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.

A special thank you to the two girls who help me with this mess… you know who you are!

I hope everyone had a lovely long weekend … if you're in the states… everyone else I hope you had a lovely regular weekend!

Thank you all for continuing to read and review – I appreciate it more than you can imagine!

Chapter 9

Bella's POV

"I'll talk to you soon, then. Good bye, Bella."

"Good bye, Edward."

Brushing past my brooding father, I scooped up Quil and walked directly into my suite. I desperately needed to compose myself before I dealt with any sort of interrogation.

Taking a few cleansing breaths to soothe my rattled nerves, I came to the realization that he was actually gone. Edward left. Insecurity, uncertainty and disappointment suddenly settled in my soul. I hadn't felt quite so emotionally unnerved since the fated phone call regarding my mother's accident.

My father leaned in the doorway and cleared his throat announcing his presence. "Who's the guy, Bella?"

"Who, Edward? My first official guest... courteous, friendly and left a nice tip."

"Bella, I'm not kidding around here." He raised his eyebrow while his moustache twitched. "You told me you weren't having guests this week."

"I know, I'm sorry. It was a little unexpected, but it actually worked out great."

"Listen to me… you can't just let some strange man stay here without taking some precautions."

"Did he look dangerous to you? And I seriously doubt Edward will be the last man to stay here."

Charlie's jaw tightened.

"Dad, let me go make us some coffee. Okay? Go relax on the back deck and I'll be right there."

While the coffee brewed, I sliced a couple pieces of coffee cake and pulled two mugs out of the cabinet. Laying everything out on the island, my fingertips grazed over the smooth, cool granite igniting my senses. Closing my eyes, I could feel Edward's strong, hands on my heated skin… touching, teasing. My own hand moved over my chest following the same path his had just yesterday. I reactively pressed my thighs together as I remembered his hard, muscular body possessing mine. Lusting over his hard cock pressing against me, my breathing accelerated and …. BEEP.

"So do you plan on taking out the boat for fishing before it gets too cold?" I asked attempting mundane conversation.

"Not yet, I picked up a few shifts so I could stay the weekend here. But I'll get out soon."

"You could take one of the canoes on the lake. Edward and I were…" Shit.

A few extremely uncomfortable moments passed between us.

"Huh? You two were enjoying the recreation… together?"

I squinted into the morning sun towards the lake, avoiding his intense gaze.

"Bella, listen, I can't help being suspicious. It's my nature, it's my job. And you're…" He paused and ran his hand over his moustache. "Well… you're all I have left."

My heart broke. He rarely emoted and his concern was valid. I offered him a hug, albeit strained.

"I'm okay, Dad. I promise I'll be careful."

"It's just… I saw how he looked at you. I remember studying your mother that way when we first met. How much do you really know about this guy?"

I settled into my seat and cautiously proceeded.

"Well, he's a writer… from Chicago."

"Yeah… I got that," he said sarcastically.

"He's never been married, doesn't have any children, and saved me from a savage raccoon in the middle of the night." I giggled to lighten the mood.

"You needed saving, from a raccoon, in the middle of the night? Bella."

"What? He was huge, even Quil was disturbed."

"See, this is exactly what I'm talking about. You're in the wilderness and this lodge is an enormous responsibility. What if your next guests aren't in the mood to fend off creatures for the lodge host?"

"Just forget it. Enjoy your coffee cake. I'm going to start some laundry," I said frustrated and moved back inside.

We spent the remainder of the day essentially walking and talking in circles to avoid an argument. After a quiet dinner, I showed him my design layout for the new website and brochure. Jake called to say he'd be over the next morning to meet Charlie and finish the front porch painting. I loved and respected my father, but I was absolutely determined to prove my worth on this new journey I committed to for my mother… and myself.

Oo~TWSL~oO

I woke to the sound of deep, masculine laughter, anxious scratching at the door, and a lonely, empty bed. I sighed and ran my hand over the pillow where Edward laid his gorgeous head two nights ago. I pulled it to me and breathed in his lingering scent. Staring at my phone on the nightstand, I fought the urge to call and tell him to rush back. Running my fingers over my lips, I was desperate for the sensation of his tongue seeking mine. I sank back into the sheets, my hands traveling lightly over my breasts, then teasing my nipples taut. I thought of his perfectly long and talented fingers and the pleasure he elicited with them.

