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 my lovely friend who helps me get my thoughts in order and makes my ramblings pretty and readable. You know who you are and I can't do it without you.

Thank you also to everyone for the support and encouragement with this… and also for being so wonderful this week. It's been a rough one in RL.

SO – enough from me… how about Adventureward/Lodgeward/Travelward… he has many names I guess!

Chapter 5

Edward's POV

Bella swirled her finger inside her mouth sucking it clean of frosting. I would have given up all the sex I had in college for my cock to be that finger. As she hummed to herself in delicious appreciation, I could feel the uncomfortable tightening in my pants. I shifted away from the counter trying to discretely adjust my newest problem.

Stepping fully into the kitchen, I took more notice than I did on my previous tour. It was smaller in size than I expected, in comparison to the other rooms in the house. There was a center island with a granite top where Bella was standing with the cake. Along the wall behind her was a large window with warm maple wood cabinets lining each side. The kitchen didn't seem to have the modern update like the rest of the lodge. It was obvious to me by the worn floors and abundant cooking equipment, that it must have been a favorite place for Bella's mom.

"Did you make me a cake?" I said jokingly, deciding it was time to make my presence known.

Bella's bright eyes sprang open when she heard me. She slowly removed her finger from her mouth, pulled out her earbuds and a lovely smile appeared on her face. "Of course, I made you a cake. But I was hoping we could share. Today just happens to be my birthday. My dad told me to do something special for myself… hence the cake." She said with an irresistible giggle.

"It's your birthday?" I asked, surprised. We were standing on opposite sides of the island with the cake between us. "Happy Birthday! You definitely own this cake." I said with a grin.

"You'll have to let me make dinner tonight for us… or something. I can't let you wait on me on your birthday."

Shaking her head she said, "Absolutely not. You're a guest and I'm not going to let you cook for me on your first night here."

"Then let me sing Happy Birthday to you while you cut the cake?" I suggested

"I would love for you to sing to me."

I'd been told I had a decent voice in the past when I sang while playing my guitar. For some reason, I found myself using every possible opportunity to impress this woman.

I sang Happy Birthday to her from the opposite side of the island…while she stared at me in stunned silence. I assumed that was a positive reaction.

"No one has ever sung anything to me before." She said in a breathy voice.

"What? Not even Happy Birthday?" I asked in disbelief.

"Oh well, yeah…but certainly not like that."

"So you're a writer who sings? Tell me about your writing now, since I've experienced the singing."

"Oh, well I'm working on an idea for a novel. I should probably say I try to write, but I do small articles here and there to pay the bills."

"So, did you make this cake from scratch?" I diverted the topic quickly.

"Yeah, fortunately all the ingredients were in the pantry. I love to bake and so did my mom. She was a wonderful cook; I think she found it relaxing. I'm not nearly as good as her, but I love to try."

"Milk?" she asked heading for the refrigerator.

"Sounds good. Thanks."

Bella turned and opened the cupboard next to the sink standing on her tip toes to reach the glasses. Her shirt rode up slightly and the glimpse of smooth, pale skin was just enough to throw off my concentration.

Her perfect ass was covered now by a sexy pair of tight jeans. The paint was gone from her cheek and her hair looked slightly damp pulled back into her ponytail. What I wouldn't give to see that hair down and wavy against her naked back. Fuck. I felt like a teenager with raging hormones. I was incredibly attracted to this woman and I needed to know more about her.

Bella placed two large slices of cake on our plates and I poured two glasses of milk. She slid around the island and sat down on the stool next to me. I picked up my fork and took my first bite. I made an involuntary, audible groan. I honestly hadn't tasted anything that good…ever. It was homemade, decadent heaven. After swallowing, I picked up my glass of milk and glanced at Bella.

She caught me… again. She smiled in acknowledgement and we continued our eating in silent satisfaction. Our knees met under the counter, as I was unintentionally leaning towards her. There was an indescribable force drawing me towards her and I was starting to wonder how long I would be able to resist.

I finally broke the silence asking her about how her mother came to own the lodge. She explained her mother's passion and joy for nature. She told me about her summers spent wandering the trails and swimming in the lake. I could hear in her recollection a sorrow for the past. Bella treasured the place and the memories it held.

"So if you loved this area so much, why choose Arizona?" I asked?

"My mom grew up in Phoenix and actually graduated from ASU, so there was a bit of sentimentality. Plus it's warm and dry, and a nice change from wet and cold."

"I had spent my teen years as the police chief's daughter in a town with a population of just over 3000 people. You can imagine how that went. I was ready to discover who I was. Funny, I guess that's partly why I'm back here now. My stay in Arizona had run its course and it was an opportunity for something new, something my mom had been trying to get me to do for a while."

