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Chapter 6

EPOV

I stretched my arms over my head and reached over to turn off the alarm clock that was buzzing loudly in my ear. Although I had only gotten three hours of sleep last night, I felt amazingly rested. I laid there in bed for a few moments just thinking back to my date with Bella.

The whole evening had been everything I had hoped for and then some. I had many scenarios in place in my mind to prepare me for the outcome of the evening, but even the best of those did nothing to match the greatness of the actual date.

To be honest I was terrified when I decided to tell Bella exactly how I was feeling befor I took her home. The date had gone so well that I didn't want to ruin it, but the thought of her walking out the door and possibly never knowing how I felt was strong enough to outweigh my fear of rejection. I just couldn't walk out without saying something. I surprised even myself at the sheer honesty that fell from my lips.

I have always prided myself on my honest approach with people, but sharing my heart was something reserved for only my familyand now Bella.

The few moments that spanned between my last words and her response felt like an eternity, but her words were worth all of my agonizing. Her soft voice affirmed that she had genuinely enjoyed spending time with me and was willing to see where it went. I was ecstatic and more than willing to respect Bella's wishes to go slowly. As long as I could spend time with her I was content. Time held no bounds in respect to Bella being in my life.

I stretched one more time and rolled out of my bed. I hurried through my morning routine glancing at the clock again to see that I was actually a few minutes ahead of schedule. After pulling on the rest of my clothes, I decided to grab breakfast at the resort. It would be easier than messing with anything here.

I had wanted to get to work a few minutes early anyhow to double check everything before I met with the ski patrol this morning. All members of the ski patrol always met at the opening of the season to discuss any policy changes and review important procedures.

I hurried down the steps to my car and threw my gear into the trunk. The air was cold, but it felt refreshing against my skin. After I slid into the driver's seat, I realized that Bella's sweet scent was still lingering in the air. I took a deep breath reveling in the scent that was all her, a sweet floral smell that was truly intoxicating.

The sun was just cresting over the treetops as I drove down the small road towards the resort. The light filtered through the pines sparkling of the snow remaining on the branches and roadside. The weather reports had promised great weather for the next few days which meant opening weekend would be packed with skiers and snowboarders keeping everyone busy for the next few days. The business would be great for the resort, but it also meant that I wouldn't get to see Bella in the next few days. That realization was disappointing to say the least.

Pulling my car up to the small building beside the ski rental office that housed a small coffee shop and concession stand, I parked my car in the front space and jogged to the front door. It was a little early for guests to be there yet, but I knew that I could grab a quick breakfast before heading to my office. As I opened the door to the coffee shop, the smell of fresh coffee and baked goodies hit me full in the face. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the counter looking at all the delicious choices in the display case. Just as I was about to place my order an idea began to form in my head. I had to grin to myself as I paid for my purchase and hurried out the door. If I hurried, I could put my plan into action and still make it to work on time.

***

As I was sitting at my desk looking through the few papers I would need for my meeting with the rest of the ski patrol I heard someone clearing their throat from the doorway.

I looked up and saw Emmett leaning on the door frame, his entire body almost entirely filling the space.

"Whatcha need ?" I asked before quickly looking back to my paperwork not wanting to encourage him. I knew he was fishing for information about my date with Bella and I wasn't biting. I wasn't ready to share her just yet.

"Don't play with me, Eddie. How was it?" he asked grinning at me.

I sighed knowing this was a losing battle. Emmett ran second only to Alice when it came to prying information out of people.

Sighing in exasperation I told him, "It was good. Well better than good actually. I hate to admit it, but you were right. I am glad that I asked her out. It was the best date I have had in …well ever."

I hated to even give Emmett a reason to gloat because it would haunt me forever, but I was truly grateful that he had pushed me. My gratitude would be paying a high price though.

"Oh, really! You mean to tell me that my brother is finally realizing the genius that is me!" Emmett boomed at me across the office. I had to roll my eyes at that statement. He really was full of himself!

"Don't make me regret what I said dear brother. Gratitude only gets you so far!" I spat back at him. I was grateful but not a glutton for punishment.

"Relax bro. I'm just glad that you actually listened and asked her," Emmett spoke looking sincere, a rarity in his case.

"Me too, Em. Honestly it was the best thing I have done in a long time."

I stood up grabbing the folder of schedules and notes to share at the meeting and walked towards the door. Emmett followed me and we fell into step with each other as we walked to the meeting room at the back of the building.

"Hey man, I wanted to give you a heads up by the way." Emmett said looking a little concerned.

"About what?" I asked.

