Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.I also don't own Sleeping with the Enemy. The book belongs to Nancy Price and the movie belongs to Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.

Sleeping with a Monster

Previously…

So, I pawned it. I found the most run down, pawnshop in the worst part of town and pawned it. My wedding ring held absolutely no sentimental value whatsoever. James had spent a small fortune on it. In return, I would treat it as an offending piece of jewelry and sell it to the lowest bidder. Just gesture represented the complete disrespect James had given me during my marriage to him. I know it was spiteful, but it felt so good.


Chapter 7 – The Nephew

Heat accosted my face like the blast from an open oven door as I opened the door to my car and got out. Arizona in late-July was like nothing short of a furnace.

I was used to heat in Florida, but not like this. At least it's not humid. I was glad I had donned a pink tank top and a light cotton skirt with a floral design and a ruffle along the hemline. My flip-flops and sunglasses completed my summer look. I took in the sprawl that was the Phoenix area and smiled. I was excited to start making a new life for myself.

I had spent almost 3 months leisurely going to all those places I had always wanted to see when I was a kid. Everything between Florida and Arizona with several detours along the way. I felt great. I was a healthy weight again, the dark circles were gone, my eyes were bright, my pale skin was bruise free and I was sporting a constant smile. My hair was a few inches longer now falling well past my shoulders, but it was no longer straight. James had always insisted that I wear it sleek and straight. But it was naturally wavy and if I worked at it, I could get is to hold loose curls. It was so much easier to style curly than straight especially during my perpetual vacation. And now it was time to get a job, start making friends, doing what I wanted to do with my life.

I looked around at the gas station I had stopped at to see if I could see an attendant. I was near the garage and decided to check there first.

"Excuse me," I said motioning so someone behind a car whom I could only assume was the mechanic. "Can you tell where this address is?" I asked a young man who came out from behind the car; he probably wasn't much younger than I was. He was tall, with dark russet colored skin and long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail at the back of his neck. He looked at me with his black eyes, and he smiled the most contagious smile I had ever seen. It was bright like the sun. I couldn't help but smile back. His boyish good looks and charm reminded me of a kid brother who was always into mischief. The kind of kid who had something up his sleeve and was waiting for the big reveal, playing it oh so cool.

His approach was an easy lope as he neared me. He stopped to tower over me before he looked at the address I had for the rental in Scottsdale.

"You're not far at all. It's just go around that corner there," he said pointing. "Then go down five blocks, turn left, take the second right and you should be able to find it from there." Then he smiled at me again.

"Thanks." I blushed a little at his close proximity to me.

"You must not be from around here," he said with a small chuckle. I looked at him with a confused look on my face, which caused to chuckle harder. "Your lack of a tan gives you away," he offered.

"Oh, that!" I realized he was referring to my always-pale skin. "I'm always like that. My skin doesn't tan very well. But you're right, I am new in town," I said with a smile. But he then he looked over my shoulder at my car and shook his head.

"What?" I said, my eye following his gaze to look at my car and then back at him again, glaring at him a little annoyed. What could possibly be wrong with my car?

"Your car is another give away," he added, still shaking his head.

"What, used Nissan Altima's aren't 'Arizona' approved cars?" I asked adding emphasis to the word Arizona.

"Nah, your car is great. It's the windows that aren't. You might want to get those tinted." He had a smug little smile in his face, but before I could ask, he added, "Tinted windows cut down on the heat inside the car and help your interior last a little longer."

"Oh," I said. Oh? Good come back Bella.

He smiled at my 'witty' comment before he said, "I can help you with that if you decide you want those tinted."

"I'll let you know. Thanks!" I gave him a chagrinned smile.

"Well then, let me be the first to welcome you to Scottsdale!" he said as he held out a greasy hand. "The name's Jacob Black."

I looked at his greasy hand, looked back up at him, and raised my eyebrow. It took him a moment before he realized why I would not shake his hand. He ducked his head in embarrassment as he mumbled a 'sorry' and wiped off his hand with a rag stuck in his back pocket.

