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Chapter 2

BPOV

As my truck passed the entrance to the resort, I was astounded at the beauty that surrounded me. I knew that the resort was large and had been in the Cullen family for many generations, but Esme and I had never really had the chance to talk about it in detail.

The entrance was flanked on either side by two stone pillars that opened to a gorgeous view of the main lodge and surrounding mountains. The lodge itself was wood and stone and looked like it belonged in the Swiss Alps. I knew that the lodge was the first building built when the resort was opened many decades ago.

Although it had been updated over the years, the original charm and feeling had been maintained. Esme had explained that as the resort grew and expanded, they had maintained the original design theme in the other buildings that were added to the resort.

According to the directions Esme had given me, I was to follow the road around to the right side of the lodge to the smaller building that now held the resort's offices. I knew that Esme was in a meeting with the resort's General Manager and would be unable to meet me. She had assured me though that someone would be there to show me around and help me get settled.

I parked my truck in front of the building and took a deep breath to try and calm my nerves. I was excited about this opportunity and I wanted to do my best. After spending the last six months cleaning up the mess left by James, I was ready for a fresh start and something positive to happen in my life. I was really hopeful that this was it. I was ready to focus on me for a change instead of someone else's happiness and well being.

The snow and gravel crunched under my feet as I walked up the little path to the front door of the office. After one more calming breath, I opened the door and stepped in. The room in front of me reminded me of a cozy living room. There was a fire in the fireplace and there were several comfy looking chairs and a sofa near it. An older woman was seated at a large wooden desk quietly typing at her computer. She looked up as she heard the door close behind me.

"Can I help you, dear?" she inquired with a polite smile.

"Yes, I am Bella Swan. Esme told me to come to the office to meet with someone this morning in order to get settled. Although I am not sure who I am meeting", I replied blushing a little at my ramblings.

"Oh, you are to meet with Alice. Esme told us all about you, dear. Let me just let her know you are here. I am Mrs. Cope by the way", she replied with a smile before picking up the phone on her desk and hitting a few buttons.

"Alice, dear your visitor has arrived", she spoke into the phone before hanging up.

"She will be right out, dear", Mrs. Cope told me before returning to her computer.

I looked around at the rest of the room while I waited for Alice to arrive. A few minutes later a beautiful, albeit tiny, woman walked gracefully into the room. Her hair was a short, spiky style that suited her perfectly. She could almost be described as pixie-like and she was beaming at me with this knowing look that didn't really make sense to me. She walked over to me with her hand outstretched and quickly introduced herself as Alice Whitlock.

I quickly shook her hand in return and introduced myself as well, "I'm Isabella Swan, but please call me Bella."

"Well it is nice to finally put a face to the name, Bella. I feel like I already know you after all of the talking about you my mother has been doing. She is so thrilled that she found you. She swears that fate was on our side that day", Alice said with a smile.

"Wait, you're Esme's daughter?", I inquired.

"Yes, I am. I also have two brothers, Emmett and Edward", she replied.

I just nodded at her. Esme had mentioned her children, but I had never known there names until now. Allthough I had to assume that Alice looked like her father because she did not match Esme's caramel colored, wavy locks or hazel eyes. However, both Alice and Esme were beautiful in their own right, and I was feeling a little self conscious just being near her. Thankfully she exuded such friendliness and warmth that one had to be put at ease in her presense.

"What do you say we get started on the tour of the resort and get you settled into your cabin? We can come back to the offices last and meet up with Esme then", Alice offered.

"That sounds fine by me. I am anxious to see all of the places Esme has described in person. I am sure they will be even better up close. The whole resort seems like a fairytale!" I said.

"Well, we all love it here. I guess that is why none of us have ever left. All the Cullen kids work at the resort and live on the grounds. I am sure you will meet everyone tonight at dinner", said Alice as she smiled a radiant smile at me.

"Dinner?" I questioned furrowing my brow.

"Of course, silly! Esme knew that you would be tired from traveling and not want to deal with cooking, so she thought it would be nice for us all to meet for dinner. Plus that way you can meet the rest of our crowd all in one shot.

"That's nice of Esme to think of me", I replied.

Alice just smiled at me and motioned to the door so we could begin the tour of the grounds. Alice told me that we could walk to see most of the buildings and areas that I would need to know about for my job, but I would eventually need to tour the slopes and farther out areas either on an ATV or snowmobile.

She explained that the family owned the entire mountain that the resort was located on, but that they did not utilize it all for the resort. Each of the Cullen children had their own home on the resort's property, as well as the family home where her parents still resided.

As we walked towards the main lodge, Alice told me that she was in charge of the events and social aspects related to the resort. During their prime season, the resort offered many activities outside of the outdoor sports to entertain their guests. Alice organized all of these events as well as any special occasions that cropped up throughout the year, such as weddings, banquets, parties.

