A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I love hearing what you all have to say. A happy and safe 4th of July for my stateside friends.

BPOV

I was lying on my bed, reading a book and scrolling through my MP3 player trying to find something to listen to. Nothing seemed very appealing, so I stuck the stupid thing on shuffle and what did it do? It played all the songs I couldn't stand. Huffing, I turned the stupid thing off and tossed it on my nightstand.

I was so freaking bored. My book didn't hold my attention, I'd finished my homework, and I had the night off from the diner. Sighing, I headed down the hall and threw myself on the couch, stealing the remote from Jasper.

"Hey!"

"What? It's not like you're watching anything," I retorted.

Scowling, he crossed his arms over his chest, but he didn't move from the couch.

I flipped through the channels aimlessly finally settling on some stupid show about beavers.

"Really, Bells?"

I shrugged. "There's nothing else."

We sat in silence, learning about the mating habit of beavers when Emmett came into the room and tossed me my phone.

"Ed's calling for you."

Immediately, I answered the phone.

"Hey!" I said, happy to hear from him, and I headed toward my room not wanting two nosy brothers listening in.

"Hey," he said and immediately I knew something was wrong.

"What's wrong?"

"I got run off the road on the way home," he said, and I let out a gasp, feeling anger and fear swelling up inside me. Just the thought of him being hurt or killed destroyed me, and I let out a small sob.

"Please, don't cry, Bella," I heard him beg.

"You could've been killed or seriously hurt! I'll cry if I want to!" I snapped, wiping at the tears with the back of my hand.

"Please, Bella," he begged again. "It's breaking my heart to hear you crying."

The boy was too sweet. Sniffling, I did my best to quell the tears and after taking a deep breath, I felt a bit calmer.

"What happened?" I asked.

He proceeded to tell me that he was fairly certain that James had run him off the road, how scared he'd been, and how glad he'd been to see Dad. My dad had always been my hero, but even more so now.

Once we got done talking, I felt like I was the one who'd been run off the road. I was so upset and furious with James. I realize that we didn't have proof that it was him, but I had no doubt that Edward was right. It would be just like James to go after the people I love. Freaking bastard was going to pay! I didn't know how, but he was. I'd make sure of it.

I was trying to calm myself down when I heard the front door open and Dad greeted Mom. I rushed out of my room toward him.

"Dad!" I cried out as I threw myself at him.

"Hey, kiddo!" he said, wrapping his arms around me.

I leaned into him, inhaling the wonderful scent of the Old Spice cologne that he wore.

"Is Edward really okay?" I asked him, my voice muffled by his shirt.

"Physically, he's fine. He was pretty shook up though," Dad told me.

"What happened to Edward?" Mom asked.

Soon, the whole family was seated in the living room while Dad explained what had happened. The whole family was horrified that someone had tried to run Edward off the road.

"Was it really James?" I asked.

Dad's face darkened. He'd done his best to have James removed from Forks High, sadly his best hadn't been enough.

"We don't know for sure, but James is definitely a suspect. He drives the same kind of vehicle that hit Edward's, plus James has motive. Mark and I will be going out to the Trakker place tomorrow."

Mark was one of Dad's deputies. I used to have the biggest crush on him and would blush anytime he talked to me. I was glad to say that that was no longer the case.

"Well, be careful, Charlie. You know how unstable that James boy can be," Mom said, a frown on her face.

"I will be, 'Nee. That's why I'm taking Mark with me. I'm not looking forward to dealing with the Trakkers again," Dad said, running a hand over his face.

The last time he'd dealt with the Trakkers was after James had attacked me and from what I understood, things had gotten pretty heated. I had a feeling that James' parents were going to claim that Dad was biased and just out to get their son.

I woke up early the next morning anxious to see my Edward. I knew that both he and Dad had said he was fine, but I wanted to see Edward for myself just to make sure.

However, I was disappointed when we pulled into the lot and there was no sign of Edward's car.

"Where is he?" I asked.

The others shook their heads.

"Maybe he's running late?" Emmett suggested as we walked in the building.

I frowned, but it was possible. Edward had almost been late yesterday.

Pulling out my phone, I shot him off a quick text but worry set in when I didn't hear back.

"C'mon, Bells. I'm sure Ed's fine. If you don't see or hear from him by second period, then you can worry," Em said, dragging me down the hall to my locker.

First and second period went by with no show or text from Edward. I was completely freaking out, thinking that he'd been hurt and hadn't known it and was now lying in his bed suffering a concussion and slowly dying.

