Previously…

"I want to know Isabella but I wonder how much you will tell me. I see the real you in flashes, when you don't want me to see. I feel the real you when I touch you and you shiver. I want to understand what it is that makes you who you are. Yet you don't want me to see you do you?"

I tried to turn away and he held me steady.

"Stop running Isabella why are you afraid to let me in?"

"Why do you try to turn away? I feel things and I want them to continue but it's as if you don't want me to. You're hiding from me, why?"

I shook my head and he asked me again.

"I said I would wait for you and I meant it. It doesn't mean my feelings aren't getting stronger and I think you know that. I realize its fast. I feel like I'm in a whirlwind and I got swept away and I just want to spend every waking moment getting to know you."

I watched his face as he spoke, he was laying out his heart for me and I have no words.

" Carlisle you are…I didn't expect you."

I pulled away getting out of the water and grabbing my towel. I wasn't lying to him. I didn't expect what I found in him. I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"What does that mean?"

"It means." I turned to face him. "I saw you and I thought you were handsome. I never thought you would come to my table but you did. I end up here and I feel this urge to…I just feel this pull to you and it's so strong."

I shook my head. I better make this good because he is playing real close attention. I can do this.

"I've never dated anyone that was older than me, I mean older than three years. I don't know what you want or expect. You have had a full life and I'm just starting. It's kind of scary and I don't want people to say oh she just want him for his money. I don't need your money I have my own."

He moved forward cupping my face. He really is a beautiful man, breathtaking even…. I could look into his face all day and the way he talks to me makes it so easy.

"I know you have your own darling. Listen to me it doesn't matter what people say. I've never dated someone so young. We'll be in this together and you're right I have led a full life, but that doesn't mean it's over. Isabella I won't deny you of yours." He rested his forehead against mine.

"I feel alive again Isabella and it feels really good. It's all because of you and I like the feeling I want to feel like a normal man again that does normal things. I want someone to call my own and to share my life with, to hold at night."

"The question is what do you want from me?" He asked.

I closed my eyes and slid my hands over his muscular chest.

"I-I don't know yet. I want to get to know you and maybe more. I am so attracted to you, Carlisle I find it hard to concentrate when I am with you. I just don't want to jump into a sexual relationship and us be defined by that," I said moving to hold him closer.

"We wouldn't be defined by that my precious girl. I think emotionally we are already defined somewhat don't you?" He said kissing my hair. I knew what he said and he was probably right in his thinking but give a girl a break I am trying to put a guy off here and he is not making it easy on me.

I looked up meeting his green eyes.

"You are so-," He didn't let me finish before his mouth was on mine. I felt my towel drop and my hands slid around his neck into his hair. Dear God he taste good and he was built so well. Focus Bella this is so not on the agenda and you've got to pull back.

He was so gentle, his hands were caressing my back that was exposed from my bikini but he was never inappropriate. I felt him push me against the pillar and moaned arching into his hands. They felt incredible and I need to stop this now, but my brain is not listening to me. I felt his lips fall to my chest and what do my traitor hands do? Rest in his hair, oh yeah they liked it. Bad hands bad! He felt incredible and I had to stop this before we got too far there was no other choice.

"Please." I begged.

He lifted his head to see my eyes and smiled.

"As you wish." He said taking my hand and leading me inside. I don't wish this but I have to. I need a drink, Geesh.

Let's change and talk." I suggested.

I changed into a pair of shirts and a top Rose had thought to send me. He was already sitting on the couch in much the same. I smiled walking over and curling up beside him.

"Telling about your mother and father." He asked handing me a drink.

I knew I had to tell him something. I could say it and bend a little right? I toyed with his cargo shorts pocket.

"My dad raised me. My mother she didn't stick around my dad he said she was a wonderful woman, but she wanted to be successful and I wasn't part of the equation. He said she was beautiful and very smart. He never wanted me to blame her for any of this. She had offered to stay but he told her follow her dream. He said he would never hold her down and watch her rot away when she could have been so much more."

