CHAPTER TWO

EARLIER THAT DAY's MORNING

Edward walked into the resort front desk Robinson Crusoe, Isle Esme Resorts, carrying his backpack and a green travel mug filled with coffee. It was Wednesday, June 3rd. Edward wasn't your typical 29 year old. Yes, he owns a high-end multi-million dollar hotel resort on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. But Edward isn't spoiled rich, since he wasn't born into a rich family. His mother and father lived a comfortable life, and provided him with a comfortable life, but nothing too extravagant. Even today, he doesn't even accept a paycheck. Edward puts back the money he makes into his resort and his employees' pocket, while saving the rest for future endeavors. Tanya and Jessica looked up as Edward appeared. He was dressed not like the CEO, manager and owner of the resort. His shirts well, his gray t-shirt and blue plaid short sleeve button down top were fine, his shorts were green ok, gray Nike sneakers, and his sunglasses, Ray Bans, were the most expensive piece of his outfit. But that was Edward's style, for a normal beach lover guy, he didn't dress in anything other than his favorite plaid top and shorts. He wasn't the suit and tie guy only when making contract deals on the mainland, or when an important CEO, or celebrity needed to see someone dressed important.

"Good morning ladies."

"Good morning Boss!" Jessica rushed to give Edward a small pile of mail delivery since last night.

"Good morning Eddie." Edward sighed.

"Tanya, enough of that Eddie shit, you know how much I hate that name." Tanya smirked. Tanya and Edward go way back, well in Tanya's eyes they were meant for each other. She came to the resort with her then boyfriend, Alec the first season it opened. She broke up with Alec halfway through their vacation to pursue Edward. However, she underestimated her charm and sex appeal. Edward wanted nothing to do with Tanya, even though she is tall, blonde and beautiful. Any man would want her, but Edward didn't even before learning she dumped her boyfriend right before his engagement proposal to pursue a hot guy she knew nothing about.

Tanya Denali loves to flaunt her body, tight tops and short skirts. Her blonde hair, crinkled today, always in lovely layers, flowing behind her. Edward still didn't care. He ignored her constant flirting since she was good for business, getting a lot of business for the resort thanks for her marketing ability and connections back home in the US as a Denali.

"Your brother called again, Boss," Jessica said, rushing to bring a small package. "Something about that property land, 2 miles away. He sent an email." Jessica Stanely is a typical short, brown haired, mouse of a girl that loves to wear headbands as her statement fashion piece. She loves to find out the gossip and share it with Tanya and Lauren. She is attracted to her Boss but unlike Tanya and Lauren, too shy to act on it. Lauren Mallory usually works the overnight shift for concierge desk.

"Right, shit. He was supposed to call yesterday with updates about that land. Thanks. I am looking for an important package today as well, be sure you sign for it and give it immediately. I can't have to heading back to the postal office in town across the island and have to waste time to go there today. I will be in my office on 2 important phone calls so please don't interrupt me for the next hour. How many new guests are arriving today?"

"3 more sir, one is going to be late by 2 hours, the flight out from London was delayed to Chile," Tanya said.

"Do you want some breakfast before your calls Boss?" Jessica asked.

"I'll just have my coffee for now Jessica. Maybe in an hour after my calls." Jessica nodded.

"I'll get that for you by then Eddie, I know what you like," Tanya said. Edward rolled his eyes into the his head, but nodded. There was no changing that fucking woman and he knew it. Why he tolerates only an insane man would know. He waved to both girls and walked across the large room toward his office down the hall. "Give it up." Tanya turned to face Jessica after Edward's office door closed down the hall.

"What?" Jessica asked.

"He does not want you."

"He wants me just about as much as you think he wants you."

"Edward and I are meant to be together," Tanya said.

"Right. How long have you been working here?"

"9 years."

"And have you even gotten even one date or one night?" Jessica asked.

"Fuck a date. I got one more night than you. Why else would he keep me around?"

"Because you're great at marketing, and a good secretary with major connections..."

"He has you and Lauren for all secretary jobs. And I don't market, this resort sells itself."

"Whatever. Did you make the packages for our new arrivals."

"Fuck that! I made 10 last week, we couldn't have used all of them, only 5 guests arrived last week and 2 so far today."

"Well 3 of them had the wrong flyers remember. We needed to remake those."

"Well then, you need to get started," Tanya said. "And make another 10. Lauren never makes those damn packages like she's supposed to overnight." Jessica sighed. Jessica Stanley started working under Tanya Denali nearly 5 years ago and as much as she loves the island, her Boss, Tanya bossing her around was something she could live without.

