Chapter Eleven - First, Second, or Third Sight

“Sometimes you put up walls, not to keep people out; but to see who cares enough to break them down.” ~Unknown

Chapter Eleven – First, Second, or Third Sight

BPOV

I woke up feeling groggy and irritable. Last night, I tossed and turned, my dreams overwhelmed by Edward. I wished so deeply that I could go back to Forks, go back to being the quiet girl in the corner, but that wouldn’t fulfill my dreams of Dartmouth. I would not run. I would not hide. I was going to be a strong, independent woman. But that didn’t mean my body didn’t yearn for him.

All of this was frighteningly new territory for me. Here I was an 18 year old virgin, amongst an entire campus full of experienced people. Well, maybe not. But what were the odds that there were other 18 year old virgins here? Not likely. I was a dying breed. Maybe if I had taken my head out of a book long enough, I could have found someone that meant enough to me to be intimate with. But that all seemed so ridiculous back in Forks.

Here at Dartmouth, I felt inadequate. Inexperienced. And most of all, I was more than a little intimidated. I made my way over to the mirror and looked at myself; it wasn’t as if I was ugly. I just wasn’t like Rose or Alice, or any of the other girls on the campus for that matter. I guess you could call me awkward, but not all of that was in my looks though. A lot of that had to do with the way I carried myself, the way I walked, and the way I talked. I felt awkward therefore I was awkward.

I pulled my skin taught and tried to highlight my cheekbones. That only made me look asinine. For once in my painfully shy existence, I wanted to be beautiful, but I also wanted to be comfortable in my own skin. I sighed in defeat. This was obviously something that was way out of my comfort zone. I would need reliable help.

“Alice! Rosalie! You guys still here?” I called out through the semi-open door, almost wishing they weren’t here so I could forget about this bizarre idea. My luck was up when Alice poked her head in the door.

“What’s up, Bells?” She made her way over and sat Indian-style on her bed. Rosalie came in behind her and draped herself over her own bed.

I ran my fingers through my hair and huffed in frustration. I looked back at the mirror again and gestured to my reflection. “That’s what’s up, I want to be pretty. No. I want to be beautiful.” Alice started squealing and bouncing on her bed while Rose raised her brow at me.

“Any particular reason, Bella?” Rosalie always was one to cut right to the chase.

“I’m tired of being awkward and I’m tired of being a virgin.” The last part was said in a whisper. I was almost hoping that neither of them had heard me, but when my eyes met their wide ones in the mirror, I knew they had.

“You mean you’ve never…”

“No, Alice, I haven’t.”

“So you want to cash in your V-Card. Any particular person you want to give that to?” Rose smirked at me because I’m sure she already knew where this was going.

“Not necessarily, Rose.” I didn’t even sound convincing to myself. I sounded pathetic. It was obvious I was lying, but that didn’t mean I had to come out and say it either.

“I don’t think either of us buys that, but we’ll let it slide for now, right Alice?” Rose had a smug look on her face, like she had been waiting all along for this to happen.

“You know what? Just forget I said anything.” I made my way to the door, but before I had even taken five steps I was yanked back by both of them and shoved to my bed. Alice began dancing around the room grabbing things from here and there, but from my position, I wasn’t able to see what any of it was. Rosalie was turning my face to and fro, examining it from every possible angle.

“You have good facial structure. That’s a plus. We’ll at least have something to start with.”

“She’s got a great figure too.”

“Hair color works for her complexion.”

“Her new wardrobe accentuates everything.”

“A little snip here and there will make the style look fuller.”

“Eyebrows will need minimal plucking.”

“She better stop biting her nails.”

“A good moisturizer will make her skin glow.”

“As little makeup as possible will retain that wholesome look.”

They were firing off suggestions so fast that I couldn’t tell who was saying what. All I knew was that I was reaching a whole new level of terrified. They were going to pluck my eyebrows? Lord, what have I gotten myself into?

I was pulled from the bed and placed on a stool in front of the vanity, but my back was to the mirror. Someone had scissors, so I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to know what was happening. I was afraid I would panic and bolt from the room if I saw them.

