Let Love Lie
Chapter 1 – School, Cops, and Meetings
BPOV
The bell rang signaling the end of class.
"Okay guys, quiz tomorrow on chapter nine!" I warned as all of my students walked out. I gathered all of my papers and put them in a folder and put the folder into my messenger bag. I stood from my desk and walked around the room picking up the stray papers and pencils that collected on the floor throughout the day. Last, I erased the board. I picked up my bag and started walking to my truck.
"Hey, B!" Rose called. I heard her heels clicking on the linoleum as she made her way to me. I stopped and turned around to smile at her.
"Hey," I greeted.
"Are you going to your parents' tonight?"
"Yeah. Five o'clock right?" I asked.
"Sharp," she smirked.
"I have to make dessert for tonight. Want to help?"
"Sure! What are you making?"
"Triple chocolate chunk brownies," I smiled.
"My fave," Rose moaned.
"Come to my house so I can drop off the truck and we'll go to the store and get the stuff." We walked to our cars and started the drive to my house.
EPOV
The name's Edward Anthony Cullen. Not Ed, and definitely not Eddie. I am the youngest on the FPD squad. I'm also a rookie. Needless to say, I don't see much action outside of the station. I moved here from Alaska to be closer to my family.
After graduating from Seattle High I moved to Alaska for college with my high school sweetheart, Tanya. Boy, was that a mistake. She dumped my ass two weeks after the big move. Man, was that a reality check.
Anyway, I moved back to good ol' Washington into a small house just inside town, about two minutes from the station, and everywhere for that matter.
I grew up with a family of four. A mother – Esme, father – Carlisle, and younger sister – Alice. To say we were financially fortunate was kind of an understatement. My father is the most well known doctor in all of Washington. Hell, I think he's had a patient or two from out of state. My mother works in interior design. She can take a normally dull room and put life to it.
I was always supposed to follow in my father's footsteps. Go to his alma mater, become a doctor. Get my masters from U Dub. Imagine his disappointment when I dropped the bomb on him about Alaska. Sure he was still proud of me, but let down.
So, against my father's wishes, I went to Alaska and studied criminal justice. And I love my job. Sure, I don't see as much action as in Alaska, but I half expected that. I mean, what kind of shit can go down in a small town?
That's why it surprised me when Chief Swan approached me today.
"Cullen," he said gruffly as he walked to my small cubicle-type area where my desk resides.
"Yes, Chief?" I asked as I stood.
"Sit down, boy," he scoffed lightly. "You don't have to be all kinds of polite 'cause you're new." I followed his orders and sat. I motioned for him to sit in one of the chairs I have on the other side of my desk. He sat and leaned forward with his forearms on his lap, looking me directly in the eye.
"What do you need, Sir?"
"I need you to do a job for me. It's not a normal job that you're probably used to, though."
"What is it?"
"I have a daughter, Bella," he started. "She just got out of a bad relationship and…"
"Chief," I cut him off. "Are you trying to set us up?" I asked, trying not to sound rude.
"What? Hell no," he raised his voice a little for emphasis. "Will you let me finish with what I'm saying before you jump to conclusions, boy?
"Sorry, Sir," I apologized as blush covered my cheeks and ears.
"So, as I was saying: she just got out of an abusive relationship a few weeks back. I've been trying to find the right guy for this job, but everyone is too old. Except for you. You're what? Twenty-six?"
"Correct," I nodded.
"Right, well, this ex-boyfriend fled town after severely beating my daughter. We haven't seen him since. That doesn't mean he won't come back. And when he does, that fucker is mine."
"I don't see what this has to do with me, Sir," I said confused.
"I want you to go undercover and keep an eye on my Bella."
"Like, spy?"
"No, not spy. I want you to befriend her. Just get to know her. And while doing so, you are to keep her safe. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. My daughter can be damn stubborn if she so pleases. You are not to tell her you're a cop or associated with me in anyway."
"Right, undercover. Different occupation."
"Exactly. You don't have to go to the extent of changing your name or anything, just don't let her figure you out."
"Yes, Sir," I nodded.
"So you'll do it?" I nodded.
