A/N: There are a couple of things I need to mention. First of all, I'm sorry that it took me so long to update. Midnight shift killed me this week. Second of all, there is a character from the Twilight series (who's been mentioned in passing) that will be making a big appearance in this story. This person is going to be extremely OOC! Let me say that again. THIS PERSON IS GOING TO BE EXTREMELY OOC! I just wanted to throw that out there. They aren't appearing in this chapter, or the next, but it's coming up soon, and I just wanted to make everyone aware.

That being said, reviews dazzle me.

Chapter Nine

As promised, I had barely gotten inside the house when Charlie pounced, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Where have you been?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "I thought you had plans with Alice! And I'm assuming that it wasn't Alice out there in the car! I hope not, anyway!"

I could feel the blush creeping onto my cheeks. I had been hoping that his view had been obscured, but it seemed I was in no such luck. Screw you Edward, I thought bitterly. Thanks so much for the warning! I could just imagine the look on his perfect face.

While Alice had the coolest talent, in my humble opinion, Edward what I deemed to be the most useful talent. Aside from mine, he was apparently able to hear the thoughts of those around him. He was unsure why he was unable to hear my thoughts, but truthfully, I didn't mind. It would be incredibly embarrassing if he knew what I was thinking every time I looked at him. But it was definitely useful when it came to Charlie.

Well, it was useful when it was convenient for him. Apparently, he thought it would be funny to send me in here to the lion's den without so much as a warning. As I said, Screw you Edward!

"Bella?" Charlie questioned, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Sometime today would be nice. What's going on?"

"I err… had a last minute change of plans dad. Edward was heading to Port Angeles to do some shopping and he asked if I'd like to tag along to keep him company."

"Who's Edward?"

"Ugh. Dad, you've met him before. Remember? The day after my accident? He came by with Alice."

"That grouchy looking boy?"

"Yep, that's the one."

"Since when have you been hanging out with him?"

"Since he stopped being so grouchy."

"Well I don't know that I like that Bella," he complained. "You didn't even call to let me know you were okay. You never forget to call when you're with Alice," he accused. It was a chore to keep from rolling my eyes.

"Don't try to make it sound like it's Edward's fault. It slipped my mind. When I'm with Alice, we're usually just hanging out. Edward and I were busy."

His eyes widened at the statement, his face turning a deep red. "You were WHAT?"

"Oh for God's sake, mind out of the gutter please! I didn't mean like that!" My cheeks turned red with embarrassment. "Now that you've sufficiently embarrassed me, could I please go upstairs and die now?"

I'm going to kill you, Edward Cullen, I thought, willing Edward to break through the barrier in my mind and hear my thoughts just this once!

Charlie was clearly uncomfortable with the direction that this conversation had turned and he didn't even bother trying to stop me as I bolted up the stairs. I made it to my room and slammed the door closed behind me, completely and utterly embarrassed at the interrogation I'd just suffered downstairs. Sure, it could have been much worse than it was, but still, it was bad enough! I stalked over to the window and shoved it up as quickly as possible.

"Edward Anthony Masen Cullen!" I kept my voice down, spitting out the words in a hiss. I knew that it was out there, he'd hear me. I scanned the ground below me, but it was no use. It was dark and I just didn't have those stupid, enhanced vampire senses. "If you're out there, I will have my revenge for that!" I vowed. I scowled once for good measure before I turned away from the window. I made my way over to the dresser, deciding that a shower would do me some good.

"Revenge huh? You are a vindictive little thing, aren't you?"

I whirled around the sound of the amused voice, my eyes wide, to find him sprawled out on my bed, his legs crossed at the ankles, with his arms pillowed behind his head. It wasn't long before my scowl returned to my face. "Thanks for the warning earlier! What the heck was that all about?"

A smile lit up his face. "Purely for my entertainment. You're quite amusing when you're riled up." Faster than I could even blink, he'd stood from the bed and crossed the room, coming to a stop in front of me. His smile never once faltered. "This shade of red is lovely on you, by the way," he said, his finger grazing my cheek. My blush deepened before I regained my senses and slapped his hand away.

"Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?"

