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Enjoy Bella's lunch date.

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DISCLAIMER: We own nothing, except a door-sized poster of Edward.


Recap, Chapter Six

"Is this about your brother?"

I heard him take a short breath in and he paused for a moment. "No Bella, this is about you and me. I'll see you at noon."

And with that, the phone clicked and I sat there, confused at my bizarre morning.

Edward- Fucking- Cullen.

Chapter Seven - The Lunch Date

Bella POV

I groaned as soon as I hung up the phone with Edw- I mean, Cullen. I put my head in my hands, my thoughts arguing with one another.

What am I doing?

--Going to lunch with the other one… the gorgeous, stick-up-his-ass one.

But, why, exactly?

--'Cause he asked? Look, I'm not the one who said, "Yes."

But, why am I so damn nervous? Should I tell Masen? And what was with the, "you and I" shit?

I let my head fall out of my hands and hit it against the desk lightly, hoping the banging would clear my thoughts… no such luck.

"If you keep doing that, you'll end up feeling stupid if someone walks in." I looked up, feeling my cheeks tint a shade of bright red.

I fumbled around my desk for some papers, pretending to straighten up a pile and set it neatly on my desk.

"What do you want, Emmett?" I asked, slightly annoyed; I wasn't really in the mood for his banter, especially after his morning antics.

He pouted slightly and leaned against my doorframe. "Ah, Bells… I already told you that I was sorry. Really, I am…"

I stood up, putting up my hand to shush him. "I know. It's just that I have a lot on my mind and today is just…"

I was interrupted by a light tap on my open door; we both turned to the source and saw a perfect tidy mess of bronze hair. As soon as I saw him, a smile willingly crept up to my lips and I felt myself blush when I realized that I wish that his perfect smile could match mine.

"Bella, sorry, am I interrupting?" Cullen asked shyly from the doorway.

The stupid smile couldn't seem to leave my features. "Oh, no, not at all," I responded shaking my head. Our eyes locked and I was unable to look away from his brilliant hazel eyes; the butterflies in my stomach just wouldn't quit.

Emmett looked from Cullen to me and rolled his eyes. "I assume that you two lovebirds are having lunch?" he asked, somewhat displeased with the idea.

I somehow managed to look away from Cullen's stare and over to Emmett's, and I was slightly confused by his rudeness, and suddenly I remembered my earlier promise.

"Oh, Emmett, I completely forgot about our lunch date! It's just that Edward called and…" Emmett waved me off.

"Its fine, I'll just… you know… whatever. Pick up some pizza or something," I heard him mumble, heading for the door.

He looked back towards Cullen, noticing his gaze still intently placed on me. "It seems that you two have some… unresolved business from last night… I'll just, you know…" he said, his tone louder, his body already halfway out the door.

He stopped behind Cullen and mouthed his famous advice, 'wrap it up.' My face blushed feverishly as I motioned Cullen to come in; thankfully, he didn't notice Emmett's warning. I made a mental note to tell Emmett about the twin thing, and grimaced when I thought about explaining about my girlish crush on Cullen, and my womanly want for Masen.

Well, you don't have to explain all that…

Cullen closed the door with a soft click and stepped further into my office. He rubbed his hands nervously together.

"So, um, thanks for agreeing to have lunch with me this afternoon, Bella. I just really wanted to make up for my horrible behavior these past few days."

I nodded at him warily. "Sure, no hard feelings."

He gave his own version of the crooked smile I had seen so much of yesterday. I had to look away, or else I would end up on top of him as well.

Well, that wouldn't be so bad…

--Isabella Marie Swan!

What? I… uh… damn, you're right.

I grabbed my purse and looked around my office, making sure nothing was out of place. My eyes roamed the desk, noting the importance of certain papers that I would have to continue when I got back. I did a final sweep of the office and my eyes settled on the exquisite bouquet Masen had sent me this morning.

