Hello friends! Are we all looking forward to hearing Edward's side of the story? Well, let's go....

Thank you to Mabinda who has taken a lot of her own time to better this story. Throw some love her way. Fab Mabs, you are the best!

I don't own twilight, but I do have a Mrs Cullen T-shirt that I wore to the Midnight showing of New Moon!

Edward's Pov

'What's gotten into you Edward? You would never have done anything like that before. That's so unlike you!' Jasper was berating me as we drove back from the bus station.

I had told him about what I thought was going on with me and what I had seen that morning.

I couldn't get it out of my head.

'I know what you're saying, but, well........this girl, I just can't explain it Jazz.' I stumbled, trying to find words to explain how I felt, failing miserably.

'You know, our parents would be so disappointed if they knew' Jasper shook his head slowly.

There was only 15 months between us, Jasper being the oldest, but we took it in turns to be the more mature a lot of the time. This time, it was his turn.

'Yeah, but you're not going to tell them.' I said with feeling. 'I just thought you might be able to help me deal with this shit, that's all.'

'I don't know what to say man. Obviously she is something really special for you to act so dumb.'

'Yeah, she is' I sighed.

'I'll meet her and I'll tell you what I think then, ok?' Jasper said and sighed too.

We talked about the retreat the rest of the way back and when we arrived, Jane was waiting for us.

'Hello, you must be Jasper. It is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome. Although I have to say, you have come just in the nick of time. I have a small problem, but it can wait until after you are settled in.'

'Wow, you're needed on the first day man. I'll take you to your room, show you around a bit, and I'll get to work..... And so can you, I guess!' I said to Jasper.

'I won't keep you long Jasper. Your first day is always yours to do as you please, but I do need a little help with something. Please, find your room, and we will talk again later.'

Jane moved off toward the office and we moved toward the rooms.

The room between Emmet's and mine had been vacant for a while, but it was super clean when we got there. Everything had been freshened and aired out during the morning.

Jasper put his suitcase down, took a quick look around while I got changed into my work clothes, and then we headed back to meet and greet with those who weren't busy with clients.

When we entered the kitchen, I told him that that's where he could find me most of the time and I introduced him around as the new IT guy.

I noticed Bella was quite curious and checked Jasper out big time, just like I noticed him give her an extra few seconds of check out time.

After what introductions I could manage at that point, I left jasper at the office and headed to the kitchen.

Bella finished up quickly, and left.

I watched her leave; knowing studying her was fast becoming my brand of heroin. Now that I have had a taste, how can I give it up?

I spent the rest of the afternoon while I worked, thinking about how I was going to keep myself from going to her window, before my run in the morning. I desperately wanted to watch, hell, even participate in a repeat performance of her orgasm from this morning.

I wasn't going to take her privacy from her though and become a peeping tom. That isn't right.

After finishing work, I walked over to my room, and went to the bathroom. I would go see Jasper after a quick shower.

While in there, I remembered Bella, arching her back, the moans, the panting, her hard nipples. I couldn't help myself. That shit turned me on so much.

I soaped up, and slid my hand onto my already hard throbbing cock and stroked. I imagined her taking me inside her, and wrapping her legs around me and making those noises for me.

I fantasized about her arching her back and raking her nails down mine, as she was about to come.

I had to brace myself on the shower wall as I worked my length and my mind flew back to Bella, I was so close now....

I imagined that I turned her on so much that she started coming, and her body clenching around my cock. I dreamed about spilling myself inside of her.

I groaned as I came hard against the shower wall.

My knees nearly buckled and I tried to stand still for a moment, catching my breath.

I got out of the shower and dried off after that, and got dressed with thoughts of Bella chasing me.

I thought I had dealt with my pesky pant problem, but there my dick was: half up. A semi.

What do I have to do to get over this shit?

'You know what to do' my brain whispered to me.

I was NOT going to seduce this woman for my own selfish needs. I thought more of her than that anyway.

She was hot though....

I left my room, desperate to get away from the thoughts that plagued me about this woman, hoping my man meat would get the memo and go down completely. It's not comfortable to walk around with a half on.

I entered Jaspers room, which was next to mine and called out into the bedroom.

'hey man, you in there?'

'Yeah, just putting my things away. Come on in'.

