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 …

Now, up next will be some time alone with Edward and Bella. He'll give her a tour of his hometown … a tour that only a native Los Angeles resident could give her. What do you think will happen on their 'tour'?

Chapter Five

Bella

When I got back from the coffee shop I slipped off to when I heard the unmistakable sounds of sex, I found Jasper sitting in my room. He was dressed casually in a pair of shorts and a polo shirt with a shit-eating grin. "Did your booty call leave?" I asked, putting my computer bag onto the bed.

"It's more than a booty call," Jasper argued. "I think I'm in love."

I blinked at him. "Are you serious?" From his dopey smile and stars in his eyes, he was serious. He was in love. Or lust … or in an orgasm hangover, who knows? "Jasper? Who is this mystery woman?"

"Come on, Bella. Let's go out and have some fun. I'll tell you all about my mystery woman," Jasper said, picking up my purse and phone. "I've called Liam and we're going to Santa Monica Pier."

We rode down the elevator and clambered into the Liam's car. Jasper told me all about his surfing lessons. Despite his struggles with surfing, he had found a new hobby and was eager to find locations in San Francisco to hone his skills. Then, he told me about his mystery woman. "So, after my hundredth tumble into the Pacific Ocean, I was ready to give up," Jasper said as we walked along the pier. "I was tired of sucking up salt water, but I was having fun."

"You wouldn't get me out into the water. Ever," I snickered. "I like listening to the waves crash and watching the water, but surfing? No, thank you."

"I'll get you out there," Jasper quipped, stopping and leaning on the railing of the pier. "Anyway, I was dragging my exhausted body back to the beach when I saw her. She was in rash guard and the skimpiest pair of bikini bottoms I'd ever seen. I saw her, in profile, thanks to the sun and I was picking my jaw up off the ground. Then, I realized who it was."

"Who?"

"Alice," Jasper breathed.

"That bitch?" I snapped. "Jasper, really? Did you remember what she said about me?"

"I know what she said and I gave her grief about it. We were screaming with each other and the next thing I knew, we were kissing each other like … we were devouring each other," Jasper said. "We ended up fucking each other in her car. This tiny little Porsche that creaked with each thrust into her body."

"I don't need graphic detail, Jasper," I groaned, scrubbing my face. "I'm well aware of the mechanics of sex."

"I know that," Jasper snorted. "You do have a kid, unless he was conceived through immaculate conception."

"Don't make me smack you," I growled, throwing a French fry at his head. "I still can't believe that you had sex with her. She's a banshee."

"Yeah, she is," Jasper said with a dopey grin. I rolled my eyes, moving away from him. I didn't need to hear this. Alice Cullen was a bitch and if he wanted to sleep with her, that was his prerogative. It didn't mean I had to listen to it, either his proclamations of love or their nauseating sex sounds. He caught me, dragging me to sit on a bench. "I'm sorry, Bells. It all happened so fast and it was so intense. There's a thin line between love and hate and we were riding that line happily while we …"

"I get it," I grumbled, crossing my legs. "I don't like it, but I get it."

"So, you're not going to cut off my balls for having sex with the enemy?" Jasper asked.

"Your balls are safe. For now," I deadpanned. "I highly doubt I'll ever be friendly with the she-beast. She essentially called me an opportunistic whore. I put her in her place, but she's horrific."

"I can stop it," Jasper said. "I value your friendship more than a quick fuck with a woman who thinks less of you. You're the real deal, Bells. I love you and I want you to be happy. If my situation with Alice …"

"Don't, Jasper," I sighed. "I have no right to tell you who to fuck or who not to fuck."

"I'm serious, Bella," Jasper pressed. "Just say the word. Hell, it might fizzle out once we fly back to San Francisco. Or, just simply what it is … sex."

"Maybe," I shrugged. "What happens if things move forward with the movie? I want you to be involved as my agent. Can you handle being around her?"

"Can you?"

"I can be professional. The question remains can she?" I pressed. "Come on. I want to ride the Ferris wheel. Since you're boning my arch-nemesis, you're paying, Hale."

