A/N: I kind of expected this chapter to go longer but decided I'd better cut it off where I did. I love these characters so much and I'm having way too much fun drawing out their life stories!

Please feel free to leave me some words, whether good or bad, to let me know you're out there. :)

***Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I just borrowed her lunch money.***

I gripped my seat firmly, my nails digging into the cheap cloth fabric nervously as I listened to the sounds of the pre-flight preparations. The flight attendants had just secured the doors and were about to start the mandatory safety presentation, but my thoughts were firmly fixed on the sounds of grinding and metal shifting. I must have looked a little green when the woman next to me decided I needed some comforting.

"Are you nervous dear?" I could only nod as I ground my teeth together. "I used to be like that too. Nowadays I find some liquid courage helps." I looked over as she showed me the flask she concealed in her purse. What the…?

Thankfully she kept to herself after that and I found myself relaxing a bit as the flight attendants finished their speech and buckled in for take-off. If they weren't concerned with anything then it must be okay. I held my breath as we taxied down the runway and eventually lifted off the ground. Once we had finished ascending and I was allowed to remove my seat belt I felt much better.

Deciding I didn't want to converse with my neighbor, I pulled out my iPod and stuck the earbuds in my ears. I hit shuffle and opened up my book on the Korean shaman, curling into the window as much as I could. I really hoped she wasn't going to force me into conversation. Unfortunately I couldn't concentrate on anything except the recent memory of striking green eyes and deliciously tousled dark blonde hair with reddish highlights. Closing my eyes and letting out a deep sigh, I must have drifted off before I was startled awake by a light jab to the ribs.

I opened my eyes and jumped a little, pulled out my headphones and looked to my right expecting to see a drunken granny ready to chat me up. Boy was I surprised when I saw Edward-greek-god-Cullen seated next to me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He chuckled. "I got bored in my large, roomy seat so I traded with Mrs. Doubtfire. She was more than happy to upgrade to free champagne," he said with a playful smirk.

Laughter bubbled up and out of my throat. "I bet she was!"

His smirk grew larger as he said, "I wouldn't have roused you but I'm not sure you would have been happy having your neighbours hear your sleep talking."

Oh no…

I blushed furiously. "What did I say?"

He winked at me. "That's for me to know and you to fret about."

Thankfully my embarrassment was temporarily forgotten when the flight attendant brought her cart to us and asked if we would like a complimentary light snack or beverage. I took a hard-as-a-rock bread roll and some margarine while Edward declined the offer. The flight attendant was the same one who had taken our boarding passes and looked quite disappointed at Edward's refusal.

"If there's anything I can provide for you, please feel free to let me know," she cooed. Edward only nodded and turned back to me.

"So you're going to LA for a conference?" He asked. I almost grinned as the flight attendant, whose nametag said 'Lauren' sputtered and frowned before continuing on her way.

"Yes, for work. One of my other coworkers should be around here somewhere," I said as I realized I hadn't seen Victoria at all. Oh well, definitely not my loss.

"So no big holiday for you," he said with a cheeky grin.

"I wish! I mean, I'll have some free time I guess. Alice wanted me to paint the town red but that's never really been my thing. I'll probably end up on the beach somewhere collecting seashells. There aren't many of those in Toronto."

"Aren't many seashells?" He asked.

I couldn't help but giggle like a little girl. "That too. Lake Ontario isn't exactly known for its year-round access to expanses of sand. Figured I might as well take advantage while I can."

Edward shrugged his broad shoulders. "Eh, if you've seen one beach you've seen them all. Sounds like Alice might have a good idea."

It was my turn to shrug indifferently. "Alice is my best friend and I love her, but we're so different it's scary. You know she wanted to take me shopping just for this trip?" I rolled my eyes dramatically.

"The fiend! Not shopping, surely!" He mocked, so I slapped his arm playfully.

Our conversation flowed freely after that. We talked about our jobs and friends, likes and dislikes, family quirks, bad habits, and childhood memories. I learned we had a lot in common but in some ways we were polar opposites.

For instance we both had varying tastes in music, most of our likes being very similar: Debussy, The Beatles, Third Eye Blind, Frank Sinatra, and most 80s hair metal bands. Neither of us had ever been to Europe though we were both anxious to go. We were both dog people, loved old movies, and couldn't stand the smell or taste of pickles.

