed him telling her.
“I do, Psychology at UW. It’s only entry level, but I like it.”
She pointed towards her brother, “Edward teaches at UW, Anatomy. I’m surprised you never ran into each other.”
Edward cleared his throat, “Alice, I’m in the science building and the campus is large, unless I wanted to, I don’t think I would run into Isabella.”
There goes that Isabella again; I had to part my thighs to cool off the heat.
Jake gahuffed, “More like Bella might run into you,” he said with a snicker.
I glared at Jake with an evil eye and then turned to Edward, “I don’t know about that, you had an unplanned run in with me earlier,” I said with a smile.
He grinned wickedly, “So I did. I enjoyed it too.”
Before I could stop myself I blurted out, “Must be fate.” As soon as the words left my mouth I could have kicked myself.
But I swear I heard him murmer, “just might be.”
The rest of the evening fell into easy banter, Emmett with his loud voice, Rose always having to rein him in. Edward got up a few times; I suppose to take care of some club business. Alice talked about her business and the children. Vinny, as she called him, was starting little league and was excited. Mia was just starting to go on the potty and they were thinking about having one more child maybe next year.
Jake spoke with the people around him, and asked Jasper some questions about labor; turning pale at the description of crowning making Alice and I laughed at his expression. I turned red as hell when Jake asked if Leah would return to normal after the birth, because he was hoping she wouldn’t be, ‘loose.’
Jasper assured him that all would be ok, and Alice told him that as long as she did her Keagles she would be tight as a drum. That launched us into a twenty minute discussion on what a Keagle is and how to do them.
After three glasses of wine I almost died when Heidi who was sitting next to me blurted, “I’m doing them now! Come on ladies, everyone Keagle!”
Jake had a blank look on his face. “You mean, you’re doing them now, in public?” Heidi, Alice and I nodded. “That’s just wrong,” Jake muttered and we burst out laughing.
Aro came back to our area smiling, “I see everyone is having a good time. I’m so glad. Before anyone leaves I would like to propose a toast.”
Edward was just sitting back down. I had no idea how he knew he was needed since no one came to get him. He would just get up, sunder through the club and then return.
“Please raise your glasses. To Rose and Emmett, may your child grow to be strong, healthy, and independent. May love surround him or her, everyday of his life. Salute!” Glasses clinked and a resounding, “Salute!” was heard as we toasted to a new life that was forming. Aro excused himself, leaving the group to continue on enjoying the night.
“You ready Bells? I told Leah I would be home by 1:00, its quarter of.”
I looked at my watch, “Oh my word! Yeah, I’m ready.”
Alice grabbed my hand, “Ohhh...don’t go Jasper and I will take you home.”
I smiled at her, “I’ve really got to go. I have some appointments tomorrow, well, today. But let’s get together and have lunch.”
Alice smiled, “Or, we can go shopping!” She clapped her hands, giggling while bouncing up and down.
I nodded, “Ok. Sure, shopping.” We exchanged numbers and hugged. I said good-bye to the rest of the table and congratulated Emmett and Rosalie.
Emmett wrapped me in a big hug. “Us Big Greener’s stick together. Right little Bella?”
I smiled, “Right, Emmett.”
I thanked them again for allowing us to intrude on their party, and for making us feel so welcomed. Yes, I was stalling; Edward wasn’t back from wherever he had to gone, and I was really hoping I would get to say goodnight. I sighed and started to follow Jake through the club.
EPOV
This night was turning out to be very interesting. To say I was surprised that my sister was acquainted with Isabella would be an understatement. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised; my little sister was a social butterfly. Plus the nature of her business put her in intimate contact with all makes of people, from the wealthiest on down.
Then, I couldn’t help that my mind kept wondering if Isabella was a client of Alice’s. I started coming up with all kinds of images: Isabella in a dark blue boned corset, cinching in her waist, pushing her breasts out over the top allowing me access to her pert pink nibbles; or a black netted, crotchless cat suit that hugged every delectable curve as she is bent over my whipping horse. I needed to take a deep breath with that image. Breathing and allowing the oxygen to flow back through my system, because my dick was causing my pants to get mighty tight in that area. I figured I’d better ask, before my dick exploded with all the scenarios I was coming up with.
I nodded when Alice said they went to school together. I was away at college when Alice started at the local community college. She didn’t want to leave Jasper, and we all understood that. He was just starting his residency in Port Angeles and she could take her pre-reqs and then transfer.
Isabella was married young - wonder if she was pregnant? - seems like Alice didn’t like him. Unusual since my sister has a way about her that she always sees the good in people. So her dislike of him makes me worry. Dartmouth? Too good to be true.
“Hey Emmett, we got another Big Greener down here!”
I knew he would do a shot to that announcement, hell he doesn’t need a reason, but it helps a little with Rosalie. Jacob said she had a full scholarship and that her father was proud, I smiled, he should have been. Hell, I was fucking proud of her and I had only just met her. At the mention of the ‘Bastard’ her eyes fell and her face was masked with sadness. What the fuck did he do to her?
After the toast and humor at Emmett’s expense the conversation at the table went into easy banter. My pocket buzzed, Tyler needed me at the door.
Three girls were attempting to get in without an escort; they were cute and dressed appropriately, but they were having a hard time understanding the word, no.
“Please? We’ll behave.”
I shook my head, “Sorry ladies.”
The taller pretty blond with obvious fake breasts took two steps forward, rubbing her hand down the front of my shirt over my pecks. “Please? You can be our escort. All three of us. We can make you happy and you can do anything you want to us. Anything.” She drew the last word out into a whisper by my ear.
I took a deep breath, grabbed her hand and grinned, “I don’t think you can handle my, anything. Come back next time with an escort, and I will be very happy to let you in. But tonight, it’s not going to happen.”
The tall one huffed and turned around, “Asshole! You don’t know what you’re missing! I could rock your world!” She shouted, as the three of them stalked off together.
Turning to Tyler I laughed, “I’m going back in, call me if you need me.” I was still laughing as I entered the club, making my way back to the VIP room. Isabella was looking at pictures of my niece and nephew, they were cute kids and yes little Vinny thought I was better than Sponge Bob. What can I say? The kid has taste.
My phone buzzed again, Mike and Eric were ready for their breaks. I took Mike’s post in the front area. It was a quiet night, the band was playing in the other area, and people were filtering back and forth. Most people just want to go out for a few hours, drink a little bit, and enjoy the night. It helps that Aro always held Open Door Night on a Thursday. Tomorrow is a working day for most of Seattle and that tends to cut down on problems; but every now and then someone gets beer muscles, so we had to be on guard.
Mike was coming back and I went to relieve Eric. Aro came up to me and asked how the VIP room was going. I informed him it was going well. He wanted to come in and toast Emmett and Rose before anyone left. I was looking over his shoulder at a couple on the dance floor, they were obviously drunk, but at the moment they weren’t causing any trouble.
“Aro, what is the story with Isabella?” I asked without looking in his eye.
He chuckled, pulling my attention to him. “I met Ms Swan, oh my, three years ago. I told you Edward, she interviewed me for her thesis, I handed out her survey then collected them for her. Throughout the two years she worked on her thesis, we became... I don’t know what our relationship is. She does work with something that I believe very strongly in. She has come to me for fund raising and other business related problems... That’s all.”
“Yeah, but why is she here? I mean you gave her a pass, did she express interest in seeing the club?”
He just grinned.
“What are you grinning for?” I was slightly annoyed.
He shook his head placing his hand on my shoulder, “You know Edward, my boy, I’m a lot older than you, I have wisdom and experience. Sometimes you just get a vibe. I offered Ms. Swan to come see the club because when we talked she had questions that I felt were of a more personal nature, rather than academic or business related. She’s a diamond in the rough, a very beautiful diamond in the rough. If I were twenty-five years younger and didn’t have your Aunt Jane, I would refine that diamond until it sparkled. But be careful with Ms. Swan, she’s been through a lot.”
What the hell does that mean?
“I was just asking, I’m not thinking about refining Isabella.”
“Of course you’re not.”
He fucking laughed as he walked away.
After Eric returned I pointed out the couple that needed to be watched making my way back into the VIP room. As I was entering the room loud laughter was coming from Emmett’s group. The women were laughing so hard they had tears in their eye, the men were smirking, but poor Jacob looked like he was going to be sick and he kept saying, “That’s not right.” I asked Jasper what I missed, he shook his head and said something about Keagles and tightness. I guess it was one of things where you had to be there.
