I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …

With this next chapter, I have a vague idea of a plan. So, we'll see where this chapter goes. The one thing I know for sure is that Jasper and Bella are returning to San Francisco.

Chapter Six

Bella

When I woke up, the feelings I had were twisted, coiled. In the harsh light of day, the giddiness and feelings of safety, protection had dissipated. I was swept up in the entire previous day, in Edward. When I went through the motions of packing for my return to San Francisco, my underlying insecurities came rushing to the surface.

I had no right to feel happy.

I definitely had no right to lead Edward on.

I was damaged goods. I was irrevocably broken from my past.

"Knock, knock," Jasper said, poking his head into my room. "How was your tour of Los Angeles with Edward?" He must have noticed my jerky movements as I was packing my bags. "Hey, sweet girl, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I mumbled. I closed my suitcase and fumbled with the zipper.

Jasper's hand found mine and easily closed my bag. "No, you're not. You're trembling and you look like you're about to cry. Talk to me, Bells," he whispered, sitting down on the bed. "Did Edward hurt you? I may like the guy and think he's a brilliant director, but I will not hesitate to kick his ass if he did something to hurt you."

"No, Jasper. He was a perfect gentleman," I whispered. "He was so kind and funny and generous. I had an amazing time with him. Probably the best time I've had ever …"

"Then, why are you freaking out?" Jasper asked.

"Because I don't deserve it," I replied.

"What the hell? You deserve a good guy, Bella. You deserve to be happy!" Jasper argued. "I know you play your emotions close to the chest. I see you smile, but it never reaches your eyes. The only time I see you truly relaxed and happy is when you're with Seth. Why?"

"Because Seth is my sole purpose for living," I said. "I lost sight of that while I was out with Edward. It was a fun day, but it can't happen again." I shook my head. As much I wanted to feel more with Edward, I couldn't. I did not deserve that happiness. It was my penance. "Are we ready to go?"

"Bella, I don't believe that you don't deserve happiness," Jasper sighed. "You're the physical embodiment of goodness."

"Believe what you want, I know the truth," I spat. I rubbed my chest, trying to sooth the emptiness building behind it. I moved my hand up to the necklace, knowing I probably should take it off. I just couldn't. It would be the lone reminder of the brief glimpse of joy I allowed myself to have. "We don't want to miss our flight, Jasper."

He shook his head, standing up and trudging to his room. "I don't understand you, Bells. Why are you shutting yourself away from Edward? He clearly has the hots for you," he muttered.

"He may have the hots for me, it's not something I can act on. Anyway, I'm worn-out. I miss my kid and I want to get back to my life," I explained tiredly. Jasper nodded, hugging me and ducking back into his room. Ten minutes later, we were riding down to the lobby. Liam was already there and he drove us to LAX. The car ride was quiet, but unlike the trip yesterday with Edward, it was tension-filled.

Jasper clearly didn't understand why I refused to even broach a topic of a relationship with Edward. He probably never will because he would never know my story.

"Do you want some breakfast?" Jasper asked once we got through security.

"Yeah," I nodded. "I'm sorry, Jas."

"I'm not going to push you, Bella. You know I love you, and I'll respect your decision. It doesn't mean that I have to agree with it," he murmured. "I think you and Cullen would be a good couple. After that breakfast meeting, he could have walked away, but he came back to talk to you. He wanted to wrong his sister's deplorable actions. Bells, I saw how he looked at you and how you looked at him. There was a connection there." He took my hand and stared at me. "Even Alice saw it and she's not your biggest fan."

"I still can't believe you had sex with her," I snorted humorlessly.

"Me, neither, but it was the best sex I'd had. Ever. However, that sex isn't worth it if it means that I lose you as a friend," he said, his smirk falling from his face. "You know I'd walk away, Bella. You're family." He kissed my cheek, getting up and smoothing his hands down his pants. "I'm going to get food. I'll be back."

