Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight Characters, they and the beautiful Saga are owned by Stephenie Meyer

A/N: This is my second fanfic, so hey again to readers from the other story, and hello to my new readers.

Thank you so much for the add to favorites and the add to story alerts, really happy all of you like the story so far…

Here we go again, I love all the feedback I got last chapter, so I won't hold you guys up so here you go… Thanks for reading!

Defying Gravity

Bella POV

"Bella sweetheart you never call home like you used to."

My mother says through the phone and I try not to roll my eyes and was happy she wasn't in front of me because I failed big time.

"Mom I just have a lot more on my plate."

"I'm aware of that, but jeez we are your parents Bella, you would think you made it a point to call home at least once a week."

My mother said starting to lay on the guilt trip rather thick, "Leave me out of it Renee, I know Bella is busy." I hear my father say from the background and I smile.

"Alright fine, so tell me have you found husband number two yet, or has husband number one gotten some sense and is ready to work it out?"

My mother asked and I rolled my eyes and inhaled deeply. I never actually told my parents about the trouble between James and me. So when we divorced all they knew was that we just were no longer happy with each other.

"Mom I've told you a million times there is no way in hell I am taking James back."

"Ok I'm sorry sweetheart didn't mean to upset you."

She said sounding truly apologetic and I felt bad because I knew she didn't know the situation. "I'm sorry mom I didn't mean to yell, but no I'm not dating anyone if that is what you are asking." I tell her and she sighs into the phone. "Bella you are a great girl and I hate to see you alone, whatever happened between you and James I just want you to know I think he is the biggest idiot in the entire world." My mother told me and I smiled from her words then laughed when I heard my father yell,

"Damn straight he is!"

"So what are you and dad doing next month for your anniversary?"

"Actually dear that's what I called you about, we are having a little dinner and we want all of you kids here. I know it's a little last minute but Jacob got an extension on his leave and I think it would be wonderful if we could have all three of you here to celebrate our thirty-first since all of you weren't here for the thirtieth."

"Of course mom I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I replied to her and I heard her relay the message to my father and she sounded ecstatic and that made me happy that I could make her day that way. "Feel free to bring whoever you would like sweetheart and tell Rose and Jasper they both better be here. Oh and Jasper's new wife Amy, Ariel…umm goodness what is that girl name?" My mother said and I laughed, because for a teacher she was really horrible with names. Honestly it took her years to remember Rose and Jasper's for awhile they were those twins with blonde hair.

"Her name is Alice mom."

"Oh right, jeez I might want to remember that before they get here uh?"

"Yeah you might want to do that."

I tell her and she laughs into the phone, "Alright I have to go and start dinner, oh wait your father wants to talk to you." My mother says and I hear the phone being passed and then my father's deep voice comes onto the line.

"Hey there Bells."

"Hey dad, how are you?"

"Good, good, would be better if your mom let me eat a burger!"

"Not a chance in hell Charlie, I am watching your cholesterol and blood pressure since you won't!"

I hear my mother yell back at him and I laugh, "Yeah yeah, so anyway baby girl I just wanted to talk to you myself and see how you are doing." He said to me and I smiled, my father was like a human lie detector even over the phone he would know and I always hated that about him, especially as a teenager.

"I'm good dad really."

"Hmm sounds like something else, but you probably don't want to talk to your old man about that do you?"

"Dad I'm great."

"I'll have Jacob come check it out, if it's James I'm giving Jacob orders to kick his ass."

My dad said and I laughed into the phone, Alice came into my dressing room and I knew that meant that it was about that time to get ready for the show. "Dad I have to go, I'll call you and mom later." I told him and he told me alright and then he and my mother told me that loved me and hung up.

"Ok Bella did you pick what you want to wear from what I left out?"

"Yeah I picked that green floral tube dress."

"Very summery so I guess I'll make your hair curls today."

Alice said and then started to get to work on my hair first. No matter how many times I sat in this chair and she did my hair and makeup she still amazed me each and every time. When she finished I quickly slid into my dress and put my shoes on. I looked at myself in the mirror and bit my lip, because it almost didn't recognize myself once again.

"Alice…"

"Don't say it Bella…you look great like always now come on before Rose storms in here, she's been on a rampage all morning."