I sat in that chair for hours, or at least it seemed that way. I was exfoliated, moisturized, snipped, plucked, and made up. Clothes were flying in every direction and accessories were hanging from every fixture. Every time I would chance a peek, my nerves would try to get the better of me.

When they were finally done, I was peered at from every viable angle until they deemed me worthy. At some point, one of them had placed a sheet over the mirror to keep me from peeking. I wouldn’t have had the nerve to do so otherwise, but I thought it wisest not to mention that.

Finally, they twirled me around and whipped the sheet from the mirror. My mouth fell open in shock. Surely the girl looking back at me had to be someone different. Sure she resembled Bella Swan, but she was sleeker, sexier, and a whole lot prettier. My eyes were wide and my mouth was still gaping. Both Alice and Rose were standing behind me. Alice was clapping and Rose was smiling. I assumed this meant success.

“I… is that… who… but what…” I couldn’t seem to form a coherent sentence. I wanted to thank them, but that seemed so trivial compared to the miracle they had just performed.

Both of their smiles softened simultaneously. “You’re welcome,” they said in unison.

I launched myself at them and grabbed them both in a fierce hug. I felt my eyes watering up, but blinked them back viciously. I would not cry. “Thank you. Both of you. You made me beautiful.”

Alice stepped back and looked me in the eye. “No Bella, you were already beautiful, we just highlighted it.” Rose only smiled and gave a brief nod.

It didn’t matter what she said. To me it was a miracle. I would never be able to repay them for what they had done. For once in my life, I didn’t feel out of place. In fact, for the first time ever, I felt like I might just be able to fit in.


Later that evening I was working in the library again. Alice was disappointed to say the least. She thought we should be out celebrating my newfound confidence, secretly I thought that was moving a little too fast. I wasn’t ready to take on the world yet, just a little piece of it at a time. Perhaps even someday soon I’d be able to face Edward again and not feel like a bumbling idiot. But not now. Not today. Today was for me.

I finished checking in the stack of library books that had been returned over the course of the day and loaded them onto the cart. Wandering through the stack and replacing all of the books was my favorite part of the job. I didn’t have to talk to people that much and I was able to scan the selection I had before me.

I made my way through the law and medical sections and was working my way over to the reference section when I felt like I was being watched. I glanced around nervously, but there was no one there. I laughed it off and continued on my way.

When my cart was nearly empty, I had finally made it over to the fiction section of the library. I replaced the few books that were left and took a moment to scan the titles. Seeing one of my favorites, I pulled it off the shelf and ran my fingers down the spine. I had always loved studying Shakespeare and the library here had such a wide selection to choose from. I began flipping through the pages, losing track of myself and time when I heard his voice whispering in my ear.

“The Tempest? A tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.”

I dropped the book and spun around only to find his emerald green eyes staring deeply into mine. My heart was racing and my breathing became labored. “You… you know Shakespeare?”

“Admired Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration, worth
What’s dearest to the world! Full many a lady
I have eyed with the best regard, and many a time
Th’ harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
Brought my too diligent ear; for several virtues
Have I liked several women; never any
With so full soul but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed,
And put it to the foil. But you, O you,
So perfect and so peerless, are created
Of every creature’s best.”

My heart was in my throat. Surely he didn’t mean it. There was no way in the world he would find me so attractive, so desirable. I remembered the scene quite clearly. It was the scene in which Ferdinand professes his love for Miranda. All I could do was stare at him, wide eyed and slack jawed. He bent down and picked the book up off the floor and handed it back to me.

“I’m Edward, by the way. I never properly introduced myself the other day.” He held his hand out and waited for me to speak. I wasn’t sure if I could find my voice though.

“Bella,” I whispered placing my shaking hand in his. As soon as our skin made contact, I felt that surge again. My body swayed, yearning to be against him again.

“Bella,” He purred. “A pleasure to finally meet you.” Then he brought my hand to his lips and brushed them across my knuckles. He should have looked ridiculous doing so, but he didn’t. He looked perfect. “So you’re a fan of Shakespeare I take it.”