Hey I'm a better liar that I thought. I had no idea this story would come in handy later. I do sad faces well.

Carlisle lifted my chin.

"That must have been very hard for you."

"It was but I had my father and my grandparents. My mom she went to college somewhere. I hear she did really well but she never got in touch with me. I guess…I guess I'm not too important in her life anymore."

I felt him pull me closer.

"Isabella, I'm sure she had a reason for not getting in touch with you. You are much too smart and too talented for any woman to walk away from. If she can't see that then she never deserved you. You are beautiful."

I smiled and placed my hand on his that was now on my lap.

"My dad he worked up until he was passed. I told you he was a business man and I took over for him."

He nodded.

"I remember."

"He just worked for a small town company. He didn't really have a vision of going anywhere. It's why he sent me to college. He didn't want me to be stuck there and when I took over I made sure, I was never stuck in that dreaded place like he was."

Carlisle ran his hands through my drying hair in understanding.

Ambition is something you have to have in today's world to be successful. I was the same way. My father was content with the company being small and when I took over I made it what it is today. A multi-million dollar company I knew it could be so much more. I hated to waste its potential."

I finished my drink and sat it down turning a little in his arms.

"Carlisle, can I ask you something?" I questioned softly not sure what he would say.

He met my eyes and smiled.

"As me anything lovely."

I became nervous and rested my hand on his thigh.

"Only if you want to talk about it," I said before beginning.

He tilted his head and stroked my arm softly waiting patiently on me to ask.

"What happened to Edward's mother?" I questioned feeling awkward. He smiled sadly looking down. He finished his drink and sat it on the table standing and pulling me with him.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"I want to show you something?" He said pulling me into his study. I followed him to a wall of books and he pulled out a photo album setting it on his desk. He opened it and found what he was looking for turning it to me. It was a picture of a beautiful dark haired lady.

"Is she?" I asked touching the photo.

"Yes." He leaned on the bookcase.

"Her name was Alicia. We were married very young and she actually gave me Edward on our second year of marriage. Alice came a few years after. Alice was only one when she was killed so she does not remember her. Edward he was older so he remembers and he holds a lot of pain in his memories."

"What happened?"

"She had taken the kids to the park. She was buckling them in the car and apparently the driver wasn't looking. He didn't see her and could not avoid her once he did."

I looked down in shock. I can't even imagine what that would have been like for a child to see.

He took the book from me and placed it back on the shelf.

"So you've raised them all alone?"

"No, I have help as you can see." He smiled and pullied me in his arms.

"You know that's not what I meant."

I looked up at him as he searched my face.

"I met someone and it seems I don't have much luck with women. We were together a long time and I thought it would be forever, but it seems I was mistaken." He brushed my hair back.

"I guess it wasn't meant to be," He then added sadly.

I reached up stroking his jawline.

"You never know, fate is funny."

He laughed.

"Yes it is, but I find myself having a hard time with fate. If I trust it I get only sorrow and pain. Somehow the two women I planned on spending my life with were both tragically taken away from me. It's why I swore I would never date again and then you come changing my mind. I have no idea how you did that."

I wondered what he meant by that. Esme wasn't hurt she was perfectly fine didn't he know that? I mean was that what he meant by that or was it simply a manner of speaking? I have no idea what's going on here. He brushed his lips against mine.

"You make me want to live again."

Oh now this is no good because I don't want to feel even more guilt than I already do. I really can't rip out this mans heart like this. He kissed my forehead.

"How about a drink? I've got coke, water, something heavier perhaps?"

"Water is fine." I smiled as he walked out of the room. I knew the room probably had a video camera so I glanced over it carefully before I walked out. I slipped out the back door and stood looking out at the beautiful city lights. He had such a beautiful view from here. So relaxing and peaceful. I felt my phone and looked down turning it off.

