Previously…

"I trust you Edward."

"That makes one of us. You shouldn't."

"I have no idea what you mean by that but I do trust you. If I couldn't would you be here checking on me in the middle of the night?" He had to admit, she had a point. What she didn't know is two things about her tempted him and he wasn't sure which was stronger at this point. He jumped down turning to look at her, "Be there tomorrow, usual time."

"Ok."

She didn't have time to say anything else because suddenly he was gone. Smiling to herself she crawled back into the bed, too excited to sleep.

When morning came she busied herself until it was time to head to Edwards. Dressing in jeans and a dark blue shirt that fit her nicely she smiled, she usually didn't try to dress up but for some reason she liked this guy.

She wasn't even upset that he was in a tree outside her window in fact it made her feel special. How twisted am I? She thought as she exited her truck in his driveway. Raising her hand to knock the door flew open her hand falling onto his hard chest.

"Oh." She mumbled removing her hand quickly. His face held a lopsided grin, "Sorry I heard you coming. Come in."

She followed him inside. "You thirsty?" He asked. Smiling she shook her head no and sat beside him on the couch. "So what's on the agenda today?"

"I was thinking, it might help me to know what kind of music you like in order to assist you in playing your best."

"Oh….well I like Debussy, does that help?"

His eyes widened and he cleared his throat, "Yeah that helps." Seeing his reaction she looked curious, "Do you not like him?" He smiled softly, "The complete opposite I am afraid, I love him."

"Oh."

He took a deep breath and immediately regretted it. His throat started to burn and he closed his eyes for a moment.

"Are you ok?" She asked placing a small hand on his arm. His eyes opened and he took her hand in his kissing it tenderly. "I will be." He could hear her heart sputter. Raising his head he met her dark eyes. They were full of wonder, and question. He quickly dropped her hand.

"I am sorry, it was rude of me to assume…we should get started." Walking over to the piano he gestured for her, "Please." Following him she sat down placing her fingers on the keys. He slipped down beside her keeping just enough space between them to oppose any unnecessary touching.

"Try this." He spoke as his fingers expertly caressed the keys. She watched carefully and attempted to follow.

"Good try, lets hear it again."

She tried again, this time it was perfect. He smiled, she was a natural. This was going to be fun. He continued to show her what he wanted and she continued to follow. "How long did you say you played?"

"A year give or take."

"You are a natural Bella, try this." Picking something harder he found he finally had her stumped. She tried several times biting her lip in concentration but it was no use, she couldn't get it. He slipped his hands over hers only for her to shiver. Pulling back he shook his head, "I'm sorry."

"No, please." She pulled his hands back. Adjusting to the coolness of his fingers on hers she waited. Together they slowly began to move. The beautiful sound of music swept the house. Esme and Carlisle leaned out of his study smiling and watched for a minute before they disappeared.

Edward was watching her, she was glowing. The utter joy of the music was saturating her every thought. Occasionally her eyes would drift shut as the music took her. He smiled remembering how it always made him feel the same. He didn't have to read her mind to tell she was a musician at heart.

The song ended yet she remained still closing her eyes and smiling. "That was so beautiful. You are truly gifted."

"As are you."

"No, I let you guide me." She answered opening her eyes to look at him. He smiled the most perfect lopsided grin, "You are mistaken, it was you who guided me. My fingers simply followed the melody your heart sang."

"You have a way with words. I bet the girls in school love you."

"Actually, they tend to stay away. Perhaps it is best that way. I am glad to have graduated early."

Her face was curious, "Tell me why would the girls stay away? You don't seem cruel or anything. Although…you did mention you have bad days." Laughing he stood, "A healthy dose of fear is always a good deterrer."

"Fear? You don't scare me, why would you scare them?"

He spun around quickly, his face worried. "Perhaps I should, it would seem you don't see what is right in front of your face little one." She did not comment on his calling her little one again, instead she stood closing the lid on the piano. "Can we go for a walk? It is so pretty here. I'd like to look around."

He was silent but it was clear he was thinking. "I assume it would be ok." He responded after a short time. She smiled moving closer to him, "So show me around Mr. Cullen." The slanted smile returned and he opened the back door for her. She walked out looking around; it was so green, so beautiful. It was apparent his mother had a green thumb; roses and multiple flowers grew all over.

Pressing his hand to her back he led her further. "There is a river close by. It is a nice place to go and relax." She allowed him to lead her feeling him remove his hand and slip it into his pockets. She noticed how he looked at the ground appearing deep in thought. When they arrived at their destination he sat on a large rock watching as she sat on the grass leaning back on her hands.

