Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or characters, no income being made; only fulfilling a creative whim.

Chapter 4

Edward's POV

She smelled of strawberries, the breeze off the ocean and pure bliss. Now where the fuck did that come from? That sounded like some shit you would read in a romance novel.

When Isabella excused herself to obviously use the restroom her scent overwhelmed me. And in a fucking good way. Christ it should be bottled up sold. Put Chanel right out of business. Not like Tanya's choice of perfume. That shit was heavy, overpowering with a mixture between floral and musk. It was enough to make me nearly gag. Even if I didn't already think she was shallow, whatever that fragrance she obviously bathed in would've been reason enough to just end it. Isabella was like a breath of fresh air. Literally. I actually breathed her in as she walked by, doing my best to hide it. I certainly didn't need Emmett getting all over my shit and lecturing me about the "no fucking the client" rule.

"Mr. Cullen would you like more coffee." Jessica asked.

"Which Mr. Cullen were you referring to?" Emmett quipped quickly.

I was still in my Isabella zone waiting for her to come back from the ladies room so I could inhale her intoxicating scent again. I completely missed whatever the fuck this Jessica chick was blathering about. But I knew what her game was. She had been giving me the hard court press as soon as she introduced herself. I knew her type all too well. No thank you. I was getting ready to unload Tanya. There was no way in hell I was going to take up with some other skank. Yeah, I called her a skank. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see what her shit was all about.

"My apologies, I meant both of you." Jessica stuttered.

Emmett smirked as he glanced at me then winked. He could be such a dick. But I loved the asshole. I could count on him to lift my dismal moods I sometimes found myself in and he definitely kept me grounded. Isn't that the role of a big brother? I lost count how many times he told me I was being an asshole. He was usually right.

I was wondering what was keeping Isabella. Did she fucking fall into the john or something? Not that I was anxious for her to return. Yeah right. Fuck.

As soon as I finished that thought she opened the door and made her way back to her seat. Just as she rounded the table she must have caught her foot or something because she started to fall. I didn't even think about it but was out of my seat in a flash and grabbed her arm before she fell to the floor. I was stunned again when my hand connected with her upper arm. I felt that unique feeling of warmth as it rocked my body. This close to her, I could really appreciate that distinctive blend that was all Isabella. God she was beautiful. Being in such close proximity to her was not only mesmerizing but fuck if she didn't make me hard. Are you serious? Thank Christ I was wearing briefs instead of boxers today, which I hoped would mask the boner I was sporting. At that moment I prayed to any deity that would listen. Images of Mrs. Clearwater, my 9th grade history teacher naked came to mind, anything to alleviate my present condition. Shit!

"Thank you Mr. Cullen." Isabella's eyes locked with mine as I helped to steady her. Her cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink. Was she blushing? Fuck that was hot!

"Are you alright Miss Swan?"

She had not actually fallen and I hoped that I wasn't too rough when I had grabbed her arm. For some reason the thought that I could have bruised her left me feeling angry. Her skin was flawless, so soft and smooth. For a moment I closed my eyes and imagined running my hands all over body. Her breasts were not large but enough to fill my hands. Being this close to her I was completely overtaken by her sweet smell. It awakened something deep inside of me and at the same time made me feel uneasy. Shit, this was not me. Never had a woman put me at such a disadvantage.

Was this meeting over yet?

"Yes, Mr. Cullen. I should have been paying more attention. Thank you again."

She was like a fucking doll, porcelain doll, so petite and innocent. Well she looked the part anyway. I mean for all I know that could be the farthest thing from the truth. But the way her cheeks flushed just gave me that feeling. But then again she probably was so God damn embarrassed nearly falling on her ass, add the fact that a complete stranger averted further humiliation.

"You're welcome and please call me Edward." Please call me Edward? What the…

Actually there wasn't anything wrong asking her to call me by given name. I mean, shit, it's not like I was asking her to suck me off. And where the hell was I going with this train of thought? Dude, this chick is fucking with your head big time. Those brown eyes fascinated me. They were large and reminded me of chocolate. All of sudden I had a craving for a big fucking Hershey bar.

Isabella slowly sat down to avoid another mishap. She was just adorable. That heart shaped face. I noticed that she bit her bottom lip as she got comfortable in her seat. I wondered if that was just a nervous habit and at that moment I wanted to be the one to bite it.

Was I still under the influence of good Mr. Daniels?

What other explanation could there be. I have met countless chicks. I… had my share of "sowing my wild oats" as my mother had told me on one or more occasion. This was the first time since I lost my virginity where I was nervous around some girl. I found myself in unchartered territories. I was a cocky son of bitch and yet I had never felt unsure of myself as I did at this moment.

"We will have the site prepped beginning the end of this week." Emmett said as he interrupted my present state of mind. Thank God.

"Once the site is prepped then the next step will be getting the foundation down?" Fred asked.

As affected as I was by Isabella I had a feeling she was as well. At least I think she was. I caught her fleetingly glance at me, as if she were afraid to get caught. I felt myself smile. I don't know why but I found that amusing. Instead of sitting in a business meeting you would have thought I was in study hall in high school. That's right; she made me feel like a fucking teenager.

