23rd August 2010

Chapter 3

Bella Swan

I placed the last few items that I needed for the wedding into my luggage. It was Tuesday evening and I was passing time until Edward picked me up for a flight by double checking packing.

Our flight was leaving JFK at 9.40 pm which meant we need to arrive at the airport at 7.40 to check in. A 10 hour flight wasnt something i was looking forward to.

The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions, both excitement and slight fear.

It started Monday with my so-called 'meeting' with Edward.

I had allowed myself plenty of time to get to the restaurant so I wasn't late. Besides the New York traffic, I arrived 15 minutes early to my appointment. Instead of pulling straight up to the valet, I parked to the side of the road. For the majority of those remaining 15 minutes, I sat in my car in a state of panic. The same questions ran through my head over and over again.

Was I doing the right thing? What will he be like? Who pays someone to date them?

In the end, I asked myself 'what have I got to lose?' The worse that could happen was he could reject me and laugh in my face. If that was the case then I could run out of the place and never see him again.

With my newfound confidence, I walked into the restaurant and approached the hostess. She informed me that Mr Masen had already arrived. I followed her towards the back of the restaurant.

In the distance of our walking direction, my eyes locked on a man who could quite possibly have been a GQ model. My eyes were instantly drawn to his hair. It was a reddish-brown colour that seemed to sprout of in all directions. It was perfectly tousled, otherwise known as 'sex hair'. His face was angular and sharp with very prominent features. I had the sudden urge to either run my fingers through his hair or trail my tongue along his jaw line, I didn't mind which. My eyes raked over his form and I felt my clit twitch. He was dressed in a grey suit with a white shirt and black tie.

We were walking closer to him and I noticed how he was checking me out like I had done seconds prior. We stopped at the table and his eyes seemed locked on my legs. I was glad with my choice of wardrobe. The 5 inch pumps I was wearing made my legs look fantastic. This man seemed to agree as he still hadn't taken his eyes of my legs.

After the hostess cleared her throat and disappeared. As I stared into the most beautiful green, sparkling eyes introductions were made.

Greek god, my personal Adonis, was the Edward Masen.

Could matters get any worse? I felt my nerves come back in full force, which lead to me stumbling like a 15 year old girl with a high school crush.

After our slightly awkward start, we fell into comfortable conversation. I bravely asked about his job, intrigued why he would be interested in it.

It obviously wasn't for the women, I was pretty sure he had no trouble in that department. He proved my assumption correct when he talked about money and med school. I couldn't deny it was a perfect job for his situation.

Overall it was an amazing evening. Our declarations at the end were the cherry on top. I found it hard, still do, to believe that someone like Edward could find me attractive in anyway. But he did, and you wouldn't find me complaining about that.

When I admitted my feelings for him I had never been more embarrassed. If I hadn't seen him checking me out for the majority of the evening I wouldn't have said anything. It kind of slipped out without my permission but once it was announced I hadn't wanted to take it back.

I was now 'dating' this beautiful man.

Since the break up, I had strayed away from any kind of relationship. I chose to protect my heart rather that use it. But there something about Edward Masen that made me want to give whatever this was a try.

Some may say that we could be rushing and in a way I completely agreed with them. But we weren't going too fast considering we weren't exclusive. I mean, I wasn't as if we were professing our love? If that was the case I would have been out of that room in a flash.

Tuesday brought the dreaded phone call to Alice.

After telling her I would be arriving sometime on the Wednesday morning, she squealed for 5 minutes straight.

After telling her I would be arriving with my new 'boyfriend' the squealing jumped to 10 minutes and I was pretty sure I heard some sobbing on the other end.

She told Rosalie, whom she was having lunch with straight away, which meant a three way conversation with my best friend. The phone kept alternating between the two girls.

I suffered the wrath of one super cold bitch and a stressed bride over not telling them about Edward. This led to numerous lies about our so-called relationship. I tried to keep the details to a minimal so I wouldn't get caught up n a web of lies later on. They threw basic questions at me for which I was grateful.

How old is he? 25 almost 26

What does he do? In his last year of med school.

How long have you been dating? About 3 months

How serious is it? Things were still casual but you never know

Why didn't you tell us? I wanted to keep him to myself for a while and I didn't know if it was going to go anywhere.

I only told two major lies. If things between Edward and I did work out and the truth came out, perhaps it wouldn't be too disastrous. I knew they would be hurt but they would forgive me. They may even understand why I did it.

