Edward lets me inside first and I am glad for the few moments of silence to collect my thoughts. Hadn't he, not even three hours ago, told me that we wouldn't be having anymore talks like we had last night? And hadn't my heart died just a little bit knowing that this perfect man did not want me like I had wanted him? Now I stood in front of him heading to his room to "hide out". He had seemed genuinely upset this morning, but now he seemed freer, lighter somehow, and my mind is reeling from the transformation.

He steps in front of me and looks around the room making sure there is no one around to see me. I giggle at the obviously exaggerated movements that he is making and see his shoulders shake slightly telling me that he is laughing too.

"Come on, it's all clear," he says in a stage whisper waving me on down the hallway.

His change of mood is baffling in the least. Yet I wouldn't want it any other way. Somehow I already know that he is a constant flow of different emotions. That one simple word or odd look can make his demeanor change completely. He can flip his personality in a moment's notice; not because he wants it to be that way, but because there is something holding him back.

I keep quiet until I am in the room sitting on a chair by the window and he is sitting on the bed.

"Thank you. I would have been fine staying outside, but I can't deny this is a lot more comfortable."

"Would you really brave that cold day rather than deal with Mike?" His voice sounds slightly incredulous and possibly annoyed; as if the very thought somehow bothered him.

I shrug my shoulders and look out the window at the graying sky. It never stays sunny for very long in Washington. "Mike is a nice guy. And he's helped me out a few times when I'm in a tough spot. I don't want to hurt his feelings at all. He knows that I won't date him; he just can't help hoping that one day it will change."

"It's a very cold day out there Bella, you could have gotten very sick."

"You were out there sleeping," I say not bothering to hide my annoyance. People have been sheltering and over protecting me my entire life. It was a theme that I was sick of. I have been caring for my mother, running her inn, and taking care of my own life for years. What would make someone believe that I wouldn't be able to keep myself from getting a cold?

"True, I was. It wasn't the smartest move. But I've also been raised in much colder weather. This to me feels rather warm."

I snort and shake my head. "It can't be more than thirty degrees out there. How is that warm?"

"I grew up for quite a while in the upper regions of Alaska. We were celebrating if it reached thirty this time of year."

I sigh and stay quite. "I'm not as fragile as people want to believe," I mutter under my breath not looking Edward in the eyes.

I hear him chuckle and the mattress groan from the shift of his body weight. "It still does not mean it's healthy to be out in that weather. What would you prefer to drink? Would you like some hot tea? Perhaps hot chocolate would be nicer?"

I laugh and finally turn my eyes towards his. His eyes are sparkling and reflecting the serenity he is feeling in this moment. The innocence in his eyes stuns me for a moment and I take the time to look over his face carefully. The way the messy array of bronze hair fell haphazardly into his eyes just so. The strong, square jaw that gave his face the bit of masculinity, that the playfulness of his eyes took away; and his straight nose. His face was perfectly symmetrical; the kind that artists took great pleasure in studying and painting.

"Has anyone ever wanted to paint you?" I ask before I can stop myself.

"I'm sorry?"

I give a shy smile at the tone of confusion in his voice and tear my eyes away from his face. I can feel the blush creep into my cheeks and I don't want to feel any more of a fool than I do right now. "I'm sorry, it's just that your face it's so—it's perfect for painting. I'll have some tea. A slight bit of milk and three spoons of sugar."

"Oh—uh yes, tea ok. I'll be right back with that. You just stay out of sight." He says with a teasing smile before he is through the door and out of sight.

I let out a sigh and look around the room. I have always had a problem with letting my mouth run away with me. I can never seem to grasp the concept that either people have better hearing than I believe, or I do not mutter as quietly as I should. My remarks are heard when I would rather have them kept to myself. Edwards face as I asked him whether people have wanted to paint him was one of pure shock. And right now I could die from mortification. The most beautiful man that I have ever seen walks into my life, and I ruin it before it ever has a chance to begin.

Trying to get my mind off of how I will have to avoid Edward for the rest of the weekend I look around and notice that things are placed very neatly around the room. Sitting on top of his neatly folded shirts that are still in his suitcase, is a picture. My curiosity gets the better of me and I pick it up and study the faces. All five of the Cullen's stand smiling; as usual the beauty of each of them is almost over powering.

