Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.
Chapter Eleven
The Luncheon
By noon, before Bella decided to go to lunch, she stepped into his office. Informing Edward of the confirmed luncheon date, Friday after noon with the Black's. He nodded then jotted the appointment down in his daily planner.
"Good work. I like the fact we'll be taking them to one of there favorite restaurants. Good thinking on asking the secretary."
Bella nodded, reluctant to leave, regardless of her previous thoughts a few hours before.
He looked at her for a moment. "What would you do if someone called you and asked the same thing?"
"Tell them what was available for public knowledge. Why do you ask?"
Edward shrugged his shoulders, "I was just curious, as to see what you would say."
"I hope my answer was satisfactory for you? So… if there isn't anything else you have for me to do, I will be off to lunch then." Bella replied.
By Friday morning, Bella began to wonder if accompanying Edward to the luncheon with the Black's was a good thing after all. She had made sure to dress carefully that morning, in anticipation, of looking the part of executive assistant.
Now as the lunch hour drew closer, Bella wondered if she should plead a headache or something and excuse herself from joining them. She was worried that the tension between Edward and herself might cause discourse in front of a major prospective client.
Yet, even as she thought that, she couldn't bring herself to actually back out and leave Edward in the lurch. She was a professional after all. She thought as she reviewed the notes she'd taken from the Black & Son's Group report. What she needed to do was deliberate on helping promote the company. And stop worrying about Edward and her situation.
She was looking forward to seeing him in action. She knew from his history he was good at turning things around. Today she'd see exactly how he did it.
Bella had to remind herself to focus on business. Twice during their briefing that morning, she'd caught herself gazing at him, remembering their shared kiss, their conversation from a few nights before. Thank god she'd glanced down at her notes before he had discovered his that she had been mooning over him. She had to remain totally professional and forget about his fingers brushing lightly against her chin. His mouth on her lips leaving her breathless.
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The Black's father and son were already at the restaurant when Edward and Bella arrived. Introductions were made and they all were soon seated at a private table with a view of the city.
"So you are the CEO of Cullen Tower Enterprises, eh. Young man?" Mr. Samuel Black said heartily once their drinks were ordered.
"Father I told you he was." Jacob Black spoke up. He looked down at the menu.
"Yes sir, taken charge along with my father, and brother. We all have been moving it in a new direction. One I think you might be interested in helping us forge," Edward said easily.
"What? How could we help?"
"I'd like some insight into what went wrong when we had to pull out of continuing business with you. What could the company have done to keep our business? One thing I absolutely do not want to do is repeat the past. We all know where that got Black & Son's CO."
"Very good plan," Jacob Black said, joining the conversation. "So many times one's firm changes and its suppliers or customers can't keep up."
His gaze looked upon Bella, his stare friendly. "And how do you fit into all of this?"
"I'm Mr. Cullen's executive assistant," She said quietly.
"Ah," Jacob smiled. "Then tell me something about his management style." His dark brown eyes were teasing, flirting with her.
Bella looked at Edward, he had his eyes narrowed at Jacob and seemed to suddenly stiffen beside her. When he noticed her staring at him, he gave an almost barely visible nod, she felt free to talk.
"I find it open and authentic. I've just started working with him, but from what I can see, he takes time to gather information from which he makes decisions, weather personnel, customer, or from his management team related. He allows people to do their jobs. I think he feels if he hires responsible employees, he needs to give them the opportunity to be responsible. And do their jobs without inference."
"And do you think he can turn the company around?" Samuel Black asked.
"Yes. And sooner than most people would think," Bella said earnestly
"I didn't even have to pay her to say that," Edward joked All three men laughed. "One of the reasons I invited Bella to join us for lunch today was to benefit from her insight. She'll be working on this project as well. I value her input."
"Nicely done, young man." Samuel Black. Smiled at his son. "Women add an aspect we don't always pick up on. I always consult with my wife in major decisions. She's a silent partner in the firm. And always has been a major asset." he paused, ""Are you married, Mr. Cullen, Miss swan?"
