First, Bella was mortified that Harley had jumped on Edward, knocking him to the ground.

Second, and Bella wasn't sure how it had happened, but she was going to have coffee with Edward Cullen.

Third, he was the most confident and intimidating man she'd ever met.

Something about him kept her from protesting about paying for herself.

They sat on the patio with iced coffees in front of them. Harley was curled under Edward's chair near a bowl of water. Bella still couldn't believe Harley would listen to a virtual stranger.

"At what time does Eclipse close?"

That question was so random, not at all what Bella had expected.

"Around two to three o'clock every morning. Why?"

"You look rested. I was surprised."

"I got a couple of hours of shut eye. I plan on catching more sleep when I return from walking Harley. He usually waits for me to take him out on my own time, but I guess he had to potty really bad today." Bella could feel a blush covering her face when speaking about her dog's potty time.

Edward brought the straw to his mouth, and Bella forgot to breathe. How could that innocent gesture look so goddamn erotic? She stared, transfixed by his full lips wrapped around the straw, his intense green eyes on hers. A smile appeared on his face, and Bella was sure her desire was visible on her own.

She had never found another man desirable enough to be so turned on. She was grateful for wearing pants, as she rubbed her thighs together, hoping to relieve some of the tension.

"So, you like bikes?" Edward lifted a brow.

Bella choked on the sip of iced coffee she had unwisely taken before he asked that. "What makes you think that?" She wasn't proud of how her voice squeaked.

"Well, I thought it was something you liked. Your dog is named after the best motorbike brand out there. Your boyfriend owns one."

"My boyfriend?" Bella squeaked again. "Oh, you mean Jake? He's my best friend, not my boyfriend."

"I see. So, do you?" he insisted, unleashing the power of his eyes on her.

Bella looked away, gathering her thoughts. She was surprised that she wanted to tell him the truth.

"I do, though bikes and I have a love-hate relationship."

"Is that possible?" Edward chuckled, intrigued.

Bella bit her bottom lip, glancing at him. "Well…I was angry for a long time. I wanted to rebel and do all the bad things in the book."

"You, a rebel?" He almost mocked her, but his eyes held curiosity.

Bella sucked down half of her glass through the straw. "Did you hear about the…" she stopped, taking a shuddering breath, "…the gas leakage at the Swan house some years ago?"

"Who hasn't heard of the chief of police's death?" Edward sat up straighter in his chair, his eyes widening. "Your family?"

"You guessed it," she mumbled. "My brother left town afterwards. I had to go through all the hell alone. Well, I had Jake and his dad, but it wasn't what I needed, who I needed. So, I started doing every bad thing in the book – from skipping school to drinking, getting tattoos and riding bikes.

"When I was eighteen, I hooked up with this biker in the office at Eclipse. He took me on rides along the beach. It was cool…until he allowed me to ride his bike, and I hit the brake too harshly. The bike jerked to a stop, throwing me over the helm. The last thing I remember is a large rock approaching my face. I woke up in the hospital." Bella leaned forward, showing Edward the side of her head that held the scar. "If it'd been a little further up here…"

"Jesus." Edward stared at her in shock. "What did the guy with the bike do?"

"He went back to his family on the other side of the country," Bella whispered. "He was part of a bikers' gang who were travelling places. I didn't expect it to last. Call it a summer fling," she shrugged.

"He left after you cracked your head?"

"He stuck around for a few days, but he really had to go back. Anyway, that was the last time I got on a bike. There's this strange adrenaline that courses through me when I see and hear a bike…but when I go near it, panic hits."

"I know what you mean," he admitted. His expression was so raw and open. "You probably heard of my accident some months ago."

"I don't read the paper, but everyone was talking about it. I work in a pub. Do the math."

He winced. "Yeah. So, your fear of bikes is familiar. I feel the same about cars. But I confronted my demons and got in a car with Emmett for the first time in five months. He's a decent driver, but I was still on guard, expecting…" He looked down, closing his eyes.

"Whoa." Bella pulled her chair closer, nearly stepping on her dog's tail. She placed a hand over Edward's forearm. "Did you try driving?"

He shook his head, keeping his eyes on her hand touching him. "But you've reminded me of an alternative I hadn't thought about." He lifted his eyes to meet hers. "I have to go over to a friend's house tomorrow, and I'd rather not drag my driver with me. I might take my bike out for a ride. It's been too long since I rode it."

