Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

As promised here is the next chapter…

Chapter 5: Second Day

Edward Cullen

I woke up extra early to make sure I had time to do all that I wanted. I needed to get to the gym and I needed to pick up his things. I knew this was going to be a slow conquest, but it would be worth. I just seemed to know it.

After I had showered I made my way to local flower shop. I knew I wanted to get her flowers, but I wasn't sure what I wanted. I wasn't one to visit flower shops. The last time I had given anyone flowers, besides my mom, had been at prom. I had bought my date a pink corsage.

I was overwhelmed by the smell of flowers as I stepped inside. It was still really early, and no one was around but an older lady behind the counter.

"May I help you, sir?" She asked getting up and walking towards me. She was barely five feet tall, but seemed like a nice older lady. She instantly reminded me of my grandmother Elizabeth.

"Well, I'm looking for flowers." I said, instantly feeling stupid for stating the obvious. Why else would anyone be at a flower shop?

"Is it for a special lady friend?" The lady inquired curiously. I simply replied with a nod. Bella was a friend, sort of. She was a lady.

"How about a dozen red roses?" She suggested as she led me towards the back cooler filled with flowers. I had to admit they were quite beautiful, but not what I was looking for. A bouquet seemed like too much, and roses were a bit presumptuous.

"Do you have something simpler?" I questioned, looking around aimlessly. I had no idea what I wanted.

"Tell me about this girl." She recommended forcing me to really think about Bella.

"She's very beautiful and quite different than other women I know." I answered truthfully, and was shocked when a small smile spread across her face.

"I know just the flower," she said, leading me to the back of the shop.

"This is a hibiscus," she explained showing me a yellow tropical flower with a long pistil. It was absolutely beautiful.

"Do they only come in yellow?" I inquired curiously. The yellow flower was very pretty, but the color didn't seem right.

"They come in a variety of colors from red to pink, yellow, and even purple." She explained in a happy voice. As she spoke my eyes landed on the soft pink one.

"I want that one," I said pointing to the delicate pink flower. It reminded me of Bella's blush and I knew it would be perfect.

"Very nice," she commented taking the flower. "Only one?"

"Only one," I replied following her as she walked towards the cash register. One flower was enough. I didn't want to smother her, just woo her. It was a small step, but all part of the master plan.

"You should take the pamphlet with the name of flowers and their meanings." She added handing me the flower and a pamphlet. "It may come in handy."

"What does a hibiscus mean?" I inquired curiously.

"Delicate beauty," she replied. I couldn't help but think how well that fit with Bella.

"Thank you…" I trailed off, searching for her name.

"Margaret," she finished for me.

"Thank you, Margaret. Will you be open every morning at this time?" I question, knowing just what I was going to do.

"Every day," she assured me before I waved goodbye. I had to put this on her desk before anybody was in the office, and go pick up my next surprise.

Bella Swan

"Eat your breakfast, Matt." I said taking away his Nintendo DS. I had a love hate relationship when it came to that piece of technology. It allowed me some much needed quiet time, but I felt that it made children lazy. Matt was extremely content with just playing his video games all day.

"Do I have to go to school?" He asked in a whine as I prepared myself a bowl of cereal.

"What makes you say you don't have to?" I inquired pouring the milk and sitting across from him.

"I wanted to stay and watch TV." He said, taking a spoonful of Lucky Charms in his mouth.

"Sorry, Matt." I said. "You have to go to school just like any other day." Matt didn't say a word, but let his pout do the talking.

We finished breakfast, and were surprisingly running well on time. I was extremely thankful that we were, because I knew I was going to get some traffic driving into downtown. I didn't want to be late, because I wanted to finish reading at least one more file before my meeting with Edward. I had loads of questions I wanted to ask.

I pulled up on the curb by the school, waving at the security guard, John. John was an older gentleman, made sure that the kids went straight into school when they arrived. He was also an old friend of the family.

"How are you doing, Bella?" He asked with a smile.

"I'm doing great, John." I replied smiling at him. "How's Margaret?"

"She's doing wonderful. Margaret is at the flower shop today." He added.

"Bye, Mom." Matt stated, sticking his head in between the driver and passenger seat.

"Bye, Matt. Be good." I said sneaking in a quick kiss causing him to rub it off.

"Not in front of my friends." He complained in a grumble before he left the car. After he hopped out he gave John a high five."

"I'll pass by after work and pick up some flowers for the house." I told John.

"She'll be glad to see you." He finished before I drove off to work.

John and Margaret were a wonderful old couple, who had been married fifty five years. They had been my grandparents' best friends, and were almost like a third pair of grandparents to Matt. Since our parents lived hours away, Angela and I counted on them many times. We had become like the kids they never had.

I drove into the city with a feeling of dread and anticipation. I wasn't sure if I could resist Edward's charm, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to either. I was extremely confused and I knew being near him would not help.

