Disclaimer: We do not own Twilight. But Edward has agreed to meet me for dinner :)!! He is a fine piece of man. Wait, what? We're married! What is this? Oh, shhh, baby boy. You think Kristen Stewart is hot. I think i can have dinner with Edward if i want. You can even join us ;). Okay!
Ladies, can i get an MMMMMmmmmmm...at the thought of Hayden AND EDWARD!
Right, while i clear the fantasies from my head. I just really want to say thank you for all of you that reviewed. I knew you would all love Hayden's version of Edward, and i think he's quite hot myself.
Oh, i wanted to ask you guys if you wanted there to be a Reveiw Crew for this story. So, do you want it? Do ya? I can give it to you...you know i can. Wow, that got dirty FAST. I'm gonna stop. Over to you, babe.
Holy crap, people! I honestly did not expect to see that many reviews! You guys are twelve kinds of awesome, but please don't make me explain the twelve kinds, it could get quite dangerous. Anyway, for those of you who asked what my penname was, it is HaydenMCullen. If you search for Hayden, you might be able to find it. I'm not quite sure.
For those of you begging for DTE,(Dirty Talking Edward, if you are just joining us, lol) it is in the back of my mind…That is all I'm going to tell you, unless I get an INFLUX of PM's begging me. Hint, hint ;)
Oh! For those of you who were confused about Liam, he was shot in the arm, close to his heart. Edward is blaming himself because he is, well… he is Edward? Need I say more? Plus Liam is his partner and it's Edward's job to protect him.
So there you have it. And this will be updated weekly. Probably on Fridays. Fridays are our date night, so it only makes sense. Well to me it does, to you it might be like "how does that relate at all?" Enough of my yammering. ON WITH IT...
EPOV
Staring off into the horizon, I adjusted the sunglasses that were perched on my nose. Looking at the square office building, I crossed my arms over my suit clad chest, waiting for Jasper to meet me outside.
The lights reflected off of my skin, as I moved to lean against the pole, glancing down at my watch. Jasper had agreed to meet me at 9:00 A.M., and it was three minutes from the exact time of our meeting.
"Edward Cullen!" Jasper walked towards me gracefully, his blonde hair pushed back away from his face. Uncrossing my arms, I pushed my body away from the pole, extending my hand in my friend's direction.
"Jasper Whitlock, how have you been?" Grinning, I grasped his hand in mind, before pulling him into a tight hug.
"Quite well, Edward, thank you for asking. How is Elizabeth? I'm sure she is so big by now." Jasper walked quickly, gesturing for me to follow him, and I bit back a chuckle knowing that business would come before pleasure.
Tugging at the collar of my dress shirt, I walked quickly behind Jasper, hoping that I would eventually get used to his quick pace. When we reached the elevator, I responded quickly, "Libby is doing well, Jasper."
"Good, Edward. Listen, I will explain everything once we reach my office. Sorry if I sound so harried, but I have to find someone quickly, and you are one of the few people that I can trust."
As we stepped into Jasper's office, he gestured for me to take a seat while he leaned against the cherry stained desk. Glancing around his office, I took in the pictures of the celebrities that he was an agent for. My high school friend had done quite well for himself.
"So, what can I do for you, Jasper? You mentioned something about protecting someone; I have never been a bodyguard. What made you think of me, I am quite sure there is someone out there that could do a better job then me?"
His normally blank forehead was creased with worry, as he adjusted himself on the desk, "Like I said, Edward, I trust you with my life, and I know that you are a damn good S.W.A.T. officer."
Frowning, I looked down at my shoes, "Not good enough, I let my partner get injured."
Jasper pushed himself away from the cherry wood, and his hand moved to my shoulder, "Edward, do not beat yourself up over this. Liam is a damn good officer; he just happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time."
Applying pressure to my shoulder, Jasper shook my body lightly, "Come on, Edward, let's go meet the woman you will be protecting."
The narrow hallway was decorated with awards, and pictures. Stopping front of Jasper's, I let out an airy laugh, "Wow, Jazz you sure have changed."
