I just want to thank all of you who are reading, reviewing and alerting. I appreciate it so much! If you haven't seen the banner my fucktastic friend, Lindz made, then hop onto my profile and click the link (you must have a Facebook account) I also have added some other photos I feel relate to this story and will add some as I go. I also want to thank my wonderful and beautiful friend Eifeltwrfanfic for beta-ing and for being the coolest person I know. I gush on you all the time girl, but you deserve it. I don't know what I'd do without you! Love you TS! This chapter takes place a little over 2 years in the past and will go from there, so yes we will eventually pick up where chapter 2 left off. I also need to thank MoMo for rec'ing my story! Thank you so much girlie!

Also my Carlisle does not look like Twilight's version of Carlisle (JS) he takes after Peter Facinelli. Thought I would clear that up so there's no confusion. Sorry for the rambling and thank you again for reading! *hugs*

Lost and Found ~ Chapter Three

"I want to go home," I whined as Emily grabbed my arm and pulled me from the passenger seat of Jake's old, tan Chevy truck. I put on my best pout, but it was useless on Emily. She had become so immune to it that, it never worked, no matter how often I tried. However, the guys were another story, but Jake was long gone, putting on his surf gear. Jake planned to start teaching Emily to surf today, her first lesson. And since Paul and Embry had a double date tonight, that left me with Emily, who succeeded in dragging me out of the truck and slamming the door before I could hide.

"Since when?" Emily let go of me long enough to put her hands on her hips and glare at me as though I was an unruly toddler. "You love the beach."

I did. I do. It was my sanctuary. I come to relax, unwind, and put my troubles on the backburner. It always cleared my mind, with the sounds, and beautiful sites. I would sit and admire the view on occasion, but more often than not, I had my sidekick with me, my 35 MM camera. I know that I could use the new digital cameras and I had one and even used it on occasion, usually for jobs. But the feeling I got taking photos, and developing them in my make shift darkroom located in the bathroom of my apartment, that was my way of distressing. A lot of people used alcohol, cigarettes, food, sex… well, I used my photography. It happened to also be my job, I was lucky they both went hand in hand.

When I first moved to Washington eight years ago, I was 17, I was lonely and felt rejected. I made a few friends at the small high school I was forced to attend, but I never connected with any of them. They were into town gossip, clothes, boys, girls and when I moved there, I was the new shiny toy. I had become their center of attention and I didn't like it, I'd rather hide in the crowd, not be noticed. There were some sincere classmates, but for the most part, I felt eventually the new would wear off and I would be long forgotten.

I did make some friends, Jake, Emily, Paul and Embry. The only drawback was that they attended school in another town, La Push. So, I only saw them on weekends. They would come down with my dad's best friend and Jake's dad, Billy, when the Mariner's played baseball. My dad's big screen TV was a popular hangout during the baseball, football and basketball seasons. Yet, there were only a few things for us teenagers to do at my dad's house and in my small town, so the five of us would pile into Jake's Chevy truck and my Chevelle and drive to La Push beach.

While I always brought my camera, the boys usually occupied themselves by chasing me and Emily around the beach, threatening us with seaweed, riding their dirt bikes-on rare occasion-and eventually they took up surfing. A lot of times though, we would sit and talk and enjoy each other's company. We had bonfires, played our music loud and danced around, laughing. Paul and Embry, being the red blooded teens they were often found themselves flirting with girls who came to the beach and left with their phone numbers. It was fun to see the different reactions from the girls they persuaded. And since Emily and Jake always ended up needing 'privacy' I would end up sitting by myself.

When we first began our beach excursions, it was once a week, every Saturday. Once we had graduated high school, moved out on our own and didn't have to answer to our fathers, we went more often, sometimes everyday and evenings too, especially during the summer months.

Eventually Emily and I went off to our respective colleges and Jake opened up a mechanic shop with Paul and Embry with help from Billy being a silent partner and ponying up funds until they got off the ground. It didn't take long for word to spread and their clientele to build. Billy got his investment back with interest and the boys were happy they didn't have to go to college.

