Bella blushed, her gaze dropping to her hands. She was smiling, but it was shy. She shifted on the couch, clearly nervous. “I don’t want to disappoint you,” she murmured.
“Doubtful,” I said, turning to face her. I tucked one leg underneath the other. “I’ve been looking forward to this trip since you left, gorgeous.”
“I’ve been eager to see you, too, but I’m hesitant to …” she trailed off, her fingers finding the pendant I’d bought her. She anxiously moved the charm on the silver necklace. She blew out a breath. “Okay, I’m not going to dwell on what might be.”
“What do you mean?” I pressed.
“My friends would call me a pessimist,” Bella explained, shrugging. “I consider myself more of a realist or pragmatic. I’ve seen the darker side of life and my mind is constantly twisting at what could go wrong. But, I’m going to try and not do that.”
“What do you think will go wrong with us?” I asked.
“You’ll hurt me,” she answered after a pause.
“Bella, I would never hurt you,” I breathed. “I could never raise a hand to a woman.”
“Some scars are not physical,” she said, blinking up to look at me. “My scars are emotional. I also must think about Seth. I may want this, but he’s my priority.”
“As your son should be, Bella,” I smiled, reaching over to caress her cheek. There was a knock on the door. “That must be my dinner. Our dinner, really.”
“You ordered food, even though I might have been later?” Bella asked.
“Call me an opportunist,” I said, getting up and walking to the door. The server’s eyes widened when she saw me. I plastered on a fake smile, opening the door wider. “Can you please set up the meal on the dining room table?”
“Y-Y-Yes, Mr. Cullen,” she stammered, pushing the cart inside. “I’m a huge fan. Can I get an autograph?”
“You will. When I sign for my food,” I quipped, a touch of coldness in my tone. The server nodded with wide eyes. She carefully set up the plates, bottle of wine and dessert. With a shaky hand, she gave me the receipt in a small folder. I signed it, acknowledging the meal being charged to my room. I tucked some cash into the folder. “I pray you’ll use discretion.”
“I will. I’m sorry,” she blushed. “You’re the first celebrity I’ve ever met.”
“I’m just a guy who was in movies,” I said softly. “That doesn’t make me any more special anybody else. Thank you for delivering this.”
“Of course. When you’re done, just push the cart outside and another server will pick it up. Enjoy your stay,” she said, tucking the folder into her pocket. Blinking to Bella, she nodded. “Mrs. Cullen …”
Bella went to correct her, but the server hightailed it out of my suite. The door shut with a click and my girlfriend’s eyes were wide. “She thought I was your wife,” she gasped. “Have you ever been married?”
“I like the idea of having a wife, but no, I haven’t been married,” I said, striding over to her and offering her my hand. “Dinner, Mrs. Cullen?”
“Don’t even,” Bella chided, rolling her eyes as she took my hand.
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