Pushing my shoulder, Jasper nudged me further down the hallway. Upon reaching a solid door, Jasper knocked twice, and slipped a key into the door knob. The lock clicked, and Jasper turned the knob, opening the door carefully.
Upon opening the door, Jasper revealed one of the most enticing creatures that I have ever seen. Gorgeous chestnut brown hair, framing her small face, and chocolate pools of color were here eyes. A nagging voice entered my mind, urging me to remain professional.
"Edward Cullen! I have not seen you in a while; how are you!" Small arms slid around my waist, and spiky black hair pushed against my chest as Alice hugged me.
"I'm doing quite well, Alice. Thank you for asking."
Her arms slid away from my body, as she stepped back, taking in my appearance, before opening her mouth to speak again, "How is Elizabeth?"
Tensing my back, I stood with my legs shoulders width apart, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. Even if I was going to protect the woman in this room, she did not need to know anything about my life, regardless of how attractive I thought she was.
"Elizabeth is fine, Alice. Thank you for asking."
Noticing my change in posture, and hearing the tone of my voice, Alice stepped backwards, and sat next to the brown eyed girl. Remorse slid onto my face for a moment, letting Alice know that I was not trying to be hateful towards her; I just wanted to keep my daughter safe.
Raising her eyebrow in warning, Alice cocked her head, letting me know that she understood, a clear message that our conversation was far from over.
Jasper's low chuckle floated through the room, and the woman who was seated next to Alice looked up at the sound of his laughter, an angelic smile falling onto her face, "Edward, please sit. There is no one in this room to defend Bella from, so relax."
A chair was slid in my direction, and after settling myself on it, Jasper began to speak again, "Edward, I know I did not explain much to you on the phone, and I do apologize for that. We have a small situation, and you are one of the few people I trust to handle it."
Keeping my back straight, I settled my feet on the floor, the soles of my shoes flat. My arms were settled on the rests of the chair, but my body was positioned to move at anytime.
A nod of my head gestured for Jasper to continue, "Bella has been getting hate mail from a specific fan, and the words are formed from letters cut out of a magazine. We are not sure who is doing this, however we believe it is the same person. Each letter contains a poem, hinting that the writer is always watching."
Her brown eyes watched me as I stood, sliding my jacket from my shoulders. My fingers moved to unclasp the buttons around my wrists, as I rolled my sleeves up my arms.
Eyeing her carefully, I spoke softly in answer to Jasper's unasked question, "When do I start?"
The soft red lighting in the restaurant held a tone of romance, as we walked through the open door. My hand was flat against Bella's back as we walked, eyes never leaving her body. I'm sure my attitude had to be irritating her, but I would not mess this up.
Jasper had reserved our seats for us, and upon reaching the table, I noticed a burly looking man with dark hair sitting with his arm around a woman with wavy blonde hair, and blue eyes.
Pulling Bella's chair out, I felt her eyes boring into my back, "Edward, I can move my chair on my own. I don't need you to move it for me."
Grinding my teeth together, I waited for her to seat herself, before gently moving the chair back in place. Biting my tongue, I settled myself next to her, before the burly man reached his hand across the table, "Hey, Edward. I'm Emmett McCarty and this is my girlfriend--" He was interrupted as I shook his hand, fingers squeezing mine as if testing my strength.
"Emmett, I don't need you to introduce me. Hello, Edward, I am Rosalie Hale; Jasper is also my agent, and Bella and I are good friends. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Settling her gentle hand in mine, I shook it gently, before allowing her to remove it, "It is a pleasure to meet the two of you. Jasper speaks highly of you both."
Even though I had seen Rosalie's face covering many billboards, I had never actually seen one of her movies. Having a three year old daughter, and a job where I could be called in at anytime, made it nearly impossible to see movies with adult themes.
My gaze was torn away from Rosalie and Emmett, as the waitress approached our table. Strawberry blonde hair was crimped around her face, and her light blue eyes raked over our table.
Upon reaching our table, she stood close to me, and began speaking, "Hello, my name is Mackenzie and I will be your waitress tonight." Reaching her hand out, she gently stroked her finger down my chest, "What can I get for you?"