I entered his bedroom, he had piles of clothing that he was either hanging or putting in the drawers. His guitar was on the bed and I picked it up to strum the chords a few times.

It was perfectly tuned and I played a little piece of music I had been working on. There was only about a minute of music; I hadn't finished it yet, and was waiting for further inspiration.

'Wow, that's really good man' Jasper turned and said when I had finished the last note.

'Thanks, I'll finish it when I have time maybe... and the inspiration'.

'Shouldn't Bella be giving you the inspiration for such a beautiful song?' He said slyly.

'She's given me something, I know that much.' I said wistfully.

'Yeah, a hard on you can't shake!' He laughed loudly at his own joke.

I just smiled unhumerously and plucked at the strings of the guitar. He didn't know how right he was.

'Anyway, on a serious note, she's a cute girl. I mean, not my cup of tea, but she has the same passion as you, and she's pretty, nice little body; all in all, a neat package. So long as you can have a conversation with her and enjoy yourself, that's the main thing.'

'Yeah, well, she is all of that and more, and yes, too easy to talk to. I just don't know what's going on with her and Emmet. There is something, I just know it. I don't know if I'm too late.'

'It's never too late'

'I do need to respect if they are seeing each other. It is her choice. If she wants him and not me, well, I can't force an interest that's not there.'

'There is more there than what you think. The way she looked at you, it was different than the way she looked at everyone else.' Jasper said.

'Yeah, that's because she probably saw me watching her sleep... amongst other things!' I said embarrassment spreading over me.

'Look, we'll find a way, ok? I'll find out somehow. Trust me.'

And I did. He had a way of calming me at times of distress and he delivered, just in time when I needed him the most.

We talked a little longer about mum, dad and home before going back to my own room to bed before it got too late.

Only moments after went through my door, I saw Emmet heading for his room. He was coming from Bella's room. I tried not to dwell on it. They were friends right?

I tossed and turned all night. I kept thinking about watching her again. She was like a drug to me and I had become addicted quickly. Pity there is no detox for what I was feeling.

I slept for a few hours and then got up for a coffee. I had a few basic items in my room for such occasions. After I made my hot soothing drink, I went outside to watch the darkness turn to dawn over the retreat, and have a moment to myself to breathe in nature, and maybe meditate a little.

Anything to avoid the temptation to stand outside Bella's window and watch her.

It was almost dawn, so I wandered over to the gazebo by the pool, the weak light from the pool guiding me. I almost spilled my coffee when I saw Bella there. I didn't expect anyone to be there. She was sitting on a bench, legs bent with her feet on the seat, and her head resting on a pole. She looked deep in thought.

She was unaware I was there and so I took the opportunity to admire her. She looked beautiful with her hair left out of its confines and hanging around her face. I hadn't ever noticed how long and silky it was before. She wore some loose white lounge pants and a pink singlet. She wasn't wearing a bra and I think I could vaguely see her nipples under there. I tried not to look at them, and decided to let my presence be known to her.

She was very deep in thought because I had to clear my throat twice before she looked up.

I still wasn't sure if she was talking to me or if she did see me watching her.

'Good morning' she said with a smile.

'Hey, how did you sleep' I knew it was a dumb question, but I didn't know what else to say.

'Um, ok I guess. How about you?'

'Not so good. That's why I have coffee. Did you make yourself one?'

'No; mmm, it does smell good'.

'Here, have mine'

'No, no, I'm not going to take your coffee off you' she sat up and waved her hands 'no' in front of her.

'Please, it will be my good deed for the day'

'Well, I couldn't prevent you from doing a good deed....How about we share?'

'Ok, sounds good'

Oh yes it did! Sharing a cup with her was almost like kissing her. My dick wanted to come out and say hi with the thought of putting my mouth where hers had gone, but I mentally beat him back.

I took a seat almost in front of her and put my feet up on the bench beside her. I put the coffee on the table next to us both so we could pass it back and forth and take sips as needed.

'Is something on your mind?' I couldn't help but ask. I still wasn't sure if she had seen me and I wanted to suss out how she felt about me.

'No. Why?'

'Because you looked so deep in thought when I arrived'.

