Disclaimer: I don't own the Twilight Saga.

Author's note: Long time no see! And it has been a really long time. Uni started and it's been difficult to carve myself enough time to write a chapter. Anyways i hope you guys enjoy this one!

Now: Edward

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I ignore it as I focus on the meeting. We are currently in the process of taking on a new client.

Eleazar Denali. The up and coming business tycoon. Owner of a newly established million dollar hotel chain with hotels all over the United States. Who, unfortunately, also happens to be the father of my ex-girlfriend, Tanya Denali. He obviously knew I worked here. We'd met several times while Tanya and I were dating. I wonder why he chose this firm out of all the others.

Silver & Kline is a well known law firm that's been around for almost seventy years. It was started by Aro's predecessors, so you could call it a legacy. In recent years, however, our firm has started to represent clients outside the confines of the business industries, like celebrities, famous sports persons and so on.

Those are usually overseen by Jasper.

Jasper, who is currently sitting beside me. He is one of the most cutthroat lawyers I've ever met and also one of my best friends. I met him in my first year at Silver & Kline where both of us started out as associates. Now, four years later, as two out of the four senior partners at the firm, we are usually tasked with signing on new clients.

Right now, he's staring passively at the white board that's displaying a powerpoint presentation describing Denali's business. I myself am not really that interested. I've attended these kinds of meetings more times than I can count. Besides the two of us, the other two senior partners are also present here. Felix Volturi and Jane Roman.

Felix is only here because he happens to be the son of our firm's chairman Aro Volturi. He also happens to be a huge kiss-ass. I look at him now, sitting there, pretending to listen to Mr. Denali. I know for a fact that the first thing he'll do once the meeting is over is run to his father and give a play by play in hopes that Aro can influence Mr. Denali to choose him as his lawyer.

If Alice had an alter-ego, then it would be Jane. She's short like Alice, blond instead of brunette, sharp and merciless instead of soft and sweet. When people tell you looks can be deceiving, it's true. At least when it comes to her.

She too, like Jasper, is staring stoically as Mr. Denali talks about his business. I take a second to glance at my phone, frowning when I see that I've received a message from Alice. I'd made it clear to my family to not contact me during working hours and if they wanted to, they should do so during lunch break. If it was an emergency, they knew to call me instead of text.

I know that Alice is spending the day with Bella, taking her shopping. As Bella told me before I left for work. Still dressed in her pajamas and hair that resembled a haystack, she'd looked adorable as she stood by her bedroom door and waved me bye before I headed out.

Adorable? Did I seriously call Bella that? I chastise myself.

Yeah, adorable isn't the right word. More like a sexy vixen, the insidious voice whispered in my head.

She was. Is. A sexy little vixen that is. Those short shorts of her, riding up her thighs as she'd crossed her legs while leaning against the door. Her arms crossed across her chest, highlighting the fact that she wasn't wearing a bra. I suppress a groan as I think about that moment when all I wanted to do was to abandon my briefcase, pick her up, take her to her bed and-

I glance up when a piece of crumpled paper hits my chest. I look at Jasper who's giving me a questioning look. I'm sure he's wondering about Eleazer too. I shake my head once, indicating that I'll talk to him once the meeting's over. He nods back and resumes his previous stance.

I tuck my phone back in my pocket and look back at the presentation. It's almost coming to an end. We all remain quiet as Eleazer finishes his speech.

Jane's the first to speak up. "You would definitely make an excellent client for this firm. We can't wait to work with you." She isn't talking in excitement like one would expect. Rather her voice is laced with boredom that indicates that she'd rather be anywhere than at this meeting.

Me too. Not just because he happens to my ex-girlfriend's father but also because meetings like this generally are boring.

But good for us, Felix musters up enough excitement on behalf of all of us, nodding his head like a hyper dog. Pathetic. I see Jasper shaking his head in disappointment and smirk.

I leave the meeting while Jane and Felix chat it up with Eleazer.

"Wanna head out for lunch?"

I glance back to see Jasper making his way towards me.

