Disclaimer: These characters and all likenesses to the Twilight Series belong to the absolutely talented Stephenie Meyer Disclaimer: These characters and all likenesses to the Twilight Series belong to the absolutely talented Stephenie Meyer. We are only borrowing them for our story; we hold no rights to them otherwise.

A/N: Sit back in a comfortable chair for this one, it is a bit long but well worth the read! Along the way you will note the reference to photos; be sure to check back on our profile for interior pictures of this gorgeous Key West home.

Previously: "I wanted to learn everything I possibly could about Bella and it seems I'll have plenty of time to do that since we're staying in the same house!"

EPOV

I followed everyone into the house and placed our bags next to the stairs, which were directly in front of the door. (A/N: photo on profile) There was a room off to the left that was bright and airy which Esme motioned everyone to follow her into. "Why don't you have a seat and relax. I'm sure you're all exhausted after such a long journey. I'll get us some lemonade."

I was stopped by Carlisle before I entered the room. He extended his hand to me, which I gladly took. "Edward, it's so good to see you and Alice again. Esme and I are extremely happy you accepted our offer."

"Thank you Carlisle. Alice and I are thankful for the opportunity." He gestured to the living room and we walked in together. The room looked very cozy with sage green walls and inviting chairs. There was a long, red sofa against the main wall with a window on either side letting in the glorious light of the sun. There was a single chair on each end of the sofa and a comfortable looking chair and ottoman at the furthest end of the room. (A/N: photo on profile) My gaze went back to the sofa where she was sitting, Bella. She was sitting in between the blonde girl and the burly guy who was at the end opposite the entrance to the room. At the end closest to me was the blonde guy who had been staring at Alice earlier. I instinctively took the single chair closest to the blonde guy for two reasons; I thought I would be able to see her better and I definitely didn't want to sit next to the burly guy for fear of his fist if I was caught staring. Alice took the chair across from me and curled her legs up under her. I caught the blonde guy, Jazz, sneaking glances in her direction and I could see that Alice was reciprocating the gesture. Could they make it any more obvious? She should just jump into his lap for crying out loud and get the awkwardness over with. They obviously like each other or there is at least an attraction there.

Esme walked back into the room with a tray of lemonade and eight glasses with ice and placed it on the coffee table. She handed each of us a glass and turned to the chair where Carlisle was sitting. She sat down on the ottoman in front of him with a warm smile.

"Welcome to our home. We're glad to see returning faces, familiar ones and new ones. We hope you enjoy your stay in the Keys and walk away with new knowledge and perhaps new friends." Carlisle had put his elbows on the armrests and had his hands clasped in front of him. "So, why don't we get to know each other a little bit? It might be easier if we just go around the room. I know some of you know us already but since some of you don't know each other it's an easy way of breaking the ice. I'll start, I'm Carlisle Cullen and this is my wife Esme. We moved here 10 years ago and opened Atlantic Eclipse Charters. Edward, would you like to go next? Just give us your name, age and how it is you came to the Keys today. We can get to know each other more during dinner."

"Of course Carlisle. I'm Edward and I'm 18. Carlisle is a family friend and went to college with my Dad and asked him if I'd like to work for him this summer."

"I'm Jasper but you can call me Jazz and I'm 19. I worked for Carlisle last summer and jumped at the opportunity to come back."

"I'm Rosalie but Rose or Rosie is fine and I'm also 19. Jasper is my brother, we're fraternal twins." That should make Alice happy to hear. As I looked across the coffee table at her she had a beaming smile on her face but was looking at me instead of Jasper. She winked and I figured she would be announcing us as siblings too which I failed to mention for some unknown reason. Why didn't I say that? Probably because Bella is taken AND who would think Alice and I were together. "Jasper told me Carlisle needed some extra help this summer and asked if I'd like to join him. It beats working on campus so I said yes!"

"I'm Bella and I'm 18. Um, this is my first time to Key West actually." She's the same age as me. She smiled shyly and looked down at her lap as she spoke.

