A/N: I'm so sorry. I am horrible. I don't have much of an excuse: life was just really busy recently, with college and everything. Thankfully, finals are next week, and then I have an entire month off… which means more time to write, and less time studying! Again, my deepest apologies. I suck.

A summary for those of you who forgot what's going on (since it's been over a month): Bella has received threatening notes at work and was a victim of a "random" hit and run accident. Det. Edward is now unofficially on her case. Her tires just were slashed, and she has agreed to have Edward come stay with her for a few days.

Edward

Shit. I'm screwed. What did I agree to?

My mind replayed the scene over and over. Was it really that important that Bella receive constant protection from me? And why was I so keen on protecting her? Surely the Seattle police could handle this. Ah, but I just didn't feel right.

After dealing with the police, I settled into Bella's apartment. It was a nice place- small, simple, homey. I looked around, noticing that wasn't much in terms of a decorating scheme going on. My mother, Esme, would have a field day redecorating Bella's apartment, if she ever got the chance. Unfortunately, there was only one bedroom, so my bed was the couch in the living room. When I first arrived at her place, Bella insisted I take her room, since she claimed I was doing her a favor by staying over, but what type of man would I be if I let her sleep on the uncomfortable couch? I would never let her do that.

So now my back would suffer. Oh well.

Around 8 o'clock, Bella came into the living room, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt with holes. Generally, I'm not the type of person to notice clothing, but she looked fantastic, even in a holey t-shirt.

"Hey, do you want some dinner? I could cook us something. I didn't get a chance to eat, and I doubt you did…?" She was wringing her hands and she looked unsure.

"That would be perfect. I'm starving," I smiled at her reassuringly, "but are you too tired to cook? I could pick something up for us? Maybe some pizza or Chinese?" I didn't want her to wear herself out. She had such a rough day between her tires being slashed and me moving in.

"No, it's fine. I like to cook- I find relaxing. Plus, I'm sure you'd prefer a home cooked meal," she grinned back at me.

She turned around and walked into the kitchen, so I followed her, trying my hardest not to stare at her ass. That would just be impolite. But not staring was just impossible.

"What's for dinner?" I asked, distracting myself, as she started to take out ingredients and pans.

"Oh, just some pasta…" She reached around in the spice cabinet before grabbing a tiny bottle triumphantly. "And I'll make some pesto sauce!"

"That sounds perfect. What can I do to help?" I responded, not wanting her to go through a lot of effort on my behalf.

She closed her eyes for a second and then walked over to the refrigerator, pulling out a head of lettuce, some cucumbers, and a few others vegetables.

"Can you handle making the salad?" she asked with a wink.

Feigning shock and sadness, I dramatically grasped my chest over my heart, "Madam, you wound me! Doubting my cooking abilities, thinking so lowly of me, insulting me to my very core…" I planned on continuing, but she interrupted me with a loud giggle.

Her smile lit up the entire room and I was enraptured by her laugh. I laughed in response, and quickly made my way over to the salad bowl and started to chop vegetables. It was best I keep my hands busy, as to avoid reaching out to touch her.

"So, tell me about yourself, Edward," she said as she recovered from her giggle attack, "After all, we're going to be roommates for the next couple of days, so it's best that we get to know each other."

I wondered just what I should tell her about myself. I felt oddly comfortable telling her everything, but I didn't want to freak her out my over-sharing. I decided to keep it simple.

"Well, I told you that I used to be a detective when I lived in Chicago. I stopped about five years ago so I could focus on other things, and I moved back here to Seattle to be near my family. You met my dad, Carlisle. My mom, Esme, teaches kindergarten with special needs children, and in her spare time she restores old homes and does interior decorating. She's amazing. I also have a brother, Emmett and then there's his wife, Rosalie. Emmett's an accountant, which you wouldn't expect when you get to know him. He's kind of a giant kid. Rosalie takes care of my niece and nephew and works on cars when she isn't busy with the kids," I said, finishing with a flourish.

Yea, I over-shared. Crap. Luckily, Bella didn't look freaked out or anything. She actually seemed captivated by my mundane life and family. She worked with the pesto and some other ingredients over the stove as she began to reply.

"You said you moved back to Seattle from Chicago. Why did you move to Chicago?" she asked me with true curiosity in her voice. Wow, she was paying attention.

I shifted uncomfortably at her question, ceasing my chopping of vegetables. It was kind of embarrassing…

"I followed my girlfriend to Chicago for college. We were together in high school, and I couldn't imagine being separated from her," I answered, leaving out as many details as possible.

For some reason, Bella looked slightly upset. Her pretty mouth turned down at the corners and she slowed her work at the stove. I didn't understand.

She responded, "Oh, that's really nice. I'm happy you guys are together, and for so long. That's great."

I couldn't help but smile at her obviously fake enthusiasm. I really hoped she wasn't just upset over the stalking case or her pesto sauce or whatever, and was actually interested in my personal life.

Of course, I'm sure it was wishful thinking. How could anyone as great as Bella still be single?

"Umm, no. We broke up right after college. Tanya, that's her name, and I needed to go in different directions. It wasn't anyone's fault and she's a great person, but she and I are better off as friends. It's awkward now, but it's getting better now that I live all the way here in Seattle and she's still in Chicago, you know?" I answered.

She looked a bit relieved. I figured I'd go for it. What could I lose?

"So, I told you the story of my life. What about you? Are you seeing someone? What's your story?" I asked, hoping I didn't come off as too desperate or obvious.

I didn't expect her response at all. She dropped her sauce-covered spoon with a loud clang on her tile floor, and snorted very loudly before turning bright red with her blush.

I found it adorable. She's just so natural.

"Oh, god. Excuse me…Jesus…" she mumbled as she bent over to pick up her spoon and hid her face. I guess she was embarrassed.

"So..? You know about me, it's my turn now. Answer my questions," I said, redirecting the conversation and trying to get away from her embarrassment. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable.

"Ok. Let's see…well, I'm single, as you could probably tell from that unladylike display…" she began, with a ghost of a smile at her lips. I grinned widely in response, encouraging her to go on. My heart was beating a bit too quickly.

She continuted, "I guess I'm pretty boring. There isn't much to tell. I grew up in a small town in Seattle with my dad, Charlie. He's actually chief of police back home, and really overprotective, so I tend to keep him in the dark about a lot of my life. My mom, Renee, lives with her husband, Phil, in Jacksonville, and I really don't know what she's doing right now. She's always bouncing all over the place from job to job and hobby to hobby. Phil is the responsible one. I'm an only child, but Alice, who you already know, is basically my sister, and her boyfriend Jasper is like an older brother. He's a history professor at U-Seattle. I've had the same job since I got out of college, and it's ok. I mean, they pay me. It's boring, but I suppose it puts my degree in Lit to some use…" she looked up at me, stirring the pasta, before turning red again.

"I think I said too much. I'm really not that interesting," she repeated, embarrassed.

"I beg to differ, Bella. I find you fascinating," I said sincerely.

She turned around quickly and focused on finishing up dinner.