Emmett brought me back to reality when he answered Fred's question. "Yes, we will then get the foundation laid down."

I was obviously not listening. I needed to get myself under control. I was conducting business for Christ's sake not trying to pick up some chick at a bar.

As I ran my fingers through my hair I knew I needed to get myself back into the purpose of why I was here today. "Are there any other issues we need to address?" I asked.

My phone started vibrating. Who was texting me?

"Hey baby, I miss u. Call me. xo"

Fucking Tanya Denali.

I flipped the phone over on the conference table. I felt my face flush and not because of thoughts of Isabella Swan. Tayna was definitely high maintenance. And as much as I didn't want to see her tonight I was going to. I needed to end this, even more so now. It's not that I was going to ask Isabella out. I was pretty sure that she felt the spark but I couldn't assume. I needed to explore this further. But even before I met her I was done with Tanya. There was no need to wait this out. Emmett was right. Do it, do it soon and do it in person.

After firming up the date for our next meeting and what the time table looked like we were done. I stood up waiting for Emmett to finish shaking Fred's hand so I could do the same. I told him we were very excited to begin construction. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Emmett standing by Isabella.

"Miss Swan, it was a really nice to meet you." The fucker winked at her. He was certainly a charmer. He had to be. His wife was a hard ass and he seemed to have put some spell on her.

"Thank you, it was good to meet you too." Isabella extended her hand out to Emmett who took it continuing to blind her with his smile and dimples. Thank fuck he was married; otherwise I would be in a pissing contest with my own brother.

"You got quite a grip there Ms. Swan." Oh really Emmett? What was his game? He was one giant flirt. Keep going Emmett. I am sure Rosalie; pregnant Rosalie would love to hear all about this.

"Please, call me Bella." She gave Emmett a shy smile. Damn she was cute. I want that smile. I want her to smile at me like that.

Now that Emmett was out of the way it was my turn. I moved to stand in front of her and looked her squarely in the eyes.

"It was a real pleasure meeting your Miss Swan." I felt it again this alien force of heat and intensity that enveloped me completely. And I had not even touched her yet.

"It's Bella, and it was nice to meet you too, Edward."

I never thought my name could sound sexy until Bella Swan spoke it. One simple name and I was turning into a pile of goo. Gooey fucking chocolate. Was this normal? Not for me. I had plenty of women who had said my name in a variety of circumstances. Even hearing my name screamed when I made some chick come didn't affect me the way Bella just did. Never in my life had I encountered feelings so strong. I was not about to give any credence to love at first sight. Lust at first sight – that's my motto. It made more sense to me. The other was out of my element. I was not about to think it was anything more than a strong attraction to the opposite sex.

With her hand in mine it felt natural. Like our hands were made for one another. I wasn't one for holding hands. I guess you could say I wasn't really the romantic type. I didn't have a history of long standing relationships. Tanya was the longest I had dated a woman and, frankly, it had just become convenient. I can't say that what we did was even dating. I know that sounds like I'm a real prick. Maybe I was. Until this brown eyed girl with the face of an angel I never had given much thought about wanting more from a woman. A part of me was excited about the possibilities but then the inner me, the douche bag me reared his ugly head and kicked these thoughts to the curb.

"I hope we will have another opportunity to meet again." I continued to hold her hand in mine. What snapped me out of it was my phone buzzing again.

I walked out of the conference room to take the call.

"What." I snapped.

"Well isn't that such a cordial way to answer your phone. I texted you about fifteen minutes ago didn't you get it?" Tanya's voice shrilled on the other end of the phone.

When I said Tanya was high maintenance I was not exaggerating. I rolled my eyes as I turned my back and walked a few feet away to continue the conversation.

"Tanya, I told you I was in a meeting this morning. What, you don't understand English?"

Yeah, I was pissed. So sue me.

"Edward, there's no need to get so pissy. I was hoping I could convince you to change your mind and we could have dinner tonight."

I didn't think dinner would be a good idea but I thought just having a drink and telling her it was over might not be the best option either. To be honest, no matter what, breaking this off was going to go over like a fart in church.

"Edward…" Apparently I had been silent too long.

"Sorry, Tanya, dinner? Yeah okay. How about I pick you up at seven and we grab a bite at New Moon?"

New Moon was local and casual. It was Monday night so it wouldn't be crowded. Regardless telling a woman that you didn't want to see her anymore was not an easy conversation to have. Buying her dinner and having a few glasses of wine wouldn't make it any easier. I knew her type. The type that thought she had her claws dug in and good and could manipulate me with her mouth and body. Cullen time to man up.

"See you then." Tanya's husky response only confirmed what she wanted from me.

She was going to be sorely disappointed. Let's just hope that's all she would be. She had been known for losing her temper and I had been the recipient of said temper before.

~SyP~

I normally went to the office once a week. For the most part I could work out of the house when I wasn't visiting clients. We had decided on leasing office space in Port Angeles. We needed good exposure and it was a decent size city. My office was big enough with large windows overlooking wooded trails and a small brook. I was comfortable with my masculinity that I had no problem admitting that spring and summer here were pretty sweet. Wildflowers bloomed and there were occasional sightings of wildlife. You could blame my love for nature on my parents. They loved the outdoors. When we kids were younger they took us camping, taught us to appreciate the small world around us. My parents were hell bent on us not only appreciating nature but also understanding the significance it had on our lives.

