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Stephanie Meyer owns it all. I just like to play with her characters.
"I think we should break for lunch. What would you like Mr. Cullen? I can send out for whatever you'd like." I said.
"Riley my assistant is bringing a prepared lunch. I'd like to continue to look through the exhibit pieces before my equipment arrives," he said.
"Oh we should go look at the studio space to make sure its okay with you. Let me show you where it is," I said.
I had been with Cullen for over three hours now. We'd gone through paperwork, contracts, held a staff meeting and met with Aro. It was almost 12:30 and I needed a little space to myself and it didn't include working through lunch with him. We rode the elevator up in silence, but I could feel his eyes on me. I swore he looked at me like I was something he could eat - but I chalked it up to an artist's sense of curiosity.
"Here we are, studio 3A. The largest on the floor. You'll be the only artist on this floor during your stay. Complete privacy. There is a common area down the hall that houses a full kitchen, living room and bath. Feel free to use them as some of our past artists have actually lived here for their stay. Since you have a home in the city, I didn't figure that you would live on the floor." I explained, as we took a tour of the studio.
"I will most likely move back and forth. It depends on how the work is going. Riley will see that I have what I need. The space looks adequate, thank you Ms. Swan," Edward said.
"Wonderful. Well, here is the security card that will let you in the private entrance in the back. There is security here 24 hours a day, in case you need anything. Since you're expecting your lunch and then delivery, I'll leave you to it unless you need anything else," I said as I started to turn and make my way to the door.
I felt the surge of electricity between us as he grabbed my arm. Turning around, I looked at his hand on my arm and the up to his face. "I thought you would join me for lunch, Ms. Swan?"
"No, I'm sorry I can't stay Mr. Cullen. I have arrangements to see to for the reception and calls to return. Thank you for the offer," I said nervously – my automatic response to him.
I hurried out the studio forgetting the elevator and practically running down the stairs to the sanctity of my office. Grabbing my bag, I made my way out of the Whitney - breathing in the fresh air of the New York streets. Stopping in at the deli on the corner, I saw Charlotte, Peter and a darker-skinned man sitting at a table.
Charlotte spied me as well, waving her hand at me to Join them. "Bella come join us - we just ordered."
I walked over and stood at the edge of the table. The stranger stood and pulled out my seat, "Let me get this for you."
"Thank you." I sat and offered my hand to shake. "I'm Bella Swan. I work with Charlotte and Peter at the Whitney."
"Jake Black, nice to meet you. Charlotte has filled me in on the situation at the Whitney. I look forward to working with you as well," his rich, chocolate eyes conveyed his sincerity as he spoke. I remember Charlotte mentioning him this morning, but she failed to tell me that he was handsome.
Jake was incredibly laid back, humorous and attentive throughout lunch. Tall, muscular body - I bet there was a 12 pack under that tight fitting polo shirt - strong arms. I felt a tingle run through me as I carefully studied him while he was talking. His skin was perpetually sun kissed and his short dark hair framed his strong cheek bones. He was simply handsome.
On the way back to the museum, Jack walked ahead with me as we let Charlotte and Peter linger behind as she just couldn't move around as quickly these days. We spoke briefly about the exhibit and some finer points of the security Mr. Cullen would require.
As we stepped through the entrance, I turned and ran into no other than Edward Cullen. "I was just getting ready to send out the search party for you. How was your working lunch?"
I stammered in my response, "Fine. Fine, thanks. Actually, we discussed security details for the exhibit and your studio," I said as we stepped into the lobby and I made proper introductions. "Edward Cullen this is Jake Black from Black Security."
The two men smiled wide at each other - almost sharing a secret that only they would find funny. "Jake, how are you? I didn't know you would be working here!" Cullen said as he stepped forward and greeted Jake with a man hug.
"Cullen. I should have figured it was you - I thought maybe you convinced your Mom to show her work," said Jake.
"Your Mom is an artist?" I asked, trying to figure out their connection.
"She is but she's always been too hesitant to show it. Esme was my first art teacher," Edward said as he smiled at me.
Jake and Edward's phones rang at the same time. Fifteen seconds later my phone rang. It was delivery time at the Whitney.
"Well, it's time to unload. Edward, I'll see you soon and Bella, it was truly a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you," said Jake.
Jake left us standing the lobby. I felt Edward's hand on the small of my back. My breath caught at the spark I felt. I felt like I jumped a mile when he touched me, but apparently not not enough for him to remove his hand.
Looking at me with those brilliant green-eyes and the devilish smirk he said, "I'll walk you back to your office. Shall we Ms. Swan?"
Caught in his gaze, like a deer in the headlights all I could answer was a quick, breathless, "Sure."