"Ready to go? I want to take…" he started to say, but abruptly stopped when he saw the smile that the gorgeous flowers emanated in me.

I sighed, still not quite believing he would have such a romantic gesture.

"They are lovely, aren't they, Bella?" I jumped when I felt Cullen's luscious voice purr into my ear.

I shifted a little, trying to hide the shiver that ran through my body, so I settled for nodding in response. He was standing so close behind me that I could feel the body heat radiating off him, I couldn't breathe without noticing the masculine scent rolling off him in some sort of sensual wave.

Mm, soap and… honey?

--Sweet and clean. I wonder… is that how he likes his sex?

What?!

--*shrugs* Oh, like you're not curious…

Well…

--See?

No, no! This is Cullen we're talking about… Cullen!

A clearing of the throat interrupted my contemplating thoughts. I noticed Cullen now stood in front of me, mischievous curiosity placed in his hazel eyes.

"Care to share what you were thinking?" he asked coyly. I blushed at the mere thought of sharing my conversation with Edward.

Oh, sure! I was thinking that since you smelled of soap and honey, that may signal the way you like to, you… you know… have sex?

I snorted - no fucking thank you. He looked at me with a perplexed look and shook his head. "You confuse the hell out of me, Isabella Swan."

I just laughed at his bluntness. "Honestly, I confuse the hell out of myself most of the time."

He genuinely laughed along with me and motioned his head towards the door. "Shall we, then?"

I nodded. This was one lunch I'm sure I would never forget - I just hope Masen doesn't find out.

Masen POV

There was no way the staff didn't notice the shit-eating grin that was plastered on my face all morning, and Bella Swan was to thank for that. I mean, shit! I felt like an idiot - grinning all over the place because of a woman. Nonetheless, this woman had bloody fascinated me beyond belief. She was gorgeous, that was obvious, but she was also brilliantly charming in her own clumsy-Bella-way.

I had to steal a moment from her this morning; it was like my body needed a fix of her luscious breasts. So I didn't fight the urge and practically skipped to her office, smile still in place.

That was until I got a glimpse of those fucking flowers. Almost immediately I knew who they were from, my dearest cunt-of-a-brother, always the gentleman one of us, upping his game.

Pussy.

I innocently mentioned the flowers to her and saw her eyes lit up with a brilliant happiness. I smiled inwardly as she mentioned they came with a note. She handed it to me nonchalantly and I instantly recognized the eloquent writing of my douche-bag brother.

So, he wants to play games? Sure, let's play, Cullen.

So, I played along with her assumption that I had sent them, probably for my behavior this morning in the elevator. I knew she wasn't pleased with what I had asked of her, but I wanted to make things as crystal clear as possible since the beginning.

This wasn't going anywhere, right?

Just a fling - an office fling, for that matter.

It wasn't as if we were dating.

I shivered at that thought - dating, being tied down to fucking just one woman. No fucking thank you.

Keep it casual, Edward.

Yeah, casual, right.

So I secured another date for this weekend, because even if it wasn't going anywhere, that didn't mean I had any intentions of letting her go.

I looked up through my mounds of paperwork and decided to take a break. I stood up with my hands in my pockets and stared blankly out my window. Fucking, bloody New York weather; I was hoping to get away from the dreariness cold of London, but it seemed to follow me here, much to my dismay. I continued to look out the window; the street was crowded with random people hurrying their way to lunch.

I wasn't looking at anyone in particular, but a familiar shade of luscious chestnut tresses caught my eye as well as someone who looked remotely familiar.

William.

And the pretty brunette walking next to him with her arm hooked around his - Bella. The palm of my hand hit my window.

What the fuck was Cullen doing with her? Why had she agreed to do anything with that old Sod?

Probably this morning's conversation...

"Fuck!" I cursed out loud, my anger rising slightly. I needed to go out for a moment; I need to relax myself before I let certain emotions get a hold of me.

