Previously…

"We're best friends."

"Yeah, best friends who can't be happy with anyone else. Best friends don't make babies Bella. You weren't thinking of him, as your best friend when you crossed the line and neither was he. You simply got out of it because he left town, but guess what? Now you have to deal with it face to face. You should tell him."

"No." She sat back sighing, "I can't, not now. He would hate me."

"Bella." She said caringly. "He would understand."

She shook her head, "Oh look the play is starting." She was glad; this conversation was something she wanted finished. She didn't want to even think about seeing him again or what his reaction would be. She would deal with it when the time came and unfortunately that time was coming very soon.

She turned kneeling, "Promise me you will be good Timmy."

"Why can't I come?" He asked with a sad face. She felt terrible it wasn't like she had ever left him to go anywhere. She cupped his face in her hands, "Not this time. I need to work some things out baby."

"I want you to stay with me Timmy." Emmett said kneeling beside her. "Aunt Rose has been really busy, and I need help around the house. I have it on good authority you are a master room cleaner."

"And cookie maker." He added. Emmett laughed, "Well then I guess I'll have to get cookies as well." Bella smiled. She was so glad he was helping make this easier. It was hard enough leaving without him being upset.

"Give your mommy a hug squirt we need to go. I promised Aunt Rose we would stop by for breakfast."

Bella took him into her arms hugging him tightly, "I love you baby."

"I love you too mommy." He cupped her face in his tiny hands and kissed her. "Bye mommy." She stood wiping a tear. Emmett smiled kissing her head, "Don't worry he'll be fine. You should worry more that when you get home he won't want to come back." He winked. She laughed, "You are right."

Hearing the boarding call she sighed, "That's me, I'll call you tonight baby."

"Ok mommy." He waved as Emmett took his hand and led him away. She boarded with butterflies in her stomach. She had not seen him in six years, and the last time well…it was the reason for Timmy. This would either be a hug mistake or the best thing she ever did.

The flight was long but she didn't mind, she really didn't want to be here anyway. Her mind was a million miles away bombarded with memories of what was. Would he expect them to act like old times? Certainly not they were children. Would he find her attractive? She didn't know why she wondered that, I mean she had not changed that much, a size bigger because she filled out more and her breasts were larger after Timmy. Her hair remained long but it was darker now.

Departing the plane she felt a sense of dread as she looked for whoever was picking her up. Edward had not been specific whom he would send. A petite woman approached her, "Bella?"

"Yes."

"I'm Skylar, Mr. Cullen sent me to pick you up." She nodded and followed her. They picked up her luggage and walked out to a limo that waited. Why was she not surprised? The driver took her bags and placed them in the trunk.

"It was nice meeting you." Skylar said extending her hand. She looked shocked, "You aren't going?"

"No." She smiled broadly and turned on her heel leaving Bella to ponder.

"Miss Swan?" The driver said opening the door. She smiled, "Thanks." Climbing in she sat down and gasped as she looked across to the most beautiful set of emerald eyes she had ever seen. She missed those eyes, along with the rest of him.

"Hello Bella."

Her heart sputtered and she touched her heart lightly. He chuckled softly and moved beside her, "I do expect a hug." She looked at him for a moment taking this all in. He was more beautiful than she remembered. The movies didn't do him justice either. He smiled and opened his arms. It was awkward to hug him in a car but she managed. She felt him pull her close against him, and tried to control her breathing.

He brushed a stray hair back. "I never imagined you would be even more beautiful." He grinned. She blushed and he took a deep breath, "Lovely, just like I remember. Your hair is darker I like it, it suits you."

"You aren't so bad yourself Mr. Movie Star."

His smile dropped and he looked out the window. She suddenly felt as if she had said something terribly wrong.

"What is it?" She asked worried. He looked back at her. "I would just prefer it not be about the movie star thing when I am with you. We are more than that, you are a part of who I am not who I pretend to be if that makes any sense."

"It does, I'm sorry I didn't mean…" He grabbed her hand kissing it, "It's nothing Bell, let's forget it. I am just really glad you are here. I have a clear schedule so we can do whatever you want to. I am game for anything."

