Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer.

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author (Emmamama88) is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters, and the original story of Love Resue Me are the intellectual property of Emmamama88, copyright 2010.

**I think everyone was pleased with chap 1, so I'm moving along with more. Don't worry V&V won't slow down. Enjoy!

***************************LRM*************************

Chapter 2 - Egg Drop Soup for the Cynical Soul

Ten more minutes on the treadmill should do it.

I had tried for the better part of an hour and a half to purge Isabella from my thoughts. Nothing worked. I eventually decided that a workout in the hotel's fitness room was in order.

My flight had been so early this morning, that I'd not been able to exercise today. That was soon remedied.

After the treadmill, I'll relax in the sauna, and a certain brown-eyed beauty will be as good as forgotten.

I sighed as I shut off the treadmill.

Who am I kidding? I only met the girl a few hours ago, and already she's taken up residence in a large section of my head. Not to mention the effect she has on me below the belt.

"Christ." I muttered.

A half hour in the sauna did me no good.

Just face it Edward, you're not going to be back in control of your life until you figure this out.

I showered and dressed. Unable to bring myself to stare at the walls of my suite for the rest of the evening, I opted to have a late dinner in the hotel restaurant.

I was oblivious to anything going on around me as I ate. I spent the time texting back and forth with Alice.

Edward-

What's going on in that head of yours?

-Alice

I'll let you know as soon as I figure it out Alice. At the moment, avoidance would have to be the key.

Alice-

I don't know what you're talking about. Have you been drinking Dad's 'special' eggnog again?

-Edward

It didn't take long for her answer.

Little brother who should always listen to his big sister-

As a matter of fact I have, the batch he made this years is soooo good. I'll try to save you some. Hold on, I know what you're doing. Stop trying to distract me Edward. You are interested in Bella, don't even attempt to deny it.

-She who knows best

Alice is even bossier when tipsy.

She who should mind her own business-

Please don't ask me about that right now. I'm trying to sort things out. As soon as I know, you'll know.

-Your long-suffering brother

I hope that shuts her up for a while.

He who never learns his lesson-

I'll let it rest for now, but please Edward- soon.

Love you, see you tomorrow.

-Your favorite sister

I finished my dinner, and as I waited to sign the check, I glanced around and saw the concierge dining alone across the room. Her gaze was fixed on me.

What was her name again. Judy? Or was it Julie? Eh, no matter.

I noticed her lame attempt at 'holding my gaze' and almost laughed out loud.

I really hope she doesn't become a problem. I wonder if she realizes that one complaint from me, and she loses her job. I've done it before. The world is filled with stupid people, and she's obviously one of them.

I quickly signed for the check and exited the restaurant before June had the chance to place her job in any further jeopardy.

There are reasons I always chose Hotel 1000 when in Seattle. First would be the fact that it is the most technologically advanced hotel I've ever stayed in. I can't help it, I'm a guy and I love gadgets.

My second reason would be the quiet comfort offered by their beds. Second only to my own home in Los Angeles.

Tonight, however, I may as well have been sleeping on a bed of nails. I tossed and turned for hours. I was only able to finally settle down once I began to think about Isabella Swan.

I retraced her beautiful features in my mind, and before I knew it, I was drifting off into a peaceful, welcome slumber.

-V&V-

I woke so late that I had to call my parents and apologize for missing breakfast, promising to catch up with them later. I knew they were attending a charity dinner this evening, so I probably wouldn't see them again until tomorrow.

I showered and dressed for the day in Alice approved clothing, deciding I would go back to the television station and possibly speak with Isabella.

Maybe if I spent a little time with her, this infatuation would disappear once and for all.

When I arrived at the station, I didn't even bother stopping at the receptionist desk upstairs. Instead I merely winked at her as I made my way past, and continued on down the hallway.

As I rounded the corner heading toward several office doors, I was greeted with the back of none other than Isabella. She was speaking with some guy who was leering at her.

Please tell me that's not her boyfriend. He looks like an asshole. Stupid fucker would never be good enough for her.

I walked a little closer until I could hear what they were saying, neither of them yet aware of my presence.

"Mike, that's not going to happen. You. Are. A. Co-worker. Period. None of this is your business" Isabella was getting angry. I liked it.

So he's not a boyfriend. Good.

"But Bella baby we could be so good together."

What a prick. If that fucker leers at her one more time, I'm going to kick his ass.

Where the hell did that come from?