"Esme," I breathed to myself softly I didn't hear him behind me.

His hands came around my waist and I smiled. He buried his face in my neck.

"I don't like to play games Isabella. What are you hiding from me?" His voice was a smooth as butter. Oh my god what did he mean by that?

I tensed and attempted to turn but his grip would not allow me. He ran his nose up to my ear. I'm usually not afraid of him but suddenly I am.

"Now let's just look at this for a moment shall we? You're hot and then you're cold. It makes me think you are running something here. Perhaps you are simply enjoying the thrill of the chase,or…."

He grabbed me pulling me until I was against the house and pressed my back against it, his body flush against mine. Oh my god he is going to kill me and I don't mean in a good way, even though this feels really good right now. His eyes flashed a darker green.

"Maybe you are playing in the big boy's league and haven't figured that part out yet. There is something I need to tell you though."

Can he be any sexier? Dear God.

He lifted me, wrapping my legs around his waist and slamming his hips into me. I cried out gripping his arms even though he held me up under my rear.

"I'm not one to toy with and if you are trying to then you just might find out the ending for you won't be so happy. Now that I've got that cleared up Isabella why don't you tell me why you are really here?"

I shivered he was so close to me, pressing me hard against the house.

"You invited me," I said honestly.

"Try again," He said his eyes now getting irritated.

"I-I don't know what you want me to say. I don't understand," I answered confused and I was. I had no idea what had happened. I didn't realize he heard what I said.

He set me down roughly.

"Emmett," He called as he walking to the table and grabbing his drink.

"No please wait." I begged following him. He turned and I could see the anger in his eyes. He did catch on quick, too quick and I had better think of something real fast or else I was so toast. The thing was what did I do?

I grabbed his arm.

"I'm sorry Carlisle I just- this is very confusing for me. I don't know why you're so upset with me. Please." I made the tears start rolling down my cheeks.

"What did I do wrong? I've answered every question you asked of me.

"Tell me how." He held his hand up stopping Emmett at the door.

"I'll tell you anything how what?" I questioned.

He moved closer to me.

"How do you know the name Esme?" He said with anger flaring in his eyes. I swallowed and looked at the ground. Think fast or you are in deep. I can do this.

"My mother she…I didn't tell you…" I turned away and he grabbed my arm turning me around.

"Your mother what?"

"Esme was my mother's name." I said quickly forgive me Esme it's all I could come up with. If he had kids my age why couldn't she? I had to think of something good and maybe this would get me information on just what happened.

"Esme." It was the only word I said.

He gasped looking at me in shock and released me sitting down. He shook his head talking more to himself than me.

"Of course I should have seen it the way you moved, the certain way you did things. It all reminded me of her and I didn't know why. She never told me." He looked up at me and then closed his eyes for a moment.

"I'm sorry Isabella. I did not mean to get angry with you. Please forgive me it was just…I am used to…it doesn't matter come here." He held his arms open to me and I walked into them. He pulled me onto his lap and cupped my face looking deep into my eyes searching.

"I am so…so very sorry for not trusting you and treating you so inappropriately. You have done nothing but been an angel to me and I-I treated you that way. Please forgive me Isabella I have no excuse for my actions."

"Carlisle you live in the limelight and people will take advantage of you. It's ok."

He took his finger and ran it down my face.

"Not when it comes to you it's not, I can't believe I….so much like her how could I not see."

"What do you mean?" I questioned. I knew but I had to play dumb right?

"Oh, Isabella you have no idea. I was already captivated by you so," He whispered kissing the corner of my lips.

I felt like the lowest kind of scum right now. He ran his hand through my hair and sighed a look of serenity on his face.

"Stay with me, Isabella."

" Carlisle ." I began.

He placed a finger over my lips.

"No love, you don't have to make love to me. I just need to hold you. It's been so long I can't watch you go again," He pleaded.

