The Letter

Part Sixteen

"What do you think that was all about?" Edward straightened his tie again after Bella's video call. They walked out toward the elevator and he continued to fidget. It was the only thing he could do to keep his hands busy and off Bella at the moment.

She looked incredible in a dress that seemed to be made for her in the exact color of his eyes. He wasn't sure if it was intentional, but he was positive his sister somehow made it happen despite the short notice. She always seemed to know what a loved one needed before they did.

"Will is likely questioning if Santa is real. Remember he sort of did when we told him your family was coming to join us for the holidays. We had to explain that you're a part-time elf, one that didn't live in the North Pole year-round."

"I'm surprised he isn't questioning everything more, he is at that age, I figured it out when I was five. Though, to be fair, it was only because I caught my mom and dad putting gifts from Santa under the tree while I was supposed to be in bed. Dad even put on my grandfather's old hiking boots on and make snowy prints near the fireplace and around the tree."

Bella's eyes softened. "Did you tell them you knew the truth?"

Edward shook his head, closing in on her. They were alone in the elevator they'd entered only moments ago as they talked. He wanted to hold her close, bend down to inhale deeply along her neck, and kiss her until her knees trembled. The idea of holding her up, close against him appealed to him.

"I didn't want to break my mother's heart. Apparently, my sister Kate found out even younger. Alice believed until she was almost ten years old, some bully at school told her. Since I found out before Alice, I helped my parents keep the magic alive, though they probably weren't aware of it."

Bella swallowed, though his voice spoke of tender memories, the huskiness of it made her want to melt into him. She placed her hand on his chest and couldn't miss the hard and fast beat of his heart. It thrilled her that he seemed to react much like her whenever they were close.

"Of course, you helped. You wouldn't want to break anyone's hearts," Bella whispered. She sighed when his large hand cupped her cheek, his forehead resting on hers. "Don't break mine, Edward."

His breath skipped for a moment before she felt his nod. "I have to ask for the same, Bella. I'm not afraid to admit it, but it's a little fragile."

She shook her head, allowing some space between them. "It's not going to be easy."

"You live approximately one hour from the city, but I don't mind the commute to stay with you." He smiled and peppered her jaw with little kisses, so soft yet they lingered after he moved along.

She gave his chest a tiny slap. "You're assuming you have a place to stay."

He pulled back. "If you're not ready for that, which I understand, I will buy the house I'm currently renting well above market value so that I'm close."

"Do you have any idea what you're implying?"

The arrival of the elevator on the ground level prevented Edward from answering. They were running a bit behind, and even though the party could start without him, he didn't want it to appear as if he wanted to be anywhere else by being late. His employees were the central core of his business, and though he kept mostly to himself, he knew they felt like family amongst themselves.

"We'll be continuing this important, life changing conversation later." He cocked an eyebrow; he was unsure if Bella would protest.

"Sounds good to me, for now, let's get our party on." She took his arm and together they walked out into the cold winter night to the awaiting limo.

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"Why won't they stop staring?" Edward groaned less than an hour later as Bella leaned close. Their entrance pretty stopped everyone in their tracks and caused quite a stir. It was like every set of eyes had been on them. He was used to being under a microscope but Bella wasn't but she handled it like a seasoned pro. Chin held level, a slight smile on her face, and a look in her eyes and radiated warmth and a friendly aura.

The catered six course meal had been fantastic and everyone mingled while they waited for the tables to be moved to the perimeter of the room. Some of the employees went up to the top floor for drinks and to the exhibit of artwork from local and worldwide artists from Edward's personal collection and several pieces from the local museum.

A group, made up of Edward's top executives were talking, constantly glancing in their direction on the way up to grab drinks.

"We look fantastic and you look happy. They're not used to it yet." Bells shrugged when Edward sent her a dirty side-eye. "You can't deny it. You spoke and held yourself so stiff when we first met, you literally looked like you had a stick up your…"

"That will be enough of that," Edward cleared his throat. "I'm well aware of the mask I wore."

"Nothing was wrong with it, Edward. You chose to not form close knit relationships with your employees. You're afraid of letting them or anyone for that matter in, which I can understand. You get burned a few times and you learn, but it takes time for the lessons to stick."

"It will take time, but I want them to stay working for the company. Not only because of the benefits and salaries."

"This will help," she said, motioning at his face and body. "You look approachable, maybe warm, too." She looked longingly at the dance floor. "A dance may help?"

He whispered in her ear, letting his breath brush her skin. "As if I need another reason to get my hands on you."

Several people were already on the floor dancing, but they slowed the moment Edward and Bella made their way to the center. To everyone in the room they appeared ethereal, like a king and his queen, nearly glowing with something they couldn't even describe.