"Emmett, 19, and this little squirt to my right here is my little sister." My jaw dropped at that revelation…he's….her…..brother?? There is a GOD and he is vacationing in Key West. I can't believe I thought they were together. I mean, of course she would be with someone good looking but how could I perceive his or her sibling interactions as intimate. This is really going to be a good summer! I feel like waltzing on cloud nine.

"I worked for Carlisle last year and that's how I met Jazz and was told the same thing about needing extra workers. I asked Bells here 'cause she leads such a boring life and needs to get out more and have fun. Oh, that hurt Bella; you better not have left a bruise." She had punched him in the arm with his last comment but the playful smile on her face was adorable. She needs to have more fun? How ironic, my dear sister told me the same thing. Oh, I can see a lot of fun happening in the future. Mind out of the gutter Edward, you are a gentleman…for now. Edward…quit it, I'm warning you. I'm chastising myself…I'm losing it. What is she doing to me? She probably has someone back home anyway.

"HI! I'm Alice and I'm 18 and the quiet, brooding one across from me is my brother but don't announce that publicly. I do have an image to uphold." She was bouncing in her seat and had a twinkle in her eye. She gave me a smirk and I just scowled at her, now Bella will think I'm self absorbed and mentally troubled. Thanks Alice! Alice simply winked at me and turned her attention to Jasper. Jasper had a Cheshire cat grin on his face and couldn't tear his eyes off of her. They were locked in some sort of intimate gaze and I felt as if I were intruding by being in the same room. I turned my attention to Bella. She was staring at me with a serene expression on her face, was that relief. Our eyes met and she blushed and quickly looked at her lap. I could get use to that blush.

"Well, now that the introductions are out of the way and we are all on a first name basis, shall we go into the dining room for dinner?" Carlisle stood up and walked into the adjoining room. The dining room reminded me of a plantation house. The walls were red and wood paneled and there were French doors at the end, which were open allowing a light breeze to flow through the room. The dining table was long and there were three chairs on either side with one at each end of the table. (A/N: Photo on profile) Carlisle sat at the head of the table nearest the living room. I asked Alice where she'd like to sit and she wanted to sit next to Carlisle. I pulled her seat out for her and then took the seat across from her on Carlisle's right. Jasper took the seat next to her and she smiled up at him, which he happily returned. Emmett sat to his left on Esme's right and Rose took the seat across from him on Esme's left which left Bella no choice but to take the only open seat next to me. I stood up and pulled her seat out for her and she looked taken aback but smiled at me and murmured a thank you. I sat back down trying hard to fight the smirk tugging at my mouth.

"Please help yourselves." Esme said and she began to pass a large bowl around the table.

We ate in relative silence at first, enjoying the conch chowder Esme had made and then moved on to dessert, which consisted of beignets and coffee. I couldn't help myself but I tried to touch Bella as often as I could. I would accidentally brush my arm against hers or reach for my glass when she did so our fingers would touch. Each time she let out a barely audible gasp that only I heard because of our close proximity. I reveled in the jolt of electricity I would feel each time our skin would touch. I continued to watch her every movement out of the corner of my eye and smiled when I would catch her doing the same. I hadn't noticed the table get quiet until I heard someone clear their throat and say my name.

"Edward? I asked if you had decided on a college for fall." It was Carlisle and I'm assuming he had called my name several times. I however was too busy ogling Bella to notice. Alice giggled and Bella blushed while the rest of the table simply smiled at me.

"My apologies Carlisle. Yes, Alice and I have decided on your and Dad's alma mater actually."

"That's fantastic; your father didn't mention it! You'll be a legacy. Will you play baseball or are you leaving that behind in high school?"

"Actually I received an athletic scholarship and was offered a position on the baseball team."

"Emmett and Jasper play baseball too." It was the first time I had heard the angel speak since giving her name earlier in the evening. I turned and smiled at her and got lost in those brown orbs once again.