He pretended to ponder the question. "No, I can't say I do. I'm usually fairly good at telling when people want to discuss embarrassing topics. I'm able to avoid them, you see."

"Mmmhmm. So why didn't you warn me?"

"Let's just say I was momentarily distracted," he said, a wicked grin on his lips as he leaned down to press a kiss to my lips. At once, all the hostile feelings left my body and I melted like putty against his lips. A soft moan escaped as I pulled away from him.

"That's so not fair Edward," I complained. "You're probably a pretty difficult guy to stay mad at, aren't you?"

He laughed lightly. "I wouldn't say that. I don't make it a habit of going around kissing all the people that are mad at me. Of course, it does seem to have the desired effect so maybe I should rethink that."

I scowled at him once more. "I think not, buddy. The only lips you need to be kissing are mine!"

"Can't argue with that," he said with a grin as he leaned forward to kiss me once more.

With a sigh, we broke apart once more. "I didn't think you were coming tonight."

"Whatever gave you that impression?"

"You said goodnight in the car."

"Well, I thought it was best if I didn't give you anything to be even more embarrassed about. Could you see Charlie questioning you while you knew full well I'd be sneaking back in here at any moment? You probably would have died right there."

"I suppose you're right," I conceded with a nod. "I"m glad you came though."

"So am I," he said sincerely. "Now please, go do whatever it is you were going to do before I interrupted."

"I just need a human minute. You'll still be here when I get back?"

"Of course," he promised with a nod, before he made himself comfortable once more on my bed.

I grabbed my things from my dresser before I hurried out of the room, closing the door firmly behind me.

"Bells?" Charlie's voice floated up the stairs. My heart was pounding in my chest. Had he heard me talking to Edward? No way.

"Yeah dad?" I called back, willing my voice not to crack. "Just getting ready to take a shower before I turn in!"

Please be convinced, please be convinced, please be convinced.

"Oh. Alright. Well, sweet dreams then."

I let out the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "Thanks. Night dad!"

I hurried into the bathroom, intent on getting through my nighttime ritual as quickly as possible. It wasn't long before I was out of the shower, throwing my night clothes on. I raked a brush through my knotted hair before I grabbed my dirty clothes and hurried out of the bathroom.

When I pushed the door to my bedroom open, a smile immediately formed on my face. There he was, laying exactly where I'd left him, looking like the epitome of comfort. He had his eyes closed serenely, though I knew he wasn't asleep. He didn't sleep. "What are you doing?" I asked softly.

"Breathing you in," he replied, opening his eyes. "You really do have a lovely scent, you know. It smells… sweet, somehow. Without being overwhelmingly so. It's all over your pillows."

"Doesn't that bother you?" I asked, coming over to sit beside him.

"Not as much as it did the first night I met you. Do you remember that?"

"You looked like you were seriously annoyed at the thought of me being there. I was so afraid I'd offended you guys by being with Alice."

He gave me a smile. "I felt like Alice was trying to force me on you, if that makes sense. All we'd heard about was you. And when you told me that you'd heard a lot about me… well, I felt like Alice had something up her sleeve."

"What do you mean?"

"I've been alone for a very long time Bella. At one point or another, everyone tried their hardest to help me find someone, but what they failed to realize was that I didn't want their help. That's why we have Rosalie, you know."

My eyebrows furrowed. "You mean…?"

"She was to be for me what Esme is for Carlisle. A partner; a "mate", if you will. I really don't like the term myself."

"But she's so beautiful! How could you have turned her down?"

"I saw her in purely a sisterly manner. While I don't deny that she's an incredibly visibly pleasing creature, she just didn't appeal to me. I think I worried them for awhile, Esme especially. It irritated me that Alice was seemingly trying to do the same thing."

"Exactly how old are you, Edward?"

"I was born in 1901." I was silent for a moment. "Oh for crying out loud! You're completely okay with the fact that I was designed for killing and draining humans of their blood, but the thought that I'm old enough to be your great grandfather renders you speechless?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "It's definitely weird," I said with a nod. "But it doesn't bother me or anything. I was… well, I was more curious as to exactly how old you are… physically."

"Oh. Well…" He hesitated.

"What?"

"I'm afraid if I tell you that it's going to err… change things between us."

"What do you mean?"

