TWO

I stood outside the house, juggling way too many things in my arms—a giant sketch pad, a handful of paint samples, my breakfast bag, my coffee, and my handbag. As I fumbled to unlock the door, I muttered under my breath, "Damn it," as the paint samples started slipping from my grasp.

Just as everything seemed about to hit the ground, a warm presence appeared at my side. Edward swooped in, catching the paint samples before they could scatter. "Let me help," he said with a grin, his eyes twinkling.

"Thanks," I said, feeling my cheeks heat up slightly as he steadied the sketch pad in my arms.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, glancing at the door.

I shook my head, giving him a small smile. "It's fine. Your mother gave me a key yesterday. I hope that's okay."

"Well, it's not like there's not much here to steal."

I raised an eyebrow playfully. "If it were me, the fireplace would be my first hit."

He laughed, a real, deep laugh that made me smile despite my embarrassment. "Good to know," he said. "I'll make sure to alarm the place against fireplace thieves."

We walked into the kitchen, and I set down my mountain of stuff with a relieved sigh. I opened my breakfast bag and pulled out two donuts, holding one out to him. "I got you a donut," I said, giving him a small, hopeful smile.

Edward looked genuinely surprised and took the donut with a grateful nod. "Thanks. This is exactly what I needed," he said, taking a bite.

I started unpacking my sketch pad and paint samples, spreading them across the counter. "So, I've been thinking about the colour palette for the lounge room," I said, already feeling that familiar thrill of diving into a new project.

Edward's gaze didn't waver from me, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Before you get too deep into your little samples, I have to ask—why haven't you texted me yet?"

I froze for a second, caught off guard by his directness. I glanced up at him and smirked. "I have a rule," I said. "I don't date clients."

He raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "I'm not a client. My mother is the client."

I gave him a pointed look, trying not to let his charm get to me. "I also don't date clients' sons."

He leaned back, crossing his arms with a teasing grin. "I'm adopted."

That took me by surprise, and I gasped slightly. "Oh, I didn't know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

Edward shook his head, his expression softening. "It's fine. My biological parents died when I was really little. Esme and Carlisle took me in."

I felt a pang of sympathy and reached out to squeeze his hand lightly. "I'm sorry for your loss," I said genuinely, my voice softer now.

He looked down at where our hands touched, a playful smile curling at his lips. "It's okay. And, technically, that's a loophole in your rule."

I laughed, shaking my head at his persistence. "Nice try, Edward, but no. The rule also includes adoptive sons."

He let out a mock sigh of defeat but kept that playful glint in his eyes. "Well, can't blame a guy for trying."

I couldn't help but smile at him, feeling the lightness of the moment settle over us. This renovation might be more fun—and complicated—than I'd originally thought.

I laid out the paint samples across the counter, carefully placing them next to the flooring options I'd brought along. Edward watched me with that same intense focus, like he was trying to decipher a puzzle.

"So," I said, pulling out my sketch pad, "I'm thinking about a neutral palette for the walls to keep the elegance of the house but with a modern twist. Maybe some deeper tones in the living room to highlight that incredible fireplace. And for the flooring—"

Edward interrupted me, leaning closer with a smile that made my heart skip a beat. "You know, you're really good at this. It's impressive how you've already put so much thought into it."

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, but I tried to play it cool. "Thanks," I said, flashing him a small smile, my fingers nervously smoothing the edge of the sketch pad.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving my face. "I mean it. You've got a real eye for this stuff. It's no wonder my mother was so quick to hire you."

I glanced at him, my heart fluttering a bit at the sincerity in his voice. He was ridiculously attractive, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to flirt back, but I kept my focus on the samples in front of me. "Well, I'm just excited to bring this place back to life," I said, keeping my tone as professional as I could.

I continued to explain my vision for the lounge area, holding up different shades of blue and grey to see how they played against the light streaming through the window. Edward leaned in, a little too close, and I could feel the warmth of his gaze on my skin.

"You really know what you're doing," he said, his voice dropping to that low, almost teasing tone. "I've got to say, it's pretty amazing watching you in your element."

I swallowed hard, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot. He was laying it on thick, and any other day I might have caved. But not today. I wasn't going to be that easy, even if he did make my heart race with every word.

"Thank you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "But if you think flattery is going to distract me you're mistaken."

Edward's eyebrows shot up, and he laughed, clearly not used to being turned down so easily. "Okay, I'm impressed," he said, shaking his head slightly. "Most people cave by now."

I looked up at him, meeting his gaze head-on. The challenge in his eyes only made me more determined. "Well, then it's a good thing I'm not most people," I said, my smile turning just a little smug.

He stared at me for a moment, like he was recalculating his approach, and then he gave me this slow, wicked grin that sent shivers down my spine. "I'm starting to see that," he said softly.

I forced myself to turn back to my sketch, focusing on the details of the lounge room design. But I could still feel his eyes on me, and I knew that despite my best efforts, he was getting under my skin. And the worst part? I didn't really mind.

I was in the middle of pointing out the old moulding that needed replacing when I noticed Jacob's eyes light up. "Bella, this place has some serious potential," he said, giving me a grin that made me feel like this project might actually come together faster than I'd hoped.

I'd asked him to swing by and consider being my builder to pull together my ideas. I'd known him for a while and worked with him before.

"Thanks, Jacob. I'm glad you're on board," I said, relieved to have someone I trusted working on the renovation.

As I continued to walk him through the house, showing him the details of what needed to be done, I felt a prickling sensation, like someone was watching us. When I glanced toward the kitchen, there was Edward, standing there with his arms crossed, his expression anything but friendly.

Jacob's eyes went wide when he saw Edward. "Wait a minute," he said, his face lighting up like a kid meeting his hero. "You're Edward Cullen, right? I'm a huge fan, man. I never miss a game."

