EPOV
Checking my phone, I see that it's a text from Bella. As much as I want to read it, I have a more pressing matter at the moment. Returning to the phone with Alice, I ask her to repeat what she said.
"I said, my appointment was with Tanya. I can't tell you what we discussed, but cousin, you need to be careful. She alluded to facts I know not to be true. Now, I know you have a restraining order but I strongly suggest you make sure it is up to date."
I swear, this bitch just won't go away. "Thanks Alice, I'll call Jason and make sure everything is covered. I'll be in touch."
As soon as I hang up I call my lawyer. While assuring me that Tanya seeing Alice is cutting a thin line on the restraining order she is was still restricted from any contact with me. He also stated if I were to push the matter she could easily claim she has no idea Alice is my cousin without breaking both the club's non-disclosure order and mine. Satisfied with the conversation I thank him and end the call. It is then I pick up my phone and check my text from Bella.
*Good morning, to you, as well. I have an early class on Mondays. Sorry I missed your call. I have an appointment with Alice, soon, but am free until after lunch, should you need to speak with me.-Bella
I was glad to see she has let the third person talk go in a normal daily conversation. I respond with a quick invite to lunch at my office, to which she responded with a smiley face and a yes.
This is something else I have never done. Maybe I need to speak with my mentor about the new feelings and unconscious decisions I am making. I guess I can call him after my lunch with Bella. Unfortunately, this means I have to buzz Lauren, who practically runs into my office.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen, you needed me?" She has that damned eye tick again.
"Yes, Lauren, I have a lunch meeting I just scheduled. Miss Swan will be joining me. I need you to have two chicken salads and two sweet teas here by noon. Can you handle that for me, please?"
She seems to have zoned out for a minute. Lord, help me. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't recall you having a client by that name. Is this for business?"
Seriously, this woman needs to go. This is definitely not her business. "Miss Stanley, this is none of your concern. Please, do as I ask without question."
She turned away like a scolded puppy with a quick, "Yes, Mr. Cullen."
Finally, back on track with my day. I read through through some contracts and made sure everything is in order for my meeting in the afternoon. When I check the time next I notice it is almost time for my lunch with Bella. I open my door to see my secretary sneering at an equally annoyed looking Bella. Whereas Lauren looks more constipated, Bella looks like an angry little lion cub. I clear my throat and both women turn to look at me. Lauren's eye twitch is back and Bella still looks annoyed, but happy. Her face slowly morphs into a smile, which I return. Looking back to Lauren, my face turns cold and hard. "Is there a problem, Miss Stanley?"
"No, Mr. Cullen, no problem. I was just explaining to this young lady that you don't have an available—"
For the love of all that's good. "Lauren, did I not ask you to order two meals?"
Oh my Lord. She's actually pouting and looking disappointed. Does she think she is going to get anywhere with this shit? Does she think I'm pretending to have a lunch date then at the last minute I'll ask her to join me?
Turning to Bella, I smile and invite her into my office and ask Lauren to buzz me when the food arrives. I guide Bella to the couch on the other side of my office. She smiles in thanks and takes a seat. She looks beautiful in her snug sweater and tight jeans. Speaking of jeans, mine are feeling a little snug. I grab us both some water and join her on the couch.
I have an overwhelming need to touch her so I gently lift her hand. It seems I always feel calmer when we touch. "I'm so glad you could make it for lunch. While here, I would like you to just call me Edward and I will call you Bella." She is blushing and I find it quite amusing.
"Okay, I'm sure calling you anything else would seem a little odd to others," she says with a little giggle.
"Yes, I assume it would. So, why the scowl when I saw you at the door?" The face of the little lion was back and I had to strain not to giggle myself.
"Your secretary had the nerve to tell me you are not interested in any school fundraiser I am doing." She crossed her arms with a huff. "I told her my name and that I am here for lunch with you and she laughed at me. She actually laughed."
It would seem I need to explore my options on new secretaries. "I assure you I gave her your name and she knows we are having lunch. She will be dealt with. I don't normally have women, aside from my mother and sister, in the office. I can assure you that you are the first female, aside from them, who is a non-client to be in my office."
At that point, my office phone rang with Lauren saying lunch has arrived. I excuse myself and open the door to allow her in in our food. She has an obvious dislike for the woman in my office so I begin to formulate a little plan in my head. "Thank you, Miss Stanley, that will be all. Please hold all my calls."
She still looks pissed but agrees. I rejoin Bella and serve our food. "Dig in, baby." We make small talk while we eat. Once we are done I clean up our plates. Seeing the time, I know I am going to have to say goodbye. With a sigh, I turn to Bella. It seems she has noticed as well.
"Thank you for having me for lunch, Edward. It was nice to just sit and talk."
"Yes, it was. I'm looking forward to Wednesday. We have some formal papers to go over. Bring your list of limits for us to go over. Once that is done, if we have time, we will assume our roles. Okay?" She agreed.
As I walk her out I bend down and whisper in her ear to just play along when we are in the lobby. She looks confused but nods in agreement. Once outside my office, I make sure Lauren is watching and turn to Bella.
Brushing the hair from her shoulder I lean in and speak just loud enough for Lauren to hear me. "Thanks for having lunch with me, baby. I'll see you later, okay?" Softly, I press my lips to hers. I think I hear Lauren whimper. Pulling back, I smile and tell Bella goodbye. She looks a little surprised but recovers and smiles as she walks out of the office.
I look back at lauren and realize her face is beet red, from embarrassment at watching, or anger. I don't give a fuck. Laughing to myself, I return to my office and make another mental note to call Emmett as soon as possible.