Right as I was about to have a complete meltdown, Jasper suggested I try calling his house to see if anyone was home. So, that's what I did.

"Cullen residence, Esme speaking."

"Esme? It's Bella. I was wondering if Edward was okay? I haven't seen or heard from him today," I rambled out.

"Oh, Bella sweetie! He's fine. I promise. Carlisle called him in sick today, so that he could have a day to recover from the terror that boy inflicted on him."

My body sagged with relief.

"He probably didn't mean not to return your text. He woke up but went back to sleep after I told him that he had the day off."

"Thanks, Esme," I told her.

"Of course. I'll tell him to call you when he wakes up."

I thanked her again, then headed to class, letting my siblings know that Edward was fine.

It was at lunch that it occurred to me that James wasn't in school either. Normally, the asshole would be strutting around, but he was nowhere to be found. I wondered if he was on the run or something.

"Notice that James isn't here today?" I asked my siblings.

"Yeah, I noticed that," Jasper said. "Seems a bit suspicious if you ask me."

We spent lunch pondering James' whereabouts and how Dad's talk with the Trakkers had gone.

Right as lunch was ending, my phone beeped ,and I saw that I had a text from Edward.

Sorry, I missed your text. Was sleeping, he wrote.

It's okay. I was a bit worried when you didn't show this morning.

We texted each other right up until class started, and I had to endure Biology alone.

The second that school let out, I headed toward the Cullen's. I had to see Edward. I'd barely knocked on the door when it was thrown open and a gorgeous, if not tired looking Edward, swept me into his arms.

I hugged him tight, blinking back the tears that wanted to fall. I'd cried enough yesterday. Today, I was a tough girl, and I wasn't going to cry. Although, my resolve wavered a bit when he buried his face in my hair, and I heard his breath hitch. If Edward started to cry, it was going to be all over. I didn't handle guys crying very well.

Eventually, Edward pulled away and walked hand in hand with me into the living room.

We sat down on the couch, our hands tightly clasped. I never wanted to let him go. At one point, I let go of him to get my bag and gave him the assignments for the few classes we had together. I didn't want him falling behind in schoolwork.

We snuggled together, hugging and kissing until it was time for me to head to work. Reluctantly, I pulled myself away from the wonderfully, delicious kisses that were being shared and stood up.

"You'll be in school tomorrow, right?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Good. I miss seeing your gorgeous face in the morning," I told him as he walked me outside to my car.

"I missed seeing yours as well. Have fun at work. Make lots of money, so you can take me out on a date," he said with a cheeky smirk.

I smacked him on the chest before he grabbed my hand and placed a kiss on the palm of my hand. Cue swoon. Boy was too freaking sweet. I kissed him goodbye and climbed into my truck.

I was greeted at the door of Emmett's Jeep by a rumpled, adorable Edward. He swept me up in a soul-searing kiss that left me dazed and confused for a few minutes.

"Well, good morning to you too," I said when I could speak and think again.

"Now, Ed, I like you and all, but I so don't want to see you making out with my baby sister," Emmett said, clapping Edward on the shoulder.

I whirled around and gave Em a glare. "Oh, don't even start. I have to watch you and Rose make out and grope each other all the time. And don't even try and say that it's different!"

Rose grinned and told Emmett I was right.

School was so much more enjoyable when I had Edward by my side. We noticed that James wasn't in school again, and I felt a bit more relaxed knowing that Edward didn't have to watch his back. I was wrong. James might not have been in school, but Alec was. He and the rest of their cronies did their best to bother Edward. Thankfully, my brothers were there to put a stop to it.

Dad sent me a text at lunch asking if I'd bring Edward home with me. Like I would say no to that? I asked Edward and he said he'd come over. When I asked Dad why, he said he had some information regarding James. Dad also informed me that Dr. Cullen and Esme would be coming over as well.

I admit, I as a bit worried to hear what Dad had learned, and I could tell Edward was nervous as well.

The ride home was a bit tense, and it served to only make me more nervous. Edward's hand was grasped tightly in mine, and every so often he'd twitch or bounce his leg up and down.

"It'll be fine," I told him, trying to convince us both that things were fine.

"I know," he said, giving me a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

By the time Emmett pulled his Jeep into the drive, Edward and I were a wreck. We tried to keep a calm outward appearance, but I wasn't sure we were pulling it off.

A few minutes after we pulled in, Dr. Cullen's Mercedes pulled in behind the Jeep.

