CHAPTER THREE
Jasper and Edward were closing up the office before heading to meet more guests during the dinner run. After Edward introduced the new guest, Isabella Swan to Jasper, he smiled at his best friend. They went to the bar and ordered a couple of beers.
"I can see what you mean, Bella, a fitting name."
"Right," Edward said taking his beer. He took a nice sip of his beer.
"So are you calling dibs or shall I?"
"What the hell man, are we like 5?" Edward asked with a chuckle.
"I'm just saying, if you like her, I will step back, but if don't…"
"Don't even! What about Maria?!"
"What about her? Women like Isabella Swan come like once a lifetime, she could be the one for me."
"I will not have you scaring away our female guests because you want to make Maria jealous," Edward downed nearly half of his beer.
"Relax dude, I know you like her."
"What?! She has barely been here a few hours."
"Yeah, and yet your eyes have been in the clouds ever since you saw her by the pool. Remember I saw you after you first talked to her. You were dazzled, I mean that white bikini would make any man forget his senses."
"Whatever."
"Hey, I'm not saying go hard, take your time. Take it easy with that one. It will be worth it in the end," Jasper said downing his beer. He patted Edward on the back and tucked a small joint behind his ear. "Now, I'm going to find my Maria. Smoke, and hopefully have some fun tonight. See ya tomorrow."
"Good night." Edward waved down Mike for another beer. He wasn't ready to go back to his empty house just yet. His thoughts were still on the very beautiful Isabella Swan.
NEXT MORNING
Bella nearly dropped her tablet and rainbow tote beach bag when she hears and sees Edward working out. He was doing jumping jacks on the beach. That glistened bare chest, with some fine brown hairs splatted across his chest and stomach, was drool worthy as he bounced up and down. His shorts falling low on his hips. Edward was fit, not overly muscular, but physically, he is in top shape. After dinner, Bella went bed just before 10pm and slept peacefully, and woke just before sunrise today. She decided to spend the whole day at Arenal beach, starting early with a sunrise beach walk. Bella grabbed her beach towel she just brought, tablet, and a tote bag filled with a change of clothes, sunscreen, and water for her beach day.
Before heading home last night, she stopped at the small market store and brought a 6-pack of beer and 2 bottles of wine. Alice packed Bella every conceivable outfit to wear, even her jewelry and purse coordinated. The rainbow tote bag expanded wide enough to fit her towel, a jumbo tube of SPF, and all her snacks. Edward moved to lifting a black bag, and slamming it to the ground, as his exercise. Bella just stood there watching him. She was in awe. Too amazed to look away even for a moment. After doing some weights with his bag, Edward put on his baseball cap backwards and sneakers before taking off in a run along the beach. Bella turned around and went back towards her hut. She needed a few moments to collect herself, and cool off. And maybe another shower...
"Good morning," Edward said, after spotting Bella sitting on her towel, looking through her tablet. He had just gone on a nice swim in the cool morning ocean water after his run. He put on his sunglasses and shook out of his baseball cap of sand.
"Oh, good morning Edward," Bella said, lifting her sunglasses up. She finished her game and placed her tablet back inside her bag. "How are you doing?"
"I'm great. Just finishing a work out. You're up early. Did you sleep well?"
"Actually that bed is so amazing. I slept like a baby."
"Good. Did you have any breakfast?"
'Yes, it was amazing thank you. Your buffets here are amazing."
"That's good. Our cooking staff takes pride in mixing American and Chilean delights nearly every day. Wait, did you not have an umbrella chair on your deck for the beach?"
"Oh yes, but I didn't feel like dragging it here."
"Oh, no worries, I will go and get it for you. Island Lodge K, right?"
"No, no...it's fine Edward."
"Trust me in an hour or so, when that sun is beaming down, you will be thankful for the umbrella chair. I'll be right back." Bella smiled. Edward was such an attentive and thoughtful manager. Not many would care to remember where each guest is staying, but Edward does. And does so proudly.
Bella shook out her beach towel as Edward brought the white beach chair with a huge white umbrella. He set the chair up for Bella. Bella looked up at the umbrella.