"Well when Rose and I were leaving the bar the other night we saw Tanya walking through the parking lot. I know that all is over and done with between you two, but I thought you'd like the warning."

Immediately I felt my body tense at the mention of Tanya. It didn't help that not only did I regret any part of my past linked with her, but I didn't want my future with Bella to be tainted by her presence either.

"Thanks for the warning, but I saw her that night, too."

I couldn't help the angry tone that crept into my voice as I quickly recounted my run in with Tanya to Emmett. I could feel the rage bubbling under my skin from reliving the brief conversation in the parking lot.

Emmett shuddered as finished the retelling of my conversation.

"Dude, she is not right. I can't believe that she's still after you. What a loon! I am not sure why you even went there in the first place."

"I know I know you don't need to remind me! Maybe this time she'll get the hint though," I told Emmett. I only wished that I had heeded my family's distaste in Tanya from the beginning, then I wouldn't have to deal with her at all.

BPOV

"Good morning!" I greeted Mrs. Cope as I walked

"Good morning, Bella. Aren't you looking happy this morning," replied Mrs. Cope.

I couldn't help but grin back at her in response as I walked down the hall to my office.

I glanced in Alice's office as I walked past her door, but she wasn't at her desk. Her light was on, so she had to be around the building somewhere.

I hurried down the hall to my office and was surprised to see my light already on. I just shrugged figuring that Alice or Rosalie had needed something and left it on when they left. Hanging my coat in the closet, I turned to power up my computer and that's when I saw the steaming cup of coffee, blueberry muffin, and a folded piece of paper sitting on my desk.

Huh. I wonder if Alice left me breakfast.

Then I saw my name written in elegant script on the note. I knew that it wasn't Alice's writing, so I picked it up to see what it said. As I read it my eyes got wider and the blush that I dreaded so much began to creep up my face to cover my cheeks.

Bella-

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and that I had a wonderful evening with you last night. I hate not knowing when I can see you again. I was hoping that you might let me give you that lesson this weekend?

I promise to keep you safe.

Edward

Seeing Edward's elegant handwriting on the note brought a smile to my face.

"Well it looks like someone had a memorable evening last night," spoke a melodic voice that could only come from one person.

Alice

"I can only assume that my brother is the cause of your blissful expression," stated Alice as she came strolling into the office and sat herself down on the edge of my desk glancing at he note in my hand.

"Spill!" she demanded.

I sighed allowing my thoughts to drift to last night at Edward's house. It had been such a wonderful evening. I was hard pressed to remember what all my worries had been about in the first place.

When Edward had shared his feelings with me before he brought me home I was torn between my heart and my head, but as I looked at his note and the breakfast he had left for me I was increasingly glad that I had let my heart do the deciding.

"Alice, I'm not sure what you want to hear exactly. We had a great night. I'm glad that I took your advice," I admitted not really sure of what all I wanted to share with her. We had agreed to take it slow and I wasn't sure where that left us in terms of discussing "our relationship" with other people.

Was there even an "us"?

Alice glared at me. "Don't try to give me those vague answers, Bella. I wanted the goods! All of it! No leaving anything out," she huffed crossing her arms over her chest.

Boy, that pixie was a pushy little thing when she wanted to be!

I resigned myself to having to have this discussion with Alice, so I settled down at my desk while taking a sip of my coffee and launched into the events of my date with her brother.

Amazingly Alice managed to stay silent as I talked and only nodded her head at various points in my story. I knew that it had to have been a struggle for her not to comment, but I appreciated her just listening.

When I was all done I sat back and waited for Alice to divulge her opinions. Surprisingly her response was brief.

"I'm glad that you are taking a chance. It's time for you to make an effort to reclaim your happiness. Whether it is with my brother or someone else you deserve it," her expression was unusually serious in comparison to her typical bubbly demeanor.

Somewhere deep down I knew that Alice was right and slowly I was starting to work my way towards that life of happiness. I was just glad that Edward was willing to make the journey with me at my pace.

Alice and I talked a few more minutes about work before parting ways and working on our own projects.

Several hours later after working non stop, I heard my cell phone chirp indicating I had a text message.

Beautiful-

Just wanted to tell you I was thinking of you.

-E

My heart rate quickened seeing his text.

How could one sentence turn my world upside down in minutes?

I sent a quick text back deciding to be honest and let my guard down a little more.

E-

Thinking of you, too. How are the slopes?

B-

My phone chirped again within seconds with the reply.

B-

Snow is great. Wish you were here, ready for that lesson?

E-

He was really serious about teaching me to ski. There was no way that was going to end well, but I also wanted to let some of my fears go, and I could help but feel the pull I felt when I thought about seeing him again. So I took a deep breath and sent up a quick prayer before responding.

