A/N: This chapter jumps right into the story, so it may be a bit confusing, but give it a little time. Next chapter is going to be a bit of background on Edward and Bella's relationship, and I am writing another story, Far Far, that is the long version. Please be patient with me, I'm new, and if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks! PS Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight
EPOV
I found out 8 days ago that Bella had been offered a position on Volterra, but she had not officially accepted the position. Instead I was left wondering if she was going to show up today or not. I had wondered what caused her indecision about working on Volterra, I knew she loved this boat more than anything, and I couldn't help but wonder if my presence had something to do with her hesitation. But now the painful days of waiting were over, either she would show up this afternoon, or I would know that she is not coming.
BPOV
A stupid crush was not going to keep me from doing anything I wanted to do. And I really wanted to work on Volterra this summer. My parents had to fly home after dinner last night to make it back in time for a charity ball or something. Emmett and I stayed at a hotel in town and he was going to help me get everything down to the boat today. Last night I had told him everything about Mr. Cullen, or Edward as it would be now, and he really wanted to meet him before leaving me on a boat with this guy for three months. So this morning we did some shopping and went out to a nice lunch before walking part of Ocean Drive. We had had fun playing in the waves but now it was time for me to go down to Volterra.
EPOV
I was completing the maintenance log in the cockpit when I looked up and saw Bella walking towards me down the dock, Emmett beside her with her heavy duffel. The change that she had undergone the last year and half was astonishing. She looked like she was completely happy and did not have a care in the world. She was listening to Emmett and then threw her head back in laughter, I only hoped that I had not lost my chance to make her that happy, now that we are free of the rules that dictated our relationship when we were last together.
I had not realized I was staring when Bella noticed me and a blush crept across her cheeks as she looked down at her feet. She was quiet during the rest of her approach to the boat, but as she slipped off her sandals and stepped aboard, she broke into that heartbreaking smile of hers.
"Hello Bella. It is so good to see you again."
"Hi Edward, it's great to see you too." She responded as I pulled her into a gentle hug
"Edward! It's great to finally get to meet you. Bella hasn't shut up about you since she learned you two would be sailing together this summer." Emmett bellowed jovially.
I snuck a glance at Bella and saw her cheeks aflame.
"Well thank you Emmett, it's a pleasure to meet you. I have to tell you I believe that I am the lucky one in this situation."
At this Bella grew even more crimson if that is possible.
"Why don't I help you get those bags below decks so Bella can start unpacking?" I suggested starting down the companionway.
Emmett passed down Bella's duffel and then her tote, which I placed on the settee before heading back to the cockpit.
"I was thinking of giving Emmett a tour of the boat, is that okay?" Bella asked me sheepishly as I returned. Like she needed my permission, this is her home too.
"Of course Bella, you don't need my permission. I'm going to finish updating the log, clean up, and then I'll start dinner. Emmett, would you like to join us?"
"Thanks for the invitation, but unfortunately I have to run, Rose is waiting for me at the dorm to finish moving her out."
"Well enjoy your tour. It was great to meet you."
Bella and Emmett disappeared below and I tried to concentrate on what I was doing, but all I could think about was Bella's melodic voice drifting up to me through the portholes. I painstakingly got through my work, grabbed my shower stuff, and left for the head.
BPOV
"So how are you feeling? Need me to sneak you off this boat and take you home?" Emmett asked me only half jokingly once we heard Edward's footfalls head down the dock.
"I'm not sure. I want to stay, but this is going to be an interesting summer."
I finished showing Emmett around and he left to go help Rose move out. After seeing him off I went back below and started pulling my clothes out of my duffel and laying them out on the bunk, organizing everything before moving my belongings into my cubbies beside my bunk. I was unpacking still unpacking when I felt a presence behind me and turned around to see Edward leaning against the doorway, freshly showered and looking better than my memory had served.
"I'm sorry if I startled you. I don't feel that we got the reunion we deserve."
I stared at him blankly, unmoving, but he broke into that breathtaking crooked smile of his and stepped towards me. He took the books I had in my hands and placed them on the bunk beside us before pulling me to him into an embrace that spoke volumes. My mind finally caught up and I wound my arms around him as well, feeling safe and secure in his arms.
"Bella you have no idea how happy I am to see you again. I've missed you."
My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest and my stomach was tied in knots. I had no idea how to respond, but Edward came to my rescue again, pulling away but keeping a firm grip on my shoulders. He told me he would cook while I finished settling in. I felt myself nod and he kissed me head quickly before turning and going to the galley.
My legs could no longer support me and I sunk into an awaiting bunk. Was it possible that he had any feelings for me? I had felt a connection between us last year, but I had forced myself to believe that it was only my imagination. For all intents and purposes he was my teacher, and he would never allow himself to think of a student in that way. But now…now I am working with him…I'm eighteen, I've graduated. Could it be that now he can let his feelings show?
Oh get a grip Bella. Stop being ridiculous. No it's not possible. He's just being friendly and you are making a fool of yourself.
I allowed myself the time it took to finish unpacking to run through the possibilities in my head, and when dinner was ready I was all settled in and had pushed the thoughts of anything more than a platonic relationship with Edward out of my head.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Please review!