With that, he turned and left me at the gate to get food. While he was gone, I checked my cell phone and I saw a few texts from Edward. I also had an email from a studio executive from Summit. I ignored the texts from Edward, not wanting my heart to crack into million pieces and focused on opening up the email. It was the contract from the movie studio. I took a cursory look over it and was shocked at the money they were throwing at me to put my book onto the big screen. I was also surprised to see my requests had been honored, added to the contract, as per the conversation I'd had with Edward.

"Whatcha reading?" Jasper asked, handing me a blueberry bagel and a coffee.

"The contract," I replied. "Look at what they're offering me, Jasper." I handed him my phone with an arched brow.

"Damn, girl," he said, his eyes widening. "Are you going to sign it?"

"I want to have an attorney look it over," I said. "I want to make sure that this is a good contract."

"I'm certain that Jenks will check it out," Jasper grinned, mentioning the name of the lawyer who worked for the publishing house. He gave me back my phone, taking a bite of his breakfast sandwich. "With that money, you could move out of the apartment above the coffee shop. I know that Rose and Emmett would love to have you as a neighbor, not a tenant."

"I also know that a part of this money goes to you, too. Ten percent, if I'm not mistaken," I said, deflecting his comment.

"Hmmm, I know that," he snickered. "I think I'm getting a new car with that bonus."

"Don't forget taxes, bub," I said, poking him in the arm.

"Spoilsport," he grumbled. "Are you going to talk to Edward? Explore the budding romance or relegate him to the friendzone?"

"Like you?" I teased, elbowing his ribs.

"No, I put myself in the friendzone. Bells, I love you with my whole heart … like I love my twin sister," Jasper chuckled. "Like I love my nieces and nephew."

"So, I'm family," I said.

"Blood doesn't make the family, relationships do," Jasper grinned, draping his arm over my shoulder. "I'm saying this as your brother from another mother, don't discount Edward Cullen."

I wanted to say that I couldn't, but I lifted my phone and saw the sweet messages sent to me from him. They made my heart skip a beat. I wanted it so badly that I could taste it. "I'll think about it. I just … I need to talk to Rose."

"Will you really talk to her?" Jasper asked. "Not sugarcoat it? Whatever it is?"

"It's time," I muttered. "Perhaps she can help me make sense of my emotions."

"Okay. When we get back, I'll drop you off at your apartment and have Jenks take a look at the contract. I'm certain that Emmett won't mind keeping Seth for another night while you and Rose talk," Jasper said, hugging me. "Let me call my sister and make these arrangements."

"Thanks, Jasper," I grinned, kissing his cheek. "I love you, brother from another mother."

"Damn straight, woman," he snickered, tugging on my ponytail. "You done with your breakfast?"

"I am, but I'd love some more coffee," I asked.

"You got it, sweet girl," he replied, taking my rubbish and empty coffee cup. He ambled away, his cell phone pressed to his ear and calling Rose.

I looked down, reading the texts from Edward. His words were incredibly sweet and made me melt. I blew out a breath, my thumbs poised over the keyboard. I sent back a response, trying to be flirty but coming up short. I didn't know how to flirt. That part of my mind had shut down after … everything. Not like I was flirtatious even when I was with Jacob.

I finished my text conversation with Edward when Jasper came back. Our flight was being called and we were heading home. Before the doors closed on the airplane, Edward asked if he could call me. I told him that I was spending time with Seth and that we could, possibly, talk the day following. He responded kindly and told me to have safe travels. He also sent me a photo. He had his lip jutted out and a pitiful expression on his face.

"Oh, that's … he's got it bad," Jasper quipped. "Give me your phone. Roll your eyes or something. Act exasperated."

"Really, Jas?"

"Do it," Jasper commanded and I sighed, rolling my eyes. Jasper took a few photos and sent them off to Edward. "Two teasing ones and a smile." He handed me my phone. I saw the pictures he sent to Edward. "You've got to turn that off, Bells. We're getting ready to leave the gate."