E-

Okay. Where? When?

B-

***

What in the hell had I been thinking! It had to have been a momentary lapse in sanity. There was no logical explanation for how I ended up agreeing to learn to ski. This was a recipe for disaster or at the very least a trip to the local hospital!

My internal rant ceased as soon as I walked around the side of the ski rental office and saw him standing there in all his glorious perfection. I though I was prepared after seeing Edward in his ski patrol uniform, but Edward dressed in black ski pants that hugged his lower body and a royal blue ski parka was breathtaking.

Thankfully I don't think he noticed my momentary lapse in mental capabilities as he smiled and walked towards me.

"Hey there, beautiful!" he greeted me wrapping his arm around my shoulder and kissing my temple.

"HI," was the best I could muster. Why could I not function when he was near me?

The last few days had been so busy taking care of the opening of the resort for the season that we hadn't seen each other. Although Edward had called me each night to see how my day had been. I was amazed at how much I looked forward to those phone calls. They weren't romantic in nature, but he was always so thoughtful and caring that it made me yearn to see him in person.

I was still set on taking this slow, but the need to be near him was growing with each passing day.

We started walking in the direction of the equipment rental office, but we stopped before going in the door. Leaning against the wall were two sets of skis, one shorter than the other.

"I already took care of the equipment so we wouldn't have to deal with the madhouse inside," Edward explained as I eyed the skis warily.

Noticing the look on my face made Edward chuckle, "Bella, please trust me. I will never let anything happen to you."

His expression went from humorous to serious as he leaned closer to me. My breath hitched for a second thinking that he was going to kiss me!

Instead he leaned closer to me ear and whispered, "Do you trust me?"

I shivered in reaction to feeling his hot breath on the side of my face and from having his lips so close to mine.

"Yes," I breathed to afraid to attempt any other verbal response.

"Good, let's get going then. You'll be a pro by lunch," he declared moving away from me and grabbing my hand, leading me to a bench before sitting me down. I instantly missed feeling him so close, but figured it was better for my focus if I wasn't distracted. Edward's close proximity was quickly becoming one of my most dangerous distractions.

Edward knelt in front of me grabbing by fool and slipping of my snow boot before replacing it with a hard plastic boot that was sitting on the ground beside the skis. It buckled in several places around my foot and ankle. It reminded me of the removable cast I had worn once when I had a broken foot. That was not a good omen!

He quickly repeated the process with the other foot before sitting it on the ground and quickly donning his own ski boots.

Why did they look so much better on him?

After his boots were on he stood up, still looking graceful and held out his hand to help me up. As soon as I stood I realized that my balance was off because the boots didn't allow for ankle movement. I swayed forwards, but Edward was there to steady me his touch sending a tingling sensation up my arms.

"Let me show how to walk in these things. It's not too bad when you get used to it, but there is a method to it," he explained as walked over to get the skis.

I watched his movements making mental note of what it looked like as he explained that you had to walk heel-toe so you kept your balance.

It honestly looked a little awkward but not impossible. As I looked around I realized that all the skiers were walking in the same manner, so at least I could hopefully blend in a little.

Edward grabbed the sets of skis and explained that we were going to walk over to the ski area and put them on over there. I was thankful that I wouldn't have to maneuver in the skis yet.

He hoisted both pairs onto his left shoulder with ease and grabbed my hand in the other before leading me in the right direction.

We walked slowly, me concentrating on my steps, and Edward making sure that I stayed upright. Every so often I would look up to see Edward smiling at me and my heart would react on its own accord. Eventually we settled into a pace that I could manage and we starting talking about the various events coming up at the resort and the excitement that the new season was brining. It was so easy to talk to Edward. We never seemed to run out of things to say or have to fill awkward moments of silence.

Quicker than I had wanted to, we reached the area designated for beginners and ski lessons. Surprisingly it was fairly empty. There were only a few groups on the opposite side, most of which were children. Seeing this was a relief. I would much rather humiliate myself in front of children than adults close to my age.

However, the thought of me accidentally taking out one of these innocent youngsters with my clumsiness was a definite concern. When I voiced this thought out loud, Edward threw his head back and laughed at me.

"What? It could happen!" I defended myself.

"Bell, you are so absurd. Can I have a little faith from you please?" he questioned the laughter still around his eyes.

"Fine, but you have been warned. Don't blame me when I take out some poor innocent child!" I retorted.

Edward just shook his head, still chuckling at me,

He took both pairs of skis off his shoulders and sat the smaller pair near my feet and stood the other pair upright in the snow beside us.