"I've got you all to myself? What will we do?" She teased. She noticed a twinkle in his bright eyes, "I am sure we can find something, we always did." She looked away, and tried to focus on something out the window, wondering if he was thinking about the time before he left. She then wondered if he ever thought about it at all. Things were different then, alot has changed.

"You seem distant, is something wrong?" He asked squeezing her knee.

"No, nothing is wrong I just…" She looked into his eyes, "I missed you. It's almost surreal to be here with you."

"I know sweetheart. I feel the same way." He hesitated, "Can I ask you something?" He couldn't help but stare at her, no one in his life had compared to her. He remembered every touch, every smile. She was always so clumsy and it was the cutest thing he had ever seen.

"Sure." She replied back bringing him back to the present.

They pulled up to a large gate and he sighed, "I'll ask you later. We are home." She glanced at the huge Spanish styled house. She wondered how he could live alone in such a large place. He would have to get lonely. Maybe that was his problem right now.

The driver opened the door and Edward gestured with his hand, "After you."

"You just want to see my butt." She teased. He laughed, "You are so right my dear." He followed her out and took her hand, "Come on. Oh and by the way." He leaned close to her ear, "You've got an extraordinary butt." She blushed, and he winked opening the door for her.

Her mouth fell open, "How big is this place Edward?"

"Too big." He groaned then answered her question, "5,ooo square feet."

She shook her head shocked, "Just for you?"

"It's expected. Big star, big house, nice car, date models have I missed anything?" He said sourly. She moved closer touching his face, "Edward what's wrong?" He slid his hands over her waist, and moved closer to speak until they were interrupted by a loud male voice.

"About freaking time, I've been calling you, and you didn't answer."

"I had not planned on it, does the word ignore mean anything to you?"

"Ed this is your career if you don't care why will anyone else?" The short dark haired man then reached his hand out, "Brian."

"Bella." She replied shaking it. He raised an eyebrow looking her over, "Actress?"

"No."

"Not a model, too short… oh singer?" she said nothing irritated that she had to be anything at this point. Edward shot a look at him, "She is my best friend, now what do you want me to do so I can get you out of my hair and have my time off."

"Your best friend?"

"Brian, get to talking… two minutes."

"Oh…the one you call all the time, and keep all hidden?" He grinned knowingly.

"One minute." Edward said gruffly.

"We need to make a statement."

"And say what exactly? It's a lie, a bold face lie. I'll take any test thrown at me to prove it. I only went out with the woman once not to mention it would be impossible."

He brushed past her to the liquor cabinet, and poured some dark liquid from a crystal container into a glass taking a deep drink.

"She wants money."

"Don't we all." Edward responded, "She won't intimidate me, I am not some idiot who forgets who I slept with because I do it so often! It is impossible I told you already." He downed his drink and poured another glass. "Make it disappear, it's what I pay you for, and no I will not bend."

"Understood."

"Now get out." Edward ordered.

Bella felt like she was intruding on a private moment, and stood silent as he walked to the large floor length windows and finished his drink. He sighed turning, "I am sorry love. Sometimes I find myself in bad situations and I don't know why I bother."

"May I ask what situation?"

Bella watched him pour another drink and began to get worried. He was stressed, it was apparent because he never drank like this. She walked closer leaning on the bar, "What are you drinking?"

"Macallan 1939."

"Which is?" She asked taking his glass from him and sipping it. Her face contorted and he chuckled, "It's whisky."

"Ok drink….something…now!"

He opened a refrigerator under the bar, and handed her a coke. She opened it and took a few drinks. "Oh my god how do you drink that crap?"

"That crap is ten thousand dollars a bottle."

"So you drink it because it's ten thousand dollars?" She eyed him curious. He smirked, "I drink it because I like it love. Now if you will give it back." He took it away from her. "I will continue to enjoy it."

"Maybe it would be better if you mixed it with coke."

His jaw fell open, "You don't mix this with coke Bella! It's on the rocks."

