No copyright infringement intended. I acknowledge that Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight and its characters. I just like to play with it.

My nose twitched a little. Something like a feather was brushing against it. I heard a little giggle.

Alice.

Didn't she know what time it was in the morning? I refused to open my eyes; I wasn't ready to give sleep up just yet. I turned over to my other side and mashed my face into my pillow. Maybe she would take a hint.

Alice put her hands on my shoulder and shook me gently. "Beeeella," she sang in a cheerful tone. I guess not. I moaned into my pillow and swatted her hands away. Seriously, she needed to let me sleep.

Alice irritatingly huffed as she slumped off the bed. 'Finally,' I thought as I let my eyes drift to the back of my head for sleep, only to be jolted open in a panic as I felt Alice's body jump on the bed making me bounce up and down.

I jerked up into a sitting position angry beyond words. I didn't appreciate being woken up this way. I was already harboring a headache from lack of sleep. "Alice what are you doing," I said, my words slurring together. 'Seriously, I demand an explanation for this annoying behavior.'

"You got a message from that cite. I saw it blinking this morning when I came into check on you." Big deal. I rubbed my eyes and yawned.

"Alice, it's too early. Can't you wait till later or something?"

"I've been waiting. And Bella it's twelve in the afternoon." Whoa, what? Holly cow, it felt like seven. Alice got up and walked over to my curtain closed window and before I could beg her not to let the light in she yanked them apart. I squinted my eyes and turned away with my hand held up to my face. Really? Was that necessary?

"Alice," I huffed out.

"Bella, it's time for you to get up anyways. If you were on the job you could never sleep in this much at a client's home. You should accustom yourself to waking up early. Perhaps making breakfast, or getting his coffee."

"Yeah well I'm not on the job right now, I'm at home. And I need to make up for the sleep I lost last night while carting two drunken maniacs home because your date sucked." I caught my tongue too late. Oops. I didn't mean that.

I saw Alice's face sadden at my words and I felt a great pain in my chest as I shook my head at her. "I'm so sorry Alice. I didn't mean that. I really didn't mean that." I was stuttering to find the right words but I couldn't. All I felt was shame. "Alice," I started again, "Please, I'm so sorry. You know I would never hurt you. It just slipped out and I didn't mean for it to."

Alice looked down at the floor and for a moment I thought she might cry, which would just tare me apart. 'Please don't cry.' She looked back up at me and smiled softly. But not fully, as she always did. I had hurt her.

"It's ok Bella. You're right, it did suck." She laughed uneasily. "But that's what you have to do. You know some are good and some aren't. I was hoping for something more, but it wasn't the right time. Or guy."

I wanted to rewind time. I wanted to take back everything I said. I wanted to slap myself silly and duck-tape my mouth shut. What an idiot I was. Alice was my best friend, how could I let something so cruel slip?

I pulled back the covers, made my way over to her and flung my arms around her. "He's out there," I whispered. "That guy was a jerk, and he didn't deserve you." I truly meant these words. I wanted Alice to find someone special. She deserved someone special. Maybe she even deserved a better friend.

Alice shook me off playfully, "Dam right I deserve someone special. And when we walk together, he better hope he looks at least half as good as me." I laughed a little glad that some of the tension was leaving the room. "It's ok Bella, really. I know you didn't mean it." I shook my head again in response. "Now about that message."

For a moment I wasn't sure what she was referring to, but I watched as she walked back over to my bed, where she had brought my laptop, and plopped down. She patted the seat next her. I rolled my eyes. "Alice do we really have to do this now?" I mean I wanted to do it, but I wanted to do it alone. What if a certain someone had responded? What if that new message was his message? I would rather reply in private.

"I'm just curious. You're the one who thought you wouldn't receive any messages. Well I bet since yesterday you've gotten a lot of them. I just wanted to see some of them."

Yeah that was the problem. I wanted to see them too, but not with anyone watching and reading over my shoulder. Time for an excuse.

"It's just that," I said as I sauntered over to the bed and took a seat next to her, "I was kind of hoping for a little time alone this morning. I mean I'm not feeling too well, I think it's my period." Typical girl problem.

I watched with surprise as a slow smile spread across her face, her eyes looking suspiciously at me. "Are you expecting a certain message, Bella, from a certain someone?"

What? My brow furrowed. How-what-, how did she know that? "No," I said unconvincingly, "what would make you think that? Honestly Alice, I really do have cramps."

Alice laughed a little, "honestly Bella, you just had your period two weeks ago. And besides all else, you're just a really bad liar." She got this really devious smile on his lips as she looked at the laptop and then back at me. "Who is it? You must've replied last night."

This was a major intrusion of privacy. "There is no one Alice. And I did go through some of my messages last night but, no one in particular stuck out." Not really. I mean I wasn't even sure if he would respond.