I knew that part of my job would be assisting Alice with these types of events if need be. I hoped that I could keep up with the never ending level of energy that Alice seemed to possess. For someone so tiny, she was a whirlwind of energy and excitement. I couldn't help but think that Alice and I could become friends while I worked here. She had and easy going manner that just made you feel comfortable and energized.

As we walked through the large glass doors of the lodge Alice explained to me that most of the guests stayed in the rooms or suites available here. However, there were several cottages and chateaus available for people to stay in for extended periods of time.

The interior of the lodge was a larger version of the office building we were just in. There was a large wooden reception desk to the one side of the lobby. On the other side of the lobby was a two story stone fireplace surrounded by chairs and sofas. The décor was rustic but very elegant in design. We walked around several of the banquet and conference facilities, and Alice showed me some of the guest rooms. She also explained that the resort was known for its hospitality and catering to the guests needs. This would also be something that I would assist with as part of my duties.

Alice introduced me to some of the staff members as we passed them in the hallways or other areas. They were all very welcoming and friendly. I was really looking forward to working here.

After we made it through the tour of the main lodge, we decided to go back outside and see the rest of the areas that I would need to be familiar with at the resort.

Although the sun was shining the air was cool, so we buttoned up our coats and walking quickly to our other destinations. We didn't actually tour the other buildings, but she did put out some important locations to me, so that I was familiar. She made certain to show me the Equipment Rental building, the outdoor skating rink, Ski Patrol Headquarters, and equipment storage facilities. The walking tour took less than an hour and we were back at my truck outside of the offices. Alice suggested that we go inside to see my office before heading over to my cabin to unpack my belongings.

Mrs. Cope nodded kindly at us as we walked in and went back to her papers. Alice led me down the hall that she had entered from earlier in the day and led me past several doors, explaining who each person was and what their job was as we passed. I knew that I would never remember all of their names and job titles, but I would try hard to learn them as quickly as possible. At this point it was all so overwhelming that I was beginning to wonder what the heck I had gotten myself into!

As we approached the next door, Alice announced, "This is my office." We walked a few more feet and she motioned to the door next to her office and stated, "And here is your office!"

I walked into the room and stopped right inside the door. I was stunned at how beautiful and spacious the room was. There was a wall of windows behind a large wooden desk that overlooked the resort. On the desk sat a new lap top that would have made my old pc groan in shame. Not to mention the comfortable black leather chair that sat behind the desk just waiting for someone important to sit in it. I turned my stunned expression looking directly at Alice as she grinned at my reaction.

"Do you like it ?" she inquired with an knowing smirk on her perfect face.

"I-I-It's beautiful!" I stammered. "But are you sure that this is my office? I am only an assistant manager. This has to belong to someone far more important than me."

Alice just giggled at my statements. "Esme decorated it herself. I am sure it is for you", Alice answered matter of factly and there by ending the discussion.

After I picked my jaw up off the floor we continued down the hall to another door not far from my office. Alice knocked twice and then walked in without waiting for a reply. Behind the desk sat the most stunning woman I have ever seen. I kid you not. She was the epitome of a blond bombshell. As soon as we entered she looked up and a breathtaking smile crossed her face. It would have made angels weep.

"Well hello there, Alice. I see you still have no respect for my office space, so what brings you here this afternoon", the blond beauty said with a slight edge of annoyance to her voice, but then she smiled at Alice and stood up to hug her.

I realized that she was joking with Alice, but I made a mental note to not enter this office in the future without an invitation.

Alice greeted her with a bouncing hug and the turned to face me.

"Rose, I wanted to introduce you to the newest member of our little crew. This is Bella Swan. She is the new assistant manager", Alice finished with a smile. "Bella, this is Rosalie Hale she is the General Manager here, as well as my brother's fiancée."

Wow! The Cullens really did have a family business going on here. I was even more grateful that I managed to land this job with no family connections.

"It's nice to meet you, Rosalie," I said and stepped forward to shake her perfectly manicured hand.

She shook mine in return and greeted me politely, "It's nice to meet you, Bella. Esme has had nothing but wonderful things to say about you. We can meet tomorrow morning to start to go over everything. For now just get settled in and acclimated with the resort. I have a few calls to make and then I believe we are meeting for dinner in the lodge around seven."

Alice nodded in agreement. We all said our goodbyes and Alice and I walked back towards the front of the office, so that I could head over to my cabin and unpack.

***

I followed Alice's directions as we drove towards a group of log cabins that were on the one side of the resort's property. Alice was sitting in the passenger seat of my old truck, and she was explaining that these cabins were originally used for guests, but now they were staff housing for those that lived at the resort year round.