"So Edward, what don't I know?"

"What do you mean love?" His answer was followed by a frown as he looked off into the trees. She would have been in heaven that he called her love but she wanted answers.

"I mean what is right in front of my face? Why should I be scared of you?"

She moved closer, her hand touching his calf. His eyes quickly flashed to her. "I can't explain. Don't you feel odd when you are with me? You know the nervous feeling you get in your stomach like when you are around a predator." She chuckled, "I guess not, it's hard for me to think of you as a predator, even though you were hanging out at my bedroom window."

He shook his head, "This is wrong. You shouldn't be…….."

"I shouldn't be what?" she added quickly. He took a long, slow breath. "You are a very sweet girl, I………..I am not so nice Bella. Can't you see that? Me and you being friends, it doesn't work."

"We are friends?" she asked surprised. He smiled, "I think so, although it would be much better for you if we weren't." Her face fell, "Why do you say that. I like coming here. It's the first time I have felt at home in Forks. I can't explain why but I am comfortable here, in your home."

He groaned playing with an imaginary thread on his jeans. "You should not be. It's not a place you want to be."

"But I do…want to be here I mean. I like spending time here."

She watched his expression. He was scared and she could not understand why. "Edward, I won't hurt you, you know. I don't bite."

"But what if I did?"

"You are being silly. You are acting like you are going to stop teaching me again."

"There's an idea."

"WHAT!" Her voice rose and she stood, "You teach me two days, TWO DAYS! And you want to quit again. Why even bother? What are you mental or something?" He shook his head, "Or something."

"How can you…oh never mind, forget I asked." He could see the tears welling up in her beautiful eyes. "I want to go back."

"Bella."

"I want to go back." She said ignoring him and beginning to walk. He laughed softly following her and grabbing her arms. "Wrong way love." She stopped meeting his gaze. There was that word again, "love" what was his problem? He called her endearments but in the next breath he was saying she needed to go.

"Bella, don't worry. I say things…..I want to be around you. It's best that I am not but at this point I don't think it is something I want to fight anymore." His hand rose and he ran it gently over her cheek. "Something about you… I don't know if I am strong enough to walk away."

"Oh." Stunned, that was her expression. She looked stunned. He wished he could read her mind, it was killing him not to hear what she thought.

"What are you thinking?"

"That I am glad I took these piano lessons."

"Bella…" She could feel him leaning toward her before she actually saw it. His eyes boring into hers. Her heartbeat quickened and she was lost in his beautiful ocher eyes. She could feel his warm breath on her face he was so close. He was just inches away from her awaiting lips. He smelt wonderful. He suddenly jerked back. "It's late I should walk you to your truck."

"Ok." She followed him only to trip on an unknown object. Hearing her he turned catching her before she fell into him.

"Sorry, I'm a little clumsy."

He smiled taking her hand, "Well come on clumsy. It's better if you walk beside me so I can watch you." A soft laugh came from her full lips. "Or catch me."

"That too. I don't want to fall."

She laughed biting her lip. He was so confusing and the more confusing he was the more she liked him. Arriving at her truck he opened the door for her.

"So, same time tomorrow?" She asked sitting half way in the truck. His intense eyes met hers, "I was thinking of taking a trip tomorrow."

"A trip?"

"Yeah, are you busy?"

She was confused, "You are inviting me?" He smirked, "That was the general idea." Biting her lip she shook her head yes. A smile covered his face, "Good, I'll pick you up at say 10?"

She started her truck as he turned to leave and rolled down her window, "Wait, where are we going?" He didn't turn but spoke so she could hear him, "You'll see, dress comfortable." Watching him walk away she placed her truck in reverse her mind was reeling. Edward Cullen just asked me to go on a trip. Laughing she backed up and headed home.

Edward was met with a huge smile when he walked in. He sighed, "Don't say it." Alice giggled, "Say what? Say I told you so, say you like her, you asked her out I assume?"

"You assume correct."

"YES, YES, YES!" She cried jumping up and down. "I knew you would do it, I just knew it!"

"Yeah well it wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had, she does remain human and I am a vampire." He grumbled sitting on the couch. She patted his shoulder, "Minor obstacles, you will get through them. I wouldn't lead you astray."

"They are not minor, Alice."

She sighed heading toward the kitchen, "You need to relax more."

"If I relax she dies."

"Cryptic."

He groaned grabbing his book from the table. This was one argument better left alone.