Author's Note: Finally…the chapter you've all been waiting for!

Enjoy…

CHAPTER 34: Right as Rain

"Good luck!" Alice gives me a tight hug. "I hope it all goes well."

"Thanks…me, too."

The car service Edward has sent is waiting for me outside. Alice gives me a spare key to her condo and the pin for the elevator in case I return and she's not home or if I end up spending the night at Edward's.

I think she's being a little too optimistic, but at least one of us is. I imagine myself storming off and running away again like I did earlier so I'm prepared for anything.

Fred, the front desk clerk tilts his hat to me before opening the door. I can't see who's inside the car because the windows are tinted. But as I approach, the driver side door finally opens and out he steps with a smile.

"Hey, you."

"Emmett!" I smile back, genuinely happy to see him. It's been a while and I'm glad it's him and not some random stranger. "I didn't know Edward was going to send you."

"Yeah, well…" he chuckles, "he was afraid someone was going to kidnap you or something if he sent a driver he didn't know. Also—it's better to avoid unwanted press in disguise. But, anyway…com' here!" Emmett extends his arms to me, gathering me in his usual big bear hug.

I forgot how strong and muscular he is. He's definitely more relaxed when Rosalie isn't around. I vaguely wonder if she intimidates him, even though he's twice her size.

"So…what's going on with Edward?" I dare to ask once the car is in motion. Maybe he can clue me in before I see his brother. He looks hesitantly at me through the rear view mirror with an uneasy smile on his face.

"Well, I'm sure you know about the whole Tanya thing," he scoffs, but tries to cover it with a small laugh.

"I just saw them together. That's it," I reply bitterly, crossing my arms across my chest and looking out the window.

"Yeah, sorry…that's what I meant," he says apologetically. "Eddie hasn't told us much—or anything for that matter. It's not like him."

I can see Emmett through the mirror from where I'm sitting and he looks lost in his own thoughts of his brother's strange behavior.

"Me and him—we aren't always so close, you know, but he knows he can confide in me."

I think in a way Emmett feels hurt that Edward won't tell him what this thing with Tanya is about either. He's not only his agent, but he's also Edward's older brother. It's only natural for Emmett to want to be there to look out for him.

"We're just as confused as you, I bet."

You don't know the half of it!

"Well, hopefully, I'll know something soon." I shrug nonchalantly.

At the stop light, Emmett turns to face me. "Rose said you'd tell her what's up with him…if he told you?" I nod. He looks relieved. "Don't let Rose pressure you though."

I give him a strange look as he turns back to face the road, just in time for the light to turn green. "Pressure me?"

Emmett gives a crooked little smile like his brother and looks at me again though the mirror. "You know how she can get. Not knowing why Eddie's been keeping secrets is driving her crazy."

I resist rolling my eyes. I have more right than her to feel concerned about his inability to communicate. "I bet," I mutter.

It's a short ride to Edward's house since he's not very far from Alice. Emmett punches a few numbers on the gate pad and it opens immediately. He waits for the gate to close behind us before proceeding down the driveway.

"Just to make sure no follows us in," he explains. I nod, thinking it makes enough sense. The paparazzi are pretty clever when it comes to getting the kind of gossip they want on a celebrity.

Edward's house looks quiet, like no one lives here. You can only tell the residence is occupied from the fresh cut grass and clean yard work around the front and sides of the house. The style of Edward's dwelling is of classic French and European design—pretty fancy digs for an up and comer if you ask me. Even Alice, who I'm sure is currently making more money than him, isn't interested in buying a house.

There's a car parked on the side covered in tarp, which I assume is Edward's car, even though there's a two-car garage as well. I'm so busy marveling at his house that I hadn't notice Emmett coming around to open my door. "C'mon, out you go," he motions with his head.

Slowly, I exit the vehicle, nervous—not knowing what to expect.

"The door's open so just walk right in. Not sure where he is, but I'm sure you'll find him."

Emmett has a hidden smirk and salutes me off. He doesn't follow me in and gets back into the car instead, making a U-turn at the round-about that has a floral centerpiece in the middle inside a statuesque vase.

This luxury home doesn't catch me as something Edward would pick for himself. I pinned him to live in a more modern home. Maybe Rosalie or even his mother might have helped him in the selection process. I remember Alice mentioning their mother also did something with houses.