'Oh...Well... there were these two weird people yesterday that approached me and said some stuff and ever since that, well, I know it's silly, but...I feel a little uneasy, that's all. Stupid right?'

'No, not at all. Who were these people? Do you know them? Their names?' I was really relieved it wasn't me that she was worried about.

'No. I know nothing. Maybe they are visitors to the ranch. They didn't have uniforms so... I don't know.'

'What did they say and what did they look like?'

Bella went through everything that happened and what the people looked like and what was said.

'Yeah, your right. Very random. I'll ask Aro about it later on. What are you doing for breakfast anyway? Want to grab a picnic basket and watch the ranch wake up over some muffins and fruit salad?'

'Please say yes, please say yes' I chanted in my mind.

'That does sound good actually. I could do with another coffee too.'

'Let's go then.' I wanted to whisk her away before Emmet got up and invited himself along.

We went to the kitchen, I packed up a basket filled with delicious smelling things and Bella made coffee in a thermos, and grabbed 2 disposable cups and some milk.

We were ready to go in about five minutes and we set off. We walked a little way along a track up a hill, and found a nice spot overlooking part of the retreat but mostly country side. It was still grey dawn, but we could see where we were going thankfully.

We poured cups of coffee each, and sat quietly and contentedly before the heat descended.

It was beautiful in the still morning; waiting for the sun to rise slowly and watching the world come alive. I felt so happy in that moment, being in nature and spending time with this beautiful woman who made my heart sing.

She was closing her eyes and using her other senses to take in her surroundings, so I took the time to marvel at her. I watched as her hair swayed in the gentle morning breeze. Her lips were luscious and I wanted to palm her face and place my lips gently on hers, conveying the message of deep sentiment and respect for her as a woman that I was feeling.

I felt like she was a fragile flower, needing the right person to nurture her and bring her to completeness. I wanted to be that person so badly. She was something more than a night's gratification to me, and that scared me.

I thought back to what Rosalie said. Was she right or wrong? Bella didn't seem like the sort to play the damsel in distress, trying to get multiple guys attention, although she was in tight with Emmet. I had been around manipulating people all my life and I had gotten pretty good at reading a person; but I COULD be caught up in my feelings too. I didn't really want to think about that.

I went back to just enjoying the moment, letting things flow and tried to stop analysing everything. I would talk to Jasper later about it, and I pushed the subject out of my head.

Bella stretched her legs out in front of her and leaned back on her arms raising her face to the first blush of the sun's rays.

I noticed her nipples were erect. Yep, I was right, No bra.

My mouth salivated and I thought about leaning over and take one of her nipples between my teeth while rubbing my tongue over the sensitive nib at the end.

As I sat there fantasising beside her, I realised I wouldn't be able to go anywhere in a hurry.

I sat cross legged so Bella couldn't see me pitching a tent, but my movement distracted her and she opened her eyes and turned my way.

'Sorry, butt cramp' I snapped my mouth shut. Damn, I did NOT just say that. She will be thinking I'm some sort of dirty perve soon.

She smiled gently, and said quietly 'Yeah, I hate when that happens.'

I had to busy myself with something to take my mind off the glorious siren beside me, so I pulled out a small container of fruit salad, and offered it to her, trying to be a gentleman.

She took it from me, smiling while I handed her a fork, opened the lid and bit down on a grape.

I turned to grab my own container of fruit so I wouldn't just sit and ogle her while she ate.

She ate a few pieces of fruit before putting the container down to sip at her coffee again.

'I don't usually eat a lot in the morning' she turned and said while reaching for her coffee. 'I usually just make do with this' as she raised her coffee cup to me before taking a sip.

'Yeah, well I noticed you didn't eat much dinner last night either... Is everything ok?' I asked concerned about her health.

'Yeah, sure. I just wasn't that hungry I guess.'

Ok, not so. She had mentioned that she was starving when we got back after the lake.

'You sure? I mean, you seemed ok until I got there at dinner.'

'Oh no, It's not you... well, Rosalie kind of sets me off a bit I guess. I don't know why she's got it in for me, but the way she looks at me all of the time, well, I'm a little over it. What's her problem anyway, or is she just naturally a bitch?'

Ah shit. How do I make this sound ok so she doesn't shoot the messenger?

'Well, I don't really know. I don't think it's Emmet, but then, I don't know what it is.'

