Are we ready for Edward's point of view? I am basically gonna give an introduction into his mind. And there may be a visit from a few other characters.. Don't want to reveal everything he is thinking just yet.
EPOV
I grew up in the small town of Forks, Washington. My father, Carlisle Cullen worked in the hospital in Forks and my mother Esme, was quite the homemaker. We had a lot more than most people. As a matter of fact, we are flipping rich. Although that dinky town was home and always will be, I wanted more. I wanted to be free and live life bigger and better.
I had always been a rebellious person. I liked to go against the grain and do things people said I couldn't, or wouldn't do. I love proving people wrong, almost as much as I love a good challenge.
About the only thing I love more than myself, a good challenge, and my family, is the ladies. Being as good with the ladies as I am, I never have had trouble landing a girlfriend. It was maintaining them that was the problem. I mean come on, I am flat out the sexiest thing alive. I could get anything or anyone I wanted. Can you really blame me for being so cocky? I certainly can't.
I went to college orginally thinking I would go to be a doctor like my father. I like helping people and giving back to a community. However, that plan went down the drain when I decided I would rather party at college than study so hard. I switched to a business major and found that I enjoyed the idea of owning or working in a business. Hell, with that kind of job, I could fan myself with money. And I like money.
I was so happy when I finished college. I was 22 when I graduated, but it took me a year to actually land a job at Societ disegni e modelli. I thought what better industry to be in than fashion. There's women in the office wearing tight skirts and heels. Oh and the models. They have to walk around to try to find their photo shoot locations. On top of that, there's eye candy right in my office.
My second week at work was fairly successful. I got a lot of work that the company was behind on done and managed to annoy Bella. By the time Friday came, I was ready for the the weekend, although it meant I couldn't get under Bella's skin again until Monday. I called Emmett on my way home from work that night and we agreed to go bowling the next night before going to his house to play Xbox all night. I hadn't seen Alice or him in months and to be truthful, I was sorta missing them.
I pulled up to the bowling alley and looked around to find that Emmett's giant Jeep was no where in sight. I sighed and ran a hand through my gorgeous hair. I grabbed my precious Iphone and looked at all the texts I had received on my drive to the bowling alley. I never texted while driving, unlike some people. That was one thing I was never dumb enough to do. If I was in an accident and my dad found out I had been texting, well let's just say if the crash didn't kill me, or my mom didn't get to me first, my dad would kill me. I decided to ignore all the messages from the desperate girls asking me to come over to their places tonight and tried to catch a quick snooze. This turned out to be pointless however, because right after I closed my eyes, Emmett was banging on my car window.
"Hey Sexward! Open your damn door dude!" Grunting at his ridiculous nickname for me, I got out of my kick ass car.
"Watch it ya big idiot. The Volvo has feelings."
"Yeah whatever man. Let's go. I feel like smashing stuff." Emmett was already halfway to the door before I even started walking. I liked screwing with him. So what? Smiling to myself I made my way towards the door, only to see my big brother standing there with a pout on his face.
"What's the matter Em?"
"You're walking so slow." He practically whined. I just laughed at him before entering the bowling alley. We purchased the ugly bowling shoes and a beer for each of us before heading to the lane we always bowled at. Beer seemed to be just what I needed. I was out at home and had been to lazy to go buy any. Taking a swig and swallowing, I watched Emmett throw his bowling ball down the lane.
"Hell yeah!" Emmett screamed in celebration of his strike.
"Not too bad for an amateur."
"Like you could do any better Lil' bro."
"Watch me." Standing, I walked over to pick up the most legit bowling ball that has ever graced this planet. I walked to the lane and threw the ball. It spun the whole way down the lane before it knocked all the pins down in one fluid motion. Yeah, I'm awesome.
"It was luck."
"Whatever you wanna think Emmett." Three games and two beers later, I was more than willing to go back and game it all night long. Emmett, having won only one of the bowling matches, had a different idea.
"Come on dude! One more game!"
