**Important Note: This is an outtake in Edward's point of view. This is not the next chapter of No Ordinary Proposal. This outtake will be Edward's perspective of the time from the end of part one until his first dinner with Bella.**

Thanks to SusanQ, Nicffwhisperer, Kikki7, Vampshavelaws, Julie, KittyVuitton, Stephanie, Perry, Jaime, Nolebucgrl, and Sydney Alice for all of their help pre-reading/betaing/supporting me. I'm always tinkering until right before posting and any mistakes are mine.


EPOV 2 Outtake

The next day, I was finishing a punishing workout at the gym in my building—trying to rid myself of some of the built up tension—when Bella called me again.

It didn't come as a surprise since I knew Alec would be at her house at any time.

I took a seat on a bench, drying my sweaty face with a towel before answering. I licked my lips, anticipating her sexy voice.

"Hello, Miss Swan."

"Mr. Cullen, there is some man at my door claiming you sent him here."

Was I a perverted asshole because I really wanted the angry kitten to come out?

"Yes, that's Alec."

"You couldn't have sent a text or made a short call to let me know you were sending a stranger to my house?"

Feisty. It was hot as hell.

I dropped the towel over my lap when someone walked by. I probably should have been in a more private area when I talked to her.

"Now where would be the fun in that?"

"It scared me, thank you very much."

That deflated me quickly. I didn't want her to be frightened.

"There's no reason to be scared. He can be quite a nice guy."

"Why is he following me around?"

Shit. He must not have been as covert as he thought he was.

"He is complying with my orders. I had to investigate some things."

"Mr. Cullen, you have kept me waiting anxiously for seven days. Can you please tell me your decision?"

Soon enough, my Bella.

"Patience, Bella. Let Alec talk to you, and if you have further questions afterward, you may call me back."

Please call me back.

"I may call you back? Listen you…"

Hot. Hot. Hot.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Damn. I was hoping she'd rant at me a little more.

"Good. I do like your feistiness, Bella."

Really liked it. Like I wanted to fly out there immediately and have-you-right-now kind of liked it.

"You haven't seen anything yet."

Promises, promises.

"I'm counting on it. Are you going to talk to Alec?"

"You promise he's not some sicko? Kidnapper? Rapist? Criminal? I don't like letting a stranger in my house."

I grimaced. She didn't trust me. Although she really had no reason to trust me yet.

"I assure you he's none of the above. Do you honestly believe I'd send someone across the country to harm you?"

Even the thought of someone harming her twisted my gut.

"I don't know. I guess not."

"Well, believe me when I say quite the opposite is true." If she only knew. I almost spilled my plans right then, but held myself back. "Just know that Alec is head of my security team and I trust him with my life."

She was silent and I wished I could see her face. Touch her. Hold her.

"Okay, I'll talk to him. But I'm calling you back right after. I need to know what is going on since I'm currently in the process of packing everything I own."

Hopefully we would both have everything we wanted soon enough.

"Trust me."

I showered and changed after ending the call, and I was a jittery mess until Alec called about an hour later. I walked in my front door when my phone finally rang.

"What? What did she say? Did she agree to come?"

Hannah came rushing around the corner at the sound of my raised voice, but I motioned to her that everything was fine as I listened to Alec chuckling.

Fucker.

I was going to have his nuts in a sling if he didn't answer me pretty quick.

"Yes, she's coming."

Racing heart? Check.

I was going to google cardiologists as soon as I was off the phone.

Bella.

She was coming here. To me.

"She's okay? What did she say? Did she say anything about me?"

"Yeah, she circled the 'yes' on your note asking if she'd be your girlfriend."

Did that fucker just make a joke?

I glared at the phone while he laughed at my expense. I would have fired his ass if he wasn't my best guy.

"Are you finished?" I asked after he'd quieted down.

"Yes, I'm done now. I don't think you have anything to worry about. After spending some time with her, I think you two are going to hit it off."

I really liked the sound of that.

"What time are you leaving?"

"I'm picking her up at eight in the morning local time and we'll take off from Port Angeles about an hour later."

"Good. That's good. Thanks, Alec."

I really did appreciate him doing this and his discretion. He could probably make a bundle selling my crazy ass out to the tabloids, but he'd never do that.

I hoped.

"Ben has that information you wanted. You should have it by now."

"Okay, thanks again. Keep me informed tomorrow."

"Will do. Night, Boss."

She was coming here. Tomorrow. She would be right here in front of me.

