Hey guys, if you like this story so far, you can thank Mabinda. If you hate it, you can message me! I hope you love it. It is my first attempt and I had encouragement from the fab Mabs! I am super excited because Mabinda has agreed to Beta me! *clicks heels in the air*. Thankyou Mabinda, you are awesome. I don't own Twilight, but I do own some merchandise...

Edwards Pov.

What. The. Fuck.

What the hell was that?

I was in the middle of a rant about some moron taking my utility knife, using it and then leaving it over the other side of the kitchen. I was about to tell them that I will cut their fucking fingers off if I ever find that they touch my knives again and then in walks Emmet.

He doesn't get shit like that. He doesn't get why my knives are important. Not many people respect that. Emmet respects it, he doesn't understand it, but he respects it. That's why we get along so well. We respect each other, and I even like the guy, we are close.

I knew we were getting a new chef today. I even knew it was a young woman. What I didn't expect was the goddess that appeared before my eyes.

I swear to god I could hear angels singing over the loud rushing sound in my head.

What an idiot I am. I didn't even say hi. I just stood and stared like a fool.

I think I heard Emmet say her name was Bella. That means 'Beautiful' in Italian doesn't it? Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe her. Are there words? Not in my vocabulary.

Fuck. I am going to try to not look like a freak when she is working with me. How am I even going to talk to her? I'll just have to treat her like I treat everyone else. Why am I even thinking this shit?

Oh yeah, because the most magnificent creature just walked into my life and now I have to remember to breathe.

I'll have to quiz Emmet about her later, after the dinner shift is over.

I stirred the master stock in the huge pot. This was going into the beef bourguignon for tonight. We make everything from scratch around here. We have quite the name for being a great restaurant at the retreat. People stay just for the food sometimes, but find so much to do that they burn all the great eating off. We were always busy here, that's what I loved about the retreat.

I started prepping the chicken Kiev. I barked out a few orders to the other kitchen people. We all worked pretty well together here, so long as they kept their problems to themselves.

It was getting close to dinner time when my senses started prickling. I looked up and there she was, laughing at something Emmet was saying. She had her arm linked with Alice. They looked like a happy trio, and I so wished I could be part of it.

Fuck. Where the hell did that come from? I liked my own company. I had had a few relationships in the past; they didn't last more than a few months, and meaningless sex wasn't my thing. Yeah, I tried it, but I didn't like disappointing my lovers when I couldn't feel anything stronger for them. I enjoyed hanging out with the boys, but I also loved listening to my classical music and going for long trail walks and sitting by the lake just thinking. I was ok where ever I was, not needy for company, but not hating it either.

I always thought about my family so far away. They were important to me.

My brother coming to work here next week.

The woman in the dining room............ Well, that will be the thing I'll be thinking of from now on...

I actually was looking forward to my brother starting here. He was an accountant and IT guy. He was your usual nerdy looking fellow but he has a heart of gold, and was my biggest supporter. He had always been good to me, and after he lost his job in the city and needed one to be able to stay in the country, well, a little word to Aro, and he had a new job to come to. After everything Aro and Jane had been through lately what with that last massage therapist, and the accountant, he needed someone he could trust, and that was my brother Jasper.

I was shaken out of my musing with the first orders.

She wanted my beef bourguignon.

I could not allow myself to smile or someone would notice, so I kept it in. My heart grew in my chest I am sure. I mentally imagined her putting the morsels of meat into her mouth, with red wine juis running down her chin.....

My cock hardened. Damn. Think of something.....ahhh....Jasper. Jasper when he fell over in the snow back home and hit his head when we were kids. Poor little tacker. He was banged up for days.

Yes, that did it. I turned around with the plates of steaming food, wiping the plates and making the presentation look perfect, when Bella caught my eye. I looked away quickly or I would be slipping over myself, and that wouldn't do. I was a brilliant chef if I do say so myself. There is no room for mistakes. Not in my kitchen anyway.

While I plated up some new orders, I watched as the waitress served the trio of new friends, and Bella took her first bite. Yes, that will be staying in my memory for ever. The look of ecstasy was stunning. I wanted to make her feel that way and not just with my cooking.

I worked on for the rest of the evening trying to keep her out of my thoughts. I managed to for maybe 5 minutes, and that was in total. I was so relieved when the evening came to an end and the cooks were putting the last pan away.