"Then you wouldn't mind if I looked though some of the messages. I mean, since you're not expecting anyone in particular." Seriously?

"Alice, get out of my room!" I shouted as I tried to snatch the laptop out of her hands, but she was too quick. She yanked back and she held it at bay.

"What's his name? What does he do? How old is he?" I scrambled over her to get the laptop but she was holding me away with her arm.

"I don't know his name," I said in frustration. She laughed as I realized I had given more information than I wanted and had just freely admitted that there was indeed a replier. I fought even harder to get the computer but she closed it and ran to the other side of the room. Honestly? This was childish. Although that didn't stop me from getting up and chasing her.

"What is going on?" I heard a stern voice interrupt mine and Alice's hair pulling argument. Rose was leaning against the door frame holding a mug of coffee with one brow raised. Oh great, if she finds out then privacy is really damned. She'll demand to see.

I looked at Alice with a look of panic. She wouldn't tell would she? I mean, there was no guarantee that someone did respond, but if he did I didn't want Rose to control it. I wanted to control it. Besides, she would probably freak if she knew what I had already said to him. She would've said it was too honest, not flirty enough.

Alice put her hand down and handed me the laptop with a smile, as if knowing my feelings already. "Don't mind us Rose, I was just annoying Bella. She created her account yesterday, and I was just being myself and prying into her life." Wow, she could not have said truer words. I wish I had her talent of calm smooth words in the heat of moments. She always knew what to say.

Rose looked at me with a grin. Oh, goodness did she know? I smiled back her and bit my lip as I ran a couple strands of hair behind my ear.

"I didn't know you created your account yesterday. How did it turn out?"

"Good," I said nodding my head. She nodded her head in return and took a slip of her coffee. I was glad she didn't ask to see it. Maybe she, unlike other people, actually believed in a little privacy.

"Did anyone reply?" Umm, yes and no.

"I don't know. I mean I just created my account yesterday."

"Hmm," she said thoughtfully, "well I'm sure if you find an interesting catch you'll share it with us. Information wise, not physically of course."

"Absolutely." I said evil eyeing Alice for opening a can of worms on me.

"Right then," Rose said with a chuckle, "Alice I need your expertise on an outfit." Alice smiled and skipped passed, grinning shyly at me as she led Rose out the door.

"You know Rose sometimes I wonder what you'd do without my fashion advice," I heard her say down the hallway.

Rose gave me another grin as she pulled my door shut behind her. "Probably go naked, which no doubt would be a deal sealer, but I prefer a bit more class," she yelled to Alice. I could hear their voices grow fainter and fainter as they moved into Rose's room.

Finally alone.

I looked at the laptop in my hands. Great, now I was nervous. Bella, you don't even know if the guy responded. But what if he did? I walked over to my bed and plopped down. All this commotion over a message.

I opened my laptop and up popped the website that I had been on last night. But of course the time session was out and it needed my password. So that's why Alice needed me. I did wonder why she didn't just read them on her own if she was so adamantly curious, but now I see. Thank goodness for passwords. I mean, I loved Alice, but I wanted to play around with this on my own.

When I logged in I saw that I had twenty new emails blinking at me. I smiled a little. On the one hand it was a little flattering, but on the other hand they were a little degrading with their open invitations to bed.

When I clicked on them my eyes scanned the list of names whom I had received messages from. There was only one name I was looking for. Only one name I was curious enough to open and read.

But I didn't see it. Maybe I'm missing it. I scanned again. There was no reply from Explore Class. Or maybe he just didn't respond. I felt a little saddened. I mean I guess I couldn't get my hopes up too high. And I was a little honest. Maybe too honest.

I huffed at myself now for making a big deal out of Alice wanting to see my messages. It didn't really matter now. There was only one message I wanted to respond to. And it wasn't there. It was the one message that dignified me instead of making some sexual comment about my womanhood. Hell if I cared now if Alice saw sexual junk mail from hormonal overconfident men.

Now knowing that a 'certain message,' was not there, I looked at the list of names but not their messages. Most of the names I just knew not to open. It was pretty obvious what they would say.

Looking for Fun

Are you In?

Ride of Your life

Tasty

Lay back and Enjoy

Shy much? Shy Much? That was different. I clicked on it. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the name of the profile it was from. Explore Class. I stared at it for a moment to finalize in my mind that it was indeed his name I saw. But there it was. His name. It was under a different title, but when clicked on it was clear it was his profile. So he did respond. I smiled a little as I bit my lip. It made me feel a little less worthless seeing him respond. And a little jittery.

You have received a love message from: Explore Class:

I was so happy to hear that you're not crippled in any way. What a relief. Now I'm really curious about you.