"No way! You can't even buy a single game! You know the smallest pack you can buy is three games and I am not dishing out another fifteen bucks to cover half the cost!"
"I'll pay for it then."
"No. I'll have to pay you back then and I need to start saving some cash."
"When have you ever saved cash?"
"Never, but I need to regardless." I finally won the dispute and we headed back to his place to game it up. I loved it when we had game nights at Emmett's because when we totally trashed the place and I didn't have to clean it up the next day. We started the traditional preparations. Emmett ordered the pizza and got out all the junk food he had. I hooked up his Xbox to the TV and ran across the street to pick up some beer at the gas station. When I came back I found Emmett sitting in one of his gaming chairs with his controller in hand. I no more than sat down and he pressed the start button.
After three solid hours of hard core gaming and thoroughly whopping his ass at every single game, we decided to take a break.
"So, Eddie boy. What's been up with you these past few months?"
"Oh you know. Ladies and more ladies. I started a new job last week."
"Really? How long is this job gonna last? The last one if I remember correctly, you clocked in and then quit. Isn't that correct?"
"I got a job as an advertisement and sales manager at Societ disegni e modelli. So it should last awhile." Emmett choked on his handful on potato chips.
"Holy shit dude! Isn't that place like epic?"
"Yes, I guess you could say that. It's high class."
"Meaning that crap would be expensive?"
"Very expensive. It's a fashion company."
"Sweet. Well, don't screw up this time pretty boy."
"Don't plan on it." I sighed, dragging my hand through my hair for the second time that night.
"What's wrong?"
"What do you mean?"
"The only time you sigh and run your hand through your sex hair is either when you are attempting to look like a stud muffin or is when you have something on your mind."
Damn he's good.
"It's just, ugh. I don't even know for sure what it is."
"Talk to Emmett." He said, raising his hands towards me like a complete moron.
"It's this girl. At work."
"Continue. What's her name?"
"Bella. Bella Swan."
"Bella as in Alice's best friend Bella?"
"How the hell do you know Bella?"
"Alice introduced me to her once or twice. She seems like a nice girl."
"Damn pixie. Anyway, I share an office with her. She's the chick that my boss had show me around the place."
"Bella probably don't like you too well, does she?"
"I'm not sure. I know I get under her skin. But at the same time she reacted to me the few times I have been able to get away with touching her."
"From what I know about Bella, she is a strong independent woman. I met her when she first moved to Forks and man has she changed."
"How has she changed?"
"Well, for starters, she is a lot hotter now."
"That's obvious that's she's hot Emmett."
"She used to be a tomboy and I never had seen a girl that had so much trouble walking in heels, let alone sneakers."
"Huh. She wears heels all the time to work."
"Alice coached her. Taught her the ways of fashion and how to walk. Completely changed her. Bella is so much more confident than when she came here."
"What do you mean more confident?"
"When she moved her, she was shy and hid behind her hair 24/7. It was like she was ashamed of who she was. You could tell that she was more uncomfortable around guys too. And man, she had guys looking at her left and right even when she was a tomboy." I clenched the pop can in my hand until it crushed, a wave of an unknown emotion flooding me.
"Alice just basically brought her out of her shell then?"
"Yup, pretty much. But more than that, she made Bella feel comfortable and beautiful in her own skin. The first year she slowly transformed from a shy and awkward tomboy to a woman."
"It's hard for me to picture her as a tomboy I guess."
"That's because you've only know that one side of Bella. She's still a down to earth girl. Enjoys the simple things in life. I think she's got a past to her though. Alice would know probably. Alice just loves Bella. Mom and Dad love her to death too."
"I could see Mom and Dad liking her."
"Yeah. Oh and by the way, if you hurt her, I'll cut off your penis. She's like a sister to me."
"Thanks for the warning Em."
"Night bro. Imma be hitting the hay."
"Night Emmett." I tried to fall asleep, but all I could think about was a brown eyed girl and her smile.
BPOV
Friday didn't come fast enough. The week dragged on and on. I was so relieved when Friday was finally over though. I called Alice and Rosalie when I got home from work and we agreed to a girl's night.