As I left by the rear kitchen door and made my way back to my room I could hear laughing coming from the gazebo near the pool. I followed the path quietly and stood by a tree in the darkness. I watched as Bella, Emmet and Alice shared a bottle of sparkling wine. I watched the fairy lights make her hair shine with different colours. She looked so beautiful and care free. My heart did this odd sort of twisty thing. Not painful but not pleasant.

I stood watching for a few minutes, trying to catch what they were talking about. All I could hear was quiet murmurs between loud guffawing laughter from Emmet and light tinkling laughter from the girls. It was a happy moment just for them and I thought about joining them when Bella looked up all of a sudden. I knew she couldn't see me, but our eyes seemed to lock in the darkness anyway. My skin prickled like pins and needles all over.

I had considered going over to join them but the moment was broken and I didn't want her to know I had been watching. I didn't want her to think I was some sort of pervy peeping tom so I quietly made my way back up the path, sorry for the lost opportunity to meet again. When I reached the lighted area of the block of employee's rooms, I let myself in, closed the door behind me and sat on the couch with my head in my hands, gripping my hair.

What the hell was wrong with me? I was acting like a virgin school boy peeping at the cheer leaders in their change rooms. I felt nervous and I yearned for something, but what?

I stood up. I felt overheated all of a sudden and started stripping out of my chef uniform. I jumped into the shower after turning the air conditioning on. The cold spray hit my face and felt invigorating. I decided I would get up early and go for a run in the morning. I jogged most mornings except the ones after a big night before. I liked to keep my body toned. I wasn't bulky like Emmet, but fitness was important to me.

After brushing my teeth and dressing in some long cotton pants, I sat down to watch some television. As I flicked through channels my mind wandered to all the things that had to be done the following day.

I would be going to pick up the massage therapist tomorrow and I would be starting at lunchtime. The other kitchen staff would do all the prepping and I could slide in and start when the orders began flowing in.

Aro asked me to pick up this woman called Rose? No, Rosalie? Yes, that's it. Aro had been burned not long ago with the massage therapist and he wanted me to check her out. Make sure she wasn't someone who would do what the last one did. He trusted my instincts with people. I could read people in moments of meeting them. It was a gift if you will, something that came in handy a lot. Pity he didn't listen to me when I warned him about Tanya. Gotta learn sometime I guess.

I regretted saying I would do this for Aro now. I guess I would just have to see how Bella worked when I got back.

I heard talking outside then a door close. She was in the room next to me. My heart picked up pace.

I moved over to the wall adjoining our rooms. Without thinking I reached out and touched the wall. She is in there my heart seamed to call to me. Why do I feel melancholy? Why do I feel all of a sudden that I don't want to be alone? Am I turning into a girl for fuck sake? I should start to drink more beer. Yes, defiantly more beer and spit and fart more. Tell jokes in bad taste. Maybe get laid.

Who am I kidding? I am not going to turn into an ignorant pig. But these feelings were confusing. I dropped my arm from the wall.

Think less buddy. Go to bed. I flicked the television off and headed to my room.

As I slid under the covers I remembered the way Bella's eyes pierced into my soul. I thought about her throwing her head back and laughing, and best of all, how she looked, tasting my cooking. As I thought more about putting my meat in her mouth, my hand slid onto my already hard cock. I stroked it. It wouldn't take long to get off. The memory of Bella only made me harder and ready to blow. I used the pre cum for lube and after a few moments of pleasurable rubbing, I blew hard onto my stomach. I felt dizzy and could see stars. That was so intense. After cleaning up, I rolled over and fell into a deep slumber.

I was in a clearing. Over the other side I could see Bella. I tried to run to her but my legs wouldn't move. It was like I was in slow motion. I could see her walking toward me, but she never got any closer. I called to her. In an instant, there was eye contact and all of a sudden we were in front of each other with our hands touching. My heart filled to bursting. Everything around us faded to grey. Then somehow she started moving back. 'Hey, where are you going?' I called. I tried to run but my feet were held by something. I looked down and long grass was wrapped around my feet and legs. I looked up in panic of losing sight of Bella, but she was gone. I howled for the feelings of loss and desolation that gripped me. My heart pounded....

I sat up, eyes open wide, taking in huge gulping breaths. The sheets were tangled around my legs uncomfortably. I disentangled them as my heart decelerated and my senses started to return. I could hear the odd bird call and I looked out of the window.

Dawn.

I thought about getting another hour of sleep, but decided against it. I couldn't sleep anyway. Time for that run.