"Anything else I can get for you?"
"I am much better now, thank you Edward."
"No problem Bella. Have a good beach day."
"I will." Bella folded her towel for a cushion seat. She looked back as Edward found a seat on a fallen tree branch. He lifted another smaller bag and pulled out a large bottle of water. Bella fell into the chair as Edward lifted the bottle of water to his mouth and started downing the water. She grabbed her own bottle of frozen water and started drinking it.
Edward returned to the main building for a shower and change of clothes from his morning workout to do some work on the contracts with the resorts before he was heading to run an afternoon snorkeling adventure trip. There was always some type of boat tour whether it be fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving with a ride around the island every day including Sundays. After filing out some paperwork, Edward went to go find Jasper at the pier near the beach, who should be packed for their afternoon snorkeling tour to find Bella walking along the beach. She looked so beautiful. Edward couldn't help but stop and stare. Even early this morning, she was so beautiful. Bella was dressed in a blue shirt, she cut out the arms and sides. She had on the shortest red board shorts with white waistband and string ties. That covered the barely there black string bikini. Her hair was hanging long down her back now after being pinned up nicely this morning in a ponytail bun.
"Edward!"
"Huh?" Edward looked back to see Tanya walking over.
"You have a phone call, it's your mother." Edward sighed.
"Thank you Tanya," Edward said, as he started walking back to the Main building. Tanya waited for Edward to leave before she went to see what had Edward frozen and drooling. She could see a woman bending over in the ocean. Bella was washing the sand off her hands and arms after her walk. Bella straightened up, fixing the sunglasses in her hair. Bella looked up at the sun after covering her eyes with her shades. It was like the sun was shining down on Bella, making her sparkle with the blue water. Tanya glared at the woman before crossing her arms and going back toward the main building.
Since it was late in the afternoon, Bella realized she had only eaten since her big breakfast, so she decided to go find something light since dinner would be in a couple of hours. Bella found a small group of guests being taught a traditional Island dance on her walk back to her island lodge.
"Hola! Únete!" a lady yelled. (Hello! Come, join) The lady looked like a native island woman with her bikini and straw skirt. Tyler was there as well, waving Bella on.
"Come on, my mother Florencia is the best island dancer on the island!" Tyler Crowley is a handsome guy, with a boyish face. He is black and native citizen of Chile. His mother and his family owned the horse ranch a few miles from Isle Esme Resort and partnered with Edward for horseback riding hikes as part of the resort activities. Tyler is fit, with a cute smile. He works around the resort, organizing daily horseback activities, as a avid horse rider himself. Tyler is an everyday guy, much like most of the staff at Isle Esme resort. They can be seen around the resort almost every day whether working or just being there smiling and enjoying life. Bella smiled, shaking her head.
"Oh no, no.. I have two left feet!"
"It's fun!"
"Maybe another time," Bella said.
"I'll hold you to it Isabella Swan!" Tyler yelled.
After taking a light salad togo, Bella returned to her room for some mindless tv before dinner. She was still so tired. Bella found herself heading for a late dinner. It was almost 7 when she got her food. Edward found Bella sitting alone with her tablet, enjoying her fish covered in tomatoes and onions. He had been out on the boat all day.
"I see you're having the fish again."
"It was so good last night."
"Yes, we have daily fishing trips, so you have to go fishing one time, it's an experience."
"My father loves fishing."
"I'm guessing you don't."
"Nope, not so much. I went every weekend one summer." Edward smiled.
"Trust me when you see the size of these fishes we got here, you will love it."
"I guess I should sign up then."
"Look forward to seeing you on a boat soon Bella. Enjoy your dinner."
"Thanks Edward."
"Have a good night."
"Good night."
NEXT DAY
Bella slept in a bit longer that morning before finding an empty pool and jacuzzi. Bella was dressed in a black bra-shaped cups bikini top with matching high-waisted bottoms. Bella enjoyed a long swim after finishing a magazine when she saw Edward. He waved at her. Edward called Bella's cellphone, but she didn't answer this morning. He hoped to find her at the beach again, but once again she wasn't there. Edward was lucky to find her alone in the second largest pool. Most of the guests were on some adventure either on the water or hiking trek, which Edward let another co-worker run today since he has been on the boat the last 2 days. He needed some time out of the sun as he was getting a nice dark tan.
