Is it me, or are the chapters getting longer?

All the more to enjoy, I suppose.

I've been stuck on one day for so long but I promise, this rapid build-up is needed before the story progresses into future dates.

Thanks for reading.

• • •

🎶 Playlist 🎶

Wet Bandits - Movies As Friends

🎶

𝟓

• • •

[19th June, 2006]

• • •

BEING BOMBARDED AS SOON as he walked through the door was not something he was expecting.

Judging from the amount of time spent in their company, he should have.

Alice was relentless and when Emmett was thrown into the mix, Carlisle knew that he'd never escape lest he surrendered a few details to stave off the ravenous beasts.

In seconds, he was divested of his suit jacket and briefcase and pushed onto the couch where the barrage commenced.

"Is she really as gorgeous as I saw?"

"What's her name?"

"I see you guys talked a lot."

"What's she like?"

"Where's your coat?"

"For real, where the hell is your coat?"

Raising a questioning brow at Emmett, who looked more cheeky than sheepish, Carlisle crossed his arms and surveyed each member of his family. Even Bella, who seemed to have been filled in on the details, looked embarrassed but she spoke with a courage he could applaud.

"We're happy you found someone, Carlisle." The human shot him a kind smile as Edward wrapped his arm around her waist. "Perhaps she'll convince you that good people aren't damned."

"Thank you, Bella. For not being as...obvious as the others." He gave the rest of his children an amused grin, unable to keep the faux-annoyance on his face. Alice squealed and clapped her hands while Emmett whooped.

"In that case, will you oblige us?" Edward asked, a subtle smirk on his lips.

"Yeah, spill it, old man."

"Emmett." Esme gave the boy a warning look to which he finally had the gall to look chastised.

Carlisle kept a calm smile on his face, unbuttoning the ends of his shirt sleeves and rolling them up - buying himself some time to assess the storm and react accordingly. "Very well, but go easy on me."

"First and foremost," Alice began, taking a seat on Jasper's lap, "you gave her your coat, didn't you?"

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his legs, and nodded slowly. "That's correct, Alice."

"But that's your favourite coat," she reasoned, pursing her lips.

"Yes."

"Yet you willingly gave it to her."

"She forgot her own jacket at home so I offered her mine." One of the many tenets of humanity he held on to was the ability to choose a favourite material possession. Something he preferred - wearing, reading, writing with - above all other options. While he did not let even his own family members borrow certain editions of books and historic texts he owned, Carlisle failed to understand the significance of Alice veering on this coat tangent.

Alice smiled, wrapping her arms around her mate as she heaved a contented sigh. "And they say chivalry is dead."

Emmett shrugged, sitting on the arm of the chair Rosalie occupied. "I mean, it's not like we could expect any different from daddy dearest."

Carlisle chuckled, shaking his head as images of his human mate flooded his mind. Swept up in her, he hoped to have the evening to himself to re-evaluate their interactions but alas, his children could be cruel when needed.

Reliving that sliver of time when she was freezing; remembering the concern he had when she shivered and resigned herself to spending the day in such a state...

Nothing mattered to Carlisle except Jodha's comfort. He'd have given up his most prized possession if it meant she would be happy. If it meant having her. It made him realize just how trivial the habit was. How inconsequential having favourite things was, especially if there was no one to share it with. No one to add to the specialty of the object.

Carlisle Cullen had it all - and was satisfied with it too - but there was something missing. Always lacking as he sojourned the world seeking out that piece, never seeming to reach completion.

Now that Jodha was in his life, hope sprung in his chest that, perhaps, everything would fall into place.

After facing newborns and protecting Bella from a dangerous, vengeful enemy - fate brought Jodha at a fortuitous time. When his son was getting his happy-ever-after, maybe he'll finally be able to reorder his own life.

He felt so miserable and selfish for thinking it.

"It's not selfish, Carlisle. Out of all the persons in this world, you're the one who deserves this happiness." Edward's usually stoic expression fell away as an awkward yet supportive smile graced his face as he glanced at his family. "I don't know about the others but I urge you to not avoid her. Getting closer is inevitable."

The boy spoke from experience and Carlisle was surprised how easily Edward understood his misgivings. "Thank you, Edward. I don't plan on staying away from her."

Edward grinned, tone cheerful. "By the way, Jodha is a lovely name."

Esme perked up, a little gasp of amazement falling from her lips. "Oh, she's Indian?"

"Indo-Caribbean. Indian father, Caribbean mother." At this point, he was using Jodha's responses verbatim.

"She must be Hindu then?"

"From what I gathered, she's Christian but not devout."