I dressed quickly and left the room. I wanted to get some good endorphins pumping through my veins. So after a quick stretch I jogged up the drive and onto the main road. I got into a steady rhythm of pounding the bitumen, and tried to turn my thoughts to positive things. I looked ahead on the road to watch for oncoming traffic.

Did my eyes deceive me? Was there an oasis in the desert? Not too far ahead of me were some black tights, a pink top and a brown pony tail jogging along.

'Bella, hey, Bella!'

She slowed down and turned. When she saw me she waved and smiled.

I jogged to catch up to her. We slowed down to a walk, each of us catching our breath.

'So you jog too huh?' she asked.

'Yeah. It gets me set up mentally for the day' I replied. I couldn't believe it. She was here. Alone. With me. I wanted to click my heels in the air but figured I wouldn't look too cool doing that. 'So, are you looking forward to your first shift?'

'Um, yes and no. I love what I do, but the first day and working out a new pecking order is never my favourite thing to do. I know it will be ok, but, well, you know how it is. First day. Mmm, Fun.'

'Yes, ha ha ha! I'll go easy on you tho! I don't bite..... Hard!' I felt light and so very happy.

'Ha ha ha, Yes but I have seen you wield a mean knife!' she giggled.

'Oh, you saw that did you' I felt a little deflated. 'Ah, sorry about that. Some people in the kitchen just don't respect other people's things. I'm not usually like that.'

'Ok. Cool. I believe you.' Bella said as she looked at me sideways with a smile.

I was lost. Those lips turning up like that did crazy things to my already pounding heart. My stomach did a warm fluttery thing. I needed a subject to talk about pronto. I couldn't help but return her smile tho. I felt hot all of a sudden, and pushed my hair back off my forehead.

'So, you obviously like cooking, but what is your favourite food?' I grasped thin air for something a little interesting that we could both feel an affinity for.

She looked at me strangely before answering.

'Well, um, I really love cooking Italian. I was working at a really good Italian restaurant called 'La Bella Roma' before I decided to have a sea change. Pastas, Vegetables, just about anything with garlic in it really..... And I love playing around with desserts. I have made up heaps of different recipes. I keep them all up here'. She tapped her head with her finger and grinned.

'You'll have to tell me about them sometime. Aren't you a little young for a sea change? Why did you leave where ever you came from to come to the desert?' This was a burning question. I wanted to know so badly. People usually came out here to escape. What could she be escaping from?

'Um, you know. The usual. I just wanted to see some different scenery. Work somewhere different. You know, get the C.V. looking good. I come from Forks, a little town in Washington. Where are you from? I noticed you have an accent, so I'm going to guess somewhere in the UK?

I noticed her change the subject, only because I really wanted to know the answer. I would play along this time, but I will find out eventually. I wanted to know everything about this woman. Every morsel of information about her felt important to me.

'Yeah, very good! Some people actually guess Australia! I grew up in a village outside of London. My parents still live over there, and my brother and I spend Christmas and holidays with them every year. It is beautiful there. Much colder than here, but I love it here too, so I am happy anywhere really.' Anywhere you are, I thought to myself.

It was getting light, so we decided to turn around and head back. We talked about the places we had been and where we wanted to go. She had never been to the UK and I hadn't seen all the US offered either. When we got back, Emmet was waiting for Bella by her door.

Damn, a fucking cock block.

'Hey guys!' He called out cheerfully.

'Hey Emmet' I said.

'Hey! How are you this morning?' Bella called with a smile.

'I'm great! You guys want to have coffee and some breakfast?' he said.

'Sounds good, let me have a shower and change and I'll be right out' she said.

'Ok. We'll be waiting.' He called.

I unlocked my door and stepped in with Emmet walking in behind me.

'So, got anything to tell me man?' He asked deviously.

'Ah, no, you got anything to tell me?' I quipped back.

'No. How did you guys end up out so early together this morning and why didn't you invite me?'

'Ok, first of all, I didn't know she even jogged, and only caught up with her up the road; and second, I rarely invite you, so get over it!' I was feeling annoyed. What, did he think he owned her? Just because he got to show her around means nothing. Do I have competition here? A dark feral feeling crept over me. She might really like the beef cake type. They did seem cosy last night. Fuck. I should have asked her if she had a boyfriend or was interested in Emmet. I don't think I could have, but I should have tried. Damn and shit. I felt sick, and my head started to pound.

'I'm having a shower' I called as I walked into the bathroom. I needed to get away from him before I did something rash.