It isn't the beauty of any of them that stops my breath; seeing as how the picture can barely capture the true elegance and grace of all of them. Rather it is Edwards demeanor that throws me. His smile is wider, happier, than I have yet to see. His arms thrown carelessly around his sister and his chin resting on her head. He is the perfect picture of ease. He is not trying to force or fake his way through conversation. He isn't trying to convince anyone that he is happy here. In that moment he was free to just simply be.

"That picture was taken nearly three years ago."

I jump at the soft voice so close to my ear. How long have I been studying the picture?

"I had just sold a piece that had taken me five years to finish. We all went off for a vacation on my mothers island."

"I'm sorry did you say island?" I ask shocked at the thought of someone owning an island.

Edwards sheepish smile tells me that I did in fact hear him right.

"It was an anniversary present from my father. It was their twentieth anniversary a very big deal."

"Not even Brangelina get each other presents like that."

His chuckle is across the room now as I hear him set down the cups of tea.

"My family has a bit more money than Brangelina, Bella. But it was a one time splurgence. We don't exactly go out buying islands on a whim."

This time I laugh with him as I set the picture down. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snoop or anything. I was just walking around and it-- it caught my attention," I finish lamely and mumbling to my shoes.

"Please don't apologize. It isn't like you went rifling through my draws. I tend to travel quite a bit; for business and pleasure. I got into the habit of taking a few personal pictures with me to make it feel a bit less lonely."

"Well you all look very happy."

"We were-- then," he says quietly. "Come, sit and have your tea," his voice is stronger now and I know he is switching topics on me.

I turn and smile at him making my way over to the small table by the window. "Thank you this is very nice of you."

He smiles brightly and pushes a cup towards me. "Mike is not very sharp. He was very confused at first, as to why I wanted two cups. I told him I was saving one for my sister. That I never drink a cup without her."

I giggle and shake my head. "But he saw her leave; what did he say?"

"Well, he asked me when my sister was getting back. When I told him that it wouldn't be for a few hours yet he looked at me strangely. I assured him that I would keep the tea warm until she got back and walked away. I think he is standing there still trying to figure out how I plan on accomplishing that."

I laugh and shake my head; the mental image of a confused Mike still standing in his spot trying to solve a problem he would never have an answer to.

"Is anyone asking for me out there?" I ask worrying that my break will make the inn suffer somehow.

"Not at all. The few guests you checked in this morning are being handled by a very nice brunette."

"Angela," I tell him approvingly.

"And Mike is serving the last remnants of breakfast to those who want it. Just relax, Bella. You needed the break so take it."

I let out a deep breath and let my shoulders relax. "You're right, I should. So Edward what brings you here? I know you're sister dragged you up here, but why did she?"

"I believe she was afraid of what I would do if I were alone on Valentines Day."

I give him a curious glance as I fix my tea and take a sip from it.

"I have been alone for some time now and she-- she worries about that. She thinks that I am not open enough to allow myself any happiness."

"Do you think that its true?" I ask staring intently at him.

"Perhaps it is. I find it more likely that I haven't found that one that can love and understand me. I've tried before, it just doesn't work out in the end."

"Why not? I mean I think you're great," I say candidly.

He smiles at his cup of tea and avoids my gaze somewhat shyly.

"Thank you for the sweet compliment. I believe it would be harder for you though should you have to actually date me."

"I don't see how it would be."

"Women, they can't seem to, they don't-- they aren't very understanding. About the long nights, or my travel, or that my passion for music has yet to be eclipsed by themselves."

"I think then, that you have been dating all the wrong women. When you date someone, and when you fall in love with them, you take them all. Every single aspect, not just one. You need the good with the bad. And to expect to be thrown up at the top of the list the moment you start dating is just irrational. Every new couple needs time to adjust to each other. That's how I feel about it anyway," I say quietly as I see that his eyes are blazing with an emotion unknown to me.