Edward's face remained neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yeah, that's me," he said, his tone clipped and cold.

Jacob looked between us, clearly not understanding the chill in Edward's reception. I gave Jacob a small smile, feeling awkward but trying to smooth things over. "I'll walk you out," I said quickly, leading him back toward the front door.

Once we were outside, I turned to Jacob, my eyebrows raised in curiosity. "What was that all about? You know Edward?"

Jacob nodded enthusiastically. "Are you kidding? Edward Cullen is a legend in the hockey world. He's the captain of Seattle's team—one of the best players in the league."

My eyes widened as I processed what he was saying. Edward Cullen, the guy I'd been arguing design features with, was actually a big-shot athlete? How did I not know this?

I thanked Jacob for his time, promising to catch up with him once we finalised the renovation details, and then I made my way back inside. Edward was still in the kitchen, his expression a mix of irritation and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Ready to lock up?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I gathered my things. "I need to head to the hardware store and grab a few things."

Edward let out a huff, crossing his arms over his chest. "You know, I don't like that guy," he said bluntly.

I raised an eyebrow at him, genuinely confused. "What's your problem with Jacob? He's a great builder."

Edward's jaw clenched slightly, and he looked away, clearly irritated. "I just have a weird feeling about him," he muttered. "He was checking you out way too much for my liking."

I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "And how is that any different from what you did the other day?" I asked, smirking a little at the challenge.

Edward's lips curled into that infuriating smirk of his. "Touché," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But the difference is, I actually have a chance."

I opened my mouth to fire back, but the words got caught in my throat when he leaned in just a little closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. "The way your breath hitches when I get a little too close," he said, his eyes holding mine captive. "Or how you keep staring at my muscles when you ask me to 'hold something heavy'."

I felt my cheeks flush and quickly rolled my eyes to play it off. "You're delusional," I muttered, fighting the smile that threatened to break through.

Edward chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "I'm correct," he said with a wink. "Tell you what, I'll come with you to the hardware store. I actually need a few things myself, and we can carpool. I'll drop you back to your car afterward."

I hesitated for a second, knowing full well that spending more time with Edward would only fuel whatever this was between us. But the way he looked at me, all confident and sure of himself, made it hard to say no.

"Fine," I said with a mock sigh, grabbing my bag. "But if you're coming with me, you better not slow me down."

Edward grinned, that wicked gleam back in his eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it."

We were barely halfway through the hardware store when the interruptions started. Edward, with his cap turned backward, seemed to catch everyone's attention. People recognised him instantly, stopping us every few minutes for autographs and selfies. With each interruption, I felt my patience dwindling while I juggled my supplies.

After the fifth time someone asked for his signature, I crossed my arms and shot him a mock glare. "You know, you're slowing me down," I said, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide my smile.

Edward flashed me that lopsided grin, the kind that probably got him out of trouble on a regular basis. "Sorry, guess I'm a little more famous than I like to let on."

I gave him an exasperated look. "You never said you were Brad Pitt."

He let out a deep chuckle, shaking his head. "Brad Pitt? Please," he said, leaning in a little closer, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm way better than Brad Pitt. I'd never cheat on Rachel."

I burst into laughter, shaking my head at his Friends reference. "Okay, I'll give you that one. But seriously, what do you actually do to cause this level of chaos?"

Edward straightened up, a proud but humble look on his face. "I'm the captain of the Seattle Storm," he said, as if that explained everything.

I blinked, completely clueless. "The what?"

His mouth dropped open in mock horror. "You're kidding, right? The Seattle Storm. Best hockey team in the league?" He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "I think you just broke me."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing at his exaggerated reaction. "Sorry, sports were never my thing. My idea of exercise is running from one hardware store to the next."

"Well, you're missing out," he said, giving me a playful smirk. "You should come watch a game sometime. I promise it's more exciting than paint samples and power tools."

I smirked right back at him. "I'll think about it. Does this mean I need to include an ice hockey rink in the house design to make you happy?"

Edward chuckled, the sound warm and rich. "As tempting as that is, I think we can skip the rink. But I appreciate your dedication to the cause."

As I turned back to the shelves to grab some paint samples, I could feel Edward's eyes on me, watching my every move. I tried to ignore the flutter in my chest, but eventually, I couldn't resist. I turned to face him, arching an eyebrow. "What?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze locked on mine, a slow smile spreading across his face. "If I say what I'm thinking out loud, I'll probably get into trouble."

I narrowed my eyes at him, a teasing smile creeping onto my lips. "Go on then," I dared him. "Say it."

Edward leaned in closer, so close that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. He lowered his voice, making it just loud enough for me to hear. "I'm just thinking how you look pretty incredible right now," he said softly. "All flustered and determined, trying to keep me in line."

I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze. "Is that so?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Absolutely. You've got this fire in you when you're focused, and it's… pretty damn irresistible."

I swallowed, suddenly feeling like the air between us had turned electric. "Well, you know, I do have to stay focused."

Edward's grin turned into a full-on smirk. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm pretty sure I'm more of a distraction than an assistant at this point," he said, giving me a playful wink.

I rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool despite the butterflies going wild in my stomach. "You're definitely something," I muttered, turning back to the shelf with a small smile tugging at my lips.

Edward let out a soft laugh, stepping closer to grab a paint sample from my hand. "Tell you what," he said, his voice low and teasing. "I'll try my best to be a helper as much as I can… as long as you promise to come watch me play. Deal?"

I couldn't help but smile back at him. "Fine," I said, shaking my head in amusement. "But don't expect me to know what's happening on the ice."

He chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself. "Don't worry, Bella," he said with a wink. "I'll make sure you're paying attention to the important parts."

And with that, we both knew that whatever this was between us was just getting started.