Chapter 2

Things were weird between Emmett and me after that. He carried a lot of tension on his shoulders. When we were together, there was an awkward vibe flowing through the room that made it difficult to carry on with our lives normally.

That night, two weeks ago, Emmett wouldn't even look at me once we were home. It was like I was invisible. He unlocked the door and went straight to his room and then wasn't around when I got up the next morning.

Alice brought me some tea in bed and told me that Emmett and Jasper had gone to the gym. Luckily, having Alice as a friend meant that you didn't have to speak much and the conversation was like one person talking to themselves. She babbled on frantically about all sorts of nonsense and didn't bring up the subject until the afternoon.

Emmett and Jasper finally came home. Jasper came over and gave a sweet kiss on the cheek to Alice whilst Emmett stormed past and glared at all of us.

Never, in all my life had Emmett acted this way towards me and I was confused at what I had done to make him like this. Sure, Emmett had gotten mad at me before, but it was always over in at most half an hour.

In the evening I made a bed in my closet with my duvet, pillows and blankets. It was nice and dark in here. It felt safe and it was incredibly cosy. Eventually Jasper found me and came and sat next to me.

"What's the matter, Bells?" Jasper said, looking at me.

I pulled a face as I wiped my eyes and sniffed.

"Oh, right, sorry. That was a stupid question," he smiled.

I nodded.

"You know Emmett doesn't hate you. He's just acting in this way because he doesn't know how else to act. He's confused. He knows that he's over protective and he exaggerated and embarrassed himself last night, but you're his little sister. You never see your Mum and your Dad lives miles away. He doesn't want to lose you and I guess he just keeps thinking you're 5 again and rely on him for protection and advice," Jasper said quietly.

"I know...but I'm old enough to take care of myself now. I always tell him off when he gets protective and you'd think he'd take the hint by now. I appreciate all he's done for me, but it's time for him to let go and let me live my life," I sniffed.

"You need to tell him that then," Jasper said.

I scoffed.

"And I know that it's not just Emmett that's on your mind by the way. I know you're thinking of him."

"Yeah..." I said, not sure what he was getting at.

"If you like him that much, go visit him," Jasper shrugged.

I hesitated. "Not yet," I said, leaning my head on Jasper's shoulder and getting pissed at his grin.

After a few minutes, the closet door burst open. Jasper and I instantly shied away from the bright lights as we took in Alice's face.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here..." Alice glared at the two of us.

"Relax, Alice. We were just having a heart to heart," I sighed, lying back down on the floor as Jasper got up.

He put his arm around her, kissing her temple and she instantly melted in to him. At that moment, I thought of Edward. I couldn't help myself. His face just came into mind. I wondered what he was doing, who he was with, where he was. I wondered if he was thinking of me.

"Hands off, Bella," Alice scolded lightly. "If I find your hands on my man again, I will take you shopping for a whole day!"

I blinked, staring up at her.

She crouched down in front of me. "I was kidding, babe. Look, things are going to get better...I can feel it," She grinned at me, hugged me then towed Jasper out the room.

I suppose after that they did get better after that, but not by much. Emmett still acted strange around me, but he wasn't glaring at me. Alice and Jasper took no sides in the issue and were kind to the both of us for which I was grateful. However, I couldn't bring myself to say anything to Emmett about our argument, even with Jasper's encouragement. And there was another thing...I couldn't stop thinking of Edward.

My dreams consisted of nothing but him. He was always in them, in the background, talking to me or a repeat of us kissing. My sleeping patterns were insane and I constantly had black shadows under my eyes. I didn't care though. Edward kept visiting me in my mind and I had to admit I loved it, although I was aching for his real company and not just a silly memory. I couldn't decide what I felt for him. I was incredibly thankful for his help that night, but things just got out of hand in his office. But I have no idea why I let Emmett have a go at him like he did. I was a stupid cow. I wanted to see Edward again and I didn't even know why.

So that's why two weeks after the incident, I hopped in a taxi and arrived at my destination – Zone. I payed the taxi man and he drove off. I stood in front of the club on that Friday night wearing jeans and a shirt, watching the girls in skimpy outfits and the men eying them up. I instantly regretted what I had done.

