Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

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~~Bella~~

I woke up feeling excited about everything that had happened in the last forty-eight hours.

I had managed to get Edward out of this hotel and playing to a real audience without him having to deal with any obsessive fans or having obnoxious paparazzi shoving their cameras in his face. I had seen Edward play the guitar, and witnessed the happiness and contentment that encompassed him when he was on that stage.

I had broken through the writer's block as well, and had more focus and more direction in yesterday's five hour stretch of writing than I'd had since I arrived in Vancouver.

After all that had happened, Edward and I had gone back to sitting together comfortably in the bar. However, something had shifted. I couldn't put my finger on it. It wasn't just my writing, or the fact I knew my feelings of love for Edward were irrefutable. But the way he acted last night. It perplexed me.

He had held my hand, and looked at me with his intent gaze and then he told those flirty women that I was a journalist? It seemed contradictory of him. I assumed he held feelings of friendship for me, at least I hoped he did. He had embraced me, he had kissed my cheek, which was a little on the 'more than friendly' side. And then he'd called me last night, just to chat, as we were trying to sleep. He had been listening to the music I compiled for him.

Was he feeling the same as me?

No, he couldn't have those type of feelings for me...could he?

Oh God, but I wanted to believe it, to wile my way through the morning thinking that Edward Cullen finds me attractive and wants me, wants to be in a relationship with me.

I wiped the delusional notion from my mind and jumped in the shower.

When I got out I looked at my phone. Edward had tried calling me a couple of minutes ago. I called him back.

"Hey Bella," he answered. See, he's just friendly.

"Hi Edward, sorry I missed your call; I was in the shower," I stated.

"Oh, um," He sounded weird. "I've been thinking about tonight in the bar, and I, well, I'm worried that those women may turn up again, now that they know I go there."

"Oh, I didn't think of that." I said forlornly. Of course, the sexually assertive cougars would turn up again at the bar and try and hit on him. He'd told them I was journalist but if he was seen with me again they'd know I wasn't.

"I don't really want an audience when I'm working through the script, if you know what I mean, and I thought I should really watch Berty's vampire film to get an idea of his style, you know?"

I got a sinking feeling in my chest. He doesn't want to be seen with me. I instantly felt nauseous.

"Oh, OK, maybe we can see each other when you get back? You leave on Friday, right?" Oh God, I want to see him. I tried to hide the disappointment I felt, but I'm sure he picked up on it.

God Bella, stop it!

"Bella, I still want you to help me, but would it be OK if we read through the script and watched the film in my suite? I think I can get away from here early, so I can order us a pizza for dinner, we can watch the movie while we eat and then we can get cracking on the script. Would that be OK with you?"

He wants to be alone with me in his room!

I pictured his suite's large and comfortable leather lounge and plasma television. I could feel the slow burn of my cheeks as I thought about sitting next to him, reading a script, watching a movie and eating pizza with him.

"Um, well, if you're sure, then I'm OK with it." My mouth was instantly dry and my knees felt weak.

"Excellent! I've left an envelope for you with Mike. It has my spare room card in it so you can get up to the 34th floor. Can you come up to my room at, say 8:15?"

His room card! "Um, sure. I'll see you then."

"Thanks Bella, I really, really appreciate it. Got to rush back to the set. See you tonight." The phone disconnected.

I stood like an idiot, staring at my phone. I was going to be alone with Edward in his room.

Holy Fuck!

I snapped myself out of my daze and headed down to the foyer. I wanted to get out of the hotel. I wanted to go back to the little patisserie to buy some yummy dessert. I tried not to think about it, but my mind wandered back to Monday night, Edward's warm hands on my waist and the feel of his hair through my fingers.

Edward.

When I returned to the hotel after lunch, I walked via up to the concierge desk. Mike was grinning at me as I approached then he handed me an envelope.

"Good afternoon, Bella. Mr. Paul left this for you."

