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AN: Thanks to all of those who took the time to review. It's great to hear what people are thinking.

Chapter 5

EPOV

"Dude would you quit staring at Bella and shoot already!" Emmett barked at me.

"Sorry man." I replied and quickly made my shot on the pool table in front of us. I was hoping to avoid the comments regarding Bella. I knew my brother well and he had the habit of having no tact and saying exactly what was on his mind no matter how uncomfortable it made other people feel.

"Edward what the hell are you messing around for? Just ask her out already. I have never seen you like this around a woman before. What's the deal?" Emmett demanded.

"As much as it pains me to say this, I have to agree with Emmett on this one. Why not just ask her to dinner or something. It's obvious she is interested, too", offered Jasper with a grimace in Emmett's direction as he made a rude gesture with the pool stick.

I let out a deep breath and shrugged my shoulders at them thankful that Rose had gone to talk to someone and wasn't part of this discussion. I am sure she would have her own opinion to add.

"I'm not going to lie to you guys. I am definitely interested, but I am not sure about how Bella will take it. We had a blast touring the resort today, but I just get the feeling that she sees me as only a friend. I don't want to push her or freak her out."

"Don't be such a baby. What can it hurt? You can't really have that much of an ego to be worried about rejection from one woman!" Emmett argued.

"Don't be an ass, Em. It's not like that. I just think I could really like her and I want to do this right. I don't want to rush onto anything if it might spook her" I told him, now getting frustrated.

I had seen how Bella tensed up when I asked what her plans were tonight and it confirmed for me that I had to take it slow. I didn't want to scare her off. When I had asked about her plans, my plan wasn't to ask her out. Instead I thought that going out with all of us would be a good compromise. I could spend time with her without making it a date.

"Damn Edward, you really do like her!" Jasper said with a slightly shocked look on his face.

I just nodded at him. It wasn't like I had never dated before. It was just that none of those women were really serious. It was fun while they lasted but I can't say I was heartbroken when they were over either. Somehow I knew that dating Bella would be different. It would be serious from the first date and it would break my heart if it ended. That was a lot to face and accept for me. These types of feelings were definitely uncharted waters.

"Look it, you'll never know unless you try. What if your reluctance leads her to going out with someone else? Could you live with that?" Emmett asked with a knowing smirk.

I just growled in response. I hated it when Emmett was right. I wouldn't be able to sit back while Bella went out with someone else. The thought alone made my blood boil!

I looked over at the booth and saw Bella getting up and heading to the bathroom leaving Alice sitting by herself.

Emmett must have noticed the same thing because he pushed my shoulder and said, "Why don't you go over now and just do it. If not maybe I could suggest another guy to her as a date!"

"Emmett you'd better step back!" I growled.

He of course just laughed like an ass and walked around the pool table before I could slug him.

"Fine." Was all I said before walking away towards Alice wondering what the hell I had just agreed to.

Alice scooted over as I reached the booth to make room for me to slide in next to her, so I sat down and took a quick sip of my drink trying to calm my now overactive nerves.

"You look a little off Edward. Can I offer you some advice?" Alice questioned cocking her head to the side looking at me with serious gaze.

I just nodded because it was easier to agree than argue when Alice was involved. Besides she didn't know where my thoughts were so what harm was there, right?

"You should just ask her Edward. She likes you, trust me. She just doesn't have it all figured out yet, but she will. I know what I am talking about." Alice stated with such conviction that I was truly startled at what she was saying. How in the world did she know what I was thinking?

"And before you start questioning how I know, just trust me I know! You two were meant to be together." I just stared at her with my mouth agape. I hated when Alice caught me off guard with her uncanny perceptions of people. It was a liittle unnerving but usually accurate.

Before I could say anything else, Alice slid out of the other side of the booth telling me that they were going to go and to say good bye to Bella for her.

I sat there for a few moments trying to gather my thoughts before I saw Bella coming out of the bathroom. I quickly stood up to wait for her and wondered if I could really do this.

"The others went to warm up there cars, but I said I would wait for you to let you know." I said.

