Love Actually: Chapter 4
Chapter Four: 2 Weeks until Christmas
Leah POV
I was amazed of how Alex and I settled into a comfortable routine. After the initial awkwardness of not understanding each other, we came to an unspoken agreement to make it work. We relied on facial expressions and hand gestures.
The cabin was amazing, it was a big and comfortable. I soon learned- from the various pictures scattered everywhere- that the cabin must’ve belonged to his family.
It was surprisingly comfortable to walk around the house knowing he was around somewhere; it was impossible to ignore the way my body always seemed to know whenever he was around. It was like there was a strange gravitational pull between us; it scared and exhilarated the hell out of me.
Like now for instance, I was sitting on the desk facing the window trying to inconspicuously look towards the window where I could see him cutting several logs of wood. My laptop sat in front of me -giving me the perfect pretense of working on my book- when in reality, I was mesmerized by the way he looked wearing a thin sweater that framed his toned muscles perfectly.
I couldn’t stifle the moan that erupted as Alex stretched his long arms, his sweater rising slightly and showing a glimpse of the sharp V that rested beyond his abs. Almost as if he heard me; Alex looked straight to the window and gave me a wide smile. I was a little started by being caught, but returned a sheepish smile and offered him a small wave.
He returned my greeting before picking up the logs and disappearing from my line of sight. Sighing deeply, I realized my break was over and got to the task of actually writing. Not wanting to feel out of place in the strange country, I’d decided to try and write the idea that had been hanging on my head ever since my break up with Sam.
I’d always wanted to write a book, and Carlisle had pushed me into giving it a try while I was out in holiday. He promised to help me get it published. For some reason, the words just seemed to flow out of me. It was the first draft and I was sure it needed to be edited as fuck, but I was still immensely proud of it. More than anything, I was content as I noticed Sam was not a constant fixture in my thoughts.
I spent the rest of the morning writing and taking small breaks to wonder what Alex was up to. Then, the worst thing possible happened. Out of nowhere the screen on my computer blinked and then my computer shut down completely.
“No!” I screamed.
Knocking the chair back I quickly stood up and checked the power cord. Everything was in place! There was no reason for the stupid piece of shit to stop working.
Oh, my God! Did I save it? Did I press save? Damn it!
I was aware of the horrible curses coming out of my mouth as I pressed random keys and screamed in frustration.
“Que pasa, Leah? *What’s wrong*?” Alex ran into the room, sartled by my screams.
“The fucking thing shut down!” I said, pointing to the computer as if it was obvious.
Alex stepped hesitantly towards me. Probably afraid I would pounce on him. He nodded towards the laptop silently asking me if it was okay. I just nodded desperately and watched as he tried the same things I’d already had.
I could see this confused expression and I whimpered in panic. Part of me knew I was acting like a total pussy but I didn’t care! My whole future was in that stupid machine!
“What the fuck am I going to do?” I panted, almost hyperventilating. “Half the book is in there! I just can’t start over… I can’t!”
I waved my arms in frustration. Exaggerating my movements more than necessary since Alex quickly grabbed them and settled them on my sides. I was distracted from my panic attack by the feeling of his callous hands on my skin, he house was warm enough for me to wear a simple tank top inside.
“Calma, podemos llevarla al pueblo en la manana. Tengo un amigo que sabe de computadoras. *Calm down. We’ll take it into town tomorrow, I have a friend who knows about computers*,” Alex said soothingly.
Although I could understand what he said, his hands moving up and down my arms made me relax instantly. Taking a deep breath, I finally asked, “What?”
Alex sighed and just pointed to the computer and then to calendar on the wall that showed the town that was few minutes from here. I nodded, understanding what he meant.
“Gracias,” I thanked him, probably the one word I knew in Spanish, besides the curses and dirty comments Jacob liked to teach me.
“Denada, *You’re welcome*,” Alex smiled, finally realizing my arms.
I really hoped we could find a place to fix it, but decided not to dwell on it- or I would seriously loose it. Probably sensing my distress, Alex grabbed my chin with his warm hand and titled my head up to meet his eyes.
He seemed concerned as he shook his head and forced an exaggerated smile, pointing to me at the same time. I chuckled, realizing he didn’t want me to be sad.
Content with my shift in emotions, Alex somehow managed to get me outside- after slipping into a comfortable haggy hoddie, of course. He spent the rest of the afternoon trying to teach me how to juggle a soccer ball with my feet.
I scoffed, rambling about how I never understood the European’s fascination with soccer. Which made him go into his own ramble. He spent about an hour trying to get me to say football instead of soccer. After a couple of hours, he had successfully taken my mind of my damaged computer and I could expertly juggle the ball.
