Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all recognizable characters. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter: 2

After leaving Bella's house and driving like crazy through rush hour traffic I got to the office. I parked my car haphazardly and ran towards the front doors.

Just as I was running through the door, Jessica was walking in.

"Hey, Edward," she greeted a little too cheerfully. "I was just thinking about you."

"Oh," I responded with little interest and walked right past her towards the elevator. She followed closely behind me, nearly running in her high heel shoes to keep up.

"You look stressed. Are you okay?" she asked.

I mumbled under my breath as I roughly pushed the elevator button over and over again.

"You must have been right about having a lot of work to do. Isn't that the same suit you wore yesterday?" she observed. "Here I thought you were just trying to get out of our date. Since you obviously weren't, how does tonight sound? I'll make it worth your while." She leaned into me slightly and placed her hand on my chest in a flirtatious way.

Finally, the elevator doors opened and I saw my chance to get away from her. I grabbed her wrist, removing her hand from my chest. "I need to get to work. I'm already late." I placed her hand at her side and nodded my head matter-of-factly before darting into the elevator and closing the door. She stood there a little dumbfounded by what just happened but I didn't care.

As soon as the elevator doors opened I rushed down the hallway to her office. Without even stopping to knock on her door I barged in and slammed the door behind me.

She was standing next to her desk going through a stack of files but raised her head to look at me.

"Can I help you, Mr. Cullen?" she asked.

I walked across her office, closing the gap between us and holding her gaze with my eyes. "What was last night about?"

"What happened last night?" she asked coyly placing her hand on her hip.

"Don't play this game with me. You know exactly what happened. You weren't complaining or telling me no and now you want to act like it never happened? Why? Did I do something wrong? Because it seemed to me you were enjoying it."

"Edward," she began. "Last night was fun. But I think I've made it very clear I don't sleep with anyone. I don't have relationships or date. I'm comfortable with the way my life is now and I am not about to complicate it by one night of weakness."

"You slept with me, and you can't deny there's not a connection between us."

The corner of her lip rose into a small smirk and her eyes twinkled when she looked directly at me. "You think because we had sex we have some sort of connection?" she asked, condescendingly. "Edward, you're sweet and adorably naïve, but there is no connection. I had a really bad day and you were there for me. I appreciate what you did and hope I can depend on you like I could yesterday, but the sex won't happen again."

She walked past me and headed for the door. I chased after and put my hand out just in time to slam the door before she stepped into the hall.

I swung her around and pinned her against the door. My lips collided with hers before she could stop me. She liked it rough. If that's what she wanted, then I'd give it to her.

I pressed my hips into her letting her feel just how much I wanted her. She gasped for air when my lips left hers. I continued kissing and sucking down her chin and across her exposed collarbone.

"Bella, I know you want this. I know you don't want me to stop. Let me have you," I whispered against her skin. She moaned at my words and began to un-tuck my shirt from my pants.

I pushed her skirt up, running my hands along her silky legs and resting them on her ass cheeks.

Our lips met again in a heated forceful kiss. Her fingers wrapped around my head and pulled so hard I thought she was going to pull my hair out.

"Take me, Edward," she whispered in my ear, pressing her hips into my already hard cock. She didn't need to ask twice. I squeezed her ass cheeks and picked her up, carrying her across the room and slamming her into the far wall, where no sound would be heard. Her face winced slightly when she hit the wall, but she pretended like nothing was wrong and quickly went into unbuttoning my pants and sucking on my neck. I was panting and groaning with every lick and suck she left on my skin. Her warm breath and tender lips were heaven.

I held her up against the wall with my hips as I pulled her panties off and dropped them to the floor. I took two fingers running them up her slit, discovering how wet and ready she was. I smirked slightly, knowing I was the one who did that to her. Grabbing my dick, I lined it up with her center and thrust it inside. She liked it rough.

Her eyes closed and her head feel back against the wall with a thud. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders trying to pull me closer to her than I already was.

I didn't hold back and pounded into her as deep and as hard as I could, over and over. She moaned and cried out my name and urged me on for more. I was giving her all I had.

"Yes… mmm… yes. …So good, Edward. …Don't stop, please don't stop," she moaned.

"Bella," I grunted. "You have to come. Please, come for me," I pleaded, continuing to press deep inside of her.

She leaned into me ear, biting lightly on my earlobe and sucking it into her mouth. "You first," she whispered causing me to lose all control I was holding on to and came inside of her with a loud moan. I felt her tighten around my dick, pulling me deep inside of her as her fingernails dug into my back and she whimpered my name. Her legs trembled against my hips as she came down from her release.

I slowly pulled out of her and helped her back to her feet on the floor. She soothed her skirt down and ran a hand through her hair while biting her lip.

I slipped my dick back into my pants and hung my head. I didn't know what she was going to do now, but I couldn't stop myself. She was like a drug. Once I had her once, I wanted her all the time even if it meant I had to pretend like there was nothing there between us.

"I have a meeting to get to with Jasper and Emmett. I'll see you later," she said.

"Will you?" I asked, clarifying what exactly she meant.

She leaned into me, placing her hand against my chest and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. "I promise. I think we need to talk."

She ran her hand down my chest and across my stomach before walking towards the door. She left me wondering what exactly she meant by "we need to talk". This could be a good thing or a bad thing. She had to feel the connection. She had to know I liked her.

I fixed my clothes and ran a hand through my hair before walking out to my desk and attempting to do my work. However, I couldn't concentrate on my work. I kept picturing her from last night and even this morning. She's beautiful in so many ways. I kept seeing her smile and her twinkling eyes. When she came, she always had this little pleased smirk on her face, which drove me wild.

I'd never been with anyone like her before. I'd always been a little bit of a nerd in school. I got good grades and played chess or the piano in my free time. No one ever paid attention to me, especially not girls. I didn't really come into my own until college but even then I wasn't who girls gravitated to. Mostly, they went after my dorm roommate and I was left to clean up his mess after girls found out he'd used them for sex. I was the one, who would sit with them and let them cry on my shoulder, and I'm not proud, but I would take advantage of their grief and have sex with them just because. None of them ever came back. I think in a way many of them used me to get back at James while I used them for sex. It worked, but I never had anyone I could actually call a girlfriend or someone I truly cared about. Bella, I did care about for some reason. I know she's my boss but I felt a connection with her. I felt alive with her. I've never wanted someone as much as I wanted her.

What am I thinking? She's my boss. She's never going to see me any differently than how she sees Jasper or Emmett. I'm just a convenient stress reliever. To her, I'm just an easy lay. What would she see in me anyway? I'm a lot younger than her and nothing like Jasper and Emmett. I didn't know either of them well, but they weren't like me. They didn't care about her like I do. They didn't know her like I do. All she is to them is sex. I wanted more.

I sighed exasperatedly and ran my hands through my hair before leaning my head against my desk. I'm falling for my boss and she will never want me. I'm such a moron.

By the time she made it back to her office, it was nearly lunch time. I watched her closely as she walked past my desk and into her office. She barely acknowledged me. I guess my failed attempt at making her realize there was a connection between us was pointless. At least I could say I tried and I did break through her one rule about not kissing on the mouth. She did kiss me.

"Mr. Cullen," she called. I had to stay focused and not let her get to me. If she wanted to pretend there was nothing between us, then that's what I would do.

I stood from my desk and walked into her office. "Yes, Miss Swan."

"I want you to order lunch for both of us," she ordered. I suddenly got a twinge of hope. This was a step in the right direction.

