So I'm back after a little break, but I always reward you for your patience with loooong chapters. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. See you at the end!

Chapter 11: Separation anxiety

"We'll be landing in ten minutes, Mr. Cullen. The chopper is ready and standing by." They heard the captain's voice through the intercom as they were close to landing in Long Island.

"Would you like me to get more coffee for you, Mr. Cullen?"

"No thank you, Jane. Bella, would you care for anything else before we land?" Edward asked as Jane cleared away their breakfast trays off the table, and grabbed today's paper to check the stocks. Bella was still staring out the window deep in thought when Edward cleared his throat and asked again, "Isabella?"

Bella looked perplexed as she whipped her head back to notice Edward and Jane waiting for her reply, then spoke very quickly, "What? Oh, sorry! Yes, I'm finished."

"Is everything alright? You've seemed distracted all morning," Edward noticed a changed in her since they awoke this morning to catch their taxi at six o'clock to make their flight back to New York.

They had their breakfast waiting for them on the plane, and they hardly got the chance to speak to one another since Edward had no other time to check his emails for the past two days, and there were over two hundred new messages since Sunday.

Bella didn't complain about his need to catch up on some work. She knew what a busy man he was, so she gladly and silently entertained herself with her phone, texting friends while eating breakfast and gathered her thoughts while staring out the window watching the sunrise.

Edward, however, would have rather been engaged in conversation rather than have Bella pull away again like she did yesterday morning. That is, he hoped that wasn't what she was doing...

Unfortunately, he had a lot to catch up on at work so the quiet breakfast could not be avoided.

Still the back of his mind was plaguing him with ideas that once they returned home, they would act like these two amazing days had never happened. It concerned him that the only words Bella had spoken to him this morning were a drowsy, half asleep, "Good morning!"

It felt like the closer they got to New York, the more Bella seemed to pull away... and he couldn't allow that to happen. Not after all the effort he put in so far, he just couldn't leave her alone, and going to work today happened to be the last thing he wanted to do, but it couldn't be avoided. His company needed him to run things... there was only so much Jasper could handle by himself for two days.

Yet the temptation to play hooky was ever gnawing at him... just so he wouldn't have to leave her for nine hours until he saw her again. And he was going to see her again tonight if he had any say in the matter. He couldn't help but wonder after watching Bella's forlorn expression all morning, if her mood had anything to do with their trip being over. At least, he hoped that's what it was because he was feeling a little anxiety separation too. Like the wolves would be all over her the minute they parted ways to take her away from him.

"Isabella, what's wrong? You look like someone ran over your puppy," Edward goaded her but her focus remained once again on the window and her expression unaffected. That's when Edward started to worry that something definitely was wrong.

"Bella, talk to me... please."

The tenderness and concern seeping in Edward's voice surprised even himself, and it effectively made Bella's heart stutter and beat even faster. The last thing she wanted was to upset him after the wonderful trip they shared together. She felt closer to him than she ever felt before, but somehow speaking her mind to him at this moment was more difficult than all the other times she'd opened up to him. She chanced a look back at his worried expression and anxious demeanor caused by her actions, then finally decided to let it all out to see what would happen rather than keep it balled up inside.

"I've just been thinking... the past two days have been like living inside of a bubble... like we were impervious to the outside world. And now it feels like my happy bubble of no worries or troubles is about to pop the minute this plane touches the ground," Bella closed her eyes at the thought of things going back the way they were before Edward took her away on this impromptu vacation... the mere image it caused an ache within her stomach.

"So you're telling me indirectly that you've been happy spending time with me? And now you're upset to be going home?" This idea was exactly what he had hoped for. He had her right where he wanted her... always wanting more.

"It's not that..."

Shit. Or not!

"I mean... yes, I did have a wonderful time with you..."

Thank. Fucking. Jesus! I had fun with you too... now, let me keep it that way.

"But I realized this morning there's so much I need to do when we get back. I have to think about my future now, and it's just overwhelming trying to put it all into perspective. It feels like I'm still on summer vacation and I have school to look forward to in the fall... but I don't. I'm grown up now and I have to start my career, but... I don't know where to begin..." she rubbed her eyes to ward off the headache she was causing herself due to everything she'd put off thinking about until now.

"I understand. You're nervous about starting your life and achieving everything you've worked so hard for. When you're in school there's always a plan and another step to climb until you reach the top. Now that the ladder's stopped you're afraid to fall back down and start over again from the ground up. But that's exactly what you have to do so you can climb a different ladder with new challenging goals you set for yourself to achieve. All I can advise is don't stress about it too much. The next step will come when you're ready," Edward said while reaching his hand across the table and watched Bella give him a slight smile and placed her hand inside his. He held on to it and gave it a small tug.

"I wish I didn't have to return to work today... I'm not ready to share you yet. This has been the best vacation I've had since before I can remember," Edward felt Bella's tension leave her body at his earnest thank you, and her smile broadened into a light chuckle.

"Thanks for asking me to accompany you," she blushed while he nodded his head.

She wondered if Emmett was upset that she never called to check on him. What kind of friend was she anyway? A horrible one, apparently... and she felt very guilty about it.

It also didn't help her anxiety that none of her questions were answered yesterday about how Edward felt toward her...

She knew she had strong feelings toward Edward, she just wasn't sure how deep they went. Only time would tell, she reckoned.

Now that she and Edward were certainly friends, she couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to become more... but she knew her head was back in the clouds imagining things that were impossible to hope for. She could already feel herself wanting to pull away from him in order to protect herself from getting hurt again.

Since this morning, when she woke up once again in Edward's arms, he hadn't touched or spoken to her at all after he told her not to worry about cleaning up the mess since the maid service came every Wednesday. Therefore, she had nothing to do while he took care of business inside the house office, or during the taxi trip while he was on the phone, or while eating breakfast as he checked his emails for work.

Edward was in his 'work mode,' she now called it... and the sweet, loving, attentive Edward, was nowhere to be found... until now when she heard his voice filled with worry.

She wasn't even sure he noticed she'd been quiet all morning and he probably wasn't aware that he was acting differently around her too. That's what made her feel even more insecure about where she stood with him, or how he felt about her. It was like being in the presence of Jekyll and Hyde and Bella wasn't sure which persona to expect when they returned home.

"So when can I expect the pictures to be ready?" he asked releasing her hand to lean back in his chair, while Bella copied him and put her hands in her lap.

"Well that depends. First I need to crop and Photoshop any imperfections out and make them look as professional as possible, so that will take a few hours. Then I could either give you hard copies of the ones you like, or I could dump them on a USB flash drive, or transfer them directly to your hard drive inside your home office. Which would you prefer?"