I started pacing the room, thinking about if I could actually go through with my plan.

It was lunacy. She was probably going to kick me in the balls and call the police. And she'd be right.

What was I thinking?

This was going to blow up in my face. I was a stranger. A stranger who had secretly picked apart her life and made plans for her without her knowledge.

Fuck.

This was a mistake. A huge mistake.

"Edward!"

I turned around to find Hannah staring at me.

Shit.

I was going to have to tell her something. It wasn't like I could just have Bella pop up in the house out of the blue.

Hannah was going to slice and dice me.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her eyes narrowed.

Having a panic attack induced by my sex- and sleep-deprived psychosis.

"Nothing."

"Have you already eaten?"

I shook my head and smiled. She always wanted to take care of me. Ever since I was a little boy. She was more like a second mother than a housekeeper.

"No."

She waved her arm. "Well, come on then. Let me fix you something."

I followed her into the kitchen, taking a seat on a stool instead of at the table. It would be easier to talk to her if things were less formal. She pulled vegetables and chicken out of the fridge, throwing everything into a pan, before glancing over at me again.

"Well?" she asked.

"What?"

She huffed and I almost broke out into a grin. It was easy to ruffle her feathers. She faced me, her hands on her hips and a glare on her face.

"Don't 'what' me. You know exactly what I'm asking. What's going on with you? You've been acting stranger than normal for the past week."

I peeked down at my phone—just in case—letting Hannah's 'stranger than normal' comment slide. "I do have something to talk with you about."

She walked over to lean against the other side of the island. "Tell me."

"I have someone coming tomorrow. She's going to stay here."

Her eyebrows rose at that. "She?"

I nodded. "Yes."

It surprised me when she smiled. Then she busied herself, setting up a plate and silverware in front of me. She poured us each a glass of wine before her next question.

"Who is she?"

My future wife.

"Her name is Bella." How did I explain this? "She's…um…she's special to me."

Kind of. Maybe. Possibly.

She moved back over to the stove, mixing the food around. "How long will Bella be staying?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. The knots of tension were killing me. I really needed a massage.

When was the last time I had one?

I wondered what Bella's fingers would feel like on me.

Fuck.

"Edward?" Hannah scooped the chicken and vegetables onto my plate, the inquisitive look back on her face.

I tried to remember what she'd asked me. Oh, yeah. She wanted to know how long Bella would be here.

Good question.

"I'm not sure yet. It will be up to her."

She nodded, put the pan in the sink, and turned to face me again. It was difficult to eat with her staring.

I fidgeted on the stool, pushing the food around my plate more than eating it. I finally couldn't take it anymore.

"What?"

She let out a short laugh. What was up with people laughing at me lately?

"I don't know who she is, but I like her already. I don't think I've ever seen you like this before, and I have a feeling it's because of this Bella." She walked over, grabbed my hand and squeezed. "It's about time you were turned inside out by a girl." She grinned and squeezed my hand again. "I won't bug you for any more details now, but I can't wait to meet her."

That made me feel a hell of lot better. I had Hannah on my side.

Or she was on Bella's side.

