A/N Hi guys! Thanks for all the reviews and adds and stuff. Awesome times. Here's the next chapter where you'll get to see how they met, see them meet again and find out who the manager is and why Edward hates him so much.

Read and review and stuff, LOL!

"Oh man, get whatever you want. This is on me," Emmett beamed from opposite side of the table.

Edward laughed at the sight of his large friends in the booth. Normally two people could sit comfortably on one side, three at a squeeze. No one was sitting next to Emmett McCarty. "Well thanks, man, for buying me a lunch where it is impossible to spend over twenty dollars."

Emmett huffed. "You got promoted to Detective, you didn't save the world from aliens."

Edward rolled his eyes as he scanned the menu, already knowing what he'd order anyway. "When you became Detective I took you Vegas for the weekend where you won a grand and met Rose. I think in comparison you buying me a cheeseburger and a milkshake kind of sucks."

His friend shook his head. "Ungrateful."

"Ungrateful and hungry, where's our waitress? Is she killing the cows out back and cooking them fresh?" he asked impatiently. He hadn't eaten right for days due to his nerves. Now that it was over her was ready to pig out. Especially when Emmett was buying.

A sweet voice drawled from above them, "It's very sexist to assume the person waiting on your table will be a woman. And no I'm not 'killing the cows out back and cooking them fresh' I'm working. Something you don't know much about since you're in a diner at three o'clock in the afternoon on a Monday."

Both men turned to look at the woman who obviously wasn't impressed with either of them.

Edward took in the young woman who couldn't be more than twenty five. She had her long dark hair tied back into a ponytail, her thick bangs high lighting her big chocolate brown baby doll eyes and her full lips that made a man's mind his the gutter.

The ugly and unflattering mustard yellow dress and apron she wore couldn't hide her curvaceous figure and Edward found it cute that she wore converse with her outfit.

Her name tag said she was Bella and was happy to help, but he could tell she didn't give a shit about him or Emmett. He didn't know why he liked her attitude but he did.

Emmett gave her his most charming smile that usually made panties drop but this woman looked at him blandly. "We do have a job. Pretty important ones, in fact. And tell me, if you weren't slaughtering cows out back what were you doing?"

The woman huffed. "While you were sitting here, not doing your oh so important jobs, I was cleaning up a spillage before someone could break their neck and sue. Then I had to still get people their orders on time in between. that Then I had an old man grab my ass and complain when I threatened to break his jaw. Then I got yelled at my by manager who stares at my rack every time we're in the same room. Then I had to come back out and fix the coffee machine because people were already starting to think the end of this beautiful Earth was coming because they had to wait for five seconds for their coffee." She smiled wryly. "Then I had to come out and hear two useless idiots complaining that they had to wait to order when in reality they'd been sitting there for less than a minute. But hey! I've just been sitting on my ass doing nothing," she drawled. "What were you doing today? Watching porn and fondling you in your mother's basement? I'm going to take your silence as a yes," she added with a sweet smile.

Edward had to bite back his laughter at Emmett's stunned expression. Rule number one, never piss off your waitress.

"I'm sorry," he apologized smoothly. "I was in the wrong completely. In my defense I haven't eat well in days because I was waiting on this promotion that I've basically been working for since I was a kind and was nervous. Please accept my deepest apologies on behalf of me and my friend."

Edward was used to that tone, that smile, and that intense look in his eyes getting him off the hook for everything. It had never failed him.

Until today.

The waitress rolled those eyes and muttered. "Whatever. What can I get you before you disintegrate and I lose out on tips?"

Blinking, Edward mumbled his order and then she turned those eyes onto Emmett who quickly rattled off the order that would easily feed five people. To her credit she didn't look shocked, just nodded before walking away.

Emmett leaned forward. "Remember when I was held at gunpoint in that armed robbery when we first joined the force? She was scarier than the sight of that man's finger pulling the trigger and putting me in the hospital for a month," he added after Edward and nodded.

Edward smiled but his thoughts were on the woman and how cute she looked with that spark of anger in her eyes.

When the waitress, Bella, came back she placed their food down without a word and then strolled away. Edward subtly watched her out of the corner of his eye flirt with the man behind the counter. The man was tall and gangly with bright blue eyes and his best version of a beard. He couldn't have been older than Bella and his nerves were apparent in the way he began to sweat and fidget when she leaned over the counter to chat to him.