They drove over together since they shared an apartment about five blocks away. I was in the shower when they got to my place, but they let themselves in with the extra key I had gave them. I came out of my room wrapped in my towel to find they had pillows and blankets on the floor, nail polish, movies, and popcorn ready. Alice was on my house phone ordering some Japanese food. Rose was in the kitchen opening a bottle of my favorite champagne. I love these girls so much. They know me so well. I wouldn't trade them for the world.
I went to my room and got dressed before headed back out of my room again. I was surprised to find that they had one of my favorite movies already in and on the DVD menu. Both of them were on my couch with great big smiles on their faces.
"Come on Bella Boo!" Alice squeaked.
"Yeah! Hurry up woman!" Rose added. I ran over and jumped on the couch. We laughed our heads off the entire movie, even though it we had watched it like a million times. I was officially stuffed and tired, but the girls had other plans.
"Alright, here we go. Rose paint Bella's nails. Hands and toes. I'll get glasses for the champagne and some chocolate." Alice took off running into the kitchen after giving instructions.
"Okay Bella, what color polish? Any big events soon that you have to look gorgeous for?"
"Umm, I have a cocktail party this Friday for work but other than that no."
"What are you gonna wear?"
"I'm not actually sure. Do you think you and Alice could help me decide?"
"That's the dumbest question you have ever asked Bells! Of course we will help!" Alice screamed from the kitchen.
Ten minutes later, we had three dresses pulled out of my closet and we were all split on which one we thought I should wear. I was leaning towards my new black dress that had lace down the middle of the front and back. It had black lines crossing over the top of the lace and if I say so myself, was one of the sexiest things I owned. Alice was dead set on me wearing one of the dresses I had helped design at work. This dress was strapless and silver. It literally looks like a disco ball. I think the only reason Alice wanted me to wear it was because she loves anything shiny. Rosalie on the other hand wants me to wear an animal print dress that criss crosses across the neck.
"Guys, I really like my black dress."
"But what about the shiny!" Alice whined. Told ya.
"I think you will look awesome in the animal print."
"I wanna feel hot for some reason when I walk into the party." I secretly wanted to get back at Edward for looking sinfully delicious this past week. I think he did it on purpose just to drive me crazy. It's time for payback. Cue evil laughter please.
"Bella, you are gonna be the hottest one there besides Alice's brother." Thank you Rose for comparing me to Mr. Gorgeous.
"Then can I wear my black dress?"
"SHINY! Wear it!" She really is a crazy psycho.
"Alice, honey, I love you but you are going insane on me here. I will wear the shiny at some point in my life."
"Try them all on." Rose suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me." I slipped on the shiny dress first so Alice would be pleased. When I walked out, she started crying. Must be her time of the month. I then tried on the animal print dress. We all agreed that it made my curves stand out and was drool worthy. I came out a few minutes later with my black dress on. They both screamed and hugged me. I looked in the mirror. This dress had the wow effect like the shiny dress, hugged my curves just right, and made me feel sexy. It was settled. Black dress it is.
Rose gave me a French manicure and pedicure while Alice fed me chocolate and held my champagne. We stayed up late and talk like teenage girls. Overall it was a great night and exactly what I needed.
The next week went so quickly I swore it couldn't be Friday again. Aro let us off work early so we could go home to "freshen up" in his words before the cocktail party at his condo. I rushed home and when I unlocked my door I saw Alice holding my curl iron and make-up. To her left was Rose holding my dress and a pair of black peep toe stilettos that I had never seen before in my life.
"What are you two doing here?"
"We took the rest of the day off work to help you get ready." Rosalie said as if it was obvious.
"Come on hoe bucket! We are on a time limit here!" Ahh how I love Alice. The two moronic girls that had busted into my apartment rushed me to the bathroom. Alice made me sit and furiously began curling my hair as Rose started applying some fresh eye liner on me. Alice curled my hair in record time and pushed Rose out of her way and grabbed my eye shadow.
"Close your eyes now." Alice demanded.