Emily attended college to get her degree in Education; she'd always had a soft spot for children. Growing up, she'd babysit often and always felt comfortable around them. She had been a teacher's assistant at the local elementary school while she attended high school. She felt the pull to mold their minds and help guide them in the right direction.

I enrolled in photo journalism classes and planned to major in it, however after two years, my dad could no longer afford to pay for my education. So, I worked a full time job at the sporting goods store in my small town to try to make up the difference, since I didn't qualify for financial aid, because my dad made too much. Between the six to seven hours I spent at school, three days a week, and the forty hours or more I worked and the heavy homework load, I couldn't keep up. Sleep was a luxury those two years and I burned out quickly. Sadly, I ended up dropping out after only completing my second year.

I stayed with my dad for a few months after having dropped out, until I eventually got a small apartment closer to the beach in La Push. I got a job at a photography studio as an assistant and within a year, after proving myself, I had booked my own traditional wedding jobs. I did studio portraits of babies and children, graduating seniors, engaged couples. I loved my job, but it became monotonous, it lacked creativity. I wanted more freedom to express the personalities of those in my photos.

I got a few freelance jobs outside of the studio, slowly but surely I was able to quit the studio and make decent money with my own clients, and although at times I had to travel, I was much happier. There were some instances I had the traditional weddings, beauty pageants, parades and the carnivals or fairs that were held during the fall months that insisted on the customary photos, but I always tried to shake it up and add my own touch to them if my client was willing.

It was great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. It all led me to work independently. I began to do engagement parties, graduations, birthdays for people young and old. Thankfully, most of my clients were open to candid photos, different angles, unique outdoor settings and using uncommon backdrops. It fed me, stimulated me.

Here I stood, clutching onto my camera, while Emily stared me down as though I was an uncooperative child.

"Bella?" She put her arms out to her sides questioningly. I looked up from my feet to her waiting face.

"Let's go." She motioned toward the beach where we could already hear Jake yelping and howling as he splashed into the water with his board.

I sighed heavily as I felt my insides twist. I was nervous and couldn't quite understand why. Ok, I knew why and who I was nervous about. Carlisle. I was afraid of this unknown feeling. I felt the need to run and hide. Emily grabbed my arm and guided me toward the beach.

"He's cute. I can see why you're so nervous." My head snapped in her direction. Emily had a satisfied smirk on her face that I wanted to just wipe off. "He likes you, Bella," she antagonized.

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "He does not, Emily. Stop it."

"He sooo likes you!" She stopped and turned to look in my eye, but I refused to make eye contact, looking down at the arm of my sleeve, nervously. "What the hell are you so afraid of? The man is here nearly every night you are and when he's not…I see that look in your eyes, you're disappointed! Face it!"

I shrugged her comment off. "He's nice, that's all, and he can be funny." I began to walk toward the beach again, leaving Emily behind. I heard her pounding steps as she ran to catch up.

"If by funny, you mean hot, sweet, and attentive, than hell yeah, he's a fricken riot!" She winked and laughed alone at her joke.

"Ciaus is a sweetie." I looked back at her over my shoulder. She playfully shoved me and I stumbled, nearly falling.

"You know damn well I am not talking about his DOG! I'm talking about that piece of man meat, Carlisle." She blinked her eyes rapidly and made a dreamy face.

I shook my head at her, acting like she was deeply in love with a man she had only met a few times in passing. I'd seen her eye fucking him and I admit-to myself and no one else-that it made me jealous. I knew she would never make a move on Carlisle because she loved Jake and they had been together for a long time, but I was internally territorial. Where did that come from? I was shocked by my teeter totter of emotions.

Carlisle and I had met accidentally a few weeks before when his dog, Ciaus, plowed me down as he was chasing after a stick. I'd fallen flat on my back in the damp sand, the breath nearly knocked out of me.