"I don't care what, just choose something from the list and meet with me here in half an hour."

"Yes, Miss Swan." I walked out of her office and called the first place on the list to order lunch. I didn't care what it was as long as it was food and I got to spend some time with her.

I went down to the first floor and did everything I could to avoid running into Jessica. I couldn't deal with her right now. I waited on the bench right outside the front doors for the delivery and avoided eye contact with anyone. Why did I feel like everyone would be able to see right through me and know what was going on? It's not like I was ashamed of it, but I was worried. If anyone knew what had happened between Miss Swan and I, there could be some huge consequences.

Twenty minutes later the delivery guy arrived and handed over the food. I rushed back into the building and headed for the elevators only to be stopped by Jessica.

"So, you never answered me earlier about our date tonight. Are you free?" she asked giving me a flirtatious smile full of braces. It's not like I had a problem with braces, I just didn't like her.

"Sorry, Jessica," I declined. "I'm swamped with work. It's probably going to be a while before I'm free. I've got to make up for being late this morning and I have a mountain of stuff to go through as well as doing all these little errands for Miss Swan." I held up the bag to point out my rush. "I'll see you around." I stepped around her and tried to catch the open elevator before it closed.

"If you're trying to blow me off could you at least be honest with me?" she requested with an angry tone.

I rolled my eyes and turned around. "I'm just busy. Can you not see that I have stuff to do? I'd like to see you be her assistant."

She smirked and leaned her weight onto one foot. "I actually applied, but I got turned down. She said I didn't have enough experience, which is why many of us don't quite understand why she hired you with no work experience or knowledge of the company. She must have seen something none of us could see. I've looked through your file and there wasn't anything spectacular in your resume to justify her hiring you. I really don't get it."

"Isn't it against the law to look through my file without my consent?" I asked feeling irritated at her for snooping through my file.

"I work in personnel. I have access to all those files, and I can look through them whenever I need to. I don't technically need anyone's consent," she countered.

"Whatever," I breathed shaking my head and walking away.

I jumped on the elevator and headed up to our floor with the food in hand. I checked my clock, and because of Jessica interrupting me, I was cutting it close to meet her on time. I wanted this to be right.

I ran down the hall to her office and knocked on her door before walking in. She was sitting at her desk typing something at her computer when I walked in. She stopped and stood from her chair motioning for me to sit down on the couch with her.

I sat down and handed over her food before getting my own out.

"I think we should talk," she began.

"I think you're right," I agreed looking down at my food nervously.

"Edward," she began sympathetically. "You're a sweet kid and you definitely know how to please a girl, but what's going on between us is never going to work. First of all, it's highly unethical. I'm your boss and you're just a kid. I enjoyed what we shared, but I think it needs to end here."

"I don't see why our age or our working relationship has anything to do with it. You don't seem to have a problem with Jasper and Emmett and they work for you or with you. I still don't quite understand their role in this company."

She smiled sweetly like she thought I was a child who didn't understand the world. "With Jasper and Emmett it's different. We've had this arrangement for so long, and it doesn't get in the way of our work."

"And you think if we were in a relationship it would get in the way of our work?" I wondered.

"I don't have relationships. I've told you this. I'm not going to change just because we had a little fun a couple times."

I huffed and furrowed my brow. "I don't believe you. I know you feel the connection between us. I know you feel it. I think we've had it since the first day we met, which is why you hired me."

"What are you talking about?" she wondered looking at my questioningly.

"I talked to Jessica down in the lobby and she said she applied for the job but got turned down because she didn't have enough experience. I don't have any experience yet you hired me. Why? If it's not because you felt the connection then why?"

She leaned back against the couch and propped her arm up on the couch. "I hired you because I saw something in you that I didn't see in anyone else. I saw loyalty, determination, and intelligence. Those are three things Miss Jessica Stanley is lacking," she explained. "Can I ask why you were talking to Miss Stanley in the first place?"

A small twinge of pride rushed through me. Was she jealous of me talking to Jessica?

"I like talking to Jessica. She's quite entertaining," I lied to see if I could get a rise out of her, which I did.

She rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose. "I don't know what you see in her. She's such a slut and the office gossip queen. She spreads rumors like wildfire. My secret was nearly leaked about a year ago because of her nosiness."

"I don't think she's that bad. I would never date her, but she's nice enough."

"Please don't ever date her. I may have to fire you if you did."

"You don't have anything to worry about," I promised. "I don't have any feelings for her. I have feelings for you." I barely got it out without trembling from fear.

She smiled like she was flattered, but she wasn't interested. I waited for the blow. "You don't have feelings for me. You don't even know me, Edward. All these feelings you're having are coming from the sex."

"I disagree. It's not just about the sex. I can feel the connection and if you would just be honest I think you'd feel it too."

"I don't have feelings for you," she said matter-of-factly. "I enjoyed what we shared but that's all there will ever be."

Feeling hurt and rejected, I hung my head in shame as she continued.

"When I'm with Jasper and Emmett it's purely physical. When I was with you it was the same. Once you see that, you'll know it was just for fun."

Fine," I gave in. "Then I want in."

"Excuse me?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"You think it's only sex. Well, you're right. I want sex and I want it with you. I want to join you with Emmett and Jasper."

She laughed like I was joking, but I stayed stone faced. I wasn't joking. "I don't think it would be a good idea."

"Why?" I questioned.

"I'm not sure Emmett and Jasper would appreciate me bringing someone else into the mix."

"Didn't you say you were always in control? Why do they have a say if it's up to you what you want?"

She narrowed her eyes at me in a challenging way. "I'm not sure you can handle it."

"Can you?" I wondered.

Her jaw tightened and she glared at me as if she was upset I challenged her.

"I guess I could always go to Jessica for sex," I suggested. "I'm sure she'd be more than willing."

I watched as her nostrils flared and sucked in a long breath through clenched teeth.

"I'll have to think about it," she answered.

"Well," I began standing to my feet and picking up my garbage, "think hard because there's no telling what I might do."

I walked out of her office and down the hall to the kitchen to throw away the garbage.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she wondered as she followed me into the kitchen.

I put the trash in the garbage and brushed my hands together like I was wiping them clean before I turned around to face her. "You did offer to pay me or even let me watch in exchange for keeping my mouth shut. I don't want money. I don't want to watch. I want sex."

She sighed and stared up at me searching my eyes for answers. "Fine," she agreed. "I can't promise you Jasper and Emmett, are going to be happy about it, but if you think you can handle it and you're going to blackmail me, then I guess I have no choice."

"You do have a choice. You could be honest with yourself and admit you have feelings for me," I explained.

She smirked and ran her fingers across my cheek. "You think you know me so well but you have no idea who I am."

She walked out of the kitchen and back to her office leaving me standing there trying to figure out what I had just agreed to.

She remained in her office all day, and even when it was time to leave for the day she still hadn't come out. I thought about staying to offer her a ride home, but I worried she might push me away further.

Instead, I went down to my car and waited for her to come out. As long as I saw her get into her car and drive home safely then I'd be happy.

I waited over an hour. I was just about to go back up to check on her when she finally came out. She seemed different and almost sad when she got in her car and drove off. I followed her only because I was worried something was seriously wrong with her.

She pulled up in front of her house and I pulled up directly behind her. She jumped when she saw me pull in behind her but then rolled her eyes like she was upset.

"What are you doing here?" she asked with an angry tone.

"I was worried about you," I answered stepping out of my car and walking towards her.

"This is why I don't like people knowing where I live. I don't need you to worry about me or check up on me. I'm perfectly fine. Now please go home and leave me alone."

