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

Chapter 7

Bella's POV

Friday finally arrived. God this week just dragged, but finally my reward, the weekend was upon us. After Monday things went back to normal. Well outside of the fact that I still couldn't shake the after effects of Edward Cullen. I felt like he was some kind of affliction, you know, like getting the flu and having a hard time getting over it. I wonder if loading up on vitamin C would do the trick. Funny Bella… Dinner at the New Moon was great even if Mike Newton crashed my evening. What I didn't count on was Edward showing up, and not alone. The blonde Barbie doll must have been his girlfriend. Why am I not surprised that she was everything I wasn't. It's not as if I knew the man. But for some reason there was a part of me that hoped he wasn't the typical guy who gravitated towards the blonde stereotypes. Then again for all I knew this girl could have been a rocket scientist. I didn't know her from Adam and judging her by her looks was unfair. Regardless it made me feel even more self-conscious about my appearance. I could never measure up to someone like that. It wasn't like I even had a chance with him. Why would he spare me a single thought when he had such eye candy on his arm?

I felt the same stirrings as I did from the first time I had met him that morning. He was mere inches from my face when he had bent down to pick up my napkin. I nearly fainted, or felt as if I would. I know the pupils of my eyes must have dilated to the size of saucers. His eyes? UGH! They were even a deeper shade of green than I imagined. They reminded me of the color of the forest that surrounded my home, so lush and vibrant. It would be so easy to get lost in those pools of jade. To forget where you were, what you were doing. They had the power to render me either speechless or to babble gibberish. I would have been satisfied to simply remain under his spell, leaving behind the monotony that was my life.

Edward and the blonde bombshell were taken to their table but I swear I could still feel him. I know that was wishful thinking, but a part of me was hoping that he had been affected by our encounter as well. Maybe he even stole a glance or two my way? Sure Bella, the man felt compelled to stare at generic when he had top shelf. Was it too early to have a drink?

Snapping me out of my pity party was the sound of my phone ringing. "Hey Fred, what's up?"

"Bella, listen today E & E will be laying down the foundation. Actually they have already started. A group of us will be heading over after lunch to check the site. I would like you to come along. "

I broke out in a sweat. I don't know why I did, but my forehead was dotted with beads of perspiration. Would Edward be there? Why did I even care if he was? You're smitten. Smitten, who even uses that word anymore? By the sound of Fred's tone it wasn't going to be a matter up for discussion. Edward aside, I was really curious about seeing the construction process from beginning to end. I always loved to see how things were put together. Living alone I have my share of assembling one thing or another. Not that I had any clue about building a structure. I was inquisitive by nature, not having much recollection of my parents; but I must have inherited that trait from one of them.

"Sure Fred, it will be really interesting to watch the construction. What time do you want us to head over?"

Thankfully, I convinced Fred to let me meet him there. It's not that I was afraid of being alone with him really - I had my childhood scars, but I'd worked hard at getting past some of them at least. Still, I always felt better knowing I had at least that much control and could make my own escape, especially if Edward was there.

I had butterflies in my stomach. Butterflies! This was really getting out of hand. For a girl who didn't really give the opposite sex much thought, Edward had monopolized much of my mind this past week. More than I was willing to admit. I definitely didn't want to admit this to Angela. As it was she had grilled me over the chance meeting at New Moon. Thank God she had the sense to ask me every question under the sun when I got home and called me. No chance in hell that she was going to give me a pass.

Flashback

"So that was Edward Cullen." Underlying her tone was the need for her to squeal.

"Yes, that was Edward." I tried to sound matter fact, as if he was nothing special. I mean I really knew nothing about him, other than he made my skin tingle, my heart race, and I wanted to know how his body felt against mine.

"Bella, he's drop dead gorgeous. I don't think I have ever seen a guy so perfect." I was about to remind Angela she had a pretty sweet boyfriend. "Although, a guy like that must need to have his ego stroked."

"Probably…" I said as I laughed at her comment.

"And the girlfriend, I mean seriously? I wonder if her hair color is natural. Do you think her carpet matches?" I nearly choked on the water I had just sipped.

"Angela! Oh. My. God! That is disgusting. Thanks for the imagery."

"Sorry sweetie, I just couldn't resist. Anyways he is definitely easy on the eyes. So did you feel the same connection?"

