Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews I got for the last chapter, it was wonderful to hear all your thoughts and comments and I'm glad you're all mostly happy.

And thank you for topping 200. I love you all.

I've had a lot of people asking about an EPOV for this story. As much as I want to write one at the moment, I think it would give away to much at this point in the story. Maybe when I get to around Chapter 20 it will be possible and at that time I will ask you to vote for which chapters you want to read in EPOV.

Sorry about late update. Basically last minute flight + hotel with broken internet connection = update disaster. I'm kind of sick of flying around now, but good news; I'm home until 14th June, so you'll get another chapter before then.

One more thing, the dream in the previous chapter was inspired by SarahxEmmett's review from chapter 9. I forgot to mention that, sorry.

Disclaimer – Original characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, plot lines and characterizations, all belong to Aurora, copyright June 2010.

Last time…

I woke up in a sweat gasping. I swept my hand across my brow trying to work out what the fuck that meant. Realization came to me like a fluttering in my heart.

I was undeniably attracted to my boss, and I had no idea what to do about it.

Chapter 11 – Revelations

In light of my aforementioned 'revelation' I decided, to spend a large portion of my Sunday morning/afternoon in my large living room with my yoga mat. Angela of course dropped Sheila off at eleven o'clock sharp so I told her to make reservations at whatever restaurant she wanted for next week. It was my way of saying 'thank you' for looking after my girl. It wasn't that Sheila was any trouble; I knew she wouldn't have torn into the furniture or attacked the girl. But she was still a bloody great big dog.

I really had missed my big furry friend, and not just because I relied upon her to get around. Dogs are great company for someone who lives on their own. Unfortunately she wasn't great company when I was, ironically, trying to hold a 'downward dog'. As well as forcing my body into places it just didn't want to go, she felt it important to lick my face and bump into me at any given moment. I guess it was her way of saying she missed me. Sweet, really.

Of course, at the time, it didn't seem like such a bad idea. I'd barely thought about him all day and focused solely on enjoying the energetic release yoga always granted me. I was so bloody relaxed that I slept as soundly as ever and in my dreamlike state, I decided to commit every Sunday to contorting my body into ridiculous positions for hours. The problem of course came, when I tried to move this morning.

Sheila had no problem and show off that she was, spent the entire time that I was fumbling around, sitting by the front door, giving the occasional bark, to remind me I was late.

I knew I was running late but I just couldn't physically force my body to run around like a madwomen getting ready as I usually did. I was so late, that my phone started ringing and then Jacob came up to my door, to see why I wasn't ready yet. He found it, quite frankly, hilarious that I was 'just aching from something that requires only deep breathing' and wasn't unconscious as he'd thought.

Adding to that, the traffic ridden car journey this morning only made me feel grouchier; even my morning coffee didn't do anything today. I ended up getting into my office at almost a quarter to seven, over an hour later than usual. I prayed to whatever God there was that Edward had overslept or wasn't in yet. That would be awfully embarrassing, considering how I'd made him practically recite the times he should be in each morning.

As I walked down the hall as quietly as possible I managed to reach my office without any interruptions and let out a huge sigh when I was all settled in. My relief soon dissipated when I remembered why I'd, ironically, tried to get in early. The enormous mass of emails I'd neglected to answer Friday afternoon had been left until Sunday. Unfortunately, Sunday was spent doing yoga. I now had almost three days worth of emails to answer, a number that would surely be several hundred.

I mean, I understand the need for email, and the concept is quite genius really. But when I get up to two hundred a day, I just wish people would come and talk to me if they have a problem.

My phone started to ring and it took me a minute to realise what the annoying sound was. Nobody was in this early. It wasn't Edward because he'd come and talk to me and Angela didn't come in until ten. Apprehensively I answered the call and was even more confused when I heard Rosalie's voice on the other end.

"Hello."