"Hi, good afternoon, I see you're back at the pool again."
"Well, it was so much fun the first day, plus I figured I would try all the pools." Edward held his hands out. Bella gladly reached up to take his hands. The same spark, electric current flowed between them. Bella felt it instantly. Bella was lifted from the water with ease.
"Well, I have something for you," Edward said.
"Oh? For me?"
"Are you done with the pool?"
"Uh...yeah."
"Are you sure you're done? It can wait."
"No, I am good to go," Bella said.
"Good. Follow me then." Bella slipped on her white fishnet coverup dress and black flip flops, while Edward fired off a quick text.
Edward and Bella walked down the path just talking about life. Edward wanted to play the game the 20 question game on the walk since it was the easiest to ask silly, yet in depth questions to a stranger without being intrusive when trying to find out things about someone.
"So you're from a town called Forks, seriously?"
"Yep! My Dad is the Chief of Police," Bella said.
"So that's where you get your detective crime novel ideas?"
"Pretty much. Charlie, my Dad always thought because I was always so interested in his police stories, I would go into law enforcement as well."
"And become what, his little deputy princess?" Edward asked.
"Yeah, but I never liked a gun, even when my Dad made me learn proper gun safety. But I love to read and write, so it's the next best thing. Most of my stories are exaggerated police stories with a little fantasy aspect."
"And your mother?"
"She's a former teacher, settled down in Florida with husband number 4. He's 3 years older than me."
"Wow." Bella smiled. "So what made you settle in New York City?"
"Well, I lived in California with my mother for a while, Arizona and Texas, before finishing high school with my Dad in Forks. I went off to NYCU and just never wanted to leave."
"I felt the same when I came here," Edward said.
"Where are we going?"
"There." Finally, Edward pointed ahead. They arrived to Spa Celestial building after 15 minute walk across the resort. It takes maybe 30-40 minutes to walk a full circle around the resort. From Bella's locations, she about 5 minutes from one pool, 8 minutes from the next one, and 12 minutes from the biggest one and the restaurant. Edward led Bella through the building to a private session set up outside. Bella saw a massage table under a large umbrella with the beach in the distance.
"Hola!" A masseuse lady waved. (Hello!)
"Buenas Diaz," Edward said. Edward and the woman exchanged kisses on the cheeks. (Good afternoon/day) "Bella, this is Renata, she's one of our best massage therapists on this island at Spa Celestial. Even I go to her once a month." Renata was an older woman, native Chilean with a flower crown on her head and purple and pink masseuse professional uniform attire.
"Oh, si, si...El señor Edward es mi favorito!" (Oh, yes, yes, Mr. Edward is my favorite)
"I'm pretty sure she calls everyone her favorite," Edward said, smiling.
"Is this for me?" Bella asked.
"Yes. I saw you had 7 sessions paid for, but this one is on the house for scaring you the first day."
"What? Oh no, Edward you can take one away…"
"Enjoy your massage Bella." Edward patted her back and left Bella to enjoy her private massage in the hands of Renata.
"Ven, ven." (Come, come.)
Renata took Bella to the private shower stall and handed her a change of undies for the massage. Bella washed the chloride from her body and slipped on the spare disposable panties and wrapped herself in the towel. Bella came out wrapped in a white fluffy towel. As part of Isle Esme resort, Spa Celestial gives exclusive and unique massage treatments. The most fabulous massage offered for anyone's personal needs, is the perfect combination of Swedish strokes and deep tissue techniques. Hot towels and aromatherapy are used in this treatment to relax the muscles and calm the mind. The soft relaxing strokes are used to increase circulation that promotes well-being and brings the body back to its natural balance.
"Espalda, o frente?" (Back, or front.)
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Oh, sorry dear. Back or front first Señora Bella?"
"Uh, back I guess."