When I finally made my way to the kitchen, Charlie and Jake were deep in a testosterone rich discussion. I poured myself some coffee, offered to make blueberry pancakes and waved off an offer to bucket leaches… just in case next week's guests needed fishing bait.

Both Charlie and Jake relentlessly offered to help in one way or another so I sat down with them and prepared a short list. They split up the work and Jake headed outside.

"I really like this guy, Jake." Charlie said grinning.

"Yeah, he's great."

He winked at me and shrugged his shoulders as he walked out the kitchen side door.

My iPod kept me company as I made my way around inside the lodge completing routine housekeeping. Every time I passed the leather couch in the great room, my body warmed.

Edward.

I busied myself making a grocery list for the upcoming week and planned the meals I would prepare for the McCarty's who were due to arrive on Monday. I decided to practice a slow cooker stew recipe of my mother's on Jake and Charlie. It was the perfect time of year for a beef stew and it was certainly something I could easily have available throughout the day for guests.

The three of us collapsed in the great room in front of the flat screen and an Oregon Ducks football game. The stew was delicious as was the cool, crisp pale ale.

"Bella is this your mother's recipe?" Charlie asked with a mouthful.

"Yeah, do you remember it?" I was surprised.

"Sure, I remember. It was my favorite. She used to make it on my birthday every year.

Oh, that reminds me. I have a birthday gift for you." He sat his bowl down and headed towards the stairs. I suddenly heard the faint sound of my cell phone ringing in my suite. I reactively dashed to answer it, hoping it was him.

"Hello."

"Hey, it's me." He sounded nervous.

"Hi, Edward. How are you?"

"Good. I made it to Seattle and had a nice dinner with my family last night. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I've been thinking about you."

I heard a deep exhale.

"Bella… you have no idea how much I've been missing you."

"Wish you were here to…"

"GO,GO,GO…" Charlie and Jake shouted in unison.

"Oh, you have company?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, Jake stuck around so I could feed him," I laughed.

"Well, I won't keep you then," he said shortly.

I spotted Charlie through my bedroom door holding a large wrapped box.

"Okay, I'll call you back later tonight. It's good to hear your voice."

"Yours too. Bye Bella."

Walking back into the great room, my dad handed me the heavy gift with an anxious smile. I sat down on the couch next to Jake and tore off the paper. I lifted the lid to the box labeled Jenks Custom Signs.

"What did you do, Dad?" I asked excitedly.

Inside, I found a beautiful rustic pine rectangular sign with an engraved center.

Welcome to the White Swan Lodge
Bella Swan, proprietor

Grateful tears spilled down my cheeks as I hugged and thanked my dad for his immensely thoughtful gift.

Oo~TWSL~oO

Later, I tucked into my bed naked and eagerly dialed Edward.

After several prolonged rings, my call went to voicemail.

You've reached Edward Cullen with Adventure. Sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message.

Adventure?

A/N

*ahem* so… she got his voicemail what do you think? Next week we'll be back to get Edward's story.

Thanks again everyone for the support – again, TWSL is up for several Rare Gem awards and Avant Garde Awards. Please show your support for not only me, but the other authors listed there and vote. You can vote daily at the Rare Gems…just sayin!

So… I don't have any new rec's this week. I haven't really been able to start anything new with all the stuff I have going on so here are a couple repeats!

The Geheime Vernietiging by amoredjenaue fanfiction(dot)net/s/6287890/1/ this has absolutely been occupying my time… I love it and I think you will too!

The Art of Breaking by jdbeaner fanfiction(dot)net/s/6192792/1/ Such a great story… you should all be reading this!

Somewhere Between Crimson & Blue by antiaol /s/5810120/1/ I was reminded this week how much I loved this story – it's complete and excellent!

Love is the End by phoebes(dot)promise fanfiction(dot)net/s/6445022/1/ I will forever push this story – if you aren't reading it, you need to be. It's a beautiful story.