AN: We want to take the time to thank you all for your wonderful reviews, all the RT's and word of mouth we've received. Thanks again to Fic Sisters, so many new readers with the post. Thanks to the lovely Mina for her amazing work on the banner/cover.
Hope you all enjoy!
Edward crossed the street, grateful that he'd taken the time to walk to the diner instead of driving. He needed to think and mid-morning, downtown traffic wouldn't allow for that.
Soon, he'd have to face Bella after the kiss they shared the night before. He had no idea what he'd do if she'd forgotten everything they talked about at the bar, or even what happened under the lights of her building.
It had been difficult to leave her. Twice, he had to talk himself out of turning around and taking up her offer. There was no doubt what would've happened if he'd gone up to talk. For years, he'd fought the attraction that had been there since the day she started at the firm. When they first met, he'd been in a relationship of two years with Kate and she was with someone from back home. It was easier not to act on the attraction then, especially since, at the time, Bella was still unaware.
It was more difficult to hide once both of their relationships ended, not long after Bella started at the firm. Their glances at one another lingered a bit longer than before, fingers had brushed on more than one occasion when they would meet up for drinks. Yet, they were all too aware of the "no fraternization" contract they had signed upon hire. Not to mention, two colleagues had just been promptly terminated after being caught dating. Rumor had it that the strict policy was due a sexual harassment case from years before. Determined not to allow the attraction to ruin their careers, they had become good friends instead.
From time to time, there had been moments where their connection was palpable, leading one or the other to walk away long enough to compose themselves. Bella was always able to return to the situation as if the sexual tension hadn't nearly ignited between them. He respected her for that and he couldn't risk her career just to sate his lust. It was soon obvious after spending time with her that it was much more than that, and still, they managed to stay friends.
They had a lot to talk about, and not all of it was business. They had a few things to get out of the way before they sat down and hammered details out for their partnership. That was if she agreed to leave a position with a prestigious firm to start all over. He groaned at his thoughts and looked to find that the diner was in sight.
His gaze settled on their usual spot by the windows, disappointed to find that she wasn't there. Checking the time on his watch, he realized he was rather early. He pulled out his cell phone and sent a quick text message to Bella to see if he should order the usual for her. Anticipation was a brutal monster as he waited for her reply.
The waitress showed him right to his regular table upon arrival and he promptly ordered some coffee. His phone vibrated on the table, alerting him of an incoming message. He braced himself for anything and checked it. He smiled at how a few choppy words could still manage to sound so disgruntled over text.
Coffee. Double bacon. Stat. He waited a second more and the next text from Bella came through as he expected. Please.
He chuckled and replied. Sure, and only since you asked so nicely.
She didn't reply, but that only meant she was on her way. The double bacon and coffee meant she was likely battling a hangover. He had already made a couple of calls to confirm a few things in case Bella would ask questions about his plans. Of course, she would, because the woman was thorough and she wouldn't make such a huge decision without some details. He began running through any possible questions she could possibly have in his mind, making sure he was meticulously prepared. By the time he ticked off the last thing on his list, Bella walked in the diner just as their waitress, Shelly, settled their food on the table.
"Dear God, please tell me that's for me," Bella whispered as she sat down, going for the cup of black coffee first. She set her iPad and purse on far end of the table, her eyes closed as she drank deeply. Her dark brown eyes popped open on the second sip and met his concerned gaze.
"Better?"
She nodded and settled her mug on the table. "Of all days to be greeted by damn sunshine in Seattle, it has to be when I'm hung over."
Edward sat back to watch as she popped a piece of bacon in her mouth and moaned. He shifted in his seat and busied his hands by grabbing the salt and pepper. "Last night you were adamant that you weren't drunk."
She cocked a slim eyebrow and held up her fork. "I haven't eaten anything yet, and that cup of coffee is only halfway done. I'm still feeling stabby right now. So you better watch it." To prove her sharp point, her left eye twitched—a sign of a pounding headache.
He held up his hands and tried to keep the smile off his face. His attempt must not have been believable because she stabbed at his plate. "Hey now," he said, pulling it away from her fork.
She grinned and shrugged. "You've been warned for future early meetings. I'm not a morning person."
"Got it, never approach you until you've had a full cup of coffee."
"That's all I ask." She wiggled her eyebrows and hummed at her first bite of pancakes. "So, what happened last night?"
"Fuck," he hissed and ran his hand through his hair. "Are you telling me that you don't remember?"
One corner of her mouth lifted, and she shook her head. "You're too easy to rile up, Edward."