Conversely, Edward enjoyed small town life while I've always been a city girl. He had several tattoos where I've always been afraid of needles. And when I started discussing why I went into social work he seemed remarkably uninformed about the types of global issues that I dealt with on a regular basis.

"So you see, when a significant portion of the population lives in relative poverty, there are so many problems that can arise," I said.

"Like what?" He asked, seeming genuinely interested.

"Well the simplest one is health. If people can't afford healthy food choices because their money is already tied up paying their mortgage or other bills, then disease becomes a bigger issue. And then it's not just the poor, but everyone that is affected. And if people can't afford higher education then the nature of the workforce will encourage higher technology industries to seek workers elsewhere. It's a vicious cycle." I looked at him staring at his hands. "I'm sorry, I get caught up sometimes," I said feeling foolish.

His head snapped up and his eyes bored into mine. "Don't be sorry. These are issues I've never considered before. It's humbling, actually. Makes me feel grateful for the good things in my life."

I lightly touched his arm. "Like what?"

He smiled. "I live a small quiet life, Bella Swan. I spend most of my time running my small catering business, and on my rare days off I go surfing or knock back a few pints with my mates. I own a small two bedroom bungalow near the beach and I rarely leave the Sunshine Coast. Sure I sometimes read the paper, but I've never been exposed to someone so concerned with the welfare of others. It's just… not part of the life I live. I focus on daily living and financial quarters, not how my actions impact the world. It's a different paradigm," he said quietly.

"But Edward, everything you do affects others. None of us is separate from our environment. All those kids starving in Africa should be just as much your concern as anyone else's."

He nodded solemnly like a kid that's been chastised. "I understand that. And don't get me wrong, I'm troubled by the state of things just as much as you. I guess my focus is a little narrower than most."

I smiled at him. "It's okay. Not everyone can do what I do, believe me I get that. It's exhausting sometimes. Sorry if I sound preachy."

He turned in his seat to stare directly at me, making my stomach fill with butterflies. "Never be sorry for your passions, especially those as noble as the ones we just discussed. I may not be the one to tackle these issues, but I salute you, Bella Swan, for having enough metaphorical balls to do so. You're an inspiration to me."

Comfortable silence descended upon us as I contemplated a lot of different things. This man sitting next to me was like no one I had ever met. Although it was his remarkably handsome physique that first caught my eye, talking to him had given me a glimpse of the man underneath the beauty who was every bit as attractive as his appearance.

But he lives in Australia, my inner voice reminded me. That realization made me sad.

"Do you have a busy schedule this weekend?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Not as much as I thought. My boss said she doesn't mind if I skip most of the formal proceedings as long as I have enough material for a semi-coherent report," I replied.

"Hmmmmmmmm….." Edward said.

I turned my face toward him. "What was that for?" I asked, trying to quell the excitement building in me.

"Where are you staying?" He asked.

"At the Holiday Inn on Santa Monica beach. The conference is just a few minutes from there at UCLA," I replied, recalling the details from my itinerary.

He nodded and smiled. "Well I was thinking, since I already missed out on such a great city like Toronto, that maybe I should take a few more vacation days and not miss out on seeing Los Angeles." I gasped with shock and excitement. "Or if that's too forward, or creepy, we can forget I ever mentioned it," he tried to backtrack.

I lightly touched his arm, enjoying that electrical current flowing between us. "I like that idea. I've never been to LA before and it would be great to have some company," I said, trying to keep my voice even.

He gave me a wide, crooked grin. "Great! Now that's settled, I could use a quick nap before we land. This whole travelling thing wears me out, and now I don't have to try to make every minute of this flight count."

"Yes of course!" I said, a little too excitedly. He laughed at my enthusiasm and put his chair back, closing his eyes.

I tried my best not to stare at him while he slept. But god help me I couldn't stop from peeking at him every so often. He was too beautiful to ignore.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

The madness of LAX was even worse than that of Person Airport as I tried to navigate through throngs of people at the arrivals gate. As soon as we were off the plane, Edward had to beeline for the international desk to make sure his luggage wasn't transferred to the next flight he had booked and to re-arrange the rest of his trip home. I'd promised to meet him at the car rental place but had gotten hopelessly lost. As I searched for some kind of non-divine sign to point me in the right direction, I spotted his tangled mess of bronze hair off in the distance. He was leaning against the wall next to what I'd been searching for with a proud smirk. I approached him feeling sheepish with my face probably a crimson colour.

