AN: Thanks again for the overwhelming response to the story. I'm trying to respond to all the reviews, but if I don't get to yours please know I truly read and appreciate each one. You have me smiling so big with all the love and support!

A couple questions have been popping up in reviews that I thought I would answer here.

First, posting schedule…I have been back and forth on this, but what I'm going to do for now is post twice a week. I'll post on Thursdays and Mondays for now. This will likely change at some point in the future, but for the next few weeks, this schedule will be maintained.

Second, the age difference. Bella is 18, of course as she just graduated high school, with the regular canon-style September birthday. Edward is 37.

Thanks again to kikki7, SusanQ, VampsHaveLaws, Julie, Lori, kitty, Stephanie, Perry Maxwell, Jaime Arkin, Nolebucgrl and Sydney Alice for all of their help pre-reading/betaing.

Greetings

Alice and I hadn't been inside more than a minute before my phone started ringing.

"It's him," I told her, looking down to find Mr. Cullen's name on my screen.

My heart pounded as my finger hovered over the answer button. I took a deep breath and hit it.

"Hello?"

"Bella." He sounded anxious and relieved at the same time. "Are you okay?"

"Um...yeah." I didn't know why he was calling, and I was still bewildered from the whole situation with Alec and Mike.

"He didn't hurt you?"

I hesitated, completely confused as to what he was even referring to.

Was it possible Alec had already called him? Why would he do that?

"Are you talking about what just happened with Mike?"

"Yes. Did he hurt you? What is his last name? Why were you by yourself?"

I reeled from his barrage of questions. Half of me was flattered and a bit excited about his obvious concern. The other half was slightly disturbed at his delving into my personal space from across the country.

"He didn't hurt me. I'm fine. And he happens to be your illustrious scholarship winner."

He mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "little son of a bitch" and I bit my tongue to keep from giggling aloud. Alice was just staring at me with her eyebrows raised. I shrugged at her.

"Well, I won't keep you. I know you have to be up early for your flight. I only wanted to make sure you were okay."

He sounded so sincere in his worry and it warmed my heart.

"Thank you for calling to check on me, Mr. Cullen. I promise I'm perfectly fine. My best friend, Alice, is here with me."

"Well if you need anything at all, just call me back. Or call Alec. Sweet dreams, Bella. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Mr. Cullen."

