A/N: Be sure to check out The Writer's Coffeeshop's new library. You can access the link from my profile. It's a great place to post stories. It's user friendly even for computer illiterates like myself. I've moved The Perfect Wife to this site since its easier than the blog to operate. I know following stories from one site to another is a pain in the ass, but I feel this is a good move for the story. I hope you will continue to follow TPW at its new home. I will be continuing CAM & BTP here and at TWCS for those of you who don't want to change sites. Any new stories I write will, however, only be posted at TWCS. I hope to see y'all there!

My deepest thanks to Lillie Cullen for her great beta skills.

Disclaimer: Only Stephanie Meyer's is lucky enough to own Twilight and its characters. I just like to play with them.

B POV

I woke to my alarm clock going off and rolled onto my side. I groaned as I hit the snooze button. I pulled my blanket in closer around me and buried my face in it, inhaling deeply. It was the same as the day before; sandalwood and honey. I hummed in appreciation and rubbed my cheek against it. I wish I knew where it came from. It wasn't our laundry soap or dryer sheets. I'd sniffed those out yesterday when I did laundry. No, this was unique. It tugged at my heart and mind that I should know this scent, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out from where. I just knew I needed the source desperately -- it called to me. I wanted to bathe in it, have it cover me completely so there was nothing else around me but this scent.

"God, Bella, what kind of moron thinks like that," I mumbled to myself. I held the blanket up to stare at the offending item. My blanket was making me certifiable. I threw it off of me and put my pillow over my face. I took a deep cleansing breath and then inhaled. Dryer sheet; Morning Sunshine, same as always. I held it over my face a moment and waited. And waited some more. I moved my foot and felt the weight of my blanket bunched at my feet. I inhaled again, still dryer sheet. I pulled the pillow off my face and laid there staring at my ceiling. I shifted my foot again.

I sighed in resignation and announced to the room, "Fine, I'm certifiable. I give up." I sat up and grabbed my blanket from the foot end. I lay back down and hugged the blanket close. I inhaled; sandalwood and honey. I sighed in relief and smiled before burying my face in it, giggling like an idiot. I closed my eyes, smiling as I dozed off again.

**

I barely got to work on time after hitting the snooze button three more times. I unlocked the backdoor to the store and punched in the alarm code to turn it off, flipping the lights on at the same time. I heard the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights as they warmed up. I punched the time clock and headed to the break room to drop off my lunch for later. I heard the heavy metal back door slam again and the sound of the time clock being punched announcing Mike's arrival as well. I heard his footsteps head into the office to get the cash drawer out of the safe.

"Hey Mike," I called out as I came back into the hall.

"Morning, Bella," he answered. He slammed the safe shut and spun the dial before rising out of his crouch. He handed me a drawer and picked up the other. "Dad said to open two registers today since the fishing tournament is next weekend. He thinks we might get busy."

"Sure thing," I answered.

We finished getting everything ready and he unlocked the front door and flipped the sign announcing we were open for business.

I grabbed my name tag off the counter and clipped it to my shirt. Mike and I were dressed alike in our store uniforms; black polo shirts with the store logo, khaki shorts and hiking boots. He sat on the counter in front of me.

"So what are you doing after work today? Do you want to catch a movie since we didn't get to the other day?" he asked.

"I can't today, I've got plans," I answered vaguely. I didn't want to elaborate that those plans included another guy, one I just met, at that. I decided to offer to go tomorrow instead. "Maybe-"

"Bella!" I heard a booming voice interrupt me.

I looked up to see Emmett and Rosalie entering the store.

"Hi, Emmett. Hi, Rosalie." I smiled as they came up to the counter. Emmett grabbed me, swinging me up into one of his bear hugs.. "Emmett," I squeaked, "I can't breathe!"

"Ow!" he yelped as Rosalie punched his arm.

"Put her down you big goon," she admonished, rolling her eyes.

He put me on my feet and winked at me, grinning. "Bella doesn't mind, do you?"

I shook my head, laughing at his antics. "I guess not, as long as you leave the ribs intact." I turned to Rosalie. "Hey. What are you guys doing here?"

I heard Mike clear his throat behind me and turned to him. He was frowning at us. "Oh, I'm sorry. Mike, this is Emmett and Rosalie Cullen. Remember Alice from the dance? They're her brother and sister."

Mike turned to them and nodded his head. "Hey."

Emmett stuck out his hand and Mike reached to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you," Emmett answered, grinning.

"Shit!" Mike grumbled.

"Sorry about that, Mikey. Sometimes I forget my own strength." I noticed Mike grimaced and shook his fingers out as Emmett released his hand. Emmett smirked at Mike then flexed his arms showing off the bulging muscles in his arms. "I like to keep in shape. You know, to defend my family against intruders if I ever need to. And Bella here," he pulled me into his side with his arm wrapped protectively around me, "is my new little sis."

"Yeah sure, man. No sweat," Mike grumbled.

I didn't understand the exchange but it seemed like Emmett just threatened Mike somehow. The silence was awkward so I addressed Rosalie. "So did you guys need something?"

