One Night Only

Four

Wednesday morning, Alice had scheduled a tour with a guide at the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA. We were scouting it as a possible location for the annual charity ball. I was just getting out of the shower when I heard my cell chime, indicating I got a text. I looked to see I had a message marked urgent from Alice.

Alice: I'm not going to be able to make it to MoMA. I ran into a little problem with one of the sponsors that I have to take care of immediately. Edward will be there to help you out. I'm sorry babe :(

Fuck. The last thing I wanted was to be alone with Edward. After he left my office Monday, his words plagued me. I couldn't renege on the bet I made and I wanted to slap myself for being so damn stubborn. I sighed and quickly sent out a reply, reassuring her that I would take care of everything in her absence.

I dried off and began my daily process of getting ready for work. I brushed out my hair, sweeping it up in a high ponytail. I opted for minimal make-up, wanting to have a natural look. I put on a black lace balconette bra and matching panty set then began to scour my closet for today's attire. Growing up, I was a tomboy who profusely refused to wear dresses, skirts or heels. Anything girly was a no-no but once I started college, I began to embrace my feminine side. I even managed to walk around in heels without hurting myself like the awkward klutz I was when I was a child. Despite my new outlook on attire, I still loved to wear jeans and Converse sneakers. Perusing my wardrobe, I picked out a white dress shirt, pairing it with gray pencil skirt and navy blue heels. I placed a simple gold chain with a round diamond charm on my neck and wore diamond studs in my ears.

After I was done dressing, I grabbed a granola bar and a thermos of coffee before getting my work bag, phone, and keys. When I made sure I had everything I needed, I was on my way. I resided in a townhouse in Carnegie Hill, located on the upper east side of Manhattan. It was relatively a quiet location and I loved it. I walked down a couple of blocks before I hailed a cab, rattling off directions to the driver. Traffic wasn't too bad this morning and I was grateful that I wouldn't have to worry about being late. As we passed through Times Square, I remembered when I first got here. I came from a small town and I was enthralled with all of the sights that was New York City. I never seen so many people all in one place. Seattle didn't hold any type comparison in my eyes to the Big Apple. I smiled at the fond memory before coming back to the present.

We were midtown now, about three blocks away from my destination. I checked the meter and grabbed twenty from my bag, waiting for the cab to stop. When we arrived, I handed the cabbie the bill and told him to keep the change as I stepped out onto the sidewalk. I looked into the reflective glass of the building, adjusting my skirt. I heard my name being called and I knew exactly who it was. I turned towards the entrance to where Edward stood casually leaned against the building. He looked devilishly handsome in a two piece pinstripe black suit, complete with a crisp white shirt and slate gray tie. His hair was mussed in his signature look and I longed to run my fingers through it. He righted himself and began to walk towards me. I watched every step he took, impressed with his cool swagger. Edward exuded confidence and sensuality, women and even some of the men at work were attracted to him. I completely understood their attraction, not only in looks but how he carried himself. He paused before me with a mischievous grin, eyeing me surreptitiously. I hated that he looked at me that way because it turned me on.

"Good Morning Bella," he said looking into my eyes, holding me captive.

"Good morning," I said shakily, internally kicking myself for being affected by his undeniable charm. He chuckled, not oblivious to my nervousness. I frowned, rolling my eyes at him as I walked away from him to go inside. Edward followed close behind me, no doubt checking out my ass. I turned around to find that he was in fact checking me out and he didn't have any qualms about me catching him. He just smiled crookedly at me and said, "you have a fantastic ass Isabella, I can't help but to stare at it." I had to admit I was flattered and I admired his tenacity but I refused to show it.