"Hmmm, right," I murmured, shutting off my phone. With my phone off, I couldn't be tempted to think about a possible future with or without Edward.

The flight back to San Francisco took longer than our flight to Los Angeles. We had to circle the airport for an hour because there was fog. By the time we landed, it was early afternoon. We got our luggage from the carousel and I was shocked to see Rosalie waiting for us. "Hey, sis," Jasper said, hugging her warmly. "Thanks for picking us up."

"Not you, slacker," Rose teased, poking her brother's side. "Bella and I are having a girl's night."

"Come on, Rose," Jasper groaned.

"You called me and asked me to pick up Bella. I am. You, dear brother, are on your own." She smirked, threading her arm through mine. "Love you, Jas!"

"Bite me, Rose," he grumbled, stomping to the taxi stand.

"You're really leaving him hanging?" I asked as we walked to the parking lot.

"He's resourceful," Rose quipped. "Besides, he said that you're struggling with the possibility of having a relationship with the sexy Edward Cullen. Girl, why? He's hot!"

"He is gorgeous, but I'm not," I sighed.

"You did not just say that, Isabella Marie," Rose snarled, turning around and glaring at me. "You are so beautiful, kind, loving, and so much more!"

"Can we put a hold on this conversation until we get back to my apartment?" I pleaded. "You don't know what I survived to get to this point."

"And you're going to tell me?" she asked.

"If I'm to understand what to do with Edward, yes," I replied. "It also requires a lot of alcohol and chocolate."

"Done and done," Rose replied, unlocking her Jeep Grand Cherokee. We got into her SUV and drove to my apartment. Settling down with a bottle of wine and various chocolates, she took my hand with a gentle smile. "Tell me everything."

xx Blockbuster xx

To say that Rose was shocked was an understatement. But, she was in awe of my strength. I didn't think I was strong. Quite the opposite, really. I thought I was weak, broken.

Rose also encouraged me to pursue the relationship with Edward, but not to keep him in the dark about my past. He knew part of it. He knew I had a son, but that was all I shared with Edward during our conversations. I was terrified that he'd see me as less.

Rose told me that I wasn't less because of what I had to do in order to survive.

If only I could believe it.

The next morning, over breakfast, Rose smiled at me. "I hope you don't have anything planned tonight."

"I was planning on spending time with my kid. I was going to do it yesterday, but Jasper wanted me to talk to you," I said, sipping some coffee.

"I'm glad we talked, Bella. I also know that you want to move past your past," Rose said. "After this, I won't bring it up. I really think that you need to talk to someone. What you lived through … you need help processing it."

"I did process it," I sighed. "I wrote a book about it."

"Honey, Long and Winding Road barely scratches the surface of what you endured," Rose smiled, hugging me. "That is not processing it. Just think about it."

"Your brother said the same thing," I shrugged. "Now, what is this thing you've got planned for tonight?"

"A celebration for you and Jasper, for the novel being optioned into a movie," Rose said.

"I haven't signed the contract yet," I snickered. "Jasper was going to bring it to Jenks."

"Even if you don't sign the contract, the fact that it was even considered is pretty fucking cool," Rose beamed. "Tonight, at the café … dress nicely."

"So, no jeans or yoga pants?" I quipped. "Or, rather, your uniform?"

"Shut it. I love dressing up, but with three kiddos? It's tough," she laughed. "Despite the drama of your story, last night was the most fun I've had in over a year. Being able to have an adult conversation without a kid screaming for me? A dream come true."

"Really?" I deadpanned. "You and Emmett are …"

"Horny as fuck, but our lives revolve around our kids and around our business," she said. "I can't remember the last time we had a date or whatever."

"Then we shouldn't have a party for a contract that I have yet to sign. Let me watch over your kids and you go out with your husband, Rose," I said.