"Um…no, not really." My face was crimson.

"Oh come on now, don't lie to me." How did she know?

"Alright, maybe I did. Whatever, it's not like someone like him could ever be interested in me."

"Well not with an attitude like that. Geez Bella, you need to give yourself some credit. You're bright, articulate, and beautiful. So you don't have a rack like Barbie Doll? Who wants tits that big? And you have a great fit body!"

"And that's why you are my best friend and biggest fan."

"All I'm saying is if he's interested in you, don't turn him away. He just might prove to be that someone special."

End of Flashback

Someone special. I wanted to believe that could be true for me. But that meant I would have to let my guard down. In any relationship in order for it to grow and prosper, honesty was essential. I just didn't know I could be that honest. Angela knew the demons that haunted me. It made sense that seeking professional help was probably a good thing. But I was stubborn. I was determined to somehow exercise the demons on my own and not have to bare my shame in front of another person. Edward was the first man that gave me pause to want more, to be free of the burden I carried. Why am I even going there? It's not like Edward Cullen has asked to date me. Maybe when pigs fly.

~~SyP~~

The drive to the new building site was only five minutes away. The general area was even more rural than where we currently were located. In fact we would be the only building here given we were surrounded by wetlands. I rather liked the idea of a lone building in the middle of such a beautiful backdrop. I could already envision going out on my lunch hour and exploring. My new digital camera that Angela and Ben got me for my birthday was going to get one major work out. I loved the outdoors and everything it represented. It was one of the reasons I decided to live in the house my parents had bought and raised me in until their untimely death. I guess given my father's occupation as Chief of Police of Forks, he and my mother had made provisions for me. One of which was the house would be mine. It was held in trust until I turned twenty-one. Besides the house they had also set up a trust fund that had allowed me to attend college. Except for having to live with Jane and….No, I wasn't going to wander down that road not today.

I pulled into the parking lot right alongside Fred's Acura. As I opened the door I could see that Jessica was already giggling and making doe eyes at the construction workers that were milling around. The concrete had been poured and I wondered how long before they could begin the frame work. I would imagine it was on the same idea as building a house right? It was going to be a very cool experience to watch this structure be built step by step. Fred encouraged us to stop by as often as we liked. I know I was going to plan to swing by on weekends. Yes, I wanted to keep a low profile.

"Bella, Bella Swan?" A voice was calling out to me and it sounded vaguely familiar.

I turned to where the voice was coming from and saw a tall and well-built man coming my way. Wait, was that Jacob? Jacob Black? I had not seen Jake since I graduated from Peninsula. We had been good friends during college, only friends even though early on Jacob had wanted more. He figured out quickly that I just wasn't interested in him that way. But he was a good guy and I remember we had shared some great times together on campus.

"Jake? Jake is that you?" I started walking towards him as he quickly met me halfway and picked me up spinning me around.

"Hey Bells! God, it's been what three years or something?" Jacob released me but only to the ground before grabbing me into a bear hug and swaying me back and forth.

"Jake, careful, I am going to lose the little I had for lunch." I laughed but squeezed him back hard.

It really was so good to see him. He had always made me feel safe. Besides Angela, Jake had a small inkling of my past and had been my protector during our college years. He had dark hair that looked almost black and very deep brown eyes. He had great teeth, the straightest I had even seen. And it pissed me off because he never had braces. Me? I had to wear braces for two years! God, it was so good to see him. I don't know why we lost touch. I know that after we graduated he decided to head out East for a bit and travel. I envied him. I wish I had the plucks to pack up and let the road take me on a journey. I would get a post card every few months documenting his journey. But for some reason about a year ago they stopped.

"Bells, what the hell are you doing here?" That smile would blind anyone.

"I work for Wolf Ski & Snowboard." I responded with my own bright smile.

"No shit! Fuck, Bella how long has it been?" He raked over my body but not in a sensual way but rather noticing that I had grown up.

"Let's see. I think the last time we saw each other was just before you left to live the life of a hobo."

"Hobo, yeah well at times I think I felt like one." He still had that boyish face about him.