I fold my arms across my chest. "I thought you didn't like being around people."

"I still don't." He replies, stopping beside me. "You're the only one whom I tolerate enough to want to have lunch with." A subtle smirk crossing his lips.

I too hide my smile. Before I can reply to his offer someone shouts my name.

"Edward!"

I look behind me to see Eleazer walking towards us. Behind him I see Jane frowning and wonder what they spoke about.

"There you are!" He exclaims, putting an arm around my shoulder. I see Jasper wince in my periphery on my behalf. No guy wants to meet their ex's parents after he was the one who broke the relationship off. Not to mention the side hug seems a little to personal considering we haven't seen each other in more than a year.

"Mr. Denali." I give him a curt nod.

He laughs heartily. "Edward. Stop with the formalities."

Right. "How can I help you?"

Eleazer must notice my demeanor and sobers up. "I'd like to have a chat with you."

"Uh… sure." I say and lead him towards my office.

Looking back, I mouth to Jasper. "Raincheck on the-"

Jasper nods. "It's okay." He mouths back and heads toward his own office.

Opening my office, I let him enter first before closing it behind me. We both take seats on either side of my desk. I fold my hands and place it on my desk and wait for Eleazer to talk.

He gets straight to the point. "I want you to represent me."

Okay. I definitely didn't expect that. This is what Jane must have been upset about. Of course she can't stand the fact that Eleazer wants me as his lawyer. Contrary to her belief, I'm not too excited about this idea. Working with your ex's father? Might as well change my citizenship and leave the country.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Mr. Denali."

He bends forward in earnest. "Call me Eleazer."

"Okay, Eleazer. I'm not too sure this is a good idea. Us working together."

He tilts his head in confusion.

I clear my throat awkwardly and tug on my tie. "Well… I dated your daughter."

"That was more than a year ago." He says like this doesn't mean anything.

"I ended things with her. Aren't you worried about the friction that would create?"

He laughs out loud, comprehending my meaning. It's my turn to look at him in confusion. This is not how I expected him to react.

I continue. "I honestly didn't think you would come to this firm as a client."

That stops him. He relaxes back in his chair. "Edward. I know this might seem strange but you and Tanya's relationship is your issue and doesn't concern me. I'm here as a client wanting you to represent me and not as Tanya's father. What happened between you both is your personal life." He pauses. "I trust you. You also know a lot about my business and I've read up on your clients. I think you're the best person to represent me."

Wow. I don't know what to say. Eleazer can see the expression on my face and smirks. "I'd really like for you to work with me."

"I'd be an idiot to not take up this opportunity. I'd love to be your lawyer."

We stand up and shake hands. When he's about to leave he turns back.

"Edward?"

I look up from my seat.

"I don't blame you for breaking up with her. I know my daughter and how she can be."

The laugh that bursts out of me surprises the both of us and Eleazer leaves quietly. Just as Jane enters.

I sigh resignedly. "What do you want?"

"What the hell did you do?" She asks, eyes narrowed and anger flickering across her face. It's obvious what she's talking about.

I lean back in my chair and smile. "He was the one who wanted to work with me."

"Bullshit."

God, it's the same conversation every time. "Get over it Jane. You have your own clients too." I say dryly.

She huffs and leaves my office.

When I'm about to head out for lunch, I remember the call I received earlier. I frown when I notice it's Alice who's called me.

I immediately ring her back hoping the reason isn't anything too serious.

She picks up on the second ring. "Hello… Oh it's you. Good you called me."

She sounds urgent. "Is something wrong Alice? Where are you? What do you need?"

She laughs. "Calm down brother dearest. I'm not in any trouble."

I relax a little at that. "Okay. Where are you?"

"Just got home. I dropped Bella at your place a while ago."

"That's right. You went shopping. How was it? You didn't tire her did you?"

"We were just buying new clothes for her. A makeover."

An image of Bella in one of those movie makeover montages pops in my head and I laugh.

"I'm sure she must have enjoyed that a lot."

"I guess you know how she is."