I nodded. It's ok to let him hold me right? I mean the man's gorgeous and has a body made of marble who am I to complain? Rose will be proud of me. I can say hey look at the mountain I slept on last night, she'll get a kick out of that. I showered and changed into one of his casual shirts which hung long on me. He smiled.

"You look cute as a button," He said and I smiled as he kissed me.

"I'll only be a few minutes." He mentioned as he disappeared into the bathroom. I looked around cautiously. I wasn't sure if he had cameras in his bedroom and I didn't want to take chances until I knew. I walked into his closet. It was enormous. It was so neat. I could never keep my stuff this organized. I smiled running my fingers down the row of shirts. I found a jacket it was so soft I found myself rubbing my cheek against it.

I felt his hands on my waist and I jumped. He chuckled as I turned.

"I was just…."

"Hugging my jacket?" He teased.

"It was soft," I defended myself.

"What am I going to do with you?" He questioned and I noticed he was still in his towel and swallowed hard.

He lifted me in his arms and carried me to his bed laying me on it. I tried to be oblivious to the fact that he only had a towel on but it's kind of hard. I mean he was made to make women swoon and he smelt so good. Ok down hormones down! He smiled.

"I'll be right back," He whispered. I guess he was going to dress but I bit my lip distracted by his tone body, which I couldn't help but admire and suddenly his lips were on mine. This is not good not good at all. Focus Bella. I placed my hands on his chest to push him up, but I don't really know if I pushed or groped as he reacted by grabbing them and effectively pinning them down.

"Bella," He whispered against my skin as his lips fell to my neck. I had to stop this. I couldn't go further what to say? I had to say something. I couldn't sleep with Carlisle that would just be…. well I just couldn't but oh god I wanted to.

"I want you," He said slipping his hands under my shirt. "I want you so much," He said again.

Please. I closed my eyes please someone has to interrupt now or something. Where is the annoying son at? I know I'm sad because the only thing coming out of my mouth right now is his name. Wait is his name God?

A knock came on the door and I let out a sigh of relief.

Carlisle passed me a pained look and I shrugged.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry Mr. Cullen but something has come up that needs your immediate attention," Emmett said then. Carlisle groaned and closed his eyes for a moment.

"I'll be right there."

He looked at me and I felt terrible for him. He was red and frustrated without a doubt he was going to be irritable beyond belief. He kissed my nose and went to sit up and I grabbed his towel.

"Bella, I have to see what the problem is. I don't have time," He said running an irritated hand through his hair. The man hasn't had it in how long? It won't take long trust me.

I for one am glad he doesn't have time. My point is limited time means I can get out of the whole sex thing and maybe I can work it another way and save us both some trouble. He'll leave me alone a while and I get off the hook.

I smiled pushing him back and tossing his towel.

"Oh Mr. Cullen I don't think it will take long but I do hope you can be quiet," I said with a wink.

He raised an eyebrow and I smiled keeping true to my word.

He was downstairs a while later so I called Jasper from outside. He laughed at me.

"Do I have good timing or what, tell your brother how much you love him…little slut puppy," He teased.

I sat there with my mouth open.

"Jasper you did that?" I was shocked.

"I just caused a little boo boo in his business enough for them to be busy a while. Got you off the hook so to speak no?" He chuckled.

I laughed, "I love you Jazz."

"I know." He smirked. "What are brother's for."

"I gotta go Jazz." I hung up quickly and slid my phone in Carlisle 's housecoat pocket. I had it wrapped around me. I was lounging by the pool while he conducted business.

"Drink?" I looked up at the drink with curiosity.

"Is it spiked?" I enquired.

Edward smiled sitting in front of me. You know he is up to something.

"No, just coke sorry did you want me to spike it?"

I took it and ignored him looking off at the sun that was starting to fade. Carlisle had such a great view from his house. I need a house like this.

"Got tired of talking shop?" I asked him.

"Never was one to talk shop. It's not my thing." He pulled his legs up and watched me.

