Author's Note: I do apologize for the long delay in posting this chapter. I've actually had a health scare for the past few weeks that left me stressed beyond words. I will post about it on my blog so please check it out. It has to do with women issues. But thanks to all of my family and friends and doctors I am almost 100%.
Anyway, I am getting a little more confident with the more I write and I actually have somewhat of a vision as to where I want to take this story so I am pretty excited. Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed. Also, thanks to WOLFreaderGYPSY for taking time to edit. Your constant positivity is what pushes me.
A very special thanks to JennaRay. This woman is my inspiration and her words of wisdom are forever ingrained in me. I really appreciate the love letter you sent me on The Lemonade Stand. It was the most wonderful surprise! I'm still smiling today.
Now, on with the story…
"So now that I have you all alone can you tell me why you've been running away from me?" I stop tapping my feet and look at Masen. Of all the things I would expect him to say, that wasn't it.
"Uhm."
"Did I somehow disrespect you or was I rude to you?" Can this get any worse? I can't even put in to words how I'm feeling right now.
"I honestly didn't think I would ever see you again. My friend told me who you are and I'm not cool with the whole paparazzi thing so I thought it best to just stay away." It feels good having said that without stumbling on my words. He has a way of getting under my skin and although it kind of irritates me it also excites me. With Masen not being his usual smug self and the fact that we're alone keeps my anxiety at bay. I'm oddly comfortable and relaxed.
"Bella, who exactly told you about me?"
"My best friend. But that doesn't really matter. I don't want to come up in those gossip sites like another one of your many girlfriends or worse." He turns over and looks at me with a serious expression on his face then starts laughing hysterically.
"Did I say something funny? I must've missed my own joke." I'm glaring at him as his laugh dies down wishing he'd choke on it just a little bit for laughing at me.
"As much as they talk about me in those websites about being arrogant, you're being a bit cocky yourself right now, don't you think? I mean why would you assume that I want to date you just because I spoke to you? I could simply be trying to be your friend. Besides, you seem like a pretty smart girl. You should know that half of what is said in the tabloids is lies and for publicity."
And I was officially left speechless. I normally always have at least a witty come back for everything but I had nothing.
"You know the paparazzi doesn't follow me around like they do a celebrity. Yeah, I get my pictures taken at events but my life is as casual as can be. I can't change what I do or how I'm perceived. However, you are pretty quick to judge me without even knowing me."
It takes me a minute or two to take everything he just said in. Everything he said is true. I mean just because he's rich and spoke to me doesn't mean he was trying to get in my pants. I feel so embarrassed. I'm sure my face and neck are as red as a tomato.
"I'm so sorry and you're absolutely right. My friend just told me you were some kind of New York royalty who is dating all of these women and that the paparazzi is always following you. That kind of scared me. I've never been too comfortable having people all up in my personal life. But you're right, I judged you based on something I heard. Can we just start over?" I'm replaying our conversations and honestly I probably wouldn't talk to me if I were him.
"You have yourself a deal. Under the condition that you owe me a dinner. Now pay attention and look around. You're not only in one of the most amazing cities in the world but you're traveling in style. I don't just let anyone ride in my baby." He did have a smirk on his face that made his chiseled jaw stand out. He has by far the sexiest jaw I've ever seen.
"As long as I get to ride this, I'm available for dinner whenever you want." Way to not sound too desperate.
"Hmm. I don't object to you riding this. I just need to make sure you can handle it first."
"Ugh Masen. You just had to go there." When I looked over he was chuckling and I couldn't help but join in. His laugh was so carefree and so rare. He clearly doesn't laugh enough.
"Anyway, now that we've cleared the air. Why did you tell me your name is Masen when it's Edward?"
"When we met I could tell you had no idea who I am. I wanted to keep it that way. You might think being who I am that meeting people is easy. And it is, but what's hard is meeting genuine people."
"Okay, as far as explanations go that's pretty good. I prefer calling you Masen anyway." He smiles and glances my way. The tension that was always around us is slowly being lifted.
The rest of the drive went smoothly. It took us over half an hour to get to the restaurant but it was the best car ride of my life. Masen took the time to point out things and give me a little bit of the history. Thanks to him, I fell in love with this city even more.
Lunch was at the most beautiful place. There were people everywhere and doing all kinds of activities around. Some flying a kite, or having a picnic, others just reading. I could just picture myself doing all of these things on my time off and it all cements my decision to move here.
We kept our conversation light at the table. Emmett and Jasper were so intrigued about Miami and kept asking me questions about my life there. Everyone at this table is born and raised in New York and has never been to South Florida. They mentioned making plans to vacation there when it starts snowing. If they only knew I have no plans to go back any time soon.
I was getting to know these people and consider myself grateful that they have taken me in. While Emmett was explaining how he became friends with Jasper and Masen in high school Rosie sent me a text that she would be coming to New York in two weeks. She also asked me to make sure to introduce her to Emmett. I couldn't contain the smile on my face so Emmett looked over to my phone.