Alice told me and looked at her with a brow raised, "Apparently Alistair is considering making the show an all women show and is talking about getting Lauren back. He thinks it will be great for ratings if the two of you were on their bickering." Alice told me and I knew my jaw dropped,

"What? Why am I just now hearing about this?"

"Because Rose just found out and she's pissed. Mike doesn't know yet but I'm sure it won't go well."

"Is it final?"

"No, I assume not since the police aren't here to arrest Rose for killing Alistair."

Alice said and I laughed knowing that was true. I walked out my room and heading for the set. Mike smiled at me with that extra twinkle in his eye like he always did and I rolled my eyes.

"Bella you look beautiful as always."

"Thanks Mike, you look handsome."

I told him just as the theme music started to play. I looped my arm with Mike's and we walked out with smiles on our faces as we waved at our audience. We took our seats and went into our show swiftly but smoothly. Thankful it was our season finally, and I would be on vacation for the next two months. The station said they would play reruns, though it would be weird since in sometimes we reported the news that happened that day as well, but I was not about to argue with Alistair about it. I wanted this vacation. We had three guest and also a trivia and game for the audience at here and at home.

"So Isabella what do you have planned for the summer?"

Mike asked and I smiled, "Honestly sleeping, not having to get up four in the morning everyday to come here sounds like a really good idea to me." I told him and the audience laughed as did Mike.

"Aww, I'll miss seeing your face every morning."

"Hey there will be re-runs all summer."

I told him and everyone laughed again, we closed up the show and told everyone to have a great summer. Once we were off the air everyone cheered knowing it meant we were all officially on vacation.

"I say drinks at Eclipse tonight!"

Alice said and everyone cheered, "Hey just because my sister owns the place doesn't mean I can just get all of us in." I say with a smile and everyone laughs, "But I'm sure she has a private room we can use." I add and they laugh again.

"So Bella I was wondering if you would like to go out with me?"

"Mike, we work together I don't think that would be a good idea."

"We don't technically work together for the next two months; I mean we could see where it goes."

He says and I really didn't want to hurt his feelings, "Bella, Masen is in your dressing room." Rosalie says and I look at her like she's crazy.

"Who?"

I ask her and she rolls her eyes, "Masen, you know your good friend who treated us to the Spa." She says and I instantly get it. I don't bother excusing myself from Mike as I quickly head to my dressing room. He was early he wasn't due back for another two days. When I stood outside my door I hesitated, I needed to relax, he was just my friend. I slowly turned the door knob and opened the door. Then he turned around and smiled at me, it was official that was my favourite smile.

"Hello Isabella."

His velvet voice said and I felt my cheeks heat. I quickly closed the door behind me, "Hello Edward, your back early." I said leaning against the door because I didn't trust myself to walk any closer to him. He ran his fingers through his hair.

"I had to come back for an emergency meeting with some people at my office."

He told me and I nodded my head figuring he came back early for business, "Did you already go to your meeting?" I asked him and he grinned. "No, I actually came straight here from the airport." He told me and I smirked at him,

"Pretty risky being seen coming here to my dressing room don't you think? I mean we were already spotted at the diner."

I said then cursed myself for bringing that up, "Wait we were spotted?" He asked and I shrugged my shoulders. "It was nothing, a paparazzi I know came to me to confirm it and I handled it." I told him and he smiled again, definitely my favourite smile.

"I'm not surprised, but would you care telling me how you handled it."

"I asked him what could you, possibly want with me and that obviously his source was mistaken."

I replied then bit my lip at the way he was looking at me. "You don't believe that do you?" he asked taking a step towards me and I sucked in a deep breath.

"Believe what?"

"Do you really think I wouldn't want you?"

He asked and I knew the shook was evident on my face, "We're friends, I mean you wanted to be my friend." I told him trying to get a handle on this. We were friends, I couldn't allow it go any further then that or I was bound to get my heart crushed.

"Isabella you are a beautiful woman, any man would have to be an idiot to not see that. And now that I know you, I know you are smart, funny, opinionated, independent, stubborn, loyal and honest."

He replied still walking over to me and I inhaled, "Edward you don't have to say any of this to try and make me feel better." I told him and now he stood directly in front of me. His hand raised up and he cupped my face in his hand and I finally exhaled the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"I'm saying it because it is true; you have no idea how you affect me Isabella."