As soon as I ended the call, I gaped at Alice and we both erupted in a fit of squeals.

~~~*~~~NOP~~~*~~~

Alice and I were up at the crack of dawn. For once, I was happy to let her play Bella Barbie. I was a bundle of nerves, but wanted to look my best when I met the man who held my future in his hands. After showering, shaving, and exfoliating to Alice's specifications, I sat there patiently while she chirped away. I was primped and pressed until she was satisfied. My hair was left down, soft and slightly curled at the ends.

I dressed in a white, fluttery summer dress she had picked out for me, and had to admit I looked pretty good as I stood in front of the mirror. It definitely highlighted my assets of long legs and a nice butt. I only wished I filled out the bodice a little more.

"You look perfect!" she assured, whirling around me and checking for any last minute touch ups.

The clock read 7:50, and my heart beat wildly knowing I'd soon be on my way.

"I wish you were coming with me," I told her.

"Well, I'll see you soon. Whether it's in New York in two weeks or if you come back here again so we can leave together."

"I don't have anywhere to live right now, so I should be back in a few days at most."

She only hummed in response, as if she knew something I didn't.

"I want daily phone calls. Make sure to keep me updated."

I nodded. "Of course. I'm going to need your logical mind for analysis," I teased.

We had stayed up half the night, continuing our back and forth over everything that had happened. Alice was even more set on the idea that Mr. Cullen's interests went above and beyond tuition assistance after his phone call asking if I was okay. While I was still a little nervous about his seemingly intense interest, I was mostly intrigued by his caring nature. I wondered exactly what Alec had told him about the encounter with Mike.

When the doorbell rang, I took a deep breath and looked around at my room. Everything I owned was packed into boxes or in my suitcase. Alice grabbed my ragtag luggage, while I made sure I had my phone in my purse. I followed her down the stairs, laughing at her excitement.

She flung the door open, and Alec stood there on the other side with a smile.

"Good morning, ladies." He nodded at us.

Alice held her hand out toward him, and he took it in greeting. "I apologize for the incident last night. It was my fault for taking Bella there."

He shook his head. "Don't blame yourself for the actions of some drunken moron, Miss Brandon."

She kept her gaze on him. "Bella is my best friend. My sister. Promise me there is nothing shady happening here with Mr. Cullen. I don't care how rich or powerful he is. If he hurts her, I will find a way to pay him back ten times over. He may be older, but I'm smarter."

My mouth dropped open at her words. The last thing I expected was for Alice to go all Momma Bear on Alec. However, he seemed amused rather than put out.

"Miss Brandon, I promise you that Mr. Cullen only has the best intentions for Miss Swan."

"I hope he does. Nobody deserves the best more than she does."

"Okay, that's enough." I tugged on Alice's sleeve to pull her away from Alec, my face on fire from my blushing. "Alice, I'm going to be fine. I'll call you as soon as I can."

She snatched me up in her arms and I hugged her tight.

"I love you so much," she said, tears in her voice.

"I'm going to see you soon. Our dream is coming true."

She nodded and pulled away, wiping her eyes. Alec grabbed my bags and started walking toward the car.

"I love you more than anything." I gave her one last hug and followed after Alec.

"I'll lock up," she called out.

I waved at her before getting in the car. Alec closed my door and I watched him say something to Alice. She nodded to him, staying on the porch as we pulled out of the driveway.

I took one last mental picture of the house I'd lived in for the last several years, a small voice in my head telling me it might be the last time I ever laid eyes on it.

Alec left me to my thoughts as we sped down the highway. I finally turned toward him, still curious about the "protection" he deemed me in need of.

"So I guess you told Mr. Cullen what happened last night?"

He didn't even flinch from my question. His eyes remained on the road.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"That is something you will need to ask Mr. Cullen."

I sighed, knowing better than to think he'd crack and give me the information I wanted. I tried a different tactic.

"How long have you worked for him?"

"Six years."

"Have you ever followed any of his other projects?"

He did glance over at me at that question. "Is that how you see yourself? A project?"

I looked down at my lap. "I guess so. But I'm grateful he's taken an interest."

When he didn't reply, I looked over at him again. He shook his head and muttered to himself. I was pretty sure he said something about being naïve.

It didn't take long at all before we reached the Port Angeles airport. Alec flashed cards at some security checkpoint before we pulled up alongside a jet with the initials CWI on the side. I was escorted out of the car and led by Alec up the stairs and onboard the plane.

It was going to be my first flight, and I was a bit nervous. After I was directed toward a plush seat and belted in, Alec started to walk away.

"Wait!" I turned to get his attention and he looked back at me. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to sit back here." He seemed confused by my question.

I bit my lip, trying to calm my fears. I could already feel my eyes watering. I felt so overwhelmed.

"Do you have to sit back there?"

He shrugged and shook his head. "No."

"Can you please sit somewhere close?" I hated feeling so stupid and weak, but I didn't want to be all by myself. "I've never flown before."

He seemed to understand because he moved to the seat across the aisle from me, and gave me a smile.

"Don't be scared. It's safer than driving."

Right. Don't be scared. You can do this.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Alec kept me calm during the takeoff, even giving me some gum to chew on when the air pressure changed and popped my ears. The six-hour flight went by relatively quickly, an attendant coming by often to ask if I needed a beverage, snack, or to help me figure out the movie contraption. I must have dozed off during the second movie, because I awoke to Alec gently nudging my shoulder to let me know we'd arrived.