"Oh Bella, thank god. I'm bored out of my mind and you are the only person I know who'll be awake at this time of the morning. I need someone to talk to." I'd spoken to Rosalie few times but it was still a strange experience talking to her. Sometimes she was cold and brief with her answers and other times, she literally wouldn't want to stop talking.

"Rosalie I'm not being rude but…is there any reason why you're calling me?" I figured a careful approach was the safest.

"Oh yeah, well you see, my pig of a boss went along with the idea for a spiritual take on autumn this year for the magazine. Now that I don't have a problem with, get this though, we had to be in at six am because the photographer said that the light at that time of day would give the models an angelic appearance. Bullshit! So now I'm tired and grouchy and I can't find a fucking cup of coffee anywhere."

"Jeez you sound like me on a bad day."

"Tell me about it, at least you don't have to wear a headdress and a latex thong to work."

I love my job so much.

"Seriously?"

"Oh yeah. And get this, this week we have a new bunch of pervy prop organisers on set who give me the creeps. I think I even saw one of the guys drooling the other day, I mean really, what is wrong with people?"

I am so glad I don't have to worry about that. Yuck.

You know what? I can't wait until we go shopping next weekend, because then I can wear something remotely normal."

Hold the phone…

"Shopping?

"Yeah, didn't I tell you? Well, we're going, Saturday ok?"

Oh no, no, no.

"You didn't mention shopping, I mean, don't you, as the personal shopper, take care of the shopping part?"

"Yeah, but we're still going. Anyway that's not the point. Tell me all about Edward. Or does he make you call him Mr Cullen? That'd be hot."

"Rosalie, I can't talk about that at work. There are people around."

"Oh does that mean that there is something to talk about?"

"No, I didn't mean that. But if there were something to talk about then it would not be convenient to talk about it here."

"You have an office don't you?"

"Yes." I could tell I was fighting a losing battle but I wasn't ready to admit defeat.

"And you keep your door closed I'm guessing?"

"Not always, but it is now."

"So what's the problem?

"It's still inappropriate."

"Stop it Bella! You wouldn't be feeding me this horseshit if there was nothing. Now come on, tell me if I have months and months of date outfits to plan or not."

"I don't know about date outfits, but I might need some friend outfits, just in case Edward wants to go somewhere. I don't really have that many weekend clothes."

Silence…maybe she hung up.

I heard a peel of laughter from the other end of the phone and counted myself not so lucky.

"Oh Bella, that's funny."

"What?"

"You…*giggle* and Edward…*giggle*…friends."

"I don't understand."

"That much is obvious."

"Wha-"

"Bella, men and women can't be friends."

Now who's talking horseshit?

"Of course they can, that's ridiculous. I have male friends."

From the sound of her voice, it seemed that she was leaning back in her chair and probably had a smug look on her face.

"Really? Who?"

"I'm friends with Carlisle."

"Doesn't count, he's married. Do you have any single male friends?"

I didn't think about the answer before I gave it.

"Edward."

"Well there you go, you proved my point."

"Rosalie, you're not making any sense, Edward is my friend."

"But he doesn't want to be."

How can she make presumptions about the friendship Edward and I have? That's outrageous.

"He does, he told me he did."

"No Bella, you're not getting me here. Edward doesn't want to be just a friend to you."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm saying that a single man spending time with a single woman is interested in more than friendship."

"How do you know?"

"Believe me Bella, I just do."

I didn't want to think about this more than was necessary, because it only succeeded in making me confused.

"Look, I'm just glad that I get to spend time with Edward. He's the best friend I've ever had." My mind wandered to our conversations and the feeling of him holding my hand. I smiled to myself and my hands tingled at the memory of his fingers entwined in mine.

"Bella do you like Edward?"

I wasn't going to pretend I didn't hear the intonation in her voice, but my feelings for Edward weren't something I was ready to talk about just yet.

"You know Rosalie, I should be getting back to work, and I've got a ton of things to sort through today."

