*edited as of 9/2017

A little heads up; there is no Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie, Carlisle, or Esme in this story. I love the characters, I truly do, but I wanted to change things up a bit. I'm even going against what I said I wouldn't do and will feature Jacob as a character (not as a love interest though). Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 2

Real love is a pilgrimage. It happens when there is no strategy, but it is very rare because most people are strategists.

Anita Brookner

Edward's Pov

I am a planner.

I plan for any type of situation thrown my way and have plan A-Z when the going gets tough. I mean it was my job after all.

I could find every nook and cranny to get what I needed; every loophole that you thought couldn't exist. Thought you'd seen the last of me?

Well you thought wrong.

To make money doing something you love was rare, but I enjoyed it.

You see, working in corporate America let alone in Seattle was tough business.

Working as CEO of one of the top advertising firms in the country and fifth in the world was an accomplishment that I was happy to gloat about but very difficult at the same time.

I was serious about my work. There was no time for fun and games to be honest. I could make millions in minutes just by putting my ideas to use. It was easy.

All I had to do was come up with an idea, get it down onto paper, budget, make some calls, turn it into a physical product and then bingo! Dollar signs.

Two weeks tops, maybe a month, hell not even a year for one of my ads to make millions for the firm and my commission.

Again, I am a strategist. There was no time for playing games.

When I want something I would do anything to get it. No if, ands, or buts.

Things just fell into place and right into the palm of my hand.

Deals. Money. Women. The whole she-bang.

But I lacked one thing.

The man who had everything wanted more.

The one thing I wanted most.

The one thing I had no plan for.

The one thing I wanted… love.

As corny as it sounds, being the thirty two year old millionaire and perpetual bachelor had some perks, but lacked in some areas. I was less than eight years from being forty, which was only halfway to eighty and here I was, alone.

The women I usually dated were just bland to me. They lacked sustenance; life, and personality.

I knew my appeal to women. Fiery bronze hair that was redder than it was brown, grass green eyes, structured cheekbones with a defined square jawline and a crooked smile that allured. I knew I wasn't ugly, but I wanted someone who was attracted to me for my intellect, my thoughts and regards of the world and not just the fact that I was "fuckable" and worth millions.

Growing up in a huge Irish family, I knew what it was like to be surrounded by an all-consuming love. As the youngest of four kids, nephew to twelve aunts and uncles, and having over 30 cousins, being amorous was definitely something I was used to.

I was the only singling of the whole clan and they all never let me forget it.

"Edward why can't you settle down and give me grandkids?" My mother Elizabeth would yap, or "Baby bro, why can't you find a nice lady already or are you gay?" My man-child of a brother Benjamin would cackle.

While somewhat true, hearing it 24/7 from your family was exhausting. My sisters and brother all had a respective someone and here I was as the lone duckling. It was nothing I wasn't used to, but I admit it did get lonely sometimes.

That wasn't to say I didn't do my fair share of dating, because I did. I had only had two serious relationships. Of course both of those relationships eventually ended up in a break up, but at least they were on amicable terms and we were all still friends.

My first girlfriend was Victoria Daniels, a fiery red head, full of spunk and full of life. She had the biggest blue eyes and a cat like fierceness to her. She loved going out on the weekends and I admit that every moment I spent with her was nothing short of adventurous. I spent two years with her during my college years, before we mutually decided that we were better off as friends. I was even her "man of honor" at her wedding when she married one of my good friends James.

My second and last relationship was with the lovely Angela Webber. She was a couple of years older than me, but that didn't stop me from pursuing her. With her jet-black hair, olive complexion, and grey eyes, her quiet demeanor was what initially drew me in.

She was so sweet. When I'd approached her randomly at an office party, she was too cute stumbling over her words and her voice barely rising over a soft whisper. Angela was very different from Victoria; she was shyer and preferred staying in opposed to going out but she was a very amazing intellectual. It was refreshing to talk to someone who didn't just nod at the things I said or blurted out things that were either redundant or just idiotic.

I dated her for three years and even admit that I came close to saying the "big three" but when I brought her over to my parents for the first time and she saw my older brother Benjamin aka Benji for short, it was history. Their attraction to one another was undeniable. I couldn't even be mad when she broke things off. I couldn't see her with no one else but my brother. It wasn't long before they were head over heels for one another.