But that was okay, because I wanted to be on Bella's side too.

~~~*~~~NOPEPOV~~~*~~~

I had finally fallen asleep, dreaming of long, dark hair and pink lips when I was woken up by my cell phone ringing. I glanced at the clock. It was almost two in the morning.

Alec.

Fuck.

I grabbed my phone, knocking my alarm clock to the floor in a loud crash.

I hated that fucking thing anyway.

"Alec? What's wrong? Why are you calling this late?"

"Boss, stay calm."

That only made me more nervous. I threw the sheet off me and flipped on the light.

"What happened? Is she not coming?"

I was going to fly out there and get her myself if he said no.

"Yes, she is. We'll be there tomorrow evening." He hesitated and I started tugging on my hair. "Something happened, but I want you to know first that she is fine. She's on her way home with Alice and I'm right behind them."

I was relieved to hear nothing had changed in her plans to come here tomorrow, but I was a ball of nerves from whatever he was holding back. I swore I could actually feel the blood rushing through my veins and the adrenaline pumping through me.

Was she in an accident? Did someone hurt her?

My mind was not a happy place at the moment.

"Tell me. I'm losing it here."

"She and Alice made a stop at some graduation party. I stayed in the car and kept an eye out for them. Bella came out of the house alone, not too long later, and was standing on the porch. Some punk kid snuck up behind her and carried her around the house against her will."

"He did what?" I roared.

I stood up and started pacing.

"Calm down. I told you she was fine. I grabbed the kid and knocked him around. He was drunk and pretty confused. You should have seen Bella though." He laughed. He actually laughed, while I was having a nervous breakdown. "She kicked him right in the balls and would have kept going if I hadn't pulled her away."

Good. I hope she got him good.

Little fucker.

I wanted his name. I'd make him really pay for touching her.

"He didn't hurt her? You are positive she's okay?"

"She's fine. They're actually walking in the door right now. I'll stay close to make sure they don't make any other surprise trips, but I think they're in for the night."

My heart was still pounding so fast, I wasn't sure if it would ever be normal again. Hannah was right when she said Bella had me turned inside out.

Holy shit.

I sat back down on the bed, palming my face as I took deep breaths.

"I…" I wasn't even sure what to say to him. He'd gotten my Bella out of a bad situation. I was going to give him a huge raise. "Thank you, Alec."

I forbade myself from thinking about what could have happened if he hadn't been there.

"No problem." He cleared his throat. "Boss?"

"Yeah?"

"Be prepared. She's a little spitfire."

I choked out a laugh. That was one thing I knew already.

"Thanks again."

As soon as I ended the call, I rang up Bella. I had to hear her voice just to be sure.

"Hello?"

"Bella." I immediately felt better, as if she was my personal brand of Xanax. "Are you okay?"

"Um...yeah."

I frowned. She sounded unsure.

Was Alec wrong? Did he injure her?

"He didn't hurt you?"

She didn't say anything and her silence was driving me crazy.

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

What? What the hell else would I be talking about?

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

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

"Little bastard son-of-a-bitch," I mumbled.

I would definitely be re-thinking his award.

I took another deep breath, not wanting to make her talk about it any further. Alec was right. She seemed fine.

"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."

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

And Alec was sitting outside…just in case.

"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."

I set the phone down and turned off the light. It was hard to relax completely as my head fell back onto the pillow, but the sound of her sweet voice stayed with me until I dozed off again.

~~~*~~~NOPEPOV~~~*~~~

The next morning I had quite a few things to take care of before Bella arrived.

"Tanya, come in here."

She walked into my office and I pointed to one of the chairs. I wanted to know—once and for all—what had happened with the scholarships. Someone was hiding something from me, and I was tired of it.

I also had to figure out what to do about the Newton kid's award.

"Tanya, I'm going to start by telling you that you will get to keep your job on one and only one condition."

Her eyes widened when she realized she wasn't called in for sunshine and light.

"I want the truth. If you lie to me even a little, you will be fired."

She nodded her head after a few seconds, not saying a word.

"Tell me exactly what happened with the scholarship. Why did you send Miss Swan an award letter and then rescind it without my authorization? Why did you then try to hide her submission essay from me when I asked for them after I returned?"

Her hands were shaking on her lap, but I didn't care. I kept my eyes on her, waiting for her answer.

"Irina, Emmett's assistant, sent me the files after she'd gone through them. There was some miscommunication between us. The one she picked wasn't the one I assumed she meant when I sent out the award letter. We didn't figure it out until a few days later." She finally looked up at me. "You were still out of town and I was just trying to take initiative. I tried to explain as courteously as I could that a mistake had been made."

"But then you ignored all of Miss Swan's following correspondence?"

Her eyes welled up in tears and I sighed. "I'm sorry. I tried to take care of it. She wouldn't take the hint that it was over, it wasn't hers to have."

I glared at her. Maybe growled a little too.

"Don't put this on her. This was your mistake and you should have told me about it from the start. Why did you keep it from me when I asked for the essays?"

She was full-on crying at this point. I refrained from rolling my eyes.

"I didn't want to get in trouble and I didn't want Irina to get in trouble."

I snorted and shook my head. "You are not to have any further communication with Miss Swan. I am taking it from here. Get back out to your desk."

She stood up and started rushing to the door.

"You aren't fired, but don't let anything like this happen again."

She turned and nodded before scurrying out.

Fucking incompetence. Pissed me off. I probably should have fired her.

But I was a fucking nice guy.

Sometimes.

A few minutes later she informed me Jenks had arrived.

"Send him in and hold all my calls."

I stood and greeted Jenks at the door. He was a small, nervous man who could sweat through his clothes in minutes. But he had a great legal mind, and I kept him on retainer to deal with any personal matters.

"Thanks for meeting me here today," I said as we took our seats.