"Bella…"

"Edward, please just go home."

I took a step backwards and stared at her with questioning eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. I just want you to leave."

I shook my head in protest. Something was wrong. I could see it in her face. She was upset and I worried what happened earlier was to blame. I shouldn't have given her the ultimatum.

"Leave me alone," she shouted nearly in tears. She stepped closer and pushed me against the chest to make me leave. I reached for her wrists to stop her and pulled her into my arms as she continued to push and try to break free. She broke down into tears against my chest and stopped pushing. I brushed her hair back with my fingers and shushed her in a soothing way.

After a few minutes of letting her cry in the driveway, I picked her up in my arms and carried her into the house. I placed her on the couch and got her a glass of water.

She continued to sniffle as she sipped her water. I sat down on the couch next to her and rubbed her shoulders. I was always the guy girls would cry on. This was no different obviously. As curious as I was to know what brought this on, I never asked. I didn't want to upset her any more than I already had.

I sat with her on the couch and held her in my arms most of the night. Neither of us said a word, we just sat there. Eventually, she got up and walked to her bedroom to go to bed. I thought about staying just to be sure she was okay, but I really needed a shower and a change of clothes.

I slipped out the door as quiet as I could and headed home.

Once I was home I took a shower had a sandwich and flipped through channels on the TV for most of the night until I fell asleep on my couch.

In the morning, I got ready a little early and drove by her house. She was already gone so I headed into work. Thankfully, since I was early I didn't run into Jessica.

Bella was in her office when I arrived and acted like nothing happened. She went about her business and handed me a list of tasks I needed to do during the day. Most of them were out of the office. I got the impression she wanted me to be gone.

For three days this is how it was. I was either out of the office running various errands or we were in meetings. She was avoiding the opportunity of us being alone.

Finally, on Friday she called me into her office first thing in the morning.

"I've thought a lot about what you said and if you still want in, then come in around noon. Jasper and Emmett will be here as well so if you could order us all lunch I would greatly appreciate it."

"Yes, Miss Swan."

"I'll see you then," she said. Her voice was hard and straightforward. There wasn't a hint of fear or excitement or anything really. She was cold and hollow almost. It was like she was a shell of a woman. I didn't like it.

At lunchtime I ordered the sub sandwiches like she requested, and like so many times before I went downstairs to wait for the delivery.

After getting the delivery and walking back into the lobby I saw Jessica in the corner of my eye whispering with another lady and staring directly at me. I figured she was making up some rumor about me, but I didn't care. I had avoided her as much as possible hoping she would get the hint I wasn't interested. She was definitely the wrong choice of girls to go to for a quick fuck. Thank God I didn't actually go through with it.

I took the elevator up to the office and walked down the hall rather slowly. As much as my dick was looking forward to being inside of her once again I just had a really bad feeling about this. Bella wasn't the same person anymore and I worried this was going to hurt her. I had another fear in the two men I would be sharing her with. They hadn't been the kindest people I'd come across here, and to step in on their territory was probably not the greatest way to get on their good side.

I could already hear them in her office. My stomach tightened before knocking on the door and stepping in.

"Not this kid again," Emmett complained while he moved in and out of Bella. She was laid out on top of her desk completely bare. Jasper had his mouth occupied on a breast when I walked in.

I placed the bag of food on the table and watched as Bella lay there completely still as they fucked her. It's like she wasn't even there. I didn't notice it the first time because I didn't really know her, but now I did.

"Thanks for the food. You can leave now," Jasper sneered coming up for air from her breast.

"No it's okay," Bella panted reaching out for me to come closer. "Edward is going to join us today."

"What?" Emmett asked never stopping his motion.

I took Bella's hand as she pulled me closer. "He's going to join us," she repeated. "Aren't you Edward?" Suddenly there was this spark in her eye which made me wonder if there was still a little bit of her still in there.

She reached up and grabbed my tie pulling me down towards her. My lips met hers in a fiery, overzealous kiss. She moaned into my mouth and held me close as if she was getting lost in the kiss and forgetting about everything else.

I had to close my eyes and continue to pretend like it was just us. I didn't want to see her with them. I didn't want to share.

When our kiss broke, she hummed and smiled up at me. "I've missed kissing you."

"I thought kissing wasn't allowed?" I asked.

She giggled stroking my face with her fingers. "It's only allowed for you."

"What the fuck is going on?" Jasper voice broke though our intimate moment. We turned towards them and realized they were both gawking at us in confusion.

"I asked Edward to join us. It'll be fine. I have enough stamina for all three of you. No reason to worry," Bella assured.

They both glanced between me and Bella with questioning eyes. "How long has this been going on?" Emmett asked.

"Nothing is going on. We need to keep this a secret and Edward agreed as long as we let him join," Bella added.

"What's with the kissing? We don't do that. This is purely physical. We all agreed to that many years ago. Now you want to bring some random guy into the mix and complicate it with intimacy? We're not stupid, Bella. This isn't the first time you two have been together is it?" Emmett accused.

"No, Emmett, it's not," Bella replied hostile. "And it probably won't be the last either. Now are we going to finish this or are you too chicken?"

Jasper and Emmett shared a glance before moving closer to Bella. Bella climbed off her desk and got on all fours on the floor. Emmett lined up behind her finishing his turn while Jasper stood over her rubbing and squeezing her breasts. She grabbed the waistline of my pants and pulled me towards her.

"I have a surprise for you," she teased looking up at me with sultry eyes.

She unzipped my pants and pulled them down releasing my already hard and throbbing dick. Her little hand wrapped around my dick and pulled me towards her mouth. She engulfed me and sucked me deep into her mouth. It took everything in me not to come right then and there. I closed my eyes and thought about nothing but her warm little mouth sucking on my cock. I didn't think about whom I was sharing her with or who she might be sucking on next. I just tried to enjoy what I got.

"Don't come too soon, Kid," Emmett warned. "You don't want to miss out on the pussy. She fucking comes over and over again. God, I love being inside of this."

Jasper laughed like it was a big joke. "I better get a turn this time," he warned. "You hogged the pussy last time and I'm not letting him have a turn before I do."

My eyes opened and rage was all I felt. Emmett laughed and ran his hand across her ass before smacking it hard. I couldn't do it anymore. I pulled out of her mouth and slammed my fist into Emmett's face then into Jasper's. I didn't care what happened. I didn't like them treating her like this. She deserved to be cared for and worshiped, not used.

"What the fuck?" Emmett shouted holding his bleeding nose.

"Edward," Bella squealed. "What did you do?" She jumped up and grabbed some tissues for him. Jasper I hadn't hit as hard because he was farther away, but he was still a little stunned.

"Why do you let them do this to you?" I asked in anger. "You deserve better, Bella."

"Edward, just get out," she ordered. "Just leave and don't come back."

"Are you firing me?" I asked, shocked that she was telling me to leave.

"Just get out," she shouted again.

I didn't want to leave her there with them. I knew as soon as they weren't bleeding anymore they'd want to continue and I didn't want her to. Maybe I was jealous or maybe I was being overprotective but I didn't want her there with them.

"You need to get off the premises before I call the police," Jasper warned. "I better not see your face in this company ever again."

"I don't think you have the authority to fire me. I don't work for you," I countered.

"Edward, please just go," Bella begged.

I walked out of the office and straight for the elevator angry she asked me to leave. Once I was on the first floor I walked to the cafeteria and sat down at an empty table. I really fucked up now. I was sure I was going to be fired. She'd probably never want to see me again. My head fell into my hands and I closed my eyes in frustration and humiliation.