"Hmm... decisions, decisions..." Bella smiled when he teasingly rubbed his chin with his finger, but secretly they both thought simultaneously it would be a shame to put the house on the market now that it held some precious memories of their first trip together.

"How about hard copies for the album, then you could come over to my office tonight after dinner to transfer them to my computer. Seem fair?"

"Fair enough," Bella said businesslike and closed the matter by smiling and looking back out the window at the endless blue sky outside.

They landed on the helicopter pad at eight o'clock on the dot... Edward had only an hour and a half to drive to his office downtown, take a shower in adjoining bedroom, and get ready to attend the meetings starting at ten.

The co-pilot helped Bella out of the chopper by offering her his hand, but unfortunately Bella tripped while climbing down the stair and fell directly into the stranger's arms. The man tried to stabilize her and brushed it off with a smile as Bella apologized to him profusely. They were both laughing nervously until the co-pilot suddenly released her as quickly as possible and walked away avoiding Edward's livid death glare and Bella's confused expression.

Edward was relieved when the man caught her, but became instantly enraged when he saw him pull Bella closer than necessary to his body. Red clouded his vision and he was ready to walk over and pull them apart, but the man must have seen his expression because he retreated instantly.

If he knew what was good for him, he wouldn't resurface again when Bella was around.

Bella was curious as to what might have scared the gentleman away so quickly, but all she saw was the side of Edward's head as he pressed a button on his cellphone before bringing it directly to his ear to speak.

Bella shrugged her shoulders then continued toward the terminal so she could find a taxi to take her home. Edward watching her figure retreating and started to follow as he spoke on the phone,

"Jazz, I just landed. I'll see you at the meeting, and not a moment sooner. Don't get your panties in a twist. See ya later," he hung up the phone after leaving his short voicemail to Jasper, hoping he got the clue that he didn't want an interrogation with a solitary light shinning in his face the second he stepped inside the building.

He walked with purpose until he saw Bella's petite curvy figure standing at the far end of the passenger pick up waving her hand over her head as if to signal for a taxi. Edward was instantly incensed at that idea of her leaving him in separate transportation and quickly brought her hand back down with his own and held it close to his chest disapprovingly.

"What do you think you are..." he scolded but didn't get to finish his sentence when he saw the familiar Rolls Royce drive up to the curb and saw Charlie quickly exit the driver's seat to open the door.

"I was waving at my, dad... see?" she said holding her hand out sardonically, wondering what was with all the random mood swings she was seeing him display today. But she didn't get the chance to think more on it when she saw Charlie and yanked her hand out of Edwards to run to him.

"Hi, Dad!"

Edward waited awkwardly on the side of the road as he watched Bella hug her father, who looked a little embarrassed to be showing affection in front of his employer.

"Good to see you, Kiddo, but I need to work now, then you can tell me all about your trip at home, alright?" Charlie whispered in Bella's ear, affectionately giving her a peck on the forehead, signaling it was time to let go so her father could do his job and drive Edward to work on time.

Once she released him from the hug smiling sheepishly at her dad, Charlie straighten his jacket then walked over the side of the car to open the door for Edward to get inside, only Edward was waiting for Bella to move first.

"Bella? You coming?" Edward held his hand out for her to get in first, only Bella shook her head and held her thumb out to the side.

"You guys go ahead. I'm meeting Demetri for lunch near Central Park and there's no need to go home then come back so I'm just going to catch a cab. I'll see you both tonight!" Bella waved her hand goodbye to them before stepping in front of a taxi that pulled up the millisecond she stepped on the curb for her to get in.

Before Edward could even protest with his mouth hanging open, she was gone inside the cab and driving away from him.

What the Hell? No kiss goodbye? I get a fucking wave?

What am I saying? Her father is standing right here... and... looking very oddly at me. Crap.

"Sir?" Charlie said wondering why Mr. Cullen was standing looking dumbfounded staring after his daughter.

What happened between the two of them over there? He thought she would have been safe traveling with Edward, because Edward was hardly interested in anybody... he should have known. Bella was different. She had a way of wrapping herself around your heart unexpectedly... and he had a bad feeling suddenly it happened to Mr. Cullen... and he didn't like it... didn't like it. At. All.

Edward shook his head clear after grunting and clearing his throat while getting inside the car with Charlie closing the door behind him and returning to the driver seat.

Edward wasn't ready to say goodbye to her just yet...

His excuse was to keep her away from Emmett for as long as possible. So he planned several activities to keep her occupied inside his building while he was in his meetings so he could then have lunch with her... but she already had plans.

She made plans with fucking Demetri... the name left a bad taste in his mouth. Demetri who?! Who the Hell is this Demetri, and why does she want to have lunch with him instead of me?

He couldn't take the curiosity anymore and he was feeling more and more angry at the thought of her seeing another man after the time they spent together on Martha's Vineyard.

What, no hug goodbye for me? What am I chopped liver? —Edward

He figured it might be best to ease it into the conversation rather than just blurt it out. Be subtle Edward... don't show your hand before the river unless you're all in! His phone buzzed in his hand after a few seconds which instantly calmed him and put a smile on his face.

My father was standing right there and gave me crap about him 'working' so I high tailed it out of there. No offense, but I'm not going to molest you in front of my father—Bella

He barked out a laugh at that which he could tell startled Charlie in the front seat since he broke the dead silence inside the car.

You want to molest me? Why didn't you say so last night?! I would have totally allowed that during The Happening, I will never get that hour and a half of my life back. You would have been a welcomed distraction!—Edward

Anything would have been better than sitting through that movie... watching grass grow, shooting a time laps film, a jeopardy marathon—Bella

I'll take molesting for 500—Edward

Lol... of course you would—Bella

I am a man, in case you failed to notice—Edward

I noticed when you inhaled your food, remember?—Bella

Have lunch with me—Edward

He knew she was going to refuse... but it was a good leading question to find out who this asshole was she was having lunch with instead of him. Be subtle. Nonchalant... cool.

Okay fine, he hoped a bit that she would change her mind.

I can't. I'm meeting Demetri—Bella

He already knew that, but the rejection still peeved him. Now to get to the point of things.

Who the hell is Demetri? —Edward

So much for subtly.

He waited for a minute for her response and just when he was typing another message he got a reply.

Are you upset?—Bella

Stop avoiding the question—Edward

He's my old piano teacher—Bella

"Old" meaning, "old man" or "ex-teacher?" —Edward

Ex-teacher—Bella

Of course... that's just peachy. She's probably going out with him to simply catch up after she graduated... but I still didn't like it. Maybe he's in his forties. Forties isn't very old in this day and age... but too old for her.