"What are you doing?"
"Smoky eyes. I am gonna make sure you look like sex on legs tonight so my brother is drooling over what he can't have. He always gets want he wants with women and you are my form of payback to the little bastard." I laughed at Alice's rant and was glad that she was helping me without even realizing it. At this point, Rose was taking off my heels I had worn to work and Alice was using my red lipstick to give me a fiercer look. I stood as soon as Alice had finished my make-up. They helped me get my dress on as I slipped into my new stilettos. When I looked in the mirror I was shocked. I looked amazing.
"I love you guys!" I hugged them both before I grabbed my black clutch and ran towards the door.
"Thank you!"
"Welcome Bells!" They both hollered after me.
I walked into Aro's condo and began searching for a familiar face. I saw one of the secretaries that I actually liked and made my way over to talk to her.
"Hey Angela."
"Hi Bella."
"How have you been?"
"I'm good. How about you?"
"I'm pretty good. How's Ben?"
"Great. Just great. He proposed to me last night!" Angela squealed before she presented me her hand. It was a simple little ring. Just like her. That's why I liked her so much. She was just easy going and got along with everyone. We chit chatted for quite awhile before I noticed Edward looking me up and down. He was standing next to a table with a drink in his hand and was talking to Mike, a co-worker who was obsessed with me. I met him when I moved to Forks and actually went to school with him. He just so happened to follow me through every aspect of my life.
I told Angela I would catch up with her later and headed towards the table with various types of alcohol on it. I picked up a wine glass and poured myself some. I took a sip of my wine and walked towards Edward and Mike.
"Hi Bella." Mike said enthusiastically.
"Hello Mike." Edward stepped forward, Scotch in one hand and used his free hand to take mine and place a kiss on it. I felt my cheeks grow red and was glad to see Mike had walked away.
"How are you Bella?"
"I'm alright." I choked out and pulled my hand out of his. I just loved how he picked to stand by a table in the back corner where there was little light. Not. Edward smiled at me, sensing his affect on me.
"You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." I blushed more and decided that if I had just complimented him that I should actually take in his appearance. He had a black suit on with a white under shirt and a skinny black tie. Why did he have to be so sexy? It should be illegal.
"Thank you Bella. How did you manage though to get ready as quick as you must have? I mean you only had an hour to get from home to here."
"Actually, when I walked into my apartment I found that Alice and my college roommate, Rosalie had busted in there and wanted to help. They took half a day off work just to help me get ready." Edward chuckled.
"Remind me to thank that damn pixie."
"Why would you want to thank her?"
"Well, I mean she helped you get ready and you look absolutely stunning." My cheeks turned redder yet and I pushed a piece of hair out of my face.
"Would you mind if we sat?"
"Of course not." Edward pulled a chair out for me and I sat. I was feeling shaking and was afraid that if I continued to stand that I would fall. He sat next to me and placed his drink on the table next to mine.
"Are you alright Bella?"
"I'm just a little shaking."
"Have you ate recently?" I thought about it for a moment.
"Not since lunch I guess."
"I'll be right back." I sat there and sipped my wine while I waited for Edward to return. I felt anxious without him there and I'm not sure why. Edward returned shortly with a plate in his hand.
"Alright, I don't know what all you eat, but I know you eat a ton of fruit. There's some fruit salad and some chocolate. You need to eat something with sugar."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." I ate in silence for a few minutes before I grew curious.
"Edward?"
"Hmm?"
"How did you know I needed sugar?"
"My dad is a doctor Bella. And I studied to be a doctor for awhile before I switched to a business major."
"Oh duh. I should have figured that one out." I popped a grape into my mouth and almost swallowed it whole when I felt Edward put his hand on my knee.
"That's a nice dress." Edward said, looking me up and down. I suddenly felt the need to get away from him.