Esme smiled, a sparkle in her bright eyes. Carlisle knew she couldn't wait to meet her future sister. "I love her name. Sounds very regal. In fact, I don't need to meet her to know I'll love her already."

The youngsters cooed at that.

"I can't wait to meet her! Take her shopping," Alice chirped, her toothy grin belying the true intensity of her excitement.

Jasper raised a hand this time. "What's her entire name and where in the Caribbean is she from?"

"Jodha Absalom." Reciting her name brought a bevy of emotions and inexplicable attraction rushing to the surface. Immense happiness was all he knew and that made him smile wider. "She's Trinidadian. We've never been to Trinidad and Tobago before. Very hot and sunny, according to her." For the life of him, Carlisle didn't understand why Jodha seemed relieved about him never visiting there.

"Ooh, a tropical love affair." Emmett nodded with a mischievous smirk, wiggling his eyebrows. "I heard those island girls can be freaky."

A low growl stirred in Carlisle's chest, all instincts launching in protective mode. In a flash, he was on his feet glaring at his son - shock evident on the other's faces. He was shocking himself at his reaction. "Emmett-" he raised a cautionary finger, "-from here on out, you'll refer to my mate with the utmost respect. Do I make myself clear?"

With wide eyes, the boy raised his hands in submission - groaning when Rosalie slapped him upside the head. "Ow! What the hell! I'm sorry. Jeez."

"That was out of line, Em," Jasper emphasised once more, a wave of calm washing over the area.

"I know. Sorry, Carlisle. Thought you'd have floored me for a second there."

"And you would've deserved every moment of it," Rosalie seethed, her black eyes pinning him with a glare. "How the hell do you know about those Caribbean girls in any case?"

"Oh, come on, Rosie. As if you didn't get off to that amateur por-"

"Now," Carlisle cut him off, surveying the disgusted expressions from the others and attempting some modicum of composure, "I'll answer a few more questions about Jodha and then I'd like to be left alone for the rest of the evening, if you don't mind."

The usual interrogation consisted of enquiring about her age, profession and whether he had her contact number. Any quirks about her he immediately picked up on - her hesitance to graciously accept help, being one, and the cute way she shook her head at him. They asked on interests Carlisle was yet to discover. He didn't want to accelerate towards any sort of expectation with Jodha. He wanted to relish each moment he would spend with her and - because there would be more moments - savour her sweetness and innocence like that of a budding flower.

His flower.

"Are you going to ask her on a date?" Bella asked softly, quiet up until that point. Hope lingered in her gaze as well. The possible thought of another human being in their lives a welcome change, even if she wouldn't be included in the world Bella was thrust into.

Carlisle nodded slightly, a frown marring his face. "It's a consideration I've been back and forth on."

"You will." Alice grinned, rising from her seat to take hold of his hands. "Come on, do I have to do all the work for you to get closer to Jodha? It'll be fun! You should call her now and arrange it."

He straightened up, a frisson of panic making him feel out of sorts. Standing, he paced towards the floor-length glass windows, the sight of nature surrounding their habitation, shadowy in the waning light, bringing him a small measure of tranquility. The thought of having Jodha here one day, to admire this view with him, filled him with profound yearning.

He needed her. Craved her. More than he would ever admit to his family.

"Then call her," Edward insisted, chuckling at the musings swirling in the man's head. "Honestly, you're worse than I was when I met Bella for the first time. Don't be like me, Carlisle."

Emmett guffawed. "That's true. Don't think Dad knew you used to enter Bella's window to watch her sleep, like the little creep you were."

The patriarch's head snapped toward Edward at that, a brow raised in disapproval. "Edward, I taught you better than that."

Uproarious laughter filled the air. Esme, who was usually reprimanding, cracked a grin and let out a small chuckle. Bella was a dark shade of tomato, burying her face in Edward's shoulder.

"What I meant to say," Edward glared at his brother before glancing at his father once more, "is that you shouldn't waste time the way I did. And you won't. You'd never lose control like I did which means you can enjoy with Jodha in ways I wish I could've with Bella." Edward pulled his mate closer, dropping a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Carlisle," Rosalie spoke up, offering a tight smile, " I know I haven't been the most welcoming to Bella but I promise you, I will try to be when it comes to your mate." She paused, trying to find the words, countenance holding a tinge of regret. "Edward's right. You deserve to have your mate by your side. Irrespective of all the risks, we'll never ask you to give that up. Whatever you decide, in terms of telling her about us, if ever...I will wholeheartedly support you."

There was a murmur of agreement at her words and Carlisle's gratitude increased by leaps and bounds. He knew his daughter was the most concerned about the risk of exposure. While it didn't imply she'd give her life up if something were to go wrong in the progression of Carlisle's relationship, it was sufficient for him.