I scrolled through the contacts on my phone until I came to Jasper. He would understand what had happened, why I had to come here, but then instantly regretted it. However, my fingers were frozen. They wouldn't press on the little button to call him. I had no option but to go in.

I struggled through the crowd, feeling claustrophobic. I froze when I saw the ladies toilets and the door next to it shook my head and then carried on.

My hand reached up to knock, but I couldn't move it. I stood there, staring at the door, cursing myself for coming here.

"Your brother hasn't called me," a voice proclaimed from behind me.

I quickly spun around, knowing that it was Rosalie. And sure enough I was greeted by the blonde beauty and she was even prettier up close.

She smiled at me.

"I never got a chance to introduce myself the other day. I'm Rosalie Hale, Edward's sister...well adoptive sister," Rosalie said politely, reaching out for my hand.

"Bella Swan," I replied shaking her hand timidly.

"It's okay, I don't bite," She grinned.

I blushed.

"Do you want to go in?" She asked, nodding her head to the door. She saw my face. "He's not here."

"Sure," I said, following her as she unlocked the door.

"I thought your brother liked me, you know. I guess I was wrong," She sighed as she walked over to the sofas. I took a glance at Edward's door. It was shut and the one next to it.

"I think he does," I murmured, sitting down opposite her.

She raised her eyebrows. "Think?"

"We haven't really been on the best of terms ever since...well you know," I said looking down at my hands.

"Oh, I understand, "She frowned sympathetically.

"I can give you his number...?"

She smiled. "Okay, thanks."

I read the number out of my phone and she typed it in to her blackberry.

I took a glance at the door to Edward's office again.

Rosalie caught me.

"He's not here. He's at a meeting. He should be back in an hour. It's just me and Dad here at the moment." She smiled.

"Oh," I mumbled stupidly.

"Would you like to meet him? My dad?"

I pulled a face.

"He's not scary, promise. But I suppose there's more pressing issues," She said.

"There is?" I gulped.

She laughed.

"My brother of course," She said.

I blinked at her. She sighed.

"He's been a right pain in the ass ever since that night," Rosalie murmured. "He's been hiding away in his house apart from at work. He doesn't even speak to me. I suppose Emmett and Edward have more things in common than they think. But I know that Edward's just depressed."

"Depressed?"

"He wants to see you again. Even though he won't admit it, but I know my brother. He just wants to see you, talk things through, apologise," Rosalie smiled at me. "What do you want to do with him? Why are you here?"

My eyes stinged but I knew Rosalie didn't mean it in a horrible way.

"I...he...I don't..." I sighed.

"I know you came here for something, Bella. You were staring at that door for 5 minutes. What got you so worried?" Rosalie asked as I squirmed under her gaze and shrugged. "You know I should be really offended by you."

"Umm...why?" I frowned.

"Because you think that my brother, one of the kindest people I have ever met, who looks out for me all the time and who is generally such a nice family guy is going to hurt you and that seriously pisses me off to be honest," I opened my mouth to reply but she cut me off, suddenly getting venomous. "I know that you think I'm one of those stupid, blonde bimbo's who is such a bitch and slut and is not the right match for your brother but you're wrong. I've had an extremely rough past that you would have nightmares hearing about. As soon as I was adopted, Edward was there for me, comforting me, reassuring me that I wasn't a waste of space, wasn't a player and a whore. And okay, Esme and Carlisle helped me through my ordeal as well, but Edward was the one who was always there for me, always knew what to say when I was upset.

And now, here we are, sitting in this pale room, you looking down at your hands whilst I tell you the truth and the opposite to what you wanted to hear."

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I...think I should go now."

"Wait," Her voice rang through the room.

"I'm sorry. It's just been a rough couple of weeks and even though I know I had no right to tell you, however what I told you about Edward is all true. He is the nicest guy I have ever met and I know he wouldn't hurt you ever. He cares about you. I've never seen him act so depressed these past weeks. He's actually a really nice guy that deserves to be happy...with you," Rosalie said, smiling up at me as she walked over to me.

"That's okay. You have every right to be annoyed at me, Rosalie. I should be honest with you and your brother, but I have trust issues so that's a problem. I came here today because I wanted to thank Edward for what he did two weeks ago. I came here today because I couldn't stop thinking about him this whole time. I guess I just wanted to see his face again..." I trailed off.