I decided to play it safe and tell a small white lie. I didn't want to ruin the moment we were sharing.

The birds began to sing about the rising of the sun and good morning to the day; it was getting light, very quick. Our attention was drawn back to the beauty around us and we sat in companionable silence.

We relaxed back, finishing our coffee and the fruit, but we ended up leaving everything else.

'So what are you doing for the day?' I asked

'Alice and I are going into town, doing a little shopping etc. Do you want us to bring you anything back?'

'No, that's ok. I picked up a few things when I went in to get Jasper yesterday. Do you want to get together for a drink later?' I held my breath waiting for the answer.

'Oh, I promised the others we would catch up tonight. Why don't you join us?' she sat up and looked at me like it was a brilliant idea.

'Ah, well, we'll wait and see then. Depends on what Jasper wants to do I guess.' I hoped I wasn't showing any major disappointment at not getting to spend more alone time with her.

'Oh, ok, cool.' She turned back to watching the hillside.

Damn, I didn't want to fob her off, but, I just wanted to spend time alone with her getting to know her. When she was with the others I tended to feel a little bit invisible. Emmet was larger than life and Alice was always hovering around....I don't know. Maybe I was being possessive.

'How about I see if Jasper wants to have a drink with all of us? I don't think he has met a few of us yet'.

'That sounds wonderful' Bella clapped her hands together like a kid on Christmas morning. 'I'll get some nibbles' and we'll get some wine and we will be on for say...7.30?'

'That sounds really good. I have some wine too, so I'll bring that over as well, so there'll be plenty.' I agreed. It would probably be a really good night, and Bella drunk? I couldn't wait to see if she got flirty with a few drinks, and I wanted to be on the receiving end of that sort of attention.

We spent a few more minutes revelling in the feeling of a new morning, and enjoying each other's company.

We packed up then, and started heading back to each begin our day. When we got back, Emmet was just leaving his room.

Damn, sprung again. He will probably cotton on to something soon.

'Mornin' dude, and dudett of course! Where are you coming back from so early, or shouldn't I ask? Emmet teased.

'Just coffee. What are you up to?' said Bella.

'Just going to have breakfast. I struggled getting out of bed this morning. I'm looking forward to my day off!'

'Here' I said handing him the picnic basket 'There's enough to satisfy even you in there I think!'

'Hey, thanks man' He said, rifling through the basket. He came out with a cheese and bacon roll, unwrapped it, and took a huge bight. 'This is awesome man! I owe you one' He opened his door to his room, still munching on his roll, and waved to us, bread still in hand and took his bounty inside and closed the door after him.

Bella and I just looked at each other, shrugged and said our goodbyes and each disappeared into our rooms to shower and get ready for the day.

When Bella emerged from her room, I almost couldn't stop staring at her through the window. I had been watching and waiting for her for a few minutes, so when I saw her step out next door, I could appear to be leaving at the same time.

She took my breath away. This woman was sexy as hell.

She was wearing one of those white tube tops, and dark blue jeans, that hugged her tiny hips and trim thighs. I wanted to hold her to me, and run my hands all over her tight little ass.

If I just reached out, I could flip that little top down and her creamy breasts would spring free. My fingers twitched with that thought, so I fisted them and held them by my side.

'Hey, you look great' I complimented her.

'Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself.' She looked down at her black ballet flats, averting her eyes from me.

'Thanks, I do try.' I jokingly said. I was in a simple white shirt and black pants.

She looked back up at me and smiled while she pushed her hands into her jeans pockets, and said 'What are you doing today?'

'Well, probably some laundry and working on a new menu for next month.'

'Oh, yeah, of course. Well, I'd better go get Alice...' she poked her thumb in a backward motion toward Alice's door.

'Sure, well, I'll see you tonight. I'm going to tell Jasper about meeting up tonight, right now. Talk to you later'.

She went one way to Alice's room and I went the other to Jasper's room.

I knocked on Jasper's door and was bid to enter immediately. When I went in, Jasper had his glasses on and was reading something no doubt riveting on the computer.

'Morning' He said absentmindedly.

'Hey, how are you doing this morning? Sleep ok? '

'Yes and no. I have a feeling I'm missing something, but I can't put my finger on what. I have been through everything, but, everything is here. It'll turn up soon no doubt, whatever it is, I suppose'.