"I'm not sure what to do or say. I've never dealt with hung over Bella, not directly, anyway. "
"You thought I had forgotten," she said, pointing with her fork. "No use in denying it."
Edward couldn't help the husky quality to his voice. "I would hope that something about last night was memorable enough to burn through that haze of alcohol."
Her fork was still poised midair over her plate, but her chest moved a little more rapidly. As if her thoughts lingered on a particular moment of the night before. She shook her head, taking another drink from her cup.
"Considering I'm here, it's safe to say I remember everything." She cocked an eyebrow, trying not to laugh as he groaned.
"You wouldn't be here if you had forgotten or else my text would've made no sense," he said, taking another drink himself. "Clearly, it's too early in the morning for such a conversation. Despite that, it still needs to happen."
"Let's get one of the biggest things you sprung on me last night out of the way," she started to choke suddenly, her face turning a bright red. Her eyes flickered away, widening for some reason. Edward had no clue what had her reacting in such a way, until he went over what she said.
He had to clear his throat to say, "Interesting choice of words."
"Shut up," she said, holding up her pointy weapon of choice again. "I want to do it." She groaned and shook her head. "Dear God, every conversation from now on will likely be dangerous. Eat your food."
"Already bossy, I see, and clearly not a side effect of tequila. Is this a preview of what's to come?" He tried to keep his tone light, but the heavy weight of what needed to be said made that impossible. His eyes closed and he breathed in deeply before composing himself.
"How about we get down to the serious discussion?" Her features morphed into a mask of strength and resolution. "We've remained professional to this point and we need to right now. Don't you agree?"
Edward sat back, ignoring the churning in his stomach. "I'm sorry. It's always been easy to talk to you and now with the potential to have everything I've wanted, it's a heady thought. I can remain professional. Perhaps, it would be best to get that part of our conversation out of the way before we approach business."
Bella appeared deep in thought for a moment as she spread jelly on her toast, and then sighed. "I want everything, too."
"There's a 'but' in that. I can hear it from here. Before you say anything, I think we should wait."
Her shoulders tensed. "Are you still seeing Gianna?" Of course, she'd ask, he thought. After the birthday party for their boss, in which his ex-girlfriend attended with him, he should have expected it. That night resulted in disaster, and he had never brought her around again. His date had realized instantly that he had more than platonic feelings for his colleague. After that, Gianna's jealously and lack of trust led to the end of that relationship.
"Bella, I told you that ended a year ago. I haven't seen her since." That seemed to surprise her.
"Oh. It's just that you haven't really mentioned seeing anyone else since, and it's kinda been a long time to go without, you know what I mean?" Bella mumbled, still avoiding eye contact with him. "It's not like I'm under the delusion that you've been celibate. You're a young man, attractive, I'm sure you wouldn't have any trouble…"
"Okay," Edward interrupted her, stopping her rambling and leaning forward on the table. "First of all, I'm not a cheater. So, if I was seeing someone, what transpired between us on your doorstep last night would have never happened. And second, I haven't been with anyone since that night at the restaurant. Not only have I had far more important things on my plate than worrying about dating, but my interests also lie elsewhere, and I don't do casual sex just for the sake of it."
Bella smiled, though she tried to keep it reserved, despite the rush of relief it gave her. "Oh, well that's good to know."
"That's not the reason I believe we should wait. This endeavor, our partnership in business, will keep us far too busy even to entertain the idea of dating anyone, much less someone that means as much to me as you do. If we're going to start something, I want to give it my full attention and be all in. I can honestly say I can't do that until we're at least settled into our new offices and have a client or two each."
"I think I can handle that, and I actually feel very much the same way," she said softly after a few moments. "I really don't see how I'd balance everything we have to do and a new relationship on top of it. I would want to be all in, too."
"I want it all, so I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that." He hoped that she understood what he was trying to say. There would be no one else for him, until they were both ready. If she did, she didn't say anything and moved forward.
"I have one last question, some clarification, if you will." She took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "Did you make the decision to leave the company because of that kiss, and by extension, me?"
"Honestly, I cannot say that it deterred me from exploring my options, Bella. I'm not going to lie about that. However, you know that I'm an ambitious person, and that my goal to make partner in the allotted time I had, didn't pan out. Even now, they're offering money, but not what I was striving for, and it's too late, anyway. There are more important things than money, or even partner in a firm. The idea that I can design something amazing without their name attached to it is highly appealing. I expect to have a few awards and magazine articles in my repertoire soon." The cocky smile on his lips was the finishing touch to his speech.
"I'll have you know that I'll be in a magazine before you," Bella said, tossing her hair over her shoulder, matching his arrogant tone. He had the ideas and portfolio to back it up, but so would she.