"I'll take you up on that next weekend. This weekend is about you, Bella," Rose smirked. "After you call Edward! I'm going to pick up Seth and while I'm doing that, you call your sexy director man."

"He's not mine," I muttered.

"Not yet. But, he wants to be," Rose said quietly, hugging me again. "Love you, Bells."

"Love you, too, Rose," I breathed, returning her embrace. She gave me a kiss on the cheek, leaving my apartment. I padded to my bedroom, unpacking my clothes and tossing my laundry into the basket. I started a load and sat down on the couch, holding my phone. I'd texted Edward, telling him that we landed safely in San Francisco. Then, I focused on Rosalie and telling her my story.

Curling up on the couch, I found Edward's number and my thumb hovered it. My phone vibrated and I pressed down on the number. "Damn it," I hissed as the call connected.

"Hello?" came Edward's honeyed voice over the tinny speaker of my phone.

"Um, yeah, hi," I replied, almost dropping the phone. "It's, um, Bella."

He chuckled warmly. "I know, gorgeous. I put your picture into my phone, attaching it to your number. When the phone rang, I saw your beautiful face," he explained.

"Right," I whispered, blushing deeply. "I don't know how to do that. My phone is new to me and I'm still learning its quirks."

"I could show you," he said.

"A little hard to do from Los Angeles," I teased.

"There's this wonderful invention called an airplane. I could get on one and fly up to see you," he quipped. "It's like magic."

"You're hysterical," I snorted. "You don't need to fly up here to show me how to use my phone, Edward. Though, I appreciate the offer. How are you?"

"I'm better now that I've heard from you. Is it weird that I miss you?" he asked. "We just met and …"

"I feel the same way," I murmured. "I got the contract from the movie studio. I'm having my attorney look it over."

"That's a smart move. I don't doubt that Laurent and Summit would screw you over, but it's better to cover your bases. I had Alice look over my contract, as well," he said. "Even though I'm still pissed at her for being a bitch to you."

"Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one and they stink," I shrugged.

"Now, that's a pearl of wisdom I haven't heard before," Edward laughed.

"It was a favorite of my dad," I giggled. "Have you spoken to your sister?"

"Nope. She's still blocked on my phone. I'm punishing her for being so rude," Edward snickered. "I will have to see her on Sunday. I'm having dinner with my family. We try to get together every week."

"That's so nice," I breathed. "Are you close with your parents?"

"Very much so. My parents have been married for almost thirty-five years, which is an oddity in Hollywood," he said. "Some people like to change spouses like other people change clothes."

"I can't even imagine," I murmured.

"Imagine what?"

"I don't know," I replied. "I really don't know what it's like to have a super closer family. My mom split when I was a little kid and it was just my dad and me. Then, he got sick and I was all alone in the world. Well, not completely alone. I had Seth, but even that was tenuous at best."

"Does that have to do with Seth's birth father?" Edward asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "But, enough about that. I'm just happy to be home. I missed sleeping in my bed."

"I can imagine. I always crash hard after being on location," he said. "Part of it is exhaustion from working my ass off. The other part is being home, in my bed, with my pillows."

"How long does it take to make a movie?" I asked.

"The actual making of the movie or all the steps?" he queried.

"The whole she-bang," I said.

"From conception of an idea to movie premier, it could take up to two years. That's how long D-Day took for me," Edward explained. "The filming took about nine months and an additional four months of editing, mixing and reshoots."

"Wow," I breathed. "How long do you think this movie will take?"

"Depending on how long it takes to finalize a screenplay, roughly the same amount of time," he said. "Shit! I never sent you a screenplay. I'm sorry, gorgeous. My mind was scrambled by our day in Los Angeles. Can I share something with you?"

"Of course," I replied.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you, about our kiss since I'd walked out of your hotel room. It took all of my control to walk away because I wanted nothing more than to keep you, to hold you all night long," he murmured. "Bella, am I the only one feeling that?"