"Thanks Mike." I took the envelope. "Do you ever get a day off? It's like you're always here!"

He laughed. "Yes, I do, but I love my job, and I'm saving up so I can go on vacation somewhere. In fact, I was thinking I'd like to go to Australia."

"You'd love it there, really. If you want any info about Sydney, I'm your girl. You can ask me anything. OK?"

"I think I'll take you up on that."

"Um, Mike, can I ask, are there some power outlets up by the pool? It's such a lovely day, I thought I'd like to write outdoors."

"By the tables with the umbrellas there are a few. I'll call up and ask the Recreation Manager to assist you."

I smiled at him. God, I'm so spoiled in this hotel. How am I ever going to be able to go back to real life, when I have to cook, clean, make my own bed, fend for myself. I sighed.

"Thanks, Mike."

I spent the rest of the day by the pool with my laptop out, in a focused writing heaven. I couldn't stop myself from smiling like an idiot. My writing was flowing freely, the weather was deliciously warm and invigorating, and I was to spend the evening with Edward, reading a script, asking me for feedback and watching a movie with him.

We'll be alone together.

Then my phone rang. Angela!

"Hi Angela!"

"Bella! So glad I caught you. Are you doing anything tonight? A bunch of my girlfriends and I are going to the movies, I'd really love you to come."

Damn, why tonight? Should I tell her I'm meeting Edward?

"Angela, I can't tonight. Maybe next time?" I screwed up my face, desperately hoping she wouldn't ask me why I couldn't go.

"Oh," she sounded disappointed. "Does it have anything to do with Edward?" she asked, I could tell she was curious. Angela was a good friend to Edward, and apart from her wishful thinking and her belief that I was 'Edward's type' I wanted to tell her, but I knew if she picked up on my excitement, she might just get the wrong idea.

"Oh...well...yes, in fact." I tried to sound calm and casual. "He's asked me to help him with a script that he needs to analyze before he meets with a director on the weekend. He said it was an adaption from a book, so he was interested in my input. I think it's a role he's really interested in."

There was a pause.

"Oh, so you'll just be reading a script with him?" she prompted.

"Yes, and watching a movie by the same director—you know, so Edward can get a feel for his directing style." Oh God, she can see straight through me.

"Well, that sounds like fun Bella. My friends are all dying to meet you. Hopefully you'll be free for next time?" I could hear Angela's smile and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Sure Angela, but can we catch up before then? Lunch early next week? I'm going on my first trip out of the city on Thursday week."

"Where are you going?"

"Great Lakes Cabin! I'm leaving on Thursday morning and coming back the following Tuesday. I can't wait!"

"That sounds wonderful. I wish Ben and I could get away for a long weekend, but he has some more gigs coming up soon, and well, I want to save all my vacation time for Thanksgiving."

"Are you going home to Forks?" I queried.

"Yes! Are you spending Thanksgiving with your dad?"

"Yes! We'll be in Forks at the same time!"

"Bella, you have to come with us, OK? Ben will drive us down and it's a beautiful trip. You'll just love it!"

"That would be so fantastic! OK, maybe we can discuss all the details when we have lunch? Monday or Tuesday work for you?"

"Yes, Tuesday would be perfect. Midday? Meet me outside the bank, we'll go somewhere close by?"

"I'm looking forward to it, Angela."

"Yeah, so am I!" She laughed.

~~Edward~~

I'm leaving the set now. What pizza do you like? Love, E. x

I waited impatiently for Bella's reply. I needed at least thirty minutes to arrange everything before she got to my room. I was nervous as all hell.

I'll eat any pizza as long as no anchovies! Don't forget the diet coke! See you soon! love, B. x

I smiled. I was so fucking excited about seeing her that I rushed passed the fans and the paps to get as quickly as possible to the concierge desk.

"Hello, Mike! Did you manage to get a copy of the DVD I needed?"

"Certainly did, Mr. Paul." Mike handed me the DVD case. I slipped him a tip and rushed to the elevator. I tried calming myself with slow breaths but it really wasn't working.

