Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or characters, no income being made; only fulfilling a creative whim.

Chapter 10

Edward's POV

I didn't know what the fuck just happened, but damn if fate wasn't smiling on me tonight. My game plan had consisted of showing up at Bella's office to return her iPod. After that I was flying by the seat of my pants. I discovered that that blonde douche was Mike Newton, a customer of Wolf's and he wasn't Bella's boyfriend. I would be a fat fuck of a liar if that wasn't music to my ears. However there was still the matter of one Jacob Black. I still didn't know how he figured into the equation. But one step at a time, which wasn't something I wasn't good at. I was an impatient motherfucker.

I never imagined in a millions years the boon I was given. Her face drained of all color when I decided to play along with whatever the fuck she was up to with this Newton dude. I made the assumption he wanted to take her out; she on the other hand wasn't interested. From what I pieced together on my own she must have told him she had a boyfriend. Give the girl some credit for showing some moxie. I guess she never realized however, she would have to produce one. Bella looked uncomfortable when Mike asked if I was the boyfriend. This was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. So I turned on the Cullen charm and introduced myself. From that point on I was no longer flying by the seat of my pants. Enter Edward Cullen, Bella Swan's significant other. Fuck me, I was in heaven. Newton wanted her. I could smell the want on him, the fucker. Why I entered into a pissing contest with this asshole was beyond me.

Because you want her you dick!

This girl pushed buttons I didn't even know I had. I kept thinking of the night I had seen her with this fucker and I was filled with unbridled jealousy. It was a feeling I was unaccustomed to. None of the chicks I known in the past made me feel anything other than just lust. With Bella, it was as if every emotion under the rainbow resided within me. It was exhilarating but at the same time it scared the living shit out of me.

It was nearly five thirty when I pulled into my driveway. I needed to take a quick shower before calling Bella. My luck continued to go my way when I had called Rain before leaving Wolf's to make the dinner reservation. At the rate things were going I thought playing the lottery wouldn't be a bad idea. I shed my clothes leaving a trail as I entered the bathroom and turned the shower on. I immersed myself under the spray of water immediately letting go of some of the tension I was feeling. It wasn't going to be enough to relieve the boner I was sporting. Fuck, she had left my body an inferno and my dick harder than granite. I was so hard I could hammer nails with my dick. I needed to jerk off. There was no way I could pick her up harboring the need for sexual release. I couldn't remember any other woman making me this stiff, even when I was fucking them.

It had been over a week since I had sex, well except with my hand. It's not like I had never gone without for a while before, but I was so jacked up that I knew as soon as I started to stroke my dick I'd come. Like a shot out of a canon. I was suffering from such a high level of sensitivity that just breathing on my dick would be enough to blow my load. I held my head down as I started my fantasy. Dark brown eyes teased me, waves of long chestnut hair spilled across my chest as she made her way down my body. Soft lips trailed kisses and nipped my skin causing my breath to catch in my throat. That's the visual I was using while I stroked my dick feeling the warm water cascading against my back. I had one hand pressed against the shower wall in front of me as I picked up the pace and stroked myself harder. It wouldn't be long now. I felt my release starting to coil inside my stomach and unleash its power while I palmed my dick into submission. Mingled with the running water was my panting and loud shout 'Fuck!' My release splattered against the tiles, my heart raced as I took deep breaths to gain control over my body. I felt better but not by much.

I had more than a few encounters that had been solely based on two people who were instantly attracted to one another. This resulted in the simple desire to satisfy that animal craving to mate, that crazy frenzy to achieve physical gratification. I was attracted to Bella, more than attracted to her. I couldn't lie and say I didn't want to fuck her. I had never wanted a woman the way I wanted her. And yet she was so different than any of the other women I had known. She was the first girl who actually made me feel that there was more than just the physical connection between us. I saw her as more than a quick fuck. I knew she was more than that, better than that, making me feel somewhat guilty about my past behavior.

When I stood in the reception area with Bella, I wasn't surprised by the jolt of energy that passed between us. I had come to expect it. But nothing prepared me for the overwhelming sensation of heat when I had placed my arm around her. I could still feel the warmth even now. The need to touch her only grew leaving me wanting more. Bella's hand felt so small and vulnerable in mine. She was nervous but as soon I threaded our fingers together, I could feel the tension slowly fade. As if she knew her hand belonged in mine. Newton's scorching perusal of Bella incited something primitive within me. Like I was some caveman, beating on my chest as I carried my woman over my shoulder. This was fucking crazy right? Did I sound like a pussy? Is this what it feels like when you meet your soul mate?