The next words out of Isabella's mouth almost sent my brain and body into meltdown. "Michael, that's never going to happen. I can't even pretend that I appreciate your concern. That comment was completely inappropriate. And let me just add this, if I were to decide to have wild unprotected sex with Edward Masen and give birth to his love-child, it still would be none of your business!"

I wanted her. I wanted to pick her up right now, and take her out of here. I wanted to keep her forever.

What the fuck? I've got to get control of these emotions, or my head is going to explode.

I leaned against the wall for support and, instead of kidnapping Isabella, I opted for making her aware of my presence by clearing my throat.

She turned around with a stunned expression on her face. I couldn't help but smirk at her.

"Hello Miss Swan, happy to see you so…animated today" I said, trying to show no emotion in my voice.

She seemed mildly affected by my presence. "Hello Mr. Masen, I'll be with you in a moment" She turned back to face the douche bag.

No, don't turn away from me. I need to see your eyes.

"Mike, we're done here. I'll be glad to speak with you about work-related issues at any time, but this subject is closed." That asshole had the nerve to glance at me before finally going the hell away.

Isabella turned to me again. "Okay, Mr. Masen, I know you heard what I said to Mike before."

"Yes, that was quite an eye-opening statement, Miss Swan". She's adorable.

"Well, here's the thing. Mike can't seem to take a hint, so I had to resort to being an appalling bitch to finally get through to him. I apologize for using your name the way I did, there was no excuse for that."

Use my name however you want. While we're at it, you have my permission to use my body too.

I'm hopeless.

I studied her face, and smiled as I walked with her down the hall. "Miss Swan, think nothing of it, and please call me Edward, after all we're going to be seeing a lot of each other in the next week."

"Then please call me Bella" She smiled.

I'd heard Rose call her that. Bella. Beautiful Bella. Very fitting.

"So, what brings you here Edward? Did you need me to get Rose?" She questioned.

"No, actually I came to see you."

Damn it, now I have to tell her why.

I drew closer to her as I spoke, her scent just as intoxicating as yesterday. "Well, I thought that we should probably get to know one another, since we're being thrown together next week. So….have dinner with me tonight?"

Oh that was smooth. Why don't you just blurt out that you want her to be the mother of your children while you're at it jackass?

For a moment, I thought that maybe she felt a little dazed by my close proximity.

Wishful thinking.

"No can do Edward. I'm having dinner with Emmett, Rose, Jasper and Alice tonight. And since I'm doing the majority of the cooking, I have to be there."

"Oh" I was disappointed.

Think fast Edward.

"Well, how about lunch? Are you free now?"

Please say yes. It seems that a little coaxing would be in order right now.

"We can discuss my schedule and what I'll need from you". I was so close to her, I could smell the scent of her hair.

"What do you say Bella? Just say yes." I said as I pushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear "Please" I breathed, intoxicated by her scent.

To my surprise, Isabella uttered the only word that could save me from myself. "Yes".

I felt absolutely giddy. Now I needed to order lunch. I guess we could have it delivered to my suite.

That would be perfect. You would have the alone time with her that you crave, and be able to figure this out.

That settled it. We were dining in the suite. "I'll be downstairs when you're ready." I said as I reached over and stroked my fingertips across her cheek, causing her to blush.

"See you in a bit" I muttered.

"Bye" she squeaked.

I turned on my heel and got the hell out of there before I made a bigger fool of myself.

I sent a text to Sidney, telling him to bring the car to the front. I then needed to phone the concierge for her assistance.

Where the hell did I put her card?

I found the card tucked away in my wallet.

"Hello Mr. Masen, this is Julia. What may I assist you with?" She said as she answered.

Your come-hither voice doesn't mean anything to me darlin'. I thought as I almost laughed out loud.

"Yes, thank you. I need an assortment of Chinese lunch dishes delivered to my suite. I'll leave it to your discretion to choose the best restaurant."

I already knew which one was the best, but decided to test her efficiency.

"Of course Mr. Masen. Can I ask how many are to be dining?"

Did I hear an edge of jealousy in her voice?

Seriously?

"Just two of us, but I'd like an assortment, so order at least four different lunch platters and some soup."

"I'm glad to help Mr. Masen. I'll have them delivered to your suite in about a half hour."

"Thank you." I disconnected the call before she had a chance to respond.

I turned just in time to see the lovely Isabella enter the lobby.

My God she is so beautiful. She must have a boyfriend.

