Love in a Bubble

Edward and Bella are in a car accident that renders Bella into a coma. Edward visits her every day, talking to her about anything and everything. While Bella sleeps, she plays out all of Edward's conversations as though they were dates; both falling in love in a bubble.

Chapter seven:

EPOV

The next few days, Bella and I spend our time talking about everything. From books to music, our business goals, friends, family, and hopefully, us. Every time I start in, someone either comes into the room or calls.

Her appetite increases by each meal. Broths, protein drinks, and herbal tea don't suppress the hunger. So when Bella gets her first bowl of pudding, I watch her devour it, licking the spoon and the bowl clean.

It seems she's a chocoholic, and one serving isn't enough. "I really could eat another."

I reach over with a napkin and wipe the ring around her mouth, "That good, huh?"

"I'm starving. That was a kiddie portion," she complains and crosses her arms over her chest with as pouty smirk. "I'm usually not this whiny.

"You're not whiny. Your stomach is finally awake," I kid.

She rolls her eyes at me.

"Do you want to call the nurse and ask for something else?"

She sighs. "No, no, it's okay."

"I feel guilty eating my sandwich in front of you."

"It's a good thing I'm not a big fan of brown mustard because I would have tackled you a long time ago for that." She smiles.

"Maybe I would have let you."

She gets a spark in her eye. "Oh, yeah?"

I grin.

She hesitates. "Um, why didn't you go home yesterday?"

"What and leave all of this?"

She sighs. "Edward."

"I have a townhouse with steps. And even though Jasper and Alice are staying with me, I don't feel comfortable maneuvering myself around."

She tests me. "Well, I don't know, I thought you did quite well on your crutches."

"I was showing off."

She teases, "You just don't want to leave me."

And there is my opening. "Damn straight."

Her eyes widen.

"Bella, I …" I look down.

She softly says, "I know, Edward."

When I look into her eyes, she stares at me.

"I heard everything in my coma limbo. And my dad did a great job answering for me. The thing is, I felt you; your eyes on me, the kisses on my hand, your sweet breath when you would kiss my forehead but linger near my mouth. I would try to push forward to brush my lips across yours. And when you started wearing your cologne again, I would smell you before I heard you. I looked forward to your scent."

"I wasn't inappropriate with you." I admit, "The first night I did ogle your body. Hey, I'm a guy. But after our talks, well, my talks and your dad's replies, I saw more than a pretty girl."

She smiles.

"I told your dad that I was consumed by my music, the store, and Jasper coming back. But that all faded. The only thing that mattered to me was you getting out of that bed and living your life … with me in it."

She blushes. "I can't imagine you not being there."

I wheel closer to the bed and take her hand. "Without being too cheesy, may I kiss you?"

She released a breath. "Yes, but I'm going to taste like pudding."

"Did I mention I love pudding?"

I lean forward as Bella nears me. I place my hands over her jaw holding her carefully. She slides her hands over mine and closes her eyes. I tilt my head and lean in.

"Knock. Knock," Jasper sings.

Bella and I turn to see Jasper and Alice in the doorway smiling.

We laugh.

(to be continued …)