"Sure, Mr. Cullen. No problem."

I pulled out the file I had been working on, handing it over to him.

"I want you to put these things into contract form and I need it back in my hands by tomorrow morning. Can you do it?"

He read through the pages and I tried not to puke watching the beads of sweat form on his bald head. I started to wonder if I should get him a towel when he finally glanced up at me again.

"You want me to draft a pre-nup for you? Congratulations. I didn't know you were engaged."

I swallowed thickly.

"Well, that part is still in the works."

Kind of. The really early stages anyway.

He didn't question me further. That was the good thing about Jenks. He took care of shit and didn't want to know any more than he needed to know.

"You don't have anything in here about separation of assets in the event of divorce," he noted. "Would you like me to add in some standard clauses for your approval?"

I shook my head. "No, that won't be necessary."

"I must advise you to let me add those in. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't urge you to protect your assets."

I knew the stakes. But I was the one pursuing this path with Bella and in the event she agreed, married me, had children with me, and changed her life for me, I was going to enter the agreement by taking some risk of my own.

"At this point, I don't want any provisions about divorce terms except in the case of children. I will let you know if that changes in the future."

He took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. "Okay then. This shouldn't be a problem. I'll have someone bring it to you tomorrow morning."

"I want you to do it. I don't want anyone else to see this except you. Can you bring it to me at my house in the morning?"

The less people involved in my personal life, the better.

He nodded. "Sure."

Smart man. He knew a big bonus awaited him.

"One more thing. I know you drafted the scholarship award paperwork and I wanted to enact the clause regarding revocation in the event of criminal activity."

He scrunched his eyebrows, waiting for me to continue. I told him about the incident, asking if it was legally possible for me to rescind despite the lack of official police involvement.

"Well you have final say. You are covered in the event you deem the recipient unfit to continue as the awardee."

I smiled at his words. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

"Okay then, I'll be in touch when I decide what course I want to take. There will be some stipulations at the very least attached to Mr. Newton's scholarship if I decide to let him keep the award. I'll let you know in a couple days."

He nodded. "Is that everything?"

"Yes, that's it. Thanks for coming in."

I walked with him to the door, trying to avoid a look of disgust on my face when I shook his sweaty hand.

I needed some fucking sanitizer.

No sooner had he left then Jasper walked in, sat down, and put his feet up on my desk.

"Can I help you?" I asked, glaring at his shoes.

I met Jasper shortly after his father passed away and left the company in his hands. He was a few years younger than me, and I think he considered me as a mentor of sorts as he got his footing. We got along well despite owning rivaling companies.

We became even closer following my breakup with Kate. He and Emmett were really the only two people who knew more than the vaguest details about what happened, and even they didn't know everything. A few years later, we merged our companies and now operated one of the top American media conglomerates.

I considered Jasper like a second brother.

And he knew just how to irritate me and push my buttons as only a brother could.

"What?" I demanded after he remained silent and sat there sporting a smile.

"Nothing. I just came by to see how you are."

I reached over and knocked his feet off my desk before flipping through some reports.

"I'm fine."

"You've missed three meetings this week and Emmett says you are moodier than usual. What's going on?"

I was going to beat Emmett's ass.

"Nothing's going on."

Just about that time, a text came from Alec.

We're on the plane. Took off 20 minutes ago.

I couldn't help the smile plastered on my face.

Jasper crossed his arms over his chest and raised his eyebrow when I glanced over. I forgot he was even there. I knew I'd never get him to leave unless I gave him something.

"Okay. I've been a little distracted. There is something going on, but…" I sighed at his concerned expression. "It's not business. It's personal."

"You can tell me."

I knew that. But not yet.

"Give me some time, Jasper. I'm working some things out. I just need some time."

He nodded, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "Okay, you know I'm here for you." He paused and frowned. "Listen, there's something I need to tell you. I'm not sure if this is the best time, but I thought you'd want to know."

Fuck. This couldn't be good.

I waved my hand for him to continue.

"Viacom is hiring Jacob Black from Disney."

I hadn't heard his name in a long time, but it was still a punch to the gut. My former best friend. The guy who I roomed with in college, who shared my ideas about media development, the one who fucked me over completely.

It suddenly hit me why Jasper was telling me this.

"He's coming here."

It was a rhetorical statement, but he answered anyway.

"Yes, he's moving to New York. It's supposed to happen within the week."

My jaw clenched, but I tried to maintain calm. "What are they bringing him in as? Executive VP?"