"What happened to you?" Jessica asked coming up behind me. I sat up taking in a deep breath.

"Nothing happened," I answered while rolling my eyes.

She took my answering her as an open invitation to sit down across from me. I was thinking about getting up and walking away when she did.

"Does Miss Bella Swan have her little lapdog working too hard?" she asked with a sneer.

I laughed and shook my head. "You think you know her so well. Everyone here thinks they know her and no one has a clue."

"Then enlighten me, Edward. What's the real Miss Swan like? Because honestly, we all think she's kind of a controlling, heartless bitch and she treats her employee's like shit. You of course get the blunt of it."

I smirked and raised an eyebrow. "I get the blunt of it. How would you know?"

"She has cameras all over this place. She knows what everyone is doing and the minute she saw us talking, she quickly put a stop to it. That's why she suddenly gave you all that work to do so she could be sure her puppet didn't get close to anyone else. She controls every little thing you do and doesn't let you have a life. Why do you think so many of her assistants have quit over the years? There's only so much someone can take before breaking. I thought if I got the job I could dish it right back and maybe she wouldn't be such a bitch all the time."

I nodded my head and smiled at her ridiculous observation. "You've concocted quite the theory. However, you are very much mistaken. You have no idea how amazing Miss Swan truly is." I stood from the table and pushed my chair in. "Just so you know she didn't give me a huge workload to keep us apart. I just came to my senses and realized you were the last person on earth I'd want to be connected with."

I walked away leaving her with her mouth hanging open in shock. I didn't know where I was going to go, but I needed to get away. I walked out to the parking garage and got in my car. I drove around town aimlessly trying to find somewhere to go. There was only one place I wanted to be though.

I parked my car in front of Bella's house and stayed in my car all afternoon while I waited for her to come home.

It was already after eight o'clock when she pulled into her driveway. I hopped out and walked across her yard. I knew she saw me the minute she pulled in because she hesitated getting out of her car for a long time. I stood by the back of her car waiting until she decided to get out.

After at least five minutes of waiting, she finally opened her door and stepped out. She shut her door and leaned up against it while crossing her arms.

"If you're wondering if you're fired, I haven't made a decision yet," she spoke.

"I wasn't wondering if I was fired. I was wondering if you were okay," I answered.

"Why wouldn't I be okay?"

I shrugged, pushing away from the car and walking towards her a few steps. "I was just worried. I didn't know if Jasper and Emmett would take their anger for me out on you."

"Jasper and Emmett would never hurt me."

"They do when they talk about you like you're just a piece of meat. They don't care about you or how what they do might affect you. All they care about is the sex."

"Isn't that exactly what you care about? What makes them any different than you? All men are the same they just want sex. If they can have the sex without all the other stuff involved they're happy."

I stepped closer to her and put my hand on her elbow. "Not all guys are like that. Some guys actually want more."

She looked up at me with hard distant eyes. "You made it perfectly clear what it is you want the other day in my office. You were there for sex, and even afterwards, you admitted that's all it was about."

"Is that why you were so upset when you left work?" Her head dropped and she bit her lip nervously. "Bella, I thought that's what you wanted. You kept talking about how you liked it rough and you liked to be dominated. All you wanted was sex so that's what I was giving you. On that day I walked in on you I'll admit I wanted you for pure sexual gratification, but after that night we spent together here it was different. I wanted to be with you and make you happy, but I don't know how to do that if I have to share you. I won't share you. I just want you."

"I don't know," she timidly said. "I don't think I've ever been happy."

I sighed and moved a little closer to her so she was almost leaning her head against my chest. "Let me try," I begged. "Let me show you how you should be treated."

She shook her head and let out a small whimper. "I don't know. I can't be what you want me to be."

I wrapped my arms around her pulling her into my chest. "I don't want you to be anything but Bella. I want to know the real you. I want to be with you and take care of you the way you should be."

"I won't let you treat me like I'm some fragile little flower that's going to break if you don't do everything for me," she disputed defensively. "I don't need someone to take care of me."

"I'm not trying to make it sound like I need to take care of you. I just want to show you how a man should treat you. I want you to feel what it's like to be loved."

Her eyes shot up to mine in fear. I knew in that moment I had said the wrong thing.

"I'm not trying to say I love you. I'm just saying…"

"I need to go," she wiggled free from my arms and ran towards her house.

"Bella, wait!" I shouted after her.

I followed begging her to stop, only to have the door slammed in my face. "Bella, please open the door. Let me explain. I wasn't trying to say I love you, not that it can't or won't happen, but I just…" I huffed, running my fingers through my hair in frustration. "I don't know what I'm trying to say. I don't even know what I'm doing." I rested my back against the door and slid down to the doorstep. "What would you ever see in me anyway? I'm just a stupid twenty-two year old kid who thinks his boss might actually have feelings for him. I've always been a nobody. No one has ever looked at me as anything but a dorky

brown-noser." I sighed again pounding the back of my head against the door. "I just don't want to see you taken advantage of. I want you to have more. I'm sorry if I was wrong."

I sat there on her doorstep a little longer, waiting and hoping she would open the door. She never did, though. Eventually, I stood up and went back to my car. I started the car up and had every intention of driving away and never looking back, but I couldn't. I turned off the car and sat there in front of her house. I just couldn't walk away from her. She had a hold on me and I couldn't let her go.

I started to doze off around midnight until I heard the passenger door of my car open and Bella's small form crawl into the seat next to me. We sat there in silence for quite a while until she spoke.

"I haven't been entirely honest with you," she began. I turned my head to focus on what she was about to tell me. Her eyes stayed focused on her fidgety hands in her lap. "I don't only have diabetes. When I was born I was a little more than two months early. The doctors didn't think I would survive. I had a small hole in my heart and it had to be corrected with surgery. My lungs collapsed when I was two days old. I was classified as a failure to thrive baby. The first five years of my life I was in and out of the hospital with various illnesses and complications. I wasn't supposed to survive, but somehow I did. However, there were complications I had to face throughout the rest of my life. Not only do I have diabetes, but I have a severe case of asthma as well. It was worse when I was a kid. I had to be on breathing treatments and carry around inhalers everywhere I went. My parents were extremely overprotective of me. I wasn't allowed to do anything the other kids did. I wasn't allowed to go outside to play. I never even learned how to ride a bike. I still don't know how to ride a bike. I spent my entire childhood secluded in my bedroom. All my teachers and all the kids in my class were informed of my condition and I was treated differently. Many times I was forced to wear a mask at school to prevent from getting sick. No one ever wanted to play with me, and I got picked on all the time for being different. I was constantly told I would never amount to anything. I would never be able to live on my own or take care of myself. I had it instilled in my head that I would basically be an invalid my entire life.

As a teenager, I began a new asthma medication which helped tremendously, and I was able to control my diabetes on my own for the most part. So, I begged my parents not to be so protective and to give me a little freedom to make some friends. I didn't want any special treatment. I just wanted to be me. Reluctantly, they agreed and I was finally allowed to go to school without everyone knowing what was wrong with me. Suddenly, I had these two guys following me around and offering to do things for me. They would hold doors open for me, carry my books, buy me lunch, offer to be my partner on group assignments, and walk me home after school. At the time, I was ecstatic. I thought for the first time I had these two guys who had a crush on me and who were fighting over me. I'd never had anyone look at me as a potential girlfriend and suddenly I had two… or so I thought.