"No, you're not. But, like I said, I'm terrified," I answered honestly. "I've been hurt. Badly."

"Physically?" he growled. "Emotionally?"

"Both," I said. "I haven't told anyone … well, I told my friend, Rose, last night. I needed her help, her advice. In order for her to give me that, I had to tell her everything." Tears welled in my eyes and a few slipped down my cheeks. I hastily wiped them away. "I'm not trying to be evasive. Not on purpose."

"Bella, I'm a patient man. I'll continue to be patient if it means that I can pursue something with you, that's what I'll do," he said calmly.

I heard the door unlock and Seth walked in with Emmett. My son sat down next to me and said hello. "Look, I'd love to talk more, but …" I trailed off.

"It's all good, gorgeous. I hope to hear from you soon, okay?" he said.

"You can call me, too," I teased.

"Hmmm, good to know," he replied. "Have a good day, Bella."

"You, too," I smiled, ending the call and turning to hug my son. "Oh, Seth, I've missed you so much! I'm so happy I'm home."

"I missed you, too, Mom. Uncle Jasper told me all about your trip and the good news about the movie. That's so exciting!" he said, kissing my cheek. "He also said that Mr. Cullen was really nice!"

"He was," I said. "He was nothing like I expected, to be honest."

"What did you expect?" Emmett asked. "A complete tool?"

"Language," I chided.

"Mom, I hear worse in the hallways at school," Seth laughed, getting up and sauntering to the kitchen. I pulled out a bottle of water along with an apple. "Seriously, though, what was he like?"

"Incredibly kind and extremely brilliant," I answered honestly. "I think he'll work magic for the book. He's a good fit for what I wrote. You know?"

"Awesome!" Seth said. "Look, I'm happy you're home, but can I go shoot some hoops with Cooper and Nick? I've got to practice for my try out for the basketball team."

"Go ahead, Seth," I snickered. "But, give me your dirty clothes."

"Already washed," Emmett said, patting the bag. "He did them last night while Jasper and I grilled out. Hell, he even did Liam's laundry."

"I didn't have enough for a full load, Uncle Em," Seth grinned. "It's no big deal. Mom trained me well."

"Don't be out all day. Apparently, there's a big to-do for me," I said, rolling my eyes.

"I know, Mom," he said. "Aunt Rose got me a new outfit for the occasion. She's making me wear a tie."

"This I have to see," I giggled. "Have fun with Cooper and Nick."

"Thanks, Mom," Seth said, hugging me before darting into his room. He came out a few moments later, wearing a pair of basketball shorts and t-shirt. He stuffed his phone in his pocket, along with his keys and left the apartment.

"Jasper said that sparks flew between you and Edward," Emmett said, plopping down on the couch. "Like major sparkage."

"You gossip like a middle-school girl," I teased.

"Yet, you don't deny about sparks flying," he smirked. "I think you and Cullen would be a cute couple."

I opened the photo album and showed him the selfie Edward snapped of the two of us. We did look like a couple. A very happy couple. I blushed as Emmett grinned. "Don't …"

"Why not? Imagine hanging this up on your wall, Bells," Emmett said, making my phone dance. "This is far more than sparks, Bella. This is so much more."

"Whatever," I said, plucking the phone from his hand. "I've got some work to do on my novel and I need to finish laundry before this party tonight."

"Okay, okay," he chuckled. He hugged me and ruffled my hair. "I'm glad you're back." With a sloppy kiss to my cheek, he left my apartment and I settled onto the couch to finish with my edits for latest novel. If I signed that contract, I had a couple of months to write the screenplay.

If that …

I worked for most of the morning and into the early afternoon. Seth came back, soaked to the skin with sweat. He was smiling widely and I knew he had a good time. He tried to hug me, but I pushed him toward the shower because his twelve-year-old pre-teen body was smelly.