"You're not a very good tour guide," he said teasingly.

I playfully smacked his shoulder and replied, "I know Toronto very well. I've never been here before. This is absolutely crazy," I said as I looked around.

The line-up for Budget Rent-a-car was quite long. I sighed and dutifully walked to the end of the line with Edward following me. Though there were plenty of people in front of me, we got to the counter fairly quickly. I handed over my paperwork and after giving some information to the clerk he handed me a set of keys to a Volkswagen Golf and pointed me toward where the cars were kept. Edward and I lugged our suitcases to the depot and played trunk tetris trying to get everything to fit properly. Soon we were on our way, cruising down the San Diego Freeway in comfortable silence as we took in the sights around us.

At the hotel, I handed over more paperwork and was rewarded with another set of keys. I let Edward know my room number and we agreed that we would get settled and freshen up before meeting for dinner in a couple of hours.

I got to my room and immediately flopped onto the queen sized bed, leaving my suitcases by the door. I was too exhausted to move though I forced myself to reach into my purse and grab my cellphone. I had two voicemails from Leah and Alice, and several texts from Rose. I sent them a group text confirming my safe arrival, set an alarm, and passed out where I laid.

When the loud, grating beeping finally woke me from my slumber, I dragged myself upright and searched through my luggage for my bag of toiletries. I got into the shower and just stood under the hot water, letting the grime and brain fog melt away. I washed my long brown hair with my favourite strawberry shampoo and conditioner, did a quick top up on my shaved legs, and emerged from the steamy room wrapped in a scratchy bath towel. I rifled through my luggage for some fresh clothes and after drying myself dressed in a comfortable pair of dark wash skinny jeans with an off the shoulder maroon tunic top. I then blow dried my hair and put on some mascara and lip gloss. No sooner had I finished when my room phone started ringing.

"Hello?" I answered shyly.

"You ready to get some grub?" Answered a beautiful, melodic voice.

"Sure!" I replied a bit too enthusiastically. "Wanna meet me at the car?"

He chuckled before replying, "Actually I was thinking maybe we could walk and find somewhere close. My legs need to stretch a bit after being cooped up in that plane for seven hours."

"Sounds good. I'll see you in the lobby in five minutes."

I hung up the phone, threw on a pair of ballet flats, grabbed my purse and headed out to the lobby.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

We wandered along the beach a short way before deciding to check out the Santa Monica Pier. It was nearly sunset and the view of the ocean was spectacular. I found myself torn between wanting to stare at Edward and enraptured by the beauty around me.

We sauntered along the pier, watching teenagers play arcade games and older men fishing off one end of the dock. There were couples walking hand-in-hand, seagulls flying lazily overhead, and the calming sound of the ocean beneath our feet. When I spotted Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., I started jumping up and down like a little kid.

"Oh my gosh, it's just like from Forrest Gump!" I cried excitedly.

Edward cocked one eyebrow at me and said, "I love that movie. Let's go there for dinner."

We were seated at an outdoor table right at the edge of the pier, flanked on one side by the ocean. The breeze had picked up and my hair was blowing in all directions as I tried, and failed, to keep it tamed. Edward laughed at my futile efforts and grinned when I produced a hair elastic out of my purse to tie my mane down. We ordered crab stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer, and I asked for the shrimp shack pasta while Edward opted for the jambalaya. We both ordered bottles of beer to wash down our meal.

"This is beautiful," I said as I stared at the horizon which was now streaked with orange, purple, and pink.

"It's different. I'm used to seeing the sun rise, living on the east side of the country," Edward replied indifferently.

"Do you often do that? Go out to watch the sun come up, I mean?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I try to get out for a quick romp on the surfboard every morning to start the day. I'm usually out there just after the sun comes up."

I couldn't help laughing. "You're really not interested in anything related to the beach are you?" I said playfully.

He grinned and shook his head. "Sorry, no. It's just not a novelty to me. It's something I see every day, kind of like you and the subway. I've never been on one of those things so I'm much more interested in that."

We continued chatting throughout the meal, really getting to know one another. The food was delicious, the temperature perfect, and the atmosphere very intimate even with a full patio. After sharing a slice of cheesecake for dessert I was feeling a little giddy from all the beer and our conversation turned more personal.

