Stephenie Meyer owns these characters... I just wanted to play a bit. No copyright infringement intended. I don't own Twilight and everything here is fictional.

Thank you to the lovely ladies who make this possible and continually tell me that I can in fact do this.

To everyone reading and reviewing … *sigh* I owe you all a beer or something.

Chapter 4

Edward's POV

I flew into Seattle on Sunday night and stayed with my sister and her husband. I decided to drive to Sequim the next day since I wasn't tied to a reservation. It was less than a two hour drive from Seattle, so I stopped for a quick visit at my dad's office and had lunch with my mom. It was fantastic to see my family and I looked forward to finishing up the lodge assignment quickly so I could be with them again on Friday.

As I made the drive to The White Swan Lodge, I considered Aro's ulterior motives for sending me to this place so soon after an owner change. He obviously had it in for the smaller places, always pushing for negative reviews about them. I figured it must have something to do with profit and advertising but I honestly knew nothing about that end of the business, nor did I care. I simply went to a location, made an assessment and wrote my review. For me, it was about the writing and the paycheck. Heading north on US 101, I mentally rehearsed my shtick … use my real name, give minor details that are mostly true but don't explain what I'm really there for. It was my standard modus operandi for all my assignments.

I learned the hard way never to go anywhere without a GPS. Thankfully, I had one in the rental car because The White Swan Lodge was set a good distance off the main highway. The entrance led to a secluded setting hidden in the expansive dense woods. I missed the immense blanket of Douglas firs, Red Cedars and spruces seen in this part of the country. I definitely understood the popularity and attraction to the area; a person could easily lose themselves in the lush environment. I sighed, pondering the infinitesimal chance that novel inspiration might hit me while out in the pristine beauty surrounding me. Driving the Jeep Cherokee up the gravel path, I was pleasantly surprised at the impressive lodge before me. The structure was innately craftsman in style with trademark clean lines and mission fixtures… rugged yet modern. As I put the car in park, I spotted someone on the porch who I assumed was the new owner.

I pushed open the door and reached over the center console to page through the information that Sam had sent. Since no reservation was made, I knew I would have to lay on the charm and hope to hell there was an opening. I was well versed in staged surprises, but I often worried eventually some of these innkeepers would figure out who I was and why I was there. I had no idea how much this new owner knew about the wicked ways of the travel reviewer.

I piled the papers back on the seat, took the key out of the ignition and stepped out of the SUV. I realized the person I spotted was a woman and was now standing within two feet of me. Even in a small, worn ASU t-shirt and paint splattered form fitting pants, she was…stunning. Fuck, I wasn't expecting this. I'd seen many beautiful women all around the world doing this job, but this one was exceptional. She had long blonde hair that hung past her shoulders and large hazel eyes framed by impossibly long, thick lashes. I noticed a small streak of white paint across the smooth skin of her left cheek.

Pushing my sunglasses through my hair to the top of my head, I smirked as I noticed her sizing me up. I quickly surmised that getting a room might not be as hard as I thought. When our eyes finally met, a gorgeous light blush rose to her cheeks. She spoke first and asked if my name was Jake. I shifted my weight, as the question threw me slightly and I realized she was possibly expecting another man.

After asking about a room for the week, she became seriously flustered. I suddenly felt an overwhelming sympathy for this woman. She'd obviously been busy working on the lodge presentation, not to mention suffering a tragic loss. So, I did something I'd never done in the past; I offered to stay someplace else. I was going to be in the area for four weeks and I could simply go back at a later date. She responded abruptly and insisted I stay there. Guilt tore through me as I thanked her and carried on with my typical bullshit excuse about needing a quiet place to write.

I grabbed my guitar and my bags from the Jeep and followed her into the house. With a sweet smile that lit up her face, she told me I could call her Bella. The name was perfectly appropriate for such a beautiful woman. I followed her up the porch stairs, noticing her long, lean legs. It was obvious she took care of herself. Her body was not necessarily muscular, but feminine. As we reached the front entryway, she stopped and looked back at me. It was my turn to shade red as she caught my gaze on her perfect ass.

I cleared my throat and asked, "So, you're here all alone? No guests right now?"

"No, no other guests right now. My mom, the original owner of the lodge recently passed away. I asked the attorney to cancel the reservations for a couple weeks until I get settled in."

"I'm so sorry…I can't imagine what that's like. Really, if it's too much, I can find someplace else. I don't want to intrude." She was being extremely brave considering how raw her emotions must have been.

"No… you're not intruding. Actually it will be nice to have someone else around. I'm not sure what a good idea canceling reservations was though, it just gives me a couple weeks to work up my nerves for the first official guests!"

"Anyway, have you ever stayed in Sequim or the area?"