After he'd showered, I did the same and got ready for the party at the café. I put on a red polka dot dress with a full skirt and applied my makeup lightly. "You look really good, Mom. Just imagine going to a movie premier. Do you think I'll meet Iron Man?"

"You never know," I quipped. "Do you know if things are set up downstairs?"

"They are. Aunt Rose said we can come down at any time," Seth grinned, offering me his arm. "Shall we?"

"I'll have the most handsome date ever," I said, looping my arm through his.

"I have the prettiest mom ever," he beamed, kissing my cheek. "Let's go!"

xx Blockbuster xx

Edward

After my phone call with Bella, I drove to my parents' place for dinner. Parking my car, I got out and walked into my parents' beach front home. It was about a mile or so down the road from where I lived. I'd wanted to move further away from them, but thanks to the rabid fan who pilfered through my boxers, I needed security. My parents' neighborhood had that in spades.

"Hello?" I called out.

"We're on the pool deck," my mom responded. "Your father wants to try grilling again."

I walked through their airy home to the back deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. My dad, a tall man with salt and pepper hair, a strong jaw and crystalline blue eyes, was staring at the grill like it was going to attack him. "Should I call the paramedics now or later?" I quipped.

"Shut it, boy," my dad, Carlisle Cullen, grumbled.

"Dad, go sit down before you give all of us E-Coli," I smirked, shoving him back toward my mother, who was sitting under an umbrella. "Is Alice coming?"

"She is and she will be giving you an apology," my mother, Esme Cullen, smirked from behind her sunglasses. Her blonde hair was curled, falling over her shoulders in soft waves. Her eyes were a warm green and her body was in amazing shape, even at close to sixty years old.

To say I was Hollywood royalty was an understatement. My father was a famous actor in his own right, having starred in several movies, including an Academy Award winning role as one of the first men diagnosed with AIDS, fighting against the stigma, and getting access to life-prolonging medication. He was now focused on being an agent and taking an occasional guest starring spot on television just to keep his acting chops up to snuff. My mother was a model before she had me and my sister and owned her own modeling agency. She was one of the first supermodels, rubbing elbows with the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, and Tyra Banks before she switched up her career choices after she had Alice and me.

I was bitten by the acting bug at a young age, but my career started as a Gerber baby and morphed into some national print ads for Gap Kids. The commercials morphed into small roles on television and then onto the big screen. My acting career wasn't nearly as successful as my directing career, but it did get my foot in the door. I was represented by my parents' agency, Masen Model and Talent Group. Masen was my middle name and they wanted the name of their agency to represent the family aspect of their group. It was truly a family company.

My older sister, Alice, was the attorney for the agency. She had the looks to be an actress, but she did not have the patience. Or the talent, really. She tried modeling, but my sister was relatively petite. Both my father and I were over six feet tall and my mom was about five feet eight. Alice was barely over five feet tall. What she lacked in height and talent, she made up for in brains and tenacity.

"She doesn't owe me an apology. She owes Bella an apology," I muttered, attempting to turn on the grill, but coming up short. "You're out of gas."

"Come on, Carlisle," Esme said, getting up gracefully. "You are not a chef. Thank goodness I have more options in the house." She looped her arm through mine and led me into the house with my father grumbling behind us. "I know your sister has your best interests in mind, but she overstepped. I explained that to her."

"So did I," Carlisle nodded, pulling out a beer.

"Now, before she gets here, why were you so upset that she'd jumped down Bella's throat?" Esme asked. "You would have shrugged it off, normally."

"I don't know, Mom. There's something about Bella that just draws me in," I answered honestly.

"Does Alice have a reason to be concerned?" Carlisle pressed, arching a brow.

"No, she doesn't," I snapped. "From what I've found, Isabella Swan is a nationally recognized author with a twelve-year-old son. Her life hasn't been rainbows and butterflies, but she's solid, smart and gorgeous."

