Got a little Ro and Jake action coming up! Enjoy!

Chapter 10

B POV

Monday rolled into Tuesday and Tuesday dragged into Wednesday. By lunch time I was restlessly tapping my pen on my desk while going over my events calendar for one of our bigger clients. We'd found a replacement for Stevens on Monday, Aro had called around and found a guy named Brady who was really sweet, a little on the young side for the job, but he was already trying to prove himself. I'd chuckled when he brought in a coffee for me this morning, shaking my head and saying, "it's not that kind of place, Brady, I don't need my team to fuel my caffeine addiction" he blushed a little, nodding in understanding before going back to his desk and getting to work.

Rose was doing great with the account we'd barely managed to win back, so far it was smooth sailing with them and another account I'd transferred to her on Monday. I had her walk Brady through the process of making a full run-down, and unlike certain now ex-employees, he actually requested a copy of it, brought it home, and then went the extra mile to make one up for a fake client. Kid had talent.

I knew it was lunch when Rose came barging in, "Bells, emergency" she barked, making me sit up in alarm. She plopped down in the chair in front of me and took out her phone, scrolling around before flipping it to face me. "What should I wear for my date with Jake tonight?" she asked, looking all sorts of nervous.

I looked at the phone, then back at my friend, and narrowed my eyes, "Rosalie Hale! I thought something work related had happened, you know, something incredibly bad!" I huffed.

She glanced back, undeterred by my reaction, "Umm yeah, this is work related and dire, because if you don't help me, I won't be able to get any work done from stress and as my boss you should be encouraging a low stress environment" she argued back.

I sighed, snatching her phone and looking at the outfits, "why me?" I wondered out loud, "Why not Ally?"

Rose pursed her lips, "both are Alice approved, but you've been out with the man twice, you know the kind of places he chooses, so help me" she begged.

"Fine. But keep in mind he took me to places based on things Kate said I like" I warned, "what does he know about you?" I knew they'd been texting on and off since Sunday, Jake had even sent a box of chocolates to my office with a thank you card. I'd told him he was getting a little ahead of himself, but he'd just replied with 'when you know, you know'. I wouldn't tell Rose that though, I'd keep that adorable little bit of information to myself until further down the road.

She chewed her lip, "he knows I like the hard stuff but can never turn down a good glass of champagne. Oh, and that I love sushi. Everything else was more so about our backgrounds and work, oh and what we like in bed" she listed off casually making drop her phone onto my desk as if Jake's dick was going to poke out of the screen. She rolled her eyes, snatching her phone back.

I shrugged but said, "Okay, we can work with that…kind of. So, I'm guessing a sleek sushi bar with good drinks. Maybe go with the cocktail dress, its hot but also classy so you won't look out of place or anything." I suggested, she looked thoughtful.

"Yeah, that sounds good, thanks Bella," she stood up and walked to the door, pausing to turn with a devilish smile, "oh and there is a picture of a certain man's impressive package in my camera roll, you juuuuust missed it."

I made an overexaggerated gagging motion in response and she stuck out her tongue before leaving my office. I grinned, sitting back down. Emmett was due back Saturday and I'd booked myself in at the spa with Kate on Friday to do a little pre-emptive grooming. I thought I'd never be one for waxing, I'd tried it once and though Edward had appreciated it and asked me to keep it up, I decided that just like the blow jobs, I wasn't going to give him anything else extra until he was willing to smarten up. I'd actually enjoyed getting it done and had gone a couple more times during one of our many dry spells. But now I was excited to do this, for me and for Emmett…okay mostly for me because I couldn't wait to see his reaction.

I sighed, four more hours and then I could go home, have a quick call with my man, binge a little Netflix, and then pass out. I'd barely been able to speak with Em since the weekend; he'd been swamped trying to make sure his new hires were all set up for when he left, apparently Edward had gotten a little miffed about now having to work with two other coworkers, but Em reminded him that his time in NYC wasn't permanent and so he needed to make sure they had two guys there to replace the two Cullen men.

I drummed my fingers along my desk, now fully distracted, maybe we'll pick up some lingerie too I thought absently before reigning in my raging hormones and going back to work.