Edward captured Bella's glance and his eyes twinkled.
"No sir, neither of us are." Edward replied answering for both of them. Bella could feel the flush of embarrassment on her cheeks. Uncomfortable silences feel between them.
"Ah, so you are single, then Miss Swan?" Jacob asked with interest.
Bella could feel herself become uncomfortable, the blush on her face becoming darker. She hesitated, looking shyly into Jacob's eyes. She noticed with shock the attraction shining in his.
"Yes-yes, I Am." she answered timidly.
"Well then, that is good, is it not?" Jacob flirted mischievously, his eyes dancing. " A beautiful woman such as you, I'd of thought someone would have gobbled you up by now."
"I…err. I mean…" Bella said, becoming tongue-tied.
Edward made a distinct thump on the table to draw Jacob's attention away from her, to him. Jacob's smile broadened when he got the full brunt of deadly daggers shooting from Edwards's eyes, across the table towards him.
Edward noticed that Bella was also looking at him, eyebrow raised in question. He grimaced and shook his head to indicate to her that nothing was the matter. He angrily glared at Jacob again, wanting to choke the life out of him, for daring to look at his Bella. Wait! When did he start thinking of her as his? Bella wasn't his at this point. He was snapped out of his thoughts, when Jacob continued.
"Though I can tell you about our firms' dealings before. You will not like a lot of it." Jacob said. Staring at Edward with a challenge in his eyes that had nothing to do with business.
"But I'm the one who can change it." Edward replied, his voice sounded deeper, harder.
"Yes I'm sure you can." Jacob drawled.
Jacob talked at length throughout lunch about the problems he'd experienced with Black & Son's CO. He also kept glancing at Bella with interest sparkling in his eyes.
This attention did not go unnoticed by Edward, who sat across the table from Jacob, holding onto his temper. Now was not the time to become unprofessional and screw up loosing this deal, because he was feeling the biting flames of jealously licking at him. He couldn't help it though when Jacob was undressing Bella with his eyes.
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Bella watched, as Edward was able to gather every bit of information he wanted. The older Black seemed pleased to have his opinion sought so attentively. And at the end of lunch, when Edward asked if he could meet with them formally in the next week or so to present a new proposal, both acquiesced.
Bella stood up only to be followed by Jacob, he smiled at her, "Miss Swan it was a pleasure to meet you this afternoon. I hope I'll be seeing you in a week or so." He said, while looking deep into her eyes.
Bella blushed. " Yes-yes, I will be at the meeting, Mr. Black."
"Please, Miss Swan call me Jacob?" he asked. Then reached out and grabbed her hand bringing it to his lips to place a kiss upon it. His eyes made direct contact with hers, a playful smile on his lips.
"I hope, I did not offend such a beautiful woman, by kissing her hand?" Jacob purred for her alone, giving her a wink.
Bella could feel herself blushing a deeper red, as she politely tried to pull her hand free of Jacob's.
There came a cough from her right, she noticed Edward was standing there with a scowl on his face glaring with anger at Jacob. His eyes were hard dark pools of rage. Bella almost felt sorry for Jacob. But the other man's smile broadened.
Edward then spoke up, "I guess this is farewell, then until we see you next week." as he tried to control the emotion in his voice. He took Bella's arm and began to escort her toward the front of the restaurant. His lips pressed tightly together with suppressed irritation. "I'll have my, secretary call with the arrangements concerning the meeting."
" Yes we will be in touch, I'll be seeing you again, Miss Swan." Jacob laughed, as they walked toward the front entrance of the restaurant.
Not if I can help it, you won't. Edward thought seething. He guided Bella faster toward the front of the restaurant. He wanted her as far away as possible, from Jacob Black.
Bella couldn't understand why Edward was acting so strange all the sudden. It wasn't as if they were a couple, he had no reason to treat her as if they were.
"Mr. Cullen, what do you think you are doing?" she asked. They had started walking along the sidewalk. She tried with no avail to pull her arm from his tight hold on her arm.
"Why, I am escorting you out of the restaurant, Miss Swan." He sneered.
