Friends with Benefits

Chapter Eighty-Four

Things I own: my sanity (though, that's debatable at times), not enough time to write and incredible friends and family!!

Things I don't: Twilight, Edward and Bella (Damn. It.)

Chapter Eighty-Four

BPOV

Edward took my hand as we rode down the elevator to the lobby. His thumb was slowly caressing my knuckles and each pass was like a fucking zing of energy to my pussy. Gah, I'm horny. Why did I say that I wanted to take things slowly? I shook myhead, trying to get my brain out of its permanent residence in Lustyville. However, I just knew that was going to be for naught since ever since I admitted to myself that I wanted a relationship with Edward, I'd been in a permanent state of arousal.

In the dining room, we were led to the patio where a table for two was set up for us, overlooking the Grand Canyon. Since the sun had set, the air had cooled significantly. I wished I had brought a wrap or something. I shivered as I sat down. Thankfully, there was a fire pit near our table and it warmed me up slightly.

Our waitress approached the table, eyeing Edward like he was a steak. "Welcome to El Tovar. I'm Traci. What can I get you and your sister to drink?" she purred, licking her lips.

"My girlfriend and I would like a bottle of Conundrum," Edward said, arching a brow, "also, some water, too."

She nodded, turning on her heel to go back inside. "Since when do you drink Conundrum wine?" I asked.

"I noticed it in the fridge back at home. I tried it once while you were having parent/teacher conferences and I liked it," he answered. "I figured that you wouldn't mind sharing a bottle with me tonight. Is that okay?"

"Edward, it's perfect, really," I smiled. I rubbed my arms and tried to warm up.

"Come here, Bells," Edward said, taking my hand. He guided me to his lap and enfolded me in his arms. I immediately felt warmer. "Better?"

"Much, but I can't exactly eat dinner out of your lap," I giggled.

"For now, you're staying," he said, pressing a sweet kiss to my arm. I leaned back against his chest, content to just relax in his arms. He hummed contentedly, his fingers gliding along my forearm. "I really just want to stay here in Phoenix and not go back to Chicago."

"That sounds perfect. We can live in the resort," I quipped.

"Alice sent me a text while I was getting ready. It's snowing. Again," he grumped. "We're supposed to get another ten inches while we're here in Phoenix."

"I'm so over winter and snow. I mean, technically, it's springtime! March 20th is the first official day of spring, right?" I asked.

"Yep. I'm with you, Bells, but I can understand why you're over the winter. You take the el to work in this crap. Not to mention your bout with the boot," he frowned. "I can drive you, you know? I don't mind."

The waitress came back, pouring us both a glass of wine. She was scowling at me from my perch on Edward's lap. I went to move since the glares she was giving me could kill innocent puppy dogs. "Do you have a problem?" Edward growled.

"No, sir," Traci smiled.

"Your expression says otherwise. It's cold out here and my girlfriend needed to warm up. I happen to like her sitting on my lap," Edward said, his eyes sparkling in anger.

"There is a weight limit with these chairs," she smirked, almost under her breath. She rolled her eyes before screwing up her face into an impassive mask.

"Are you calling me fat?" I screeched. Traci shrugged.

"Do you like your job, Traci?" Edward asked. Our waitress paled. "Baby, get up. I need to discuss Traci's behavior with themanager. By the time I'm done, our dinner will be free and you'll be out of job."

"Please! Sir!" Traci squealed as she followed Edward into the restaurant. I watched him approach the host, explaining calmly what had happened. His posture changed and he had the confident swagger of a practiced attorney, listing off her transgressions. Traci was sobbing, begging for another chance. An older gentleman came out, obviously pissed off and pointed to the exit. Traci skulked out of the restaurant while Edward walked back with the older man.

"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Cullen. Traci has been warned time and time again about her flirtatious behavior," the man said. "Obviously, she took it too far with the alluded comment about your girlfriend." He turned to me, holding out his hand. "Miss Swan, my name is Ralph and I'm the general manager here at the hotel. I'm terribly sorry about Traci's behavior." I nodded, looking at Edward briefly.

"Ralph has comped our meal and our stay, Bells," Edward smirked.

"What? Really?" I squeaked.

"It's the least I could do," Ralph replied. "I do apologize for the behavior of my former employee. Enjoy the rest of your stay and your meals this evening. Matthew will be taking care of you for the rest of evening."

Edward smiled as Ralph walked away, grabbing my hand and holding me in his lap. Again. He nuzzled my neck. "I'm sorry, Bells. So sorry. I can't believe she said that," he whispered against my skin. "It took all of my control to not slap her, but I don't hit girls."

"What did you say to Ralph?"

"I quoted case law, saying that what she was doing to you was harassment, battery and that you had every right to have her arrested under a felony charge," he snickered. "If found guilty, Traci could receive up to two years in jail. Well, in Illinois, but I left that out."

"Thank you for sticking up for me," I whispered, brushing his hair away from his eyes.

"Anything for my girl," he said, looking at me intently. "Now, let's order the most expensive items on the menu and truly enjoy this evening, on the resort's dime."

A/N: Yeah, I know, highly unlikely that this would ever happen. But, I wanted a situation where Edward swooped in and acted all lawyerly to protect his girl. Up next will be some citrusy goodness (a little lime, but not full sex. Remember,slow). Leave me some lovin!