"Good," Charlie grinned. He stood up and I stood with him. He shook my hand.
"Uh, Chief?" I called as he was walking away.
"Yeah?"
"When do I start?"
"Now." I nodded.
"Uh, Chief?" I called as he turned again.
"What, Cullen?"
"I don't know what she looks like or where to find her."
"Oh, right," he said as he walked back over to me.
My job just went from mainly paperwork to full time babysitter. Shit.
BPOV
"Rufus, down!" I scolded as Jasper's dog, Rufus, greeted Rose by jumping on her and putting his paws on her shoulders.
"Aw, Bell, he just wants to dance!" Rose giggled. I put the bags down in the kitchen before going back out to the front hall where Rose was now dancing with Rufus. Rufus is a golden retriever and a big baby and mooch. All bark, no bite.
"Rufus," I snapped my fingers. He got down on all fours and looked at me with his big puppy dog eyes. "Shit, Ru, don't look at me like that," I groaned. He came over and licked my hand happily.
"Ready to make the brownies?" Rose asked. I patted Rufus' head and nodded. We walked into the kitchen and washed our hands before making a complete mess of the kitchen making brownies.
"Oh my god," I laughed as I took in the mess that was my kitchen. There was cocoa powder, flour, and sugar on every surface.
"How did we manage this?" Rose wondered aloud.
"We?" I scoffed jokingly. "I think you mean how did you manage this! I never make this big of a mess when I bake!" I laughed.
"Fuck off," she laughed. We each got a rag and wet it before starting the task of cleaning the kitchen.
"I'm going to head home, B," Rose said when the brownies came out of the oven.
"Okay, I'll see you at Dad's," I nodded and smiled.
"See you there," she winked before walking out. I walked up the stairs with Rufus close behind to take a shower. I've learned to lock Rufus out of the bathroom before showering because if I don't he will end up in the shower with me.
I got out of the shower and changed into a deep blue sweater and skinny jeans before putting on my black Ugg boots James – my ex-boyfriend – got me for Christmas last year. Well, at least he was good for one thing.
I walked downstairs where Rufus was lying on the kitchen floor.
"Go outside?" I asked and he was on his feet and at the door in a split second. He jumped at the door excitedly, nearly blocking my way to it. "Move, you big oaf," I laughed as I reached for the knob. I let him outside and went out on the porch. He brought me his Frisbee and I threw it for him.
Jasper and I don't really live in a neighborhood. We pretty much just live on a street of houses. Three on each side, to be exact. Ours is the last one on the right. And past our house is woods. I sat down on the porch steps and pulled my phone out check the time. 4:50. I have to leave in about five minutes.
You can get anywhere – and I mean everywhere – in Forks within a few minutes. Ten tops.
"Ruf," I called. "Come on, boy." He looked at me and picked up his flexible rubber Kong Frisbee and darted over to me. "Good boy," I smiled as I took the disc from him and set in on our porch table. I let him in the house. He followed me upstairs and into the bathroom. He laid on the tile floor while I applied my make-up and brushed the kinks out of my hair.
I walked down the stairs, holding onto the railing so I wouldn't fall when Rufus bounded past me. I grabbed the brownies and Rufus' leash and led him back outside. I opened the back hatch and he got in the back of my truck. I went around front and got in the driver's side. I jammed the key into the ignition and turned it, causing the old piece of machinery roar to life. I opened the back window so Rufus could stick his head inside the truck.
I pulled out of the driveway and made my way to my parents' house. I pulled up to the curb at their house and let Rufus out of the back. He bolted up to my parents' front door and paced while I made my way up.
I opened the front door and Rufus didn't hesitate finding the closest person to pet him.
"Rufus!" Mom cried happily. "How's my favorite puppy?"
"Ma, he's not really a puppy," I called as I walked into the kitchen to drop the brownies on the counter. I walked into the living room where everyone was sitting and my mom had Rufus on the love seat with his head in her lap.
"He'll always be my puppy, won't you Rufy," she said in a "baby voice" as she held Rufus' jaw so he would look at her. I sat on the floor by the couch Rose and Emmett were on.
"What's for dinner?" Emmett asked.