From behind me I heard another familiar voice. Suddenly the air around me was charged with that same electrical current that was synonymous with the presence of one Edward Cullen. One time I would consider it an anomaly, twice coincidence, maybe. But this was the third time I was in contact with this man and again I was effected. What freaked me out a bit more was the fact that he had not even approached me, had not even touched me? What was this? It was as if I was living one of the Harlequin romances, minus the romance. But all kidding aside, this was troubling to me.

Jacob cleared his throat and brought me back to Earth. "Hey, you okay?" He turned his head to look behind him.

Oh crap! The last thing I needed was for Jake to witness my reaction to Edward. I took a deep breath and turned my attention back to our conversation.

"Jake, uh…what are you doing here?" Duh, Bella! Jake was wearing an E & E t-shirt, jeans, work books and hard hat. Of course he worked for Edward & Emmett. Shit…

"Well Bells, I'm the construction crew foreman." He was smirking. Damn, did he pick up on my reaction to Edward? Of course he did. Idiot! One thing Jacob was very good at and that was attention to detail. He didn't miss a thing and of course he was going to pick me apart.

"Really, how long have been working for E & E?" To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I know that Jacob had worked in construction before. In fact that was how he managed to pay his way through college. I just didn't think he would go back to that after earning his degree in criminal justice.

"I'd say about eight months now. Not what you expected huh Bells?" Like I said he didn't miss a beat.

"No, I mean you worked so hard for that degree. I just thought you would have pursued something in your field." It might have been a few years since we saw one another but I still felt like we were friends. So why not speak my mind.

"After traveling for a bit I did manage to get a job out in Boston. I was a clerk for a district court in one of the suburbs. The suit and following protocol just didn't seem to excite me." He looked at me as if I was disappointed in what he was telling me.

"So construction work does?" I laughed a bit too loud and felt Edward's eyes on me. I immediately apologized to Jake. I certainly didn't intend to make him feel his current profession wasn't satisfying and I wasn't trying to belittle him.

"It's okay Bells. Listen, we have lots to catch up on. Do you think we could maybe grab coffee or better yet maybe dinner tonight?"

"I think I would like that. I don't finish work until 5:00 and I have to head home first to feed my cats. I bet it's been a while since you had a home cooked meal. Would you rather come by the house for dinner instead?" I heard something drop behind me. As I turned around I noticed Edward picking up his briefcase that must have slipped his grasp and hit the ground.

"Fuck yeah! I remember you were quite a cook Bella. I would love that. You're still living at the house?"

"Yup, still there." It was home and as crazy as it sounded I could feel my Mom and Dad there. I know I barely remember them if at all because they died when I was so young. However that house was my last link to them. I felt at ease there and loved. Once upon a time that house had been filled with so much warmth and belonging. Sometimes I would close my eyes in the kitchen and could barely make out my mother. I think my cooking skills or at least my love for it came from her. I remember cupcakes and cookies cooling on racks… Stop! I felt the burn forming at the back of my eyes; before the tears spilled I redirected my thoughts.

"How does 7:00 sound to you?" I blinked back several times to dry up the tears that threatened.

"Sounds great Bella, I better get back to work." Jacob starting walking towards Edward then turned around walking backwards and shouted. "Bells, see you tonight!"

I couldn't help but catch Edward's stare, after all Jacob had to walk by him. And why he felt the need to announce to everyone in the immediate area that he was seeing me tonight left me scratching my head. The expression on Edward's face seemed to be a mixture of anger and annoyance with a splash of indifference. The most plausible explanation was that Jake had taken time out of his work day to speak with me when he was on company time. What else would it be? This was one of those times I wished I possessed a special power, for instance reading minds. I wanted in his head so badly at this moment to see what was running through it. I am sure it had very little to do to with me and more to do with the job and that Jake needed to get his ass back to work. Interrupting my chain of thought was my boss.

"Bella! Hey, come on over." He motioned with his hand to urge me to where he was standing. Just perfect, he was with Edward and his brother Emmett. Well Emmett at least looked pleased seeing me walk up to them.

"Bella, it's nice to see you again!" Emmett gave me a smile which I assumed he was famous for and extended his hand towards mine.

"Emmett, thank you. How are you?" I shook his hand firmly as it nearly disappeared in his. Man he was a big guy.