"Bueno. También te voy a lavar el pelo." Renata smiled when Bella looked confused. "I see you were in the pool, would you like a shampoo wash too?" (Good. I'm going to wash your hair too.)
"Actually yeah that would be nice."
"Bueno. Such pretty hair. Very long." (Good.)
"Thanks."
"I will start your full-body massage on your back first, Señora Bella then your facial when you turn over, finish your full body massage, and finally wash and condition your hair," Renate said. Bella climbed on the table. Renata helped keep her covered since she was braless as Bella laid on her stomach. "I am going to light a few sweetgrass candles, put on some soft music, and say a little prayer. So just relax, don't think about, ayer o mañana, yesterday or tomorrow, piensa en ahora y relájate. Just be here now, and maybe even take a nap." Bella chuckled. (Think about now and relax)
"Ok. I will." Renata lit 2 sweetgrass candles after pressing play on the small stereo beatbox. Soft mediations massage music played to go with the waves and sounds of the beach. Renata pressed her hands together in a prayer, she spoke in Spanish softly before she started working on Bella's massage. Bella closed her eyes and allowed Renata's magic hands to take her into massage bliss heaven.
After Bella's amazing back, arms, and leg massage, she flipped over to her back and Renata got the supplies for her facial. Before starting Bella's spa facial, Renata worked on her shoulders, collarbone and neck as Bella's face was covered with a cooling towel. Renata started the facial with a double cleanser to wash Bella's face clean. Renata swiped the suds from Bella's face before grabbing the facial exfoliating cream. One of the key steps to having radiant, younger looking facial skin is to get rid of old, dry, dead skin cells. And the best way to do that, of course, is to exfoliate.
"That smells amazing," Bella said as Renata was using a circular motion of the exfoliating cream over Bella's face. A sea salt scrub that is great when mixed with lavender essential oil to make a paste.
"Oh, gracia. Receta familiar, muy viejo. (Family recipe, very old) It's old family recipe. Very simple you can make at home. I just use sea salt mixed with lavender oil and a few other special secret oils and herbs."
"Feels amazing too." Sea salt is full of trace minerals that rejuvenate the skin, stimulate cell growth, and help the skin retail moisture. After a quick extractions, Renata covered Bella's eyes before placing a full cloth gauze over her face. Renata quickly mixed up a milky mask before applying the cinnamon milk creamy mask all over Bella's face and neck.
While the mask hardens, Renata went back to finishing her full-body and feet massage and even giving Bella a quick ear cleansing. The mask was easily removed, a nice Vitamin C serum oil and moisturizer was rubbed onto Bella's face to finish the massage before Bella was taken inside the spa building for her hair shampoo and conditioning. Bella's body feeling like mush. Renata even gave her eyebrow a touchup with wax, after finishing her hair, leaving Bella completely relaxed and satisfied. And her hair was left shiny and full after the blow drying. Edward was finishing up in the office going over the list for tomorrow's hike he was running solo tomorrow. Edward smiles as he goes over the list and sees Bella Swan's name was second to last on the list. She must had filled out after her massage. Edward was looking forward to tomorrow more than ever.
NEXT MORNING
Bella was packing her brand new black backpack for her first hiking tour the next morning. It was an early trip, starting at 8:30 am. It was Saturday, June 6th. She made sure she had a charged camera and extra memory card. She was only dressed in a black sports bra, black stretch capri pants and some white short socks. Bella pulled her hair up into a high ponytail before slipping on the aqua blue tank top that went with her green Nike hiking sneakers. Bella signed up for a hike last night after her spa. She read the tour last night before dinner and saw she will get to see the city of San Juan Batista as well as the follow an historic trek. It would be her first time leaving the resort having only done the pool and beach.
"Good morning Bella." Bella smiled as Edward was rounding up the small group of 10. Bella tightened the grey hoodie sweater wrapped around her waist. Bella ate from the breakfast buffet before meeting the group after 8.
"Good morning Edward."
"We are about to get started if you want to get some granola or muffins and water before we head out."
"Oh great." Bella went over to the small table.
