Chapter 4

Bella POV

"Isabella?"

My head shoots up from my phone; I hadn't even heard anyone come in. My eyes settle on the man in front of me and I use every ounce of my self-control to keep my jaw from dropping. My god he is the most beautiful man I have ever seen. His bronze hair is unkempt on the top of his head but somehow looks flawless, his eyes a perfect shade of green, a small smile on his lips. My eyes continue to trail down and I notice how good he looks in a tailored suit. He's tall. Noticeably taller than I am even with my heels on, with broad shoulders and what appears to be a well maintained body. Well, he's definitely not fifty years old, that's for sure. Actually, something about him seems very familiar. His calculating gaze sweeps over me, and then confusion comes over his face.

Fuck Bella, you're meant to say something. You look like a psycho.

"Yes, s-sorry, E?" I ask, standing from my seat and taking his outstretched hand. My hand warms at his touch, and he lets go sooner than I would like. I feel my face going red at my obvious gawking, and my embarrassing stutter.

"Edward." He replies with a smile before taking his seat. I do the same. He then places a document and pen in front of me. "Sorry to be so forward, but the NDA we discussed."

"Oh, of course." I look down at the sheet of paper. The pen is plain black with the exception of the words 'Cullen Hotels' in white. My eyes widen at the sudden realisation. I glance over the document not really reading any of it, and sign the line at the bottom, before handing it back to him.

"Thank you." He smiles at me and hands the document to a man who I hadn't yet noticed, standing by the waiter's station. The man takes the piece of paper and leaves the room. "So, Isabella, thank you for meeting with me, it's lovely to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too." I reply, my eyes not able to stop staring at his annoyingly perfect face.

Seriously, who looks like that? There's no way he's going to want me on his arm, I'd look like his pathetic assistant.

"I apologise for all the secrecy, and the NDA, but it is necessary. I take it you know who I am?"

I nod. "The grandson of Alistair Cullen? Owner of all the expensive Cullen hotels around the country."

"That's me," he chuckles. "So you've never done this before?"

"No, I haven't." I nervously fiddle with my hands in my lap. "You haven't either?"

"No, actually." He gestures towards the wines in front of us. "Wine?"

"White, please." I stare at his hands as his pours the liquid into the large glass to my left. What gorgeous hands. He pours himself a red and then clears his throat.

"I really don't know where to start, I want to get to know you and I'm sure you have plenty of questions." He starts. "I say we just get to know each other and see if we mesh well before we start getting into all the details." I nod in agreement and take a shaky breath, trying to calm myself.

Relax, Bella. You just need to have a normal conversation with the guy. Pretend it is one of those dates Jessica showed you. Or an interview. Yeah, pretend it's an interview, that might be easier.

"Well the past three years I've attended the University of Washington, just finished my last exam on Friday actually. I'm an English Literature major, still haven't exactly decided what I want to do yet, considered writing a novel maybe, I have a couple ideas floating, but the idea of being able to write all day sounds wonderful… which actually brought me to thinking about maybe working for a magazine or newspaper, but then publishing would also be amazing, being paid to read every day would be just as incredible. Or maybe even teaching, I think being an English teacher could also be interesting, though I don't know how I'd manage teenagers, and I'd need to go back to college and get a bachelors of education." I stop to take a breath.

Way to load him with a lot of information. I look at his face and see him nodding and smiling at me. Although this man makes me incredibly nervous, there is something so kind about his smile and the way he looks at me that just makes me feel relaxed. I don't think I've spoken to any guy this much about my personal thoughts, I don't even know where half of that came from.

Please don't ask me about my potential novel. How embarrassing. Gosh, I need to learn how to keep my mouth shut.

"Seems you have a lot of options, and some big decisions to make." He replies.

"Yeah I guess so," I smile at him. "But I do want to take some time to myself. I've studied since I can remember; I mean from high school straight into three years of full time college study. I'd love to travel and meet new people and just venture out a bit. I really have no idea what I want to do. The plan is to apply for internships for this summer, but they're all unpaid of course."

"Do you work at the moment?"

"I do, I work part time at Lamplight's Books. I don't know if you've heard of it, it's down by-"

"The little one in the marketplace?" He asks, cutting me off.

"Yeah! That's the one." I smile and nod. "Have you been there?"

"I have actually. Nice little store." He picks up his glass and takes a drink of wine. I can't help but begin to stare again; I admire his lips as they close around the edge of the glass. "So the bookstore isn't enough?" He asks once he puts down his glass. I drag my eyes away from his lips.

"It's great, but its not long term." I reply, looking into his eyes. "I want to do more than just work in retail the rest of my life. Though it has been a blessing through college. I just love being surrounded by books."

"I like how passionate you are about literature." He chuckles. I take the delicate stem to my left and bring my glass up to my lips, not only in an attempt to calm my nerves but also to try and hide how bright red I can feel my cheeks getting. The wine's acidity balances seamlessly with a fruity flavour. I take another drink, welcoming the warmth it brings to my throat.

Great Bella, he probably thinks you're a massive nerd. A massive nerd with a childish dream of being a writer.

"So why this choice?" I knew this question was coming, and yet I still don't have a well-prepared answer.

"To be honest my friends and I were at a bar on Friday celebrating, I was a few drinks in when one of them jokingly suggested it. I spent hours contemplating and figured I never do things like this." I shift uncomfortably in my chair. "I'm usually very quiet, book loving, unexciting Bella. Even dating apps freak me out. But like I said earlier, I really want to try different things and meet new people now that I've finished college. I won't lie the money will really help me too. Honestly I didn't expect to ever meet with anyone, especially not this soon, there are so many unappealing old men on that site." He nods as I talk, seeming to understand my rationale. I hope I didn't put my foot in my mouth by practically screaming I'm boring.

"I really don't see you as unexciting." He replies, taking me by surprise. I feel my cheeks start to warm up once more. "Have you been in Seattle your whole life?"

"No, I actually moved here with my best friend for college. I grew up originally in Arizona with my Mom, but in the middle of my junior year of high school I moved to a little town called Forks on the Olympic Peninsula to live with my Dad." I reply, grateful for the change in topic. I'm really not one to take compliments well.

"Do you live on campus?" He asks.

"For the first year, yes. That was an experience." I chuckle. "Parties all the time, sharing a room with someone who I'm adamant was a Satan worshiper." I hear him laugh. "It was hard to adjust to the workload with all the distractions but we weren't exactly organised enough to get our own place straight away, nor did we have the funds. Luckily at the beginning second year we got our own apartment just outside of campus. Angela's parents were lovely enough to help us. Do you live in the city?"

"I do," He takes another sip of his red wine before looking back at me and continuing. "I live at one of the hotels. Though I feel I'm rarely home these days, if you put a bed in my office I'm sure I'd never leave."

"Sounds like you're a busy man." I say.

"That I am." He replies with a small smile now looking down at his place setting, I notice this one doesn't reach his eyes.

"Sir, ma'am," The new voice drags my eyes away from the gorgeous man in front of me to another carrying three plates. "Your starters." He says as he places the food in the middle of our table.

"Thank you," Edward nods his head to the waiter who quickly disappears back behind the curtain. "Sorry, I took the liberty of organising our menu, I didn't want waiters interrupting us often. I've ordered a steak for your entree if that's alright, they cook them perfectly here."

I look at the three plates in front of me, one containing three different types of bread, another with what looks like sautéed shrimp and the last with half a dozen oysters with some type of sauce and bacon on them.

Oh oysters, a natural aphrodisiac. I hope he doesn't think he can get in my pants. I have heard of his partying tendencies with different women on his arm every other night.

"Well sorry, I'm not going to sleep with you." My hand shoots up to cover my mouth and my face goes beet red. I did not just say that out loud. "I mean, I'm sorry, I- I don't think that's your inten-"

"It's okay, really," He cuts me off chuckling. "That's not what this arrangement is about, you're right. If you're referring to the oysters I really just enjoy them." He states before placing two on the small empty plate in front of him.

"I've never actually had one." I reply before taking another, rather large gulp of my wine, finishing the glass. "I'm sure whatever you have ordered will be just delicious." I take one and place it on my plate just like he did.

"Well I can guarantee they are delicious," He smiles before delicately eating one of them. "I take it by your reaction you've seen some of my… unfortunate choices in the tabloids." He pauses to decide his words.

"I guess you could call it that." I chuckle. "I've seen you coming out of clubs drunk with different girls hanging off your arm, yes." I also begin to eat, following his lead with the oyster. It's slides down my throat and the texture makes me slightly uncomfortable, but the flavour of the sauce tastes delicious. I reach for another and put it on my plate, as well as a piece of shrimp and bread.

"That's actually why I decided to try this," He starts. "My grandfather doesn't approve of the choices I make in my social life. In order to stay professional with the company, I need to show him I'm capable of settling down and being less… out there."

"Sounds reasonable."

"Essentially I need someone who will act as my girlfriend. If this works out for the both of us, you will accompany me on business trips, be photographed with me, go out to lunch, work dinners, be in the same hotel rooms, stay at my place- but I assure you this is a strictly professional relationship." He explains. "I only ever stay in luxury suites so you will always have your own room when we are out of town. I'm happy for you to decorate the spare room at my place any way you see fit. People already know I'm not a particularly lovey type of person, so hand holding will be the extent of our PDA."

"Okay," I nod my head thinking through all the information. "And this is all because your grandfather will otherwise kick you out of the company?"

"Not exactly," he replies. "I don't know the full extent of my grandfathers thoughts, but recently he has been less tolerant towards my choices. We have had some discussions, and I just think I have worked too hard the past seven years for my drunken nights out to ruin everything."

"Can you not just stop going out?"

"I could, yes," he answers. "But like I said, I don't know the full extent of my grandfathers thoughts. The last time I went out the Cullen Hotel name was spread all over the tabloids with pictures of me. I am becoming more and more associated with the chain in a negative light. People don't see the amount of work I do when I'm not at bars. I spend hours of my time in an office, or in meetings, working my ass off. My grandfather is potentially close to retirement and I am concerned my work will be for nothing." He stops to take a sip of his red wine. "A friend suggested a girlfriend would show I am sensible, capable of being more mature and gives the illusion of a potential family. I don't have enough time to have a real girlfriend, nor am I ignorant enough to think any woman I date would be with me for my personality."

"So how long would I be your fake girlfriend?"

"I was hoping for at least four months," he replies.

Four months. Four months means I would be Edward Cullen's fake girlfriend until October. Four months means no summer internship, no new jobs.

"And how would we tell people we met?" I ask.

"Actually when you mentioned Udub I thought of an idea," he eats the last oyster before continuing. "I'm an alumnus, they asked me to speak at your graduation next Tuesday, something about being a young successful businessman. We could tell people we met there."

"That could work," I nod and stare at the table. What would I tell Angela? My dad? I've just signed an NDA they can't know the truth. I would have to lie to my friends and family for four months, and then fake a break-up. I'm absolutely awful at lying, I wonder if I can even pull this off.

"I would like to offer you four thousand dollars a month," he continues. "Of course you wouldn't have to pay for anything while you are with me. Flights, rooms, clothes, meals, everything is included."

A total of twelve thousand dollars to spend four months pretending to be a gorgeous mans girlfriend, staying in luxury hotels, meeting expensive people and eating good food. It's a lot better for my bank account than an unpaid internship. I could spend my spare time working on a novel, or reading, maybe I could start a blog.

You did say you wanted to experience new things now that you've finished college. This is a brilliant opportunity.

"Four thousand is more than I asked for." I look up at him.

"I know." He smiles at me, a genuine smile this time that reaches his eyes. "But I think it is more appropriate for the position."

"And when you say travel…"

"I mostly travel interstate," He begins. "Recently I have been going between Seattle, Boston, New York and Florida. Closer to the end of this year we are thinking of expanding to London or Dublin."

"I don't have a passport."

"That's okay," he assures me. "I can arrange that if we need it."

The waiters coming to collect our empty plates briefly interrupt our conversation. They replace our appetisers with two thick steaks and I have to actively suppress a moan as I take my first bite; the meat practically melts in my mouth. The conversation turns casual again, and we spend our time getting to know one another, whilst eating. I ask about his family, admitting I don't know much about him other than his name. He tells me about his father, the successful doctor at Seattle Hospital, his mother who is kind, and smart, and is involved in plenty of charity work, and his older brother, the superstar athlete. He laughs when I tell him about Jessica and the selfie from Friday night. I find myself laughing so easily with him, I'm relaxed and having fun. I want to know more about him, I want to know everything about him. The more we talk the more appealing his proposition sounds.

It certainly wouldn't be difficult spending months with such a handsome man and getting paid for it.

"I do need you to fill out one more thing," he says shortly after our dessert is cleared. "If you could complete this form I can pass it on to my people to complete a background check."

I nod and take the paper from him; I hesitate briefly but fill in my full name, address, phone number and social security number.

It's no different from filling out forms when applying for a job.

I hand the paper back to him and he exchanges it for a small envelope. "As discussed, for meeting with me tonight." He explains.

The cash is a harsh reminder that this nice meal was nothing more than a business meeting, regardless of how much it had began to feel like a real date. I take it and put it in my purse. "Thank you." I nod to him.

"Well," he begins to stand and buttons his suit jacket. "Shall we?"

As I stand the waitress who first walked me to the table returns, walking straight towards the closet. She turns to me and hold open my coat. I slip both my arms in, welcoming the warmth.

"Is there anything else we can do for you Mr Cullen?" She asks him with a polite smile.

"No, thank you," he walks toward the curtain, holding it back so I can enter the main dining room. "Charge it to my account." I hear him tell the waitress as I head towards the exit door.

"Thank you for choosing El Gaucho," the host says as I near him. "Please come again." I smile in thanks as he holds open the door.

The chilly air quickly hits my face and I'm grateful for my choice of stockings. I wrap my coat tighter around myself.

"I'll walk you to your car." Edward says.

I feel my face get hot. "I, um, actually planned on taking the bus." I admit, quietly.

"Oh, no car?" He asks, curious.

"It's still in Forks, actually." I explain. "Angela keeps her car here, but I find it's easy to get around the city with public transport."

"I'll drop you home then."

"Oh, no, really," I shake my head at him. "I take the bus all the time, really I'm fine."

"I can't let you take the bus home this late Bella," his forehead creases into a small frown.

"I might get a cab then."

"Don't waste your money when I have a perfectly good car right here." As he speaks a black sedan rolls up in front of him, he walks towards the curb. I know nothing about cars but I know the badge is expensive. He opens the door and cocks his head towards it. "After you."

I sigh and walk toward the car, sliding onto the smooth leather interior. "Thank you." I say before he closes the door after me.

He walks around the car and lets himself in the opposite side. He gives the driver my address, having gotten it from the form I filled out earlier. The drive is quiet, but I'm comfortable. I have so many questions running through my mind. I notice Edward pull out his phone and start typing away, occasionally sighing or lightly cursing under his breath. Business stuff I assume.

Four months. It's not really that long of a time. I'm only twenty-one. I don't need to start working right away, and this technically is work anyway. I'm going to be getting paid, and paid pretty well. If this car is any indication of how Edward lives it is very comfortable. I feel like I've stumbled into some weird, modern fairy-tale. Or maybe not a fairy-tale, maybe a bizarre dream is more accurate. In what world does Edward Cullen, a gorgeous wealthy man pay a woman to fake date him? I feel like this entire experience isn't real.

We roll up in front of my apartment. "Well, thank you for tonight, Edward." My voice pulls his eyes away from his phone, he apologises for being distracted the entire drive. "It's fine, really. Have a good night."

"You too, Bella." He smiles at me one last time, and I try to take a mental picture so it's in my mind forever. His smile, when it reaches his eyes, is something I could stare at for hours. Although it's slightly crooked it makes his entire face light up. He looks gorgeous. I blush again and reach for the door handle quickly, realising I've probably stared at his face a little longer than normal for the hundredth time tonight. "I'll contact you." I hear him say as I step out of the vehicle.

I step up onto the sidewalk and watch as the black car blasts down the street. I let myself into my apartment with a thousand thoughts still running through my mind. He will contact me? So I guess I just think things over for a few days and wait to see if I ticked all his boxes. He didn't make any indication that I didn't. Though it'll probably take a few days for his 'people' to do a thorough background check on me. Of course I'm not worried at all, they will find nothing, what could possibly be in my background? My dad is cop. He'd kill me before I did anything slightly shady. I wonder if they'll be able to look up my grades. I did get that one bad score back in first year.

I sigh and change into my comfortable pyjamas before falling onto my bed. So what do I do until he contacts me? Should I apply for internships? If he tells me I've got the all clear I'll have to withdraw them all, but if I don't apply and he doesn't think I'm fit for the job I'll be behind everyone else. Do I even want to do this if he does say yes? Yes. I think I do. It's a little crazy, but maybe it's about time I do something crazy. He was so polite, and easy to get on with. After talking with him all my worries about an inappropriate relationship, or any sexual expectations quickly faded. He was nothing but a gentleman towards me. And his face, oh god I could stare at his face all day.

Don't get attached Bella. He'd be your boss.

Now I really need to find something nice to wear to graduation. Maybe Angela and I can go shopping when she gets home; I am a thousand dollars richer now anyway. God I can only imagine how annoying Jessica and Lauren are going to be next week, swooning over my potential future boss. Though it could be a good thing, if I can get them to drag me along as they go up to meet him it can be the perfect back-story to our fake relationship.

I finally fall asleep a couple hours later, with thoughts of the next four months still swimming around my head.

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