Hello all! Thanks so much for the support and reviews! I adore each and every one that I get. Keep them coming!

Thanks, thanks, thanks to katmom, my amazing beta! She puts up with my strange comma habits, my many random PMs, and reads over sections that I can't.

This chapter gets a little limey, so I've adjusted the rating to reflect that.

Also, some have been asked about EPOV. How many of you are interested in that? And which chapter?

I don't own Twilight.

Elevators, Strangers and Surprises - Chapter 4

Bella was walking up the stairs, after having been dropped off. As soon as her key sounded in the lock, Alice yanked it open, fairly pouncing on her.

"We've been wondering when you'd get back! How did everything go?" Alice asked eagerly. Rosalie came up behind the pixie, her expression mirroring Alice's. They looked so hopeful that Bella had to laugh.

"Geez, give me a chance to breathe!" She said, whacking the both of them with her purse. "I'm half in the hallway! And Rose, what are you still doing here?"

"Alice wouldn't let me leave," Rose said with an injured air. "She threatened violence if I left before you came back. Even Emmett was scared." Bella laughed, imagining Rosalie's huge bear of a boyfriend, cowering before Alice.

"Please, you wanted to know just as much as I did. So, tell us, what happened!" Alice demanded.

Bella hesitated, thinking back to the dance. Her cheeks reddened again at the memory.

"Oh! You're blushing! Spill it Swan!" Alice commanded, dragging her into the living room to sit down on the sofa.

"Well, we uh, danced together," she began.

"And…?" Rosalie prompted impatiently.

"And…that's kind of it. Though it seemed like he was going to kiss me at one point…" Bella mumbled the last part, but the two girls heard every word.

"Really? What did he do?" Alice asked. She looked entirely too interested. Bella tried to describe what had happened but found experiencing it and telling it were two entirely different things. In the brightly lit apartment, the events of the evening seemed to be far away. Maybe she'd imagined it all.

"Mmmm," Alice said dreamily. "That's so romantic."

"He's my boss Alice. Nothing's going to happen."

"Au contraire, my friend, it sounds to me like you two are a time bomb waiting to go off. I have a feeling about it." Alice looked at Bella with a serious expression.

"But…isn't it wrong?"

"Technically no, it's not like you guys are blood related or anything. But I know why you feel weird about it. It certainly wouldn't make things any easier at work for you. Still…it sounds pretty powerful." Rosalie had a faraway look in her eyes.

"Guys…no! You should be telling me how to stop it from happening again, not egging it on."

"Whatever will happen…will happen." Alice said ominously, prompting a giggle from Rosalie. Bella sighed. It didn't look as if her friends were going to be of much help.

**************

Arriving at work the following Monday, Bella felt awkward. Though she supposed there really wasn't any reason to. Nothing had actually happened. But you wanted him to kiss you, if you'd let him where would that leave you? She sat at her desk, idly tapping her pencil against the wooden top.

"Practicing for your second career as a drummer?" Jasper drawled, coming up to her. She smiled at the lean, blond man.

"Oh sure, then I can blow this popsicle stand," Bella laughed.

"How was the party last night?"

"Fine, it was a good excuse to get dressed up. I met a lot of people. Though I don't know that I would recognize anyone in real life," she commented. "Hey, do you know of a Jacob Black?"

"Yeah, I've seen him a couple of times around here. He owns a company we work with…why do you ask?"

"No reason really. He seemed interested, but then maybe he was just being nice." Bella rambled.

"I've heard he's a pretty good guy. You could do worse." He was cut off by Bella's phone ringing. "I'll let you get that, see you later." Jasper walked off in the direction of his desk. Bella picked up the receiver.

"Bella Swan speaking."

"Bella, it's Edward." The smooth voice washed over her. "I'm not going to be in for the next two days."

"Oh, where are you?"

"New York. There was a last minute business deal I had to take care of. Actually, there are some things I'm going to need you to fax over to me."

"Sure," Bella grabbed a pen from her holder. "What are they?"

"The La Push profile and our annual shareholders report."

"No problem."

"Is everything all right over there?" Edward asked, after a short pause.

"Yes, it's a well-oiled machine," Bella smiled. She heard him chuckle then.

"Ok, tell everyone I'll be in on Wednesday. Goodbye, Bella."

Bella hung up the phone, not knowing whether to feel relieved or disappointed that Edward wouldn't be showing up to the office. Man up, Bella. Forget about it, nothing's going to happen anyway.

She settled for feeling relieved, figuring that the time apart would help the whole thing blow over and neither of them would have to say anything about it.