Alice asked whether I would be okay with Jacob being at the wedding. To be honest, I wasn't. I would rather him not be there. But I couldn't tell Alice that. Jacob, Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper and our friends Leah and Jason had been best friends during high school. We all paired off perfectly. Except Jacob and I.

I was looking forward to seeing Leah and Jason, I had been years. Last time I had spoken to her they had been as happy as ever. She had been hoping Jason would be proposing soon. When I asked her why he hadn't already, she simply stated that they had hit a rough patch a while back and decided to start their relationship fresh.

Jacob was just as much their friend as I was. It wouldn't be right for me to take him away from them. So I would put my fears aside and decided to grin and bear it. Besides, things would be okay with Edward by my side.

Later that night, my phone chimed from a text. When I saw his name on the screen I felt my stomach roll. Negative thoughts flew through me. What if he decided he didn't want to be with me? What if he just said that to get rid of me? What if he was just letting me down gently? I shook my head of all thoughts and opened the message. A smile involuntary crept onto my face.

Hey beautiful, hope you had a good day. I have a surprise for you tomorrow, our first official date :) unless you're busy, if not be ready by 11 and I'll come pick you up. Let me know – E x

I replied back instantly feeling giddy. I hadn't looked forward to a first date in so long. It was kind of an out of body experience.

I'm never too busy for you. I'll see you then, can't wait – B x

Cheesy, I know. But I couldn't help it; it was if it was out of my control.

Wednesday I woke feeling nervous but excited.

I wondered what Edward had planned.

I was standing in my closet after my shower wondering what to wear. He hadn't mentioned what we would be doing so I had no idea. I was shuffling through the mountains of clothes when a text came in.

Wear something comfortable and warm. No heels. I'll see you at 11 – E x

It was like he had built in radar and knew what I needed without me having to say a word.

I picked out a simple grey jumper and black leggings. He said to dress warm so I added a pair of grey Ugg boots and my leather jacket.

Dead on 11, there was a knock at my door. There he was standing in all of his glory. As soon as he saw me, he laughed. I asked him what was so funny feeling upset at his reaction. He noticed my expression and stopped laughing.

"No, no. Look. We match." I looked at his clothes and back at mine. He was wearing a plain grey polo with black jeans and jacket. This time I joined in his laughter.

When we arrived downstairs, he walked towards a Harley. Words left me as I watched him straddle the bike and hold a helmet out to me. Just when I didn't think he could get any hotter, he pulls this out on me.

Was there a rule about no sex on the first date?

Our first stopped was go-karting. We raced around three laps and the winner received a small trophy. I couldn't wipe the smile of my face when I stood on the 1st place podium with a bottle of cheap champagne in my hands. I was pretty sure he let me win but wasn't complaining. I wanted that trophy. It was the most fun I had had in a long time and knew I would do it again.

Our second and final stop was central park. Once we sat down he pulled out a picnic with all the works. It included chicken salad sandwiches and potato salad. For desert he had vanilla cheesecake with fresh strawberries. To top it off he had brought some sparkling cider and small plastic champagne glasses. It was perfect.

When he dropped me home later that evening, you couldn't wipe the smile of off my face. It stretched across my face and Edward's seemed to match. We both probably looked like a bunch of idiots walking through my lobby, hand and hand with gigantic goofy grins on our faces.

He left that night with a bear hug and a kiss to my forehead like Monday. He promised to call me the next day and then he was on his way.

I felt slightly disappointed that he didn't go in for a proper kiss but I knew that it would happen when the time was right.

It was the most perfect first date and the idea of more made me feel all warm inside.

Thursday was spent catching up on work.

I had got an ear bashing from Angela as I had not done a lot of writing the past few days. She went on and on at me but once I mentioned Edward all thoughts of work left her mind.

When I told her about our 'relationship' she seemed genuinely happy for me. I could still hear the underlying longing that she was trying to hide. Angela had just about as much luck in the love department as I had. She had yet to find someone even close to the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Once I got off the phone to her, I went straight to work. I completely zoned out not even checking my phone for messages. After a few hours, I finished for the day and ordered take out.

The rest of the evening was spent talking to Edward on the phone and eating Chinese.

Friday I got to see Edward again.

The morning I spent working more on my book but once I took a break for lunch, I had a message from Edward asking me to go to lunch.

We met up at a diner not far from my apartment and talked while we ate. I learned about he was adopted and how wonderful his 'parents' Ed and Elizabeth Masen seemed to be. I told him it was funny how he and his father had almost the same name. There was something in his eyes, almost like pain, that told me there was more to his adoption than he was letting on. I didn't push him on it and he didn't offer any information but I knew he would talk to me once he was ready.

