Chapter Eighteen

"Edward," Sam called as Edward tried to leave the studio that night.

He stopped in his tracks and stuck his head around the door to Sam's make shift office.

"Yeah?" Edward probed, running his hand through his unruly hair in his 'signature move'.

"Are you all set for tonight?" he asked, raising both eyebrows which had Edward stifling a smile at the sight.

"I would be if you'd actually let me leave so I can get home and get ready," Edward responded, huffing through his nose.

"Me being your boss aside," Sam began as he sat up straighter and leveled a stare at Edward, "I want to talk to you as a friend. So… what the hell is up with you lately?" You've never been this much of an asshole to work with before."

"Oh cheers, Sam, that's just real nice of you to say."

"Harsh but true, Edward." Sam sat back again, his elbows resting on the desk, his fingers linked as he rested his chin on them, waiting until Edward cracked and started talking.

"What the hell do you want from me?" Edward cried out with frustration, unable to take Sam's silence for a moment longer.

"Is it the girl? Isabella?"

Edward remained mute as he moved further into the room, shutting the door behind him for privacy, taking a seat opposite Sam.

"You've realized why I've asked you to take her out tonight, haven't you?"

"To punish me?" Edward questioned snidely.

Sam smirked and leaned so far back in his chair that Edward was sure he would fall out of it.

"Punishing you for your abhorrent behavior is just an added bonus but I'm glad you realize what a dick you've been. Is there a particular reason why you've been such a cruel bastard?"

"I've been much better this week," defended Edward.

Sam spread his arms wide. "There's no denying that." He leaned forward once more. "Listen, Edward, it's not possible to get on with everybody in this business and I'd never force you to. I'm not sure what your problem is with Isabella, but is it something you can get over? This is really important to us."

"Why does it matter so much to you?" Edward asked, unprepared to tell Sam that he was actually very sorry for his actions toward Bella and that he'd already decided to change his ways and show her the real him.

"We've been commissioned for a second film."

Edward raised an eyebrow.

Just one.

Because he could pull that off.

Raising two just looked weird.

And there was no way Edward wanted to look as weird as Sam did.

"Seriously?" he asked, perking up at the thought of another job right after this one.

Sam nodded. "I'm quite serious, Edward. Can you improve your relationship with Bella or are we going to have to pull a Cruel Intentions and replace the main cast while hoping that nobody notices?"

"That's what dinner tonight is about?"

Sam laughed. "You thought I was asking you to get her into bed?" Sam shook his head, still laughing. "I just want you two to work together, happily. Can you do it?"

"I promise, I'm done being a twat, Sam. The real Edward Cullen is coming back into play."

Edward stood up abruptly, eager to leave so that he could go and collect Bella.

He was excited at the prospect of a second film. It meant that he'd get to spend more time with Bella. And for reasons unknown to Edward, that thrilled him.

"Have a good night, Edward," Sam called out to his retreating form as Edward broke out into a jog, heading for his car.

He got behind the wheel of his Volvo and sped out of the studio lot, nodding goodnight to the security at the gates before making his way back to the hotel.

He sent a text to Bella on the way.

I'm running a bit late, what's your room number, I'll meet you there.

Her response came through quickly, pissing Edward off in the process.

I didn't have appropriate attire at the hotel so I'm at my house. I'll text you the address.

Why were women so concerned with what they wore? Edward seethed internally. It was just dinner, what was wrong with jeans and a blouse?

He pulled up outside the hotel, jumped up the steps and told the valet he'd just be a moment and not to touch his 'mother fucking' car.

Sprinting through the hotel and up to his room, Edward arrived in just minutes, dashing into his suite and flinging open his closet doors, grabbing out the first suit he could find, which he thought might be one he'd worn to one of his premieres.

After dressing and checking himself out in the mirror, raking his fingers through his hair to give him that sexy edge, Edward went back to his car, tipped the valet a fifty for guarding his car and slid back in behind the wheel.

He pulled his phone from his pocket, brought up the last text from Bella and entered the address into his GPS before making an illegal U-turn and following the directions.

Edward was pretty impressed as he pulled into Bella's neighborhood, slowing the car to a crawl as he started counting numbers until he found hers. He stopped the car, leaving the engine idling as he beeped the horn and stepped out of the car.

His eyes lifted to the window and what he saw there stopped his breath in his chest.

There was Bella, looking breathtakingly beautiful.

Edward swallowed, unable to tear his eyes away as her eyes met his.