Sunday, October 28, 2012
Dress You Up ~ Chapter 2
I jump from the couch, spilling the dark liquid across my toes.
"Jesus fucking Christ!"
Across the room, I see a dark silhouette in Carlisle's chair. The sliver of moonlight makes it hard to distinguish any features.
I hear a soft chuckle. "Nope. I'm definitely not him."
Holy fuck. That voice.
I reach over and turn on the lamp, the dim light filling the room. I squint as my eyes adjust. My vision clears and I finally see him.
His hair is disheveled, a mixture of colors: gold, red, bronze. His eyes are kind and soft. A smile spreads across his face. I've completely lost my train of thought.
"Who...wha...what are you doing in here?" My voice strained, I clear my throat, trying to take back control of my brain.
"I was just enjoying the 'peace and quiet' as you put it." He leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I would ask you the same, but I've got pretty good idea." He nods his head toward the liquor cabinet.
I sit back on the couch and cross my legs. "Do you have a habit of hiding out in dark places?" I raise a brow, my body betraying me as I feel a throbbing between my legs.
"Not usually." He smiles as he rubs his hands over his thighs. I notice his long fingers. "I just needed to clear my head. I was about to head back to the party when you James-Bonded your way in here."
I tilt back my head and laugh. "Me? James Bond. Hardly. I don't think James Bond knows the combinations when he cracks a safe."
He takes a swig of his drink. I can see his smile through the bottom of his glass. He sets his drink on his knee.
"Touche." He nods in my direction.
"So, since you scared the living shit out of me asking for some, would you like me to top you off?" I ask, offering to fill his cup.
"Nah, I'm good. I need to be able to stand tonight. I better take it easy."
I shrug and pour myself a glass. "More for me." I smile as I down another shot. Shit. I feel dizzy. Two beers and three shots are a bit much. You need to slow down, Bella.
His voice brings me away from my inner discussion. "May I ask how you knew the combination, since we've concluded that you aren't James Bond?"
I lean forward, my dark brown curls fall over my shoulders. "I've been sneaking liquor from this office since the ninth grade. I practically grew up here. My best friend's parents are hosting this party." I lightly tap on my lips. Shit. They're numb. I'm definitely buzzed.
He swirls the ice in his drink, his eyes looking me over. "So you're friends with Alice?"
"Mmmhmm. Best friends since elementary school. She's practically my sister, which is why I'm even here tonight. That, and I've dressed some of the guests."
"Dressed them?" He takes a piece of ice from his glass and places it in his mouth, his tongue slides over it as he drops it in.
I start to drown on my own spit. Or the wetness between my legs. I stand up as I begin to cough uncontrollably. He rushes to my side, his hand patting my back as his other hand brushes away my hair covering my face. When I finally stop coughing, I look up and my heart nearly stops. His perfect mouth is inches from mine. Fuck. Me.
"Um, thank you." I stand up straight and let go of his forearms that were holding me up. "I'm fine now."
"Are you sure?" His voice concerned, I look up and meet his eyes.
"Yes, I'm sure." His eyes are emerald green, with specs of gold in them, like a kaleidoscope. I force myself to look away, needing immediate distance. I curl my wobbly legs under me as I sit back down on the couch. He hesitantly goes back to the chair and sits.
I close my eyes for a second and regain my train of thought. "Where were we?"
"You dressed people," he replies.
"Yes, well, I styled them. I own a clothing boutique and a lot of women here tonight are my clients."
"So that's why you're here? In case of a fashion emergency?" He laughs softly, his eyes bright with humor.
I roll my eyes playfully, "I'm here to see how everyone looks and out of loyalty, I guess. Alice really wanted me here. There's no way I could have missed it, even if I wanted to."
"Did you want to?" He raises a brow playfully.
"Honestly? Yes. I'd much rather be at home than here. I don't know him and I don't know her so yeah, being in bed sounds much better than being here." I shrug my shoulders as I think about being in my bed with him. The cobwebs between my legs are creating a dam.