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JAKE POV

I stared into the mirror, grey eyes a little wider than usual as I wiped my sweaty palms on my bathroom towel, chucking it in the hamper as I strode over to my front door and yanked my keys of their hook.

When I saw Bella Swan, I'd been impressed, intrigued, and a little turned on. She was beautiful and smart, but when she'd turned me down, I didn't feel as let down as I thought I would.

I'd been confused when I got a call from her midday on Sunday, and had to leave my training session for a moment, storming into my office and slamming the door because of the husky tone and confident words of the woman who was on the other end of the call. It'd taken me a few minutes to calm the fuck down after she'd hung up, sending her a text about how I was already imagining what that voice sounded like hoarse from exertion riled me up all over again. My Sunday had been anything but holy.

I couldn't get her off my mind. Rose from Texas with no siblings and two protective parents who practically kicked her ass out the door to get her out of Houston and away from the life she left behind.

I had two sisters of my own, Rebecca and Rachel. They were pretty protective, but I rarely ever brought girls home to meet my family because as a staple mama's boy, none ever seemed to be worthy of the of honor of meeting the woman who raised me…and also meet my father. Dad's great, supportive and proud of all three of his kids, but the twins were always daddy's little angels so that left me to be my mom's right hand man in the kitchen, and the one to open the pickle jars or reach the top shelves once I'd had my growth spurt.

Plugging in the address she gave me, I sped over to her place, anxious to finally see the woman I'd been dreaming of. The only part of her I'd been lucky enough to see turned out to be her fucking elbow, bent tightly to appear like a firm ass. I'd fallen for it too, sent her the cock shot she actually requested, only to receive a zoomed-out photo of her arm in response with the caption, 'wow same size as my arm…oh and that was my arm butt". I was at a loss for words. At least it was a nice arm…jesus Jake get it together, a fucking arm?

Pulling over, I stepped out of the car and shot off a quick message to let her know I'd arrived. She didn't tell me the number to her apartment, just the address for the building. But I wasn't deterred, something told me I'd know eventually, and become very well acquainted with her space.

I looked up at the sound of heels clicking on the pavement and my eyes couldn't help but trail up toned golden tanned legs, curvy hips, a small waist, and some knockout tits. I had to remind myself to keep my mouth shut as my eyes continued up, taking in a slender neck and heart shaped face. She was wearing a short, tight, blue dress and I don't think anyone would've blamed me if I'd dropped to my knees before the goddess in front of me. Mercifully she didn't seem to notice my thorough eye fuck because her sharp blue eyes were busy doing the same thing before settling on mine and widening a little. I wasn't sure if it was shock at being caught or my eyes; I had my mother's steel grey eyes stood out against my russet skin tone that I got from my father. Girls always commented on them, I grinned.

"I'd recognize those arm butts anywhere" I said, grin widening when she blushed a little and then smacked my arm, walking around me to let herself into my car, winking as she shut the door behind the nicest ass I'd ever seen. I was so fucked.

I walked around and slid into the driver's seat, glancing over at my date, "so, how's my favourite Texan today?" I asked, pulling onto the road and starting off towards the sushi bar I'd reserved for us.

"I'm good, work's crazy right now, I feel like everyday I'm playing catch up for somebody else, and on top of that I've been doing a little training for the new guy on the side" she huffed, clearly feeling run down from work.

I reached over, smoothing a hand over her knee and giving it a gentle squeeze, "I'm sure it'll ease up the right amount. Wouldn't want a slow day, those are shit and they mean business is slacking."

Her hand covered mine and she smiled a little, "yeah like that would ever happen. Clients love me too much" she replied, making me chuckle.

"What about your gym?" she prompted, causing me to shrug.

"Same old, on Wednesdays I usually do stock and re-order any damaged equipment. Check-in with the high-profile clients and then teach my self defense classes. I had one of the other guys take over for me tonight, they're always pestering me to let them have a chance. I've just made such a strong bond with some of the women I teach, most of them have pasts that—sorry I'm rambling, I just love what I do" I sighed, looking over when I felt her squeeze my hand. Her eyes held a soft look as they paced between mine.

