SIX

Rosalie stood in the centre of the proposed bar area downstairs, her eyes darting around the walls with a keen, appraising gaze. As an artist, she already had ideas swirling in her mind for how to transform the space into something magnificent. I couldn't help but watch her, my fingers secretly crossed behind my back, hoping she would see the same potential that I did.

The large room led out to a stunning backyard and pool area, with a deck upstairs where I planned to have a BBQ area connected to the kitchen upstairs. I envisioned this space as the ultimate entertainer's paradise, with the help of my best friend's expertise.

I had successfully transformed a gloomy storage space into a practical room, effectively adding an extra level to the house as a technicality.

"I'm thinking a mural," I said, gesturing to the bar area with a hopeful smile. "Something that will impress his hockey friends."

Rosalie turned to me, her expression teasing and curious. "Wait a minute," she said, cocking one eyebrow and crossing her arms. "Before I give you any artistic advice, you have to fill me in on the juicy details." She paused for dramatic effect. "You're designing a house for THE Edward Cullen and you didn't think to mention it? I should pack up my paintbrushes and leave out of sheer shock. Now tell me, have you had the pleasure of seeing that gorgeous man without clothes on? I bet he's big… is he big?"

I rolled my eyes, feeling my cheeks warm slightly. "It's not like that, Rose. It's a professional gig. He's just the son of my client, and I'm treating it like any other project."

Rosalie snorted, giving me a look that said she didn't believe me for a second. "Sure, sure. You're telling me you wouldn't go there if you had the chance?"

I shook my head firmly, even though I knew she'd see right through me. "It's unprofessional. Besides, he's way too charming for his own good. I'm not looking to mix business with… whatever it is that he's trying to offer."

Before Rosalie could press me further, the door upstairs opened.

"Bells?" his voice rings out.

"He's even nicknamed you," Rosalie whispers excitedly.

"Down here," I call up ignoring her.

"That's where you want him to be," she giggles.

"Shut up," I hiss at her unable to stop my smirk.

Edward walked down the stairs closely followed by another man who was just as tall but broader, his grin infectious. I recognised him immediately from Edward's stories—Emmett, his brother.

"Hey, Bella!" Emmett said warmly, giving me a wave. "So you're the lady who's got my brother all twisted up, huh?"

Edward's eyes widened as he smacked the back of Emmett's head. "Shut up, Emmett," he muttered, a blush creeping up his neck.

I tried to hide my laugh as I introduced them to Rosalie. "This is my best friend, Rosalie. She's the artist I was telling you about, and I'm hoping she'll paint a mural in the bar area for you."

Rosalie gave Edward a polite nod before her eyes flicked to Emmett, who was staring at her like he'd just discovered his new favourite hobby. "Well, hello there," Emmett said, his voice dropping into a flirty drawl. "I might need a painting for my place too. How about a number to start with?"

Rosalie raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across her face. "You want my number? You're going to have to earn it," she teased, clearly enjoying the attention.

Emmett placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "Oh, I'm ready to work for it, believe me," he said, his grin widening as he shot a wink her way.

As Rosalie and Emmett began their flirtatious banter, Edward sidled up to me, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, that didn't take long," he murmured, nodding towards the pair. "I've never seen Emmett rendered speechless so quickly."

I chuckled softly, watching as Rosalie expertly deflected Emmett's advances while simultaneously drawing him in. "Rose has that effect on people. I almost feel sorry for him."

Edward leaned in closer, his breath tickling my ear. "So, about that mural... I was thinking maybe we could incorporate some elements from my hometown. You know, a little piece of Chicago to remind me of home."

I tried to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine at his proximity. "That's... that's a great idea," I managed, proud that my voice remained steady, "I didn't realise that's where you're from."

"It's where I was born. I went to college there too," he explains, "it has a connection for sure."

I nodded, my mind already racing with possibilities. "We could do a skyline of Chicago, maybe with some iconic landmarks. The Willis Tower, Wrigley Field..."

"Don't forget the Bean," Edward added with a grin. "It's touristy, but I love it."

"Of course," I laughed. "We'll make sure to include Cloud Gate. Maybe we could even incorporate some hockey elements, blend them with the cityscape."

Edward's eyes lit up. "That would be amazing. You really get it, Bella."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words, and I had to remind myself to keep things professional. "It's my job to understand what my clients want," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Is that all I am to you? A client?" Edward asked, his voice low and teasing.

"Of course not. You're my clients son," I poke his chest teasing him right back.

Edward chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Touché, Bella. But I think we both know there's more to it than that."