"Lasagna," Mom smiled. "Grandma's recipe."
"Yes!" Emmett punched the air. "Grandma always made kickass lasagna!"
"Emmett, language," Dad scolded lightly.
"Come on, Pops," he chuckled. "I'm a big boy."
"More like big baby," I laughed.
"That hurts, Bellaboo," he shook his head and chuckled.
"So, Bella, how're your students?"
"They're doing well," I nodded. "No detentions today," I laughed.
"How about you Rose?" Mom asked. "How are things in the counseling office?"
"Pretty slow," she shrugged. "I mean, I always have paperwork to do but never have any students anymore. Which, I guess, is a good thing."
The oven dinged continuously signaling the lasagna was done. Mom got up and went into the kitchen. I followed her.
"Want me to set the table?" I asked.
"That would be great, Honey," she smiled.
I walked over to the cupboard and got our five plates. I walked over to the table and started placing them around the table. There was one in front of every chair except for one.
"How are you doing, Bella?"
"I'm fine," I smiled up at her.
"You're alright staying in that house alone?"
"I'm not alone, Mom. I have Rufus." Rufus came trotting into the room and over to me. "You heard your name, didn't you?" I smiled as I patted his head.
I went over to the counter and grabbed five napkins, forks, and knives.
Mom cut up lettuce and put it into a bowl before starting to talk again.
"It's just that since Ja…"
"Mom, please. I don't want to talk about him. It's over, it's done with."
"It may be over but I know it's not done for you. I know you, B."
"Okay, so I may be still having nightmares but you have to admit I'm getting better."
"Maybe you should start taking that medicine you did as a kid."
As a kid I suffered from nightmares every single night. Nothing specifically caused them. They just happened. Mom took me to a doctor and they prescribed me medication for it. It got rid of the nightmares, and the good dreams too for that matter.
"Mom, no. I'm fine. It'll pass."
"I'm just worried about you." She put the salad on the table and followed it with the lasagna.
"Dinner's ready!" she called. Everyone came walking in and sat at the table. I made a silent prayer for Jasper's safety before digging in.
EPOV
I know Chief told me not to spy on her, but I can't just walk up to her door. That would go over well. 'Hi Bella. My name is Edward. Don't ask me why I'm here or how I know your name. I'm not allowed to tell you.'
Yeah, Chief would cut my balls off. So here I am, hiding in the fucking woods by her house. God I'm a creep. A red rubber Frisbee landed a few feet from me and I stared at it wide eyed. Shit, she found me! I quickly moved further into the forest. A golden retriever came bolting into the woods and picked up the Frisbee. He looked at me and wagged his tail. He started making his way over to me when a woman called his name.
"Rufus! Come on boy!" she called. Rufus turned, looked back at me and trotted off towards whom I am assuming is Bella. I swallowed hard and let out a breath of relief. She didn't see me. I moved back to my original spot and sat there until Bella left her house.
When I caught glimpse of her as she exited the house my eyes went wide. She was beautiful. Her blue sweater and skinny jeans clung to her body, accenting her curves. Her brown waves flowed down a few inches past her shoulders. She ran a hand through it as she led the dog to the back of her truck. She opened the back hatch and he got in.
She got in the truck herself and soon she was driving out of sight. I walked down a few streets to my Yamaha R1. I turned it on and sped towards my house. I parked my bike in the garage and went into the empty house.
I walked over to my fridge and grabbed a can of beer. I cracked it open and took a swig. My phone beeped in the living room. I walked over to it and saw it was a text from Chief. Why aren't you doing your job?
I sighed before texting him back. She's at your house. Don't worry, I have things under control.
His response back was short. You better.
I flipped through the channels on my TV as I sipped my beer.
BPOV
I pulled up at home and let Rufus out of the back. I left him outside as I went into the house. I grabbed a wine glass and poured myself some white zinfandel. When I walked back out a guy was standing at the edge of the drive petting Rufus. I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared at him. He must have sensed my staring because he looked up at me.
"Sorry, he came up to me. Is this alright?"
"Y-yeah," I stuttered. Him being here was making me nervous as hell. I haven't talked to any guys outside of work and my family since James.