"Excuse me." I said, quickly getting up and speed walking down the hall to the bathroom. I was almost to the door when I felt a hand grab mine and spin me around. There stood Edward with my hand in his. His eyes locked with mine and I felt my breath hitch. Edward's eyes darted from my eyes down to my lips. This caused me to look at his lips and I think he took that as a sign. He leaned down towards me and my feet betrayed me as I stretched up towards him. He wrapped his arm around my waist to help me get closer to him. I allowed him to pull me closer yet and I closed my eyes. There was no turning back now.
I could feel his breath on my lips and and leaned closer. Our lips brushed and just as he went to seal the gap between our lips, the bathroom door opened and out stepped Mike.
"Oh hey guys...Eww!" He took off running down the hall and Edward began laughing. I moved out of Edward's arms and walked towards the bathroom door. Once again, Edward grabbed my hand.
"Are you alright? I was worried. That's why I followed you."
"I'm fine. I'll be back in a few."
I returned to the table a few minutes later and there Edward sat. All the sudden a blonde hair girl bounced over to the table and drapped her arms around Edward and sat on his lap.
"Edward! I haven't seen you in forever!" I hate to admit it, but she was gorgeous.
"Hello Tanya."
"It's been what? Almost a year?" She said, flipping her hair.
"Almost two years Tanya." Edward sighed.
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really."
"Who's your friend Edward?"
"Tanya this is Bella. Bella this is Tanya. I work with Bella."
"It's very nice to meet you Tanya." I said faking kindness. I think Edward picked up on it though.
"You too Becca."
"It's Bella." Edward stated.
"So, Edward. How are you?"
"I'm okay." He said while pinching the bridge of his nose. This babble continued for another twenty minutes before I had decided I was gonna go home. I couldn't believe he tried to kiss me and now he sat here with some girl in his lap. Right in front of me!
"Edward, I think I am gonna head home. I'll see you at work Monday." I grabbed my clutch and stormed off before he could reply.
I headed out on the street and was disgusted to see it was raining. I had walked and brought no jacket. I stepped out in the rain and began my long walk home. A few minutes later I heard Edward yelling after me, but I kept walking. He finally caught up to me.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Walking home because that's how I got here."
"Let me give you a ride home."
"I can walk."
"You're soaking wet Bella. Don't be ridiculous. My car is right here."
"You're soaking wet too."
"That's not my point."
"Then what is? Hmm? Playing with girls until you are tired of them and then finding a new one?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh please! I don't play dumb with me! I've dealt with even guys that play that game!" I pushed him away from me and continued to walk down the street. I tried not to let him see the tears running down my cheeks.
"Bella! What did I do wrong?" I walked back towards him and poked my finger into his chest.
"You tried to kiss me about five minutes before that tramp of your's came over and planted herself in your lap! That's what you did wrong!" I yelled.
"Bella, I haven't seen her in two years! You heard me say that."
"How do I not know you were lying?"
"Because, I want nothing to do with her. We were over two years ago. We were engaged and I found out through a friend of her's that she was cheating and only wanted to be with me because of my family's wealth."
"And did you find out through this friend of her's because you were screwing them too?"
"Considering the friend was a guy, no I was not screwing him."
"Get the hell away from me Edward." He grabbed my arm and turned me towards him.
"No." He then scooped me up and walked back to his car. He put me in the passenger seat before going to the driver's side and turning the heat on high. He reached in the backseat and handed me a leather jacket. I slipped it on and sniffed it when he wasn't looking. It smelled just like him. He drove like a manic to my apartment building and carried my up to my floor.
I jumped out of his grasp and unlocked the door. He followed in behind me much to my displeasure.
"What are you doing?"
"Staying here until I am sure you have gotten dry and warm." I groaned and walked into my room and threw my clutch down. Edward followed me as I walked into the bathroom and grabbed two dry towels.
"I don't have anything you can change into."
"That's okay. I grabbed a t-shirt and some basketball shorts out of my car that I bought the other day." I threw him one of the towels.
"I am gonna shower and change first and then you can if need to I guess."
"Where do you want me to stay in the mean time?"
"Why don't you go in there and change and I'll throw your clothes in the dryer and then if you still want to shower after I have, you can."