We ended up back at his apartment and watched movies for the rest of the afternoon.

He asked me about Jacob and what he should expect at the wedding.

I told him that we should act normal like we normally would. I didn't want to get confused between a lie and reality. He was relieved and agreed with me.

I briefly explained my past with Jacob, starting how we were all best friends at school. You could see the anger behind his eyes and something that looked like relief. When I asked him about it he simply replied, "If he hadn't have given you up, then I wouldn't have him now." His words touched me and I couldn't stop myself from leaning over to give him a peek on his lips and a hug. His smile was blinding so I assumed I had done good.

I told him that Jacob would be at the wedding but I didn't know if he was taking anyone. And then Edward asked me one question that, one-made me choke on my drink and two-seriously question what I wanted from Jacob.

"If he told you this weekend he still had feelings for you, would you go back to him?"

I thought about my answer before answering him truthfully but carefully.

"The thing with Jacob is he likes things to go his way, a bit like a child. I haven't seen him in 5 years so it's something he obviously doesn't want. If he did then he would have come and got it."

I honestly don't know what I would do if he said the words to me. There was no chance of me going back to him, that much I knew. That ship had sailed. But I still wouldn't want to hurt his feelings. I honestly believed he didn't want to hurt me and than he was just protecting himself. I couldn't hold that against him.

I explained to Edward my reasoning and made him promise to take it easy on Jacob at the wedding. We would be on the island for a week and I didn't want things to be worse than they were already bound to be. Edward didn't want to agree but he must have seen something in my eyes that broke him down, "We have been dating less than a week and you already have me wrapped around your little finger."

Saturday was lonely without Edward.

He had claimed he needed to study for school especially as he would be away for over a week. I knew that wasn't the only reason. I had taken up so much of his time but I couldn't find it in me to feel guilty.

I had apologised over and over but he wouldn't accept it, claiming 'I had nothing to be sorry for.'

So instead of spending my time with Edward, I wrote pages and pages of my book and finally caught up on all the time I had missed during the week. I was back on schedule.

Sunday I was shopping with Angela.

She dragged me kicking and screaming to each store. I loved clothes; don't get me wrong, I just hated the shopping part.

I normally relied on Alice's freebies that were sent almost weekly from Seattle. It was nice having a best friend with connections.

But still I went, if only to appease her.

I managed to get some things for the wedding including several bikinis, shorts, summer dresses and flip flops. It was a vacation also.

Throughout the day, Edward and I sent texts back and forth. That in itself made the day a good one.

Monday was spent covering last minute details with Angela.

As I would be away for a long time, I had to tie up loose ends if I had any hope of enjoying my vacation.

Luckily for me, there wasn't a lot that needed to be covered. That's what you get for having such a great agent and best friend. She made things easier for me and I knew I wouldn't be able to live without her. I needed to give that girl a pay rise, she deserved it.

Edward came over in the evening with Tai food. We sat and ate while watching the Notebook.

Oh yeah, I totally Notebooked him.

Today, I woke up later than I would have liked and things started out in a rush.

I spent the day spring cleaning my house so it was ready for my return. I packed once, twice and a third time. I had a feeling I missed something but couldn't put my finger on what it was. Eventually I gave up.

I was finally finished at around six so I made myself a quick dinner and hopped in the shower. I dressed in a pink top with the words 'Be Mine' written on it and paired it with my skinny jeans and heeled ankle boots. I packed in my carry on a change of clothes, knowing I would need it when I arrive at Rio.

Edward arrived right on time and within minutes we were on our way to the airport. I was excited to be seeing my friends who I hadn't seen in months but I was nervous about seeing Jacob again for the first time in 5 years.

As if sensing my thoughts, Edward took hold of my hand a rubbed his thumb over the top of it in a soothing manner. I looked up at him and saw him staring at me. I gave him a grateful smile.

"I'll be here every step of the way." He promised, and just like that all of my fears were elevated.

Once the seat belt sign had turned off, I took out my iPod and offered an ear to Edward. He took it and for the remainder of the flight we listened to the likes of King of Leon, The Killers and The Fratellis.

Sometime during the ten hour flight I feel asleep. Soft murmuring woke me from my stupor.

"Bella, wake up. Were landing in a moment, baby." A small smile appeared on my face when he called me that. I got the same reaction when he called me it the first time on Sunday while on the phone.

"I like the sound of that," I mumbled into his shoulder. He chuckled.

