In His Words

Bella returns home from Europe after a six-month work-study. She takes a

psychology class at UDub dealing with romance and erotic relationships. All

throughout her textbook, there are written comments from its former owner, and

Bella feels drawn to his words, as she tries to find him.

A/N: Have I said that I adore Fran? Well, I do. She's a wonderful friend and an amazing Beta. I got very lucky.

Chapter Twelve: We're learning.

EPOV:

Snaking my arms around Bella's waist, I lean into her ear and whisper, "You're very hard to resist, Miss Swan."

Teasing me, she smirks, "I'm not the one who's hard, Mr. Cullen." She glances down between us.

"Touché." I kiss her nose. "I'm not trying to push. To be honest, Dale said I should show you that I am very interested. Even though I want to stand back and allow you to be ready."

"That's boldly honest. Quite brave."

"Bella, I don't believe in secrets."

"Then, we're in agreement. Let's make a pact."

I smile. "In writing?"

"If you want." She jiggles out of our embrace, walks into her bedroom, coming back with a pen and notepad. "Let's sit on the sofa."

"Okay." Taking off my coat, I follow her.

As we sit, she places the notebook on her lap, flipping pages to the first sheet.

"Edward and Bella: Conditions for Their Relationship." She frowns and looks at me. "We are in one?

I nod. "Yes, we are."

"Okay." With pen in hand, "Number one."

I say, "Honesty. We share all of our thoughts and feelings."

Bella writes, "No secrets. That's an important one."

I question, "Is that number two or a sub of number one?"

She rolls her eyes. "Part of one."

I say, "Monogamy. We date only one another."

"That's a given," she deadpans.

"Be sensitive, kind, and considerate of our feelings, number two," I announce.

She smiles, "I like that. And three, communication. We have to talk things out, especially if we have a disagreement."

"Bella, we don't need a list on paper."

She tears the page out of the book, throwing it on the table. "No, we don't. Alice and I wrote our pact in middle school." She sighs. "But if I wanted this, you would have agreed?"

"Whatever matters to you, Bella, I'll comply." I cup her face in my hands. "I'll cherish you without written rules and bring you flowers on Friday."

She dramatically swoons, rolling her eyes, "Oh, Edward." Then, giggle, "Then, I bake you cookies. We are such a pair."

"I know it sounds cheesy, but it has worked for my parents for over thirty-five years." I snicker. "But Dad never got cookies because he didn't like a lot of sugar. Mom baked for Emmett and me."

"Hey, we can't knock that. What's your favorite cookie?"

"Chocolate chip. What's your favorite flower?"

"White ones. I don't care if it's a gardenia or magnolia or even baby's breath."

"You're not very good at accepting gifts, are you?" I ask.

"Hmm, no, I'm not. I'm much better at giving because there isn't much I want. Well, possession … wise. Alice and I have always listened to what others say. What they like or what they want will pop up in conversations. We have a list of friends, and, throughout the year, we've marked down any ideas for a gift."

"You two are joined at the hip."

She blushes. "Not all the time."

"But I like that about the two of you. Loyalty to a friend is a great quality. You care about each other. You're committed."

She laughs, "Devoted since toddlerhood."

"I'd like to continue this over dinner. Are you hungry?"

"Yes, feed me, Seymour."

I question with a smirk, "Little Shop of Horrors?"

Her eyes widen. "You know that?"

I teasingly sing, "Feed me, Seymour

Feed me all night long

'Cause if you feed me, Seymour,

I can grow up big and strong."

"Oh my God, Edward," she's surprised. "How do you …?"

"I'll tell you at dinner."

I stand behind her, helping her with her coat, whispering in her ear,

"Gee I'd like a Harley machine.

Cruisin' around like I was James Dean.

Makin' all the guys on the corner turn green."

She shivers, biting her bottom lip.

~~IHW~~

Belle Fleur isn't the usual college hangout eatery. So when I drive up to the valet stand, I turn to Bella. "I hope this is okay."

"It's more than okay. I hope I've dressed appropriately."

"You look amazing," I respond

She smiles. "Your mom really schooled you."

