Hope you enjoy this chapter, and stick around, it's about to get fun!

SM owns everything twilight, I own the crazy things I come up with.

Ch 3

Bella

It's hard to believe it's been a week and a half since what I like to refer to as 'the incident.'

Edward and I have had so many projects thrown at us at work that we've been too busy to be awkward around each other. Surprisingly, Edward has proven himself tenfold. He seems to stay one step ahead all the time, constantly surprising me with the amount of work he can accomplish in a day.

So far we've been praised as a team on more than one project we've completed and even received recognition from the CEO of the company, who took us out to lunch earlier today. I made sure to make it obvious that the work was a group effort, so as not to diminish his contributions. There was no way I'd get all of it done without Edward. He's truly proven himself priceless.

It was Friday, and after lunch with the bigwigs we cranked out one more small project and called it a week.

"Have a great weekend."

"You too, Bella," Edward replied, getting his phone out of his pocket. A few keystrokes later and he was out of the office.

I finished the email I was writing to my mom in Florida and headed home.

Just as I walked in the door of my apartment the phone rang. I ran in grabbed it and looked at the caller ID. I flopped down on the couch before answering it. "I have a date with a glass of wine and my favorite bubble bath tonight, Alice."

"Fine, but tomorrow we're celebrating Rose's birthday at Sky City."

"That's at the top of the needle, right? Isn't that a bit touristy?"

"I thought so too, but it's where Rose wants to go," Alice explained. "Besides, it's a good reason to get dressed up and strut your stuff."

"Alice, you always strut your stuff," I joked.

"I sure do, and it's landed me a great catch."

"Oh really?" I questioned. "When did this happen?"

"You've been so busy with work lately you haven't had a chance to meet Jazz yet!" Alice screeched into my ear.

"Jazz? Like the type of music?" I got off the couch and headed into the kitchen to get a glass of wine.

"Don't make fun, Isabella, it's not nice," she scolded.

"Ok fine, when will I meet Jasper?" I poured a hefty glass of wine and put the bottle in the fridge for later.

"How did you know his full name?" Alice asked.

"Edward mentioned him at work, said it looked like you two were hitting it off at the bar. I figured they had to be one and the same." I took a nice long swig of my chardonnay. Alice went on talking about Jazz for a while and finally had to go when he arrived for their date.

I refilled my glass and spent the rest of the night in my tub, relaxing and catching up on my reading.

I woke the next morning to an annoying chime near my head. I threw my arm out from under the covers and searched the nightstand till I found the source of the offending sound. Opening my phone, I saw that Alice had texted me, informing me that we were going to meet at the top of the Space Needle at 7 pm.

Having all day to myself I did something I rarely do. I scheduled a manicure and pedicure at the nearby salon. After a nice afternoon of relaxation, I grabbed a snack and got ready to go out with the girls. I chose a nice black dress with a daringly low neckline and a pair of snakeskin stilettos. I threw on some accessories, spritzed myself with Chanel No. 5 and was out the door.

At exactly 7pm I entered into the restaurant and saw Alice sitting at the bar. I walked right over and gave her a hug.

"I feel like it's been so long!" Alice screeched as she hugged me back.

"It's only been a week, Alice." I rolled my eyes.

"It's still too long… Ohhh, you have to meet Jazz!" Alice turned me to the man sitting next to her. He had a mop of blonde hair and beautiful green eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Bella. I've heard a lot about you," he said with a southern drawl. I'm willing to guess most of that info came from Edward… great.

"You too."

I took the open seat on the other side of Alice and had just ordered a martini when our table was available. "I'll meet you guys in a minute," I said.

After my drink was ready and paid for I went in search of my friends. I could hear them laughing before I could see them. I rounded the corner and there they were. Alice and Rose were sitting next to each other in a circular booth with their men on either side. I went to slide into the booth but was met with a body. "Oh," I looked up and sure enough, sitting in the corner was the one and only… Edward.

"Oh… uh… hey guys," I stuttered out as I positioned myself in the booth, "Sorry it took forever for them to make my drink."

"Bella's here!" Rose shouted. She must have started celebrating already. Rose was generally a loud person to begin with but once she started drinking you never knew what was going to come flying out of her mouth. This was sure to be an interesting evening.

Alice looked from me to Edward quickly and threw me an apologetic look; she knew I'd have some words for her later.

The big guy next to Rosalie stuck his hand across the table and introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Emmett."

"Hi, I'm Bella," I replied. He was as huge as a quarterback.

"Emmy bear, this is my Bells," Rose slurred as she snuggled up to him and ran her finger down his shirt. I looked over at Alice who already knew what I was thinking.

"Rose apparently started celebrating without us," she explained.

"Yeah, 'Emmy bear' wanted to drink tonight too, so he invited me along as the designated driver," Edward chimed in, "Little did I know they'd already started when I got to her apartment."

We sat there chatting for a little and then the waitress came and took our order. We all ordered seafood of some sort, I chose the King Crab Legs. I have a weakness for seafood.