"Bella Thomas," I said with a smile as I offered my hand this time. "And thanks for the welcome. You are the first person I've met." He smiled as he shook my hand. Wow, this seemed so easy with this stranger – like being with a brother or best friend.

"Well, I'd better be going so I can get settled. It was nice to meet you Jacob," I said with a grin. It was nice to meet someone and he seemed like a nice guy at first glance. Of course, he could be an ax murderer for all I knew, but I met someone all the same.

"Nice to meet you, Bella," he said emphasizing my name at the end as I turned to leave. He waved as I drove off and I returned the gesture.

I quickly found the house, per Jacob's instructions. It sat on a quiet street with a palm tree in the front yard. It was a small ranch style house with terra cotta shingles and a stucco exterior. The front walk snaked up to the front door, making a nice little path surrounded by colored rock and desert plants. There rest of the yard was covered with a small patch of grass that completed the look. The front of the house had a covered porch area with a swinging bench. The garage was to the left and helped shade the porch from the western sun.

I pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. I sat there for a moment looking at the surrounding houses. Most of the homes had the same terra cotta shingles and stucco exteriors. They differed in floor plans and styles, but you could see similar homes repeated along the street.

The phone Carlisle and Esme had given me started to ring. Almost all my calls went to them. I really didn't know anyone else well enough to exchange phone numbers. I was hoping to change that little circumstance of my life now that my 'vacation' was over. I pulled the phone out of my purse and flipped it open.

"Hello," I said into the phone.

"Bella!" she almost shouted into to phone. She must of have pulled the phone away from her mouth because her voice suddenly sounded far away as she said.

"Carlisle! Bella's on the phone." I couldn't help buy smile at Esme's enthusiasm.

"Can I talk to her?" Carlisle said somewhere next to Esme.

"Not yet! I haven't had my turn yet," Esme laughed and I could hear a playful 'smack' that I could only assume was Esme smacking Carlisle on the shoulder or something.

Esme's voice was back to the phone again as she said, "How are you dear? I miss you so much. Did you make it to Scottsdale okay? Did you find the house?" I couldn't help but chuckle at Esme's rapid-fire questions. She made me feel loved with her intense interest in me and all that I'm doing.

"Hold on Esme. I can only answer one question at a time," I said still chuckling. Esme giggled and sighed. "Well, I'm waiting then – one at a time."

"Okay then… I'm fine, well better than fine. I'm doing great," I said with a huge smile on my face. "I miss you too. My trip was fun. In fact, I'm in Scottsdale, sitting in the driveway of the house," I said in a rush.

"Does that answer the first round of questions?" I teased still smiling.

"Oh yes! So what do you think? Do you like the house? Did Edward do a good job decorating it? I wish I could see it. I should have gone out there and made sure it doesn't look like a college bachelor pad." Excitement was emanating from her voice.

"Esme!" I was laughing out loud now at her funny little rant. "Settle down! I haven't gone in yet. I just pulled in, but I like what I see so far and the neighborhood looks good," I added.

"Well what are you waiting for? Get your little self in there and let me know what you think!" she said with another laugh. "Oh, Carlisle wants to talk to you." She handed the phone off before I had a chance to reply.

"Bella?" Carlisle said.

"Hi Carlisle! How are you?" I said. I was still chuckling a little Esme's enthusiasm at that prospect of decorating the rental.

"Good. I hear you had a good trip. Have you met Edward yet?" he said a little anxiously. What's up with that? Why would Carlisle be anxious about me meeting Edward? He's just a friend, isn't he?

"No, I haven't. I just pulled in the driveway. I haven't even got out of the car yet," I replied a little warily. "I'll tell you what. As soon as I meet him, I will call you. Okay?" I wondered why Carlisle was apprehensive.

"Alright. I'll be waiting. I'm sure you will have a few questions," he responded, sounding a little distracted.

"Okay. I'll call you in a little while," I replied, still confused by Carlisle's behavior. I ended the call and flipped my phone closed.

