Revised 4/14/19
I'm up early, way, way too early. I'm usually up at 4:15 that gives me twenty minutes to get ready and another 20 to walk to the shop, then I start the morning baking so I can be ready at 6, I do have a few early birds who stop in on their way either from work or to. They're always relieved that I'm open to early and that's why I have their business.
Today, I'm up even earlier, I'm in desperate need of groceries and I just ran out of laundry soap, the last 3 and a half weeks of working all day and crashing at night have started to really add up.
I manage my shopping, calling on a cab for the occasion as I don't have a car, and bring the groceries to my shop. I'll haul them home when I'm done. A task I'm already not looking forward to.
I do my morning bake almost mindlessly cursing the 10 minutes I snoozed my alarm that prevented me from getting coffee.
It's therapeutic, scoop the batter, wipe the excess, fill the cupcake liner. I repeat this process 24 times until the pan is full, then place it in the oven. Today I'm making Samoa cupcakes.
A ding alerts me of a customer as I'm toasting coconut, in my haste the oven mitt slips in my grip and I burn my hand on the pan.
"Shit." I hiss. I pull a rag from a nearby hook and douse it cool water then wrap it around my hand and make my way out front.
"Welcome!" I call, it's not as bright as usual, I feel weighed down with fatigue, the front of my shop is now occupied by 4 burly, well-dressed men. My eyes fly over their features, and widen when I meet the dark intense eyes of Edward.
"Take a look boys, find something you like, I recommend the pie, Bella's pie is the best in town." I flush crimson and make myself busy at the display opening the window and bending low to cut a slice of pie.
"Apple again?" I ask looking up through the glass. His tongues runs across his bottom lip and he nods. I look down concentrating on cutting a slice, trying to keep my breathing manageable. The thought of that tongue lingers dangerously in my mind.
"Will you be eating here again?" He takes a look at his entourage then at his watch.
"We can spare some time." He says. I load his plate and hand it over the counter. His hand grabs hold of my burned hand and I flinch and give a small whimper. He takes it in his hands carefully unwrapping the towel to find an angry burn from pinky to wrist. For a moment he just looks at it intensely, then he pulls it to his lips and places a light kiss. I let out an involuntary gasp that I hope he thinks is as a result of pain, because it's embarrassing to react to a man's lips the way I am right now.
"Call my aunt, take the day off Bella." I scoff at the command, ire rising to being told what to do by a man I barely know.
"I can't do that, she's not scheduled today." He gazes imploringly at me, eyes assessing me. What is he seeing? The deep bruises beneath my eyes, the poor attempt at pulling up my hair? He pulls out his phone decidedly after a moment.
"Esme, oh yes I'm well, yeah look I need a favor. Bella's burned herself, and she looks dead on her feet, beautiful but exhausted I think she needs the day off. Yes, Good, thank you Esme." He hangs up and cocks his head calculatingly.
"She'll be here within the hour." My teeth clamp and I glare. Not taking to anyone telling me what to do since Dad. I'd been in my own autonomy for years now.
"I think I'll make that decision thanks," I rip my hands from Edwards and look to his friends who are watching us with raised eyes. A giant comes to look at the display, splaying his hands on the glass like Anthony would. His bright blue eyes can't seem to settle on any particular thing and he smiles widely exposing dimples. It's like Anthony in the body of a giant.
"A cheesecake brownie, a carrot cake cupcake, and a slice of that chocolate peanut butter pie I've heard so much about." I smile and raise an eyebrow.
"Big appetite?" I ask opening the fishing up his choices on a plate. He grins and wiggles his brows.
"You wouldn't believe." I laugh outright, and hand him his plate.
"Emmett Cullen." He says to me. I cock my head to the side, noting the similarities, his smile matches Esmes, though his is mischievous.
"One of Esme's wild children?" I ask with a teasing smile, he guffaws loudly.
"The wildest." he says with a wink then he goes to sit with Edward.
The next man is tall and lean, with calculating blue eyes and a mess of honey curls. He looks over the selection and chooses a slice of red velvet cheesecake. Sticking to tradition he introduces himself:
"Jasper Whitlock ma'am." He offers with a small grin, I smile in response.