We just ordered another round of drinks when Alice started telling Rose all about her latest shopping excursion and how she found the perfect pair of Jimmy Choos.

While everyone was distracted by Alice's tale, Edward leaned over and whispered, "This isn't too weird for you is it?"

I shook my head, "No, not at all."

"Good." He paused as if he was considering something, then finally went with it, "You look beautiful by the way."

I felt my cheeks redden. How did he know how to just throw stuff out there like that? "Thanks, you look pretty nice yourself." He was wearing a pair of black pants, crisp white button down shirt and a thin black tie. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was a part of the mafia.

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Rosalie interrupted, loudly.

"Just small talk, nothing important," Edward replied sitting back up and taking a sip of the scotch he'd been nursing. When he set the glass down, he traced the rim with his forefinger. The torturously slow movement reminded me of the amazing things he can do with those fingers. Those thoughts held my attention till Alice drug me out of my trance.

"Hey Bells," she said as she nodded towards the bathroom.

"Sure," I answered her unasked question and the two of us got up. Rose was lost in the land of Emmett and didn't realize we left.

"What's with girls peeing together?" I heard Edward say to Jasper as we walked away. Silly boys, they'll never understand.

I didn't have to go, so I fixed my lipstick while Alice did her business. I caught her eyes when she came out of the stall. "Did you know he was going to be here?" I questioned.

"I didn't, I'm sorry. It's not too awkward is it? You two seem to get along," Alice said while washing her hands.

"No, it's ok," I said. "We've become friends I guess."

"I sense a 'but' in that sentence."

"It doesn't help that I think about jumping him in the supply closet every chance I get."

Alice didn't say anything but I knew the look on her face said I should continue.

"There's just something about him. I felt it that first night at the bar. And I can still feel it in the office sometimes."

"What do you feel?"

"He seems protective of me. And it feels like there's an electricity in the air when we touch… I dunno, I can't describe it I guess."

"Oh no, no need to describe. We all see it. There's something between you two, but I can't put my finger on it."

By this time Alice was done washing her hands and we headed back to the table. I told her I'd be right there and veered off towards the bar. I heard they sing to you if it's your birthday, and what better way to embarrass Rosalie?

While I was at the bar waiting for the manager to come and help me, a man came up and took the stool next to me. I made the mistake of glancing in his direction. He wore a faded pair of black pants and a jean jacket straight out of the 80's.

"Come here often?" he asked.

You've got to be kidding. Does anyone really use that anymore? I took a quick look at him and realized he probably doesn't know any current pick up lines. He looked old enough to be my father.

"Wow, that's very creative, did you come up with that one by yourself?" I couldn't help the words that few out of my mouth. My mother would tell me to respect my elders.

"Feisty… just the way I like 'em," he slurred as he took another sip of his drink.

I turned back to the bar to ignore him, but he inched closer. "You never did answer my question."

I turned my head towards our table and made eye contact with Alice. I rolled my eyes and she laughed. I turned back to the bar just in time to see the bartender hold up his finger, telling me it will be another minute. Great, now I get to sit next to bad pick up line guy longer.

If it was possible the creepy guy inched even closer to me, this time rubbing his hand down my arm. "You wanna just skip all the small talk and get out of here?" This guy was getting too close for comfort.

Just as I was about to tell him where to go I felt a hand on my back. I would have immediately whipped around and punched the person, but the hand felt familiar. The gentle tap of his fingers told me who it was.

"You ok, babe?" Edward asked, nuzzling my neck with his nose. I could feel the electricity around us. He very stealthily slipped between me and the creepy guy.

"Uh yeah, just waiting to talk to the manager," I replied, leaning into him, thankful for his role playing.

"Ok, well our dinner just arrived. Let's go eat, and I'll flag him down from the table." Edward took my hand and led me away from the bar.

As soon as we got out of earshot I leaned into him and said, "Thanks for that."

"No problem. Alice was keeping an eye on you, but I didn't like the way he was looking at you… almost like you were something to eat."

"Yeah, he didn't know when to take a hint." I shivered, remembering his gravelly voice and his cold fingers running down my arm.

We made our way back to the table, and as we arrived Alice threw me a confused look. I looked around to see what surprised her and saw our intertwined hands. How'd that happen? I remember him taking my hand to lead me away from the bar, but I don't remember much after that. As we got in the booth I dropped his hand like a hot potato, causing him to look up at me in question.

"Sorry, I didn't realize I never let go," I said as we rejoined the conversation at the table.

Dinner was excellent, and right as we were finishing I spotted the manager and called him over. Luckily, Rosalie was in the bathroom at the time and didn't hear our conversation. When Rosalie returned, Edward excused himself from the table.

We watched as Edward approached the manager and they talked for a minute. They returned to the table looking like they've known each other for years. "No problem, Edward. I'll send over complimentary dessert for your lovely wife and friends."

Edward thanked the man, and before I could pull my jaw off the floor, Alice spoke up, "Wife?"

"Yeah, I may have led him to believe my beautiful wife here," he put his arm around my shoulders, "was approached by an ass at the bar that needs to learn to keep his hands to himself."