You are right, most of my information is not on display but I thought I was pretty specific about my wants and needs. Not enough? I would be happy to provide you with more information as well as a picture, as I do trust you. Just a feeling I have. However pictures never compare to the real thing. I would much rather prefer a dinner date.

I do agree with your words of not complicating this relationship more than it needs to be. I do have my needs, as I'm sure you have yours. Which brings me to the point of your 'wants.' I have to admit I laughed a little at your statement about this. Not mockingly of course, but amused by your honesty. I do so love your open opinions. A breath of fresh air compared to others.

Isabella, I may not know your needs personally but I can assure you I'm more than capable to fulfill any of them. When I say you will want for nothing, I do mean that in the most honest sense.

As for my 'wants' I did mention touching. Is it a deal breaker? I have to say, Isabella, you do know you're on a Sugar Daddy Website right? Touching usually goes without saying.

Are you shy? That's sweet.

However, if it is something that bothers you we can discuss it more in detail. As you can see, I am determined to meet you face to face. I think all questions can be answered by both of us over dinner. As for your location, I am happy that luck seems to be on my side, as I am currently in your location, Forks, on business. Although know I wouldn't mind making an extra effort to see you if needed, but as I said luck is with me.

So what do you think Lovie? Dinner Date? I would be happy to go anywhere your heart desires.

Sincerely yours,

Edward Cullen.

Edward Cullen. Wow. That sounded like a wealthy name if ever I did hear one. He wanted to see me? Already? This seemed a little rushed. Like he was up to something.

And how dare he call me shy? I am not shy. I just don't parade my body around. I shook my head. To respond felt like a sin to my moral conscious. But this was something that needed to be done. And besides, he was just the first of many to come. I needed him. I needed the experience and he was perfect to start with.

At least that's what my gut was telling me.

But I'd be lying if I too didn't admit that he had my curiosity. I wanted to see him as well. But I also wanted to maintain my balance. My caution of not rushing into something too quick. What if he was a serial killer looking for innocent stupid girls like myself? What if he was a hot tempered bore? Ugh. Why was this so stressful?

I clicked reply:

Dear Mr. Cullen,

I'm pleased to see your adamant desire to meet face to face to discuss the details on this relationship/job. After all it's the best way to assure that we both get what we want. I think a dinner date would do the job.

I don't really have a preference, as long as it's not sushi. I'm sure where ever you pick will be great.

Send.

I set the laptop down on my bed and walked over to my closet and pulled out the first pair of black jeans I saw. I hadn't even began to pull them up all the way before I heard the chime of my laptop, blinking with a new message.

My eyes widened as I half tripped over myself while stumbling to the laptop.

You have received a love message reply from Explore Class: That was fast.

There is no need for formal names Isabella Swan. I gave you my name so you could call me by it. Unless that makes you uncomfortable. In which case, I shall add that to the list of things to discuss with you at dinner. Which I'm so glad you accepted, by the way.

And I have to ask, why so technical? Must you continue to refer to our hopefully soon to be relationship as a job? It is a major turn off.

Not a sushi fan? You need not worry, I will not take you for sushi.

Since you do not have a preference, may I suggest my place of residence at the moment? The Olympic Lodge. Their dinners are very versatile, I'm sure you could find something to your liking. Here is the address: 140 Del Guzzi Drive, Port Angeles, WA 98362. If travel is a problem, I would be happy to handle it if I'm given your address. My driver would have you safely delivered to me and then back to your home.

Edward.

I scrunched my face at his words. I felt half invited and half mocked. First of all, this was a job, not a real relationship. Those happen at coffee shops and ball games. This, however, was strictly business. I clicked reply:

Dear Mr. Cullen,

I do prefer formal names as we have not come to know each other all that well for personal names.

And I think you should know I am not trying to turn you on. This is a job. And I believe it should be viewed as one. Perhaps turning you on will come later if we come to an agreement.

I wouldn't mind meeting you at your place of lodging, however I won't be needing your assistance to do so. I am quite capable of taking care of myself.

Miss Isabella Swan.

Send.

Try that one on for size. I was so going to lose this client before I even hooked him. I'm sure he didn't appreciate my honestly, but it had to be said. There was no sense in viewing this situation as anything other than what it was. A job. I do my work, and he pays me. The end.

I stared at the screen, waiting for a reply. When ten minutes had passed I decided to give my eyes a rest and finish putting on my half pulled up pants.

Maybe I scared him off. Dam you Bella. Why can't you take advantage of the perfect moments? I mean he was offering to bring me to him so he can buy my dinner, while getting the chance to meet me. I mean it didn't get better than that. Why couldn't I just say yes?

I ran my fingers through my messy hair. A chime went off. My heart was pounding as I dropped everything and rushed over to the screen.

You have received a love message from Explore Class:

Very well Miss Swan. I will keep it strictly professional until an agreement is made.

