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4

The smile he's giving me makes my heartbeat wildly in my chest and I feel myself blush a bright pink. I can't remember the last time a man called me beautiful. There's something special about someone you find attractive calling you that. A swarm of butterflies was taking residence in my tummy with the way he was looking at me. I could tell that he meant every word he said, which made it that much better.

"Hello again." I wipe my hands on the front of my jeans, wishing I was more dressed up than my basic jeans and white top.

"You're quite the artist." He looks back at the painting, slowly taking it in. "It's incredible."

My heart skips a beat. "I'm glad you both like it."

His eyes make their way back to me, "I've been looking for a piece for my office. I might have to employee your services again."

"What did you have in mind?" I ask. "We have quite a few pieces on display at our store to choose from, or I could do something completely original."

"Hmm," he contemplates his options for a moment. "I think I might need to see what you already have before I make my decision. Where's your store?"

"It's downtown," I dug in my purse for one of my business cards, handing it to him. "We're open Monday through Saturday."

He looks at the card, smiling. "Is that your number at the bottom."

"Yes, I can be reached at that number." I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling like a lunatic.

"Well, I guess I'll have to stop by then." He winks at me, and my brain disconnects from my body. I've never been flirted with so well before.

"You ready Bella?" Angela comes over, the check for the painting going in the pouch she takes to the bank.

I fight off the disappointment of my time with Edward coming to an end. "Yeah," I tell her, looking back to Edward. "We have another delivery to make. I guess I'll see you… around."

"You can count on it." He smiles again and I flush.

"You're glowing right now." Angela says as we make our way back to the truck. "Care to share?"

My hands cover my cheeks, feeling how hot they are. "Is it that obvious?"

"You're the shade of a tomato right now." She laughs when I look at her like a deer in headlights.

"You know that guy I told you about that I ran into a few weeks ago?" I get behind the wheel as she slides in beside me.
"Mhm. The one with the green eyes you haven't stopped talking about." I feel my face get impossibly hotter. His eyes were so unique. I'd been seeing them in my dreams ever since.

"That was him." I pull away from the curb, biting my lip when I think about the way he looked at me. That small smile that did funny things to my insides.

"That was him?" Angela looks back in the direction of the office. "You're mystery man in Edward Cullen? That's crazy! Do you realize how big of a deal Cullen & Volturi, LLC is? They're the most sought after marketing firm in the city."

"I didn't know that. That makes me want to throw up a little bit." I grip the steering wheel tighter.

Angela taps my shoulder excitedly. "This could mean big things for you. Just think about how many connections he has."

It was Angela's job to find opportunities for me, different ways for me to get my name out there. I get why that's where her mind went.

"I think I have a massive crush, Ang." I bit my lip. "I think he was flirting with me."

She squeals. "I can't blame him. You are pretty amazing."

"I don't know what I'm doing." It had been so long since I'd dated; I was out of practice. I'd let myself become so absorbed in my work and taking care of my mom, that I'd let my personal life go. My mom fussed that I was older than she was and got on me about going out and having fun. I didn't want to tell her that I was afraid to leave her alone. The thought of her falling while I was gone, unable to get up, left me paralyzed. I'd had to help her up from spills she'd taken when I was home. During the day, one of our neighbors spent time with her, making sure she was okay. But Kate was only available during the day.

Angela pats my shoulder, "Your mom will be okay." I'd shared my fears with Ang so many times, she probably knew them better than me. "I know that she wants you to live your life, she told me." She was as close to my mom as she was with me.

"I know. I just get scared."

Angela pats my shoulder. "I know and that's okay. But I'm here for you, you're more than just my boss, you know. You're also my friend. I want to see you happy."

"Thanks, Ang."

"Anytime." She squeezes my shoulder.

A/N: Anyone who's a caregiver, my heart goes out to you. It's not easy.

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