"Be sure to grab a few bottles of water for the hike."
"I have a water bottle filled with water, ice and lemons."
"Good. Bring an extra one please." Edward was dressed in a grey Nike hoodie with blue Nike shorts and black sneakers. A black baseball cap on his head and black shades covering his eyes. Bella grabbed the last blueberry muffin.
"So, how strenuous is this hike?" Bella asked.
"Only 4 or 5 hours."
"Oh good, I am not very good at hiking."
"It's just walking."
"I trip over flat surfaces." Edward chuckled. Since Bella has arrived, Edward has seen a fair few, okay, several trips from Bella, especially on the beach "I want to say sorry now because I know I will be slowing the group down."
"Bella please, we don't do these hiking tours for speed. It's all about the experience. I give a time only for those that want an estimate if they want to do something else today, since we tend to go longer if need be."
"Ok good. Please be patient with me."
"I got you Bella," Edward said, putting his hand around her shoulders for a brief hug. Bella smiled, she was filled with warmth and comfort. She knew she was blushing again, and scoffed to herself. Bella slipped on some sunglasses.
Follow in the steps of Alexander Selkirk, the famous Scottish sailor who was stranded here alone, for four years and four months in the early 1700s. Edward lead the group once they took the small boat ride to the main city. The trek starts in the town of Juan Baptista and follows a steep trail up behind the town.
"Ok, first we will walk through the tiny "plaza" of benches and a flag post at the landing on San Juan Bautista. And from there, we will walk west past the cemetery to see the remains of a canon on the shore. This spot is where debris from the sinking of the German WWI warship Dresden can be seen so get your cameras ready."
"So, what do you not do on this island?" Bella asked Edward while smiling. Edward chuckled.
"I do a lot huh?" Edward lifted his shades into his wild bronze hair.
"Yeah! Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, walking treks, setting up amazing massages..."
"I guess I do a lot for my resort and guests, but I love it."
"I can see that. It's amazing all that you do." Edward smiled. Besides being the owner and manager of Isle Esme, Edward is charge of the books, the website, ordering supplies, payroll, and I overlook all the maintenance jobs to the villas.
"What's your favorite thing though?"
"Oh simple, what I love and try to do the most is the hiking and scuba diving tours. I am a licensed scuba instructor and own the yacht the resort uses for all its water tours. Jasper does most of the fishing, and water tours, but I love the scuba diving ones and mostly in charge of hikes."
"How does one control so much? Edward, your health and well-being should be first."
"I am healthy as a horse."
"I hope so because that's a lot to handle."
"Not really," Edward said.
"Why not?" Bella asked.
"Well, if you love what you do, it's not really work," Edward said. "Come on, there are some nice views to take more pictures ahead."
Bella couldn't help by stop and be amazed at the stunning spots Edward pointed out. The view after a steep hike took the group to a renowned spot that is renowned for being the look out that Alexander Selkirk climbed to every day. It is a stunning panoramic view of the island is the reason he chose this spot to search for possible rescue ships that could take him away. Edward watched Bella's face as they stood on the top of the mountain finally. There are two plaques that commemorate his stay on the island and that provide the best viewing platform.
"Well, do you like it?"
"It's amazing. This island is amazing." Edward smiled. The finally part of their trek was a descending path through the lush vegetation into the Villagra Valley before returning to the village for lobster empanada for lunch.
Edward finds Bella at the Wreck Bar, it was the only bar found on the resort. Most resorts have their own restaurant and nightlife. Wreck Bar is a great place to have drinks and mingle. Bella decided to head to the bar after dinner after her first hiking tour. She was dressed comfort, but pretty. Bella was dressed in a black short sleeve t-shirt dress with gold thong sandals, tan straw hat, and gold multi-chain necklace. Usually Bella has a glass of wine or beer with a meal. Her first beach day, she finished a 6-pack all by herself. Angela was proud when Bella sent a picture of an empty 6-pack.
"Hello." Bella knew it was Edward before she even turned as his touch filled her with an electricity no touch has ever before. Edward touched Bella's arm when he saw her alone by the bar.