"Because while I'm technically older than you, I was younger than you are now when I was changed."

"Just how much younger Edward?"

"Are you positive that you want to hear this?"

"I don't know," I said, frowning. "Should I really be worried? You're not like… young enough that Charlie would arrest me for contributing to the delinquency of a minor or something, are you?"

"Not quite."

"Let me have it then."

"I'm eighteen."

My jaw dropped. "No. Freakin'. Way. Please tell me you're kidding, Edward!"

"It really doesn't mean anything!"

"Doesn't mean anything?! I'm a cradle robber! Oh my God."

"Technically, I think I'm the "cradle robber" Bella. I am eighty-six years older than you."

"But that doesn't matter! None of that matters! What matters is the fact that I have maybe another five years with you before people start thinking I'm your mother or something gross like that!" An amused look formed on his face. "Oh for God's sake! What's funny about this?!"

"Do you really plan on sticking around that long?"

The blush crept onto my cheeks for what felt the millionth time that night. "Well I mean… I plan on sticking around for as long as you want me."

"You plan on being here for a long time then," he said quietly, reaching for my hand. "Carlisle is only twenty-three, Bella. And he's claiming thirty-six now. I look older than eighteen anyway. You didn't even think to ask me my age before now, so I have quite a few years left before it starts becoming questionable. It's really nothing to worry about."

I eyed him warily. "Why didn't Alice tell me before?"

"Because like I said, it's not something that matters to us."

"Right. It doesn't matter to you but it matters to everyone else in the world!"

"But does it matter to you? Because frankly, you're the only one I'm concerned with."

"I suppose it doesn't matter too much now," I conceded.

"Good," he said, leaning over to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Please don't think on it anymore, sweetie. Will you promise?"

"I promise Edward," I said with a nod as I kissed his lips gently. Once again, I was glad he couldn't read my mind.

xoxoxoxox

"Bella!" Charlie called.

"Yeah dad?"

"Telephone!"

I hurried out of my room and down the stairs, tripping on the last step on my way down. I cursed inwardly and righted myself, my heart thumping painfully from the scare of nearly face planting in the foyer. "Who is it?" I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

He grunted, a scowl on his usually friendly face. "That boy."

"Ugh. Please tell me you did not say anything out of the way to him!"

He held up his hands defensively. "I didn't say anything! But you might want to remind him that normal people like to sleep in on Sundays!"

"It's 9:30 dad. And you're already dressed."

"That's not the point. I might have been asleep."

I rolled my eyes and took the phone from his hand, waiting until he'd left the kitchen before I spoke. "Hello?"

"Good morning lovely," Edward greeted smoothly, his voice washing away the annoyance I'd felt at Charlie. I couldn't stop the smile that formed on my face.

"Good morning," I responded.

"I hope it's okay that I called," he said, a hint of amusement lacing his voice. "Charlie wasn't asleep or anything was he?"

I groaned. "I guess you heard that little exchange, huh?"

"Of course. I'm beginning to get the feeling that he doesn't like me."

"It's not you," I assured him. "I have a feeling that he'd disapprove with anyone in a ten-mile radius of me with the male anatomy," I said, just a little louder for Charlie's benefit. I knew he was lurking around the corner, listening.

His musical laugh filled my ear, relaxing me even more. "Don't you think it's about time that you formally introduced the two of us? You know, give me a chance to dazzle him as I apparently do you?"

I rolled my eyes, though he couldn't see me. "I don't think your lips will have quite the same effect on him as they do on me." I heard Charlie grunt from wherever he was hiding. Score one for me.

"True," Edward said. "Regardless, I plan on spending quite a bit of time with you Bella, and I think it would be best if Charlie was aware of me before I just started showing up at your house."

"Oh Charlie's aware of you, alright."

"You're avoiding the question."

"Oh. Right. I guess it wouldn't hurt. But not today," I said. "I'm supposed to work tomorrow at the gallery. I have to be there by nine. Why don't you pick me up at eight, and you can have breakfast with us?"

"He won't be offended when he notices I'm not exactly eating?"

"Meal time is the perfect time to introduce you to him. He's usually too into his food to notice or care about anything else."

"Well that's nice to know," he said dryly.