I guess I do know that. Despite not seeing her for years, she's still the same girl I met back when I was sixteen. Of course the feelings I've been having for her are anything but. I can't tell Alice that.

When the silence grows too long, I probe, "So what did you want to talk about?"

"I need a favor from you."

I straighten up at that. "What is it?"

"No need to get so serious. It's a really simple favor."

"What?"

"I need you to teach Bella how to date."

I pause for a second, sure I've heard it wrong. I look around to make sure I haven't fallen asleep and that this is just a weird dream.

"I'm sorry can you repeat that again."

"I need you to teach Bella how to date again." She says the words slowly like I'm a five year kid.

A five year kid would probably understand what she's saying cause I definitely don't. She can't possibly be asking me, her brother, to teach Bella, her best friend, how to date.

"Do you know how insane you sound?"

"Please." She splits the word into two syllables making it sound like puh-lease. "I know what I'm doing."

I scoff. "You can't possibly mean that. There's no way Bella agreed to that."

"Bella doesn't know."

"Alice! Bella's not gonna be okay with this. She sees me as her brother, for god sake."

"Edward, trust me. It's gonna work."

"Seriously, what have you been eating lately? Are you sure that's not causing any trouble with your brain chemistry?"

"Me and my diet are fine. Just tell me if your gonna do this or not."

"No way! Why don't you just set her up with someone? Like a normal person." I ignore the way my stomach tightens at this suggestion.

"You know how jittery she gets around strangers. It's the reason she has only two friends. One of which happens to be me. She'd be a deer in headlights and run out like a mad woman if set her with someone she didn't know."

I suppress my irritation. "Why not with one of her classmates then?"

"She doesn't want it to get awkward if they break up."

I stay quiet, not sure how to respond. Fake date my sister's best friend? Who also happens to live with me. This shit only happens in movies.

Apparently in real life too, I tell myself.

I sigh. "Why me though?"

"Now you're asking the right questions. I swear sometimes you're so pessimistic I wonder how anyone at work puts up with you."

"Alice." She asks me for a favor and she gets to insult me now? Sisters.

"Yes, yes. You know her well enough. You're not a stranger. You'll also have someone to take as your date to those boring work events you have to attend. And it'll also give you a chance to go outside, have fun. You know how mom and dad worry about you. You show her what dates are supposed to be like. Think of it as your brotherly duty towards her."

"I never took you out on dates. What does that make us? Not siblings?"

"I already have rizz. In fact, I was seeing this guy a week ago and-"

"Okay, stop." No one wants to hear the dirty deeds their sister partakes in.

She giggles. "You get the gist. Bella's not like that. I think it'd really help if you could ease her into the whole I idea so she knows what to expect when she eventually does go out."

When I say nothing, she pleads. "I'm genuinely asking you to consider doing this. You could be good for both of you."

"I guess…" It has been a while since I've dated. Could be fun going out, spending time with another person, wooing them, spending the night together.

Don't forget this is Bella you're thinking about, my brain tells me.

It's like I've been doused in cold water. That single thought brings me back to the present. I can teach her how to date. I shouldn't even be entertaining the thoughts I've been having about her since she entered my life again.

Before I can say anything, Alice responds. "Great. I promise it'll all work out."

She cuts the call.

Just as I'm about to put my phone away, I see a text from Jasper.

Jasper: Just got at the diner. Think we can still have that lunch.

I reply.

Me: Sure. Be there in 5.

Walking across the street, I reach the diner where Jasper and I usually have lunch. The bell above me chimes as I open the door. I spot Jasper at our usual table and sit across from him.

"What was the hold up?" He asks.

"Just talking with Alice. She needed a favor."

One of my favorite things about Jasper is how he doesn't push for the details. He knows I'll share those details once I'm ready and I'm definitely not.

"Little sisters I guess." He smiles, raising his glass of water. He has probably been in similar situations considering he has a sister too.

"I'll toast to that." I clink mine with his. "Little sisters and how they have us wrapped around their fingers."

We laugh at that.

Once our food arrives, I take a bite of my burger as I ask, "Speaking of, how's Rosalie doing?"