Soul Mate?

What the fuck am I saying?

Settle the fuck down Cullen.

I grabbed my phone to call Bella. I had to give myself a pat on the back for managing to get her number. I think I surprised her when she realized that I had done just that. I didn't want to scare her away but I wanted her to know that I was serious about tonight. Apparently she was under the impression that Tanya was my girlfriend. I was fucking pissed when she made that assumption. I had only known her a short while but I could see that she knew I was upset over her remark. There was no mistake she believed she had pissed me off. I wasn't perfect. I know imagine that? But one thing I would never do is cheat. Infidelity and I were not strangers; I had lived with the fallout, and no way would I ever live through something like that again. When I finally thought about it reasonably, I realized I had been guilty of the same thing. When I saw her with Mike Newton at New Moon on the surface it appeared that they were together.

What was that about jumping to conclusions?

"Hello."

Did I say she had such a sweet voice?

"Hey."

I could have sworn I heard her catch her breath, was it possible I had the same effect on her?

Christ I hope so.

"Edward, um, hi." She was nervous. Fuck if that wasn't just too damn cute!

"Bella, I'll be by in about 30 minutes."

"Okay… Edward?"

"Yeah."

Was she having second thoughts? I didn't like the question mark at the end of my name. I held my breath but sighed with relief when she spoke again.

"I was wondering, I don't know where we are going, so I have no idea what I should wear."

I chuckled softly.

She really was unique. Most of the women I had been with never needed my direction on what clothing to wear. Typically their dress code constituted something that could be removed easily by the end of the night. I've had a lot of sex, so shoot me.

Bella was a rarity in my world. That's because you never cared to date a "good" girl.

"I made reservations at Rain. Have you ever been there? It's casual and yet sophisticated."

"Well would I be out of place if I wore a pair of jeans and a dressy top?"

She could make a pair of jeans look like an evening gown as far as I was concerned.

"Bella, that's more than fine. Don't worry, you'll see a mixture of dressed up and dressed down. It's one of the reasons I like this place. You can pretty much wear anything and it's acceptable, well within reason of course." I laughed.

I hoped that I had put her mind at ease. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable. I had a feeling she was going to be on edge no matter what, but I didn't want to add to her anxiety by making her feel out of place in the wardrobe department. It wasn't like I was a fucking expert either; I left that up to Alice.

"Okay, thank you. Do you need directions?" She sounded apprehensive. I was going to do my best to make her feel as relaxed as possible.

"Nope, I got my GPS all set. I will see you shortly."

"See you soon."

It occurred to me that this was really the first time I was taking a girl out on a date. I mean a real date. It's not that I had never taken a girl out to dinner, I certainly had. Not often, but when I did it was just a formality. I know I sounded like a fucking dick. I guess I was. Those dates always ended with a good fucking. Half the time we barely made it back to her place before we went at it. Did I regret some of my past relationships? Whoa! Where did that come from? I didn't have relationships, I had relations. Sexual relations. All of sudden I was the nervous one. She wasn't some chick I picked up from a bar, she wasn't remotely similar to anyone I had ever been with. What if I was a fucking disappointment in her eyes? Girls like her wanted to be courted right? 'Courted' Where the fuck did I come up with that word? Did I just travel back to 1918?

After a shot of Jack, to settle my nerves, I decided to get going. As I pulled out of my driveway, I had an epiphany. Girls liked flowers right? I should stop and pick her up something before arriving at her house. That would be the gentleman thing to do. My parents had raised me to be one, although there would be few females who would beg to differ on that point. Yeah, well fuck them. That's the problem asshole, you did.

I was lucky that The Timeless Cottage was still open. I parked my vehicle right outside the shop and quickly got out. I opened the door and immediately was greeted by the sound of one of those annoying door bells alerting the staff a customer had entered.

"Can I help you?"

A guy maybe around my age approached me as I walked towards the middle of the shop. He had blonde hair, which didn't appear to be his natural color. He was tall and thin wearing jeans, a while button down with a black vest and bow tie. To top it all off he was wearing some crazy ass boots. I don't know maybe this guy was gay. He was ogling me; actually it was more like eye fucking me. I had done my fair share of that so I knew the signs.

"Yeah, I'd like to pick up a bouquet of flowers." I gave the shop quick look around, it wasn't very large but it was jam packed with all different types of floral arrangements and plants from wall to ceiling. I had never been in one before. I had bought Esme flowers for Mother's Day, but I always ordered them online.

"Do you have anything in particular in mind?"

Do I? How the fuck would I know what to get her? I didn't know the girl, not really. I was completely at this guy's mercy.

