A/N: I'm truly sorry for how long this took. My husband got laid off from his job shortly after I posted the last chapter and that brought on a lot of stress that I obviously wasn't planning on. Also, this chapter is in EPOV, which proved to be much, much harder to write than I anticipated. This chapter is a little longer than the others, so hopefully this makes up for it. Big thanks, as always, to LeechLover85, my beta, and regattabay just for being awesome.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, and Dan Millman, Lionsgate, et. al. own "Peaceful Warrior," a film that the plot of this story was inspired by, and is very loosely based on. I own nothing.

Chapter 3

EPOV

As much as I hated to leave her, I needed to clear my head before I talked to Bella again. That girl really did a number on me.

I'd first noticed her when Jasper pointed out Alice as his girlfriend. I couldn't help but let my gaze wander to the gorgeous brunette beside her. Somewhere in my head I knew Jasper was talking to me, but I didn't hear a word of it. I continued to watch her as she interacted with Alice, and then headed in my direction. I studied her facial expression as she moved through the crowd; the way her brow slightly furrowed every time someone bumped into her and the look of concentration she held that made her look like she was trying hard not to stumble. It was all very endearing and I couldn't help but smile. She looked up just as she reached the locker room hallway, her eyes scanning the arena like she was looking for someone. Her gaze stopped as it met mine and for one fleeting moment I thought she was going to come and talk to me. My hopes were shattered seconds later when her cheeks turned red and she abruptly turned and entered the hallway.

I sighed as she disappeared from view. It was just as well-- I should have been trying to stay focused on my routine. I went through a series of stretches, my gaze darting towards the hallway entrance every few seconds as I impatiently waited for Bella to re-emerge. I saw James, lingering nearby and leaning against the wall. He had blonde hair, an athletic build, and an air of confidence about him that made me believe that he probably thought he was invincible. There was something that bothered me about this guy, something I couldn't put my finger on. I would have described him as a "suspicious character" if it didn't make me sound like some gumshoe detective out of a low budget film noir. When he turned and started walking down the hallway, I began to panic.

Of course there was absolutely no logical reason for me to think that he was going after Bella, or that he was even dangerous. Unless he was able to slip past the arena's security, he wasn't armed. The chances of him purposely following Bella down that hallway were slim to none. My feeling of unease was more likely a symptom of early onset dementia. After all, I was obsessing over a girl I hadn't even met. I have no explanation for why I did what I did, except that I just had a feeling. I'd rather have been wrong and had Bella think I was a lunatic than be right and live with the fact that I hadn't followed my instincts and she suffered for it.

Just to be safe, I mentally counted off two minutes. When neither Bella nor James came out of the hallway, I walked over to the entrance as quickly as I could without drawing attention. I heard a soft clatter echo down the concrete walls and picked up the pace, breaking into a jog. They were about halfway down the hall, just outside of the women's locker room. James had Bella cornered against the wall, looking uncomfortable and a little bit scared. James' body language confirmed my suspicions that he was dangerous, and I had to get over there as quickly as possible.

I had it all planned out. I was going to casually walk up to them, and ask Bella if he was bothering her. I was sure she'd say yes, but even if she didn't, James would be on the receiving end of what I like to call my thousand yard gymnast stare. It's a look that says "you better not fuck with me," and it's meant to work as a mind game. I'd used it on cocky competitors all the time, and I was sure it would send James running for the hills and Bella would be safe.

My plan was shot to hell the moment James' face lit up in a furious rage. I started running, but as he lifted his hand it was like the hallway from Poltergeist; no matter how fast I moved, my destination got farther and father away. The sound of his hand as it connected with Bella's cheek made the illusion disappear, and I came up behind him seconds later. A growl escaped my lips as I slammed him up against the wall and I forced myself to grip his shirt collar instead of his neck. I spat out a few choice threats but to be honest, I was so blinded by my anger that I don't even remember what I said. I just wanted Bella safe.

Once James was gone, I immediately went to check on Bella. She was bracing herself against the wall, staring at me with a mixture of shock and confusion. Once we established that she was alright along with how and why I'd come to her rescue, she lifted her beautiful brown eyes to meet my gaze, and that was my undoing.