"I can handle that," Jasper said, taking my hand and leading me to the Ferris wheel.

xx Blockbuster xx

The next morning, I heard Jasper and Alice in his room. It started around six in the morning. She really was a banshee. Her shrieks were over-the-top as they had sex. I did not need to hear my friend pound into Alice. I shuddered, deciding to get ready for the tour of Los Angeles with Edward. Their sounds were muffled as I showered, but I really needed to utilize those noise-cancelling headphones.

After I showered, I was curling my hair. I found myself eager to go out with Edward, but afraid in the same respect. I was definitely intrigued by him, attracted to his good looks. There was something about him that I trusted. I also wanted to … I don't know … I wanted him to know me.

Not the Isabella Swan I shared with the world, the one who was pulled together and plastered on a smile.

I wanted him to know the broken girl who'd lost everything, her happiness, her innocence, her dignity, her ability to love.

The only person I loved and trusted was Seth. He was the only person who never intentionally hurt me.

I accepted Rose and Emmett, their friendship and their help. I cared for their children, my adoptive nieces and nephew. I liked Jasper. He was the older brother I never had. But, could I love them?

I was afraid to. I was afraid that they'd throw that love back in my face, like Jacob did. I was terrified I'd have to start from scratch.

Again.

I couldn't survive that.

I'd been spacing out and my ruminations were broken by a chirrup from my phone. Smoothing my hands over my hair, I walked to the nightstand and picked up my cell phone. I saw a text from Edward. Swiping my finger across the screen, I read what he sent.

Dress comfortably. A lot of the tour will involve walking. Along with lots and lots of food ~ Edward

Good to know. What kind of food? ~ Bella

Only the best food. See you in an hour, Bella. I'm looking forward to seeing you again ~ Edward

I blushed and sent a smiley face emoticon. I walked back to the bathroom, applying my makeup. I dressed in a pair of dark wash jeans, a cream V-neck shirt with a matching cream jacket. I was debating about which shoes to wear. I only had heels or my sneakers. Remembering Edward's comment about walking, I decided to put on my sneakers. It didn't really go with what I was wearing, but walking and heels were not a good combination for me.

Picking up my purse, cell phone and sunglasses, I went to head down to the lobby. I opened the door and found Edward standing outside, his hand ready to knock. "Hi," he grinned. "This is awkward."

"I was just going to wait down in the lobby," I chuckled.

"You look great, Bella," he said, pulling a delicate pink flower from behind his back. "A small token of apology for yesterday."

"It's really pretty. Thank you," I murmured. "Let me put it in some water. Come in, please."

He stepped into my room. He was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans that were molded to his body along with a black t-shirt and a black baseball jacket. His hair was a riotous mess with some sunglasses pushed up into his hair. He had some day-old stubble on his jaws. He looked delightfully scruffy. I wondered what it would feel like against my skin.

What are you talking about, Bella? He's a coworker!

I put some water in a glass and put the pale pink flower inside, placing it on the nightstand. "So, what's on tap for the day?" I asked, smiling tenderly at the flower. I ran my fingers over the velvety petals. I felt tears prick in my eyes. I'd never received flowers from anyone. Edward did give me the red flower before our meal, but that was … I don't know … I mean, I got the few random dandelions from Seth, but those weren't flowers. They were weeds. Hastily, I wiped my cheeks and blew out a breath.

"Well, I'm a closet paleontologist nerd. I was all about the T-Rex and velociraptors when I was a kid. I even threw my hat into the ring to direct the latest rounds of Jurassic Park movies. I knew I wouldn't get it, but the geeky dinosaur nerd just had to try," Edward snickered. "So, we're going to the La Brea Tar Pits."

"Excuse me?" I laughed.

"It's only the first stop," Edward replied, giving me a lopsided grin. "I think you'll like it. Let's just plan for spending the day together. It'll be fun." He offered me his arm. "Shall we?"

I hesitated before slipping my hand into the crook of his arm. His lopsided grin widened. I picked up my purse and we walked out of my room. We rode down the elevator, making our way through the lobby. Parked outside of the front of the hotel was a sleek, but vintage-looking car. "What kind of car is that? It's different from the car from the other night."