The woman maybe surly, but she had one nice ass, he thought as she leaned forward and laughed at whatever the boy said.

"Hey," Emmett hissed. "Don't let her catch you checking her out. I'm afraid of her as it is. Do you think she spat in our food?" he asked with a worried frown. Emmett didn't like to miss meals.

Edward shook his head. "She was pissed off and rude, but I don't think she'd risk her job just to get one over on us."

Emmett seemed satisfied with the answer and dug into his food. They both ate quickly and after they were finished Edward went to the counter to pay. Emmett had 'forgotten' his wallet. He encouraged Edward to leave a good tip so they could return without fear of eating saliva.

After he'd settled up with the boy who obviously had a crush on the annoyed waitress, he went to grab Emmett who was on the phone. His eyes told Edward that it wasn't a personal call and so he sat down to wait until he was finished.

While waiting for Emmett to finish up the waitress returned and placed a white take-away box onto the table.

"What's that?" he frowned.

The waitress sighed. "I realised I was a little harsh on you before. You deserved it, you shouldn't be an ass to people, but I realize I may have over reacted. A little."

Her flushed cheeks and stiff posture told Edward that she was both reluctant to apologize and embarrassed. He decided to go easy on her since he was in such a good mood today. And she was cute, he admitted to himself easily.

"Don't worry about it."

She nodded her head and then gently pushed the box in his direction. "That's for you."

Edward lifted the lid to see an apple pie inside. "I don't understand. Did he order this?" he scowled at Emmett who gave him a confused look.

Her cheeks flamed even brighter. "You said you got the promotion, right?"

Edward nodded slowly. "Yeah."

The waitress huffed. "Well, you said you got the promotion. So, just... take it. It's on me."

Edward smiled. So she wasn't so bad after all and she was pretty adorable when she was embarrassed. "You want to get a drink with me sometime? You know, when I'm not masturbating in my mother's basement. Which I haven't done since I was a teenager, by the way."

She blinked those huge eyes in confusion. "You're asking me out?"

Edward gave her his best smile. A smile that got him everything. "Yeah, I am."

Her lips pinched in anger. "You're unbelievable."

With that she turned and walked away, leaving Edward gaping in his seat. "Is that a yes?" he called after her.

The waitress didn't turn around as she replied, "That's a hell no, jackass," as she pushed through the double doors that forbade anyone but staff from entering.

Emmett, finished with his phone call, asked, "What was that about?"

Edward smiled as he pushed the box towards his friend. "She gave me a pie because I got the promotion. And then told me to go to hell when I asked her out on a date. Isn't that something?"

Emmett grinned as he pulled the box into the safety of his arms. "You know what I think when a girl gives you free pie, Edward?"

Edward grinned sarcastically. "That you're not going to share it?"

He shook his dark head. "No. Marry her."

Edward had gone back to that diner every day for two weeks, asking her out every single time. It had taken charm, a lot of persuasion and ever flirting technique he knew before she had eventually said yes. Another month after that until he'd finally gotten her and those generous curves of hers into his bed.

It turned out her bitchy attitude in the diner was just a case of having a bad day. Bella was unbelievably sweet, a little bit of a nerd and made him laugh constantly. For a man who had just joined Homicide it meant a lot that he could go home to someone as supportive as Bella who made him laugh even in his darkest moments.

Until he screwed up that is. Edward knew it had been his fault as to why she walked away and the thing was he didn't know how much she meant to him until she said goodbye. He didn't know how much he loved her until it was too late. By that point Bella had moved on, she had been signed to a record label and was taking off in the world.

He had messed up and lost her and he could only blame himself, he thought as she belted out the song that made his heart ache. Bella's voice never failed to give him goose bumps and make his heart beat a little faster.

Edward knew she hadn't noticed him standing there in a dark corner of the room. As the song wound down and the prick beside him informed the people working the mixing station to cut the music Edward felt himself stiffen.

Well here goes nothing, he thought as he walked into the light and for the first time in five years met the eyes of the girl who got away.

Oh. Hell. No.

