Chapter 4. Acquaintances

(EPOV)

I could hardly believe how beautiful a single woman could be all at once. Her amazing brown eyes, her full pink lips, her beautiful, clear pale skin. Even her hair, that was slightly disheveled was breathtaking.

But she just had a traumatic experience. So I snapped myself out of it and helped her up. "Can you walk alright?" She stumbled a little and leaned on me a little.

"I'm alright," she said. "Just a little shook up is all. Cinnamon has never done this before. He must have spotted a snake or something."

"Yes." I replied. "They tend to get spooked by those little devils. Here, let me help you inside." I started to escort her to the manor when she stopped me abruptly.

"No! I-I mean… let's just… go to the stables. If my mother finds out about this, she'll never let me go riding ever again."

I considered her request. The I looked around for Cinnamon and found that he was helping himself to a bush nearby. So I decided to just leave him there to cool off and escort this enchanting lady to the stables.

Once we got there I helped her sit down on a stool in front of one of the stalls. "I'll get you some water. I'll be right back."

"Thank you." She smiled. It only took my breath away even further. I walked off to the water pump just outside the stables to get her that water.

I had to get a hold of myself. This was Isabella de Swan I was dealing with. My masters daughter. I can't be consorting with her. At least nothing beyond what I'm already doing. If I do anything rash I could lose my job. So I'll just have to be careful. Not do anything rash. Don't get too close to her. No matter how beautiful she was.

(BPOV)

As I sat back against the stall door waiting for that impossibly handsome man to return with the water he offered, I thought about his heroic efforts. One second I was riding on Cinnamon, enjoying the sunlight on my face, and the next, he just lost it. Started charging away almost uncontrollably. I tried everything I could to get him to stop, but nothing worked. I just lost it and screamed.

Then next thing I knew, Cinnamon reared back, making me fall backwards. I was ready to meet the ground, but instead, I felt a pair of strong arms catch me. We both fell back onto the ground, but this mystery man broke my fall. I had the wind knocked out of me. So once I caught my breath, I looked to see who had saved me.

I thought I had been saved my an angel sent from heaven itself. This man, whoever he was, was just beautiful. A strong set jaw, high cheekbones, wavy auburn hair, and his eyes. The most beautiful shade of green I had ever seen. I almost didn't hear him ask if I was alright.

When he asked to take me back to the house, I knew that was the last place I needed to go first. If mother saw me like this, she would forbid me from horseback riding again. So I asked to go to the stables, to catch my bearings. He so politely offered to get me a drink of water. Once he left, I set about catching my breath. And it wasn't from nearly getting possibly killed. It was from how amazed I was at how a man could be so gorgeous.

I would love to get to know this man. Whoever he was. All I could guess about him was that he was the new stable boy my father hired a few weeks ago. I didn't even know his name. I assumed he knew who I was. After all, how many women roam around here with fancy riding dresses?

I heard footsteps and saw that is was my savior come back with a wooden cup.

"I'm sorry it not the fancy porcelain you're used to. Don't get a lot of things like that here." I could tell he was trying to be humorous.

"No it's alright. Really. Thank you." I took the cup and took a good sip. The cool water was very soothing for me. " So, who do I have to thank for saving my life?"

He smiled and removed his hat as he said, "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Edward. Edward Cullen." He looked a little flustered. It was so charming. "Your father hired me a couple weeks ago."

Yes. He knew who I was. "Well, it's a true pleasure to meet you Mr. Cullen. And thank you very much for coming to my aid."

He smiled. It was like sunshine. "I'm just glad you're alright Miss de Swan."

I rolled my eyes at the formality. "Please, call me Bella. Not Isabella or Miss de Swan. I don't like all the formalities."

He smiled again, taking my breath away. "Alright then… Bella." The way he said my preferred name, it was like a symphony. "Please cal me Edward. Mr. Cullen is my father." That made me laugh.

Then I heard my mother call. "Isabella! Isabella! It's time to come back now!"

I groaned in frustration. My mothers' idea of an invigorating ride is just one hour. "Please excuse me." I got up and so did he. "Thank you again, for all you've done for me."

"Oh, it was the least I could do… Bella." He politely bowed down to me, in a gentlemanly way.

I smiled, curtsied, and turned and walked away. I knew I was in trouble. Not with my mother, but with possibly falling in love with the man who just saved me.

(EPOV)

As I watched that enchanting woman walk away, I went back to doing my duties. At the end of the day, I checked in with the stable master to see if there was anything else needed of me. He said I could go home and he'd see me in the morning.

As I rode my horse, Justice, home, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about that beautiful, engaging woman, Isabella - er - Bella de Swan. She wasn't what I thought she'd be. Not that I thought she'd be a spoiled brat or anything, but I didn't expect her to be so … wonderful.

Oh dear Lord, help me. I was falling in love with my bosses daughter.