"Hey, kids!" they said as they got out.

We gave them half-hearted waves, then we all walked into the house together.

We found Mom and Dad in the living room sitting on the recliner. Or more accurately, Mom was sitting on Dad's lap. I moaned in embarrassment. Don't get me wrong. I loved that my parents were still so in love after all this time, but sometimes I didn't want to see it.

"Ahem," Emmett said clearing his throat.

My parents looked up, neither one looking embarrassed at all. Dad set Mom aside and stood up to shake Dr. Cullen's hand and to introduce himself to Esme. Once the greetings and introductions were done, we all took a seat.

"As you know, I took some pictures of the damage to Edward's car and the damage done to it. There was some obvious paint transfer belonging to a black car. This morning, Mark and I headed out to the Trakker's house," Dad began, leaning forward.

"The first thing we noticed was a black Buick in the drive with some damage to the front end. Damage consistent with ramming into another vehicle. Mark wrote down the plates and went to run them while I knocked on the door."

I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what Dad had to say next.

"Alan Trakker, Jame's father, answered the door, and I can tell you he wasn't pleased to see me. To make a long story short, I told him that James was a suspect in a hit and run, and Trakker told me where I could shove my suspicions."

Dad took a deep breath before continuing. "I asked to speak to James and was told he was at school, which I knew wasn't true since I'd called the school and asked to speak to him. When I told Trakker that James wasn't at school, he got confrontational. He took a swing at me and is now sitting in a cell at the station. James, however, is in the wind. His parents refuse to tell me where he is, so I want you all to be extra careful. And I want you to promise to call me if you see him or think you do, okay?"

We all nodded.

"All right. Well, I'll keep you informed with what I learn," he said, basically dismissing us.

Grabbing Edward's hand, I led him to my room while our parents and Esme continued to talk.

As we entered my room, I made sure to leave the door open. I knew that I'd get hell if I closed it with Edward in my room.

I pulled him down onto my bed with me and laced my fingers through his as I took a good look at him. He looked mad, and I didn't blame him. I was mad too. It's not like I expected Dad to arrest James right away—okay, yes I did. My dad was my hero. He could do anything, and I had complete faith that he would catch James and arrest him. It sucked though, that it was apparently going to take a while.

"Dad will get him," I said, squeezing his hand.

"I know," Edward said, giving me a small smile. "I'll just live in fear until that happens."

"Hey! Don't say that. Don't let James get the best of you!" I said fiercely.

Edward let out a sigh then he told me that he'd try. That was all I could really ask for, so I placed a chaste kiss on his lips right as a coughing at the doorway interrupted us. Heaving a sigh, I turned my head and saw Dad in the doorway.

Immediately, Edward turned red, and I knew that Dad had probably interrupted us on purpose.

"Edward, son? Carlisle and Esme are leaving. You're more than welcome to stay if you'd like. Bell's has work in a couple of hours, but I'm sure the other kids wouldn't object to you hanging out."

"Thanks, Chie—Charlie," he said. "I'd like to stay a while."

"Just an FYI. 'Nee's cooking some strange noodle concoction for dinner," Dad said with a wicked grin.

Edward barely contained a groan, and I laughed at the look on his face.

"Enjoy dinner," I said, right as his strong fingers reached out and began to tickle me.

"St—stop!" I screeched out between laughs, but he was relentless.

It wasn't until I started screaming for help and the boys showed up that Edward finally relented. I was a red-faced, tear streaked mess, but I couldn't contain the silly grin that was on my face.

"Go away," I told Edward. "I've got to get ready for work."

He pouted until I placed a kiss on his lips and shoved him out the door.

Checking the time, I quickly changed my clothes, and threw my hair up into a neat bun before slipping on a pair of shoes. I put on a dab of lip gloss, shoved it into my pocket and headed down the hall.

"I'll see you guys later," I said, not wanting to interrupt the battle that was being fought on the screen.

Edward tossed his controller to Jasper, got up, and walked me out to my truck. He opened my truck door, then leaned in for a kiss, smacking his lips together when he tasted the strawberry flavor of my lip gloss.

"Have a good night at work and don't forget to make lots of tips," he said with a grin.

I rolled my eyes. "I know, I know. I've got to make money so I can take you out on a proper date. But don't even begin to think that you are going to be a kept man. I refuse to be your sugar mama."

