Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Any real life instance, situation, persons, or patented product, etc. that holds similarities to this story is purely coincidental. No copyright infringement intended. Also, I just want to put it out there that i have no beta and this is me sharing my love for writing so no need to hate on all the errors hehehe.

Chapter 5

BPOV

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The events that occurred on our date seemed like a dream; I felt like I was weightless as this man— this Edward— continued to amaze me in every way…

"You look beautiful, Bella." He complimented me for what seemed like the nth time tonight.

"And you don't look so bad yourself, Edward" I replied back. He smirked and continued to cut the divine-looking steak he was served. I looked down at my plate to find mushroom ravioli. He remembered….

"I'll never forget how you'd always request to have Esme make them for dinner." Edward said before taking a bite. Yeah, you could say I imagined him doing that in slow motion.

How the hell did he make eating look like a sexy act… Get a hold of yourself, Bella!

"She made the best version of them really... sans the lobster tail." We shared a laugh as we looked down on the plump lobster tail next to my ravioli, all plated to perfection. The food here at Daniel was even better than all the reviews I read and heard, its no wonder reservations were made weeks in advance… I can't imagine what it took to have the place all to ourselves though.

We continued talking, conversion flowing… just like before. We fell back just as we were, albeit more adult this time if I may say.

His job, as he humbly said, was in robotics. You could imagine how to stupid I felt when I didn't put two and two together.

UMA, manufactured by Cullen Robotics, was in every major hospital across America. I've been the receiving end of the service a number of times (Clumsy, remember?) and was so fascinated on how efficient everything worked.

I continued to listen to him as he shared the wonders his invention did to remote areas—especially to more impoverished towns that lacked clinics and medical aid. I can't help but wonder how my Edward, the geeky yet adorable boy who I fell for in my youth, became a man whose passion for his work embodied him.

"So, you're Alice's cousin? The one she's always mentioning?" I raised an eyebrow as I said this. For the first time that night, a blushed appeared on his cheeks.

"Guilty as charged. You won't believe how much persuading I had to do to convince her to set us up. I hope you're not mad about that." He sheepishly replied.

"Not at all. I have to be honest though, I'm not one to go on these types of things… blind dates, I mean" I trailed, slicing into the last of the lobster tail on my plate.

"That makes two of us then." He grinned. I found myself starting to fall for this Edward…

Being like this with Edward was so natural, even if it's been years since we've seen each other.

Pretty soon we were done with our main course and dessert was served. We shared the most decadent chocolate cake and we each had a glass of dessert wine to compliment that. The ambiance tonight was very romantic, and I felt like we were the only ones here— the servers and unmistakable body guards (men in black suits who I had a glimpse of during the course of the dinner) did well hiding themselves out of plain sight.

I took a sip of my wine, contemplating whether it's time to address the elephant in the room.

"I'm sorry about what happened before, Bella." Ok, he beat me to it.

"We were young Edward… But I can't say it didn't hurt." I looked down at the hands I had on my lap and willed myself not to start tearing up.

"I was a fool, and for a time I let myself believe I can never be worthy of your attention…" He slowly confessed as he put his knife and fork down. I can't believe he just said that…

I raised my eyes to meet his, conveying what I've always wanted him to know, "Are you kidding? I thought I wasn't worth your time.. I spent years trying to figure out why you just left."

"I realized that Jacob wa—"

"Jacob… Jacob Black? He's my dad's best friend's son. I remember asking you to hang out with us but you never came." I was beyond confused right now. Why was Edward bringing him up?

I looked at Edward as he took in a large breath, his eyes closing as he seemed to ponder; and at that moment, I can't help but appreciate his appearance. I know that Edward is 26 years old now, but I guess the stress from running a multi-billion-dollar empire made him look slightly older than his age— but not necessarily less handsome because he looked sinful as hell.

His lanky frame ten years ago showed his youth, but his body as of the moment boasted years of hard work. Damn look at those guns… and he's in a suit now for crying out loud!

Appearances aside, he was more forward and definitely more confident than he was before. The 16-year-old Edward would've blushed and practically combust right now.

I startle out of my thoughts to Edward explaining. "I did go to your house. But Jacob was there… He claimed you were dating him and you were using me to pass time." I grew red in both embarrassment and anger. How dare that ignorant jerk do that to Edward.

I looked at him incredulously though.

How could he be so easily swayed into thinking that way. He had to have had a little trust in me?

"Wow, I can't believe that happened. I thought you hated me." I replied as I felt my face grow hotter. Though I would want nothing more than to speak my mind, I didn't want him to know I was upset with him; we've only just found each other again after all.

In an instant, Edward was beside me. He knelt down to my level and took both of my hands into his as I turned to face him. I felt a strange current run through my hand as we touched for the first time.