Isabella Bowen had been having a great day, all things considered. Yes, she had a psychotic stalker who was majorly freaking her out but on the bright side she was back in Nashville for the first time in five years, she was recording new music and she was with her friends.

Bella didn't feel like she could complain about the one negative thing in her life when she had so many positives. That kind of philosophy went out the window when she finished the song she was recording and through the glass met a pair of intense green eyes.

Only one man had eyes like that, she knew. They were the eyes that could look into your soul, the kind of eyes that could make you feel like the only woman on the planet, or like you didn't mean all that much.

Unfortunately for her, Bella had seen the latter in those green eyes one too many times.

A voice filled her ears, the voice of one of her closest friends and manager, Jasper Whitlock. "Hey, Bells, you want to come out here for a minute. These officers would like to talk with you."

Oh God, she thought a little desperately. Five years later she wasn't ready to see him yet. Especially looking like shit in jeans and a hoody. The last time she spoke to him she had knew that she needed to walk away. The last time she'd seen him he'd had his mouth attached to a blond. It had only been a week after she'd ended their nine month relationship and he'd already moved on.

It had destroyed her heart, but it had also helped her to move on herself.

Do not make yourself look like an asshole, Bella, she mentally ordered herself. You will walk up to him and be nice and polite and act as if you didn't care that he'd broken your heart and then stamped on the pieces a week later. You will be cool and casual.

Nodding her head, more to her inner voice than to Jasper, she placed the headphones back on the holder and made her way quickly out of the live room to face the man who haunted her.

As Bella made her way towards her best friend and the two men who she hadn't seen in years, she couldn't help but to let her eyes take him in.

Along with a killer pair of eyes, Edward Masen had an unusual shade of thick bronze hair that had made her look twice, a strong jaw line and a straight nose. He was handsome at work, sex God at best. Unfortunately for Bella, he'd always leaned towards the sex God title in her mind.

The black suit and tie couldn't hide the tone and trim body underneath. While he was devastating in the suit, Bella could remember how hot he had looked in an old ratty t-shirt and worn out jeans. And better yet, she could remember what he looked like without a single stitch on. Those images had kept her warm on plenty of cold nights.

Trying not to be completely obvious that she was drinking him in like a cool glass of water in the Sahara desert, Bella turned her attentions to the bear of a man next to him and smiled.

Emmett McCarty stuck out like a sore thumb. He was big and brawny and looked like he could handle himself against that ogre from Wrath of the Titans. Better yet, he looked as if he'd win.

His smile though, had always been infectious and his laugh could light up a city. What she'd always liked more than anything was that despite his mouthwatering good looks and edge of danger that drew women like flies around honey, he loved Rosalie.

Bella had been jealous of the way his eyes sought her out as soon as he entered the room. She had wanted someone to wrap her up possessively in her arms the way he did with her friend, she wanted the love and the devotion. She had never found it so she guessed it sucked to be her.

That wasn't fair, she scolded herself. She had once had love, but it just hadn't been like the kind she wanted, the kind she yearned for.

"Hi Emmett," she greeted with a warm embrace as greeted them. Despite ending things with Edward and leaving the state she had stayed in contact with Emmett and Rosalie over the years.

From the look of surprise, that was quickly hidden, she caught on Edwards face; she guessed Emmett had filled him in on that fact.

"It's nice to see you, Bella. I've missed you," he smiled. "Why didn't you call me?" he growled five seconds later.

Bella had the grace to blush. No, she hadn't told Emmett about the stalking, had even asked his wife to keep it from him. In her defense she had been told to keep it quiet until certain people were ruled out. Emmett had been one of the people who had quickly been ruled out.

"Sorry, Emmett, but this guy makes the rules," she tried to joke as she took a step back and tilted her head towards Jasper an

Emmett's dark eyes went cold and assessing as he flew to Jaspers face.

Easily in the top five of the most handsome men she'd ever met, Jasper Whitlock was tall, really tall, and muscular and had a head full of honey blond hair. His eyes were a warm brown and his heart was bigger than the Mississippi river.

"And why is that?" he asked with more than an edge to his voice.

Before I could object, Jasper casually shrugged his shoulders in no way intimidated by my bear of a friend. "I wanted to rule out if was any of Bella's friends. If it had been you I wouldn't have let Bella come back to Nashville in the first place."

