Chapter 7

Edward Pov

~ December 10th, 2011 ~

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I paced the living room back and forth, a deep feeling of anxiety kneading my stomach.

It had been one month since I had last laid eyes on Isabella, and no matter how hard I had tried to push the thoughts about her to the back of my mind, they always came back in full force when I least expected it.

For example, just the day before, I was at the office, having a conversation with my father about a particularly challenging case when my assistant Victoria brought me same papers I had asked for. I thanked her, calling her Isabella in front of my father. My slip gained me a hateful glare from Victoria and a short, suspicious interrogation from my father.

A week before that I had almost dialed Isabella's number instead of my client's.

But what had been the last drop to fill the glass happened just last night when I had dreamt of her. I couldn't remember much of the dream, but the simple fact that she tormented me even in my slumber spoke volumes.

I had to do something about it as soon as possible. I couldn't afford to get distracted like that anymore. So, I paced the room, phone in hand, debating whether to call her or not.

Honestly, I had no idea what had gotten into me. The first time I had met her, nothing about her had appealed to me, and now I couldn't get her out of my head. I remembered seeing her as plain and... simply unworthy of my attention. Suddenly, she was not only beautiful, but also intelligent and great company to have around.

I had always been attracted to tall, pretentious, preferably blonde women. And now here I was, thinking non stop about a woman who was completely the opposite. She was petite of stature, definitely not pretentious, a brunette, and not to mention at least ten years younger than me.

I had to confess that what had practically opened my eyes and made me see her in this new light had been the two evenings we had spent together weeks prior. The first evening she had impressed me with her cooking skills, and the second had made me realize what a pleasant personality she had. Add the casual clothing and the lack of make up, and I was done for. Again, I had no idea why I had been so allured by this natural look of hers, as I had always been partial to make up on women. She made me feel like my tastes in the female population had suddenly taken an 180 degree turn.

However, no matter how much I liked her, I knew I wasn't ready for another relationship yet. This was the main reason I was still reluctant to call her. I didn't want to string her along, I didn't want to use her just for sex, and I most definitely had no intention whatsoever to hurt her in any way, shape or form. Not only did I not treat women that way, but she didn't deserve that kind of treatment from anyone.

I continued my pacing for about half an hour, all the while keeping a close eye on the clock. At two fifteen, I finally gave in and dialed her number as I took a seat on the couch. I was so nervous as I waited for her to pick up, I almost laughed at myself. Here I was, a 34 year old man, feeling like a teenager with a crush.

"Yeah?" she answered on the third ring.

"Isabella," I said smoothly, my stomach clenching at the sound her her voice. "It's Edward." There was a long pause on the other side of the line, and I clarified by adding, "Edward Cullen."

"I know who I'm talking to," she replied, her tone oozing something akin to annoyance.

I was a bit taken aback, therefore I lost my voice for a moment. Luckily for me, I was used to unexpected situations, so I managed to pull myself back together quickly.

"How are you?" I continued, thinking I might have caught her at a bad time.

"Fine," she said flatly. "You?"

"I'm… good," I said slowly, mentally searching for things I might have done to upset her.

I haven't talked to her in a month, so whatever it is, I'm sure it has nothing to do with me, I rationalized with myself.

"I was wondering..." I started again, leaning back into the couch and running a hand through my hair, something I usually did when I was under stress. "What are you doing tonight?"

"Angela and I are going to the movies," she replied in the same flat tone. "Why?"

"Oh," I breathed, a strange wave of disappointment washing over me. "Okay."

"Why?" she inquired.

"No reason," I lied.

"Edward," she said in a no nonsense tone, calling me out on it.

I sighed. "I thought maybe you wanted to accompany me to dinner."

"Oh." Again a long pause. My first immediate thought was that she was about to change her plans with Angela and go out with me instead. When she spoke again, I realized I had been wrong to assume such a thing. "I'm sorry, I already made plans."

I was neither used to or very good at dealing with rejection, so I did what every man in my position would have probably done.