A smile crossed her face and she poured coke into his glass. "Now it's mixed with coke." He frowned, "How could you….never mind here. Gross." He slid the glass to her, and poured him another taking care to hold it away from her.

"So tell me the tale of this female who wants your money." She said pouring more coke into the whisky and taking a seat on his couch. He followed her lead and sat beside her.

"I went out with this model a few months ago." He started, "It was a one-time thing that my agent set up for publicity. She wanted to date and I wasn't interested. Then this week she pops up again, and says she's pregnant with my kid."

Bella felt like she was going to vomit. She wasn't foolish enough to think he was celibate but she never expected to hear this and actually have to know he was sleeping around. He saw her pale face and took her hand in his, "Bella it's not true I swear."

"You don't owe me an explanation." She said trying to block the images going through her head. She took several long drinks and emptied the glass shivering. "Nasty stuff, fix me another one. Sounds like I am going to need it."

He lifted her chin, "Listen to me, I know it's not mine. It physically can not be mine."

"Drink… then talk in that order."

He refilled her glass and added some coke bringing it back to her.

"Now why do you say that? That it can't physically be yours?" She asked satisfied as she stirred the drink with her finger. He watched in fascination, as she slid the finger into her mouth then turned her eyes back to him. He slid his coat off, "Is it hot in here?"

"No." She turned lifting her legs into his lap, "So continue."

He took a deep breath and let his head fall back onto the couch. "Bella, can't we just leave it at I know."

"Hey smarty pants you started it." She poked his rib. He jerked, "No Bella, don't start."

"Why are you going to spank me?" She teased. Definitely strong stuff she thought with a smile. He took her glass, and set them both on the table then leaned back again, "I might."

"Promises, promises. Tell me how you know Cullen." She started to tickle him, as he attempted to protect his sides. It was so easy to forget they had actually been apart. It was as if he had never left. No awkwardness, no shyness just Bella and Edward just like old times.

"Bella, please stop."

"Tell me." She said as he grabbed her hands pulling her into his lap, and holding them tightly. Her mind registered where she was and she quit trying to pull away. This was wrong she shouldn't be in his lap but every fiber in her being told her this felt so good. His fiery gaze met hers. He released her resting his hands on her thighs. "I couldn't have gotten her pregnant." He said again then looked down. She raised a questioning eyebrow only for him to squeeze her thighs firmly.

"I haven't been with anyone since…." He met her eyes again. "Since you."

"What?" She was totally dumbfounded. He sighed, "You remember when we used to talk, and we decided we would always do things together?"

"Yes." She watched how the different emotions flashed across his face.

He bit his lip. She smiled slightly. He was too sexy for words. "I thought of everything we did as real, as special, and I felt like if I just slept with some random person I would taint it. I know you probably think I am an idiot."

"No! No, I am just surprised, you never told me."

"I wasn't going to tell you over the phone. I kept asking you to come remember?"

"Yes."

"So now you know." He swallowed watching her face. She was beautiful, she always was but with her hair being darker, her figure filled out just right. He found it hard to think. She wore a short blue dress that complimented her complexion, not to mention her legs ran on for days. His eyes lingered on her chest.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

She shrugged, "Shoot."

"I just wondered…I mean you didn't mention it but you're bigger." He gestured to her chest and continued, "I wondered if you had some work done. It looks nice by the way."

She laughed, "No work done all natural." He moaned turning his head, "You sure know how to kill a man Bell you always did."

"You asked."

"You're right I did." He replied back. "So hop up and let me give you a tour of the house."

She stood taking his hand and following him. She stopped in the second living room and smiled, a white baby grand sat on the left hand side.

"Do you still play?"

"Some, not alot I don't have time anymore. I miss it."

"So you have time now. Play for me." She walked to the piano tracing the soft sleek curves. He attempted to clear his head and walked over sitting down.

"Pretend it's good." He said with a lopsided grin.

"How good do you want me to pretend it is?" She asked moving behind him, and resting one hand on his shoulder. He felt her other one in his hair rubbing gently. He sucked in a hard breath and started to play ignoring her last question, what he wanted to say would be inappropriate, but it would be honest. After all she was driving him crazy at the moment, and all he could think about was how he wanted to toss her on the piano, and that was not where he wanted them to go just yet.