"What's his name?" the man tried making conversation.
"Rufus."
"And what's yours?" he smiled at me as he continued to pet Rufus.
"Bella."
"It's nice to meet you, Bella," he smiled. "I'm Edward." I smiled briefly at him. I took a huge gulp of my wine nervously. I could feel one of my knees start to shake and my posture was tense. I hesitantly walked to the porch step and sat without taking my eyes off of him. I took another gulp of my wine and set it next to me.
Edward started walking at me about a notch slower than a normal pace, probably sensing my hesitation.
"How long have you lived here?" he asked as he sat down on the step below me. I tried to conspicuously move away from him a little. If he noticed, he didn't show it. I looked up at him and into his breathtaking emerald green eyes.
"My whole life," I said quietly. "You?"
"Just moved here from Alaska." I nodded. He turned to face me more and leaned his arm against the top step of the porch. I stood up and stepped away from him. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah, sorry," I said without looking at him and rubbing the back of my neck. "I just – it's getting late. And I have to work in the morning."
"Oh, right, sorry," he apologized as he stood up. "It was nice meeting you," he said as he held his hand out. I stared at it and balled my fists before loosening them again. He started to withdraw his hand and I quickly place my hand in his. An electric buzz went through my and I pulled my hand back quickly as he did the same.
"Sorry," we both stuttered at the same time.
"Ru-Rufus," I called. "Goodnight, Edward," I said before grabbing my wineglass and quickly retreating into my house. I shut the door and locked the deadbolt before turning the lock on the knob. I placed my palms flat on the door before lightly hitting my forehead against it.
"Do you have to be a freak, Swan?" I scolded bitterly. "Right, James fucked you up. You're just trash now." I pushed myself away from the door and went into the kitchen. I leaned against the sink as I chugged the rest of my wine. I placed the glass in the sink and went upstairs.
Rufus was on my tail – no pun intended – as I walked into my room. Rufus followed me in and I shut my door. My heart beat rapidly, adrenaline coursed through my veins. Something about Edward's touch was different from everyone else's. Just that touch of his hand had my head spinning.
I shook my head as I pulled my sweater off. I pulled a tank top on and replaced my jeans with Soffee shorts. I went over to the window to shut my blinds and saw Edward had just gotten off the porch and started walking away. He looked behind him once before continuing to walk while shaking his head.
Yup, he thinks I'm a freak.
I groaned and shut the blinds. I crawled into bed and patted next to me. Rufus hopped up on the bed and snuggled into me. I wrapped one arm around him and bent the other under my head. I closed my eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.
I awoke in a cold sweat and shot up as I struggled for air. Rufus was rubbing his head against my arm to try to comfort me. I scrubbed my face with my palms.
I removed one hand from my face to pet Rufus.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Ru," I whispered. I looked at my clock and it was 5:30. I sighed and turned my alarm off seeing as it would go off in fifteen minutes anyway.
I got out of bed and started the shower. While the water heated up I went downstairs and took my anxiety medication. Ever since I stopped seeing James I had taken medication due to anxiety attacks that frequently happened. Most of them were caused by my nightmares but I still had some occur during the day.
I walked back upstairs to my bathroom and stripped before getting in the shower. I washed my body and hair before just relaxing under the soothing spray of steamy water. After a few minutes I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. I wrapped a towel around my body and went into my room. I dried my body thoroughly and dressed in a dark gray pencils skirt with a deep blue blouse.
I went back into the bathroom and dried my hair with a blow dryer and round brush. The result was soft curls drooping down my back. I applied some eyeliner and mascara before walking back into my room to grab some open-toed pumps that matched my blouse. I walked down the stairs where Rufus was lying on his giant pillow bed.
"I'll be home later, Ru," I called before grabbing my messenger bag, purse and keys and walking out the door. I got into my truck and drove to the high school.
I parked my car in the staff lot and went into the office.
"Hello, Miss Swan," Mrs. Cope smiled as I walked in. Mrs. Cope has been here since I attended this high school.
"Hi, Mrs. Cope," I smiled in return. "Do I have anything in my mailbox?"
"Not this morning, dear."
