Hey all,

First, thanks to all the reader, people who've reviewed, alerted, etc. Secondly, I'm sorry this is late. I try to update on Monday's, or Tuesday's because I write during the weekend. This is so late in the week because it's tax season and I'm working a lot of hours. That means more money for me, but no social life. I'll try to update in the beginning of the week but it might not happen. I will update at least once a week though. So look forward to that. Lastly, I didn't have time to edit this chapter so I apologize in advance for any grammar mistakes.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or anything related to Twilight, Stephanie Meyers owns that.


Chapter 4

Conversations and Towns

Edward Cullen knew when he was being lied to. He was used to it in fact. Women lied to him to get into his bed and wallet. Men lied to get ahead. His father had jokingly called it his super power. Edward just believed it be a trait he picked up after dealing with so many pernishes people. His uncanny ability to be able to read people so well had limited his circle of friends but it also created a strong sense of family. It was also this ability the reason why he thought he should be the one to visit Forks Animal Rescue Shelter. It didn't hurt that he liked being involved with the various charity organizations his family supported. Edward had also promised his mom a new addition to the family. He had meant a dog or a cat when he had been joking with his mother, now he wasn't sure.

Bella Swan was something different. A woman that was an urban legend in the city. Beautiful, sweet, smart, caring, honest, and she did not lack intergrity. He had noticed her fidgeting hands, her anxious stance, and had tried to reassure the woman with a smile. It wasn't until he had brought up her dog, that her enitre demeanor changed. He saw the determination in her eye and while her voice remained soft there was an edge to it.

Edward had spent the last couple of hours going over the shelters financial records, employee history, and animal rescue files with Bella. She explained everything in a calm, sweet manner and politely answered his questions. Her nerves seemed to have disappeared, the only tell she had was her habitual lip biting. On anyone else he would have found it annoying, on Bella he couldn't help but to think it was endering and wish he was the one biting her lip.

"Lunch break ya'll," Rosalie had interrupted them with promises of burgers and fries.

Edward was surprised at the late hour. He hadn't noticed he had spent so much time here. Normally, he'd spend an hour or two going through the history and paperwork of a non-profit before committing. He could usually tell within the first half hour whether he would support the cause or not. Edward had discovered that while a cause may have been worthy sometimes the people who ran these organizations weren't. It was a shame. It was the reason why he was thorough in his examintation of the shelter. Constantly asking the shelter staff questions. It had been his previous experience that staff, when treated badly, would jump the gun to point fingers and badmouth employers. The women here though, seemed fiercly protective of Bella Swan, something that pleased him immensly. Bella herself, had been very forthcoming and Edward knew his family would be more than happy to donate to the shelter.

Edward offered his hand to Bella and escorted her into the kitchen area. The other women were already there seemingly enjoying their meals. Rosalie handed them both a burger and fries and they took a seat at the table.

"Thank you, Rosalie," Bella said.

"No problem, Edward we didn't know what you liked so we got you the works," Rosalie stated.

"As long as it's greasy and there's ketchup, I'm good with anything," Edward said, taking a big bite of his burger. He turned to Bella and winked, enjoying the blush that crept up her cheeks.

"Here you go," Rosalie handed him the ketchup bottle she retreived from the office fridge.

"Thanks, where are these from. They're amazing," Edward was already halfway through his burger.

"The local diner, they have amazing food."

"I'll be sure to stop by before I leave."

"Bella's going into town today, she could show you around," it was almost comical to Edward, how large Bella's eyes opened. However, he didn't want to push her.

"If that's fine with Bella..." Edward's gaze caught hers. They were doing it again. Staring and not saying anything.

"Sure," He heard Bella say, before she broke their gaze and looked down at her food.

The smile that took over Edwards face wasn't missed by the other three ladies in the kitchen. Rosalie, herself, wore a knowing smile. Always the one for subtlitiy, Rosalie finished her meal, cleaned the kitchen, and rushed the other two girls.

Edward wordlessly accompanied Bella back to her office. He watched as she retrieved a legal pad from her desk and grabbed her keys. The large red truck she jumped into was a surprise to Edward. He hadn't pictured her to be the owner of such a large vehicle.