I burst into my room and ran to the phone to call room service. I gave them specific instructions; I wanted a calzone and a family sized capricciosa. I also wanted diet coke and regular coke and some popcorn. I wanted it delivered at exactly 8:05pm.

I ran to the shower and tried to calm myself. The image of a cigarette flashed into my mind, but this was not the time to give in. That night I'd met with Bella to discuss the song, she had been very clear on her disgust of cigarettes. I hadn't had a cigarette since that night. I was proud of myself. The first few days were the hardest, but only when I was on set. When I was in the bar with Bella, I didn't think about them once. Bella was my new addiction. If I wasn't with her, I was thinking about her, and how it would be to kiss her warm sensual mouth. I wanted to be able to taste Bella on my lips when I eventually kissed her, and for her to taste me, not tar and nicotine.

Remembering the night when she sipped the wine, leaving the faint trail of lipstick on the glass, gave me an instant hard on. Thoroughly inappropriate I know, but god, she was simply gorgeous and as I was in the shower thinking about all of this, the hard on was back. I was frustrated that I was so aroused and I only had ten minutes before the pizza arrived and twenty minutes until Bella was due.

So...jerking off in the shower was a necessity. I wouldn't have the concealment of the bar table tonight like I had last night. Tonight, it would be Bella and I on the sofa and there would be no hiding the effect she had on me.

I quickly towel dried my hair, sprayed on deodorant, splashed on cologne and threw on a plain black t-shirt and my comfortable black jeans. I was shoeless and my hair was a damp mess when I heard the knock on the door. 8:04pm - pizza.

Once the pizza was on the table, I grabbed two glasses and two plates from the kitchenette. I plugged my Mac into the speakers and selected Bella's playlist. I wanted everything to be perfect for our second date. Hang on; this isn't really a date though is it? I mean I didn't really ask her on a date, I asked her to help me with the script. I'm getting her here under false pretenses.

I thought back to Monday night when she had asked me if I wanted to go out of the hotel with her. She had asked me. I could have said no…

I was going to break my rule for her. I had no idea how she would react when I communicated, in no uncertain terms, that I wanted to be in a relationship with her. I was getting myself worked up again.

My mind was a mess of emotions. Should I tell her about Alice's dream or her premonitions? No, that is way too much information. I should just tell her that I am in love with her. God, what if that freaks her out? The doubt was creeping back.

Fuck! She's going to be here any minute and I'm fucking losing it.

I took one look around the room and then looked at the time on my iPhone. Then I turned it off. I didn't want Alice calling me; I just knew she'd be getting flashes of my erratic emotions right now. I placed my phone on the table then walked into the bedroom. I looked at the bed and tried not to imagine Bella lying on it, but the vision was there, along with the desire to have her there.

Even if she loves me too, it would be presumptuous to think she'd let me touch her straight away, wouldn't it?

I heard the timid knock and rushed to the door.

Bella!

I opened it with too much force. She stepped backwards. Then her face lit up, smiling. She was casually dressed, wearing shorts, a blue tank top and canvas shoes. She was holding one of those white cake boxes and her bag hung loosely on her shoulder.

"Hi! Right on time Bella, pizza just arrived." I couldn't stop smiling. She looked beautiful.

"Hi."

She walked by me; her delectable floral scent was fresh and strong. Did she just shower too? She placed my room card on the side table in the foyer, unhooking her bag from her shoulder and placing it on the floor.

"I couldn't resist. I had to go back to that cute patisserie and buy some dessert." She handed me the box, as the door clicked closed.

We stood facing each other, the box between us, both of us clutching it.

"What's inside?" I raised my eyebrow, staring at her mouth. God I want to kiss her.

"Um, I bought lamingtons. I'm sure someone there must be Australian, but the sixteen year old who sold this to me says she's never actually met the pastry chef!" She laughed, and pushed the box towards me further, letting it go.