How old is he? —Edward

Why does that matter? —Bella

She always has to question me! Why can't she just simply answer the damn question?

I just was curious to know more about the person who taught the most talented musician I know all her stuff —Edward

Flattery... flattery always worked when it came to getting information or things that I want...

No need to cajole me, Cullen. It won't work... but I'll be nice this time and humor you... he's 28.—Bella

Won't work my ass!

But fuck, he's younger than me and he's going out with my Bella! I've worked too damn hard the past few days to get her to like me and if he thinks I'm just going to just take this lying down, he's got another thing coming! Fuck her staying away from Emmett... she needs a damn lash to keep her away from Demetri and everyone else, too!

Have lunch with him tomorrow. Come to the office and have lunch with me instead—Edward

It was a long shot, but better to take the risk than never know. She probably wouldn't agree since she doesn't seem the type to be flaky.

I can't. =( —Bella

She typed a sad face... a sad face was a good sign, right? If I read between the lines, that meant she was going to meet with him but she would rather be with me.

Score one for Edward!

Fine. Spoil sport. Dinner then—Edward

I can't. Family night—Bella

Shit... not even a sad face which meant she was definitely looking forward to that. Well I'm running out of goddamn options. When am I going to see her again?

Where are you meeting him? —Edward

He thought maybe he could head their direction for lunch and try to stage a chance meeting and hopefully crash their party...

Central Park—Bella

Well, so much for that plan... that place was way too big to try to have a run in with her... he would be looking all day without asking for more specifics. This wasn't looking good... his phone buzzed again taking him away from this thoughts.

Don't worry, I'll see you tonight after dinner to give you the pictures—Bella

I forgot... well, at least she's coming to see me and not Em.

Score two for Edward.

He typed on his cell phone with a satisfied crooked smile, I'll see you tonight. x —Edward

He stared at the "x" he typed after the period which symbolized a "kiss" in texting language, and it disturbed him. He had never typed a "kiss" or a "hug" at the end of any of his messages before... those signs were for people in relationships or people in love. He definitely wasn't in love, and they certainly weren't in a relationship... but he did wish he could kiss her right now. That is, if Charlie wasn't there hovering over them... watching how he treated his daughter.

With that thought in mind, he deleted the foreboding "x," and pressed send, curious how she might have received it... then wondered even harder if she would have sent it back.

Ciao!—Bella

Bella finished typing her last message to Edward as she was crossing the Brooklyn bridge inside the taxi, smiling like the cat who just ate the canary.

If she didn't know any better, it sounded as thought Edward Cullen might have been a little jealous that she was having lunch with Demetri instead of him. The thought gave her butterflies inside her stomach, but she was adamant to not get her hopes up.

A lot of meanings could be lost in translation when it came to texting... the last thing she wanted to do was imagine that Edward was showing he had feelings for her instead of hearing it from the horses mouth. If anything, she knew for certain that he cared about her well being and safety as a friend should. Heck, he almost had a panic attack over it when she was climbing down the tree on the property in Martha's Vineyard.

Well, she cared about him too... she just wasn't entirely positive on how strongly those feelings were yet... then her phone buzzed one more time in her lap.

Be safe—Edward

And that's the text that made her stomach do a back-flip, roll over, and play dead.

Be safe? Why did he write that? Why wouldn't she be safe? Demetri was harmless... and she wasn't in any danger... then again the smell inside this cab could kill a skunk let alone an innocent person.

Bella got out of the cab and paid the driver before deciding to take a walk through the park to clear her thoughts. She still had an hour before she met with Demetri by the pond... so she took off down the walkway, hoping she could get her mind off of Edward Cullen for once.

Edward tried to keep his mood light and cheerful when he walked inside CCC, but to everyone else he was failing miserably. In truth, for the first time in three years, the office was the last place he wanted to be. When he saw Alice, she immediately stood up as he walked into the lobby looking very anxious to see him.

Perfect... he thought rolling his eyes.

"Mr. Cullen, good to have you back sir. How was your vacation?" she said formally with a repressed sense of excitement which automatically put him on edge.

"Fine, Mrs. Whitlock. Would you please hold all my calls until lunch, please? I need to get ready for my meeting in half and hour."

"Of course, sir," she told him loudly enough so the secretaries down the hall would hear them as they entered his massive office before she closed the door behind them and whipped around with a cunning grin.

"Alright, Edward, spill! What happened on Martha's Vineyard?"

"No. No. No... we're not gossiping like school girls on the playground, Alice! I just got back, and I really do need to get ready," he said while taking his shirt off and heading toward the bedroom in the back.

"Edward, you haven't taken a vacation in three years, and you always call us to check to see what's going on, but we haven't heard from you since this morning! You can't keep me in suspense like this, it's not good for my health!"

"Your health?!" he was shouted incredulously from behind the bathroom door, "What about my health? Your damn husband called me at five o'clock in the morning! You both are so infuriating sometimes!"

"He was worried about you. He wanted to be sure Bella didn't chop you up into little bits and throw you in the ocean for driving her crazy," Alice teased while leaning against the door shouting out to him.

"HA! Is that why he sent me that text this morning? Because he thought Bella was a secret ax murderer? I think you're the one that needs the vacation 'cause you're both batshit crazy!"

This morning he was the happiest he had ever been since before he could remember. His body naturally started waking up at the crack of dawn because he was used to his daily routine... but right now, the last thing he ever wanted to do was move from this spot... that is if until his phone starting vibrating like crazy in his back pocket.

Fuck, what time is it? Who the Hell texts at 5 AM? He squinted at the bright screen of his phone and groaned internally after seeing the name pop up on the screen.

Are you alive? —Jasper

Barely. It's 5AM and I'm on vacation, jerk. TTYL—Edward

Your body wakes up at five every morning automatically... I know you—Jasper

How about calling it, "Buzz off, I'm sleeping and on vacation!"—Edward

Technically you're not on vacation, you're working. And FYI, two days doesn't count as a vacation. It's called time off —Jasper

I'm not working right now I'm sleeping. Goodnight!—Edward

You seem pretty verbal for an unconscious guy—Jasper

Stop keeping me up then! —Edward

Fine—Jasper

Thank you—Edward

Did you make any progress yet?—Jasper

Yes, now go away—Edward

And...? —Jasper

And we eloped and moved to Brazil. Adeus, dor na bunda! –Edward

You're 'the pain in the ass,' not me. Oh, and speaking of wives... are you coming this Friday?—Jasper

That had no relation what so ever... unless you're calling your wife a 'pain in the ass,' and if you are I'm telling Alice on you unless you call back at a decent hour!—Edward

I was talking about you because you never want to go to her parties—Jasper

What makes you think I have a choice?—Edward

You do... but Alice will make you come regardless—Jasper

Figured as much, hence why I'm going—Edward

El will be there, too FYI... and Tanya, just a heads up. She's making a huge donation—Jasper

Don't care what the Oompa loompa does, we'll get there first—Edward

Agreed. She needs to lay off the spray tanning—Jasper

C U at ten—Edward

K—Jasper

Edward put his phone back in his pocket and went back to cuddling Bella with his arm around her waist pulling her in flush against his body. Her hair still smelled of orange trees and rain, it was very addicting, he couldn't get enough of her fragrance and the warmth of her body.