"You ok?" She asked leaning close to his neck, he had stopped playing. His mind was wondering. He closed his eyes and reached back pulling her close, "I missed you Bella."

"I missed you too."

He stilled the hand in his hair, "You have to stop."

"I'm sorry, you used to like it. You said it relaxed you…I thought it would help."

"I was a boy, I'm a man now, and there are certain emotions it creates. Relaxed is not one of them." Grasping what he meant she jerked her hand back. He chuckled, "Don't worry Bella. I can control my hormones as long as you play nice." She was elated she made him feel those things, it's not like he didn't do it to her.

He slipped off the bench, and turned looking her up and down he groaned walking past her and into the other room grabbing his drink.

"So tell me beautiful how has life been treating you?" He knew she had followed him back.

"It's ok I guess. The roses are beautiful right now, and the shop is doing well. People seem to like roses." She said nervously. He noticed the way she toyed with the hem of her dress. It was just begging to be tossed away. He mentally slapped himself this was not why he brought her here. He had been in control until she started touching him.

It was a problem he had always had with her, she touched him and the fireworks started. It had already led to a place they never planned on going. He so easily got lost in her doe eyes. He wanted to find someone, he wanted to be loved, but no one could make him feel the way she did. Other women touched him, and it just made him feel unfulfilled. He felt he was destined to be alone and unhappy.

He rested his face in his hands. "I am such a fool Bella, really I am. I am pathetic and well I can think of a few other things.

She sat beside him, "No you are not. You are not a fool, why would you even say that?"

"Because I am a mental case, I have some stupid woman saying she is carrying my baby and despite the fact I can't stand her I find myself wishing she was."

She stiffened unsure of what to say. He looked up with tears in his beautiful eyes. "I wanted to be a huge star and I am. I am rich and popular, the ladies are all over me, and I am utterly and undeniably alone."

Bella felt sadness creep into her small frame and touched his cheek, "Edward."

"Tell me how Bella, tell me why in a room full of people I feel so alone and empty."

"Edward." She said again as he collapsed in her lap. She stroked his head, "It's ok. I'm here now."

"You won't stay."

"You already knew that. I have a life in Fork's Edward, I can't just stay."

He sat up looking at her, "What is there that you can't have here? Do you have a boyfriend I don't know about?"

"No."

"Ok then, you could stay and live here. I need someone here." His voice sounded broken. She shook her head, "Surely you could find a roommate."

"I don't want just anyone, no one knows me like you Bell. Emotionally, intellectually…" His eyes fell to her lips, "Physically." It was almost a whisper, but that one word brought up mountains of memories for them both.

He sighed leaning back on the couch, "I didn't want to leave you. I was so torn. I wanted to stay and see where life took us. It was like suddenly everything between us changed, and became more but yet stayed the same you know?"

She smiled sadly, "Yes I know." He took her hand in his, "I wanted the offer, but I would have stayed if you would have asked me."

She felt the warm tears fall. "I could not ask you to give up what you wanted more than anything."

"It wasn't what I wanted more than anything. There was one thing I wanted more."

She felt her breathing hitch at his devastating words. Had she cost Timmy a father that would have been there? Had she failed them both? She stood walking to the glass door that led outside. Her insides were shaky, she felt like she was going to be sick.

She wasn't alone long before she felt his hands on her hips. "Tell me Bella, how did you feel for me?"

Her voice cracked, "I can't."

"Yes you can, tell me. I want to hear it. I need to hear it."

"Edward it doesn't matter now, what is done is done." She tried to move forward, but his hands kept her still, his breath tickling her neck.

"Tell me, say it." He demanded from behind her.

"Please." She cried the tears falling harder. "Let me go." She begged.

"Say it!"

"I love you!" She screamed. She felt her knees buckling, but she didn't fall. She was swept up in strong arms that laid her gently on the couch. He laid beside her, and pulled her close as she cried.