A small smirk pulled at my lips, "What would you recommend?" I felt a foot kick me underneath the table, and my eyes flickered in Alice's direction. A warning stare was the only answer I received. Swallowing, I gave her a weak smile, "I will just have a glass of water, please."
"What would you like to eat, darling? I can tell you a few things that taste, amazing." Her tone of voice was laced with a sense yearning, as her eyes slid down my body.
I heard Alice let out an exasperated sigh, "He will take the chicken parmesan; that is what he always eats."
Biting back a chuckle, I watched as Mackenzie turned in Alice's direction, hurriedly scribbling down what I would be eating for dinner that night. As our waitress began taking Jasper's order, my phone rang. I smiled at the number that flashed across my screen.
"Hello?"
A loud girlish squeal filled my ears, "Daddy! This is Elizabeth Grace Cullen!"
My lopsided grin pulled at my lips, as I responded, "Really? I don't know any girls named Elizabeth, are you sure you have the right number?"
All eyes were on me as I spoke to my little girl. Libby's soft giggles filled my ears as I looked at Alice, winking, "Hold on Elizabeth, someone would like to speak with you."
Alice's nimble fingers pulled the phone from my hand, and she spoke softly into the mouthpiece, "This is Alice; how may I help you?"
I heard my little girl's laughter coming from the phone, and this time a low laugh slipped from my mouth. Listening to Alice's soft banter with my daughter made me smile, wishing that I had someone who would be Libby's mother.
The phone was then passed to Jasper, and the smile never left my lips as my other friend spoke softly to my daughter. I felt Bella's eyes on me, so I glanced in her direction, "Would you like to speak to my daughter, as well?"
Bella smiled, shaking her head slowly. A piece of hair fell into her face, and I reached forward, tucking it behind her ear; an involuntary action that had been engrained in my being ever since Libby's hair had grown long enough to fall into her eyes.
Her pale cheeks flushed, as my hand gently stroked her cheek, and I ducked my head, embarrassed, "Sorry, Bella."
Letting my hand fall back to the table, I noticed Jasper extending my phone towards me, "Someone would like to speak with you, Edward."
Bringing the phone close to my ear, I heard muffled voices in the background, "Hey princess, who are you talking to?"
Her musical voice filled my ears, "Just Papa, he wants to talk to you after you tell me goodnight."
Glancing down at my watch laden wrist, my eyes widened at the time, "I'm sorry, pumpkin. I'll come up and say goodnight to you when I get home, I promise."
"Will you tuck me, Daddy? Papa does it, but not as good as you."
Biting my lip, I made sure laughter was not laced in my tone, "Sure, sweetie. Snug as a bug in a rug."
Melodic giggles erupted in my ears, "Okay, Daddy. Papa says I gotta go."
Closing my eyes, I pressed my fingertips to my forehead, wishing I was at home with my little girl, tucking her in, "Alright my little angel. I love you, princess. Sweet dreams."
"Night, Daddy. Love you more!"
"No sweetie, I am almost positive that I love you more!"
"Nuh-uh! I love you times…" I heard her pause, and more muffled voices filled the earpiece, "Times infinite! Papa says you can't beat that, Daddy! So don't even try!"
Laughter sounded from my right, and I looked over, noticing that Bella's smile was as big as mine. Winking at her, I spoke to my little girl again, as Mackenzie set our food in front of us, "Alright, Libby, you win. Give Papa the phone, and get your adorable little self to bed. I love you. Goodnight, little bit."
My father's voice was a change from my little girls, and I gazed down at my food, wondering what he had to say, "Edward, when will you be home, son?"
Twirling my spaghetti on my fork, I let out a low sigh, "I will leave as soon as I get Bella home. We are eating dinner now, so it should not be too long. I'm going to look over some items at her house, and then I will leave. Do you want me to call when I leave Bella's house?"
After a brief pause, my father responded, "That sounds like a plan, Edward. We will see you when you get home, son. Don't forget about your promise to Elizabeth."
Rolling my eyes, I continued to spin the spaghetti, "Don't worry. I won't forget. Love you, bye."
