Chapter 2: Banana Nut Muffins

EPOV

Leaves were lying across the plastic covered newspaper, making the headlines barely visible as I picked it out of the shrubs where it had been thrown. After giving it one good shake, I trotted back inside my duplex and headed straight for the coffee maker. While dumping the last packet of sweetenerinto my mug, I glanced at the clock. Five thirty. I still had enough time to hop in the shower, check the messages on my answering service, and then pop into the corner bakery for muffins and coffee.

Bella just loves the banana nut bread that Ms. Violet makes fresh each morning, I thought to myself. I wanted to surprise my love with breakfast at work; she hadn't been eating properly and looked a little thin. Not that I'd ever tell her that directly…but I had noticed that my arms wrapped around her already slight waistline just a little too much for my liking. It's all the stress that she'd been putting herself through these days. I could tell that Bella was up to something…working on some "top secret" project that she didn't want me to know about. I'd tried to give her space…let her have her secrets, but I wouldn't stand around and watch my love wither away to skin and bones from worry. I had to put my foot down when it came to my angel's health!

Tossing my jogging clothes into the hamper, I climbed into the shower where the heat from the water massaged the aches out of my leg and back muscles. With no time to spare, I scrubbed just enough shampoo and conditioner through my hair and allowed the final remnants to wash down the drain before wrapping a towel around my waist and shoving a toothbrush into my mouth. Knowing that today would be a rare sunny day, I slipped on the tan khaki's I'd laid out the night before, as well as a white, short sleeved, button down shirt. After giving one last cursory smile in the mirror to ensure that my breath was fresh and the teeth were pearly white, I placed just enough gel in my hands and rubbed through my hair to tame it before walking out the house.

The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar engulfed me as I pushed opened the door to the bakery. The only aroma more inviting than the one invading my senses at that moment was that of my Bella. Ummmm…just thinking of her delicate scent made my heart flutter and my mouth water in anticipation. Everything about that woman was savory and edible. I should've known…since we'd been together, I'd tasted every inch of her delectable body to both our satisfactions. Just thinking of how I was only moments away from pulling her into my chest and nibbling the soft spot behind her ear made my pulse run hot and my arms twitch with expectancy.

Tugging me out of my nostalgic stupor, I heard someone behind the counter clear their voice with a tinge of irritability. "Excuse me sir. I said...may I help you? Are you ready to order?" The young lady stared at me in exasperation as she slipped her hand into a plastic glove to retrieve the muffins that I was now ogling.

Drawing a momentary verbal blank, I quickly composed myself and remembered why I was there in the first place. Since the bakery had only been opened for five minutes, I quickly spoke up. "Oh…uh…yes. I'm ready to order," I said in a sheepish voice. I knew that she couldn't hear the sensual thoughts about Bella that were running through my mind, but I was still a little embarrassed just the same.

Before I could expound, the sound of footsteps caught both our attentions. "It's alright Gigi…I've got this one." Ms. Violet walkied over with a box stuffed with napkins and straws and shoved it into the young girl's arms, ushering her away from the counter. "Why don't you lay out the supplies and place the half-and-half on the kiosk?" It was more of an order than a question. The girl complied. Without looking up, Ms. Violet grabbed the box of gloves and began sliding one over her ring covered fingers, "Hey Edward," she said, with a smile in her voice. "It's mighty early to be in here…even for you. Keep it up and I may have to put you on the payroll." Her full cheeks quivered as her smirk evolved into an outright smile. "Now…what can I get you honey?"

Knowing how much she loved when I flirted with her, I crooned, "Well…since you've already taken my breath away with one of your beautiful smiles, I guess I'll just have to settle for two of your banana nut muffins and a couple of regular coffees to go."

"Hmpt! Banana nut muffins?" She started craning her head around me as if she were looking for someone. "So…where's little Miss Thang? I know she's here somewhere. The last time you ordered my banana nut muffins, you and that pretty little girlfriend of yours almost gave my customers a heart attack!" she said accusingly.

Throwing up my hands and putting on my most innocent face, I tried to look confused as to what she was insinuating. "What?" I asked. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Bella and I sat quietly at our table and devoured your excellent muffins without a word spoken between us."

"Child please…it wasn't the words that I was talking about. It was the body language that was getting everyone so riled up in here. The two of you…breaking off little pieces of muffin and placing them in each other's mouths…then licking one another's fingers before pulling away. Not to mention the little grunts and moans you shamelessly let escape from your lips--it was just criminal!"