"So, what is your thing Edward? I mean besides annoying me," I asked curious.

"I like music, I like art, fine dining, beautiful woman, fast cars and annoying you that's at the top of my list of course." He looked me over in his father's housecoat and smirked.

I chuckled, "How do you plan on paying for all of those expensive things that no doubt come from money if you make none Mister not my thing?"

"I will continue to stay in the music business just like I am now. It's where I enjoy myself my father doesn't understand it. He thinks I should take over where he leaves off but it's not in my heart. Shouldn't a person feel a passion for what he's doing?" He asked. What no smart reply? He's actually being social?

"I think so," I answered.

"What about you Bella, do you feel passion?" He leaned closer and I smirked.

"Depends on what you're asking me about." I answered.

He lifted the tip of my housecoat.

"Was he all you expected?" He raised a curious eyebrow.

I smiled.

"He was more than I expected and then some." I watched his smile falter and I crossed my arms.

"You have some sort of competition going with your father?"

"No, he just doesn't strike me as your type. I look at you and I see more." He said with a shrug.

"Really, Edward do elaborate."

"I see you wanting more than to be some older business man's wife. I can't see you going on boring old trips and being step mom to kids your age. I don't see you having children with him being eye candy on his arm. I see you wanting to be with someone your age and living a full and happy life raising a family together and taking advantage of those opportunities that come your way."

"You don't even know me," I said standing and turning to walk off. He grabbed my arm.

"Am I wrong?"

"Edward, let me go." I demanded.

"I will if you tell me I am wrong," He insisted.

I turned.

"Your father is the best thing that has happened to me. I didn't think I could open myself up until he came along and somehow he helped me. I don't know how but he did. I was just a shell before him. I don't want to go back to that. I can't. I don't know what he wants from me but I know what I want from him."

"What's that?" Edward questioned.

"His heart."

Edward chuckled.

"Good luck getting that Bella many have tried and as you can see none have succeeded." I pulled my arm away and ran back in the house. I knew Carlisle had listened to the entire thing I just hoped I had played my cards right. These two were both pieces of work.

I had dressed and was down the stairs before Carlisle stopped me.

"Isabella wait where are you going?"

"I need to go home clear my head." I said acting upset.

He lifted my chin.

"Listen to me please don't let anything my son tells you cloud your judgment of me."

"Edward? He didn't say anything he's just Edward." I said lightly. Carlisle smiled and stroked my cheek.

"You don't have to defend him thought it's honorable. What he said was true, but only partially. None have succeeded until now." I opened my mouth to say something seeing Edward come around the corner but Carlisle pulled me to him kissing me deeply. I lost my breath falling weak in his arms. He moaned then released my lips meeting my eyes. The man was good.

"I know it seems sudden but I can't help feeling I'm falling for you Bella." I gasped. No, no, no although I want all his secrets I really don't want this poor man to get hurt. He really is a nice guy and I certainly don't want his fury when he finds out. I couldn't help but feel the hot glare of Edward over his shoulder.

"I should go." I whispered.

"I will see you tomorrow?" He questioned. I nodded and turned walking out.

I walked in the office later that day and everyone was excited with my success so far. I found it interesting Rose was commenting on how hot Emmett was from the camera shots. I chuckled I found Esme alone in her office drinking a glass of wine.

"So, mom is it?" She questioned.

"I was on the spot."

She smirked.

"Nice recovery and it worked well." She inhaled deeply sitting in her chair. "Clever, very clever."

"Yes." I said back waiting for a reaction, any kind of reaction. She had none.

"Esme. I don't know what happened but this man is in love with you. Why are you so hell bent on ruining him? What did he do that was so terrible?" I questioned.

"Bella there was one thing I asked of you when you came on what was it?"

I sighed.

"Never ask why."

She stood leaned towards me.

"That still stands my pretty. Now, you do your job. I don't care if you have to sleep with him, marry him or have his twins I want him down so low the mice wouldn't eat him do you understand me?"

