Carlisle and Esme

9. Being The Gentleman

Chapter Nine

I finished telling my story to Esme. She looked lost in it. As was I. My history was filled with sadness, happiness, fun, adventure, horror and sickness. But from it came two people who I loved. Esme and Edward.

I smiled at Esme.

"That's pretty much it."

"Wow..." I ran my hand down her hair from head to her back.

"I'll go run you a bath." I left and went upstairs. I put the plug in and turned on the taps. The bath could be freezing cold or scorching hot and it wouldn't bother her either way but I put the water at a relaxing temperature. I used some liquid for bubbly foam. I had just turned the taps off when I heard the door open and close behind me. I spun around and my jaw almost dropped when I saw she was wearing a bathrobe which was knotted around her waist but open at the top so I could see much cleavage going on. I felt slightly aroused and before I knew it, I had her against the wall and was passionately but gently kissing her. My hand was just about to undo her bath robe when I caught myself and pulled away. We were both gasping and Esme pulled her robe around her fully.

"I'm so sorry..." I gasped.

"No I shouldn't have... I should have..."

"I'll just..." I turned to go and exit. I opened the door and was about to leave when I looked back at her. "I love you, Esme. I know you probably don't want to hear it but it's the truth." I left, shutting the door behind me and went to my bedroom. I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes.

The door opened and I opened my eyes again to see Esme standing against the bedroom wall, near the door.

"What's wrong?" I asked her, sitting up so I was sat on the edge of the bed. Esme was in front of me in a second. She bent down and kissed me again. Our lips were gentle this time. She pulled away after a minute or so.

"I think I love you too... But I'm still married..." I shook my head slightly.

"No, I err... Signed you off. You're on the records for dead people. You have a death certificate and all." Esme swallowed.

"What are you trying to say?"

"That you're not married. Your marriage stops after death. That's it. Until death do us part. You're dead according to records and so you can remarry. If you wanted that is." Esme bit her lip.

"It's just so soon..." I stood up and took her hands.

"I'm sorry. I won't do this again." She looked up at me.

"No, I WANT to... But I just... Don't know if I'm ready."

"Then we'll take it slowly. One step at a time. I love you Esme and those feelings won't go away. No matter how long we wait. I would wait a century for you." Esme's gaze dropped and she smiled at the floor.

"And I would you." I kissed her forehead.

"Then go get your bath. I have some paperwork to fill out anyway." Esme nodded and left. I smiled, flopping down on my bed. So this is what love felt like.

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