I felt his eyes on me again. You know who. Edward! The green eyed monster! At least it was how I had envisioned him a moment ago. I decided to muster up some courage and break the ice and turned to Edward to say hello.

"Hello Edward." My voice was clear and strong. Not one crack. I thought for sure I wouldn't get the syllables out but I did. Just take a deep breath.

"Miss Swan." He made a point of accentuating my last name which made me feel awkward having called him by his given name. He didn't even offer to shake my hand; he gave me a curt nod as he excused himself and walked closer to the building site.

This had been such a contrast compared to our last two meetings. Where those had left me feeling somewhat captivated by his aura, today I was feeling as if I had wronged him somehow. I was sure that this was completely my imagination. The most probable explanation for his behavior was his life size Barbie doll. Perhaps she gave him some shit for picking up my napkin last Monday night. Maybe she was angry that he had not introduced us. It's not as if I had bothered to do the same. It wouldn't have been such a shocker to learn that she was jealous. I could totally understand if she was. Not that there was any reason to be jealous of me. Seriously in what universe could I even compete with Miss Marilyn Monroe of the 21st century? Everything about her oozed confidence from the way she dressed to how she swayed her hips as she sauntered across the room. There was no doubt in my mind that woman made every man's head turn with the allure of her sexual charms. Some women just had it all and the fact that she was with Edward was just textbook. I had a stomach ache picturing them together at dinners and social functions. Elegance and grace were definitely part of her vocabulary. There were days I couldn't get out of my own way. I would trip over imaginary obstacles. Why was I obsessing over this? Is it because you have a small crush?

Emmett gave us a small tour around the site but not before he insisted we all wear hard hats. I thought it was a little silly considering no framework had begun, but according to safety requirements it was mandatory. I must have looked like a dork with that yellow helmet on top of my head. I cringed knowing that Edward was with us as his brother explained what had been done so far. I hoped that I wasn't going to be quizzed on this at a later date because my interest in what he was saying had waned. I still was questioning Edward's coolness towards me. I didn't know him well enough to ask him if he was okay. That would be most definitely unprofessional. We didn't have any type of relationship.

Emmett continued to detail various points of interests. I was finding it challenging because Edward looked so damn hot. In the previous times I had seen him he was dressed in business attire. Nice slacks, dress shirt and very expensive dress shoes. I don't normally swear often. I do occasionally when something really either ticks me off or there is no other word that best describes the moment. This was one of them. He looked fucking amazing. He was wearing a blue and red plaid shirt along with a pair of faded jeans that hung off his hips just the right way. I didn't have a lot of experience in the men department but I did know what worked and what didn't. This so worked. And damn if those jeans were not torn. There was one tear over his right knee and one on his backside by the pocket which gave me a small glimpse of his underwear. Boxers or briefs, suddenly I wanted to find out. To top it off he was wearing some very cool looking black boots that for some reason elevated my temperature. His wild hair had been tamed only because of the hard hat he was wearing. My heart pounded being in his presence.

Although I did my best to keep my interest at bay, he on the other hand hadn't bothered to spare me another look. Whatever, he was upset about something. It wasn't me, even if for some strange feeling I sensed that maybe it was. I disregarded the notion again. I didn't say or do anything that was either stupid or offensive. Do guys have their own personal time of the month? Which reminded me, I needed to let Fred know I would be in late on Monday. I had scheduled an appointment with Angela's OB/GYN, Victoria Mills for 8:00 AM. I was not looking forward to it. I wasn't sure if I was going to handle the exam without freaking out too much. Angela promised to go with me. I felt like such a baby having to have her hold my hand through this. Fear of the unknown can paralyze you. I would not back out; I needed to get on the pill to even out my cycle. Maybe this would be good thing in more ways than one.

We lingered at the site for nearly an hour when we wrapped things up. Funny, I had thought perhaps I would be the one to exit early in the event I couldn't handle being so close to Edward. It turned out that he left. I would have liked to say that I was relieved when he did but I would be lying. I wanted to know what it was that had upset him. It bothered me that the man I had met earlier in the week didn't remotely resemble the one that I saw this afternoon. He was borderline rude without having really said much of anything. I hated that he had not used my first name, I hated that he had not bothered to want to greet me in the way he had at our first meeting. I wanted to feel his hand in mine again. This time, the electrical current battered my body without the need of his touch. I didn't understand what that meant. How does a man affect you this way? Why was the pit of my stomach fluttering? These were the moments that I wish I had my mother, or Aunt Jane.