I found a parking space relatively easily, and I soon found myself riding up the elevator to work. "Good morning, Jessica." I said as I entered the lobby, making her jump in surprise. She had been filing her nails, and had not noticed when the elevator doors had open.

"Good morning, Bella. You sure scared me." She said with a nervous laugh.

"Don't worry; I'm a few minutes early." I answered. I wasn't going to tell anyone that she had been filing her nails. "Is anyone in?"

"Mr. Edward was in a few minutes ago, but he left relatively quickly." She stated in almost a dreamy sigh. It appeared I was not the only one who was affected by Edward's charm.

"Thanks, Jessica. I'll see you later." I replied before heading inside.

The majority of the offices were empty, and only a few people were around. I quickly made it into my office, and was surprised to find a single pink flower in the middle of my desk. My feet were glued to the floor, and I found myself smiling at the small gesture.

It took me a few seconds, before I was finally able to move towards my desk finding a small paper attached to the pink flower. I nervously picked it, up unsure of just what I would find. The note simply read:

Hibiscus- Delicate Beauty

It didn't take me long to recognize the black elegant script. The handwriting was clearly similar to the one in the case files Edward was handling. He had placed the flower and note on my desk.

I wasn't sure what to think as I sat back in my leather chair looking at the flower. Edward hadn't struck me as the type of man who gave woman flowers. It wasn't a bouquet of roses, or a bouquet, for that matter. It was a small gesture, and I had to admit it was very sweet. But, that did not change my stance. He was my boss, and was consequently off limits.

I moved the flower to the corner of my desk, because I didn't want to drop it while I worked. It was a very beautiful flower, and not the type of flower I expected a man to give me. It had been a thoughtful gesture.

After I had checked my emails, I turned my attention back to the case files in front of me. Edward was handling a variety of cases, and acted as the legal counsel for quite a number of big companies throughout the Western coast.

"Good morning, Isabella." I heard Edward greet from my door. He looked as handsome as ever, but it was the cup holder full of Starbucks coffee that had caught my eye. What was he up to?

"Good morning, Edward." I said with a small smile.

"I brought you coffee," he added with a smile as he stepped inside my office.

"I don't drink coffee," I admitted with a shrug.

"At all?" He inquired in shock. I was completely used to the reaction. Most people found it hard to believe that I was able to function without it.

"I've never been a fan of coffee. It makes me to jittery." I explained with a smile.

"It's a good thing I brought selection then," He added with a crooked, and very cocky, smile. "We have tea, hot chocolate, or a strawberry frappucino."

"Do you always do this?" I asked skeptically causing him to laugh.

"I just like to make my new employee feels welcomed and part of the team." He replied expertly as I picked up the hot chocolate, and he placed the cup holder with the rest of the drinks on the small table near the door.

"Thank you," I said taking a small sip. He had found my weakness. I didn't drink coffee, but I did just about anything for chocolate. I had quite the sweet tooth.

"Isabella enjoys chocolate. I'll have to add that to my notes." He stated leaning against her desk.

I shrugged at his comment, taking another sip of the delicious hot chocolate. I wasn't going to confirm or deny his statement.

Edward Cullen

The fact that she enjoyed chocolate was not lost on me. It would be something I could use in the future in my Woo Bella Plan. She hadn't said anything about the flower, but I noticed that it was still strategically placed on her desk.

"Those are sure a lot of notes," I mentioned casually as I noticed how much she had written on her note pad.

"This is fascinating stuff." She said as I made my way around her desk to get a better view of her notes. The fact that it took me closer to her was an added bonus.

"The Murphy case," I said leaning over her with my arms on either side of her. Her scent immediately assaulted me. She smelled incredibly sweet like strawberries, and another flowery scent that I couldn't pinpoint. This woman was a drug, and I was turning into a drug addict.

I leaned down closer to read her handwriting and I felt her stiffen, before relaxing slightly. Her entire body broke out in goose bumps. "Your very thorough," I commented softly my eyes trained on her impeccable profile. She was incredibly gorgeous, and had to stop myself from kissing her.

"Edward," she whispered in a low tone.

"Yes, Isabella?" I asked softly with just a hint of sexiness. I didn't want to scare her away and erase the progress we had made. She had accepted the flower and the hot chocolate without complaint. And, I hoped that she would soon accept a dinner invitation.

"I need to finish reading these files," she pointed out causing me to chuckle.

"I think your boss would let it slide," I teased unable to stop myself.

"Edward," she warned before biting her lip nervously. "I'm not doing this."

"Doing what?" I inquired, still not moving away from her.

"You're flirting," she accused. "And, it's not right. You're my boss, and I'm your employee. This is not the time or place."

"Then go with me to dinner." I suggested. I had to hold back a frustrated growl when she shook her head. What did it take for her to agree to eat a meal with me?