I heard her laughter again on the phone.

"I'll take that as a yes then, alright Bella, enough for now but Saturday I'm not letting you off easy."

"Fine."

"Enjoy your day Bella."

"See you Saturday."

We said goodbye and for the next few hours I spent my time sorting through emails and thinking about my feelings for Edward. I was exhausted at the end of it and starving. I thought about going down to the café on the ground floor that Carlisle had always raved about. In response to my train of thought my stomach started rumbling uncomfortably. Sheila responded with a whine.

I swear I'd spoken to everyone within three floors of my office this morning. After sorting though emails I'd had to take two conference calls with the team to discuss issues with the New York office.

But where was Edward?

I had no right to call him asking where he was, I wasn't his babysitter. He wasn't late for any meetings I was sitting in on and I had to remember that he was involved in supporting projects other than mine. It didn't matter that mine was the headliner.

Sitting on the sofa in my office, with Sheila's head at my feet, I thought about how to ask Angela when he was expected in. I paged her and hoped that he was on his way.

"Morning Angela."

"Afternoon Bella, it's almost half past one."

No wonder I'm hungry.

"Oh, right. Listen, there's something I need to discuss with Edward, do you know what time he's coming in?"

"He's due any minute, his lunch conference finished at one, but knowing traffic at this time of day, he might not be in until two. Is it urgent?"

I'd barely been able to think about anything but him this morning. The need and urge to be near him certainly felt like burning in my chest.

"No worries. It can wait. Thanks Angela, are you off to lunch now?"

"Yeah, do you want anything? I can send someone up with something." Again my stomach grumbled embarrassingly loud at the mention of food. It wasn't as if I was intentionally not eating, I'd just been busy as hell this morning.

Thirty minutes later and now I needed both fresh air and serious nourishment. I was soon in the lift and out into the foyer when I heard that familiar voice call out to me. Even Sheila seemed to sense my anticipation because I felt a slight strain on the lead.

I stood still, not quite able to judge what side he was coming from.

Feeling, unmistakeably, his hand on my arm my face relaxed into a smile.

"Where are you off to?" His fingers on my arm which were rubbing slowly were extremely distracting.

"Lunch, I have to, I mean I'm hungry, so I'm getting lunch." Stammered and hesitant wasn't my usual register but so far everything about Edward had me acting strangely.

"Allow me. I already got you something. Do you want to go out and sit somewhere, just for a bit?"

I don't care for how long or where if I'm with you.

My passing thought was strangely romantic but I realised that it was true, in every sense.

I nodded and he took my other arm, guiding me outside where I was hit with the soft, surprisingly warm October breeze.

"So where are we going?"

"Be patient" he replied.

"Aren't you going to tell me?"

"Nope." I tugged on his arm which only caused him to laugh.

"Don't worry Bella it's not far."

Luckily for him he wasn't wrong. Ten minutes later and one, no doubt, extortionate taxi fare and we'd arrived at some hidden gardens at the back of an old chapel.

"It's nothing like the river bank on Saturday but its quiet and nobody really knows about it."

We could have been anywhere, but all I could focus on was the arm wrapped round my waist. We sat down at a bench and he revealed the promised food. I felt his hands come up to my face and to my surprised, remove my glasses.

This time, I didn't even bother closing my eyes, because I knew he'd only ask me to open them.

"Perfect." He muttered.

Conversation became impossible as I practically gorged myself on the chicken sandwich and bits of cheese he'd given me. I think I may have even moaned when my teeth sunk into the cheesy goodness of my pieces of Manchego. I felt like a mouse, nibbling away.

I groaned again, the sandwich was very good. Somehow Junior was taking Bella 101 and passing the class with flying colours.

I laughed to myself and he wanted to know what it was.

"It's just that, you're so good at this."

"What?"

"This", I gestured to my lunch and our surroundings, "being my friend, you seem to know just what I need."

"That's because I pay attention, a lot."

The last part was said with an emphasis which sent a tingle right through me. I tried to keep thinking about what the rules of friendship meant, or even were. I couldn't help enjoying the fact that Edward might pay attention to me, that I might be enough to draw his attention away from other things.

Aside from his comments, I focused on his right arm leaning around the back of the bench across my shoulders. I closed my eyes and felt each of his fingers curled gently around the top of my right shoulder and the length of his strong, solid arm reaching across the top of my back. Being much smaller than him I was able to lean back slightly and snuggle between his arm and shoulder.

Since when do I ever snuggle?

Suddenly it occurred to me that I was enjoying this because I had feelings for Edward that went beyond those of friendship. But that was me. What if Edward didn't feel the same way? He probably didn't. I felt my body stiffen in anticipation of the rejection he would express but instead was surprised when he relaxed even further against me, pulling me in closer still.

This was nice. I mean, this was really nice. I imagined for a second if someone saw us as they walked by, they might think we were a couple. I was sat in what probably looked like a half embrace against him, eating a lunch provided by him. Not that they knew that.

Was that what I really wanted? I'd accepted my feelings for him, however awkward and strange they were, coming from someone with a complete lack of experience. This was certainly something I'd have to think about. I decided to ask Rosalie on Saturday about how friends acted around each other, even if she didn't believe in the concept. Utter nonsense really.

"If you're eyebrows weren't so screwed up I'd have said you were asleep. What's the matter?"

Now here was the thing. I'd confessed a lot to Edward, a hell of a lot. This wasn't something I could exactly talk to him about.

Basically the first man I've ever felt remotely attracted to is also my boss, which is you by the way. What do you think?

I couldn't even imagine that going well. I needed more time to think.

"Nothing"

"Liar" I could hear he was smiling and I was glad he wasn't offended.

"Sorry, it's just, complicated."

"So you won't tell me what's bothering you?"

"No"

"Well we're going to have to do something about that. Friends are supposed to tell each other everything. Not good Bella, not good. "

Oh no. He was upset, he didn't sound upset, but he could have been. Maybe he thought because I wouldn't tell him that I didn't want to be friends. I really didn't want to give off that impression.

"You know what this means don't you?"

"What?" I replied meekly.

"You're going to have to have dinner with me Friday night. That's the punishment for not telling me."

Huh?

Keeping things from Edward was going to allow me to spend more time with him?

"Ok." There was no way in hell I was refusing that. I was excited already and it was only Monday.

"Why are you smiling? You're going to have to put up with me for the evening and eat my cooking."

I must have been a saint in a past life because this was way too good to be true.

I got to spend an evening with Edward and eat food made by those wonderful hands. Thank you Lord.

I put on my most serious face, "I guess I deserve it. I suppose there's nothing I can do; you are the boss after all."

I knew I'd have to have another conversation with Rosalie before the week was over. What was I going to wear? I'd never sounded more girly in my life.

But you've also never been to dinner with someone like Edward before.

I smiled at that. Maybe this was the start of something. What that thing was, I didn't know. But I liked where it was headed.

A couple of minutes of silence elapsed and since we were kind of already talking about work I thought I'd start with a safe topic.

"How was your morning?"

"Pretty disappointing. I slept in, which was good. Yesterday I spent the whole day going through emails and arranging meetings, so I got in a little later. Today I had to have lunch with the deputy idiots from the Mountain View legal team. I almost left when I saw that their business manager hadn't even bothered to attend. Pathetic, really"

I could tell he was a bit wound up about that so I abandoned the subject and we ended up talking for what seemed like hours about music, films, books and food. It was the lightest hearted, most care-free conversation we'd ever had and Edward had me laughing a lot more than I would have expected.

His arm stayed wrapped around me and I stayed where I was, cushioned against his chest.

It's really quite nice here; I might just take up residence.