When my eyes opened, a worried and apologetic face loomed above mine. He helped me up and apologized repeatedly before he scolded Ciaus, which I told him was unnecessary. He offered, well insisted, I wear his jacket to warm up while we made small talk. I didn't get too comfortable, just letting the jacket hang on my shoulders. He noticed and never said a word. He was very friendly and we chatted for a half hour before Jake sauntered over to make sure everything was ok.

I was grateful, yet disappointed that Jake intervened. I didn't know Carlisle from a guy sitting next to me at a stop light, but he was charming and a gentleman. Ciaus was his right hand man of sorts. I loved seeing him. I always got a sloppy kiss on my face and an old stick dropped at my feet. I wasn't as nervous with Ciaus around.

I never thought I would see either of them again after that first day.

I did though, nearly every evening I went. There were a few nights when they didn't show up and I was secretly disappointed and thought I kept that hidden to myself. Thankfully, I always saw them the next night. I wasn't exactly attracted to him in the romantic sense, but he peaked my curiosity and interest. At first, we would wave from across the beach, eventually getting within speaking distance when Ciaus would run to me with his slobbery stick hanging out of his mouth, asking me silently with his eyes to throw it. I always did and he'd come running back, dropping it at my feet all the while panting. It made me giggle and smile. The first couple times it happened, Carlisle apologized. I shook it off and kept throwing the stick.

That was the first time he asked me to get a cup of coffee with him.

I declined, but thanked him. The thought of leaving with him scared the ever loving shit out of me. A small part of me wanted to go, but the bigger part held back. I wasn't sure how far I wanted this to go. I still didn't know much about him.

I liked the idea of seeing him at the beach with Ciaus as a buffer and my friends not far off playing in the ocean. How odd or uncomfortable would it be to leave my safe spot? This was my sanctuary, to leave it with him? Alone? That would complicate things. I was content with our cordial conversations.

At least I thought I was. The more I saw him, the more I found myself craving our next meeting, my thoughts would wander to him while I was at work or even sometimes when I was making dinner. I was curious about his family, his life. What he was doing at that precise moment. Every time my thoughts strayed, I'd immediately chastise myself. I never told Emily what I felt, but she'd given me knowing glances and began to tease me casually when she and I were alone… like now.

"Emily, could you be any cruder? I mean come on… a piece of meat? Really?" I gave her an incredulous look as she scoffed.

We made our way to the huge rocks that sat off to the left, tucked near the back against a rocky wall, above was where the boys usually cliff dived. It was cloudy, and a little cool, so we wore our hooded sweatshirts to fight off the chill the wind brought with it. The sun peaked through the clouds for a brief moment before being shrouded once again. Emily looked at me and an evil smile spread across her face.

"So, you're telling me that you really don't think Carlisle is hot?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Uh, I, I mean..." I stuttered.

Emily broke out in a fit of laughter. "Oh my God! You do think he's hot! Silly, silly Bella." She squealed.

"Shut up! I do not. I barely know him. I spend more time with Ciaus."

Emily's self righteous tone kind of annoyed me. I couldn't understand her concern, why she felt she had to meddle. Jake whistled, thankfully drawing her attention towards him and away from our intimate bubble. Emily stood, hugging her arms around herself as she watched Jake come towards us. Emily glanced back to me and spoke before Jake was within ear shot.

"He seems like a cool guy, Bella. There's nothing wrong in admitting that to yourself." She looked past me for a second then back to me. "And I can tell by your constant refusal, that you do in fact, at least, think Carlisle is cute."

I shook my head softly. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"He's cute," I whispered, breaking eye contact with her while I confessed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Emily's smile brighten as I heard someone come up behind me.

"Who's cute?" Carlisle's voice rang out.

I closed my eyes as a realization dawned on me. Emily had known exactly what she was doing. I made a mental note to kick her ass later. I could play it cool. I looked up from my feet to meet Carlisle's smiling eyes.

"Hey," I managed to spit out and smiled back at Carlisle.

