A/N: Thanks for reading, guys! Please review. If you do, I might post the next chapter this weekend.

Chapter 2: As I Confess My Undying Love

BPOV

"Two please," he said, smiling at the hostess.

Did everyone always have to stare at him?

She didn't take her eyes off him, nearly tripping, while she showed us to a booth in the back.

Cozy.

He held out his arm, motioning for me to sit first.

I obliged, scooting into the booth, and trying to sit up straight.

This feels weird.

He sat, too, effortlessly. It seemed like everything he did was graceful and easy.

"So, Mr. Cullen, the offer?" I started, wanting to keep things professional.

"Please call me Edward. May I call you Bella?" He smiled crookedly at me. Again. I almost gave in.

"I'd prefer Ms. Swan while we're negotiating, if you don't mind." I didn't give him an inch. I was quite pleased with myself.

He looked quite taken aback for a split second before quickly recovering.

"Well, Ms. Swan, I'm still in need of my first cup of coffee, if you don't mind." He smirked.

Was he ever going to let me live this down?

"Very well."

I glanced at the menu before quickly deciding. I am truly a creature of habit.

I looked up and he was staring at me. I looked away, at anywhere but at him, the salt and pepper shakers really were quite lovely.

We sat in silence. I drummed my fingers on the table, still not looking at him.

Finally, after what seemed like a long time, the server came over to take our orders.

"What can I get you?" she asked, staring directly at Edward as if I didn't exist, and I think I noticed her twirl her hair, too. Could she be any more obvious?

"Ms. Swan?" He gestured to me. I looked at him blankly.

"Ladies first, I insist."

The server huffed, as if it was paining her to acknowledge my existence.

"Veggie omelet, hashbrowns, and coffee, black. Thank you" I said quickly, handing her my menu, and waiting for Edward to order.

"And for you?" She smiled, turning to Edward, almost purring out the question as she batted her eyelashes.

"I'll have a Belgian waffle, please, and black coffee for me, too." His eyes never left mine as he ordered. God, they are really green.

The server practically tore the menu from Edward's hands, stomping off, I can only assume and hope, to bring the coffee.

"So you like it black, too?" Edward inquired, trying to dazzle me again with his smile.

"Oh definitely. I just don't trust lawyers who don't drink coffee. I can't imagine getting through law school or studying for the bar without it." I said, wondering if I was rambling.

EPOV

I think she is finally starting to relax. I couldn't help but be pleased that she drank coffee. All I could imagine was bringing her coffee in bed. Or eating toast at the kitchen table across from her as she read the newspaper, drinking her coffee. Of course, both incidents could only occur after spending the night together. I let my mind wander . . . but she quickly brought me back to reality.

"Mr. Cullen, not to belabor the point, but, shall we continue to your office or mine after breakfast? I would really like to hear your generous offer so I can relay it to my client. We only have twenty-four hours to sign something, you know." Bella said, all business, once again.

"I'm happy to go to your office, Ms. Swan. However, can we please save the negotiating until after we eat?" I tried to be soothing, hoping she would at least let me ask a few questions about her.

The server finally plunked down our coffee.

Bella immediately grabbed hers, smelling it before taking a long drink.

I couldn't help but stare.

"Coffee, Mr. Cullen?" She said, pushing my mug toward me. Is she teasing me?

"Mmmmm." I sighed, taking a sip.

"I know." She said, finally smiling at me.

Maybe all hope isn't lost, I thought, smiling back at her. It was almost a companionable silence until our delightful server returned.

She practically threw Bella's plate at her before turning and smiling at me, and setting my waffle down.

"Can I bring you anything else?" She asked, directing her question only at me.

"We're fine. Thank you." Bella spoke up.

"Thanks," I said, after the server stormed off.

"I'm sure you're used to it." Bella mumbled.

"Um, not quite." I said, completely curious as to what Bella meant.

"Do you mean to tell me, Mr. Cullen, that you simply don't notice every woman around staring at you and vying for your attention?" She sounded angry.

"Honestly, right now, I don't see anyone but you." I replied, fearing her reaction.

She just stared at me in silence. She returned to eating her breakfast without comment.