Bella glared at her friend. "Let? Who are you kidding? And you know it's not Emmett. I've known him for years."

Jasper nodded. "I know that. Now. But until we know for sure who this is Bella, I don't trust anyone."

Bella tried not to melt at his words, but come on. How sweet was that?

Deciding that she was a grown up now, she had her big girl panties to prove it, ignoring Edward would be not only childish but stupid. So they hadn't ended on the best of circumstances and she'd castrated more than one voodoo doll of him, people moved on. Well, most people, she thought wryly.

Silently counting to ten she turned to face the man she had loved with her whole heart. The man she still loved despite the fact that he'd made it abundantly clear that she would never be a priority for him. Five years and she still loved him. Not that he needed to know that or would ever know that.

Some things were just too pathetic to ever say out loud. Very few people knew just how badly screwed up her heart and head was and he would never be one of them. Bella had her pride.

"Hi Edward," she smiled as she reached up to give him a quick, warm hug.

See? I can do this, she thought a little hysterically. If anyone saw her now it would be as if she were just greeting an old friend. The ugly past forgotten. Hakuna matata and all that jazz.

Okay, maybe I'm more than a little hysterical, she thought as she counted to three and let go of Edward and took a step back. No need to grip on for dear life because she missed him after all these years. No need to inhale deeply enough until she could keep his woodsy fragrance forever.

No need to put the man in a choke hold for getting over her so quickly. It was five years and she was fine with it.

Bella could still remember the day she'd met Edward Masen. She had been in the middle of a bitch of a shift at the diner she had worked in at the time and everything had gone wrong. Then he'd came in with his jackass friend and despite wanting to hate him, she couldn't.

Instead she had given him and apple pie, which she had later regretted. Who gives a random stranger a pie after snapping at him? A crazy person, that's who. Bella had been mortified after he'd left and had remained embarrassed until the next day when he'd returned and asked her out. He'd returned every day for two weeks until she'd finally said yes.

It was both the best and the worst decision of her life.

"Hello Bella," he murmured back. "How are you?" he demanded with a frown, his eyes filled with concern.

After all this time that look never failed to make her heart skip a beat. He was just so... intense. It had always made her feel like he could see through whatever facade she had tried to put up. She only hoped like hell that time had made her a little harder for him to read.

Bella smiled cheerfully. "Oh, you know, stalkers, new album, and unpacking boxes. The usual.

Edward winced. "Unpacking boxes are a bitch," he teased.

Bella wanted to groan. There was nothing worse than Edward Masen when he was being charming and cute.

Bella shrugged. "It's ripping the sticky-tape off that gets you. See?" she held up her hand to show her short fingernails. "I had a French manicure rocking a couple of weeks back. Complete waste of money."

Edward grinned. "You should write one of your letters. Let the bastards know what they've done."

Bella's heart squeezed. He remembered. Bella had never been one for tearing down anything but when something really got under her skin she had written letters. Hundreds of letters, to the government, the local newspaper in her home town and anything else that irritated her. Edward had always made fun of her for it, before saying how cute it was and kissing her forehead.

The easy banter stilled as they both stared into each other's eyes. It was crazy at how they both clicked right back into their flow. Their relationship had been full of easy banter, teasing, passionate nights and explosive fights. It had been wonderful and infuriating at the same time.

Bella didn't know just how much she missed it until this moment. Clearing her throat and tearing her mind from dangerous subjects she forced her eyes away from those beautiful green ones and over to a set of dark eyes that watched them intently.

"So, what are you guys doing here? Unless a body has been found and you have something horrible to tell me, this shouldn't involve you in anyway." Bella knew she may sound a little defensive but couldn't help it.

Emmett shrugged. "The Chief wanted his best on this. Apparently having a famous singer stalked is a big deal to the Mayor," he added with a dry stare in Jasper direction.

To give Jasper his credit once again, he met Emmett's intense gaze without blinking. "You got a problem with that, Detective?"

Bella blinked. "Jazz, you got the Mayor involved in this? You been throwing your weight around again?"

Jasper scowled. "It's getting worse, Bella. I thought if you were back home it would get better, but it's followed you here. It's also affecting Jessica and Mike and their family. It needs to get fixed. Now. And since this prick had obviously followed you here then we need the best they got. Whether or not they prove to be the best remains to be seen," he added coolly.

