A/N: Welcome to "lucky" Chapter number 7

Chapter 7

"Edward dear, if we could borrow you inside again that would be great. I think we're ready to tidy up and reposition some furniture."

Edward didn't want to appear too anxious, but the sound of his mother's voice asking him to come inside was definitely welcomed. He'd spent the past several hours outside in the sun and heat painting the back of the house to match what he'd already done out front a few days ago, and he was looking forward to a break; but even more so he was looking for any excuse to go inside and see Bella again. It was just fortunate for him that Emmett was on the roof replacing broken shingles and his father was ten feet up on a ladder painting the eaves when that moment arrived, making him the most obvious choice to help.

He took his time closing up the can of paint he was working from and placed his brush in some water to clean it before following his mother back upstairs. They talked briefly about how the room seemed to turn out and Edward was pleased to hear his mother's praise of Bella and her ability to keep Alice on task. The mention of her name reminded him that their time together this morning had been far too brief for his liking.
Bella had been in a playful mood and was feeling chatty, which meant that Edward had wanted to stick around and enjoy her company for a while. Unfortunately, there was work to be done, and with the whole family motivated to have a productive day he didn't have any alternative but to go along with the plan. And leaving Bella and Alice under the supervision of his mother once she'd awakened and had her coffee this morning was a part of that plan.

He had convinced himself that it was probably for the best. No matter how enamoured by her he was becoming Edward was still determined not to interfere with she and his sister's friendship. He knew that just as he wanted to spend time talking with and get to know her better, Alice would also want that same privilege, no matter how willing she was to share.
His sister was important to him. He cared about her and what would make her happy, and he still worried about how she would really adjust if he and Bella were to start dating and become more serious. He couldn't help but enjoy the idea of them getting along so well-the exact opposite of his first attempt at dating, so he was more than willing to let their relationship take shape ahead of whatever might be in store for he and Bella.

"You look a little too happy for someone who is covered in so much paint and sweat. Why don't you go wash up a little and maybe change your shirt before we get started." His mother kindly offered, though her real motivation was to avoid having him transfer any of that paint to Alice's furniture.

Edward wanted to chuckle. They didn't have much and Alice's furniture was far from nice or expensive, but that didn't keep his mother from caring for it as if it had cost a fortune.

"Of course, Bella's not in much better shape. She had the pleasure of being in the path of your sister's paint brush every time she got distracted."

Edward did laugh at that, even though he wondered about his mother's motivation all over again. Was she suggesting he clean up and change to look more presentable for Bella? He knew that it was becoming rather obvious to everyone. Every time Bella would look his way he could feel his cheeks redden and his smile brighten. He just never realized that his family would be so observant or supportive of his interest in someone.

"Just give me five minutes." He agreed before turning off towards the bathroom.

He stood for a moment and looked at himself in the mirror. Prior to his mother's suggestion he hadn't really given his appearance much thought. He could feel his shirt sticking to him in places and he'd noticed the paint splatter on his arms, but he'd been so distracted by the thought of getting to see Bella that it hadn't occurred to him that he might not be at his best right now.

You're losing it.

He washed up quickly wondering if his subconscious was right. Was he really that far gone already, and what would it matter if he really was?
Wasn't that sort of how it was supposed to be? When you fall in love you think about that person all the time, wonder what they're doing, wonder if they're thinking of you.

Uh oh, you said it.

Edward braced his hands against the sink and stared at the water draining from the sink. He had said it and he was convinced that he meant it. There was not one single moment while he'd been with Tanya, not when they'd kissed or when she'd tried to compliment him, not even when she'd begged for him to call her for months leading up to their first date, that he'd felt anything close to what he felt when he was around Bella. She made him smile and laugh, and she made him feel good about himself. He worried about her when she seemed down, and he liked when he could do nice things for her. His body felt warm whenever she'd look at him and his heart would trip whenever their hands touched. What else could this be if it wasn't love?

Edward slowly lifted his head and he watched a blissful smile spread across his face. He still looked a bit of a mess but he didn't care. He was in love for the very first time and he was thrilled with the knowledge that one bad experience and one stupid girl hadn't really ruined him. He still had a chance to find someone special and the courage to pursue them, because a girl like Bella was worth the risk.

"Come on, Edward! Other people in the house need this bathroom too" His sister knocking on the door startled him, but that was mainly because his hand was already on the doorknob preparing to open it.

"Don't blame me, Mom said I couldn't touch anything in your room until I got cleaned up." He defended, stepping aside to let her through.

"Well go find a shirt. Bella's already completely taken with you so there's no need to flaunt your chest hair like some sort of neanderthal."
Edward looked down at his chest wondering what she was talking about. Sure, he had removed his shirt, having every intention of going for a cleaner one, but he hardly had any hair on his chest to speak off.

"Don't hurt yourself, I was just teasing." Alice informed him, having noticed his hesitation as she closed the door behind him.

Whatever, he shook his head and decided to grab a shirt and be off to see how Bella and his mom were getting along.