"If things could be so simple for me, I think I would be much happier." His sad smile makes my heat ache and I reach my hand towards him before seeing his hand quickly pull away under the table.

"Alice brought me here because I hadn't left my apartment in weeks, and I haven't slept more then a few hours a night for as long as I can remember. I spend all day pacing my apartment hoping to finish the score of music I'm working on. I forget to eat, to drink, to sleep. I have no real idea on how to socialize with anyone outside of my family. Alice, she is my rock, the one person that always comes back no matter what I say or do to her. No one else can stand me for much longer than a few months at a time."

I stare at Edwards angry expression wanting to feel gratitude, or a sense of hope and closeness that he is opening up to me. But I know that, that is not what he is doing. He hasn't just given me his life story out of an act of friendship, but as some form of warning. As an easy way for him to escape the connection the two of us feel towards eachother.

"Edward, it sounds like you need a friend." I say with a gentle smile grabbing a hold of the hand he is using to hold his cup of tea.

"Bella, you are too kind for your own good. Have you no sense of self-preservation? Who I am, how I live, it hurts those around me."

"Edward, you aren't a monster," I say laughingly. "You aren't as bad as you may think. And no matter what you say you aren't going to eat me or anything."

I smile as he throws his head back and laughs. It is the first fully carefree moment he's had since he's been here. And it makes me wonder how many moments like this he gets to enjoy during his daily life.

"You are a good guy," I say rubbing his hand soothingly.

"How do you know that for sure? How do you know I'm not really the bad guy?"

"I'm not running and screaming, so that's one indicator," I tease lightly. "Not having friends is a lonely thing. If nothing else, let me be your friend."

"I-I haven't had many opportuinities to make friends. I am confused as to how it all works."

"Don't be so complex, Edward. This is what friends do."

I look down at the cup of tea and notice that its empty.

"I should get back to work. There's book keeping, setting up rooms, cleaning, tons to do to keep me busy."

"How about I help?"

"Edward you are a guest. I'm supposed to be making sure you have the most relaxing stay possibly. What would other guests think if I let you help me with my work?"

"That my mother raised me right, and I am a very helpful gentleman?"

I laugh and stand up making my way towards the bedroom door. "I couldn't possibly let you help me, but there is something that might be able to keep you occupied."

"What would that be?" He asks, and I can hear the curiosity in his voice.

"Follow me," I tell him before walking out of the room and down the hall.

I don't turn around after I walk out, but I can hear his light footsteps following me down the hallway. I open the door to the basement flicking on the dim light above the stairs before heading down.

"Bella, what are we-"

"Sshh, just wait a moment, and you'll see."

"I don't like waiting," he mumbles quietly.

"I bet you were three weeks early when you were born," I say laughingly.

"Three and a half actually," he teases back. "Now what is down here that you want to show me?"

"Before my mother left we were working on remodling the basement, and turning it into a general rec area. It's almost done, we just ran into a few snags. But before we stopped the renovation, we got this baby in."

I open the door to what we had planned out as a small music room and flip on the light. The slight gasp that I hear come from Edwards mouth tells me that I am right in assuming he would enjoy playing it.

"Its a baby grand piano," I tell him like he won't know. "I don't know the maker but its supposed to be pretty good. If you want to do anything for me; you'll play this while I do the book keeping."

"But how will you hear?"

I smile pleased that he isn't telling me no, and shrug my shoulders lightly. "Well I have to go check on things upstairs which shouldn't take more than a half hour; I thought I could do my work down here," I say quietly getting very shy. The idea that he could say no makes my stomach tighten into knots.

I quickly realize that I shouldn't have worried as Edwards face breaks out into a dazzling smile.

"You would want to do that? To listen to me play?"

"Of course, you've got to have some talent if you're some bigshot in the music world," I joke and give him a smile of my own.

"Ha, only in orchestra and classical. I'm nobody to most of the world."

"Well, you're someone here," I say as I feel my cheeks start to blaze. "I would love to hear you play."

I stare at his expression as he does his best to avoid my eyes. I see a hint of worry and sadness before Edwards face smoothes out into a mask of serenity.

"It would be my honor," he whispers as he unleashes his crooked smile and walks over to the piano.