I laugh. "Actually, it was Dad. He is big on compliments."

She giggles. "He sounds like a man on a reassuring mission." Then sighs, "But it is pricey."

"Not to worry. My uncle is the owner and head chef. I get freebies for special occasions."

"Is this special?" she questions.

"Very. And I've never done this before … with anyone." I frankly state. "He was thrilled when I made the reservation."

She bows her head, turning bright red.

I cup her jaw, turning her to face me. "Please, don't hide your blush. It's beautiful and endearing."

She smiles.

The valet opens my door, and I rush around to grab Bella's. I reach for her hand and help her exit the car. Once the valet hands me my ticket, I wrap my arm around her waist, and we descend the five steps to the entrance. "My Uncle Kyle's presence is everywhere, like you, he has a designing eye for details."

Bella looks around. "The entrance reminds me of France."

"Yeah, he recreated a small section of the Chateau de Chenonceau as his inspiration."

"Isn't that in the Loire Valley? Jean Luc took me there because it was the "ladies chateau'. Ah, I thought this looked familiar." She looks around. "He did a great job."

She amazes me that she knows. "Yes, designed by women and added to by Uncle Kyle."

"Edward, this is amazing. Did you have any hand in this?"

"I wish I did. Uncle Kyle began his insane idea ten years ago. He did put Emmett and me to work. We were his crews' lackeys for his crews; running and fetching. But he inspired something in both of us. Em with the construction aspect and me, the architectural end.."

We walk along the wide, stone bridge and pass the duel drum towers on each side of the entrance. Wrapped in ivy and moss, their sentinel structures are guardians of the Belle Fleur.

Bella remarks, "I like the fact he added another tower to balance the feel of the structure."

"Yeah, it was too open for him. The two towers draw attention to the arched doorway."

I open the door to the reception podium. It's slender and made of white marble with a light vein of gray. The hostess wishes us a 'good evening' with bright red lips and talons for nails. She asks for my name.

"The reservation is under Cullen, Edward."

She points her claw over the book and stops at my name, hums an, "Oh ho" and says, "Follow me," batting her false eyelashes and swaying her hips with menus and paper slips in hand.

Bella whispers in my ear, "I take it you're not a fan of long nails or falsies."

"Or being flirtatious with another woman's guy." I squeeze her side.

She smiles.

Each table is set with fine white china trimmed in gold, sitting on an antique gold charger, with water and wine glasses with slender gold stems. The tablecloths and napkins are a classic Belgium, white linen. All the chairs are a padded gold, floral brocade with padded backs trimmed in black satin; beautiful and very comfortable.

We approach our table, and the hostess offers to take our coats. I help Bella remove hers as the hostess slides close behind me. Quite aware of her movements, Bella squeezes between us and turns to the talon girl. "I've got this." She removes my coat with a smirk, handing her the outerwear and warning, "Now, no sniffing."

The hostess hands me the slips of paper, grinding her teeth with a "have a nice dinner" before walking off in a snip.

I extend the chair out for Bella, and she sits as I take the seat across from her. "That was pleasant."

"Nope, I'm not going to allow her to ruin our evening." She looks around. "This place is amazing. Everywhere you sit, you can see the water."

"Uncle Kyle has every chandelier on a dimmer. Once twilight hits, the lights soften." I grab her hand. "You look beautiful."

"So do you."

I roll my eyes and hand her a menu.

She squints her eyes. "No prices?"

"I have that one."

"That's rather sexist."

I switch menus. "Does it matter? We're not paying. Well, Emmett and Dad always leave a tip for the waiter. I've never brought anyone here."

She looks at me with surprise. "Really?"

A deep voice behind echoes, "Really."

I turn to find a smiling, dimpled face with jokester eyes and a warm smile.

Edward shakes his, smiling. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm checking on you. And this must be the fair Bella." He takes Bella's hand and lightly kisses her knuckles. "I'm Emmett."

She jumps up with exuberance and hugs him. "Oh, Emmett, I've heard so much about you."

Emmett gives me a nod of approval, pulls Bella's chair out, and as she sits, he waves to the waiter to get him a chair and place setting.