The way she looked at him, was nothing compared to the way she would look at me. Her eyes would light up every time she saw him and the smile that would spread over her face every time he entered the room was enough to make me realize that I truly wasn't the one for her. I know it sounds sappy but I wanted that.

Their courtship lasted only three weeks, before the two of them were engaged and eventually married. In fact, my nephew Joham Edward Cullen was born about eight and a half weeks ago.

As for my other siblings, the eldest was my older sister Jane and her husband Marcus They have been married for 17 years and have my eight year old nieces Chelsea and Renata. There was of course my brother Benjamin, Angela, and their son Joham, and then my youngest sister Jessica who was three years older than me and engaged to her girlfriend of six years Michelle aka "Mike "as we called her.

So of course this left me, as the singling of the group. My siblings gave me crap about it every time I came over for dinner.

"Edward do this, or "Edward get a girl like that." It was becoming increasingly irritating and resulted in me missing a couple of dinners.

This was what led me to Freddie's a popular restaurant located on the west end of the city. The day before I had received a lot of crap from my family about settling down, and I knew that I couldn't deal with them again without losing my mind so I opted to just not attend our weekly dinner for the sake of my sanity. My cooking skills were nonexistent and I would basically starve if it wasn't for takeout and TV dinners.

Deciding not to opt for the latter it was about eight o clock that night that I decided to go out and I began wandering around aimlessly looking for something to eat when I came across a huge restaurant situated at the end of the street. I could hear a cacophony of noises and music flowing through the air and before I knew it I was inside taking on the scene around me. People were laughing, talking and eating everywhere. There was a live band on stage next to a huge ballroom dance floor, with couples of all sorts wrapped in each other's arms.

The smell of food wafted up into the air and my stomach growled ravenously. Quickly approached by a male server, he offered me a table near the dance floor but I didn't want to look like a loser sitting alone at one, so I decided to just head up to one the long bars where I saw a few other patrons eating.

I took a seat and it wasn't long before a waitress, a tall blonde named Kate asked me what I wanted to drink while handing me a menu.

I settled on a gin and tonic and a plate of risotto and lamb before handing her the menu back. It didn't escape my notice that she was eyeing me like a piece of meat, but she quietly left me alone when I didn't respond to her advances for which I was grateful.

I took a sip of my drink and looked around. People were still coming in by the hordes. I was lucky that I had even managed to grab a seat at the bar. I'd sat there for about ten minutes before Kate came back and gave me my food. I sat there for a while and ate quietly, ignoring Kate and her flirting along with a few other women who had approached me. I was actually considering giving in to woman number six (since I hadn't any in a while) when I saw her standing across the room taking a large group's order.

I couldn't see her face, but from what I could see from my perch at the bar, I knew that her body was amazing.

Wearing a similar outfit to Kate's consisting of a white blouse and black pencil skirt, her clothes seemed to be tailored to fit every curve of her body. She was very petite, she looked to about 5'4 , which was much shorter than my own 6'2 frame. Her legs looked incredibly long in her heels and her blouse covered breasts seemed to be the perfect size; not too big or too small, but enough to fit perfectly in my hands. Her hair was the color of mahogany; lying casually in a braid down her back, the ends sweeping casually across her lower back as she moved.

Damn I wanted to see this mysterious woman's face. My body yearned for her to turn around and when she did it was like everything had stopped.

Yes stopped.

I knew I was being ridiculous, but my lust filled mind paid no attention.

She was extraordinary.

A beautiful heart shaped face adorned with big brown eyes and dark eyelashes. Her skin was incredibly pale, almost porcelain like with a small but slightly upturned nose and plumped rose-colored lips. Even from this distance I could tell she had a smattering of freckles across her face, which made her seem even more striking to me.

This mysterious woman had me entranced. I continued eating my meal while watching her move her hips around the room.

I knew I probably looked like a lunatic the way I stared at her, but I couldn't help it. There was just something about her that drew me in and I wished for nothing more than to find out her name.

I was just thinking about doing so…when the opportunity that once presented itself to me diminished.

I watched as a tall olive skinned man with curly hair came up beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. I could see a smile spread across her face as she wrapped one of her arms around his back.