"Somehow, I have a feeling you will." A devilish smile formed on his lips. "Care to make a wager on that?"
"No, I'd win. What's the point? So, now that we're on the same page with that." She pushed away the last of her food and pulled out her iPad, clearing her throat to continue. She was going into business mode, and he loved watching it take her over. "You mentioned the loan for the offices."
He nodded and watched her pull up a list of questions she had for him. "You can handle business cards and letterhead," he said, pointing at that item on her list, before returning to the topic at hand. "The office space is vacant, and I just need to sign the paperwork to finalize the sale. I'd like to have a crew come in to update the electrical and tear down some walls as soon as possible. We'll need the two offices for us. An open area with lots of lighting would be ideal, reception area, and a conference room. We should find a contractor to help us with a floor plan."
"I have one in mind," she said, chewing on a piece of bacon. "Any chance we can see the office space today?"
"I have the code to the lockbox, so yes. I also have a designer in mind for the decorating. My mother and I have used her before, and she's great with office spaces. I would like your input on that as well, so visiting the office was already on my list today."
"Ball parking a timeline for renovations, I'd say three months until we can open our doors."
"That quickly?" Edward pulled out his cell phone and texted Alice, the interior designer, asking if she had time to meet later.
"Jasper has time now since he's new to the area," Bella said absently, crossing things off her list. "Especially if we can get the floor plans and permits done quickly, he could probably start next week, if we needed him to."
Edward checked the incoming message and nodded. "Alice said she can meet with us later today. Said I need to be armed with a Frappuccino."
"I like her already," Bella stated with a smile. "I'll call Jasper in a bit to see if he has time, too. You're leaving the firm in three weeks, and once I give my resignation on Monday, I'm going to try to shorten my stay to no longer than that. There isn't much left on my plate now that I lost the housing project."
"I'd love to see the look on Eric's face when he realizes you're leaving."
Bella threw her head back to laugh but hissed as she grabbed her head. "Oh my God, don't make me laugh again. Ow."
"No more tequila for you," Edward said humorously, grateful that the earlier tension had diminished enough to get through their conversation.
"It's for the best. Tequila makes my clothes fall off," she said cheekily. At his groan, she laughed and hissed again. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I have to admit that I kind of like it, though." Her confession had her looking away.
Edward placed his hand over hers and smiled. "I think I can handle our usual banter, even if it steers away from PG, occasionally."
She sighed, relaxing again. "Who knew I'd be into delayed gratification."
"Check, please!" Edward joked; the remaining tension efficiently dissipated.
~oOo~
Bella was overwhelmed. Their conversation had continued, and after a couple of hours, the table at the diner was full of notes and half-addressed ideas drawn on napkins. They'd been going over details and realized that they needed a suitable place to work until the office space was ready.
"We're basically going from our job at the firm for the next month to working on setting up our business at the end of the day. The diner is not going to work. And I need to fly out to see Jane about the Cliff House as soon as I can without a conflict of interest, before she gives someone else consideration."
"You have that one in the bag," Edward said, shaking his head. "That project should've been yours from the beginning. I don't understand why they refused to work with her."
"It was because it was her project. They asked more than once if her husband would be coming in to discuss ideas, but she kept telling them it was her dream house and that he'd agree with whatever she wanted."
"She'll love whatever you come up with," he said, dropping his pen on the table. "And about where we'll be working until the offices are finished, I think my place will be for the best. I have a dining room I don't even use that can serve as our office until then. It lets in plenty of light that would be ideal for drafting during the day, and that would be the best place to set up some temporary lighting as well, if needed. I'll get a couple of desks in there."
"I have one that I use at home. I can have it moved there."
"That works." Edward checked the time and started to help her pack up. "Come on, we need to grab a cab if we plan to see the office space."
~oOo~
"Wow, this is one hell of a space," Bella commented in amazement, stepping further inside and taking in area surrounding her. She could definitely understand why Edward had wanted that particular space so badly. The massive windows allowed for plenty of natural light throughout the day, the high ceilings gave the feeling of openness she didn't have in the cramped quarters of her office. Even the conference rooms at their building couldn't compare to this. It had a loft, industrial feel to it. It wasn't in some huge skyscraper where they'd likely get lost among the bigger companies, but downtown near the shopping center. The monorail ran along one side of the building, and the views from the floor to ceiling windows were of the busy street below.
"You can see why I had to have it," he said, pointing toward two sectioned off areas at the opposite end of the space. Their offices would be side by side, as it should be, and large with picturesque views of the city. It all seemed too good to be true, for this to be really happening to her.