***********************

On Wednesday morning Bella woke up with a feeling of anticipation. Without asking herself why she picked out what she, and more importantly, Alice, considered to be her most flattering work outfit. She pulled on a white camisole, pairing it with an off-white, opaque blouse with capped sleeves. Rummaging through her closet, she found her taupe skirt. It landed just above her knee and swirled around her legs when she moved. Looking at her shoes, she opted for flats, grabbing a matte gold pair. Better not to tempt fate by wearing heels.

She observed herself in the mirror. The outfit fit her curves without being inappropriately clingy. Satisfied, Bella was fastening a thin, gold pendant around her neck, a birthday gift from her father, when Alice came bouncing into her room with her usual boundless energy.

"Geez Alice, knock much?" Bella complained, dropping her hairbrush in surprise.

"Your door was open," Alice pointed out. "I wanted to remind you about our movie date tonight."

"Don't worry, I didn't forget."

"Good. Wow, pulling out all the stops are we?" Alice asked, eyeing her friend. Bella flushed.

"I should change," she said, heading back to her closet. Alice ran after her, dragging her back to her dresser.

"No! You look great. Why not make him sweat a little?" Her overly evil grin made Bella laugh. "Actually, here..." Alice pulled Bella's hair out of its customary ponytail. "Much better, you should wear it like that more often."

"I don't know. It gets in my face," Bella said dubiously, fingering a lock of hair.

"Just trust me on this," Alice said, ushering her out of her room. "We're meeting at 6:15 at the downtown theatre."

"I'll be there." Bella shrugged into her coat. With a wave, she left the apartment.

***********************

Bella ran up to the doors in the lobby of Empire One's building, but found herself unceremoniously yanked back when she tried to pass through them.

"You're caught on the door." Bella's head snapped up to see Edward behind her. With a smile, he untangled her coat from the door handle. He looked impeccable as usual, wearing a dark suit and tie, with a grey shirt.

"Thanks," Bella said as he motioned her through the door. "How was your trip?"

"Busy, but productive, I think. It's good to be back home."

They walked up to the elevators together and waited with a crowd of people. Bella was relieved that there would be a buffer between them. It was already bad enough without having to be alone in a confined space. Even with the mob, Bella could feel her body responding to the man beside her. She pulled her coat tighter around her front, hoping nothing was showing through her bra. In her periphery, she could see Edward glance down at her, but she kept her gaze firmly on the panel of buttons before her.

They reached the 33rd floor without any incident, still safely surrounded by a few strangers. Bella breathed out in a loud whoosh, not realizing she'd been holding it in.

"Um, I had the hiccups," she said, noticing Edward's curious expression. "I'll get the memo out that you're back." Bella said as they parted at the doors.

The day was unusually busy, keeping Bella's attention focused on her work. She barely saw Edward, except the few times he emerged from his office. He wore an uncharacteristically hard, and determined look on his face, making everyone wonder what was going on.

There wasn't any need to worry about feeling embarrassed regarding the party, there simply was no time to even think about it.

Just after lunch, Bella was rushing to the photocopier when Edward stopped her.

"I'm sorry Bella, but I'm going to have to ask you to work late tonight," he said, running a hand through his hair, tousling it further. Bella's mouth went dry. Good God, can he do anything without turning me on?

"Oh, why? I mean, I don't mind but what are we going to be working on?"

"The proposal for La Push Inc, needs to be put together by the end of the week and we're behind on it. I'm going to need help if it's going to be ready in time. So I'm asking both you and Jasper to stay behind."

"I'll be here," Bella said. Edward nodded, heading back towards his office. She was glad Jasper was going to be there as well. He would deflate any tension that might flare up between her and Edward.

On the way back with fresh copies in her hands, Bella remembered about the movie date with Alice. Dropping the pile on her desk, she picked up the phone to call her.

"Hello?"

"Alice, it's me. I'm so sorry, but I'm going to have to cancel on you tonight. Don't be mad!" Bella pleaded. Alice hated it when plans got canceled.

"Well, that depends on why you're ditching me. What's up?"

"Edward's asked me to work late."

"Oh? Really…?" Alice strung the words out suggestively.

"Don't be an idiot, it's not just me, there will be someone else with us too. I'm so sorry, but we're swamped here. Can we go tomorrow instead?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it! And, Bella…"

"What?"

"Do what comes naturally."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. I'll see you at home later!" Alice said sweetly before hanging up, leaving Bella staring at the receiver completely confused.

She spent the rest of the afternoon pulling the files they would need to work on the proposal. With the sheer amount of work ahead of them, Bella doubted she'd have time to dwell on her insane attraction to her boss.

"Edward roped you in as well tonight?" Bella glanced up to see Jasper leaning against her cubicle wall. He looked rather pale and tired.