Fortunately Rosalie took my cue and pulled me down the aisle away from Emmett and Mike. "Yeah, Emmett and I want some hiking boots for wearing in the woods around our house."

Two hours later I waved goodbye to Emmett and Rosalie as they left. Emmett was carrying six boxes of shoes in his bags. I huffed and turned back to look at the mess of shoe boxes piled up on the floor. I swear they tried on every style of hiking boot and sneaker we carried. I knelt down and started going through the boxes sorting them out to carry back to the stockroom as Mike came up. He'd been busy with all the people coming in and out signing up for the fishing tournament and buying new equipment.

"Damn, Bella," he whistled as he knelt down to help me. "What'd they do, try on every shoe we sell?"

"Yeah," I answered, laughing. "I never realized how many shoes the store actually had."

We worked together for almost an hour straightening things back up, stopping occasionally to help the customers that came in. I'd finally gotten the last box back on the shelf and glanced at my watch as my stomach growled.

I came out to the front of the store where Mike was ringing up a sale.

"Good luck at the tournament, Mr. Crowley," Mike said as he left the store. "God, what a morning, huh?"

"I'll say." I replied. "Hey, I'm going to take my lunch break if you can handle things. I'm starving."

"Sure thing, Bells." I turned to head to the back when he called to me. "Hey Bells, about that movie, you wanna-"

"Bella!" I heard a tinkling voice.

I turned to see Alice and Jasper coming in the store. I smiled as Alice ran up to me. She grinned and hugged me. She turned to Mike and flashed him a smile as she stuck out her hand. "Hi Mike, I'm Alice and this is Jasper," she said as Jasper walked up and put his arm around her.

Mike shook her hand and I noticed he kind of gave her the once over. His gaze rested on her breasts for a moment longer than necessary and I heard a quiet growl. I looked up quickly with wide eyes at Jasper. He was staring at Mike with the most terrifying look on his face. I swallowed and looked at Alice as she grinned at me. She rubbed Jasper's chest soothingly and explained, "Don't mind him, Bella. He just doesn't like for boys to treat me with anything but respect." She looked up at Jasper with adoring eyes. "Do you, Jazzy?"

Jasper slowly took his eyes off Mike and looked down at Alice. He smiled, looking completely harmless again. "That's right. You're my Alice."

Mike mumbled an apology and hurried away to help someone who had come into the store.

"So Bella, Jasper and I were driving by and saw your truck outside. We were just going to the sandwich shop down the street to eat. Do you think you can come?" she asked.

"Actually, I brought my lunch. But thanks." I answered.

She moved from beneath Jasper's arm and held my hand. She stared intently into my eyes with a little pout. "Please say you'll come, Bella. It would mean so much to me. We're best friends, aren't we?" she begged.

I felt like I was in a daze as I nodded my head in response. "Okay," I answered. I shook myself and blinked my eyes a couple of times as she let go of me.

"Great, go clock out and we'll wait for you here."

I clocked out and went back to meet Alice and Jasper. I climbed into the back seat of Jasper's truck and we drove down the block to Meyer's Deli.

Jasper opened the door for us and we went to the counter. We ordered sandwiches and drinks and I turned as Alice tugged my sleeve.

"Look who's here," she whispered.

I turned and my gaze fell immediately on him. He was sitting in a back corner at a booth. I blushed at seeing him staring at me. I ducked my head, quickly taking a sip of my coke to hide my embarrassment.

"Come on," she said as she pulled my arm, laughing.

We walked to the booth and he stood at our approach. "Hello, Bella," his smooth velvet voice brushed over me.

I looked up into his golden eyes and smiled. "Hi Edward," I answered softly. "How are you?"

He smiled and motioned for me to sit before sliding in next to me. "I'm better now that you're here." He tucked my hair that had fallen out of my ponytail behind my ear.

Jasper sat down next to Alice and handed me my basket with my sandwich and chips. "Here you go Bella," he grinned.

I ate part of my sandwich as I listened to them talk about settling in to their new home. Alice led the conversation carrying on about decorating her bedroom and the colors she liked.

"You know Edward has no taste whatsoever. Esme is at a loss what colors to use. What's your favorite color, Bella?" she asked.

"Um, why?" I asked.

"Well, if it were your bedroom, what color would you want?" she asked. Her expression was one of innocence at her question.

I felt Edward shift next to me and looked at Jasper who looked like he was choking. He hid his mouth behind his napkin, but I could see laughter dancing in his eyes.

"Um, its Edward's bedroom, shouldn't he pick his own colors?" I answered. I was embarrassed that all eyes were on me.

Edward leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Please, Bella."

I closed my eyes and shivered at his cool breath blowing on my neck. Something stirred in the back of my mind, but I couldn't focus on it long enough to catch whatever it was. I opened my eyes and stared, mesmerized by his. "Blue and gold," I whispered to him.

He smiled his crooked smile at me. "Thank you," he whispered. He leaned in and brushed his lips against my temple.

