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!

Chapter 8: To Stay or Not to Stay?

Bella Swan

I arrived at the restaurant feeling a bit uncomfortable. I was completely surrounded by couples and I was completely alone. I hadn't taken into account how intimidating meeting him at the restaurant would be. I didn't even know his name.

I stepped inside taking a quick look around. The restaurant was on the bay and had quite the beautiful view of the setting sun. The dark wood of the furniture only made the ambiance classier.

All the tables appeared to be occupied and I couldn't quite find the man with the flower. I felt the dread growing inside of me. Had he left? Was I being stood up? I bit my lip as I took another look around, my eyes falling on the one man I had least expected to see. Edward Cullen.

I gulped back my gasp as I realized that there was a single lavender rose on his table. There were no other occupants at the table. He was all alone and waiting. He was waiting for me. My feet remained glued to the floor, as he approached me with the rose.

"Isabella," he whispered, handing me the flower.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in a barely audible voice. It was as if part of me refused to comprehend that he was my date. It just wasn't possible.

"I believe I'm having dinner with you," he answered smoothly, his hand grazing the small of my back before he led me to the table by the window.

"This can't happen," I said, stopping at the table and refusing to sit down. As much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't. I couldn't get myself into this mess. I had to run and I had to run fast.

"Just join me for dinner," he suggested, holding the chair out for me. "If you don't have a good time I will leave you alone."

"You'll really leave me alone after one dinner?" I asked, not believing a word he said. "Are you that confident in yourself?"

"You promised Margaret," he reminded me with a smile. Then he turned serious. "Please."

"Just dinner,' I warned, taking the seat he had pulled out.

"A rose for you," he stated, handing me the pretty lavender rose.

"What does it mean?" I asked curiously as I smelled the sweet fragrance it emitted.

"Enchantment," he revealed, looking into my eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"You leave me a flower every morning on my desk. I wanted to know what this one meant," I replied before studying the menu.

We placed our orders a few minutes later and were soon brought a bottle of wine and our crab bisque. "How do you know Margaret?" he questioned, taking a sip of the wine.

"Margaret and her husband, John, were friends of my grandparents. They have sort of taken me and my sister, Angela, under their wings," I admitted with a small smile.

"She thinks very highly of you," he casually mentioned causing me to laugh.

"How so?" I inquired. He shrugged casually.

"Just the way she spoke about you. I didn't know it was you, but now that I know, I know she was not far from the truth," he explained before drinking a spoonful of his bisque.

"What did she say?" I asked, finishing my own bisque. I knew Margaret had a tendency to exaggerate.

"She told me you were smart and beautiful," he replied after the waiter had taken our empty bowls away.

"She's a bit biased," I added, feeling uncomfortable. I knew I was not beautiful. I was hardly up to Edward's standards.

"She may be, but I agree completely," he answered causing me to look out the window of the restaurant. He was being way too nice. I knew the truth.

"Isabella," he said softly, reaching across the table and bringing my gaze back to him. "You don't believe it?"

"I'm not beautiful, Edward. There's no need to lie," I stated softly. I didn't want him to feel obligated to lie.

Edward Cullen

I couldn't understand what I was hearing. I was trying my best to be a gentleman around her, because I really wanted more than just dinner. But, I was willing to put off my goal for the time being. She would eventually succumb.

But, I couldn't understand why she thought of herself as less than beautiful. The women I slept with were seldom beautiful. Sexy and attractive described them. But, Bella was beautiful. Yet, she didn't see it.

"What made you agree to a blind date? I mean you don't seem like the type who usually goes on blind dates?" she asked, effectively changing the subject.

"No particular reason," I lied. I wasn't going to tell her that I had gone on the date in hopes of removing her from my mind.

"Somehow I don't believe that," she replied with an amused smirk..

"Margaret is very convincing," I admitted with a shrug as the food arrived. "I didn't know how to refuse. How about you? Do you go on blind dates often?"

"I can't say I've ever been on a blind date," she said, carefully taking a bite of her fish.

"Then why now?" I inquired, trying to decipher her words. Isabella Swan was an enigma. I had no idea what was going on in her head.

"I came for the same reason you did," she revealed with a laugh. "I can't say 'no' to Margaret. I've never have."

"I find it hard to believe that someone as beautiful as you has trouble finding a date." I stated causing her to blush. She looked almost edible when she blushed and I had to stop myself from reaching across the table to kissing her.

"Edward, I already told you," she sighed. "You don't have to lie. I'm not beautiful."

"Do you think I'd be putting this much effort into a woman I didn't think was beautiful? Bella, I know sexy, and I know pretty but you are beyond that. I have never thought anyone more beautiful than I do you," I quickly stammered. I had no idea what she saw when she looked in the mirror. But, whatever it was it, wasn't the truth.

She looked shocked at my revelation. She fidgeted nervously in her chair, biting her lip. She seemed at a loss for words.

"Thanks," she whispered, turning her attention to her almost empty plate.

"You're welcome," I answered, unsure of what else to add.

We finished our dinner in an awkward silence. I wanted to break the silence, yet I didn't know how. And now, I could have very well ruined my chances with Bella. I was surprised that she had even agreed to have dinner.

"I'm going to the ladies room," she stated after she had finished her meal. She placed the dark blue cloth napkin to the side of her plate before making her way across the restaurant to the restrooms.

I ordered the chocolate cake topped with chocolate mousse and chocolate shavings. I knew she adored chocolate and I was well aware that Ray's Restaurant had the best chocolate cake in town. It would be a dessert she would enjoy, if she came back at all.