Jessica used to work as a flight attendant for Air SkyBlue. She loved traveling city to city, and one time she was stuck in Chile for a couple of days during a layover. Her friend, a former flight attendant herself, Lauren Mallory told her about Robinson Crusoe Island. Lauren was already working with Tanya at the front desk, so Jessica arrived that one afternoon and never left. Her family wasn't too happy. But seeing Edward for the first time, convinced her to stay. He even offered her a job since his resort was getting more and more popular, too much for the small staff of 6, and cleaning crew of 5. They only had 10 villas back then at the time. Now, Isle Esme Resort and Exploration was the highest grossing resort on this side of the island. Their staff has nearly tripled to 30 people, adding a spa building with a hair and nail staff as well 2 years ago. There is a morning staff of 15, and evening staff of 10, with 5 on-call workers with various jobs duties. It's exclusiveness, with only 25 lodging huts, with 10 of those huts being family size house lodges for big family groups of 5-8 members, the rest split up equally with 5 of each Island Bure, Bure Leva, and Island Lodge. Edward was looking to have 10 more housing huts built by next year. Since they have plenty of land to work with.


Bella walked into the Isle Esme resort main office building and headed toward the concierge desk with Eric next to her, just after 3 pm. She loved the mix of 80's rock music playing overhead. It was perfect check-in timing since check-in time for Isle Esme Resort was 3 pm. Angela planned the plane travel perfectly.

"Hello! Welcome to Isle Esme!" Jessica said since Tanya was on the phone.

"Hi. I'm Bella...I have a reservation under…"

"Angela Weber, yes, I talked to her over the phone last month and about an hour ago before you arrived. She picked the perfect season for you to come with summer in full bloom."

"Oh great."

"Eric!" Jessica snapped her fingers as he was drooling over Bella.

"Shit!" Eric nearly dropped some bags.

"Bring her luggage to Island Lodge K! And Bure Levu C and Family Lodge N needs more towels and chairs immediately, get Mike to help you with the chair if you must."

"You got it Boss lady!" Eric saluted Jessica before pushing Bella's luggage along.

"Now, let's get you checked in and your keys."

"Ok great," Bella said, smiling. Tanya looked over Bella. She was filing her nails while on the phone. Tanya rolled her eyes as Eric wasn't the only guy doing a double take when Bella walked in. Tyler Crowley and Mike Newton, other co-workers, stopped and stared before going upstairs of the main building. Tanya knew Lauren wasn't going to be happy that Tyler's eyes roamed towards Bella. She couldn't wait to tell her that piece of gossip Tanya could already see her reaction.

"So the new girl was flirting with Tyler."

"What? What a fucking slut I don't care if she is a guest, no one goes after my Tyler," Lauren would say to Tanya.

"Now here is a list of weekly, some daily activities. As long as you sign up the night before, you are guaranteed a spot."

"Ok, wow, there are a lot of things to do here," Bella said, looking over the long list.

"Yeah, the Boss likes to have plenty of activities during the week for his guests since it's a big island," Jessica said. "And don't worry about pricing, mostly everything is included except for scuba diving and horseback riding since there are classes to take for each of those activities. We have daily arts and craft activities near the on-site restaurant and our biggest pool if you want to mingle with guests. Dance lessons, and pop-up musical shows. Plus, we have a great club bar as well. But you can always go down to the beach for fun as well. Now, my favorite place on this resort is our spas treatments building." Jessica finished typing and filling out the form on her computers.

"Oh good, there is a spa on site?"

"Yes. And I see Angela has purchased for you 7 sessions already!"

"Wow, 7!"

"Yes, we have facials and full-body massage experts..."

"Manicures and pedicures?" Bella was never one to have to have her nails done, but she would hate to have ratty nails after a few weeks.

"Of course! We have a nail and hair stylist staff too, but everything is appointment only. You can use your spa sessions for nails and hair that as well."

"Oh great."

"Yup!" Jessica flashed her fresh French manicure. "Shall I book you an appointment for a spa treatment tomorrow?"

"Not tomorrow. Maybe the next day, I want to relax a couple of days."

"Ok, I will see about availability and call you later. We only have 4 ladies on staff, and one gentleman, but he's booked up already until next week. He is very good and all the ladies loves his hands," Jessica said smiling. Bella chuckled.

"Ok."