I had to remind myself that Bella Swan was not my girlfriend. Hell, in fact, she was nothing to me. I don't care if she goes out with my douche-bag brother. She owes me nothing and I owe her nothing.

I slipped my coat on, feeling around in my pocket and smiling when I felt the joint I put in there this morning. I slipped past the secretary's desk, lazily mentioning something about lunch. I hurried out into the brisk weather and caught a moment of peace in an alley way. I took the rolled joint out of my pocket and lit it skillfully.

As I took a deep puff of the joint, letting the weed relax my muscles, I made up my mind - I could give a bloody fuck about the woman named Bella Swan.

Cullen POV

I had this in the bag. Here was Bella, her dainty arm wrapped up with mine, her lips chattering away about unimportant stuff. I was able to stare at her in the pretense of listening everything she was saying; it was how I realized she wasn't wearing any makeup. I was amazed at how natural and lovely she looked; generally, I would date woman who would never leave their house without even the slightest hint of makeup on, and I never complained because it had served a purpose. But Bella, she looked amazingly sweet with just her natural complexion and big brown eyes.

"What are you staring at?" she asked, looking embarrassed, a hint of a blush emerging on her pale cheeks.

I just smiled at her shaking my head. Her eyes narrowed playfully scolding me, but didn't press on the matter; there were more important things to tend to.

"So, Bella, about the flowers..." She simply beamed at the mere mention of them.

"Yes! Aren't they lovely? So vibrant and pretty; no man has ever done that before..."

I couldn't help the smile that easily crept across my lips, Bella loved the flowers that I -

"...and to think that your brother sent them, I never expected…"

Wait - wait!

James?

What the hell is she talking about?

"What did you just say?" I asked, stopping abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk causing random people to bump into us. Bella moved closer to me, confusion evident on her face as she looked at me.

"Um, I was talking about Masen, and the unexpected flowers that he sent me this morning."

"Masen? Masen sent you those flowers, hmm?" I asked, my voice dripping with annoyance.

"Yes, is something wrong, Cullen?" she asked, her eyes questioning my own.

"Yes, Bella, something is wrong," I said, my tone talking on a sour nature. Her pretty mouth frowned a bit.

"Um, okay... can we talk about this over lunch? We seem to be a road block here..." she said, referring to the random people bumping into us. I nodded my features tight.

She let go of my arm, and I immediately missed her warmth. She wove her way towards the restaurant that was only a few feet ahead. I quickly followed her, and spotted her talking to the hostess.

"Table for two, please." The hostess nodded grabbing and few menus.

"This way," she said, motioning us to follow her. My hand automatically reached for Bella's wrist, but she flinched it away, causing my ego to break a little.

Great, your plan is working just perfectly, Cullen.

The hostess led us to our table and left us to fend for ourselves. Bella sat down, as did I and she looked at me expectantly.

"Well? What's your problem then, Cullen?" she asked, crossing her hands and laying them down on the table.

I sighed. "Bella, the flowers that Masen..."

She held up her hand to stop me. "Listen, I don't want to talk about your brother, Edward. I thought this wasn't about him."

I seethed inside. I wanted to talk about Masen - to let her know what type of man he is - a complete jackass who will only end up making her miserable.

"It isn't about him, Bella! It's about what he's doing to you!" I saw her glare at me, her lips pressed in a tight line.

"We are not talking about Masen, Cullen. End of fucking story," she said in a dangerously low voice.

I felt my anger rise slightly.

"Damn it, Bella! Why don't you listen to one damn word I have to say? Masen isn't good for you!"

"And, you are?" she asked, her arms crossing against her chest defensively.

Yes.

"No, this isn't even about me! Look, I know what Masen's capable of, he -" I saw Bella start to get up from the table.

"Don't leave! I..." She furrowed her eyebrows together and pursed her lips.

"Then don't talk about Edward anymore." I winced at her using my brother's first name. I nodded and she sat back down. The waiter came by and Bella ordered, but I passed.