"It's an Aston Martin DB5, obviously a convertible. I purchased this after my first movie I'd directed," Edward explained, opening up the passenger side door. "I know that it's incredibly entitled, but … it was my gift to myself for fulfilling my dream. I'd become a director."

"My friend, Jasper, we watched that first movie on last night," I said as he jogged around the front of the car. I put on my sunglasses and pulled my hair into a ponytail. It would be a mess since the top was down. "I think I have a lot of homework … your movies are amazing."

"The ones I directed, yes," he said, turning over the car. "The movies I was forced to act in? Not so much."

"Not a fan of the teen movie trope?" I teased. He pulled away from the curb and eased his way onto the street. "Imagine all those posters on their walls, Edward? How many girls screamed your name?"

"Too many, if you ask me," he quipped. "My life during the height of those vampire movies? It was a fucking nightmare, to be honest. I had bodyguards and girls stalking me. After the second movie, there was some psycho who actually found her way into my old home in Brentwood. She was rolling around in all my dirty t-shirts and boxers on my bed. Naked."

"Oh, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit," I gagged.

"Yeah, I know," Edward laughed. "I just turned around, calling the police. I waited for them to arrive, pointed to the crazy woman who was sniffing my dirty boxers and doing other unmentionable things. I pressed charges, she was arrested and I sold my house in Brentwood. I stayed with my parents while I looked for a new place to live. A place with a gate, round-the-clock security and an unlisted address that overlooked the ocean."

"No more stalkers?" I asked.

"It's a different kind of stalker," he answered. "I get phone calls from actors who want to work with me, sending me emails and approaching me while I'm out to eat with my family. The nice thing about those kind of stalkers is that they do respect your need for privacy and will back off when asked. Enough about me … tell me about you. Why did you start writing?"

I blew out a breath, tucking my hair behind my ears. That was a loaded question. "I started writing as an escape. Some people read, some people work out, I started writing. At first, it was a diary and then I started to change the diary into an actual story. I'd write during breaks in a notebook I bought in Walmart and soon I had the first draft of my novel, spread out over eight notebooks."

"Long and Winding Road, it's your first book?" he pressed.

"The first one published, yes," I nodded. "I've written other books, all in a similar style. I'm putting the finish touches on my seventh novel."

"Why did you settle on that title?"

"My dad was a huge Beatles fan. By extension of him being a fan, I became a fan," I murmured, a ghost of a smile passing over my face. "My favorite album is Let it Be, which is the same album that has the song 'Long and Winding Road' on it."

"Was?" Edward asked, parking the car at the La Brea Tar Pits. I could smell the sulfur and I wrinkled my nose. "I know it has a smell, but I think you'll like it. Have faith?"

"I'll try," I said. "And, my dad died about twelve years ago. He had colorectal cancer. When the doctor diagnosed him, it was too advanced. He tried to fight, but the only thing that succeeded in doing was draining his bank account because his insurance didn't cover all his treatments."

Edward huffed out a breath. "That's so fucking sick that people become bankrupt because they can't afford treatment."

"You're telling me," I snorted derisively. "Long story short, the book is written for my father. It was his support and love that helped me through my darkest moments." I wrinkled my nose, looking at him. "Can we go inside? This is … wow!"

"You've got it," he said, getting out of the car and walking to the open the door for me, offering me his hand.

I placed my hand in his, trying not to think too much of the warmth that washed over me when our skin touched. "I can open my door, Edward," I offered, giving him a shy smile.

"I'm a gentleman, Bella. My mother raised me right," he said, squeezing my hand. "It's not because I don't think that you're capable of opening the door. It's because I want to."

I gave him an appreciative smile and we walked inside. I took some pictures with my new phone for my son. Edward was giddy, pointing out things in the museum and along the outdoor exhibit. He explained that the museum is going to be renovated soon and he wanted to see it before it changed. While we were wandering around the museum, I was blown away with our real Edward was. He was funny, intelligent and very, very kind.

