Chapter 10 BPOV

The white ceiling above my bed was shadowed by the headlights from the street below. The leaves and flowers from my potted plants that sat on the ledge gave jagged and obscured light rays to dance around the room; much like my thoughts keeping time with the movements.

Edward's kiss had undoubtedly caused me to re-evaluate every conversation and every email we had exchanged. To label Edward as handsome would be the equivalent of saying Amazon was a corner book store.

Edward confounded and confused me, an area I hadn't found myself in much in my life. I have never deluded myself into thinking that attractive men would flirt or be the slightest bit interested in me. I found it was easier that way. Knowing your limitations went beyond cutting yourself off before you drank too much wine. Embarrassing yourself by creating a scene in front of a man of interest never seemed like a good idea to me. So, when Edward held my face in his hands, placing those lips that I had watched so many times during our Skype sessions against mine, my common sense completely left me and I allowed myself to fall into his embrace. Allowing the hope and the desire that I had denied myself to spring to life.

The next few hours happened without my permission or sadly enough, my participation. Edward and Jasper walked around the shop talking about items in the drawers. Discussing in terms that if I had been a fan of tattooing or interested in having one myself, I would most likely know what they spoke of. My heart was in my throat as Edward took me by the hand allowing me to lead him to the room I took such pride in pulling together. The pounding of my heart kept time with the sounds of his boots as we got closer to it. At first, I thought he was trying to find the words to tell me he hated it, but when he turned from the plush sofa, he had the widest, brightest smile on his handsome face, flooring me even further than the kiss on the sidewalk; if that was even possible.

"Babe, it's more beautiful than I imagined, thank you." He punctuated his words with a kiss to my temple.

I had allowed myself to entertain the notion that maybe, just maybe, Edward could feel for me the way his actions showed. I didn't feel right crashing his party. I told him that I wasn't offended in the least that he needed to spend as much time as he could with his family. There was still a number of things that needed to be taken care of before the grand opening. Edward wouldn't hear of it and insisted that we all pile into my car and go surprise his parents. Alice and Jasper crammed into the back seat and I didn't dare turn around to possibly catch them doing something that would certainly scar me for life. No relative wants to see the other making out with someone.

Edward commented several times on the changes in the city he noticed as I drove everyone to the Cullen estate. It was really sad how you could become immune to your surroundings. New buildings and businesses became the norm and were no longer appreciated once the shiny exterior faded away.

Watching a trembling Esme run down the steps and practically leap into her son's arms made me smile a teary smile and also burn with jealousy. My mother would have scoffed at such a display of emotion. I waited with my car door open, my leg still inside as I watched them hug for what seemed like an eternity. Edward and his mother exchanged several words before she insisted we all come inside. I stopped Edward and tried to get him to understand that he needed this time with his parents. Esme encouraged Jasper and I to at least come in and have some iced tea. Knowing that if I refused and word ever got back to my mother I would never hear the end of it, so I accepted her invitation and joined them on her deck.

As I sat and listened to Edward and his father talk about the shop and what he had planned for the grand opening, I wondered what my mother would say if I snapped a picture of where I was and send it to her. No doubt she would make an excuse to come over and join me. After finishing my tea and reassuring Edward that I would return the following day to attend his party, I spent the remainder of the night over analyzing everything that happened. When I couldn't stand laying wide awake, I slipped down to the shop and resumed my task of arranging the jewelry and doing the final clean ups. With the silence of the room, it allowed my mind to roam free and explore every angle of the situation with Edward. I came to the conclusion that I had nothing to lose by exploring a relationship with him.

Clarity is a funny thing, when you feel as if you have all of the facts in a situation only to be given a different perspective. Keeping my word to Edward, I arrived to his party on time. Esme informed me that he was upstairs taking a much deserved shower after working out with his brother's football team. She introduced me to several of the ladies in attendance, everyone was extremely friendly and I instantly knew why my mother had never and would never fit into the inner circle Esme had created. Each person she introduced me to was actually interested in what I had to say, answered every question I asked and laughed when it was appropriate. They were all genuinely good people. There weren't any hidden agendas, ulterior motives, or anything to gain by speaking to me.

Rose was the last lady I was introduced to. She was bent over, speaking softly with a little boy who I would guess to be about two or three. He had tears on his face, but after only a few words from Rose, a smile lit up his features and he was off and running with the rest of the children.

"Wouldn't it be nice if everything in life was as simple as a hug from your mother?" Her eyes remained on the now very happy child.

"That would be an ideal world wouldn't it." I voiced, and then really thought about what I had said.

Rose moved closer to me extending her hand for me to shake. The smile that caressed her gentle face was real and not forced. I hated when people had to force a smile, it made you wonder what was going on inside their heads.

"My mother-in-law tells me that Edward brought you over yesterday."