"Not hungry?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Not really, I just wanted… to be able to have some time with you, to talk."

"I…uh, with me?" I chuckled, her transparent demeanor.

"Yes, Bella, with you." She nodded and tapped her fingers against the table, the rest of her body fidgeting.

"I want to tell you something, Bella, but you can't interrupt me. Is that okay?" I noticed a small scowl take on her mouth, but she just nodded and stared at me intently. I breathed in slowly.

"The flowers, Bella, which you got this morning weren't from my brother… They were from me. I had ordered them last night to be delivered today, to you. I don't know why James took credit for them, but he did and you obviously believed him. Why? I'm not exactly sure… I just had to let you know."

I saw Bella about to speak, and raised my hand in protest. "Please, Bella, just listen to me." Silence fell over the table and I continued.

"Masen is the kind of man that your mother warns you about. He's charming, yes… and he'll charm the pants right off you, apparently, he already has - wait, wait! That didn't come out -"

Before I knew it, Bella stood up, leaned over the table and spoke words I wish never came out of her mouth, "Fuck you, Edward."

And with that… Bella Swan walked out of the restaurant and out of my life.

Damn it.

Bella POV

There are no words to describe how Cullen made me feel. Okay, maybe one…

Whore.

I came this close to slapping him, but I made my aching fingers curl around my purse instead and said the most hateful words that I could muster.

Fuck you, Edward.

I pushed the glass door and felt the cold breeze whip around my face. My eyes stung with threatening tears while his words echoed in my head.

'He's charming, yes… and he'll charm the pants right off you, apparently, he already has…'

I leaned back against wall of the restaurant, hiding my head within my hands.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

--Honestly, I have no idea what to say…

Great, just fucking great.

--Well, suck it up, Bella; you have work to get back to.

I sighed; I needed to get over this. Cullen was nothing to me, he's jealous… jealous of Masen and what we had going on.

I stomped my foot on the pavement out of frustration. I felt the tears well up once again, but a voice from the mid lunch day crowd cause my head to snap up.

"Bella?" the voice asked, his green eyes full of concern.

Masen.

--Do not cry in front of Masen, Bella.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked, his fingertips running down my tear-stained cheek.

I was about to mutter some excuse when Cullen walked out of the restaurant. He spotted Masen and I and gave us a sneering look. I avoided Cullen's demeaning eye contact and just pretended to look the other way. However, my facial expression completely gave me away.

I saw Masen's facial features go tight, he teeth clenched and his hands balled into fists.

"What did he say to you, Bella?" I shook my head - I didn't want to relive that dirty, disgusting word.

"Nothing, it's over Edward. Can we go back to the office, please?" Masen took my face within his hands.

"Whatever William said to you is wrong, Bella. He's just jealous that I have you, and he doesn't." I shook my head once again, my voice trembling with the next question.

"W…what about the flowers, then? I know you didn't send them, why would you lie to me?" I saw him chew lightly on his lower lip, taking a moment to think.

--Of an excuse.

"Look, yes, I lied to you, Bella. But, I knew that my brother is trying to wiggle his way in between you and I because of the whole Tanya thing, and I won't let him. Not this time, Bella. So, I wanted to stop him from using his… his arrogant politeness to get to you. But, I am sorry that I lied to you, Bella, please… forgive me?"

"I honestly don't know what to think, I -" I was cut off by the loud grumbling of my stomach - Masen just laughed his gorgeous laugh.

"Love, why don't you join me for lunch, please? And you can't use the excuse that you're not hungry."

I wasn't really too keen on going with Masen, but he stood here, with his tousled bronzed hair, his dark navy suit, and his sultry, piercing green eyes, inviting me in. I absentmindedly ran my hands through my locks, pretending they were his.

"Fine, Edward, but just because I'm hungry… not because I want to." He rolled his eyes.