I didn't expect him to be so kind.

He was the complete opposite of his sister.

After an hour or so, we left the museum and walked back to the car. "Where to next?" I asked.

"I'm taking you to Griffith Park for a picnic and to go to the Observatory," he smiled, sliding his sunglasses onto his face. "We can continue getting to know each other."

"Do you do this for everyone?" I teased.

"No, I don't. But, I feel like it's duty to make up for my bitchy sister's actions from the other day and for my behavior while we went out for dinner," he answered. "I am sorry about her."

"Why did she attack me? Verbally bitch slap me?" I asked.

"It has something to do with an ex-girlfriend of mine and a little bit about her history, too. Do you remember that movie I was in? The vampire saga?"

"Vaguely," I replied. "I knew it was a big deal and you were dating the girl you were starring with in the movie. But, I didn't follow it too closely. I was more focused on my son."

"Well, that's the ex I'm talking about. Our relationship was a complete crock of shit," Edward said, driving away from the tar pits. "It was in our contract that we had to act like we were in love when we weren't on screen. I actually honored my contract. My ex, she did not. I actually had feelings … not romantic feelings … but feelings of respect for her as an actress and friendship. She essentially emasculated me in the public eye and the only way she'd come clean was asking for more money."

"Oh, wow. That's awful," I frowned. "Please tell me you did not give her that money."

"I didn't and the studio threatened to sue her for breach of contract, essentially forcing her to pay back the studio her entire salary and then some," Edward sighed. "She eventually did what the studio asked. Suffice it to say, her actions hurt her more than it hurt me, but I was publicly shamed. Alice wanted to go after her for some insane amount for restitution. I called her off. My sister is a bulldog in the courtroom." He shook his head. "She also had a guy burn her, big time. They were engaged and he'd cleaned out her checking and savings account before running off with his assistant. It doesn't excuse how she acted toward you."

"Hmmm," I answered noncommittally, leaning my cheek against my hand as he expertly drove through Los Angeles.

"I know that Alice left a bitter taste in your mouth and I don't blame you. She left a bitter taste in my mouth, after what she did. I had to block her number from my phone because she didn't understand that I needed to calm down. I think it was my mother who called her off. She sent me a text saying that Alice had a huge serving of crow. My mother, Esme, is on your side."

"So, Alice understands that she was in the wrong?" I asked.

"Very much so," he smirked, parking his car. There was a younger man standing with a picnic basket. "Hey, Alec. Thanks for making the picnic basket. This is Bella Swan."

"Nice to meet you," I said, shaking his hand.

"You, too, Ms. Swan," Alec replied with a friendly grin.

"Whatever is in this basket smells delectable. Did you get everything I asked for?" Edward asked.

"Yes, Mr. Cullen," Alec replied. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, I'm good, Alec. I appreciate your help today," Edward said, taking the basket from the tall blonde man. He had striking blue eyes and a lanky build. "Take off the rest of the week, Alec. I'll see you on Monday."

"Thanks, Mr. Cullen," he grinned. "It was nice to meet you again, Ms. Swan. Enjoy your picnic." Alec ambled off to a Prius, waving as he drove away.

"One of your minions?" I asked.

"My personal assistant," Edward said. "Alec is in college, attending UCLA and majoring in film studies. He was hired by one of the studios as a production assistant. He was shit on and abused by the studio executives. He was working on D-Day and I took him under my wing. We hit it off and I hired him to be my personal assistant. I've taught him a lot and we just clicked."

"That's good," I smiled. "He seems like a great guy. He clearly admires you, even if you have him deliver picnic baskets."

"This is the first time I had him do something not film related since I've hired him. Besides, I pay him quite handsomely," Edward smirked. "I just didn't want have the basket sit in the back of the car. There's cheese in here. I don't want you to get salmonella or some other exotic disease because the cheese curdled in the heat."

"My stomach thanks you," I said dryly. He just gave me a shitty grin, balancing the basket on one arm and sliding his other arm around my waist. The warmth surrounded me and the presence of butterflies invaded my heart.

Say it with me … COWORKERS!