Bella Swan

I made it to the ladies' room, leaning against the marble counter where the sinks were. Had he really meant what he said? Edward Cullen was only seen with beautiful women and there had to be something about me that attracted him. It was the logical conclusion, but logic didn't seem to work when it came to Edward.

As I stood in the bathroom I realized that I had a choice. I could go back into the restaurant and finish my dinner or I could run away. I knew running away was not really a way out. I would see him Monday. There was no escaping the embarrassment since we worked together.

But, besides the fact that I couldn't escape him, I knew I wanted to stay. I had enjoyed his company and part of me selfishly wanted another date. Was this even still considered a date? Would he want another date? I was completely confused and had no idea what anything meant. I felt lost.

I finished my business in the bathroom quickly. I had spent a good amount of time away from the table and I didn't want him to think I had left. I took a deep breath, trying to settle my nerves, before returning to Edward.

He was waiting for me at the table with a piece of chocolate cake with mousse, shavings, and two forks. I didn't know which looked more sinful…Edward or the cake.

"I took the liberty of ordering the Chocolate Temptation," he said causing me to blush. "I figured we could share dessert. Unless, you want your own, that is."

"We can share," I answered with a thankful smile. "It looks delicious."

"You haven't tasted delicious," he said as he picked up his fork and taking piece of cake. "This is the best dessert in Seattle."

"I find that hard to believe," I teased with a laugh. "I've had some pretty delicious chocolate."

"I assure you, not like this," he added, holding out the fork for me to taste.

I looked at him hesitantly. I was not one that liked to be smothered, but the chocolate combined with Edward was very hard to resist. After all, one bite wouldn't matter. It wouldn't kill me to be nice.

I allowed him to feed me the piece of cake and I couldn't stop the moan that escaped my lips. The chocolate was rich and smooth and tasted heavenly. I had never tasted something quite like it. He had been right.

"Do you like it?" he asked with an amused grin, dangling the fork between his fingers.

"No," I answered before taking the fork from him. I wasn't going to allow him to continue feeding me. I was able to do that myself. "I love it."

I took another bite realizing that Edward was staring at me, and had not tasted our dessert. "You should have some before I eat it all," I stated, trying to get the attention off of me. I hated being the center of attention.

He simply laughed and picked up the other fork before helping me finish the cake. Edward paid the bill not long afterwards, and I soon came to the conclusion that our night was coming to an end. Yet, for some strange reason I didn't want it to.

Edward slipped his arm around my waist as we walked out of the restaurant and towards my car. The restaurant was located right on the beach and if you listened you could hear the waves crashing against the rocks.

"I had a nice time tonight," I admitted shyly causing him to smile.

"I did too, Isabella," he stated, his hand staying on my waist. "Would you go out with me again next Friday?"

"I can't Friday," I answered dejectedly. I never knew what time Mike picked up Matt and I couldn't count on him to be on time.

Edward took a deep breath and I knew it sounded like I had rejected him. I just didn't know how to get him to suggest Saturday. Should I?

"Goodnight, Isabella," he said just as we reached my car. I could hear the dejection in his voice and I knew if I didn't say something he wouldn't. He had promised that it was only one dinner and he kept his word. Surprisingly.

"How about Saturday instead?" I proposed softly.

"Saturday is good," he answered with a smile on his face.

"But, there are conditions," I quickly added. I needed to set up ground rules before this got any further. I was sick of denying my attraction to him.

"Conditions?" he questioned.

"Things at the office stay professional. I do not want to seem like I'm getting special treatment. I want everything to stay as is," I explained, hoping he would agree. If I was going to do this, I needed to make sure my job was secure.

"I can handle that," he replied confidently. "Are lunch times included?" he questioned, already looking for a loophole to my 'rules.'

"Edward," I warned causing him to chuckle.

"I will be on my best behavior while at the office," he stated, looking directly into my eyes as he spoke.

"You have a piece of chocolate on your lip," he mentioned casually. His hand cupped my cheek a moment later.

I remained still as I waited for his thumb to brush it off, but was pleasantly surprised when he kissed me gently instead. It was a small peck on my lips, but it was enough to leave me breathless. It left me wanting so much more, but I was unable to do a thing.

"Goodnight, Isabella," he whispered, giving me his dazzling smile one last time before walking away.

I groaned in frustration once he out of earshot. Why had he only given me a small kiss? Did he not want more? It definitely was not enough.

Edward Cullen

I walked away from Bella, figuring it would be best to leave her wanting more. I had been severely tempted to kiss her. I wanted nothing more than to push her against the car and feel her small warm body against mine.

But, I had to be patient. It was much easier said than done, but I knew I had played my cards correctly. She had agreed to go on another date. Yet, the fact that she had plans for Friday bothered me. Was there another man? I didn't even want to think of the possibility that there was.

I jumped into my Volvo licking my lips. I had completed step one.

A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed my early update. I decided to post in the afternoon rather than waiting until tonight. I know all of you were more than anxious for this chapter and had plenty of ideas and suggestions.

Some of you may have noticed that this story now has a thread over at the Twilighted Forums. I do lurk around there from time to time, and plan on being around much more. What does that mean? It means that I want all of you to discuss the story. I will post previews every Friday and may drop hints or facts throughout the week. But, this all depends on how involved you guys are. I want to hear your thoughts and predictions. Go ahead and check things out! I will have a thought to ponder later on today or tomorrow!

Next Chapter: Next Day at Work

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