I jumped under the hot spray and soaped up all over, washing my hair and everything. I wanted to feel less possessive and scary. I didn't own this woman. I didn't own her feelings and time. I needed to get over myself. Emmet was a good friend and if they could be happy together, then I could be happy for them. Well, being happy for them would take time and probably therapy, but I would at least try.

I got dressed in black chef pants and threw a cotton t-shirt on raking my fingers through my damp hair. I would put my chef uniform on before I started my shift. I walked out, and Bella and Emmet were already talking and laughing. My heart did another painful squeeze and I tried to act nonchalant.

Emmet turned with a smile 'Ready to go?'

'Sure am' I returned the smile at Emmet and then to Bella.

Alice chose that moment to bounce up to our group. 'Good morning all, I hope you had a restful sleep everyone?' She beamed around at all of us.

We all murmured our yes's and we moved off to the dining room.

We decided on a table and grabbed plates and went to the buffet. We all made coffee, and with laden plates we sat down to talk and eat.

Bella and Emmet seemed to have something.

I noticed it. I couldn't help it. I was feeling really sensitive to it. Maybe I was over reacting, but, my body felt it. Something ached deep within me. I wanted her to notice me. I wanted her to joke around with me. I wanted to be as important to her as she was to me.

I checked my watch. Damn. I've got to go if I'm going to get everything done today.

I said my goodbyes to the group. Bella looked at me for a moment. I felt something pass between us. It felt like we were the only ones in the room. I could feel my blood pump faster and I remembered my dream from the night before. I was the first to break eye contact. I didn't want the others to notice my odd behaviour. I had had enough questions from Emmet that morning.

I headed to the office to grab the keys to one of the ranch vehicles. I exchanged pleasantries with Jane and kept going. This girl's bus would be in by the time I got there and I didn't want to keep her waiting. That would just be rude and uncomfortable for her.

My drive to town consisted of whirling thoughts of Bella. I couldn't expect anything from her at all. That didn't help my confusion over everything. We got along so well. Do I just like her because I think I can't have her? Is she off limits already? With Emmet? I hated those thoughts so much, but I needed to go there. I needed to get somewhere with all of this. Why do I feel this way? I have never felt this way about anyone. Ever.

As I neared the bus stop in town, I noticed it empty. I checked my watch again. Ok, good timing, I have 15 minutes before it gets in. I decided to go to the store and get a few items Aro asked for. I took the liberty to grab some bottles of bubbly for myself and a few other things for the kitchen. I really wanted to buy Bella a box of chocolates. I didn't. Does she even like sweets?

As I payed and packed the boxes into the back of the pickup, I saw the bus arrive. A leggy blonde stepped out. This must be Rosalie.

As soon as the bus moved on, I crossed the street to the bus shelter.

'Hey, Rosalie?'

She turned and looked at me. Yes, she is beautiful, but she has nothing on Bella.

'Yes, and you are?'

'Hi, I'm Edward. I am here to pick you up and take you back to the retreat. You ready to go?'

We packed her 3 suitcases into the back of the pickup, her telling me to be careful about 5 times and we set off. We talked about the retreat, the people and the accommodation. She was a nice girl, but a little too worried about looking perfect. After an hour and her checking her lip gloss in the mirror too many times to count, we arrived back at the retreat.

I showed her to her room and then took her to meet Aro. I introduced her around the place as is customary to do, then lead her to meet the staff in the kitchen.

Rosalie had started to loosen up by the time we got there and we managed to laugh at a few of the off pieces of art that Aro and Jane had chosen from their travels.

I turned to introduce Rosalie to the staff in the kitchen and caught Bella's eye. She had the oddest expression on her face. I couldn't read it or her.

Everyone said hi and after the introductions we moved on. I cut a sideways glance at Bella and she was eyeing Rosalie still. Interesting.

We moved outside to look at the gym and we ran into Emmet coming in for an early lunch before his next trail ride.

'Hey Emmet, This is Rosalie.......... Emmet?' I turned away from his dumbass expression to speak to Rosalie again.

'Emmet does the trail rides with the horses. He's just about to go out on one shortly, but he is having a quick bite to eat. We'll let him go do that and I'll show you the gym.' I explained. She didn't say anything at all.

'Bye Emmet, talk to you later man'. We walked away and Emmet just watched us leave.

'Well, that was random' I said. Rosalie just nodded and kept walking.

Then it dawned on me.............They were either hot for each other or they hated each other. I was going to have some finding out!

Dun, dun, dun................. I see trouble brewing! Get your nails sharpened! Review if you like it, if you don't, well then, don't read it!