At one point I started to think about what we had spoken about Friday night, about who had told Carlisle. I tried to push the thought out of my head, but it still bothered me. I decided not to ask him about it today, it would only ruin the afternoon, and I didn't want Edward to have to think about it anymore.

The breeze was getting a little chillier and I mentally slapped myself for forgetting Edward's jacket he lent me Saturday.

"Shit Edward I forgot your jacket. I'm sorry. I'll bring it in tomorrow. I knew I'd forgotten something this morning."

"Don't worry about it. I don't need it. You can keep it"

"That's silly. I can't just keep something of yours, and I bet you will need it. It's getting cold in the mornings now. You need a jacket."

"Alright mom"

"I'm serious Edward."

"Ok fine, bring it with you Friday. There, you happy?"

Ecstatic. Quite literally.

"Fine, but don't make me feel bad if you get a cold."

"I'll be fine, and I've got others, but you can return it if you really want to."

I nodded, satisfied with my small victory. I knew he could be stubborn. But then again, wasn't I the same?

"I didn't bring Renee with me. What's the time?"

"Getting bored of me already are you? I see how it is" his tone was playful and I nudged him gently.

"No, but I don't want to be late getting back."

"Just coming up to four" he sounded nonchalant and I was sure I must have misheard him.

But I put together the chillier breeze and the time I'd heard and realised he must have been right

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I stood up hastily and almost tripped over Sheila who had been lying at my feet. Luckily two strong arms caught me around my waist before I could make a fool of myself.

Stop thinking about how good it feels to be pressed up against him. We need to get back to work!

"Bella what's wrong?"

"What's wrong? Are you serious? Lunch breaks are not meant to last three hours Edward!"

"I didn't know you were so averse to spending time with me."

"I'm not! I just don't want to be seen as slacking. I've got a job to do."

"Gee I hope the boss doesn't give you a hard time for an extended lunch" his tone was sarcastic and I didn't like it.

"Enough with the sarcasm, I just happen to take my job seriously."

"And you think I don't?"

"You sure don't seem to mind taking three hours for lunch."

"Quite frankly, right now, I don't give a fuck about how long my lunch break is."

"You should have told me what the time was." My voice was softer now because I was touched by the care in his harsh sounding words.

"Yeah, that's right, my fault. I'm sorry I was enjoying myself; I guess I wasn't checking my watch for the time every five minutes." It sounded like he was spitting out the words and I winced.

"I'm not saying that. I'm talking about not putting in the hours. This was probably my best lunch ever, and it had nothing to do with the food." My voice had risen and I sincerely hoped there was no-one else around to hear our conversation.

There was silence for a minute and I knew I'd said the wrong thing, I must have said too much.

"Really?" His voice was much softer now and his hands very gently gripped my waist even more.

I nodded and pulled him in for a hug. His hands moved up to my hair and stroked it softly.

"I'm sorry Bella, you're right. I just lose track of time with you." I squeezed him tighter and he kissed the top of my head. His lips lingered for a moment and I felt a shiver run through me.

I could feel the full length of his body up against me we were so close. Just as I was about to pull away I felt his lips move very slowly to my temple and press the lightest of kisses onto my skin.

I felt like jumping up and down on the spot, but I don't think my heart would be able to beat any faster. His lips on my hair felt magical. His lips on the side of my head were electrifying. I never imagined I'd be able to feel so much. Those two kisses were the most intimate contact I'd ever experienced and I felt it all over my body.

I could hazard a guess as to what I'd be dreaming about tonight.

Imagine what it'd feel like if he really kissed you.

I couldn't allow that train of thought to continue. I might combust internally.

"You don't have to worry about the boss getting annoyed with you. I have it on good authority that he's more than satisfied with your performance so far."

"Oh really?"

"Absolutely."

His arm moved back to the small of my back as we left the chapel gardens and Edward called for a taxi to take us back to the office.