"Do you have a boyfriend back in Toronto?" Edward asked. His eyes looked narrow and tight, but maybe I imagined that.

"Nope. I actually don't date a whole lot," I said before blushing.

"Hmm, why is that?" he asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't usually have the time, or the interest."

He looked surprised. "Oh. Do you have a girlfriend?"

I clamped my hand over my mouth and giggled. "No," I said between laughs, "I don't swing that way. I'm just not interested in settling for anything less than I deserve. I've had some bad experiences."

"Tell me?" He asked, reaching out for my hand and rubbing circles on my knuckles.

"O-okay," I stuttered at his touch. "Well there was Allastair. He begged me for a date for months before I finally gave in. When I refused to kiss him after our date he never called me again and avoided me at school. Then there was Marcus – he was the captain of the volleyball team and the most popular guy at school. My mother insisted I give him a chance and didn't believe me that he'd had a hard time accepting the word 'no'. I dated Amun for about six months in university before his parents found out and quickly forced him into an arranged marriage with a woman from back home. And I've had a couple of unproductive blind dates since then, at the insistence of Alice, but nothing ever came of them."

It felt weird confessing about my pathetic love life to the spitting image of Apollo, Zeus, and Hercules all in one tasty package. But the look on his face told me he didn't think badly of me – rather, he took pity on my history.

"I'm sorry you've had a rough time of it. Men can be assholes sometimes. They give us good guys a bad reputation," he said as he shook his head sadly.

"It's all in the past," I said as I waved my hand dismissively. "But what about you? What's your story?"

He grinned mischievously. "Well, I've never had a boyfriend or interest in the less delicate of the sexes. As for women, well, that's a different story. I've had two girlfriends. Carmen and I were high school sweethearts until she moved to Japan at the end of year eleven. And then there was Kate…" he trailed off as his green eyes grew sad.

"What happened?" I asked as I held his hand supportively.

He shook his head and pursed his lips as if trying to ward off tears. "She died. It was a congenital heart defect. Something about a ripped valve. Her heart gave out as she drove to work one morning. She pulled off to the side of the highway but by the time the paramedics got there…" He sucked in a deep breath and turned to look at the dark ocean as he squeezed my hand tight.

"I'm so sorry Edward. So very sorry for your loss," I whispered, my heart aching for his pain.

He closed his eyes and whispered "Thank you." After composing himself and taking a few deep breaths, he turned to me and tried to smile. "It's still difficult to talk about, even two years later."

I nodded sympathetically. "We can change the subject if you'd like," I offered.

He nodded. "Good idea. Shall we take a walk down on the beach? It's getting late and I know you have to be up early…"

I glanced at my watch, surprised by the time. "Yes a quick walk would be nice."

Edward flagged down the waitress and, despite my protests, insisted on paying for our entire meal, citing it was the least he could do for the pleasure of my company.

How amazing is this man?

We strolled along the beach below the pier, our shoes in hand, enjoying the friendly atmosphere between us. Few words were said; neither of us felt compelled to fill the silence, instead choosing to just be. Whenever I looked at Edward he had a lazy smile on his face and the few times I caught him staring at me made my stomach flutter. If I thought Edward during the day was beautiful, then Edward by moonlight was absolutely breathtaking.

After about a half hour, Edward grabbed my hand. "We'd better head back to the hotel."

I nodded and blushed at the contact. He seemed to notice the timbre of my thoughts and immediately dropped my hand from his. I knew I was being ridiculous for feeling hurt about that gesture – after all, I'd known this man less than 24 hours – but I couldn't help it. I pouted most of the walk back to the Holiday Inn.

Edward was a true gentleman and walked me to my door. I was nervous, unsure whether we'd just had a date and if so what the protocol would be. Thankfully the decision was wrenched from my hands as Edward gave me a quick, "Good night, pretty girl" before walking back to the elevator. I watched his retreating form, feeling something akin to disappointment, when he turned his head and winked at me before rounding the corner of the hallway.

I entered my room, changed into pajamas, and got into bed right away. As I drifted off to sleep I replayed our entire evening over and over in my mind.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

I arrived at UCLA bright and early after having slept fitfully. I was armed with the most mediocre coffee I'd ever tasted and hadn't had time for breakfast. Needless to say I was grumpy, so when Victoria accosted me I was in no mood for her shit.

