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Chapter 4
EPOV
I chuckled at Bella's obvious reluctance about getting on the snowmobile. I had already witnessed her less than stellar balance, but I also knew that nothing would happen to her. I had been looking forward to this for the last two days. I hadn't been this interested in a woman in…well ever. There was just something about her that drew me close whenever she was near me. I was hoping that today would give us a chance to spend some time together and help me gauge where I wanted to go with my erratic feelings.
That being said, I could honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed having Bella's arms wrapped around my waist as we started up the ski slope to the back half of the resort area.
It was truly a beautiful day outside. Several inches of snow had fallen over night leaving a fresh white blanket over the ground. It also was one of those snows that clung to the tree branches and created a very winter wonderland type of atmosphere.
I had always thought that the resort and surrounding areas was one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I was anxious to share that with Bella and see what her thoughts were.
The snowmobile moved quickly up the edge of the slope, as I made sure to avoid the few skiers that were enjoying the early season snowfall. I was looking forward to the start of the season and getting to go out on the slopes on a regular basis. The thrill of flying down the slopes and jumping the moguls was something that I had yet to tire of in the past twenty some years. I quickly wondered if Bella would consider giving skiing a try, although knowing her thoughts about her balance I realized that it would probably take some convincing. That thought made me smile to myself because convincing Bella held serious potential!
I slowed the snowmobile as we neared the top of the slope and turned down a smaller path to the left that led to one of the areas I needed to check on today. The resort was quite large for the area, but there were still portions that were not accessible to the guests. Safety was of the highest priority to my family and we were always diligent about making sure that our guests enjoyed themselves, but weren't allowed to take unnecessary risks.
I steered the snowmobile down the trail until I reached the blue metal gate that stood between two large pine trees. I pulled the snowmobile up to the gate and glided it to a stop before turning off the engine. Bella let go of her hold from around my waist. I was surprised at the sense of loss that I felt when she was no longer touching me.
We both took off our helmets and sat them on the snowmobile. My breath caught when Bella shook out her hair after taking off her helmet. The sun made all the natural highlights in her hair that much stronger. She truly was a beautiful woman.
"Wow! That was exhilarating, Edward! I was definitely nervous to get on that thing, but I have to say that I loved it." Bella's face was all flushed and her eyes shone with her excitement from the ride.
"I'm glad you liked it. I just have to make sure that the gate and sign is secure then we can see more of the resort. What did you think so far?" I asked as I walked over to make sure that the metal gate was still securely locked and the sign was easily visible.
"Oh, it's so beautiful! I mean I already thought that from the part I saw with Alice, but actually seeing the natural beauty is something else. I can see why your family loves it here."
"I can agree. There are many beautiful things to look at here." I looked directly at her when I said this and hoped she understood that I was talking about more than the landscape. Her answering blush gave me the answer that I needed. I wanted so badly to tell her directly that I thought she was gorgeous, but something about her demeanor held me back. I guess I would have to bide my time, and as I was a very patient man I could wait.
"I know this must seem like a ridiculous question, but why is there a gate blocking the entrance to the rest of the trail?" Bella inquired with a questioning look on her face.
"That's not a ridiculous question. The trail leads to the farthest points of the property but because of the landscape and slope of the land on that particular section, avalanches are more likely to occur over there. As a precaution we decided to just not allow guests to go past this point. It's more of a precaution than anything else. There hasn't been a major avalanche here in decades. Small ones occur from time to time but nothing destructive or dangerous." I explained.
Being in the ski patrol for many years I had heard the horror stories of the devastation that avalanches could cause, but luckily the resort had a fantastic safety record and had yet to encounter one in our rescues.
"Wow! I'm glad that there have never been any major ones here, but it's good to know to stay away from that area." Bella replied with a mildly concerned expression.
"For the most part the guests are great about heeding the warnings that are posted. Occasionally there will be some hot shot that wants to try out the untouched powder on the other side, but we have been fortunate that they have never been in harm's way."
After I made sure all was in order we hopped back onto the snowmobile so that I could check the remaining areas. I was very peaceful to ride through the back areas of the resort with Bella sitting behind me on the snowmobile.