He didn't wish to wake up and get ready but it was getting closer to six o'clock, and they needed to catch the plane by 6:30. His asshole of a best friend/partner was correct... his body automatically did wake up at five o'clock every morning based on his daily routine, and Bella made him wish he was Rip Van Winkle.

A normal day for Edward on paper would read as:

Wake up at five in the morning.

Go downstairs to work out by five thirty.

Take a shower at six thirty.

Have breakfast by seven.

Leave for the office by seven thirty and arrive by eight thirty.

Lunch between twelve and two depending on the day.

Leave work by five.

Home by six and dinner with family or clients between seven and nine o'clock.

Go to sleep by ten or eleven.

That was his life for the past three years since he took over as CEO for his family's company... and it never changed like clock work... until two days ago.

And it felt good.

Their plane was leaving at nine so he knew he was only going to get so much work done today since he had two meetings back to back before lunch.

Fuck, his life.

He wished for once he didn't have the life he did which was fast paced and stressful... but that was a dream long since passed, and he didn't have time to dream.

For now he needed a new plan to try and win Bella over before she went back to fawning over his brother. He had been attentive and forward this entire trip and all it earned him was a 'friendship status'... so perhaps after they woke up and got back on the plane he would try the opposite approach and try to get her to come to him.

Edward wasn't going to avoid her, but he would stop hitting on her and be her 'friend' and see if she would go after him instead. Maybe even make her jealous... He fell back asleep trying to clear his mind of all work related business and just focus on the sleeping angel in his arms. He realized then how much he would miss her scent and her warmth tonight when they slept in their own beds.

"I mean it, Bella. You spoiled me rotten. They learn like snails. This boy I've had for the past year, and he still can't play a double scale without screwing it up. I pull my hair out with him... I need more Bella's in my life... never enough Bellas. I need clone machine, to make more Bellas. I want all my students to be like you!" Demetri said in his thick accent, chopping his hand in the air to make his final point before putting it back onto the steering wheel pleased with himself for making Isabella laugh in the passenger seat.

Bella was laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her checks, "I was a challenge too, don't forget. Remember I wanted to play the songs my way... and you kept bringing out the ruler and telling me to play the dynamics and tempos on the page. It wasn't all sunshine and flowers with me..." she chucked as she brought her phone back out of her pocket.

Her phone was ringing as Demetri drove her back to the Cullen mansion making her almost pee her pants from all the horror stories of his current students.

"Hello?" she chuckled into the phone.

"Bella? It's Dad. What time are you coming home?" she heard Charlie ask and Sue's voice in the background asking him questions as he repeated them.

"We're on our way now. We should be there in 20 minutes. Oh, Demetri says, hi," she says as Demetri called out to Charlie a "hello" from the driver's seat.

"Good. Tell him I said hello, too. Oh, Sue is asking if he would like to stay for dinner." Bella relayed the message and Demetri smiled and gladly accepted. Bella smiled and told Charlie to set one more place setting and she heard him relay the message back to Sue.

"Good. Listen, Bells, I was wondering if you would be interested in going up to the cabin this week. I requested some time off and Mrs. Cullen because they're going out to town, so we could leave for New Hampshire tomorrow on a three day fishing trip. Just you and me," Charlie told her happily and Bella's face instantly beamed in excitement.

"Really? My God, that sounds amazing. Of course I want to go. I'm sorry we haven't spent much time together since I've come back, but this is great. I'll pack everything for us tonight, and all the gear down from the garage," Bella smiled almost bouncing in her seat. She and Charlie hadn't been to the cabin since before she started college. She was more than a little excited to have some father daughter bonding time.

"Listen... would you mind if we brought Sue, Peter, Charlotte, and the baby along with us?" She heard Charlie's voice crack a little from embarrassment and she was silent for a moment from the suggestion.

"Bella? Are you still there? Look we don't have to if you want it to be just us... I just thought that—"

"I LOVE the idea. Yes! Please, bring her along! I can't wait to see you guys. We'll be there soon! Bye!"

She heard Charlie's relief on the other end of the line then heard his 'drive safely' before hanging up the phone.

This was turning out to be a wonderful day and it wasn't even over yet... nothing to bring her down with the thoughts of camping and fishing with her family this week.

This was turning out to be a horrible day. His company's stocks were at a record low, the meeting this morning dragged on and on about the back up plan in the merger with Hale Electronics fell through, and the second meeting was with Hale Electronic representatives who sounded like they were trying to pull out before Edward even had a chance to talk to Eleazar in person. His absence for the past two days hurt him because while he was away with Bella, Tanya was busy schmoozing Eleazar and planting seeds about Emmett... which technically were not untrue.

UGH! I needed a shot of Scotch, and it's only four o'clock. Oh well... it's "Happy hour," and I could use a pill!

"Jasper, I want to start buying up stocks for Hale Electronics ASAP. Get Felix on the line, I want him in my office to go over the plans for expanding our market into the mid West, but I don't want Denali Corp. to hear about it."

"Edward—" Jasper started but Edward cut him off by slamming his desk drawer shut.

"We are not playing ball with that company no matter how desperate we are. Are we clear?"

"Crystal," Jasper said with a military solute as he sat down behind the desk watching Edward gulp down a shot of Scotch.

"How about we send some flowers to Ms. Hale and invite Eleazar and Carmen out to dinner tomorrow night. You could bring Isabella along with you and show her that she's more interested in you rather than your brother," Jasper said with his fingers crossed under his chin.

"What good will that do? They saw how they were together at the party. They'll just think she's a family friend who interested in Emmett, and not me when they see us together," Edward said rubbing his eyebrows with this fingers.

"So you made no progress with her whatsoever over the past two days? Have you told her how you feel?"

"How I feel about what? She loves Emmett, not me! She told me so herself the night of the party. She's loved him her whole life! What fucking chance do I have against that!" he said standing up and walking over to the window to look down at the ant like figures from his high story office.