"Sounds good to me." I waited on him to get done and once he emerged, I threw his stuff in the dryer. I got in the shower and was glad to have hot water hit my skin. Once I stepped out of the shower I realized I had forgotten to get clothes out of my room. Since my bedroom was connected to the bathroom, I had no choice but to walk into my room and hope Edward wasn't in there.
I made sure my towel was wrapped around me tight and stepped into my room. Edward was laying on my bed flipping through one of my magazine that had been on my night table. I walked over to my dresser, but once I pulled open a drawer Edward's head shot up and he looked at me. I heard him take a deep breath and giggled to myself. I could tell that my appearance was affecting him.
"Are you alright over there Edward?"
"Yes, I just umm, yeah." I laughed and walked back into the bathroom. I pulled on my navy blue cami and gray sofee shorts before I brushed my hair out. When I went into my room, he was gone. I found him in the kitchen with a glass of water and mumbling to himself. I walked up behind him and cleared my throat.
"Holy shit! Bella, why did you sneak up on me?"
"I felt like it."
"Edward, why didn't you turn the light on?"
"The power went out right as you walked out here."
"Damn it. I'll grab some candles." I went to a closets and grabbed the first ten candles I could find. I went back to the kitchen where Edward was still standing and lit one. I then took the remaining nine candles into the living room and lit them. I made my way back to the kitchen and sighed. The dim light of the single candle gave off a romantic glow, which was not exactly what I was aiming for but oh well.
"I guess I didn't realize that it was storming this bad."
"I did. It's nosier than hell."
"Well, yes it is." I shuddered, remembering how much I hated storms. They scared me almost as much as horror movies.
"I probably should get going."
"No way Edward. The power is out and it's storming way too bad."
"You want me to stay?"
"I did not say that." I actually wanted him to stay. I didn't like being alone during storms. Edward chuckled and walked over to me. He set down his glass of water and placed his arms around me. His touch was warm and I hadn't noticed how cold I was until he touched me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself closer to him.
"I'll wait it out if you want me to."
"It would make me feel better if you did."
"Bella?"
"Yes?"
"Why do want me to stay?" I sighed and rested my head against his chest.
"I don't like storms. They scare me."
"I see." Edward then picked me up and carried me to the couch. The candle light really did give off a pretty glow. I cuddled up in a blanket as Edward excused himself to the restroom.
EPOV
I entered her bathroom and started pacing. She was too damn cute for her own good. First she walked into that cocktail party looking like sex on legs. That was enough to make me want her. Then she was yelling at me in the rain and refusing to back down. And now she was calm and giving into my touch. I wonder if she is bipolar. I ran my hand across my face and made my way back to her living room.
Bella was sitting on the couch cuddled up in a blanket when I sat down next to her shivering form.
"Are you cold?"
"Yeah I am. Would you mind it if you held me? You were really warm and I had started to warm up."
"Sure. Come here." She scooted over to me and I wrapped my arms around her. I had never been much of a cuddler, but it just felt so good to hold her. She laid her head on my chest again and wrapped her little arms around me. I sighed and pulled her closer.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier."
"It's alright. It was my fault anyway."
"Yeah that's true." I chuckled at her last comment.
"Bella, would you mind if I laid down?"
"Are you gonna let go of me?"
"Not if you don't want me to."
"I don't want you to." With that I laid down on my back and she cuddled back up to me. I moved the blanket so it was on both of us and wrapped my arms around her again. It felt like my own personal heaven with her in my arms and her head on my chest. The candles were making it look all romantic and shit. I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
Before I knew it she was sound asleep in my arms for the second time since I had met her. But this time, I was staying through the night.
Alrighty! So that was much longer than I had intended it to be. The cocktail party was supposed to be the next chapter. I was just going to write a filler chapter with the two bits from Edward and Bella, but when Rose asked her about the nail polish, I had to go through with the cocktail party. Haha, I know I'm stupid but well I had to finish it. I'll post a link to Bella's cocktail dress on my profile if you would like to see it! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for reading!