"Hi. So, who's cute?" He sat down on the rock next to me, not letting me avoid his question. I looked up at Emily to give her a discreet dirty look just as Jake made his way to the three of us. She ignored me completely.

"Hey, Carlisle! Nice to see you man!"

Carlisle stood and he and Jake did that weird hand shake, fist bump thing that all the guys did. Carlisle sat back down and Jake weaved his arm around Emily's waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"You two surfing today?" Carlisle asked, motioning to Emily and Jake with his hand.

Emily rolled her eyes and Jake began to sway the two of them back and forth. They had started dating about three years before. Their relationship was inevitable. As long as I had known them, there'd always been a pull between them. Paul, Embry and I could see it; we made sure to never tease them about it. We thought it was better to hold back and see what transpired. If need be, we decided to intervene.

Luckily, that didn't happen. Paul, Embry, Billy, my dad and myself caught them kissing in my dad's kitchen when we'd all gathered for a Fourth of July barbeque, It was of no surprise for Paul, Embry and myself but my dad and Billy stood shocked. Their eyes are big as saucers, standing frozen in place. It took me holding a can of beer on front of their faces before their eyes snapped back to reality. They shook their heads, stuttering and turned to walk to the backyard and away from the five of us giggling.

Emily and Jake had been together ever since and I waited for the day when he would propose. Just as I knew they'd end up together, I knew he would take the plunge with her soon. They were meant to be.

Jake broke me out of my musings. "Yeah I finally got her to trust me. Today is our first lesson. I have a feeling it won't be long either."

Emily giggled. "I trust you, Jake." She turned her head and kissed him on his temple. "And you're damn right it won't take long...it's a cold mother out there!" she exclaimed.

Jake pulled away from her reluctantly. "Well let's get your wet suit on and I promise we will start earlier from now on, ok, babe?" He kept his hands on her waist as she turned to face him.

Carlisle and I shifted uncomfortably as Jake and Emily kissed each other as though they were the last people on earth. I cleared my throat, but it made no difference. They continued to suck each other's faces. I chuckled, feeling my blush heat my face as I timidly looked at Carlisle.

Carlisle shuffled once again next to me. I looked down at my feet, digging the toe of my shoe into the damp sand. As much as I tried all I could hear was the sound of the ocean and Emily and Jake kissing, which grew louder. I bit my tongue so I wouldn't say anything I'd regret later. I peeked out of the corner of my eye to see Carlisle wringing his hands and looking out toward the ocean, he seemed to be in deep concentration. Poor guy. I almost felt bad for him, but it was actually kinda funny. He didn't know Emily and Jake like I did. I could say something like, 'Get a room!' Not that it'd do a lot of good, it would only spur them on. Carlisle though, wasn't in the position or knew them well enough to call them out on their PDA. It was kind of cute to see him like this.

The breeze picked up, making me shiver. I grabbed the strings of my hooded sweatshirt and pulled the hoodie tightly around my face. I couldn't see anything to the right or left of me-just the kissing couple who stood in front of me. That plan backfired. I shook my head as I heard Carlisle chuckling.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his chuckling turning into a full on laugh, breaking Emily and Jake out of their heated kiss.

I turned my head to see the most beautiful smile flash across Carlisle's face. I couldn't help but see the light shine in his eyes, the lines that curved around the edges. Carlisle grabbed the strings to the green hooded sweatshirt he wore under his black leather jacket and mocked me by pulling the hood tightly around his face, leaving only his eyes, nose and cheeks in view.

I fell into a fit of giggles as Jake and Emily laughed at the two of us.

"You two look like idiots!" Jake roared.

"Or twins!" Emily exclaimed.

I bent down and grabbed a clump of the damp sand under my feet. Emily immediately saw what I was doing and pulled herself out of Jake's arms.

"Oh! Come on Emily! What are you afraid of?" I threw her earlier words back in her face. I stood, still palming the sand in my hand. It wouldn't clump together in a ball, but I still threatened to chase her down. She hated how it felt when it got between her skin and clothing. She was a few feet away now, bouncing from foot to foot. "It's just sand Emily!" I teased.

