The One That Got Away

Chapter Six

For those of you who read the Get Your Southern On contest entries, this is my contribution. I am tickled at the results ... first place in public vote and third place for the judge's choice. I've decided to break this up into smaller, drabblish chapters and it will be continued. The contest contribution is the first six or so chapters, roughly. I don't know how long it will be, but I do have it planned. Thank you to Bridget for betaing this for me and for Clo, who created the banner.

Thank you for those of you who have read this! I hope you continue to do so! Without further ado ...

After their appetizers and few more glasses of wine, Edward's yawns forced them to drive back Chief Swan's bungalow. They made out for a few more minutes before Edward walked Bella to the door. He ran his fingers down her cheek, smiling tenderly down at the absolutely gorgeous woman in his arms. With another loving kiss, Edward left, floating back to his car and feeling complete for the first time in almost ten years.

Bella, on the other hand, was a mess. Her heart was stammering against ribs, giddy at what had happened between them, but confused to why her dream had come true.

"Alice. I must talk to Alice," she murmured, practically jogging back to her childhood bedroom. She plugged in her phone and dialed her best friend. Almost immediately, Alice answered the phone.

"Whitlock's Den of Dominance, Submission, and All Things Sexy. This is Alice, how can I help you?" she giggled.

"Alice," Bella whined. "What the hell?"

"What? I'm thinking you should do a BDSM novel for your next book," Alice said. "I've been doing research."

"I do not want to know about that," Bella deadpanned.

"How's the reunion? Did you go to the game?" Alice asked.

"I went," Bella said, her face flushing and her fingers tracing over her still-tingling lips that were swollen from Edward's sweet, but possessive kisses.

"Yeah? And?" Alice laughed. "Did you run into dreamboat?"

"Yes," she squeaked.

"Something happened! What happened?" Alice asked, a vibrating with excitement. "Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!"

"Well, it started at the game and then continued in a romantic restaurant," Bella murmured. "He kissed me, Alice. Edward Cullen, the man I've been dreaming about and in love with since I was fourteen years old, kissed me! He's wanted me since he moved down to Tampa with his family. I ... I ... I don't know what to think about that!"

"Really, Bella?" Alice scowled. "This is what you've been desiring for as long as you could remember. Why are you so confused?"

They spent the rest of the night talking about what had happened, from the amazing kisses to Bella's feelings for Edward and formulated a plan of attack for the following day for the actual reunion. Alice told Bella what to wear and to have fun. Bella blushed, knowing that Alice's version of fun meant sex. Lots and lots of sex.

Bella could write the sexiest, smuttiest, and raunchiest love scenes, but all of them were from her imagination. She never experienced a moment like that. Ever.

Would it happen tomorrow?

Don't hold your breath, Swan.

After listening to Alice's suggestions and encouragement, Bella finally hung up and settled into her bed. Her dreams were erotic, sexy and straight out of one her novels. She woke up the next morning, sweating and incredibly turned on. It made her miss her favorite vibrator, which thankfully was still in her nightstand in Seattle. The walls were too thin and it would be too weird for her to do that in her childhood home, childhood bed.

Bella spent the day with her dad before getting ready for the reunion which was being held at The Epicurean Hotel in downtown Tampa. Bella wore a tight black and purple dress with a pair of black peep-toe pumps. Her hair was curled and was pinned over her shoulder. She picked up her car keys, preparing to head to the hotel.

"Bells! You have a guest!" called her father.

Bella was confused but teetered to the foyer. She was shocked to see Edward standing there, wearing a well-cut black suit and holding a clear box with a corsage inside. It was simple and elegant, white roses with a spray of baby's breath and a few ferns. "What are you doing here?" Bella asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I was hoping I could take you to the reunion and to celebrate Valentine 's Day with the girl of my dreams," he said, taking a step toward her and opening the box with the corsage. Smoothly, he picked up her wrist, sliding it around her hand. "Perfect, sweetness."

"I'd love to go with you," she said, smiling shyly up at him. "I was just getting ready to leave. I didn't expect ..."

"Exactly. I wanted to surprise you," Edward replied, giving her his crooked grin. "Chief, always a pleasure."

"Of course," Charlie replied, nodding. "Take care of my baby girl. She may be an adult, but she's my only daughter. I don't want to hurt you, son. I know how to kill you and make it look like an accident regardless of who your parents are and what you do."

"I promise I'll take care of her, Chief. Don't wait up," Edward said, taking Bella's hand and threading their fingers together. He guided her out the door, kissing her knuckles, ignoring the grumbling police chief in the foyer.

"You are bad," Bella giggled. "Don't wait up?"

"Well, the reunion is going until midnight and there are numerous after parties. Not to mention I got a room," he said as they walked to his sleek black BMW, his cheeks flushed as he pulled out a small card.

"What?" Bella squeaked. She shook her head, her eyes trained on the card.

A/N: Will they or won't they?