Miss Swan, I did not think you were trying to turn me on. I require a lot more for that. I was simply saying that despite it being a job, which it is, we could still have a nice relationship. After all, when I introduce you to others, I will not introduce you as my employee.

And when I suggested a form of transportation, I was not implying you were incapable. I dare not assume that about you. It was merely a kind option for you to explore. It would cut down on hassle and ensure your safety.

How about tonight? 5:00?

Mr. Cullen.

I blinked at the words. For some reason, I felt ashamed. His words made me feel like a jerk for assuming too much about him. I assumed him a perverted man when he mentioned being turned on. I assumed his suggestion of having me picked up as an insinuation that he for some reason believed I was incapable.

This is why internet relationships suck.

I hit reply:

Dear Mr. Cullen,

I apologize for my blunt honestly in expressing my feelings. Perhaps I did not think as much as I should have before I wrote. I did not mean to jump to conclusions about you.

Tonight would be fine. As it is, I'm free tonight. 5:00 it is.

Miss Isabella Swan.

Send.

I only had to sit for a moment before his quick reply came. Without a second to waste I clicked on his message.

Dear Miss Swan,

Be sorry for nothing. I appreciate your honestly and your willingness to express your true feelings when you feel them. Even if they do need some correcting.

I do wish to greet you myself at the front entry, but I will be finishing up a meeting. And so, as a precaution, I will alert the front desk of your arrival. You will be handed a key to my room. Please make yourself at home at my place. Any expenses will be charged to me.

I just might pull a self-seeking move on my meeting in order to be the first one to meet you. Please be safe on travel, and see you soon.

P.s. I wish you to have my phone number as it would make it easier for us to communicate without having a computer or internet. To calm my nerves it would be most kind of you Miss swan to send me a text when you arrive. (714)-844-3284.

Mr. Cullen.

I looked at his number for a moment. It seemed like this was all happening so fast. Was this normal? I mean, I barely even knew the guy and already I had his number and was meeting him for dinner.

I reached into my desk drawer, pulled out a pen and paper to jot down his number. My heart pounded as I realized I had just agreed to meet a total stranger for dinner at five.

What was wrong with me?

I entered his number into my phone and shoved the paper into my tight jean pocket. What the hell was I going to wear tonight? Ugh, that was not my forte.

I opened my door and traveled downstairs where I overheard Rose giving Alice pointers on how to fake a passionate kiss. That was one conversation I should have heard from the beginning. My kisses were probably a total train wreck. All I knew to do was to open my mouth and pucker, but all that did was make me look like a fish. I was in trouble.

Rose smiled at me when I entered into her sight. She was still holding her coffee mug, only this time she was dressed in a tight fitting black dress and her hair formed soft curls around her shoulders.

"Bella, I'm going out for a lunch date. I might or might not be back till tonight. Or tomorrow. Depending on if we can agree on a good price. Honestly, I don't have high hopes for the guy, but he has a nice face."

I opened the fridge and grabbed the first strawberry yogurt in front. "Well, I'll be out tonight too."

"Out where?" Rose said suspiciously with a smile.

"I met someone," I said as I pulled the lid back and shoved my spoon in, "from Port Angeles."

"You move fast. I hardly expected you to have your try so soon. You're meeting him publicly right?"

"Of course. He's staying at the Olympic Lodge." She laughed.

"Well Bella, I'm already jealous. Anyone at the Olympic has bank. I think this one will be a good first one for you." I just nodded to this. It made me sick to think that we were openly talking about me selling my body and time to a complete stranger and getting paid for it. "Just remember the rules."

"I will," I huffed.

"You both are leaving?" Alice said in a sad tone. "What should I do all day?"

"You can help me find something to wear for tonight," I said. Of course I knew this would make her eyes light up. And did they ever. She gave me a jittery smile.

"Now that I can do. If there's one thing I know, its fashion."

"Great, looks like you two have a lot of work cut out for you," Rose stated while putting her coffee mug in the sink. I raised a joking brow at her, not taking that as a compliment. Although I didn't say anything. "And Bella, you should know, there's no shame in taking someone with you for your first time." Her eyes hinted towards Alice.

I wasn't too crazy about the idea. It seemed a little juvenile.

"It's a good support. Of course she won't sit at the table with you. But she should be in the area in case you need some advice or a little help. You have to remember, these are complete strangers, and for your first time it can be a little overwhelming. Never feel like you have to give in to anything."

Alice smiled a little bashfully, "I would be happy to accompany you Bella. If you want. I also know that the first catch is something to be enjoyed alone. If I come, I promise you won't see me, but I'll be in touch."

I nodded. She was right. They both were. My first catch made me feel a bit possessive. But Rose was right as well in that Alice would be a great support. And should anything happen, it would be nice to know I had a good friend not too far away.

