A/N: So, most of ya'll are loving that Bella is finally opening her eyes to that wonderful bronze haired, green eyed angel in front of her. Well, I took that idea and ran with it.
The sound of an alarm startled me awake. I glanced around, realizing that I wasn't in my room. Something moved beneath me, catching my attention. I turned my head and found myself gazing into two glorious emerald globes.
The night before came rushing back. I had gone to Edward's for dessert and a movie and apparently fell asleep. I would have to have him explain why I was still here.
He seemed to read my mind. "I didn't want to wake you. You were sleeping so peacefully. So, I just took off your boots and stretched us out on the couch."
I smiled, causing his face to light up. I'm guessing he was afraid I would be mad. Then, suddenly, another thought came to mind. I shot up. "Oh, no. What time is it?"
He looked at his watch. "It's 5:30. Why?"
"Because there's an evil, little pixie in that house that is going to want to know why I was here all night."
He chuckled. "She isn't that bad. But, if it makes you feel any better, I have some extra clothes here that you can slip on. I'll sneak up and grab your running shoes and we can go for a run. She'll never know the difference."
"Sounds good. But, if you want, my shoes are in my gym bag by the back door along with some other clothes. Can you just get that? Then, it won't seem so odd that I'm in your clothes."
"Okay. I can do that. The back door is easier to get to anyway." For some reason, I didn't realize until that moment that I was still lying on top of him. His hand was rubbing gentle circles on my back.
"Oh, god. Edward. I'm sorry. You probably want to get up." I moved away and he took my hand. I knew that he could touch me with no problems because of his help with the boxing, but this gesture caught me off guard.
"This didn't make you uncomfortable, did it? I would never want to do anything you didn't want." I smiled at him reassuringly. "You didn't do anything wrong. We're friends, Edward. It's okay. I just know Alice would blow it out of proportion."
He stood up and moved to the door. I mumbled under my breath, "Besides, it's not like you have a crush on me too." Then, it occurred to me what I had done when he stopped suddenly. Please say you didn't hear that. Please say you didn't hear that.
"You should really see yourself for what you are, Bella." Then, he was out the door.
What did that mean?
EPOV
Was she insane? Any man, straight or gay, would be crushing on her. I was no exception. She almost found that out last night when she mentioned that Alice had said so.
To hear that she felt the same, it just sent my heart soaring. But, if she wants anything to happen between us, she'll be making all of the moves. I wasn't about to scare or hurt her. And, there was no way in hell I was taking on Emmett. He was worse than a mother bear about the women in his life. Bella included.
I snuck up to the back door and grabbed her bag without being noticed. In all honesty, I wasn't wanting to deal with Alice anymore than Bella was.
When I got back to the house, a smell filled the air. A wonderful smell. "What is that?"
She turned away from the stove and smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but I made us omelets."
Her thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me. "That sounds great. I got your bag."
We ate quickly so that we could both get changed. Not thinking anything of it, I slipped into my room and just pulled on my shorts. Anytime I ran, I only wore my shorts and shoes. When I stepped out, I stopped cold. So did Bella.
She was wearing a sports bra, shorts, and her shoes. Apparently we thought a lot alike. She blushed before she spoke. "Sorry. When I ran in college, this is what I wore. I hope you don't mind."
My mouth said, "Uh, no. If you don't mind my attire." But, my mind was saying, "Holy shit! How am I supposed to run when all of my blood just drained south?" I would definitely have to make sure we stayed beside each other so that I didn't have to look at her backside the entire run.
We walked outside and stretched for a few minutes. "Okay, there's a trail that runs around the edge of the property. That's what I use. That okay?"
"Yeah, sure."
We started out easy, maintaining the same speed so that we could talk. Come to find out, not only did she do cross country, she also ran speed distances. Of course, I soon found that out in person.
She shot me a grin and took off. "WOW!"
It took everything in me to keep up. Who knew the girl had it in her? From what Alice said, I wouldn't have pegged her for an athlete. But, this is the one time Alice doesn't seem to know everything.
I finally caught up, after about five minutes of looking at her rear end, and about killed myself to maintain her pace. I swear she amazed me more and more every day.
BPOV
I suggested that we just go ahead and continue the workout for the day. Edward said he had the day off so he wouldn't be too tired at work.
Everyone was getting up and heading down to breakfast as we made our way up to the gym. We got a lot of curious looks but just laughed at them and kept on going.
He decided he would teach me some self defense and martial arts today. Obviously, last night and this morning proved I could handle the contact. For three glorious hours, I had Edward touching me. No, not that way.
Yes, I was quickly getting over my aversion to touches by men. Of course, it helped that I had lived with these four men for almost three months now. I was also opening myself to the idea that maybe I could have more with one of them. Nothing sexual, but a deep, emotional connection. I would definitely be consulting with Rose later.
We made plans at the end of the workout to go to the range later. When Edward left to go shower and change, I did the same. I pulled on a pair of jean capris, a short sleeved yellow t-shirt, and white ballet slippers. Not wanting to do anything to it, I just twisted my hair into a clip and let the front fall as it wanted to. It was so nice to not have a dress code to live by.