I looked at the skis at my feet wondering how long it would take me to break one f them or one of my bones.

"Edward, just how expensive are these things anyway?" I questioned him. At least I could have an idea of how mush money I would owe the resort when this pair was no longer usable after today.

"Well it depends on the brand of ski, the type of bindings, and size. Why?" he asked as he bent down to check my boots before showing me how to step my toe in the binding and push down with my heel until it clicked.

"Just wondering. I want to make sure my paycheck can cover any replacements that may be needed after today's adventure," I replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"You worry too much! You will be fine," he assured me while helping me put the other ski onto my other foot before standing up in front of me.

Edward stood directly in front of me holding both of my hands in his. The tingling that I had felt earlier traveled up both of my arms. I wondered if I was imagining this feeling, but quickly shoved the thought away because Edward was explaining to me how to stop. That was definitely not a part of the lesson I could afford to miss!

"Now when you want to stop or slow down you turn your toes in towards each other and push your heels out," Edward explained as he demonstrated with his feet.

It looked like he was pigeon toed, but when I tried it actually worked well. At least if I was going to be successful with any part of this lesson, stopping was a good aspect to excel at.

Edward walked backward slowly in front of me, and I practiced stopping every few feet. Much to my surprise I managed to stop the last few times without his help.

After Edward was sure that I wouldn't go careening down the slope, he walked back up to grab his skis and put them on. Next thing I knew he was sliding to a stop beside me. God he made it look so effortless! I didn't want to know what I looked like in comparison to his obvious expertise.

Trying not to think about the vast differences between us not only when it came to skiing, I concentrated on slowly working my way down the slope. Edward was extremely patient and supportive of my slow progress. Every now and then he would offer words of encouragement or some advice to me. He was never condescending or impatient, it was a nice change from what I was used to. Most people had little patience for a grown woman that could barely maintain her balance while walking let alone during athletic activities.

Eventually I managed to make it the entire length of the slope only stumbling a few times. Now granted we were on the beginner's hill and I was going so slow that I think a snail may have passed me, but I had made it! That in and of itself was a miracle.

Edward gave me one of his breathtaking smiles when we reached the bottom. Once again my heart reacted on its own accord and butterflies seemed to have taken up residence in my stomach.

"Bella, that was great!" Edward lavished me with praise leaning into give me a quick hug.

I couldn't stop myself from inhaling his clean scent. His scent was always so intoxicating but mixed with the crisp cold air made it even more potent.

"Thanks," I replied trying to regain my composure as he pulled his arms away.

We spent the next hour or so making several more trips down the beginner's hill. To my surprise with each pass I gained a little more confidence. In my opinion though the best part was taking the tow line back up to the top of the hill. Each time Edward would stand behind me and put his skis on the outside of mine and hold me to him by one arm while he held the rope with the other. There was a definite sense of loss on my part each time he had to let go when we reached the top.

We were standing at the top of the slope trying to decide if we should take a break when we say a little boy fly past us down the hill. Unfortunately he hit some ice on the way down the hill and lost control of his balance. He fell to the ground and tumbled a few feet before stopping and starting to cry. Edward didn't even hesitate to react.

He pushed off from the top of the hill and yelled over his shoulder at me, "Meet me at the ski racks at the bottom." He then skied quickly over to the little boy to check to see if he was alright.

Seeing Edward instinctively want to help someone, especially a child, tugged at my heart. This was the part of Edward that had pushed me to give him a chance. If he could be so caring towards a stranger, then I had to trust him to act the same way towards me, right?

I decided that I'd better make my way towards the ski racks, knowing that it could take me awhile.

I skied carefully and remained focused on regulating my balance and speed. I wanted to look over to see if the little boy was okay, but that would surely land me flat on my face. As much as Edward acting as my hero appealed in theory, I don't think having him pull me out of snow drift was the best option.

I finally reached the ski racks and was able to pop my skis off using the tips of my poles like Edward had shown me. I was pleased that I remembered the instructions and that I stayed upright doing it. I placed the skis in a rack and locked them down before turning to look for Edward. I glanced around until I finally saw him talking to a beautiful strawberry blond haired woman. I wasn't sure what to think she could have been anyone, but as she leaned in to stroke his forearm my stomach lurched. I had to look away. I couldn't do this again.

EPOV

I felt bad leaving Bella at the top of the slope alone, but I knew that I couldn't ignore the little boy's fall. Even though I was not on duty it was instinctual to help a fallen skier. The fact that it was a child left no doubt, I had to check on him.

I flew down the beginner's hill with ease and reached the little boy in seconds. He was crying, but didn't look hurt. He was definitely more scared than anything.