"Hey!"
"Wow, starting with the fish bowl I see?" Edward asked. Bella smiled taking another long sip. She held up her clear fish bowl container filled with vodka, coconut rum, blue Curacao liqueur, sweet-n-sour mix, pineapple juice, sprite, and Swedish fish candy floating. After a long hike, a nice drink to end the evening was called for.
"Well, I always say, might as well start with the best and if the place has a fish bowl drink, I am ordering it," Bella said.
"I feel the same."
"What can I get you, Boss?" Mike asked as he was bartender tonight.
"I will have what the lady is having as well."
"Really? Ok Boss!" Mike nodded making Edward's fish bowl. Mike Newton, another loyal worker at Isle Esme. Mike has having pale blue eyes, blond hair, a baby face, being 5'11" tall and being altogether good-looking for someone at 30 years old. He was a lifetime bartender, creating all the best drinks for Isle Esme the last 10 years. He and Jessica have the only hot and cold, one month on, next month off type of relationships. Right now, they were broke up, though Mike always knows he just has to flash his baby blues and she will forgive him.
"So, did you like the hike?"
"Yeah, it was great!"
"How are your feet?"
"Uh fine."
"Salud." (Cheers) Edward said, slipping on his fish bowl after he cheered with Bela. Mike knew better than to charge the Boss for his fish bowl.
"Salud," Bella repeated. Bella and Edward smiled at each other before drinking. Bella took another long sip of her fish bowl.
"So, just fine?"
"What?"
"Your feet are just fine?"
"A little sore, but it's fine. Honestly I would love to do it again tomorrow."
"Ok good. Glad to hear that," Edward said, taking another long sip of his fish bowl drink.
"I signed up on the yacht island tour tomorrow as soon as I got back."
"Oh great then. I will see you tomorrow as well. I will be running that water tour with Jasper."
"Oh good."
"Edward! Dear, come say hello to Harold and my daughter Heidi! You remember Heidi, she's got into that master's program I told you about last time." An older woman yelled across the room. Bella saw a pretty blonde girl sitting at the table with one would assume her father, Harold.
"Let me go say hello, and I will be right back."
"I'll be right here." Edward winked at Bella. She blushed again.
"Good."
Edward was called away by a few other guests of the resort. Bella went back to drinking her fish bowl. As Bella was halfway done, Tanya came to stand next to her. Mike nodded when Tanya waved to him. A glass of red wine was place before her from Mike. Edward was just about done with the small crowd, being the gracious host by saying hello and speaking candidly with everyone.
"Hello."
"Hi," Bella said. Tanya saw Bella following Edward's movements across the room as he talked with the last small group. She smiled.
"He is quite handsome huh," Tanya said.
"What?"
"Edward of course. He is quite handsome, right."
"I guess, I guess so." Bella blushed. She went back to drinking her fish bowl and not staring at Edward.
"Take it from me though Isabella Swan, you will want to stay away from Edward Cullen."
"Oh, why?"
"Just trust me," Tanya said, taking a sip of her red wine.
"Really? And you are?"
"I'm Tanya, Tanya Denali and I have worked alongside Edward long enough to know his pattern."
"Pattern? Really? And what is that?"
"That pretty girls alone on an island are an easy target." Bella frowned.
"Wow. Isn't Edward like your Boss?"
"Yes, so I know you're not the first and definitely won't be the last new girl on the island, he fancies. He always takes them under his wing, show them a good time in and out of his bed."
"And why is that any of your business?" Bella asked in disgust.
"It's fine by me, just be sure to wear a condom."
"We are not…"
"I'm just saying, because he's also sleeping with me, and Zafrina, and a few other women here on the resort right now. Especially our repeated stayers like Melinda and Harold's daughter Heidi. So be careful and make sure he wraps his dick. It is quite a nice cock when you get a chance to see it." Disgusted. Bella finishes her fish bowl, and walks away from Tanya. Edward looked up to see Bella storming away from Tanya, who was smiling.
AN: Reviews always welcomed! Much drama and plenty of angst ahead! See ya soon!