Rosalie whistled. "Fuck. I think you really need to tell him that honey."

"I can't," I wailed, flopping back down on to the couch.

"I know you can, Bella. You're a strong independent woman, Bella and I believe that you can do it. You'll be perfect together! I usually hate all Edward's girlfriends, but with you, Bella, you are perfect for him. I can actually strike up a conversation and know that you won't be a complete bitch back!" Rosalie exclaimed as she sat down and pulled me into her so we were hugging. I vaguely caught a floral scent of perfume before the door burst open behind us, scaring the life out of us.

We both whipped round to see who the intruder was, only to see the man who I had been dreaming about for the past two weeks. And the man who earned my apology...shit. I'd have to speak to him!

His eyes skimmed over Rosalie and then to me. I blushed at his gaze.

He had dark shadows under his eyes and his face was screwed up. He wore a black shirt and jeans. He looked a bit scary and distressed. What on earth was wrong with him?

"Bella?" Edward choked out. "What are you doing here?"

He had to get to the point straight away, didn't he?

I glanced at Rosalie. She grinned reassuringly.

"Don't get me offended," Rosalie hinted, smiling.

I sighed.

"Rosalie, what did you say to her?" Edward growled, still looking at me.

"Relax, it's sorted. Bella just has a few things to say to you." She then added "I'll be in Dad's office if you need me." And then she walked out.

There was an awkward silence as I stared down at my feet, too afraid to look at him. I glanced up then looked down again as he watched me with such an intensity.

"Hi," I whispered.

"Hi," he repeated.

I glanced up, this time keeping my ground and stared back at him.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned, using his arms for emphasis.

"I just...I don't know..." I stuttered.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, sighing loudly.

"You should go, Bella," he whispered, opening his eyes again and glaring at me.

"You want me to go?" I frowned. "You don't want me?"

He shrugged, his face guarded so I couldn't read it.

"I don't believe that, Edward," I said smoothly. I couldn't believe I just said that. That sounded so sexual...

He stood there awkwardly, his hands by his sides as his shoulders hunched over.

I slowly walked over to him.

"I came here today, because I wanted to say thank you. If it wasn't for you I would-"

"You don't have to thank me, Bella," He said, cutting me off.

I raised my eyebrows. "If it wasn't for you saving me, I would have gotten hurt...and I wouldn't have met you..."

I was in front of him now. Just a couple of inches more and I could reach up and kiss those plump lips.

Bella! I scolded myself.

His eyes flickered as they glazed over mine. They kept changing emotion and then stopped.

"So you're thankful for meeting me?" Edward said cautiously.

I nodded, biting my lip as I leaned in to his ear.

"Of course," I whispered against his ear and grinning to myself as I felt him shiver. "I don't know why I reacted the way I did. You saved me and you shouldn't have got Emmett yelling at you. I stood back and I watched." I cried as a tear trickled down my face. I pulled back so I could look in his gorgeous, green eyes. "I'm so sorry, Edward."

"Hey, hey, hey, Bella. Don't cry! It's not your fault. I handled everything wrong," Edward cried, gently holding my shoulders.

"I'm such a coward," I protested. "I hid my feelings from you and I'm so sorry!"

"Bella, what are you talking about?" He exclaimed.

Tears continued to glisten down my cheeks as I stared into his eyes and forgot about everything else in the world. For now, just standing in Edward's arms was more than good enough.

I jumped on to him, flinging my arms round his neck, wrapping my legs around his waist and nestling my face into his neck. He stumbled backwards but soon caught himself as he pulled back to look at my face.

"Bella, are you sure about this?" Edward questioned, looking into my heart and soul.

I nodded furiously as I leaned in and kissed him. He froze for a couple of seconds, but soon understood that I meant it and joined in.

This was nothing like a first kiss. Our first kiss was hesitant, slow and gentle whilst this was the complete opposite. As I kissed him I thought about how stupid I had been not coming to see him sooner. I had wasted valuable time with him. I was so happy when we were kissing. I forgot about everything. It was just me and Edward and nobody else.

We were breathing desperately fast and hot all over each other's faces. I soon got bored of just kissing and bit down on his bottom lip but not hard enough for it to hurt. He groaned into my mouth and opened his mouth as our tongues fought against each other for dominance.