"No, I don't." He gave me the once over, not even attempting to be discreet.

What the fuck.

"Well, perhaps you can tell me what type of occasion it is." He had a small lisp that was just barely discernible.

"Occasion? Um…it's not really an occasion. I have a dinner date tonight and thought bringing her flowers would be a good idea." Now I wasn't so sure.

Out of nowhere his face lit up like the 4th of July. Have I entered some alternate universe? This guy was starting to fucking creep me out.

Flower dude walked over to me getting up into my personal space and started asking all kinds of questions. Did my girl (my girl) have any favorite flowers? What about her favorite color? What was her favorite season? Shit, I just wanted a fucking bouquet. I began to sense that dating might be more than I had bargained for. I was out of my element, and yet something inside me said, this girl was worth it.

"To be honest, this is our first date so do you have any suggestions?" What the hell, this guy was in the business. I couldn't be the first guy to come in who was totally clueless about any of this shit.

He ushered me over to the refrigerated display case that ran the length of the right hand side of the shop. Scanning the display case, I could see numerous arrangements, everything from roses to carnations. I made no bones about the fact I knew nothing about flowers, but what I did know, roses were out. One they were much too serious for a first date, and second didn't most guys buy roses. I had no idea why, but Bella didn't strike me as the 'roses' kind of girl. Oh, and how would you know that genius? I didn't, but it was just a feeling I had. I found her unique, and I wanted to present her something that wasn't so typical.

"Roses are always a good choice. You don't necessarily have to go with red. A lovely pink arrangement would make any girl blush." I had to admit I did love to see this girl blush. She was fucking adorable with her cheeks all rosy. Still. Too soon for roses. He motioned to the vase that was in the center of the case.

"Actually, I think I would like those." I pointed to the far left corner of the case.

"Ah, wild flowers, yes that's another way to go." He slid the door open and took the vase out.

They were beautiful. Wild flowers reminded me of Bella. Why I couldn't really tell you other than I thought she was a natural beauty. They also reminded me of the flowers that grew along my parents' property by the river. They were understated and yet perfect. It's how I saw Bella.

~~SyP~~

The house was modest, a white two story with a one stall garage. It was simple and unpretentious, so Bella. It crossed my mind if she lived here alone or with her parents, roommate? Like I said, I knew virtually nothing about the girl who had been occupying so much of my mind of late. What if she did live with her parents? Fuck, I didn't even think of that. There was a real possibility that I could come face to face with her father. The last time I met some girl's father was senior year high school when I picked up Sharon Matthews for prom. Shit, that was uncomfortable. The guy had given me the third degree, no drinking, and drugs and to forget about touching his daughter other than twirling her on the dance floor. Fucker, what he didn't know was his daughter was one of the easiest lays at Chicago Academy High School.

I found myself at Bella's door ringing the doorbell with a bouquet in my hands. Oh how Emmett would have loved to have seen this first hand. Fuck me. I was starting to sweat, what the fuck was wrong with me? No explanation was needed, I was venturing into unchartered territory. For the first time in I don't know how long, I felt unsure. I normally was the cocky bastard who had no problem with getting women. I couldn't ignore the nagging voice that kept saying 'she's out of your league.' Maybe that was true, but fuck I needed, no I wanted her in a way I couldn't even begin to comprehend. I was going to throw caution to the wind and let it lead me down an unfamiliar road. How many times had my father told us, 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'?

I guess I'm going to find out.

The heard the click of the door opening. There she was in all her natural radiance.

"Hi Edward." She greeted me with a shy smile, her eyes somewhat fearful in meeting mine.

Bella looked stunning, nothing over the top and yet she just took my breath away. Her makeup was flawless. Smoky gray eye shadow, a hint of blush, topped off with pale pink gloss. My mouth was watering. The scoop neck sweater was the deepest shade of blue; it was like the color of sapphires. The swell of her breasts were proudly on display as was the familiar medal she wore. Dark denim pants fit her slim figure nicely, giving me pause to imagine what I would find beneath them. She was petite but there was no mistake she had some legs that I was itching to feel wrapped around my waist.

Seriously Cullen? Okay, some old habits are hard to break.

"Hello Bella. You look lovely." I nearly forgot I had the flowers in my hands and nearly shoved them in her chest causing her to jump back. Smooth, fucker! "I'm sorry, these are for you." I managed to steady my hand as I gently motioned them towards her again.

"Thank you Edward, you look very nice too." She had such long eyelashes that were fluttering like butterflies at the moment. Yeah, she was nervous. "And thank you for the flowers. I adore wildflowers, they are so beautiful. The colors are always so bright and I love their fragrance. They're like having a little of the outdoors indoors."