"I understand," I said cooly, my friendly demeanor changing completely. "Well, have a good evening."

"Thanks," she said quietly.

"Bye."

I hung up and tossed the phone on the coffee table roughly, having a hard time believing she had actually blown me off. With a huff, I rose to my feet and headed into the kitchen. I took out a bottle of white wine from the fridge and poured myself a glass, preparing to lock myself in my study and work for a little while in an attempt to busy my mind.

I had my hand on the doorknob to the study when my phone started ringing. I walked into the living room and picked it up, frowning when I saw Isabella's number flashing on the screen.

I took a sip of wine, stared at the screen some more, then answered. "Yes?"

A different but still familiar voice spoke back. "Hey, it's Angela."

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. "Hello, Angela," I said gruffly, not really getting why she was calling me instead of Isabella.

"She'll go with you."

"What?" I said, feeling my eyebrows merging into one from how deeply I was frowning.

"Are you deaf?" she snapped, and I had to bit my tongue from saying something rude. "I said she'll go to dinner with you. I just remembered I can't go to the movies."

"Oh, really?" I shot sarcastically. "And why is that?"

She thought for a few seconds before answering. "I have… cramps."

It was plain as day that was a lie, but I let it slide. "Alright," I said in return, not really in the mood to deal with her. "Can I speak to Isabella now?"

I heard her pass the phone to Isabella, and shortly after I was greeted with a coy, "Hi."

"Hi." I tried to keep my tone as light as I could. I was in no mood for games, and I wanted a straight answer. She wanted to go out with me, yes, or no? Simple as that. "Is that true? You're not going to the movies anymore?"

She sighed. "I guess not. You heard Angela. She has cramps."

I shook my head, taking another sip of wine. "Yes, I think that was too much information," I said, my tone letting her knew I wasn't buying it.

"Yeah. So, um… where do you want to go?" I couldn't help but notice that her attitude had somewhat changed from our first conversation earlier. She didn't seem as irritated.

"I have a few suggestions, but I'm going to let you choose," I said, sitting down and placing my glass on the coffee table in front of me.

"No, no," she said quickly. "You can pick. I don't mind."

"Are you sure?" I insisted.

"Of course," she assured me, and I could sense a smile in her voice.

In response, an involuntary smile tugged at my own lips. "Fine. How about The Peninsula?"

"Uh… sure."

"You seem uncertain," I noticed. "You can tell me if you don't like it there. We'll go wherever you prefer."

"Well," she said softly, "I've never been to Peninsula, but I know it's very expensive."

"Yes," I confirmed. "And?"

She tsked impatiently. "And… did I ever give you the false impression I make a hundred thousand a year?"

I was baffled. Never in my life had I went out with a woman who thought I was going to let her pay for as much as a drink. "Isabella, you should know I don't expect you to pay for anything. Please don't offend my manners."

"I-I didn't mean to," she stammered, clearly embarrassed by her slip.

I nodded to myself. "Good. When should I come pick you up?"

"Is seven alright?"

"Let's make it six thirty," I offered, already eager to see her.

"Okay. I think I can do six thirty."

~~ 0 ~~

At six thirty sharp, I was pulling in front of her apartment building. I couldn't find an empty spot to park my car, so I pulled out my cell and called her. She answered promptly and a little breathlessly.

"I'm downstairs and I can't seem to find a parking lot," I explained, my gaze roaming the busy street.

"I'll be down in a minute." She hung up, and I settled back into my seat, waiting patiently.

A couple of minutes later, the door to the building opened and Isabella stepped outside. She spotted my car and started jogging in my direction, opening the passenger door and sliding inside quickly.

"Hey." She grinned, tossing her black clutch in the backseat. She was wearing a pair of black, high-heel boots and her familiar trench coat, a few snowflakes scattered across her shoulders.

"Hi." I smiled warmly, taking her in. "You look lovely."

She flushed. "Thank you." She started unbuttoning her coat, and I could see that she was wearing some sort of knitted plum dress underneath. Then she removed her gloves and ran a hand through her hair to tame it down from the effect the wind outside had on it.