After checking the last gated area, I drove Bella to one of the warming huts on the farther side of the slopes. We had been out on the snowmobile for almost two hours and although it wasn't freezing out, the temperatures were still cold.
"Where are we?" Bella asked looking at the small wooden building in front of us.
I explained that there were several warming huts on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders to stop in and warm up before continuing on heir way. One could step in and just warm up or grab something hot to drink if they wanted to.
We stepped inside the little rustic building and Bella looked around in surprise. "So, what do you think?' I asked.
"It's so quaint. It goes well with the rest of the resort"
There wasn't a lot in the little huts, but there was enough to make them cozy and comfortable. In the corner was a small wood burning stove with several chairs and benches surrounding it. Along the far wall was a large picture window that looked over the slopes and tree line. Under the window was hot chocolate and coffee to help warm up the weary skiers. I grabbed two cups of hot chocolate and headed over to the wooden bench in front of the fire that Bella was sitting on.
"Thanks, Edward."
"You're quite welcome. Were you getting cold on the snowmobile?" I inquired.
"No it was actually not that bad. I guess sitting behind the driver has its advantages." She added with a smirk on her beautiful face.
"Don't worry, being the driver has its advantages too" I smirked back at her. Much to my delight her telltale blush spread across her cheeks.
After that we sat and talked about random things for the next half hour or so. It was so easy to talk to Bella that the time really flew by. I looked out the window to see the sun starting to descend and realized that we still needed to see a few more places and get back to the main area before it got too cold or dark.
Bella must have sensed my thoughts because she stood up and stretched, "I guess we'd better get going before we are stuck camping out here."
Now that had some appeal but I knew better than to push her. Something just told me that Bella would not fall for something like that, and to be honest that wasn't really my style. I was really starting to like Bella more than I had anyone in a long time, if ever, and I wanted to do this the right way. So we put all our winter gear back on and headed back out to the snowmobile. Bella seemed almost at ease hopping on to the back and wrapping her arms around my waist. I wanted to do this right, but if I was truthful with myself I really liked having Bella that close to me. I didn't want to let her go.
We rode along the upper portion of the resort and down the far side towards the main resort area. Along the way we passed the snowboarder's half pipe, the tubing area, and the ice skating rink. Everything was in great shape to start the season. I knew my parents would be pleased to hear that all was well. As we neared the ski patrol building an idea started rolling around in my head. I wasn't sure exactly how to go about it, but I knew that I had to give it a try. My heart was overruling my head at this point.
BPOV
The day with Edward touring the resort had been great. I really loved seeing the resort from all perspectives. I had learned quite a bit too. Due to my complete lack of athletic prowess I had never really participated in any of the activities the resort had to offer, so seeing them firsthand was exciting. Although I definitely had no future plans to try any of these activities. I knew my limitations and a broken neck was not high on my list of priorities.
I'll admit that at first I was a little nervous about spending the day alone with Edward especially after I felt that tingling sensation when I wrapped my arms around his waist on the snowmobile, but surprisingly it was very relaxing and comfortable. I almost felt disappointed to see the day end when Edward pulled the snowmobile beside the ski patrol building. Again I had to remind myself that we were just coworkers and possibly now friends, nothing more,
Edward turned off the engine and I climbed off the back taking off the helmet and setting it down on the seat. Edward did the same with his and turned towards me with that knee weakening crooked smile of his. Boy he could be considered a danger to women and not in a bad way either! Even after a day of wearing a helmet and riding around the resort he was still a heartbreakingly gorgeous!
As we walked in silence to the front of the building where my truck was parked, Edward seemed to be lost in thought for the moment so I just walked beside him considering my plans for the next few days. The resort was due for its official start that weekend and there were a lot of last minute preparations to be done.
When we reached my truck, I thanked Edward for the tour.
"Bella, it was my pleasure. I was glad for the company. Usually I do those trips on my own. It was much more enjoyable to have someone to talk to."
His smile was genuine and I couldn't help but smile back at him.
We were standing by my truck when he asked, "What are you plans for tonight by the way?"
I immediately tensed when he said this. He couldn't be asking me out could he? I really didn't think I was capable of going on a date. There were too many wounds still not healed from James.