"Hey little brother." Emmett stood outside my office leaning against the door.

"Emm, what's up?" I looked up from the files I was scanning that littered my desk.

"What did you think of the meeting at Wolf's?" He asked with this strange expression on his face.

"Fine, I thought we covered the bases. It looks like Fred and his team is real anxious to get started."

Why did I think his question was leading to something altogether different? I raked my hand through my hair waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Jessica was a trip huh?" The ass was smirking.

"Jessica? You mean Fred's PA?" So it was Jessica he was getting at. I was feeling a little more at ease.

"She certainly had her sights on you little brother. "

"Not interested Emmett. Didn't I just tell you I was going to break it off with Tanya? Why the fuck would I want to start something with her? She's just another version of Tanya, maybe worse." I thumbed through the papers looking for the God damn prints for the Wolf project.

"Edward, no need to get your panties bunched up in a knot. I was just curious. That Isabella is something." My head lifted up and met his eyes square on. That sound you heard was the other fucking shoe.

"Miss Swan?" I attempted to sound indifferent.

"Yes, Miss Swan. Or Bella as she likes to be called." Emmett was enjoying this game.

"Ah, yeah she seemed like a nice person." I responded.

"Nice, oh yeah she's nice alright." Now he was definitely fucking with me.

"Emmett, just what is it you want to say, I am in the middle of some shit here."

"Nothing, just that I thought I sensed something going on between you two."

Going on? What. The. Fuck. It's not like I grabbed her and kissed the shit out of her in front of everyone there.

"What are you talking about?" I snapped back.

"You might have fooled the others but I know you Edward. Bella got under your skin."

Does he know my tells that well?

"What the fuck does that mean?"

I was pissed. Not so much at Emmett but more at myself for not getting away with what happened this morning. Shit.

"It means that you were quite taken with Bella a.k.a Miss Swan." Again with that fucking smirk.

"Emmett I barely spoke to the girl. Are you not getting enough sleep because of Rosalie's bitchiness because of her pregnancy?"

I could play the game if I was pushed and I was being pushed off a cliff.

"Don't bring Rose into this. You fucking know what I am talking about. I saw the way you looked at her. And I have never seen a customary hand shake take as long as yours did. Was your hand stuck or something?"

Emmett didn't missing a God damn thing.

I was so fucked.

So how was I going to explain to him that I did feel some attraction? I was not in the mood for him to jump all over my shit. I didn't need a lecture on professional propriety. I didn't think I had behaved inappropriate. In fact if I did end up asking Bella out, was that all that bad? She wasn't in charge of the project. It wouldn't interfere in doing business. I mean people met their significant others in all types of situations. Significant other?

"I'll admit the girl is pretty. But she's really not my type." Let's see what Emmett was going to throw back at me.

"If she has a pulse she's your type." He laughed.

"Fuck you." Now that pissed me off.

"Come on Edward, can't take the heat?" I wanted to slap that smile off his face. "I wouldn't blame you. The girl is sweet and she's not pretty she's fucking beautiful."

Did my big oaf of a brother who was a happily married man just say Bella was "fucking beautiful?" That pissed me off. What's he doing appraising her beauty anyway? He's got a wife and a baby on the way for fuck's sake! A wave a possessiveness which I didn't understand, more importantly had no right to bowled me over.

Get a grip Cullen.

"Come to think of it, Emm, I did see you were quite taken with her 'You got quite a grip there Ms. Swan.' Seriously Emmett."

"What was wrong with that? She did. Quite impressive for such a petite thing."

"Whatever, can we just drop the subject? There's nothing going on."

I rifled through the all the paper on my desk finally finding the blueprints I needed.

"Hey, bro, it's not that I would blame you. Like I said she's hot. And she certainly would be a class up from the chicks you normally date." He loved to bust my balls.

"Oh so I have been dating "classless" chicks."

"Not exactly classless but definitely not the type of girls you would bring home to Mom." He replied again with that stupid fucking grin.

"I had no idea you were so interested in my love life Emmett. I guess marriage has really agreed with you"

"What can I say I found the right woman who knows how to handle me and won't put up with my bullshit. Is it wrong for me to want you to fine the same thing?"

"Emm, I appreciate your looking out for me. Did it ever occur to you that I may not be marriage material?"

"Nope, you are definitely marriage material. The problem is you just haven't found the right girl." He added as he started to make his way back towards his office.

When did he start sounding like Esme?

A/N: I want to thank those of you who have been reading. A big thank you to those of you who have reviewed. I hope some of you who are reading will give your feedback. I guess no news is good news but at the same time it is always beneficial to hear what you like or what you don't like. Maybe it's still early in the story? But I do hope that some of you will make your voices heard...I would love to hear from you!

A huge hug to my betas Jlyn and DennaRose. These girls have been amazing as we take this journey together...love you girls. xoxoxo