My hands clawed at his hair and anywhere else I could think of whilst his wrapped round my waist and pulled me into him.

Eventually things calmed down and I nestled into Edward's neck which was my new favourite place. My breathing eventually calmed and I was able to smell the most beautiful scent ever. Edward smelled delicious!

I slowly let me legs drop from his waist and grinned up at him as he swore.

"That should have been our first kiss," He mumbled against my lips.

I pulled away again and pressed the side of my face against his chest and murmured my agreement.

"Fuck, your brothers not here, is he?" Edward exclaimed jokingly and I laughed as I looked up at him.

"No, he's not," I on my replied. "I came own. I'm sorry for how he acted...he's not like that usually. He's the best brother I could ever have and I love him so much...Speaking of him, I should go. I have to talk to him."

He frowned. "But you've only just got here."

"No, I was talking to your sister for a while," I argued.

"Oh yeah. I can see you aren't going to change your mind, but you have to promise me that you'll tell me what you were talking about with Rosalie one day," Edward said.

I scoffed as I searched in my bag for $30 to get back to the apartment. I rummaged around but could only find 5 bucks.

"Shit!" I exclaimed.

White hands wrapped around my wrists and stopped my frantic search. My eyes snapped up to meet Edward's.

"What's the matter?" Edward frowned.

"I don't enough money for cab back!"

"Bella, what makes you think after us kissing I was going to let you get a cab back? No way am I letting you waste your money on a cab ride back to your place when I can easily drive you," Edward said and then added "I'm not ready for you to leave me just yet."

I protested but Edward wouldn't hear of it so I eventually gave in.

The car ride back was peaceful. I was very surprised when I saw he had a new, black convertible with tinted windows. I was a little nervous for him as I thought about how congested New York could get and one little bump could do a lot of damage to the car, but at the moment I realised it didn't matter to Edward. He could just pay for a replacement or fix it...He was rolling in the money.

As we rolled to a stop at traffic lights, I could sense him glancing at me from time to time. I bet I had the biggest grin on my face and hell, I wasn't complaining. As soon as we were off again I was watching him out of the corner of my eye.

I knew that I was getting a little ahead of myself as I watched Edward changing the gear sticks roughly. My mind wavered off track a little bit but soon recovered myself when I realised we hardly knew each other and he probably thought I was totally perving on him right now.

The car ride back to my flat was in a comfortable silence apart from me directing the way. During the ride, my hand crept across my lap and stopped when it met Edward's on the gear stick. He didn't say anything but I saw him grinning out of the corner of my eye.

Edward slowly pulled up outside the block of flats where I lived. There was silence in the car as we both came to terms that we'd have to separate.

"I don't want you to go," Edward whispered softly, gazing at me.

"I don't want to go, but I have to," I replied, peering round Edward's head and up to the room with the light on that indicated Emmett was in his room, probably looking out right now. "But...would you like to come in?"

Edward blinked.

"I..uh...I'd love to, but I'd better return to the club soon," He frowned, looking up at the window. "Your brother's watching us as well."

I gasped as I saw a big shadow looking down at us through the curtains.

"Shit," I grumbled.

"It's okay!" Edward said. "I can call you...?"

"Um, yeah, of course!" I exclaimed.

He leaned over towards me, grabbing a pen and paper from the dashboard and handing it to me. "Here, write your number on that...I left my phone at the club. I can call you soon...?"

I greedily snatched the paper and scribbled down my number. I handed it back to him once I was done and he squinted at the messy scrawl on the page, trying to read it.

"That's a two by the way," I pointed at a random number.

"Right," He grinned.

"So...I'll um, see you soon?" I asked, grabbing my bag.

"Definitely," Edward said.

"Okay then..." I looked at him and quickly leaned in for a kiss. My hands knotted themselves through his hair as my lips parted, before things could get interesting, Edward pulled away, frowning.

"Perhaps, it's best not...I mean your brothers still watching us and I don't want to piss him off anymore than I already have."

I bit my lip looking down defectively.

"Hey," Edward hushed. "I'm sorry. I'll be thinking of you." He winked.

I smiled. "Thank you for everything, Edward. I mean it...the other night and now the ride home...thanks."

"You're very welcome."

I gave him a shy smile before opening the door and hurrying round the front of the car and in through the door trying to escape from the cold wind. I quickly turned around and waved as the car sped out of sight, round the corner and into the traffic.