She lifted up two paper coffee cups and began filling each one as she continued her chastisement. "I ain't never seen so many people so hot and bothered in one place in my entire life!" She snorted. "I swear…ole' lady Mildred had her grandbaby in here and almost blinded the poor child trying to cover her eyes with those bony hands of hers. Just…ridiculous!" She started shaking her head back and forth as she recollected the moment.

I suddenly felt a bit of remorse as my mind flashed back to that Saturday morning when Bella and I stopped in for an early breakfast before walking to the park. She was so beautiful; I almost turned us around to take her back to my place so I could show her how much I adored her in every way. "I…I'm sorry Ms. Violet. I had no idea…we were just distracted by each other's company. I mean…I guess we just forgot where we were." My voice cracked a little as the guilt began to settle in.

Seeing the look of shame creeping slowly over my face, she immediately dismissed my remarks. "Edward, just hush! I sold more pastries that day than I had the entire week. Hell…I even ate one my damn self!! Hmpt. If you two could get a rise like that out of eating one of my muffins, I'd be damned if I was gonna miss out!"

With a little wink, she handed me the coffees and bag of pastries as she watched my reaction unfold. "Matter of fact…since that day, banana nut muffins are still one of my top sellers." Ms. Violet broke out in an infectious laugh and I joined in from the absurdity of it all.

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The engine continued to idle as I sat parked in my car waiting for any sign of Bella to roll up in her dilapidated truck. I couldn't think of how many times I'd been tempted to dismantle that iron death trap and replace it with something more stylish and sleek. Something with all the modern conveniences befitting someone of my Bella's refinement. It's almost shameful that I should ride around town in my Volvo while my love sat in that rust bucket, so obviously beneath her standing. I could only imagine what other men must have thought of me…as if I couldn't provide for my angel…as if I'd never tried to spoil her with everything money could buy.

Each time I attempted to indulge her it was always the same conversation. "No Edward! I refuse to allow you to buy that for me. It's way too expensive. Besides, you should be putting your money aside to save up for a house." My Bella. She was so frugal…and so cute!

I could only dream that the house she hoped I'd purchase would be a wedding gift to her someday…very soon I might add.

If only she knew that not only did I own the duplex I currently lived in, but I owned every duplex and townhome within a city block from my place. I'd been making real estate investments--among other things--for years…and had amassed quite a substantial financial portfolio. Not even my family knew the extent of wealth that I'd compounded over the years. It was best that they didn't. Everyone would protest if they discovered that I secured their financial futures a long time ago. I'd already made arrangements and set aside funds for everyone--unbeknownst to them--so that they would want for nothing. They all had secret trust accounts, including stocks and bonds in their names. If anything were to ever happen to me, everyone closest to my heart would be more than comfortable for years to come.

Stretching my right leg beneath the steering wheel, I tried to loosen the kink in my thigh muscle which I over extended on this morning's jog. As always, I was daydreaming about my love and how I'd surprise her with breakfast and a sensual morning kiss. I wasn't paying attention during my run and my heel had come down awkwardly, causing me to lose my footing. I had to over-compensate my stride in order to keep from falling on the concrete and immediately felt the muscle pull. It served me right…my mind always reverted back to that of a sex-crazed seventeen-year-old when I thought of putting any part of my body near Bella's.

"What's taking her so long?" I grumbled under my breath. "She should be here by now…it's not like her to not show up for work by this time." I could feel myself starting to panic. In my heart, I knew it was absurd to assume the worst when Bella did anything out of the ordinary. But I needed to know that she was alright…just to put my mind at ease.

Whipping out my cell phone, I hit #2 to call Bella's speed dial. After three rings of her phone, I heard Bella's beautiful voice mixed in with other inaudible sounds in the background.

Seemingly unsure whether she had answered her phone in time, my love responded hesitantly. "Hello? Edward?" it was a question of acknowledgment, not of identity.

"Hi sweetheart…yes…I'm here. Where are you?" Everything about this conversation was beginning to take on an awkward edge. My love sounded uncomfortable speaking to me. Immediately, I didn't like it.

"Oh…ah…I had a little car trouble this morning, but I'm heading to work now." Her voice was as meek as a child who had just gotten caught doing something she was forbidden to do.

At that instance, I heard a man speak my love's name in an all too intimate tone…the rest of his statements were muffled. The idea that some strange man was in such close proximity of my Bella that even I could hear his voice over the phone, made me want to destroy. My hand clenched around my cell phone and began to contract as I knew she was no longer focused on our conversation.