He clears his throat and replies, "So you don't know the guests of honor?"
"Nope. I snuck in here as soon as I could. Although, I'm sure I could pick out Tanya from what I've heard about her." I laugh as I pour myself a small drink. A little more won't hurt.
"And what exactly have you heard?" His voice sounds intrigued.
I think back about my earlier conversation with Alice and Esme and smile, "I heard she is snooty bitch and has a case of the Madonnas." Okay, I threw in the bitch part but I'm sure it's true. His eyes scrunch together in confusion, just as mine did earlier. "You know, she speaks with a fake British accent?" I giggle, remembering Esme said she was really from Jersey.
"Well, that's interesting. I guess that would be noticeable." He laughs softly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I, um...I need to get going." He stands and runs his fingers through his hair, causing my breath to hitch. I take a deep breath, trying to restrain myself from tackling this stranger. I slide my heels on and stand.
"It was nice to meet you." I smile up at him and reach out my hand.
He wraps his hands around mine. My fingers almost burn from his touch, like a chemical reaction. I'm thankful he has a tight grip because my legs are close to giving out.
"The pleasure's been mine. I hope you enjoy your evening and that you don't miss your bed too much." His warm breath travel downs my neck. My teeth tug against my bottom lip when I think about my bed. And him. And his mouth.
His tongue darts out, wetting his lips as he lets go of my hands. I let out a sigh as he heads to the door, he opens it slowly, and turns with a half-smile. I smile back and let out a whimper as the door closes behind him. Almost every part of my body begs me to go after him except for my brain. It tells me to stay.
So I stay.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Dress You Up ~ Chapter 1
Disclaimer: Twilight and characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. If they belonged to me, the ending would have been way different.
Chapter 1
I'm so wiped out all I want to do is crawl into bed. The past few months I've been going nonstop, and tonight's when everything comes together.
I'm going to the engagement party for Alice's cousin, Edward. From what she's said, he and his fiancé are big-shot attorneys from Chicago. I can't imagine why they'd want their party here in podunk Forks, but I'm not gonna complain. The party preparation's been great for business.
I own an upscale clothing boutique in downtown Seattle. Business is usually steady but since the engagement announcement, things have been chaotic. Including my best friend, Alice, and her mother, I've dressed over thirty women for the party. Me? I still have no idea what I'm wearing. At this point, sweat pants and a t-shirt sound pretty good.
After a long shower I feel alive again. There was a time when I loved going to parties like this, but lately they've all turned into meat markets. Same people, different day. No one around here has ever made me blink twice. Plus, who needs a man? Not me.
...
...
...
Pulling up to the Cullen house, I notice all the cars. Thankfully I got ready in record time or parking would have been a bitch. I decided on a royal blue, one shouldered, silk draped dress. It's simple, elegant, and most importantly, it's comfy.
As soon as I walk through the front door, I hear Alice's high-pitched voice through the crowd. "Bella! Oh my god you look gorgeous! Can you believe all these people? How do I look?" She grabs the sides of her dress and spins, giggling when she stops.
"The leopard dress looks perfect on you. So, you ready to pounce on he who shall not be named?" I chuckle as she buries her face in her hands.
"Shhh! I haven't even seen him yet. He better not show up with Angela. I'll scratch her ugly eyeballs out!"
I let out a loud laugh as I shake my head. "I'd pay serious money to see that."
"You know I'd win." She sticks out her tongue at me. "Okay, enough about skank girl. I need a drink."
Now she's speaking my language.
Alice drags me to the bar. "Heineken for her and a strawberry daiquiri for me. Oh, with two umbrellas!"
I smile. "You and your daiquiris. How do you drink those?"
"Don't judge. Just because I don't like drinks that make you burp like a man doesn't mean I can't hold my own."
