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

No copyright infringement is intended.

HUGE thanks to darcysmom and twimom817 for beta'ing this and to EdwardsmyObsession1971 for pre-reading – these ladies offer me unending support and encouragement. And last but certainly not least … BIG thanks to ChristagBanner for making the beautiful banner for this story – it's now up on the Lemonade Stand!

A/N: I had a few people question what happened to Mike – Bella mentioned that she hadn't spoken with him in over eight months in the very beginning of the story and then again in chapter 10 - it wasn't for lack of trying. She's tried to get in touch with him and he hasn't responded to her. (Calling his cell phone, his desk at work with no response.) Mike is completely ignoring her as if she and Kaden didn't exist. I assure you that he didn't fall off a cliff or perish in a car accident – nor was he struck by lightning. He's just an ass and we'll see that in future chapters.

When You Least Expect It

Chapter Eleven

Fessing Up

"These pastries look amazing, Bella." Eric chirped cheerfully as I set out various muffins and Danishes.

"Thanks, but you know I didn't make them right?"

Eric laughed.

"I know, Bella, but you chose the bakery and ordered them. I have faith in your choice of bakeries."

"Thanks, Eric." I smiled.

I set out two carafes of juice and two of coffee along with the pastries before making my shopping list for the day. I waved at Eric as I exited the kitchen. I was almost to the front door when I heard Edward call out behind me.

"Bella? Can I talk to you for a minute?" He asked quietly.

"Sure. What's up?" I asked from the bottom of the staircase.

"Umm … let's talk in private." Edward suggested.

"Okay …." I drawled out.

Edward motioned for me to follow him up the stairs, and I did so with trepidation. I'd only ever been in the living, kitchen and foyer of Edward's house before. He led me into the first room we came to. A long, black leather couch sat along one wall and the opposite wall was adorned with nearly a dozen guitars. A wall of large picture windows overlooked the backyard and patio below. In front of the center window sat a sleek, black baby grand piano. Opposite the piano sat two comfortable looking red, crushed velvet chairs.

I absentmindedly wandered into the center of the room, taking in everything around me. The room was a stark difference from the rooms downstairs.

"Edward …" I breathed. "This is beautiful."

"Thank you," he said softly as he closed the door behind us.

"You wanted to talk to me?" I asked.

"Yeah …" he said as he slowly walked toward me. "I … umm …."

Edward took my hand in his and gazed into my eyes. I immediately dropped my gaze to the floor. He brought his hand to my chin and nudged me to look at him.

"Bella … I just wanted to tell you to ignore whatever I may say in my interview today because it won't be anything close to how I truly feel."

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

Edward took a deep breath and led me over to the couch.

"Bella, they're going to ask me questions about my relationship status – whether I'm single or not and if I plan to get back into dating."

"Okay … so why don't you just be honest?" I asked.

"Because, Bella … I'm a very private person. Lauren and I were together for years before we went public with our relationship."

That much I had known about Edward and his ex. I couldn't say that I blamed them. Relationships are so delicate in their infancy and if you want to have a fighting chance – especially in the industry that Edward is in, it's best to let it grow – away from the public's eye.

"So what are you going to tell them?"

"That I'm content with focusing on my career at the moment and a romantic entanglement is the last thing I want to worry about."

I thought about his words from earlier. 'Won't be anything close to how I truly feel.'

"Which one is the lie? Either you're not focused on your career which you very much seem to be or you do want to worry about a romantic entanglement?"

Edward sighed.

"Bella, I like you a lot. I know we're trying this whole friends thing, but I hope one day, you'll be open to exploring a relationship with me."

I opened my mouth to interrupt but he gently placed his finger on my lips.

"I know you're not there yet, Bella. That's okay, but it doesn't mean that I can't get to know you in the meantime."

Edward's eyes were filled with understanding and I relaxed as I found the sincerity coming from them that I needed to believe him.

"Bella …" Edward said quietly as he looked down at our hands still entwined in his lap.
"If that's not something you think you'll eventually be capable of, I need you to tell me."

I couldn't deny the attraction I felt toward Edward, but I didn't feel right acting on it – there were too many issues to deal with before that could happen. I also knew that if I allowed myself to feel something for Edward there would be no turning back, and I feared what would happen when he realized that Kaden and I didn't fit into his life or world. We were a package deal, and if I were to fall for Edward and it didn't work out – it could potentially crush me and I wanted to avoid that kind of heartache with every fiber of my being.