Do I mind? Yeah, and no. It's Emmett. Bella's bound to meet him anyway.

"So, how are you kids doing?" he sarcastically asks. "My dates stood me up, so may I join you?"

Bella smiles. "Sure. Ah, dates?"

"Mom and Dad. But when I told them Edward was having dinner with you, she begged out. Mom doesn't like to interfere."

Emmett waits, while a chair is placed between Bella and me with a setting.

"She sounds wonderful."

"I'll warn you, Dad's nosy. He'll want to know everything about you.," Emmett informs.

I add, "But he's tactful."

Emmett scoffs. "Like a Mac truck."

"So, Edward is like your mom, and you are like your dad?"

"Exactly."

"Oh, Emmett, have I got a girl for you."

He leans closer. "Do tell."

Bella pulls her phone from her purse and hands it to Emmett. "The tall blonde in the middle." She watches him.

"Wow, she's hot in overalls."

"Rose was fixing our cars. That's why the grease."

"She's a mechanic?"

"No, it's a hobby. She's a secretary; an out-of-work secretary."

"How did she lose her job?"

"She had the flu, and this other girl in the office played her dirty. Long story."

"I do need someone to answer phones and do office work."

"I thought it would be great if Rose is your date for your dinner, and I'll still join you with Bella," I suggest.

He nods. "That could work."

The waitress approaches our table. She turns to Emmett. "Hey, Emmett."

"Hi, Lilly. Are you having a good night?"

"Yes, thank you. We're always busy."

"Meet my brother, Edward, and his girlfriend, Bella."

I begin to stand.

"No, don't get up. It's nice to meet you, Edward." She looks at Bella. "And you, Bella. Have you decided what you'd like this evening?"

Emmett says to Lilly, "I haven't given them a chance to look at the menu. I arrived later." He poked me. "Want me to order? I do know the menu."

Bella answers, "That would be great, Emmett."

"Any food allergies or dislikes?"

"None."

"Then, Lilly, we'll take family-style."

"Steak, seafood, pasta?"

"Yeah, and can we get three onion soups with a bottle of Viognier?"

She nods and walks away.

"A Viognier is a great wine to go with onion soup; it brings out the caramelized sweetness of the onions with a hint of floral ambiance. It goes so well with the cheese and the garlic." He kisses his fingers. "To perfection."

Bella smiles. "Edward, he's perfect for Rose."

"I'm open."

"Are you sure about me hanging out with you?"

Bella looks at me and smiles, nodding her head.

"Em, it's cool."

"Okay. Let me go see Uncle Kyle. I'll be right back." He heads for the kitchen area.

"Bella, you don't mind?"

"Not at all. And you?"

"He's my brother. I know he's been lonely. Work and more work."

"I like the idea of family."

Emmett excitedly returns to our table. "Come, we're moving to a larger table in the private dining room."

I ask, "Why?"

He smiles. "Uncle Kyle called Mom and Dad."

A/N: Well, Bella likes the idea of family. Brother, mother, and father are having dinner. Let's see how she handles all of them. And will Carlisle put her through the drill?

A/N: Recs:

Exile by coldplaywhore

: s /13755881/1/ Exile

Toxic Waste by .London

: s /13793253/1/ Toxic-Waste

Run Me Like a River by Alyscia

: s /13736183/1/ Run-Me-Like-A-River

Someone Else's Baby by CiaraShayee

: s /13761254/1/ Someone-Else-s-Baby

Ready for Forever by RMarconi

s /13789996/1/ Ready for Forever

The costume shop by Braisers Ardents (translated from Spanish to English)

s /13720691/1/ The-costume-shop

Lastly, we have two writers joining forces: Jgaff and Cullenlvr83

Darkstrip by CullenGaff

H t tp s s /13794426/1/ DarkStrip

A/N: A reminder: Fran has done some remodeling with her Facebook group 'Pay It Forward.' The name has been changed to 'It All Started with Twilight' … If you would like to join us for fun, fic, and friendship:

:/ groups/ 896806390388220/