"Of course you can come, Alice." She breathed a happy sigh of relief.

"I promise you won't even see me. And I'll drive. It's my turn to spoil you if you come out drunk as a skunk." That would not be happening, but I smiled at her all the same. After rose applied a deep crimson lipstick to her plump lips she snatched her keys and told me to use my good judgment. She also said her phone would be on, so I could send her a text if I needed any last minute advice.

Appreciated her kindness and concern for me. We really were a family when it came down to it. They were all I had. We were all each other had. There was a story behind how each of us came to be where we are today, and neither was more tragic than the other. We all had baggage and sad stories. But what bound us was our care for one another.

Through the afternoon Alice did quick scans through my closet, pulling out all sorts of clothing. She easily had six different outfits laid out on my bed, despite the fact that I told her several times I only needed one.

After an hour of finding the perfect dress, shoes, purse, jewelry, perfume, makeup and hairstyle we finally decided to hit the road. We settled on a simple but still stimulating outfit. A short royal blue strapless cocktail dress with sparkles that lined the sides. It highlighted my curves and showed off my longs legs but didn't show too much cleavage.

We decided I would leave my hair down, but curled it so it wasn't too blah. And I was happy to wear a pair of short white open toed high heels, which were lined with small sparkles as well.

As we neared Port Angeles I found myself getting more and more nervous.

"Nervous?" Alice asked as she glanced at me.

"Very," I said tensely.

"Don't be. Act confident. Guys like a woman that's confident." Confident. Right. Confident Bella. Be confident. "And make sure to look him in the eyes, even if you're shy. Men like to see that in a woman."

"I don't think I can do this Alice." She laughed.

"Of course you can. You'll do great. Just don't be yourself." I looked at her with shook, but she just laughed again. "I'm kidding Bella. Relax. And let things happen the way they will. It's only your first time. There will be many others."

Thank goodness for friends like Alice. I was so happy she was with me. We arrived in Port Angeles around four twenty. My heart was pounding. But I was doing my best not to show how nervous I was.

What if he was supper old?

What if he was just some jack ass? What if he made a move? Vulgar thoughts were speeding through my mind and I found myself shaking my head a lot of the time to get them out.

Alice dropped me off at the front of the hotel and smiled reassuringly at me. "I'm only a phone call or text away." I nodded again clutching my small black purse to my chest. I felt sick to my stomach. I was not cut out for this line of work.

Part of me wanted to meet Mr. Cullen, but the other part wanted to jump back into Alice's convertible and rush back to Forks. And when I say other part, I mean ninety-nine percent of me.

The sliding doors to the hotel opened promptly as I stepped forward. I was greeted by a door man who welcomed me with a warm smile and asked if I needed any help finding a party or a specific location. I thanked him awkwardly but said no.

It was actually embarrassing to not know really where I was going. All I knew to do was go to the front the desk. He did say he would give them my name.

"Umm excuse me," I said to the red head lady at the desk.

Her smile was too wide and fake as she tipped her head to the side and welcomed me to the hotel. It was a little creepy. "Can I help you Miss?"

"My name is Isabella Swan and I'm-"

"Miss Swan. Yes. Mr. Cullen called you in although I believe he was expecting you a bit sooner." I looked at the clock in the main area and scrunched my face. It was only four thirty. Dinner wasn't till five.

"I'm sorry. Is he no longer available?" That ass. I swear, if he set me up. There would be no words to express my anger.

"Oh of course Miss Swan. Can I take your Id please? For security purposes." When she had verified I was who I said I was she then handed me what she said was a temporary key card to the penthouse on the top floor.

Of course. As if I wasn't nervous enough. Now I had to go to the stranger's room and wait there like an adorned prostitute. The whole thing made me feel cheap and unworthy to be in such a rich and wealthy environment. Beautiful women walked up and down the halls attached to well-dressed men at the hip. Of course I was dressed well too, but the difference was that I didn't belong here. I was a fish out of water. And I'm sure I looked it.

I managed to find the elevators, I knew where ever I was going it was up top somewhere.

"Going up?" A hand pushed the up button before my hand could.

"Yeah," I said absentmindedly. My mind was in a million different directions. This whole meeting was way out of my comfort zone. This was not the Bella that I was accustomed to being. When the doors opened I took a deep breath and stepped in. Others quickly filled the elevator around me and buttons were pushed quickly. By the time I shoved across a few people I saw the top floor button had already been pushed. So I scooted back and let my mind wonder again while the elevator made several stops to let others off. I kept my gaze on the floor wondering what would become of this meeting. Would he like me? Would he be attractive? I mean, he had seen my picture, but I've yet to see what he looked like. What if he was some deranged midget manic? What if I didn't measure up? I didn't even belong where he was rooming, how could I fit in his life?