"Yup, Jazz and I play at UM. Jazz plays shortstop and I catch. We won the Big Ten tournament last season…man we rocked didn't we Jazzman!" Emmett and Jasper banged their fists together in a triumphant hoorah.

"That's lovely dear. What do you catch exactly?" Esme was sweet but so clueless when it came to sports.

Carlisle giggled and blew his wife a kiss. "He's the catcher dear, he's behind home plate. When the pitcher throws the ball, Emmett catches it as long as the batter doesn't hit it."

"Oh, sounds dangerous." Esme was the typical "you might get hurt" mother.

Wait a minute….UM? They play for Michigan? That's where I'm going to be playing! "So you guys play for UM? Do you like it there?" I directed my question at Jasper and Emmett.

"Sure do, best damn team in the country if you ask me. Sorry Mrs. Cullen." Emmett was obviously passionate about the team.

"What college will you be playing for Edward? You said you'd be playing baseball right?" Jasper seemed genuinely curious. I wasn't certain how to tell them that I'd be playing with them and to be honest, I was a bit nervous.

"Um, actually….I'll be playing at….your college." Could I possibly have stammered that out any worse than I did!

"So Edward does that mean you'll be playing with them! If not, I'm sure they'll play with you for at least the summer." Alice was not the sharpest pixie in the box sometimes. If it didn't involve shopping Alice didn't care, the lack of sports knowledge was something Alice had in common with Esme. And why did she make playing sound dirty.

"Alice, it seems your brother will be playing baseball with us next season. But I'm sure we can play a little this summer too." Jasper nudged her, which made her giggle. She whispered something in his ear and he chuckled and whispered back. Even he made playing sound dirty although something tells me that was more for her benefit.

"So, you're playing for UM? With us? What position? How come we haven't met you yet? Most players try out WITH the team." Emmett threw a barrage of questions in my direction and I couldn't tell if he was angry or disappointed. I for one was a bit intimidated but didn't want that to show in front of Bella.

"Yes, I was offered a pitching position. Coach Maloney came to my high school and offered the position to me; I was told a scout had been watching my games. To be honest with you, I was nervous about taking the position because of the fact I hadn't met the team. I understand how important team morale is and now that I've met the two of you I can see how strong of a bond the team must have. I hope you'll give me a chance to prove myself this season." I was polite and honest with a hint of desperation but not begging. The last thing I want them to think is that I'm some sort of groveling tool who only wants to fit in with the team but can't play. Truth is, I was UM's first freshman pick…I was that good but I didn't want to cause waves this early in the game.

"Humph, well we do need a new pitcher and if Coach has scouts watching you then you must be good Edward….." He was waiting for me to give him my last name.

"Masen. And you must be Emmett Swan and Jasper Hale right? I've read up on the team and you're two of the strongest players."

"In the flesh! Not two of the strongest, we are the strongest. GO BLUE!" Emmett high fived Jasper again…I wonder if that hurts Jasper's hand.

"Wait a minute, E. Masen, I remember hearing Coach talk about you. The "Golden Boy" is what he calls you." Jasper didn't sound cocky when he said it but I cringed at the nickname.

"Ah man, don't tell me that when you step out onto the field everyone is going to start singing that "Wild Thing" song! I certainly hope you're as good as Coach says you are, especially if I have to deal with flashbacks of the movie Major League." I grimaced and let out a silent laugh wanting to bury my head in the sand. Everyone started laughing at Emmett's comment, including Bella. I knew that name would garner me ridicule like this, someone really needs to change the subject before my head explodes.

"Bella what school will you be attending in the fall?" Alice to my rescue, thank goodness that pixie can read my facial expressions. It seemed to work as everyone quieted down and stared intently at Bella who looked extremely uncomfortable now the attention was on her. I wanted desperately to hear where she was headed in the fall.

"Um, the same as the rest of you actually." She was so cute when she acted shy. I was overjoyed to hear her response. Music to my ears! Yes, yes, yes, yes!