I would steal glances at Isabella as I talked with Jasper. Vinny had a little league game on Saturday morning and the whole family was going to go. That kid loved baseball, was he a natural? No. But hey, what five years old is? The games were fun to watch, and the weather was supposed to be nice. Afterwards Alice and Jasper wanted the family to come to their house for lunch; Jasper wanted me to pick up a case of beer, and that I could do.
I chanced a glance in Bella’s direction again and caught hold of her brown orbs watching me. I smirked as she blushed and looked back to Alice. Damn she was cute when she did that, so sweet and innocent, a diamond in the rough. Hmm, I wonder how rough?
Damn, stop thinking like that Edward, or you’re going to be pitching a tent big enough for a family of ten.
Alice questioned the fact that we had not run into each other at the college. I told her I work in the science lab area; Isabella is in the liberal arts area so it would be strange to “run into” her.
Isabella looked me right in the eye smiling, “I don’t know about that, you had an unplanned run in with me earlier.”
I grinned at her, “So I did.” Adding, “I enjoyed it too.”
She blurted out, “Must be fate.” Then dropped her eyes and shaking her head.
I kept watching her thinking to myself, “Just might be.”
Where the hell did that come from? I don’t believe in fate. We are what we make of ourselves. We change our course of direction by the decisions we make. I shook my head as Aro’s words came back to haunt me, “If I was twenty-five years younger,” I felt a growl grow in my chest. “I would refine that diamond until it shined.” Fuck that, if anyone is refining Isabella it will be me.
True to his word in came the diamond miner. He walked around the table asking how everyone was enjoying their night and the company. Everyone answered in the affirmative. He toasted to Emmett and Rose, blessing their unborn child and basically being glad that our family is thriving and growing.
After he left, I had to go out to the dance area. Eric was escorting the drunken couple off the dance floor. Mike came over to help him; it looked like they had it under control, so I just took up a post and watched. After that was over, I was talking with one of the members; he wanted to know if he could get a pass for someone he met tonight. I told him I would get him the forms to fill out.
As I was talking with him, I saw Jacob walking through the crowd. He’s hard to miss; he’s at least six foot four, muscular and stands out with that black hair. Isabella was on his heels and it appeared that they were leaving. I asked Felix if he could give me ten minutes then I would be back with the form he needed.
I quickly made my way over to the retreating couple, “You two leaving?”
Jacob stopped abruptly causing Isabella to stumble slightly. On instinct I reached out to grab her, almost relishing that feeling I got from the contact with her skin.
Isabella turned and Jacob responded, “Yeah, we have to get going. It’s late, I have work, Bella has a busy day tomorrow and my wife is waiting for me.”
“Well, perhaps you should say goodnight to Aro? It would be rude not to.”
Isabella flushed; yeah I was pulling out all stops so I could speak to her again, so what?
“Just a few more minutes Jake, I don’t want Aro to think I don’t appreciate his hospitality.”
“Ok Bells, let’s make it quick though, Leah is going to kill me.”
They followed me over to Aro. Isabella thanked him; then he reached out and brought her hand to his lips kissing the back of it. I wanted to rip her hand from his grasp, instead I scowled. He looked at me amused.
“Ah, Ms. Swan, I am so glad that you came tonight. See? I told you nothing to be afraid of, just people. No demons, werewolves, or vampires. Nothing will bite you here, unless you want them to.” He chuckled, “Perhaps you would come back on a night when the club is at its usual pace? You could get a better look.”
Isabella looked slightly nervous, “um, I...I don’t know about that. Um, Jake, well Leah, his wife, is really pregnant and I don’t know if he could come again.”
Aro looked to Jacob, “Congratulations my boy, children are a blessing from God himself!” Smiling back at Isabella, “You still have the pass I gave you, do you not?”
“Well, yes sir I do.”
He gestured with his hand, “That is all you need. Basically, what that card says is that I am vouching for you. No escort required.”
Jacob shifted behind her, “Yeah, Bella I wouldn’t feel comfortable with that. You shouldn’t be out alone that late at night. With what you do, it’s not safe.”
I looked at him, wondering what the hell she does. She teaches Psych to college kids for Christ’s sake. Nothing dangerous there.