On the other hand, I'm Edward Fucking Masen, that ought to count for something?

This was all so frustrating. I have women throwing themselves at me on a daily basis. They've always been so predictable up until now.

This woman remains an enigma to me.

What was I doing? Was I looking for a relationship? Did I need to remind myself how I was almost destroyed by someone I thought I was in love with?

Isabella seems different, but there's a very good chance that she's just like all the rest, that she's just like Meghan. I watched as she walked closer, and then she smiled at me.

My God, how can I ever compare this beautiful creature to Meghan?

We needed to go. "Did you drive?" I asked.

"No, Rose and I live so close that we walk to work, it's just a couple of blocks. We only drive if the weather is really nasty."

Why did this unsettle me? I don't like the thought of her walking around the city, especially at night.

"I have a car and driver that I use when I'm in Seattle." I told her, just as Sidney pulled up to the curb.

I watched as she secured her hat, looking very much like a little girl.

I bet she was a lovely child.

"Do you like Chinese food?" I asked. I couldn't take my eyes off of her face.

"Yes, I love it." She responded quietly.

I helped Isabella into the back seat of the Mercedes. "Sidney, we need to return to the hotel please".

I looked back at Isabella, "Bella, I took the liberty of having the concierge order our lunch. It should be delivered to my suite soon after we arrive."

She looked abruptly nervous. Why would she be nervous?

Oh my God, I just informed her that I was taking her to my hotel suite, alone.

I'm such an ass. Of course she would be nervous about spending time alone with Edward Masen, well known philanderer. She has no reason to trust me. I need to ease her mind somehow.

"Is that a problem Miss Swan? I thought we could discuss things a little more comfortably at my hotel rather than in a restaurant."

Please be okay with this Isabella. I need you to be okay with this.

"That sounds okay. I really don't have a lot of time, but that's fine."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Knowing that we had a limited amount of time today, I suddenly had a brainstorm. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Alice.

Hey sis-

Need your help.

-E

Not surprising, she texted back immediately.

E-

Let me guess. You miss me so much that you feel the need to 'tag along' to dinner tonight?

-She who sees through your bullshit.

I almost laughed out loud.

Ali-

You're too shrewd. I really need to go to this dinner tonight. Can you please get me an invite? Even if Rose hates my guts?

-E

Considering the way we left things yesterday, it is entirely possible that Rosalie would tell me to go 'fuck myself' before she'd invite me to dinner.

E-

I'll see if Jasper can 'charm her'.

-A

I hoped Jasper would be successful.

A-

Tell him that I need this. It's important.

-E

Bella was sitting quietly beside me, gazing out the window.

E-

I know. Bella's worth it Edward, you'll see.

-A

My psychic sister.

Spying photographers outside the hotel doors, Sidney immediately went into bodyguard mode, and escorted Bella and I into the lobby.

"Wow, your driver is really helpful" Isabella remarked.

Hmm, I pay Sidney very well to be 'helpful'.

"I mean he kept those photographers from getting too close."

Ah, Isabella thinks that Sidney is merely a chauffer.

"Oh yes. Well, Sidney is ex-military, and I also count on him as a bodyguard when I'm in town. I don't seem to need one as badly as I do in L. A. , but you can never be too careful."

When we arrived at the suite, I did my best to put Isabella at ease.

"What would you like to drink Bella?" I asked as I reached into the mini-fridge for my diet coke.

"Just a coke would be fine." She answered with a smile.

I will never tire of that beautiful smile.

Just as I handed Bella her drink, our food arrived.

Of course the delivery person had to be a young girl, and of course she was star-struck. Normally I would make time to chat with a fan, but I was selfishly unwilling to use any of my 'Bella time' with anyone other than Bella.

I threw the girl a hundred, hoping that would make up for my ill-mannered behavior.

As we unpacked the food, Bella teased me about ordering too much. I defended my logic, but inwardly I knew that many of my decisions in the last 24 hours didn't make a lot of sense to anyone but me.

And possibly Alice.

I watched as she ate her lunch.

I need to be honest with her about the reasons for my behavior yesterday and today. I hope she doesn't run away screaming.

"I don't know what it is about you Miss Swan, but I seem to be drawn to you for some reason. I thought that spending time together would help me solve the mystery."

There, that sounded intellectual rather than emotional.

"Oh so I'm some kind of experiment to you?"

Oh no, she sounds a little angry. Damn it.