"Yes, yes, of course, Swan," he said, teasing me playfully. I just rolled my eyes and swatted away his arm when it reached around to pinch my butt. I turned to him and stuck out my tongue.

"You're such a wanker," I said, crossing my arms and walking ahead of him. He grabbed the edge of my elbow and leaned into me.

"You know, it's kind of a turn-on when you use my lingo, love."

Damn.

--You're mad, Bella, be mad.

Mad, yes.

I shrugged away from his grip.

"I'm still mad you know." He just sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Yes, I know the flowers. And I suppose you'll want an explanation of Tanya as well."

Yes! Mad Bella wins!

--Yes and we get an explanation of… Tanya? Who the hell is Tanya?

"Tanya? Who the hell is Tanya?" Masen opened the door and motioned me in.

"I'll tell you once we settle in, promise." I huffed and made my way inside, my mind trying to comprehend everything.

The flowers…

--Well, he did apologize and gave a kind of good explanation of why he did it.

Wait - weren't you the one who said he was just making an excuse?

--Well, I…uh…

Right.

--Anyways, let's focus on Tanya; how come we've never heard of her before?

I bet she's gorgeous…

--Bella! We're getting off course here! Focus!

"Bella?"

Yes, yes focus… how come no one has ever mentioned Tanya beforehand?

"Bella?"

--Your guess is as good as mine.

"Bella!" I jumped and realized that Masen was sitting down with plates of food in front of us.

"Bloody fuck, Bella! I had to basically yell your name like three times. What in the hell goes on in that wonky head of yours?" I blushed feverishly. Damn, I really need to stop talking to myself.

I shook my head. "Nothing really, just you know… the usual." Masen smiled his usual gorgeous crooked smile.

"Mm, let's see… sex, sex, and more sex?" He asked, raising his eyebrow playfully. I cleared my throat.

"Not funny, Masen, and you're getting off course," I said, taking a bite of the deli sandwich; God, I was famished.

I swallowed the last of my bite and raised enough courage to ask the million dollar question, "So, who's Tanya, exactly?"

Masen set down his tea, cleared his throat, and folded his hands, placing them on the table.

"Tanya isn't someone I like to talk about often, Bella." I nodded, acknowledging. He saw my approval to go on, and continued.

"Tanya was a fling I had that I ended up falling madly in love with. However, William came along, met Tanya, and long story short, she and William ended up getting engaged. Hell, they even got married…" I began to choke on my drink.

"Wait - what? Cullen's been married?" I asked, somewhat astonished. Masen rubbed his morning stubble and nodded his head.

"Yes, he has." I took a moment to let that piece of juicy information to settle in.

Married?

--Yes, married.

That cocky ass?

--Apparently.

Masen sat in his seat, his hands fidgeting on the table.

"So, what else?" I asked, pressing on. Masen tapped his chin, hesitant to say anything more.

"Look, I've already told you more than anyone should know… can we just drop it, please?" I sighed, leaning back into my chair.

"Fine, but I still don't understand anything, Edward." He just shrugged and I just rolled my eyes.

"I'm just going to take this to go, I'll see you back at the office, okay?" I said, scraping my chair against the floor. I've had enough of the Edwards' bullshit for one afternoon.

He grabbed my wrist, stood up and leaned over to kiss my cheek.

"I want to tell you all of it, Bella, it's just complicated for me. Please understand, love." I turned my head and looked towards him, his brilliant green eyes burned with sincerity.

I nodded my head, and squeezed his hand.

"Hopefully, one day, Edward, you'll trust me enough to tell me." And with that, I grabbed the leftover food, turned on my heel and walked out of the door.

Masen POV

I let go off Bella's wrist willingly as I watched her walk out of the small deli.

Damn it! Why do I have to be such a prat?

I wanted to tell her about Tanya - I really did; although, somehow I couldn't manage to bring up the fact I was the reason that William and her got divorced. No one really knew that I was the cause for the split; hell, even our respectable parents didn't know.