"Glass," she said, spreading her hands wide and looking up. "The floor plan needs to be as open as possible, maybe use glass instead of solid walls."
Edward leaned against a column in the center of the room, watching as Bella examined each office. "That was exactly my first thought when we walked in just now. Knock down most of the walls, put in some support, of course, allowing the light to travel throughout."
Bella looked over her shoulder, smiling. To think he'd see that every day for the next few months, with her so close, he wondered if he'd remain sane during that time. She had a mouth designed do and say sinful things but had the ability to make someone laugh out loud. Lips in their natural color, full and framing her white, imperfect smile. She was beautiful as her excitement grew.
She continued to tell him about some of her ideas, using her hands to talk. He loved that about her; how she immersed herself so fully into a project and became so passionate about it. Dressed in slim jeans and a black top that exposed one sexy shoulder, he couldn't help the need to touch her.
Under the pretense of showing her the big reveal about their office space, he placed his hand just above the perfect curve of her ass. She'd worn a backless dress to an office event once, so he knew beneath his palm were two sweet dimples. Warmth greeted his touch, as did a slight shiver of awareness or desire from her. He wasn't sure which, but either one would please him.
"Let me show you what the former eccentric owner had put in during his stay."
Curious as ever, she followed without questioning him. He guided her toward one of the two offices. They could easily knock down a few walls and create four equally sized offices, but he was pleased she wanted to keep it as it was. The panoramic view of the street below briefly caught her eye when they entered, and then he had her stand before a set of doors.
"You're showing me a bathroom?"
"The bathroom, which unfortunately is shared between us, is that door." Her brow furrowed, but she nodded, waiting for him to continue. "The esteemed and slightly off his rocker previous owner valued his privacy."
The doors slid open to reveal a set of stairs. "We have a fucking private stairway to some dark attic in our office!"
Edward chuckled. "The door opens only to this side, but yes. Let's see where it leads us." She practically tugged him up the first few steps. Having Bella climb the stairway in front of him was not a good idea since he could hardly keep his eyes off her ass. He drew in a deep breath and tried to find something else to focus on, but it only minimally cut his desire. The spray of brown freckles on her shoulder wasn't any less sexy.
"I think the past owner was a perv," Bella said, laughing a little when they climbed out onto the roof. It was surprisingly bare for such a large space, but for a few heating/cooling units, some vents, and antennas. There was a small area closed off with a lattice and seating area, facing the building across from them, with mirrored windows slightly distorting their reflections.
"I see where your mind travels when it comes to mirrors," he said in a lower tone, delving deeply into dangerous waters. "Good to know."
"Like you weren't thinking about it, but that isn't even what I meant," she grumbled as she rolled her eyes. He had, but she didn't need to know that. "Look at the view from right here."
Edward stepped closer to where she was standing. The sitting area consisted of a loveseat, a small table, even a chaise lounge chair, with a direct view into the gym across the street—right where a yoga class was currently in session. "Wow, I hadn't even noticed that."
"Good to know," Bella echoed with a wink, nudging his elbow with hers, before continuing her perusal. "I have to admit this is amazing. This is perfect way to have some privacy in the middle of a long day."
Edward had never seen Bella look more excited. She spent the next few minutes exploring the secluded spot and finally realized what it meant. "It'll be between just you and me, if you'd like. Maybe a receptionist would have to know eventually, and as we grow, I'm sure someone will spot it."
Bella nodded. "We'll have to hold off on a receptionist. I crunched some numbers going on business funds alone, until we can no longer handle calls and such, we can't really afford to hire anyone. And we want this all on the books, right?"
"Absolutely. We'll find a way to handle it until then," he said, checking his watch. "Alice is running late."
"So is Jasper." She sat on the leather couch, pulling out her cell phone.
Too curious for his own good, he had to ask. "Jasper?" He settled onto the loveseat, his arm resting along the back of it.
"Old friend from back home," she replied easily, a small grin on her face. "Is that a little jealously I detect there, Edward?"
"Curiosity is not the same as jealously." He adjusted his collar of his shirt, uncomfortable with the thought of that.
Her eyes widened slightly, leaning toward him to whisper. "You are aware that you have a 'tell' when you're lying, right?"
He tugged on a curl of her hair that fell along her jawline, refusing to admit she was right. "Please enlighten me about this friend of yours from back home."
She turned serious, looking away. "He was my ex's best friend. He recently moved closer to the city and decided to expand his father's construction business out here. Which is why he's not super busy, yet."
"Was?"