"I know I was an ass but you do still have to have dinner with me"

"Oh is that so?"

Yeah I mean, I guess I didn't ask you. Only come if you want to."

"Silly Edward of course I do, you couldn't keep me away."

I wouldn't miss it for the world.

By some strange luck I managed to leave the office at seven o'clock Monday evening. I'd expected to stay much later, because of the amount of work I'd have to do and was glad when Jake was available to pick me up and take me home.

On Tuesday, Angela had told me she'd made reservations for us to go to dinner Wednesday evening at an Indian restaurant not too far from the office. Today was Wednesday and I was supposed to meet her there tonight at seven thirty. I hadn't been too busy today but I was trying to get a few things done so I'd be able to leave by six at the latest.

I didn't have to worry about what I'd be wearing, not for tonight anyway. I thought about putting on a cashmere jumper that Carlisle and Esme had gotten me a few years ago over black trousers. That would have to do. Obviously I'd make more of an effort on Friday.

Friday night. Sigh. That meant dinner with Edward.

In retrospect I was glad we'd been able to have lunch on Monday, even though I had been feeling incredibly guilty about it. Since then we'd both been pretty busy and I'd barely had any time to talk to him.

I suppose being busy was a good thing though, it kept my mind off of him.

Unfortunately, that never lasted very long.

Leaving the office at five thirty today was an achievement in my opinion, although it did mean I didn't really feel up to going out to dinner because I was pretty tired. I forced myself to quickly ignore that feeling.

Angela had looked after Sheila for the weekend and I was grateful, this was no time to be selfish.

In the car home my thoughts, as they often did, turned quickly to Edward and I didn't hear what Jake was asking me. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him after Monday morning; people started calling me as soon as I got in the car to work.

Embarrassed, I asked him to repeat himself.

"Sorry, I was miles away. What did you say?"

"I was just asking whether you'd had any more problems with Cullen. Guys like him think because they're rich that it's okay to treat people like shit."

As soon as he finished talking, something clicked. On Monday it had crossed my mind to ask Edward about who he thought had told Carlisle. Now I was frightened that I knew exactly who it was.

"Jake what are you talking about?"

"Bella, I know what he did to you. Assault is never okay; don't let him get away with anything because he's your boss."

There was that word again. Assault. The same word that Carlisle hadused.

"You're the one who told Carlisle?" I gasped incredulously.

"I had to." He didn't seem surprised by my knowledge.

"Jacob, it was nothing. You're making it sound like much more than it was."

"If it was nothing then why were you crying all the way home?"

"You saw that?"

"No shit."

Oh God. It was Jake, it must have been.

"You told Carlisle. Did you tell anyone else?"

"No."

"Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused? You really got this all wrong."

"Trouble is something you've got to learn to associate with Cullen, not me."

My feelings were a mixture of sadness and anger. Edward had gotten into an argument with his father because of me. The last thing in the world I wanted to be was trouble. I hung my head in my hands and tried to think of what to say.

"His name is Edward and trouble is the last thing in the world that he is. He's done nothing wrong, so please, there's nothing to worry about. I'm actually very happy to be working with him."

"And I'm sure he's very happy to be working with you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Come on, I've seen the way he looks at you."

I wish I had.

"Sorry I'm still not following you Jake."

"He's all possessive over you. Like he owns you or something, that man watches you like a hawk."

Well that sure made me smile. If I could see Edward, I'd never take my eyes off of him. I never want him to let go of me when he holds me.

"Why are you smiling? Bella, that isn't a good thing, you don't want that."

Yes it is! For me, it's the very best thing.

I didn't think about what I was saying before I opened my mouth.

"Maybe that's exactly what I want."

The car jolted slightly as Jake pulled up at the traffic lights and he spun round in shock.

"What the fuck! No, Bella, it isn't. You have no idea because you haven't known him very long. You don't know what he's like."

"Aside from being my boss, Edward is a good friend of mine. You shouldn't speak about him like that."