"Well well, looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," she said with a sneer.

"Whatever. Where do we register?" Victoria pointed to a table at one side of the foyer where we were standing.

I walked away without a word and got myself signed in for the day. Looking at the list of workshops and speakers made my eyelids droop. Why the hell were we sent here?

There was a fundraising tutorial workshop, panel discussion on child psychology, and a lunch speaker series about sustainability. The latter seemed interesting but the first two did not relate to my job in any way and would thus be wasted on me. I briefly thought about playing hooky until lunch but decided against it when Victoria was practically shadowing me. There was never any love between us and I wouldn't put it past her to sully my reputation at work if given the opportunity.

I pulled out my phone and texted Edward.

Sorry, can't get out of anything this morning. I'll see what's on schedule for the afternoon. –B

He quickly replied.

That's okay, I'm gonna hit the waves. Made a reservation for dinner, hope u don't mind. –E

I melted a little at those words.

Sounds exciting. Where? –B

None of your business, yet. It's a surprise! –E

Haha okay fine. I'll txt you when I'm outta here. –B

Have fun! ;) –E

I did not have fun that morning, with the exception of fantasizing about a shirtless, surfing Edward all throughout the grotesquely dull panel discussion. Thankfully the afternoon was a bit better. We watched a new documentary about corporate control followed by a professional networking seminar which was funnier than it was meant to be. By the time 4:00 rolled around I made a fast beeline to my rental car and drove quickly back to the hotel.

After returning to my room I texted Edward quickly to let him know I needed a nap. He replied agreeably and said he would pick me up at 6:30 for dinner. I was so nervous I barely got a half hour's rest before my alarm went off.

XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoX

Edward pulled the car up to the side of a one storey white plaster building in Beverly Hills not far from UCLA. We exited the car as he handed the keys and some money to the valet. He offered me his arm and I linked mine through it as we walked into the building.

It was absolutely beautiful on the inside. It was all contemporary design with clean lines and plain walls decorated only with bronze sconces, and boy did it look expensive. The main dining area had tables of varying sizes all piled into the room, each with fresh white table cloths and padded arm chairs. The booths along one side boasted dark blue plush velvet seats next to a large glass window that allowed a view of the kitchen.

As the hostess took us to our table on the wall opposite the booths next to the windows looking outside I couldn't help but gawk like an awkward teenager.

"Do you like it?" Edward asked. I finally diverted my attention from my surroundings and smiled warmly at Edward.

"It's just lovely. How did you find this place?"

He chuckled. "This is one of flagship restaurants of Wolfgang Puck," he said as if I should know the name.

"Um, who?" I asked feeling embarrassed. Edward's eyes grew as large as saucers.

"He's a world famous chef, Bella. I can't believe you've never heard of him! I've been anxious to eat at one of his restaurants for a very long time," he said as he shook his head.

My cheeks flamed. "Sorry, this is not usually the type of place I'd visit. Despite being a big city girl I operate on a small town budget."

He flashed me a crooked grin. "Well then, since this is my treat, order whatever strikes your fancy."

"Hold on Edward, you bought dinner last night. The least I can do is return the favour," I half whined.

He continued to grin as he shook his head at me. "Absolutely not."

I sighed as I realized I wouldn't win this argument. "Okay fine, but you choose our meals. I'm not even sure what half of this stuff is," I said as I scanned the menu.

"Done!" He said proudly.

Three hours and two bottles of wine later, we were both drunk and giggling as we shared our most embarrassing childhood stories. I was having so much fun I barely noticed the time until I realized the restaurant was nearly empty. I glanced at my watch and gasped.

"Edward it's so late! I have to get up early," I cried.

Edward had long since paid the bill and so we were out of there very quickly with only one setback: we were both far too drunk to get behind the wheel of a car. After getting directions from the hostess we found ourselves outside a very swanky hotel. Edward plopped down his credit card and demanded a room with two beds, waving his finger dramatically at the poor hotel clerk. His drunken sternness made me giggle so hard I thought I would pee myself.

We somehow made our way up to the room, leaning on each other for support, and managed to find our way around. The second Edward laid down on his bed he was out cold, and I wasn't far behind him as I flopped face first onto my bed.

And that was the first night I slept with Edward Cullen.