"Thanks. You didn't have to do that." She replied blushing slightly. God did that blush look good on her! Well here goes nothing. If I was potentially going to make an ass of myself, I may as well do it thoroughly!

"Would it surprise you if I said I wanted to?" I asked her trying to gauge her reaction.

She blushed deeper than before, so I took advantage and leaned closer to her inhaling her beautiful scent trying to gain the nerve to ask the question that I had wanted to ask her since I had met her.

"Bella, there is another reason why I wanted to wait for you." I began.

"There is?" she whispered looking at me under those thick lashes. She had no idea the effect she had on me. No one had ever captivated me in this way before.

Taking another deep breath I plunged forward looking right in her deep brown eyes so I could see her reaction to my question. "Yes. I wanted to ask if you would have dinner with me tomorrow, like a date. "

I could see emotions rolling past her eyes, but none that were clear to me. Then I heard the words that made my heart soar.

"I would really like that, Edward." She answered in one quick breath and all I could do was grin at her. She had said YES! I couldn't believe it.

Trying to gather my thoughts after hearing her say yes, I offered to walk her to her car. She agreed and we walked in silence out to the parking area. I had parked on the other side of the lot, so I walked her to the driver's side of her ancient truck first, placing my hand on the small of her back as we walked so I had some kind of contact with her.

When we reached her truck she pulled out her keys and looked at me with those beautiful deep, brown eyes, "Thanks for walking me to my truck, Edward."

"It was truly my pleasure, Bella" I replied.

"I will pick you up tomorrow at 6:30 for dinner. Just dress casual okay." I knew where I wanted to take Bella and I hoped she would be okay with it. She was not the kind of woman that needed expensive food and high priced wine lists. I figured making her comfortable was the best choice.

She nodded and blushed again looking down at her feet. I couldn't help myself, so I gently brushed my fingers against her heated cheekbone and whispered, "Bella you are so beautiful when you blush."

This of course made her blush a deep red, so I figured I'd better quit while I was ahead.

Lowering my hand I whispered in her ear, "I can't wait until our date, have a good night." Before turning and walking towards my car. I heard Bella take a deep breath before climbing into her truck and driving away.

I was grinning to myself reliving the events of the evening as I approached my car. The weather was definitely getting colder each day, so I ducked my head against the wind and hurried to fish the keys out of my pocket. I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn't see the person leaning against my driver's side until I was almost on top of them.

"Well hello there Edward. It has been too long. I've missed you." the voice purred seductively.

I knew who that voice belonged to even before I looked up, and I wasn't pleased that she was here.

"Tanya." I greeted not even looking at her. I wasn't even going to go there. This was a place in my past that I wish had never happened. Call it a mistake, call it stupid, but all I wanted to do was call it over and done with.

"Now Eddie don't be like that. I thought we could get together for old times sake," she leaned towards me and ran her hand down my chest.

"Tanya that is not going to happen. I made myself perfectly clear last year that we were not going to be together ever again. I thought you understood what I was saying."

I was trying my best to not lose my temper but dealing with Tanya was a challenge for even my patience. When Tanya got something in her head that she wanted there was little she wouldn't do to get it. I had no desire to have Tanya causing me problems now that I finally got Bella to give me a chance.

"Awww, don't be like that Eddie. You know that we had fun together. You can't tell me that you haven't thought about me over the last year", her voice dripping with sex.

"Well to be honest Tanya, I have thought about you", I replied as she smiled at my admission.

"I thought a lot about what a mistake it was and how I wished it had never happened. And my name is Edward not Eddie!" I spat at her.

With that being said, I opened the car door and hopped in shutting it loudly in her face. Tanya just stood there with a look of shock and rage on her face and her hands balled into fists at her side. I knew that no one turned Tanya down and that this was probably going to come back and bite me in the ass, but I couldn't take her shit anymore, I had had enough.

***

BPOV

It was 5:30 and my bedroom looked like a bargain basement sale at a department store. My clothes were tossed over every surface imaginable, and I was standing there in my bra and underwear. As each minute ticked closer to 6:30 and Edward's arrival, my nerves went a little crazier. What had I been thinking to agree to this? Edward was so far out of my league it wasn't even funny. It was like a Little League pitcher playing in the majors!