Figures. Of course she's taken.

I let out a disgruntled sigh. As much as I wanted to sit there and stare at her and mentally bash over the head the dude with his arms around her, it was getting late and I had a long morning ahead of me.

It was probably for the best.

I was just lusting after her anyway. I'd be lucky to even come back this way and ever see her again. Sneaking one final glimpse at the beautiful woman, I watched as she and the guy disappeared towards the back of the restaurant.

I quietly paid my bill, ignoring one final advance from Kate before leaving, quietly wondering to myself why I felt as if I was leaving something.

4 weeks later…

"Blauh!" Joham gurgled as I raised him over my head. It was another mid week family dinner and once again I was trying to avoid the inquisition from my family. Dinner was nice as always, but once my mom started blabbing about wanting more grandkids and me settling down, I quietly crept out the room to go eat with my nieces Chelsea and Renata. They enjoyed my company, but after realizing I wasn't going to let them cover me in their princess makeup, they left me alone.

It was now just me and Joham, who I now had cradled in my arms. He looked just like Benjamin, with fine reddish hair and a mischievous grin and for a second, I pictured him as my own with my own wife waiting beside me.

It was refreshing to be around someone who didn't push about my love life or lack of one for that matter…even if he lacked teeth and the ability to hold his head upwards.

"Yeah you don't care about Uncle Edward's love life, do you buddy?" I coo, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek before raising him once again above my head.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. I just fed him not too long ago and if you don't want to meet some non-digested breast milk, I suggest you cease all movement." Angela grinned sitting down beside me. Joham, instantly recognizing his mother's scent began squirming in my arms. I quickly passed him over and settled back against the couch, closing my eyes.

"It's a lot to handle isn't it?" she asks. I raised one of my eyebrows in question but didn't open my eyes.

"I mean them antagonizing you like that every time we have a family dinner. It must get irritating." Angela adds. I sigh and scrub my hands against my face.

"Yeah it does. I just wish they would leave me alone. When I'm ready to date and fall in love, it'll be on my terms not theirs. I know I'm the baby of the family and they are all protective over me, but sometimes they can just be so overbearing." I huff. I feel Angela's hand on my shoulder. Opening my eyes, I turn my head to see her looking at me with deep concern

"You know they just worry about you. Yes… they can be a bit overbearing including that husband of mine, but they all have good intentions even if you don't realize it yet."

"I know they have good intentions, but I'm a grown man for god sakes! I'm thirty two years old. They have to let me do things on my own time. I go out with plenty of girls and they never gave me this much crap then." I point out.

"Yeah, but considering your past dating history…" she starts, but I cut her off.

"Oh well… we see how that all turned out." I growl with implication. Angela visibly flinches and I instantly regret my words.

"I'm sorry about that. You know I mean nothing by it. You and Benji are perfect for one another. I guess I'm just a little frustrated because I want what you have, what Jane and Marcus have; Jessica and Mike, even my parents…I just want it all.

"And you will get it. Have you been dating around recently?"

"Sort of." I answer vaguely. I couldn't exactly explain to her, that all I did was fuck with a few women. I wasn't a manwhore, but damn I had needs that my lefty and righty couldn't sustain.

"You either are or you aren't which one is it?" Angela pushes. I sighed.

"Angela, I really don't feel like talking about it right now, can we just leave it at that?" I snarl again like the asshole I am.

She doesn't reply. I watch as she quietly gets up with the baby in her arms and leaves the room.

Fucking Perfect.

…..WLTYAS….

"Dude come on, there's this nice restaurant I've been hearing rave reviews about. Vanessa wants us all to go down there and try it out. You in?" My fitness partner and buddy Jacob hollers from across the room from where he's doing crunches on the floor.

"Man, I'm right here, no needed to scream." I pant nearly bussing my ass on the treadmill (I did have to watch my figure you know….for the ladies *wink wink*).

"Sorry, but do you want to come? Vanessa's friend Tanya is coming down from Alaska and she wants us all to meet her." He grunts.

"Ah not you too fucker! This is another set up isn't it? I already got my family on my back and now you too? I just can't win." I huff.