"No, but my family is from Seattle, so I'm somewhat familiar with the area. When we were young my father used to take us camping out this way. At least until my little sister started vetoing it." We laughed lightly.

"So do you live in Seattle too or just your family?"

"Just my family, I live in Chicago. For now." I involuntarily added that last little bit of information.

"How about you, are you from the area? Have you always lived around here?"

"I grew up in the area. I went to high school in Forks, where my dad lives, but I actually just moved from Phoenix. I've been there since college." She explained, rambling slightly. I pointed towards her t-shirt confirming her alma mater and we smiled.

She led me into the reception area and I scanned the impeccably clean surroundings. It was a surprisingly large, open space. There was a soaring vaulted ceiling with exposed natural beams. It was modestly decorated with a northern cottage vibe. So often, I'd seen independently run bed & breakfast places filled with nonsensical knick knacks that simply collected dust. The great room had an exquisite two story fieldstone fireplace that filled one wall. The over sized dark leather furniture looked inviting and comfortable. I knew I would have to take advantage of this space for some guitar playing as I imagined the acoustics were excellent.

Bella asked me to fill out some paperwork and she fumbled through a black notebook trying to determine what forms were needed. I was patient and watching her was somewhat endearing. Sensing her pleasant nature and obvious sadness, I desperately wanted to make it as easy as possible for her.

Once I'd provided her with my credit card and other additional information, she showed me around the rest of the lower level. I left my bags at the base of the stairs and followed her through the great room towards the formal dining room and then on to the kitchen.

"Help yourself to anything, anytime you like. Think of this as your own home for the next week." Since I wasn't really expecting anyone yet, I haven't done a lot of shopping but I do have some basics. If you like, I can make us some breakfast in the morning but I haven't really planned anything for dinner yet."

"I'll run to the market in town tomorrow and pick up groceries, is there anything in particular that I should add to the list?"

"No, don't you dare get anything special for me."

She pointed out where her suite on the first floor was located and told me that if I needed anything to just knock on the door. It was good to know where I could find her. If there's an emergency of course…

I found myself following her up the stairs again and it was definitely a view I was getting used to. We arrived at the first suite at the top of the stairs and she held her arm out directing me toward an open door.

I could see it was quite spacious and she announced that it was the Creekside Suite. I walked further inside to a very nicely furnished space. The view of the majestic mountain range through the window was spectacular, not quite as beautiful as the woman standing to my left though.

"So, what do you think?" She asked breaking my reverie.

"It's perfect. Everything's just perfect." I responded honestly and smiled at her eagerness. Trying to appear genuinely interested in the room, I wandered into the bathroom. I noticed a large soaking tub and discovered the fireplace was dual sided. There were two marble vanity sinks and in addition to the large soaking tub, there was a separate tiled shower room that featured two shower heads and built in benches.

Bella waited in the main area of the suite and chewed on her lower lip nervously until I emerged.

"I wasn't expecting anyone so I didn't have the beds made up yet, but if you wait a second I'll run down and get some of the linens that I just washed. I'll be right back."

I watched her walk out of the room and start down the stairs. I ran my hand through my hair and shook my head in an attempt to remove the errant thoughts traipsing through my brain. What the fuck is my problem? While she was gone, I decided to take the opportunity to examine the amenities closer. I couldn't keep the critic at bay even when I wanted to. The room was painted a soothing dark taupe with thick white crown molding and the stone fireplace was the central focus of the room. In addition to the king size bed, there was a large, dark upholstered chaise lounge and loveseat positioned near the fireplace. An image of the gorgeous woman, currently getting sheets for my bed, consumed my mind. I closed my eyes and saw the creamy flesh of long bare legs draped over the loveseat next to a roaring fire.

I hurried into the bathroom area to splash some cool water on my face. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and whispered to my reflection. "Jesus Christ Cullen, get a grip. Be objective." I startled, seeing her out of the corner of my eye placing the comforter and pillows on the chaise. I dried my hands on the plush white towel and stepped into the room. She was struggling with the fitted sheet on the large mattress, so I went to the opposite side to help her.

"Oh, you don't have to do that…but I appreciate the help." She said with a shy smile.

Grabbing the end of the sheet I pulled it tight and placed it on the mattress while she moved to the bottom corner of the bed to do the same. Following her lead I fit the final corner. We both reached for the flat sheet at the same time and my hand wrapped around hers. It was delicate, warm and soft; and I didn't want to let go. Her eyes met mine and I could hear her inhale a deep breath. I reactively let go. As we were laying the sheet flat and smoothing out each side, our hands met in the middle, fingertips just barely brushing. I watched her and she watched me. It was the most oddly intimate moment I'd ever had with a woman while fully clothed.