Edward must have sensed my tension because he quickly added, "I am meeting Alice, Jasper, Rose, and Emmett for drinks to blow off a little steam before the season starts. I thought maybe you would like to join us."
"Oh…well.. I guess that would be fine. I don't want to intrude on family time though."
"Bella, don't be ridiculous. I know Alice will love it if you come with us. What do you say?"
I quickly thought this over in my head. I was so panicked at first that I felt rather ridiculous right now thinking he was asking me out. Like someone like Edward Cullen would even think of going out with me. Please! At least I could relax and breathe now. It was just a friendly invite to hang out with his siblings.
Overreact much, Bella!
"Sure, Edward that sounds like fun. What time?"
***
When I got back to my cabin, I got a quick shower and dressed to meet the rest of the Cullens. I dressed in my favorite dark jeans and long sleeve gray sweater. It had been forever since I had met friends to have drinks. After the incident with James I had avoided most social situations. We had so many mutual friends that I was afraid of running into him or hearing about him from our friends, avoidance seemed to be the best solution. I just wanted to close that chapter of my life for good and move forward.
***
I parked my truck outside the entrance to the lodge. We were all meeting there to have drinks at the bar that was attached to the restaurant. Although it was part of the restaurant it had its own seating area. I made my way through the tables and saw everyone already there.
They were seated at a large circular booth in the corner. They were all laughing at something Emmett had just said. Alice saw me walking their way and waved me over.
"Hey Bella! How was the tour today? Did Eddie here show you a good time?" Emmet asked as he wiggled his eye brows at me. He really was a goofball!
"The tour was great, Emmett. Thanks for asking." I replied purposely ignoring is other comment.
Edward leaned over and punched Emmett in the shoulder and growled at him. "How many times have I told you to not call me Eddie! My name is Edward you idiot!"
Emmett just shrugged and grinned at his brother. You could tell that they were best friends and loved to torment each other. I had often wondered what it would have been like to have siblings. The Cullens were so close as a family that it made me wish I had that same connection with someone.
Edward scooted over in the booth so that I could sit down. Alice was on his other side. Next to her was Jasper, then Emmett with Rosalie. The waitress came over and took my drink order because everyone else already theirs.
Alice kept shooting me looks from around Edward's head that I knew meant she wanted to talk to me about something. I had a funny feeling that whatever it was had to do with Edward. Even though I had only known Alice a short while, I knew that whatever she had set in her mind was a done deal and that there would be little I could do to change her thoughts. I was not looking forward to that conversation.
We all chatted with each other for awhile catching up on the last few days since we had seen each other at dinner earlier in the week. Everyone was excited about the start of the season and getting a chance to hit the slopes to either ski or snowboard. I listened to their discussions about snow type, getting their skis waxed, buying new bindings, other things that made absolutely no sense to me, but it was nice just to be a part of a group again.
"Sorry, Bella we must be boring you to tears." Alice said in my direction. "I know that you don't ski maybe you can take lessons though so you can join us sometime."
"Alice, I don't think that is the best idea. I can barely manage on a flat stable surface without incident, let alone strapping things to my feet and hurtling down an icy hill!"
Everyone chuckled at that, but Alice was not to be deterred.
"Edward why don't you teach Bella? You used to be the best instructor at the resort before you joined the ski patrol." Alice said with insistence.
I could feel the blush spreading across my face. Just thinking about Edward teaching me how to ski and that fact that we would probably have to touch made we feel unsettled, but not necessarily in a bad way. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Alice giving Edward a look and then nodding her head in my direction. What in the world was she up to? Edward just glared back at her as if to say we will talk later before looking at me and smiling.
"Bella, I would be happy to teach you how to ski. I promise that no harm will come to you." The look in his eyes was so intense that I had to look away.
"Edward you must have a death wish." I replied but going against all of my previous thoughts I found my self wanting to spend more time with him. I was truly torn between what I knew I should do and what I wanted to do.
"I must be losing it!"I sighed. "Alright, Edward I will give it a try. I hope you are as good as Alice says you are because I am definitely going to be your worst student ever!"
"Oh don't worry Bella, I am even better than she thinks!" he smirked and Alice just rolled her eyes. Now I really was blushing a bright red. I couldn't believe I had gotten myself into this mess.