I'm about to knock on the front door when I remember Emmett saying to let myself in. I push down on the lock handle with caution and poke my head inside before fully stepping in. Wow. The raised foyer funnels into an elegant gallery room with a cozy fireplace to make this house look like an actual home.

Walking in further, where the kitchen and family room are located, is a large open space for entertaining. There's a wall size projector screen with plush theater seats, pool and foosball tables, and minibar. There's also a study, library, and another gallery on this floor. Edward even has a fish tank in the corner.

His place gives you space for your personal enjoyment to relax and read or listen to your favorite classical music while having the boys over for some beer, football and male bonding time. I notice he's also very organized. Everything is spaced out nicely, clean and not cluttered. Has he always been this tidy? I can't recall.

Along the left side, I notice a master hideaway. My curiosity getting the better of me, I venture next in that direction. This area reminds me of a a personal retreat, with a large bath and his/hers walk-in closet. There's also an exercise room around the corner and before I can take another step…there he is.

I duck back into the shadows, hoping he didn't see me and my crimson cheeks. Edward's shirtless, only wearing basketball shorts and a towel around his neck. He's holding a water bottle in one hand and talking on the phone with the other, and pacing. It looks like he just finished working out from his damp hair and the sweat glistening off his perfect body. I don't know why I feel so flustered by his appearance…I've seen the guy fully naked before for crying out loud!

"I really don't need this from you right now," I hear him say. For a second I thought he was talking to me but then remembered he's on the phone. Judging from his tone he's not very happy with the person on the receiving end. "No—I don't. I have my mother for that, thanks."

I feel guilty for eavesdropping on the uneasy conversation and I don't want him to think I'm being nosey. This is his house after all and I didn't even so much as knock. With a deep breath, I slowly expose myself.

Edward stops in the middle of his sentence and pauses to stare at me. I blush again, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. I give him a small wave and a weak smile. "Hey…"

"Rosalie, I gotta go." He hangs up without waiting for a response.

Knowing Rosalie she's probably throwing a vase against the wall after his abrupt goodbye. Edward lets Rosalie control his career to keep any negative press from hurting his reputation, but his personal life is the one thing he has complete autonomy over. Poor Emmett. I can picture her unleashing her anger out at him even though he didn't do anything.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," I half-smile apologetically.

Edward shakes his head. "You didn't interrupt anything. I'm glad you're here."

The way he's staring at me again is waking up my insides. His naked torso is also very distracting so I avert my eyes away to calm my blushing face. I'm sure he's noticed since he's quietly laughing at me.

"Sorry for looking like a mess. I was going to get cleaned up before you got here but then…Rosalie called," he explains, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I'm going to take a quick shower. Just make yourself at home. There's food in the fridge and pantry if you're hungry. I won't be long."

He gives a small smile and maneuvers around me. Down the hallway I see him make a run for it upstairs.

While he's busy freshening up, I make my way back to the main area of his cozy home. Getting a better look around it does look modern in its own way with keeping some of the original décor of the French and European design. There's a part of the house where it's all glass windows overlooking an outdoor pool. He doesn't seem to have any neighbors around to disturb him either.

I'm not really hungry but waiting and doing nothing has me anxious so I open his fridge. Mostly everything is in plastic tupperware. There's also beer, bottled water, juice, food condiments, yogurt, and other miscellaneous food items that I would never expect Edward to have in here. Over all, he's a pretty healthy eater.

I grab one of his Greek yogurts and search for a spoon in his kitchen drawers. After finding one near the island table, I sit myself down at the breakfast bar and peel the lid open. Not sure on how long he'll be in the shower, I take my time eating while trying to keep my thoughts at bay. Overthinking isn't a good idea since I have no clue about what he's really going to say to me and I shouldn't stress myself out over nothing.

"Do you like it?"

I jump from my seat unaware I was no longer alone. I turned to see Edward behind me, smirking. "You startled me!"

His hair looks like it's been towel dried and the fresh scent of his shampoo and body wash brings back so many familiar memories. His close proximity makes me want to touch him…but I resist. He's also bare foot in a plain white tee and cargo shorts.

"Sorry," he chuckles.