I had no idea what came over me. Clearly I wasn't thinking straight. I felt so protective of her and was overcome with such strong feelings; I didn't even know how to describe them. I thought about how I'd spent the last ten minutes obsessing over this girl, the brief look we'd shared, and how I'd felt when I thought she was in danger. As I looked down at her, my fingertips grazing her cheek and my eyes locked on hers, I knew she felt it too. There was something between us, some sort of unspoken, instantaneous connection, and undeniable attraction. The second our lips touched, I knew that was it. I would belong to her for as long as she would have me, whether it was for the next thirty seconds or the thirty years.

I don't know if I believe in love at first sight. It seems like a convenient explanation for why I became so enamored with a girl I hadn't even spoken to, and the term just doesn't feel real to me. However, I do know that the second I saw James hurt Bella, I felt a stirring of murderous emotions I had never experienced before. She didn't seem to be too traumatized by the incident, but I would have snapped his neck and happily let the authorities drag me away to be locked in a cage for the rest of my existence. To me, it doesn't get much more real than that.

My keys jangled loudly in the lock as I let myself in. The sounds of quiet acoustic rock wafted toward me, interrupted by giggles and quiet moans coming from somewhere inside the condo. I groaned inwardly and considered turning around right there to go for a walk. Jasper and Alice were here, fooling around I didn't want to risk walking in on something I couldn't erase from my memory. My body protested, in desperate need of some relaxation and a shower. I settled for making a lot of noise as I came in, hoping they would hear and pull themselves together before I came around the corner.

Jasper was pulling on a t-shirt and Alice was adjusting her disheveled clothing as I walked in. It didn't escape my attention that they both had wet hair and Alice was wearing a pair of boxers and a singlet that belonged to Jasper, and swimming in them. I snorted.

"Sorry to interrupt," I said, stifling a laugh.

"Shut it, Edward. I didn't expect you back so soon," Jasper said, the sexual frustration showing on his face.

I shrugged. "Sorry, man."

Alice opened her mouth to say something but Jasper elbowed her. She shot him a glare, and then sighed, conceding defeat. I raised my eyebrow at the exchange but rolled my eyes and ignored it, dropping my bag on the floor by the sofa.

"I'm going to take a shower," I said, striding toward the bathroom. "That is, if you two have left me any hot water."

Alice's giggle floated down the hallway behind me as I closed the bathroom door. Turning on the water, I undressed quickly, hoping to salvage some of the leftover hot water. Once I closed the curtain I closed my eyes and took a moment to stand beneath the lukewarm stream and let my thoughts wander. Damn Jasper and Alice. Although, after the time I had just spent with Bella perhaps a cold shower wasn't the worst thing in the world. I let my forehead rest against the cool tile wall and replayed our kiss over and over in my mind while the droplets pounded forcefully against my neck and back.

"Edward, I need to talk to you." The small voice outside the curtain startled me out of my thoughts and I cursed as I nearly slipped and tumbled out into the open.

"Jesus, Alice!" I nearly shouted, blessing the opaqueness of our shower curtain. "What the hell are you doing?" I barely heard her shush me over the sound of the running water.

"Jasper is on the phone. I wanted to ask you something while he was distracted," she hissed.

I ignored how awkward it was that my cousin's girlfriend whom I had just met was talking to me behind his back while I was naked and in the shower, and lowered my voice instead. "Whatever it was he stopped you from asking me a minute ago?" I asked.

"Yes. He thinks it's none of my business but I have a personal stake in this, so I need to know. How did it go with Bella after we left?"

I rolled my eyes and picked up the soap, lathering it against my chest. "How do you have a personal stake in my relationship with Bella?"

"Relationship? Aha! So you admit something happened!" Alice slapped at the curtain triumphantly. "I knew it. You can't just save someone's life like that and not form some kind of special bond."

"I'm not saying a word," I said, fighting to keep the grin on my face from reaching my ears. Once again I was thankful she couldn't see me through the curtain.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure I'll get the whole story from Bella. When do you see her again?"

I hadn't really thought about that. I mean, outside of "as soon as possible."

"I'm calling her tonight to see if she's free tomorrow night," I decided.

"She most definitely is!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands together excitedly. "Oh my god, I need to go... she needs something to wear and we barely have enough time to go shopping! Bye Edward, it was nice meeting you again!"

Before I could respond I heard the door open and close, followed by a draft of cold air. A shiver ran through me and I chuckled, shaking my head. Jasper's girlfriend sure was a piece of work.

I quickly finished up my shower before the temperature of the water dropped to an arctic level. Wrapping the towel around my waist I emerged from the bathroom to find a very unhappy looking Jasper.

