Chapter Thirteen

Bella

As I entered the house arm in arm with Jasper, pleased to have the whole weekend together without any assignments, I felt a sudden chill run down my spine. This was new to me, I'd always felt a sense of warmth, of belonging, in the past and I had no idea what had changed but then I heard an unfamiliar voice coming from the stairs.

"Well, you must be Bella, I was wondering when Jasper would bring you over so I could meet you."

I turned to see a young man come slowly down hand extended to shake mine. This must be Edward, Jasper's missing brother. He had told me that Edward was back but it had slipped my mind until now.

Like the rest of the family, Edward was very good looking and dressed immaculately. He was smiling and acting friendly enough but there was something about the way his eyes bored into me that sent more chills running down my spine. Reluctantly but not wanting to appear rude I took his hand and shook it smiling as warmly as I could.

"It's good to meet you, Jasper told me about you."

Edward flicked his brother a cynical look,

"Really? All bad I'm sure but you shouldn't believe everything you hear."

"Oh, I don't, I'm a reporter remember."

He heard the warning tone in my voice and his eyes narrowed a little but the smile remained firmly on his face and I felt wherever I moved in the house his eyes followed me so I was relieved when Jasper suggested we go for a drive.

"So, what do you think of my brother? I'm afraid he has a rather over-inflated ego but you'll get used to that."

I nodded, yes perhaps that was all it was, he liked to think everyone liked him. There wasn't anything specific I could put my finger on, he had been polite, charming even, I had just gotten a strange feeling that there was more going on behind that handsome face than he was willing to show.

"He seems nice enough, is he home for good now?"

"I think so unless there is another concert he just can't resist, he's an expert piano player or so I hear."

"Who from? Him?"

Jasper laughed,

"You certainly got his measure quickly but don't worry, he'll probably ignore you once he finds out you prefer the guitar to the piano."

I smiled, I hadn't until Jasper played for me and then offered to teach me how to play too.

Edward

Well, I had to admit Jasper had good taste, Bella was way too good for him. If only she knew what he really was, how much blood he had on his hands she would shrink from him and straight into my arms. After all, it was plain enough that I was a far better bet for her and I knew how to treat a woman, unlike the hick cowboy! All I needed was time for her to get to know me but that wasn't going to be easy, he was there like her shadow all the time. I would just have to be patient and when an opportunity presented itself step in.

I made sure I was around whenever she visited ready with intelligent conversation and easy company. Her thoughts had me baffled, though. They were very indistinct as if I were trying to listen to a radio which was tuned between two stations. I caught bits but I couldn't be sure how she really felt about me. She was a little distant but I put that down to not wanting to upset or alert Jasper to the fact that she found me more interesting than him. The loving attention she paid him was an act, I was sure of that, she clung to him desperate to deny the way she was attracted to the better man. I could be patient, there would come a time when I could get her alone and then things would be different.

Bella

I no longer enjoyed going to the Cullen house so much although I tried not to show it to the family, Edward made me nervous. I got the feeling he was watching and waiting although I wasn't sure what exactly he was waiting for and I couldn't fault his attitude to me so far. It wasn't long before I found out, though. Jasper and I were supposed to be covering a business conference but then there was a serious fire that our editor wanted photos of so I got ready to go alone.

"Bella, your lift's here."

I stopped, my lift? I wasn't expecting a lift, had Jasper gotten out of it after all? I ran down the stairs expecting to see him standing there and came to an abrupt halt when I saw Edward smiling up at me.

"Jasper thought you would prefer not to go alone and asked me if I would accompany you, Bella."

"That's very thoughtful of him Bella, well, you'd better go or you're going to be late."

My dad watched as Edward held the car door open for me and waved us off.

It was an uncomfortable drive to Port Angeles, I felt embarrassed and awkward while Edward chattered on as if really enjoying himself. He shot questions at me one after another, did I like Forks, was I enjoying my job, who was my favorite author, my favorite singer, track, group. By the time we arrived my brain was whirring. I hoped to get a few minutes to myself once inside but he was at my side, taking my coat, complimenting my dress, one I had bought specially for this evening and then tucking my hand under his arm to guide me to our seats. I certainly did not like being this close to Jasper's brother, it felt far too intimate.

After the conference which was surprisingly interesting especially as a good part of it was concerned with a trip they were finding to send some local seriously ill children to Disney World. Edward said nothing just sat back in his chair and watched me from the corner of his eye smiling a little. Afterwards, there was dinner and when he excused himself I heaved a sigh of relief hoping he would be gone for a long time. I used the time to call Jasper who sounded surprised when I told him about Edward,

"I didn't exactly ask him to accompany you. I just said I didn't like the idea of you going alone and as it was a rush job he offered to take you and make sure you were OK. Actually, I'm glad he went along with you, Is there something wrong? He's usually quite the gentleman."

I could hardly tell him that his brother gave me the creeps, it wasn't fair after all, Edward hadn't actually done anything wrong.

When he reappeared as the meal finished he apologized for being so long and when the guests started to make their way to the other room where music had been laid on he asked if we could stay a little longer, he wanted to hear the quartet play. I could hardly refuse without appearing rude so I allowed him to lead me through and find a table in the corner where we would be alone. Now I really started to feel uncomfortable and when he began asking how I had met Jasper and what it was I liked so much about him I finished my drink and told him I was tired and wanted to leave. He looked a little put out at first but then smiled,

"Of course Bella."

Taking my arm, he helped me put my coat on and escorted me to the car. On the way home he told me if I ever needed an escort, if Jasper were ever unavailable or if I just wanted someone to talk to he would be delighted to step in. Yeah, like that was going to happen.

"I know my brother Bella, his heart is in the right place but he isn't exactly polished, a bit of a rough diamond you could say and a girl as sophisticated as you needs a little culture at times."

I didn't bother to reply to this and was relieved when I saw the lights were on at home, Charlie was still up. I thanked Edward for his company and unlocked the door but before I could get inside and away from him he took my hand and kissed it, lingering a little too long for my liking,

"Until the next time Bella. You know how to reach me."

Relieved I watched him drive away and shut the door rubbing the back of my hand on my coat to eliminate the feel of his cold lips on my skin. I definitely did not like Edward Cullen.