"Bella…Bella!! Who the hell is that speaking to you?" I demanded through gritted teeth. "And where did you say you were?" I inwardly recoiled, knowing I should never have sworn at her…but I couldn't lock it away in time. I would beg her forgiveness later.

"As I said, I'm on my way to work," With a slight hesitation, she drew in a long breath then added, "and I'm taking the bus."

My head immediately jerked up. I could feel my heart accelerate and the blood rush through my veins. The muscles in my neck started to constrict as I used every ounce of my control to keep from yelling.

The bus? What in God's name was she doing riding the bus?

Looking at the rearview mirror, I saw the shock in my own eyes reflected back at me, as they narrowed to deadly emerald slits. "Bella…please tell me you're joking?" The question came out in a guttural tone.

Sounding as if she had regained her composure, she simply stated, "No. I'm not."

I was infuriated! "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to ride public transportation at this time of the morning? You have watched America's most wanted, haven't you? There are fiends and criminals out there just waiting to prey on some unsuspecting woman like you. You're being completely irresponsible with your own safety!!"

"Edward…please! I'm alright…I…" Immediately, I cut her off.

"Why didn't you call me?" I demanded accusingly. "You knew I would have picked you up? You knew I would never allow you to ride around town by yourself…on the BUS!!!" It felt as if a hand were squeezing my heart as visions of my Bella, alone in that metal cesspool full of animals, rubbed abrasively throughout my mind.

Once again, I heard the same strange voice asking if my love was alright. "Who is that man speaking to you?" I was enraged at the idea of any man besides myself, asking about the well being of my angel. How dare he concern himself with my love--as if he had the power to do anything if she were upset? Bile began to build in my throat as thoughts of this unknown man consoling my Bella played out in picture perfect detail.

In a whispered voice, she answered, "No one. Just another passenger like myself. Please Edward…just calm down…this is not a conversation I can have with you right now. Besides, you're completely overreacting!!"

Was she kidding?

"Overreacting!! You're sitting there…on a bus…with some strange man practically breathing down your neck and you think I'm overreacting?" I was not going to have this argument with her…she obviously wasn't thinking clearly.

"Where's your next stop? I'm picking you up." I insisted.

Raising her voice an octave, she defensively countered my demand. "That's completely unnecessary. I'll be at the bus terminal in five minutes and the next bus connection will put me off directly in front of the office. There's no need to pick me up…I'm almost there now."

I wouldn't be moved. "Bella, I want you to get off at the terminal and wait for me. I'm picking you up and I won't take no for an answer. You can bite my head off later…after you're safe with me. Do you understand? I'm picking you up…no arguments!"

My love sighed hard before hanging up the phone. I knew she was pissed, but I would never forgive myself if anything ever happened to her. She was my responsibility. I would be less of a man if I didn't do everything within my power to keep her safe…even if it meant protecting her from her own decisions. As smart as my Bella was, she could be so naïve at times when it came to the intentions of other men. I saw the looks and stares that flashed across men's faces when they saw her…the lust…the want…reeking from their very pores! It's as if I could hear their thoughts without a word being spoken. They didn't even have the decency or respect to hide their desires when in my presence! I could only imagine what some fiend was trying to orchestrate to lure her in when she was away from me. This was why I insisted on picking her up at the terminal. Whoever this man was, he would not touch her or attempt to get into my angel's all-too-willing good graces. I would see to that!

Putting the gear in reverse, I pressed the accelerator, spinning my Volvo around in a backward motion…then shifted into drive, before gunning it to pull out into traffic. The terminal was less than four minutes away at a normal speed.

I made it there in two.

Easily sliding out of my car as the engine came to a stop, my eyes scanned the entire area before settling on a bus that had just pulled into its stop. It took only a few strides before I stood at the buses exhaust-laden rear. I walked slowly along the side in order to peer through each window to find Bella's location.

I felt a pang of relief wash over me when I finally saw her standing there attempting to collect her belongings before taking her place in the line of people trying to make their way to the exit.

As if fate were trying to mock me, I saw her trip over some unforeseen object on the floor and was immediately caught…along the waist I might add…by a man that was standing directly behind her. I felt a tinge of guilt as I knew I would have preferred to see her fall than to be embraced so intimately by that scoundrel.

Rushing to the door, people pushed briskly pass me as I waited, with ire, for her to exit the bus. I was inwardly seething as I saw Bella descending the stairs…being supported under one elbow by the man whose voice I was sure I heard over the phone. Glaring at him with unbridled wrath, my eyes commanded his immediate attention. The malice in my expression when he finally looked up caused him to hesitate in shock and he further tightened his hold on my angel's arm.

