Bella

I was so pissed that I didn't have my page of notes. I kicked Seth out and dove into some ice cream.

"Mom, I miss you. I'm so tired of living like this. I know I can't always get my way but will you help me a little here. Just saying, you left me when I was fifteen and it's been really rough."

I curled on the couch and ate my ice cream while I cried a little over what happened five years ago.

The next morning I woke up late and cursed as I stubbed my toe. I threw on my yellow sweatshirt and favorite jeans as I tied my hair in a tight bun on my head.

"Crap I'm going to be late" I grabbed my books and headed out the door as I slammed it behind me. Books started crashing to the ground as I tried to lock the door. "Fan-freaking-tastic" I sighed picking up my books and hobbling down the stairs as I tried to put the books in my messenger bag. I was outside my building and I turned in the direction school was when I hit something soft and hard at the same time. I fell to the ground on my butt. "Really Mom this is the luck you are sending me today?"

I looked up to see what the heck I hit when I saw two tall black pant legs, a crisp blue shirt and tie, and the man from the pier.

"Oh, my gosh" I smiled at his hand set out for me to help me up. "You're the guy from the docks"

He smiled and when I put my hand in his a zap went through me. I looked up at the man and he was looking confusedly at our hands.

"Yes I'm Edward…Edward Cullen"

"Bella Swan" I said as he pulled me up then retrieved my bag off the ground. "I'm sorry I ran into you. I'm so late for class."

"It was no problem Bella; I was on my way to see an associate of mine. Can I give you a ride though?"

"Oh, no I don't want to impose." I smiled at him

"Okay, but before I forget." He pulled a paper out from his pocket. "Your paper fell out the other day and I wanted to return it to you."

I took it and looked at it. It was my notes! My beaming face went straight up to him. "Thank you; you don't know how crazy I was going. I really needed these notes. Thank you."

"Is your luck turning around then? You could apologize to your mother?" he smirked his crooked grin at me. I could feel the blush stain my cheeks.

"You know what I would love the ride to Wagner if that's okay?" he smiled and nodded opening his car door for me. "Thanks mom, day is definitely turning around" I said to the sky. Edward laughed and got in the car. He drove me to the school and said good bye.

"I hope we run into each other soon Bella" he smiled

"Maybe not literally though. I'll see you around Edward" I blushed and walked to the building now only ten minutes late.

After my classes I went to my apartment. I opened the door but it felt odd, like it wasn't the way I left it. I walked around looking at everything. Nothing was missing. My mother's jewelry was still placed right by her picture and my cash jar still had the three hundred dollars in it. I shrugged and went to change.

I had work that night. I worked at a scummy bar on the opposite side of town. The lowlifes went there and drank all day. Bad business was made here and one drug exchange before. I know it's shady but it pays well and I get great tips.

The bouncer is a nice guy; he always has my back if a customer gets to hands-y. I walked in to see we were at a full house and the regulars were getting rowdy because there service was to slow. I quickly got to work serving and showing off my body. The uniform was a small pair of black boy shorts and a red tied off tub top. It came an inch from my navel and a large section of my stomach was showing along with a very good deal of my cleavage.

"Leggy is here!" one of my regulars cheered. I glared at him and brought him his drink.

I made eighty dollars that night. It was worth it, believe me. I slid on a pair of black yoga pants and my red trench coat. I tied it tightly and started my five mile hike to my apartment. It was good exercise but I was always exhausted after work. And considering it was two in the morning I was always terrified some creep would try to attack me.

I was three miles away when I happened upon Edward Cullen and the big guy from the docks. He looked up at me as I approached them. His head lowered but then snapped up.

"Bella, what are you doing in this neighborhood at this hour?" Edward asked completely cutting off the other guy. The other guy looked at me and then at Edward.

"I had work, I'm just walking home." I yawned and smiled "Sorry. Long day" I blushed. I put my hand out and smiled at the man. "I'm Bella Swan by the way" Edward was frowning. He ran a hand through his bronze soft looking hair.

The big guy looked at Edward them me and smiled tightly "Emmett" and his large hand engolfed mine.

"It's nice to meet you Emmett, I really should get going if I am going to make it home before four. Bye Edward"

"Don't be silly, Bella. You are not walking home. I'll drive you" Edward said. He lifted my bag off my shoulder so I couldn't refuse. "Good lord Bella, what do you have in here a body?"

I laughed and Emmett choked a little. "No not tonight" I laughed and blushed "Just my work clothes and shoes and some books for school…"

"You shouldn't carry this much. You could hurt you back" Edward said leading me to a car. It was a different car than this morning. This car was white with all black interior. It was an expensive car. This morning's car was blue and not as flashy.

"Emmett, tell the boys I'll be back. I want to finish this conversation later." Edward's face was stone like when he looked at Emmett. Emmett nodded and walked to the house behind the trees.

"So Bella what is it you do anyways?" Edward asked as he drove me home. There was light jazz music playing in the background.

"Don't laugh or form an awful opinion okay." I waited for him to nod. "I work at the little bar on the edge of town." I watched his reaction. He seemed to stiffen then relax a bit.

"I don't think you should work there Doll, it's dangerous. I assume the money is good but I rather find you a job somewhere decent so I know you are safe"

I blushed at the word Doll. We were in front of the apartment building now.

"Bella if I look for a job for you would you consider it?" I looked at him and rolled my eyes.

"Edward, it's not that dangerous. Besides the bouncer Kyle is really good at keeping the guys in line."

"People grab at you" his nostrils flared. "No, I am finding you a job even if I have to make one up." He was not listening to me and my reason. He was having none of it.

"Okay Edward, find me a job and I'll consider it. Thank you" I leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Good night"

"Good night Doll" he smiled at me.

The next morning Edward was leaning against his blue car with a folder in his hand. He smiled that crooked grin at me that left me wanting more and I smiled back. He was so sexy.

"Morning Bella"

"Morning Edward, to what do I owe this pleaser?" He smirked at me and shook his head.

"I have a few job offers for you that's all." He held out the folder.

"How? It's been seven hours." I flipped open the file. Mason Electric secretarial position. Pays $9 an hour. Mason and Son dry cleaners; manager, $10 an hour. Personal secretary for Mr. Mason; $15 an hour. Masons Restaurant; floor manager, $10 an hour.

"Who is Mason and how did you get all these positions available?"

"Well I'm Mason…my really name is Cullen but all the family business is in Mason. It's a respected name around my parts so there I go by Mason."

I gawked at him. Are you serious? He owns all of these places? "What do you need a personal secretary for?"

He smirked and laughed once scratching his neck. "That is actually for my dad. He lives in Venice now. He likes to look over the companies though still. You would just do paper work and mail him all the info he asks for. It's pretty simple but it pays well."

"Edward I can't accept any of this." He frowned. "It's not that I don't appreciate it but it is way too much. You could find qualified people for these jobs."

"Bella, Doll, I made all the jobs up. I don't need anyone else to help run the restaurant, Patty does a fine job; but I was giving you options. The only job that I will be filling if you don't take it is my dad's secretary. I don't have time to do all that myself anymore. So the position is yours if you want it."

"Edward" I smacked his arm and frowned. "I can't believe you made up those jobs. You are crazy."

Edward smiled and tucked a strand of hair back into my twist. My heart picked up speed. Edward was doing crazy things to me.

"I just want to help you out Bella. Please take the job. You would be helping me out big time."

My heart was pounding and I was sure he could hear it. I blushed as that electricity ran through us from his fingers brushing my cheek.

"Okay you win"

"I always do" he smiled cheekily