"No, he's being hired as president of their entertainment division."

I snorted. Jake was smart, but he had no imagination. No creativity. No morals. He could connive his way through any situation and made people see what he wanted them to. He was a used car salesman masquerading as a leader. It wouldn't have surprised me to find out he was still using my name to climb the corporate ladder.

Asshole.

"Anyway, sorry to lay this on you, but I didn't want you to be blindsided by the news from someone else."

I nodded at him. "Thanks, man. I appreciate you telling me."

He stood up and stretched his arms out. "Well, I'll have those projections ready later today."

"Sounds good."

I stopped him before he opened the door.

"And as for the other thing…I'll talk to you soon."

He grinned. "I'd lay odds that it has something to do with a woman."

I chuckled and nodded. "Doesn't it always?"

"Damn straight." He gave a little salute and walked out.

Despite the news about Jacob, I was glad for the talk with Jasper. He'd have my back no matter what happened with Bella.

I looked at the clock. In a couple hours I'd have her within my grasp.

The results were likely to be either highly successful or completely disastrous. Nothing in the middle.

~~~*~~~NOPEPOV~~~*~~~

She was here.

She was here and I was late.

I felt guilty after Jasper had pointed out my recent slacking, so I'd gotten lost in paperwork during the afternoon and attended a board meeting which went later than planned. I ran like my ass was on fire out of the office when Alec texted to let me know they were on their way to the house.

I sat in the back of the car, shedding my jacket and tie, my hands and knees shaking with nerves.

Why was I so nervous?

I was Edward Motherfucking Cullen.

Why did this girl I barely knew have so much power over me?

It was a mystery, yet undeniable.

"Can you go any faster?" I yelled at Felix.

Fucking traffic.

We finally pulled in front of the house just as Alec was coming down the steps. I jumped out and he grinned at me.

"How's it going, boss?"

How's it going? How's it going?

I looked past him to the front door and swallowed.

"She's in there?"

"Yes, she is."

I turned back toward him. "I should go in." It sounded more like a question than a statement.

He laughed and slapped my shoulder. "Good luck, boss. Don't worry so much. She's nervous enough for the both of you."

That steeled my resolve. I needed to be strong. Needed to show her that she belonged here. With me. That I could take care of her.

I jogged up the steps and went inside. I'd asked Hannah to prepare dinner on the terrace so I made my way toward the back, hoping to find them along the way.

And did I ever.

I stood in the doorway of the library, catching Hannah's eye momentarily before she smiled and left the room. I stayed right where I was, trying to remember to breathe as I watched Bella for the first time.

Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly open as she spun around, taking in every detail of my two-floor library. She was wearing a white dress that flared up as she moved, giving me a great view of her long legs. Her skin was pale, but contrasted well with her dark hair.

She was beautiful.

Perfect.

My heart raced again, in the familiar way it had since her first phone call, and I smiled realizing it was some Bella-induced side effect.

And that I didn't need a cardiologist on standby.

I felt different in her presence. Different than I ever had before and I didn't quite understand why.

Lighter maybe?

Less burdened.

Happy.

All I was sure of was that it felt right.

And this was before she even knew I was standing there.

I leaned against the frame, one part of me content to simply watch her and the other part craving to be closer. Before my mind delved into what I wanted to do when I did get closer, she turned my way and froze.

Her eyes were big and dark, staring at me just as I was her. It didn't hurt my ego any as she checked me out, and I smiled, inviting her to keep right on looking.

She didn't disappoint. Her gaze traveled down my body and back up, her cheeks tingeing pink.

Very interesting.

She was blushing. It made me wonder what was going through her pretty little head and hoping she was as attracted to me as I was to her. I grinned at the thought of her wanting me.

I started moving toward her, unable to stay away any longer, like she was pulling me forward with a string.

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

I held my hand out and almost sighed with pleasure when her skin met mine.

This was it. She was the one I'd been waiting for. Every cell in my body tingled with the knowledge she was meant for me.

Then her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth and I almost threw her over my shoulder and ran to the nearest bed. I wanted that lip between my teeth. Those long legs wrapped around my…

Motherfucking hell, Cullen.

I had to slow the fuck down or she was going to run.

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

Thankfully the sound of her voice knocked some sense into my head and I smiled again. I needed to remain calm. Calm and steady. My thumb gently rubbed the soft skin of her hand as I tried to make sure she was comfortable.

She smelled so fucking good. I wanted to bury my face in her hair, slide my nose along the nape of her neck, taste her sweet skin.