The same blast of heat accosted my system again as I opened the door to exit my vehicle. The heat was almost stifling this time, since I had cranked the air-conditioner in an effort to cool off the car and myself after my brief talk with Jacob. I grabbed my purse and the rental paperwork Carlisle had sent me before closing the door to the car. I walked up the path to the house and rang the doorbell. No answer.

Hm. "I must not be home," I mumbled to myself before I laughed at my silliness. Of course, no one was home, I haven't moved in yet. I shook my head at my idiotic self and walked to the house next door.

Carlisle told me the owner of the rental lived next door. I walked over to the next house and up the sidewalk. I had a sense of déjà vu, but quickly realized it was because this house was the same design to the one I would be renting. I rang the doorbell and turned to take in the landscaping of the yard. I was used to green, lush landscapes. Rocks and cactus with small patches of grass would take some getting used to. I was so lost in my observations that I didn't hear the door open.

"Ahem," A low voice said causing me to jump a little. I whipped around only to lose my balance, dropping my papers and purse. I was expecting my backside to meet the hard concrete of the front porch and closed my eyes waiting for the jolt. But nothing happened. I found myself in warm embrace that sent an oddly familiar jolted through my system. My eyes flew open and I found myself staring into the most beautiful emerald eyes I had ever seen.

I couldn't seem to find my voice; I was incredibly aware of the gorgeous man who had his strong arms wrapped tightly around my body. I could feel my cheeks growing hot with a blush as I realized neither of us had moved to break out of our embrace. He blinked a few times before he started to release me from his arms.

"Are you okay?" His velvety voice asked as his cheeks blushed a light pink. I barely heard him speak as I continued to stare at this god-like creature. Long dark eyelashes framed his emerald green eyes. He had high cheekbones, a straight nose and a chiseled face. His messy hair was the most unusual bronze color I had ever seen. I wanted to run my fingers through it. As I was ogling his full lips, wondering what they would feel like against mine, I suddenly realized he was still waiting for an answer to his question.

I ducked my head but then shyly looked back up at him and said, "Yes. Thanks for saving me from my clumsiness." I gave him wry smile.

Ugh, I can't believe I got caught staring at him! He probably thinks I'm an idiot; just dig a hole now. But who could blame me!

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," he replied with a crooked smile. I felt my heart skip a beat. He bent down to pick-up my forgotten paperwork and purse before handing them back to me. "Can I help you with something?" He said slowly, like I was an idiot. I mean, I completely forgot to respond to his apology and he was still holding out my things for me to take; I was just standing there, dumbfounded by this man.

"Oh! I guess my brain stepped out for a moment." I gave him an embarrassed smile. "I'm here about the rental. Are you Edward?" I said softly, hoping the

answer was yes. He chuckled at my obvious stupor.

"Yes. Edward Masen," he answered smiling again and my heart flip-flopped in my chest. "You must be Isabella?" he queried.

"Please, call me Bella, Bella Thomas." I suddenly found myself wishing I didn't have to lie to this man about my last name.

Edward smirked, "Okay, Bella, Bella Thomas." mimicking my introduction.

"Would you like to see the rental?" he asked.

"Yes I would, Edward Masen," I sassed back narrowing my eyes at him in mock sternness. Edward's smirk widened into a beautiful smile as he motioned for me to lead the way back down the path I had just traveled up to his front door.

"Have you been in Scottsdale long?" he inquired as we walked back to the house where my parked car was.

"I just arrived. You are the second person I've met," I said with a smile.

"What? I'm not the first?" Edward said with mock pain. Was he flirting with me? This god-like man?

Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "No, but you're certainly the best-looking man I've met today." Edward started laughing the most beautiful laugh. I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized what I said.

"Did I just say that out loud?" I said blushing profusely before I buried my head in my hands.

"If you're referring to the part about me being the best-looking man you've met today, then yes," Edward said still laughing at my faux pas.

"Well THAT was embarrassing," I mumbled after lifting my head from my hands. I started walking again, not quite sure what to say.