Just remember the rules, Bella.

I sighed as the elevator bobbed me up and down letting off the last person. 'Finally I'm alone.' I shifted into a more comfortable standing position. There was only one more floor to go; mine. Let's get this over with already.

"That's a lovely dress," I heard a voice say. I jumped at the sound as I jerked around in surprise. A well-aged man stood in the back corner, hands in pocket, with a small smile on his lips. I tried not to stare at the man because he caught me a bit off guard. He was for lack of a better word strikingly handsome and dressed to near perfection. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you," he said holding his hands up in a compromising way. His voice sounded familiar. In fact, his face looked somewhat familiar as well, but I dared not to look back at it. He was not part of my plans. So I brushed it off.

"Oh, it's fine don't worry about. I thought I was the only one left is all. Thanks," I mumbled, refusing to make small talk with a complete stranger. I was here for one purpose: to make a deal that would pay me handsomely.

"It brings out your complexion well. It would make any man go weak. You must be meeting someone special?"

"I guess," I said shrugging him off again. I felt it would be a good conversation stopper.

"Hmm, he must be lucky as well." I eyed him out the corner of my eye in irritation of his poor pickup lines and refusal to give up. I had already heard them all and did not care to hear them again.

I scooped my hair around my ear and turned to him, "look, I appreciate your compliments but they're not needed nor wanted. I'm dealing with a lot at the moment, so if you could just spare me and yourself the trouble I would appreciate it." His smile twitched.

"I understand," he said gracefully, "it's just that I saw an opportunity to pay a beautiful woman a compliment and took it. Can you blame me?" 'There he goes again.'

"Let me guess," I said rolling my eyes and replying in a sarcastic manner, "you couldn't help it?" He didn't smile at this, just continued to look at me with those emerald eyes. The doors opened and I immediately stepped out and started walking in no apparent direction in an attempt to get away from the situation. He was probably was some rich, overconfident lawyer who, if I stayed any longer, would sue me for wounding his ego.

Then I realized, I was indeed walking the wrong way down the hallway as there was only one door on the floor. I thought this floor would be like any other hotel, where there were tons of doors and I would have to find a number or a name that read penthouse, but there was only one door on the floor, and it was behind me.

I slowly turned and saw the man from the elevator smirking at me as he stood with his back to the door. "Are you lost?" I sure hope so. Maybe this was the wrong hotel. Long, long long stretch, but it was possible. Right?

"Um," I said at a loss for words. "I think, I might have the wrong floor," I said smiling awkwardly and quite dumbly. There was no way. He couldn't be. Could he?

He let out a cough covered laugh, "well perhaps I could help you find your way. It's the least I can do after angering you so." I wanted to hurl. My first trial and this what happens to me? How on earth am I going to explain this to Rose or Alice? Rose would be pissed I screwed a perfectly good deal and violated almost every rule with him. And Alice would never let me forget it. I had two choices: flip him off and hightail it out of this hotel, or swallow my pride and apologize.

I sighed, "you didn't anger me."

"Oh well I upset you then," he said. They were the same thing!

"No, you didn't upset me," I said calmly.

"But I made you feel uncomfortable."

"No," I said in now a stressed calmness.

"Nervous? Apprehensive? " I looked at him with pure irritation, however he seemed to find the poking conversation humorous. "Shy?" He said the last word mischievously. I did remember him calling me that in one of his messages. Why did he think I was so shy? I mean, I was. But I thought I did a pretty good job of hiding it.

"None of the above." I eyed him for his cocky demeanor. Be confident, Bella.

"Hmm funny, I'm usually a pretty good judge of character."

"Well when you're aloud so many guesses, I guess anyone could be." His smirk straightened and suddenly turned serious again as in the elevator. Bad Bella. You're supposed to be kind! I put my head down a little to shield my smirk. "I'm actually looking for a Mr. Cullen."

"You have found him," he said in a stern tone. 'Great, the relationship hasn't even started and he already hates me. In fact we were already fighting like cats and dogs, at each other's throat'. "Am I to assume then you are Miss Swan?"

I wanted to say no. But how could he not know it was me? He knew what I looked like already. In fact, why even ask? He knew the answer. He knew from the moment he stepped into the elevator with me.

"Yes, Isabella Swan."

"Well, I should have guessed on account of your strong opinionated demeanor." It felt like a cut at me.

"I thought you didn't mind my opinions and honesty." His eyes locked onto mine.

"I don't Miss Swan. Honestly is important; however insults are uncalled for and can often lead to annoyance or anger."

"I agree," I said pushing his accusation against me on him as well. He was not a saint. His teeth were at my throat as much as mine were at his. His eyes seemed to light up with something as his lips curved into a half smirk.