Bella blinked. Jasper Whitlock should hate her. He had given her his all but she hadn't been able to love him the way he needed. Instead of hating her or walking away he had remained her close friend and had eventually met Alice, his wife. His happiness didn't mean she hadn't hurt him through and here he was, going out on the line to make sure she was safe.

She didn't deserve a friend like him but she wouldn't give him up for anything.

Blinking back tears that threatened to flow, her gaze once again flickered to the man in front of her. She was shocked to see him glaring at Jasper in open hostility. Yes, it must have pissed him off to be questioned, but the man looked murderous.

"So, you're on the case? What do you want to know?"

Edwards's eyes returned to hers. "Everything."

An hour later Edward and Emmett had been fully caught up with the case and Edward had to give Whitlock credit for the file he had made. A file that had both of their names written on the list of suspects.

When Emmett and pointed that out, Whitlock had merely looked unblinkingly into his eyes. Edward knew he wouldn't' apologize for jack shit. He wished a small part of him didn't respect that.

Edward wanted to hate Bella's manager and a big part of him did. With a passion.

A year after she had walked out of his life Edward had heard that she had made it to the big time and was becoming a huge hit in the country music industry. It was then as he'd been flicking through the television one day that he'd seen a picture of Bella on the screen . Turning the channel back quickly he listened as the presenter prattled on enthusiastically about new sensation Isabella Bowen dating her manager Jasper Whitlock.

Edward's heart had lurched painfully when pictures had flashed on the screen of the couple laughing and kissing as they strolled along a sunny beach. He knew he didn't have any right to feel hurt, especially since he was seeing another woman at the time, but it had killed him to see those pictures.

After that day he hadn't paid any attention to her rising career. If something came on about her on the television, he turned it over. If her song came on the radio, he switched it off. His friends had looked at him like he was crazy at first, but as time went on they got used to it.

It was strange to think that the woman who had told him to go to hell before storming out of his life had hugged him so warmly when they met again. Bella had been her usual funny and sweet self and Edward was man enough to admit he missed her like crazy.

He missed those eyes and her laugh. He missed her way she could crack a joke even when she was obviously scared out of her mind. And it had been obvious that she was scared. Anyone looking at Bella as she recited finding letter after letter, gift after gift would think she was cooler than ice, but he knew her. Bella had never been able to cope with fear very well and so relied on humor to cope. It was a normal reaction but it killed him to see it in her eyes.

"What protection do you have, Bella?" he asked remotely. Edward was in full on detective mode now and the outfit felt like a second skin, fitting him perfectly.

Bella bit her lip. "Well, there's Jake over there. He goes everywhere with me," she pointed at a tall Native American man who stood quietly in the corner. Edward had spotted him as soon as he walked into the room. His dark eyes were restless, his body still but Edward knew he was ready to pounce.

He nodded. "Good. And your house."

"It's just outside of town. The security there is all but coming out of my ass," she joked. "There's the house which has alarm system, sensors on the windows and all that jazz. Ever since we moved back I had night security that patrols the grounds. It's kind of weird, but it helps me sleep a night."

A lie, Edward thought as he looked into her eyes. Make up could hide dark circles, but he knew Bella and he knew when he was tired. He could guess she hadn't had a good night's sleep since it had first begun.

"Have you thought about getting a dog?" Emmett asked.

Bella smiled. "I have one."

Emmett smiled. "Good. Is he big?"

Whitlock grinned. "Mango is an English Toy Terrier. He's ten inches from the ground up and weighs eight pounds ringing wet."

Edward watched in amusement as Bella scowled at her friend and ex-lover. Damn, even thinking of it sent fury raging through his veins and an ache in his heart that he couldn't focus on right now.

"I'll have you know he is very suspicious of strangers," she argued like that made it any better.

Whitlock rolled his eyes but didn't argue. "So, gentlemen, we've told you everything we know. We've given you everything we've got. Is there anything else we can do?"

Edward wanted to punch him but refrained. If he got his ass kicked off the case for kicking the shit out of her ex-boyfriend then he couldn't protect Bella.

