***Author’s Note: Please note the date/location in this chapter versus the Prologue so you don’t get confused. The story will go back and forth between past and present a little bit.
CHAPTER 1
London, England - 2004
I walked through the automatic glass doors at London Heathrow Airport and took in a large breath of fresh air. I thought I’d never make it here.
It was my Senior year of college and I was spending it abroad. I couldn’t be happier to study international business on the other side of the world. I had always had a small fascination with London anyway, so when I was accepted for the study abroad program through the University of Westminster, I was elated.
I rented a tiny flat near the university. My grandmother’s inheritance covered my tuition and the entire year’s worth of rent. I wouldn’t even have to work.
As soon as my belongings were unpacked, I hit the streets to familiarize myself with the area and find a good local pub. I ended up at some hole in the wall place that had beer specials and live music. The music wasn’t that great initially. I’m not sure it was even music. It was just a bunch of college kids laughing and having a good time. That is, until, I heard his voice. He eventually began strumming his guitar in a rhythm and lifted his mouth to the mic. What came out of him was unlike anything I’d ever heard before. It made me freeze. I just sat there, beer in hand, gaping at him. He was so childish and full of laughter a moment ago, and now the words he sang and the emotion behind them were ripping me apart inside.
There’s a soft sweet space on the back of your neck
Smells like rain
There’s a way you look at me baby
Heals my pain
I’ve studied every inch of your body
Baby, what’s on your mind
The touch of your skin just pulls me in
Every single time
When he finished the song, he looked up momentarily and our eyes met. We held our gaze for a second before he broke away and began laughing again with his buddies. I went back to nursing my beer.
The guys on stage grabbed their guitars and allowed the next group to come up. The three of them were walking past me and one of them pushed the handsome one in front, with the voice, urging him on.
“Just talk to her, you pussy!” They pushed him forward even more and he almost fell into the empty chair across from me. His beautiful cheeks flushed red as he stood to look at me.
“Um, Hi,” he started. “Sorry about that; they get a little rowdy when they drink too much.”
His accent nearly had me melting into my chair. I felt my cheeks color immediately. This man was entirely too beautiful to want to speak to me. I shook my head, “No, it’s okay.”
We exchanged an awkward moment of silence.
“Is anyone sitting here?” he finally asked, motioning to the chair in front of him at my table.
“No, I’m alone.”
A large smile spread across his perfect face. “Do you mind if I join you?”
I smiled and shook my head.
“So, what is a beautiful American girl doing in London at a place like this all by herself?”
“Well, I just arrived actually. London is going to be my home for the next year while I attend UW. I don’t know anybody yet, so, hence why I’m alone.”
His glassy green eye grew larger in surprise. “Really? I just graduated from UW.”
“You did?” I asked. I wanted to beg him to show me around campus, but I hesitated. Perhaps he only wanted a roll in the sheets. I’d be okay with that, based on the way he looked alone. He was tall, toned, and fucking beautiful. He had a mess of wild copper hair atop his head, green eyes, and a smile that could make your knees turn to mush.
“Yea, I studied business there and now I’m doing some small business transactions in my spare time for my father’s company, but I’m really just taking a break from everything before I really have to dive into the working world.”
“ How did you like the program? I’m studying international business.”
“Oh, it’s really good. There are some really great professors there...”
He was about to go on when his two lanky and slightly awkward friends popped up behind him. “Hey man, we’re heading out, you coming or staying?”
The yet to be named handsome figure of a man before me, looked to me and then back to his friends. “I’m going to stay here a bit. I’ll catch up with you guys.”
His friends laughed and made inappropriate jokes as they left us to our conversation.
“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m terribly sorry,” he laughed. “I’m Edward. Edward Cullen. And you are?”
“Bella Swan.”
“Bella? That’s a beautiful name. It’s very fitting of you.”
I smiled shyly as I felt my cheeks tint crimson again.
Before we knew it, we were being kicked out of the pub. Edward started to question the bartender, asking what the problem was, and why he was making us leave, when the bartender informed us they closed half an hour ago.
We must have sat there talking for hours and not even realized the time passing. Edward laughed at himself and escorted me out of the pub. It was raining, which made it feel a bit chilly. I pulled my coat tightly around me as I scanned the area around the bar.
“Should I call you cab?” Edward suddenly asked as he held his guitar case over his head.
I laughed at the sight of him. “No, that’s okay. I walked, I think I’m just around the corner over there.” I pointed a couple blocks ahead of us and then turned and looked the other direction. “Or over there...” I was lost. I couldn’t remember which direction I came from.
Edward laughed at me. “What’s your address? I’ll walk you home.”
I rattled off my address. “Oh, that’s right by me! We’re practically neighbors.” He smiled and ushered us along the sidewalk.
By the time we arrived to my flat, we were soaking wet and freezing cold. He walked me all the way inside and up to my door. I stood in the doorway, watching him shiver like a little lost puppy.
“Would you like to come inside for a minute and warm up?”
He stood there, dripping wet, with his mouth hanging open for a moment before he agreed and stepped inside.