Edward looked at me, taking in my embarrassment. He must have took pity on my discomfort because he said, "If it makes you feel any better, you're the best looking woman I've seen in a long time." Of course, his comment only caused my already pink cheeks to blaze even more as I giggled. He really was sweet, even if he was only saying it to make me feel better.

We arrived at the front of the rental and Edward unlocked the door and held it open for me. I entered the house and immediately found myself in a tiled entryway. To the right was a formal living room with high vaulted ceilings. To the left were double French doors leading into an office area. We walked straight back past the living room and office as the entryway opened into a combination family room, kitchen and dining room. There were windows along the back wall and a glass door that led out to a patio and a small backyard, surrounded by a painted cinderblock wall. From where the entryway opened up into the family room, there was a hallway off to the left that led to a spacious master suite with a walk-in-closet and a bathroom. The hallway turned the corner back towards the front of the house to reveal another bathroom, a bedroom and a large laundry and storage room. The door to the garage was through the laundry room. The whole place was decorated in neutral colors with tile and carpet throughout the house. It was furnished, but it looked a little like hotel furniture. This made me think of Esme and I smiled. I knew she would have fit if she saw the furnishings.

"So you like it?" Edward said, misinterpreting my smile. But he was right; I did like the place. It was just the right size and the floor plan had an easy flow to it.

I beamed at him and said, "Yes! I'll take it." Edward and I started to discuss the particulars of the rental agreement when my cell phone went off. I smiled a 'sorry' to Edward as I flipped open the phone without looking at the caller ID.

"Hello?" I said, turning away from Edward for a moment.

"Bella?" Carlisle said on the other end.

"Carlisle! Didn't I just talk to you?" I scolded giggling.

He laughed and said, "Yes, I…"

"Has she seen the house? Does she like it?" I could hear Esme throwing questions at him in the background.

"Yes, Tell Esme I've seen the house and I like it." I turned to Edward and smiled in approval. Edward had a big grin on his face.

"Is Edward still there?" Carlisle said, sounding nervous again. What is Carlisle so nervous about? Maybe Edward is the ax-murderer. I scoffed at the thought and the route my mental ramblings were taking me. Of course I thought James was a pretty nice guy until I married him, so who was I to judge.

"Edward? Yes, he's right here. Do you want to talk to him?" I asked.

"Yes, but do you have any questions?" Carlisle was still acting nervous.

"About what Carlisle?" Now I was confused.

"Oh, well – Nothing right now. Will you put Edward on please?" he asked politely

"Sure," I replied. I held the phone out to Edward. "Carlisle would like to talk to you." Edward smiled and took the phone. "I'm going to get some things out of my car." I motioned to the door and Edward nodded as he took the phone.

"Hey, old man!" I heard Edward say to Carlisle as I walked towards the front of the house.

I opened my car, gathered up the trash from my cross-country trek, and threw it away in the trashcan at the side of the house. Then I grabbed my toiletry bag and my suitcase. I didn't really have a lot of stuff. It's amazing how little you take with you when you 'die.' I locked up the car again and headed back in the house. I walked past Edward and down the hall to put my few belongings in the bedroom. I tried not to eavesdrop on the conversation going on in the family room, but the house was small and his voice carried.

"Yes, Uncle Carlisle. I'll take care of it," Edward said, pausing to listen to Carlisle again. "Sure, I'll show her around the neighborhood. Don't worry about a thing. Tell Aunt Esme I love her… Yeah, me too… Talk to you later. Bye." Edward finished the call and closed the phone. I walked out of the bedroom when he finished talking. As I walked into the family room, something Edward said hit me like a ton of bricks. Did he say uncle Carlisle? I gasped as I realized who Edward was. Edward's head snapped up when he heard me.

"Are you Carlisle's nephew?" I asked as my face started to pale.


A/N: Woo Hoo! Bella and Edward have officially met! I will try to update by the weekend - I've got a really busy week. That's all I have to say. :) - SavageWoman