We were met with another car as we disembarked, Alec and I both getting in the back of the limousine. It was early evening, and I stared wide-eyed at the New York scenery as we passed by. It wasn't as if I'd never seen a big city before, I had been to Seattle many times.

But Seattle didn't come close to New York.

I wasn't sure how much time passed as we drove, and Alec let me gawk in peace. Whenever I did glance his way, he was busy texting on his phone.

"Where are we going?" I finally asked him.

"Mr. Cullen's house." He briefly looked up at me and gave me a smile.

Butterflies bounced in my stomach again at the mention of his name. I was really going to be meeting the man in a matter of minutes. As we slowed in front of a row of large, beautiful townhouses, I took several deep, calming breaths.

The car finally stopped and my door immediately opened, with some other guy in a suit offering me a hand to get out. I didn't even know where he came from.

Had he been riding in the car the whole time?

I shook my head.

Alec was by my side a second later, carrying my luggage, waiting while I took in the surroundings. The façade of Mr. Cullen's townhouse was dark brick, and the glass from the vast amount of windows of the four stories gleamed in the fading evening sunlight.

I immediately looked down at myself, straightening my dress and running my fingers over my hair nervously. I felt so out of place, as if I wasn't worthy enough to be breathing in this rich Manhattan air.

I'd watched enough Sex and the City episodes to understand this was where the uber-wealthy lived.

"Don't be nervous, Miss Swan. Remember what I told you."

I looked at Alec, glad he was there to encourage me, wondering which words exactly he wanted me to remember. He'd said quite a few over the last two days, most of which just confused me.

I finally gave him a short nod and followed him up the steps to the front door. We were immediately greeted by an older, friendly woman who reminded me of my late Gran.

"Welcome, Bella," she greeted, taking my hand and urging me inside. "I hope your traveling wasn't too taxing for you. I'm Hannah, and I take care of the house. If you need anything at all, you just let me know."

I bit my lip and smiled at her enthusiasm. She seemed so happy I was there and I had no idea why.

"It's nice to meet you, Hannah."

She squeezed my hand before turning to Alec. "How's my boy?"

Alec grinned at her, giving her a hug. It was the most emotion I'd seen on his face since we met.

"I'm great. It's good to be back in the city."

Hannah nodded. "You just leave Bella's things right there. We'll get it taken care of." They exchanged some knowing glances before turning back to me.

I didn't have time to ruminate over what they meant about taking care of my luggage. I assumed it would simply be going with me to whatever hotel I was booked in. Alec got my attention as he prepared to go.

"Well, Miss Swan. It's time for me to leave. It's been a pleasure escorting you, and I'm sure I'll see you again soon," Alec said with a nod.

"You're leaving?" I asked. I felt even more jittery at the thought the only half-way familiar face was taking off.

"You're in good hands here. It's time for me to go check in with my team."

I stood there at a loss. I wanted to hug him goodbye and thank him for his help, but it seemed somehow inappropriate.

"Thank you for everything," I finally said.

He nodded again and left back out the front door, leaving me alone with Hannah.

"Bella, would you care for anything to drink? Edward has arranged for your dinner on the terrace. I'm sure you must be famished."

It was the first time I'd heard anyone refer to Mr. Cullen as Edward. I was a little hungry, even though my anxiety was through the roof. That's what happened when you didn't eat all day.

"Thank you, Hannah, but I don't need anything to drink."

She patted my hand. "Very well, dear. Let me show you out to the terrace."

I followed behind her, admiring the vast, open spaces, the large stairs that led up and curved along the wall. It was much spacier inside than it appeared from the front. I gasped at the elaborate chandelier which hung from the ceiling as we passed through a living area. The next room we entered was even more impressive.

My every fantasy come true.

A library.

I could have died happily in this room. It took up two floors, and each wall was lined with rows and rows of books. Three couches and several large chairs were arranged in a comfortable design, and I could envision myself curled up in one in front of the large fireplace as the snow fell outside the wall of windows making up the back. There were even sliding ladders available at each panel for easier access to the highest shelves.

I was literally speechless as I spun around, taking in the whole room.

I was so lost in my thoughts, several minutes must have passed before I realized Hannah was no longer by my side. I turned back toward the direction we came in, and my breath caught at the sight of Mr. Cullen leaning against the doorway watching me.

The pictures from the internet really didn't do him justice. He was hands down the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed at me, his lips twitching into a smirk. He likely thought I was insane, spinning around in awe of a room he got to see every day.

My eyes roamed down from his angelic face, taking in the crisp white dress shirt, unbuttoned at the top with the sleeves rolled and pushed up to reveal his forearms crossed over his chest and the glint of a thick, silver watch around his wrist.

How could forearms and a watch be so sexy?

His black slacks hung low on his hips, perfectly fitted to his long legs. His stance was casual, one foot crossed in front of the other as he leaned against the frame. My eyes slowly traveled back up to meet his, and his smile widened as my heart pounded.

He must have liked my ogling and the obvious effect his presence had on me. I checked myself to make sure I wasn't panting.

When his head tilted slightly to the side, and his gaze intensified, I began to wonder if he could see right through me…inside me. He'd said he would take care of me, but he never specified exactly what that meant. I only hoped he wasn't regretting his decision.

Why wasn't he saying anything? Was he waiting for me to say something first?