I turned and walked out slamming the door.

Jasper turned seeing me.

"Hey sis I got this… Bella?" I ignored him and walked out the door and into my car. I drove home and showered isn't it funny how when you feel like you know someone you really don't? The person you are supposed to hate is the one you feel like you know. I packed a bag and went over to Carlisle's.

Edward opened the door leaning on it.

"Daddy dearest isn't home, he'll be back in an hour or so if you want to wait."

I swear does this kid ever go home? I came in tossing my stuff on the chair. He looked down.

"What happen roommate kick you out?"

I fixed myself a stiff drink. I'd like to throw it at Edward's head but I'll try and resist the temptation.

"Something like that." I said throwing him my best fake smile.

He sat at the bar watching me. I hate when he does that I feel like he's going to run over and lick me or something. I'm not a freaking steak but you know he looks might appetizing tonight.

"Want to talk about it?" He asked. I looked over his black button up shirt and his jeans that fit just right and bit my lip. I looked at his bronze hair for a moment, how was it he always managed to get his hair to look like he just had the most amazing sex?

"Bella?" He asked refocusing me I am sure he noticed my appraisal because he smirked.

"Huh?"

"Talk? You know about your situation?" He said again. I took a sip of my drink and walked over leaning on the bar.

"No." I downed it quickly and frowned. It was nasty but I didn't care I wanted to drowned in my misery right now. I fixed myself another one and he raised an amused eyebrow.

"Well, well little miss perfect is going to get toasted is she? Must have been a really bad one, come on lets take the bottle and sit outside." He grabbed another glass and the bottle and my hand leading me outside. I can't believe I'm actually letting him touch me. We sat at a table and he poured him some in a glass and poured me more.

"So angel, tell me how a beautiful woman like you ends up lonely?" He questions leaning back lazily in his chair. I looked at him funny and didn't even feel like arguing. How does he know I'm lonely he doesn't know anything about me at all.

"You wouldn't understand." I said toying with my drink.

"Try me. I have no mother and my father has his nose buried in his business all the time. He's disappointed in his only son because I have no ambition to take over the family business and be like him. My sister is always somewhere doing something constructive and me I'm just making my music. It's when I feel alive you know what I mean? It's when I can feel hope and I feel like I am me and doing something that is special." I could feel the passion in his words as he spoke.

"But to dad I'm just wasting my time on music. He can't wait for me to take over the crappy business. He's makes sure to tell me how disappointed in me he is. Alice is his angel he is so proud of her. She looks just like mom and she designs clothes. She is his perfect little angel." He downed his drink.

I looked at him and I actually felt sorry for him if you can believe it. I could actually see his pain and I understood a little of why he acted the way he did. If that was true no wonder he was acting out. Man, he was hurting. I decided to talk a little then.

"My mother she left when I was young. My father passed away when I was older." I decided not to bring Jasper into this the less known about me the better. I took over my fathers business after college because that's what needed to be done then I found I enjoyed it. I miss him though and it's lonely."

"Is that where my father came in?" He asked.

I met his eyes finishing my drink as he poured me another.

"No, I was at lunch and your father came over to my table. I'm not looking for someone to replace my dad if that's what you mean." I shot him a look.

Edward frowned.

"Actually it wasn't but that is a little odd. My father usually doesn't approach women. He doesn't have to."

"Well he did, he asked had we met and to his party that night. I came and the rest is history. You seem to hate me though." I was getting a little toasty and the words were slipping out a little too freely.

He laughed looking at me.

"I don't hate you. I think you're beautiful actually I just can't quite figure out your interest in my dad. I wouldn't have taken you for wanting an older man."

I leaned my head back placing my legs on his lap and crossing them.

"Your dad. Carlisle Cullen mmmmm." Ok yeah I need to shut up while I am ahead.

He laughed, "That's the one."