Jasper cuts into his steak. "She's doing well. It's her final year of med school." He frowns as he says this.

"Something wrong?"

He looks up, startled. "Nothing. She finally decided to move in with her boyfriend."

"Ah." He's protective of her.

"I should have seen this coming. I'm the one who introduced them after all."

I smirk at that. "She'll be fine."

"How are you not worried about Alice? Is she not dating anyone?"

"Uh… she'd kill me if I tried to interfere. And yes, she happens to be seeing someone. Barely managed to stop her from giving me all the deets."

"Yikes." He grimaces. "Man, it's tough having sisters."

"Yep." I think about what my sister asked me to do. A part of me wants to say no and let them deal with the issue themselves and another part of me is curious to see the romantic side of Bella. To know how she likes to be romanced, charmed. What a date - a fake date, I correct myself - with her would be like. It also wouldn't suck if I could bring her as my plus one to all the events I'll have to attend.

I hope I don't regret this decision.

The minute I step into my apartment, I feel like I've stepped into a Mexican restaurant.

I get a little more clarity when I enter the kitchen and see Bella cooking over the stove, what appears to be a sauce of some sort. There are also chopped vegetables and taco shells on the counter.

When Bella hears me, she quickly turns to greet me.

"Hey! How was your day? I made enchiladas for dinner, I hope you like it."

I chuckle at how cute she sounds, worried about my opinion on dinner.

"It's better than anything I can cook up. The only reason I can cook is because mom forced me to learn some recipes before I moved here."

I feel strangely warm when she smile in response.

"I'm glad to help out. It shouldn't take too long. By the time you freshen up, hopefully this should be ready."

As if my stomach can hear that, it growls loudly.

Bella pauses and both of us look at my stomach. She giggles and I can't help myself but laugh with her. She smiles at me.

"You're adorable."

The laughter dies down as Bella's eyes widen and I mentally kick myself for the comment. Bella blushes, and looks around awkwardly. Shit.

"I uh… I'll freshen up and be here in about 15 minutes." I point towards my bedroom, walking backwards.

Bella simply nods and turns back to the stove.

Once I'm showered and dressed in my PJs, I head back to the kitchen and notice that Bella has set the table and placed the dish in the center.

Bella has changed into pajamas as well, her regular shorts and t-shirt. She sits across from me and smiles hesitatingly. "Shall I serve?"

"Yes please." I gladly raise my plate, waiting for her to serve.

I mutter a quick thank you while she serves herself. Taking a bite, I groan at how good the food tastes.

"I did not know you could cook like this."

She flushes with pleasure at the complement and ducks her head shyly.

"I'm serious. You put my cooking skills to shame."

Bella shrugs nonchalantly. "I've always liked doing it. I used to cook most of the meals back home and later in college."

"Back home? Didn't your mom used to do it?"

"Well, after she left, I did most of it. And when she was there… let's just say she experimented a lot. So, I taught myself early on."

I shake my head in wonder. "I'll say this beats eating takeout."

"Thank you."

We smile at each other. I never did notice how pretty her smile was. Not when we were kids at least. Has she always been this pretty? I think back to all those times I spent around her. She's only gotten more beautiful with age. Shifting from a teenager to this beautiful woman I'm sharing dinner with.

I can't help but marvel at the delicate features of her face. The curve of her cheekbones, the length of her nose, the pink softness of her lips turned into a small smile, the alabaster skin which hasn't tanned despite years of living in California and those chocolate brown eyes. The eyes. They're the most expressive part of her face. Whoever said that eyes were the windows to the soul couldn't have been more right. It's the easiest way to read Bella. Every emotion reflected in her eyes.

Now as I stare into her eyes again, I see the curiosity that's always present along with the happiness of being here with me. With me. I feel somewhat proud that I'm pleasant enough to be in her company.

And this is what pushes me to blurt out the words and break the spell of our stare, not realizing how it will change everything we thought we knew.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

Author's note: Hope you liked the chapter. I'm trying to create more tension between them. Hopefully you guys feel.