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A/N I guess the page breaks I put in aren't coming through on ff so I'm going to try something else. Sorry for any confusion. And the first time I posted ch 2 I mistakenly said that Rosalie was Emmett's wife but they aren't married yet. I went back and fixed it but sorry for any confusion again. Thanks for reading my first attempt!

Chapter 4: Bright Colors

BPOV

Bella had a heady mixture of excitement as she and Alice followed Edward into his condo.

After she had finished watching a movie with Alice last night she started her daily email to Jake. He couldn't call her but he had email access and she emailed him every night regardless of how infrequently he replied. She filled him in on her activities, asked how he was, and talked about her desire to get a dog (a request he always ignored). She added as a postscript that Carlisle's son had come with him to fix the sink and invited her and Alice to a family barbeque the next day. She wasn't sure what had made her add the word "family" but she knew Jake would be upset and regardless of what Alice said, Bella was not willing to have a fight over a guy inviting her for a friendly barbeque. First 'family' and then 'friendly'. Bella wondered how many different adjectives she could come up with for this simple barbeque.

Bella then called Angela and without running through the usual pleasantries, confessed that she found Carlisle's son incredibly hot and felt it was a bit inappropriate to go to the party the next day. Angela was surprised as she had never heard Bella go off about a guy like this before and noticed that Bella seemed excited and happy talking about this Edward and she had never heard her sound like that about Jake. However, Angela kept her observations to herself and backed up Alice telling Bella that there was nothing wrong with finding someone attractive and as long as she was upfront with Jake about the barbeque it would be good to meet new people and make friends.

"What does he do anyway?" Angela asked.

"Oh well when Esme stopped by later to bring more flowers she said that he's starting at Mt. Siani with his dad on Monday. He's an internal medicine specialist or something like that." Bella replied.

"What! He's a young, single, hot doctor who also knows how to fix your leaky pipes?" Angela screeched.

"Ummmm I guess yeah. Not how I would describe it but sure why not?" Bella mused.

"Damn! Well I will be coming to visit a lot sooner. See if you can scope out some other single hot doctors for me while you're at this party k?" Angela requested.

"Sure, Ang. Whatever you say. I'm gonna go to bed I'll call you after school on Monday and fill you in. Love you"

"Love you too, Bells. And hey, have fun and keep an open mind." Angela closed.

As Bella climbed into bed she checked her phone for any emails one last time. Surprisingly she had one from Jake. He never responded so quickly and she usually had to wait a week for an email from him and it was just a response to her previous 5 or 6 emails.

Bells,

I don't know what you are trying to pull by adding that 'p.s' about some guy inviting you to a bbq. Is he a doctor like his dad? Are you looking for some sugar daddy or something? I know I'm not rolling in the money but I'm serving our country and working hard to support us. I would appreciate it if you considered that before you accepted anymore invitations. I can't forbid you to go but I want you to know that I am out here risking my life and I don't appreciate you distracting me with thoughts that my WIFE is going over to a strange guy's house. Again, I can't tell you what to do but you know my thoughts on this. I have to go, Leah has us running drills up top but we WILL talk about this soon.

Love,

Your Husband Jake

Bella was disgusted; both with herself and Jake. She knew that he would react this way but she went ahead with it anyway and Jake, well, he disgusted her a lot lately. She was one of the least materialistic people she knew and for him to accuse her of looking for a sugar daddy was just plain stupid and cruel. His "sly" manipulative tactics weren't working either. Bella did appreciate how hard he worked and was proud that he served his country but she worked hard too and gave up just as much for his career. And putting the emphasis on 'wife'? Really? Her high schoolers were more adapt in the art of passive aggressive manipulation. And then closing by telling her about Leah. That woman. Bella was not a jealous person but Leah just got under her skin. She was the only woman on the MSST team and always acted like she had to prove herself. Jake had taken her under his wing and kept the guys from giving her too hard of a time. Bella thought it was nice of Jake and genuinely tried to befriend Leah but she always acted cold towards Bella and was constantly calling Jake and asking for advice or seeing if he wanted to go to the gun range to 'practice'. Bella didn't believe Jake was cheating on her or acting inappropriately but sometimes she felt uneasy and wondered if she was too trusting.