We walked to a shady grove and he pulled out a blanket from the basket, spreading it out on the grass. He took my hand, helping me to sit down. "So, we have a variety of finger foods, wine, and some dessert options." He pulled out containers, some plates and a bottle of white wine. "I have some Italian soda if you don't want the wine." I pointed to the wine and he grinned widely.

"This all looks delicious," I smiled as he handed me a glass of wine.

"I've told you all about me and my past. Well, not all about my past … but, anyway. I want to hear more about you, Bella," Edward said, popping an olive into his mouth.

"There's not a lot to tell," I shrugged. "I had my son very young."

"What about his father? Did he help?" Edward asked.

"Not really," I answered. "He's not in the picture and I prefer it stay that way." I was a bit cold when I said that, but it was the damn truth. The level of contempt I had for Jacob William Black was soul-crushing.

"I take it you don't have a good relationship with your son's father," Edward murmured.

"That would be a no and I'd prefer to not talk about him," I said.

"Okay, that's fair," Edward said. "Just one more thing before I drop the subject. Is he the reason why you freaked out at dinner? When I got jealous?"

"He's part of it," I replied.

"There's more?" he pressed.

"Yes but I'd like to change topics," I muttered. I downed all my wine and tried to keep the anxiety at bay. I picked up some food and my hands were shaking.

Edward took my hands in his, moving closer to me. "I'm sorry about pushing you," he whispered. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"That's the thing … I'm not uncomfortable with you," I whispered. "I like talking to you. I want to tell things, but I'm terrified that it'll change what you think about me."

"Doubtful," he said, taking my hand and kissing my palm. His green eyes found mine and they were so warm, so kind.

xx Blockbuster xx

Flashback

Thirteen Years Ago …

"Dad, I don't see the point of me going to homecoming," I said as I cooked his meal. "It's a stupid tradition. I haven't gone at all since I started high school. Why should I start now? When I'm a senior?"

"Bella, you've been bending over backwards for me and you need to be a kid. Consider it a dying man's wish," Charlie said from his spot in the kitchen. "You can go with Jake. I know he's asked you."

"Jake and I are friends. Nothing more," I said, putting my father's meal in front of him. "Enjoy your mush."

"I hate this shit," he grumbled.

"It's the only thing you can eat, Dad," I chided. "You need to eat and this is filled with nutrients that you need. You have to keep your strength up."

"I'll eat all of this mush if you go to homecoming with Jake," Charlie said, arching a brow.

"Ugh, fine," I said, throwing my arms up.

"Call him and tell him you're going," Charlie smirked, digging into his meal.

I huffed out a breath and walked to the phone. I dialed Jake's number. "Black residence, Jake speaking," Jake answered.

"Hey, Jake," I sighed.

"Hi, Bella! Did you finish the English homework?" he asked.

"Yeah, I did. I really liked the book," I answered. "Look, I know you asked me about homecoming and I blew you off. With my dad and everything that's happening with him I just couldn't even think about it." I blinked over to my dad, who was smirking. "But, my dad is encouraging me to not be his nursemaid to him and to be a kid."

"So, what does that mean?" Jake asked.

"I'll go to homecoming with you," I said. "But, no after party … I know there's a bonfire on La Push Beach. I need to be home to relieve his night nurse."

"You won't regret this, Bella," Jake crowed. "I'll pick you up at six!"

"No, I'll meet you at the dance," I argued.

I hadn't heard my father shuffle toward the phone. He plucked the phone from my hand. "See you before the dance, Jake. I need pictures." He smirked at me, hanging up the phone. He reached into his pocket and handed me a wad of cash. "It's not a lot, but it's something for you to get a dress."

"Dad," I chided. "We need every penny."

"You need a dress, Belly Bean," Charlie murmured, caressing his cold fingers down my cheek. "I know that everything sucks with me being sick. You've had to grow up so fast. I want you to have this … a chance to be carefree and have fun."

"Okay, Daddy," I said, gently hugging him and blowing out a breath as I felt how thin he'd become.