He told me and now my chest was heaving. I looked up at him and his eyes were dark with what I wasn't sure but I couldn't look away. His head slowly lowered to mine and then his lips were on mine forcefully, I felt his tongue graze my lips and I gasp from the sensation allowing his tongue to enter my mouth. It was strong, dominate, as he lathered over my tongue then sucked it into his mouth. I moaned and placed my hand at the back of his neck as he pressed me into the door. I tried warning myself to stop this but I couldn't. We both started panting to breathe so he pulled his lips from mine but they soon found the hollow part of my neck.

"Fuck Isabella what are you doing to me?"

He asked and I hoped he didn't want me to answer that question because not only did I not know the answer but I couldn't speak because now his hands were gripping my hips and pressing me against his massive hard on. He must have thought we had enough air because his mouth was back on mine in a rush and he kissed me in the most passionate way I had ever been kissed in my life. Then I heard ringing and he pulled his lips from mine cursing under his breath. One of his hands left my body and he dug into his pocket then pulled out his phone. Placing to his ear he looked into my eyes when he said,

"What?"

I could hear a female voice on the other end and I couldn't make out what she was saying but I could tell she was stuttering. "What the hell do you mean you can't find the fucking sketch?" he yelled pushing away from me now. I felt incomplete now and that scared the hell out of me.

"I know what time I am supposed to be there, who gives a shit if I'm late. What the hell do they mean they can't wait. I'm the fucking boss; they will wait as long as I tell them to damn it!"

He yelled and I bit my lip now, "I'll be there in ten minutes, and Jessica tell them if they leave they're all fired." He said then I watched him press end button on the phone. He ran his fingers through his hair and I could see the obvious irritation on his face. I walked over to him and placed my hand on his arm which he shook off.

"We can't do this."

He said catching me off guard, "Do what?" I asked confused, "This." He said waving a finger between the two of us.

"What is this?"

"I don't know but it can't happen, I'm already distracted by you and…"

"Edward you kissed me, you came here on your own…"

"I know and it was a mistake, both the kiss and coming here instead of going to my office first."

He said and I sucked in a breath because that actually hurt, "Why did you do it then?" I asked him and he ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't know, because I damn sure do not need the distractions. The point of the friendship was because I couldn't handle not having you around at all so I decided to tell you we should be friends." He told me and I looked at him as if he was crazy,

"Are you fucking serious? You do realize that makes no sense don't you?"

"Don't you think I know that?"

"Then go and do us both a favour and forget about me. I wouldn't want to be a bigger distraction." I told him and he looked at me now as if I was crazy.

"What?"

"You heard me, you said you didn't want any distractions and it's obvious that I am one. So let's just forget this friendship before I end up with my feelings more hurt then they already are."

I told him and he pulled at his hair this time, "Isabella…" He said reaching for me and I stepped back and shook my head. "…No just go alright." I told him, he went to say something when a knock sounded at my door.

"Edward we need to go."

I knew that was Emmett. Edward ran his fingers through his hair again. I walked over to the door and opened it and Emmett smiled at me.

"Hey Bella how are you?"

"I'm alright Emmett, you?"

I ask and he looks at me then Edward, "What did he do?" Emmett asked me and I shook my head. "Nothing, you should get him to the office he got a phone call from Jessica." I told him and then it appeared that Emmett and Edward were having some silent conversation. Edward walked over to me and he looked at me long and good before he left them room for good. Once he and Emmett walked through the large doors I went back into my dressing room and closed the door. I hated myself for telling him to call this friendship quits but I was not about to set myself up to get my heart broken again. My dressing room door opened with Alice and Rosalie immediately walking in and closing the door behind them.

"So what happened?"

Alice asked and I shook my head, "Nothing." I told her walking over to my counter and grabbing my purse from under it. "That's a load of bull shit you still have kiss swollen lips Bella." Rosalie said and my hand went to my lips.

"He kissed you?"

Alice asked me and I rolled my eyes, "We're not friends anymore." I told them and Rosalie sucked her teeth.

"Why?"

"In a nut shell he told me he wants more than my friendship but he doesn't want to, he wants us to be friends."

"Wait what?" Alice said looking as confused as I had.

"That's what I said, so I told him to just forget the entire friendship."

"Bella maybe you fooled him but I know you. You just used that as an excuse and you know it."

Rosalie told me and I wouldn't look at her because the fact was as much as I hated it she was completely right. The fact that his words hurt was first sign that I needed to get away from him before it got worse.