"But, what about that email your sister received?" he argued. "I still think you should go into this with both eyes open."

"I am, Dad," I sighed, rolling my eyes. "And that email could have come from anyone. A rival author, an ex-boyfriend or just some random asshole with a lot of time on their hands. I'm not one to be impulsive. I think things through, but my intuition is usually right."

"He does have a point," Esme smiled. "When has Edward been wrong about a person? You always said that if Edward doesn't like a person, they're not worth knowing."

"True," Carlisle said, sitting down at the kitchen island. "So, when are we meeting her?"

"In time, Dad," I snorted, taking the vegetables my mom handed me and began cutting. "It's not like we're dating."

"That blush says otherwise," Esme teased, poking my side.

"Okay, I'm very attracted to her. She's smart, funny, gorgeous, and so much more. I've never felt so connected to another human in my life. You know how I keep everyone at arm's length. But, with her, I want her to know me. You know?" I said, dicing the peppers and onions. "Ever since that debacle with she-who-shall-not-be-named, I've played my cards close to my chest."

"Understandably so," Carlisle nodded. "I told you that was a load of crap."

"You were also the person who made me sign that dating contract," I said, arching a brow.

"It kept some of the more hellacious vipers away from you," Carlisle grinned. "It was the lesser of two evils. Dealing with Kate and that fake relationship or trying to swat away Tanya Denali and her diseased snatch."

"Carlisle, that was uncalled for," Esme chided, tossing a grape tomato at his head.

"I wouldn't touch Tanya with your dick," I said, arching a brow. "Anyway, I shouldn't be pursuing this, but I just can't stop."

"You should stop, though," Alice said, her nose wrinkled. "I still don't trust her."

"Alice, what did I tell you?" Esme snapped. "You said you were going to drop this."

"I'm sorry, but this email I received was shady business," Alice shrugged, hugging our father and kissing his cheek.

"And so was fucking Bella's agent," I countered with a wicked grin. "You don't like her, but you like him. Or rather, his zucchini." I held up the squash with a sarcastic grin.

"Why wasn't I an only child?" Alice growled. "I had to be sidled with the douchiest of little brothers. Ever."

"Mary Alice, I will always love you, but right now, I'm so incredibly disappointed in you," Esme said. "You, too, Edward."

"She started it," I said, pointing to my obnoxious older sibling. "She started it by calling an innocent woman a whore."

"She could be," Alice sneered.

"Enough!" Carlisle growled, slamming his hand down on the counter. "Alice, you are incredibly distrustful because of your job, but we always taught to see the best in people. You were wrong. Admit it." He scowled at her. My sister scoffed, crossing her arms petulantly. "I know that goes against everything in your nature as a lawyer, but I'm certain the studio did its due diligence, and you have to trust them. You also have to trust your brother. He knows who he is more than you."

Alice huffed out a breath and poured herself a glass of wine. "Okay, I'm sorry."

"You still need to say it to Bella," I said. "And mean it."

"How about I send her a flower bouquet?" Alice asked with a wry grin. "An 'I'm sorry that I called you a whore, but that's what I believe you to be' bouquet?"

"I can't stay here if she's going to be like this," I said. "I could get started on the timeline for the movie."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry," Alice frowned. "I just … I want to like her, but I can't."

"You don't have to like her, but you have to respect her," Esme murmured. "She's going to be working with Edward for the next couple years and you're still his attorney …"

"I don't think so," I argued. "I've already made arrangements with Felix to cover me while are dealing with your ethical dilemma in believing Bella. Perhaps, I'll stick with him moving forward." I got up and shook my head. "I'm going to cool off. Perhaps, you can talk some sense into her?" I walked out of the back door and onto the beach with my beer. I plopped down onto the sand. I took a few pulls from my beer, listening to the water lap along the shore. I took out my phone, looking at the picture I'd taken with Bella on her phone.

Fuck, she was so gorgeous and so real.