"What made you start teaching them?" she asked, making me smile back.

"Well, I have two older sisters who are twins, and a mother who mans the world to me. One night a few years ago, my sister Rachel was walking home in Florida where she was going to school, and this guy jumped her. She didn't even have any money, just her bus card and student ID. He beat her pretty bad; the whole family flew out to be there for her during her recovery. After that, I decided to start teaching the classes. Rachel and I do video calls sometimes and she practices too, sometimes on her new boyfriend who I took pity on and mailed a groin cup to." Rosalie was laughing by the end, but I didn't miss her hand lift to brush away a tear earlier.

I lifted her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles before looking up, "alright, Rosie, we've arrived" her lips pursed, but then her expression morphed into excitement as she spotted the restaurant.

"Okay, I'm going to let that slide because I've been dying to go here. Wow, Bells was right," I lifted a brow at her, and she continued, "she said you were ace at picking date spots, and guessed the general venue based on the information I'd shared with you so far."

I shook my head, "smart woman. Whoever her boyfriend is, he's going to have a difficult time planning any sort of surprises for her."

Rose smirked, "I think Emmett's already figured out how to get around detective Swan" she said, smiling secretively.

I paused, "Emmett? Not Emmett Cullen, right?" Rose frowned a little, nodding.

"Shit, I really hope he doesn't kick my ass for taking his girl out. I may be a big guy but I'm not built like an NFL player." What a small world…what a big guy. Hopefully continuing to give him my business will grant me immunity.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you" Rose teased, looping her arm through mine as we walked to the entrance, and I held the door open for her.

I leaned down, brushing my lips against her ear, "I don't think my body needs protecting…" Then I pulled away, smiling at the hostess as though I wasn't suddenly feeling like my pants were way too tight.

"Table for two under Black."

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B POV

Thursday morning I was feeling refreshed, walking into my office, smiling brightly at the flowers on my desk, making a mental note to send my man a dirty worded thank you message at lunch…or maybe a phone call. Yeah, that would do.

After a few meetings, I couldn't wait any longer, shooting off a quick message and then waiting for a response. Instead of answering, Rosalie came strolling in through my door and she looked…lighter.

She spotted the flowers and whistled, "damn mountain man sure knows how to stake his claim from miles away." I grinned at the flowers again before changing the topic to something I'd been itching to ask about since I got up this morning, maybe even earlier.

"Well, well, well. Okay spill, I can't even pretend I'm not dying to know how the date went." I urged, swiveling a little in my chair when she smiled slyly despite the light blush creeping up her cheeks.

"Oh Bells" she sighed, flopping into the chair, "that man, whew, he's ruined me for any other man, I swear." She licked her lips, mind off somewhere else making me wonder if that's how I looked when I thought about Emmett.

"So it was good then? What about before the sheets, Ro, was there's emotional chemistry too?" I asked holding back a laugh at her more mellow disposition.

"Oh yeah, he really keeps me on my toes, and you guessed his date pick by the way, detective Swan," she winked, "he's smart, compassionate, and very giving. We didn't round all the bases but damn if that was the teaser, I can't wait for the whole thing" she sighed with a giddy little grin.

I reached out and patted her hand, "I'm so happy for both of you, you both deserve someone amazing."

She smiled softly before seeming to drift out of her Jake-haze, "and your man comes back soon, doesn't he? This weekend? Anything special planned?" she asked, grinning when now I was the one blushing.

"I've booked a wax tomorrow with Kate and we're probably gonna stop off and get something a little…special to wear." She shared a mischievous look with me.

"I may just hop in on that action, B, no way am I waiting past date two to jump Jake's bones. Here, put down the spa you're going to, and I'll make an appointment too."

I wrote all the info down and she smirked again before swiveling in the chair and going back to her desk. I kicked up my feet and picked up my phone, dialing Em.

"Hey you" his deep voice came through the line, making me bite my lip reign it in, girl.

"Hey" I replied, "someone's been a very good boy lately…" I trailed off, fingering the petals on one of the flowers.