Score one for Cullen.

"Oh, God. I'm sorry, where are my manners. Please come in." Bella's face turned a pretty shade of pink, prettier than the blush she was wearing. Besides seeing her in blue, which I fucking loved, pink was now my second favorite color. God, she looked so adorable.

She opened the door wider so I could pass through.

"Please, make yourself comfortable. I'm just going to put these in a vase."

I found myself immediately standing in her foyer, the living room was to right and a staircase leading to the upstairs directly in front of me. The décor was simplistic and tasteful, I had a feeling she was a firm believer in less is more. I felt eyes staring at me across the living room coming from the back of the couch. A cat! An all gray with green eyes was suspiciously sizing me up. Fuck, a cat really? Under the table in the middle of the room was another one. This time the feline was black and white and again green eyes latched on to me. It was smaller than the other and appeared to be a little timid. I felt something brushing up against my calves. I looked down. Are you kidding me? This chick had three cats! The one that apparently had taken a liking to me was a gray white tiger, green eyes (suddenly the fact I had green eyes was proving to be one thing in my favor) and purred as it made its way in between my legs.

"Shack!" Bella's highly charged shout startled me. She quickly walked over and bent down to pick up the new friend I had made. "I'm sorry, he's very friendly."

No shit.

"No worries. So…three cats?" Did that sound rude? I didn't want to come off sounding like an ass. It's not that I didn't like cats. But I was a dog person. We had several growing up. Cats always made me feel a bit uneasy. As if they knew something I didn't. I remember hooking up with one chick and waking the next morning in her bed with five fucking cats lying across and along my body. It totally freaked me the fuck out.

"Um..yeah." Her tone was laced with trepidation. She probably thought I hated cats and this was going to be an issue. "Do you not like cats?"

"Oh, no. I mean, yeah I do. I guess. We never had cats we always had dogs growing up. Shit, sorry. I must sound like a real ass."

You are an ass!

She laughed. I decided then, that was the best sound I had ever heard. She nervously bit her lip while timidly raising her eyes to meet mine.

"This handsome man in my arms is Shackelton. He's six, the sleek looking devil who is laying on the back of the couch is Rudy. He's fifteen and that little darling under the coffee table is Dexter. He's the baby, he's almost two."

"So is it just you and the cats or do you live with your parents?" I hoped I didn't sound too forward. But I was curious.

Her smile faltered and she looked down at the floor. I sensed I had touched upon sensitive territory. Shit.

"No, it's just me and my cats. And please no comments about being a single girl living with cats." Bella smiled and I breathed a small sigh of relief. However it didn't go unnoticed that she didn't answer further about her parents. Maybe a topic I could broach later.

"I see, so you have been teased about living alone with cats?" I chuckled. Her hair fell in waves around her small shoulders. It was thick and shined brightly. In the back of my mind I envisioned that hair draped across my chest, just like in my fantasy. Fuck, now is not the time for my dick to stand to attention for roll call!

"You could say that. Well, do you want anything to drink?" Bella placed Shackelton on the couch then turned back to me.

"No, thank you. Actually, we should get going." I glanced at my watch, it was 7:15.

"Oh, okay. Just let me get my bag and jacket."

She made her way upstairs which I could assume was to her bedroom. I was left alone for just a couple of minutes but long enough to walk around the living room viewing pictures that adorned the walls. I noticed several of a man and woman with a small little girl. This must be her parents and a young Bella. At least I thought so. There was no mistake the little girl was Bella. She had long brown hair and those eyes. I would know them anywhere. Even as a child she was breathtaking. The three of them looked happy. The photograph was the embodiment of family. Interestingly enough I didn't see any of the happy family as Bella grew.

The clatter of heels coming down the stairs caused me to move back to where I was before Bella left. I didn't know why I felt as if I was intruding by viewing the photographs but somehow I did.

"I'm ready." She stood at the bottom of the stairs, a vision of purity. Well at least it was the vibe she gave off.

"Well, then let's get going."

I winked at her.

She blushed.

I believe I found my new favorite pastime.

~~SyP~~

Bella was quiet on the drive over to Rain which took maybe ten minutes. Since I was able to sense her anxiety I decided to help take the edge of by playing some music.

"This is so beautiful." I heard her whisper.

"It is isn't it?"

"What is it?"

"Love theme from Cinema Paridiso."

The composition was achingly beautiful. It was gratifying to hear Bella appreciate it while giving her some sense of calm.