"Well, I guess I will have to show you girls all the hot spots on and off campus. I know all the best places to shop." Rose was very confident as she spoke. I see a big sister emerging and I am sure Alice will love that. She can shop with Rose and Bella instead of dragging me to the mall with her.

"How lovely, all of you attending the same college. What a small world and what a wonderful way to get to know each other before school starts." Esme lived Monty Python's motto, always look on the bright side of life. "Now, if every one is finished I can give you all a tour of the house and then show you to your rooms if you'd like."

Everyone stood, anxious to see the rest of this gorgeous abode. We took our dishes into the kitchen and cleaned up the dining room. I don't cook but this kitchen would make ANYONE want to start. All the appliances were stainless steel and there was an arched window that went all the way to the floor. (A/N: Picture on profile) We exited a set of French doors to a covered patio area that had a table and chairs. I could see the French doors from the dining room also led out to the same patio. The backyard was a place where you could either relax or have fun. There was a small pool with chaise lounges around the sides and a cabana bath. To the left there was a Jacuzzi with a waterfall and a spiral staircase that led to the pool area from the upstairs balcony. (A/N: Pictures on profile)

Esme led us back inside and towards the staircase to the second floor. At the top of the stairs was a small reading area with a door that led out to the balcony that stretched from one side of the house to the other. I could see several doors leading out to the balcony. The first room we came across was Esme and Carlisle's bedroom, the green room as she called it, which had a door that led to the balcony on the front of the house. The next room was called the blue room and it was the second largest next to the master bedroom. We all decided Emmett should get that room because of his size.

"Sweet! Jazz, there's enough room to wrestle! Oh and I have a balcony! You think if you jump you can make it into the pool from up here? No? Carlisle, you should install a slide! Hey look at the size of this bed." When he mentioned the bed his eyes flashed right to Rosalie and she winked at him. "Like I said, enough room to wrestle."

Are they together? Emmett was obviously happy with his room selection and it seems Rosalie was too.

"I'm glad you are pleased with this room Emmett dear," Esme commented, "If you remember, I was redecorating it last year and you will be the first guest to occupy it. It should be roomier for you than the loft."

We then ventured to the yellow room that Rosalie chose for Jasper. "It suits your personality Jazz, calm and soothing." He simply rolled his eyes at her.

"I am happy you approve of this room Rose. It would have been my choice too. I was quite comfortable staying in it last year." Jasper smiled.

Then we were on to a room at the back of the house that had two massive beds. It was the only room in the house with multiple beds so it made sense to put the girls in there. Rose and Bella agreed to share a bed since they knew each other so well which left my sister with a bed of her own. The room had a door that led out to the back balcony and the largest bathroom in the house. I could see the smiles on Rosalie and Alice's faces. "Oh look at this bathroom!" Yup, Alice liked it. "Bella, we are going to have so much fun playing bathroom beauty shop!" It seems Rosalie likes it too but I wasn't so certain about Bella. Her nose was scrunched up and she had a sour expression on her face. "NO, no Bella Barbie Rose!" Nope, she wasn't that impressed with the bathroom.

We went up another flight of stairs into a loft that was the last bedroom and it was mine. It was perfect for me, cozy with a sitting area under a skylight where I could read. (A/N: All bedroom photos on profile)

"Well you kids get situated and when you're done come downstairs and we'll go through Carlisle's "semantics." Make yourselves at home; if there is anything you want to do, do it. The pool and Jacuzzi are at your disposal as is the kitchen and the entire house. Please don't ask permission. Think of this as your house, your home away from home." Esme then gave us all hugs and kissed our cheeks as she went downstairs to find Carlisle.

I unpacked and made my way to Alice's room to see if she needed help with her 5 suitcases. I was about to knock when I heard Bella's voice. She was having a conversation with Alice and Rosalie. I wanted to stay and listen but I felt guilty for eavesdropping. My decision was made for me when I heard Jasper call my name. "Hey Edward, you coming downstairs?"

"Yeah, right behind you." I ventured downstairs and found Carlisle and Esme by the pool. Jasper and Emmett were sitting on two of the lounge chairs chatting with them.