It was nice to think about Bella with his mom, which was something new for him. Had he not just realized that he was truly falling for her he might have wondered why that was exactly. It wasn't like he'd ever cared to bring a girl around his family before or that he even cared what they'd think of her if he had. When he'd dated Tanya briefly he'd thought nothing of having her over when she'd asked to meet them and he wasn't very concerned with their opinions of her at the time. That had been a huge mistake and something he might have benefited from had he known enough to care back then. The difference now was that he did care. He wanted Bella to like his family and in turn for them to like her. He wasn't taking the possibility of a relationship with Bella lightly. He'd already debated all of the pros and cons a million times over and even though he had a handful of concerns that still plagued him he was unable to deny his attraction to her.

Like now, as he entered his sister's room with a light knock against the door frame to announce his arrival, he was overcome by the sight of her smile.

"I'm surprised there was enough paint to finish with all that you're wearing." He laughed once his eyes were able to travel away from her lips.

"I started to worry about that halfway through." She playfully admitted, while holding out the hem of her t-shirt to have a look at the damage.

She was wearing another of her concert t's and Edward sincerely hoped that it wasn't a favorite. After saying so, he was pleased to hear her deny any special attachment to this one, which made him wonder where she got all of these shirts from. Had she seen that many bands, and who exactly was her favorite? But that was a conversation for another time. He instead offered her the chance to clean up as well once Alice was back and let her know that she could borrow a t-shirt from him if she'd like.

"That was very kind of you." His mother acknowledged after Bella had gone off to the bathroom after he'd returned with something clean for her to change into. Edward just shrugged in response, mildly embarrassed that the whole exchange had taken place in her presence. As Alice had pointed out this morning at breakfast, Edward wasn't ordinarily the type to offer so much. He was kind and polite, he just preferred to sit back and allow other's to take the lead, often ignoring any instinct he had to offer his help unless asked. It meant that he was well aware that the way he was with Bella wouldn't go unnoticed for long.

"It's easy to see why you like her, but are you sure you're ready? You've only known her a few days and everything around here is still so new-for all of us."

"I'm not jumping off of a cliff here, we're both taking this slow. Friendship first." He assured her when she'd felt the need to insert a bit of motherly concern.
Whereas he'd shutdown and been somewhat oblivious to the changes going on around him after his breakup with Tanya, his mother had seen the toll it had taken on him. He'd developed too many doubts and fears, and he'd missed out on a lot because of it. Bella was a different sort of girl, however, and if he was prepared to put himself out there again then it was nice to know that he'd chosen more wisely this time.

"Okay, so the bed I was thinking could go here." Alice hoped back into the room, all business and ready to get the decorating started as Bella followed closely behind. It meant that any further discussion with his mother on the subject of relationships was on hold, but Edward was well aware of her presence for the rest of the afternoon. He could practically feel her eyes following his every move whenever he and Bella were in the same room together and she seemed to be analysing every word that passed between them. Finally he was forced to retreat back outside to check on his father and Emmett, just so that he could relax his thoughts for a few minutes.

"Hey, thought we'd have to send out a search party if we planned on seeing you again today." His brother chuckled, indicating without hesitation that Edward could grab the other end of the bundle he was about to carry out to the street for the garbage men to pick up.

"You know how picky Alice can be, and with Mom putting her opinion out there every time she'd suggest something I didn't think we'd ever finish."

"And here I thought you were just trying to spend more time with Bella than with me."

"That was just an added bonus."

Edward had surprised his brother by admitting as much and he had to smile watching him do a double take to make sure he'd heard correctly. It was a nice place to finally find himself. He was aware that his family was on to him and at the same time he knew that his feelings were at least to some extent returned by Bella. It gave him the confidence to not only pursue her but also to admit his feelings to anyone who might care to ask.

"You sure she hasn't kissed you yet?" Emmett skeptically pried once more, trying to make sense of the sudden change in Edward's demeanor.

Not yet.

Edward could feel that his face was getting warm, but he could alway blame that on the sun; what he couldn't do was answer Emmett in a way he wanted to. He'd said enough already and though he knew the questions and comments weren't going to end regardless of his answer, he was starting to enjoy the fact that his brother was so curious. He wondered if his brother was jealous. He'd certainly expressed an interest in Bella right from the start and he'd spent plenty of time flirting with her last night. Edward didn't get the feeling that he was serious at all, and as Alice had helpfully pointed out already there was too big of an age difference between them anyhow. Still...Edward liked the idea of having something his brother didn't. He liked the idea of being in a relationship when Emmett wasn't. He wanted to have secrets to share if he wanted to, or better yet, keep to himself.

"Still nothing to report." He denied while they took to cleaning up the used paint brushes that were still soaking in a pail out back.

"You're not going to tell me even if and when it does happen, are you?"

Nice, he's reading my mind now.

"Why are you so curious anyway?"
It was probably better to ask and take an offensive approach if this conversation was really going to continue.