"Very slim... but there's still a chance. Just try asking her and seeing what she says. The more she's with you... the less opportunity Emmett has to make a move until Rose comes back next week. Just one week, Ed. We're so close. You have to see this through... for yourself and your reputation. Don't let Tanya win," Jasper said staring straight through Edward and seeing a new found determination in his posture and stance.

"Tanya will win the day I'm buried in a casket!"

He moved away from the window and looked to Jasper with a fire in his eyes, "Hale Electronics will be ours," he watched Jasper step up to him as they clinked their glasses and drained them in one shot.

Edward Cullen never lost.

"Checkmate!"

"Damn, I lost to you again! That's it, Kiddo, I yield. The student as now become the master!" Charlie said throwing his arms up and stood up from the table.

Bella clasped her hands behind her head lounging back in her chair with a cat like grin, "If you never wanted to lose you shouldn't have taught me how to beat you."

"My bad," Charlie said seriously before plopping down on the sofa causing everyone in the room to burst out laughing at his use of modern slang. Bella stood up and walked over the sofa to give her dad a big hug.

Demetri sat down next to Bella shaking his head, "I feel your pain Charlie. Your daughter here can out play me! And I've been playing for 23 years! How long have you played, malyutka?"

"Um... 9 years?" Bella looked to over to Sue for clarification to which she agreed by nodding her head.

"See what I mean? Geniy!"

"Stop exaggerating! You're a million times better than me, and you know it! I'm most definitely not the genius, you are."

"I play the music that's on the page, you can write the music I play, and you play it better than anyone because it came from your heart."

"You're still more talented than me..."

"It takes more than technique to be a good musician, it takes ingenuity and passion, you have all three," Demetri said putting his arm around Bella's shoulders. Bella blushed and ducked head to hide the redness on her face.

"I think I'll go see if Sue needs some help." Bella stood up from the table and walked toward the kitchen.

"And she's modest, too! You did right by her Charlie. She'll be famous musician one day mark my words!"

"Enough boys, enough. You know Bella doesn't like to be the center of attention," Sue scolded them as she cleared away the dinner table.

"Izvinite, ya na sekundu," Demetri stepped outside digging into his back pocket.

"Wha?" Charlie looked at Sue then Bella.

"Just give him a moment. He's probably going out for a smoke."

Bella picked up her laptop and started working on the photos she planned to show to Edward.

"Are those the pictures you took at Martha's Vineyard?" Sue asked looking over her shoulder at the computer screen.

"Yes, I just have to crop them and adjust the white balance because it was dark in some of the rooms," Bella explained while Charlie and Sue shared a glance looking very impressed of Bella's knowledge of photography.

"There! Now I just put them on a flash drive and we're done!" Bella said while demonstrating it to Sue then put the USB flash drive in her pocket.

"Demetri was right, you really are a genius, my dear," Sue told her after placing a kiss on top of her head.

"I told you so! Sorry, I needed to step out for a bit. But it's getting a late anyhow, so I should be going," Demetri held out his hand for Charlie to shake, and accepted a hug from Sue.

"It was a pleasure to have you join us. Please come back again soon. Perhaps you and Bella could honor us one day with a duet," Sue suggested with a smile causing Bella to bug her eyes out behind Demetri at her insinuation.

Demetri looked away blushing and chuckled under his breath rubbing the back of his neck, "It would be my pleasure. We'll have to see next time."

Bella grabbed Demetri's hand to walk him to his car before Sue tried to match her up with her old teacher.

They walked down the spiral staircase with their hands linked and stopped by the side of his car.

"I think your stepmother is expecting us to get together," Demetri joked but underneath was a bit of hope that they could potentially become more and Bella heard it loud and clear. Not wanting to give him a sense of false hope, she chose to play along.

"She's not my mother yet, and I should expect it from her by now. She tries to set me up all the time. Sue seems to think I need a man in order to be happy," Bella scoffed rolling on the back if her heels, putting her hands in her back pocket.

"Very old fashion ideals," Demetri said while brushing a loose hair away from her heart shaped face.

"Exactly. Little does she know that you're like an older brother to me. Psh, classic Sue to always put me into awkward situations."

An older brother... Well that answers my question, I guess.

"You're much too pretty to be my sister, but we do have a lot in common." An awkward silence between them lasted for thirty seconds before Demetri made the choice to act first, "Well goodnight, malyutka, it was nice hanging out with you. Call me when you get back."

Demetri leaned over grabbing Bella by the elbow to give her a single kiss on the side of the mouth, then made his quick escape into his convertible and drove off without another word.

Bella was too stunned to say more than a whispered, "Bye" and wave him off.

She wasn't sure why she wasn't attracted to Demetri. He was handsome enough, with narrow features, sandy blond hair, and light brown eyes...but they weren't the eyes she saw in the back of her mind all afternoon.

Eyes greener than the rain forest on a cloudy day. She looked up at the Cullen mansion while she thought of him, and discovered the light of Edward's office was turned on. Then she saw a dark shadow moved away from the window.

He's home. But he never called to let me know.

She looked at her cell phone and saw that it was five to ten. Why didn't he call her to let her know he'd come home?

She checked her recent call list in her phone and saw that he had indeed called her... almost an hour and a half ago, but he didn't leave a message. It didn't even show up as a missed call. That meant someone must have spoken to him while she was preparing dinner or was preoccupied with—

Just then Bella heard a large crash coming from upstairs and a feral growl. She instantly bolted toward the Cullen house entering through the side door, and sprinted up the staircase to the third floor.

She could hear loud voices coming from the office; Edward and Esme's voices... and they didn't sound happy.

"I understand you've had a hard day, but that's no reason to become destructive. I expect you to replace that mirror which your grandmother bought for your father and my wedding anniversary from France. Oh, and Edward, in the future should you feel the need to throw another childish tantrum I suggest you do it outside," Esme's voice sounded stern and unyielding.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," Edward voice seethed sardonically.

"What caused you to do it? I haven't seen you lash out this way since—Isabella?"

Bella blanched when Esme saw her standing there in the doorway. Edward's back was to her while she saw Esme by the mantle picking up the shards of mirror off the floor, "Was there something you wanted, dear?"

Edward didn't turn around to face her, but instead walked to the other side of the room while she cleared her throat and spoke up softly, "I heard a crash from outside and I was worried someone hurt themselves."

Esme smiled in understanding, "Of course, that was very thoughtful of you. I can't say the same toward my son though who has no consideration of other people's valuables," Esme crossed her arms looking stern once again at her son who turned around abruptly with a suppressed fire in his eyes.

"I thought you and Mr. Cullen were out of town already... have you postponed your trip?" Bella walked into the room sparing a glance at Edward who appeared to be controlling his breathing.