Jake eyed the sand in my hand and I could see the light bulb flash above his head. "Give it to me," he whispered. I put the loose clump of sand in his hand and he winked, walking backwards.

"Well, I guess I need to get her surfing lesson underway...I will see you two later," he spoke loud enough for Emily to hear and again winked at the two of us then turned to run after Emily.

I watched him chase her, playfully threatening her. Emily's squeals carried throughout the beach and Jake finally caught her. I turned my head when their kissing turned into a private moment that I felt uncomfortable seeing, even from afar. At least they weren't standing right in front of us this time. I didn't have any idea how to handle that moment again.

I shivered again as another breeze whipped my face. I brought my hands to my mouth to breathe on them, while in between breaths I rubbed them together. It couldn't have been cooler than fifty degrees, which in my opinion isn't too terribly cold by, but the breeze wasn't helping to stop the chills running through my body.

"Do you want my jacket, Bella?" Carlisle asked.

I looked up to see him loosening up his hoodie from his face while he stood up. I caught myself smiling and quickly hid it when I realized he was pulling off his leather jacket to drape over my shoulders.

"Carlisle, you don't…I mean, you'll get cold." I tried to spit the words out before he put the jacket on me, but he wouldn't have it. He sat beside me, his elbows on his knees, leaning forward.

"I tend to run hot blooded." He smiled as my blush heated me from head to toe. Stupid blush! I bit my lip nervously, feeling his gaze on me.

"I think a storm must be coming," I muttered, trying to change the direction of his gaze. Carlisle turned his head to look out toward the sky. It was darkening, almost black in the distance. I half expected to hear thunder or see lightening, but it never came. I watched the clouds roll in and engulf the lighter gray clouds until the whole sky was eventually dark above us.

"Do you like the rain?" His voice sounded different. Deeper. Husky. Intimate.

I cleared my throat and nodded. "Love it."

"You have to, I guess, to live here."

"You don't?" I put my arms in the sleeves of his jacket and pulled it closer to me. The breeze continued to send chills running through my body. I wrapped my arms around myself and a wave of Carlisle's scent surrounded me. Leather. Cut wood. Musk. I tried to inhale more without making it too obvious, the smell alone relaxed me. I wanted more.

"I don't mind it. I'm used to it, although, I'm not a fan of snow." He bent down and grabbed a small rock and rolled it in his hand. "Rain, I can handle. I like to sleep to the sounds of rain. I even have one of those machines that help you sleep you know? What are those things called? It has rainforest, frogs croaking," Carlisle laughed loudly suddenly. "Hell, it even has city sounds, you know, car horns..."

"Who would want to fall asleep to that?" I howled in between laughs.

"I know right?" I looked up to see him watching me, his eyes scanning my face. I wiped the tears from under my eyes. It never failed, every time I laughed, my eyes would tear up. I stiffened as his thumb touched my cheek and wiped away a tear I had missed. "Missed one."

"Thanks," I nervously answered and pulled away slightly. I was at war with myself. One moment, his touch warmed me and shocked me awake. The next it scared me to death. I wanted to run to him and from him in a matter of seconds. I'd had boyfriends before, but none that ever had that affect on me. I never had these kinds of conflicted feelings.

When I first met Carlisle I never thought much of the meeting. I kept myself distant, but cordial and friendly. I didn't have any feelings toward him whatsoever. He was just there. He was friendly, polite, a gentleman. He got along with my friends. He never pushed me to like him, but I could tell he cared what I thought of him. The more I saw him, the more I actually sawhim. Our conversations weren't deep by any means, but he was growing on me. He had gotten to me, to the point that the last couple visits at the beach, I had found myself blushing at how he would look at me, and certain things he would say. Today? He gave me his jacket, touched my face… he was getting to me.