"You're going after school tomorrow to get your dress," he said against my hair. "Something in blue." I nodded and kissed his cheek, walking him back to the table.

The next day, after I dodged Jacob's flirtatious banter and need to hold my hand, I drove to Port Angeles and went to a consignment shop to find a dress. The dress I bought was royal blue with tiers on the skirt. It was pretty and feminine. I also found a soft shrug and a pair of flats. There was no way I was going to wear heels.

The day of homecoming, Angela helped me do my hair. She wasn't going to the dance because her parents were super strict, not allowing her to go to the dances or anything. Instead, she was helping me get ready. "You look so pretty, Bella. I love this dress on you. It's so fun and flirty."

"I was going for cheap," I said. "This was the least expensive option that didn't smell like cat pee."

"Eww," Angela gasped. "That's gross."

"My options were limited, Ang," I shrugged. "I went to a consignment shop in Port Angeles. Money's tight."

"Well, money may be tight, but you look like a million bucks," Angela said, turning me in my room so I could see my reflection in the mirror. "Have fun tonight, Bella. Tell me all about it. I get to live vicariously through you." She hugged me before scurrying down the stairs.

I heard her say hello to Jake and goodbye to my father. I fluffed my curls over my shoulders and walked down the stairs. Jake was talking to my father, who was in his recliner. Jake was in a pair of dark-wash jeans and a button-down shirt with a loose tie. "Wow, Bella," Jake beamed. "You look really pretty."

"Um, thanks, Jake," I said. I wish I could say the same for you. "Are you ready to go?"

"Now, hold on, Belly Bean. I want pictures," Charlie said, holding up his camera. "Get close."

I moved to stand next to Jake and he slid his arm around my waist. He was too hot and too close. I smiled tightly as Charlie took pictures. When he was done, we left the house after I told the night nurse I'd be back by ten. Jake took my hand, gripping it too tightly. He drove us to the high school in the VW Rabbit he'd rebuilt. "I'm really glad you said you'd go with me, Bella."

"Me, too," I said quietly.

"Are you sure we can't go to the bonfire at the beach?" Jake asked.

"No, we can't," I answered. "My dad is too sick to be by himself and we can't afford overnight care for him. It's all on me."

Jake rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath. I bit my tongue, not wanting to strangle Jake. He was a few months younger than me and his immaturity showed.

Arriving at the high school, we walked inside and took the requisite pictures. Jake dragged me over to his friends and spent the entire time making fun of the kids on the dance floor. Not once did he ask me to dance or check to see what I wanted to do. To be honest, this was exactly what I expected and I could have stayed home, saving nearly two hundred dollars.

The DJ announced it was the last dance. Jacob grabbed my arm and dragged me out onto the dance floor. He didn't ask. He just forced me onto the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around me and I was surrounded by him. Again, he was too hot and his hands were now on my ass. "Jake, move your paws," I hissed in his ear. "I don't want to get in trouble."

"You've got a great ass, Bella," he purred against my ear. "It's my ass."

I pushed away. "No, it's not, Jacob," I snarled. "We're here as friends. Not like you did anything with me."

He held up his hands. "I'm sorry, Bella. Can we, at least, have this one dance?"

"Above the waist, Jacob," I snapped. He nodded and we danced to Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight.' When the song was over, I stepped back. "We need to head back. I have relieve the nurse."

"Sure, sure," Jacob nodded. He lingered next to me, following me too closely and he helped me into his disgusting car. He drove us back to my house. "I had a lot of fun, Bella."

"Yeah, it was great," I deadpanned. "I'll see you on Monday."

"Let me walk you to your door, Bella," Jacob said, giving me a bright smile. "It's the least I can do since I ignored you most of the night."

I nodded. We walked up to my door and I used the hide-a-key to unlock the door. "Thanks, Jake." I went to push the door open, but Jake grabbed my hand. His eyes were dark and twinkled with something that made me feel uncomfortable. His lips grazed over my knuckles and I shivered. His lips coiled up into a sinister grin when I pulled my hand back. I backed into the house, slamming the door shut.