I had no idea what to wear because I wasn't sure what we were doing. I wished now that I had asked Alice for help me with this. I hadn't wanted to bother her or make a big deal out of this date with Edward. I was trying to follow her advice and try trusting a guy again, but it was a little weird doing the girl talk thing because the guy was her brother.

Just as I was about to hit melt down mode, I heard a knock at the door and voice holler, "Bella let me in. I'm here to save your sorry ass!"

Alice.

I threw on my robe and hurried to the door, of course stumbling twice in the process and threw open the door.

There stood Alice with a shopping bag in her hands and a grin on her face. All I could do was throw my arms around her and thank her over and over again.

Alice giggled before pushing me away. "Enough undying gratitude. Let's get you ready for this date!"

She walked past me and up the stairs to my room before letting out a low whistle at the mess I had made.

"Well I see I was just in the knick of time now wasn't I?"

"Alice, how did you know?" I asked not even caring what she thought of my disaster area.

"Bella, I just know these things. Not go put this stuff on and I will wait here. I hope it all fits. I guessed at your sizes but I am rarely ever wrong."

I grabbed the bag and went to the bathroom to change. I was a little skeptical to see what Alice may have chosen for me, but at this point I was so desperate I would have worn anything she had chosen for me.

As it turns out, I loved the outfit she had picked. It was a pair of black skinny jeans that fit me in all the right places but didn't make me uncomfortable and a deep purple top that was pretty but still casual. I threw on the black ballet flats at the bottom of the bag and was quite pleased with how I looked, casual but still pretty.

When I walked back into the bedroom to show Alice the outfit, she wasn't there. I was starting to wonder if she had left, then I heard something in my closet.

"Alice?"

"In here, Bella", came her muffled voice from my closet.

What was she doing in there?

Before I could ask, she stepped out holding several pieces of clothing in her arms with a look of dissatisfaction on her face.

"Bella we really need to update your wardrobe. These things have been out of style for decades!" she exclaimed, shaking the offensive items at me.

I just chuckled, "Alice I had to be careful with my money in college. Fashion was not a priority to me. Food was."

"Well that will have to change. We have to go shopping soon. This just won't do!" she stated in complete exasperation.

"Okay Alice we'll make a plan soon." I thought it was better to placate her than argue. Although a day shopping with Alice made me wary to say the least.

After looking me over and giving her approval, Alice quickly scooted out the door not wanting to be there when Edward arrived. Although I greatly appreciated her help, I was glad that I was alone when I heard the knock on the door for the second time that night.

I took two deep breaths before I walked to the front door and opened it. Even though I had taken the deep breaths I still felt my heart race to see Edward standing there in all his glorious perfection. I still hadn't wrapped my mind around the idea that Edward wanted to go out on a date with me.

"Good evening, Bella. You look beautiful", he greeted me with that grin I don't think I will ever become immune to.

"Hello, Edward." I whispered back. I wanted to say more but my brain was not coming up with anything at the moment, so I just stepped aside to let him in and shut the door behind him.

"Let me just grab my coat and we can go." I told him walking towards my coat that was lying across the back of my coach. Edward just looked around the cabin taking everything in.

I threw on my coat and we headed out to his car. Always the gentleman he held the door open for me before walking around and sliding into the driver's side.

"So where are we off to?" I asked. I still had no clue what the plans were for the evening. Not that I cared much, but I wasn't the hugest fan when it came to surprises.

At my question a look of concern briefly crossed Edward's face before going back to a neutral expression as he started to answer my question.

"I though that we could have dinner at my place. I hope that you are okay with that. I really wanted to spend a quiet evening together and the restaurants around here will be mobbed with the start of the season. If it's not okay with you we can go some place else." He finished in a quick breath looking concerned and unsure of what I might say.

"Actually that sounds great. I am not one to thrive in large crowds and quiet evening sounds good." I replied smiling at him in hopes of relieving his obvious concern. It must have worked because his jaw relaxed and he smiled back.