Fuck.

I had to get myself under control.

"The pleasure is all mine, Bella. And please call me Edward."

She nodded and blushed again, eliciting a chuckle from me. I took her other hand in mine, not willing to let go of her yet.

"Come with me. I'll show you the veranda. It's a nice evening for dining alfresco."

I couldn't take my eyes off her as she looked around outside, and I sent a silent thank you to Hannah for the romantic candlelight on the table. She glanced over at the pool and I pulled her closer, my mind swarming with images of her in the water.

"Do you like it? It's a rarity in this city to have a private pool. This glass goes down into the water a few inches, but you can swim underneath it to get from the inside to the outside."

Bella. Bikinis. Lots of skin.

I had never loved my pool more than at this moment.

"It's amazing, Mr. C…er…Edward."

I grinned at the sound of my name coming from her lips.

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

She blushed again, the urge to reach out and touch her face almost overwhelming me.

"It's all wonderful. Thank you for inviting me here."

She bit down on her lip again and I almost lost it. My dick practically jumped out of my pants and I choked on my tongue.

Never in my life had I reacted this way to a woman. Sure I'd been attracted. I'd desired many. But this was out of control. I felt like a fumbling teenager.

She looked up and gave me a strange look. I willed my body to behave and tried to cover up my idiocy by turning and taking us back over to the table.

"I think we should go ahead and sit down for dinner."

I took a few deep calming breaths, telling myself I'd at least be able to hide my reactions better once I was seated at the table. I pulled out her chair, briefly sniffing her hair as she took her seat. I was proud of myself for not lingering too long before sitting down across from her. My hand brushed through my hair while I tried to figure out the best way to start our conversation.

At this point I knew if she turned me down, I was going to be a fucking mess.

She had to stay.

I needed her.

Hannah appeared with our salads, nodding her head at me and smiling. That was as much of a thumbs up sign as she would give me.

"How long has Hannah been with you?" Bella asked after Hannah went back inside.

Hmm.

She started up a conversation instead of waiting on me. It made me like her even more.

I mindlessly reached for the bottle of wine, uncorked it and poured us each a glass. It dawned on me as soon as the liquid fell that legally she wasn't supposed to drink. But I dismissed that worry almost immediately.

It wasn't like she was driving anywhere. Besides, I wanted her relaxed for when I brought out my big guns.

"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."

She smiled and my heart skipped a beat.

Fuck if that wasn't the prettiest thing I'd ever seen.

"Have you had this house long?"

"About four years now." I couldn't take my eyes off her.

She nodded and I pushed my plate aside to lean forward. I wanted to be closer to her and wished Hannah had placed the chairs next to each other.

But then again, it was nice to be able to watch every detail of her face.

"So, Bella, tell me about yourself."

"Not much to tell." She paused and looked up at me. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you know everything already."

I smiled, hearing the teasing tone in her voice. "I've done some homework, but I think there's a lot more I have yet to find out."

She let out an angry huff. That was a quick mood switch.

"But why do you want to know more? What is all this about?" she asked, waving her hand over the table.

Fuck me.

I wanted to snatch her up in my arms and devour those pouty lips.

"I wondered what you would look like when you got feisty. It's better than I imagined."

I adjusted myself discreetly under the table as she opened her mouth to respond. But Hannah interrupted us with our dinners.

Bella took a long drink of wine and I filled her glass as soon as she set it back down.

Hannah had made one of her specialties…shrimp linguine. I dove in, famished from my days of worrying about the sexy hellcat sitting across from me.

I sent her a grin as I slurped down some noodles. "You should really try this, Bella. It's delicious."

"You didn't answer my questions." She took another drink and crossed her arms across her chest.

Her movement pushed her breasts up and I wondered if she did it on purpose.

If she was trying to distract me, it was working.

Don't look at her tits. Don't look at her tits.

"Hmm. You really haven't figured it out?"

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

It appeared the time had arrived.

I had to show my hand and see what she would do. The only thing that mattered to me was keeping her here. I just hoped my plan would work.

"It's actually quite simple. I want you, Bella."


AN: So this was part 2 of the EPOV outtakes. I'm eager to hear what you think of being in Edward's head. Will there be any issues coming with Jake?

I will continue to write more EPOV outtakes, but there will be no regular schedule of posting them.

The next regular chapter of NOP will post next Sunday (and continue on posting once weekly if possible).

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