He seemed very proud of his teaching skills, so I decided to show off a little. Kicking the ball I ran towards the back of the house as fast as I could, managing to keep the ball in a straight trajectory. He ran after me, laughing and trying to take the ball away from me. The backyard was huge and spacious, he managed to get the ball away from me but I always stole it back.
He didn’t realize how competitive I could be. I didn’t realize how sneaky he was. I fell right into his trap. Completely forgetting about the lake that was on the backyard until we were fighting for the ball, right on the edge of the dock.
I laughed as I triumphantly stole the ball! Unfortunately, the act made me fall over the edge of the dock and right into the freezing cold water.
“Fuck!” I yelled as I emerged from the water.
I glared at Alex who was standing over me, laughing his ass off. Being the revengeful bitch that I am, I did what was obvious. I hoped out the water, grabbed his leg and pulled him in with me.
“Mierda! Esta bien pinche helada *Shit, it’s fucking freezing!*”
It was my time to laugh as I caught the series of curse words coming from him. I couldn’t stop laughing even when Alex glared at me and swam closer. Grabbing my waist and preventing me from escaping, he splashed water over me.
“Stop! No,” I said breathlessly, fighting him off and splashing him as well.
I could hear his deep laugh best, once he stopped bombarding me. As our laughter died down I realized his arms were tsill on my waist, our chests almost pressed together. I looked up at him and at that moment there was no more pull, only completeness, as if I belonged in his arms.
“Me encanta escuchar tu risa… Nunca antes habia sentido lo que siento cuando sonries, *I love it when you smile. I’d never felt anything like what it feels to see you smile *,” he murmured, so low I almost didn’t catch his voice.
I don’t know why, but his words made my heart soar. It felt stupid, because for all I knew he could be saying how the lake was infested with eels. Nevertheless, I couldn’t resist the urge to reach up and touch him. My hand reached up and cupped his cheek, feeling the stubble beneath it. Knowing I would never have an opportunity like this ever again, I followed my gut and kissed him.
The kiss was soft and tender. Fearing rejection my lips grazed slowly over his, caressing each lip and taking a moment to feel his breath against mine. Just as I was about to pull away when Alex pressed me closer to him, his body meshing with my own and his hands pressing against my back in need.
His kisses were different, passionate and needy. His mouth moved over mine with ease and confidence, emotion pouring out of every caress. After minutes of feverish kissing, we broke apart and wordlessly got out of the lake. The pull was back, and it seemed he felt it too, since he pressed me to his side as we ran back to the house- eager to get out of the chilly weather.
The moment we stepped into the house I felt self-conscious of my actions. Sensing my inner struggle, Alex released me and pulled one of the afghans from the sofa, wrapping it around me.
I was shivering, both from cold and fear. However, I couldn’t deny the way my body reacted to him, it wasn’t just sexual… being around him was also comforting. Pushing back any negative thoughts, I looked up at his concerned expression and made up my mind.
I kissed him again, this time letting my emotions guide me without the fear. Alex responded immediately, his startled moan making me shiver with anticipation. We moved further inside the house, straight towards my bedroom.
We didn’t come out until the next day.
Bella POV
I officially loved the Christmas season. Maybe it was the cheery goodwill attitude that it brought, the sparkling lights, or simply the love going around, but it certainly made everything a little happier.
Edward teased me, commenting that I practically skipped along the halls of the office. I think he knew a big part of my cheerfulness was because of him, thought I would never admit it. After the muffin token, we had grown particularly close.
Every morning we would meet up at the Starbucks, order our drinks- I always choose the specialty ones- and walk together to the office talking about random tidbits of our lives. We never discussed anything romantic, but the prospect of it hanged over us.
Part of me felt slightly guilty, feeling so happy while Nessie was having such a dreadful time. It had been two days since Nahuel had moved out. After Nessie realized the mistake she had made, she immediately told Nahuel she wanted a divorce. It had been a tense couple of days. I tried to assure my sister her short marriage, did not mean she was a bad person. It didn’t seem to be working, but I hoped that time would make her see that.
It was a testament to my mood, how not even that could make me fear my feelings for Edward. I obviously kept these developments a secret, I had no right going around and telling people of my sister’s failed marriage. Only Edward knew about my worries for my sister, and I was happy I could trust him to keep the information to himself.
I was convinced next year would be amazing for both Nessie and I. Of course, I imagined Edward would be a big part of my new year. I just hoped maybe Jacob could be a part of my sister’s as well.
Trying not to jinx any of my holiday wishes, I tried to focus on the task at hand. As promised, I was helping Alice decorate the office conference room for the upcoming Christmas party. We still had to decorate the entire floor with mistletoe and the big hall we were using.