“Yes,” I croaked. I immediately cleared my throat and tried again. “Yes, I am. I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare.”

His crooked grin flashed at me and I felt my knees go weak. “Me too. I much prefer the classics.”

He couldn’t be serious. This God-like man in front of me couldn’t be that perfect. He had to be too good to be true. “Me too.” That was all my jumbled brain could come up with.

Edward looked down before peeking up at me through his lashes. “Bella, I have something I need to tell you.”

My knees were still shaking, and he looked so damn cute peering at me that way. I wanted to lap him up. I cleared my throat yet again, “Ummm… okay.”

He shuffled his feet before he looked me square in the face. “I already knew your name. I just wanted to see if you’d actually talk to me.”

That was it? It wasn’t that shocking considering I knew his name as well. Jasper must have told him about our conversation the night before. I should have known. “Oh. Well,” I blushed. Damn my stupid cheeks! “I already knew your name too. Your roommate told me last night.”

He grinned his crooked grin at me again. “Yeah, Jasper told me.” He just continued to look at me, almost as if he was trying to figure something out, but I didn’t know what. His eyes would shift from my eyes to my lips and I wondered briefly if he was going to kiss me.

“Can I ask you something Bella?” My breath caught and all I could do was nod. “What time do you get off?”

I gulped, both elated and disappointed that he hadn’t wanted to kiss me. I wasn’t ready for that yet. “8:00.”

He glanced at his watch and smiled. “Can I buy you some coffee in 5 then?”

Was it already almost 8:00? I hadn’t realized it was so late. “Yes.” My voice was breathy and I sounded like I had run a long distance. My heart was pounding and I was sure it would beat right through my chest.

He took my hand again and brushed his lips over my knuckles once more. “I’ll be waiting.” Then he turned and walked out of the library.

I made my way back up to the reference desk in a daze. I was sure my mind was playing tricks on me and that he hadn’t really asked me out. I had always had a very vivid imagination, way too creative for my own good. Yes, I more than likely dreamed up the last part.

I walked behind the desk and gathered my things. I just needed to get back to my room and lay down because my mind was sure to drive me crazy. I waved to the other girl there, I think her name is Kate and she would be closing up at 9:00.

I was still slightly dazed as I made my way out. My mind was wandering back to Edward and I bet out a breathy sigh. He probably knew exactly what effect he had on me. I wasn’t watching where I was going and walked right into someone.

Two strong arms wrapped around me and pulled me into a hard body. Warm breath tickled my ear and I heard his husky voice whisper, “We keep meeting this way, Bella.” I let out a low moan and could have sworn I heard a sharp intake of breath.

His arms momentarily tightened around me and I whimpered. His body was so hard and firm. His scent was swirling around me, making me dizzy. I wanted to curl up into him, but instead took one shaky step forward. I turned and met his piercing green eyes. “I’m sorry.”

His arms were still wrapped loosely around me. “No complaints here.” His grin nearly stopped my heart. Then he held out his hand for mine, “Shall we?”

“Okay.” I placed my small hand in his large one and let him lead the way.


The coffee shop wasn’t too far away and we walked there in silence, my hand still in his. Neither of us had spoken, but the silence wasn’t awkward and for some inexplicable reason, I felt comfortable with him.

When we walked into the warmth of the shop, the strong smell of coffee was overpowering. I was secretly thrilled because Edward’s scent seemed to cloud my senses and I wanted to be sharp. Something told me that even while I felt safe and comfortable with him, I wouldn’t want to let my guard down.

He led us over to an empty table and held my chair for me as I sat down. I was a little shocked by the courteous gesture and briefly considered that he might only be trying to impress me. I glanced at him, but he wasn’t giving anything away.

The barista made his way over to us and we gave him our selections. “What can I get for youse?”

“Umm, I’ll have an Iced Caramel Macchiato, please.” I looked over at Edward and saw him smile at me. He had to stop doing that.

“Caffé Misto, please.” The barista nodded and made his way back to the counter. I was nervously playing with my fingers when I felt one of his hands take mine. I glanced up, meeting his eye and noticed he was grinning at me again.

“So, Bella,” his eyes were twinkling at me and he looked so incredibly happy. “Tell me more about yourself.”

What could he possibly find interesting about a small town girl like me? I quickly shook that thought out of my head and remembered that I wanted to be cool and confident. “What would you like to know, Edward?”

“Anything you want to tell me.” He began toying with my fingers, staring me straight in the eye. “Why don’t you start by telling me where you’re from?”

I smiled back at him and prayed my body and breathing wouldn’t betray me. “Nowhere special.” I tried being coquettish and desperately hoped I was pulling it off.

His fingers continued stroking my palm and brushing my fingertips. “Is it a secret or something?” His eyes were amused, but not in a cruel way.

I leaned across the table conspiratorially, “If I told you, I’m afraid I’d have to kill you. That would be a shame.”

His face lit with humor as he played along. “Is that right?” When I nodded my assent, he went on. “Well, I’d hate to die before I got to know you. Why don’t we start with something simpler?”

Just then, the barista came back with our coffee. Edward gave him some money and he quietly left. His green eyes pierced mine again before he spoke. “Where were we?”

My heart was still hammering against my chest. I was afraid it might bruise my sternum if it kept up this furious pace. “You decided to ask me something other than where I’m from.”

“Right. Well then, what’s your favorite color?”

His line of questioning changed so quickly it threw me off course. I answered before my brain registered the reaction. “Green.” My cheeks immediately flamed.

“Is there something wrong with green?” I felt my cheeks getting warmer and warmer.

“No. Nothing.”

“Then why the blush?”


EPOV

This morning, I woke with a spring in my step. I finally had a plan in motion that might get me the chance to meet truck girl. That is, if she was really working at the library and not just studying. And if she was actually there tonight. But I wasn’t going to let thoughts like that get me down. I was finally going to approach her, today.

I walked out of the room and found Jasper in his usual spot, sitting on the couch with coffee in hand. Emmett’s and my coffee were sitting on the table. “Thanks man.” I made my way over and picked up one large steaming cup. My day had just gotten even better.

Jasper was giving me an odd look. I glanced down at myself to make sure I had dressed before making my way out of the bedroom. Finding nothing amiss, I looked over at him questioningly, “What?”

“Nothing really. You just seem awfully chipper for someone who hasn’t had their morning brew.”

I shrugged. I didn’t want to spill my plan just yet. Instead I walked over and sat on the other end of the couch. “So, you were out late last night with that Alice chick. How’s that going?”

There was a flash of mischief in his eyes before he sobered up. “It’s going good. She’s great, absolutely great. I ended up walking her back to her dorm last night and chatting with her for an hour or so.” He was trying to be nonchalant about it, but I had a feeling he was working his toward something.

“Oh really? And what did you talk about for an hour or so?”

“Just where we came from and what we are planning on doing while we’re here. She’s majoring in Theatrical Design. After talking with her for a little while, I’m thinking it’s the perfect major for her.”

While on one hand I was happy that Jasper had found his girl, the other hand couldn’t help but be disappointed that he had no information for me. “That’s great Jasper. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks man. I can’t really explain it, but I just have a feeling about her.”

I knew what he was talking about. I had the same feeling about truck girl, one that was inexplicable. It felt like there was some kind of force drawing me to her. “I think I know what you mean. I have that same feeling.”

He was silent for a moment before he continued. “Those are all some really intelligent girls. Rosalie is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Bella is majoring in English Literature.” My ears perked up at that. Bella.

“Rosalie and Bella?” I couldn’t keep the interest out of my voice, so I didn’t bother trying.

“Yeah, they’re Alice’s roommates.” He was grinning at me. He knew what I wanted to know, but the bastard wouldn’t just come out and say it.

“It’s Bella isn’t it?” Somehow I just knew. The name suited her perfectly. Bella. Beautiful. Beautiful Bella.

“You know, there’s a part of me that would love to string you along, but I don’t have the heart to do it. She said to tell you hey.” He burst out laughing at that but I didn’t get the joke.

“Okay…” I raised one brow at him while he sat there holding his stomach, trying to contain his laughter.

“If you could have seen her face, man. She came barreling into the room last night and slammed the door before she realized anyone was there.” He was still laughing, but I was able to make out what he was saying anyway. “Then she sobered up really quickly and was calm as hell right away. I told her that I’d heard a lot about her.”

My stomach was sinking. There was no way he’d do that. A real friend wouldn’t throw me under the bus that way. “Please Jasper, you didn’t, did you?”

He was still cracking up and he was starting to gasp for air. “Yep, I sure did! I told her that she had met one of my roommates already and that Edward remembered her vividly.”

That was all it took. I grabbed him and had him in a headlock before he could register the movement. “What else did you say?” I roared at him. I couldn’t believe he would do something so underhanded.

“Nothing! Nothing, I swear!” He was shouting now too, but he was still laughing. “Right after that she said, ‘Well you tell Edward I said hey,’ and then she walked away.”

“What the hell is going on out here?!?” Emmett was standing in the doorway of the bedroom in only his boxers. He had a pissed off look on his face. Apparently we had woken him up.

I dropped Jasper on the ground where he continued to roll around laughing. I wanted to kick him in the side, but that wouldn’t have been very friendly of me. After all, he had found out her name for me. “Nothing Emmett. Sorry we woke you. Jasper was being an idiot.”

“I… was… not!”

“Get yourself under control asshole.” I shoved him with the toe of my shoe.

After a couple more minutes, he was sitting on the couch again with a stupid grin on his face. At least he wasn’t laughing anymore. Emmett had already gotten dressed and was drinking his coffee when he asked again. “Anyone want to tell me now what the hell was going on?”

Jasper started laughing once more and I just rolled my eyes. It was going to be a long day.


At seven that evening, I made my way over to the library. Apparently Jasper had gotten more information than he had initially let on. Alice was chock full of information about Bella. She had indeed gotten into Dartmouth on scholarship and came from a tiny town on the West Coast. Her father was the Chief of Police there, but either Alice didn’t tell Jasper where it was, or she didn’t know for sure.

Either way, she had also told Jasper about Bella working at the library and had disclosed her work schedule. Now I just had to utilize the information I had at hand. I planned on going in and watching her unobserved if at all possible. I wanted to see the way she moved when she thought no one was looking.

If I was going to be completely honest with myself, I just wanted to see her. And I was going to talk to her too. Nothing was going to stop me at this point.

Entering the library was an experience. I had never spent too much time in them in the past. I never had a need to. Libraries themselves always reminded me of Carlisle and his domain at home. Perhaps that was the reason I avoided them, but I was willing to overlook all of that for Bella.

I glanced around and noticed a girl sitting behind the reference desk. She had shoulder length dark hair and she was reading a book. Upon closer inspection I noticed her nametag said ‘Kate.’ She looked up as I got closer and smiled at me. It wasn’t a flirtatious smile, but a welcoming one.

“Can I help you?” Her soprano voice was smooth, but it didn’t affect me the same was Bella’s did.

“No thanks. I was just going to look around.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need anything.” Then she went back to her book. I was surprised to find out that I was pleased she hadn’t tried to throw herself at me. That thought brought Tanya back to the forefront of my mind. I shoved her aside though and made my way through the stacks.

As I turned a corner, I saw her. She was pushing a cart and replacing books on the shelf. As she went along she was tidying up the stacks as well, but the sight of her took my breath away. I don’t know how long I stood there just looking at her, but I couldn’t bring myself to do anything else just yet.

She was making her way over to the reference section when she sensed me. I could see it in the stiffening of her shoulders and the defensive stance she took. I quickly ducked behind the closest stack and prayed she hadn’t noticed me. After a couple moments, I peeked around and saw her going about her business.

I followed her from a distance and just watched. She had a small smile gracing her pouty lips and I wanted to rush over, take her in my arms, and kiss her senseless. But I didn’t. Instead I continued to watch.