"That's right, dear. I asked Carlisle to wait until after Emmett had fully recovered, or until his fiance comes back home to take care of him... since some relatives say they are going to handle it but then don't even call to check in on—" Esme turned to face Edward in a scolding manner to which Edward faced her finally and pleaded with her.

"I apologized to him already Mother, and I promise repair the damage done to your priceless mirror. I'm sorry again if I alarmed you, it won't happen again."

"Very well," Esme said as Edward continued, "I would like a word with Isabella for a moment about some business, if you'll excuse us. Good night, Mom," Edward walked over to his mother and gave her a gentle kiss goodnight on the cheek, before Esme turned back toward the doorway with a suspicious face.

"Goodnight then, you two... behave yourself," Esme tilted her chin down knowingly to her son, "Mind the glass on the floor so you don't get hurt," Esme patted Bella affectionately on the cheek before closing the door behind her and headed off to bed.

"Please, have a seat," Edward snapped before going straight to the wet bar in the corner to pour himself another drink, since the one he was holding before was thrown straight through his mother's forty-five hundred dollar mirror which used to hang over the mantle.

"Are you alright? You seem a little... tense," Bella said as she sat down on the sofa by the fireplace, watching his every move as he downed an entire glass of liquor.

"Tense?" Edward's laugh was humorless, "Yeah, you could say I'm a little tense," Edward said using quotation marks with his fingers after turning around to see Bella's face looking completely baffled by his behavior.

"Is now not a good time?" She wasn't sure if she should be speaking to him right now since the way he was looking at her made her feel as though she had stolen or committed some crime.

"No, no, now is the time when you ask me," his voice raises in pitch meaning to imitating her voice, "'Edward, why are you so tense?' Then I get to use more sarcasm to piss you off so you're at the same level of pissed off as I am. Then I get to tell you why I'm tense..."

Bella stared up at him like he had two heads, but remained steadily calm, "Couldn't we just save time by cutting out the drama part and get to why you're so pissed off at me?"

Edward laughed at her blunt observation and stopped circling her like vulture and rested his leg on the coffee table and leaned over his knee shaking his head, "Ah, but you see that isn't how the game is played," he shook his finger patronizingly at her which incensed her more. She figured he was either buzzed or drunk and she liked neither of the results.

"I'm not playing games with you Ed—"

"Oh REALLY? Aren't you?" Edward said standing up straighter wishing he could kick the coffee table away but restrained himself again by pacing the room instead. "Women love to play games, Isabella. Admit it! You're just like the rest of them," he leaned his face extremely close to Bella's putting his hands on the arm rest of the sofa. His face was so close, she could smell the sweet booze on his breath.

"No, I'm not. And I'm not talking to you while you're intoxicated," she said standing up off the sofa, pushing Edward away from her face. Only he caught her by the wrist and pulled her back into his chest and whispered huskily next to her ear,

"I'm not intoxicated. Not even close. You've never seen me intoxicated before, but trust me you'll know when you do. I get a little crazy," Edward held her body flush against his, relishing her scent and warmth pressed against him. Noting how frustratingly perfect she felt inside his arms, filling the void and started to consume him the second she drove away from him this morning.

"Well you're acting crazier than I've ever seen you before, so I'll just have to take your word for it. So let me rephrase, I will not talk to you while you're being irrational," she tried twisting out of his grasp only be held on tighter by Edward dropping his empty glass on the carpet.

"You're always trying to get away from me, Bella. Why is that? Do I repulse you? Every time I try to pull you in, you take another step back and vice versa. I don't understand you, " Edward released her and she stopped struggling to get away when she saw his anger transform into hurt. He turned away from her and Bella followed him placing her hand on his shoulder... confirming the statement he just made a moment ago.

"Edward, please tell me what's wrong," Bella pleaded with him as he moved away from her touch to stand by the window and rest his arm above his head as he looked over the garage.

That's when it hit her... the shadow... his shadow. He saw. He was watching another man kiss her. Was that why he growled like a wild animal and shattered a mirror? She needed to find out. She had to explain...

"Edward..."

"I thought of you all day. The minute I stepped inside my the office, my normal haven, I wanted to turn around leave so I could find you and spend the day with you. But I couldn't because you were with someone else. I thought about stealing you away, but then that would have been selfish of me... and I'm trying my best not to be selfish anymore... for you."

Bella moved around the expensive desk because something was pulling her towards him. She had no control over it. This desire to be closer to him.

"So I had a shitty day at work instead. The people I work with are incompetent and fucked a lot of stuff up in only two days while I was away with you. So now we're behind on this huge deal, and my ex is making my life a living Hell because she can and is out for my blood and my company... by lunch time I wanted to throw a chair out the window.

"But then I thought about you, and it helped. I thought about the past two days I got to spend with just you, how happy and relaxed I was... how easy it is just being with you... it was enough to get my head on straight to survive the rest of the day.

"So when I got home I wanted to find some way to thank you. I knew you had a family thing tonight, so I call your cell to tell you I made you desert for after. I remembered you never got the chance to try the soufflé I made you..."

Shit... he cooked for me.

Bella tilted her chin down to her chest in regret that she missed out on spending time Edward. She began to crave his company, his humor, his smile... He was telling her he missed her, that she gave him peace. And he wanted to show her... he cared.

Bella's heart was now beating a mile per minute for the strong, angry, hurt man standing before her... she realized then why she refused Demetri... she wanted Edward.

Yes, she wanted him physically... but this was a different kind of want... she wanted him to fall for her, the way she was falling for him. This new revelation both excited and scared her simultaneously, and she didn't didn't know what to do about it at the moment.

"But your old teacher answered your phone instead. Said you all were about to sit down to dinner...Your teacher was invited to your family dinner... and not—"

Edward stopped himself and grimaced trying his best not to lose his temper again... especially not in front of her, so he banged his fist against the thick glass and pushed himself away from the window and moved away from where he saw two figures kissing outside... the image was burning inside his mind. He put his hands to his eyes to try and dig out the imagery... the familiar silhouette... the memory of her lips on his.

"Edward it really was a family dinner. Demetri... he's—he's like a brother to me—" she pleaded leaning over the desk to explain that the kiss meant nothing.

"I may have never had a sister, Bella, but I sure as Hell wouldn't kiss her on the lips," Edward said with a the fire glowing in his eyes and speaking through clenched teeth.

"But it wasn't even on the lips, it was here to the side," she pointed to her mouth to show him but it only made Edward more livid as he began to pace quickly with his hands in his hair.