"Edward … the only answer I can give you is that I'll try. I like you a lot, I do, it's just that there are so many things that are unresolved in my life right now that I need to get sorted out. I understand and can appreciate how you feel but I need you to understand me too. I have Kaden to think about and if you want me, you have to want him too because we're a package deal."

Edward nodded and I continued.

"I don't want to be played with and I won't be a flavor of the week, Edward. If it doesn't work out – it doesn't work out but I don't want to walk away with a broken heart because I've been hurt." I said honestly.

Edward looked up at me, his emerald eyes were clear and I could see his continued sincerity.

"Bella … I get it. I know that you and Kaden are a package deal. I'm good with that. I also know that I need to gain your trust before you'll allow me to get to know him. Honestly, I can't wait for that day to come. I love kids and can't wait to have a few of my own running around. The key here, Bella - is time. I want you to be able to trust me and you've got to do that at your own pace – when you're ready, I'll be here. I don't want to hurt you – that is the last thing in the world that I want to do. I'll be completely honest with you as long as you're open and honest with me."

I nodded.

I wanted to reach over and initiate a hug, but we were interrupted by Eric knocking on the door.

"Edward?" Eric called out. "They're ready for you downstairs."

Edward sighed.

"All right, I'll be down in a few minutes. We're just finishing up." Edward hollered.

"Sorry," he apologized.

"It's okay." I smiled weakly. "Occupational hazard, right?"

"Something like that," Edward chuckled.

"I'm heading out to do the shopping. Anything in particular you'd like?"

Edward looked like he was wrapped up in thought as he pondered my question.

"I want you to make your favorite dish for me."

"My favorite?" I asked.

"Mmmhmm." He nodded.

"What if my favorite dish was something like mushroom ravioli?"

"I'd eat it because you made it." He answered honestly.

I was taken aback.

"You'd endure something you don't like because it's my favorite?" I asked incredulously.

"Absolutely. I'll try just about anything at least once."

"All righty then. I better get going so I can get back and you are needed downstairs."

"Yep. Oh … and Bella, if you are cooking your favorite, I'd love for you to stay for dinner."

I smiled and gave him a small nod as I rose from the couch and slipped out the door.

~.*.*.~

When I came back from the market, the house was still bustling with activity. Thankfully, they had done the interview portion first while Edward was getting his makeup done for the photo shoot. They were just finishing up Edward's interview when I walked into the kitchen.

Emmett and Eric were both sitting on barstools at the end of the breakfast bar. Both of them had their noses buried in their iPhones.

"Staying entertained, gentlemen?" I grinned.

"Always," Emmett replied, keeping his focus on his phone.

I emptied the shopping bags and quickly put away the groceries.

"What's for dinner tonight?" Emmett asked.

"Fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and fresh green beans."

"Damn, that sounds good!"

"Emmett," I chided. "Everything sounds good to you."

We both laughed and Emmett went back to his phone. I had already spoken with my dad about watching Kaden until later that evening and he was happy to do it. Since I had some time before I needed to start dinner, I decided to use the afternoon to make dessert.

Edward spent the afternoon having his photo taken – in the living room and outside on the patio. After I'd gotten dessert in the oven, I sat and watched the photographers at work. As time wore on, I could see Edward growing more and more agitated.

"Eric!" Edward finally hollered.

Eric jumped up from his barstool and went to see what Edward wanted. I looked on as Edward and Eric exchanged words. Emmett just chuckled as he watched Edward wave his arms in exasperation.

"He's not happy," I whispered to Emmett, not wanting one of the crew members who were leaning on the bar to hear me.

"No shit," Emmett chuckled. "He was supposed to be finished with this shit hours ago and they're still here. Are you staying for dinner?"

I nodded.

"You may want to rethink that decision," Emmett chuckled.

"Emmett!" I hissed.

The next thing I heard was one of the photographers yelling that it was a wrap and the crew members all went into a flurry of motion as they packed up their gear. Edward walked into the house and looked at me sadly as he headed for the staircase. I turned to see Eric arguing with one of the photographers telling them that they had plenty of time to get all the shots they needed and that Edward had other commitments that afternoon that he needed to tend to.

I turned back toward the kitchen to check on the dessert I'd stuck in the oven. It was nearly done and I panicked a little because I still had at least a couple hours before I needed to start dinner. I stood at the counter and fidgeted with my hands not sure what else there was that I could do. I'd cleaned up all the dishes I'd used and there really wasn't any prep for me to do for dinner as I'd already washed the green beans and snapped them. I'd made the coating for the fried chicken earlier as well and I wished in that moment that I hadn't.