"OK, what's a lamington?"

"It's a cake, covered in chocolate then rolled in coconut." she grinned at me and started walking into my suite's living area. She looked at the pizza and the diet coke on the table and smiled.

"It smells delicious, and I'm so hungry."

"Do I need to refrigerate these?" I questioned.

"No, they'll be good at room temperature," she smiled as she walked to stand next to me.

She grabbed a plate and opened both of the pizza boxes, piled two slices on each plate and sat down at the table.

She chewed and swallowed as I sat next to her. I couldn't help watching as she picked an olive off her pizza. "So," she smiled, popping the olive into her mouth. "Can I see the script?"

I stared at her, mesmerized.

"You do have a copy of it here?" she asked.

I was so preoccupied with working out what I was going to say to her that I'd forgotten to print it out.

"Um, sure, but it's on my laptop. I was told not to print it, um, just in case it got leaked on the internet." Well that was true; I didn't need to tell her that I forgot, because all I could think about all day was making out with her.

"I got the film though," I said quickly. "Shall I put it on now? We can sit on the sofa and watch while we eat." I got up, grabbed the DVD case, and proceeded to set it up to play.

Bella walked over to the kitchen bench and poured a diet Coke for herself and a Coke for me. She placed our drinks on the coffee table and went back to bring our plates. I felt that zapping shiver run down my spine when she walked behind me.

"It's really cold in here. Do you have a balcony? Can we open the doors?"

I turned to see Bella heading for the thick drapes that covered the balcony doors.

"The view must be amazing from way up here," she said.

She stood on her toes to reach up to pull the drapes back, flashing me the most arousing glimpse of her perfect milky white thighs, her shapely calves and perfect round butt.

"No, don't!" I barked unthinkingly.

I watched in horror as she jumped from my loud command, clutching her chest as she spun to face me, her cheeks blushing delicious crimson.

I'd startled her.

"I'm sorry, it's in case photographers have their telephoto lenses aimed at the windows. I never open the drapes in case they can see straight in here."

I watched Bella shiver and catch her breath. She dropped her head, the curtain of her silky hair falling forward.

Fuck, great job Cullen, yell at her and freak her out right before you're about to declare your undying love.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, I just…" I stepped towards her, staring as she looked up at me. I could see goose bumps on her arms and, holy fucking hell, I could see she was cold, her nipples were erect and very well defined under the soft cotton of her top.

She has no fucking idea how exquisite she is.

"I can adjust the climate control. I'm sorry it's so cool in here, I've just been sweating all day, I wanted it to be comfortable."

I quickly walked over to the climate control dial on the wall leading into the foyer.

Fuck Cullen, get a grip. This is not what you planned.

I turned to see her sitting on the sofa, her knees on the seat, her plate in her lap and the pizza in her mouth. I took a deep breath and went to sit next to her.

I mirrored her posture, my knees up, plate on my lap. "I'm sorry, it should get warmer in here soon."

"That's OK," she said softly.

I watched as she bent over to pick up her glass and take a very small sip. She smiled.

"You're playing the CD's I made?" She looked directly in my eyes.

"Yes. I'm really enjoying them. There's one song in particular that I really like. I can't remember the name."

She blushed again. I have to tell her now.

"Bella, I wanted to tell you something last night, but we were kind of interrupted."

"Yes, your friendly fans." She smirked at me and took another bite of her pizza. "What did you want to tell me?"

"Um, well, you know that we'll probably finish filming in late October or early November?"

She nodded and took another sip of her drink. She was staring at her plate, not looking at me.

"Well, I think that maybe in between finishing up here and starting my next movie in Europe in January, I'll have time to record Episode in LA. Hopefully for the soundtrack."

She placed her plate and glass on the table. "Of course they'll take the song. I'm sorry, I probably wasn't that...you know, convinced about it before, but hearing you perform it at Laurent's really blew my mind, Edward. It's such an amazing song, and your voice, is, just...really powerful." She blushed again. "It really is a beautiful song."