"Yes. He is one very sexy man. You know I've never really been one into older men but that man is beyond sexy."

"Yeah well if you say so." Edward cleared his throat. "I'll have to go with your opinion."

"He is…. I wonder if you will be as sexy. I mean you are totally hot now and you look just like him."

He smirked resting his hands on my ankles.

"You think so huh?" He grinned from ear to ear.

"Oh yeah. You are smokin' babe." I think I've had a little too much to drink because I am totally telling Edward way too much about himself and he is loving every minute of it.

" Carlisle looks so young though. He's so mature and yet he seems so young." I said smiling. He just touches me like I've never been touched does that sound stupid?"

Edward had a look on his face like he was going to be sick. Why did he look like he was going to be sick? What did he think I was talking about? Carlisle and I have never done anything.

"No but I'd rather not know about it."

"Hey." I sat up quickly.

"Is it true, you know what they say that being well endowed runs in the family?" Did I seriously just ask him that? I did just ask him that, and no I'm not ashamed. Ok, maybe a little but all females want to know. I mean I saw daddy and if he is anywhere near that then just wow.

Edward's eyes bugged and he shook his head.

"Bella you did not just ask me that." Oh yes I did too and I'll hate myself tomorrow for it.

"Didn't ask you what? Now I'm confused." I scratched my head.

He chuckled and cleared his throat leaning close to me.

"I'll tell you what. If you ever want to know there's an open invitation to my bedroom to find out."

"You'll show me?" I asked smiling.

"Oh yeah baby I'll show you. If you're really good I might even let you touch it." He licked his lips and smirked then stood when he heard the front door walking inside and leaving me alone.

"Isabella? Edward said you were here." I heard a male voice and turned.

"Carlisle" I stood and ran to him wrapping myself around him. He chuckled lifting me against him.

"Well I missed you too precious one. Are you well? I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow." He questioned setting me down.

I sighed and he raised an eyebrow. I'm sure he could smell the alcohol not to mention I swayed and he caught my elbow. I didn't eat dinner and was drinking alcohol like it was my last supper. It was a really bad idea. I wasn't drunk but I was tipsy.

"Isabella how much have you had to drink?"

"Just a little bit." I turned to see Edward leaning on the doorframe enjoying the entertainment. He had that stupid lopsided grin on his face.

"Is everything ok?" He asked again.

"I just…it's all so confusing. I'm not supposed to fit in because I never fit in but I do. You make me fit in and I like fitting in and I'm tired of being alone. I'm just….."

He placed a finger on my lips.

"Isabella, you are always welcome here." He said gently.

I met his green eyes and felt a tear roll down my cheek. I couldn't help it. When I looked into his eyes I knew the awful truth of what I was going to do to him and it was going to tear him apart.

"You should hate me." If he only knew the truth he would.

He pulled me close and lifted my face in his hands. He was always so warm and inviting.

"I could never hate you. Isabella don't do this let me love you, let me show you what love can be like."

" Carlisle …" I barely whispered. I didn't see that Edward had disappeared and we were now alone.

"Let me show you." He said again as he kissed me softly. I was timid at first but then my hands went to his hair suddenly he was my anchor in the storm I felt coming. I didn't feel him lift me and carry me upstairs. I don't know when he laid me on his bed I only remember him looking into my eyes and I felt like I was drowning into his green pools and I never wanted to be free. I knew this was wrong and I didn't care. I just wanted someone to want me even if it was because I reminded him of his precious Esme.

"Will you let me show you Bella?" He asked biting my lower lip gently but firmly. I moaned arching into his hands.

"Yes, God yes." I begged him.

His lips crashed into mine and I closed my eyes.

I awoke wrapped in his arms. He was draped across me stroking my back softly. It took me a minute to focus on where I was and another to try not to panic when I realized what I had done. I felt his warm lips graze my shoulder and his hand ghosted to my naked hip.

