A/N: Hope everyone had a great Holiday season! Here is the latest installment. I appreciate the feedback and support, Bella needed to regain some determination in the last chapter. I hope you will enjoy a less despondent leading lady for the time being. And I hope you guys are enjoying t he playlist – I'll keep updating as we go.

Chapter 14: Strength and Seduction

I held to my resolve on Monday night, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. No chatting, no emails, no innuendos. Restraining my desire was more than difficult, but I knew Edward would never compromise his convictions if he wasn't forced to. As long as I enabled his request for only an indirect relationship, then that's what I would receive. Therefore I chose to limit our interactions.

You cockblocked him.

Potato, PoTAto.

If his feelings for me were comparable to those I felt for him, then he would reconsider his decision. Until that time, I was determined to be indirectly stingy.

Direct interactions were another matter entirely. Each day grew increasingly entertaining and frustrating, depending on my shifts in mood.

Tuesday was the work schedule as usual, except for my hankering to play with BlueEyes. I decided to wear a tight fitting brown sweater dress with matching leather boots. My white coat covered the ensemble for most of the day, but sitting down for lunch I shrugged out of the layers to eat comfortably. I tolerated Creepo's stares beside me. His eyes begged my legs to cross and uncross so that the dress would ride higher. The pain of James' attention was worth the gain of seeing Edward's face. I hadn't realized, until that moment, how his eyes were capable of turning green. Flecks of emerald and amber appeared from nowhere, causing me to stare in amazement. His affect was that of an angry grizzly bear robbed of its food. I imagined that he would growl from across the table at any moment. James continued to fawn over me, oblivious to the situation.

I looked at Edward, raising one eyebrow in feigned confusion. "How was your day, Edward?"

"Fine."

"Did you get a chance to schedule my patient?"

"Yes."

"Great. When are you going to see her?"

"Friday."

"And you think you will be able to follow her weekly?"

"Sure."

"Thanks."

"Yep," he answered through gritted teeth.

James, Alice, Rose and Emmett watched our interchange like tennis volleys. Their heads turned in unison from me, to Edward, and back. His one word answers may have seemed typical to the others, but I knew his irritation was mounting. We baited each other without speaking, and his face was even more beautiful when angry. The light filtering through the windows caused his green eyes to shine, reminding me of a meadow in spring.

The Meadow.

He said he loved you.

Not now, don't go soft now.

I could feel my determination faltering in his stare. My strength was weakened by his glance.

Creepo took the uncomfortable silence as his cue to step knee deep into somewhere he didn't belong. "Is this a patient I transferred, Bella? Perhaps I can assist you with some information, or fill in the details for Edward."

"No!" sounded from both myself and Edward. Our stalemate was forgotten in the face of a common enemy. James nearly choked on his turkey sandwich, coughing and reaching for his water to abate the reaction.

"I think it's covered, James. But thanks for the offer." I nodded.

James recovered enough to respond, "Oh. Ok, Bell. But you still owe me a date, don't forget. If we don't need to discuss the patients, we can have more time to talk about ourselves!"

I could have sworn I heard snarling erupt from the vicinity of Edward.

He does growl?

That's good to know.

That's hawt.

You're giving in?

Run Bella!

"I think I've managed the patients thus far, James. If I need to review anything else with you, I know where to find you." I stood from the table, placing my coat over one arm. "I'll see you guys later, I want to catch up on paperwork before the afternoon gets rolling."

I briskly walked to my office, shutting the door after me and collapsing behind the desk. I laid my head down on crossed arms, thinking about Edward's growl.

Whimper.

I hid in my office the rest of the day.

Wednesday was a continuation of 'Operation Blue Balls for BlueEyes'. I met Edward at his car first thing that morning with a fresh cup of java in hand. Offering him something hot in return for his kindness the days before was the least I could do as a 'good neighbor'.

During lunch I decided to sit beside him, taking the advantage of leaning across for a napkin or to share Alice's veggies. His body always reacted to mine. He often shifted as I moved, avoiding contact. Our dialogue was painfully polite, an unusual quality given our personalities.

Wednesday night I surprised Charlie with another visit. Anything to keep me from home and away from the computer was necessary.

Thursday morning arrived with one of Rio's antics. Every once in a blue moon my Boxer would decide he knew best by ignoring my commands and the hundreds of dollars I spent on obedience school. The trainer had informed me "Boxers are known for obstinacy, Dr. Swan."