"Bella … sit down and chill out before you worry yourself to death," Emmett chuckled.

"But I …."

"It's okay. Edward's not going to get mad because you don't have anything to do." He smiled.

"I know, but I hate sitting here knowing that he's paying me to do nothing."

Eric was still standing outside on the patio with a man that I'd seen in several photos with Edward but I wasn't sure who he was or where he'd come from. He looked like he was giving Eric a proper ass chewing as Eric cowered next to him. The camera crew continued to pack up their things and make their way through the house. The man who was chewing Eric out came in the door suddenly and looked toward Emmett and me.

"Emmett, where did Edward run off to?" He asked.

"He went upstairs." Emmett replied dryly.

The man nodded and looked over at me.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I'm Nick, Edward's manager." He said as he reached out to shake my hand. "Things have been so crazy the last few months and I feel badly that I haven't been over here sooner to meet you. Everyone speaks so highly of you."

"Hi, Nick. Nice to meet you, too. I thought Eric was Edward's manager?"

Nick laughed.

"Umm, no. Eric is only an assistant and a very bad one at that. He's going to pack his things as soon as the camera crew is done in here."

"Oh. I didn't even see you come through the house …."

"I didn't come in through the house. I knew they were shooting both inside and on the patio so I went straight through the portico. I had to rescue Edward. He should have been at the studio forty-five minutes ago. The agreement was they had thirty minutes to get all the shots they needed because they knew he was on a schedule today." Nick sighed.

Shortly after the camera crew had removed the last trunk from the house; Edward came trudging down the stairs. Nick was sitting at the counter going over a schedule with Emmett and Eric was sulking as he gathered his own things.

I had just pulled my cobbler out of the oven and was in the middle of sitting it on the top of the stove when I heard Edward ask me if there was something he could grab quickly to snack on in the car on the way to the studio.

"There's cheese slices in the deli drawer and there are fresh crackers in the pantry. I also made some chicken salad if you want me to make you a sandwich real quick. You can take that with you in the car." I offered.

"That would be great, Bella." Edward smiled.

I closed the oven and took off my oven mitts. I quickly pulled out the things I'd need for his sandwich and made it up while Edward grabbed a soda from the fridge.

"I'm not ruining your dinner am I?" Edward asked, worried.

"I haven't started dinner yet." I said shaking my head.

"Good. I'm not sure when I'll be back but hopefully it won't be too late. We're only going over some last minute scheduling things at the studio and then we should be back. Will you still join me for dinner?" Edward asked quietly.

I looked over and I saw Nick carefully eyeing our exchange.

"As long as it's not too late. Can you call and let us know when you're on your way back?"

Edward nodded.

"Thank you for the sandwich."

"You're welcome."

Edward called a couple hours later to apologize and let me know that he'd had a change in plans. He'd be going out for dinner with some people from the studio and wouldn't be back until late.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I really did want to have dinner with you."

"That's okay, Edward. I understand that you have other things to take care of. You don't need to worry about me."

Edward sighed.

"I do worry about you, Bella. I want to prove to you that I'm a man of my word because I need you to trust me, and if I bail on you every time we make plans that won't happen."

"It's okay, Edward, honestly. I'm sure you have a lot of things to take care of before you leave next week. I'm not going anywhere."

"Okay. Oh … and just so you know, I will have a new assistant there in the morning. I'm hoping he'll be more attentive than Eric."

"I liked Eric!"

"I know. He wasn't a horrible person; he just didn't do his job very well." Edward admitted.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow, Edward."

"See you tomorrow, Bella."

The next morning, true to his word, Edward had a new assistant and I was completely shocked to see it was Alice's boyfriend, Jasper who was standing at the breakfast bar talking to Emmett.

"Bella?" Jasper asked confused.

"Hey, Jazz. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Bella, this is Jasper, Edward's new assistant." Emmett smiled. "I assume you two know each other?"

"Yeah," I giggled. "You could say that. We were roommates in college and Jasper's girlfriend is my best friend."

Emmett nodded.

"What are you doing here, Bella?" Jasper asked.

"I'm Edward's personal chef, Jazz. I'm here pretty much every day."

I knew that Jasper worked for an agency and I knew that he did various jobs but last time I'd talked to him he was working for an author under a big publishing company. I had no idea that he was a personal assistant.

"I see those gears working in your head, Bells. I'm just like you, bound by an NDA. I can't disclose my job to anyone – not even Alice."

I nodded.