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, Emmett's booming laugh echoed through the room. We both turned to see him doubled over, clutching his sides, while Rosalie stood there with a smug smile on her face.

"Oh man," Emmett wheezed, wiping tears from his eyes. "You're something else, Rosalie. I haven't laughed like that in ages."

Rosalie flipped her hair over her shoulder, looking pleased with herself. "Well, I do try to leave an impression."

"Consider me thoroughly impressed," Emmett replied, his eyes never leaving her face.

I couldn't help but smile at their interaction.

Rosalie's grin was as wide as ever, as she turns to smile at me.

"I'm in," she nods.

I could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she imagined the possibilities for the mural. But more than that, I knew she was in it for the chance to flirt with Emmett, who was still gazing at her like she was the most fascinating thing in the room. To be fair - she is.

"Perfect," I said, clapping my hands together to get back to business. "Rosalie, we'll talk details later, but I trust you to bring your genius to this space."

Emmett leaned in a bit closer to Rosalie, his grin never faltering. "I'm sure whatever you do will be a masterpiece. Maybe you could paint me in as the hero of the story?" he said, waggling his eyebrows playfully.

Rosalie smirked, tilting her head slightly. "The hero, huh? More like the comic relief," she teased, making me snort with laughter.

Emmett clutched his chest like he'd been wounded, his grin only growing wider. "Ouch! You're tough, I like that," he said, clearly not discouraged in the slightest. "Alright, I'll have to step up my game to impress you."

Meanwhile, Emmett was still busy trying to impress Rosalie, who seemed to be enjoying every second of it. "You know, I've never met an artist as talented as you," he said, his tone full of admiration. "How about dinner sometime? I promise to behave. Maybe."

Rosalie's grin grew even wider, and it was clear she was enjoying the playful attention Emmett was giving her. Emmett, never one to back down from a challenge, looked completely smitten, even if Rosalie was giving him a run for his money.

"And, I've got to say, you've never met a goalie as talented as me," Emmett added with a wink, clearly trying to win her over, "like a match made in Heaven."

Rosalie arched an eyebrow at him, her smirk never faltering. "A goalie, huh? Okay, here's the deal," she said, leaning in with a playful glint in her eyes. "You stop a penalty shot in your next game, and then maybe we'll talk about dinner."

Emmett's eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Challenge accepted," he said, reaching out to shake her hand, but Rosalie just gave his hand a light tap instead.

"Good luck, big guy. You'll need it," she said, her voice dripping with teasing confidence.

Edward and I exchanged an amused look as Emmett stood there, still grinning like he'd won the lottery. It was clear that despite the playful banter, there was a spark between them that neither of them could ignore.

EPOV

I watched Bella and Rosalie talking, the easy smiles on their faces making me wonder what they were whispering about. Just as I was about to jump back into the conversation, Jacob's voice cut through the air.

"Bella!" he called from upstairs. "Can you come up here and give me a hand with something?"

My jaw tightened as I watched Bella turn her head towards his voice. Jacob stood there with that smug look on his face that made my skin crawl. I glared at him, and I guess I wasn't doing a great job of hiding it because Emmett leaned closer to me, eyebrows raised.

"Dude, what's your issue with that guy?" Emmett asked, sounding half-amused, half-curious.

I shook my head, unable to keep the annoyance out of my voice. "I hate that guy," I muttered, clenching my fists at my sides.

Rosalie, who'd been quietly observing the whole thing, let out a little chuckle. "Oh, I get it now," she said, a sly smile playing at her lips. "Jacob's got a thing for Bella, and Edward here has some serious competition."

I shot her a look, my frustration bubbling up. "Competition? That guy? Really?"

Rosalie's smile only grew wider. "He once asked me for Bella's favourite flower," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "Like I was actually going to give it up to him. I don't like him either."

I turned to Rosalie, the annoyance shifting into curiosity. "And what's her favourite flower?" I asked, trying to sound casual but knowing this could be useful information.

Rosalie exchanged a glance with Emmett, teasing me with her silence. "What do you think, Em? Should I tell him?" she asked, drawing out the moment just to mess with me.

Emmett nodded with a grin. "Yeah, I think you should. Give the man a fighting chance."

Rosalie finally sighed dramatically, then said, "Peonies. Bella's favourite flowers are peonies."

I nodded, filing that information away. Peonies. I could work with that. "Alright, any other advice for winning Bella over?" I asked, trying to sound like I wasn't as desperate as I felt.

Rosalie smirked at me, crossing her arms over her chest. "You'll have to figure the rest out yourself, Cullen," she said. "Just play to her interests. That's all you're getting from me."

I met her eyes, and for the first time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I had a real shot at this.