I felt my face heat up when I realized Jasper and Alice were observing our interaction. I quickly turned to grab my drink. The back of my hand caught the side of my glass and it tipped. I saw Edward's hand flash across and pluck my glass off the table before it spilt.

I stared at him with my jaw hanging open as the table got quiet. "Quick reflexes," he mumbled before setting my glass back down.

I cleared my throat and looked down at my watch. "I should get back to the store so Mike can go to lunch."

I saw Edward's shoulders stiffen and couldn't stop myself from reaching out to him. I put my hand on his arm and smiled reassuringly when he turned to look at me. "We're still on for this afternoon, right?" I asked.

He smiled back at me, his golden eyes glowing, "Yes, three o'clock. I'll pick you up from your house."

As we all stood to leave, Alice piped up, "Jasper and I wanted to look at camping equipment when we get back to the store, Bella. Can you help us out?"

"Sure Alice," I answered, my eyes never leaving Edward's.

Edward walked out with us and opened the door to the truck for me to get in. He clipped my seatbelt in place and brushed my cheek with his finger. "Just want to be sure you're safe."

"Thank you," I replied, blushing, before he shut the door.

Jasper and Alice chatted about camping gear as we drove back to the store. I didn't contribute much to the conversation, my mind on the tingling feeling on my cheek.

**

I sighed in relief as I stepped into the shower. I don't think I've ever worked so hard in one day at the store ever. I swear the Cullens shop like it's a profession. Alice and Jasper stayed all afternoon, keeping me busy until it was time to clock out. On the bright side, Newton's probably had one of its best days ever with all the stuff they bought.

I dried off and slipped on my bra and panties before drying my hair. I brushed it out so it fell in soft waves around my shoulders and put on some mascara and lip gloss. I stared at the shirt and jeans I'd picked out to wear and frowned. I ran back into my room and pulled out one of the outfits Alice had given me from our shopping trip. It was a cute navy blue halter top and white eyelet skirt. I slipped on my sandals and put my silver hoops in my ears. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. I looked cute. I walked over to my bed and picked up the edge of my blanket and sniffed. I pouted when I couldn't find the scent. It was gone again but something niggled in the back of my mind. I had smelled it again today but I couldn't figure out how it could be the same. It didn't make sense that the scent on my blanket would be the same scent in the deli. How did it get in my room? I needed to find its source before I officially went crazy. I sat on the edge of my bed dejectedly and stared at the floor.

I heard the front door open and close and movement around downstairs. I sighed and walked down the stairs.

"Hi Dad," I called out.

He stepped forward from the entry where he was putting his keys and wallet on the table. He propped his fishing pole against the wall. He grinned at my appearance.

"Hey sweetie. So, hot date with Mike tonight?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I guess he thought he was being funny.

I was interrupted from answering to the doorbell ringing. He turned to open the door, "Hey Mi-" the words died on his lips at the sight of Edward on the porch. He was in dark washed jeans and a navy button down shirt. "Who are you?" Charlie asked gruffly.

Edward put his hand out and Charlie shook it. I could just imagine the interrogation stare my dad was directing at him. It had the ability to terrify anyone, part of why he was such a great police chief.

Edward didn't seem the least put off by his attitude. "Hi Chief Swan, I'm Edward Cullen. I'm here to pick up Bella." He smiled at my dad.

"Dad, this is Alice and Rosalie's brother. Remember I told you about them the other day? They're new in town," I explained as I stepped forward.

Charlie turned to look down at me. "I remember. I don't remember you telling me you had a date with their brother though. What about Mike?"

I huffed and put my hands on my hips. I let some of my irritation come through in my voice. "I'm not dating Mike so it doesn't matter what he says, does it? I took the lasagna out of the freezer. The microwave is already programmed so you just need to hit start when you're ready to eat. I'll be home later."

"Bella, not too late, alright," he said, staring at Edward.

"Dad, I know my curfew." I reached up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. I turned to Edward and smiled. "Hi Edward, are you ready to go?"

He turned back to my dad. "I promise to have her home by curfew, Chief Swan."

"So what are you kids doing tonight anyway?" he asked.

I looked to Edward for the answer. "I thought I'd take Bella to a movie and to dinner, sir."

He stared at Edward another minute before turning back to me. "You have your phone and cab fare on you, Bella?"

I rolled my eyes at my dad. I was so embarrassed. He never treated Mike like this. "Yes, Dad. Would you please stop?" I grumbled. I stepped out of the house and grabbed Edward's arm. "Let's go, okay?"

"Goodbye Chief Swan. It was nice to meet you," Edward said.

"Uh-huh," Charlie responded.

Edward opened the car door for me and I got in, buckling my seatbelt. Edward slipped into his seat and buckled his as well. We drove out of town toward Port Angeles. I watched the scenery go by and turned to look at Edward as soft music began to play on the radio. He smiled at me and reached out for my hand. I put my hand in his and smiled as his fingers curled around mine. It felt so natural, I didn't even question it.