What Jake hadn't counted on was that his reaction would only widen the cracks between him and Bella and not only would she go to the barbeque but she would go determined to make Edward a part of her life, even if it was just as a friend.

EPOV

Edward was pleasantly surprised how quickly Bella seemed to fit in with his family and friends. Although, Alice had her beat. As soon as they walked through the door Emmet leapt up from the couch where he was holding court and yelled, "Hey short stuff, what are you doing here?"

Huh? Was he talking to Alice? Or Bella? He really hoped it was Alice although he didn't know why he was feeling so possessive towards Bella. He hardly knew her.

Apparently Alice was a personal trainer at the gym Emmett managed. Edward was glad they knew each other and hoped it would put Bella at ease. Especially since Rosalie wasn't helping. After Alice and Emmett explained how they knew each other and started gossiping about the gym members like a couple of high school girls Edward made introductions for Bella. When he got to Rosalie he couldn't help but notice her normal frostiness increase and she didn't even shake Bella's offered hand but gave a curt not. Edward shrugged it off and went back to enjoying the party.

At the end of the night Edward, Rosalie, Emmett, Bella, Alice ended up in the living room half-watching the game and half-making fun of Alice and Emmett.

"Emmett's ridiculous," Edward said, "He's been leaving me a protein shake on my doormat every morning and set an alarm on my phone for nightly runs."

"Oh you should see Alice," Bella laughed, "She practically drags me out of bed every morning to go 'cleanse' as she says. 'Cleanse' my ass! I don't consider running 7 miles before 6AM cleansing. Nor are the disgusting low-fat, high protein, salad concoction things she makes."

Edward started to laugh but Rosalie cut in, "Well I don't think you appreciate that your friend is trying to keep you healthy and get in shape. You know tone up and slim down, you could use it." Rosalie said with a bitchy smirk.

Rosalie's comment immediately stopped the laughing tone and Bella just blushed while Alice, Edward, and even Emmett looked at Rosalie incredulously.

"What?" she exclaimed, "I'm just saying we should appreciate what our friends do for us!"

"Rosalie," Edward said clenching his jaw, "Will you help me with that last pitcher in the kitchen. Now!"

Rosalie primly followed Edward into the kitchen as he heard Emmett engage Bella and Alice in a talk about the weather.

"What the fuck was that Rose?"

"Don't give me that shit, Edward. I'm onto you. And that girl is married!"

"They're both married, what are you going on about?"

"Yes, they are but I saw the way you've been looking at Bella all night and her ring is not going to magically disappear from her finger. Although it's small enough it just might," She snidely added.

Edward was about to protest to Rosalie how wrong she was about him and Bella, defending himself with his belief system and track record but then he stopped. It was none of her business. He didn't need to justify himself or his burgeoning friendship with Bella.

"Rosalie, I have no interest in Bella other than friendship," and finding out how she sounds moaning my name he silently added. "And even if I did I would not initiate a relationship like that. And Bell does not seem like the kind of girl that would cheat on her husband no matter how unhappy she is," he finished.

"How do you know she's unhappy?" Rosalie questioned.

"Whatever, I don't. I was just saying ok? Look you're bringing the bitchiness to a whole new level tonight so can you just tone it down please?"

"Fine Edward. I just don't want you to get hurt ok? I see her looking at you too and I don't see it ending well if you are anything more than friends. I do care about you." She finished quietly.

"I know Rosalie, but I'm a big boy and Bella is a grown woman and we can be friends and just friends. Don't make this something it isn't." Edward pleaded.

BPOV

Bella couldn't remember the last time she had this much fun. Edward's friends were laid back and funny and instantly made her feel welcome. Also, Emmett and Alice were constantly cracking each other up and if Bella was being honest, the fact that Alice was friendly with Edward's brother made her feel less guilty for enjoying herself. In keeping with her honesty pledge, Bella had to admit that she was enjoying herself a lot. Almost too much. And every time she met Edward's eyes from across the room she felt a pull to go towards him. It was this otherworldly electrical current that she felt vibrating through her toes and up to the roots of her hairline. She had never felt this kind of physical reaction to anyone before, but rather then be scared or apprehensive of it, she felt calmed and reassured. She managed to put Jake out of her mind and enjoy herself. She mingled, discussed music with Edward's friends, got Alice to chug a beer, and shared frequent warm smiles with Edward.