"You have no idea how much your words mean to me, Rose." He graced her with a look of praise. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Rosalie let out a quiet laugh. "Can you tell us what this girl is like?"

The smile on his face seemed permanently tattooed. If he could blush, he'd have sunk to the ground in embarrassment by now. "She's...riveting."

At that moment, his phone pinged with an incoming message. Everyone's eyes were glued to him as he fished the device out of his pocket, recognition softening his features.

"It's her."

• • •

HOLED UP IN HER bedroom, Jodha stretched her limbs as she sprawled out on her bed. Clad in only her bra and underwear, she was putting off the inevitable shower - the luxurious plushness of her bed luring her to stay there the whole night. Plus, she was already feeling guilty that she didn't have dinner with her dad.

Nevertheless, she laid there immobile. Snippets of the day rewinding in her brain like a stuck DVD.

Carlisle's eyes.

Carlisle's hands.

His lips.

His voice.

His smile.

His scent.

Those molten eyes.

An uncanny shade that lit her up in a way no man's gaze upon her ever did before.

Really, she shouldn't be this obsessed about a man she just met, right? But she couldn't stop. Couldn't get him out of her mind.

Something about him called to her, even while a part of him warded her off. Perhaps it was his age or his maturity - or that lean, sexy body of his - that made her desire the taboo. Made her eager to taste the forbidden.

A man like him would make it all worthwhile for a girl like her.

A moth to a flame, her eyes were drawn to the coat she hung behind her bathroom door - allowing her a nice view of the fabric in the dim, yellow light. A quick sniff before hanging it up assured her that his masculine fragrance won't leave anytime soon.

She was dying to have more of him. Carlisle was irresistible, in his presence and his absence, and she wanted nothing more than to uncover all that he was capable of.

Playing with the edges of her red cotton panties, she wondered what Carlisle was like behind closed doors.

Would he be the perfect, sweet gentleman as he was today?

Gingerly, her fingers slipped beneath the thin waistband, middle finger tracing the seam of her labia. Moist and tender, just the ghost of a sensation that had her clenching in anticipation.

Or would that mask of respectability fall away in the throes of heated passion and wanton lust?

A needy moan escaped her.

More than ever, she wanted to be the one to discover each and every facet about him.

The thought of another woman being privy to that fine specimen lashed at her with blunt force. Jealousy, noxious and green, festered in her veins and she sat up abruptly.

Removing her fingers from her panties, she glanced at the coat again - breathing shallow as her heart raced with a very naughty idea.

God, if Carlisle had any attraction towards her, he'd be dealing with the nastiest virgin in Forks.

Lucky man.

She grinned, steeling her resolve, a thrill of adrenaline surging through her body.

Letting out a slow breath, she made sure her bedroom door was locked shut then stood before her puny vanity mirror.

Her undergarments were the same colour, yet sorely mismatched. A lace bra fringed at the edges with simple undies that pulled high on her waist - highlighting the slight roundness of her hips, the bra accentuating her humble but adequate bosom.

The right fit for Carlisle's palm. Or she liked to think so.

Without a second thought, Jodha reached a hand behind to unhook herself. Dropping on the carpet, her panties soon followed, feet stepping out before kicking the items aside.

"What am I doing?" she whispered to herself, barely able to breathe even as she let out a manic giggle.

Swiftly, she took down the rack with Carlisle's coat and, before she could overthink it, she threw it on.

Sliding her naked arms through the thick sleeves gave her a strange rush of glee, the cool fabric rubbing sensually across her nipples that peaked to attention. Her body calling for that primal connection, that masculine authority that she tried replicating by bathing herself in his smell. Submitting herself to him in a way he'll never, ever know about.

Falling backwards on the bed, she sighed in untold pleasure - hugging the black fabric to herself, inhaling crisp yet earthy undertones as if she was suffocating and this was her oxygen.

Apt analogy, considering the man's occupation.

All too soon, she felt her arousal welling up, heat brushing her core, a slick thread of moisture seeping out. Attuning to him, this was the way he made her.

The coat remained unbuttoned, her stomach exposed, feet hanging over the end of her bed, legs partially open.

Once more, she brushed her fingers over her sensitized skin and emitted a lazy sigh - eyelids fluttering shut as she imagined Doctor Cullen's hands engaging in this exploration. Trailing along the visible valley of her breasts, the plane of her stomach, swirling soothing circles at her hips before sliding back up to cup and squeeze her breasts, to roll the nipples between her fingers, her waist gyrating as that throbbing tempo built down there and spread like wildfire in her veins.