She pointed to a cabin that was just ahead and I pulled into the parking area in front of the cabin. It was very quaint looking and I was excited to have a look inside. This was technically my first home and it felt good to be able to say that.

Alice jumped out of the cab and bounced up the steps to the small front porch jingling the key in her hand.

"Here you do the honors, Bella!" she announced.

I took the keys from her excited grasp and opened the front door and stepped inside. For the second time today I was overwhelmed at my good fortune. The cabin was beautiful. There was a fireplace along the left wall and a small living room already furnished with a cozy looking couch and chair. Behind the living room was a kitchen that had the latest in appliances and granite countertops.

The best part though was the loft-style bedroom upstairs. It almost reminded me of Snow White. I didn't know whether I should jump around screaming or cry at my good fortune.

Alice just watched me with a smug look that said she knew how much I loved my place. I couldn't wait to curl up on the couch with a book and sit in front of the fire. This place was truly amazing!

After I regained my composure, Alice and I quickly unpacked my few possessions. At one point I saw Alice shaking her head at my clothes or lack thereof.

"Bella, we will definitely need to go shopping very soon. You don't have nearly enough clothes!" she announced with a tome of exasperation.

"Alice, that is not necessary, I can make do with what I have. I really am not a shopper," I tried to explain. Alice however was having none of that. I had a feeling that this would be a losing battle against Alice. Hopefully she would forget about it and it would never happen. A girl could dream right?

Alice waited downstairs for me to change for dinner with the rest of her family. She said that it was casual, so I threw on my nicest dark jeans and a soft blue sweater that was also comfortable. My hair as always was hopeless, so I left it down.

We drove back to the main lodge where we were meeting everyone else for dinner in the restaurant there. The restaurant was rustic in its décor, but still felt elegant. When we entered the hostess greeted Alice and pointed to the back of the dining room to a large table that had several people already seated and chatting with each other.

We made our way towards the table and as we approached a good looking man with blond hair stood and gave Alice a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. She then turned towards, me and said, "Bella, this is my husband Jasper."

I shook his outstretched hand and replied, "It's nice to meet you, Jasper."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Bella", he smiled warmly at me.

Then Alice introduced me to what had to be one of the most muscular men I had ever seen. He reminded me very much of a large teddy bear, "Bella, that beast next to Rosalie is my brother Emmett." She obviously held a great affection towards her big brother.

Emmett took me by surprise by instead of shaking my hand, he grabbed me into an enormous crushing hug that made me squeak in surprise.

Rosalie smacked his arm and told him to put me down before he scared away the newest employee. He just chuckled and said, "Welcome!"

After I regained my composure from Emmett's boisterous greeting, I turned to see a very handsome man standing next to Esme shaking his head at his son's overzealous greeting.

"I'm Carlisle. Although you have heard it several times already, it is nice to finally meet you. Anyone that captures my wife's attention like you did will be a great addition to our resort family", he said with a kind smile.

I blushed at his sincere words and quietly thanked him and Esme for the great opportunity. Then we all sat down to look over the menus.

"Where's Edward?" asked Alice.

"He had to finish up some items for the start of the season with the ski patrol. He should be here shortly", replied Esme.

I knew that Edward was one of the senior ski patrol and rescue team members at the resort along with Emmett and Jasper. Apparently with a resort this size, the ski patrol was fairly large and served to not only help injured skiers, but also to administer medical help when needed in rescue situations. The nearest hospital was at the base of the mountain, so the ski patrol was often needed to help people before they reached the local hospital.

The conversation flowed easily as I got to know more about each of them. It felt so comfortable that I was truly looking forward to working here with all of these amazing people.

I was just about to ask Alice a question when I heard the most amazing rich, velvet voice behind me.

"Sorry that I am late. You know how the start of the season gets with the young guys over at the ski patrol", the voice chuckled.

As I turned to see the person that was talking, I looked into the most vibrant green eyes I had ever seen. Once I managed to look past the intense gaze of his eyes, I realized that the rest of this man was astoundingly gorgeous. His hair was a messy bronze color that only served to highlight the handsomest face I had ever come across. I realized then that I was staring and looked down quickly, blushing a deep shade of red. What in the world was I doing? I had never ogled a man like that before. Hopefully no one noticed.

Alice took a quick glance at the two of us and smiled up at him, before quickly introducing me, "Edward this is Bella. The new assistant manager that Esme has been telling us about."

"It's nice to meet you, Bella". He smiled at me and held out his hand. I nodded having not yet found my voice and reached out to shake his hand. When our hands connected there was this strange sense of an electrical current running through my hand and arm.

When I looked up again at his face, I realized that he must have felt it, too. My heart skipped a beat at his next words, "I think this could be a very interesting season this year", he said in a low seductive tone before he released my hand and sat down to join us for dinner.