With a final, lingering glance to Isabella, I started up the engine and put the car in motion, heading towards the restaurant.

"I haven't heard from you in a month," she suddenly blurted out, causing me to glance at her sideways. She was staring at me expectantly.

"Yes," I confirmed, my brow furrowing.

A long silence took over the confines of the car, neither of us saying anything else. After what seemed like an eternity, I was about to speak again, when she cut me off. "I'm sorry. It's not like you have an obligation to call or anything."

"I've been busy," I said, not the exact truth, but not a lie either.

In my peripheral I could see her nodding in understanding. "How's Jess?"

"She's good," I replied, relieved that she had decided to change the subject. "Bugging me to see you again."

"Maybe you can bring her to my place sometime," she offered.

I hummed, keeping my eyes on the traffic ahead. "Maybe."

Silence again. I reached over and fiddled with the radio, settling on a Phil Collins song.

"Edward," she started after a while. "Do you like me?"

At her question I nearly collided with the car in front of us. "Pardon?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"Nothing."

"No, no," I insisted, wanting to know what was on her mind. "What do you mean do I like you?"

She sighed, looking out her window. " I mean… why did you invite me to dinner tonight?"

"Because I think you're great company," I answered, not needing to think about it. It was the main reason I liked spending time with her.

"Just because of that?" she inquired, this time looking at me.

"Mostly, yes."

"Okay. Do you think I'm attractive?"

"What?" My expression must have turned as white as paper.

"Answer the question, please."

It was my turn to sigh, this time in frustration. Glancing in the side mirror, I saw that there was no car behind me, and I pulled to the right, killing the engine. I removed my seat belt and angled my body towards Isabella, knowing that sooner or later she and I would have to have that inevitable conversation.

"Yes, I think you're an attractive woman," I answered truthfully, looking her in the eyes. "What's with all the questions?"

She shrugged, averting her gaze. "I just… I want to know… what do you really want from me? Just friendship or… something more?"

"I…" I trailed off, not sure how to reply. "I haven't thought of that."

She peered up at me through her long lashes, and I swallowed thickly. She truly was beautiful, and I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed it sooner. "You haven't?"

"Well, I have, but…"

"But?" she urged.

It was still hard for me to talk about Tanya, but I knew that I had to if I wished to at least maintain a friendship with Isabella. So I took a deep breath and said what needed to be said. "My wife died."

She nodded, looking at me warily. "I suspected as much."

"I don't think I'm quite ready for a relationship yet."

"When did she die?" she asked quietly, her voice barely heard over the one of Celine Dion's singing My heart will go on. How fitting.

I cleared my throat and turned down the volume before answering. "Almost a year ago."

"So what…" she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "You just want sex?"

"No!" I exclaimed, horrified that she would think such a thing. "God, no. I would never use you like that." I had the impression she didn't seem convinced, so I rushed to add, " Look, Isabella… I really enjoy your company. You're not only physically appealing, but you're also smart and funny. For now, I just want to be friends."

"For now? So that means…"

"I honestly don't know what that means. I don't want to lead you on. All I know is that I enjoy spending time with you. Can you accept that?"

For a moment she just stared at me as if trying to decipher if I was telling the truth or not. Then she shrugged and offered me a smile. "Okay."

I saw her eyes travel over my face and settle on my mouth where they lingered.

"What?" I said amused, causing her eyes to snap back to mine. "Why were you staring at my lips just now? Do I have something on them?"

I brought my thumb to my mouth and started wiping superficially as her cheeks turned a bright red.

"No." She shook her head, looking uncomfortable. "Um…you should know that I find you physically appealing as well."

I laughed, finding both her confession and her reaction quite endearing. "Good to know."

~~ 0 ~~

After a pleasant dinner in the loveliest company one could ask for, I drove Isabella back home. We chatted some more in the car, and she must have sensed I was reluctant to leave because she invited me upstairs for a cup of coffee. Needless to say, it didn't take much for me to accept.