"You like the sound of waking up?" he asked.

"No, I like the sound of you calling me baby." I replied, the smile growing. He kissed my forehead and I felt the smile on his face also.

"Well then, I guess we'll make sure you keep hearing it…baby."

We departed the plane and collected our luggage. I searched around for Alice, who was supposedly meeting us.

"Bizzy!" I turned my head at the name in time to be pulled into a bone crushing hug.

"Can't breathe Em." He loosened his hold but didn't let go. Instead he twirled me around like a rag doll. I couldn't help but laugh.

"It's good to see you too Em." He put me down and I saw Jasper waiting for his turn.

"Hey Bells," he said calmly.

"Hey Jazz," I held onto him for dear life. I had missed these guys, they were my brothers.

"Thank you for coming," Jasper whispered into my ear. I just nodded as I let go and turned back to Edward.

He had a content smile on his face while watching my interaction with the boys. I took his hand and turned back to them.

"Guys, this is Edward." Emmett instantly pulled Edward into a hug similar to the one I had received. Edward just stared at me in shock before returning the gesture.

"Dude, let the man go. He looks like he going to pass out." Emmett realised him and held onto his shoulders. He gave him the once over before nodding.

"You did good Biz," he said looking over his shoulder at me. He turned back to Edward with a glare, "You hurt my girl and I'll kill you."

Edward locked eyes with me before he replied, "I hurt my girl and I'll give you permission to kill me."

I smiled at his answer, knowing he had just gained the approval from two of the most important men in my life.

Edward and Jasper exchanged pleasantries before I announced I needed to go to the bathroom.

I collected my things and went to change. I felt much better after applying a fresh supply of deodorant and brushing my teeth.

When I arrived back to the guys, Jasper seemed to be telling Edward something serious. Both had grim expressions on their faces, I was pretty sure I knew who they were talking about. Edward saw me and came over to take my bag. I gave him a curious look but he simply shook him head and smiled. I decided not to push the matter; if it was important then he would tell me.

"Ready to go?" he asked. I nodded and he took my hand.

We followed Jasper and Emmett outside to a yellow hummer. As soon as we stepped out the doors the heat hit us. I was glad I had changed.

We drove to the docks where a boat was waiting. The boys loaded our luggage onto it while Edward helped me up. He lifted me bridal style and a gasp escaped me.

"Fancy going swimming?" he asked with a glint in his eye. I gave him a death glare.

"Don't even think about it," I growled.

"Wouldn't dream of it, baby. You know, you're sexy when you growl." I smack his chest while I blushed furiously. He chuckled and I couldn't stop the corners of my mouth from upturning slightly.

He placed me on the boat gently and gave me a quick peek on my lips before he released me. He climbed up after me and took the seat to my left. I leaned into him involuntary and he automatically wrapped his arm around my shoulders. He lowered his head and gave me a kiss on my temple.

Jasper started the engine and pulled away from the dock. I loved being on the boat. The first time I had visited the island I had almost shat my pants and clung on for dear life. By the second time we came I was relaxing in my seat and enjoying the ride.

On our journey I mainly stayed out of conversation. Edward got to know the boys more and they basically asked him every question under the sun in return. He took it like a champ and answered each and every one.

By the time we finally got to shore I was exhausted. We didn't dawdle around, opting to be shown to our room. Emmett gave us two sets of keys, one to Edward and one to me.

It didn't matter how many times I stayed on the island or how exhausted I was, I was always stunned by the beauty of the room. It consisted of a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and kitchen/living room. It was the perfect size for a couple's getaway. The whole place was decorated in light colours, mainly white and creams. It kept the rooms looking clean, cool and airy. The set of double doors in the living room opened up to a small decking area with a hammock and a set of tables and chairs. Four steps led down from it straight onto the beach. The views were amazing, especially at sunset and sunrise. The en-suite was a modern room that held a giant tub that I could wait to soak myself in for hours. But at this particular time, the bedroom was like a dream come true. There, in the centre of the room was a king-size bed that looked perfectly fluffy and soft for me to lay my head down.

I didn't waste any time in falling face first onto it, kicking my shoes of in the process. I simply mumbled my reply to Jasper when he told us that we should come say hello around noon before the girls decided to get me themselves. I wasn't even fully awake to hear them leave.

The last thing I felt was a warm, soft body climbing into bed behind me, spooning me. He placed his left arm under my neck and the right across my waist, holding my body close to his own. I sighed and felt myself drift off into a state of unconsciousness.