Edward wouldn't be satisfied with half answers, Bella realized. He knew about the cheating ex, so why not tell him everything. "Yes, was, as in no longer best friends. Hell, not even friends at all. My ex cheated on me with Jasper's fiancée at the time."
"I've said this before, but your ex is an asshole." She smiled at that. "So, then the two of you became friends."
"We were good ones before, then became even more so with our mutual bonding ground of douchebag exes. It's never been more than that, though." She looked at him, her eyes a remarkable shade of cinnamon brown. Under certain lighting, he swore he saw specks of gold in them. Then after a moment, he watched them darken. "Is this really happening?" she asked, her hand reaching out to touch his hand on his knee. "I don't want this to be a dream."
"Pinch me. That should prove if either of us is currently dreaming." Another little shiver ran through her as she did as he asked, making him cringe. She laughed in that full body way of hers, that had her head thrown back, curls everywhere and the length of her neck exposed. That time, there was no wince from her with the motion, so it was obvious that she had fully recovered from her hangover. With the will of its own, his hand lifted to stroke her racing pulse with his thumb. She exhaled sharply, her eyes still on his. "See, not a dream."
"Still seems like it." Breathy, he would call her voice. He wanted more of it, but knew he had to put that wall up again.
Reluctance had him lingering for a moment longer, his thumb brushing her soft skin once more. "Come on, I think we should head downstairs."
Bella cleared her throat, needing a little space, but the cramped quarters of the stairway with Edward would not help her compose herself. He smelled too damn good. "You go on ahead. I'll be down there shortly."
Edward's half-crooked smile had her instantly warming and regretting that she hadn't worn one of her power suits to help her maintain professionalism. He whistled as he stepped through the door and winked just as it closed.
She collapsed to her side and screamed into the cushion in the hopes of muffling it. It was going to be a long few months. Edward Cullen's sex appeal was potent and potentially lethal to her health. She'd seen him wear jeans before, but the pair he wore now, showed off great thighs and a killer ass. Add the effect of a grey dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbow, and he was devastating. She steered away from the thoughts of his great hair and checked her cell for messages.
Remembering that she needed new batteries for her favorite boyfriend replacement, she noted that on her phone and headed downstairs.
She could hear Edward greet a very exuberant and loud Alice, their interior designer, when she stepped into the office. "Let's get the show on the road! Where's your partner? I need to meet her now. Edward Anthony Cullen, did you forget my Frappuccino?"
Bella sent a quick text to Jasper, hoping he'd be willing to save the day and pick up the drink for Alice. His reply was instant, and luckily, there was a coffee shop around the corner, and he agreed without hesitation. A minute later, she stepped out of the office, adjusting her top, ready to meet the woman that would help make some of her dreams come true.
Alice cocked an eyebrow when she saw her, then shared a look with Edward. "I can see why you like her."
His look was a full-on glare, luckily Bella wasn't on the receiving end of it. "This is why I don't like working with family," he said to Alice.
Family? Bella thought his sister's name was Rosalie. "Another sister?"
"No, this is my cousin, Alice Brandon."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Brandon, and your drink is on the way."
"Life saver, I swear," Alice said, shaking Bella's hand excitingly. "I should just have an IV put in with the stuff. Call me Alice, please."
"Bella." She turned her attention to Edward. "So, who gets the office with the stairway to Narnia?"
Edward grinned and chuckled, his cousin's high-pitched laugh following soon after. "That office is all yours, Bella." She nodded, trying not to show how happy she was, but failed in her attempts to hold in a fist pump. It only made the other two laugh more.
"You're right," Alice said with tears practically in her eyes. "She'll fit right in with the family." He talked about her to his cousin apparently, and Bella didn't know what to do with that information.
Edward immediately quieted, ignoring Alice, and ran his hand through his hair, one finger in particular scratching his forehead. "Let's get down to business, shall we?"
Bella went into her own business mode as well. Once Jasper arrived, they all worked together to come up with ideas to suit their needs and allow for the openness they agreed on earlier. Alice said she'd meet them the next evening with the design plan, and Jasper indicated that he'd have the cost breakdown within a few days.
As Edward locked up a few hours later, he invited Bella to an early dinner. They still had a lot to talk about, and for now, he'd be satisfied with any time he had with her.
~oOo~
The moment Bella entered her apartment hours later, she slid her boots off and stripped out of her jeans. Dressed in only her top and underwear, she headed for the kitchen in the search of some chocolate sustenance in the form of her brownies. After indulging in a few bites and pouring a glass of wine, she pulled up a blank document on her laptop. She intended to cap off the end of the perfect day with typing out her letter of resignation, so that was exactly what she did.