"You don't have to man handle me." She didn't notice Edward roll his eyes.
"How about it, Miss swan, care to walk back to the office? It's only a few blocks and the weather's warm enough," he said in a clipped voice, ignoring Bella's comment. He did not let go of her arm.
"Mr. Cullen… I… guess I would like that." she finished perplexed by his actions. Falling in step with him, as they turned in the direction of the office building. "I think it went well, do you?"
"Yes better than I might have expected. The order-processing department really screwed up a couple times. And that last batch was not good. I might not have found it so easy to remain as open-minded as they did. But nothing was settled." It seemed the further they moved away from the restaurant, Edward seemed to relax.
"I realize that. You opened the door, however."
"And I want to move quickly on this project. It could really give the company a boost in the arm- not only monetarily. Morale would pick up."
"Is morale poor?" she had seen no signs of low morale. She had in fact thought it to be on the rise.
"Not that I've noticed. But there is always uncertainty when a new person takes over."
She nodded, matching her stride to his. She looked up at him threw her eyelashes. Heat washed through her from where he held her arm. She wished she could reach out and just touch him. Tell him how much she appreciated the chance to work with him. She wanted to get to know him not just on a professional level, but a personal one as well.
"Something wrong?" he asked. "You're frowning."
"No, just, um, trying to remember all I have to do this afternoon." she stuttered out blushing.
"When we get back, have Tyler Crowley in accounting pull up all records on the Black & Son's Co. And call Myers in to review his report. I want a meeting with department heads at three. You, too, tell them to come up with ideas to regain this account. Then do a quick scan to see who else we might of lost last year, well see if we can combine them and regain more."
The office building was in sight. Bella wished for a moment that Edward had talked of something besides work. But why should he? To him, Bella Swan was the perfect executive assistant, and dedicated to work. Well isn't that what you wanted, Bella? She asked herself.
He stopped on the sidewalk in front of the huge glass doors leading into the building. "We'll need to work through the weekend on this. I'd like to get back to the Black's first thing next week. In addition to proposing changes, I want them to know how fast we can respond. Are you available for a marathon? Working Saturday?" He asked her, before continuing.
"And Sunday. I'll get all the data we need from the department heads. Saturday we can hammer out this proposal completely by Monday. And I want total confidentiality. I want you to handle the typing, not Jessica."
"No problem."
He smiled, "Good."
Edward held the door for her when they entered the lobby of the building, and headed for the elevators. Once they got to the twentieth floor they stepped out in to the lobby and walked toward the office.
When they reached her desk, she placed her purse over her chair and smiled at Edward. "Thanks for including me in the lunch. I felt I learned a lot about strategy."
He nodded, pausing by the door to his office. "I appreciate the response you gave Samuel Black about my management style. I think it went a long way in opening his mind to at least listen."
"Thank-thank you, Mr. Cullen." Bella blushed from his praise.
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By late Friday afternoon, Bella went seeking out Tyler Crowley in accounting. Leaving her desk absent. Jessica took it upon herself to knock on Edward's door.
"Come in, Miss Swan." Edward said from his desk. He quickly fixed his era when he realized it was Jessica.
"Ah, Miss Stanley, how may I help you?" He asked her.
"I came to talk about any Friday afternoon wrap-ups."
He smiled at Jessica as she took a seat beside his desk and produced the inevitable notebook.
"Lets see," she said. "You have the Masen's cocktail party tomorrow night and the theater afterward."
"Cancel it."
"Check, golf- the usual threesome Sunday morning at seven-" The phone rang and she picked up. "Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Cullen. How are you?" She looked at Edward. He shook his head. "Oh, I'm so sorry. He's already left for the day. Could I give him a message? No, I'm not sure where he can be reached. I know he had a late appointment." Jessica said goodbye and looked up at him. "Your mother wants you to call. Urgent," He shrugged and she continued, "Now let's see…" She went on listing his appointments.
Edward, only half listening, walked around and sat at his desk, opened a drawer and propped his foot on it. "You know, Jessica, I think I made a mistake."