He was worming his way in to my head and maybe my heart? I couldn't let that happen, could I?

It's not that I didn't want him close to me. The thought had crossed my mind several times, against my better judgment. Reality would then come crashing down on me and I had to wonder if he was really into me. What did he see in me? I wasn't ugly, but I sure as Hell wasn't beautiful.

I brushed a strand of my long hair out of my face and pushed it behind my ear. My brown eyes were just brown; they weren't anything exciting to look at. I was plain. Ordinary. An ex-boyfriend of mine had even mentioned that to me once and although I never took any opinion of his seriously, that one never left me. It was easier to believe the negative rather than the positive.

Sufficed to say, I haven't dated since then.

I kept busy with my work, my photography, my friends, and seeing my dad whenever our schedules matched. Emily and I would work out a couple times a week, too. I didn't have time for anyone else or so I kept telling myself. But, deep down I felt emptiness. Something was missing, but I always dismissed it, pushed it further away from the surface.

Maybe I missed my mom? Maybe it was something else all together?

For once, I yearned to relax, let my walls down and breathe.

"So, is it safe to assume that you haven't always lived here?" I asked as he pulled his thumb away from my heated skin. He looked hurt by my stiffened frame and change of subject.

"Uh yeah. Chicago. I love Chicago." he paused. "It's beautiful here, though." His eyes burned into mine and I felt as if he was trying to say something more, but I must have been imagining it. I mentally slapped myself for having had that thought.

"You lived in Chicago? I have always wanted to go there. When did you move here?"

"My parents and I moved here when I was sixteen. My dad is a doctor and got a job offer he couldn't refuse. So, we moved." He motioned his hands to his surroundings, clicking his tongue.

"Do you ever think about going back to Chicago?"

"Why? You trying to get rid of me?" He teased. I blinked rapidly, not expecting that response.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head.

Carlisle smiled softly. "Good."

We sat in silence for a moment before Carlisle spoke again.

"I don't know. My sister stayed behind to finish college. I have a reason to go…for a visit." He took a deep breath before letting it out. "I feel like something is keeping me here though."

I couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on my lips, although I really did try. Embarrassed, I cleared my throat and looked out to the ocean. Jake and Emily were wrestling with Jake's surf board as the ocean current became stronger. The wind blew harder on our faces and I thought I felt a few drops of rain against my skin, but it was too few and far between for me to be sure. As a precaution, I stuffed my all forgotten camera in the front sweatshirt pocket.

"You feel that?" Carlisle touched his forehead then looked at his finger tips. "I think it's raining," he said, peering up to the sky.

Emily and Jake came running to us. Carlisle stood, dusted off his pants then offered me his hand. I looked between his hand and his face; I wrapped my fingers around his and stood. He was so warm and welcoming.

"You're freezing!" Carlisle hissed. I couldn't help to pull my hand away, becoming unsure of myself. Carlisle kept his hand out in my direction.

"Sorry, I tend to run cold." I joked, getting another beautiful smile in return. Carlisle lowered his hand and stuffed in the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt to join his other hand.

Emily and Jake joined us, breaking the silence.

"Well that lesson was short!" Jake called out over the sounds of the waves crashing behind them.

"Thank God," Emily managed to say while still trying to catch her breath.

"You must be freezing, Emily!" I shivered, knowing although she had a wetsuit on, she had to feel worse than I did. Jake put his arms around her after he slammed his surf board into the sand, standing.

"I'll take her home and warm her up," he whispered in her ear, although Carlisle and I still heard. It was hard not to.

"Dude! We can hear you!" I chastised. "Too much information, by the way." I put my hands up, trying to block my view of their kissing faces, which only egged them on. I shook my head and turned to Carlisle.

"I guess I'm going to go home. It's kind of late and I'm sure it's going to start raining anytime now."

Carlisle's face fell. "Oh yeah. I should too. I have to be up in..." his voice trailed off as he pulled his left arm out so he could look at his watch. "…about six, seven hours." He raised his eyebrows.