Then she felt it. The thread of moisture turning into a thin stream of wetness exiting her, smearing on the inside of her thighs and filtering through the cleft of her ass.

"Shucks," she muttered, pressing her legs closed, trying to ease the pounding in her chest and the ache she worked herself into that had her gushing and desperate to orgasm.

That careless excitement filled her once more. The risk of leaving a remnant of herself on Carlisle's clothing eroding any sensible course of action. She crawled up further on the bed and turned on her stomach, reaching for her phone.

A naughty girl on a devilish roll.

Pulling up Carlisle's name on WhatsApp, she opened a chat - thumb hovering over the phone icon.

Nervous anticipation made her forego that route. There was no way she'd be able to carry on a casual conversation with the man while wearing his clothing.

Instead, she pressed on the chat box and typed out a short, simple message - biting her lip to keep from grinning like a fool.

* * *

Hello, Doctor. Hope your evening is going well. I wanted to thank you once more for all your help today. Your trusty coat kept me nice and toasty too. I'll return it at your convenience.

Also, I hope you'll collect on your favours soon.

* * *

She added an emoji at the end, for some levity, but decided to delete it so her last line would sound more... suggestive?

She didn't know.

Whatever it was, she was playing with fire and she was loving every moment of it.

She pressed Send, taking off her glasses and resting it at the side before rubbing her eyes. The thunderbolt of an unwelcome thought struck her.

She had no expectations from Carlisle other than friendship. Who knows if he was married?

Yet, here she was, working herself up over him. Defiling his clothing and disrespecting herself while doing so.

A small groan of shame left her but she knew there was no room for regrets. Still, now that her head was clear, everything that could go wrong taunted her.

The phone vibrated, making her jump, and Jodha swallowed in anxiety when the screen flashed Carlisle's name as an incoming call.

It hadn't been ten seconds since she sent that message yet he immediately responded to her.

She wasn't one to get too ahead of herself but...

What could that possibly mean?

Did she even want to find out?

• • •

ENSCONCED IN THE SAFETY of his soundproof study, Carlisle leaned into his executive chair as his eyes moved over the sepia pages of an old book of legends.

He still held his phone, the second it took to read Jodha's message making him see nothing, want nothing, but her.

How was he supposed to survive this preliminary courting period? How was he to want to hold her hand, to caress her face, when she still called him 'Doctor'?

Bella's suggestion of a date commanded his attention. Perhaps he could collect on Jodha's debts by asking her on a date - as he'd heard about in those cliché romance movies Alice and Rosalie watched regularly - but it seemed cheap and underhanded. He never understood how such behaviour could be posed as a positive thing, especially when the thought of trying it made him feel like a lowlife.

No, he'd definitely ask her on a date but he wouldn't make her beholden to it. Instead, he knew exactly how he'd collect on her debts. He didn't want to, saw no reason for it, but Jodha was insisting and he doubted he would ever deny her wishes.

His desired results, however, would depend on Jodha's agreement. He prayed that she wouldn't see his demands as unacceptable.

In the eight seconds it took to reach this conclusion, he dialled Jodha's number and took an unneeded breath to boost his confidence.

She answered on the third ring. "Hello?"

The sound of her husky voice brought a smile to his lips, and an uncomfortable tightness in his trousers. He focused on the mission at hand. "Hello, Jodha. How are you this evening?"

"G-good, thank you. You sound well also." He heard some shuffling in the background and assumed she was settling herself for a lengthy conversation.

He certainly wished to occupy her time but not at the expense of her neglecting any plans she had. "I am. How was your first day at the school?"

"Oh, it was lovely! The children are so bubbly and amazing and the entire faculty is wholesome and...it feels like I've gotten a second family." She chuckled, that breathy tone seeming to tickle his ear and, for a split second, he wondered if putting it on speaker was a good idea. She felt close to him, the high she offered a straight hit to the psyche.

Nevertheless, he adored the joy and fondness in her tone. Loved that she already felt like she belonged in the small community.

"It's rare to find another who derives happiness from their job." He swallowed the venom flooding his mouth. "Love for what you do can effect great changes in the lives of others."

"True," she agreed. "When you're driven by what you do, only then can you inspire others. I...being a teacher, being responsible for the pioneers of our future, makes me feel like I'm making a difference somehow. I'm sure as a doctor, that zeal to help and heal your patients brings you immense joy."

Intelligent and philosophical. Falling in love would be swift, he could tell, and the knowledge spurred him on to be open with her. As open as he ever was with anyone else in his lifetime.

"It does. One life lost is one too many. The hospital, and being around the sick, might be high-pressure and emotionally draining at times but it's something I thrive on. Especially when I succeed in my efforts. I can't see myself doing or being anything else."