"So what if I did Rose, he doesn't want more then my friendship anyway right?"

I said to her and she shook her head, "But you said he wants you." Alice said and I shook my head, "And obviously a bigger part of him only wants to be my friend since that is what he offered." I told her and Rosalie sucked her teeth.

"You know Emmett told me that Edward was being a dumbass when it came to this and I was so confident you were going to pull your shit together but I guess you're going to be an ass as well. You don't even realize that James is still controlling you because the only reason you won't let yourself go with Edward is because of what happened with James."

Rosalie said then walked out of the room. I didn't respond I mean, what do you say after something like that. Alice looked at me,

"Bella are you sure about this, I mean he could have changed his mind."

"Alice it doesn't matter because I haven't changed mine. Getting involved with Edward would be like stepping on a land mine, only a few seconds before it all blows up in my face."

I tell her and she doesn't say anything else about it. Instead she helps me pack away some of my things until the next season was to start. Once I have pretty much all my things packed I head to Rosalie's office and open her door,

"I wouldn't just blame him; she's stubborn as hell too."

I heard her say as I entered, she looked up at me but didn't end her phone call. "I agree if they want to torture themselves who are we to intervene." Rosalie said and I rolled my eyes because I knew she was talking about Edward and I. "True we are the people who have to deal with them being miserable every day. Ok that sounds like a plan; alright I'll see you tonight." She said then she hung up the phone.

"Was that Emmett?"

I ask her and she looks at me obviously still pissed, "Rose why are you so mad at me about this?" I ask her and she inhales deeply.

"You want to know why, ok fine. I watched all through high school as you pined over a loser like Tyler Crowley just for him to take your virginity and never call you again, then there was Eric Yorkie who broke up with you junior year of college after you already caught him cheating on you with the school slut Pam Stacy, and the biggest loser on your list is James the one you actually married. I don't need to remind you of just how he treated you. So I'm upset because I feel like you are running from a guy with the potential to treat you right all because you are afraid of history repeating itself. You are scared and too damn chicken to even admit to that, instead you want to try and just blame him because he said he wanted to be just your friend even though he is attracted to you. I love you too much Bella to just watch and act like its ok."

Rosalie told me and I stood their speechless, I opened my mouth to speak but wasn't sure just what to say so I snapped it shut. She was right, of course she was right, the only other person that knew me better than she did was Angela and I knew I would probably be in for another ear full once Angela found out.

"I'll admit it I'm scared alright. Just him saying that hurt, like one of those guys saying oh I think you're a great girl, cute even but I only want to be your friend."

I told her and she shook her head at me, "When he kissed you, did it fell like he only wanted to be your friend?" Rosalie asked me and instantly I could feel the sting and heat of his kiss as if he was in front of me again.

"I should just warn you that Emmett is dragging Edward to Eclipse tonight, I hope you have your shit together by then."

Rosalie told me and I bit my lip, because it was obvious she and Emmett already planned to intervene whether we like it or not. "Rosalie…" I called and she shook her head at me.

"No, look I think Edward would be good for you. Emmett seems to think you have been good for Edward and he doesn't want to lose his friend to work again. So since the two of you won't take the leap on your own we are going to push you over the edge. Oh and don't try to get out of this, I already called Jasper and Jacob."

She told me and I ran my fingers through my hair, this was not happening. I felt like trying to avoid Edward would be like defying gravity itself and if I left it to my friends it was going to be damn near impossible.

Edward POV

Once again I found myself looking at Isabella's number in my phone. I wanted to call her but my damn pride wouldn't let me. She was right the friendship did need to end, because she was turning out to be a huge distraction.

"You're a dick."

Emmett said finally getting into the car next to me. He had stood outside of the car on the phone for about ten minutes. "Why am I a dick now?" I asked him and he looked at me.

"For telling Bella you only wanted to be her friend."

"Em she doesn't want to be my friend anymore, damn I feel like we're in fucking grade school having this conversation."

"We should go to Eclipse tonight, she'll be there and you can fix your fuck up."

"I'm not going to Eclipse tonight Emmett so forget it."

"Edward…"

"Emmett I value you as a friend, always appreciated your honesty, but right now is one of those moments when I am your boss telling you to fucking let it go."