After a little while the guys went to play a game of pool on the other side of the bar. Rose went along to help referee and basically to keep Emmett in line. Leaving Alice and me in the booth to catch up and chat. We talked about al the upcoming events at the resort and what we were both looking forward to for the new season upon us. Alice of course couldn't wait for the big events that were tradition at the resort like the Christmas Eve party and New Years Eve ball.
As we were talking I couldn't help but glance over at the pool tables to see what the others were doing. At least that's what I told myself so that I could sneak a peek at Edward. Each time I looked I was not disappointed. Edward leaving over a pool table with a look of deep concentration on his face was breathtaking. I really needed to rein myself in! I took a quick drink to try and regain my thoughts.
"So what exactly is going on with you and my brother?" Alice asked with a mischievous look on her face.
"Uh…whtat are talking about Alice? We are just friends." I replied without making eye contact with Alice because it didn't even sound convincing to my own ears. I feared that she would see exactly how I felt about her brother and that was not what I needed right now. I was still too confused to even have it figured out for myself let alone to discuss it with his sister.
"Bullshit Bella, don't play with me. I am not stupid. I see how you look at each other. I just want to know when you guys are going to get it together and actually quit playing games!"
"Alice it is really not that simple."
"Now that is ridiculous. If you like each other then that is all there is to it." Alice stated matter of fatly looking quite sure of herself as always.
I blew out a deep breath. How in the world could I make her understand my situation without telling her about my past? It was something that no one really knew the whole story about and I didn't know if I could talk about it, but looking at Alice's determined face I knew that I really had no choice in the matter. She wasn't going to let up until I gave her a really good reason not to. Unfortunately for me I had a really good reason.
James.
"Alice I think I need to explain a few things about my past. I haven't told the whole story to anyone but if you are willing to listen then I will share it with you. Then maybe you can understand where I am coming from."
Alice just nodded looking curious and a little concerned but didn't say anything.
I took a big drink from my glance and a deep breath before launching into the story that I had never told anyone before.
When I was done Alice just sat there looking stunned and upset, but before I could say anything she grabbed me in a fierce hug.
"Bella that is awful! I am so sorry that it happened to you."
I just nodded because for so long I was afraid if I told people that they would find me at fault or less of a person, and it was overwhelming to me that Alice wanted to comfort me.
Then Alice pulled back and looked me in the face with a stern expression on her face, "Now Bella you need to hear what I have to say. What happened is awful and that loser was a complete asshole, but he is not every guy. There are plenty of great guys out there and my brother is one of them. Edward would never hurt you. I really hope that you will give him a chance. I haven't seen him this way around a woman…well ever. Please think about it."
I just nodded in agreement. I was to afraid that if I tried to say anything that I would break down.
"Why don't you go take a minute in the restroom and I'll go round up the others." Alice suggested.
"Alright." my voice coming out shaky and I got up after Alice hugged me one more time.
In the bathroom I splashed water on my face and took some deep breaths. As much as I hated telling my story, there was something therapeutic about finally not being alone with the knowledge.
When I got back to the booth Alice was gone, but Edward was standing there waiting for me. He smiled at me with that damn crooked grin and I couldn't help but smile back. It was infectious!
"The others went to warm up there cars, but I said I would wait for you to let you know." He said.
"Thanks. You didn't have to do that."
"Would it surprise you if I said I wanted to?" he questioned looking right into my eyes.
Damn! How did he do that? All he had to do was look at me and I was blushing and at a loss for words.
Before I could answer he leaned closer to me so that I could feel the heat from his body on mine. My heart started to pound but in a completely good way.
"Bella, there is another reason why I wanted to wait for you."
Somehow I found my voice so I could reply, "There is?"
"Yes. I wanted to ask if you would have dinner with me tomorrow, not as friends but as a date. "
If he had asked me 2 hours ago I would have refused him, but Alice's words were ringing in my head. Could I really do this? Could I place my trust in another man?
For once my heart won the battle over my head.
"I would really like that, Edward." I replied with a shy smile on my face and a lot of hope in my heart.
AN: Thank you for those who reviewed. It really does make all the difference! For those that are wondering about Bella's past with James it will be told but not until later. Next the date and someone from Edward's past makes an appearance.