I climbed the stairs up to my flat, smiling to myself as I scrabbled around in my bag for my keys and opened the door and shut it softly behind me. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath as I turned around grinning to myself as I leaned against the door. I opened my eyes and froze as I saw a pair of eyes looking up at me from the couch where Emmett was twisting his hands in knots.

"We need to talk," He said.

"I know," I sighed. "Look, Emmett, you have every right to be pissed off with me but not at Edwa-"

"Me first, okay, Bella?" Emmett frowned, looking down at his hands.

I blinked and sat down opposite him on the couch. He didn't look up at me, instead choosing to look at his hands.

"I want to talk about...that night," Emmett struggled, obviously referring to Zone and Edward. "I want to explain-"

"You don't have to explain anything Emmett. I totally understand that you thought you were doing the right thing. You weren't, but I understand where you're coming from, so if that's all..." I said, shrugging as I stood up and started off towards my room.

"Sit, Bella," Emmett snapped.

I huffed and plopped on the seat again.

"I'm sorry, Bella," Emmett said straight away. "I was acting like the typical, over protective brother and I have realised that you need more independence. After all, soon enough I know you're going to leave me. You're gonna go off and make a new family, and I'm not going to be there. I honestly thought at Zone I was doing the right thing. I just...you're the most important person in my life, Bells...and it's hard for me to let you go. From now on, you can go out with who you like, but I have to meet him before, okay? I know that's probably sounds stupid to you, but I can't completely abandon you."

I sat there, eyes wide, my mouth open as my brain froze.

"Shit, I didn't offend you again, did I?" Emmett moaned.

I don't know how I did it, but one second I was on the couch and the next I was across the room in Emmett's lap, kissing all over his face and hugging him to my body.

"Urm...Bella? Bella! No! Stop kissing me!" Emmett yelled, but I could hear him shaking in laughter.

"I LOVE YOU!" I wailed into his neck as I perched on his lap.

"I was stupid to hold a silly grudge over my baby sister, right? I mean, I was such a dick," he sighed as I pulled back to look at him closely. "I had my suspicions at the club about Edward, but now, after seeing your reaction and seeing you in the car with him just then, that he really cares about you. And just for the record, I didn't mean to spy on you in the car, I just...yeah..."

"I understand. I would probably feel the same way if I had a younger sister and I was a guy...speaking of caring, what about you and Rosalie?" I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. "I was just at the club and she was asking after you."

Emmett sighed as he pushed me off of his legs and onto the couch.

"Uh oh," I whispered.

"No, it's not that," Emmett said quickly. "I just don't know how to face her after how I acted with Edward at the club..."

"What do you mean?"

"She really embarrassed me, you know? She stuck up for you, and that was when I noticed that maybe being overly protective over you wasn't a good thing. She really put me in my place, and now she's seen how childish I am, I just thought she wouldn't be interested...but you said she was asking about me, right?" He said hopefully.

"Oh yeah," I grinned. "She knows you have her number and she wants you to ring her back...I think she might want to meet up with you again!"

"Seriously?" He smiled.

"Seriously," I repeated.

He cleared his throat as he jumped off the couch, heading over to his room. "Right, I think I'm just going to...you know...er..."

"Call her?" I smirked.

"Yeah," he said hesitantly. "Yeah, I think I will."

He shut his door, biting his lip nervously at me. My smirk grew even bigger. Fancy Emmett, getting all worked up over a girl!

I made my way into the kitchen, picking up a note from Alice saying her and Jasper were going out to the movies and they'd be back soon so I didn't have to worry about being alone with Emmett. I dropped it in the bin, smiling.

I poured myself a glass of water, before heading in to my room and jumping on my bed as I thought about my gorgeous man...

I grabbed my bag, raiding through it, searching for my phone.

My grin stretched if possible as I noticed I had a message.

Hey beautiful. Just wanted to let you know that this is my number...and that I miss you. I'll call you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, -E

I quickly typed in my reply before heading into the bathroom to get washed and changed.

Hi gorgeous. Okay, thank you! I miss you too...if that's even possible because I only just left you 20 minutes ago. Can't wait! -B

I turned off my light as I scrambled into bed, thinking about what a wonderful night I just had.