"Wake up my beautiful one." He whispered as smooth as velvet. I closed my eyes and tried not to cry. I hate regret. One thing was good, his hands felt nice. I felt him move my hair and gently kiss my neck. Ok he doesn't know this but my neck is my zone. You hit the neck you got me. I gripped the sheets and tried to count to twenty, count sheep anything to keep my mind off of the soft wet contact of his mouth.

He must have heard my breathing hitch because his hands began to massage my skin.

"You are so beautiful." He whispered kissing my spine. Oh God not the spine. He's going to kill me! He curled around me and returned his lips to my neck.

"I was thinking we could go down for breakfast, but I think I would prefer something else first." He said as he nipped my ear. I shivered moaning before I could stop myself. He chuckled.

"I'm glad you agree."

If anything was unclear from the night before it certainly wasn't now. This man was incredible. I've never been more attended to in my life. I don't know if it's his age or just his nature. I'll regret this later.

We ate breakfast downstairs and enjoyed a nice morning. I noticed he held my hand through out. He seemed calm and peaceful when we were finished he led me to the living room. He sat down pulling me between his legs.

"I've been thinking and I know it's quite fast Isabella. You have every right to tell me to wait."

I turned to see his face.

"I've lived a full life you see and I don't believe in wasting unnecessary time, especially when I know what I want."

"What is it you want Carlisle?" I questioned.

He ran a finger down my cheek.

"I want you to move in with me. I would like to see where we progress to."

I looked at him for a moment in silence and then rested my head on his chest.

"You don't have to Isabella. I just want you to understand the offer is there if you want to take it. I haven't felt this way in a very long time. I don't sleep with women randomly. I'd like to keep you around."

I knew he was being honest and that is what bothered me the most. I wasn't. He sighed closing his eyes.

"I have no idea what you want out of this, marriage, a child, security. I can understand all of that. I can give you all of that in time if you'll let me."

"Carlisle I'm sure you didn't intend on having more children." I said honestly.

He met my eyes.

"I didn't intend on falling in love again either, things change it was never ruled out with the right person."

"Your kids are grown." I reiterated.

"Do you like arguing with me? Is this an excuse for you?" He asked looking at me curious.

I looked away.

"I didn't say that."

"It sounds like one." He said toying with my hair.

"It's not." I said back.

"So if I were to say let's go upstairs and make a baby you would say…" He watched my face.

"I would say it's too soon and I'm on birth control." I said a little too quickly.

"Hmmm…" He said tapping the chair.

"What?" I asked.

"You said last night you weren't." He mentioned watching my reaction. I keep my face calm and shrugged.

"I was drunk...well tipsy."

"So you were…the question remains are you or aren't you? There could be consequences to that answer."

I thought about what he said and looked at him oddly.

"It wouldn't matter you used protection."

"Did I? Are you sure? You were drunk remember?" I racked my brain trying to remember and for the life of me I couldn't.

"Well did you?" I asked.

He moved flipping me on the couch.

"I don't know perhaps if you are honest with me so shall I be with you."

I inhaled deeply his fresh clean scent and couldn't help but look into his eyes. He had me locked into place and there was nowhere I could go.

"No." I answered.

"No what Bella?" He asked then.

I sighed guilty.

"No, I'm not on birth control." I was on the pill and protected, but I was curious what he would say.

He nodded.

"You shouldn't lie to me about something as important as that. I promised you I would protect you and I can't if you aren't honest with me."

"I'm sorry. I just….you threw me off with your question."

"I frightened you." He clarified.

"Yes." I was honest.

The answer is yes I wore a condom I told you I would always protect you unless you didn't want me to and I did."

I couldn't argue with his logic. He was going to be a tough cookie to crack. I kissed him lightly and smiled.

I'll think about what you said but in the mean time I really should go I have a few things I need to do."

Carlisle smiled kissing me lightly and stood releasing me.

"I will see you soon then."

"Yes." I answered slipping from his arms.

I was out the door and home as soon as possible.