BPOV

When did it all go so wrong? I was ready for a trial this morning and now I was sitting in a skeezy diner across from the courthouse with some Casanova, failing to negotiate anything. I needed to get a grip. This is my job, not fun.

"Are you almost done?" I asked, hoping we could leave this intimate setting soon. I needed to get back to a sterile office so we could focus on the task at hand.

"Sure." Edward said, pulling out his wallet and dropping way too much money on the table. I didn't even try to protest.

"On to your office, Ms. Swan. Shall we take the subway or did you drive today?"

"Let's get a taxi, Mr. Cullen, my treat. After all, you did pay for breakfast."

"Sounds good."

BPOV

I couldn't get what he said to me out of my head

Honestly, right now, I don't see anyone but you.

What could he possibly mean?

Does he mean what I think he means? And even if he does, it shouldn't matter. This is work. I had to go in there and stand my ground. We could be back in trial tomorrow.

The cab driver pulled up to my office and Edward got out first, holding the door open while I paid. I stepped out of the cab, mentally preparing myself for the negotiation.

"Thank you."

"Of course. But, Ms. Swan, I need to call my client before this begins. I'll be up to your office in twenty minutes."

"Take your time, Mr. Cullen."

I nodded at him and walked into the building. I waved at Max, our security guard, before proceeding to the elevator. I glanced at my watch as the car took me to the 22nd floor. It was still early, only 10 a.m.

The elevator opened and there he was, waiting for me, and smiling.

"Jasper!" I exclaimed, happy to see a friendly face on this really weird day.

I had texted him in the cab, letting him know we had an extra day to settle and that Edward and I were headed his way.

"Bella, Bella, Bella, I'm so confused. What happened?" Jasper said, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"Oh, Jas, I'm even more confused than you." I said, filling him on what happened in court this morning, including knocking Edward Cullen down on the way in, and the awkward breakfast after.

"Bella, take a deep breath. Listen to his offer. Maybe it will be good and then you won't have to spend all week in trial and stressed."

"You're right, Jas. Thanks. But I didn't tell you the worst part."

"Bella, what else is there?"

"I think Edward Cullen may like like me. Which I know is ridiculous, I mean, you should see him. He's gorgeous. Everyone stares at him."

"Bella, you're the ridiculous one. You're gorgeous, too. Edward Cullen must be smart if he likes you. But I think, right now, you should just calm down and see what he says about the offer. If he really likes you, it can wait until after this case settles."

"You're right, Jas. Alice is so lucky. Thanks." I said, hugging him as the elevator opened and we both turned to see Edward exit.

"Ms. Swan, I hope I'm not interrupting." Edward said, walking toward us and wrinkling his forehead as if he were agitated.

"I'm ready Mr. Cullen, if you'll follow me to the conference room, please." I said, taking Jasper's pep talk to heart. I could do this.

EPOV

Oh I really am an idiot. She has a boyfriend. Just wonderful. Now, not only had I really embarrassed myself, but I also pissed off my client, demanding he make a higher offer so I could settle this with Bella. And, secretly knowing, I really wanted to settle this quickly so I could ask her out. I guess we might as well get this done, and I could hope that I would never have to see her again.

"Mr. Cullen, in here, please." Bella said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I followed her into the conference room and finally looked around her firm's office space. It was nice, but much smaller than my own firm.

"Ms. Swan, I want to get right to the point. I can tell you're in no mood for a back and forth."

I scribbled a number on a piece of paper and pushed it across to the table to her.

She looked at me quite curiously and took the paper, her eyes widening as she absorbed the number.

"Mr. Cullen, are you sure this is right?" She asked.

"Yes."

I didn't say anything else, preferring to watch her expressions change as she was clearly thinking a million things in her head.

"Can I please have a moment, Mr. Cullen?" She asked, standing up, and preparing to leave the room.

"Sure, Ms. Swan."

She left the room, her scent of freesias and strawberries lingering, and I let out a big sigh.

This is crazy. How quickly can one develop an infatuation?