I laugh as I turn and see people filling the house. "Geez, Ali. Who are all these people?" I chug my much-needed beer.
"I don't know," Alice says. "I think they flew in from Chicago. My mom is running around like crazy person and dad's chumming it up with all the hospital execs."
My eyes scan the room and of course I check out what everyone's wearing. I easily spot the women I dressed. They stand out, just like I knew they would. To my right, I see Alice's mother, Esme, trudging through the crowd toward us. Her voice sounds frustrated when she arrives.
"Bella, Alice, can you believe all these people? You'd think they'd have the courtesy to RSVP, especially if coming from out of town, but apparently not." She looks beautiful. The tangerine hue of the dress makes her skin glow.
"Ha! After meeting the 'bride-to-be', I'm surprised any of them RSVP'd," Alice says, obviously annoyed.
"Stop that, Alice!" Esme whispers. "She's a little different, I admit, but we have to be cordial. She's going to be family soon."
"Distant family, thank God." Alice replies as she twirls the umbrella in her drink.
I lean over and whisper to them, "What's wrong with Tanya?"
"Ugh. She acts like her shit don't stink," Alice huffs.
I choke on the last sip of my beer, her words catching me off guard.
"Mary Alice Cullen!" Esme's eyes narrow at her, but you can see she's trying her best to suppress a laugh as she turns to me. "Tanya is very educated. She doesn't mean to sound condescending."
"And she has a case of the 'Madonnas'." Alice blurts out.
"The what?" I smile as the bartender hands me another beer.
"You know, a fake British accent," Alice whispers.
I look at Alice confused. "Isn't she from Chicago?"
"She's from New Jersey," Esme replies. "But I was told she studied in London for a few months."
"Exactly. Hence her case of the 'Madonnas'." Alice shrugs nonchalantly.
Esme shakes her head, "I hate to break up the gossip but I need your help in the kitchen, Alice." She smiles over at me. "You should walk around. Mingle. I bet there are some single guys here."
I shake my head, "You know me. Bella the man-eater."
"Mom. Leave her alone." Alice turns to me and rolls her eyes. "I'll be right back."
After waving them off I sneak toward Carlisle's study; that's where he keeps the good stuff. I hurry into the room and lock the door behind me. Since the moon is shining on the liquor cabinet, I decide to keep the light off. No need to draw anyone's attention.
Lucky for me, the combination hasn't changed since high school. "Now this is more like it." I grab the Remy Martin Cognac and fill a large tumbler, smiling as I make a toast. "To Madonna and what's his face!"
After downing it in one gulp, I clutch the bottle and feel my way across the dark room to the couch, kicking off my heels as I go. "Finally. Peace and quiet."
I let out a soft moan as I stretch out my legs. Deciding on another shot I bring it to my lips, then out of nowhere I hear what has to be the sexiest voice ever from across the room.
"Care to share?"
Chapter 1
I'm so wiped out all I want to do is crawl into bed. The past few months I've been going nonstop, and tonight's when everything comes together.
I'm going to the engagement party for Alice's cousin, Edward. From what she's said, he and his fiancé are big-shot attorneys from Chicago. I can't imagine why they'd want their party here in podunk Forks, but I'm not gonna complain. The party preparation's been great for business.
I own an upscale clothing boutique in downtown Seattle. Business is usually steady but since the engagement announcement, things have been chaotic. Including my best friend, Alice, and her mother, I've dressed over thirty women for the party. Me? I still have no idea what I'm wearing. At this point, sweat pants and a t-shirt sound pretty good.
After a long shower I feel alive again. There was a time when I loved going to parties like this, but lately they've all turned into meat markets. Same people, different day. No one around here has ever made me blink twice. Plus, who needs a man? Not me.
...
...
...
Pulling up to the Cullen house, I notice all the cars. Thankfully I got ready in record time or parking would have been a bitch. I decided on a royal blue, one shouldered, silk draped dress. It's simple, elegant, and most importantly, it's comfy.