"You think that's supposed to make me feel better? He kissed you, Bella, and you let him!" he snapped harshly at her, causing angry tears to well up behind her eyes at her frustration.

"It was an innocent little peck on the side of the mouth, if you were observing closer you would have seen that. I'm not with Demetri. I'm not interested in Demetri, and I'm never going to be." Bella said with her fists balled up next to her sides trying with all her strength not to break in front of him.

"Let me guess. It's because you're in love with Emmett right? You probably rushed to his side the moment you came back today! Couldn't wait to tell him all about your trip with his boring older brother," Edward shouted laughing sardonically at her as he watched Bella's face flush with fury and heat.

"I haven't even seen or talked to Emmett since the day we left for Martha's Vineyard! And I'm not in love with him!" Bella shouted while Edward finally approached her and seethed back bringing his voice to a dangerous low in her face,

"Bullshit, you're not in love with him! You told me so yourself that night at the party." They were nose to nose with Edward's blazing green eyes staring directly into Bella's vulnerable deep brown pools.

"I told you that night that I've loved him all my life... but I never said I was in love with him. You know how I know, it's because I've never been in love before... ever. But trust me when I do fall in love I'll make sure you'll be the first to know," Bella seethed back with an adorable raised eyebrow, completely glorious in her rage and fury towards him. Edward thought she never looked more stunning than when she was telling him off. It was sexy and infuriating at the same time.

His heart stopped when Bella began walking toward the door, but stayed frozen in place when she turned around to face him, "Do you know why I came with you to Martha's Vineyard? It wasn't only to get away from Emmett, which I figured was the real reason you asked me to accompany you in the first place..." She laughed once in amusment, "Why else would a billionaire hire a second-rate photographer, friend or not, to take pictures to sell his million dollar property? But the real reason why I went... it was to get over my fear of you by just... trying to get to know you. You know, I think I succeeded, because you don't frighten me anymore, Edward Cullen. Instead, you surprised me... more than anyone I've ever known. Now, I'm so confused I don't know what I doing or what I want anymore. But I do know this-I couldn't get you off my mind... all day."

Before the embarrassment and angry tears started to fall on her cheeks, she chose to turn around and hide her chagrin from his stunned expression. All she wanted now was escape after admitting everything to him, yet she stopped half way remembering the reason she initially needed to see him before he went ballistic on her.

"Oh, and for the record," Bella's voice cracked as she reached into her pocket and tossed the USB flash drive to Edward, who caught it to his chest with both hands, "I missed you more..."

With that said, Bella opened the door leaving Edward in the room speechless, and started walking down the hallway to the stairs to go home.

She wiped away her angry tears with both her hands by the time she reached the second floor, but was quickly pulled to a stop when she felt her body swing sideways against a wall and felt two warm hands cup her face. She looked up just in time to see Edward's wild lustful eyes before his lips came crashing down to hers stealing her breath away.

Their lips moved rapidly, needing, and fervidly while their hands pulled the other closer by grabbing at clothes and hair. Bella's hands went straight for the hairs on the back of Edward's neck, causing him to shiver into her touch as he hitched her left leg around his hip, grinding his hardness against her stomach.

Knowing they could get caught in this compromising position, Edward grunted and lifted Bella up so she could hook both her ankles around his waist as he carried her to the nearest spare bedroom. Bella's lips never ceased as she continued to kiss behind his ear and pull the roots of his hair causing him to groan in pleasure and squeezed her even tighter to him.

Once they were behind a closed door, Edward carried Bella to the guest bed and set her down onto the mattress while lay down on top of her kissing her lips down to the skin revealed on her neck.

"God, Bella," he groaned as his hands moved to her stomach and he looked up at her face to silently asking permission to touch more. Bella gave her approval with a slight nod and half smile and Edward watched her face as his hand crawled slowly up her abdomen toward her breast. Once he felt her mound on the outside of her shirt and bra and gently squeezed, noting how it fit perfectly in his hand, he released a stuttered moan and brought his lips back to hers to taste her with his lips and tongue.

Bella gladly opened her mouth to let him in as she breathed in the smell of sandalwood and citrus, and something uniquely Edward. She felt his muscles through the material of his shirt and placed her cool hand on the apple of his cheek, feeling a days worth of stubble on his chiseled jaw.

His so gorgeous. So strong and masculine... so tender and loving. Nothing like I expected, and everything I want and need. He's beautiful inside and out...

"What are you thinking about?" Edward whispered huskily as he tenderly kissed her cheek and temple moving his hand off her breast and pulling her body over his so she was lying top of him instead. She moved some of the long bangs off his forehead while and smiled, too embarrassed to speak her mind.

"What? What is it?" Edward prodded her sides causing Bella to giggle and hide her face in Edward's neck. "Bella!" Edward laughed as the air from her nose tickled his neck, "Come out... talk to me. What are you thinking in that beautiful mind of yours?"

Edward took his hand and cupped the side of her face pulling the stray hairs away from her cheek so he could see all of her. He loved seeing all of her face, it was too beautiful to cover up.

"I was just thinking to myself... how so much could change in such a short while. I went away with you this weekend with no expectations... and you completely surprised me," Bella marveled as she spoke, gazing over and memorizing the features and lines of his handsome face.

"I hope it was a good surprise," Edward chuckled giving her his infamous crooked smile and brought both his hands to rest on the small of her back while Bella held herself up with her elbows on either side of his head.

"Definitely a good surprise," she smiled rolling them both onto their sides so they could face the other.

"I'm sorry for losing it up there. I didn't mean to make you cry," Edward whispered as his finger traced the dried tears on her cheeks.

"No need to apologize. It was all just a misunderstanding... and I can't say I wouldn't be a little jealous if I saw another woman sticking their fangs in you," Bella smiled as she teased him causing Edward's mouth to pop open in surprise.

"I was not jealous, thank you very much," he said indignantly, "I was simply upset that I didn't receive an invitation to dinner and your old piano teacher had."

"Is that so?" Bella narrowed her eyes at him while Edward blinked his eyes nodding his head once in confirmation. "So it wouldn't bother you if I called Demetri up right now and asked him to make out with me?" she asked raising her eyebrows at him daring him to contradict her.

Edward shrugged, "but you wouldn't do that," Edward quipped back with a cocky shoulder shrug.

"And why not?" Bella asked after sitting up and folding her arms across her chest.

"Because you're hot for me and not him," Edward said grinning like a Cheshire cat while stretching his arms back behind his head with a satisfied groan.

Bella squinted her eyes at the overconfident cocky man lounging beside her, so to spite him she stood up and took her phone out of her pocket and pressed her speed dial. "What are you doing?" Edward lifted one eye brow thinking she had to be messing with him... she wouldn't dare.