We arrived at Rain and I decided to make use of the valet service. I got out and rushed over to open Bella's door and helped her out. Like I said I could be a gentleman. I knew very little of her, but what I had discerned, she was definitely a lady. I had not been with many I admitted to myself. My past had been comprised with fucking plenty of "easy" women. This was different. Bella was different. This was all new to me and I was afraid of fucking this up but something inside encouraged me to see where this would lead.

After handing the keys to the valet, I escorted Bella into the restaurant. Placing my hand on the small of her back I ushered her towards the hostess. I felt her tense slightly, not convinced if it was from pure nerves or the electricity that charged between us. I wanted to think the latter.

"Hello Edward." A husky hushed voice greeted me.

Charlotte. She was tall, blonde and yeah I had been with her a couple of times. Fuck, I had no idea she was the hostess here. Bella was tense enough, the last thing I needed was to add awkward to the equation. Why did I feel this way? It wasn't as if we were in a relationship. No, but you want to be. Did I? The only thing I knew, I didn't want my past barging into my here and now, or my future. Future?

"Hello Charlotte, we have reservation under Cullen." I played it cool, not wanting to tip Bella off that I had known Charlotte outside of Rain. She on the other hand had the common sense not to insinuate that there had been anything between us. Actually when I thought back on the few times we had been together, she wanted the same thing out of our 'relationship.' Not that we had one, it was just about fucking. I was able to breathe a little easier when I recognized she posed no threat to me, or more importantly Bella.

"Right this way."

Charlotte grabbed two menus and escorted us to our table. It was tucked alongside the back of the room not too far from the piano bar. The restaurant was well known for its organic cuisine which favored fresh seafood. The menu however, did feature several choices of beef, pork and chicken. All again cooked organically and to order.

I pulled Bella's chair away from the table to seat her and brushed my fingers lightly over her upper back as I pushed the chair in. I just couldn't help myself.

"Ashley will be serving you this evening."

With that Charlotte was gone leaving me with a smile and understanding that there would be no further contact.

Thank you Jesus.

I gazed at Bella as she surreptitiously examined the large dining area. I know she had never been here before. I would have loved to have taken her to Trattoria Amalfi in Port Angeles, but this had been the spur of the moment kind of thing. Not that I was complaining. Rain was classy dining establishment. Everything about it screamed organic. Why the name Rain? The owners were actively involved in saving the rainforests around the world. The interior design of the restaurant depicted exactly like one. Well, as close as you could replicate that confined to the indoors. They had gone as far as creating the effects of a natural waterfall. In reality it was rather spectacular. No wonder Bella found herself in a trance as she surveyed her surroundings.

"Edward, this is truly amazing."

"Yeah, I thought you might like it here. Besides the ambiance, the food here is fantastic."

Before I could further our conversation Ashley, our server, came over to take our drink order.

"Do you come here often? I mean, I noticed that the hostess knew you." She asked as her eyes were having difficulty focusing on me. She kept glancing to my face and to the napkin in her lap which was undergoing some type of experiment with her hands. I wasn't able to read her completely but I certainly was able to tell that she was definitely on edge.

So how do I answer this? 'Oh yeah, I know her. I've fucked her a few times.' Did I have to even acknowledge with an answer? Yes, you do asshole. Take the bull by the horns and say something.

"Yes, I've been here several times." Okay not exactly the truth but not a lie either.

The drinks arrived, and we placed our dinner order. I frowned when Bella opted for the salmon salad. This was dinner for fuck's sake! I was starving and had no problem ordering one of their signature dishes.

"Bella, are you okay?"

Maybe she didn't feel well.

"Yes, I'm fine." She replied as she picked at the dinner roll in front of her.

"I was just wondering since you ordered a salad for your entre. Or are you eating light so you can save room for dessert? They do have an incredible list of freshly made pies, tarts and so much more. I kept it light by laughing as I finished the sentence.

"Actually, I am just watching my weight."

What?

Watching her weight do what? The girl couldn't weigh more than a hundred twenty pounds. I wasn't saying that I didn't appreciate a slim figure. I had certainly had my share of hard rock bodies. I couldn't see where she needed to lose an ounce. But what the fuck did I know right? I had sister and still couldn't figure her out.

You remember when I said I was an impatient mother fucker?

We sat in silence for several moments when I decided to break the ice. Oh and I broke it alright.

"So Bella, how do you know Jacob Black?"

A/N: Welcome new followers. So what did we think about Edward and his visit to the florist? Is he getting in over his head? Give me some thoughts, would love to hear from you guys.

Jlyn & DennaRose - you make me smile. xoxoxoxo