After hearing his response, I snapped the small device shut, before clipping it back on my hip. Alice glanced up from her dinner and smiled, "Libby reminded me of her party on Saturday. Have you gotten her anything yet?"
Cutting my chicken, I shook my head slowly, "No, I haven't had the time yet. I'm not even sure what she wants."
The chicken was delicious as I chewed it, and Alice nodded, "Don't worry, Edward. I will get her something tomorrow. A few things from you, and something from Jasper and myself; do you mind if I pick it out?"
Shaking my head quickly, I swallowed, "No, Alice. If you don't mind, that would be amazing." Turning towards Bella, I spoke again, "How is your food?"
Smiling, Bella nodded, "It is really good; thank you for asking. Do you have another question for me? I'm sure that look in your eye signals that you have another question."
After sipping my water, I wiped my face with a napkin, "Yes, I do have another question. Do you have any plans for Saturday? I have a birthday party to attend and since protecting you is my job, I think it is only fair for me to invite you."
Alice spoke up, "Yes, Bella. Libby is so adorable! You have to come. Edward, would you mind if Emmett and Rosalie attended too."
"Not at all, you two are invited as well. It may not be a Hollywood party, but I am sure you will have a good time. The more the merrier."
Emmett nodded, "I would love to come. Rose, would you like to join us?"
After kissing Emmett's cheek, Rosalie turned towards me, smiling softly, "It would be an honor to attend, Edward. Thank you for the invite."
Nudging me with her shoulder, Bella smiled as well, "Edward, make that three yeses. I would love to meet your little girl; she sounded extremely adorable on the phone.
Rifling through Bella's letters, I gazed at the words that were formed from magazine clippings. After making a copy of them on Bella's computer, I had called my father to let him know that I was on my way home. Knocking lightly on Bella's door, I waited for her to call out to me, "It is open, Edward."
Poking my head inside the door, I spoke, "I am leaving now, Bella. I checked your windows, and set your alarm. Call my cell phone if you need anything. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Follow me to the door and lock it after me if you don't mind?"
Her footsteps grew louder as she walked towards the door, and I turned starting towards the front of her apartment.
As I stepped out of the door, I smiled softly, "Have a good night, Bella."
"You too, Edward, please drive safely."
Upon reaching my house, I locked the door behind me. Walking up the stairs, I shrugged off my jacket. Pushing Libby's door open, I walked to her bedside, and began to tuck her in.
After kissing her forehead, I stepped back, gazing at my sleeping angel, "Snug as a bug in a rug, Elizabeth. Sweet dreams, my little bug, sweet dreams."
BPOV
I waited in Jasper's office with Alice at my side as we sat on the couch running along the wall opposite from the door. Her hand rested gently on my thigh and when my worried eyes looked over at her, she smiled softly at me.
"Bella, its fine. Edward is an old friend of mine and Jasper's. I'm sure he can be trusted," she tried to comfort me.
I nodded my head, and turned my nervous glance towards the door again. I could feel my hands twisting and turning and the knot in my stomach tightening the more I waited. I was about to meet a guy that would be forced to spend a ridiculous amount of time with me. Not only that, but this poor man would have to endure the photo shoots, the premiers, the casting calls, and worst of all, for the next few weeks, Devin Steal.
I let out a sigh as I felt sorry for the man that would soon have no life but to protect me. Why would he even want to bother? Did Emmett luck out getting to protect Rosalie or what?
The pumping of my heart sounded in my ears as my hands stilled themselves and my breath held without me thinking about it, as we heard Jasper's two knocks and the sound of the key slipping into the hole. I could almost feel the click of the lock in my bones as the knob started to gently turn, and then inch open.
The first thing I saw was Jasper's blond hair as he stepped into the office. Behind him was whom I assumed to be, Edward. I gulped at the realization that this beautiful man would be the one to follow me around for god knows how long.
Alice launched herself from my side on the couch before he was even completely in the room. I barely noticed as she attached herself around his waist as I looked him over.
His green eyes seemed to sparkle like emeralds and I wondered if it was the lighting or if they were always like that. Probably contacts, I told myself. That is, after all, what I was used to. The pretty boys that were made up to look that perfect.