Feeling happy and free, I skipped down the stairs. Of course, this was obviously too much for my uncoordinated self, because I had to damage my pride by tripping on the last couple steps. Bracing for the impact with the hardwood, I was surprised when it didn't come.
What I did feel was strong arms catching me at the last minute. I felt breath on my ear from a small chuckle that was followed by a velvety voice whispering, "I thought the phrase 'falling head over heels' was just an expression?"
I pulled back, righting myself, all the while blushing profusely. If only he knew.
"Well, I like to sweep myself off of my own feet." He laughed, a deep laugh that sent chills down my spine.
He helped me down the last few steps, giving me a look I couldn't quite decipher. Little did we know, we had an audience. The entire family, for that matter. We both blushed when we saw them standing at the dining room doorway.
Esme and Carlisle were embracing, sharing knowing smiles. Alice was bouncing, clapping her hands. Rose and Jasper were giving approving smiles. And Emmett, well, he looked like he was about to eat Edward alive.
He spoke up, almost growling out the words. "Ed, man, can we talk for a minute?" Without waiting for a response, he dragged Edward into the living room. Alice nudged Jasper, encouraging him to follow. He did.
At the same time, Rose and Alice pulled me back up the stairs I tried to fall down and into Alice's room. When we were all settled on the bed, they attacked.
"Spill." I looked at them, as innocently as possible. "Spill what."
"You didn't come home last night." Rose's voice was confident. She knew. "Um, sure I did."
This time, Alice replied. "No, you didn't. We saw Edward come to get your bag this morning. What happened?"
They were looking at me with a mixture of joy and worry. "Nothing happened. We were watching a movie and fell asleep. Then, we decided we would just go for a run this morning and he volunteered to get my stuff."
Alice looked almost disappointed. "Nothing? Not even a kiss?"
"No, he was the perfect gentleman."
"But, you want more, don't you?" Man, could Rose really read me like an open book? I shrugged. "I definitely wouldn't be opposed to an emotional connection. I'm still a little iffy on anything physical. Like that, that is."
"I understand. And, I'm sure he's telling the same thing to Emmett right now." That reminded me. "Um, what was that look that Em was giving Edward? He looked like he was going to chew him up and spit him out?"
The girls shared a look before Alice responded. "Let's just say that Em is a little overprotective. He's probably going to give Edward the mother of all "I'll kill you if you hurt her" talks."
Rose looked at me with concern. "There's something going on at work. Neither is talking about it, but I think it concerns your case. He's just really worried right now and doesn't want anything to happen to you."
"Rose! Can you three come down here?" Emmett's voice boomed through the floor causing all of us to jump. "Holy cow!" was our simultaneous response.
We got up and went into the living room where the guys were.
When we walked in, Alice just had to make a joke. "So, whose funeral is this?" We laughed, not realizing the conversation that had just taken place.
Emmett stood up from the chair he was in and began directing people. He put me on the couch next to Edward. Alice went and stood beside Jasper, who seemed to be acting as a referee between Edward and Em. Rose went to Em's side, probably to keep control of him.
"Alright. Now, we have all noticed the way you two look at each other. Don't deny it, we know something's there." We looked at each other and blushed. "Yeah, that's the look I'm talking about. Now, I know these three over here, and mom and dad, want nothing more than for you two to get together."
That caught my attention. Was Emmett opposed to it? In answer to my thought, "I'm not completely against the idea. I haven't seen either of you this happy in a long time. But, Bells, you've gone through a lot of hell the last year. I'm just worried about you. And, Ed, man, you're my cousin and one of my best friends. This is a psycho bastard we are dealing with and I don't want you hurt any more than I want Bells hurt."
We both nodded our understanding. "Just, take it slow, okay?" I looked over and Alice and smiled at the dirty look she shot me, obviously remembering my response to that same thing last night.
"Now, Bells, Edward and I found out something yesterday." I could feel my heart rate speed up. This couldn't be good. "Actually, we found out a couple somethings. First, James never checked in with the court like he was supposed to. They still don't know where he is." Yeah, not good.
I felt Edward slip his arm around my shoulder. I was expecting Emmett to continue, but it was Edward who picked up on the story telling. "We had a package delivered to us yesterday." I looked between the two of them. Then, I noticed just how quiet it had gotten in the room. Alice was leaning against Jasper, looking for support. Rose was now sitting in a chair, a look of fear on her face. Surely it mirrored the one on my own. "It was a picture of you. You were sitting on the bench under your window reading. In red ink, across the front, it had the word "mine" written in capital letters."
I could feel myself begin to tremble as everyone started to call my name. The world was spinning and everything began to blur.
"Bella!"
"Bella!"
Try as I might, I couldn't stop. I was taken over by darkness.
I know, I know! Please, don't hate me. I couldn't let them go that easy. I have to keep the challenge that is James in until we get closer to the end. I promise, all good things come to those that wait. Review and let me know what you thought.