"I know man. You know Vanessa worries; she is a Cullen after all." Jacob grins covering over to stand by me. I roll my eyes at him. I still wasn't used to him dating my cousin but as long as he treated her right, I was fine with their relationship. Once he messed up he was going to be in some deep shit and he knew it and not just from me but the entire Cullen clan, which was enough to put fear in anyone (especially my mother).

"Don't remind me. What's the name of the restraint anyway?" I asked, grabbing a towel off the rack beside me. Jacob got up from his crouch on the floor and walked over beside me.

"Freddie's. Ever heard of it?"

Of course I did. That's where that lovely little waitress worked. The one with the big brown eyes and long brown hair. I hadn't really gave her much thought in the last month or so since I'd been there but thinking of her seemed to reignite the lust I felt that night and how she drew me in.

Damn it…maybe I could actually try to go and get her name this time.

"Actually no," I lie dumbly. "Maybe I should come to see what it's like and that way Tanya won't be the third wheel." I continue. I didn't even know if she would be working tonight, but hey you never know until you try. Jake grins at me.

"Cool. Hopefully all goes well with you and Tanya. That way, Vanessa can stop worrying about you and I can finally get some!" He grunts cupping himself. I stop the treadmill and punch him in the arm.

"Dude that's my cousin." I screech, praying away the images that no one should ever have of their family members.

"That makes it all much better." Jacob cackles.

That fucker.

….

"Are you listening to anything I have to say?" Tanya huffs for the umpteenth time tonight.

"Actually no." I answer honestly, earning a swift kick to the knee from Vanessa. I glare at her.

I was ready to go home.

When Vanessa aka "Nessie" said she had a nice friend coming down from Alaska, I didn't know she would mean this stuck up, air brained bimbo. Those were harsh words to use for a woman but they were definitely true. God knows Tanya was a beautiful woman with her long strawberry locks, grey eyes and statuesque body, but after hearing for the fifth time how she was about to get signed to a modeling agency and that Tyra Banks was "like" her best friend while also looking down on everyone and everything else, I tuned her out much to her chagrin.

I still hadn't seen the beauty from a month ago and I wished for nothing more than a distraction to get away from this travesty of a dinner. My cousin and Jake were in their own little world and once the band began playing, the two of them left the table and headed towards the dance floor leaving me with Tanya.

Fuck…my…life…

"Aren't you going to ask me dance?" Tanya asks pointedly crossing her hands over her chest in irritation.

"No I'm not." She looks at me in disbelief. Once she realizes I was serious, she storms upwards from her chair nearly and nearly knocks it over in the process.

"Well fine then… I'm going to find someone who will." Tanya snarls at me before storming away from the table.

What a relief. I finally had some peace. Might as well treat my self to a drink because I damn sure needed it at this moment.

Heading towards the bar for a little early nightcap, I order myself a gin and tonic and take in my surroundings. As it had when I first visited, the restaurant was packed. Even more so than usual as it was the days following Valentine's Day and couples of all ages were everywhere. Glancing over at the dancing couples, I watch for a moment as they sway back and forth when I spot a curly mop of dark hair embracing a raven-haired female. I instantly recognize the guy as the same one with the beautiful waitress who confounded me. From the close proximity of the two, I could definitely tell that there was something going on between them that definitely wasn't platonic. So maybe he wasn't with the brown haired waitress after all.

Once again my thoughts were of her and as if God had answered my prayer it was then that I spotted her. Huddled in one of the far tables was the beautiful and mysterious waitress from that night. She was sipping a glass of red wine and looking out longingly at the dance floor. Her eyes weren't focused on the dancing couple but rather everyone else in the room. She looked so alone and mysterious; an allure that was drawing me in more and more the longer I stared at her.

That's when it struck me,

I just had to know her. Know her name and more so her body if for one night.

Managing all the courage I had, since I was usually the one approached instead, I swallowed back the remnants of my drink and crept over towards her table until I was eventually standing over her.

My senses were immediately overwhelmed by the scent of strawberries and freesia and that's when she looked up at me.

Big brown eyes full of curiosity and want.

I don't know where the words came from but suddenly they were spewing from my mouth.

"May I have this dance?"

Thoughts? Leave it in a Review!

xoxo Sylvia Cullen