He stuck his lower lip out in a pout, and I couldn't help but lean over and nip it. Of course, that led to a hot and steamy kiss that I eventually broke only because I needed to breathe.

"You should go before you're late," Edward said.

"I suppose so. Enjoy your evening, especially Mom's cooking," I said with a snicker.

"Yeah, yeah."

He leaned down and placed a quick kiss on my lips before closing my door and waving as I backed down the drive.

Work was relatively easy and quiet until Jessica, Mike, Tyler, and Eric showed up. They took a booth in my section probably to irritate me. However, I was in a pretty good mood (being with Edward did that to me) and I wasn't about to let them ruin it.

"Hey. How's it going?" I asked as I approached their table and handed them some menus.

"Good, good," Mike said.

Thankfully, the group was pleasant enough, and I didn't have any problems with them. They didn't tip worth crap, but I didn't expect them to. Teenagers were notorious for being horrible tippers. The only folks that really seemed to tip well at the diner were the old men. I had no idea why that was but seeing as how I tended to wait on a bunch of them, I wasn't complaining.

A little after nine, Mrs. Stanley and I closed up and walked out to the parking lot with Embry. It was something that Mrs. Stanley insisted on. A few years back one of her waitresses had been assaulted by some guy in the parking lot. I sure wasn't complaining. I definitely felt safe having Embry walk out with us. He was one big ass dude.

I waved goodnight to both of them and climbed into my truck, locking the doors once inside. I started the engine and pulled out the lot, my head-beams sweeping over the lot. I noticed a dark car with its lights off and its engine running, parked near the curb. The front end of the car had some damage to it, and I felt a shiver run through me.

Immediately, I pulled my phone out and called Dad.

"What's wrong, Bells?" he asked upon answering.

"I think I saw James' car parked near the diner."

I quickly explained what I'd seen while driving and trying to keep an eye on the road behind me.

"I'll send Mark out toward you," he told me.

Hanging up, I gripped the steering wheel tighter, terrified that James was going to try and ram into my car like he'd done Edwards.

As soon as I pulled into my drive, I let out a huge sigh of relief. I'd never been so happy to be home. Dad and Edward were waiting for me, and Edward opened my door to help me out. Only, I couldn't seem to let the steering wheel go. I had a death grip on the damn thing.

"Hey, it's okay. You're home safe," Edward told me, slowly prying my hands off the wheel and squeezing them in his warm hands.

I nodded. "I know I'm overreacting."

I saw Dad shake his head. "You're being cautious, and I'm very glad for that. Let's get you inside. Your mother left you a plate of casserole," he told me with a twinkle in his eye.

I turned to Edward as he closed the door of my truck. "How bad was it?"

His grimace said it all.

"You know, you didn't have to stay for dinner. You could have left and gone home. No one would have blamed you," I told him.

Edward almost looked shocked that I'd suggest such a thing.

"I couldn't have done that after I'd said I was staying. That would've been rude. Besides, I like hanging out here."

Edward and I ended up curling up on the couch with my brothers sprawled on the floor as we watched some stupid zombie movie. By the time it was over, it was almost eleven, and we all needed to head to bed.

I walked Edward out to his car, it was only fair since he walked me out to mine all the time. I even opened his door for him.

"Did you make enough to take me out?" he asked as he slid behind the wheel.

"I did. How about a fancy dinner in Port Angeles this weekend?"

"Sounds fantastic. What time are you picking me up?" he asked.

I snickered. "Seven. Will you be wearing a dress as well?"

He let out a laugh that caused me to tingle. "Hardly. I don't think I'd fill out a dress quite the way you do."

"How do you know? Have you tried?" I asked, giggling at the mental picture that I got.

"No and don't even think about asking me to try on a dress. It's not happening. Ever!"

Giggling, I placed a kiss on his lips and my giggles soon turned to moans. His lips and tongue should be illegal. It amazed me how easily Edward could reduce me to a melted puddle of goo.

"Goodnight," he murmured against my lips.

"Goodnight," I replied, removing my lips from his.

I watched carefully as he pulled out the drive and sent him a text telling him to text me when he got home.

Fifteen minutes later, I got a message saying he was safely home and about to head to bed. I needed to do the same. Six am always came too early. Once I was snuggled under my covers, my thoughts drifted to Edward like they always did. Homecoming would be coming up soon, and while I wasn't one for dances, I really hoped that he'd ask me. Although, if he didn't, I could always ask him. After all, I was taking him out on a date on Friday.

a/n: As always, I'd love to hear what you thought!