Even Rosalie's cold reception and snarky comments about her body did not deter her from enjoying herself. She knew she was in good shape and figures Rosalie just tested new people. After Rosalie and Edward returned from the kitchen everyone decided to play Scrabble. Rosalie exclaimed that she had a new board and flew out the door. Alice and Bella looked quizzically at Emmett and Edward and both wondered aloud where she went. Emmett explained that he and Rosalie lived next door. Rosalie returned with the fancy Scrabble set and they all shifted to the floor around the coffee table. Bella was sitting cross-legged next to Edward and her bare knee was touching his worn jeans. She wondered if he knew. Bella was impressed with Edward's vocabulary and quick wit, especially when it came to making fun of Emmett. She didn't play as well as she would have liked, but she had a hard time concentrating with the gorgeous man sitting next to her.

After Edward's victory everyone started stretching, packing up, and saying their goodbyes. Emmett hugged both Bella and Alice, Rosalie gave them both a polite nod but Alice leaned in for a hug and Rosalie looked shocked at first but then, surprisingly, returned it. Alice hugged Edward good-bye and thanked him for the invitation and then winked at Bella. Before Bella could discern what Alice's gesture was for she felt Edward's strong arms wrap around her upper back and squeeze lightly. It was over before she could even register what was going on and she was so distracted by his light cinnamon smell and how soft his t-shirt felt against her temple that it took her a few seconds to realize he was saying something to her.

"You'll let me know if you have any issues with your sink right?" Edward asked, apparently for the second time.

"Oh, yeah sure of course. Thanks again. And thanks for inviting us, we had a good time," Bella lamely replied.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you guys could come. Drive home safe." Edward replied and flashed Bella the most devastating good-guy smile.

Bella was once again distracted but luckily Alice pulled her out the door and towards Alice's obnoxiously yellow Porsche.

As soon as Alice and Bella were buckled in and driving out of Edward's complex Alice turned to her with a sly grin on her face.

"So….." she mused, "That was fun."

"Yeah it really was, wasn't it?" Bella asked obliviously.

"Yeah. That's crazy that Emmett is Edward's brother. Jasper is gonna get a kick out of that. He and Emmett get along great and I know he'll like Edward too. That Rosalie though, she's one tough bitch" Alice laughed.

"Yeah, I don't think she likes me." Bella quietly said.

"I don't think she liked how Edward was looking at you. Or how you were looking at him." Alice said looking at Bella out of the corner of her eye.

"What are you talking about?" Bella asked. But she knew exactly what Alice was talking about she just hadn't realized that she had been so obvious.

"I'm talking about the way he was eye fucking you and how you blushed every time you came within a foot of him. It was so cute I almost puked. Although that could have been from the beer you made me chug." Alice replied.

"Okay, yeah he's cute. Hot. But I would never, never, never act on it." Bella emphatically stated. "I love Jake. I do. He's my husband."

"Bella," Alice said as they pulled into their driveway.

"Yeah?"

Alice stopped the car and turned to look at her friend. "Are you, you know, interested in Edward?"

"What? No! I mean not as anything more than a friend."

"Bella, I'm not trying to accuse you of anything. I just want you to know you can talk to me. About anything." Alice said sincerely.

"I know, Alice. Thank you." Bella replied with equal sincerity as she exited the car and headed towards the house. Bella did know that she could talk to Alice but the truth was she didn't know what she would say at this point. She was attracted to Edward, physically, mentally, and she felt that she was emotionally attracted to him as well. And as many problems as she had with Jake she would never have considered cheating on him. But what she was too scared to admit to Alice was that as she sat next to Edward playing scrabble she didn't just fantasize about him taking her on the coffee table, scrabble tiles imprinting onto her back as he kissed down her neck over her taut nipples, his hands working her body into a frenzy as she grew wetter and wetter….No she also fantasized about discussing his work with him after a long day, laughing about politics and movies together, and sharing her dreams to get her PH.D in English and teach at Columbia. She could not admit to herself that this man she had just met had turned her entire viewpoint upside down and she didn't know what to do. She did know that she wanted to be happy and she finally had a glimpse at what that could be like. To be truly happy.