Bella was quiet on the car ride into town and Edward was content with just watching her as she manuevered through the road. The radio wasn't on, the windows were down, and the only noise around them was the soft whipping of the wind through the trees. Edward had to admit the area was beautiful. Everything was green. The antithesis of the city. There was no excessive traffic, blaring noises, or congested streets.

The truck came to a stop in front of store that read, Pet's Plus, in bright blue letters. Bella jumped out, rushing inside the store, not waiting for Edward. He followed her in keeping a short distance letting her move throughout the store comfortably. Edward noticed the curious glances that trailed them. He wasn't uncomfortable under scrutiny however, he questioned whether anyone knew him here. It was then he turned to Bella. Her shoulders were tense, back hunched, eyes cast down, and she seemed to be inhaling and exhaling in slow steady breathes trying to calm down. Without a second thought, he pulled her into his chest. So the stares were for her.

"What do you need to get?" Edward asked, not caring that he'd just met the woman. He just wanted her to stop squirming under all the stares.

"A lot of things. We're going to be here for a while."

"Then let's see that list so we can go through it quickly."

There was obviously a story there, but Edward didn't want to push. He'd find out. All he wanted now was to take care of her and make her feel safe.

They rushed through the store placing various items into the carts they had. Bella didn't utter another word in the store. She just nodded or shook her head when Edward asked her a question. He wanted to hear it agian. He wanted to curse at every pair of eye's that made her feel insecure.

When they reached the register, the clerk balked when she took in Edward. Her eye's ran up and down his body, causing him to move closer to Bella. The woman prattled off a total and Bella paid, not once bothering to glance at the clerk. Or letting Edward try to sneak his credit card to the cashier.

Two stores, an hour later, and a truck filled with misc. items later, Bella had gotten every item on her list. Bella had still remained closed off but seemed fine with Edward's presence. Each time he had offered a calming touch she accepted it without complain, relaxing a bit under his touch.

"Thank you, for your help. And your patience," Edward grinned, happily welcoming her words. It was a good respite after her hours of silence, that had him worried.

"I was happy to do it. And it was a good first date."

"Date? We just...I...this wasn't..." Bella swerved slightly on the road, making Edward laugh.

"Let's see, you took me shopping, didn't let me pay, and gave me a quick tour of the town. I think that classifies as a date." His gave her a big toothy grin.

"I didn't realize that this was a date," she mumbled, her teeth returning to mark her bottom lip.

"You're right. The only thing missing is an awkward dinner conversation, and if I'm correct," he pulled back his sleeve noting the time on his watch, "it's dinnertime."

"You're hungry?" Edward laughed again. He couldn't remember the last time someone had made him laugh this much.

"Yes, I am," he gave her a salicious grin.

"There's the diner we had burgers from earlier."

"Sounds good."

The diner was exactly what Edward imagined. Questionable looking on the outside, dark on the inside, and filled with people who had known each other for years.

"Welcome ya'll, table for two?" the waiter asked.

"Yes," Edward answered, "somewhere with privacy please."

"No problem."

Edward placed his hand on the small of Bella's back guiding her through the restaurant. They sat in a booth in the back of the diner, there wasn't a large crowd, so their conversation wouldn't be overheard. The waiter returned two seconds later with two cups of water and menu's.

"This is a nice place. So what's good here other than the burgers?"

"Steaks good. And their salads."

"What are you in the mood for?"

"A salad."

The waiter came and Edward ordered placed both their orders.

"Tell me, how old are you?"

"27, I'll be 28 in a couple of months."

"Only 27, you built and run an animal shelter and you're only 27."

"Why, do I look older?" Bella asked. Her brows frowed and Edward surpressed a laugh.

"No, but it is impressive."

Edward spent the rest of dinner asking about all of her favorites and her first. Her favorite book. Her favorite film. Favorite author. The first time she rode a bike. And after learning she played the violin, how her first concert recital went.

"You're first kiss?" He questioned.

"Jacob Black."

"How old were you?"

"I...it's um..."

"I kissed Susanne Miller when I was 5 years old. I proposed to her the next day, thinking that she was pregnant and we were going to be parents."

"Really?"

"Yes, I blame my sister Alice and her misunderstanding of the national geographic channel."

"I was 23."

Before Edward could ask her anything else, the waiter interrupted them, placing the bill at the edge of the table wishing them a good night. Edward paid before Bella could argue and ushered her out of the restaurant.