"I hope you find it to your liking. I'll be back in about a half hour. I just have to make sure all guests are checked in and happy, and that Angela knows where to find me if there are any snags. But don't wait for me to come down, you can start playing whenever you'd like."

I see him nod his head slightly, but I can tell that he is no longer with me. With his eyes closed and head slightly bent, he is lost in his world of music. And never before have I beheld anything so beautiful and magnificent from a human being. I can see his body sway slightly as if he is dancing to the melody in his head. Every cell in his body is given over to the music.

I give one last quick look before making my way upstairs; already feeling lonely and cold.

I smile at the passing guests answering their questions and taking their compliments with what I hope is graceful humility. The truth is I am extremely uncomfortable with compliments. I always feel they are undeserved. I run this bed and breakfast to make my mother happy. It isn't very much; yet people make it more.

As always I find Angela doing an excellent job. My workload is always lightened when she is working. She is my right arm, always by my side at work. But even she cannot hold my attention for long.

My ears strain to hear the sound of the piano come up from the floorboards. I left all the doors open so that I could hear him while I walked around. And at times when I have a moment of silence I can hear the notes rise faintly up from underneath me. Even though it is only music it feels like Edwards arms themselves are wrapped around me telling me how glorious I am.

"Bella," I look toward the voice and see Angela waving me over towards the front desk.

"People are wondering about the music coming from downstairs."

"Is it bothering anyone? I can close the doors down there," I say quickly trying to hide the disappointment that I feel deep inside. Edward's playing is soothing to me and I don't want to give up the feeling.

"No, actually everyone loves it. They find it beautiful. Listen to that, how could you not. They want to know where its coming from and if you could turn up the volume," Angela replies laughingly and eyeing me with a knowing look.

"Well I can't really turn up the volume. One of our guests is down there playing right now. But if people like it maybe we can start having music playing in the background regularly. Anything to drum up business."

"Would this be the man that Mike saw you talking to earlier. He's been muttering something about how looks aren't everything, and that he's a pretty good looking guy himself."

I let out a laugh with Angela and shake my head. "When will Mike get a clue? I'm not attracted to him. And yes that's the same man. Edward Cullen, he's a very well known composer. I just wanted to keep him happy with our services."

"Right, and what 'services' will you be offering to him? Some after hour specials?"

"You know I'm not like that Ang. Besides he is way out of my league. He wouldn't be interested in me."

"Oh Bella you're impossible."

"So, what are your plans with Ben tomorrow?" I ask trying to change the subject. No part of me feels like hearing a "you are more beautiful than you think" lecture.

"Changing the subject, very smooth. We are doing some swank restaurant in Seattle. He said he's determined to make this the most special valetines day ever."

"Well I hope that it is. You'll have to tell me all about it on Monday. You have the entire weekend off."

"Really? Are you sure you can manage?"

I hear the excitement in her voice and nod my head vigorously. "As long as I do the books tonight I'll be fine for the weekend. Can you handle things up here? You know how I like to disappear when doing the books."

"Of course. I'll have everything squared away in perfect shape before I punch out."

"Thanks Ang. I'll be downstairs doing the books."

"With Mr. Sexy piano man?"

"It isn't like that," I say quietly and even I cannot deny my voice is filled with sadness over that fact.

I grab the stack of books I need and my laptop and make my way downstairs without looking back. The sadness that made its way onto Angela's face is more than my already frayed emotions can handle. I do not need anyone feeling sorry for me. I know where I stand in life; and getting some like Edward Cullen is not in the cards for me.

The sweet sound that rushes around me as I enter the music room once more soothes my nerves. The melody is calming and almost haunting with its undertone of despair. But there is no denying how undoubtedly beautiful it is.

"It's marvelous," I say quietly after I settle myself in a chair. "What is it?"

"Well, it isn't quite finished, but its a lullaby."

"A very lovely one. How long have you been working on it?"

"It just came to me when I sat down."

I stare at Edwards tensed back trying to figure out what has caused his change of emotion. His relaxed posture has now become rigid and stressed.