I remembered responding with annoyance while I paid the fee for a second training cycle, "I know—it's the very reason we relate so well."

Rio bounded outside the patio for his usual 5 minute routine of finding the perfect spot for his business. After more than eight minutes of standing in the cracked doorway awaiting his return, I grew impatient.

"Rio! I have to get ready! Hurry up!" I whined.

He stopped along the latest patch of reeds that weren't quite adequate for his liking. The look in his brown eyes told me what I feared. He was in one of those moods. He looked back down, sniffing the ground and trotting a few yards farther away. I started whistling and calling out in my best high pitched voice.

When these ploys weren't successful, my hand clapping and jumping up and down ensued. My body was shivering from the cold and I knew I was going to have to go outside and retrieve him.

I need to change clothes!

And leave him out there?

You remember last time, Bella!

In Phoenix, whenever he became this difficult, his tendency was to run. It took me half an hour and several miles one day, just to catch up with him. I knew if I didn't act fast my entire morning would be spent chasing after him.

Ugh!

I stepped onto the patio in my pink slippers, black boy shorts, and big Hello Kitty tee. The wind whipped through my hair, shocking me immediately. I squealed like a school girl who had just won homecoming queen. I crossed my arms, shivering as the chill rocked me to the core. Taking a few strides forward I tried to whistle between chattering teeth. Nothing came out except for air.

Its heat created an illusion of fog tunneling from my lips. "Riiiiiiiooo! Pppppleeeeaaasse cccccome!"

Rio finally heard me begging and turned to greet me. He wiggled his body, dancing across the yard in attempts to draw me away from the house. My hands and legs started to tingle from numbness.

Cursing and stomping my foot, I screamed in irritation. "Now, Rio!"

He stopped in his tracks, apparently registering the authority in my tone.

Or not.

He bounded straight toward me and the cottage at break neck speed, his body rippling as he cleared the distance in a matter of seconds. I stood with my eyes closed and silently prayed he would stop before plowing me into the earth. I imagined the headlines.

Dr. Swan trampled outside her home by her over-fed Boxer, wearing pink bedroom slippers and boy shorts in 30 degree weather.

Hearing his paws approach, I opened my eyes bravely. It was just in time to watch him as he flew past me on a mission. I turned in slow motion, seeing BlueEyes bend down to welcome him with a treat.

Edward smiled wickedly at me. "Hello, kitty."

My body shivered in place, scantily clad. "That's original."

"You make the ordinary unique, Bella."

Wow. He's good in the morning huh?

Sigh…yeah.

Wait! You're in control, chica.

"Well this kitty is not a Siberian tiger, that's for sure. It's definitely nippy out here, huh?" I stood straighter.

Edward immediately dropped his gaze to my breasts.

That was easy.

I was certain that the 'nibblets' appeared even more pronounced than he'd seen in previous encounters.

Freezing temps work wonders for seduction.

He dropped his head to continue petting Rio, not responding otherwise.

Or maybe not.

"So how did you know we were out here?" I asked.

"Are you kidding?" Edward laughed loudly. His smile was carefree and playful. "It was hard not to hear the shrieks and squeals. I thought someone had fallen in the lake."

"I was trying to get Rio's attention before he took off. He has a tendency to roam on occasion. But he kept ignoring me. I guess I was kind of loud," I explained.

"Hmm. Are you always so loud when you're having a tantrum?" he questioned.

"Probably. I like getting my way. My temper is just one of the things which leaves me worked up and mouthy."

Did he just blush?

Yes!

Edward walked back to his French doors, opening them as he spoke. "I'm sure I could guess the other cause. " He shook his head as if to argue with himself. "Well, I'm glad everyone is alright, Bella."

Wait!

As if he could hear me, Rio ran past BlueEyes into his kitchen. I shrieked again, scurrying over to Edward's side while calling out.

Edward reached out and stopped me, his cold hand resting on the small of my back. "Where do you think you're going?"

Maybe I was developing low-grade frost bite, but the contact resulted in heat coursing throughout my body.

You're losing it Bella.

"I need to get him! He's gonna be all over your furniture."

Edward smiled. "There's no way you're going in my place, looking like that."

"Wow. Ok." I looked down at myself, not knowing whether to be angry or flattered.