To Edward and Bella, everyone else disappeared as he led her around the dance floor, gliding front, back, and side to side. His touch on her bare back felt like a heated mark, a brand. It let the others know they were together, and not some escort he hired according to the rumors that circulated after last year's event.

"You're a natural," he murmured. "I thought you said your dancing was rusty."

"My parents insisted I learned for my grandparents' silver anniversary. As the only grandchild at the time, they wanted me to have a dance with my grandfather."

"How old were you?"

She smiled at him, realizing he was trying to stop her from looking at her feet. "Almost fourteen."

"I have no doubt you were adorable," he whispered, sending her away from his body, keeping one of her hands in his. She startled but soon laughed as he twirled her back against his chest.

"There's a video on YouTube of that dance, not only did we do a waltz but we danced the jitterbug, a fox trot, and finished it off with a twist."

The surprise on his face gave way to laughter. "I will be watching that as soon we have some privacy."

She hummed but shook her head. "Oh, I don't know, I had other things in mind when we were alone later."

Edward nearly stepped on her foot as her words conjured images that heated and enriched his blood. Blood that rushed south, her tinkling giggle an indication it was exactly the reaction she hoped to get from him.

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"They're still staring," Bella murmured as Edward led her away from the open bar on the top floor.

The decorations for the floor were themed in a woodland winter wonderland. Large swags of pine branches, twinkling lights, and rich red berries made it feel like they were in a royal fae's courtyard in the middle of the forest. It even smelled like pine, snow, and moonlight, breathtaking.

The floor where they had their meal and where they could dance looked like a glittering white winter wonderland. Dripping with ice and snow flurries, the decorations were spectacular.

Edward did his best to diffuse his employees' curiosity by introducing Bella as his girlfriend. They had discussed how he would introduce her, putting a label on their relationship on the drive over.

Bella had worried it was too soon for him, but far from it. Edward was confident that they were more than two people who had incredible chemistry. Whatever was between them, it was more than lust and deserved a label.

She shocked most of them with explaining she used to work in law enforcement before turning into a freelancer with her fingers in several areas. Photography, security consultant, and various outlets of passive income. She recently flipped a house and sold it, and had a few ambitious projects that included restoring a historic building.

It was all news to Edward though, it bothered him. Since they met, they focused much of their discussions on William, him, and their families, but not enough on her. Being aware that she was still looking for what she wanted to do for the rest of her working life wasn't enough. He had no idea the scope of that search. He wanted to help her, but hopefully that would come with time.

He had all the time to find out everything.

Getting to know her better sounded intriguing. The anticipation of finding out all her quirks and what makes her the amazing young woman she was made him want to whisk her to get started on that.

"Mr. Cullen," a soft voice murmured nearby. Heidi and Riley walked toward them, all flushed skin and shy but bright smiles. One of the best personal assistants Edward ever had and his nephew seemed rather cozy. That made him nervous.

Edward decided at that moment he'd go over Heidi's background file. He knew she was a good person, not one blemish in her work since she started almost fourteen months earlier. The feeling of protectiveness he had for his family couldn't be ignored. He owed his sister to watch over him.

"Heidi, Riley," Edward replied, a slight nod and smile. He cocked an eyebrow in concern to his nephew who simply shrugged. "This is my girlfriend Bella Swan, Bella, this is my personal assistant Heidi Roberts and this is Riley…"

"Ah the infamous Ri," Bella supplied and laughed.

Riley's eyes widened and he quickly shook his head.

Edward's eyes narrowed. "Infamous? Why would he be infamous?"

Bella winced and she mouthed an apology.

Riley's shoulders slumped. "I have a popular social media account and it showcases some of my um…"

"Oh my God, that's you? I've only seen a few videos, but you hadn't shown your face." Heidi appeared shocked, obviously not in the loop either. "I've never been in the mailroom or met Aro and Tony."

Riley grumbled, "I started hiding my face to avoid getting in trouble."

"Someone needs to explain right now." Edward gestured toward an empty table.

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"I never put my actual name or the company. So far no one has recognized Aro or Tony, but it's all pretty innocent."

Edward glowered at his nephew, turning to watch over Bella's shoulder at some of the reels on Instagram of Riley's attempt to surf the conveyor belts in the mailroom. The clip ended with a rather indifferent Aro and Tony held up scores on Riley's landing. It reminded him of the old men from The Muppets. It was the video that started it all, going viral within a day, and had Aro and Tony starring in almost daily posts. Riley's social media persona was as Bella stated Infamous_Ri.