His hair, an unusual bronze color, was messy but looked stylish, like he was blessed with that naturally perfect hair without even trying. A few strands hung in his eyes and I so badly wanted to sweep them away with my hand. I shook my head at the thought. I almost wanted to laugh at myself for those ridiculous thoughts.
"Edward Cullen! I have not seen you in a while; how are you!" Alice's light voice brought me out of my thoughts, and stopped me from mentally ravishing the seemingly built body of this Mr. Cullen. What is the matter with me?
"I'm doing quite well, Alice. Thank you for asking," he responded, his voice like velvet.
Alice detached herself from the man as she asked, "How is Elizabeth?"
At the mention of this Elizabeth his demeanor changed. His back went stiff straight and his arms crossed in front of his chest, his face perfectly masked of any emotion. He looked like a S.W.A.T. guy. They way he could turn his emotions off was frightening.
"Elizabeth is fine, Alice. Thank you for asking," he responded almost coldly.
Hearing this as his response, and noticing the change, Alice stepped away from him and came to sit next to me again on the couch.
His face changed slightly for an instant as he looked at Alice and I looked back between the two of them, noticing the silent conversation, but not understanding it.
My head snapped towards Jasper at his soft chuckle and I couldn't help but smile at how light he was trying to make this. It seemed everyone was on edge until that faint chuckle.
"Edward, please sit. There is no one in this room to defend Bella from, so relax," he said, a chuckle still present in his voice. He pulled a chair from his desk and slid it towards Edward Cullen.
Mr. Cullen straightened his suit before sitting and making himself comfortable in the chair, seeming to listen intently as Jasper started to brief him.
"Edward, I know I did not explain much to you on the phone, and I do apologize for that. We have a small situation, and you are one of the few people I trust to handle it."
As Jasper spoke, I could see Mr. Cullen's body tense. He looked ready to pounce at anytime, and though I appreciated the effort and seriousness he was taking with me, we were, after all, in Jasper's office. This man meant business.
"Bella has been getting hate mail from a specific fan, and the words are formed from letters cut out of a magazine. We are not sure who is doing this, however we believe it is the same person. Each letter contains a poem, hinting that the writer is always watching," Jasper had continued.
I watched as the gorgeous man stood and slid his jacket from his shoulders and he unclasped the buttons on the wrist of his sleeves and then rolled the said sleeves up, revealing toned arms.
I looked up to find his eyes staring into mine and they seemed to sparkle even more than before. He spoke softly to Jasper while still looking at me, "When do I start?"
It was a quaint little restaurant where we decided to go for dinner, the lighting beautiful and had a certain romance about it. It made it seem that the hand that Edward (I was now more comfortable using his name) was holding against the small of my back was something other than protection. With I sigh, I let the idea that he could ever be interested in me leave me. I was sure to not look right at him, knowing that if he caught me looking, my face would turn its trademark red.
I paid little attention throughout dinner. My attention was elsewhere. Like on the gorgeous man our waitress felt the need to flirt with. I wasn't sure exactly why I seemed to care so much. She was only doing what any sane women with eyes would do….undressing him mentally. I could see it in her eyes. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to do the same thing.
But as her fingers ran up and down his chest, I turned my head away, not wanting to see that. I didn't know this man. He just happened to be devastatingly attractive. Probably just another Devin Steal.
I was in the middle of trying to talk myself out of the harmless crush I seemed to have when the sound of a ringing phone, made me jump in my chair. I was sure no one noticed but I could still feel my cheeks heat at the embarrassment of such a tiny thing knocking me out of my thoughts.
A beautiful smirk crossed his face when he read the number on the screen. Probably that Elizabeth girl Alice had been talking about earlier. Was that a wife? A girlfriend? The way he smiled at the number it must've been someone rather important.
"Hello?" he answered.
All I could make out was a little squeal on the other end of the phone. But he must love talking to that little squeal because that grin tugged harder to pull it into a smile.
"Really? I don't know any girls named Elizabeth, are you sure you have the right number?" he joked and I couldn't help but smile slightly at his playfulness.