We entered the modest apartment, and my gaze was drawn to the kitchen clock that was visible even from the narrow hallway. It was just past nine, and I promised myself I wouldn't be staying long. Half an hour at best. With that thought in mind, I removed my shoes and my coat, following Isabella into the kitchen. She immediately started the coffee maker, motioning for me to take a seat at the kitchen table.

"Where's Angela?" I asked, noticing how quiet the apartment was.

Isabella turned to me with a playful smile. "Probably in her room hiding. In case you haven't noticed she's trying to hook us up."

"Oh, I noticed." I chuckled. "She's not very subtle."

She rolled her eyes, placing her palms on the counter behind her and hopping up. "Tell me about it."

The dress I had been admiring all night rode up to the middle of her thighs, exposing the pale skin of her legs encased in a pair of sheer pantyhose. I stared unashamedly, feeling my tension rise at the sight unfolding just a few feet away from me. I may have been a widower, but I was still a red-blooded male with certain needs. Not having had any kind of intimate relationship with a woman for about a year and a half didn't help at all.

Isabella cleared her throat, and I forced myself to look away.

"But why is she trying so hard?" I continued like I hadn't been undressing her with my eyes just moments before. "Does she like me that much?"

She shook her head, still smiling. "You don't even want to know."

"Yes, I do," I said, now intrigued. "Tell me."

"I can't tell you."

"Why not?" I pressed. "I'm curios."

She snickered, arching an eyebrow at me. "Don't you know that curiosity killed the cat?"

"Tell me."

"No."

"Why not?"

She sighed exasperatedly. "Because it doesn't matter. Take it like this… she likes to interfere in other people's lives."

"Isabella."

"Fine, you want to know?" she relented with a huff, shifting her position on top of the counter and causing the dress to ride up even more. "She thinks I should have sex with you."

"What?" I swallowed thickly, my gaze alternating between her legs and her face. "Why?"

She blushed then, ducking her head and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, aside from the obvious reasons… I haven't had it in quite some time and that's unacceptable to her."

"Quite some time as in…?" I trailed off, letting her complete the sentence.

"A year," she answered softly, biting on her lip and looking at me through her lashes. I was certain that if she did that one more time, I couldn't be held responsible for my actions. It was actually starting to drive me insane how attracted I suddenly felt to her. So, for the sake of my sanity and her well-being, I decided it was best if we talked about something else.

"Yeah," I said distractedly, me eyes never leaving her. "We should probably change the subject."

"Right." She nodded, hopping down from the counter and straightening her dress. I was so relieved, I actually let out a deep breath. "So… coffee?" she asked, turning her back to me and reaching up to one of the cabinets for some mugs.

The fabric molded to her hips snugly, accentuating the delicate lines of the thong she was wearing, and I let out a low groan, turning my head to look everywhere but at her.

"Mmhmm," I answered with a strained hum, because I didn't think I was capable of actual words anymore.

"That was awkward." She chuckled as she started filling the mugs, her back still to me. "You know, the sex talk."

"Yeah," I said quietly, looking out the window. If only she knew the effect she currently had on me…

"You know who's awkward?" Angela said in a bored voice as she stepped into the kitchen. "You two. Just do it already and make me happy. I'm tired of playing the role of matchmaker."

She was wearing pajamas, a pair of pink bunny slippers and had a magazine in her hand, her gaze bouncing between me and Isabella. Grateful for the interruption, I smiled at her.

"Hello, Angela. Nice to see you again."

"Yeah, yeah." She waved me off, tossing her magazine on the table in front of me and walking over to where Isabella was. "You two are having coffee at this hour?" She peered over Isabella's shoulder, then reached out and grabbed the mug from her hand. Isabella protested, and Angela turned to me with a smirk, sizing me up. "Oh, right, you needed a reason to bring him up."

Isabella frowned. "Angela, how about you go back to your room and stay the hell there for the rest of the night?"

