Disclaimer: These characters belong to Stephanie Meyers.
Chapter 11
Bella Pov
Attraction (N.) The action or power of evoking interest, pleasure, or liking for someone or something.
There has to be some allure to acting like a total bitch to someone that has a growing infatuation with potential. Literally, Edward mistakes my rudeness for flowers and sunshine and keeps coming back for more. Every fuck you is an invitation but not in a creepy stalker kind of way. He's respectful and appropriate, which is heavily grating on my last nerve because it would be easier to mean the words that I speak if he was more of an asshole to me.
Today is just another example of how he has become blinded by infatuation. At five in the morning, I throw on my running shoes, a tank, and shorts, with my hair up in a high ponytail preparing for my daily run.
I beat the sun out most mornings and today is no different. Running along the beach in the dark is simply perfection. The smell of salt water is so distinct I can taste it on my tongue. The wind is briskly beating against my face, providing a cooling sensation as I exert myself. The smell of the sand is crisp and inviting, not too deep, just steady enough to provide a challenge. The waves are calm, putting my mind at ease with every pound of my foot against the sand. I push forward, needing miles upon miles of the exertion to take my mind off Edward Cullen.
Thinking his name was the first of many mistakes regarding my Prince. I somehow tempted fate and its unusual dealings on my behalf as of late. My stroke of bad, or rather good luck, depending on the perception- brought Edward right where I just so happened to be.
I stop my run and bend at the waist to take a few breaths before giving him a verbal lashing.
"How did you know I would be here?" The object of my obsession is mere steps in front of me, once again tempting me with his glistening bare chest.
He seems to mull over my words for a second, then he circles me. I roll my eyes just wanting this conversation to be over so that I can finish my run.
"I'd like to say, right place at the right time, but I know you'll see through my bullshit."
"You'd be right in your assumption," I say before I again take off running.
He follows after me and is soon right beside me easily keeping up with my pace.
"I'm not trying to upset you."
"You're failing terribly," I reply only slightly out of breath.
I glance over to see his lip twitch in amusement.
"I amuse you." It's not a question, but an observation. If that's where the infatuation lies, then I definitely can remedy this.
"No." He grins, shaking his head at me. "Children are amusing. Clowns, comedians, performers..." He trails off. "You're a work of art."
"Something to put up on a wall to be viewed every once in a while."
"Something to be admired. Have you ever actually viewed artwork, Bella?"
"Yeah, I've looked at a few here and there."
"Looking is only physical," He tsks, but quickly follows it by saying, "Now seeing...that's something special. That takes time and attention. Once I see you, Princess..." he pauses and glances over at me, my eyes already fixed on his face, practically hanging on his every word. "I'll be able to tell your story better than you can."