After what seemed like an eternity, his wide smile returned and he slowly walked toward me. He was so graceful, beautiful, perfect, the closer he got, the more I felt like I was going to faint.

"Bella, I'm glad to finally meet you."

My insides melted at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue, but I gathered my wits enough to acknowledge the hand he held out toward me in greeting. When our hands met, I had to bite my lip to keep my body from entering nuclear meltdown level.

Maybe he radiated some energy that sent my hormones into overdrive?

He was tall, and I had to look up to see his face. He frowned as his gaze centered on the lip between my teeth. I quickly released it, and took a deep breath. I eventually realized our hands were still locked together and I had yet to say a word.

"Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Cullen."

At the sound of my voice, his smile returned and his eyes met mine again. I stopped breathing when his thumb stroked the skin of my hand, sending tingles up my arm.

"The pleasure is all mine, Bella."

His voice should have been illegal for the physical reactions it was causing in my body.

"And please call me Edward."

I could only nod in response.

He chuckled. "Come with me. I'll show you the veranda. It's a nice evening for dining alfresco." He took my other hand in his, leading me out the glass door built into the wall of windows.

I simply couldn't believe my eyes. The cobbled stones of the patio floor were perfectly laid out, stretching along the backside of the townhouse. I smiled at the table set for our dinner, complete with candlelight.

But what caught my eye the most was the sparkling water of a swimming pool.

"Do you like it?" Edward's excited voice made me grin. "It's a rarity in this city to have a private pool." He pulled me closer, showing me how half of it was actually indoors. "This glass goes down into the water a few inches, but you can swim underneath it to get from the inside to the outside," he explained.

Not only was there a pool, but a Jacuzzi alongside it. There was a rock wall aligning one side, and water flowed down it into the hot tub, and finally into the pool. It was quite breathtaking to see.

"It's amazing, Mr. C…er…Edward."

He grinned at me, and his exuberance was infectious.

"I'm glad you like it, although you seemed to enjoy the library even more."

I blushed at his comment, chastising myself for dancing around like a fool in his book wonderland.

"It's all wonderful. Thank you for inviting me here." I bit my lip again and looked up when he made some garbled noise.

He shook his head and turned, leading me back toward the table.

"I think we should go ahead and sit down for dinner." He seemed to be talking to himself.

He pulled out my chair and I sat down, watching him take his seat across the small table from me. Hints of gold and bronze shimmered in his dark hair as the light from the candles reflected off it. I was jealous when his hand brushed through it.

What would it feel like if it were my fingers?

I looked down at my lap, trying to get a grip on myself before I ran over and jumped on top of him. I'd never had this level of desire for anyone before in my life.

Hannah suddenly appeared with salads for both of us, giving me a smile and a wink.

"How long has Hannah been with you?" I asked after she'd returned inside.

Edward uncorked a bottle of chilled wine, pouring some into each of our glasses. "She's been with me since I was a kid. She used to work for my parents, but after I bought this place, I asked her to join me here. She keeps everything in order; I'm not sure what I'd do without her."

I smiled at his warm words; it was obvious she held a special place in his heart. I took a bite of my salad and eyed the wine in my glass. Evidently Edward didn't have issues with underage drinking.

"Have you had this house long?" My head seemed to be clearing a bit. Perhaps my clarity of mind was dependent on not having any bodily contact with him.

"About four years now." His penetrating stare was back, and my bodily contact theory flew right out the window.

I nodded before I could say anything stupid.

He pushed his plate aside and leaned forward to rest his chin on top of his templed fingers.

"So, Bella, tell me about yourself."

"Not much to tell." I met his gaze. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you know everything already."

He smirked. "I've done some homework, but I think there's a lot more I have yet to find out."

I really wanted to slap that smug smirk away…or maybe kiss it away.

Stop it, Bella!

I was getting frustrated with myself as much as with him.

"But why do you want to know more? What is all this about?" I asked angrily, waving my hand at the wine and candles.

His eyes glittered as his smile grew. "I wondered what you would look like when you got feisty. It's better than I imagined."

Before I could fire off a retort, Hannah appeared with our dinners. I had completely lost my appetite, but I thanked her anyway. If I hadn't been thoroughly confused and intensely aroused at the same time, the shrimp linguine would have been perfect for the setting.

I took a big gulp of wine, and then watched Edward fill my glass back up. His eyes never left mine.

He twirled noodles around his fork and slurped them down with a grin.

"You should really try this, Bella. It's delicious."

"You didn't answer my questions." I took another drink of wine and folded my arms over my chest defiantly.

He hummed, and tilted his head. "You really haven't figured it out?"

"No, Edward. I don't know. Tell me why I'm here."

He put his fork down and leaned forward again. "It's actually quite simple. I want you, Bella."

Well, what do you think about Edward? You will learn more about what he really wants in the next chapter. Let me hear your guesses!

I also want to rec a couple stories:

If you aren't already reading Nolebucgrl stories, go check them out! Words with Friends/Strangers, both are completing soon so now is the time to check them out. Also, she has Sideline Collision and First and Ten, two of my favorites, especially if you enjoy sports and humor!

Also, check out Stubborn Love by Vampshavebeagles. This is a collaborative fic between Vampshavelaws and Iambeagle. It's a brand new story so get in on it from the start! Very complex Bella and an intriguing Edward.