"Turns out, my dad hired these two guys to look after me in high school. Their job was to protect me and do everything they could to help me out."

"Jasper and Emmett?" I asked. She nodded her head and bit her bottom lip.

"They never cared about me. They just wanted money and my dad was paying them quite well. I confronted my parents about it, and they insisted neither Jasper nor Emmett knew the true reason they had to protect me. They were under the impression my dad being the chief of police was just overprotective of his little girl and didn't want any boys getting too close or girls picking on me. It didn't matter to me if they knew the real reason or not. I just wanted to be treated like I was normal for once in my life and they took that away from me. I resented my parents so much for what they did so I thought I would get back at them by doing exactly what they were afraid of. I seduced Jasper and Emmett one night and lost my virginity to both of them. I cried for days not only from pain but from humiliation. I felt so stupid for ever thinking they actually cared about me or wanted me for me. They just wanted a paycheck and if they got a good fucking as well it was an added bonus.

"After the first time, they expected it and I gave in because what else did I have to lose? They never did anything to intentionally hurt me, but what they did and what my parents did scarred me. When I turned eighteen and had the freedom to do what I wanted, I convinced both Jasper and Emmett to start this business with me. I was determined to prove everyone wrong and make something of myself. I used them for what I needed like they used me for they needed.

"Since most of my life I spent by myself, I read a lot of magazines and looked at fashion and the recent trends a lot. I thought I could do it, but I needed a little help. As long as I kept giving in to Jasper and Emmett, they continued to help me build my dream.

"What I have with them is honestly just physical pleasure and I guess it's a way to prove to myself I'm not fragile and I can handle anything thrown at me. It's why I like it rough. It helps me remember to be strong and not let anyone treat me like I'm weak. I've done a good job of it for years now. I've never let anyone overtake my control… until now. The only thing I haven't been able to control is my feelings for you."

After listening to her whole confession I was a little flabbergasted. I didn't know how to respond or what it was she wanted me to say. I had so many questions and so many thoughts running through my head.

Timidly, her head rose to look across the car at me. Her eyes shined in the dark from the street light above us.

"Did Jasper and Emmett ever put you in danger?" I wondered nervously.

She smirked shyly and ducked her head. "A few times," she admitted. "It's never been anything major. I just have to excuse myself to use an inhaler. I've learned over the years how to prevent it from happening, and the treatments I've had helped quite a bit."

"Have I ever hurt you?" I asked fearful I had, unintentionally.

She laughed lightly and gazed across the car into my eyes. "No. You've never been rough enough. With you it's tender and caring. I'm afraid of being with you. I'm afraid you're treating me like I'm going to break like everyone else has. I'm afraid of being treated like an invalid again. I don't ever want anyone to treat me like I'm not good enough. It's why I don't date or get involved with anyone. I don't want to

fall in love with someone only to be treated like I was as a child. I can't get close to people because they'll treat me like my parents did."

I leaned over taking her face in my hands to raise her eyes to mine. "I would never look at you as anything but the beautiful, strong, independent, and inspiring woman you are."

Her eyes filled with tears as her gaze met mine. "You realize I'm never going to be normal, right? I'm not ever going to be able to get rid of the asthma or the diabetes. It's something I'm going to have to live with for the rest of my life, which may not be very long. At any time I could have a major asthma attack and die. I could have a seizure from an incorrect amount of insulin and end up brain dead. There are so many things that could go wrong."

"So? There's no reason you can't live a normal life despite your condition. You aren't fragile and you aren't helpless. If you can survive going through everything you already have, then you can survive anything."

She smiled nervously and shook her head like she didn't believe me.

"We aren't much different, Bella. I was always very small for my age. I was picked on and made fun of for being so small and weak. I was never mister popular in school. I wasn't who the girls gravitated towards. Any girl I did have sex with, I used for my own gratification and they were using me the same way."

"How so?" she wondered.

I leaned back into my seat preparing to confess my past to her like she had for me. "In college, my roommate, James was a little bit of a player. Once he got you in bed he was after his next conquest. Girls were always upset by what he did and I conveniently made myself available for them to cry on. Many times I would end up sleeping with them. It wasn't because either of us cared about the other. I was just a horny college kid who wanted to get laid and they wanted to get back at James. What better way to do that then to sleep with his roommate? Only problem was James never cared. He encouraged it actually. He thought I should benefit from his conquests as well. I've never been in a relationship with anyone or ever cared about anyone to actually want to be in a relationship with them. With you, it's different. As crazy as it might be for us to be together, I still want you. I've never wanted anyone as much as I want you. But I want you and only you."

She looked back down at her fidgety hands in her lap and took a couple deep breaths. "I have a lot to think about and try to figure out."

"Okay," I accepted.

"I'll see you at work Monday."

"Does this mean I'm not fired?" I asked playfully.

She laughed and opened the door. "As long as you go home and stop sitting in front of my house. I'm afraid the neighbors are going to call the police."

I smirked. "As you wish, Boss."

She stepped out of the car and shut the door before walking back to her house. Feeling like I made some progress with her I headed home. I still had no idea what was going on between us or if she even wanted anything to be going on between us.

I spent the entire weekend at my parent's house. I asked my dad a lot of questions about diabetes and asthma and the affects it can have on someone. I asked questions about premature birth and what concerns there were with it. He stared at me like I was crazy. I never told him why I was asking all the questions and what they were about. I just said it was for a project I was working on. My mom became very concerned about me after hearing me ask all the questions and saw how stressed and tired I looked. I assured her I was fine and she had nothing to be concerned about, but she didn't seem to believe me.

I kept waiting to hear from Bella but she never called or emailed me even. It made me worried about what her decision was going to be. Maybe she didn't want to be with me. Why would she? I'm a lot younger than she is and nowhere near as intelligent or talented as she is. We're in two totally different worlds and for all intents and purposes should not be together. But I still wanted her.

On Monday morning I went into work like normal hoping for the best. I hoped I at least still had a job. I walked down the hallway to her office and sat my stuff on my desk right outside her office. I noticed the door was shut which had to mean she was here already. She only shut her door when she was in a meeting.

I sat down in my chair and started to work on something just so it looked like I was busy even though inside I was freaking out.

I stared at her door obsessively, waiting for her to come out and give me something. After nearly an hour her door opened and my mouth hung open when Jasper and Emmett walked out. My heart sunk. Was this her way of telling me she didn't want me? Was she really heartless enough to hurt me like this? She had to know this would hurt me. Maybe Jessica was right when she said Miss Swan was a heartless bitch.

I stood to my feet as they walked out and tried to muster all the confidence I had to not let them get to me.

They stopped at my desk and stared across at me in an intimidating way. I stared back not letting them have an effect on me. I could handle this. I wasn't going to let them intimidate me.

Jasper smirked and looked me up and down. "I hope she knows what she's doing."

My face changed to a confused expression.

Emmett raised an eyebrow looking me over the same way Jasper did. "You better not hurt her. If you do you'll have to answer to me."

I had no idea what they meant with their cryptic comments. They glanced back at Bella's office and I followed their gaze to see Bella leaning in the doorway with a smile on her face.

"Thanks guys. I'll talk to you soon," she said. They turned and walked down the hallway towards the elevator. I stared at Bella dumbfounded by what just happened.

She motioned for me to follow her into her office so I did and shut the door behind us. I was holding out hope this was a good thing, but I still wasn't entirely sure.

"When you said you wanted to be with me were you serious?" she asked.

"Completely."