"Oh?" He asked, and I heard some shuffling around on his end.

"Uh huh. They're beautiful Em, but you know you didn't have to…" I said, even though I really liked that he did.

"Bella," he started hesitantly, I frowned, he didn't call me Bella that often anymore, "what's beautiful?" he asked.

I rolled my eye, "haha very funny Em. The flowers you sent me. They were here when I got in this morning, I love them."

"Bella, I didn't send you any flowers. Not that I don't think you deserve them but—Bella it wasn't me." He sounded confused and a little agitated, making me pull my feet off my desk and sit up.

"What?" I stood from my desk, leaning over the bouquet, trying to find a card; I hadn't really looked earlier, deciding to save what would probably be a naughty card that would leave me flustered for the end of the day.

Then I saw a card peeking out from the side and plucked it out of the bouquet. "Bella? Baby what's going on, do you know who sent them?" he sounded worried now and I hastily open the card.

I know I have a lot to make up for, but I wanted you to know I'm still thinking of you.

Yours,

E

I cleared my throat, feeling my heart slow down. While I didn't want my ex sending me flowers and romantic notes, I was partially relieved it was Edward and not some creepy stalker.

"They're umm…" I trailed off, uncertain how he'd react to his brother's actions.

"Bells? You're starting to scare me a little bit over here. Who sent the flowers, does it say anywhere?" I bit my lip hard, this wouldn't work if I lied to him.

I sighed, blurting out before I could second guess it, "they're from Edward."

The line went silent, "Em?" I questioned hesitantly.

I heard a low muttered curse, "so one card and what? One bouquet of flowers…does he think…Bell, are you—do you miss him?" I could almost feel his anxiety, his uncertainty.

I rushed the words out, hoping to ease his panic, "oh god no! Emmett Cullen, I'm with you, I want you, and only you. He could send me flowers everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn't matter because he's not you. So, stop being an idiot you big idiot." I jokingly snapped at the end, hoping to lighten the mood a little bit.

It must have worked because I heard him blow out a breath with a low chuckle, "but you like your big idiot" I smiled stupidly at his response.

"Damn straight I do. Now, I have some flowers to pawn off on someone else, and a few more things to get done before I head out for the day, and you, Mr. Cullen need to stay on track so you can come home."

"Damn straight I do," he echoed back, "talk to you later, babe, bye." I said bye and then we hung up. I pursed my lips, looking at the flowers, then went back to work, trying not to let their presence irk me.

A few hours later I was shutting off my desktop, I thought for a moment before pausing to take a picture of the flowers and card, sending them to my group chat with the girls before grabbing my things and walking out. I walked up to reception, dumping it in the trash and turning to the girl behind the desk.

"Hey, Emily, I got some flowers but I'm not much of a florals girl. Figured they'd look better up here with you than wilting in my kitchen" I grinned with a wink, setting them up off to the side.

Emily beamed back, "Great! Definitely a nice change to have around here even if it's only for tomorrow. Have a good evening Ms. Swan!" she called out as I waved and stepped into the elevator.

By the time I got home my phone was ringing, and I glanced at the caller display, answering it immediately.

"He did WHAT?!"

I laughed, pulling some stuff out of the fridge to make myself a quick dinner; I'd promised my parents we'd have a quick chat tonight so I wanted to get things going.

"Yeah, can you believe? Honestly I'm not sure he ever got me flowers except the first year we were dating and they were from the discount section and half were already dead" I rolled my eyes, remembering how I'd justified the fact that he'd at least tried to do something special for me. Too bad it was one of the few times he did.

"B, please tell me you sent him packing with a strongly worded response."

I sighed, resting the knife I was using to chop up tomatoes on the cutting board, "not yet. Obviously I don't want to encourage this but I was so thrown I just wanted to finish my day and get home before even giving it a second thought. Maybe the fact that I never said anything would give him a hint?" I hedged, knowing that wasn't the case.

"Aww Bells" she groaned back, "you've gotta send him something otherwise he won't move on and then once things get out about you and Em it'll be a shit storm of epic proportions. EPIC." She emphasized making me snort.

