Ch. 4 (By Fyrebyrd)

EPOV

The trip to the restaurant is filled with light-hearted conversation and as much flirtatious banter as I can squeeze in without making myself look too cheesy. This girl, Bella, she's different than other women, and quite frankly, she makes me a little nervous.

Her dark, soulful eyes and soft smile disarm me completely. She's able to carry an intelligent conversation, look me in the eye like a normal person, and is also quick on her feet. The way she handled the waitress at the cafe last night was a dream come true for me. It's been a long time since I've been able to feel so normal.

"Edward," Bella says, her hand tightening around mine as we pull into the restaurant parking lot. "I think your driver has made a mistake."

I look around, humoring her, before leaning closer. "No, we have a reservation."

Her eyes widen, and she starts to shake her head. "We can't go here."

"Shh," I soothe, pulling her hand up and placing a light kiss on the back of it. "I think it would be nice to see Aro at your beck and call for a change, what do you say?" I offer her a challenging smirk. "They senselessly fired you. Wouldn't you like a bit of payback?"

She looks from me to the restaurant and back to me, her eyes narrowed in thought. "Only if you request Tanya as our waitress." She flashes a conspiratorial smile.

I throw my head back and a loud laugh escapes. "Done."

As we approach the door to Pacci's, Bella nervously works to straighten her already perfect dress, so I pause and turn to her, settling my hands on her hips. "Hey," I say softly, rubbing my thumbs across her hip bones. "If this is too much we can go somewhere else. I thought it'd be a fun way to express my gratitude for how perfectly you handled our first date." I pause as I notice Aro peeking out of the front glass. "I was able to feel normal for the first time in forever, so I thought I could repay you by making these idiots have to suck up to you for a change." I shake my head. "Maybe it wasn't such a bright idea after all?"

She steps closer, and her nearness causes my heart to thunder against my ribcage. "It was bright and very thoughtful. I'm just not sure how good I'm going to be at it."

I chuckle as I lean forward and press a kiss to her forehead. When I pull back, I duck, so I'm at her eye level. "Just let Edward Cullen do his thing, okay?"

"Ah, so is that who I'm with tonight?" she asks with a teasing smile.

"For the next hour or so is all," I reply, retaking her elbow. "Shall we?" As I turn us toward the doors, even from this distance I notice Aro's eyes visibly widen.

Bella has to hide a snicker. "I may actually enjoy this."

I don't even have to open the door myself, because Mr. Suck-Up is already there. "Mr. Cullen, how wonderful to see you again," he says brightly, his beady eyes trained on my face.

I stand taller and motion to Bella. "I was willing to give the place a second chance since my date suggested it." My voice is nonchalant, uncaring, while at the same time daring him not to turn his smarmy charm her way.

His eyes only stay on mine for a second longer before moving to Bella. "Well that was very nice of you, Bella. I apologize for the mess the last time we spoke. Maybe I overreacted."

"You fired me, Aro," Bella says stiffly. "I'm not sure overreacted is the proper term." She waves her hand. "But it's all in the past. My date and I are here to eat some wonderful food."

"Of course." He claps his hands happily. "Allow me to show you to your table."

As he escorts us through the restaurant, I spot an open table right in the middle of the action and tap his shoulder. "This one looks perfect." I guide Bella to a seat while Aro just stares at us. "Bella's helped me to realize I can be normal again. I'd forgotten what that felt like," I say, giving her hand a soft brush as I move around to take the seat beside her.

"Oh, yes, of course," Aro finally says, snapping out of his stunned stupor. "Victoria will be with you shortly."

I clear my throat just as he turns to leave, taking Bella's hand on the table. "Bella's told me so much about this place, and it's my understanding that Tanya is the head waitress. We'd like her."

"I … I'll have to see if she's on shift," he replies, looking around warily.

Something soft brushes across my leg, and I snap my eyes to Bella. She tilts her head, and I follow the motion, recognizing the strawberry blonde from the previous disaster. "I believe she is as she just served that table." I point to where the occupants are happily digging into their plates.

"Yes, of course. Please, forgive me. Tanya will be with you momentarily," Aro says, his eyes narrowing on Bella so fast I almost miss it before he flounces across the room in a huff.

It takes all I have to keep from guffawing right there in the middle of the restaurant. Bella does a much better job of containing her giggles by covering them with a dainty cough. "We're never going to be allowed in Pacci's again," she says, leaning closer.

I join her, our heads tucked side by side at the small table. "Who cares?" I shrug. "These people have already lost the best thing that's ever happened to them."

Her smile drops in favor of that wonderful blush as it heats her cheeks and neck, disappearing into the top of her dress. Idly, for a fleeting second, I wonder just how far it goes, but that thought fades as I lean closer on pure instinct, my tongue snaking out to moisten my lips.

Just before our lips meet, a throat clearing causes us to jump apart, and I'm met with the unapologetic smile of Tanya. "Mr. Cullen, we're so excited to have you here again after such an unfortunate incident last time. Thank you for requesting my service. Now, what can I get you to drink?"

"Ladies first." I motion to Bella, causing Tanya to reluctantly turn. "Aa matter of fact, I think Bella can order for the both of us. I trust her." I turn all my attention to Bella, effectively dismissing Tanya's presence altogether. "I'll have whatever you're having."

Bella's lips twitch as she looks over the drink menu. "We'll have two pinot grigio ruffinos." She hands the menu to a dismissed Tanya.

The woman stands there a few seconds longer, but I completely ignore her presence, instead choosing to lean back in so I can take Bella's hand, hoping to recapture the magic from before her appearance.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" I ask, my eyes taking her in.

Her lashes flutter as she smiles. "You did, but hearing it again isn't a burden. You're not too bad looking yourself."

"This old thing," I say, smiling. "I'm actually lucky I'm here for an event, or I wouldn't have even had a suit."

Her eyes widen. "This is for your appearance? I bet your stylist is freaking out right now."

I smirk. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her."

She shakes her head as she laughs softly before turning more serious. "How long are you here for?"

"Two days," I reply somberly. "But I'm not letting you go just yet, Bella Swan."

A drink sloshes down between us with way more force than necessary. "Here you are, Mr. Cullen, Bella," Tanya says tersely. "Are you ready to order, or will you be needing a room?"

My jaw tightens, but I keep my eyes on Bella, and hers clearly say she has this. She straightens her shoulders as she speaks. "Edward will take the flat iron steak, and I'll have the roasted chicken." She gives Tanya a devious smirk. "As for the room, that won't be necessary. I have a place of my own."

A/N: Happy Birthday, Fran.

Much Love,

The Boss