To be honest I really was comfortable around Edward. I was surprised to find that I was curious and a little excited to see where Edward lived, and I wanted to learn more about him.

Before I knew it we were turning off the main road that ran in front of the main resort areas onto a smaller road lined on both sides by tall trees. The sun was setting and the remaining sunlight filtered delicately through the trees.

"Wow, Edward. This is beautiful."

"I'm glad you think so. I just love everything about this place. I guess that is another reason I wanted to show you where I live. You really appreciate the beauty of the resort, and I wanted you to see the other part of my life here." He spoke before smiling at me.

It made me feel good that he wanted to share this part of his life with me. I was about to thank him when the trees on either side of the road ended and opened into a clearing of sorts, and I lost my train of thought as I looked out the window.

In the middle of the clearing stood a beautiful wood and glass A-frame style house. Although the style was common for ski resorts, this one was exceptionally stunning. The entire front of the house was glass with a few wooden accents. The edge of the clearing was still lined with the trees and bushes that were originally part of the land. Apparently only enough land had been cleared to create the clearing and build the home. It was truly stunning.

"Edward! It's…magnificent! This is where you live?" I asked incredulously.

Edward just grinned, obviously enjoying my reaction. I don't know how anyone could react differently.

"Yep. This is home. Each of us was given a few acres from Esme and Carlisle when we decidd to live on the resort. Although we each were able to decide on the type of home and location that best suited our individual tastes. I will have to show the others to you some time. They are all unique and really reflect our own personalities. Mine of course is the best!" he gloated, smiling at me as we parked the car in the front of the house.

Once again he opened the door for me and held out his hand to help me out of the car. Instead of dropping my hand when I was out of the car though, he held onto it and led me to the door of his home. I was amazed at how nice it felt to hold Edward's hand. It felt natural and safe.

We walked into his house, and Edward took my coat and hung it on the wood and brass coat tree by the door. I was speechless as I looked around at Edward's house. The exterior did not prepare me for the interior at all. I just looked around with amazement.

The downstairs had a very open type of floor plan. The living area was decorated in rustic but elegant pieces that looked very comfortable but chic at the same time. There were large cushy chairs and a plush brown suede couch that faced the far wall. The floors were hardwood but covered with plush rugs that just begged for you to slip off your shoes and sink your toes into them.

The wall that the couch faced was a floor to ceiling stone fireplace that went straight through to the second floor of the house. To the right of the fireplace were the stairs that led up to the loft style second floor.

The kitchen was not a separate room, but instead sat back under the overhang of the upstairs loft and was separated from the living area by a long granite countertop.

"Edward, I think I am starting to sound like a redundant idiot, but this is so incredible!"

"Do you really like it?" he questioned a look of relief crossing his face at my announcement.

"Are you crazy! I can't imagine a house more suited to you than this place."

Edward let out a sigh of relief and smiled at me.

"Well it really does fit me well. It was exactly what I wanted when I decided to build my own house here. I wanted something comfortable and relaxing. I didn't need a huge house for just me and this seemed a perfect fit."

I nodded in agreement because it really was a perfect match for Edward. He left me to wander around the living room while he checked on dinner.

I walked over to the mantle above the fireplace to look at the collection of photos he had there. They were all of his family, some when they were younger and others more recent. My favorite was the one of all of them as kids having a snowball fight behind some makeshift forts. They were all laughing like crazy and you could see how connected they all were even then.

I turned when I heard Edward approaching me and smiled at him.

"You guys must have loved growing up here! It's a kid's fantasy come true."

He grinned at me and handed me a glass of wine. "It really was great. I mean a lot of people probably think we exaggerated how fabulous our childhood was, but it was really like that. I guess that's why we are all still here. Although I think Emmett stayed as much for the snowball fights as he did for nostalgia!"

I laughed at that because I could already tell that Emmett was really just a big kid deep down inside. We chatted a little more about the other pictures and then we decided we'd better eat.