BPOV

I took the piece of paper with me as I left the conference room because I still couldn't believe it. This offer was much, much higher than anything Newton had ever thrown out. I was going to walk into Jasper's office, jump up and down with him for a minute, and then call my client and strongly encourage her to take this offer.

I barged into Jasper's officer, where he was on the phone.

"No, I love you more." He cooed.

Alice. I smiled. He looked up at me, realising I needed to talk.

"Hon, I have to go, I'll see you tonight. Love you." He ended the conversation and hung up the phone.

"Jasper, look at this." I said, shoving the little piece of paper at him.

I literally did jump up and down. "Can you believe it?"

"Wait, Bella, is this an offer?"

"Yes, yes it is!"

"Well, what the hell are you doing in here? Go call Lindsay and tell her the good news."

"I know, I'm on my way, I just had to squeal for a minute."

"Okay, well come and find me when it's all wrapped up. You should come out and celebrate with me and Alice tonight. We're going to Piero's. Maybe you should even bring Cullen." He winked.

"Shut it Jas." I said, sticking my tongue out at him, and heading next door to my own office.

I quickly got Lindsay on the phone and got her to agree to the offer. Actually, when I told her the offer, she didn't hesitate. I told her I'd be messengering the contract over to her this afternoon to sign, and that I didn't anticipate there being any more problems. She sounded relieved.

As I walked back to the conference room, I couldn't help but think that Newton had planned this the entire time. Well, not going and having his appendix burst, but holding out on such a good offer until the last minute. What a tricky bastard. I hoped he didn't think he could get me to go out with him by doing this. Oh well, it didn't matter now because Edward was on the case. I wondered if he had any clue about Newton.

I entered the conference room and Edward looked restless. He was standing, and I think he had been pacing. Is he nervous?

"Mr. Cullen, I'm sorry for taking so long. I spoke to my client, and she is very pleased with your offer. She would like to settle."

He gave me that crooked smile again. "Great. Now, will you call you me Edward?"

"Only if you call me Bella." I replied, returning his smile.

We spent the next two hours with my secretary, drafting a standard settlement agreement based on earlier attempts at settlement. It was done quickly and painlessly and we both messengered it over to our clients for signature.

"Well, Bella, I guess I'll see you in court tomorrow, as a formality."

"Yes, I think Judge Gibbons will be happy. You know he hates trial."

"You're right, but honestly, I'm really glad we could settle this. Just between you and me, I think my client was being unfair earlier."

"Well, Edward, I think you might have just been able to work a little magic with him because Newton certainly never had any."

He laughed, and it was a glorious sound.

He reached out his hand to shake mine, and I took it.

Electricity.

I looked up at him and I knew he felt it, too. His green eyes were glowing, and he held onto my hand even tighter.

He shook his head as if trying to erase whatever he was thinking.

"Edward?" I questioned, dropping his hand.

"Is it hard?" he asked.

"What?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Working with your boyfriend?" he stated, sighing, as if this were the perfectly natural conclusion meant by his question.

Boyfriend? What on earth is he talking about?

A light went on in my head and I doubled over in laughter. Edward didn't seem amused. I looked up at him, his expression grim.

"Boyfriend? You must mean Jasper? My best friend and partner." I said, trying to clarify.

He looked sheepish. "Oh, well, you seem close."

"We are close. I'm also really close to his wife, Alice. I think you would like them."

He laughed. "I'm sorry."

His laugh was exactly what I needed to hear. "Edward?"

"Yes?" He seemed genuinely interested.

"I still want to be professional about this until the settlement agreement is signed and filed in court tomorrow, but, about what you said earlier . . ."

He cut me off, as if he couldn't wait any longer. "Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?" He asked. "Please." He added, as if he were unsure I would say yes.

"I would love to. I'll see you in court tomorrow but plan on tomorrow evening, as well."

"I can't wait." He said, turning and leaving the conference room.

I followed him out to the lobby and as he entered the elevator, he turned and gave me that smile again. I was dazzled.

A/N: So, I hope you liked it! I am in the category of those who are way too impatient to draw out Edward and Bella getting together. But! And this is a big but, there will be future conflict. So don't worry if you like the anticipation, it will come!