I actually wanted to tell Bella a lot of things - how I was constantly thinking about her and her lovely womanly curves, or how I love that she just says exactly what she's thinking without seeming to acknowledge any consequences. But, that man - the man who was deeply intrigued by Bella wasn't the man who I came out to New York to be. I was the smoother talker - the one who want to have a different beautiful woman in my bed every night. But, to be honest with myself, the only nights I was imagining right now were the ones with Bella.

Fuck. Not only was my high from my joint wearing off, but it was that moment that I realized that I did truly give a fuck about Bella Swan.

Bella POV

I turned off my computer and stretched my arms, amazed that I was somehow able to get some work done, despite this afternoon's drama and my mind's inability to let both Edwards out of my thoughts.

On brief moments where I let my mind wander off, I was bombarded with questions that my brain kept throwing on me. Cullen's accusation hurt because part of me agreed that it was way too early for Masen and I to be fucking, yet, even after our conversation in the elevator, I still didn't regret it. It was probably corny and cheesy for me to think so, but I had never felt like this with any other man, and part of me didn't want to let it go.

--Just let it go, Bella! Don't over think it!

I sighed, grabbing my things and I stepping out of my office. Even if last night was amazing, I couldn't wait to get home and sleep on my own bed. Today was Friday and I had all weekend to sort out the jumble of emotions the two arrogant men caused.

Usually, everyone in the office left at six on Fridays, but since I was starting the plans for the new Warrington book, I stayed so I could finish the proposal. It was now nine, and only the cleaning staff remained, or so I thought.

At the end of the hallway, the light in Masen's office was on and some late 70's rock was echoing through the hall; before I realized it, I was one step away from his open door. Not thinking about it, I peered into the doorway to find Masen holding some papers up and reading them intently. His feet were up on his desk; he had removed his jacket, and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt exposing his toned forearms.

I could faintly hear his voice humming along the tempo of the music. I chuckled when I heard him hum a very high note, trying to mock the sound of an electric guitar. I guess that alerted him of my presence, since he quickly strained up, lowered his feet and cleared his throat. He lowered the volume, still not looking up.

"Please don't stop on my account," I teased.

Masen's head snapped up at my voice, a genuine smile appearing on his lips. "Swan, what are you doing here so late?"

"Working," I said shrugging my shoulders, walking deeper into his office and looking at the CD's on his desk. I picked one up, reading the list of songs. "I assume you're doing the same?"

Masen laughed guiltily. "More like recording my music in the computer, and some work on the side of course," he added, with a sly smile.

I snorted, "Of course, no one can work without proper music." The sarcasm was evident all over my tone.

Masen said nothing to dispute me; he just leaned back on his chair and stared at me intently. I was starting to fidget, picking up more CD's and reading the track listings. The air was thick with, – anticipation? That I'm not so sure of, but it felt like one of us was waiting for something. I thought about my earlier decision about not pondering about Masen and his actions, so I decided to go with what I wanted instead.

"I have this one too," I said, waving the CD in my hand.

"Really?" Masen asked, obviously impressed on my taste in music.

I nodded. "Oh yes, I have an extensive taste in music; I like a little bit of everything. You should see my iTunes playlist at home."

--That's what you call flirting? Really, Bella.

What? So, I'm a bit out of practice.

"I'd like that," Masen replied simply, thankfully ignoring my hideous attempt at flirting.

He stood up from his chair and walked around his desk. "You know, Bella, I seem to recall you and I made some plans this morning, for this evening."

When he reached me he took my hand in his and brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. "Are you still up for it?" he asked, his crooked grin melting my insides and creating a pool of fresh warmth between my thighs.

I couldn't help but smile. "Are you?" I asked mischievously.

I knew his answer when he closed the gap between us and kissed me just as I remember he did last night.

Mhm, yes, panty soaking kiss.



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