"Bella Swan." His grin gets wide and he exchanges a look with Edward.
"Trust me, we know." he says laughing and walking off. My cheeks are aflame which prompts another guffaw from Emmett.
"Look at her, she's a tomato!" I only get brighter, but manage to give him my best glare. This furthers his humor and he booms out an even bigger laugh.
My next customer is older than the rest, but no less physically imposing, his hair is greying, and wrinkles are beginning to set in, but his grey eyes are just as sharp as any I've ever seen. He asks for a slice of a pecan tart and shakes my uninjured hand.
"Jason Jenks, your new lawyer." he states leaving no room for argument. My eyes widen and I look to Edward who nods.
"It's nice to meet you Jason, I'm Bella, I'll gather my recipes." He nods and joins his group.
I run back and turn off the oven, and pull out the cupcakes, then I gather the large binder filled with laminated copies of my recipes. I come out front and squeeze into the space between Edward and Jason. Edward's hand comes to rest on my lower back making my skin flush and my body hum.
"So these are the recipes. Everything in it is of my own design, or a family recipe." I point out a carrot cake recipe that says it's origins are from Marie Swan, my grandmother. It's the very same as the cupcake Emmett just ate in one large bite.
"I'm having some problems with two disgruntled former employees. Lauren Mallory and Jessica Stanley." Jason writes the names on a notepad then has me check the spelling.
"They quit not too long ago, and I've received threats to sell my recipes. I guess they made copies," I pause to swallow back some tears, Edwards hand on my back slides to my side and gives a squeeze. It's nice and reassuring, his thumb runs soothing circles that ease a lot of the tension I've felt today.
"They want me to offer them some retribution for past wrongs- or something, and they're not all that nice. I really just need everything copyrighted so I know this won't happen again. I heard Ricky's is selling a chocolate peanut butter pie now, went and tried it and I know it's my recipe." I place my hands to my forehead and sigh.
"Just, fix this?" I practically plead. Jason nods.
"I'll need to keep these copies and have them each copyrighted, it will also prove ownership and right infringement when I speak with the girls and this Ricky." I nod and offer a weak smile.
"Thanks."
"Fuck Bella, I'm coming back everyday." Emmett bellows easing my tension. I laugh freely.
"Please do. You'll eat up the whole shop and I'll make a killing." I say. He pats his stomach.
"Don't tempt me."
Esme arrives shortly after towing behind her a tall handsome blond man with blue eyes. I look from him to Emmett to him and note the eye color and nose are a match.
"Bella, this is Carlisle, my husband." Carlisle shakes my offered hand with a smile. What is with this family and being unattainably beautiful? I'd hedge a guess at plastic surgery if it weren't for the fact that Esme is so genuine and down to earth. That is some gene pool though. Damn.
"Nice to meet you." I say. He looks to my burned hand with interest.
"May I?" he asks, at my confused look he smiles charmingly. "I'm a doctor." He states, I let him see my hand.
"It doesn't look too bad, it will hurt for a few days, apply a burn cream and take advil for the pain." I laugh and roll my eyes.
"I've been burning myself since I was 4, I can handle it." My eyes flash to Edward challengingly.
"I can handle myself." I state. Emmett guffaws loudly.
"Fiesty." He calls, I roll my eyes and flip him off which sets him and Jasper both off.
Carlisle orders a fruit tart at Esme's insistence and the boys finish up. I hum as I ring them up, my head begins to ring and I vaguely try to recall what I've eaten today and how much water I've had.
Its worrying how few answers I have.
"Pardon me if I overstep," Carlisle says from his seat, I glance away from the register to him. "but I must advise you to rest. Perhaps you really should take the day off."
I bite my lip and feel almost hysterical. I'm tired so tired and my tolerance emotionally is small. I'm nearly in tears.
"I've got a lot to do and-"
"I am perfectly capable of managing things here, you go home and nap! After you have a full meal, you're looking lean." Esme interrupts in what is the firmest motherly tone I've ever heard.
My mouth closes and I'm not proud to say I pout.
"Really it's okay, I just need some coffee and I'll be-"
"Isabella Marie." The tone is sharper now. When did she learn my full name?