I crouched down to talk to him so I wasn't so intimidating.

"Hey buddy, are you hurt? That was quite a fall you had," I questioned looking him over.

He sniffled but answered me, "I'm fine. I was racing my dad and I wanted to win."

Just then an older gentleman skied over to us.

"Seth, are you okay? You scared the crap out of me!" the man chastised with a grin on his face. He was obviously not too terribly upset with his son seeing that he was unharmed.

Seth looked chagrined. "I'm fine, Dad. Did this still count as me winning?" he asked looking hopeful.

His dad and I both chuckled at his obvious desire to be deemed the winner.

"Sure you won, but don't tell your mom that we were racing. She'll throttle us both!" his dad lectured him before turning to thank me.

"Not a problem sir. I'm on the ski patrol, but I was teaching a lesson when I saw it happen. I just waned to make sure he was okay," I explained shaking his hand.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries before they left to go get some hot chocolate. I guess Seth's dad had decided a break was in order. I was thinking the same thing.

Bella and I had been having so much fun that we didn't really realize that we had been outside for several hours. I knew that Bell would probably be feeling the soreness in her muscles tomorrow and I didn't want to push it. I had told her to meet me at the ski racks at the bottom of the slope, so I turned to head in that direction when someone stepped into my path.

Right in front of me stood Tanya dressed in an ice blue ski suit that fit her like a glove. I almost ran her over because she literally stepped right in front of me as I skied towards the ski racks.

What the hell? Did she not get the hint!

"Jesus Tanya, are you trying to get run over?" I growled at her. I was not in the mood for being pleasant. All I wanted to do was get back to spending time with Bella.

"Now Edward what are you so upset about?" she asked her voicing dripping with fake sincerity as she stepped closer to me.

I immediately stepped out of my skis, so that I could maneuver away from her.

"Tanya, the only thing that is upsetting me is that you don't seem to get the hint. I do not want to see you," I spat at her trying to remain clam and not make a scene. There were numerous people around and many were children.

Tanya was undeterred by my tone of voice as she stepped closer to me running her hand down my arm.

"But I saw you giving that woman a private lesson, and I wanted to know when I could have mine? I'm sure that I could offer you a much more interesting use of your time," she purred at me. Her expression was lustful.

As soon as Tanya referred to Bella as "that woman", I saw red. Bella was more woman than Tanya could ever hope to be. I quickly pushed Tanya's hand away from my arm and glared at her.

"For your information, Tanya, you could never offer me a fraction of what that woman has to offer. Secondly, I have no desire to ever spend time with you again in any fashion. My time for private matters has already been claimed!" with that I walked away leaving Tanya seething once again.

God she infuriated me to no end, yet I was now concerned that Bella would get involved somehow. Tanya had no scruples about people's feelings. She would not hesitate to drag Bella into her sick games.

I decided to not let my confrontation with Tanya ruin my day with Bella. We had been having such a good time, and I wasn't going to ruin it.

I walked over to the ski racks and saw that Bella had already locked up her skis. As I locked my skis in beside hers, I looked around for her. However, I was unprepared for what I saw when I found her. She was sitting on one of the wooden benches against the side of the building, but what was most upsetting was the look in her eyes. She looked so defeated and withdrawn. What the hell had happened?

I walked over to her and sat beside her on the bench, but she didn't say anything. I reached out to brush the hair back that was hiding her face, and I saw the evidence of tears on her cheeks.

"Bella, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" I questioned starting to panic.

At first I didn't think she was going to talk to me, but after a few seconds she just shook her head before saying, "It's nothing. I'm fine."

Now I knew that wasn't rue, but how could I get her to tell me. Just as I was about to try again, I saw her glance over to where Tanya and I had been standing a few minutes ago, and then it clicked.

Shit! She had seen us talking and I am sure to her it looked differently than it actually was. I knew that eventually we would have to talk about our pasts, but I certainly hadn't thought it would be today. There was really no way around it though. I sure as to hell wasn't going to let her think whatever was in her head that was making her so upset.

With the decision made, I carefully lifted her chin to make her look me in the face before I spoke, "Bella, it's not what you think. Can we please go somewhere and talk? I want o explain it to you," my eyes implored her to at least give me a chance to explain before she made any decisions.

The wait seemed like hours rather than the few seconds it had been in reality, but she eventually nodded her head and stood to follow me into the lodge. God I hoped that she would believe me. I knew that even though it had only been a few days that I couldn't be without her. She just had to have faith that I was only interested in her.

Looking at the expression on her face as I led her to a quiet corner of the lodge told me that I wasn't the only on that had something to share.

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