My flat was tiny. It was just a small studio, but it was cozy and quaint and I loved it. It consisted of one large room, which was my bedroom, living room and kitchen, with a tiny bathroom and laundry area off the entry way.
“Sorry, it isn’t much.”
Edward looked around briefly. “You don’t have any furniture.”
“Not yet, I just got here yesterday. I just need to get a bed.”
Edward looked appalled. “Where have you been sleeping?”
I pointed to the corner of the room where my sleeping bag and pillow wear neatly folded.
“Are you serious?” he asked.
“Yea, it’s not a big deal, really. I was going to get a bed or pull out couch tonight, but I ended up talking to some random guy at a bar all night.”
Edward laughed. “What an ass hole that guy is.”
I laughed too.
“Well, I can’t very well let you stay here.”
My brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I feel responsible that I delayed your shopping trip. You can stay at my place tonight. I have a spare bedroom and I will see to it that you get a proper bed tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s really not necessary. I’ll be okay here.” Was he asking me to spend the night?
“I insist.”
Ok! “Well, if you insist.”
He smiled this killer crooked smile that I will never tire of seeing. “Just grab an umbrella and we’ll be on our way.”
I packed a small bag, grabbed an umbrella and headed out with Edward.
His place was a block down the street in a really nice building. He failed to mention prior to my arrival that he had the penthouse suite.
“How do you afford this?” I asked, as I stepped inside and was astounded with the beauty of the place.
“Oh, it’s not much. My dad owns it. He owns a lot of places.”
Not much? I’m pretty sure I looked at a couple places in this building and it was three times my current rent. It was a moderately sized two bedroom flat. It was gorgeous and disgusting all at the same time. The living room was rather grand with a beautiful bay window overlooking the city. It had a really cute bench seat that was littered with papers. To the left of the window was a baby grand piano and across the room was a sofa and love seat with matching end tables. There were beer cans and trash scattered about, but the bones of the flat were beautiful. The hardwood floors were in excellent shape. I walked further in, inspecting the kitchen, which didn’t look safe to enter.
“You’re an immaculate housekeeper,” I teased.
He laughed and his cheeks colored in embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting guests.”
He apologized but made no move to attempt to clean anything up. It was nearly 4:00 a.m. and I was exhausted and still jet lagged.
I yawned. “So, where will I be staying?” I asked.
“Oh, yes, of course. Follow me.” We walked down the small hallway. There was a room to the left and right, and a bathroom directly in front of us. We entered the room on the right. It was obviously his bedroom, but at least it was better kept than the kitchen. “You can stay in here, I’ll stay in the study.”
“I thought you had a guest room. I don’t want to put you out.”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I have a pull out sofa in my study.” He motioned me across the hall where we entered a small library of sorts. It was complete with walls of books, a writing desk, a computer desk, and a small sofa.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “I really don’t mind the sofa at all.”
“I’m positive, please, take my bed.”
I nodded my head in agreement and went across the hall to his room. We went our separate ways and I got ready for bed, changing into my pajamas. I would normally just wear a t-shirt to bed, but I actually made a conscious decision to grab pajama pants and a matching tank. I was just pulling the tank top over my head when I heard a knock on the bedroom door.
I walked to the door and opened it quietly. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.
Edward, standing before me, bare chested, with only a pair of jersey cotton pajama pants on. He looked like sex on legs. I knew my mouth was hanging open, but I couldn’t make it shut. I couldn’t breathe. He was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen and I wanted to reach out and touch him so badly.
That’s when I noticed the little cup and saucer in his hand.
“I made some hot tea. Would you like a cup?” he offered, attempting to hand the cup and saucer over to me.
I smiled and reached out and took it. “Yes, thank you. That sounds wonderful.”
“Let me know if I can get you anything else. Please, make yourself at home.”
I smiled shyly. “Thank you; you’ve been more than hospitable.”
He flashed me that damn crooked grin and said goodnight. I watched him turn to enter the study. Even his ass looked delicious. I sighed and returned to his room and sipped my hot tea before turning into bed.
His bed actually smelled quite enticing. It smelled like him, a little bit of smoke and spice. It smelled good. I had been laying in bed, tossing and turning a bit, when I heard it. The piano playing softly. It was beautiful. At first I didn’t believe it was him. It sounded too perfect. I quietly crawled out of bed and attempted to come up with an excuse to leave his room and see if it was him playing. I grabbed my now empty tea cup and saucer and decided I needed to return them to the kitchen.
I opened his bedroom door very quietly, so he couldn’t hear me and I tiptoed out to the end of the hall and peeked into the living room towards the large bay window. There he was, in his bare chested glory, playing the piano and bathed in moonlight. The sight literally took my breath away. He was so talented and the song he played sounded so emotional and he looked emotional.
I didn’t move until the song he played came to an end and then I cleared my throat to make him aware of my presence. He looked over at me quickly and smiled. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?” he asked.
“Oh, no. I was just returning my dishes to the kitchen. That was really beautiful though. You’re incredible.”