EPOV

The week passed by quickly for Edward. It was his first week at the hospital and he was swamped with cases, meeting his fellow residents and his students and interns, and avoiding his dad. Just because he worked at the same hospital as Carlisle did not mean that he wanted to spend every waking minute with him. Edward's hours were killing him and he found the one thing he was looking forward to every time his alarm clock went off at a disgustingly early hour was his communication with Bella.

The day after the barbeque she had texted him. Thanking him again for the invite and fixing the sink. Edward didn't think it was anything more than a friendly gesture but some horny voice in the back of his head told him that she was initiating the contact and that had to mean something. The rest of the week they traded texts back and forth. He told her short stories about the hospital and Emmett and she complained about her lazy students and discussed her plans for the summer. The texts were short but frequent and on Wednesday they had both stayed up until 2AM exchanging messages. Edward knew it was a little inappropriate and he was sure her husband did not know that they were texting, if he even knew about Edward at all, but he just couldn't stop. Bella was like this drug to him, an opiate that got him hooked and removed all his reasoning and moral turpitude. All he felt around Bella, besides the constant desire to see what she tasted like, was a sense of bliss, a purpose, a drive to make her happy. Despite his emotions his logic told him that the direction they were headed in was not safe. Someone was bound to get hurt but he just wanted to be with Bella, in whatever way he could. After their late texting session he decided that he would not make a move on Bella but if she did, well he knew he would not be able to resist.

It was Friday and Edward was driving home. He was off this weekend and had no plans and he couldn't be happier; until Bella texted him.

Hey, how was work?

His face lit up and he quickly texted back:

Long, ready for a free weekend. How about you?

Same. I could use a beer, or four.

Edward knew that girls often played games but didn't think Bella was the type. Rather than analyze her text message he decided to act how he would with any other friend.

Want to meet at Bokampers for a beer?

Edward decided to add an invite for Alice too in case Bella didn't feel comfortable just meeting him but before he could text out his next message she responded:

Hell yes! See you there in 10

Edward was already seated at a table on the outdoor patio. He had just a pitcher for them as he saw Bella walk through the bar. She had obviously come right from school as she was wearing a fitted dark grey pencil skirt and a whit button up blouse. Her sleeves were rolled up and the shirt fit snugly over her perfect breasts. Her legs were accentuated with tall black stilettos. She looked professional but incredibly sexy. Edward could only imagine the number of teenage boys that had fantasies about their English teacher. Bella flashed him a sweet smile as she sat down across the table.

"Thanks for thinking of this," she said, "I could definitely use a drink or two."

"Your kids giving you trouble? Throwing spit wads at you? No one brought you an apple?" Edward teased.

"Ha Ha," Bella smirked. "No, they just don't seem to care. I know it's almost the end of the school year but I just wished they put more effort into their work. And they hardly participate in class."

Edward looked at Bella. He looked past her beautiful appearance and sad brown eyes and saw a woman who was passionate but seemed utterly defeated.

"Bella, do you like your job?" Edward asked softly.

BPOV

Bella had her eyes cast down towards the mug of beer that had just been delivered and considered her answer. She loved literature and she liked discussing it but she didn't like trying to talk about symbolism and meaning with high school kids. They were often too caught up in their own dramas to care about 17th century literature. Bella decided against being polite and vowed to be honest with her new friend.

"No I hate it." Bella said emphatically. "I mean I love the subject matter," she continued, "but my dream was not to teach at this level and there is a lot more of counseling and administration that goes along with teaching at a high school then I would like."

"What is your dream?" Edward asked

"My dream was…" she started.

"No 'is'," Edward said, "you can still have it you know?"

Bella had never really discussed her goals with Jacob since her opportunity at graduate school had disintegrated. He always thought she was blaming him for her missed opportunity and refused to get into a conversation about it. He pushed her into the teaching job for something to fill her days and thought it was just as good as her original plan.

"Okay, my dream is to get my PH.D in English Literature and eventually hold a teaching and research position at Columbia."

"Wow! That sounds amazing. I'm definitely more of a science guy but I loved the literature course I had in my undergrad. The class was always really relaxed and the professor led a discussion versus a lecture you know?"