"Is it in good working condition?" she asked, afraid. "Jake owns a garage specialized in repairing bikes. You shouldn't ride it if you haven't in a while. At least, not until you've had it checked."

"That's a good idea," Edward nodded.

"I could give you Jake's number? Or…I could take you there?" she offered shyly.

"If you're not too busy, and I'm not keeping you from sleep, I'd rather if you showed me there."

.

.

.

Edward stepped back into his house with a skip.

"Morning!" he greeted Tanya with a smile, accepting the plate of omelet she uncovered for him.

"Good morning. Did you jog to Camarillo and back?"

"I got distracted," he answered truthfully.

He couldn't wait for Bella to arrive later and take him to her friend's. Maybe he would show that douche his intentions were clear. He'd seen them the previous day, and judging by Bella's words, he was only her friend, but it was clear the guy wanted more.

"I see that," Tanya nodded.

After a shower, Edward checked his email. Sure enough, there was a reply from Jasper. He would be waiting for him on Sunday at nine o'clock in the morning. Edward replied to confirm his presence before he dug in his closet for the leather pants he hadn't worn in years.

Angela had never liked the bike, so once their relationship had turned into more, he had decided he could live without riding if she didn't like it.

He was searching for the gloves when someone knocked on his room door.

"Yes?" he called, digging through a drawer.

Felix opened the door, unable to conceal his surprise at Edward's attire. "Boss?"

"Felix? Ha!" Edward found the gloves, turning to face his man. "Yes, Felix?"

He seemed to snap out of it. "Right. I'm taking Tanya to the store – grocery shopping."

"Okay." That was great news. They wouldn't know of Bella's arrival if they left soon. "I don't need your assistance today."

"Clearly." Felix smirked, but he regained his composure. "Of course, sir."

"Now, go on. Oh, and restock the booze, please."

Felix nodded, retreating down the hallway.

As Edward walked through the house to the garage, he found himself being excited about seeing Bella. He hadn't been excited to do something in too long. It was a nice feeling.

He rolled his bike into the driveway, as Tanya and Felix were leaving. He ignored their curious looks.

Edward ran a hand over the dust-free seats, knowing Tanya had kept her clean. She kept the whole house clean, in between putting up with his bullshit.

The sound of an engine approaching alerted him that Bella had found the house. He'd tried to explain as best as possible. Most newcomers to his house got lost, but not her.

Edward looked up to see what car she was driving, and he almost died. That car belonged in a collector's garage, not on the streets. As much as Edward loved old cars, he never expected to see Bella driving a Nova. The pale green was rusting here and there, but the car looked in good condition otherwise.

She parked in Felix's usual spot.

Edward went to open the door for her, smiling as her curious and amused eyes met his. He'd been raised well, and he'd do anything to have her as his. Now that he knew his lifestyle could have more, he was willing to include that in his life. Angela had taught him so much.

"Nice car," he commented, leaning inside once she stepped out. He whistled appreciatively, as he took in the classic muscle car.

"Another souvenir from my brother." She shrugged. "That's your bike?" She walked closer, and Edward noticed she'd changed her clothes.

She was wearing a short denim skirt and a white top, paired with her Chucks. Her hair was almost knotted at the top of her head.

"Ducati?" She peered to read the letters on the side of the bike. "Power?"

Edward had to remember she knew cars and bikes, and she showed it when he told her the specs of the XDiavel S.

"Okay, so, you'll follow me to the garage?" she asked, smoothing her skirt in what looked like a nervous gesture.

"I was thinking maybe you'd ride with me, and then I'll bring you back to your car."

"I think I told you how I feel about bikes," she wrapped her arms around herself.

"If you don't confront your fears, you'll never get past that fear. It'll always hold you back."

Bella chewed through her bottom lip. "Got another helmet?"

Edward expected rejection, but she surprised him. "Give me a minute."

He went back into the garage and returned with his black helmet and the red one Angela had never used.

"Jake's gonna faint," she said, giggling.

Edward mounted the bike, making sure it started. The roar of the engine between his legs was a feeling he had missed. He turned to ask if Bella was ready, only to find her already climbing behind him.

"Oh," she breathed out.

"Comfy?" he checked.

She shifted around, trying to find the best position. "Yeah."

"Careful where you keep your feet."

"It's not my first time, Edward."

It startled him that he wasn't insanely mad at her for calling him by his name. He had yet to tell her everything, because he wanted it all with her.

That brazenness of hers would get her in trouble with his hand, but that thought was for another time.

See you on Saturday. =)