I told him running my fingers through my hair, "So that's it, then?" He asked and I inhaled with my nostrils flaring. "Yes, that's it." I told him just as Seth pulled off for the office. There was no way in hell I felt like talking about this. It was settled and over she didn't want to be friends anymore and wouldn't be. Then why are you so pissed that's it over? My inner monologue asked and I growled under my breath. When we arrived to the office I quickly got out after Emmett did and went straight for my floor. The moment I walked off the elevator Jessica and Samantha were already standing there waiting.

"Are they still waiting?"

I asked and as I continued to walk and they followed behind me, "Yes, but…" She stopped and I stopped walking and turned to her.

"…but what?"

"You missed the conference call with HP computers head of marketing."

Jessica told me and I looked at Emmett and he ran his fingers through his hair. I didn't need to tell him that his fucking phone call made me late so I didn't bother. I proceeded to the conference room and just as I pushed the door open I heard someone say,

"Edmund never ran this company like this. He wouldn't keep us waiting like we were some fucking children."

"If you really feel that fucking way consider yourself fired and get the hell out my building."

I said getting all of their attention and they all looked surprised to see me, "Mr. Cullen I uh…" Laurent started then stopped mid sentence. I walked over to my chair and sat down.

"We are not used to you being late Sir. I mean this is a first."

Victoria said and I looked at her with my eye brow raised, "Since when did you start clocking me Victoria? Last I checked all of you work for me. If I had a previous engagement it doesn't concern any of you." I told her and she swallowed hard then looked down at the papers in front of her.

"It's just we missed a lot of work waiting and…"

"I'm twenty minutes late! Not hours! What do you want fucking overtime pay! Uh will that make you fucking…what did you say Laurent…Children. Is that what you children want overtime pay!"

I ask and everyone is silent now, "Now why don't one of you explain to me what you idiots couldn't handle that made me have to come back to the states early." I say and again everyone is silent and it's only pissing me off more.

"Everyone's quiet now, so which one of you fucked up this time?"

I asked and I saw Samantha and Jessica exchange looks then they both looked at Benjamin. "Benjamin, what happened?" I asked and his head popped up as he looked at me nervous.

"During the security breach with the tech department the computers were hacked and um…"

"What?"

I asked between clenched teeth, "We discovered that the plans for the new notebook tablet were gone." He finished saying and my eyes almost popped out of my fucking head,

"You mean the plans for the notebook deal I just signed with the fucking Beijing Company?"

I asked and now everyone was silent again, "Someone better fucking answer me!" I yelled making everyone in the room flinch. If any other company got this product out before us the Beijing Company could sue Masen Enterprises all the way to the poor house and I would have lost everything my grandfather worked hard for.

"Yes, Mr. Cullen."

Benjamin answered and I felt like my chest was on fire. "Paul how soon can you get this to hit the market?" I asked him hoping it was soon,

"If we work none stop, by the end of the year."

He answered and I growled because I had no idea who stole it which meant I had no idea how soon they would be capable of putting it out.

"Jessica call Marcus and tell him I need an early meeting with them, and Samantha tell Felix I want to see him in my office NOW!"

I barked the orders out and they both left with a yes Mr. Cullen. "Victoria if this gets out to the press your fired." I tell her and she nods her head, "Yes Mr. Cullen." She says then I turn to Paul, "You have everything at your disposal to get this to hit the market by October no later Paul."I tell him and he nods his head, "Yes Mr. Cullen." He replies I then look at Benjamin,

"Find out what the fuck happened and how they got in here or you will be living in a card board box begging for change to feed your family by the time I am finished with you."

I tell him and he simply nods his head, "Yes, Mr. Cullen." I then look at Laurent seeing that he was in charge of monitoring the companies Hotel's I didn't see why he needed to be here about the security breach in tech so I asked,

"Why are you here Laurent?"

"I needed to tell you that your sister Emily ordered the shutdown of the hotel's casinos in New York, L. A and Vegas. She told them it was under your order so I wasn't notified about it until the numbers came in this morning."

This time my top lip pulled back as I growled, "I already told them to continue and open them back up, but because of the shut down we lost millions." Laurent told me and I quickly jumped up from my seat. I started for the door then turned around,

"Tell every hotel not to ever take orders from my sister again."

I tell Laurent and he nods his head, "Yes, Mr. Cullen." He says and I storm out for my office. When I walked past my desk Jessica is on the phone.

"Jessica get Emily on the line, NOW!"

I tell her and she nods her head. When I enter my office Felix is standing there with Samantha. "Felix, would you care to explain to me how the hell someone broke into my company and stole something while you are on duty?" I ask him rounding my desk. Felix was the company's head of security, I was under the impression he was the best,

"No Mr. Cullen."

"No, you don't want to explain it to me."

"No I don't know how it happened."

He answered with his jaw tight, "So what the fuck am I paying you for?" I shout and Samantha jumps hugging the leather folder she was holding.

"It was a mistake on my part."

"No shit you think so! We don't have room for fucking mistakes here at Masen Enterprises Felix! Especially not mistakes from my fucking head of security!"

I yell again, I see Emmett at the door and I knew he was waiting for me to dismiss Felix, "I'm sorry Mr. Cullen." Felix says and I run my fingers through my hair.

"Sorry? Your fuck up could ruin everything and all you have to say is sorry?"

"What else do you want me to say?"

"Nothing, your fired Felix. Turn your I.D badge and override card over to Emmett and he will escort you off of company property."

I tell him and he looks at me as if he was surprised, I waved my hand for him to go and Emmett comes in placing his hand on his shoulder, "Let's go Felix." Emmett tells him pulling him out of the room. Felix looks at me and I glare back at him.

"You will never be Edmund, Edward. You can have your fucking Lap dog Emmett do all your muscle work and even keep fucking these two bitches doing your lackey work but you will never be your grandfather."

Felix said and I was out of my chair and over to Felix punching him in the face before Emmett could jump between us. Felix legs buckled and he fell back against coach in the room making Samantha screech.

"Damn it Edward!"

Emmett yelled at me, "Get this piece of shit off of company property." I told Emmett walking back over to my desk. Emmett yelled at Felix to get the hell up and then he pushed him out my office. I heard him tell Felix something about showing him what a lap dog was capable of doing to both his legs.

"Mr. Cullen do you want me to get some ice for your hand?"

"Yes, thank you Samantha."

I tell her and she nods her head and walk out of the room, "Mr. Cullen I have Emily on line two." Jessica says coming on over the intercom. I pick up the phone,

"You want to tell what the hell you think you are doing?"

"What are you talking about Edward? And I don't appreciate you having your little secretary calling me as if you couldn't do it your damn self."

"You told the hotels to shut down the casinos."

I say trying not to yell into the damn phone, "Yes, Grandfather started hotels, not some gambling crap." She said and I rolled my eyes,

"Emily you don't know a damn thing, grandfather started the casinos in the hotel after he opened the one in Vegas, if you really cared about this company, you would have known that."

"Oh please he was a push over you probably made him do it."

Emily said and I was sick and tired of my sister and I was doing what I should of did when I first officially became CEO, "Emily I'm taking your name off of all company documents, by the start of next week you will no longer own any part of Masen Enterprises." I tell her opening and closing my hand feeling the pain shoot through it from when I punched Felix.

"WHAT! You can't do that!"

She yelled into the phone, "Oh I can and I am doing it." I told her and she starts shouting and screaming into the phone claiming she was calling mom and dad.

"Emily we're grown now, well I am anyway."

"Fuck you Edward, you should really be taking Bree off, I mean she isn't even Masen blood."

Emily says and by then I really heard enough, "And yet she'll still be receiving her Masen weekly stipend unlike you. Enjoy depending on your trust fund Emily." I tell her then I hang up the phone hearing her screaming at me. Samantha returns handing me the zip lock bag filled with ice. Emmett walked in rubbing his knuckles,

"He might try to sue you Edward…but he'll need a witness for it to work."

Emmett said with a grin, "I didn't see anything Mr. Cullen." Samantha quickly said and I laughed. "I think I might like you Samantha." I tell her and she blushes instantly making me think about Isabella. I excuse her and she leaves closing my office door behind her. Emmett sits down and I toss the bag of ice at him. He catches it and places it over his knuckles.

"Fucker has a hard head."

Emmett says and I laugh, "Tell me about it." I reply and he laughs. I run my fingers through my hair as I think about the new situation I'm in. I tell Emmett about what I decided to do when it came to Emily and he grinned,

"I'm surprised it took you this long honestly."

"I didn't want to upset my mom; you know she's big on trying to keep us united as a family."

I tell him and he nods his head. "Mr. Cullen your mother is on the line." Jessica says coming over the intercom and I honestly wasn't surprised. I quickly answer,

"Yes mom,"

"Did you just threaten to cut your sisters from the company?"

She asked and I miss that she said threaten and sisters instead of I sister. Emily was up to her shit and I wasn't in the mood.

"First mom I didn't say anything about Bree, just Emily, and it's not a threat because I am cutting her from the company."

I tell her and she sighs into the phone, "Oh Edward, she is your sister." She says and I inhale deeply, "Who just lost this company millions of dollars and was the one behind the strike at the hotel in Hawaii." I told her and she sighed again into the phone. I hated putting my mother between Emily and my fights which is why I never called her about it, but it never stopped Emily from calling her.

"Isn't there some way you can work this out. We cannot appear like a feuding family to the public. It will make the company appear weak."

She said knowing if she used the company I would probably consider, but my mind was made up. "No mom, I'm calling the lawyers after I hang up with you. I'm sorry." I tell her and she sighs again.

"Alright dear, then I guess it is final."

She says and I hated the sadness in her voice so I decided to try and brighten her mood with a surprise. "Bree is coming into town tonight." I tell her and I see Emmett smiling as if I said it to surprise him.

"Oh my lord, why didn't anyone tell me?"

My mother says sounding as if her mood had indeed been uplifted, "I was surprising you by flying her out here. She wanted to spend her last week in the states here with us before graduation and before she left to travel Europe with her friends from school." I told her and I heard her yelling at my father now.

"We must go out to dinner when she gets here Edward."

She says and I smile unable to deny her anything, "Of course mom anywhere you want." I tell her and it didn't surprise me she requested we go to Eclipse. It was the only restaurant we were ever able to eat in peace without camera's and recorders being shoved in our faces.

"Alright mom, we'll see you tonight."

I tell her, we hang up and I look at Emmett. "I guess you're going to get me to Eclipse tonight after all." I tell him and he grins like an idiot. Paul came into the office and let me know everything he would need to have the notebook on the market by October and I signed off on everything. I finish up some more work and left the office in time to pick Bree up from the air strip. I was honestly excited to see my little sister. We arrived before the family jet did and we waited,

"When are you and Rosalie going on your date?"

I ask him, and he grins. "Tomorrow night." He answers and I see a smile on his face I haven't seen in years. I knew that his last serious relationship was my cousin Tanya. They ended on a good note whatever that was, but neither had dated since then.

"You really like her don't you?"

"Yeah and unlike this guy I call my best friend I'm not afraid to admit when I like a woman."

He says and I laugh just as I see the jet coming in for landing. Once it lands and the door opens I begin to walk towards the plan. When Bree comes out I smile,

"Bumble Bree!"

I yell and she grins then runs down the steps and runs over to me. She runs into my arms and I give her a huge hug lifting her from the ground.

"Eddie I missed you!"

She said and I grin, "I missed you too." I tell her lowering her feet back to the ground. She pulls out of my hug and looks up at me, "You look like shit." She says and I laugh

"Thanks just what I needed to hear."

I tell her and she laughs, then she spots Emmett and runs over giving him a hug as well. Seth climbed out the car and opens the trunk then get her suitcases from the pilot. I quickly thank and pay the pilot then we all climb into the car.

"So what are we doing tonight because I did not come home to be locked up in your penthouse Eddie."

She says and I laugh, "We have to meet mom at Eclipse." I tell her and her nose wrinkles up. Emmett whispers in her ear and she smiles,

"Oh yeah we can definitely do Eclipse."

She says and I shake my head at Emmett. We stop at my place so we can change and then head out for Eclipse. I was nervous because chances were Isabella didn't want to talk to me anymore then she did earlier. When we arrived we quickly go inside and are escorted to our table. I can't help looking around for her hoping to spot her but I don't.

"Who are you looking for Eddie?"

Bree ask with a smile on her face, "No one." I lie and she laughs. Our parents entered a few minutes later and they had a tearful reunion with Bree. We all sat down and Bree began telling them about her classes and how excited she was to finally be graduating. I was only half listening because I was still looking for her. Then Emmett stood up from the table,

"My girl is here, I'll be right back."

He said and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. "Oh Emmett can we meet her?" My mother asked with a smile on her face.

"Yeah Mrs. C, I'll bring her over."

He tells her then walks away. I try to keep an eye on him so I know where she is but I still don't see her. I saw all the people she was here with last time, even that fucker Michael.