"And let you guys have all this fun to yourselves?" Angela replied sarcastically. "Nah. Besides, it's obvious nothing's going to happen so I might as well just stay here with you." She gave me a pointed, almost mocking look, and I narrowed my eyes in return.

Angela took a few sips of coffee, then sat the mug down and headed over to the fridge, opening it and pulling out a large plate with a chocolate cake. "Who wants cake?" she asked, placing the plate on the table and waggling her eyebrows at me. "Bella made it. Did I mention she's a great cook?"

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me. The girl was simply relentless. "What do you do for a living, Angela?" I asked, thinking she must have inherited her father's attorney spirit.

"Does it matter?" she answered, cutting a piece of cake and placing it on a smaller plate.

"Not really, but I was wondering."

"I'm a nurse."

"Oh, really?" I said with an amused chuckle. I certainly hadn't been expecting that.

She turned to me with one hand planted firmly on her hip and the other pointing the knife at me. "Yeah, why do you look so surprised?"

I grinned, but leaned back a few inches, eying the knife suspiciously. "I don't know… with your personality I tend to be afraid for your patients."

"Haha," she said dryly, inching the knife closer to me and trying to look menacing.

"What do you do if one of them gets you mad?" I teased, and I could see Isabella shaking her head in my peripheral.

Angela smirked, playing along. "I give them cyanide and get even."

"I thought so."

She laughed, turning back to her task. "Smart ass. So, do you want cake or not?"

"No, we already had dessert, but thank you," I politely declined.

"I heard you took her to Peninsula," she said, putting the cake back into the fridge.

"Yes."

"Expensive as hell, but it's not like you can't afford it," she said bluntly, and Isabella groaned in annoyance.

"Ang, don't you think it's time to go back to your room?" she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly.

Angela rolled her eyes at her friend. "Whatever. I'm going." She grabbed her plate and a fork and headed out of the room, calling over her shoulder, "Bye, Edward."

"Bye," I answered, watching as her fluffy bunny slippers disappeared from sight.

I looked at Isabella and saw that she was smiling at me. "Would you like to watch a movie?"

"Why not." I smiled back, getting up. "What do you have?"

She shrugged, seeming to think for a minute. "Oh, I know. Let's watch 'Pretty woman'. I haven't seen it in forever."

"I've never seen it," I said, grabbing the mug Angela had abandoned on the counter.

"Really?" Isabella took the mug from me and handed me the one she was holding.

I nodded, bringing it to my lips and blowing into it. "Yes. I don't recall ever watching it."

"Well then, 'Pretty woman' it is."

We headed into the living room and I took a seat on the couch as Isabella looked for the DVD. She found it and pressed play, coming to join me on the couch, but putting a bit of distance between us. We watched the movie, but my mind wasn't really there. While Isabella seemed engrossed in the plot, her gaze never leaving the screen, I kept stealing glances at her.

I wondered what the destiny had in store for me.

Would I ever get to be more than her friend?

Would I ever be able to love another woman again?

Would I ever get remarried?

And most importantly, would I ever get to see my biggest dream of becoming a father come to fruition?

These were the questions I didn't have the answers to, but I did have every intention of finding out. Even though I wasn't ready to dedicate myself to a new relationship quite yet, I had no desire to continue being alone for too long either. I just needed some more time.

"Richard Gere is hot," Isabella's comment suddenly brought me out of my inner musings.

I smiled at her indulgently. "If you say so."

"Too bad he's a Virgo," she contemplated.

"Why?"

She angled her body towards me, peering at me over the rim of her mug. "I'm a Virgo and two people born under the same sign don't really match. Not that it's of any relevance in this case, but just saying."

I leaned towards her and whispered conspiratorially, "I don't believe in signs."

She didn't seem bothered by the closeness. "When is your birthday?"

"June 20."

"You're a Gemini."

"Yes, I know," I murmured, gazing down at her. I lifted my right arm and draped it across the back of the couch, behind her shoulders. Again, she didn't seem to mind it. "Jessica once told me."

Her eyes travelled from my arm to my face, and then she smiled. "Geminis are shallow."