"Way to cockblock me, man," he said glumly. "First you come home early and then you go blab about your big date with Bella and Alice claims she needs to take her shopping to pick out the perfect outfit."

I snorted as I made my way past him toward my bedroom. "Hey man, you have your own room. It's not my fault you guys weren't in it when I got home."

Jasper trailed behind me. "It wouldn't have mattered. Alice won't do anything if someone else is home, even with the privacy of having my own room."

"Sorry, Jaz," I said laughing. "But she's still underage, buddy. I did you a favor. You're too pretty to go to jail. I'll buy you a Playboy as a peace offering."

"Make it a Hustler and you got yourself a deal," he said as I entered my room and closed the door behind me.

Once I was dressed I glanced at the clock. Still too early to call Bella. I groaned and busied myself with household chores, dinner, and television, trying fruitlessly to direct my thoughts elsewhere for a few hours.

Once I finally reached a time I felt was appropriate, I eagerly fished Bella's number out of my coat pocket, programming it into my cell phone before calling it.

Bella answered on the second ring. "Hello?" She said carefully. She probably didn't recognize my number.

"Hi, Bella," I said, taking a seat on my bed.

"Edward," her voice sounded relieved and I could almost hear her smiling on the other end.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she said quietly. Based on what I know of Alice I would bet she was either in the room or had her ear pressed up against the door. "It's just-- well, would it be weird to say that I miss you?"

"The truth?"

"... Yes." Her voice sounded timid, like she was expecting rejection. Oh, if she only knew.

I tried to make my voice as soft and soothing as possible. "After you left I had to force myself to keep busy for hours just to keep from calling you right away. I miss you too, Bella." Her soft chuckle made my heart race.

"Please tell me I can see you tomorrow," she said.

"That is one of the reasons I was calling, yes. Are you free for dinner?"

"Absolutely. Do you want me to drive, or...?"

I snorted and forced myself to keep from bursting out laughing at the thought of climbing into her death trap of a truck again for our first date.

"No, I'll pick you up... how do you feel about motorcycles?" I asked. I had my own car, but I loved riding my motorcycle. Not wanting to risk injury, I tried as often as I could to reserve it for special occasions. This definitely counted as one of them, and I wanted to impress Bella.

"I can't say I've ever been on one before... with my lack of coordination and less than graceful existence it just didn't seem like a good idea," she said nervously.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, I will be the one driving it." I shuddered at the vision of Bella seated behind me, her arms wrapped around my torso, her body molded against mine. "I assure you, it's very romantic, and it makes me look infinitely cooler than I actually am. Though perhaps I shouldn't have told you that." Her laughter filled the other end of the receiver, the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard.

"Okay, Edward. I trust you."

I told her I would pick her up around seven thirty, and she gave me her address. As we said our goodbyes, a sinking feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. Now I would have to wait over twenty four hours before I could see her again. Why hadn't I picked an earlier time for dinner? Or suggested a lunch date?

Suddenly, a brilliant idea came to me. I glanced at my clock and saw that I still had some time before the stores closed. Grabbing my coat and my keys, I went out to get supplies.

****

It was still dark when I pulled up in front of Bella's house. I'd only slept a couple hours because I had spent most of the night planning what I was about to do here, and our date later that night. I crept from my car and circled the house until I found the window I suspected was Bella's. It had a small balcony and there was a large tree growing just outside of it. This couldn't have been any more perfect even if I wanted it to be.

I felt like a creepy young teenager as I climbed the branches, but it was essential to my plan, and I was sure Bella would love the idea. That is, once she got over the initial shock of seeing me at her window at five in the morning.

Once outside Bella's window, which was more like a sliding glass door, a huge grin spread across my face as I saw her sleeping peacefully, facing my direction. For fleeting moment I thought about ditching my plan and letting her sleep. Instead I leaned forward and knocked softly against the glass.

It took a few tries before she finally began to stir. I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw me, a mixture of confusion and elation with a dash of suspicion. Slowly she climbed out of bed, wearing tattered sleep pants and a red tank top with thin straps. Grabbing a zip-up hoodie from her desk chair, she pulled it on as she approached me.

"Edward?" Her voice was muffled on the other side of the closed door. Once she opened the door, I leaned in against the frame.

"Edward? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

I grinned at her. "You hair looks like a haystack, but I like it."