"Who is that and how do they know me? What did you tell them about me Bells?" He was speaking a mile a minute while trying to grab my phone.
"Emmett can you relax? I was just going to tell you guys that my friend Rosie from Miami is coming in next week to visit. And, she wants to meet you Em."
"Really? Is she pretty? Do you have a picture?" This guy is always on a sugar rush or maybe he drinks way too much coffee in the mornings. He is the male version of Alice.
"Yeah, of course I have a picture of her. She's my best friend."
While searching through my phone for a picture, Masen gets a call. He excuses himself from the table when he answers the phone. I wonder if that's a booty call or a business call. I wouldn't doubt it being some beautiful model on the other end of the conversation considering how extremely handsome he is.
I show Emmett the picture of Rosie and mumbles that he's going to marry her while analyzing the picture. I'm not even going to tell Rosie that because I don't want her to get too excited. This guy might be some Casanova like Masen. I am looking forward to next weekend when Rosie comes to visit. God knows how much I miss her and need her.
"Hey guys I hate to do this but I have to go. I have to go to LA for an emergency meeting at the branch there. I'll catch up with you all when I get back. Em can you make sure the girls get back to their place safely?"
Masen walks back in from his call and starts picking up. Emmett agrees and we all say bye to him. I can't help but feel a little sad that he had to leave so quickly. I was having a good time getting to know him and I was looking forward to him possibly taking me home. A girl can dream can't she?
When we get home Alice opens a bottle of wine and serves us each a glass after we sit on the couch.
"So how about we start with you telling me how you met Edward. I mean you've only been here a week and you've met and captured the attention of like New York's most eligible bachelor."
"Very funny Alice. I have not captured his attention, he told me so himself. He's just a nice guy. I actually met him Monday on my way to work."
I tell Alice about the park incident. The entire time she is smiling so big I'm sure her jaw must hurt.
"When I introduced you guys last night why didn't you say something?" I ask Alice as I pour myself another glass of wine.
"How about you rewind and go back to that moment. Edward didn't even look at us when you were in front of him. Even when you introduced us. Then you pulled us away so fast and didn't want to talk about it. Afterwards we found Tanya and the guys. We started drinking and got so drunk that I forgot. Either way it worked out in the end. Did he declare his love for you in the car ride to the restaurant?"
"Yeah right. That's the last thing he did." I laugh at her jumping on the seat. I think she's waiting for me to tell her the beginning of some amazing love story and I'm actually a little sad to disappoint her.
"In the car I told him Rosie told me who he was and how I didn't want to be another one of his many whores, in much nicer words. His response was that I was cocky to think that's what I wanted from him. And that was it." Saying it out loud made it that much more embarrassing. How can I assume that just because he said something to me meant he wanted to date me or just fuck me?
"Bella, I met Edward through Jasper. They are actually best friends. I've read some of the tabloids but let me be the first to tell you that Edward is really a great man. Don't let that cloud your judgment."
"I know you're right."
"I wouldn't tell you this to set you up. You're my roommate and I'm sure we're going to great friends. I wouldn't want to jeopardize that. But like I said, you've caught his attention. There was something about him that's different around you."
"Ha! Whatever you say Al."
The following work week goes by smoothly. Apparently James also had an unforeseen business trip and was gone most of the week. I can't say that he was missed considering how many times he called or emailed me at the office while he was away. Ninety percent of the time he called me for ridiculous things. Today, has been a relaxing day though.
I was leaving the office on time to do some groceries and get home to clean up. I want to make sure that by the time Rosie gets here tomorrow the place is spotless and stocked. As soon as I'm walking out of the building I get a text.
Did you miss me?
Who in the world is this? I look up around the streets for any familiar faces and come across none.
Who is this?
I'm a second away from calling the cops and walking back inside when I feel the butterflies.
Look up.
As soon as I do I'm met with Masen leaning against a black SUV. I walk towards him which takes a minute since there's people traffic at this time. How the hell did he get my number and how did he know I was just walking out?
"Hey handsome stalker. Were you channeling your inner psycho?"
"Very funny. I actually just got in today and was leaving the office when I figured we can go for that dinner you owe me."
Dinner with Masen. It's not like I have anything important to do. Yeah I was going to prepare for Rosie to get here but it's not like our place isn't clean. Alice and I are pretty good at getting our chores done weekly. And I can buy groceries whenever.
Don't read so much in to this Bella. It's just a friend asking another to dinner. That's what friends do.
"Sure. I didn't have any big plans for tonight anyway."
"That's so sweet Bells, way to make me feel special. I called Alice but she already has plans so she gave me your number to ask you. The guys are working late so it'll just be us."