That should have been the end of my interaction with Jacob Black, but it wasn't …

It was just the beginning.

xx Blockbuster xx

"Bella? Are you okay?" Edward asked.

"I'm sorry, what?" I replied.

"You got really pale and started trembling," Edward said. "Did I cross a line?"

"No, it's not you," I answered, giving him a genuine smile. "I'm okay. Better than okay."

He arched a brow at me, but thankfully, didn't push. The rest of our lunch was spent talking about some of the funny situations Edward had to deal with as an actor and as a director. I told him a little bit about Seth, showing him a pictures of my son.

Lunch was packed away and Edward put the basket in the car, guiding me to the Griffith Observatory. We didn't stay there very long, just long enough to see the star show in the planetarium. Then, we walked in the park and I took pictures. "You've taken some great photos, but none of you."

"I don't need to be in the photos," I said.

"May I?" he asked, taking my phone. He pulled me closer and held the phone up. "It's called a selfie."

"I know what it's called," I laughed, rolling my eyes.

"Smile, Bella," he said. I inched closer to him, a grin spreading over my face. He took a few pictures, but moved us. "I want to get the Hollywood sign in the background." He framed it beautifully, taking a few more photos. "Now you have pictures with you in them."

"You, too," I teased.

"I hope you send me copies," he smirked, taking my hand. Our fingers threaded together as we walked back to his car. I texted him the photos he'd taken, a blush on my cheeks. He took his phone out, seeing the text I'd sent him. "Thank you, Bella. You just light up the screen."

"I wouldn't go that far," I snorted as I got into the passenger seat, watching as he moved gracefully to the driver's seat.

"I'm the Academy Award winning director. I happen to know a thing or two about beauty. You are, by far, one of the most beautiful women I have ever known," Edward said gently. I turned away from him, a flush covering my face. "Are you ready for the next stop on our tour of Los Angeles?"

"Where to?" I asked.

"Olvera Street," he grinned. "Some of the best food is on Olvera Street and it's a hidden gem." He turned over the car, putting it into gear. He held out his hand and I slid my palm into his.

The drive was quiet, but not uncomfortable. I was relishing in having his warm hand engulfing mine and the calmness I felt while we held hands. The last time I felt this way was the last time I got a hug from my dad before he died. It was the last time my life was normal. It was before I found out I was pregnant.

"Do you like Mexican food?" Edward asked.

"I do, but I'm still full from lunch," I chuckled.

"Me, too," he smirked. "Olvera Street has a lot of boutiques and a street fair. It's a shopper's paradise."

"I'm not like normal women. I hate shopping," I quipped.

"Well, we can window shop," Edward smirked.

The drive took a while, thanks to the Los Angeles traffic. When we arrived at Olvera Street, Edward locked up his car and we strolled into this adorable location. People were laughing and there were vendors on the street, selling fresh fruit and vegetables. There were also clothing boutiques and funky furniture shops. "You were right in saying that this was a shopper's paradise," I breathed.

"Come on, gorgeous," Edward said, tugging on my hand.

We wandered along the street, going into the boutiques. I bought a few things for Seth for his bedroom and some clothes. In one of the shops, I saw a pretty pendant in the shape of a flower. It was pretty, but when I saw the price, I couldn't justify purchasing it. I didn't need a pendant. I had the memories.

Edward and I shared a burrito, a bottle of beer and a churro. When we finished, he darted away to throw out the food. He came back a few moments later with a grin on his face. "What's with the smile?" I asked.

"Come with me," he said, grabbing my hand. He pulled me to the center of the square, where there was a live band playing. "Dance with me, Bella."

"I can't dance," I said, shaking my head.

"It's all in the leading," he laughed, spinning me in his arms. We were chest to chest as he held my hand above his heart. His other hand was around my waist as we moved to the light Spanish beat. It was the dance I'd always wanted. He dipped me deeply and I giggled. Carefully, he righted us and he stared at me. His fingers moved to my cheek, gliding down my skin. His gaze was intense. "Do you feel it?" he asked.