"It's nice to agree on something." He turned around and slid his key card in the door opining it. "Shall we?" He motioned inside with his hand. My heart was drumming as I slowly walked the distance over and past him into the luxurious room. It felt much like walking into a dragon's lair. There was no going back now. The door shut behind me. I flinched when I felt Edward's hand rub and rest on the small of my back as he walked me over to the balcony across the large suite.

It took every fiber of me not to slap it away. A complete invasion of my privacy. We were not contracted together yet. "I thought we agreed no contact until a written form."

"I'm sorry Miss Swan, I couldn't help myself." He removed his hand for a moment to open the glass doors. The wind that swept in was soothing to my anxious body and the sound of the waves below was a most welcomed sound. The balcony overlooked a beautiful soft sandy beach and was complimented by a white porcine table set for two. I looked at the elegant setting and struggled not to leave my mouth open too long. I didn't want first my impression to be that of a dead frog.

"It's stunning Mr. Cullen," I said giving him the first compliment of the night.

"The view is one of the best from this side of the hotel, although it has a rival at the moment in beauty." Unintentionally a heated blush rose in my cheeks and I squirmed uncomfortably inside at his open praise to me. "However, although many may look upon the view with appreciation, I'm pleased to know that only my eyes behold the beauty on my balcony". What did he do in his spare time, read poetry? Make unsuspecting girls go weak at the knees with his smooth carefully chosen words?

I decided not to make eye contact with him, although I could feel his gaze heavily on me. I cleared my throat and bit my lip nervously. "Thanks," I whispered under my breath. Alice's voice of advice rang in my ears; to be confident and look the man in the eyes. But I couldn't. I just couldn't.

There was a long pause between us as the waves crashed and the wind blew across my face loosening a few strands of hair from behind my ear. I heard Edward's shoes clump across the balcony to close the distance between us. I tensed as his hand slid slowly under my chin and lifted it up so his eyes could hold mine.

I almost chastised him again but his touch felt right. It didn't feel dirty or degrading, but caring.

"Isabella," he said gently, "if this relationship is to work and come about, my first requirement is that you never try to hide those eyes from me. It's unfair that you would give them to the floor. I'm jealous"

'And I can't breathe'.

My body tensed as he leaned forward and placed a soft short kiss on my forehead. I wondered if I might ask permission to faint. No woman should be allowed to be manipulated in this way. I couldn't even imagine the dumb expression on my face. Speechless.

His smiled beamed at me as he again placed his hand on the small of my back and pushed me towards a chair he had already somehow pulled out. "Shall we begin then, Miss Swan?" He took his seat across from me hanging his suit jacket across the back of his chair.

I swallowed uneasily and nodded. "Yes Mr. Cullen."

"And we will be civilized," he said crossing his arms across his chest and tipping his head to the side.

"Yes."

"Excellent." His smile made me weak. It was good, I was sitting down. "I want to know everything about you Miss Swan." That's unnerving. "But first, a nice dinner."

I let out a sigh of relief, and smiled, "that would be nice." Perhaps after dinner the tension will have eased a little. I was not ready for a slew of questions just yet. I was already twisting my hands in my lap.

"You've got a lovely smile." I put my head down unconsciously, "don't hide it. It's beautiful."

I shook my head as I looked at the beach below.

"You do Isabella. It happens so randomly, I wish I knew what caused it specifically." I snorted again at this comment. Honestly, would he stop with the compliments! "Do you feel uncomfortable around me Miss Swan?"

I turned to him and tried to hold his intense gaze, but I was struggling. "I'm sorry Mr. Cullen, I'm just a little," scared. Nervous. Terrified of the unknown. "fatigued from the day's travel. It's not you at all. You're very charming."

"Oh," he said flirtatiously, "I thought perhaps my compliments were making you feel uncomfortable. I know from a previous encounter with you, that that's not something you're fond of. But you must understand, it's very hard not to add tribute to your attractiveness."

I looked deep into his green eyes and my breath caught. A flash of him handing me a warm pastry through the window of his car appeared in my mind. I swallowed hard as my eyes widened. Omg.

I tipped my head to the side and scratched the back of my head uneasily. "Have we," I started to ask, but stopped. Unsure if I was making the right observation.

"Have we what?" He leaned in close placing an elbow on the table and leaning his head against his hand. I shook my head and laughed.

"Nothing. It's nothing. You remind me of someone I met some time ago."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it's nothing, really."

His smile showed his teeth as his eyes beamed at me. "It's ok. I'm rather curious about who it is. I don't often get compared with others."

"Well, there's a first for everything."

"Hmm. I suppose," he said mischievously. I looked away uncomfortably and started to fiddle with my hands. Edward seemed to pick up on it instantly, which made me even more uncomfortable. The fact the he could already read me so easily made me feel open and exposed to him. "Miss Swan, would you mind telling me why you didn't contact me when you got to the hotel safely?"