"Let me get your welcome basket, and keys." Bella nodded. She continued to look over the itinerary list of activities. There was wildlife viewing, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.


Bella used key 11 and opened her door. Eric Yorkie had stacked her luggage nicely by the door. Bella walked into her place.

"Fuck this is nice." She smiled. She loved her place. Bella left most her luggage outside, knowing she would get it once she settled inside. Bella walked around her nice hut. It didn't look big outside, but walking around it was big enough for her. Bella lifted her one suitcase to put on the couch along with her laptop bag. She pulled out her laptop on the small desk. Bella plugged in her laptop and tablet, since she used both on the long plane rides. She found the small fridge and ice cold small water bottles. Bella pulled out one and downed it.

Bella carried 2 more bags and placed them on the ottoman bench. She rolled the last two bags before closing her door. After such a long trip of traveling by plane and boat, nearly 16 hours, Bella wanted to shower and perhaps take a nap even though it wasn't even 4pm in the afternoon. She flew out last night at 10pm, but only slept a quarter of the 14 hours flight having stayed awake a full day before her long flight. Bella did sleep the entire second short flight straight. She woke up as the plane was landing, having slept since take-off. Bella zipped open the top of her biggest suitcase. She gasped at the clothes. It was not that the clothes weren't ugly, but they were completely not her style. Bella went through the stacks of outfits, not believing what Alice left for her. Bella opened the second suitcase and groaned. There were many bikinis and super shorts. Bella hates bikinis. Angela knows that. Bella held up what she thought was floss, but it was a white thong bikini with triangle cups. Bella opened the third suitcase and it was much of the same. Bella shook her head at the sexy lingerie nightgowns, lace bra and panties.

"What the hell!" Bella lifted up a black sheer chemise lingerie. "Alice!" Bella shoved the clothes back into the suitcase.

Bella slid to the ground as she felt a panic attack coming. She couldn't do this. She was hundreds of thousands of miles away from home. She wasn't even sure she could eat by herself in public. Sure, in her house, she can eat alone. And she loves to head to get coffee shop or go to the library by herself, but this is an island resort. Halfway across the world. And Bella was all by herself. Bella held her head, trying to stop the panic from building more. Finally, she just let out a shriek.

"Stop! Fuck! It's a beautiful island. No one knows who you are here, so you can be you or anyone you like. Don't be a coward," Bella said. She scoffed, as she stood up. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. "And it's just clothes! You can do this!" Bella grabbed a bikini.


After her freak out, a nice shower and nap, Bella was in one of the resort's pools, she had on a bow tie white bikini. It was the closest pool to her Island lodge hut, with 2 other pools spread out across the resort. She swam around a while before her stomach grumbled. She realized it was time for dinner. She hadn't eaten since arriving, having a nice nap before heading to the pool. Bella pulled herself out of the pool. Just as Bella lifted herself from the pool, she looked up to see a figure coming. She let out a cursed scream, slipping and falling back into the pool. Bella resurfaced as the man ran to the edge.

"Shit! Sorry! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you, I thought you saw me walking over." Bella looked up to find herself staring into the most beautiful green eyes. She gulped, wiping her face down. She felt the heat and blood rushing to her cheeks. Damn, she hasn't blushed like this since she was a teenager. The guy is tall, very tall with a chiseled jawline, and an Adonis body. "Here, let me help you." Bella looked as he held his hands out. "I'm Edward by the way."

Bella took his hands. She gasped as she felt a weird sensation run through it. She suspected it was much like what an instant spark feels like when currents of electrons were flowing all over her body, starting with the warmth from their locked hands. Edward lifted Bella with ease out of the water, stepping back as the water dripped from her body and hair. Edward was dressed in a simple white t-shirt and blue shorts. His feet in flip flops. He had a natural tan that made him even hotter.

"Hi."

"Hi," Edward said, scratching the back of his neck. "So, I'm sorry about that. You must be Isabella Swan."

"Just Bella. How did you know that?"

"I'm the manager here at this resort, I'm Edward Cullen. Actually, I owe the whole damn place. And I already met all the other new arrivals today, but I didn't see you at check-in today."

"Oh. The Manager? That's...wow." Bella looked over Edward. He is tall and handsome, with the most gorgeous green eyes, perfect jawline, and gorgeous wild bronze hair.

"What?"

"You just, look a little young to own an island resort."

"Oh, I'm not that young. I'm 29, soon to be 30. I won the lottery like 10 years ago, and decided to buy a resort."

"Really? You're kidding me?"