I nodded. "I'm scared," I whispered. Terrified, really. The music stopped and the crowd applauded. It broke our spell. I stepped back and blew out a breath. "I should head back. Jasper and I are flying out early."

"I don't want today to end," Edward said. Naturally, our hands wove together as we walked back to his car.

"Me, neither," I sighed. "Today has been … fun and amazing and … I don't know. I haven't felt like this for forever." Semantics … I haven't felt like this ever in my life. Edward didn't reply. He just held my hand tightly in his as he drove us back to the Standard Hotel.

"If you get out of this car, the best day of my life is going to be over," Edward murmured. "I really don't want you to go."

"I do need help carrying up my bags," I shrugged, gesturing to the two small bags by my feet. Edward grinned crookedly, taking them from me and helping me out of the car. We walked through the lobby and rode up the elevator. The energy between us was palpable. With each caress of his thumb across my knuckles, the butterflies swarmed in my stomach.

We got out of the elevator car and walked to my room. Thankfully, there was no grunting from Jasper's room, which meant that Alice wasn't next door. I unlocked the door. I put my purse down on the bed and Edward put the bags onto the table near the bathroom. "Can I call you?" Edward asked. "Outside of talking about the movie?"

"I'd like that," I breathed. I turned around and Edward was right behind me. "Edward?"

"I asked you while we were dancing if you felt it. Do you still feel it? The connection between us?" he asked, his hands taking my face so tenderly. I nodded. "But, you're scared."

"Very much so," I whispered.

"I won't hurt you, Bella. I promise you," he whispered back. "Just feel …" He ducked his head and his lips brushed over mine. I whimpered quietly, lost in the feeling of tenderness as he kissed me. I melted against him, sliding my hands up his shoulders and into his soft hair. Our kisses were sweet, chaste and I never felt more alive. Breaking apart, he pressed his forehead to mine. "Wow."

"Yeah," I answered, scratching my fingers against his neck. "I …"

He kissed me again and stepped back. "I want very much to keep kissing you, but I think that we need to take things slowly." He picked up my hand, kissing my palm and I stared into his eyes. They were so gentle, so kind. "You're in charge, gorgeous. I just hope that this doesn't end here." He kissed my palm again. "Call me when you land in San Francisco?"

"I will," I nodded. "Text me when you get home?"

"I promise," he grinned crookedly. "One more kiss before I leave?"

I blushed and nodded, accepting his soft lips against mine before he left. Once he was gone, I sat down on the bed and gently caressed my lips. They were still tingling from his kisses. I don't know how long I sat on the bed, touching my mouth, but my cell phone chirped.

Best day ever. I had an amazing time, Bella. I hope it's not the last time … check your bags. I left you a little something to remember our day by. Sweet dreams, gorgeous ~ Edward.

I walked over to the bags and I saw a small box inside from the shop where I saw the flower pendant. I opened the box and bit back a sob when I saw the pendant, along with a note inside.

Dear Bella,

I noticed you were surprised when I brought you flowers. First, when we went out to dinner and again today before our Los Angeles tour. Flowers are things of beauty, like you. Unlike real flowers, this one will not wither away. It's a perfect memory of a perfect day.

Until we meet again … forever yours,

Edward

I took out the pendant and held it between my fingers. It was dainty and so very pretty. It was, honestly, the prettiest thing I'd ever owned. I clipped the necklace around neck and smoothed it over the hollow between my collar bones.

Thank you for the pendant, Edward. You didn't have to do that ~ Bella

I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to ~ Edward

I smiled softly and sent my goodnights to him. He did the same. I curled up under the covers after I'd changed for bed, feeling something I hadn't felt in years.

I felt safe.

I felt protected.

I felt happy.

Edward made me happy.

A/N: Thank you to all of the lovely people in my FB group who helped me come up with ideas of what they could do. Again, I've never been to Los Angeles and I had to rely on others. Pictures of their adventures are on my blog (which is linked in my profile.). I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

Now, this is all I have planned, so far … I have more written out (in notebooks, like our girl, Bella). So, next chapter, well, you'll have to find out and see! Thank you for reading. Leave your thoughts!