"I know, Kay, and I will. I'm just having a quick dinner, then I'll send the email before my parents call, ok?"

She huffed, "fine. But I better get a confirmation message letting me know the deed was done."

"You know I'm good for it. Now let me get back to dinner so I can get on with my evening." I snarked, resume my prep.

"Ya, ya you love me. Buhbye bitch!" I laughed as we hung up and finished making myself a burrito bowl using leftover chicken from the night before and a bunch of chopped veggies with cheese and sauce.

As I chowed down, I sat down at the kitchen table with my laptop, opening up my personal email and typing Edward's address into the recipient line.

I blew out a breath, typing and retyping my message, not wanting to be too heartless but also not wanting to leave even a sliver of hope. In the end, I decided on the following:

Hi,

Thanks for the flowers, but please don't send anymore. I've moved on and I think you should too. Goodluck with everything at work.

Bella Swan

I decided to put my full name at the end to make it a little less…personal. Hoping this would be the end of things, I closed down my email and opened up my Zoom account, checking the time before giving in and hitting call a few minutes earlier than we'd originally planned on.

It rang a few times before I heard shuffling and then saw a close up of my dad's mustache twitching as if he were speaking.

"Dad! Hey, dad! Move the—no move the camera back. Yeah, your mic is off, the button—no not video, now I can't see you—" I sighed, head falling forwards until my mother's voice filtered through.

"—honestly Charlie I leave you alone for one minute, I'd already set it all up but then you had to go tinkering around and—oh Bella, honey! Hi! How are you?"

They settled back on their plush beige couch so that I could see them properly, mom curling her arm around dad's who still looked a little miffed at being told off.

I laughed, "Hi mom, dad. I'm good, work's still busy as all get out but I'm dealing. How about you, isn't retirement somewhere on the horizon?" I asked.

Mom rolled her eyes, "well you know your father, honey, all work and no play," I wrinkled my nose, "I swear he'll asked to be buried behind that damn police station."

My parents had moved us to the small town of Forks, Washington when I was in elementary school. Mom was a nurse and dad was offered a position as the town's chief of police. We lived a relatively quiet life there; my parents had spent a lot of time travelling around before they had me, so they were happy to settle down in a remote area with lots of nature surrounding them.

They were thrilled about my move to Chicago, wanting me to see the world. Even though Chicago's a far cry from international travel, I was able to do a lot of it when I'd first started out, client meetings and conferences from all over. Eventually the travel was too much; I wanted more stability and my relationship with Edward was getting more serious, although at the time I didn't know that it wasn't going to get any further than co-habiting.

Dad rolled his eyes, "well at least I take breaks. You know your mother is constantly running around at the hospital working those long ass shifts all the time. Never has time to make fish fry anymore, and you know she makes it best besides you Bells" Dad huffed.

"Well maybe it's time you both took a break, live a little." I smiled.

Mom got a suspicious look on her face that had me biting my lip in anticipation, god that woman could read me like a children's book from across the damn country.

"Isabella Marie, are you dating again?" she asked, smile stretching across her face, crows feet showing around her eyes.

"Better not be that little shit anymore—what? Whaaaaat? Oh come one, Rene, Bells, you were way too good for that doorknob." Dad surmised, crossing his arms over his chest, a symbol he wasn't backing down.

I sighed and mom's grin widened more if that were possible, "Well, kind of—I mean it's new. Like brand new. He's been away, and this weekend he comes back so we'll see where things go" I said, casting a stern look to my mother, hoping she didn't pry too much.

"That's it!?" She demanded, "nothing else? How'd you meet, what's he like? Is he hot?—"

"Rene!" Dad leaned away from her, a disgruntled look on his face while his mustache twitched in annoyance.

"Oh, hush Charlie, enough. I want to hear from Bella now, I hear you yammering away all the time" she snarked.

"Don't worry, Dad, he's amazing, very thoughtful, kind, and really funny. I met him through friends, so I already knew him before, umm, the breakup. He let me know he'd like me for a while a couple months ago and we just decided to really give it a go, so to speak."