"I didn't mean to keep you. You need to sleep."

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be, Bella." I felt my pulse quicken slightly as I shyly looked away only to meet Emily's arrogant smile. I pulled the hood around my face to block the rain as much as I could as I said good bye to Emily and Jake… and maybe her gaze.

Carlisle offered to help Jake with his surf board, but Jake declined and grabbed it, following us. When we got to the stairs leading to the parking lot, Emily and Jake went the opposite direction of Carlisle and I, but not before Emily discreetly told me to call her by making her hand into the shape of a phone and holding it to her ear. I flipped her off in return, while I stuck my tongue out at her. She walked away laughing, causing Carlisle to give the two of us a confused look.

I suddenly wondered how much of that he saw.

"So, you get up early every day?" I asked while we made our way to our vehicles. Carlisle had parked his Dodge truck one space away from my Chevelle.

"Yeah, I can get by without much sleep. I take after my dad in that respect, I guess." He fished in his pockets and pulled out his keys.

"Your dad, the doctor?" I taunted.

We came to a stop in the empty parking spot between our vehicles.

"Yeah." His voice sounded solemn, so I didn't press the issue. The rain was now coming down steadily around us, but we didn't budge from our stance.

"So..." Carlisle started. I watched him nervously shift his weight from one leg to the other and realized I still had his jacket on.

"Oh! You want your jacket!" I quickly shrugged it off, getting my sweatshirt sleeve stuck as I pulled. Carlisle chuckled as I struggled.

"Here, let me help." He took my wrist in one hand and gently got my sweatshirt untangled. "There you go," he muttered as the jacket was freed and now in his hands.

"Thank you."

A honk rang out, Emily and Jake waved as they passed us. I chuckled and waved. We were now completely alone. The parking lot empty except for my car and his truck.

I watched Carlisle rub the back of his neck, he seemed on edge, quieter than he usually was and staring at the ground, watching his foot lightly splash a puddle between us.

"Well, I don't want to keep you. I guess I'll see you soon?" I queried. He snapped out of his daze and put his hand out to stop me before I turned to get in my car.

"Uh, Bella?"

"Hmmm?" I looked between his hand and the serious expression in his eyes.

"I may not be around the next two weeks. I got a job that's out of town. It's not very often that I have to travel so far, but every now and then..." his voice lowered. He cleared his throat and met my eyes. "It happens. They are short handed and need us to help them complete a job." He snorted.

"Where are you working?"

"Port Angeles."

"Oh." I couldn't help the disappointment that laced my voice. With my head down, I grabbed my keys and turned to unlock my car door so I could pull my camera out of my pocket and put it on the passenger seat. I had been so preoccupied; I should have done it sooner. I gave it a quick once over, deciding it hadn't gotten too wet. When I turned back to face Carlisle I saw that he had taken another step in my direction.

The disappointment I felt surprised me. I didn't spend that much time with him at the beach, but it was something I looked forward to. It was a new development I had just begun to come to terms with and now I had to wrap my head around that and the fact that he wouldn't be showing up. It was inadvertently reinforcing my beliefs. I barely even acknowledged to myself that I may be feeling a tiny bit attached to him and he was going to be gone.

I plastered a fake smile to my face before I spoke. "Well change is good. Port Angeles is a great city."

Carlisle shrugged. "I'm going to miss this." He paused and let out a deep breath. "I'm going to miss the beach." Carlisle took another step closer to me, I could almost feel the heat radiating off him, then he turned to stand next to me, leaning against my car.

"Who's watching Ciaus?" I diverted the conversation to something more lighthearted.

"A neighbor lady, Jane. Ciaus has a dog house in my backyard. All she has to do is make sure he's fed and has clean water. He can get in the garage if need be. She may have to clean up after him in the yard." He chuckled. "I would pay to see that, she isn't the type. Kinda prissy."