I thoughtfully absorbed the information she was sharing with me. Appreciating her bravery and slightly envious of her determination to follow her heart; she seemed to me to be the total package. She was a creative, intelligent and beautiful woman. After telling me about her freelance photography business, it dawned on me that our paths my have crossed elsewhere in the print journalism world, but I didn't dare inquire. I felt the sudden need to change the subject. I decided to ask the one question that had been on my mind since I arrived. "So who's this Jake person that you were expecting?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. My mother occasionally had a handyman come up to help with a few things that she couldn't do herself. I called him a few days ago and he finally left me a voice mail saying that he would stop by soon."

"Do you really think that's safe? I mean, you're out here alone and you don't really know this guy at all." I immediately went into an unfamiliar protective mode. Something I'd only done with my younger sister.

She cocked an eyebrow at me and crossed her arms across her chest. "Really, Edward? And just how well do I know you… wouldn't you be considered a stranger?"

"Well let's change that then… my favorite color is green, I graduated from Northwestern University, I love the outdoors, I have a younger sister who lives in Seattle, I sleep on the right side of the bed, my biggest pet peeve is people driving slow in the left lane, my favorite place in the world is Haggerstone Island on the Great Barrier Reef and I don't want you to consider me a stranger." My last piece of information was barely said above a whisper.

During our conversation our bodies had shifted even closer together. We were now facing each other with our knees brushing against each other. Her elbow was leaning on top of the granite countertop, with her head resting in her hand. A strand of hair had fallen free from her ponytail and curled under her chin. As I reached forward to tuck it behind her ear, a ball of fur suddenly leaped onto the counter between us.

Yanking my hand back, I glared at the offending cat.

"Quil, get down!" Bella laughed while reaching out and pulling him into her lap.

"Oh Edward, this is Quil the Magnificent. I'll have you know this is the smartest, sweetest and fiercest cat you'll ever meet."

Well shit…the devil in a fur suit wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"We actually met already. He was breaking in my bed for me earlier."

"Oh God! I didn't even think about him sneaking in when I was showing you the room. I hope he didn't cause you any trouble. If he goes in there again, just shoo him away." She said nuzzling her face into the evil creature's fluff.

"Holy shit… I can't believe how late it is already!" She exclaimed, then covering her mouth in surprise. She blushed slightly, "I'm so sorry. I suppose I should work on my bad habit of cursing, especially around guests. Forgive me?"

"No forgiveness needed… besides listening to you cursing…is fucking hot." I said with a wink and a chuckle. "I didn't realize how late it was either. Are you hungry?"

"You know, I don't think I am. The cake hit the spot. But please help yourself to anything in the fridge…remember this is your home for the next week." She said with a smile.

I stacked our plates and took them to the sink for rinsing while she put the milk back in the fridge and covered the cake. I rinsed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher. When I turned around, Bella was watching me closely. She gave me a stern look which I assumed was for helping out. I leaned back against the sink and crossed my arms. I simply smiled, shrugged and wondered when the last time a man had done something nice for her. She was definitely deserving of some spoiling.

"I'll leave a night light on for you in case you need to come down for anything." She said with a smile.

We slowly headed out of the kitchen together and walked through the great room towards the stairs where we would have to part company for the evening. With one hand on the railing and the other clutching my writing notebook, I turned to Bella before heading up.

"Happy birthday, Bella. I hope you had a good day." I said sincerely.

In a quiet whisper she responded, "I did. Thank you. See you in the morning for breakfast?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

I turned and slowly walked up the stairs, missing her presence more with each step I took.

I made a few notes after settling into my room. She shared a personal side to the lodge that I don't learn at most locations. Her fragile emotions regarding her mother were difficult to ignore. I decided to let that drive the nature of my review. She was doing her absolute best under the circumstances. Changing into a pair of comfortable pajama pants and crawling into the bed, I reveled in the feel of the soft sheets. Remembering what the simple act of making the bed had elicited, my thoughts immediately trailed to Bella downstairs in her room. I wondered what she was doing; probably snuggling with that fucking cat. I still wanted to know more about her. I wanted to see her photography and the books she liked to read. As I drifted off to sleep, I silently hoped that she liked sleeping on the left side of the bed…

Oo~TWSL~oO

The next morning I awoke to the sound of the waterfalls through my French doors and a fucking erection that wouldn't quit. With the erection came the thoughts of Bella and what she could do to help take care of my problem. Groaning, I glanced at the alarm clock on the side table and realized just how late I had slept.

I jumped out of bed and hurried to take a quick shower, praying that it would ease my not so little problem. I brushed my teeth, threw on some clothes and attempted to tame the mane of hair on top of my head. Bella said last night we would have breakfast this morning, I hoped I didn't miss it.

I hurried downstairs to some incredible smells coming from the kitchen. Pushing the door open I found Bella in front of a griddle turning bacon. The seats that we sat in last night were set with place settings, silverware and glasses. She was dressed in another pair of tight faded jeans and a t-shirt. Sidling up next to Bella I nudged her shoulder with mine to get her attention.

"Hey there…good morning" I said with a smile.

"Can I help with anything?"

"Nope, you just sit your cute rear end down on the stool and relax."

Instantly her face flushed bright red realizing what she had said. I pretended I didn't hear it. The last thing I wanted to do was make her uncomfortable, and I did have a nice ass.

As I pulled out our stools, Bella followed me over with the platter of bacon. She lifted the cover off of a serving tray and I found the most delectable looking French toast ever created. It was stuffed with what appeared to be cream cheese and fruit and my stomach growled in anticipation. I plated up food for both of us and dug in.

"So, did you have any plans today?" She asked me.

"None whatsoever." I replied. "I'm just here to relax and enjoy everything the lodge has to offer."

"Well, I'm going to head into the woods after breakfast to explore the trails. I haven't been on them since the last time I was here and I'd be happy to show you around if you want to tag along."

"Definitely! I'd be crazy to pass up a tour from you." I grinned like a silly schoolboy.

"Perfect." She said with a warm smile.

We finished up quickly and like the night before I started to help clean up the mess. Bella immediately stood from her stool and scolded me.

"As much as I appreciate the help, you're not here to do my job. Please go relax and wait for me in the great room."

Sighing in defeat, I finished rinsing the dish I had in my hands and set it in the dishwasher.

"Fine, you win. But I'll have you know, my mother raised me the right way… You're going to have to kick me out after every single meal."

She giggled and it was the sweetest sound I'd ever heard. "Go on…get going."

While I waited in the main area, I flipped through the stack of magazines on the coffee table for visitors. I found a familiar title amongst them and fucking panicked. I held the July issue of Adventure Magazine in my trembling hand. Inside was my review of a resort in the Florida Keys. I bolted up the stairs with the magazine and placed it in my suitcase. I hoped there weren't any other issues lying around the lodge. Running my hands through my hair in frustration, I sighed loudly, got my bearings back and headed downstairs.

Bella met me at the front door with her camera and a smile. She tied her shoes and we headed out the front door in to a perfectly crisp Northwestern fall morning.

"I'm going to follow you since you're the expert." I told her. "Just take me where ever you want to go."

"Follow me then."

We quietly hiked the peaceful property spotting a multitude of birds along the way. She took photographs of the palliated woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, blackbirds and many others. Bella surprised me with her knowledge of the various species. She explained that the property surrounding the lodge was a Certified Wildlife Habitat, something her mom was very proud of. Bella continued taking photographs with her new brochure and website layout in mind. I desperately wanted to offer my professional opinion, but I simply couldn't risk revealing myself. She seemed particularly interested in the wildflowers and native tree species, shooting well over a hundred still shots just off the path. She appeared completely in her element surrounded by the natural, untamed beauty.

About two hours later, we approached the edge of the woods and the lodge. We made our way down towards the lake to take a look. She offered to unlock the canoes for me, but I told her it could wait for another day. Bella grew quiet as we approached a mature Douglas Fir tree between the main house and the edge of the lakeshore. Something at the base of the tree glistened in the sunlight catching my attention.

Reaching the tree I noticed it was a plaque of some sort. The inscription read:

"Mother" is such a simple word,
But to me there's meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
My mother's love showed me the way.

I'll love my mother all my days,
For enriching my life in so many ways.
She set me straight and then set me free,
And that's what the word "mother" means to me.

Dedicated to Renee Swan, my mother and my best friend.

I love you.

Bella knelt down at the base of the tree and ran her fingers gently over the surface of the plaque honoring her mother. I stepped back allowing her some privacy. Hearing a deep inhale, I watched her tremble with a quiet sob. I knelt next to her and reactively enveloped her small body with mine. Wrapping my arms around her, I whispered "It's ok. You're going to be ok." I was at a loss for words as she cried against my chest.

I felt her arms move around my back as she buried her face in my neck. Her tears dampened my skin while I held on tighter and stroked her hair. She melted into me like she'd belonged there forever. Then, I felt lips on the side of my neck and fingers digging into my hair. I closed my eyes and waited for her to stop. She was searching for comfort. While it felt so damn good, I knew it was happening for the wrong reasons. She pulled her head from the crook of my neck and looked me in the eye. Her face was tear-stained and sad, but still so beautiful.