"I worry about you, Edward. You haven't had the best luck when it comes to girls and though you could be scoring left and right it's almost as if you're scared to even look around and see what's out there. Now Bella comes along and you finally look like a man who's ready and willing. It makes me happy for you, but I still worry."

Seriously not the answer he'd been expecting, although he always knew his brother worried about him, perhaps more than most.

"Plus it's fun to watch you squirm." He added with a laugh that made any thought of sharing more with him, now that he was being so sincere, vanish without a trace.

"Hey guys, your mom wanted me to find you and let you know it was time to clean up and come inside. She's working on dinner and says it'll be ready in like half an hour." Bella smiled for the pair while offering some icy cold sodas that had been put in the freezer a short time ago.
It wasn't often they got to drink anything other than water, but thanks to Bella's generosity and the case of sodas that had arrived with the other snacks from her place, Edward was quickly beginning to enjoy the novelty. He watched as Emmett opened his bottle just a quickly taking a thirsty gulp and thanked Bella for both the drinks and the message.

"Are you able to stay and eat tonight?" He asked, suddenly realizing that with the work pretty much done for the day she'd likely have to go soon.

"No. I actually volunteered to come find you so that I could say goodbye. It was great meeting you, Emmett."
Bella's attention had gone to his brother first and that had surprised Edward, but only until she turned to him after giving Emmett a quick hug and asked if he'd come with her out to her truck since there was something she had to give him.

"Alice said the plan was for you all to do whatever you want tomorrow, since today was so productive." Bella mentioned while they walked out front to where her car was parked as a way to confirm it he supposed.

"Yeah, we've all been working a lot, trying to get settled since we got here." He confirmed after taking another sip from his soda.

"Have you made plans to do anything yet?"
Edward looked at her and noticed her nerves were getting to her again. It was almost as if it was yesterday and they were back in his room, dancing around the topic of their feelings once more.

"I was actually going to ask what you were up to tomorrow." He smiled gently as if it had been his intention all along and that the idea of asking her didn't scare the hell out of him.

"Are you asking me out?" Bella bit into her bottom lip awaiting his reply. It was obvious that her nerves were still there, but this was different somehow. Some of her playfulness was overriding her anxiety and Edward smiled at the way she struggled to control it.

Rather than speaking he chose to shrug indifferently and see what she had to say.

"I'm actually busy with my mom in the morning which is why I couldn't stay here tonight." She regretfully informed him. Before he could be deflated however she also mentioned that she would be free around this time tomorrow.

"It would give me an excuse to give your shirt back, and our last visit to the bookstore was shorter than I would have liked."

"Should I plan to meet you there in that case?" He liked how she didn't give a direct answer, instead reviewing some possible reasons why they should see each other, but he was please to hear her answer the second question far more directly.

"Actually," she paused reaching to take his free hand, "you could pick me up at my place if you want."

It was hardly a fair thing to ask. With her hand gently holding his, her thumb caressing the side of his index finger he would have agreed to meet her on the moon if she'd suggested it. Focusing on a bit of white paint she'd missed earlier near her nose, Edward nodded his approval of the plan and before he knew it he was reaching out to wipe the speck away. At the feel of his touch, Bella had closed her eyes and Edward wondered briefly if it would be okay to kiss her goodbye...perhaps just on the cheek. As he leaned in to assess her reaction his was surprised by her movement when she stretched to meet him. There lips met for less than a second but it was enough for Edward to lose his grip on reality and the soda he'd been carrying. Both of his hands now free he tenderly framed her face and kissed her once more, softly and slowly this time, his skin tingling all over from the sensation.

"I'm sorry." He sighed, quietly clearing his throat after the brief moment had passed. He hadn't meant for that to happen but he wasn't exactly sorry.

"You're apologizing for that?" Bella asked looking up to search his expression.

"I didn't know what else to say. I hope you're not upset." He cringed at the words that kept escaping him. He should be telling her instead how beautiful she looked right now and how he'd been wanting to do that for days. He wanted to confess that he'd only ever kissed one other girl and that it hadn't felt anything like kissing her. If he'd known it could be like this he would have happily informed Tanya of how unimpressive she was.

"I'll be waiting for you around four." She informed him while handing over a small scrap of paper. He'd completely missed her opening the door to her truck or retrieving something to write on.
"I'll have the gate open and meet you out front so you won't have to worry about explaining anything to anyone." She promised, stretching once more to kiss his cheek before turning to climb into the driver's seat.

"Wait, what was it you were going to give me?" He stalled as she went to close the door.

"I already gave it to you." She blushed beautifully, and with a shy wave she was pulling away.

Edward stood rooted to the same spot watching her truck disappear around a corner. Once she was out of sight he looked down and saw the bent and now empty soda bottle at his feet and it made him laugh. Bella had kissed him and unlike his soda he hadn't dissolved into a puddle on the ground. His mind had certainly wandered away and his body had never felt like that before, but he had survived and he was more than ready to try that again...tomorrow.
Yes, tomorrow he would have something to report.