Her gaze was behind me and without seeming rude, I turned to see a very large guy standing just outside the patio doors, a beer in his hand, and Carlisle standing beside him. He was incredibly good looking and I scanned the lawn trying to see who was the lucky girl wearing the matching wedding ring that decorated his third finger of his left hand.

"Yes, he and my brother own a shop downtown." It was the simplest answer I could give. Disclosing what had transpired between Edward and I would serve no purpose, therefore I kept it to myself.

"He is persistent, hell, all of them are."

I looked at her with a questioning expression, but before she could elaborate or I could ask

her the question that was on the tip of my tongue, we heard a conversation that was currently transpiring between several of the younger girls who were enjoying the music that was playing overhead.

"Can you imagine not having the opportunity to date for as long as he has been away?"

"Forget about dating, imagine how long it's been since he has had sex. I mean hasn't he been surrounded by men for the past few years?"

"He's still single and that can only mean one thing."

"Well, if it's a dry spell relief that he needs, he can certainly have his pick."

Rose grabbed me by the arm, quietly directing us away from the rest of the conversation. In her efforts to move quickly, her movement allowed me to see a sight that would cause even the most seasoned girl to swoon. Edward was standing beside the very handsome married man and his eyes were looking in my direction. In all of my thoughts last night, I never considered the fact that Edward could simply be in the need of sex. It wasn't unreasonable to think that he would feel comfortable in approaching me with his need.

"Listen, Bella, I don't know anything about you except for what Esme has told me, but what I do know is how these Cullen boys work."

For the next few minutes she told me the facts around her introduction to one of the Cullen men. Imagine my surprise when she indicated that the man who was the subject of the conversation was the very handsome man who was standing beside Edward. Rose was no drop dead gorgeous woman. Looking at her was like looking at a version of myself. She lived to be comfortable and not fashionable. Given the appearance of her husband, it was not the social norm.

"Maybe those ladies are right, maybe that's what he's after, but nothing says you have to sleep with him. If he is only after what you can give him, it's simple, don't give it. But if he is anything like Emmett, and I don't have to even guess at that answer, then you are about to be swept off your feet and taken for an amazing ride."

Her rationale seems so plausible, and maybe it was. After listening to her share the details of her courtship with Emmett, Edward's brother, I found myself stuck on a loop of sorts. By definition, not everyone is attracted to the same type of people. Much like ice-cream flavors and brands of cars. We all have different tastes, it makes the world less dull. With the understanding of Rose and Emmett's relationship and the way that Edward was currently expressing his interest in me, it caused me to allow just a glimmer of hope that he wanted more from me than simply a tour of my panties.

"Well, something is definitely up." Rose's sweet voice called my attention back to our conversation. I looked over to her to see what she was referring to before following her eyes and the nod of her head as a very determined, and dare I say, fixated Edward was currently headed in our direction.

When I was very young, my grandparents had a farm where they had a few animals. One spring, my father drove the family out there and I remember my grandmother took me to the barn where she showed me a family of rabbits. She encouraged me to pick one of the balls of fluffy fur up and pet it. What I discovered that day was the softest object I had ever encountered. I ran my finger over the long droopy ears several times. As I grew older, I always compared softness to those ears. When I learned about textures, I still referred to softness and comfort as being those silly bunny's ears. From that moment, the thought of finding anything that would give me the comfort I got from even the thought of touching those ears was unimaginable, however as I sat in that chair with Edward's arm around me, his fingers very softly making lazy patterns up and down the outside of my arm gave me a new feeling, a feeling that no set of ears would ever be able to replace.

Emmett had shared a story of one of his players who was having trouble with keeping his focus on the game. He explained that his parents had taken him to a specialist and every test had come back normal.

"Sounds like he's more interested in the cheerleader instead of his teammates."

Rose voiced the thoughts I was currently thinking. Seems that no matter the age, the thought tend to be the same. Men lose the ability to function normally when a pretty face and a short skirt was involved.

"You're probably right, Babe. Now, tell me how to center his attention on the ball and you just might be able to rule the world."

Emmett pulled his wife in closer to his chest. A move that even with the talk that Rose and I had, still baffled me. Rose was not a stunning beauty. Her hair could use a trim and her nails were chipped and broken. She reminded me of a blonde version of myself.

Emmett asked if Edward would be willing to come and help out with the game as his line coach was out with a broken foot. After that, they completely lost me with talk of yardage and tight ends. My thoughts drifting to the project I would be working on while Edward was helping coach Emmett's team.

"So you'll be there as well, right, Bella?" Rose nudged me as she and Emmett stood to leave. "Um...well, I have a big project at work."

Rose passed off my comment with a wave of her hand. "Oh, your work will still be there after the game. Come and at least keep me company."

My inability to find a reason that would negate my attendance was the reason for my scanning the field looking for Rose. Edward had picked me up from the shop, with a quick kiss and the capture of my hand in his, we arrived to find the stadium filled to the rafters.