"No, no, you misunderstand me." I tried to soothe.

"Enlighten me then Edward."

Ouch, she is angry. Time for the 'moment of truth'.

I leaned toward her, breathing in her intoxicating scent. "Ever since I saw you yesterday, you've been on my mind constantly. That's never happened to me before."

I watched as her eyes widen. Not knowing if that was a good sign or not, I continued. "I'm at a loss. I just want to get to know you. Please?"

I held my breath as she considered this.

"Okay. But can I ask one thing?"

Anything Beautiful Bella.

"Of course." I said out loud.

"All I ask Edward is that you be truthful with me."

Truth? This seems an odd request. I could be truthful.

"I promise Bella." I answered. I was so happy that she seemed to be giving me a chance, that I started to tell her everything. I told her about my childhood. I told her about moving from Chicago to Seattle during the summer of 1995.

We discovered that she moved out of Washington the same summer that I moved to Washington.

I told her about originally wanting to become a doctor.

I haven't told anyone about that in years.

I then went on to tell her how the acting gig landed in my lap. I told her about my lonely first year in L.A., and how Alice and my parents tried to make things better.

I told her everything except the real reason that I was desperate to leave Seattle. The real reason that I've spent very little time here in the past almost seven years.

I didn't lie, I just omitted a few sections of my biography.

When I felt we were getting dangerously close to those parts of my past I was unwilling to share right now, I changed the subject to her life.

Bella proceeded to tell me about her childhood, and about her parents' breakup. I found myself feeling such compassion for this poor girl, having to leave not only her father, but the brother she was so close to.

I would have been lost without Alice while growing up.

She referred to her mother as a 'free spirit', but I got the impression that she was a terribly dysfunctional parent.

Her father came across as the stable one, making sure that she and Emmett spent their summers and holidays together.

I wonder if I'll get to meet her father?

She seemed a bit uncomfortable when I asked about the circumstances of her move back to Washington. When she told me about her mother dying, I felt like a jerk.

Jasper had mentioned that before, why the hell couldn't I have remembered?

"Oh, I'm…..so sorry Bella." What else was there to say? I'm a self-absorbed jackass that isn't worthy of your precious time?

I placed my hand on hers in a comforting gesture. There was a slight shock, sort of like an electric current when I touched her. It was surprising, but I'd have to admit that it felt nice.

I felt terrible for stumbling blindly into the subject of her mother's death, so I didn't ask any more questions. Bella, however, continued to tell more of her story.

By the end, I knew that her father, brother and Rose were the most important people in her life. I was feeling strangely hopeful at no mention of a boyfriend. I was also a little surprised to find out that she lived across the hall from her brother and Rose.

Knowing that it would afford me the opportunity to see where Bella lived, I knew that I must attend that dinner tonight.

"He and Rose are very protective huh?" I remarked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes. They love me." She answered. "Emmett and I had a very difficult time when our parents divorced and we were forced to be separated."

"You sound like Alice and me. We were separated because of my career, but somehow remained very close."

"Yeah, Emmett is sometimes hard to take though. He is 'wide open' most of the time, you know running in fifth gear? During Christmas it's the worst, he completely regresses into a little kid again."

I laughed, thinking about Alice's behavior, especially at Christmas.

I decided that I'd better disguise this first meeting to make it seem to be about business. I listed the duties Isabella would be expected to perform while working as my P.A.

Soon after, it was time for Bella to leave. She wouldn't let me walk her down. She was probably right, the paps would see us, and make a bigger issue of it then they had already.

We exchanged cell phone numbers.

Why did the fact that I now had her number suddenly make me feel euphoric?

"I guess I'll see you Monday then Edward." She said while standing at the door.

That's what she thinks. If Jasper come through, I'll see you tonight Beautiful Bella.

"Maybe sooner than that Miss Swan." I couldn't help saying. Then I winked at her before she walked away.

I missed her the moment she disappeared into the elevator. How would I survive the few short hours until dinner?

I couldn't even recognize myself any more? I was officially FUBAR.

*************************A/N******************************

A/N Translation of FUBAR, for those of you who may not know it, F*cked Up Beyond All Recognition. A term used almost exclusively by men, military men, hot dudes in uniform.

I'll be posting the next chap for V&V over the weekend, then prob chap 3 of LRM after that. Suddenly, I've got a lot of irons in the fire…I can handle it, although I may have to set up a caffeine drip.

As ever, let me know your thoughts.