"No, that's all for now. He or she hasn't called you at home and despite a very small guard dog, you sound safe enough. We do suggest not going anywhere alone. If he calls or sends anything, call the police immediately and don't communicate with him. Call us and let us handle it, Bella."

She nodded. "Of course. Don't worry, Edward, Jaspers gone all mother hen on me. The only alone time I have is when I go to sleep."

A wave of satisfaction filled Edward and he wasn't even ashamed of it.

Emmett spoke before he could smile. "We do suggest that any public events be cancelled. There's no reason to risk the safety of you or those around you more than absolutely necessary."

Whitlock nodded. "Not a problem. Bella did have a few concerts booked while in town but they've been cancelled."

A fact, Edward thought, that made her feel guilty. "Hey, it's for the best."

Bella nodded. "I know, I just hate letting them down."

It was Edward's turn to nod. How many times had she said that if she made it big that she would always be good to her fans. Even if she only had one fan, she would joke, she would make sure they went away happy.

He got to his feet. "We'll get working on this and keep you informed. If anything happens you have our number. Call 911 first and then us, got it?" he said to Bella.

She smiled. "Got it. Thanks for helping, guys. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a song to record," she smiled before heading back into the live room.

Whitlock turned to them. "I didn't know the Chief would put you on the case. I'm guessing he doesn't know that the two of you know her personally."

"No," Edward snapped. "And I want to keep it that way. I won't let the fact that I know Bella get me taken off this case. You wanted to best and now you have it. I suggest that if Bella means something to you then you'll keep quiet."

Whitlock blinked at Edward's sharp tone, but nodded. "Fine. As long as Bella's safety isn't jeopardized then it stays between us. If I think that either of you are letting personally feelings get in the way then getting pulled off this case will be the last of your worries. Detectives," he nodded once more before turning away.

"Jeez, Edward, snap his head off why don't you?" Emmett drawled as he watched Bella get setup up for her next song.

Edward glared at the blond bastard in his expensive suit. "I hate the bastard."

Emmett's chuckled rumbled throughout the room. "You would have never guessed."

Instead of leaving straight away, Edward stood there and watched as Bella pressed her fingertips to the large headphones that all but covered her head and began to sing into the microphone.

This song wasn't sad or heart wrenching, it was sexy and sassy. She sang of gunpowder and lead and what girls were really made of. It was catchy and Bella looked more badass in her jeans and hoody then some women did in their leather jackets and studded boots. A slight smile lit her face as she belted out the chorus and that smile sent a jolt of lust straight to his gut. There was nothing sexier than a sassy and confident Bella.

It was Emmett who spoke, breaking the trance that Edward wasn't even aware he was in. "We need to go. There's a lot to be done."

Edward nodded. "Let's get to work."

"Edward?" Kate greeted as Edward pulled up at a red light. He had just dropped Emmett off at the station to make some calls while he went out of the lunch run. A perfect time to speak to his girl.

Ever since speaking to Bella, Edward hadn't been able to keep his mind off anything else. In the end Emmett had snarled at him to go out and get the food since he was doing nothing else but mooning around after the girl he fucked it up with.

He had to agree.

"Hi, baby, just checking in." It was something he did often and didn't care if it embarrassed her.

"Everything's fine. Angie asked if I could sleep at hers tonight. Is that okay?"

Edward frowned. "What about school?"

Kate sighed and he could all but see her roll her eyes. "It's a Friday, Edward. Besides, I can be back bright and early in the morning and get started on homework," she teased. Even Edward had to laugh at that. Kate's Saturdays were all about catching up on her television shows and shopping with whoever was willing to go.

"Fine, but don't stay up too late." There, that sounded fatherly and responsible.

"Yes!" she cheered. "Thanks Edward. So, did you have time to think about the concert?"

Edward flinched. With everything that had gone on today he'd completely forgotten about the concert. "I'm sorry, baby. I'll get back to you."

"Ugh," she groaned. "What's so difficult? Yes or no? Whatever, I have to go," she said before Edward could speak. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Edward flinched again as she hung up on him. How badly could he screw up in one day?

A/N So what do you think? Thoughts, feelings, random dreams you'd like to share with me? Let me know! Song Bella was singing is Gun Powder and Lead by Miranda Lambert, loving that song at the moment.