As soon as I walk through the front door, I hear Alice's high-pitched voice through the crowd. "Bella! Oh my god you look gorgeous! Can you believe all these people? How do I look?" She grabs the sides of her dress and spins, giggling when she stops.
"The leopard dress looks perfect on you. So, you ready to pounce on he who shall not be named?" I chuckle as she buries her face in her hands.
"Shhh! I haven't even seen him yet. He better not show up with Angela. I'll scratch her ugly eyeballs out!"
I let out a loud laugh as I shake my head. "I'd pay serious money to see that."
"You know I'd win." She sticks out her tongue at me. "Okay, enough about skank girl. I need a drink."
Now she's speaking my language.
Alice drags me to the bar. "Heineken for her and a strawberry daiquiri for me. Oh, with two umbrellas!"
I smile. "You and your daiquiris. How do you drink those?"
"Don't judge. Just because I don't like drinks that make you burp like a man doesn't mean I can't hold my own."
I laugh as I turn and see people filling the house. "Geez, Ali. Who are all these people?" I chug my much-needed beer.
"I don't know," Alice says. "I think they flew in from Chicago. My mom is running around like crazy person and dad's chumming it up with all the hospital execs."
My eyes scan the room and of course I check out what everyone's wearing. I easily spot the women I dressed. They stand out, just like I knew they would. To my right, I see Alice's mother, Esme, trudging through the crowd toward us. Her voice sounds frustrated when she arrives.
"Bella, Alice, can you believe all these people? You'd think they'd have the courtesy to RSVP, especially if coming from out of town, but apparently not." She looks beautiful. The tangerine hue of the dress makes her skin glow.
"Ha! After meeting the 'bride-to-be', I'm surprised any of them RSVP'd," Alice says, obviously annoyed.
"Stop that, Alice!" Esme whispers. "She's a little different, I admit, but we have to be cordial. She's going to be family soon."
"Distant family, thank God." Alice replies as she twirls the umbrella in her drink.
I lean over and whisper to them, "What's wrong with Tanya?"
"Ugh. She acts like her shit don't stink," Alice huffs.
I choke on the last sip of my beer, her words catching me off guard.
"Mary Alice Cullen!" Esme's eyes narrow at her, but you can see she's trying her best to suppress a laugh as she turns to me. "Tanya is very educated. She doesn't mean to sound condescending."
"And she has a case of the 'Madonnas'." Alice blurts out.
"The what?" I smile as the bartender hands me another beer.
"You know, a fake British accent," Alice whispers.
I look at Alice confused. "Isn't she from Chicago?"
"She's from New Jersey," Esme replies. "But I was told she studied in London for a few months."
"Exactly. Hence her case of the 'Madonnas'." Alice shrugs nonchalantly.
Esme shakes her head, "I hate to break up the gossip but I need your help in the kitchen, Alice." She smiles over at me. "You should walk around. Mingle. I bet there are some single guys here."
I shake my head, "You know me. Bella the man-eater."
"Mom. Leave her alone." Alice turns to me and rolls her eyes. "I'll be right back."
After waving them off I sneak toward Carlisle's study; that's where he keeps the good stuff. I hurry into the room and lock the door behind me. Since the moon is shining on the liquor cabinet, I decide to keep the light off. No need to draw anyone's attention.
Lucky for me, the combination hasn't changed since high school. "Now this is more like it." I grab the Remy Martin Cognac and fill a large tumbler, smiling as I make a toast. "To Madonna and what's his face!"
After downing it in one gulp, I clutch the bottle and feel my way across the dark room to the couch, kicking off my heels as I go. "Finally. Peace and quiet."
I let out a soft moan as I stretch out my legs. Deciding on another shot I bring it to my lips, then out of nowhere I hear what has to be the sexiest voice ever from across the room.
"Care to share?"
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