They climbed back in Bella's truck, heading towards the shelter where Edward had left his car.

"Are you driving all the way to Seattle or are you staying somewhere close by?" she asked.

"Seattle, I didn't think I'd be staying here this long."

"It's too far a drive for this late hour." She spoke the words in an offhand manner.

"I don't know the area. I wouldn't know where to stay."

"I have a guest bedroom. You're welcome to use it." Her face paled a little but she didn't refute her words.

"How can I pass up a guest bedroom? Thank you for offering."

Bella nodded once and drove the rest of the way in silence. Edward turned on the radio and bobbed his head along with the song playing.

When they reached her home, Edward pulled her into another hug and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you for the wonderful day. This was a great first date. I had a great time." His wide smile let her know he was joking.

"Me too," the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them, "would you like to come in now."

"Asking me in on the first date. I promise to take full advantage." He winked at her. She snorted and pulled the door back letting him in.

Edward took in her living room and the only description he could think of was homey. Everything looked well lived in and cared for, not to mention spotless. The couch was plush and soft. He spotted Emmett at the end of the couch already asleep. The dog looked up at him and looked at the couch. Edward took it as an invitation to sit down. So he did. He took in the large flat screen and turned it on, making himself at home. Bella was rigid, standing near the doorway, so he patted the spot next to him. Tentativly, she made her way over to the couch. Edward pulled her flush against him and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"What do you watch on this thing?"

"Nothing really."

"You don't watch tv?" he gapped.

"Only the food network." Edward pulled on her bottom lip to keep her teeth from marring it.

"Food network. What's your favorite show?"

"Iron Chef."

"Why?"

"Are you going to keep asking me questions?"

"It's the only way I keep you talking. So, Iron Chef because..." Edward saw her frown and brushed her cheek with his thumb. "I'm not forcing you, share as much as you want."

"My mother and I used to pretend we were on the show. We would have competitions to see who could come up with the better dish. My father would referee and be the taste tester."

Edward laughed, squeezing her arm a bit tighter. "That sounds like an amazing time," Bella smiled at his words. "Does that mean you can cook?"

"Yes, my mother taught me everything I know," she beamed with pride.

Edward smiled again, he was happy here with this beautiful woman. It was surprising how much he liked seeing her smile, it lit him up inside. There was only one other woman who had made him feel this happy.

"I should probably tell you," Edward started looking completely serious and crestfallen, "I can't cook." He said the last words in a whisper and Bella snorted a laugh.

"I thought you were going to confess something else."

"Like what? A possible murder, my wife and kids that are waiting in New York for me, a room full of whips and chains," he joked, a smirk on his face.

"You have a wife and kids?"

"Nothing close to that, but I am a murderer." Bella pushed against him but Edward just held on tighter. "When I was five my grandfather took me hunting. It was a rite of passage for boys in his hometown and I thought it would be fun. It took three hours to find anything and then he pointed towards a deer. I killed Bambi. When we returned to New York I refused to leave my room for a week. I cried the entire time."

They were quiet for a second. Edward lost in his thoughts, remembering his nightly conversations with this mother and her reassurances that he wasn't a terrible person. After a pregnant pause Bella pushed herself closer to Edward.

"I'm not good with people,"Bella whispered.

"I'm sorry," came Edward's distracted reply.

"I'm don't do well in social situations so I don't talk. Everyone thought I was stuck up until they changed their minds and called me weird."

"You seem to be doing fine right now."

"I know. It's you," she blushed.

"Is it now."

"Yes, I don't talk unless I've got no other choice, but you keep asking me questions and I have to answer. It's impolite not to. And you're in my house. I've never had anyone here. But you're...you are...um...different...open."

"Open?" he raised his eyebrow in confusion.

"Open. What's that expression? Wearing your heart on your sleeve. You're you without pretense. It's inviting. I'm not as scared with you," she looked away from his gaze. "I'm not making sense. Just forget it."

"No, it made sense. And I'm glad my inability to cook an egg isn't off puting." Edward was happy with her assessment. His mother called him an open book.

"It's not," Bella laughed.

Edward sunk back into the couch and yawned, practically pulling Bella into his lap.

"I'm being a rude host. I'll show you to the guest room. You can wash up as well."

"Sounds good."

Bella stood from the couch and Edward followed, pulling her back into his side. She didn't embrace him, but she didn't push him away either.