"Bells?" I heard Edward's voice ask from behind me.

I gasped and turned to face him.

"Mr. Cullen, nice to meet you, sir." Jasper drawled.

Edward offered his hand to Jasper in return and peaked his brow at him.

"Nice to meet you too…"

"Jasper, Jasper Whitlock."

"Jasper. Well, welcome to the funhouse. I assume you already know Bella?"

"Yes, sir. She's a good friend of my girlfriend's and also a good friend of mine." Jasper admitted.

Edward looked at me in question.

"Alice?" Edward asked.

I nodded and Edward smiled widely.

I rolled my eyes and made my way into the kitchen, leaving Edward and Jasper to get acquainted.

Emmett followed me a few minutes later and took a mug from the cabinet and poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Is Jasper going with Edward to Australia?" I asked.

"Yeah, I think so. As long as Edward thinks he can do his job." Emmett replied.

"It feels like Eric left so suddenly." I said sadly.

"Bella, Eric didn't leave – he was fired." Emmett chuckled.

"I know, but it seemed so sudden. I didn't even see it coming."

"Bella … I'm surprised that Eric lasted this long. Edward was ready to fire him when he got back from Iraq, but for whatever reason, he let him stay."

I sighed and went about putting together some breakfast.

"Jasper's a really nice guy." I said quietly. "I think he'll get along well with Edward."

"He came highly recommended to me," Edward's voice came from behind me.

"Damn it, Edward! Will you ever learn that I don't like to be snuck up on?" I shrieked.

Edward laughed.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I don't mean to sneak up on you. It seems you get so lost in what you're doing that you don't realize there are other people in the room."

I shrugged and focused on what I was doing once again.

"Are we on for dinner tonight?" Edward asked quietly.

I sighed, knowing that my dad wouldn't be around to watch Kaden that night. If I wanted to have dinner with Edward, I'd have to bring Kaden with me.

"Would you mind terribly if Kaden came?" I asked.

"Of course not. He's welcome here anytime, Bella."

"Thank you. I have to pick him up today, but we'll be back later this afternoon. Around four if that's okay?"

"That would be perfect, Bella."

Later that evening, I sat on Edward's couch and watched as Edward played on the floor with my son.

"Do you have any animals, Kaden?" Edward asked him.

"Uh huh! We'd have a doggie … her name is Koda. She's Mommy's doggie." Kaden replied.

"Yeah? Is she a big dog or a little dog?"

"She's white wif black spots and blue eyes and she's fluffy and wikes to lick a lot." Kaden rambled adorably.

I couldn't help the giggle that escaped me.

"She's half Australian Shepherd and half Husky," I explained. "She's medium size but that's probably huge to him. Huh, buddy?" I said, ruffling Kaden's hair as I joined them on the carpet.

"I bet she's a great dog." Edward mused.

"She's amazing." I admitted.

"Koda sings songs!" Kaden said excitedly as he jumped in Edward's lap.

"She does?"

"Uh huh! But she only sings for Mommy and Papa always yells at her to shuddup when she sings."

"Aww … well, I hope I get to hear her sing one day."

"Uh huh! You can come to our house and play and then you can meet Koda and Papa. Can you come tomorrow?"

I laughed and pulled Kaden from Edward's lap.

"Little Bear, Mister Edward has more important things to do than come over and play with you and Koda. Besides, Koda hasn't had a bath in a while and no one wants to smell a dirty stinky dog."

Kaden giggled and it was the best sound in the world. There was nothing like my little boy's laugh. I hugged him to my chest and kissed his head as he snuggled into me. I looked up to find Edward looking at us reverently – his emerald green eyes full of yearning.

"You okay?" I asked Edward softly and he nodded in return.

"I better get Kaden home, it's getting late."

"Mommy! 'Fore we leave, I wanna help Mister Edward put a new drawwin up on the fridgidator!" Kaden cried.

Kaden had taken to Edward almost immediately and it scared me to let Edward be so close to Kaden. Edward seemed to take to Kaden just as easily and that thought put my mind at ease a little bit and allowed me to trust Edward a little more.

That night as I crawled into bed I had so many emotions swirling around in my head that I couldn't make heads or tails of them and I could only hope that I could sort them out while Edward was gone to Australia. Five more days and he'd be gone.

A/N: Seriously ... I can't thank y'all enough for the reviews and positive response for this story. I'm so glad that there are so many of you enjoying it and sticking around for this journey with me.

I may not reply but I do love to hear what you have to say so please leave a review!