Bella's cheeks turned bright red as a look of pure mortification spread across her face. Flipping up the hood of her sweatshirt, she folded her arms tightly across her chest.

"What are you doing here, Edward?" She repeated, more forcefully this time.

"How would you like to go on a mini date with me before our first official date later tonight?"

I quickly discovered that Bella was adorable when she was confused. "Right now? What time is it?" She glanced toward her bedside clock, which was facing the wrong direction.

I glanced at my watch. "It is 5:04 am. Yes, right now. However, you have to promise me that you'll come out exactly like that. No getting dressed or you'll upstage me," I said gesturing to my own attire of flannel sleep pants and a singlet tank, covered by a zip-up sweatshirt.

Bella looked like she was trying to decide whether to take me up on my offer or tell me I was crazy. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

"Can I at least brush my hair and teeth?" She asked sheepishly.

"Of course. I can go wait by the front door if you like."

"No, wait here. If I go out that way I'm bound to wake Alice or Charlie. I'll come out the window with you."

I busied myself by looking at all of Bella's knick knacks and photos while she got ready and a few minutes later I was helping her get safely down the tree.

"No motorcycle?" She asked as we approached my silver Volvo.

"I needed something a bit more practical for this mini date," I explained, opening the car door for her.

We were on the road for only a few minutes before I noticed Bella gripping both the handle above the door and the side of her seat, looking terrified.

"What's wrong?" I asked, worried.

Bella took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "You're driving really, really fast."

I breathed a small sigh of relief and chuckled. "I'm sure that driving your truck, you think anything over forty miles per hour is really, really fast."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Would you mind slowing down? We're both too young to die."

I glanced at my speedometer and slowed from ninety miles per hour to seventy. "Better?" I asked. She gave a small nod. "I'm sorry. Driving fast is a guilty pleasure of mine."

"I bet you get loads of speeding tickets," she said, relaxing slightly in her seat.

"Nope." I pointed to a small device attached to my windshield. "Built in radar detector."

We drove for another fifteen minutes before we reached our destination. I pulled into a forest preserve parking lot and helped Bella out of the car.

"So are you going to tell me what we're doing?" She asked as I pulled a large duffel bag from the backseat.

I laughed and shook my head, leading her into the trees with my hand placed on the small of her back. After a couple minutes we emerged into a clearing that overlooked a small lake.

"This place is gorgeous. Where are we?" Bella asked while I was spreading out a blanket for us to sit on.

"I like to come here sometimes to clear my head. Please, sit down. Breakfast is served, and we have about twenty minutes before the sun rises just over that lake."

As Bella got comfortable on the blanket I pulled fruit and fresh bread from the duffel bag, along with a second blanket to keep us warm.

"Edward this is very impressive," she said grinning.

"Oh, just wait." I produced paper bowls, two small cartons of milk, and two mini cereal boxes. I held out the boxes to her so she could choose. Bella giggled and chose the sugary one, leaving me with the flakes.

"After you win the gold medal, I'll bet they put your face on that box," she said, gesturing to my Wheaties as she popped a grape into her mouth. "Even the mini ones."

I laughed as I poured her cereal for her. "Just what I always dreamed of."

We chatted as we ate; her beautiful face lighting up every time she laughed. I was ecstatic just to be near her again and the thought of taking her back home in a very short while didn't sit very well. That was why the mini date was such a perfect idea. Leaving her would be easier knowing I'd see her again later tonight.

I finished cleaning up just in time for us to watch the sunrise. Bella shivered and huddled up against me and I pulled the blanket tighter around us.

"Thank you, Edward," she whispered as the sun began to peek over the horizon, illuminating the still water. "This was a wonderful mini first date."

"It was my pleasure," I said, leaning over and placing a kiss on her forehead. "You're not creeped out that I showed up outside your window at five in the morning without asking and made you have breakfast with me in your pajamas?"

"Well, I admit it was strange, but in a good way. I'm definitely not complaining." She yawned as she nestled into the crook of my arm and gazed out over the brightening tree line. "Feel free to show up outside my window anytime."

Duly noted, Miss Swan, I thought to myself. I think I'll take you up on that.

****

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated. You guys are awesome.

Oh, also regattabay's story "High Heels and Runaway Frisbees" is nominated in the Eddie/Bellie awards for 'Best Making Out', and you all should go vote because it's awesome and so is she.

www (dot) thecatt (dot) net/tw/Vote (dot) aspx