~~SyP~~

"Bells, when did you get cats?"

Jacob was sitting in the living room on the sofa while I was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the salad.

"Why? You don't like cats?" I asked hoping he wasn't going to make some stupid reference about being a single woman who only had cats for companionship.

"Never said I didn't like cats, never knew you did."

"I am animal lover. I have even thought about getting a dog."

"No shit. You have a breed in mind?" It was easy to talk to Jake. It was simple as breathing. I know freshman year he had made a play for me. He figured out that friendship was going to be the only relationship we could have. He never pressured to ask and I never really volunteered. Jake as I said was very perceptive. He knew somewhere along the way I must have had some bad experience. Maybe one day I would open up to him.

"I would love to rescue a dog. I have been thinking about putting in an application with Olympic Peninsula Golden Retriever Rescue. They are such a beautiful breed, very gentle. I have to think about my cats of course. But I am just thinking about it. I have not really decided one way or another. Hey come on in the kitchen dinner is ready."

We sat at the kitchen table while Jake devoured the meatloaf along with the mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It did my heart good to see someone appreciate my cooking. I cooked for myself but there was nothing better than sharing a meal with another person. I mean going out to dinner was great. I did it often with Angela and Ben. But I loved to cook. It had been a while since I was able to put together a whole meal from salad to dessert for someone other than myself. Even that wasn't very often. Having Jake here made me realize that I had missed our friendship. It was good to see him again.

"So Bella, what's with you and Edward Cullen?" And there it was.

"What?"

"Did I stutter?" Smart ass.

"Jake, first off there is nothing going on. And second I barely know the man. He just happens to be part owner of the firm that is building our new headquarters." Just play it cool.

"I see. So why was he pissed." He said muffled as he continued to stuff his face with meatloaf. Jacob wasn't going to drop this. So I guess I needed to make him.

"I have no idea why he was anything. Hey Jake how's your sister Rebecca?" Good job Bella, change subjects.

He laughed, knowing only too well what I was doing.

"She's doing really well. Becca is an R.N. at Forks Community General. She's been there for about three years now. Married to a really nice guy named Paul and have a one year old son named Timothy."

"No kidding! That's awesome Jake! So you're an uncle? That's just so cool!" I was genuinely happy for Rebecca. Jake's sister was a real sweetheart.

"Yup, and I love to spoil my nephew. It pisses Becca off but that's my right as an uncle as I see it."

"Awww, Uncle Jake. I bet you get him all jacked up then leave having your sister and brother-in-law to deal with the fall out." Jake was nodding his head even before I finished my thought.

"Hey Bells? His tone took a turn to more of a serious nature.

"Yes."

"The hospital is having a benefit in couple of weeks. Rebecca has begged me to go. You know show support and all that. Well, I was kind of hoping now that we have connected again, that you might like to go with me?" I took a swallow of my iced tea as I met his eyes across the table.

"Now before you go down that road, no. Not as a date, date, but as friends. I told her I would go. You know I love my sister but it's going to be pretty boring just hanging out by myself. This is a big thing for Becca and I don't want to be like a fifth wheel."

"I hardly think you would be a fifth wheel. If I remember correctly you had no problem when it came to the female population." I chuckled pushing my fork around my plate.

"Yeah, and if memory serves me right there was one that didn't seem to fall under my spell." He looked a little forlorn.

"Jake….are we really going there? After all this time?" Not this conversation again.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up. We're friends. And I am cool with that. So what you say? Will you go with me? We could do more catching up?"

I had a feeling I was going to regret this. Those big brown eyes of his and that bright smile made it nearly impossible to say no to him. What the hell. I had not been out to a fancy social event in I don't know how long. I think it was my semi-formal junior year in college. Come to think of it, Jake had taken me. Fast forward four years later, some things didn't change. Only problem, I needed to get something suitable to wear.

"Okay, Jake. I'll go."

A/N: Are you guys still with me? Let me hear from you. What do you think about Jake entering the picture? :) Thanks to all of you who have been reading...give me some feedback. xo

To Jlyn and DennaRose...xoxoxoxo