Edward appears more relaxed about having me here than I am. He sits across from me on the opposite stool and smiles. I still don't understand how calm he can look when I'm far from it. I feel like my insides are going to burst at any moment if he keeps me waiting.

Placing the spoon in the empty yogurt cup, I set it aside so he knows I'm ready to have a real discussion. "So…"

A small, uneasy laugh escapes his lips. I know he's nervous because he's rubbing his neck. "I know I might have seem like a total jerk to you," he begins, "and trust me, I wouldn't blame you if you hated me—but what happened isn't something I was expecting."

I let out a heavy, frustrated sigh. "Just tell me what the hell you were doing with Tanya, Edward," I reply, almost glaring at him. "Are you back together with her? Is it over between us? Should I stop wasting my time? Tell me."

"What? No!" He looks as if he just got the wind knocked out of him. "Bella, I told you, you're misunderstanding things." Edward tries to reach for my hand but I move it away and bring it to my lap. He frowns at my actions and withdraws his gesture.

"Then help me understand," I say coldly.

"Tanya's grandmother just passed away."

"What?"

With almost every scenario I pictured in my mind, this wasn't something I was expecting him to say.

"Tanya found out the same day I got back from Volterra. Her flight landed a few hours earlier and because I'm really the only one who's met her grandmother, she came looking for me. Also because she needed a friend. That's all I was trying to do—being a friend. We're no longer together but I still care about her as a person."

"Then why all the secrets, Edward? Why couldn't you just tell Emmett and Rosalie the truth?"

"Tanya asked me not to and I have to respect her wishes. Sasha suddenly died of a heart attack in her sleep. Tanya wants to avoid the media prying into her personal life because she has a big campaign line coming up. If the sponsors saw her unfit to do the job because of what she's dealing with, she could lose the contract. Having people digging into your life without permission, especially at a time like this—it's difficult. She can't afford a breakdown in public at a critical time in her career."

"Where were you going with her earlier?" I asked next. I still want to know more. The more I know, the better I can assess the situation and see how I really feel about all of this.

"She wanted me to accompany her to a relative's house out in San Diego. I agreed to have lunch before we drove there. She's only met them once when she was little and didn't want to go there alone. There were old belongings of her grandmother's they had that they thought she should have. I was going with her for moral support. We were headed to my car when…"

He didn't need to finish his sentence because I know what happens next. I was there to witness it take place.

"So, did you end up going with her?"

"No," he answers quietly, shaking his head. "I apologized to Tanya and told her she'd have to go without me. She was angry—of course, but after the fiasco with the paps and knowing I needed to explain things to you, I didn't want to make things worse because…because the look in your eyes…" Edward pauses for a moment, struggling with his words, "It almost killed me, Bella."

I couldn't hide the shock on my face.

My beautiful Greek Adonis looks angry and miserable, his eyes focused on the marble countertop. "I never wanted to hurt you or you feeling hurt by my unknowing actions. I knew your feelings toward Tanya and your worry that there was still something between us and the way things looked when you saw us…I know you felt like I betrayed your trust. And I'm sure not being able to get a hold me only made that seem more…real. But I've already explained that to you."

Edward's jaw is firmly clenched and looks like he could punch a wall at any moment—which I hope he doesn't because his house is far too nice to be putting that kind of dent into.

Walking around, I sit myself on the bar stool beside him. He's looking at me with expectant eyes. "I saw the pictures of you two on the Internet," I say quietly, frowning. "You didn't necessarily look happy," I added a hint of sarcasm in my voice, "but I thought you'd forgotten about me. It hurt to see you with someone else, especially Tanya, knowing you were with her before me. And deep down…I thought…I thought that maybe I really wasn't good enough for you."

There. I said it. I've said one of my insecurities out loud to him. It feels like such a relief, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, yet I've never felt so exposed in my entire life. I felt naked and vulnerable. My insides are cringing and cowering into a hole.

This is also the part where I imagined myself running away but my limbs are ignoring the orders from my brain.

"No, Bella, baby…" Edward quickly takes my hands into his. This time I don't stop him. I can't even look at him. I still feel so embarrassed for revealing my true feelings. "You're perfect."

I scoffed. Perfect? It sounds so…cliché. And untrue.

Edward rolls his eyes because he knows I'm not buying what he's telling me. He sweetly kisses my knuckles and rests my hands in his lap, scooting his seat closer to me. It's been so long since we've been this close and his scent is still so intoxicating. I muster all of my will power not to pull him in for a kiss.

"I know no one's perfect—I'm not perfect. What makes you perfect is how you can be yourself around me and most importantly, how you make me feel normal. I've told you that. You're my home, Bella."

"Your…home?" I ask bewildered. What on earth is this man saying? Am I missing something?

"I can't explain it but I know I belong with you."

Edward's words are echoing in my ear. He has an intense look in his green eyes, but soft and sincere at the same time. The feeling I get when we're in our own world is back. Even though we're already alone, it truly feels like it's just the two of us in this moment.

"I have no intention of letting you go that easily," he adds. The crooked grin of his that I love so much is a sight for sore eyes.

Composing myself, I take another deep breath. "You haven't done anything with Tanya these last few days?"

"No," he smiles, reassuring me. "I've only been there for her as a friend. Screw what the media says because they'll twist anything for a good story that gullible people will buy. I know having her arm around me makes me a bad boyfriend and I'm sorry. She's just very clingy but that's still no excuse. It won't happen again—with her or anyone. Well, maybe except if it's Alice or my mother."

I know he's trying to make me smile by lightening the subject and he's succeeded. But of course, I try to resist by rolling my eyes at his charming ways. His chuckles quietly, kissing my knuckles again.

"There's one picture I saw of you and Tanya at some party this weekend. What was that about?"

I didn't want to ruin the moment but I had to bring it up. Tanya had her arm around his shoulders and smiling brightly for the camera. Edward has a small grin but it didn't seem genuine. While everyone in the shot clearly had some kind of mixed drink or champagne bottle in their hand, she's holding a water bottle, which I found kind of odd for her. I'm surprised she's not drinking vodka.

"It was a release party at a house for someone she knew that I got dragged into going," he rolls his eyes. "Emmett and Rosalie were there as well. There were some important industry people in attendance so my agent and publicist wanted me to network. But, I honestly don't remember much of that night. Emmett said I crashed in one of the rooms after Tanya went off to flirt with James Nomad and company."

"James Nomad?" I remember her hooking up with that guy right after one of their breakups and how she tried to crawl back to Edward after her little fling. I'm sure his name leaves a bitter taste in Edward's mouth.

"He's bad news and I've told her that. But…whatever. She's a big girl. She can handle herself."

I have to remind myself that his concern for Tanya is only that of a friend since he probably knows more about her situation with James than I do. It's also not something I want to pry into in case it brought up more bad memories for Edward because James was also considered a rival of his in the industry, although Edward has the leg up on his career.

Changing subjects, I bring up Demetri.

"I met him while we were on a day trip in Italy. Do you know him?" I wasn't sure if Edward knew what Tanya did prior to their relationship and again, curiosity getting the better of me, I had to ask.

"Somewhat," Edward replies casually. "More of an acquaintance through Irina Romanov. I know he knows Jasper as well."

"He seems like a nice guy. We had dinner before Alice and I left on our flight."

Edward raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"M-hmm," I nod. It was an innocent dinner so why not bring it up? It's not like I have anything to hide from him. What we talked about, well…that might all depend on how Edward reacts.

"And how was dinner?" he asks, making circles with his fingers on my knuckles. His face looks calm, hiding what he might really be feeling. This man is definitely a good actor.

I smile innocently, "It was fine. We had a pretty good conversation."

Minus the part about Tanya getting her claws into him and me storming out of the restaurant with those crazy ideas in my head about you and her.

"What'd you guys talk about?" He now sounds curious.

"He told me about his relationship with Irina," I answer with a shrug. "He seems to still really care for her."

"Then he shouldn't have slept with Tanya," Edward scoffs with a disappointing shake of his head. So he does know about that incident.

"It's not like he was entirely to blame for it," I say in Demetri's defense. Is Edward trying to make Tanya look like the victim here? Just the thought of it makes my blood bubble.

He squeezes my hands. "I'm not taking anyone's side, love," he tells me gently. "I heard what happened through Irina. She's a friend. She was really broken up about what happened. I'm sure Demetri told you his side of the story, too. We both know only half of the truth."

And he was right. We did. I'm sure Irina saw what happened differently. I'd be a bigger mess if that were me in her position. The thought of Edward and…I can't think like that so I shake the images away.

"I only found out after Tanya and I first broke up," Edward continues. "Irina was in Chicago for a promo ad and called me to catch up. That's when she told me the link she had to Tanya when she heard we were dating. I'm assuming Demetri has told you they're half-sisters?" I nod. "I confronted Tanya about it and she got upset."

"Upset that you found out?"

"More so the fact that I had lunch with her sister. She thought Irina was spreading all these lies about her and trying to ruin her modeling career—which of course, wasn't true at all. Irina is a very sweet girl. Their personalities are like oil and water."

Shaking my head, I slump my shoulders, a little frustrated with his story. "If you knew Tanya cheated with Demetri—her sister's boyfriend—why did you still keep your on again/off again relationship with her?"

I really don't understand it. Did he not see what she's capable of doing? Her personality and the way she tries to get everything she wants without caring who she hurts along the way should have raised a red flag for him.

Looking guilty, Edward didn't seem to know how to respond. "I don't know why I kept giving her a chance. Maybe I thought one day she'd finally change. I know her better than most people because I've seen that other side of her—the sweet and caring side that I know is in there somewhere. She's not a bad person…it's just the type of decisions she makes which aren't always the best."

"She's pretty selfish if you ask me," I mutter bitterly.

"She can be, yes," he smiles at me. "But—so can I." Edward kisses my knuckles once more softening my irritated mood. "I thought maybe I could help her become a better person but when I realized only she has the power to do that…I finally let her go. And it was a good feeling."

"And you're completely done with her?" I raise another skeptical eyebrow.

"Been completely done. I've never felt for her what I felt for you the moment we met—that instant connection. I never got my leather jacket cleaned, by the way. Instead, I just bought a new one."

"Well, I'm sure buying a new one has barely made a dent in your piggy bank," I reply sarcastically with a smile.

He chuckles at my comment. "It's not that. I didn't want to get it cleaned because I'd lose a trace of you, not knowing if I'd ever run into you again. It's like that kiss on the cheek someone gives you that you never want to wash off. The jacket is also still hanging in my closet."

It's when he says things like this that make me melt. Ever the adorable, sweet charmer he is. I really do love this man.

"After today's events, I'm assuming Tanya knows we're finally together?"

"Yes, she knows," Edward nods slowly. "I told her the same night she told me about her grandmother. It wasn't the best timing, given what she was already dealing with, and got upset about it—but I wanted to make sure she understood what my intentions were with being there for her."

"And did she?"

"She said she did...eventually."

He looks a little skeptical himself but at least he told her it wasn't anything more than a friend she can rely on while she's going through the grieving process and Edward helping with her grandmother's funeral.

"Well, tell her I'm sorry for her loss."

I want to show that I'm not trying to be insensitive in any way because losing a loved is hard. I know Tanya's been through it before with her parents and now losing her grandmother, the only person who really took care of her—I can't even imagine what she must be going through. It's actually very sweet of Edward to be there for her in her time of need. My only gripe is with her being too friendly with my boyfriend.

"I will," he smiles again. "So…you still hate me?"

I'm still feeling very bratty and whiny about Tanya monopolizing his time while I was away, but after Edward explained himself to me and how he clearly still cares about our relationship, I have to let it go so we can continue to move forward.

"Stop with those puppy dog eyes," I warn him. He starts to frown, playfully batting his beautiful long eyelashes at me. Edward pulls me closer to him trying to nuzzle his nose against my neck, which tickles.

Eventually, I give in.

"Stop it," I giggle. "Okay, fine—no. I don't hate you. I never did. It was just your weird phone call—the last time we talked. You seemed…off."

"I know, I'm sorry. Tanya was bugging me to get off the phone to help her find something to wear for the funeral and I didn't want you to think anything was going by me being around her at the time."

"Wait—I'm confused. Rosalie said she showed up at the basketball court you were playing at when you came back to L.A. When you called me, you should have still been in Volterra." I raise another I-want-some-answers eyebrow.

"Volterra?" he gives me an equally confused look. "Oh! That's right. I hadn't gotten a chance to tell you that Aro was able to schedule us on an earlier flight out. A family of five cancelled so we took the opening. My phone died because I forgot to charge it, on top of almost getting mobbed at the airport in Florence by some fans. I called you the day after I got back. I basically lost my phone after that. I shouldn't have placed it in my gym bag."

"Oh…" I blush for feeling kind of stupid now; like I'd been grilling him into slipping on his alibi.

Everything I'm doing must also be amusing to Edward because he keeps smirking and laughing softly at my reactions. "Bella, I have nothing to hide from you." He gently rubs his nose along mine. I close my eyes savoring the moment. "Ask Rosalie or even Aro what day we got back," he murmurs.

"No…I believe you," I answer quietly. "When's the funeral?"

"It's tomorrow at one in the afternoon. What time are you going to work?"

"My manager, Lucy, doesn't get in till around eleven so I thought I'd head there around then."

"Good. I can drop you off before I go," he says, still continuing his sensual torture. Edward now has his hands on my hips, gently squeezing and massaging my thighs.

My brain is going hazy. His touch is sending all kinds of signals throughout my body. I want to pounce on him so badly but I have to play it cool. Just for a little bit longer.

"Drop me off?" I try to reply in a casual tone.

"Mm-hmm…" he nods. "After I make you breakfast."

I pull back, just enough to look him in the eyes. "Breakfast? I mean I knew there could be a possibility of spending the night here but I didn't bring any of my things with me like my toiletries or even a change of clothes."

"Come with me," he smiles again, taking my hand. I jump off the bar stool and follow him upstairs.

He leads me through his master bedroom and into the bathroom. There's a soft glow from a back-lit mirror that highlights the stunning glass tile. The bath and the two sinks are finished in Chesapeake white paint, honey oynx floors and countertops. It definitely looks like a five-star hotel bathroom.

"Look in the drawer," he points with his head. I walk over to the farther sink and open the drawer underneath like he's instructed. Inside I find an unopened toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, cotton balls and other miscellaneous bathroom toiletries I could ever need.

I look at him in awe. "You got these…for me?"

Edward nods. "Come," he takes my hand again and leads me back to the bedroom and into his walk-in closet. There's a whole side that's practically empty with a few shirts and pants hanging on a rack. All of them still have tags on them. I walk over and take a look at the garments. "I hope I got your size right."

"You're joking me?" I laugh unbelievingly. "You bought me clothes to wear for tomorrow?"

"And for whenever…when you're here," he smirks shyly.

"Don't tell me you bought me underwear, too?" I tease. Edward only winks, not saying a word. Is he serious?

"I have night stuff you can wear in the drawers. Take your pick. They should all fit you."

"And how do you know my size?" Has he been secretly writing down my measurements and sizes?

Then it hits me.

"Alice told you—didn't she?"

He merely shrugs with a secret smile and walks back out to the bedroom. I follow, still shaking my head with a smile as well. He really has everything figured out. "Just in case," he says.

"Well, it looks like I'm all set then," I reply, a yawn escaping me. I forgot he disturbed my nap earlier.

"It's getting late and we both have to wake up early tomorrow. I'm sure you're still jet-lagged, too. I'll let you get ready first…for bed."

He turns on his flat screen and searches the menu for something to watch while I use the bathroom to brush my teeth and change. His back is to me so he doesn't see me approaching to give him a hug from behind. His muscles tensed at the sudden startle, but then he relaxes, leaning back into me.

"Thank you," I whisper.

Edward puts the remote down and turns to face me, cupping my chin. "You have nothing to thank me for," he murmurs and gives me a soft kiss on the lips. He puts one hand on my lower back, pressing me closer to him. "You make me feel like the luckiest guy in the universe."

I blush.

"When you're ready…I want to share my home with you and make it ours."

I nod. "When I'm ready…I'd like that."

The last thing I remember is Edward's gorgeous smile before I closed the bathroom door. Leaning against it, I feel light as a feather with my own goofy grin that I can't seem to get rid of. Letting out a long breath after what seems like the longest five days of my life…everything feels right in the world again.

Author's Note: There… The mystery's been solved! See—you guys had nothing to worry about. :) I'll put out some happier chapters but don't you think for a second that the drama with Tanya's over just yet! Stay tuned.

Thank you as always for reviewing. Please continue to do so!