Barely taking three steps off the bus, I literally snatched my love from the embrace of the man who was obviously trying to attach himself to Bella in more than just a physical way. A bit taken aback by my reaction, Bella stared up at me from the protective folds of my arms as I firmly planted a kiss on her forehead and possessively encircled my arms about her waist. Defiantly cutting my eyes at the man standing there waiting to be acknowledged, I couldn't help but notice--with pleasure--his fallen face and obvious disappointment.

Feeling the need to dismiss this man, I turned a stone face to him and peered into his eyes with unchallenged disgust and authority. "Thank you for keeping my girlfriend company this morning. I was worried that she would encounter unsavory people with lewd intentions on the bus ride over here." My expression didn't change.

Clearing his throat and wiping his brow he nervously looked between Bella and me before settling on my angel's empathetic face. "Oh...um…yes…I was happy to do so." With a surge of bravery he continued, "Maybe we'll bump into one another again sometime. This is my usual morning route to work. It's always nice to chat with friendly people."

With a forced smile, Bella attempted to answer his pleasantries. "Thanks…I would be hap…" Squeezing her firmly and pulling her possessively into my side, I intruded on her response.

"Thanks. But I doubt if you'll ever have to put yourself out again. Bella usually doesn't ride the bus…this is a one-time occurrence that will not likely be repeated." My answer was finite. Turning my back to the man, I didn't wait for a response as I dragged her a little too insistently toward my Volvo. I could feel her body tense with internal anticipation to yell at me for treating her like a child. We'd butted heads on this issue numerous times, but I knew on this occasion I was right to insist on picking her up and no discussion…or argument…would sway me from that decision. Bella would just have to get over it.

Opening the passenger door, I placed my love in the seat and watched her brows furrow, then twitch in anger as I casually strode to the driver's side, eased into the car and closed the door in one motion. With a turn of the key, I revved the engine and pulled out of the terminal in silence. I waited for the onslaught of rage that was sure to engulf me at any moment.

With a tear stricken voice, the words gushed out of her mouth as she looked at me with glassy eyes. "How could you Edward? How could you embarrass me like that…in front of that man…as if I were a child?" she bit her bottom lip as she attempted to hold back a sob that almost escaped her throat.

I was crushed. I felt like a brute for making her cry even though the tears were nevertheless unshed. "Bella, it was never my intent to embarrass you. This whole situation caught me completely off guard. I would never intentionally hurt or belittle you." I wanted to console her…to take it all back, so I lifted my right hand and softly stroked the side of her cheek.

"Well you did! It's as if you don't trust me to make decisions for myself." Her lips were trembling now and I could feel my righteous resolve dwindling. The look of hurt on her face…believing that I didn't trust her…was more than I could bear. The weight of her anguish fell on me like a ton of bricks.

Turning into the parking lot of her office building, I cruised into a space, shut off the ignition and pulled out the key. With both hands still on the steering wheel, I closed my eyes to regain my composure before speaking. "That's not true Bella, and you know it," I breathed.

"Do I?" She questioned with an arched brow. "Would you have trusted me to ride the bus this morning even if I would have told you from the very start?"

"Bella…I…" It was her turn to interrupt.

"Answer the question Edward! Would you have trusted me?" her cheeks were flushed as she anticipated my answer.

Grabbing her hands and using the most humble voice I could muster, I looked deeply into her eyes so she could see my sincerity and my concern. "Sweetheart…I trust you with my life. Of course I trust you to ride the bus…it's other people that I don't trust. You, on the other hand, seem to trust everyone…no matter who they are…or where you meet them...you're an open book!" My jaw clenched as I further considered, "People immediately sense your goodness and would use it to hurt you. I just won't allow it!" I brought my love's hand to my lips and lightly kissed her knuckles.

The harshness in her voice softened just a bit when she understood that my intentions were pure. "I know that you're only trying to look out for me…and God knows I love you for it, but please…just have a little faith in me and my judgment. I need to know that you trust me to take care of myself, just as you trust me to always take care of you." she amended her plea, "From now on…please don't freak out on me like you did today. I don't need to be rescued when there's entirely no threat of harm. I am perfectly capable of doing things for myself without getting into trouble."

I only nodded to acknowledge her statement…not to agree with her terms. I could tell she wanted this conversation to be over as much as I did. So I decided to give in…just a little.

"Bella…love…can you please forgive me?" Reaching out to her, I rubbed my fingers gently against the side of her cheek. I couldn't stand the distance between us even though we were only inches apart.