"Have a seat Golden Boy!" Emmett was not going to let that go. I sighed and made my way to another chair. We talked for a little while about the house, college, baseball and other things until the girls finally made it downstairs.

BPOV

I could not believe how beautiful this house was; the balconies, the pool, Jacuzzi and the whole interior design were just amazing. Esme was quite a designer. I began to unpack when Rose caught me by surprise with her question.

"Bella, you seem pretty interested in Edward. Is it his wonderful head of bronze hair you keep staring at?" Nothing like just coming out and saying it, that was Rose for you. Alice stopped her unpacking to listen and join in.

"Rose, I honestly don't know what you are talking about." I answered her while turning my head to hide the blush I could feel in my cheeks.

"Are you interested in my brother? Really?" Alice seemed please at the idea.

"No, I um…I was just trying to be polite to everyone. Why would you think I was interested? Not that your brother isn't nice looking or anything. I um…." Now I sounded real smooth. They are going to read right through you Bella. I am sure he must think I am a klutz anyways. All through dinner I kept bumping into him whenever I reached for something. What did I do, drag my feet on the carpet or something? I kept getting this electric, tingly feeling all through my body whenever we touched. Not that it was a bad feeling...actually I don't think I have ever felt anything like it.

"Whatever you say Bella." Rose was going to let me off the hook for now and I was glad.

Maybe I could find out more about Edward from Alice later. Rose suddenly stopped unpacking to run over to Alice's bed.

"Alice are you kidding me?! Is that outfit a Gucci? No way!" Rose was completely impressed with her wardrobe. I had no idea what they were talking about. I just continued putting my clothes in the drawers.

"If you like this one you should see some of the other stuff I brought with me. I couldn't decide what to bring so I brought most of what I had. I even had Edward stop at the mall on the way to the airport. He is such a sweetheart." Alice and Rose talked on and on about designers. I was so out of the loop in that area. Just give me some comfortable jeans and a t-shirt and I am good to go.

"Um, Bella are you seriously finished unpacking already?" Rose was staring at me incredulously and Alice wore a very similar expression.

"I only brought what I thought I would need." At this the girls started laughing and fell on a pile of Alice's clothes.

"Rosalie, we are going to have to teach this girl a thing or two about fashion." Alice had a look in her eyes that sent a chill up my spine. "Once we start working, our first day off will be shopping day!" Excitement at the word shopping had them both bouncing on the beds. When I agreed to loosen up I had no idea what I was in for.

"Hey girls, haven't you unpacked the mall from your suitcases yet?" Emmett's booming voice came in through the open balcony doors from somewhere below. I walk out onto the balcony to answer him and noticed Carlisle, Esme and the guys all sitting by the pool talking. No one seemed to notice me up here at the moment so I tried to listen in. Edward had such a quiet musical voice and was always so polite. I must have been staring at him like an idiot because I never heard Alice walk up behind me.

"I thought you weren't interested in my brother?" she whispered in my ear. "It's okay, I give him a hard time about being an uptight bookworm but I am hoping he will relax while we are here. I saw him looking at you quite a bit at dinner." I blushed as I looked over at her. He was probably trying to figure out why I kept bumping into him. She was raising her hand slightly to give a little wave. I turned back expecting Jasper to be looking up here and I saw Edward's adorable crooked smile steeling a glance our way instead. Those eyes…if they were only meant for me. I turned to look at Alice and she was gone. Looking down once more I smiled shyly back at him.

"Sis, grab the girls and get down here! You all can't possibly still be unpacking." Emmett was yelling up to me and broke me out of daze. Thanks bro.

"Sure, sure" I answered "We'll be right down." Quickly I returned to the room to find both Rose and Alice closing the last drawers. How did they unpack so quickly and where did they put it all? Everything was all tidy and the suitcases were even under the beds.

"They are waiting for us by the pool." I told them.

"Well, let's go!" answered Alice and Rose together. They both grabbed my arms and we headed downstairs laughing together as we each found a seat and waited for Carlisle to start.