"Does that happen to you often? I mean, that songs just come to you that easily?" I ask trying to find a topic he can talk about easily.

I watch as he stiffens even more and drops his chin to his chest. He seems slightly embarassed. But without seeing his face or knowing what there is to be embarassed about I can't be totally sure.

"No, this has never happened before. Songs don't- they-- I always have to pull them out from the recesses of my mind."

"Wherever they come from, the world is lucky to have you pull them out."

I let myself relax and smile as I hear Edwards beautiful laughter fill the room.

"That is the most honest compliment I have ever received Bella."

"That can't be true."

"It is true. Others have an alternate agenda in mind when paying me compliments. They may like my compositions; but their compliments are always over done and false."

"Then they don't know how beautiful your music really is," I tell him firmly trying to get myself concentrated back on work. "True beauty never needs to be over done, or ruined by indulgence. That's how I feel about it anyway."

"I could not have said it better myself," he says before launching into another piece.

I don't know how much time passes as I sit on the chair and do the accounting. Its a menial, boring task that I dread doing. But Edwards playing puts a light spin on it and helps it feel a bit less tiresome.

I rub my eyes vigourously trying to end the stinging in them and look up to find Edward watching me; his back now turned to the piano the expression on his face is blazing.

"Why do you rub your eyes so much? Is that a common thing you do?"

"No, not at all actually. My eyes act up when I get tired."

"Are you tired?"

"After staying up all night talking to you and my day at work I'm pretty exhausted."

"Do you do all the work around here?"

"No, not at all. Angela is amazing, she does all the things that I cannot do. But I'm giving her the weekend off since she deserves it and it leaves me in a lurch. Mike is useless outside of the kitchen, and Jessica is new and only focused on catching Mikes attention."

"So you knew you'd be overwhelmed with work and yet you let Angela have the weekend off?"

Edwards tone is gentle and perplexed. I study his back hoping it will hold some answers but I come up with nothing.

"She needs it. Just like my mother needed her time with Phil."

"But what about you? Do you need time off?"

"I never really thought about it before. I guess I do, but it's not a big deal."

"You are absolutely absurd Bella. Most people would do what they need to do to make their lives easier. You on the other hand never once consider your own well being in the equation."

"I don't really see it that way. I have always had to take care of my mother. Whether she lost the keys or made dinner inedible, I had to keep her safe and happy. I see it as the way that things should be. If there is a way to make someone happy and you can make that happen, why wouldn't you do that?"

"I honestly do not know," Edward answers genuinely. "I have always done my best to keep those around me happy. Though I doubt that I succeed as greatly as you do at that task; you are a much better person than I am."

The familiar feel of my blushing cheeks keep me looking down at the floor as I close all the login books and my laptop.

"Are you finished with your work?"

"Not completely, but I can't stare at the screen anymore. My eyes are too tired."

"Do you think you might need glasses? Perhaps they would help?"

"Possibly, I never gave it much thought."

"You should. Your health is precious. You should treat yourself right and keep your body in good health."

"Thank you Doctor. Cullen. I didn't know that I was speaking to a doctor," I joke standing and stretching my stiff muscles.

"I actually went to medical school before pursuing music."

My head snaps up in utter amazement as I stare at Edward. The look on his face is sheepish, as if he hates to admit that face.

"You—you're a doctor?"

"No, not officially. I never did the residency or any of that to get licensed."

"So you went through the pre-med program without finishing it up? Why?"

"I realized that although I didn't want to do it anymore. I can diagnose an illness in a moment, and I keep my medical knowledge sharp as a game with my father; but I wasn't passionate about it. A boyish dream does not always equal lifelong passion and happiness."

"I wish I had your bravery."

"I'm not sure what you mean?"

I give a thankful smile to Edward as he takes the stack of books from me so I am left with my laptop. "I have never once had the guts to just do what made me happiest. My mother has done it all her life, and only now have I started appreciating that quality. And you did it to pursue your music career. I've just been me, off in the shadows."

"Have you been happy?"

"Mostly, yes," I answer honestly. "I enjoy making others happy, but sometimes I'd like to be seen and heard too."