"Then I have some rules. If we do this I don't want you to treat me any differently. That will be the first step out the door if you do. I want our working relationship to be separate. Outside of work we can be… more, but at work we have to be professional. I don't want anyone to find out. This will be a secret between us, as well as Emmett and Jasper."

I groaned at the mention of their names. Was she seriously not willing to give them up?

"I had to tell them when I explained why I was ending things with them," she clarified. "They don't get why I'd want you over them, but I do. I'm choosing you, so you better not fuck up and prove me wrong when I told them you weren't after money."

Pride filled me and a huge grin spread across my lips. "You're choosing me?"

"Yes, Edward, I'm choosing you. I want to know what it's like to have someone actually care about me and want to be with me for me."

I nodded my head excitedly. "I can do that, starting tonight."

"Tonight?" she wondered dropping her head and looking like she had just had the rug pulled out from under her. She sighed exasperatedly. "What did you have in mind?"

I was sure she thought I was talking about sex, but I was determined to show her how much I cared about her without the sex.

I smirked and walked towards her, wrapping her in my arms. She refused to look up at me. "I'm thinking I want to take you out on a real date. It'll probably be something really tacky and might even bore you a little, but I want to do this."

Her face lit up with a smile and she slowly raised her eyes to mine. "I like tacky."

"Then maybe it won't be so bad."

"Maybe."

I gave her a quick kiss, before she was shoving me away and telling me we had to be professional at work. I composed myself clearing my throat a few times.

"What do you need me to do today, Miss Swan?"

"I have a stack of reports I need you to proofread and later today I need you to run a few errands for me."

"Alright," I accepted, taking the stack of papers off her desk. I headed towards her door with a sense of determination and confidence. She wanted me and chose me. I had to prove to her I was worth it somehow.

"Oh and Edward," she called just as I reached the door. I stopped and turned around to face her. "One more rule. No more talking to Jessica."

I laughed, seeing the jealousy in her eyes. "Not a problem," Miss Swan."

I spent the rest of the day in a euphoric feeling. All I kept thinking about was what I was going to do for our date. I needed to impress her, make sure she has a good time, and be sure she doesn't think she made a mistake. I wanted it to be memorable and meaningful. There was no way I was going to do the typical dinner and movie thing. I wanted it to be better even if it turned out disastrously.

I left work an hour early so I could go home and shower and do some preparations. I honestly didn't know what I was doing or if I was doing it right, but there was only one thing I could think of doing with her on a date.

I told Bella I would pick her up around six, and promptly at six I knocked on her door with a huge bouquet of white roses.

She opened her door and instantly started laughing at me.

"You really are starting this date with a tacky gesture aren't you?" she questioned.

I glanced at the flowers realizing it might have been the wrong move with her. Maybe she didn't like flowers. Maybe flowers exacerbated her asthma. Did I already fuck this date up in the first five seconds?

I stood there nervous and humiliated while she continued to laugh. Realizing I wasn't exactly laughing with her, she controlled her giggles and smoothed her hair back.

She took the flowers from my hands and brought them to her nose. "Thank you. They're beautiful. Why don't you come in while I find something to put them in?"

She walked towards her kitchen and I followed behind.

"I'm sorry if flowers aggravate your asthma. I wasn't thinking when I bought them," I apologized. "You don't have to keep them if you don't want to. I'd understand."

Her shoulders dropped while she placed the vase and flowers on the counter. "You broke the first rule," she informed sadly.

"Fuck!" I shouted hitting myself in the forehead. "I didn't… I mean… Bella, I'm sorry. I only meant if you don't like them you don't have to keep them."

She walked around the kitchen island and placed a simple kiss on my lips. "I love them. No one has ever given me flowers before."

I nodded my head and smiled a relieved smile. She walked back around the counter and continued to put the flowers in the vase.

"So, what are we doing tonight?" she wondered.

I smirked. "It's a surprise. But, you might want to change your clothes."

"What's wrong with this?"

I looked her over admiring how the dark green dress showed just the right amount of skin and clung to her hips, hitting just above the knees. It would be so easy to push it up and put my hands…

I had to shake my head to get the thoughts out of my mind. This was supposed to be a sexless date. I had to keep telling myself that.

"Nothing is wrong with it, believe me. It's just where we're going and what we're doing isn't going to be easy in a dress. You should wear a pair of jeans and sneakers."

She bit her lip and raised an eyebrow at me. "I don't typically wear jeans in public. I do have an image, you know?"

"No one who knows who you are is going to see you. And what's wrong with a pair of jeans? It'll show off your perfect ass." I smirked, waiting for a reaction.

"Is my ass what you're most attracted to? I know that's what you were staring at when you walked in on me that first time."

I walked around the island and placed my hands on her hips. "You want to know what I find most attractive," I began. She stared up at me, resting her hands on my biceps. "Physically, your eyes, but what I find the most attractive is your strength. You don't let anyone get in the way of what you want and I admire that about you."

"My eyes?" she asked sarcastically. "Seriously, you're going to say my eyes?"

I laughed pulling away from her and rolling my eyes. "Of course you don't even acknowledge the most attractive part of who you are."

"Edward," she said seriously. I stopped laughing and looked at her. "Thank you."

We shared a moment of understanding before she walked back to her bedroom to change. When she returned, she had a pair of dark blue jeans with a cream colored shirt and a pair of black converse shoes. She was pulling her long hair back into a ponytail when she reached me. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I liked her like this much more than I ever did when she wore her expensive dresses and skirts. She was absolutely beautiful.

I took her hand and led her outside to my car. We didn't have to drive far to the park I was taking her. It was just a large family park up the road with lots of trees and trails running all through it. This place was perfect for what I needed.

"What are we doing at a park?" she asked while getting out of the car.

"I have a surprise for you."

I took her hand and walked her the few feet to where there was a rental place. They rented bikes and helmets as well as small paddle boats for the river.

The man at the counter looked rather bored, but he stood up and asked what he could help me with.

"I want to rent one of your two-person bikes as well as any safety equipment we'll need."

He rolled his eyes but started pulling down all the stuff we would need and handing me forms to fill out.

"Edward, what are you doing?" Bella asked apprehensively. "I don't know how to ride a bike. I told you this the other day."

"I know, which is why I think you should learn. It's a two person bike. I'll do most of the work all you need to do is help me pedal."

"I don't know," she worried.

I grabbed the helmet off the counter and placed it on her head. "You can walk into a room full of corporate guru's and never blink an eye, but you see a bicycle and look like you might puke," I teased. She glared up at me and sighed as she gave in. I helped tighten the helmet around her head and put the elbow and knee pads on her.

"I look ridiculous," she complained.

"I was going to say you look kind of hot," I disputed.

She smacked me across the chest playfully making me laugh.

We got the bike and I explained what she needed to do. I'd never ridden a two-person bike before either but it couldn't be too hard. I helped her up on the seat and climbed on myself. I kicked us off and started peddling telling her to pedal along with me. All I could hear was her squealing. I had to stop because I was laughing so hard. I looked behind me. Her eyes were clenched shut and her feet were sticking straight out with a death grip on the handle bars.

"What are you doing?" I asked laughing uncontrollably.

"I can't ride a bike. What if I fall? What if I break a bone?"

"Bella, will you stop worrying? I won't let you fall. I've got you." I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and brushed my fingers across her cheek in reassurance.

"If I end up with some crazy scar across my face I'm making you pay for plastic surgery," she warned.

"No worries there, my dad's a doctor and he'll take care of it," I assured.

I got back on the bike and steadied us for the takeoff.