"Well, young lady, if things…continue on I expect to see this new man and to be impressed. Feel free to remind him about my shot gun. But don't mention your pepper spray, that's for defense." He said, nodding to himself.

"Yeah Dad, sure" I answered, knowing full well the pepper spray was stowed away in a box somewhere in the back of my closet.

We spent the next hour catching up more about work, mom went on about the local town gossip and a couple unique cases she'd had at the hospital. Dad boasted about the fish he'd caught with his buddies last weekend and a bust he'd made up in Port Angeles.

I couldn't wait for Emmett to meet my parents. They'd only ever met Edward; he'd begrudgingly flown out with me, all the while whining about lack of stable internet while we were gone, even though he'd taken the time off of work.

I knew they'd love Em, and the idea of them all meeting made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

When Dad started yawning, I took that as my cue to hang up, promising my mom I'd update her wit any new developments with my new man. Charlie looked like he'd rather know very little about the subject which made both of us laugh before we all said goodnight and hung up.

I took a shower, changed into my pyjamas and slid into my bed. I don't think I'd ever get enough of the Egyptian cotton sheets, something I never would've purchased for myself but will never be able to live without form here on out.

I pulled out my cell when it started ringing, plugging it in and placing it on the pillow next to mine.

"Hmmm hey" I answered, slipping my hands under my cheek as I let me eyes close, wanting to pretend he was right in front of me instead of miles away.

"Hey babe, how was the talk with your parents?" he asked. I knew that probably wasn't the first thing on his mind but I was still grateful he led with an easier topic.

"Really good…mom may have sniffed out that I was with someone new." I admitted, biting my lip.

"Oh yeah? What did you tell her?" h I could hear the smirk in his voice, making me smile.

"That I'm seeing some scrawny weasel but he's decent enough, so I figured why not?" I teased.

"WH—Bella Swan!" he spluttered, completely caught off guard.

I giggled, "Kidding! I told them that I'm seeing someone smart, funny, thoughtful—"

"And panty-droppingly handsome?" he finished.

"Yes, Emmett, I said those exact words to my mother and gun toting father." I rolled my eyes.

He laughed and it sounded husky, making me shiver and miss him even more.

I sighed, "I miss you" frowning when my eyes fluttered open as my phone screen lit up with a video call request from him.

I hit answer and I saw his blue eyes and dark curls filling the screen. He was sitting up in bed and looked pretty beat himself.

"As always, a sight for sore eyes, angel" he smiled a little but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I emailed Edward, told him that I've moved on and he should too. Card's in the trash and flowers are with our lovely receptionist. Hopefully this doesn't make him sour tomorrow for work, but I highly doubt it."

Em's eyes brightened a little, obviously more relaxed knowing I'd my ex down. I couldn't even imagine how conflicting it must be for him to be actively routing against his own brother, but he assured me it would be okay in the end.

"Good. I know you're giving us a real shot, but I just—it feels nice to know where you stand." He said, running a hand through his hair, looking a little sheepish.

I huffed, "Emmett Cullen, I told you, and I believe I showed you where I stand. Besides, I'm sure there's plenty of hot woman throwing themselves at you all the time, lord knows I've seen it happen in the past."

He raised a brow, "and did I ever do anything, give random girls any attention, even while single?"

I paused, thinking back, "well, no—"

"I only see you, babe. Since I first saw you in that meeting room, you're the only woman I've seen. Not gonna change." He grinned with those killer dimples when I felt my blush spreading across my cheeks and down my neck, trying to suppress the giddy squeal a at being reminded once again of how Emmett Cullen had been pining after little old Bella Swan all this time.

"I only see you too, Em, just you" I sighed, eyes sliding closed for a second.

"Alright, babe, I think it's time to go to sleep, what do you think? One more after tonight and then you're all mine." He waggled his brows, making me giggle as I nodded.

"Yeah, one more after tonight. Okay. Goodnight Emmy" I sighed.

He shook his head, "only you can get away with that name, Swan. Goodnight gorgeous." He whispered back.

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What do we think readers? Smooth sailing for now? I really like having Bella's having Bella's parents together (: