All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to my betas darcysmom and twimom817; to my prepreader EdwardsmyObsession1971 – your unending encouragement and support is appreciated more than you know.

Just a few things before you begin the chapter … a little reminder of the timeline I'm working with. Bella moved from Washington State to Los Angeles in late August. In the State of California you're required to be a resident for six months before you can legally file for divorce. That means that Bella can legally file at the end of February, so she still has just under a couple months before she can file. Trust me … she wants to. =) Now on with the story.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Nine

Defensive

New Year's Day, I was up early even though I'd been out late the night before. I poured myself a cup of tea and curled up on the couch to watch the Rose Parade. I picked up my phone and saw that I had yet another text from Edward.

Did I scare you off with my drunk texts last night? – E

No. I was at a party actually. – B

Ahh … you had me worried there for a bit. For the record, I really do miss you. – E

I could feel tears stinging my eyes. I replied the only way I could – honestly.

I don't know what to say to that, Edward. I don't mean that to be hurtful, I'm being honest. – B

That's all I can ask for, Bella. – E

A few days later, I took Kaden to Disneyland to exchange our vouchers for our passes. We spent the entire day walking around the park taking everything in. It was the first time that I'd been there since I was a little girl and so many things had changed. I absorbed everything as I watched the magic of Disney through the eyes of my son. Later that night, after we got home and I'd tucked Kaden into bed, I texted Edward.

We went to Disneyland today. I can't thank you enough for our passes. Kaden loved it and I can't tell you how happy it made me to see the huge smile on his face. – B

Edward's response was instant.

I'm glad you had fun. Hearing you say that makes it all worth it. My only regret is that I couldn't be there to go with you. – E

There will be other times. You did buy us an annual pass. =D – B

I thought it was sweet that Edward wished that he was there to go with us but I didn't see how that was remotely possible. Everywhere he went he required a ton of security – especially since his breakup with Lauren.

Eric called me the second week of January to let me know exactly when Edward would be coming home. I made arrangements to do all the shopping I'd need the day before Edward's return. He was scheduled to come home in the late evening, so I wouldn't see him until the following day.

"Edward will be home just shy of two weeks and then he leaves for Australia for his next project. But while he's home, he's got a photo shoot and an interview scheduled at the house." Eric explained.

"Is there anything that I need to do for that?" I asked.

"I'm not sure yet. If anything, we may just want to pick up some pastries or something and serve them with coffee. I'll get with the people who are doing the interview and shoot and see what they need. Either way I'll make sure you have plenty of notice."

Edward's house was silent as I carried in several bags of groceries. Eric wasn't expected to be there until later in the afternoon and Doug was still on holiday. The cleaning crew had been through the day before so everything was sparkling clean.

"Umm … hey, I'm Emmett," said a voice behind me.

I jumped, nearly dropping the bags in my hand.

"Do you need help with those?" He asked.

"Is Eric expecting you?" I asked.

Emmett was tall and broad with a handsome face and childlike dimples. He smiled at me as a blush crossed his face.

"Shit, I'm sorry. I'm Edward's security guy. I'll be taking Doug's place for a while since Doug's working on another project. Didn't they tell you?" Emmett asked.

"Umm, no they didn't." I said, shaking my head.

"I didn't mean to scare you Miss …."

"Bella … my name is Bella." I said, taking his offered hand.

"Nice to meet you, Bella. Do you have more bags you need to bring in?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Yeah, there are a few more bags in the back of my car. They're heavy but I'm sure you can manage." I grinned, admiring the size of his biceps.

"So you're just going to hang out here?" I asked as Emmett came in carrying the last of the groceries.

"Yeah. They want security here while there are people here because of the paparazzi." Emmett explained.

"Really? They're an issue? I don't think I've seen any paparazzi here since I started."

"They were out in force yesterday. The poor cleaning crew got mobbed as they pulled in the driveway."

I frowned. I didn't know what I'd do if I got mobbed by photographers while I was trying to get to work.

"Don't worry about it, Bella. That's why I'm here. Once they see that it's not Edward in the car, they'll back off but they will try and ask questions to get any information they can." Emmett assured me.

"But I can't tell them anything," I argued.

"I know that, Bella. I also know that you wouldn't tell them if you could. Eric said that you were a really good person, and I think he's absolutely right." He grinned.

Emmett sat at the breakfast bar and we talked as I put away all the groceries. I liked Doug, but Emmett was much more jovial. Although, I bet when he needed to be, Emmett could be downright scary.

"Soo … back to work tomorrow, eh?" Emmett asked.

"Yeah," I smiled. "That's okay though. I don't really consider it work. I love what I do, and Edward has made this job so easy for me."

"Yeah … Ed's a great guy. It's just too bad that he has to put up with all this drama in his life."

"Yeah," I nodded. "Life would be easier for him if he had a nine to five office job, but then he wouldn't be doing what he loves."

That was all we said on the subject. It was wrong to talk about Edward that way – especially because he is our boss.

When I left that afternoon, I saw all the paparazzi that Emmett was talking about. They were sitting on the sidewalk across the street but they were eagerly awaiting someone to come out of the driveway. I did as Emmett told me; I put my sunglasses on and kept driving.

The next morning, they were back again and I called Emmett to have him escort me up the driveway.

"This is insane." I said, shaking my head.

"All this and Edward's not even here." Emmett chuckled.

"I bet they're disappointed they've only seen his personal chef coming and going." I mused.

"Ahh … but they don't know you're the personal chef. I'm sure they want to know who the beautiful mystery woman is that keeps coming and going from Edward Cullen's estate."

"Gee, thanks Emmett. That makes me feel a LOT better," I giggled.

"Anytime, Bella. But seriously, anytime you feel uncomfortable coming in or leaving here let me know. Edward wants to you to feel comfortable and safe here."

"Strangely enough, Emmett, I do feel safe here."

I spent the rest of the day making sushi. I thought Edward might like something easy to snack on when he got home that evening.

"Bella … are you making sushi?" Emmett asked as he passed through the kitchen.

"Yes, I am. I thought Edward would like something to eat when he gets home tonight."

"I'm sure he will. How did you know he likes sushi?"

"Eric mentioned it. He was going to pick some up but then I told him I could easily make it."

"Damn, Bella. You are a whiz in the kitchen. Sushi's an art that not many can master."

"It is. Thankfully, one of my instructors in New York owned a Japanese restaurant and he taught me how to make it. It takes a lot of practice."

"Practice makes perfect." Emmett grinned.

I left that afternoon feeling satisfied that I'd made something Edward would appreciate eating when he got home from his long trip. I'd made blueberry muffins for breakfast the next morning and I'd pulled them out of the oven shortly before I left.

I didn't rush to work the next morning because I knew if Edward got in late the night before he wouldn't be up and about early. I walked Kaden into his preschool class and chatted with his teacher for a few minutes before heading to Edward's. The house was fairly quiet except for the tapping of Eric's fingers on his laptop. Emmett was sitting next to Eric at the breakfast bar reading the newspaper.

"Mornin', guys," I smiled.

"Mornin', Sunshine!" Emmett grinned.

"You're in a good mood this morning," I observed.

"I'm always in a good mood – unless someone or something pisses me off." Emmett retorted.

"Well, you know what they say about that … better pissed off than pissed on." I giggled.

"This is true!" Emmett chuckled heartily.

"What's all the laughing about?" Edward asked sleepily as he walked into the kitchen.

"Just Emmett being the life of the party," I said with a laugh.

Edward furrowed his brow and glared briefly at Emmett.

"How was your flight, Edward?" I asked softly.

"Long and boring. Thank you for the sushi last night – it hit the spot." Edward said quietly as he poured himself a glass of juice.

"Ooh … speaking of that sushi, is there any leftover?" Emmett asked, rubbing his stomach.

"No, Em, we finished it all last night." Edward grimaced.

"What's that face for?" I giggled.

"I can't believe we ate that much. It was so good we just couldn't stop." Edward admitted.

"Well, I'm glad it went over so well. Next time I'll remember to make more – especially if Emmett will be here to help you."

I warmed up the muffins I'd made the day before and as the guys ate their breakfast, Eric filled me in on what would be happening for the photo shoot and interview.

"I don't want you going to a lot of trouble, Bella. In fact, I'd be happy if you went out and bought some pastries and juice and called it good." Edward interjected.

"I think that would be fine, honestly. If you want to make coffee that would be appreciated but I don't think you have to go to the extremes of making everything homemade like you usually do, Bella." Eric said, looking up from his laptop.

I went about my day, making dinner for Edward while the guys finished up and Edward announced that he had to go over to Warner Bros. to go over a few things before he left for Australia. Eric stayed where he was while Edward went to get cleaned up and Emmett quietly thanked me for breakfast and went outside.

"Bella?" Eric asked quietly.

"Yeah?" I asked as I stood chopping vegetables with my back to him.

"People Magazine is the publication that will be coming to photograph and interview Edward later this week. He's finally decided to come out and clear the air about what went on with Lauren. I don't think he's planning on divulging too many details because, in essence, Edward is a very private person but he does plan on telling them that he's ended his relationship with Lauren."

I turned around to look at him.

"Why are you telling me this, Eric?"

"Because I think he really likes you, Bella. He wants to be more than your employer – he wants to be your friend but he doesn't know how. He said you're so guarded and he doesn't fully understand why."

I sighed.

"Eric … please, understand that I'm generally a very private person too. I don't trust people easily and I've earned every right not to. I appreciate that Edward wants to become my friend, but if that is truly the case – he can come to me himself instead of going through you." I snipped.

"Bella … don't be angry with Edward. He didn't ask me to talk to you. I did it on my own volition. I just figured that the two of you needed a little nudge."

"You're going to nudge yourself right out of a job if you keep running your fucking mouth, Eric." Edward seethed as he stormed into the kitchen.

If looks could kill, Eric would be dead on the floor.

I quickly turned back to my task, willing my emotions not to get the best of me. I could hear Eric closing his laptop and gathering his things behind me. I knew he had left the room when I heard his retreating footsteps.

"Bella," Edward said softly from behind me. "I'm so sorry. I honestly didn't put Eric up to that. I don't know what the fuck he was thinking."

I wanted to tell him that Eric probably thought that the interview later in the week would be hard on him and that he wanted to make sure that someone – me specifically would be there to talk to Edward when it was all said and done.

"I have to go or I'll be late. Please tell me we can talk later?" Edward asked quietly.

I turned toward him and nodded.

I made fajitas for Edward that night. I carefully grilled the steak and vegetables and had everything ready for him when he came back late that afternoon. I needed to get home to Kaden as soon as I got dinner on the table because my dad was going out that evening to his weekly Pinochle game.

Edward and Emmett were eating in the dining room and I had just finished cleaning up when I heard Edward call me.

"Bella?"

"Yeah?" I asked as I stopped in the doorway to the dining room.

"Can you stay for a little while? Umm … there's plenty of food here." Edward offered.

"I'm sorry, Edward, I can't. I need to get home to Kaden. My dad has plans tonight."

"You could have your dad drop him off here," Edward suggested.

"I don't think that's a good idea. I'm sorry, Edward, maybe another time."

Edward rose from his chair and crossed the room to stand in front of me.

"I only want a chance to talk to you, Bella. You said earlier we could talk and I was hoping we could do that this evening."

I sighed knowing that he wasn't going to give up easily. All I could think of was that night in the hospital when he pulled me into his arms and told me that everything would be okay. I found myself craving the warmth, comfort and strength they offered me.

"Let me see if Alice will stay with Kaden for a while. If she can, I'll come back and we can talk." I offered. "But if she can't – it'll have to wait."

"Why are you so opposed to bringing him here, Bella?" Edward asked softly.

"Edward, it's my job to protect my son. I appreciate everything you've done for him, but I'm not ready for you to be a part of his life in any real capacity until I know I can trust you completely. I'm sorry, I'm just not there yet."

I turned on my heel, grabbed my things and walked out of Edward's house. I didn't return that evening.

After I got Kaden tucked into bed that night, I showered and put on some comfy pajamas. I made myself a cup of tea and settled in on the sofa with my Nook. I must have nodded off when I heard a ping from my phone. It wasn't a number I recognized.

Edward's a mess. What did you say to him? – Em

I figured it was Emmett but I wanted to be sure.

Emmett? – B

Yuppers. What did you say to Ed? – Em

Nothing that wasn't the truth. I won't apologize if it's a hard pill to swallow. – B

He was kind of devastated that you didn't come back to talk tonight. – Em

I sighed. I knew that he wanted to talk but I was so upset when I walked out of his house that I didn't even bother calling Alice when I got home. I just wanted to spend the evening with my son.

Emmett, please … I don't want to get into this with you. Please know that I didn't say what I said to hurt Edward. – B

Just as I sent off my last text, I received another one.

Are you coming in to work tomorrow? – E

Edward.

I quickly texted Emmett again.

Tell Edward I will be there tomorrow and we can try and talk then, okay? But I'm not playing texting tag with him tonight. I am shutting off my phone now. Goodnight, Emmett. - B

As promised, I shut off my phone and went to bed. I tossed and turned for a while – long enough that I heard my dad come in. I listened as he made coffee in the kitchen before setting the alarm and retreating to his own bedroom for the night.

I couldn't wait until Kaden and I could move out of my dad's house and into a place of our own. Now that I was working and making really good money, I could make that dream a reality, and I planned to do just that while Edward was in Australia.

The next morning was a fiasco. I was late getting Kaden to school because there was an accident in front of me. I was the helpful witness who waited for the police to arrive so that I could give them my name and cell phone number and give them my account as to what happened. I was twenty-five minutes late pulling into Kaden's school to find out that it was picture day. Thankfully, I'd dressed him in something decent and he always looked adorable anyway with his light brown hair spiked up and his baby blue eyes so wide and innocent. He made my heart hurt he was so cute.

As if my day could get any worse, I forgot my opener for Edward's gate and while I was trying to find it, a LAPD officer came up to my window and told me that I was parked on private property and that I needed to remove my vehicle. I tried to explain that I had an opener that I must have misplaced, but he wasn't buying it. Finally I gave up and called Emmett who walked out himself to explain to the officer that I was indeed an employee. As I sat there humiliated, I could hear the clicking of the cameras from the paps behind me. Emmett crawled into my passenger seat and urged me to pull on up the driveway.

"I'm sorry, Emmett. It's been a day from hell and it's not even noon yet." I apologized.

Emmett laughed but it wasn't his usual lighthearted belly laugh. It was stiff and forced.

We walked into the house and everything was dark. All the shades were drawn once again and I immediately knew that Edward was in one of his moods.

"Is this because I didn't come back over to talk last night?" I asked Emmett quietly.

"Yes and no." Emmett replied.

I sighed and retreated toward the kitchen.

Once I stepped into the kitchen, I felt like I could breathe again. I went about getting everything together I needed to make breakfast. I grabbed my iPod and popped in my ear buds and let the music melt my troubles away. I was just putting the finishing touches on the food when I felt someone watching me.

"Edward! Jesus, you scared me," I gasped, pulling out my ear buds.

"Sorry, I guess you couldn't hear me. Your phone's been blowing up. I could hear it upstairs."

I glanced over at my phone and saw that I'd missed three calls – all from the same unknown number. I figured it must have been the LAPD calling to get my statement.

"I'm sorry, Edward," I apologized, taking in his haggard appearance. "There was an accident this morning and I have to give a statement."

"An accident?" Edward asked with a worried look. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I wasn't involved in the accident, I only witnessed it."

Edward seemed to instantly relax at my reassurance while the tension between us grew thick – so thick, it was almost suffocating. I spun on my heel and tried to return to my task.

"Bella … talk to me, please," Edward begged softly.

"What do you want me to say, Edward? I told you how I felt before I left last night – obviously it upset you but I will not apologize for how I feel."

"Damn it!" Edward's voice rose, as he smacked his hand on the granite countertop. "I'm not asking you to apologize for how you feel, Bella. I would, however, love for you to acknowledge the fact that I want to have a conversation with you!"

"Okay," I sighed. "Let me make sure that Kaden is taken care of, and I need to see if this message is from the police wanting my statement."

Edward nodded and left me to take care of my business. I called my dad and asked him if he could pick up Kaden and watch him until I got home. He had offered earlier that morning, so I didn't figure he would mind. Next, I checked my voicemail and the messages were indeed from the officer at the scene of the accident. He asked me to call him back and left his phone number. I immediately called him back only to get his voicemail.

After leaving Officer Jenks a message explaining that I was at work and would be available in the evening, I put my phone away and called Edward for breakfast. He came back downstairs a few minutes later and stood in the doorway.

"I made breakfast so you may as well eat and then we'll talk." I said, setting his plate down on the breakfast bar.

Emmett came in a few minutes later and I offered him breakfast as well. He looked over at Edward as if to ask his permission. When Edward nodded, Emmett took a seat and I made him a plate.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Emmett asked.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I have breakfast with my little boy every morning."

"That's awesome," Emmett smiled. "I wish my parents had been around to have breakfast with me every morning."

"Yeah well, I try and make up for his dad not being around." I admitted.

Edward cleared his throat loudly and silence once again surrounded us. I busied myself by getting a head start on lunch. I turned to see Edward washing off his plate and fork and placing them in the dishwasher.

"What?" He asked. "I do know how to do dishes."

"I didn't say a word, Edward." I said defensively.

Emmett stepped over to the sink and repeated the same motions Edward had done only moments before and excused himself from the room.

"Are you ready to talk now?" Edward asked me softly.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

A/N: I know, I know a little cliffie but this worked out to be the best way to end the chapter and transition into the next chapter.

Thank you all for your lovely reviews – I obviously still haven't had a chance to catch up with them all but I've read each and every one and I appreciate them more than you know!

To my American readers – have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and don't get too crazy with the Black Friday shopping. ;) See you next Monday!