“It’s nothing. I’ve played my entire life. It helps me sleep sometimes. I’m sorry if it was keeping you up.”
“No, it was beautiful. Please, don’t stop on my account.”
He continued to play and I dropped my dishes quietly in the sink before returning to the living room. I laid on the couch and listened to him play. It lulled me quickly to sleep.
The next thing I remembered was waking, in his arms, the early morning sun drifting in through the bay window. He was carrying me to bed, his bed. I pretended to remain asleep as he carefully carried me through his flat and into his room. He laid me gently down on his bed and pulled the covers over me. I could feel him linger in the room momentarily before he left quietly.
I woke a few hours later and it was unusually quiet. I assumed he was still asleep. I cleaned myself up a bit and made my way out to the living room. The piano was easily the most beautiful thing in the room. I sat in front of it, gently tracing the keys he touched so effortlessly the night before, careful not to actually sound the keys.
I wandered aimlessly and quietly around his flat until I became bored. I didn’t want to leave before he woke. I knew I should. I should have returned to my flat and probably never spoken to him again, but I couldn’t. I just had this terrible desire to be near him.
I eventually grew too impatient and needed something to do to occupy my time until he woke. I began cleaning his apartment. It was quite the task. By the time I finished, I had gathered two bags of trash that sat near the door. I hoped he wouldn’t mind. His apartment sparkled now, especially his kitchen. I thought about making him breakfast, to thank him for his hospitality, but the place was devoid of food.
As I thought about running out to grab us something for breakfast, I heard him rustling about the room. He stumbled aimlessly out of the room and into the bathroom, never looking my direction. I heard the water run momentarily and the toilet flush before he exited and saw me sitting on his couch.
He smiled his unbelievably gorgeous smile at me and said, “Good morning, Bella.”
I was rendered speechless, so all I could do was smile and nod in return. Edward went to his room, and returned a few minutes later, completely dressed. He came into the living room and stopped suddenly, looking around.
“Holy shit this place is clean. Did you do this?” he asked.
“I, uh, well, yeah. I hope you don’t mind. It’s just so beautiful without the trash.”
He laughed. “I don’t mind, but you really shouldn’t have. I’m a terrible house keeper.”
“I figured it was the least I could do since you offered me your bed last night.”
He smiled at me. “I assume you realized there was nothing decent to eat in there, right?” he said, motioning towards the kitchen.
I nodded my head.
“Well, come on then. I owe you breakfast and a bed.”
I smiled and jumped to my feet.
Edward and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at a little cafe between our flats and then we went on the hunt for the perfect bed. We found it, or rather, it found us. We were strolling through a department store when a herd of little children came running down the aisle towards us, knocking us backwards on to a display bed. We both laughed, but we were so comfortable, neither of us made a move to get up. The bed was big, the type of bed I would possibly need a step stool to get into. Edward insisted we could still get the mattress and box springs, the comfortable part, and buy a smaller frame that would be more appropriate for my studio flat.
Edward enlisted the help of Emmett, one of the guys he was playing with the night I met him, and his enormous pickup truck to deliver my bed so I wouldn’t have to pay for delivery. They got it safely to my flat and all set up for me. Edward even helped me make the bed. It took up most of the room, but I didn’t care, because sleeping on it felt like sleeping on clouds.
I excused myself to the bathroom, and due to the small size of my flat, I could hear Emmett and Edward talking.
“What’s going on with you two?” Emmett asked Edward.
“I don’t know. What do you mean?”
“Dude, she’s fucking hot, and you let her spend the night at your flat and you slept in separate rooms? What the fuck? That is so unlike you.”
I heard Edward laugh lightly. “She’s not like that, Emmett. I don’t want to use her.”
I did a silent celebratory dance in the bathroom.
“Whoa, that sounds serious man,” Emmett said. “What are you going to do with her if you’re not going to fuck her?”
Edward laughed again. “I don’t know. I just like being around her.”
“Okay man, whatever floats your boat.”
I exited the bathroom as I wasn’t comfortable listening to anything more. I thanked them both for helping me and Emmett left before Edward did.
Edward and I stood in front of my door looking at each other stupidly, wondering what to do next.
“Thank you again for helping me today. You’ve been so kind.”
Edward smiled. “It was nothing. Thank you for cleaning my flat.”
I smiled. “It wasn’t a big deal.”
“So, what are you doing tomorrow?” Edward asked.
“I don’t have any plans,” I said honestly.
“Well, I was thinking maybe I could show you around campus and we could grab brunch or something.”
“Oh! That would be wonderful! I’m going to be so lost on Monday!”
Edward laughed. “I’ll meet you here at 11:00 a.m. I’ve had a really great time with you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nodded my head and saw him out, grinning like a little school girl.
***Author’s Note: Thanks for the reviews <3 Mental Health Institute Bella is back in the next chapter w/ some answers for you! Follow me on Twitter: @ AllOrNothingKr Or Facebook: Allornothingkr at gmail (dot) com
****CLICK HERE TO GO TO CHAPTER 2*****
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