"Yeah, I heard he got you too. Are you feeling okay?" She asked, concerned.

"I think I've got the beginnings of a cold. I'll soldier on." He smiled, albeit rather weakly. "Could I get the La Push file from you for a sec?"

"Sure," Bella rifled through the growing pile on her desk, plucked out the file and handed it to Jasper.

"Thanks. See you after hours," Jasper winked before striding off.

The end of the workday came and went, taking with it everyone but Edward, Bella and Jasper. The trio was holed up in the conference room, all with their heads bent over their task. It was clear that Jasper wasn't well and after a coughing fit, he gave up.

"Edward, I'm terribly sorry, but I don't think I can do anymore tonight. I feel like shit." He said wearily. Both Bella and Edward turned to look at him, slumped in his chair. Placing a hand on his forehead, Bella shook her head.

"He's burning up. There's no way he should be anywhere but bed!" She exclaimed.

"Jasper, go home. You've done plenty, Bella and I will finish up here." Edward said. Jasper nodded, putting the files he had been using onto Edward's desk.

"See you guys later. Sorry again." He said as he picked up his jacket. The door closed quietly behind him, leaving Bella and Edward alone in a darkened office floor. Don't worry, just keep working and don't look up, Bella said to herself, bending over her files accordingly.

The natural conversation that had existed when Jasper was present, had faded to a loaded silence. The air actually seemed to be heavier. The knot in her stomach that had started when Jasper initially left, coiled tighter as the quiet became suffocating. After an hour of this, and despite her better judgment, she sneaked a glance at her boss. When she laid her eyes on him, a jolt went through her, right down to her core.

Edward had loosened his tie and undone the top button of his shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to just above his elbows, showing off his well-defined arms. All this coupled with his usual bed head, provided a look that only served to make Bella uncomfortably aware of a throbbing between her legs. Luckily Edward didn't notice her staring. He seemed to be studying a page before him with great concentration.

Bella forced her attention back onto her work. I'm being ridiculous, I'm here to work, not fantasize about my boss!

"I'm going to make some coffee, do you want any?" Bella asked desperately, avoiding looking directly at him.

"No, I'm fine," Edward said in a peculiar tone.

"Okay, I'll be right back." In her haste to leave, she hit the corner of the table with her hip, stumbling slightly. Rubbing her hip, she made her way to the kitchenette. Not bothering to turn the light on, she leaned against counter with both hands out, putting all her weight on her arms. I can do this. It's just one evening stuck alone with what has to be the sexiest man alive, who makes me wet just from thinking about him.

Lost in thought, she didn't hear footsteps coming down the hall, or the sharp intake of breath, or the thud of a stack of a paper hitting the floor. Suddenly she felt a pair of hands rest on her shoulders before sliding down her arms to cover her hands. Edward. Her breathing audibly hitched as he pressed his tall frame close against her. His breath tickled her ear, just as his scent tickled her nose. Bella could feel him brush his lips against her earlobe.

"Tell me to stop, Bella, and I will. Tell me how wildly inappropriate this is to bring me back to reality." His voice was velvety and seductive, making her shiver. "Say it, Bella."

God, a man who looks like he does and speaks the way he is shouldn't be let loose in public. She struggled to maintain control and knew she was going to fail. I can't say it, I want him too badly.

"I…can't," she half moaned. At this confession she found herself whipped around so that she was facing him, or rather, facing his chest.

"Look at me," he whispered. Bella tilted her head back, seeing his eyes burning into hers before he crushed his mouth down on her own. The moment their lips touched, the formerly shy Bella disappeared and was replaced by a new, aggressive creature. One who was thrilled beyond measure that this was finally happening. Her hands twisted in his hair, reveling in its softness, as her mouth was ravaged by his. If her body had been hot at the party, it was now on fire. Desire raced through her veins, making her groan as Edward shifted her even closer against him.

She could feel every ridge of his toned body, from his chest, to his abdomen, to his thighs. Untangling her hands from his hair, she brought them down between them to lightly trace the play of abdominal muscles under his shirt. When her hands, seemingly of their own volition, went lower grazing against his hardness, Edward stiffened then muttered something unintelligible before grasping her by the waist and lifting her onto the counter. He stepped between her parted legs, using her hips to bring her back towards him.

Bella leaned back, wanting to look at him. The lights in the corridor provided some dim illumination, making it possible for Bella to examine his face. What she saw made her want him even more. His hair was a wild mess due to her hands, the green eyes heavily lidded with passion, the full lips looked slightly swollen. She brought a hand up to touch his face, going from his cheekbones to the outline of his jaw, then to his lips. Truly, she had never seen a better made man than Edward. He kept his gaze on her as she explored his features.