Last night after the party and the invitation to join them for this game, I googled the name of the school that Emmett indicated his team was from. I didn't want to appear completely lost as I watched the game and so I researched not only the school, but also the basics of the game. The field was much larger than I imagined it would be. I stood mesmerized by all the bright, matching red and black uniforms worn by the home team. With wide eyes, I took in all of the fans who donned the matching colors in support of the teams.

"Cullen" a shout sounded from behind me. Edward pulled me to stop as he tuned in the direction of the voice. Standing with a beer in one hand, the other waving overhead as he tried to get Edwards attention was a tattoo covered man. It was the tattoos that covered his arms that caught my attention, the colors so vivid, like painting in a museum.

"Hey, Man, long time no see." Edward released my hand, reaching out to greet the man in a sporting hug.

"I didn't think you were due home till next year." The tattooed man remarked, his smile sparkling as the two pulled back.

"No, I took an extra assignment so that I could get out early."

This was news to me, although I guess it wasn't really my concern.

Tattoo man shot a glance in my direction, Edward noticed and brought me into the conversation. Both men now facing me, Edward's hand extended in my direction, an indication he wanted to hold mine again.

"Dude, how the hell do you know this knock out?"

In this instant, I didn't want to know the answer that Edward was about to give. After everything that had occurred last night, he could respond that we were good friends. Or he could use the word that so many women like myself seek to have as a title.

"Hey, Babe, come here. I want you to meet a friend of mine from hell week."

Although Edward's smile was bright and the term 'babe' was a step in the direction of the

title, it was also a common word use to in everyday conversations among men. Disguising my nervousness with a tight smile, I stepped in his direction, his arm went around my shoulders, not a gesture I would associate with friendship.

"Hunter, this is Bella. Bella, this is Hunter, we went to SEAL training together."

My smile still gleaming, yet my spirit dropping at the words he chose. My need to avoid bad manners enabling me to extend a free hand and move slightly away from Edward side. This was not an avenue that I was comfortable traveling down. My emotions were on a roller coaster ride as I awaited any indication of the way Edward was feeling about us.

"Bella, the pleasure is all mine, but I have to ask again, what is a beauty such as yourself doing with this ugly fuck?"

"Well, Mr Hunter, Edward was kind enough to help me when I found myself in a situation without my consent. He has been wonderful in making the tragedy a little less bleak."

No further conversation could be had as Emmett began to speak loudly in order to get his brother's attention. I thanked Mr. Hunter for his time and then followed Edward over to the side of the field. Emmett's team was currently in first place. The article I had read spoke of a most certain place in the state championship. There was also mention of the quarterback with focus issues, despite having an amazing throwing arm. Following Edward, since I had no real idea where I was to keep myself, Rose was nowhere in sight. I was doing my best to stay out of the way of the players and coaches, yet not appearing to be snobbish or rude. It was not an easy task I assure you.

Edward was talking with Emmett, having the young players on the field, talking about the strengths and weakness of each one as they walked across the field. My attention was drawn away by the sounds of the cheerleaders standing directly behind me, chanting in unison about wanting a big win. Watching their sharp movements, smiles fixed on faces that wore face paint with pride and the innocence of youth shining in their eyes. The band began to play what I assumed was the fight song when the crowd began to roar and I witnessed several people point in my direction and shout. Before I could react, a loud slapping sound resonated behind my head, causing me to snap around to face the playing field again. There only centimeters away from my nose was Edward's hand, housed tightly around a football. Emmett shouted for someone to get off the field and get over to him. My eyes left the white stitching that closed the ball and looked up at Edward's face, glancing back and forth at the realization of what just almost happened. Had Edward not caught that speeding ball, I would have been hit and injured severely. I changed of my line of sight back to Edward face. I watched as his eyes locked with mine never leaving as he tossed the ball back to the players. The gravity of the situation finally registered and I could do nothing to stop my body from its intended actions. My hands and lips acted of their own accord as they came in contact with Edward body. My momentum caused him to sway backwards slightly, but not allowing our bodies to separate as he wrapped his arms around me, securing our bodies together.

Never in my life had I ever initiated the physical side of a relationship. However, as my fingers found their target at the back of Edwards neck, his hair stubbly from his required military haircut, my tongue demanded to explore his. The kiss may have lasted for centuries or more realistically a few seconds. Regardless of the time, I watched Edward leave my side and ask the young man who had apparently thrown the ball toward my head for a word.

A thought that Edward would hurt this young man dashed away as I watched Edward speak to the boy with a calm exterior. The boy nodded his head over and over. The pair continued to speak and I tried so hard to concentrate on anything else that was happening. However, as they approached the field again, it was the words that Edward spoke that answered my question about what title I held.

"Bella is my whole world, remember that next time."