"Everyone settled and unpacked? Good. I hope you are all happy with your rooms. I thought I would discuss the shop and what your jobs will be. I also thought we'd discuss your free time and lay down a few ground rules." And Carlisle's "semantics" began.

We all listened intently as Carlisle explained what our new jobs would entail. The guys would all be working out on the charter boat during the day with him, while the girls would keep things running smoothly in the tourist shop with Esme. AEC basically ran fishing charters; scuba and snuba expeditions and we would also be taking turns doing snorkeling tours later into the season as we were trained.

"You will have one or two days off a week and I want you to enjoy your free time. I know you kids will want to go out to some of the popular night spots but I would rather you tried to do that on a night when you are not working the next morning. As busy as it gets here in the summer, I need you all to be on your toes. Safety is an issue when you are working on the charter boat and taking groups on any of the water expeditions." He looked around at each of us as he spoke. "I am sure you will all be very responsible when it comes to your jobs; I am not worried about that. Just remember that Esme and I see you as our family for the summer. We will be watching out for you and expect you to do the same for each other." Carlisle smiled at us all and Esme nodded in agreement.

I looked around at the others and it didn't escape my notice that Emmett was looking at Rose and Jasper at Alice. I dropped my head down and looked up from underneath my eyelashes in Edward's direction. He had just looked away from Carlisle and was staring at me with a wicked glint in his eyes. Those beautiful emerald eyes that caused me to become befuddled as I watched the breathtaking crooked smile reappear. Of course, there is no way he would be interested in me. I stared back down at my hands.

"Please enjoy your summer here with us and if you need anything at all feel free to talk to us at anytime. Now, you all look pretty tired so go get yourselves a good night's rest and we will see you at breakfast" Esme stood to hug us each goodnight. "Oh and kids, you can relax around the pool here tomorrow. We are giving you a day off to adjust before you have to start work."

I heard the chatter around me as everyone proceeded to say their goodnights. I must not have moved because I felt someone take my hand and pull me up from the chair. Standing inches in front of me was Edward and he was still holding my hand.

"I am sorry if I interrupted your thoughts," the sound of his voice could put me in a trance, "are you okay? You seemed a million miles away."

"I…I'm fine. Thank you…for asking and thank you for…helping me up." I stammered as I looked at his dazzling face and stared like an idiot. I was stunned that he was speaking to me. I hope I'm not drooling.

"Well, I guess this is goodnight then Bella. Maybe we will get a chance to talk tomorrow." I just loved the sound of my name as it came across his flawless lips. I couldn't help but feel that electricity once again and then realized he was still holding my hand. Everything around me was quiet except for the sound of crickets chirping in the distance. This woke me out of my trance enough to notice that we were the only two standing by the pool; everyone else had just entered the house. I'm sure it had only been just a minute but it felt like hours had gone by.

"I think I would like that," I answered him. In fact I think I would go crazy if I didn't get a chance to know him better. I didn't even want him to let go of my hand. I reluctantly pulled away and turned to walk toward the house with him following behind me. When I paused to open the door I became aware of his closeness as I felt his breath warm against my neck.

"Let me get that." His face was right next to mine as his arm reached around me to get the door and brushed along my back. "Ladies first."

"Edward…" I wanted to ask him why he was making me feel these strange feelings I had never felt before and if he felt it too but I just couldn't do it. I was probably being silly but I had a million questions I wanted answers to. "…goodnight."

We all headed up to our rooms. Rose and Alice climbed right into bed after changing into pajamas and a short discussion of what time we were waking up. After brushing my hair I got into bed and closed my eyes. I tried not to fall asleep too quickly so I could spend some time thinking of him. Silly Bella.

A/N: Next chapter the kids enjoy a day of relaxing. Hmm, wonder what will happen? If you've enjoyed reading and would like to receive a teaser of the upcoming chapter the day before release, be sure to leave us a review. And thank you all for your interest in our story!!