The food was delicious and the conversation flowed easily from one topic to the next ranging from our college days to our childhoods. I told Edward about my parents, Charlie and Renee, and how they still lived in the house I grew up in several hours outside of Seattle. I told him that I talked to them often, but that we didn't visit frequently because of Charlie's job as a police chief didn't allow for much vacation time.

He told me lots of stories about the antics that they had gotten into as children, especially Emmett and how his parents were supportive of all of their dreams and ambitions. Before I knew it we had eaten everything and had polished off the dessert as well.

I helped Edward clean up the dishes and kitchen area. It was comfortable and easy just being together in the kitchen working around each other. After all was cleaned up we decided to go into the living room to talk some more. I was surprised at my comfort level around Edward, but as the night continued I started to question my feelings on where I wanted this to go. I really wanted to let the past go, but I just couldn't completely remove myself from it. For now I decided to just enjoy the moment and cross that bridge if need be.

I started to realize how late it was getting after Edward and I had been sitting there talking for quite awhile and the fire in the fireplace was nothing but hot coals.

I honestly didn't want to leave, but we both had to work tomorrow morning, so it was inevitable. He must have realized the same thing at the same time that I did because he looked at his watch and frowned slightly.

"Wow. I didn't realize it was so late. I guess we should call it a night", he said but the reluctance he felt was obvious making my stomach jolt a little to realize that his reluctance was caused by wanting to spend more time with me.

"I guess you're right." I agreed standing up and stretching a little before walking with him over to grab my coat off the rack by the door.

Edward stopped before opening the door and looked at me as if he wanted to say something, but he was obviously having an internal debate about it. I just waited knowing that if he wanted to say it he would. I was not one to push. There were many times when I preferred keeping my thoughts to myself and appreciated the space others gave me.

Edward then reached out and grabbed my hand looking at my face for a moment before taking a deep breath and speaking in a low husky voice.

"Bella, I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight. Being around you makes me so comfortable and happy. I don't want to scare you off and sound overbearing, but I wanted you to know that. I would really like to spend more time with you again soon, a lot of time if I am being honest."

His eyes never left mine as he finished sharing his thoughts with me. I was stunned. I didn't expect that to be what he was thinking about. Edward wanted to spend time with me. For the life of me I could figure out why. He could be with anyone, why in the world we he choose me. It really made no sense.

The other question was how did I feel about this? Was I really able to offer someone anything other friendship? Were the wounds even close to being healed? It was a lot to consider and I couldn't do that right now with Edward waiting for me to say something. He had been honest with me and it would only be fair to do the same.

"I really enjoyed tonight too, Edward. I felt the same things you did, comfortable, happy, and…safe. I want to be completely honest with you though. I would like to spend more time with you, but I need to take it slow for my own reasons. Are you okay with that for now? Can we take it slow?"

I knew that whatever Edward said I would accept. I wanted him to agree, but I knew that not giving him the whole story was not exactly fair either. Maybe in time I could share it with him, just not yet.

It was my turn to wait and see how my words were received.

O was relieved to see a smile spread across his face before he spoke. "Bella, I will take time with you in any form you give it. We can go as slow as you need to. I want you to trust me and be comfortable with me. I am just happy that you feel the same as I do." Edward stated never looking away from my face. His sincerity was overwhelming.

"Thank you," was the only reply I could muster. At that he opened the door for me and we walked to his car still holding hands. Again he opened the car door for me and we headed back to my place.

The ride was silent but not uncomfortable. It was nice to not have to feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. It was very peaceful.

Edward walked me to the front door and I wasn't sure what to do at this point. Should I kiss him? Don't get me wrong I was definitely thinking about it, but was I ready? In the end Edward took the decision out my hands. He leaned in and kissed me twice on the cheek before telling me good night and walking to his car. The spot on my cheek tingled where his warm, soft lips had touched it. It left me wondering what it would be like to feel his lips on mine. A thought that I surprisingly wanted to find out about! The effect he had on me was amazing.

He waved as he pulled away and I returned the wave before going into my own house to relive this night over again while I tried unsuccessfully to fall asleep.

AN: Thanks for reading. Please leave your thoughts. I am already in the works for the next chapter. Hopefully it won't be long!