"Oh?" She didn't look up.
"I took this lady to my apartment."
"But, you never-" This time she did look up in surprise. "I mean, you always say you have a hard enough time when they start tracking you down at the office, and that you'd never take a lady to your apartment. As a matter of fact, you've told me not to give out your phone number or the address."
"I know. I know. But this one's not a tracker." He rubbed his nose. " I guess she's more in the class of an…err…an evader."
"Evader?"
"Well, she manages to evade me anyway."
"Oh-oh, quite the challenge, huh? To the sought after Edward Cullen!"
"Cut it out, Jessica! So what's on for Monday?" She focused on his calendar again, while he wondered if she was right. A challenge? Did Bella swan present a challenge to him? Is that why he was so interested in her?
"Oh, yes," Said Jessica. " Embry Call called twice. He's anxious to see you. Four o'clock Monday is still open. Do you want to squeeze him in?"
Embry Call. Edward smiled remembering Miss Bella Swan trying to tell him, while being careful not to tell him, that the man was a dirty crook.
"Mr. Cullen?" Jessica asked.
"No. Let him know I've changed my mind. I'm not interested. I've done a little investigating. But it's not necessary to tell him that." He sat up. Embry Call! That was as good an excuse as any.
"That about wraps it up then." Jessica said, taking notice of Edward's sudden blank gaze.
He was absently drumming his fingers on his desk as he stared into space.
"Something bugging you, Mr. Cullen?" Jessica asked as she gathered up the notes they had just gone over.
" As I said, before it's Bella Swan."
"Bella again?" Jessica gasped; it was just now hitting her how much Edward liked her. She leaned back in her chair. "But I thought she was working out quite well. She's very nice. And really engrossed in her work."
Edward sighed running an agitated hand through his already mussed bronzed hair. "I know, to damn engrossed! She's right up my tail every time I make a move, she's trying to tell me I'm making a mistake." He picked up a pen, threw it down again.
"How the hell does she think I got where I am?
"Oh, I'm sorry she's not working out."
"Now wait a minute! I didn't say she wasn't working out. She's sharp. Never misses a detail when it comes to facts and figures. Even made me pull back a couple of things. I make up my own mind. After all, I'm still the boss."
"Okay, right." Jessica said. Sitting there holding the folder and looking at him, obviously a bit puzzled. "So what's the problem? If you've worked out a good business relationship-"
"Well, I wasn't exactly thinking of business."
"Oh," She inclined her head. "But, I thought…Haven't you taken her out to dinner?"
"Yes, I told you to my apartment."
"Wasn't it a nice evening?" Jessica asked.
"Yes, yes it was, but she stays scared to make a move for fear it'll be the wrong one. Same way she is in business, come to think of it." He mused.
"I may be out of line asking this, but are you wanting a fling with Bella?"
"No!" He frowned as a light blush spread across his cheeks. "Hell, I don't know what I want anymore. I thought I had it all figured out, until she-"
"Until, Bella Swan swept into your life, turning it upside down." Jessica finished for him in a knowing voice. One eyebrow raised.
"I, guess so…yeah," He ran his fingers through his hair again, feeling a little puzzled. Why did he find her so appealing? All these weeks and still he hardly new her. She was so careful to shut herself off. "It's like I only get a glimpse of the real Bella every now and then," he said, as if explaining to himself as well as to Jessica.
"Once the night we had dinner in my apartment, that's the only time I've seen her relax. Just be herself, with nothing else on her mind, no agenda. Not that we talked about anything much. Just that she seemed carefree and warm and…" He stopped. That was the woman he wanted to see more of. The woman who responded to his light…yes, almost casual kiss, with such fervor. As if in one unguarded moment she'd released her warm, sensuous inner self. He sighed. "I feel a little sorry for her, Jessica."
"Sorry?"
"Yeah. because she never seems to have time for herself. She's so busy looking after other people. She's a giver, Jessica. She's so busy trying to do everything and be everything for her dad, her friends…she doesn't have time to be herself. She's spunky; I'll give her that. You ought to hear her fighting with me, trying to keep me from taking any risks that she thinks threaten my empire. But she means well. Like I said, she's a giver."