I smiled and placed my plate next to hers on the table. I have to touch her. I shuffled forward, my knees pressing into hers. I took her hand; it was cold from holding her drink. She shivered.

"You're still cold? I'll get you something warm to wear." I stood up instantly.

"No, you don't have to do that!"

"It's no problem, Bella; you can have one of my hoodies until the temperature warms up in here. I'll be right back."

I walked to my room and fished out my favorite black hoodie. I quickly sniffed it; it was clean. I rushed into the living area. Bella had her arms wrapped around her knees.

"Put this on." I grinned at her and she smiled back as I watched her slip her arms in the sleeves and snuggle into it. I sat next to her again, close, and pulled her hand from around her knee to hold it. Bella stared at my hand.

Seeing her in my clothing was almost too much. Her hair was still caught underneath the hoodie and I wanted to reach over and run my hands around her neck, to pull her hair free. But I stopped myself.

"You were saying, about recording the song?"

"Um, yeah, well, I know the copyright is all underway, so that's definitely going to happen soon. Even though I have no idea when the song will be locked in for the soundtrack, it's probably not going to be for a few months, you know, but I can't wait until I do get a chance to lay it down. I got some amazing advice from the musicians I met at Laurent's, in fact I may even invite a few of them to come to LA to help with recording it."

Bella was smiling at me. I had unconsciously started swirling my thumb over her knuckles, and the skin-to-skin contact was electrifying me.

This is it Cullen, stop rambling and just lay it all out there, tell her how you feel.

"Sorry, I'm getting off track here. What I meant to tell you is that I'm excited about finishing up with the filming and, Bella, you know that I really don't want the friendship we've established to change, at all. I trust you implicitly. You've seen what my life is about, even so, I hope you'll understand when I say – well, what I really hope is…"

There was a knock at the door.

Bella looked towards the foyer.

I heard the knock on the door more forcefully. Fuck, not now!

"It's probably the turndown service. I'll just tell them I don't need it." I squeezed her hand and reluctantly let go, my mind a mess of emotions and desperation.

I opened the door. Rosalie scowled at me then pushed passed me and into the foyer.

"Your phone is off and I need to talk to you." She said.

"Rosalie, not now, this is the worst possible time. We can talk tomorrow."

There was no way I wanted to deal with Rosalie right now. I knew why she was here and fielding her outlandish demands was the last thing I wanted to be doing.

"That's what you said yesterday, and the day before. I'm not leaving until you agree to help me."

"I told you Rosalie, I am not firing Emmett, and technically he is on contract as my personal body guard until we finish filming."

I held the door open for her. "Now, if you don't mind." I said tersely.

She balked then turned and walked straight into the living area of the suite.

Fuck!

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A/N: Sorry! I promise Chapter 16 will be posted asap.

Episode has been nominated for a TwiTastic Award. Thank you everyone!

Episode has also been nominated for three Shimmer Awards and voting is open! http (:) /shimmerawards (dot) webs (dot) com/vote (dot) htm

I also submitted and entry to the Alternate-Shippers Challenge. Those that have me on author alert may have already read it, for those that haven't it is an Episode flashback chapter and it recounts Bella and Riley's rather steamy first date.

Ellipsis -www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/6088589/1/Ellipsis

It works as a standalone one-shot for the comp, but will give Episode readers some valued insight into why, after three years, Bella is still somewhat fixated on Riley. Check out the forum link for some cute pics of Riley, from Bella's photo collection:

www (dot) twilighted (dot) net/forum/viewtopic (dot) php?f=44&t=9959

I encourage you to go read all the stories in the challenge. I must say there are some very creative non-canon couplings! And don't forget to vote!

www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/u/2333273/Alternate_Shippers_Challenge

My humble thanks go to CandyTwi and LadyZoe. Really gals, words cannot describe my gratitude!

As always I love reading your reviews! Luv BBxx