Confessions

BPOV

I left the picnic and had to take a breath before turning onto the main road. Edward Cullen. Gorgeous. He likes dogs – check. He has a good relationship with his parents – well, we don't really have that in common. I can't believe I invited him running. Or offered horseback riding lessons. I just got back on a horse yesterday. I was going make a complete ass of myself.

I got back and holed up in my abode. Do I tell Jake? But it's nothing. I tell Jake everything. I went to find him.

"Jake?" I called through the screen door.

"Bells!" Leah was in the living room. Maybe I should learn to call first. I didn't know when the anticipated event would happen. It would be awkward on both sides if I interrupted. "I didn't know you were back, Bells. Jake's got another calf on the way. He's in the pen." I really wanted to see it, but I also needed advice. I surprised myself when I turned to Leah.

"Leah. Can I talk to you?"

"Sure. What's up."

"I met this guy."

"Whoa. Where? When?"

"He's my tenant. Edward Cullen. I went over to see Sam and Paul and this guy was walking back from the vineyards with Sam. I was so tongue tied. I could barely list off lunch. He's so hot. And then, like an idiot, I volunteer to give him riding lessons and to run with me and the dogs. And he's offered to paint my porch. What am I going to do?" I finally took a breath. Leah looked like she might just drive over to the vineyard and take good look at exactly why I was panicking. But then I saw that glimmer in her eye again.

"Teach me to ride? For practice. If you can teach me, teaching this Edward will be a snap."

So we saddled up and Leah asked questions about everything, the saddle, the bridle and the reins. We walked, trotted and cantered. Then Leah broke into a full-fledged gallop and she had me.

"It's been almost three years, Ness. You thought Jake hadn't taught me how to ride?"

"That's all he's taught you to ride." It just slipped out. She made me give her lessons though – she deserved it, almost. I apologized but she shook her head.

"Soon, Bella. I'm patient. We're at least talking about it now. Waiting for lab results. I assume Jake told you."

"Yes. I have forbidden him from telling me when. And I have firmly directed him to get feedback from you about the actual experience."

"So you and this Edward…" She changed the subject but didn't. I can't say I blame her. "Are you up for a summer fling?"

I shook my head. "I've never…"

"I know, Bella. Just take it slow. You're a good teacher. Show him how to ride. A horse." She emphasized but winked. "Get to know him. Do what feels right."

"Thanks, Leah."

"Jake and I talk, Bells. I think I just reiterated all your advice. When do I get to meet this Adonis-in-the-flesh?"

"Let's just see how tomorrow goes first."

"OK. But if Jake has to approve, so do I."

"He told you that, too?" I asked her. She just nodded.

"Thanks for the vote in favor. And the CD."

"No problem – for both. The writer guy for the band, what's his name again?"

"Pay attention, Bells! The lyricist is Jasper Hale. Everyone calls him Jazz. He plays bass. His wife is Alice, is a whirlwind – PR, tour manager and publicist, I doubt she sleeps. Eddie's the composer, lead singer and keyboardist. All-round talent, tall, dark, handsome and he basically has to have own bodyguard. Laurent helps to fend off all the women. Emmett Masen, Eddie's brother – is the drummer, his wife…no sorry, fiancée… is due mid-June and even eight months pregnant she could model. Then there's Garrett on guitar. His wife, Kate, is their lighting director."

"I don't know how you keep up."

"They're everywhere. There's even talk this will be the highest selling album ever. Tickets to the concerts were impossible to get. I tried Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, nada."

"Angela got us tickets in early December and made me promise to come. Ben has some connections I think. I'm flying to New York for a weekend – it seems so silly." If I hadn't already bought the plane ticket –non-refundable - I would have sent Leah.

"I'm so jealous! Tell Eddie to take his shirt off again."

"Just for you, Leah. But I'll have to tell Jake."

"You wouldn't!" She panicked then had a sly smile. I think she was wondering if Jake might move a little more quickly sizing up the competition.

"I tell Jake everything." I answered, truthfully.

"So, are going to tell Jake about your secret crush on Edward Cullen then?" She countered.

"Jake would figure out in an instant that I'm hiding something if I didn't."

I heard the door close.

"It's a girl, Leah!" Jake called.

"Awesome, Jake! Bells is here. Mom and baby are doing well?"

"They're good. You both could have come down." Jake put his arms around Leah and kissed her. I was so happy he'd finally found his match.

"I know. We were just talking."

"About me?" He sounded nervous.

"A little." I confessed.

"Nothing bad." Leah said quickly and she kissed him again.

"And…" he prompted, looking at each of us in turn. I looked at Leah, she nodded her encouragement.

"Edward Cullen." I confessed slowly and blushed.

"The guy who borrowed the truck? You met. Oh, good, he's nice." He took one more glance at me "What is it Bells, love at first sight?" He got it in one.

I broke down and told him same sad tale I'd told Leah. Complete with me giving her riding lessons, he, of course, knew that punchline.

"It's not practical Jake. He lives in New York. It doesn't make any sense. I'm leaving, he's leaving. I'm not going to start something. Besides, it's only one sided."

"You don't know that. Talk to him." Jake just reinforced what Leah had been saying.

"You two should talk. Two and a half years and counting. You're not exactly experts on having a summer romance."

"Bells, do you and I need another 'talk'?" Jake winked at me and then held my arms so I couldn't throw a much needed punch.

"I'm going you two. I need to think. You need to …do whatever you two do." I headed out the door planning on going the long way around by the pen so I could watch the newborn calf for a long while. I still heard Jake as I rounded the corner.

"Sweet dreams, Bells!" Jake called. My words. And I would definitely dream sweet dreams of Edward Cullen.

So, Edward is still on his countdown...