Aro must know what Jacob was talking about because he sighed. “Yes well, perhaps Mr. Black is right.”
Jacob nodded in an ‘I told you so’ kind of way.
“I have a thought; Edward my boy, perhaps you could escort Ms. Swan? Would that make you feel better Mr. Black?”
Jacob didn’t look like that idea made him feel any better.
Isabella glanced in my direction. “Aro, I don’t want to burden Edward, he doesn’t need to babysit me.”
“Nonsense my dear, you don’t mind, do you Edward?”
I shook my head. “Not at all,” I answered. No-sir-re-bob I wouldn’t mind being with Isabella in any capacity at all.
Aro clapped his hands together, “There, it’s settled. I do so love a happy ending.” Picking up Isabella’s hand again, “You run along now my dear, you still do your work on Fridays?”
She nodded with a satisfied smile, “I do.”
He leaned closer to her, “You let me know if you need any more contributions.”
Still smiling, she raising her gleaming eyes, “We never turn down a contribution, sir.”
He chuckled, “I’ll send a check in memory of your mother.”
Her face took on a serene façade, “Thank you,” she said in a reverent voice.
He patted her hand, “You’re most welcome my dear. You have a good night also Mr. Black, and see she gets home safe.”
Jacob shook Aro’s hand, “Don’t worry I will.”
As we walked towards the exit, I wondered if Isabella would want to come with me to the club. Maybe I should start with something smaller, lunch or coffee. As we exited the building I said good night to Jacob.
He eyed me for a minute and then asked Bella, “Will you be alright here while I get the car?”
She looked around. The street was well lit, Tyler was standing off to side, and I was here. “I’ll be fine Jake.”
He nodded and walked across the street to the lot. I was just about to speak when she said, “I’m sorry.”
I looked at her, “What are you sorry for Isabella?” I couldn’t for the life of me think of what she’d done. Was she apologizing for Jacob, because he was being an ass?
She sighed loudly and looked down at her hands, “For Aro putting you on the spot, that wasn’t fair; you don’t have to feel obligated to escort me. I’m not even sure I want to come.” She mumbled the last part.
I put my finger under her chin, “Isabella, look at me,” lifting just a little bit.
I stood there staring at her face, she really was beautiful, and perhaps I should call her Bella. Her eyes were deep milk chocolate that glistened with a depth of humanity. My finger tingled all the way through to my hand, sending my cock into a frenzy. I wanted to take her home with me, like a lost puppy, and see what else was lurking in her eyes.
“Isabella, you will find out that I am man that doesn’t do anything I don’t want to do.” She smiled shyly. “What I would really like to do is take you out for coffee. You’re busy on Fridays?” She nodded once. “What do you do?”
Shaking her head she bit her bottom lip between her teeth, “It’s a long story.”
“Will I get to hear that story?”
She smirked, “I don’t know...maybe.”
“Hmmm...Maybe, ugh? You know Isabella, I have ways of making you talk.’ I said with a devious voice.
Her quick gasp of shock made me chuckle. “Anyway, I’m busy Saturday but how about we go for coffee early Sunday afternoon?”
“Ok?” I wasn’t sure if that was an answer or a question.
“OK...Can I get your number so I can call you?” I pulled my phone out, as she started to rattle off her number. I was putting my phone back in my pocket just as a dark blue Honda CR-V pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down and the horn beeped, pulling me back to the here and now.
“That’s rude.” I said with contempt.
“That’s Jacob.” Isabella said with a sigh. I placed my hand on the small of her back. She seemed to melt into my hand, and I wondered how responsive she would be in my playroom or in my bed.
As I opened the door for her, she stepped down off the curb. She looked up at me and I ran the back of my thumb along her jaw line. I just wanted to feel that tingle one more time. “I’ll call you Saturday night.”
She nodded putting her petite hand around my wrist, sending shock waves through my arm. I leaned down and kissed her other cheek. She hummed, “Saturday?”
I nodded, “Saturday.”
She climbed into the car.
“Buckle up, Isabella.” I looked over and nodded, “Jacob.”
“Edward,” he replied with nod of his own. I shut the door and watched as the car drove down the street and around the corner.
I smiled at Tyler on my way back in.
“Not too bad a night,” he remarked.
I smiled, “Nope, turned out to be a very good night indeed.”
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