They climbed the steps and she opened the first door on the right. She stopped at the entrance leaving enough space for him to squeeze by. The bed looked incredibly inviting. It was large, with a white cover, and took up most of the space in the room. He jumped on the bed ready for sleep. Bella laughed at his antics and let him take in the bed.

"Where did you get this comforter? It's so soft," Edward hummed his approval.

"Rosalie, she made all my comforters."

"Rosalie made this?"

"Yeah, she's amazing."

"Remind me to place my order."

"Okay," she looked down at his near sleeping form. "Would you like something to sleep in?"

Edward raised his head, staring at her, he replied, "Do you have something for me to sleep in?"

"I'm sure I have something that belonged to Charlie."

"Charlie?"

"My father, there are fresh towels in that dresser, there should also be toilettries under the bathroom sink. If you need anything let me know. I'll be right back with some clothes."

Edward removed his socks, shoes, and shirt, leaving his pants and made his way to the bathroom. He looked under the sink and found an unopen, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, shampoo, razer, and other hygiene products. He laughed at how prepared Bella was. He went back to the bedroom searching for a towel in the dresser Bella had pointed at.

"Oh, I'm..."

He hadn't heard her come in but was happy that she was there.

"I didn't mean-you aren't-is that real? That's a lot of lines on one body. Like a sculpture. Hard planes and defined lines. And..." He laughed again. Her words were coming so quickly, tumbling out despite her efforts to restrain them.

"You can touch them if you want," he teased.

"Uh no I- I shouldn't. Here are some sweats and a t-shirt," Bella left the clothes on the bed, retreating from the room as quickly as she had come.

Edwards laughter followed Bella down the hall to her room. He showered quickly, dressing in the clothes she left for him. His mind churning trying to find a way to buy him more time with Bella.

He wanted to stay for her. He needed to stay here with her. He picked up his phone, pressing one of his speed dial buttons.

"Edward, son, why are you calling so late?" His father's voice was laced with concern.

"Just wanted to tell you I'm staying in Seattle longer than anticipated." There was no hesitancy. This was the right thing to do.

"Your staying in Seattle. Why? Is everything okay at the office?"

"Everything's fine dad. I'm at the animal shelter, the one in Forks," a smile tugged on his lips. He made himself comfortable on the bed.

"How was it?"

"Amazing, it's incredible."

"I take it we'll be donating the money then."

"Yeah, I want to incease the amount as well."

"Increase it?" Edward heard the disbelief in his fathers voice. "Does this have to do with why you want to stay in Seattle?"

"She's amazing dad," Edward could barely contain his grin. "The people she works with love her, the animals love her, she's shy," he singsonged. "She's smart, and she makes me laugh, not intentionaly, she loves what she does, she genuinly cares about the animals she protects, she runs a tight ship, is incredibly sweet, my God she's beautiful dad."

Carlisle's laughter let Edward know he approved. He was worried for a second, thinking his father would find him crazy.

"Then by all means stay. Jasper will be able to handle things here and you can run the company from Seattle so there's no worries there. Your mother will want to know what's going on."

"Don't tell her too much. I don't want to scare Bella away."

"Bella? Pretty name. Let me know when you plan on returning. Now, you're not dying, no ones hurt and I have to be up at 5. I'm hanging up on you."

"I love you too, dad."

"And I love you. Good night."

"Night."

This was one of the reasons Edward loved his father. Carlisle was always available for his children. It made no difference what the occassion was or what Edward was fighting for, his father supported every single one of his ventures.

Edward knew this was the right decision. He wanted to spend more time with her. Get to know her. He wanted her to be completely at ease with him. It was taking a lot of restraint on his part to keep from searching her out right now. She hadn't showed him her bedroom, which in hindsight was probably a good thing. If he had seen her room he would have insisted on staying with her and she wasn't ready for that. He knew he would have to take things slow with Bella, that wasn't a problem though, if he had learned anything from his father it was patience. He wouldn't go too slow though. In case she tried to change her mind.

If it were anyone else in his situation, Edward would have called them insane. Moving to a different city for a girl, on a first meeting. The truth was simple. Edward knew what he wanted and he was going to stay and get it. Bella was everything he wanted but hadn't known he was searching for and he wasn't going to let something as trivial as distance keep him from her. Now to make her see she needed him too.