'Ok, sure. If I can help you, let me know. Want a cup of tea?'

'I would love one. Have you had breakfast?'

'I had some fruit and coffee, but I'm ready for something more substantial. Let's go.'

I looked out the window and could see Bella and Alice walking out and away from the rooms, no doubt going toward the garages where the vehicles were kept.

I groaned, feeling that familiar tug that I felt every time I saw her or she was near.

The view from behind was almost as good as the one from the front.

Jasper looked up to where I was gazing out the window, but the girls had disappeared out of sight.

My brother just rolled his eyes at me and went back to his computer before logging off with a sigh. He took his glasses off, rubbed his eyes, and stood, ready for that cup of tea.

The day dragged along with Bella not there. I thought it would fly without the constant distraction, but, I was then wondering how she was going and what she was doing all day. I was definitely looking forward to seeing her again later on.

I worked on the menu, leaving room for suggestions and recipes from the others for when I called a meeting to discuss it with everyone.

The girls finally arrived late afternoon.

I was relieved that they got back safely. I wondered what Bella had bought and if it was anything like the sheer little nighty she had on the other morning.

Jasper and I decided to have an early dinner with Rosalie, at about 6 o'clock and we went back to Jaspers place to go through his music to see if he had anything new and to make sure our wine was chilling. We weren't planning on having a huge night, but I was really looking forward to relaxing with Bella and everyone.

We decided to go to the gazebo early at around 7 o'clock, Jasper staying behind to fix something on the computer. Alice, Emmet and Bella naturally came out to join us only 10 minutes later.

I watched Bella walk toward the gazebo. I could hardly take my eyes off her. She had on a little black t-shirt dress with the waist cinched with a belt. Her tight curves made my mouth water. She looked so good to me but I tore my eyes away from her alone, to talk to the group.

'Jasper won't be long guys, he's just sorting something and he'll be out shortly.' I announced to everyone.

Alice and Emmet hadn't met Jasper yet, so I was looking forward to introducing him to the others.

We poured a glass of wine for each of us, and we all took a seat in a circle.

Emmet was strangely quiet and I noticed he darted a furtive glance at Rosalie every so often.

I turned to Bella and said 'I thought we would start our menu for next month with Italian cuisine, because you have a lot of experience in it and most people love it. I thought we could add a few different recipes in there too.'

Oh God, being this close to her...she smelled so good. I concentrated on what she was saying, trying to get my mind off leaning over and kissing her full, beautiful lips.

'Oh, that sounds great! We can do the regular Italian favourites like Lasagne and fettuccini marinara for the buffet nights, because that stuff is easy, but for the al a carte nights we could do 'Mossarella in carrozza' and 'risotto di zucca'. It will be beautiful and authentic and hopefully everyone will learn some new cooking styles!'

She looked so excited about it. This is what I loved about my job and this woman. They were both full of passion.

Alice and Rose were talking about clients and beauty etc when I noticed Jasper coming our way.

I heard someone cry out and then Alice stood up.

Jasper had almost reached us so I stood to introduce Jasper to Alice and Emmet.

I looked from Jasper to Alice and then back to Jasper again.

Jasper was already staring at Alice and Alice was staring back. It appeared that they were in a world of their own.

Bella lifted her hand and waved it in front of her friends face. I took the opportunity to look at Bella's assets without her noticing.

Alice took a big breath, and snapped out of it, shaking her head slightly.

'Hi' Jasper said

'Hi' Alice's cheeks turned slightly pink, but she kept eye contact with Jasper. 'What took you so long?'

'I don't know' is all he replied before Alice launched herself into his arms for a huge ass hug, while Jasper looked around at us bewildered.

'Wow, what a welcome!' He said after a few moments. 'Not that I don't like it of course, but....have we met?'

'I guess not, but I knew we would soon' Alice beamed up at Jasper.

He looked to me for help, I just shrugged and said 'Ok, everyone, this is Jasper; Jasper....You have met Bella, Rosalie, Alice of course, thanks Alice for the introduction..ha ha... I don't think you've met Emmet yet. ' I pointed to each person as I said their names.