"Thank you," I said as I tapped my hand on the desk and walked out. I started walking to my classroom when I heard my name called. I turned to see Rose walking over to me.
"Hey, what's up?" I asked.
"Not much, Emmett is taking me out to dinner tonight," she smiled.
"To where? McDonalds?" I laughed. My brother didn't like to spend money because they didn't necessarily have a lot of it. And if there is one thing I know about my brother, then it's that he's proud. Too proud, in fact, to ask for financial help. He rakes in a generous amount of money but they break that up into bills, food and their 'wedding fund'. It's kind of like a rainy day jar but for their wedding.
"Hush, he's just trying to save money!" she giggled.
"Yeah, yeah, your perfect wedding," I giggled. "Seriously, he hasn't even proposed yet!"
"But he will," she smiled.
"You know something," I narrowed my eyes with a smile.
"I may or may not have stumbled across a Tiffany box while looking for money in his sock drawer yesterday," she smirked.
"Where is he taking you tonight?"
"Some high end Italian restaurant," he smirk widened to a grin.
"You better call me tonight, Missy," I lectured.
"In the morning," she winked. I made a face to express my disgust to her referring to her sex life with my brother and giggled.
"I'll talk to you later," I giggled as I walked away towards my classroom. I walked into the room and went over to the board. In my semi-sloppy handwriting I scrawled:
Good morning.
Quiz today covering The Kite Runner chapters 8-10.
No homework over break.
Have a great break!
Today is the last day before holiday break. The past few days have been a challenge to keep my students focused and I was dreading today. Students started trickling into the classroom and soon the tardy bell signaled the beginning of class.
EPOV
I made sure Bella got inside okay before walking away from her house. I shook my head with a small smile at how confusing our encounter was. I mean, I planned on talking to her, I just didn't plan on it being that strenuous. There was an extreme nervous energy rolling off her body the whole time.
I hopped onto my bike that was parked a few blocks away and drove to my house. I went straight to bed and passed out almost immediately.
I awoke in the morning when my alarm blared in my ear. I pounded my fist onto the alarm and covered my head with my pillow when it finally turned off. I sighed and stretched before sitting up and cracking my neck and back.
I got up and walked into the bathroom to take a shower.
As I lazily stood under the spray of water I couldn't help but think back to last night. When I shook Bella's hand I felt like an electric current was running through my arm. Not like an actual shock, but a soft buzzing. A surge of energy. Whatever it was, it took me by surprise and I ripped my hand away from hers. She must have felt it too because she did the same thing.
The question is, though, what caused it? Why did it happen? For whatever reason it happened, it had me curious.
I washed my hair and body before getting out and wrapping a towel around my waist. I grabbed a hoodie, some jeans and a pair of boxers to change into. I dried off my body and pulled my clothes on. I went out into my room and pulled on some socks before slipping on my DC shoes. I grabbed my biking helmet and keys before heading out to my bike. I headed a few streets over from Bella's house and parked the bike by a park bench. I could clearly see Bella's street so I could see anyone who entered or left the street.
I sat for about ten minutes before Bella's truck pulled out and turned the opposite direction. I slowly got up from the bench and put my helmet on. I tailed her from a distance through town until she pulled into the high school parking lot. A teacher? Counselor? Lunch lady? I guess I'll have to figure that out the next time I see her.
I drove past the school and to the station to check in with Chief. I parked my bike and walked inside.
"Cullen!" Chief called as he marched down the hall toward me.
"Yeah, Chief?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I work her, Sir?" I asked confused.
"Bella?"
"Is at the high school. Which, I'm guessing, she works there. So she's going to be there until school gets out, correct?"
"Right. Just making sure you knew where she was."
"I do. I tailed her to school."
"Good work, Cullen," he patted me on the back before walking away.
I have a feeling Chief is going to be on my ass about her whereabouts all the time. I have a feeling I'm going to regret taking this job.
Hey everyone!
How did you like chapter one? My chapters will most likely always be alternating between Edward and Bella's point of views. I am sorry it took so long to update! I have been sick and when I was not sick I was working. Now I'm going to update Just Friends before continuing with this! Thanks for reading!
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki