A/N Look at me being on time. I told you I would be. Here's chapter two.

Also, I also participated in Breath-of-Twilight's Countdown to Halloween. You can check it out at:

www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/6326403/1/Countdown_to_Halloween_II_One_Haunted_Hallows_Eve

Thank you to my beta, Breath-of-Twilight. She is my rock and bad-ass to boot. Love ya, chica!

Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer is a goddess and she owns all of the Twilight universe. I own the story line. Please do not steal what isn't yours. No copyright infringement intended.

All the Loves of Our Lives

2. First Meeting

Sunday came and went in the blink of an eye. Monday morning was another story. I had slept in too late. Jakey was out of food, and I burnt my toast, yet again. I was already thirty minutes late when I finally left the house. I noticed as I pulled out of the drive, that his car was still in the driveway. I threw the car into park and hopped out. I walked over to his side door thinking that maybe he would answer this door. I knocked and then waited. I knocked again, still no answer. As I walked away from the door, I felt like I was being watched. I started the engine again, and as I was driving away I could see him in the window

He was really starting to freak me out. Why would he not just come over and introduce himself? If he was shy you would at least think he would say hello, or even better, answer his door so I could do the introductions. It almost seemed as if he was deliberately avoiding me.

When I got to the studio, my jazz class of three years olds was waiting for me. My best girlfriend, Rose, was handling the bunch until I got there. I loved Rose. She was literally like a sister to me. She was the tall, gorgeous, and blond in high school that had legs that went on for days. She still was. When I had originally started up the studio, Rose helped me with everything. She had put in as much time as I had in my business. She was also seriously over qualified to even be teaching here. She had danced for the American Ballet Theatre Company in New York for several years until she wanted to move home to California. She just wanted to be somewhere, doing something that would matter, so she called me when she heard that I was opening a studio. I hired her on the spot, and she moved back. I relied on her so much. Much more than I should, but we each took care of the studio, and she needs me as much as I need her.

"Well hello there everyone. How are we all doing today?"

"Good morning, Miss Bella," the class crooned.

"Hey, Bella, is everything okay?" Rose asked.

I wasn't usually late so I could understand the concern in her voice.

"Everything's fine. I'll tell you about it after class."

The three year olds were always fun to teach. It was never serious dancing, just giggles and wiggles. It could be the longest hour of my day. Today, it was exceptionally long. I couldn't wait to talk to Rose about all that had gone on this last weekend. She had been gone for over a week on vacation. Her boyfriend, Emmett, had surprised her with a Hawaiian vacation for her birthday. He was always so thoughtful of everything.

We wrapped up the class and sent all the little kids home. Our next class wouldn't be for another hour.

"So spill it, why were you late? You're never, ever late."

"Well, do you want the long version or the condensed version?"

"The long version, we have plenty of time, then I wanted to tell you about Hawaii."

"Okay, but you better sit down. So, I went home on Friday to find Riley waiting for me. He was leaving, for good…"

"He left? What? When? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I know. I was surprised, too. Anyway, I left to go on a walk hoping that he would be gone when I got back. He was completely moved out. I'm better than I thought I would be. Definitely unexpected, but probably better in the long run… but… something that I really wasn't expecting was my new neighbor."

"Wait, someone bought that house next door? Hasn't that been on the market for like years?"

"Yeah, it has. Let me tell you, the guy that moved in as far as I can tell is single. He's absolutely gorgeous. I don't think that I've ever seen a man like him before. He keeps catching me staring at him out my windows. Although he seems to be staring back a lot, as well. Also, you should see his car, it's amazing. I think it may be nearly as beautiful as he is. Anyway, I have tried to meet him several times. I have even knocked on his door… twice. It's almost as if he's avoiding me. Another totally strange thing is, I went to lunch with my brother Saturday and I saw his car parked across the street. Now, normally that wouldn't be strange but then I came to the studio and was here the rest of the day. When I left his car passed me. I hurried up and tried to catch up but got stuck at a red light. When I got home he wasn't there yet. He came home a little bit later. I can't quite figure out what's going on, but I certainly would like to at least know his name."

"Maybe, I could come home with you after we close down. We'll go for a walk, and then have some dinner, and I'll help you spy."

"Ok, maybe you'll have more success meeting him than I have."

The day was busy. Our schedule was full, and there was a waiting list for people to get into our dance classes. We worked until after seven and decided that it was going to be too late to go for a walk. Rose decided she'd pickup some take out from our local deli, and she would meet me at my house.

I pulled into my driveway a little after seven fifteen. His car was parked in his garage this time. I sat there for a second debating on whether or not I had the courage to try one more time. Before I could get out of the car, Rose pulled up behind me. I really hoped she could be subtle.

"Hey, what are you still doing sitting in the car?"

"Thinking! What, I can't just space out? It's been a long day."

"You're hoping he comes outside. I want to see this guy. Maybe I should go knock on his door."

"Rose, please don't…"

Before I had a chance to think, she jerked me out of the car and we were headed for his door. Then the unexpected happened. I looked up, and there he was. He was standing there in a heather gray sweater and dark jeans. He was phenomenal. My legs didn't want to move, but Rose kept pulling me towards him. He had a very curious expression on his face, and it was the most handsome face I had ever seen. It was chiseled, yet it had softness in it. He was lean but muscular. His hair was a rich dark brown, no beautiful highlights like when he was in the sunlight. I could hardly breathe. I felt so awkward next to Rose. We were as opposite ends of the spectrum, as far as looks were concerned, and she shone like a star. Everyone loved her. I couldn't compete with that. As we walked closer, I started to make out the color of his eyes. I had never noticed them before because I only paid attention when he had sun glasses on. They were the brightest green I had ever seen.

"What can I do for you ladies?"

He had a British accent, and his voice was soft and smooth.

"Hi… my friend and I wanted to introduce ourselves. My name is Rose, and this is your neighbor, Bella."

"I'm pleased to meet you both. I'm Edward."

Edward. That name strangely fit him perfectly.

"Well, we just wanted to come over and say hello. Oh, and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to come and ask Bella."

He seemed to think about that for a minute and said, "I'll do that. You ladies have a good evening." Without another glance he turned and went back into the house.

"Can we go into the house now?"

Rose just looked at me with a smirk on her face. She led me to the house, and when we were behind closed doors she let out a squeal.

"Seriously gorgeous! Where did he come from? And that accent. Seriously?"

"I have no idea. That's the first time I've even seen his mouth move. But seriously, it was the most beautiful mouth I've ever seen."

It was, too. I wanted to talk to him more. I was tempted to walk next door and talk about the first thing that came to me, just so I could see his lips move.

Rose and I ate dinner and discussed the studio. With recitals coming up, there was a lot of extra work to be done. I certainly couldn't do it without her. We worked until well after eleven o'clock, when Emmett finally called to find out where Rose was. I wished that she would stay longer because I wasn't ready to be alone, but she had a life and a man who needed her, too.

I walked her out to her car and watched as she left. I stood out there in the dark by myself feeling lost. I loved the life that I built for myself, but I wanted to share it with someone. I wanted someone to be happy with me when I had a good day.

I lay down on the grass and looked up at the stars. It was times like this that I missed my dad the most. The silent times when I just wanted to have a conversation with him. Really, I would have given anything to just have anyone to talk to right now.

"Anything going on up there?"

The voice came from out of nowhere. I suddenly felt so happy just to have the silence broken, especially by that particular voice.

"Nope… just stars."

"Can I join you?"

Please, join me. I was so excited that he was even talking to me I could hardly keep composed.

"Of course… plenty of sky for everyone."

Seriously, did I just stay that? He sat down beside me and looked at the sky. I could see him out of the corner of my eye. In the moonlight he was so defined. I could see his profile. His long, straight nose and his jaw line were defined in the shadows of his face. A small breeze blew his cologne towards me, and the scent filled my nostrils. Sweet yet spicy, and I couldn't imagine a better smell in the world.

"What are you doing out here by yourself. Shouldn't you be inside?" I could almost hear the concern in his voice.

"Well, I should probably be in bed by now. I have so much to do tomorrow, but I just couldn't pass up this beautiful night."

"Look, I've been meaning to apologize for not coming over sooner to introduce myself. I'm really just trying to get my bearings around here."

"Well, I think I owe you an apology, as well. I'm really not a nosy neighbor. Every time I looked out of the window you just happened to be outside. I felt like you must have thought I was some sort of peeping tom."

"No… just coincidence. So, do you live here by yourself?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, I do. My boyfriend and I broke up recently and he moved out. Now it's just me and Jakey."

"Jakey?"

"Oh… my cat hasn't come to visit you, yet?"

"No, I don't think I've met him."

"Well, if you happen to see a big black cat running around, that would be him."

I hesitated on the next question on my mind.

"Do you live with someone?"

"No. I came here on my own. No cat, either… Just me." Hmm, he was funny, too.

I could have sat there all night just listening to the breeze blow through the trees and smelling his cologne, but I knew tomorrow would come too soon.

"Well, I should probably get inside. Tomorrow is a pretty big day."

"Oh, I'm sorry for keeping you."

"No… I was the one out here, you just kept me company. I really appreciate it. I didn't really want to be by myself anyway. Thank you very much for even coming out here."

"Well, it was my pleasure… truly."

He stood up and brushed the wrinkles from his pants and held his hand out to me. I looked up at his face and could see something in his beautiful green eyes. I took his hand, and I was done for by an instant unspoken connection. His hand was strong, and his skin was smooth. He pulled me up until I was standing in front of him. I was a little less than a half a head shorter than him. He stood there in front of me, and we just looked at each other. If eyes were the window to the soul, his showed brightly in their green depths. I finally noticed that he still had a hold of my hand. I hated to let go, but I couldn't just keep standing there staring at him.

"Have a good night. It was so nice to meet you, Edward." I said as I slowly pulled away from him and began walking towards my house.

"Good night, Bella."