His tone was sarcastic and rude, he had no tact. He didn't speak to care about what he said about people, even his own boss.

"He doesn't want to be though, he'll want more. Bella, Edward isn't friends with women; he's not the kind of guy that keeps a woman around for the conversation."

He didn't have to elaborate. I knew what he was referring to. I decided it didn't matter. Edward could have slept with half the women in the city and it wouldn't make a difference. He was my friend. And he was special to me. It was nice knowing that I didn't give a fuck about his reputation.

"Well he doesn't treat me like that."

"In the end it's obviously what he wants. Give it some time, he'll show his true colours."

Enough was enough. I didn't want to talk to Jake anymore. I wanted to go home and go to bed. I just couldn't stand him talking about Edward like that, as if he was nothing, like he didn't care about me. And I knew for a fact that he did.

We pulled to a stop and I knew from the amount of time we'd been in the car that we'd arrived outside my building. I didn't wait for Jacob to open my door as per usual. I let Sheila out the door and made my way up to my apartment.

I heard him calling after me, but I just couldn't find it in me to give a damn.

Fuck you Jacob.

Angela knew there was something not quite right at dinner. I think it was more than fucking obvious. I tried my best to be nice and social regardless.

I was quiet but tried to make light conversation. I happily allowed her to tell me all about her childhood and schooldays. She was the eldest child and had two brothers who were still at school. Her father worked in the church in the neighbourhood she had grown in and her mother was a primary school teacher.

Listening to her talk about her childhood was oddly refreshing and sounded idyllic. I thought back to the multitude of jobs Renee had tried to stick to and almost laughed at the thought of her holding down a career for life like Angela's parents. It just wasn't the same.

Apparently she always had been fairly shy and reserved, but from the amount of talking she did, I could tell her confidence was just lying dormant. I tried to imitate some of the conversations I'd had with Rosalie, but I wasn't really familiar with girl talk.

Inevitably in a conversation between two women the focus turned to that of men. Luckily, my part on that topic was extremely non-existent, and once again, I was happy to let her take over.

She told me she'd had a couple of admirers and one boyfriend at university but I could tell there was someone else. Maybe I recognised in her, the same part of me that always wanted to talk and think about Edward. There was no escaping it.

I knew she was familiar with most of my team and frankly, other than their intellect, they didn't hold many other skills. I doubted it was anyone I knew of in my part of the office. Poor girl, I hoped there was someone around there she could talk to, even if it was just a friend. I asked her about that and she mentioned meeting Ben Cheney last week and I detected a small smile in her voice.

So maybe there was potential in the office for Angela after all.

Thinking about it, he had been up to our floor an awful lot last week to check that my computer was working ok. I never remembered reporting any problems. I'd even heard him talking to Edward a couple of times about updating his software.

And who is between yours and Edwards offices?

Angela's desk.

Bingo.

When I got home I had one message on the answering machine. It was from Edward.

Hey Bella I know it's late but I just wanted to make sure you got home okay and had a nice time tonight. I'm sorry I haven't been around so much but I just wanted to say that I'm really looking forward to Friday; I hope you can still come. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, or Friday, you know, um, anyway, goodnight Bella. Sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams indeed Mr Cullen.

I couldn't help but smile as I lay down in my bed, pulling my duvet up to my chin. Tomorrow would be Thursday and the day after Thursday is Friday, and Friday means dinner with Edward.

Edward who watches me all the time, who brings me lunch and sits with me for hours, Edward who makes me feel happier than I ever knew and Edward who might be my first kiss.

I now knew that I wanted to be more than friends with him. What I was feeling for Edward was beyond foreign, and it was the strangest mix of emotions imaginable.

But it was the very sweetest kind of happiness.

Friday night couldn't come soon enough.

Questions / suggestions and comments are always welcome because I would love to know what you thought. See you soon, next will be Bella's dinner with Edward.