She gripped my hair tighter and pulled me forward and before I knew it her lips were on mine. Her tongue grazed my lower lip seeking entrance and I couldn't stop myself from opening. Our tongues twisted, twirled and rubbed. The circumstances of the kiss were simply wrong. She needed soothing and nearness but the kiss was laden with sorrow.

To break the kiss gently, I cupped her face with my hands and pressed my forehead to hers. Caught up in the moment, we were both breathing heavily. I slowly brushed my thumbs along the hair at her temples to calm her.

After I placed a reassuring kiss on her forehead, she leaned her head back to find my lips again. I held her head in place and searched her eyes.

"Bella…no, not like this. You're upset. I don't want whatever we have between us to start because of how you feel at this moment."

Tears trickled down her cheeks as she tried to move from my grasp, but I wouldn't let her.

"No, please don't go away. I want you, you have to know that, but I'm not going to take advantage of your emotions. Let me just hold you, Bella."

I held her face in my hands, wiped her cheeks with my thumbs and asked, "Please say you understand, please say something."

She took a deep shaky breath and said, "I do… I do understand and I'm very sorry."

"Why don't we go inside and relax for a while, maybe get something to drink. Will you tell me more about your mom? I want to know everything."

Oo~TWSL~oO

We relaxed for the next couple hours together tucked into the comfortable leather couch in the great room. We opened a bottle of wine and ate some slices of prosciutto. Thankfully, the emotional kiss didn't cause a strain between us. I continued to act casual and decidedly tried to draw out more discussion of her family. She dug out a few photographs of her parents and of her summers at the lodge. She asked more about my novel writing process and acted sincerely interested. She didn't scoff or patronize the idea like many of my friends did.

Bella wanted to take care of a few things and I needed some time to put things back into perspective. We agreed to have dinner together a little later and she headed into the small office.

I grabbed my notebook from my room and headed out to the dock to write for a bit. I was hoping for inspiration at the lodge and believed finally, I might have found it.

We prepared dinner together later that evening. It was wonderful working in the kitchen with her. We moved with ease around each other, and I could tell she wasn't totally opposed to me helping her anymore. The mood was light and the food was delicious. We had easy conversation about our college days and first jobs.

She yawned while we cleaned the kitchen together after dinner. The fresh air and emotion had no doubt worn her out. I suggested we turn in early.

Everything about her appealed to me and I couldn't get her out of my mind even when I wasn't near her. I didn't know what the fuck that meant, but I knew whatever was going on between us was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

"Well, I guess this is where we say good night, right?" she said standing at the base of the stairs.

"Yeah, it is."

I watched her nervously shift and run her hands through her hair. She looked at her feet and responded with a quiet, "Good night."

I lifted her chin with my finger and forced her to look in my eyes.

"Bella, I really had a great day with you, thank you for spending the time with me."

She laughed and said in a sarcastic tone, "Emotional meltdown and all, right?"

"Emotional meltdown and all, and I mean that. I've enjoyed getting to know you. And I'm more than happy to listen, talk and take your mind off of things if that's what you need."

Moving my hand from her delicate chin, I used my fingers to push a few her hairs off her shoulder. Like clockwork, Quil purred and weaved himself around her ankle.

"Good night Bella. See you in the morning."

Oo~TWSL~oO

Later, as I lay in bed reflecting on the day, it occurred to me that Bella really didn't have anyone other than her father. She hadn't mentioned any close friends or a boyfriend. I imagined how difficult it must be to harbor so much sadness alone. Not to mention, happiness. She would have been alone on her birthday if I hadn't showed up. Of course, who was I kidding, I may have more family than she does, but I was essentially in the same situation. Sighing to myself at the depressing realization, I decided to get some sleep.

I switched off the lamp on the side table and fluffed the pillow under my head. Just as I closed my eyes to thoughts of her, I heard a blood curdling scream.

A/N

Please let me know what you think I hope you are enjoying our lovely Edward because almost all chapters will be in his POV. I hope that's good news

A couple of recs this week… as if I don't get enough pimping on WP or Indie Fic Pimp

Please check out the following fics they are on my must read list.

Giofógach by ltlerthqak www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6255401/1/

Dead on My Feet by Cesca Marie www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6007656/1/

Vines by FL95 www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6346090/1/

Drift by denverpopcorn – I probably pimped this last week but I'm going to do it again. I really am enjoying this fic. www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/6388820/1/

Finally – go read Masquerade by twilightheaded23 such a wonderful writer and you should all be reading this story! www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5772153/1/

If you aren't already reading these fics.. you must go check them out!

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