"C'mon," I groaned. "This is just as weird for me as it is for him! You have to remember, when I was dating Jacob–" I stopped short. It really wasn't appropriate to speak about my ex-boyfriend to my current boyfriend.

"When you were dating Jacob, you didn't have to worry about Charlie meeting him. I get it," he said. "But it's not going to kill you."

"I know, I know," I said with a nod. "Just… come by tomorrow morning, okay? We'll do breakfast. I'll just have to make sure I hide his gunbelt from him," I said, frowning slightly.

"Are you going to at least give him a head's up that I'm coming over?"

"We'll see. No promises though, okay?"

"Fair enough," he said.

"Will I see you today?"

"That's actually why I'm calling," he said, a frown evident in his voice. "We're uh… going hunting today," he said.

"Oh. That's cool."

"I wanted to hear your voice though," he said. "And of course, I'll be over later tonight. If you want me, that is."

"Of course I want you," I said, cringing when I heard Charlie's bark of disgust from the other room. "Alright, I'd better get off of here before I give him a heart attack. I'll see you later, okay?"

"You can count on it. And Bella?"

"Hm?"

"I lo– Uh, I'll miss you."

"I already miss you," I said with a grin. "Have a good time. Be careful, and all that jazz."

"Always. I'll see you later sweetheart."

xoxoxoxox

You can do this, you can do this, you can do this, I chanted, trying desperately to make myself believe it. I checked my reflection in the mirror once more before I glanced at the clock to give myself a time check. I had another ten minutes before Edward arrived for breakfast. I was nervous as hell.

I had given Charlie a head's up the previous night, and he didn't seem too enthused at the idea, but I'd made him swear he'd be on his best behavior. After ensuring that every hair was in place, I hurried down the stairs, careful to keep from tripping. The last thing I wanted was a trip to the emergency room first thing this morning. At least then you'd be able to bypass this whole disastrous thing, I thought stupidly. I shook my head and rounded the corner to find Charlie already seated at his usual place, his gunbelt snapped firmly in place around his waist.

Oh shit.

"Good morning," I greeted, bending to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Mm," he responded, his eyes never leaving the paper. "'Good' still remains to be seen."

"Dad please be nice!" I pleaded.

He lowered the paper slowly, cocking an eyebrow. "You really like this boy?"

"More than you could ever understand. And he insisted on this. He wants you to get to know him so you'll approve of this whole thing."

He sighed. "I'll try, okay? I can't promise any more than that, but I'll really try."

"Try hard," I insisted as I pulled a frying pan out from the cabinet. "Are eggs okay?"

"You don't have to cook, Bella. If cereal is good enough for us, then cereal is good enough for him."

"Ugh! Dad! Please!"

"Eggs are fine," he grumbled, lifting his paper back up.

I put the frying pan on the stove, perhaps a little more forceful than necessary before I hurried to the refrigerator to pull out the carton of eggs. Edward couldn't eat human food. The thought of it disgusted him. But that didn't mean I wouldn't put at least a little effort into this whole charade. Besides, egg was easier to pretend to eat than cereal. I knew from the break-up with Jacob.

I busied myself around the kitchen, trying to ignore Charlie pretending not to stare at me. I could feel his eyes boring into my back as my hands shook. Unfortunately for me, the eggs did not tie up nearly enough time, as it wasn't long before I was plating them up. Fortunately for me, however, there was a knock on the door. Good time Edward, I praised silently.

I nearly dropped the pan in an effort to beat Charlie to the door, before I'd set it down and was out of the kitchen before Charlie had even stood. That didn't stop him from following me though. I got to the door and pulled it open, my eyes lighting up.

True, Edward had made it a habit of visiting me every night in my room, but that didn't matter to me. Every time I saw him, I couldn't stop the stupid smile from forming on my face.

"Good morning lovely," he greeted, bending over to peck my cheek gently. I heard Charlie snort disapprovingly from behind me, but I ignored him.

"Good morning," I responded, giving him a smile. I heard Charlie clearing his throat pointedly behind me, causing me to roll my eyes. "Oh for God's sake! Can I at least say good morning to him?"

"Attitude, Bella. Watch it."

