Langley is a lovely island town nestled against the coast. The small main street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. We've meandered through the shops and have spent at least 45 minutes discussing our reading preferences as we browsed the shelves in the town's only book store. "Ready for lunch?" Edward asks.
"I'm starving. Do you have anything in mind?"
We end up at a bistro with a second-story deck overlooking the water. It's crowded, but we've lucked out with a view table in the corner of the deck.
"Bella, can I ask you something?"
"Of course. That's the second time today you've asked that," I laugh. "I want you to feel like you can always ask me anything. If ever I don't want to answer a question, I promise I'll tell you," I say with a smile, "...and I hope you'll do the same with me."
"Well, I was wondering how you feel about this," he says while clasping my hand. "About us, I mean, and who knows about it."
"Is there an us? I mean, I'd like there to be, but I'm not sure how you feel or how you'd describe this." I say bravely, deciding there is no use being coy.
"I knew what I was doing when I kissed you last night," Edward answers as he stares into my eyes. "We work together, and I don't take that lightly. I've liked you for a while, Bella. I know there's a risk it could get awkward at work if a relationship between us doesn't work out, but the truth is I think we will work out. I don't want a fling, Bella. That's not who I am. I haven't dated many women in my life, and I don't intend to start playing the field now. But Bella, if that's not what you want, if you're not looking for something serious, we can still be friends. I promise I won't let work become uncomfortable."
My grin fills my face. "I want what you want," I say simply.
Our food arrives, bringing our conversation to a momentary halt. After the waitress leaves, I start again. "Edward, you asked who should know about us. I'm pretty sure Allie will give me the third degree when I next see her and I don't want to keep this from her. I suspect Em knows, too," to which Edward nods his head.
"He knows I've had a crush on you since I came back from Chicago," Edwards says with a smirk. His admission makes me incredibly happy, knowing I wasn't the only one with a crush before last night. "I don't like keeping important things from family and friends. You make me really happy, Bella, which makes me want to share that with everyone. But I also know work is different. What do you want people there to know?" he asks.
I think about Jess and Lauren, two other guides who have made lewd comments about how hot Edward is. "You have a bit of fan girl club at work, Edward." He looks puzzled by my comment. "Let's just say that I'm not the only one who has been crushing on you. I try to stay out of it, but there's plenty of water cooler conversation about your ass."
Edward laughs. "I don't want to know. Anyway, you're the only one I want, Bella. I don't have water cooler conversations about it, but I've definitely noticed your ass," Edward smirks.
I gasp in mock horror, then turn serious. "Maybe we can play it by ear at work for now," I say. "I don't mind people knowing that we're friends. I think a few already know we have a mutual connection with Allie and Jasper. So maybe for now we can just focus on that aspect of our relationship while we're at work."
"OK, but I can't promise I won't stare at your ass and think inappropriate thoughts while we're there," Edward teases.
"I like knowing you're thinking about my ass," I tease back.
A/N - Would love to hear your review.