"Dude, you should listen to her, take it from me," Emmett states seriously.
I give in with a huge sigh.
"Okay, let me just finish ringing them up." Esme's raised brow settles and she smiles.
"Perfect, Edward will give you a ride."
"But-" her brow raising again stops my protest.
"Thank you Esme." I say sincerely. I scowl at Emmett when he giggles.
"19.49 please." I say when I have everything rung up, bashfully looking at an amused Edward.
"Throw in Carlisle's," Edward says. I roll my eyes, but add it in. Edward is watching me intensely.
"24.19" I say. He stares at me.
"Jason will handle the theft issue." he states firmly. I nod and look to the older man with a thankful smile..
"I know, thank you Edward." He grins, no smirks.
"A token date for the man responsible?" Edward asks. "Less to worry about now that Jason is on it." he adds. I roll my eyes and stick my hand out.
"24.19." I say again coolly. Edward grins at me and shakes his head.
"I'll get to you eventually Miss Swan." He says lightly. Then he hands me a fifty.
"Keep the change." he says and before I can react he flashes a charming crooked smile and strolls away from the counter.
"Emmett you look physically capable come help me grab some things." Emmett preens under the compliment and stands and flexes a bicep.
"You got it babe." He says and makes to follow but Edward places a hand on a chest to halt him.
"I am more than capable." He says coolly following me into the back.
"Sorry Bellsy, the Bossman's got it!" Emmett calls.
"What did you need that buffoons help with." I roll my eyes at his sour tone, I'd almost say he was jealous.
"I went shopping before work, I need a hand taking everything home. It's actually nice, I was going to call a cab, and now I don't have to." Edward pauses as he gathers the bags.
"You dont own a car. Are you telling me you walk?" I nod sheepishly. The old Chevy I had as a teen wouldn't last in the big city so I'd sold it to a freshman for some extra cash for college. That was 5 years ago. Chicago's public transportation made the need for a car low and I'd been managing so well I never bothered getting a new one.
Edward shakes his head firmly.
"A beautiful woman should not be roaming the streets alone." He says making me blush.
"I'll arrange something, anything else? Some lingerie perhaps?" He teases with a waggling eyes. I blush and laugh opening the door back to the front.
"The only shopping it do is at 4 am for groceries and household basics. I don't have time to get lingerie."
Emmett guffaws loudly.
"You should meet my Rosie, she'll get you some real nice stuff, last night-" Esme slaps the back of his head to quiet him.
"It's my girl that wi have a field day." Jasper states sardonically offering a sly smile.
I blink.
"No- I really don't need anything." I blush. "Come on Edward." I urge and he trails after me.
Outside Edward directs me to a dark SUV and loads my groceries diligently, then he gets behind the wheel.
I give him instructions to my apartment which he assesses with those dark eyes.
"Hows security here?"
I roll my eyes at him.
"Just fine, quit judging my place and help me." He takes the bags in hand and follows me up depositing them on my table at my request.
Then he just stands there, looking around.
"So coffee?" I roll my eyes and start unloading bags.
"How many times do I have to turn you down?" I tease. He pouts in a very Anthony-like way.
I wasn't asking for a date- well I could have- if you wanted," it strikes me that he's nervous. "I just wanted you to feel better, how do you take it, I'll get it."
I cant help the grateful smile that falls over my face.
"You really don't have to do that. I'm going go nap anyway, but in the future, a white chocolate mocha with whipped cream."
He beams at me.
Edward helps me put groceries away, opening my fridge to deposit milk, he looks at its bare contents with distaste.
"I've been too busy to really shop or cook." I say with pinkened cheeks.
Edward just shakes his head.
"You need to let others help you, take care of you." His eyes are so earnest, deep and hypnotic.
I can only bite my lip in response.
We finish unloading in a heated silence save for the occasional question about where things go.
Then Edward stands at my door, his dark eyes warming me.
"Please call me when you need help again, with anything." Then his hand comes to my cheek cupping it gently.
"And get some rest, you're beautiful, I can only imagine how radiant at fu health."
"Thank you." The words break slightly and I can't help the blush on my cheek.
So the first major change in the revision process!