Because he just got in to town he had a car service driving him around instead of the bat mobile. I think I prefer when he drives because he's paying attention to the road and not me. This is a bit more intimate being in such close proximities.
"So how was LA?" He nods to the driver and we're off.
"It was horribly boring. I need a vacation and soon. How's your work week been so far?"
"Of all the descriptions I've heard about California, that has never been one of them. And work has been good. My boss has been away for a few days so it's been wonderful." He looks at me seriously and with these intense green eyes. Almost as if studying me.
"Why do you say that? What's wrong with your boss?"
"No, nothing is wrong. He just creeps me out sometimes. Anyway, enough about work. Where are you taking me?"
"It's a surprise."
I groan internally. There is nothing I can't stand more than a "surprise". In a way it's contradicting. I like the aspect of being surprised but I hate the anxiety of not knowing.
Driving through the city with Masen as the sun is setting is too perfect. Watching the people power walking through the streets in throngs, roads jam packed with cars, and huge buildings with so many lights. I don't think I'll ever tire of this. We're driving in silence but it's a comfortable silence.
We pull into a garage full of luxurious cars. However, the higher up we go the less cars I see. The fourth floor is gated, but the driver goes right through.
"So now that you have brought me to most secluded garage what are you planning to do to me? Should I be scared?" I obviously don't mean that. I've never felt more comfortable with a man than I do him and I barely even know him.
"The complete opposite Bella. This is my own parking floor which is guarded. If anything that should ease your mind."
The car pulls up to the entrance of the building and Masen gets out. He walks around and opens my door offering me his hand to help me out. This man was raised right. There are no words spoken as I walk next to him but a few steps behind him while holding on to his arm. My body seemed to willingly and unconsciously gravitate towards him. He pulls me into this elevator that he activates with his key. The elevator had no buttons so it must take you to a specific floor and there only.
"Where exactly are you taking me that requires you to have your own elevator key for access?"
"You have no patience do you?" I can't help but bite my lower lip and blush at that comment.
"Since you mentioned the whole paparazzi thing I figured we would come to my house for dinner. I can make some serious shrimp scampi and we can get to know each other a little better." Queue the stomach growl.
"Please tell me you didn't hear that?" He is trying so hard to not laugh out loud but I glare at his shaking shoulders. Will the odds be ever in my favor? Jeez, I am destined to ridicule myself in front of Masen every time I see him.
"I can pretend I didn't. Welcome to my place." He says as the elevator dings and opens up to the apartment. I'm used to there being a waiting area and then walking to the door but this elevator leads you directly inside this mansion in a building. From across the room I see the floor to ceiling windows which has a view of the skyline. How can this be anyone's home and how am I even standing in it.
"Pinch me." I must be dreaming.
"What? You want me to pinch you?"
"Sorry, I just can't believe the view. This place is amazing Masen. I don't even.. I'm speechless. Just wow."
He takes my hand to take me on a tour of this place. I stop and take a minute to take it all in. I do a full circle and come to realize he owns this entire floor. From the view of the windows we're pretty high up too. Masen's home has a homey but modern feel to it. It's the perfect blend of both worlds.
We walk in to the kitchen and I run my finger over the countertops and appliances. The kitchen is one of my favorite places to be because I love cooking and baking. But his kitchen is equipped with the best of the best in appliances and has the dark cabinets and marble countertop. The kitchen is huge and the cherry on top is that it is open to the living room so you can enjoy the city view from here. He then takes me through the rooms on this floor. He has two living rooms. One is for decoration that no one ever sits on and the other is kind of like the family room. Then he takes me through his game room which he even has a theater room in. That room has about 10 huge seats. Masen also gives me a tour of his office which has a library full of books.
"You know I would be in heaven here? The kitchen the views and the books. This is what I dream about."
"You haven't even seen the best part." He grabs my hand and takes me upstairs. There are only two rooms up here. We walk to the right and this has to be his bedroom. His bed is facing the floor to ceiling window. There's a fire burning in the fireplace that is in the corner joining the two windows. The room is all white and so pristine. It almost has a magical feel to it. As I start walking in to the room inadvertently closer to the bed he comes up behind me grabbing my arms to stop me.
"Lay down." I look down at his obviously huge custom made bed and then back at him. My body tingles with his touch and his voice made me hot. As much as I want to argue I let him lead me to the bed He goes to the right side of the bed and we both lay down. As soon as my head hits the pillow I turn to face him. He looks at me almost as if I'm his prey. And he's going in for the kill.
"Now Bella, look up." When I do, I can't help the gasp that escapes my mouth. He pushes a button and a section of the wall moves to reveal a huge window. The moon illuminates the entire room with a soft glow.
I look over at him. Masen is looking up with a serene look on his face. This is a moment I know I will remember for the rest of my life. This is the exact moment my world changed. He looks at me and the rest of the world ceased to exist. In the next instant I grab his face and pull him on top of me crashing my lips to his.