"Who says that?" I said, not really caring for an answer as I was too preoccupied counting the freckles scattered across her cheeks and nose.

"The books, the internet, personal experience…" she enumerated, her large brown eyes twinkling mischievously. "Angela's a Gemini. She's crazy."

I chuckled. "Well, thanks for the compliment, but I don't consider myself neither shallow or crazy."

"Good to know," she said playfully, taking a sip of coffee.

"So…" I pulled back, putting my other arm on the back of the couch and adopting a more relaxed posture. "What do the books says about the Gemini slash Virgo compatibility?"

Yes, I was actually flirting. It had been so long since I had flirted with anyone else but Tanya that I somehow felt a bit out of practice.

Isabella shrugged, reaching over to remove some invisible lint from my button down shirt. Yes, I concluded quite pleased, she was flirting back. "It doesn't work. Bad, bad compatibility."

"Then you should stop reading those books," I suggested. "As you can see, we are getting along just fine."

"Yeah, but I have to admit, I'm still afraid one day you'll turn crazy on me like my roommate. There's only so much craziness I can handle." She smirked. "And do I need to add that Geminis are notorious for cheating?"

"That's not true," I replied defensively.

"Yes, it is," she contradicted, the smirk never leaving her face.

I frowned. "Did Angela ever cheat on a boyfriend?"

"Not that I know of."

"See?" I pointed out triumphantly. "As for me, I know I'm a one woman kind of man."

"So…" she trailed off, biting on her lip gently. "You've never cheated?"

"Not that I know of," I replied teasingly, and we both chuckled. "What can you tell me about Virgos?"

"That's easy." She sat up straighter, looking smug. "They're the best sign ever."

I rolled my eyes at her. "Besides that."

"We're hardworking, generous, loyal, intelligent…"

"Those are only qualities," I cut her off, leaning to whisper in her ear. "I'm more interested in flaws."

"We're very criticizing," she replied quickly, turning a deep shade of red. "That's the main flaw."

I pulled back from her and nodded. "I think I can handle criticism."

~~ 0 ~~

"I should get going," I said, glancing over at my watch. It was a few minutes after midnight; time for me to head home. Isabella led me into the hallway, waiting patiently as I put on my coat and shoes.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" she asked, leaning against a wall. "Well… today. It's after midnight."

"Are you asking me out?" I arched an eyebrow playfully, finishing buttoning my coat and pulling up my collar in preparation to confront the cold outside.

"Maybe." She smiled coyly, toying with a ring on her middle finger.

"I don't have any plans. I'll probably have Jessica over. You want to come and spend some time with her? She really likes you."

"Yeah, okay," she accepted.

"Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, I think I'll take Angela's car."

She pushed away from the wall as I took the few steps to the front door and opened it, stepping into the chilly lobby.

"Good night," I said, watching her stand in the doorway as I walked over to the elevator and pushed the button. The elevator arrived, and I prepared to step inside when Isabella called behind me.

"Edward?"

I turned to face her and saw that she has left her spot in the doorway and was heading towards me with small but determined steps. She reached me and placed her palms on my chest, lifting herself on her toes and kissing my cheek.

"Thanks for dinner," she breathed into my ear before pulling back.

I was so taken aback that for a moment I had no reaction whatsoever. Then, just as she was turning around to head back inside, I took hold of her wrist and pulled her back to me.

She gasped softly when my hands cupped her face and I brought my lips to hers.

It was a gentle kiss that lasted about three seconds, but with a deep meaning. It was the meaning of a promise. A promise that someday soon I would be able to give her so much more. All I asked for was time.

Breaking the brief kiss, I pressed my fervent lips to her forehead, and I felt her shudder with emotion. Letting go of her, I stepped backwards until I was inside the elevator. Without another word, I pressed the button to the first floor, my gaze never leaving her. She stood in the lobby, flushed, wide-eyed and her arms wrapped around herself almost protectively.

The doors closed, and all of the sudden I was alone staring at silver metal.

A/N Leave me some much needed love!

xoxo

~Andreea~