Case Closed

Chapter 10

Song listened to while writing this: Earned It // The Weeknd. That should give you an idea of the tone of this chapter... ;)

Edward's POV

What are you doing, Cullen?

I have no idea.

As Bella's arm hooked in mine as we reached her apartment, it all felt almost surreal. I wasn't sure if this was really happening...how the hell it all ended up to this. I didn't have a ride back to my apartment and it was already midnight. I could always stay over..

I could, but that was already pushing things quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, we were both two, consenting adults. Things like this were normal for some, but not when the two shared a job that could ultimately be jeoperdized. I've witnessed where people end up once they become involved with each other. It could either mean becoming withdrawn from the team - which already was a definite no from me - or one of us would have to be moved. So, it was safe to say we would both be fucked if word got out...but who said it ever had to be? Like I said, we were adults. I'm sure Bella wouldn't allow anything getting in the way of her job. She was dedicated.

"This is me," Bella spoke up quietly from besides me. I hadn't even realized we went up the elevator and out already. Shit.

Bella rummaged through her bag for her keys, oblivious to my state of distress. Stay..go? Stay. No. Go?

"Would you like to come in for some coffee?"

"Yes."

Looks like I'm staying.

I had tried to remain as nonchalant as I could as we made our way inside. Her place was spacious and oddly comforting. I settled myself down and sat on the plush couch as she went to made coffee. I may have stared at her ass as she sauntered off to her kitchen. Where else could I look? Those were some tight jeans she was sporting and let me tell ya, they fit like a glove.

I decided to look around and found a few picture frames holding either pictures of her and her parents or soley her parents. The ones in which she was included show her in her adolescent years, looking pretty adorable. I didn't know she had braces..huh.

"Oh god, don't look at those."

I chuckled at Bella's tone of embaressment and took the mug of coffee she offered.

"You don't look all that bad. You look cute."

"Bite me, Cullen," She snapped. Don't mind if Ii do..

"You look so much like your mother, but you have your father's eyes and hair," I commented.

"Yeah, many people say I was a perfect mix of each," She laughed quietly.

"How was he like?"

"Who?"

"Your father." There it is. My favorite smile.

Bella pondered a moment, setting her mug down and getting herself comfortable on the couch besides me. I scooted over a bit, letting my knee graze hers. If I could atleast get the woman to open up to me tonight, I'd be content. I just had the urge, no the need, to get to know her.

"He was a great man...and father, of course." She began. "I admired him. I aspired to be like him. He just always knew what to say..what to do. Everyone would lean closer a bit when he spoke, as if trying to grasp every word. He was very wise."

"I bet. I've heard alot about him, but I want to hear it from you," I said.

She smiled and learned her head close to my shoulder. I figured I'd move and let her situate herself there, so I shifted my torso and let her head rest in between the crook of my neck. Bella stiffened at first, but quickly relaxed and snuggled closer. I beamed.