I had been contemplating excuses in my mind to be excused so I could make a phone call to Alice, when I heard his voice cut through my thoughts.

"What?" I said in a daze.

"Why did you not call me?" Oh, I thought, I had completely forgotten.

"I just forgot, I guess. I was," I almost said nervous, but that would be bad for business. No client would want to hear the insecurities of their might be employee. "There was just a lot going on."

"I'm not scolding you Miss Swan," he said with a knee weakening smile, "I just tend to worry sometimes. And I know you're capable of handling yourself, but as you said, there's first time for everything. And I'd rather not have anything ill befall you under my watch." God, he sounded so old. And I know he said he wasn't scolding me, but it sure felt like it.

"Edward, how old are you?" I realized I said his name, and kicked myself on the inside for defying my own rule. He just smirked at me, ran his hand through his hair and leaned relaxingly back in his chair.

"Would you like to play the guessing game Miss Swan?" His eyes looked at me with anticipation and eagerness. It was sort of childish in an adoring way.

"Twenty-Five?" I thought he was older but I didn't want to insult him by going over the top.

"I'm flattered, but no. I'm a bit higher than that."

"Thirty?" He must be lower than that, but I'll wait for him. He smiled playfully.

"More." More? I was only 20, and already he was ten years older. "I'm thirty seven Miss Swan."

"Oh," was all I could say.

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" His voice was calm and caring but I wasn't comforted by it. I wasn't expecting such an age difference. It kind of felt perverted. Dirty.

"No," said quickly. He didn't believe me in the slightest bit. It could have been the fear in my eyes, or the loud voice in my mind that said RUN! Whichever it was he got the message.

"Isabella," he said leaning in close, "come here." What? Wait, what?

"What?" I managed to squeak out.

"Come here please."

"Edward," I started shaking me head. There was no way he was going to put a move me. There was no way I was going to let him.

My eyes widened as he stood up from his seat, laid his napkin on the table, and walked towards me. My heart quickened, and my teeth began to gnaw on my bottom lip. I almost backed my seat up and ran for hills, but something kept me in place. Fear, I think.

Much to my surprise he scooted my chair out on the deck, and turned it till I sat facing him. He then leaned forward and placed both hands on either side of the arm chair, so our faces were unnervingly close. At least for me. I swallowed hard.

His eyes held me, and his lips curved up in a most alluring way. "Isabella," he whispered. His voice was amazing. My name sounded amazing coming from his mouth. I couldn't even speak. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. Crap, I'm paralyzed. "I realize this might be your first time in a situation like this. But you should know, I would never do anything to upset or hurt you intentionally. I will not deny that I'm pleased with you. You have exceeded far beyond my expectations." They must have not been very high. "However, I cannot ask you to sign a contract with me knowing that every touch or compliment I may bestow upon you will be met with suspicion and revulsion."

I stared blankly at him for a moment, mulling his words over. Why did he care so much? Why didn't he just give me the boot and move on? Why did he have to connect with me so personally? He could have said this from across the table.

"You asked to discuss the subject of touch," he continued, "I give you permission to leave me now without hurt or offended feelings if I'm forbidden from touching you. I've only just met you, however if allowed around you in more intimate settings, I feel it will be difficult to apply your wishes. I'm older, but I think you'll learn that I'm a man who wants for nothing materially, but still seeks a different kind of richness in his life."

How could I say no? Everything he said seemed to tug at me. But I had to be careful about letting him control the situation. Rose always said, maintain control. But she didn't say how hard it would be.

I cleared my throat, "I think we should have dinner and see how we feel," I said slowly.

"Agreed," he said licking his lips, adding color to them. I felt a strange lust to kiss them but decided to look in another direction as he moved back and walked to his chair. Nice butt.

I blushed. Just when I couldn't take the amusement on his face any longer a server appeared at the entrance of the balcony, "good evening Mr. Cullen. Fine evening you chose for dinning outdoors with such lovely company." He smiled at me for a moment before, turning back to Edward, "Can I start you two off with some drinks then?"

Please do.

There you have it! Will she take the deal or not? I think you know… but see what happens next in their progressing relationship. Review as always. And I'm sorry for the wait. I know it's bad, but I really love to write. And I love my stories. I plan to finish all of them. But school and work takes a LOT of my time. I just graduated and am going to UCI… yay. So there was a lot of rush and making sure I was were I needed to be. But I plan to update soon. Thanks for being loyal and reading. Let me know if you have any questions…

Also… Anyone want to be a betta for my chapters. I know I'm slow but I would like to have a person who is anal about grammar and can add ideas if needed. Thanks. Don't pm me. Just apply in review if you can. Sometimes my pms get lost if I don't go directly to the site. Thanks so much!