He sighed out loud, wiping over his face with both hands. "I'm not a monk, Bella. I can only handle so much."

Flattered, definitely flattered.

I shivered again, revealing my best pouty face underneath my brown locks. They haphazardly fell around my face. Edward reached out and brushed the long strands from my eyes, placing them gently behind my ear. He stroked the side of my chin while our breaths mingled in the morning air.

"Well what do you suggest then? You're certainly not a heathen, or you'd be letting me in." I smiled bashfully, continuing to hug myself from the piercing wind.

"Go back inside your place. I'll take care of it and bring him over." He seemed torn.

I looked questioningly into his eyes, but I knew his decision had been made. His choices were like setting concrete. If I couldn't induce change while he formed them, it was impossible to do so.

I ran back into my place, shaking all over as my body warmed. A few minutes passed and there was still no sign of Edward, or Rio.

Oh well, he said he could handle it.

I laughed to myself as I hopped in the shower, wondering how Rio was enjoying Edward's couch.

Getting dressed for work, I chose a blue top with green trim around the neckline and sleeves. The colors reminded me of him and his reaction to James on Tuesday. I knew Edward was affected by me, but his resistance was strong. I was shimmying into a pair of tight black pants when a knock sounded on the back door. I opened it to find Rio sitting like a perfect gentleman. He was wearing a note on his collar that said 'I'm sorry'.

Blue Eyes stood behind him, holding the leash, and dressed for work. "We had a long talk about not listening to you."

"Oh you did, did you?" I grinned.

"Yeah. Rio now understands that I'm the only one allowed to refuse you're demands."

I rolled my eyes. "How thoughtful of you. He'd be wise to listen to your advice, especially if he wants his back scratched in bed tonight."

"Lucky dog," he muttered.

It could be you.

"Yes, he is," I added.

"Well, it looks like this will be my first day late to work since, well, ever." Edward frowned.

"Wow. I'm perpetually late. I am sorry, again. But if you had let me in, to grab Rio, you could have made it on time." I shrugged.

"If I had let you in, I probably wouldn't have made it at all." Edward was serious again.

I blushed immediately.

"Anyway, he enjoyed hanging in a man's environment. It's a guy thing." His demeanor changed like the wind.

"You think my place is too feminine for him?"

"I'm sure it is. That's why he was revolting this morning. A man can only take so much." He enjoyed taunting me.

"I assure you my décor is not causing Rio to be less 'manly'." I pouted.

"And who assisted you with this décor?" Edward teased.

"Alice. Oh please, Alice is not that bad." I was trying to argue.

"Uh-huh." This time Edward was the one to roll his eyes.

"Well, if he leaves the toilet seat up I'm sending him right back over to you." I threatened.

"Anytime." Edward nodded.

"Really? And does this open invitation also apply to me?"

Worth a try.

"Are you always this relentless?" he spoke.

"I've been told so, yes."

"Well I agree." Edward waved goodbye, noticeably avoiding my question. He walked to his car with both hands in his pockets. His leather jacket and baseball cap were in tow.

I found Alice before lunch. She was chatting with Rose in her office about a possible 'double date'. Walking into their conversation made me feel immediately pressured. My excitement with the week's flirtations was fading fast. Insecurity was taking its place.

I suck at seduction.

"Bella!" They both exclaimed simultaneously, pulling me from my internal flogging.

Alice began explaining to me her plans for a couple's night out within the next few weeks. I nodded and provided an um-hmm appropriately, hoping beyond hope she would leave me out of this. Rose knew of my interest in Edward, but not to the extent of the Lil' Firecracker.

"So anyway, Bella, you should come!" She finished.

I knew it.

"I don't think that's a good idea." I shook my head.

"We could invite Edward, too. It might help…" Rose chimed in.

I slouched lazily onto Alice's chair, sighing deeply. "I don't think anything will help at this point."

"What? He likes you, Bella. He practically attacked James across the table yesterday!" Alice looked at Rose for validation, but she shrugged in a noncommittal gesture.

Rose was never one for the flirting game. She never had to guess a guy's intentions, or attempt to lure them in. "Listen, I don't know the entire details, but if you like him, then just tell him."

"I have, Rose, on numerous occasions." I sighed again.

"And?" she asked.

"And he said he liked me in return, but then he told me he wasn't ready for a relationship. Not one more than a friendship, and occasional flirtations, that is." My face fell.

