Things have been so hectic lately! This chapter is short, but I am working on the next one and it'll make up for it. Xo!

*All characters belong to Stephanie Meyer and the Twilight universe.*

EPOV

Isabella's face was stunned, her doe eyes widening to cartoon size. My heart quickened as the seconds passed, waiting for anything to come out of her lips. At once my phone began incessantly vibrating, Isabella's eyes shot to my chest where the noise was coming from.

Dropping my hand from her jawline, I pull my phone out of my breast pocket to see who's calling. SHIT, "I'm sorry, I have to take this," she nodded in understanding.

"Cullen," and of course she's looking indifferent to my conversation. It's my secretary telling me I need to be back in Seattle for a board meeting by four in the afternoon- "Well, could they push it back a couple hours?" Dammit. "Okay, I'll be there."

My phone's back in my breast pocket when I turn myself back towards her, "I'm sorry, it seems a meeting has been pushed forward."

She tucks a stray hair behind her ear, "Yeah.. you should probably go to that."

"Are you going to give me an answer, Isabella?"

She begins to shake her head as if it's too full, "I can't just leave Charlie, again. Also I have plans tonight, and I kind of have a job…"

"Do you enjoy it here?" I interrupt, not caring if it's off putting.

"Enjoy? No. I can tolerate it here, though. I can't be reminded of what happened to me in Chicago anymore, Edward."

Stepping forward so we are inches apart, I lightly trace the outline of her jaw with my fingers- "Isabella, I have ten different homes. Where do you want to live? Just tell me, and we can go."

Her breathing is heady as her eyes flutter shut. She's considering it. My hope is not lost, yet! Her collarbones hollow each time she inhales, "Have you been eating much? Let me take care of you."

"W-why?" She stutters.

"Vorrei prendermi cura di te, Isabella." ("I'd like to take care of you, Isabella.")

"Dammi tempo." ("Give me time.")

Pulling her head into my chest, I kiss the crown of her head gently. She's tentative now, due to finally being free. Isabella can still be untethered, especially if she's with me.

Placing my hands on the sides of her face and gazing down at her, "Could you at least allow me to take you out?"

Her lip curls up slightly, "A date?"

Dropping my head down closer to hers, "Yes, a date. Seattle, tonight, I'll have a driver get you at 6."

"How would I get to you on time? That's impossible."

"Nothing's impossible, non preoccuparti per la tua bella testolina." ("Don't worry your pretty little head.")

Her eyes stare up to meet mine, "I'll have you know, I'm much more than a pretty little head."

Leaning closer, I brush my nose against hers, our lips ghosting over one another- "This I know, Isabella."

"Yes, I'll go on a date with you, Adonis."

Chuckling, "I'm still Adonis, huh?"

"Always."

Crashing my lips to hers, she opens her mouth and invites me in. Her tongue sweeps the roof of my mouth, making me shiver in delight. Reminding myself we're in front of her place of work, I quickly close my mouth and deliver a chaste kiss.

Her lips are pink from the contact, and she puts her fingers up and touches her lips, "Later, my Bella."

"Okay," She says before turning to go inside.

Lightly, I grab her hand to turn her, "Be ready at 6, I'll call you when you're on your way."