"Edward dear are you alright?"

My mother asked and I turn to her, "Yes mom I'm alright just a lot on my mind." I tell her and she gives me a half smile. Bree is still smiling at me and I know Emmett told her about Isabella. My father asked my mother to dance and they went out onto the dance floor.

"So tell me about her?"

Bree asks me and I pick up my glass and drink from it, "About who?" I ask playing stupid and she smiles then picks up her glass, "The woman you've been looking for since we got here." She answers and I ignore her and turn back to where I saw Emmett go and then I saw her. She was wearing a one shoulder fitted dress, and it was red. I growled instantly feeling the fire build in me. There was no way she could know just what that color on her did to me.

"Is that her?"

"Yes."

I say unable to try and deny anything, "She's beautiful." Bree says and I nod my head still looking at Isabella. Everyone greets her and she smiles hugging them all. When she saw Emmett she bit her lip and she must have asked him a question because he nodded his head.

"Are you going to go over there and talk to her?"

"No."

"Why the hell not?"

She asked me and I pulled my eyes away from Isabella and looked at Bree, "Why are you pushing this, you don't know anything about her." I say to her and Bree rolls her eyes.

"That might be true but I know you big brother and she has you all balled up. I've never seen you like this."

"She doesn't want to be my friend…"

"And you don't want to be hers you want more then that so what is the problem?"

Bree asked me and I look back at Isabella, "I can't lose control of this company because I'm focused on some woman." I say and Bree snorts making me look at her,

"Eddie, you are already focused on her. The company will be fine."

"You don't know that."

"I do know that. Grandfather would have never left it to you if he thought for one moment you couldn't handle it."

Bree tells me and I run my fingers through my hair, "Tell me the truth Edward, what else is stopping you other then the company?" Bree asked and I pick up my glass again and finish it off.

"I don't trust anyone any more. You know I make everyone sign a contract to keep them silent in the event that something happens or they may witness."

"Everyone?"

"Yes."

I answer and she looks surprised now, "Why, is this because of Maria?" She asked me and my nose flares hearing that fucking name.

"Yes her and Jane."

I say and Bree nods her head, "Do you think the lady in red is anything like them?" she ask me and I smile,

"No, and honestly that's what scares me. I feel like something is going to come out and she'll be just like the rest."

"You don't know that Edward."

Bree said and I knew she was right. I turned around to look at Isabella again but I didn't see her. I stood up and so did Bree. "Are we going over there?" she asked and I smiled,

"Yes now come on."

We walked over to the table and everyone stopped talking when I stopped at the table. "Hey, Edward." Jasper said holding his hand, I quickly shook his hand and said hello to Rosalie and Jasper's wife Alice. I then introduced Bree and the man that was dancing with Isabella last time introduced his self to me as Jacob. I remembered Isabella telling me he was like a brother to her. I looked over at Rosalie and as if she knew what I was about to ask she said,

"She went to the bathroom."

I nodded my head and excused myself leaving Bree with Emmett not that she noticed I walked away since she was complimenting Alice on her dress and shoes. I walked towards the hall that lead to the bathrooms and stopped when I heard her voice,

"Mike look you didn't have to come check on me I'm fine."

"I know but it was the only way I could get you alone. Have you thought about what I said earlier?"

He asked her and I inhaled waiting for her to say something, "Yes and my answer is still the same. No." She says and I feel relief though I have no idea what the question was,

"Bella I think we would be great together."

"Mike really you're sweet but I'm not interested in you that way."

"Oh please you flirt with me all the time, and this dress. Why else would you wear it?"

He asked her sounding irritated, "Take your hands off of me, and I'm wearing it because I want to." She says and I proceed to turn the corner after hearing her tell him to take his hands off of her. When I have them in my eye sight he cups her face and kisses her hard on the lips. She pushed him off her and punched him in the face. I felt fire in my blood watching this shit kiss her, she was mine and it was that fucking simple. I stormed over and pulled him away from her and punched him dropping him to the ground,

"Don't you ever in your fucking life touch her against her will again!"

I yell standing over him now, my hands was in extreme pain because I used the same one I used to hit Felix earlier. I turned and looked at Isabella who looked surprised to see me. I bring my left hand to cup her face and force her to look at me when I say.

"We need to talk."

WOW!

Thanks to my wonderful beta Cattinson!

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