"You do realize you have that in common with, Bella Swan?"
"Huh?" He gave her a confused look.
"I am saying you're a bit of a giver, yourself."
"What? I don't think-"
"Tell me something. Why have you never married?"
The question coming out of the blue, from Jessica startled him. He really never thought about it before.
"Well, I don't know. Never really thought about it. I guess I had my hands to full. You know I haven't had much time for nothing else. Truth is, I don't know why I never married."
Jessica sniffed and stood up. "Not too busy to spend time with quite a few women, myself included."
He laughed, but thought about that. There had been many women-good friends whom he liked. But not one with whom he wanted to spend his life with.
"Okay," he amended. "Maybe I've been too busy to form a close relationship."
"Or maybe it's just that you haven't met the right lady, until now." Jessica replied, sadly.
He shrugged. "Could be."
Jessica started to leave, but when she reached the door a thought struck her, she turned back. "You know, Mr. Cullen, you've had so many women chasing you, you've never had to chase them."
"Oh?"
"So you've never learned how to."
"Come on, Jessica give me some credit. And what in blazes are you driving at?"
"Why it's all in the technique, Mr. Cullen." she grinned. "I have an idea."
"Oh! Really, and what might that be?" she spiked his interest.
"These…err…business discussions you're always having with Miss Swan."
"Go on," he said, giving her a skeptical look.
"Yes, well, why couldn't they extend to a dinner conference at…let's see…at the Tropic where there's dancing. And where she might be persuaded to…just be herself. You wouldn't have to argue all evening, would you?"
" Don't you think I have already thought about that? Suggested it."
"No! Mr. Cullen, don't suggest. Insist. After all, as you said earlier, you're her boss." Jessica's eyes twinkled as she went out and shut the door.
Edward sat in his chair glaring after her, a huge smile plastered on his handsome face, as an idea suddenly occurred to him.
"Thank you Jessica, that's what I'll do." He said out loud.
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The intercom buzzed and Bella heard Jessica say, " Mr. Cullen on the phone, Miss Swan."
That was odd. Edward never had needed to use the phone to talk to her; usually he just barged into her office.
"Yes, Edward…err, Mr. Cullen?" She said into the phone. They'd been on a semi-first name basis for some time, at least he had.
"Bella, I'm leaving for Tampa tomorrow afternoon."
Too check in on Aro Volturi, and the decrepit Plant, she guessed. "Listen," she said. "Before you do anything I want you to-"
"I know. That's why I'm calling. I know you've reviewed the financial data and I'd like to talk it over with you."
Yes, he certainly ought to do that, she thought.
"The only thing is," he went on, "I'll be pretty busy today and tomorrow morning. So I think perhaps we'd better do it this evening. Discuss it, I mean."
"Oh, well, I-"
"Lets see, my last meeting today will be near…oh, yes the Tropic. Could you meet me their say around eight? I'll have Jessica make a dinner reservation."
"I don't think I-"
"I wouldn't insist but I just don't see any other time." He persisted, not giving her much time to think.
"Well…"
"Thanks, Bella, I'll see you tonight." He hung up not allowing her to answer; she slowly returned her phone to its cradle. A look of bafflement on her face.
The Tropic? Not exactly the place for a business conference. Bella used to go there often, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the dancing… with Laurent. Tonight with Edward… The shiver of awareness that slowly ran through her body was uncontrolled and alive with a sweet tingling expectancy.
Bella wrenched her thoughts from the man, and forced her self to think about business, or the Tampa Plant. She took the report from her file and spread it on her desk. They really needed to talk about this before he went off the deep end. She looked down at the report. Tampa Tools. Not a consistent commodity, as she saw it, but from an outmoded product. The company made tools for machinery that was rapidly being replaced by newer, more modern models. So why should Edward even go to look at the plant? Yes, they needed to talk.
She picked up the phone knowing she was going to have to call and cancel her plans with Angela, tonight after all.
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