'Sup' Emmet replied, standing and putting out his hand to shake Jaspers. 'Welcome man'.

Jasper and Emmet clasped hands and did the elbow bump and each took seats, Alice choosing a seat next to Jaspers.

I could see the twinkle in Jaspers eyes and knew he was enjoying the attention; maybe he was even attracted to Alice a bit. I would be asking a few questions later.

The evening was clear and held a bit of magic, the air humming with electricity and everyone was relaxing happily after a couple of drinks.

The fairy lights twinkled and swayed in the slight breeze. I was enjoying the company of these people, and especially of this beautiful woman sitting next to me.

I noticed Emmet talking to Rosalie finally. I was hoping we could all be friends, because Bella, Alice and Emmet looked to have formed a close knit group that I had wondered if we would be able to permeate.

I think Alice and Jasper had helped a lot with that, unbeknownst to them.

I could see he was really warming to her. They had moved closer together in their seats.

I turned to ask Bella about her age. I always guessed about 19 or 20.

'May I ask...how old are you?

'Well, how old do you think I am?' She was in a playful mood and I found it delightful.

'Um, I'm going to say....46?'

'OOhhh' she squealed. 'Really?'

'No. Maybe, 19 or 20?' I hoped I wasn't too far off the mark. I didn't want to offend her.

'Nope, wrong again. I'm 23.'

'Oh, old then!' I laughed as I returned the fun mood.

'Oh, not fair! How old are you then?' She shot back at me.

'I have just turned 26' I smiled at her while her eyes twinkled. I knew it was coming...

'Old man, you must need a walking stick soon! And you think I'm old!'

We all got into the conversation at that point; everyone going around the group to tell their age.

Rosalie is 25, Alice is 24, Emmet is 27, Jasper is 27, Bella is 23 and I'm 26. All similar ages and all foot loose and fancy free.

I looked around at everyone after a while, chatting, smiling being comfortable with each other and having fun.

It felt like this was the beginning of something really great with all of us here, and for the first time in a long time, I felt happy in a crowd.

When the clock struck midnight, we all decided to wrap it up and call it a night.

It had been immensely enjoyable, sitting around a table with good wine and fantastic company, and I even mentioned, that we should all do it again soon.

We all made plans to get together again within a week, then we picked up our trash and headed back over to our rooms.

We all said goodnight at our doors and let ourselves into our rooms.

About 5 minutes later, I saw Emmet head quickly back past my window, and then he went in through Bella's door. I couldn't help it.

I wanted to know what was going on. I wanted to see for myself. A kernel of jealousy unfurled in my stomach.

I almost leaped out of my door to knock on Bella's.

Emmet pulled the door open, and I noticed Alice inside with her arm around Bella. She had a look of horror on her face.

'Um, is everything ok?' I asked, concerned and confused, my jealousy forgotten.

'I don't know' Emmet told me.

'Well, what's going on? Why are you guys here and Alice's arm is around Bella?'

Bella and Emmet looked at one another, then at Alice.

Thoughts raced through my head.

What, is she pregnant? Got some disease? Sick? Horny? What the fuck was going on here?

Emmet handed me a white envelope.

I looked at it for a moment, before looking back at him, taking it, and then opening it slowly.

I unfolded the piece of paper and on it was various times and shops names.

What the fuck?

'It's the time of day I was in those shops, when Alice and I went shopping.' Bella said.

I looked back at Bella and saw fear and concern in her face and eyes.

'Do you know who wrote this?' I asked them.

Emmet rolled his eyes and said 'Dude, if we knew that, I could go beat them up and there wouldn't be a problem would there?'

Alice and Bella were talking quietly together, and it seemed Alice wouldn't take no for an answer, and she took Bella next door to bunk with her for the night.

Oh how I wish it were me... But it would be too hard to practice hands off.

We locked up the rooms and all went to our beds promising to discuss it further in the morning with clear minds.

As I drifted into a restless sleep, I thought selfishly, about the fact that Bella didn't call ME.

I would have to change that. In the morning I would give her my phone number whether she liked it or not.

I would help solve her problems and be a hero in her eyes someday soon. It may just take a bit of persuasion and a little help from a friend.

EEEkkk!!! Who is watching Bella? Who is after her?

Tune in next week to find out! Bella might have a slight idea......