Her skin was clear, with the softest petal blush that spread across her cheeks. Her hair was long and thick, the color of chocolate with caramel highlights. Blinking to her mouth, I bit back a groan as I remembered her pink lips against mine. They just melded into mine and I wanted all of it.

I wanted all of her.

"Edward?" Alice murmured.

"I don't have the power to fight you, Alice. If you're here for round twenty, go the fuck away," I snarled.

"No, I'm not," she said, sitting down next to me and looking at my phone. "Wow, when did you take that?"

"The day before she left," I answered. "I gave her a tour of LA and it was the most amazing time. I really like her. I like her as a person, as an author and as a woman. She's smart and funny. Her stories are intense and this story being opted into a movie? It's beyond … I'm talking Room type vibes. Remember the movie Room?"

"That movie was fucked up," Alice snorted. "But, it left an impression." She sat down, kicking off her sandals and dug her toes into the sand. "Do you really like her?"

"I really do," I said. "I also think that the person who is trying to paint her a negative light is wrong. So wrong … Even if she has skeletons in her closet, it's not your job to bring them out to the world. How would you feel if I told Mom and Dad about the pregnancy scare you had when you were in high school?"

"I'd want to chop off your balls," Alice snarled.

"That's how Bella would feel if you went digging into her past," I said. "I want to hear from her. Not you. Not some random asshat sending you intel that you can't even verify. You know?"

"I do," she sighed. "I'll lay off Bella and give her chance until I talk to her."

"You're not talking to her," I said. "Do you honestly think she's going to forgive you for what you did?"

"Probably not," she grumbled. She tucked her hair behind her ears, groaning loudly. "When did I turn into Nana? She was such a crotchety old bitch."

"I hate to burst your bubble, but you've always been like Nana," I smirked. She smacked me. "Tell me about Jasper."

"It was just sex. Phenomenal sex, but sex," Alice snickered. "The dude was hung like a horse and he could go for hours."

"You know, there's more to life than just sex," I countered. "Being connected to someone …"

"I like being connected by a guy's dick," she shrugged. "It's all I can take for now. James really raked me over the coals and I'm not ready to put myself out there. You know?"

I nodded. "In a way, I get it. I felt the same way after Kate, but the only way to get over it is to put yourself out there. For now, though, can we, at least, agree to a truce about Bella?"

"I can do that," Alice nodded. "I won't say anything to you, unless I get something that causes concern."

"Alice," I growled in warning.

"Edward, you're my baby brother," she said. "It's my job to make sure you're safe. When Mom and Dad are gone, it's us. I love you and I want to make sure you're not being exploited. I know you think that these emails sent to me are BS, but …"

"But, what? Alice, this deal has not been made public. How did they know to email you?" I asked. "It could be an inside job from Summit or worse, from your office. Alice, I love you, too, but let this go."

"Okay," she said, putting her cheek against my bicep.

"Why do I think you're not going to let this go?" I snorted.

"Because, you know me. You've known me for thirty-two years," Alice quipped. "But, I know when to bury things. So, I'll just stop bringing it up. I don't want to alienate you, Edward."

"I appreciate it, Ali," I sighed, draping my arms around her body. "I don't like it, but appreciate your tenacity to protect me. Now, it's my turn. If Jasper hurts you, his donkey dick will be hung from neck like a trophy. I will not stop until he's writhing in pain."

"That's quite the description," Alice giggled. "If something more comes of it, which I doubt, you can kick his ass as you so aptly described."

"And will become the truth if he hurts you, Alice," I smirked, giving her a noogie.

A/N: So, I had a plan written out and I didn't like it. I'm taking the parts I do like and using that to create the story. I also do apologize for leaving you in the dark about Bella's story. I don't want to reveal it yet. I want you to hear it from at the same time as Edward. Not a moment sooner.

Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can find a link to that on my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too: tufano79.

Leave me your thoughts … thanks for reading!