"Now all you have to do is pedal your feet. I'll do the rest. I can keep us balanced and navigate where we're going. You just need to pedal."

She took a deep breath and placed her feet back on the pedals. I kicked off again and started pedaling us down the path. I could tell she was still tense, but after a while she eased up.

"See, you're riding a bike and doing a great job at it."

"I'm only pedaling," she argued.

"Which is exactly what riding a bike is about," I countered.

"I doubt I could do this on my own."

"That's the next step. Well, in all honesty I should have started you off on your own bike, but I thought you might strangle me if I brought you out in public to teach you how to ride a bike. This doesn't look as conspicuous."

"I think I probably would strangle you if you treated me like a little kid trying to teach me how to ride a bike."

"Rules," I reminded.

"Yep, rules."

"So, is this okay then?" I asked, fearful of what her answer might be.

"This will do, I guess. It's not exactly the first date I always imagined but I'm having fun."

"Good, and just so you know the date isn't over yet."

We rode the bike a little further up the path where I had a catering service set up a picnic dinner for us. It's amazing the things you can get catering companies to do with the right amount of money.

We rode up to a small clearing in the park where it was very secluded and overlooked the river perfectly. There was a small blanket laid out on the ground with lots of pillows thrown across it. In the middle was a bottle of wine in a bowl of ice with two dome covered plates. All along the outside of the blanket were tiki lanterns illuminating the area perfectly with the sun setting in the distance.

I got off the bike and helped Bella off walking her over to the picnic. She had a very pleased smile on her face so I knew this was a good thing.

"Good evening, Sir," the woman from the catering company greeted shaking my hand. "I will be leaving you two alone now, but when you're done just call me and I can come clean up. I left my card inside the basket."

"Thank you."

She walked down the path and out of sight leaving Bella and I alone.

"Do you like it?" I asked.

"I do. This is a beautiful spot. I don't think I've ever been on a picnic before."

I helped her sit on one of the pillows before sitting across from her.

"You were sheltered, weren't you?" I asked sympathetically.

"Your dad's a doctor?" she asked changing the subject.

"Yeah, he's a family doctor in Forks, Washington. I visited them over the weekend."

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" she asked.

I laughed. "I have two sisters. I'm the baby of the family so all I had as role models were my sisters. It could be a good reason why I was teased in school a lot. I'd rather play with the girls in my class than the boys."

"But you played lacrosse in high school and college. You had to be a little bit of a jock."

I laughed feeling embarrassed that I was going to have to admit this to her. "I did play lacrosse, but I wasn't the best player on the team. I was kind of what you would consider the bench warmer. I think I only played in about five games throughout high school and college. My dad just insisted I play some sport because it would look good on my college applications and resume. Obviously he was right," I pointed out.

"Actually all those things you listed on your resume are why I hired you. I was fascinated by all you've accomplished," she admitted.

"You didn't hire me for my good looks?" I teased.

"That may have had something to do with it too, but all those things you listed are all things I would have loved to do and I never got the opportunity," she said regrettably.

"Parents do stupid things to protect their kids. It sucks for the child but they do it because they think it's what's right," I excused.

"I don't ever want to be a parent. I don't want to have a child and be responsible for another human being. I don't want that child to grow up resenting me someday for not making the right choices."

"Do you still resent your parents?" I asked.

"I haven't talked to them in over ten years," she answered. "I send them money to help support them, and on their birthday or Christmas I send a card, but I have no interest in seeing them face to face."

"Never?" I questioned.

She shrugged her shoulders and put on a fake smile. "We should eat before this food gets cold," she suggested changing the subject.

"Don't you need to do a shot first?"

"I did it before we left my house. I assumed you were taking me out to dinner so I wanted to be prepared."

"Oh, well then let's eat." I pulled the lids off to reveal plates of spaghetti and bread sticks. It was simple but that's what this date was supposed to be about.

We ate in silence while watching the sun go down and listening to the water from the river splash along the bank.

After we were done eating and had these amazing sugar free mint chocolate cookies, I asked her to dance. She laughed at first and turned bright red, but I stayed straight faced waiting for her to stop. I stood up and put my hand out for hers. She took my hand timidly and I helped her to her feet. I walked us a small distance away from the blanket and pulled her close.

"There's no music," she pointed out.

"I can take care of that," I assured beginning to hum a soft tune against her cheek. We danced in the middle of the clearing under the stars and I couldn't have felt more content. I had a feeling she felt the same way as she leaned further into me and molded against my body. I closed my eyes enjoying this moment we had together.

"In case I forget to tell you later I had a really good time, even if you did make me get on a death machine," she said making me laugh.

"A bike isn't a death machine," I countered. "A board meeting is a death machine."

She looked up at me like she was studying my face. "You know, you're a lot different then you are at work. Out here you're sweet and caring. At work, you seem so tense all the time."

"I'm tense because I want to prove myself to you. In the first couple of weeks I worked for you I questioned daily why you didn't fire me. I kept expecting it, but you didn't. So, I took that as a cue to do better and learn the company inside out. I studied every file and every magazine I could get a hold of. I think I know more about fashion now than any straight guy should." My comment made her laugh and it was nice to see her so carefree. She'd never been like that since I met her.

"In all honesty I thought you were gay when you applied for an assistant job. Even when you walked in on me with Jasper and Emmett, I wasn't sure if you were being turned on by me or if it was Emmett. I didn't know for sure until you came back to my office and couldn't take your eyes off my legs. That's when I figured out you were straight."

"You thought I was gay?" I questioned in disbelief.

"Well what straight guy applies for an assistant job for a woman?"

"A guy who was desperate for a job and thought it would be kind of funny to apply for an assistant job for one of the most powerful women in the world," I admitted.

She smiled and shook her head. "You probably didn't think you were going to get the job either did you?"

"Nope," I answered with a chuckle. "I'm glad you gave me a chance though. I like what I do even if it is being the bosses slave."

"You are far from my slave. I've been very easy on you since you started."

"You have?" I questioned.

"Yes, I have. I liked you so I let things go and didn't get bothered when you made huge mistakes. I didn't want to let you go. I'm a little selfish and I wanted you around even if it was just to look at you."

"Oh, so now I'm the piece of meat," I joked.

"Don't tell me you don't want to be my eye candy."

"Hmm," I mulled it over for a moment. "I don't think I've ever been told I was eye candy before."

"Good," she said. "I don't want anyone looking at you. I don't like to share."

I smirked at her comment because it was the same thing I said just a few days earlier.

"You don't need to worry. I'm not interested in anyone but you. I've never wanted anyone like I want you."

I dipped her forward in my arms eliciting a small squeal from her lips. While bringing her back up I met her lips with mine. I kissed her tenderly and sweetly, showing her just how much I was enjoying my time with her.

As we continued to kiss and hold each other it began to rain. We stopped short and quickly began to gather up all the stuff from the picnic.

Realizing it was a lost cause, Bella started laughing wholeheartedly and put her hands out and raised her head to the sky welcoming the rain. I was a little bewildered by her behavior.

She rushed over and grabbed my hand, pulling me further out into the clearing. She danced around me and laughed freely and happily. I'd never seen anyone so happy about rain before.

"Dance with me, Edward," she requested swinging my arms around and spinning in my arms. She looked like a carefree child and she was free with me. I never wanted to take that away from her.

After a few minutes of acting like kids and playing around in the rain the caterer came running over and looked at us like we were crazy. She ignored both of us and quickly gathered up all her belongings before running back down the path.

"Bella, we should get out of the rain. We still need to return the bike," I reminded.