"Yes, exactly!" Bella said. "That is what I want to do. Not hassle teenagers for outlines of essays and reminding them the difference between a metaphor and a simile."

Edward and Bella continued to discuss their interests and she found that he was incredibly well read. It was so nice to talk about books and other topics with him. Jake was very street smart but he had not interest in Bella's scholastic pursuits and she wished she had someone to discuss things she was interested in. Edward and Bella spent the next two hours talking about everything from their favorite movies and books to their families and memories from college.

As Edward was relating one story from college he mentioned Tanya.

"Who's Tanya?" Bella interrupted.

"Oh, she's my ex-girlfriend. We were together through most of college."

"Why did you break up?" Bella asked. She knew she was being nosy but they had both been so open with each other up until this point and she was dying to know what had happened. She couldn't imagine letting Edward go if she was with him.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you all of it someday but the cliff notes version is that we were high school sweethearts who grew apart." Edward left out his suspicions that Tanya had cheated on him and begged him not to move to Miami. He had a suspicion that mentioning infidelity would make bolt.

"Oh yeah of course, I didn't realize how late it was. I better get home; Alice is making Puerto Rican food tonight. Should be interesting." Bella laughed.

"Yeah I need to get home too. I'll walk you to your car."

Bella felt the pull of anticipation as Edward walked her to her car. She mused again that she had never felt this way with Jake or any other boy before him. Everything was in shades of black and white with Jake, and Edward seemed to color in her world with vibrant hues. The bright colors seemed to cloud her judgment because as Edward leaned in to hug her goodnight she brushed her lips against his. She leaned back slightly and looked at him. Shock, lust, and confusion seemed to flit across his eyes. She was embarrassed and angry at herself but the greater part of her wanted to feel his lips again. She wanted to see if they really were as soft as she thought. Edward seemed to be fighting an internal battle as well but as soon as she gave up and leaned forward again he gripped the back of Bella's head and crashed his lips to hers. They molded their lips together and Bella marveled at the way his full lips seemed to fit perfectly with hers. She felt her heart beating erratically within her chest and hoped she wasn't shaking but she couldn't feel anything but his hands; one still gripping her head and the other resting lightly on her waist. Her hands were awkwardly at her sides and she quickly moved them to his strong back, marveling at the muscular planes. Bella weaved her tongue into Edward's mouth and he enthusiastically greeted it with his own. Edward's hand was travelling from her waist to her ass when he suddenly broke apart.

"Bella, I'm so sorry." He said looking pained.

"What are you sorry for, Edward? I kissed you."

"What does this mean? I mean I don't want you to do anything you don't want to, you're married. I don't know. I'm really confused here." Edward said.

"I am too. I just feel this pull towards you. I know it sounds silly but I just can't control myself around you. I swear I have never done anything like this before." Bella said. She was afraid Edward would think she was some girl who just went around kissing anyone and had no respect for her marriage or her husband. She did, but well she just couldn't even think around Edward. She had just met this man but he made her think of soul mates and true love; ideas she had given up on completely.

"I want nothing more than to lose control around you too, Bella. But I don't want you to feel pressured into anything. I think we should both just think about this before we get carried away." Edward said.

"You're right. Why don't I call you on Monday," Bella said. "Let each other cool off over the weekend. I need to think some things through and well, I need to have a discussion with Jake." Bella cringed. Jake.

Edward nodded and smiled softly at Bella. She gave him a soft hug and quickly got into her car in case she let her lust and infatuation take over her temporary logical mind. As Bella pulled out of the parking lot and glanced at Edward in the rearview mirror she knew that she was in for a long night. She had to talk to Jake. Regardless of their issues Jake did not deserve to be cuckolded and she had to tell him what had happened and her feelings. He deserved happiness as much as she did and she wanted to be with Edward but she also had to make sure her feelings were genuine and not a result of loneliness or discord with Jake.

But as Bella climbed into bed that night with her lips still tingling form the memory of Edward's kisses she knew that she couldn't stay away from Edward. Her life was finally bright and she would do anything to keep it that way.

A/N Please review! Thanks to everyone who has so far, it helps more than you know!