I opened my mouth to argue, but I caught Edward's stern glance and thought better of it. Oh shut up, I thought bitterly, aware he never actually said anything. "Fine," I said with a huff. "Dad, this is Edward. Edward, this is my father Charlie."

"Good morning Chief Swan," Edward said. Another grunt from Charlie as he eyed my vampire boyfriend.

"Come on in Edward," he said with a resigned sigh. "I hope you like eggs. Told her it wasn't necessary to cook, but she doesn't listen to me. She doesn't listen to me about anything," he grumbled, more to himself than to us.

I rolled my eyes as we followed after him, Edward's hand following mine as he gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just relax," he whispered, low enough that Charlie would not hear. "He was just trying to goad you earlier. That's all. This is new to him."

"It's new to me too!" I hissed. "But that doesn't give him a reason to act like a jerk!"

"He's fine Bella," he said. "Just relax okay? Don't give him attitude or anything. He'll attribute that to me being around, and it's going to make things difficult."

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine," I said. "Let's go."

Tugging my hand gently, he led me into the kitchen, acting as if this was the most natural thing in the world to him. "Go on and have a seat," I offered as I made my way over to the counter where the plated breakfast was waiting.

"Are you sure I can't help you with anything?"

"Have a seat," Charlie repeated, gesturing to the chair next to his usual seat. "What would you like to drink Edward? We have milk, juice or water."

"Water would be fine, thank you," he said. I watched in amazement as Charlie crossed the room to the cabinet, grabbing a glass out of the cabinet and filled it with water.

I grabbed two plates and placed them on the table before putting my own in place. Charlie grabbed our usual drinks before joining us. "So Edward," Charlie began, taking his normal seat. "What is it exactly that you do?"

"I just finished school actually."

"Ah, you're a college boy, eh? What was your major?"

My eyes widened. Please don't correct him, please don't correct him, please don't correct him! I chanted, willing him to hear me.

"Computer science," he said, using his fork to take a bite of his eggs. My eyes widened.

"That's a good degree to have," he said grudgingly. "Lots of need for computers these days. I imagine there's plenty of good jobs out there for someone with a degree in that." He paused while he took a bite of his eggs. "Eggs are good, Bells," he complimented.

"Very good," Edward agreed, a look of amusement sparkling in his topaz eyes. "I don't think I've ever had eggs that tasted quite so good." And as if proving a point, he took another bite.

"Thank you," I responded. "But I'm sure you're exaggerating."

"I think I'll have to agree with the boy on this one," Charlie said. "You are a good cook. Not sure how I managed to survive before you moved in."

A faint flush tinted my cheeks red. "Thank you," I repeated, stabbing a piece of my egg with the fork before I took a bite. Things were going better than originally planned. Charlie didn't even appear to be trying that hard with Edward. Maybe he really does dazzle everyone.

The remainder of our breakfast passed without incident. Charlie questioned Edward about school, and much to my surprise, Edward never faltered once with his story. Well, he has had an awful lot of time over the last hundred and eight years. Surely he's been to college at least once.

I shook my head to rid myself of the thought before I began clearing the table. "Dad, we should probably get ready and go," I said, interrupting their conversation. Though things were going well, I didn't want to push my luck by prolonging the little get together.

Charlie nodded and sat back in his chair. "Just leave the dishes Bells," he said. "I'll get them before I head out for the day."

I nodded, giving him a smile. "Thanks." I turned my attention to my boyfriend, who sat comfortably in the ugly kitchen chair. "You ready to go?"

"I'm ready if you are," he said with a nod, pushing himself to his feet. "It was nice to formally meet you, Chief Swan."

I watched as Charlie nodded, giving Edward a half smile and waving in response. Reaching for Edward's hand, I turned back to Charlie who gave me a slight nod of approval.

"Thank you," I mouthed, giving him a genuine smile before I walked, hand in hand, with Edward out of the house.

Second A/N: I know in the Twilight series Edward is 17. And I know in this, he's 18. But Bella's older in here too so I felt the need to make Edward just a hair older! At least old enough to be legal! I wasn't going to toss that in there, but someone specifically asked how old Edward was, so there you have it. Just another reason he needs to turn her into a vampire. Haha.