I watched as Edward winked at Alice, after hearing some more giggles on the phone. "Hold on Elizabeth, someone would like to speak with you." And with that he handed the phone across the table to Alice.
"This is Alice; how may I help you?" she asked as her voice became even softer than usual.
The phone was passed around the table, Jasper also taking the small device to say hello. The little girl giggled quite a lot and Edward was positively glowing. He must really love that little girl. But he must've felt my eyes on him, because he asked if I wanted to talk to her.
Though I loved that he had asked, and wanted to include me, I shook my head. I didn't know this little girl. She wasn't for me to talk to. And when a strand of hair fell into my face from my action, Edward's soft fingers brushed it way, tucking it behind my ear.
I had to fight the urge to close my eyes at the gentle touch. Why did it seem so sensual to me? An action that was simple and so every day made my heart speed up and my stomach do flips.
All he did was apologize before getting back on the phone with the giggling little girl. There was a moment after I could hear her babbling about loving him times infinite that I couldn't help but giggle, and the wink that man sent me I'm sure made my face tomato red.
The small group that knew each other talked of plans for the little girl's (Libby I learned for short) party that was set for the next day as I nibbled on my dinner. I was invited to the part, though I'm sure out of courtesy rather than desire. Or maybe it was just that he was taking this bodyguard business seriously. Rose and Emmett were also invited, which was sweet. And truth be told I wanted to learn more about this Edward, since he would be around me so often.
Or at least that was the reason I told myself, but my heart knew different.
We were soon alone in my flat, and Edward was rifling through my stacks of letters and fan mail. I went to my bedroom and changed into my pajamas, leaving him to do his work. But I couldn't stop putsing with my hair, or wondering if the white tank top I always wore to bed looked good on me. I wanted to believe that it had nothing to do with him. And it frustrated me that it wasn't true.
A knock on the door made me jump almost three feet in the air…and then trip. But I grabbed the counter of my dresser to stabilize myself.
"It is open, Edward." I called out, hoping I didn't sound like I was out of breath from almost just dying.
The door opened just a sliver, letting his head poke into my room and I found those green orbs look into my eyes.
"I am leaving now, Bella. I checked your windows, and set your alarm. Call my cell phone if you need anything. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Follow me to the door and lock it after me if you don't mind?'
I felt my heart drop at the seriousness in his voice. All business. Did he not see the way I had been looking at him all evening long? Was I that good at acting that I could act off my feelings? The reason didn't matter in the end, I suppose.
I trailed behind him as we walked to the front door of my apartment. Once the door was opened, he turned towards me. "Have a good night, Bella." That velvet voice could read an instruction manual for a printer and still sound alluring.
"You too, Edward, please drive safely." I told him before watching him walk down the hall and I shut the door, locking it behind him as instructed.
I went back into my room to lay down on my bed, trying to get some sleep, only to discover that sleep was no where to be found. My mind kept replaying the day I had had, and the man I had met.
I threw the covers off my legs and slipped into my fluffy slippers to head towards my kitchen. I filled up a kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil. In the mean time I headed to my book case and snagged one of my favorites, Romeo and Juliet, and cuddled up on the couch to start my night of restless sleep and getting lost in romances that only come true in books and movies.
Romances that never come true in real life, no matter how much we hope and pray, and wish they would.
Just so you know…if you do have any questions, my inbox is open for suggestions but if you really can't find me, PM the wife, and she will pass them on. PROMISE! Lastly… you guys are making me blush hardcore with all of your compliments, so I'm really glad you all like my Edward, personally, I don't think he is that good…But thanks!
Also, my sis (Ishtar14), and I started a C2, called Eclectic Twilight. You can either PM me or her, and we will check out your stories! Just let us now, we'd be happy to look at them.
What did you guys think? I was really critical of my BPOV for this chapter, so i would LOVE to hear your opinions. And i am aware that it was a little repetitive, but i wanted you to see what Bella felt for the first meeting. We will alternate so it's not so repetitive next time.
As always thanks for reading guys. I love you, and i'm and i'm sure Hayden feels the same.
Much love and even more writing,
ashel-13 and Hayden