"I can't, Edward." She said pushing my right arm slightly and causing me to move away. "I won't."

"Why not?" I asked in a harsher tone that I meant to.

"Because, I can't Edward." She said with force. "Our relationship needs to stay professional. I need this job and I don't want to jeopardize it any way."

I was unable to answer her statement before there was a knock on the door and Bella had called them inside. I didn't understand how going to dinner with me was going to jeopardize her career. I didn't even have intentions to sleep with her after just one dinner. If the opportunity presented itself I wasn't opposed. But, I was prepared to wait. She didn't seem like the type of girl to just sleep with a person after one day. The alcohol had been the determining factor at the club.

"Mr. Edward," My secretary Leah said causing me to stop my train of though.

"Good morning, Leah." I said politely.

"Jessica has Mr. Murphy on the line. It's an emergency, and he wants to set up a meeting as soon as possible." She explained.

"Check to see that eleven is fine with him. It'll give him enough time to get here." I answered, looking over at Bella who was fidgeting with some papers. "And, make sure to include Bella in the meeting."

"Yes, Sir." Leah stated before leaving the office.

"I don't know if I'm ready," Bella stated, going through all the papers.

"You don't have much left of the file. You should be finished within the hour. I just wanted you to meet the client. A large percentage of what I do every day is related to his corporation." I clarified. "Enjoy your hot chocolate."

"Thank you," She replied before I left the office walking across the hall to my own. I had no idea how close or far I was to my goal.

Bella Swan

Mr. Murphy was a tall man with a thick brown mustache and big glasses. He had been talking to Edward for the past hour and was literally talking himself in circles. I had lost all interest after Edward had explained the law for the third time. I was pretty sure he was working on the tenth now.

I looked over at Edward as he wrote something down on a scrap sheet of paper. I was positively sure that he hoped that seeing it in writing would make Mr. Murphy understand. I honestly didn't understand how that man had made millions, he was extremely dumb.

Thinking about Edward brought me back to the way it felt to be encased in his arms. His arm weren't technically holding me, but it had been very close. His warm breath on my neck had given me goose bumps. I knew that things were not looking good for me. My resistance was starting to wane, and I needed to find a way to stop it. I couldn't, and wouldn't go out with him. He was not good news.

The meeting ended about twenty minutes later with Edward assuring Mr. Murphy that he would contact the other corporation's lawyer to get a copy of the contract that had been signed by Murphy's predecessor.

The rest of the day passed without much excitement. Edward would smile at me at every chance he got, and I really couldn't help but smile back. I was only being polite, and it meant nothing. Right?

I was able to get out about a half hour early to rush over to see Margaret in the flower shop. I had been slacking on my visits to them ever since I had returned to school. I really hoped to have much more time now that I had finally secured a well paying job.

"Margaret!" I called as I stepped inside. I knew that most customers wouldn't arrive until after five, since they were mostly still at work.

"Bella?" She questioned happily. "Come to the back, I'm working on an arrangement."

"How are you doing?" I asked, moving the soft pink curtain and stepping into her back room.

"I'm doing lovely, dear. John called and told me you were going to be passing by." She said walking over and giving me a tight hug.

"How's Matt doing? He must be almost six feet tall now?" She teased causing me to laugh.

"Not quite yet, but at the rate he's going...." I answered while I studied the arrangements she had worked on today. "These are exquisite."

"You like them?" She questioned. "They're for a wedding show I'm going to have a booth in tomorrow."

"You'll have lines and lines to get your card. The rose colors are gorgeous. I love the way you mixed them." I added as she got off of her stool and walked to one of the buckets where the roses were.

"Take a few for yourself. I'm sure you can use them to brighten up your home." She urged handing me some yellow roses with a pink outline.

"Margaret, you need them for your show tomorrow." I cried causing her to shake her head.

"Bella, I have more than enough to finish my arrangement." She said wrapping them up for me before handing me them.

"At least let me buy them." I said going for my wallet, but instantly stopped when I noticed her glare.

"If you want to pay me bring Matt over to the house. I would love to keep him overnight while you go out on a date or something. I'm sure that there is some man in your life…" She said making me blush.

"The only man in my life is six years old. But, I'm sure Matt would love to spend the night and beat John at video games." I replied noticing that I had to get going to pick up Matt.

I thanked Margaret for the roses again before making my way to pick up Matt. I was completely exhausted, but I still had to cook dinner and make sure Matt did his homework. I just hoped to be in bed sometime before ten.

A/N: I can't thank you all enough for taking me all the way to first place in the SMC contest. You guys rock. You're the best readers a writer could ever ask for. You have made my day.

Your thoughts on the future of this story are amusing. Some of you have been pretty close, but I'm not saying who it was. I would love to keep hearing theories and suggestions.

Next Chapter: Working Late

Muggleinlove