Her tone softened further. He tightened his hand to a fist at the angelic sound."Your strength is admirable, Doctor. I don't know you that well but I have a great respect for you."

"In that case, we should get to know each other better."

"How so?"

"Firstly, you can allow me to redeem my favours."

"Okay, Doctor, go ahead," she giggled, her breathing going uneven once again.

"Good. For three favours, I have three requests-"

"Three?" Jodha tutted. "If I remember correctly, you redeemed a favour when you insisted on carrying me to school."

He tried to rebut but she was ahead of the game. "However, I will allow you to consider that ride a double favour which brings you back to the original three favours to redeem."

"That's very generous of you, Ms. Absalom."

"I know."

"I see I'll have to be careful around you in future."

Another giggle had him adjusting his pants as he shifted in his seat. "Whatever you say, Doctor."

It was his turn to tut at her. "No more reference to my occupational title. My first request is that you call me by my first name. Do you agree?"

Uncertainty sliced him at the silence on the other end of the line, but she finally spoke. "You...you want me to call you Carlisle?"

Holy f...

He didn't finish the thought. "Yes, Jodha. Is that a problem?"

He'd never been this direct before. The first time she tested his name out, he almost lost his mind. It took every ounce of willpower not to stand and claim her mouth with his. Never hearing her say it again felt too harsh of a punishment.

"It's no problem at all...Carlisle."

Good heavens, this was either his best plan of action or the worst one yet. In any case, he wasn't about to let this girl outsmart him at his own game.

"You really do have a beautiful accent, Jodha."

"I..." He heard the sharp intake of breath. Too quiet for a human to pick up on, but clear as day to him.

"I could listen to your voice for hours."

"Carlisle..."

"Don't. My second request is for permission to talk to you more often."

"Over the phone?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I guess. Once you have free time, of course."

"Of course. I would also be mindful of your availability to indulge me."

She made a little noise, of surprise and another emotion he couldn't identify. "You're not holding back with your requests, I must say."

He paused for a moment. "Tell me if you are unable to meet any of my requests so far and I'll withdraw them for new ones."

"It's not that. I'm just wondering what we'll talk about whenever you call. I can be boring sometimes. You might fall asleep on me."

He chuckled at the irony. "I highly doubt that's possible. I'm sure we'll find topics of discussion that we share an interest in. Besides, like I said before, I'll gladly listen to your voice for as long as you'd let me."

"Your accent is also very wonderful."

He rolled his eyes skyward, fondness for her increasing hundredfold. "Which brings me to my third request...you will accept any compliment I give you without deflecting it or issuing a return compliment."

"Carlisle!"

"Jodha." He grinned, struggling to keep his amusement at bay. However, this was anything but a joke. Whether he overstepped the boundary or not, he genuinely thought highly of her and he wanted to show her that in every way he could.

"That's totally cheating!"

"A request is a request, Jodha. Do you accept or refuse?"

"I'm not really good at taking compliments, Carlisle." He sensed the discomfort in her tone and amended his words. He didn't want to frighten her or encroach on territory he had no place in.

"If I promise not to overwhelm you with compliments and only do so when warranted, will it be easier to accept?"

"It might."

"Then you have my word, Jodha."

"Okay...I accept and grant all of your requests."

"Excellent. Thank you."

"Thank you as well."

"How do you feel?"

Another whoosh of air accompanied with uneven breathing. Goodness, was he affecting her like this? The possibility inflated more than his ego. It was a sheer miracle he was sailing through this exchange.

"Quite good, actually. It doesn't feel like I've known you for less than twenty-four hours."

It wouldn't. Not when the mate bond had already found its two destined connectors. The fact that Jodha, a human, could feel it showed the depth of her subconscious.

"I'm very glad to hear that. I feel the same." Even more.

"Good." He felt the smile in that simple word and he longed to see it.

It was now or never.

"Jodha, I have one extra request, which you are free to refuse." He paused, noting just how difficult asking a woman out was.

"What is it?"

"Will you let me take you out on a date?"

• • •

Whew! This was a tough one.

The rest of this story should start moving faster. Apologies once again for sticking on one day for so long but I felt like this was needed.

I'm writing this story by the seat of my pants but I do have a beginning, middle and end in mind.

Like me, I hope you can't wait to see where this story leads!

Votes and comments to reward or critique my progress will be much appreciated. Silent readers are encouraged to be more vocal. I won't bite. Not hard at least ;)

If you're interested in keeping up with my writing progress, do give my profile a follow!

Thank you for reading ❤️

carlisle-cullen-fics