Alice agreed with my mood, humming along to the Christmas music we were listening. I imagined we looked ridiculous, wearing matching Santa hats- as a joke- and moving our hips to the sounds of Rudolph the red nose reindeer.
“You think you can lower the radio a little?” I heard Carlisle ask, chuckling as he took a good luck at us.
I looked back to notice, Carlisle, Edward and a blonde man standing on the doorway. I blushed as I saw Edward shake his head at our silliness.
“Sorry,” I mouthed, turning off the radio.
“Don’t worry about it, Isabella. I forgot to tell you guys we needed the conference room today,” Carlisle said.
“James,” Edward said to the blonde man. “Let me introduce you to the head of the art department, Alice Whitlock. And one of our columnists, Bella Swan.”
“Pleasure,” James said, his eyes scanning down our forms.
“Mr. Tracker is one of the head investors,” Carlisle explained.
Alice and I shook his hand politely, and said our goodbyes heading out the door to leave them alone. Edward winked at me on my way out and I smiled.
Since our decoration party was interrupted, Alice headed back to her office while I went back to my desk to proofread next week’s column. It wasn’t long before I noticed Carlisle and Edward step out the office, deep in conversation. I thought nothing of it, until I saw Mr. Tracker peek out of the room and look around the set of desks outside.
He spotted me and motioned for me to come closer. Feeling a little weary, I followed his command and joined him on the conference room.
“Bella, right?” I nodded.
“I know it’s not your job, but could I bother you with a cup of coffee?” he said, motioning towards the coffee pot on the end of the conference room.
I resisted the urge to make a face. I detested executives who thought making a cup of coffee was beneath them. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to seem like a snobby employee.
“No problem,” I managed to say neutrally.
I fixed him a quick cup, growing nervous because he was standing a little too close to my liking. My clumsiness reared its ugly head when I accidentally knocked some packets of splenda to the floor. I immediately bent over to pick it up and was completely started when I felt a heavy hand on my hip.
Forgetting about the sugar packets, I immediately stood straight and was shuddered when I realized I was pressed right against James. My skin crawled when his hand tightened around my hip.
“Careful there, wouldn’t want you to trip,” he murmured behind me.
A disgusting shiver ran down my spine and before I could turn and slap the hell out of the pervert, the door opened and someone walked in.
“Everything okay in here?” Edward’s clipped voice asked.
I froze, wondering what it looked like to him. James smoothly, reached past me and grabbed the unsweetened cup of coffee. He didn’t care he brushed against me crudely, as he moved. My stomach dropped, knowing there was no way this could seem like an innocent encounter.
Slowly, I turned just when James replied nonchalantly, “Sure, Bella just offered to make a cup for me.”
I felt my blood drain as I noticed Carlisle was standing behind Edward, judging the scene, his face not showing any warmth whatsoever.
There was no way I could just tell them what happened with Mr. Tracker- the head investor- standing to my side. I just hoped Edward would let me explain later. Feeling like I was going to be sick, I simply said goodbye and walked outside with my head down.
I went back to my desk and tried to look busy, though I couldn’t help but steal glances towards the conference room. After what seemed like an eternity James stepped out of the room, smirking at me as he disappear out the office. Edward was next, stepping out of the room so quickly I knew it wasn’t a good sign.
Covering my face with my hands, I groaned and wondered if I could get myself out of this mess. I dreaded what Edward would think of me… this would not look good at all. Especially since the first time I saw him, I told him how hot his Dad was and made jokes about sexual harassment.
“Bella.” I looked up to see Carlisle standing over my desk. “May I speak with you?”
Fuck! That was the only thought through my mind as I followed Carlisle back into the conference room.
“Are you okay?” he asked, after closing the door.
“Carlisle, I swear it wasn’t what it looked like,” I said at the same time. “Wait, what?”
He sighed. “You didn’t seem comfortable in here with James, I just wanted to make sure you were okay… he didn’t try anything did he?”
I was relieved Carlisle would at least hear me out. After I explained what happened, Carlisle offered to have me write a formal complaint to HR but I declined. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. He assured he would make sure something like this never happened again. I wanted to ask about Edward, but thought better than to do it.
“I also wanted to let you know what was going to happen when Leah comes back next week.”
The nervousness was back as I simply nodded.
“Unfortunately, I have no more positions open on this section of the paper. But I do have an opinion column open on the politics section… its yours if you think you can handle it.”
Politics was not something I enjoyed but I needed to job so I accepted without hesitation. “Of course! Thank you for the opportunity, Carlisle,” I said, offering my hand.
He smiled and shook my hand. “Very well then, lets grab your things so I can show you to your new desk. Jasper will be your supervisor from now on.” I was a little shocked to respond, but I understood what Carlisle wasn’t saying.
Edward didn’t want me around him anymore.
Chapter 5
Chapter 3