He looked straight into my eyes. Green meets brown, I felt him staring deeply into them, reading— making me feel vulnerable to whatever he tells me.

"My feelings for you never dwindled. Back then I I spent a long time being away from you to make myself better, to be a person worthy of you—" I started to protest at that but he quickly silences me with a finger to my lips.

To say I was overwhelmed at the moment would be an understatement. He looked at me with such emotion that I might just choke up.

"There are things I'll be telling you in the future that would make you hate me, but now I just want to savor this…getting reacquainted with you— the stunning 24-year old Broadway actress who brought me to life." My eyes started to fill up with tears, and I tried my best not to question him any further as I sensed he had more to say.

"I was lost for sometime after I left Forks. I was put thru so much— changing my appearance, learning the ropes of the business, school, to be who I am now… I lost track of what really mattered…. And that's family… You" he murmured the last word as he placed a kiss on my right hand.

This moment can't be anymore perfect…

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As much as I never wanted the night to end, we had to leave the restaurant. Edward put his hand on my lower back while he ushered me out; Rupert, who I now know is his butler, and a few bodyguards trailing behind us.

What the….

We were met with the bustle of the evening as we stepped out of the posh building and into the waiting vehicles; Rupert and the bodyguards dispersing into Bentleys behind and in front of the limousine we're getting into. A bit too excessive if you ask me...

I must've looked like a dear caught in the headlights as Edward chuckled at my expense. "Is all this necessary?" I asked as he helped me into my seat, helping me put on a seat belt. He gave me a small smile and proceeded to buckle himself in beside me.

"You mean the entourage? Yes, it's for security."

Edward left it at that. He took my hand and the same current that ran through my hand occurred. I didn't dare question him and tightened my hold as he the limo proceeded to our destination.

We stayed silent throughout the ride. Just enjoying the feel of being beside each other. I thought about the 360 degree turn that occurred tonight. From being skeptical of going on a blind date to being completely at the mercy of the man before me, him professing a devotion I've believed was one-sided for years.

Pretty soon we had stopped in front of my house.

The door opened with Edward helping me out of the limousine. "Would you like to come up? I can make us some tea." I shyly invited. I didn't want this night to end, but I hope I didn't come off too strong; Innocent touches for tonight were safe, we were far from ready for anything else.

"I would love to, Bella." He smiled and my heart soared. Just as we reached the top steps of my brownstone, Edward was called by Rupert.

"Master Edward, a phone call for you." he interrupted politely. He gave me a small smile as he raised a cellphone.

I watched as Edward let go of my hand and went down the steps to take the phone call. He spoke some words into phone, too quietly for me to hear. His face morphed from indifference to brief anger and one of disappointment, with a quick glance at me as he displayed the latter. "…ok, I'll be there in 20 minutes…" I heard him say as he clicked the end call.

I quickly hid the same disappointment from my face, and encouraged him to do what he had to do. He seemed to believe that I wasn't that affected, I mean I am an actress after all.

"How about we go out for lunch tomorrow? Too soon?" he offered with so much hope and anticipation that I wouldn't dare say no even if I wanted to.

"I'll have to check my schedule…" I teased with a playful grin; I'm glad he got the joke. He laughed and kissed my cheek. "I'll have Javier pick you up tomorrow at 11 then."

"See you then."

I watched as he got in the car, but no before giving me one last glance and a wink.

Holy hell..

Dazed, I got in my apartment as removed my heels. I was met with the emptiness of my new house, the faint sound of cars and barking dogs a comforting break from the eerie silence. I moved her just last month to be nearer to town after my lease was up. It was assuring to know that I could afford a place like this now.

Checking the clock on my foyer, I was shocked to find out that its already 1 am. Suddenly feeling tired after tonight's show and that life altering date, I got ready for bed in my room at the 2nd floor.

Just as I removed my make up and washed away today's events in the shower, I heard my phone buzz from my bathroom counter.

Unknown Number: Good night, Bella.
– E. Cullen

Cue the giddy feels

I replied to him in the most unassuming way… not wanting to make it known that I was putty in his hands.

B. Swan: Good night, Edward.
– Bella

I finished my nightly rituals and made sure the doors and windows of my house were locked, turning on the house alarm after all and proceeding to bed.

As I lay in bed that night, reminiscing, a chilling thought ran through me…

I never told Edward my address… or my number…

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Author's Note: DUN DUN DUUUN...

Hope you guys enjoyed reading that. Things are finally moving as planned.

Next chapter would have further developments with their relationship as well as the story behind the mysterious phone call Edward received. Please tell me what you think by reviewing/following/adding the story to your favorites list.

Thanks so much

xoxo BOO