"What a prick!" Rose never minced words.

"Rose!" Alice shot her daggers. "He's had a difficult time over the past few years, including a relationship that ended badly."

"Are you sure it's over?" Rose asked Alice, turning to question me when only silence followed.

"I believe it's over." I answered them both. "But I'm not sure that I'm woman enough to convince Edward of that fact."

"Well if you aren't, then he's an idiot, as well as an ass. We're going out tonight, girls only. He needs to realize you're not going to sit around and wait on him forever. We leave right after work." Rose insisted.

"So should I stop trying to flirt with him?" I questioned.

"Do you want to?" Rose asked.

"No." I admitted helplessly.

"Then hell no! That was easy. Give me a harder one next time." Rose winked as she sashayed from the office.

Alice clapped in agreement while she escorted me to lunch. I once again flirted shamelessly with Edward, hoping his frustration would be so painful that he would beg me to forgive his hesitation.

The ladies kept me out so late on Thursday that I collapsed onto the couch when we returned home.

Rio woke me Friday morning to a throbbing headache.

How many long Island iced teas did I have?

I stumbled my way through treatment team, thankful that the minutes of the meeting and patient summaries would be recorded for my review later when I was coherent. I could see Edward watching me from the end of the conference table, but I was too tired to flirt or even analyze his affect. My headache only worsened throughout the day, causing me to return home during lunch for a nap. After an hour of resting in a dark room, I was able to return and finish my rounds.

Taking Rio on a long walk to start the weekend finally let my body relax. I decided to settle down alone for a movie and dinner. I was proud of myself for surviving an entire week without Blue Eyes online.

So I wonder if he even checks for me anymore?

Stop it.

What? I'm just wondering.

Sure you are.

Well if he's not checking, then maybe he's moved on. There's only one way to know.

No!

It's been a week. Surely you can allow yourself one freebie check.

After two hours of mental masturbation I sat down at my laptop. Logging on, my fingers were trembling.

[E Cullen is online]

Eek! Log off! He's probably already seen!

[E: Bella!]

[B: Hey]

[E: Hey!]

Awkward

[E: Listen. I know you may not want to talk to me, but I have to tell you about Ms. H!]

Landie. I forgot! He had a session scheduled with her today.

[B: Oh yeah? How did it go?]

[E: There were some very interesting things. But I need longer to tell you.]

[B: You have to go?]

[E: Yeah. I'm catching a flight out tonight, remember?]

Tanya. He's going to help look again.

[B: Oh yeah. They still haven't found her?]

[E: No.]

[B: I'm sorry.]

[E: Yeah. Me too. ]

[B: So how long will you be gone?]

[E: Just for the weekend. Can we talk when I get back?]

[B: Of course. Good luck.]

Sigh.

[E: Bella?]

[B: Yes?]

[E: I've missed you like crazy.]

[B: I miss you too.]

[E: Then why haven't you been on?]

Why indeed.

[B: I guess I was trying to build up endurance? Like strength training]

[E: Well I hate it.]

[B: Sigh.]

[E: Why, Bella? Why can't we talk at night?]

[B: Why can't we talk in person?]

[E: We can. I'll try, ok? Just don't expect everything, Bella. I can't give you everything you want.]

Is he saying we can spend time together in real life?

It's a start.

[B: So if I agree to our late night chats, you'll agree to some direct interaction?]

[E: Define some.]

[B: Haha. Any. Any at this point will be a start.]

[E: Ok.]

[B: Ok you want to? Or ok you're tired of me badgering you?]

[E: Both.]

[B: At least you're honest. Ok then. It's a compromise. Imagine that.]

[E: Haha. So can I email you? While I'm gone?]

Why?

He's compromising, give him a chance.

Regardless of what he wanted, I wanted to hear from him. In the spirit of Rose's suggestion, I was following my own desires at the moment.

[B: I hope you do.]

[E: I will! ]

[B: LOL]

[E: Goodnight, Bella.]

[B: Goodnight, Blue Eyes.]

I logged off, shaking my head in a mixture of confusion and curiosity. My intentions for seduction had left me back where I started, or maybe not. Spinning a web to lure Edward as my prey had become complicated. I realized I was just as tangled in the trap myself. We were both ensnared together.

A/N: Reviews are like Bella's dress riding up on her thigh, the more you give, the 'hawter' it is!