"Does your father have any idea that you are putting your safety on the line like this Ri?"

At this, Heidi's eyes widened in confusion and quickly turned to recognition. Other than hair color, Riley could be a younger version of Edward Cullen. She started to giggle and shared a look with Bella. "Should we tell him?"

Bella grimaced once again, and searched for another video while Riley groaned. Emmett McCarthy, Riley's father, and Kate's husband was on the screen about to surf the conveyor belt, he had a massive wipe out but earned 9's from Aro and Tony when he rolled to his feet in one smooth move.

The video had over a million views and nine thousand comments.

Edward looked up, silence filled their space and made the tension build. He gestured at someone over Riley's shoulder. In a few seconds, Ryan from security was quickly introduced to Bella and he already knew Heidi and Riley.

"Is there a problem, sir?"

"I need cameras installed in the mailroom once we're back from vacation. Good ones, top of the line. It appears the Infamous Ri needs a few more angles."

Riley blew out a breath and Heidi started to laugh while wiping imaginary sweat off her brow.

"I have a friend who could get it done in a few days, I'll call Sam once we get back. Consider it done."

"I apologize for discussing work while we're here to celebrate the holidays," Edward offered.

Ryan, a salt and pepper haired man in his forties laughed. "We're having a great time and it's impossible not to discuss work a little. We all met because of it, give us a few more hours with that open bar and trust me, work will be the last thing we're worried about."

"All right, enjoy that open bar, Mr. Smith. Happy Holidays, I hope you and your wife Olivia have a good time."

Ryan winked and met his wife halfway toward the bar.

Edward returned his attention to his nephew. "If you get hurt during one of your stunts, the company is not responsible." It was the truth; the company couldn't be held responsible but he would. He'd pay for any medical bills and lose of wages. "You are to be in HR once we're back in the office to sign some paperwork. If you get any kind of incentive from the videos, you should be sharing that with Aro and Tony."

"Uncle! What kind of person do you think I am? Of course, the second the first video went viral, and we started to get monetized we share the funds. I promise. The cruise they're going on in the spring was paid for with that money."

Heidi sat back looking between her boss and the handsome new employee. "Does anyone else know that you two are family?"

Edward and Riley shook their heads. "We'd like to keep it that way."

"I understand, no one will find out through me. But it won't be long before people will notice. You look alike."

"We do not," Edward and Riley said in unison.

Edward sighed. "Riley wants to earn his place here, and not because I'm his uncle. I respect that."

"I'll have another degree soon and plan to apply for another position soon." Riley shrugged his shoulders when Heidi looked confused. "I don't have the experience for a hot shot executive position yet, but between my time here and with an internship I start in the fall I'll be golden."

Edward rolled his eyes. "Not if you continue with your antics. I'd advice to keeping your face out of your videos."

Riley nearly pouted but nodded. "Dad said the same thing, I got to grow up some time, right?" He sighed as if it was the worst thing he could ever do. He was so much like his father and his mother. "I'll see you later, Mr. Cullen," he said sternly, mimicking Edward. "Bella, nice meeting you. I need to take my date out onto the floor and show these people what a good dancer looks like."

"I'll see you soon, Riley." Edward and Bella watched as Riley and Heidi cut a path through the throng of people to get to the bar.

Bella leaned against Edward's shoulder and whispered, "He's a great young man."

"I swear it was only yesterday when he asked me to tell him about his mom and big sister."

Bella let out a soft little whimper, as it pained her to think about, as it did him. "How old was he?"

"Almost seven, so Will's age."

"Oh," Bella whispered. Her body went rigid for a second before she relaxed against him.

"What is it?"

"I just imagined watching an older Will dance with some pretty woman like this."

"They grow up fast, but not fast enough to shock you, Bella." He stifled a laugh as she bumped his shoulder.

"It wasn't Will that shocked me." Their gazes met and held. "We were watching him together, just like this."

"Just like this?"

She cupped his cheek and pressed her lips to his. "A little older, maybe a little wiser, but yes, just like this."

Several wide-eyed eyes employees had to look away, the moment they watched appeared too intimate, too personal. The lovely couple were on the cusp of love and everyone could see it. Felt it.

They did, too.

AN: I wrote this chapter almost two weeks ago but kept going back and forth over the section with Riley. I wanted at least one of Edward's employees to see a glimpse of the real him. And what better than a scolding uncle, lol. Writing is hard, but doing it while real life keeps throwing things in the way, its very difficult. I'm trying to carve out a window every single day until it becomes a habit. When I actually do have the time, the words do come but finding the time and space is my biggest issues right now.

Here's hoping for a creative and happy new year for everyone. Thanks for sticking with me.