"Oh," she giggled, pushing her dripping matted hair out of her face. I took her hand and led her back to the bike. Since it was dark and still raining I didn't think it would be safe trying to ride the bike so we walked back slowly. Her shoes dangled from her fingertips at her side while she walked barefoot in the wet grass. She would let out a small giggle every few minutes causing me to smile every time.

After returning the bike to the rental stand and driving her home, I walked her to her doorstep where we continued kissing where we left off earlier. I had to use all my control not to touch her or go farther than I needed to. This was about her and not sex.

"Do you want to come in and stay for a while?" she asked, tangling her fingers through my hair and tickling my neck.

I groaned feeling agony over my answer. "As tempting as that is, I'm going to have to decline." Her grip around my neck loosened and I could see the disappointment in her face. "Bella, I want to, believe me I want to. I just want to show you what it's like to have someone care more about you and not just sex."

"Right," she accepted pulling away from me.

"What do you want to do tomorrow?" I asked trying to make her understand I wasn't going away.

She smirked and looked up at me through her eyelashes. "Why don't I take you out tomorrow? I have a fashion show to go to and we can pretend you're there to be my assistant, but you'll be my date in our eyes."

"Yet, I won't be allowed to hold your hand or kiss you or even touch you while we're there," I complained.

"We can always come back here afterward," she suggested running her hands up my chest and to my neck before kissing me. This was going to be harder than I thought.

"We'll see how things go." I avoided the suggestion. It's not that I didn't want to have sex with her. Honestly my dick was screaming at me for being such a pussy and not going for it when it's being offered on a silver platter. But we were both new to this dating thing and I wanted it to work. I didn't want her to be just a conquest like James would have seen her. I wanted her to be more.

I left a few minutes later kicking myself all the way home for being such an idiot. I should have stayed. I didn't have to sleep with her. I could have just slept on the couch. I had to laugh at myself for even thinking I could sleep on the couch. No way would I have done that if I had stayed. One step through that door would have only led to the bedroom with Bella sprawled out naked on her bed.

At home I had to take care of a little problem in my pants. I had a feeling I was going to be using my hand for a while, which totally sucked knowing how good it felt to have her warm pussy wrapped around my cock.

I sighed, yanking at my hair trying to make the images and thoughts go away. I had to control myself.

The next day at work, I did exactly like she requested. I pretended like there was nothing going on between us and last night never happened. During our early morning meeting, I made sure she had water and a small snack. While we sat there in the darkened room watching slides of the next feature for the magazine she reached over and squeezed my knee, before venturing her hand up along the inside of my leg. I tensed up so quickly I'm sure I jumped and everyone in the room could tell. In the corner of my eye I saw her smirk and run her tongue along her bottom lip. Her hand pressed against my hard dick and rubbed it up and down. I had to clear my throat and choke a few times to hold in my moans and movements. I finally reached down and removed her hand just because I couldn't do this covertly in front of all these people. I was sure they already knew what was going on. I don't know what she thought she was doing since we were supposed to keep it secret.

After the meeting was over and we headed back up to her office she had a satisfied smile on her face. Once we back in her office, I slammed the door and grabbed her pulling her into my arms.

"Why the fuck did you do that?" I asked sucking in a breath through my teeth.

She shrugged innocently. "I thought it would be fun. Those slides were kind of boring."

"Fun for you maybe, but I can't hold it in when you do stuff like that. This is supposed to be a secret right?"

"Yes, but it doesn't mean we can't have a little fun every once in a while. Rules are meant to be broken."

"But I want to prove to you I want you more than just for sex."

She rolled her eyes, loosening my tie and pulling it off. "You did that last night. Now I want more."

"Bella, stop," I demanded grabbing her wrists. "You don't have to do this."

"Edward, you don't get it. I have needs just like everyone else does. You wanted me to give up Jasper and Emmett so now I need someone to replace them. Is it so wrong for a woman to want to have sex with someone she's kind of in a relationship with?"

She continued to unbutton my shirt and pulled it out of my pants. Her lips brushed across my chest with chaste kisses.

"Kind of in a relationship?" I repeated feeling let down. All this was just kind of a relationship?

"Well I don't know, Edward. I'm not familiar with what the etiquette is for dating. How long do we have to wait until we can have sex and can say we're in a relationship?"

"I don't think there's an etiquette," I replied. "I think it's just up to the people involved."

"Well I'm ready for this to be a relationship, are you?"

"I thought we were in a relationship. This is why you gave up Jasper and Emmett."

"Edward," she huffed. "Are you going to fuck me or not? I have needs and if you can't fulfill them then I know two guys right in this building who would be more than happy to help me out."

"Why are you so desperate to have sex?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes giving me an irritated look. "Will you stop trying to shrink me and just have your way with me?"

I sighed feeling wrong about this, but I didn't know what else to do. I grabbed her face and began kissing her hard and pushing her back towards her desk. She was already removing her clothing when we hit the edge of her desk.

"What's your wildest fantasy, Edward?" she whispered against my cheek.

I moaned at the visions of her bent over the desk ran through my mind. It was like she could read my mind because she smiled against my lips and traced a line down my chest until she reached my pants. She undid my belt and pulled it out of the loops in one swift jerk. Her fingers traced down the panes of my stomach as she giggled and dipped a finger inside the edge of my pants. I pushed her shirt down over her shoulders and started kissing all over her body leaning her back against her desk.

She unzipped my pants and pulled out my dick marveling over it for a moment. Her small little hand stroked and squeezed my cock causing me to make the most annoying grunting noises ever.

"Do you want me bent over my desk, Edward?" she asked reminding me of what I was envisioning earlier. My heavy breathing must have been her clue that she was entirely correct. She turned around leaning her hands against the desk and pulled the back of her skirt up to reveal her sweet panty-less ass.

"Fuck me hard, Edward. Make me come over and over again. Fulfill both of our fantasies," she requested breathlessly.

I took two fingers sliding across her pussy. She moaned and pressed into my fingers. I spread her pussy lips apart and lined my cock up, easing my way in. Oh she felt so good.

"Mmmm, that's what I wanted," she cooed. Her soft sighs and moans were music to my ears. She moved back and forth, gliding across my cock and drenching it in her sweet juices. It took everything in me not to come instantly. I focused on my breathing and even had to close my eyes. The faster she pressed back into me the harder it got to hold on.

"Edward, you feel so good inside of me. Fuck me good. Don't ever stop. I gave up everything for your cock because it's so good. Make me come. Make me scream out your name so loud the whole building will hear me."

Her talking was not helping with my control. My fingers dug into her ass while my other hand wrapped around her and pressed even further into her pussy. She let out a loud cry and ducked her head as she came around my cock and began to tremble.

I pressed in to her a few times more before coming myself. With a couple loud grunts I released inside of her, toppling over top of her. Coming down from my orgasm, I rubbed the spot on her ass that I had dug my fingers into, soothing the area.

She pulled her skirt down and turned around with a satisfied smile on her face. "I liked your fantasy," she whispered.

"I don't think it was only mine. I think someone else had the same fantasy," I accused wrapping my arms around her waist and holding her close.

"Maybe," she teased. "I have other fantasies, though."

"Like what?"

"You'll have to wait and see. I have a meeting to get to. I'll see you later for our pretend non-date."

I gave her a long and gentle kiss before she walked out of her office. I fixed my clothing and straightened my hair a little before going out to my desk to do some work.

I wondered how tonight would go but I knew one thing, if she wanted me to, I was staying at her house tonight.