"I am sure that you'll find your way there. And I am certain that you are seen and heard by more people than you even realize," he tells me quietly training his eyes on the stairs we are now climbing.

"Edward," a high soft voice calls, appearing around the corner. Alice's face brightens as she sees us together. "I thought that I heard piano playing. Was that you?"

"Yes, Alice it was. I was asked by Bella to keep her entertained while she worked."

"I knew it, of course I would know your playing anywhere. I didn't know that you had a piano here Bella."

She loops her arm through mine easily as I lead her to the front desk. "We were working on a recreation area downstairs. We had to stop though, contractor started squeezing us for money we couldn't afford. He was going through a hard time and he transferred it onto us."

"I am so happy that he played for you. Normally it takes him much longer to open up. He is so modest about his many talents."

I hear Edward let out what sounds like a growl, and Alice looks back and makes a face at him.

"Anyway, did you have a good day Edward? I did feel so bad leaving you here alone."

"I am sure you managed just fine without me there Alice," Edward says laughingly, at what seems like an inside joke. "I did have a nice day. I managed to take a nap."

"You, napped? Actually slept?"

"Outdoors," I mutter placing my laptop back behind the desk.

"But he slept, he was fully asleep," Alice says once more sounding more excited than seemed necessary.

"Alright Alice, let's speak of something else please. My nap is not that big of a deal."

"But Edward you-"

"Alice, I haven't unpacked yet. My things are still in suitcases."

"NO, Edward, things will wrinkle. How will I have your outfit ready for tonight if you leave it just sitting there? And then you wonder why I take over your life, honestly."

"The door is open my dear sister," Edward says smiling as we both watch her dance her way down the hallway.

"I'm sorry for that. I know that she can be a bit much."

"No, that's ok. I actually envy you a bit. To have a family that loves each other like that."

A booming laugh and heavy footsteps alert us both to the presence of Edwards brother.

"Eddie, Rose sent me to get you. The girls planned on eating out tonight. Something about not wanting to deal with that Mike guy eyeing them, I wasn't listening."

"Ok, when will we be leaving?"

"Whenever the girls are finally ready, as usual. So I'd start getting ready if I were you. You know how they hate to wait. Hey, Bella," Emmet adds almost as an afterthought. "Hope he wasn't too much of a bother today."

"No, none at all. I hope that everything is to your satisfaction so far. The sights and the inn."

"No need to be all professional with me. I don't stand on pomp and ceremony and I don't want you to either. But just between you and me, the hiking out here is top notch. Though you need to be a bit farther up north and more out in mountain territory to find the bears," he says happily as he throws one large arm around me. "If Eddie here came out with us he might have been able to convince the girls to go a bit farther with the hiking."

"Emmet, when has anyone ever been able to change Rose's mind?" Edward says lightly. "I think you need to get ready to go Em, Rose never liked the 'man smell' as you call it."

"Oh, right, I'll catch you later Bella."

"Bye," I wave slightly and watch as he walks away. "He is really outgoing."

"Always has been. Bella, would you—do you think—could I see you after I get back from dinner? For another snack?"

"Sure, I'd like that," I see trying to keep the enthusiasm out of my voice. "Umm, just knock on my door when you get back."

"I had a wonderful afternoon with you Bella," Edward says moving closer to me.

I watch as his eyes seem to darken from a sparkling green to a nearly onyx color. My chest heaves as I feel my heart pound within my chest.

"I—I had a great time too," I stutter watching as he leans closer to me.

"Bella," he whispers, his voice husky and gravelly."

"Mhmm," I say, my mind becoming fuzzy.

"Bella—I," his face is so close I can feel his breath fan my face and the heat radiate from his body. And I am suddenly aware of every carnal desire that had been dormant for so many years. My entire body craves his touch. "I—I'm—I'm sorry I can't."

"What?" I ask stupidly my mind still high on the hormones racing through me.

"I'm so sorry, please forgive me."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, inhaling the whole scent of him for a moment before I hear footsteps down the hall.

I open my eyes and find myself alone. I let out a deep sigh and look around the room. "Of course it isn't like that," I say sadly before going back to focusing on my work.