"Nope. I still have the winning ticket hanging in my office, best 100,000 dollars I ever seen. I was on a missionary trip to Chile before college just after I turned 18. I found this place and fell in love with this place and decided to buy it the following year. I skipped college after that. My mother and father were not very happy about that, but after I named the place Isle Esme, and they get a free trip to Chile every year, so they don't complain now." Bella chuckled.

"Wow."

"So, what do you do?" Edward asked following Bella over to her chair as she grabbed a blue towel, feeling very naked and self conscious in her white bikini before this godlike guy. Edward likes to get to know his guests when they come stay at his resort. Angela was very reclusive to give out information about Isabella over the phone.

"Oh well, I'm a writer." Bella wrapped herself in the large blue towel.

"Oh cool. Anything I might know?"

"Do you like detective crime novels?"
"Not really."

"So you never heard of Spoons or Cold Ones?" Bella asked.
"I'm more of the supernatural or fantasy world like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones."

"I bet you still read comic books."

"Hey, The Amazing Spiderman, The New 52, and Batman: Killing the Joker, are the best comics in history." Bella chuckled.

"I'll take your word for it." Edward and Bella smiled at each other.

"Shame, I never heard of you. I bet my mother has though, she loves all those crime shows like Dexter and Criminal Minds. Maybe you can read one of my favorites and I will check out one those crime novels you wrote."

"Detective crime novels."

"Potato, po-tat-toe. Did you have dinner?"

"Actually I was about to head there now before I fell in," Bella said.

"Good, we caught some amazing fish this afternoon from the boat for dinner. I recommend that. Unless you don't like fish."

"Thanks...I actually love a good fish..." Bella blanked on his name. His eyes were too distracting.

"Edward."

"Edward, right. Nice to meet you, Edward." They shook hands again and Bella felt the same spark, electricity flowing through her from his touch. She blushed again.

"Nice you meet you too, Bella," Edward said, looking down at their hands. Bella wondered if he felt the same spark. "Well, I'll let you go. Please feel free to reach to myself or anyone on my staff day or night if you need anything during your stay. Welcome to Isle Esme."

"Thank you."

"See ya later," Edward said. "Enjoy your dinner."

"Sure." Bella waved. She picked up her white fishnet hooded coverup dress, another towel, and shoes and walked to the bathroom near the pool. Edward followed her walking away. He smiled to himself. Eric, Mike, and Tyler weren't wrong, just a little off. She wasn't a pretty girl. Isabella Swan is beautiful. Very beautiful. And her blush, amazing.


Bella showered again, and changed out of her pool clothes and put on her baby blue smocked maxi dress with left leg slit and black suede thong sandals before heading to the outdoor restaurant. Bella loves how Alice coordinated most of her outfits already, even with a list or diagram of what shoes and jewelry can go with which dress or outfit. Isle Esme has a buffet style restaurant outside with bench tables, as well a more private setting inside for sit down at their 5-star restaurant just off the beach. Bella also found the nice bar too Jessica talked about. Bella saw Edward talking to a another gentleman. He has blonde streaks with brown hair, a bit shorter than Edward, but very handsome as well. Bella went and ordered the fish for dinner. It was a whole fish with nice sautéed onion slices and potato fries on the side. Edward waved to Bella.

"Bella Swan, this is my right hand man Jasper Whitlock Hale."

"Howdy."

"You're from Texas?" Bella asked, recognizing the accent immediately.

"Yes ma'am. I can't seem to lose this accent."

"It's because you still go there every year," Edward said. "Or whenever you get off the phone with your friend Fred or Peter from Texas who still lives there, I swear that accent just comes out of nowhere." Bella chuckled.

"My mother use to live in Beaumont for a few years."

"Houston myself."

"Cool."

"You just arrived today right?" Bella nodded.

"Well, we have a snorkeling and cliff diving trip tomorrow if you're interested," Edward said.

"I think I just want to relax the first few days."

"You came from New York right?" Bella nodded to Jasper. "That is a long trip, I can see why you want to relax," Jasper said. Bella nodded again.

"Well, we hope to see you soon on a boat or fishing trip. We won't bother you anymore Bella, so enjoy your dinner," Edward said.

"Thanks." Bella watches Edward and Jasper walk away. Many of the ladies' eyes lingers on Jasper and especially Edward. Bella couldn't blame them, they both were very hot gentlemen.

AN: Until next time peeps. I hope to be posting once or twice a week depending on work schedule. Feel free to leave a comment, review or PM