"You're beautiful," she murmured.

"Nothing compared to you. I've wanted to do this since I first saw you in that elevator," he said, pressing his fingers into her waist. Bella arched, tightening her legs around his hips. She grasped Edward's tie, pulling him forward to her waiting lips.

This kiss, was, if possible, even more heated than the last. In this new position, Bella could feel the evidence of his desire, right against the most sensitive part of her. Supporting herself with one hand on the counter, she ground against Edward's erection, drawing a groan from both of them, causing her to yank his tie with more force. Her position was vaguely uncomfortable but she was beyond caring. More, I need more, was all she could think as Edward's tongue teased and battled her own.

Desperate for air, Bella broke the kiss, her chest heaving as she drew in much needed oxygen. Edward took the opportunity to move his mouth down her neck to her collarbone, leaving a trail of fire as he went. One arm was clamped around her waist, the other sliding up the side of her body to cup her breast. The heat of his hand scorched through the thin material of her blouse. Bella couldn't stop the noises that were leaving her throat as he began to massage her there, recapturing her mouth as he did so.

A strange noise penetrated Bella's lust-fogged brain. Dimly she wondered if her cell phone ringing. The sound persisted and was following by a loud banging. Both froze when they heard a voice calling through the locked doors of floor.

"Edward! Are you there? Your mother wanted me to stop by and pick something up from here."

"Shit!" Edward swore. He rested his head against her shoulder for a brief moment before pulling away from her. Her body felt cold without him, and she stifled a sigh of disappointment.

"Who is it?" Bella asked, coming down from the ledge, trying to regulate her breathing. She patted down her hair in an attempt to make it presentable.

"My father... I forgot he said he was going to stop by tonight," Edward answered, tucking his shirt back into his pants. She saw him look down at his tie, which had been wrinkled beyond repair due to her mistreatment of it. The hair she loved was more disheveled than she'd ever seen it. It only makes him look sexier, she thought wanting to attack him all over again. Easy Swan, this is very obviously not the time.

"I'd better go let him in," Edward said, taking off his tie after abandoning his efforts to straighten it. He walked off in the direction of the doors. Bella switched the lights on in the kitchenette, watching as they flickered before flooding the room with brightness.

In the harshness of the fluorescents, Bella felt the reality of the situation come crashing down on her. Her face twisted as the magnitude of what had happened sank in. What am I thinking? I was two steps away from having sex with my boss. How the hell am I going to be able to work here anymore? And he fired his last assistant! The more she thought about it, the more mortified she became, forgetting that Edward had been just as active a participant as she had been, if not more.

"Hi Dad, sorry I got caught up with work, I forgot you were supposed to come over." She could hear Edward saying in the hallway. Retreating back to the conference room, Bella set about tidying up.

"You're working too hard again, I can tell. Are you getting sick? You're looking rather flushed. No tie today?"

"I was wearing one, but I took it off. You know how I hate those things." Edward was starting to sound edgy.

Their footsteps drew closer to the room where Bella was frantically piling things onto the desk. She turned, straightening up as Edward entered with a blond man beside him. Bella was not surprised to see that Edward's father was graced with extremely well placed features, making him a remarkably handsome man. He had to get it from somewhere. Unlike Edward, his father's eyes were a brilliant blue.

"Bella…? This is my father, Carlisle Cullen. Dad, this is my assistant, Isabella Swan."

"Isabella? The one you mentioned the other day? Oh! It's very nice to meet you, Ms. Swan. I hope Edward isn't working you too hard." He mentioned me to his father?

"Please, call me Bella. It's good to meet you too."

"Are you two alone here?" Carlisle asked, looking at Edward pointedly.

"Jasper started with us, but he went home sick."

"I see." Something in Carlisle's tone made it seem he knew what had happened.

"We're done here, Bella. I'm sure you're wanting to go home. I appreciate you staying late today." He was back in polite mode again.

"No problem. It was good to meet you, Mr. Cullen," Bella said, turning to the older blond man.

"My pleasure, I'm sure I'll be seeing you again." He smiled at her.

"Okay, well, have a good evening." Bella slipped out of the office, shutting the door behind her. Back at her own desk, she put coat on, slinging her purse over her shoulder. Walking back to the entrance, she caught a few muffled words coming from Edward's office.

"…know what you're doing? This isn't like you." Carlisle was saying.

"I've got it under control," Edward snapped at his father.

Feeling like an intruder, Bella hurried past, exiting the office floor to wait in front of the elevators. Once inside she gave a huge sigh, and leaned against the wall. One thought kept going through her mind over and over.

I'm in so much trouble.

A/N: This was my first lime, please be kind! And there's this little thing called "reviews" that you can always leave...