"Hello, Demetri? Hey! Yeah, I had a great time tonight too. Look this might be an odd request... but I was wondering—"

HOLY SHIT! Over my dead body!

Edward blanched and with lightening speed snatched the phone away from Bella's ear and spoke into the receiver, "Demetri is it...? Yeah, this is Edward Cullen, Bella just called you on a dare, forget about it, it was just a joke," Edward glared as Bella who was trying to hold her laughter in behind her hand, "Yeah, sorry for the mix up. Have a good night," he hung up the phone and tossed it onto the bed before grabbing Bella by the waist and pulling her with him onto the mattress.

"That wasn't funny!" he started tickling her vigorously causing her to squeal out loudly and squirm around on the comforter laughing.

"Shhh, you going to wake the whole house, woman!" he said falling on top of her admiring her smile and adorable laugh. He held himself up over her, smiling down at her with hooded eyes, as she came down from her hysterical laughter and hummed in contentment. He had her exactly where he wanted her.

"I have this big business dinner tomorrow night downtown with some boring executives... be my date?" Edward lifted his eyebrow's charmingly looking like a hopeful little boy hoping for ice cream causing Bella to laugh out loud.

"Sounds like a blast!"

"Oh, yeah... we'll talk about all kinds of fun things like the stock market, who has the most cars and vacations homes and where... Oh, we even compare who has the hotter date, but in that case there will be no comparison," Edward grinned as he brought his lips down to kiss Bella only to be stopped by her palm before making contact.

"I can't..." she said sadly hoping not to offend him or bring him down from his good mood. But it was too late... Edward sighed feeling frustrated, and furrowed his brow, "You been saying that all day. Why can't you?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow to go on a fishing trip with Charlie and my family in New Hampshire. I'll be back by Friday night," she explained kissing his cheek apologetically.

"Shit." Edward rolled off her onto his back and whined, "Three whole days?" Bella nodded as she propped herself on her elbow and watched his face grimace and look away disappointingly.

"It won't be too bad. I am sorry I won't be able to accompany you for your exciting meeting tomorrow. I'm sure you can find another hot date though," she teased poking him in the side.

"Ha. Ha. As if I would want to go with anyone else," he scoffed as he brought her closer into his side. He gave a brief kiss to the side of her temple, "I'll just have to fly solo until you return," he tilted her chin up to plant another peck on her lips, "but I don't have to like it."

After looking deeply into her hooded eyes, he involuntarily fell into another yearning kiss. He knew their contact would be limited for the next few days and he suddenly felt greedy for her. The kiss started off gentle and soft, but it quickly grew, building in passion, heat, and intensity.

Their hands roamed felling their bodies underneath their clothes, as they both moaned into the others mouths. Edward pulled Bella on top of him causing her knees to straddle his waist. This position allowed her to feel his burning desire for her as his erection rubbed against her, trapped inside his jeans. Eventually, Bella tried to get a word in while Edward kept her lips and libido occupied.

"It's..." kiss, "getting late..." kiss.

How can I possibly leave him now? What am I thinking!

Edward hummed in agreement as he continued to kiss and hold her face between his large hands, "your point?" he rolled her so they were both on their sides facing each other.

"I should go home..." Bella smiled regretfully at him, not really wanting to leave this guest room bed, or his side.

"Nuh uh," Edward protested by capturing her mouth again and trapping Bella once again underneath his body so she couldn't escape. His actions caused Bella to burst out giggling as Edward kept on kissing all over her face while trying not to laugh himself, but failing miserably.

He couldn't help himself. Her happiness was contagious. After a minute of smothering Bella's face with kisses and lots of laughter, they boy settled down and just stared into each others eyes.

"Stay the night with me..." Edward blurted out before his brain could stop his mouth. Bella furrowed her brow ready to respond, but Edward stopped her before she could refuse, "and don't say, 'I can't.' I've heard that phrase too many times today from you already... enough to last me for a while in fact," Edward said slicing his hand in the air while Bella chuckled at his playful yet serious tone.

"Come on... stay." He knew from the look in her eyes what she was going to say... he knew from her touch that he was right... but he still wished otherwise. He wanted nothing more than to be with her again all night. But no...

"You know I want to, but you also know that I'm unable to. So it's not fair tempting me with your deep voice, green eyes, pleading smile, and addicting kisses," Bella said with straight face as Edward cracked up from her admission. He hid his face in the nape of her neck as his shoulders shook with silent laughter.

She heard his muffled groan and sniff once before lifting his face and smiling at her incredulously while shaking his head. "What? Don't look at me like that. I couldn't say 'I can't,' so I had to come up with something," Bella shrugged her shoulders and smiled when she saw her favorite crooked grin from Edward.

"You're going to be the death of me, woman. Come on, I'll walk you out."

He got up off the bed and offered his hand to her help her stand up, stabilizing her wobbly figure against his chest. When she was balanced on her feet, he took her hand and lead her out the door. Silently, they walked beside each other down the stairs and hallway toward the kitchen, where Edward stopped her and signaled her to wait a moment.

He walked over to one of the refrigerators and opened the large stainless steel door then reached inside. Bella waited by the door in curiosity, but instantly smiled when she saw the white soufflé dish. Edward took it out of the refrigerator and brought it over to her with a sad smile, "It shouldn't go to waste. Maybe you could share it with your dad."

Bella eyed the soufflé, then looked back up at Edward in awe. She placed the souffle on the counter then quickly pulled Edward into a deep embrace while standing on her toes. He gladly wrapped around her, savoring her affection, then felt her whisper into his ear over his shoulder, "I'll miss you."

He heaved a deep sigh and gently kissed her soft temple, "I'll miss you more," before reluctantly releasing her from his arms.

Bella smiled warmly at him, then humbly took the soufflé off the counter and exited out the door. When she stepped into the garden, she heard Edward's voice calling her name in a loud whisper drawing her attention. She quickly turned to see his vulnerable, sad face from her leaving. She watched him awkwardly put his hands his pockets and roll on the back of his feet as she shyly admitted, "You surprised me, too."

Bella's smile lit up her entire face. He could tell she was happy before she turned around and walked the rest of the way to her apartment over the Cullen's six door garage. Edward watched her until she closed her front door behind her and the light of her bedroom turned on.

Even with all the painful physical distance between them, he felt drawn to her like a magnet pulling him constantly forward to the point where is actions were involuntary. He thought about sneaking into her bedroom so he could simply hold her all night. Keep her safe and warm in this arms.

That's when Edward realized like a bolt of lightening... he was falling hard and fast for Isabella Swan.

Let me know your thoughts... I let you read mine... :)