I furrowed my brow. Who was this Jane? I felt…jealousy? Jane must be the exact opposite of me if he described her as prissy. Maybe she was one of those feminine types who had weekly appointments to get her hair and nails done. She probably was curvy and flirty, full of confidence. I felt my jealousy spike as the thought of someone like her doing a favor for Carlisle with the hopes of getting closer to him. Earning brownie points. I berated myself for having possessive thoughts about someone I wouldn't even admit out loud that I felt something for. My emotions were all over the place. I was giving myself whiplash.

"That was nice of her," I managed to spit out; however it came out sounding harsher than I intended.

One of Carlisle's eyebrows rose at me in question, and then a slow, knowing smile graced his face. He and Emily could pass as twins with the cocky grins they wore.

"I suppose. It was a last minute thing and my parents are out of town, in Chicago, visiting my sister so… my choices were limited," he explained.

I shrugged, taking notice that the rain had slowed to a mist. Had we been out here in the rain, totally oblivious to our surroundings? I saw Carlisle clutching his jacket in one fist and his keys in the other. The hood of his sweatshirt was wet from the heavier rain just moments ago and was pressed against his chest.

"Yeah, I…"

"I want…"

We both spoke at the same time, than fumbled.

"Go ahead," we both said. I broke out in a giggle. He turned to face me, still leaning against my car. He was staring at down at his clutched hands then suddenly his head snapped up.

"I want to call you while I'm gone. Would you be ok with that? Would you give me your number?"

I must have looked like a fish with my mouth opening and closing in shock. Carlisle put his jacket on the hood of my car and took another step toward me. I studied his face, his expression. He looked nervous, anxious, hopeful, relieved. A part of me was jumping inside with excitement, shaking my pom poms. My heart was beating so hard I was surprised he couldn't see it through my sweatshirt, as close as he was standing to me. Then my insecure, frightened side had to make an appearance and question his motives. I looked down at myself, my clothes, and hair. I was nothing special. I'm sure Jane was gorgeous. Why wasn't he asking her?

"Bella?" he asked.

I shyly looked at him through my lashes. I had an incredible need to take a leap of faith. I had an angel and a devil on each shoulder, both telling me to go for it. It's just a phone number. We're not going out on a date. We're not getting married or having babies, or robbing a bank. It's harmless, just a bunch of numbers on a piece of paper. Nothing could happen. Everything could happen. Both options were thrilling and horrifying.

"Ok, I would love to."

Carlisle grinned from ear to ear. At lightning speed he had a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and handed it to me. I wrote my number and gave it to him, he handed one back to me with his number. "In case you want to call or text me. Cool?" His eyes danced into mine. I bit my lip, nodding.

"Cool."

Carlisle grabbed his jacket and keys, holding tightly onto the paper that held my phone number. I could feel his eyes on me as I opened my door and got in, starting my car to get the heater going. As the car idled, he walked to my window and motioned for me to roll it down. He squatted, leaning his arms on the ledge.

"Thank you," he said simply.

I didn't know what to say to that. I studied his face and memorized every detail. The side burns that didn't quite reach his earlobe, the two days worth of stubble that covered his jaw, chin and upper lip.

His plump, pink lips that always seemed to be smiling when I looked at him, his slightly crooked and bumpy nose that ended in a soft point. Last but not least, those eyes. I engraved those eyes in my memory as though I would never see them again. The green was rich in color, swirled with a light gray. A color I had never seen before and if I never told another loving soul, it was now my new favorite color.

"Be careful going home." Carlisle stood, one hand still on my door ledge. "I'll call you." he promised as I nodded to him in response.

I watched as he walked to his truck and was just about to roll up my window when he called out my name before he climbed in. I looked up to see him wink.

"So, you're not going to tell me who's cute?"

Leave me some love 3 I plan to have chapter 4 up the weekend of the 14th :)

My MoMo and Eifeltwrfanfic each have wonderful stories you should be reading also.

LaMoMo's is Business Class Girl and Eifeltwr's is Second Chances Never Looked So Good. Both are great reads, leave them some love.