With mutinous emotion in my voice, I admitted, "I get so…anxious…when you're away from me. The idea of anything happening to you when I know there are things I can do to prevent your harm…drives me a little crazy."

"Edward, of course I forgive you, but…you have to stop being so controlling. Promise me that you'll at least try to be more reasonable?" she squeezed my hands as if to encourage me to answer in the affirmative.

If all she wanted was my attempt at reasonableness…I could give her that. "I promise," I pledged.

My heart melted when her lips turned up at the ends into an array of pure joy and beauty. Her smile was like the sun peeking out for the first time after a cloudy day. Ahhh…Perfection!

What she didn't know…was that the real promise I silently made to myself was never to allow my angel to see that side of me again. I knew I could never promise not to protect her, but I could do everything within my power to prevent her pain and discomfort. I couldn't stand to see her sad or distraught…especially if I was the source of her agony. No. I wouldn't let myself lose control like that in front of her again. That…I could promise!

Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, I flashed my most dazzling smile and announced, "As a token of my sincere apology, I hope you'll accept this small gift." Lifting the small paper bag from behind the backseat, I placed it on the console between us. With a little smirk on my face, I smiled as Bella questionably glanced up at me before unfolding the top of the bag.

She gave a slight gasp then quickly closed the top again, as if the contents would float away if she didn't. My love giggled then asked, "Is this what I think it is?" Her eyes were as big as saucers as she waited for my response.

"Yep…it sure is." With a glint of seduction across my face, I waggled my eyebrows and stared openly at her full lips.

"Oh Edward!" her voice beamed with excitement. "Banana nut muffins!! You must really want my forgiveness," she teased.

"Well…forgiveness isn't the only thing I want at this moment." I murmured as I lowered my head closer to her face. "I was thinking of something a bit more edible than muffins…" I whispered.

My lips brushed against her cheek as they searched for the fullness of her mouth that promised such sweetness, I strained to control the urge to take her right there in my car. I could feel her lips submit to the pressure of my own, as a little moan of pleasure escaped from her throat. My tongue deepened the kiss…silently making other promises...as the temperature inside the car heated to an uncomfortable degree. Bella sighed as my hand moved along her neck to massage the pulse point near her jaw line. Her body became lithe as I pulled her in closer so I could take a more dominant position over her.

I wanted to thoroughly kiss her neck and allow my tongue to travel between her collarbone and her chest where my hands would massage the tips of her nipples until she begged me to release her from her pain--but I couldn't. The cell phone in my pocket kept going off…breaking us out or our passionate stupor.

Damn.

Damndamndamndamn!!!!

"Dammit!!" I finally said out load.

Looking at my cell phone, I read that the missed call was Emmett. I knew I had to call him back as soon as possible. He was in no state of mind to be by himself, especially after last night's demolition attempt.

"Who was it?" My love asked…still trying to catch her breath after our kiss.

"It's Emmett" I said in an all too solemn voice. Bella looked at me quizzically then touched my creased brow as if to rub the worry off my face. I didn't want to upset her so I forced myself to relax. "It's nothing sweetheart; honestly, Emmett just needs his little brother's advice, while he attempts to make a life altering decision." I gave a half-smile then kissed her forehead.

"Edward…that sounds major to me. What kind of life altering decision does he have to make?" she pressed.

I knew that I would eventually have to tell my love the entire story, but since I was almost as in the dark about the details as she, I insisted that we should speak about it later, after she got off work. This was not a conversation to begin ten minutes before she had to clock in.

"Alright. We can talk about it later," She conceded, "and Edward, let Emmett know that I'm here for him too…if he needs me." Grabbing the bag of muffins and one of the coffees, Bella planted a firm kiss on my lips before getting out of the car. After promising to wait for me to pick her up this afternoon, I watched until she was safely inside the building before pulling off.

My mind raced with all the possible new information that Emmett may have discovered since last night about his mysterious half-brother, who just showed up, unannounced on his doorstep. Making a sharp left-turn, I accelerated the car away from downtown in the direction of Emmett's place. My big brother needed me and I was not going to let him self-destruct in the wake of these new events. Hitting call on my cell I pressed the phone closer to my ear and listened as it began to ring.

As I waited patiently for Emmett to answer, I saw one name flash across my mind…Jacob Black.

Even the name itself was an omen of darker events to come. I just hoped whatever the story may have been behind his sudden appearance; our family would be strong enough to withstand the storm that was certain to affect us all.