"What?" I questioned.

"He's going to make sure the bartender keeps an eye open for overly drunk guys not taking a hint."

Just then a drool-worthy chocolate cake appeared at the table. Edward cut everyone a piece and passed them out.

It was love at first bite. I couldn't help but moan as my eyes closed and I savored the best chocolate cake I've ever had. "I haven't had anything this good in forever," I moaned.

"I beg to differ," Edward mumbled.

"What?" I asked. Did he just say what I think he said? Alice choked on the sip of water she was taking.

"Nothing," he covered quickly, turning red.

Obviously I wasn't the only one who heard him.

"You really are a charmer." Rosalie slurred.

"A charmer?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, you charmed your way into Bella's pants and now you charmed the pants off the manager."

I dropped my fork and it clattered against the plate, drawing attention my way. I didn't know what to say. I probably looked like a fish with my mouth opening and closing, nothing coming out.

It took me a minute but I finally found my voice. "That was uncalled for."

Alice came to my rescue. "Don't mind her, she's drunk."

"No, it's the truth. You've never had a one night stand before, why now? It's not your style."

You've got be kidding me. The one person who's had more one night stands than Paris Hilton, and she's questioning me? And in front of the subject no less! How dare she?

I tried to remain calm as I could as I glared at Rosalie and ground out, "Can we not discuss my choices here?"

Rosalie obviously didn't care who heard her because as she continued she seemed to get louder, "And how can you work next to him every day? I would have canned his ass the first day."

"What has gotten into you?" Alice asked, sounding appalled.

"A whole lot of vodka. I have a feeling she doesn't mean a word of what she's saying," Emmett said throwing himself into the conversation. I think he was trying to end it, and thankfully he was successful. Rosalie decided now was the time they were going to make out at the table like a bunch of horny teenagers.

I didn't know where to look, across the table sat at my best friend who apparently doesn't approve of my current situation, or next to me is the man who is the cause of my current awkward position.

I decided to cut my losses and call it a night. I could only handle being embarrassed for so long. I leaned over and let Alice know I was going and slipped her my part of the check. I got up and retrieved my coat from the coat room and was leaving the restaurant when a rock hard body was suddenly in my way.

Great, another drunk guy trying to hit on me, why did I have to attract the idiots of the world?

I turned around and looked up to find Edward's green eyes searching my face. "I've got to get them home," he said. "You gonna be ok?"

"Yeah, I'm just going to grab a cab." My quick escape wasn't happening as I had hoped. Why did he have to be concerned? What happened to the asshole of the morning after? Would I ever understand this man?

"Ok, hey do me a favor?" he asked but didn't give me time to respond. "Text me when you get home … so I know you're safe."

See? Why does he have to do that?

"Sure. Good luck with them. Keep an eye out, Rosalie tends to puke on people."

Edward hailed me a cab and made sure I was safely inside before going back into the restaurant to help the rest of our party home.

I walked into my apartment and kicked off my shoes.

What a night.

Just as I was taking off my dress I heard my phone chime. I finished changing and washed the makeup off my face before retrieving my phone from my purse.

Home yet?

The text came in not 15 minutes ago and I already had another one.

Are you ok?

Crap. I forgot to text Edward when I got home. I quickly sent him a reply.

Yes, thanks for the awkward evening.

I was expecting a witty reply when out of the blue my doorbell rang. I threw my phone on the couch and crossed the room to look out the peephole. There stood Mr. GQ himself. Why was he here? There was only one way to find out. I opened the door a crack and stuck my head out.

"Hi."

"Hi."

Well, this was going nowhere fast. I quickly tied the sash on my silk robe, thankful that I had put something on besides my skimpy sleep set, and opened the door all the way. "Come on in."

Edward walked past me and I got a whiff of his cologne. I've noticed he doesn't wear cologne on a daily basis, although I remember the smell from our first night together. It's a specific smell, something distinctly Edward. Just one whiff and I was transported back to a night I've tried to forget, but can't.

I closed the door and turned to see him standing in the middle of my living room. Since he left the restaurant, he'd loosened his tie and opened the first few buttons of his shirt, showing off some of his toned chest.

I probably stared at that piece of skin a little too long to be considered friendly.

I finally looked up to his face, a blush crossing my cheeks for being caught ogling, and the determined look he had on his face stopped me dead in my tracks. It was the sexiest thing I've ever seen.

"I think we need to have that talk now," Edward said in a deep voice. I knew that voice... he'd used it at the bar the first night we were together.

I think my jaw hit the floor… my heart starts racing… holy crap... he wants to talk?

Can I hold a decent conversation with him looking like he just stepped out of a magazine?

Mostly likely not.

I'll probably end up jumping him on my couch.

McHottie wants to talk about our weird relationship… I'm fucked.

At least I'm not wearing Granny panties.

There ya go guys. Reviews are awesome, so hit that little link right down there.

Special thanks to Jen aka iAMurPoison and James for all their help.

Tease: next chapter is going to be Edward pov. (at least partially)

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