I wasn't sure what it was about Bella, but I wanted to ravish her and protect her all at once. One thing was for certain, I'd never had such a goddamn intense reaction to a woman… ever. We both moved towards the end of the bed and she tucked the bottom of the sheet under the mattress making a perfect hospital corner. I did the same on my side and once again, we met in the middle. I took advantage of her fingers being trapped under the mattress to get as close to her as possible. I towered over her small form and breathed her in. Despite the fresh paint, she smelled like fresh air and possibility. And I wanted more. She stiffened slightly then leaned back into me for a brief moment. She glanced up at me with a puzzled expression. I smiled and stepped back from her to help her place the comforter on the bed and she gently arranged the pillows.

"So…um…Out those French doors is a small deck. This is one of my favorite rooms because you can hear the small waterfall down the hill. If you leave the doors cracked open at night, the sound will lull you to sleep…I promise." She smiled innocently.

The intimacy of the moment had passed and suddenly she seemed a bit nervous again. I offered a nod and another smile and moved backwards a few steps to give her some space as she moved towards the door.

"Did you need anything else right away or do you just want to get settled?" she asked quietly.

"Oh, yeah… I think I'll get unpacked uhm…and relax a bit." I stuttered out my answer.

"Great, well then I guess I'll go. I'm probably going for a hike later. If I'm not downstairs, don't think I abandoned you. I promise I'll come back." She laughed and fidgeted with her hands.

"Sounds good." And with that she closed the door quietly behind her.

I lifted my bag off the floor, placed it on the bed and mindlessly started unpacking. I needed to regroup and get focused. It was a job just like any other and I knew I'd be wise to keep a clear head… regardless of how naturally beautiful Bella's face was, or how long her legs were or how fucking perfect her ass was. I had a job to do; I couldn't be distracted by her appearance or her sympathetic situation.

After getting cleaned up in the bathroom, I walked out towards the dresser to get some fresh clothes. I noticed a big ball of fur in the middle of the bed on the clean white comforter. Tentatively moving closer I realized it was an obscenely large cat. I fucking hate cats with a passion. I attempted to shove it off the bed and it hissed at me. Reactively, I pushed on the mattress to see if that would do the trick instead. The fucking feline slowly lifted its furry head and scowled. The goddamn cat scowled at me. I quickly grabbed my work notebook and headed downstairs leaving the door cracked hoping my evil visitor would disappear while I was out of the room.

The notebook I used for all of my assignments was a camel-colored leather bound journal with a magnetic strap that kept it closed tight. Alice bought the first one for me when I landed my job at the magazine and I've replaced it three times since. The look of the journal over the years has changed but I always use something distinct. I've kept each one filled with travel notes to compile and share someday… with someone.

The sun was beginning its decent as I stepped out onto the porch. I noticed off to the right a short path that led to a dock where the small lake was located. There was a bench located at the end of the dock and a canoe tied to one of the pillars. I made a mental note to take a pass around the lake one day. The opposite side of the porch led off in the direction of a series of trails according to the brochures Sam sent. It was obvious Bella's late mother worked very hard to maintain the lodge. There were quaint flower beds near the porch stairs and birdfeeders scattered throughout the property. Bella had her hands full assuming she would operate the lodge on her own. She seemed awfully timid regarding the standard procedures. I believed I was quite convincing as the wayward writer looking to get away and concentrate. I wondered if her mother, being more seasoned in the business, would have detected my intent.

After jotting down a few notes, I closed my notebook and decided to head inside for a snack. Making my way to the kitchen, I considered offering to help make dinner for us. Since it would only be the two of us, I could take advantage of the time to ask her about her life. I was curious why she chose Arizona, what did she do for work before she came back here and more importantly, who the hell was Jake.

As I laid my hand on the kitchen door to push through, I heard Bella's voice… singing.

I wanna show you…

What I'd like to do…

You sit back now…

Just relax now…

I'll take care of you…

Not able to resist any longer, I pushed open the swinging door and the sight nearly knocked me over. I had to lean against the small counter that housed the espresso machine to brace my weight. The idyllic beauty of the surrounding waterfalls, mountains and lakes be damned. I had a barefoot Bella Swan in front of me… sucking icing off her finger…with her eyes closed in motherfucking ecstasy.

At that moment, I was goddamn positive staying impartial on this assignment would be nearly impossible.

A/N

Please let me know what you think of our lovely Edward … reviews make me smile.

AND – he'll be back next chapter too.

The song Bella is singing is Come on Closer by Jem – HOT AS FUCK – go listen to it.

Ummm things to read this week –

In You, I Am Complete by Bbebar – she is incredible and the story rocks. It is slashy so consider this your warning- SO GOOD www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6412185/1/

Also – LOVING Drift by denverpopcorn www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6388820/1/

Lastly… are you reading The Art of Breaking by jdbeaner you should be www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6192792/1/