When she finally made it to the fiction section, she started running her hands over the books on the shelf to her right. Her face was lit with joy as she pulled one worn book off the shelf and stroked it lovingly. I wanted so badly to know what she was thinking and what book had given her such joy.

She opened the book and began to read. All I could do was stare at her. She looked so wonderful, so breath-taking. Something about her looked different from before, not dramatically so, but she was radiant. Before I knew it, I had crept closer to her and was standing right behind her looking over her shoulder. She was reading The Tempest.

I had always had a love of literature and had read Shakespeare frequently, of course no one really knew that, but that was neither here nor there. I remembered this work vividly. It had been once of my favorites, and she happened to be reading one of my favorite parts. For some unknown reason, I wanted to impress this girl, and what better way to do it than to quote Shakespeare? My brain went into overdrive thinking of which line to quote. What popped into my head shocked the hell out of me.

I am, in my condition,
A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king
(I would not so), and would no more endure
This wooden slavery than to suffer
The fleshfly blow my mouth. Hear my soul speak!
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service; there resides,
To make me slave to itl and for your sake
Am I this-patient log-man.

I almost turned and fled the library. The words were too close for comfort. Hear my soul speak! I thought of the lullaby I had been composing. My soul had been bared and I felt vulnerable. Surely it wasn’t love? Could it happen like this? I knew almost nothing about her, yet I couldn’t help but feel like she was a part of me. I needed her. All of her. Not to own, not to possess, but merely to cherish.

I chickened out immediately and chose another passage. I didn’t want to scare her way, after all. What would she think if I had spouted off a passage of love on our first meeting? She would have thought I was crazy for sure. No, I couldn’t open myself like that just yet. Instead I leaned further into her and spoke in her ear.

“The Tempest? A tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.”

I heard her gasp as she dropped her book and spun around to face me. I wasn’t prepared to look into her eyes again. Especially not this closely. I had to fight the urge to grab her once again. Nor was I prepared to hear her voice again, but when she spoke, I felt her siren’s call once more.

“You… you know Shakespeare?” Her eyes were huge and her breath was heaving. I tried not to notice that her chest was rising and falling at a rapid rate. Instead I recited the more appropriate passage.

“Admired Miranda!
Indeed the top of admiration, worth
What’s dearest to the world! Full many a lady
I have eyed with the best regard, and many a time
Th’ harmony of their tongues hath into bondage
Brought my too diligent ear; for several virtues
Have I liked several women; never any
With so full soul but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed,
And put it to the foil. But you, O you,
So perfect and so peerless, are created
Of every creature’s best.”

That was much better than professing my undying love right now. Maybe she’d even agree to go out with me. I just had to take that chance and hope that it paid off. Please let it pay off. When she didn’t say anything I bent down to pick the book up off the floor. She still looked stunned and I decided to take that as a good sign.

“I’m Edward, by the way. I never properly introduced myself the other day.” I held my hand out, waiting for her to just say something, anything.

“Bella,” she whispered and placed her shaking hand in mine. There was a surge of heat and electricity when her small hand made contact with mine. Her body swayed and I thought for a minute she might faint.

“Bella,” I repeated, Beautiful Bella. “A pleasure to finally meet you.” I brought her small hand to my mouth and brushed my lips over her knuckles. I heard her breathing hitch again. “So you’re a fan of Shakespeare I take it.”

“Yes,” it came out like a throaty purr and my knees nearly buckled. “Yes, I am. I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare.”

I flashed my grin at her again, we had something in common. “Me too. I much prefer the classics.”

She still looked shocked and she whispered back, “Me too.”

I suddenly felt guilty about pursuing her this way. I didn’t want our relationship to start off on the wrong foot. “Bella, I have something I need to tell you.”

She cleared her throat and looked me right in the eye, “Ummm… okay.”

I couldn’t help but shuffle my feet. I was nervous that she’d be angry or feel betrayed. “I already knew your name. I just wanted to see if you’d actually talk to me.”

She just stared at me. My heart started racing and I thought she was going to walk away, then she said, “Oh. Well,” her cheeks tinted pink and it was the most endearing thing I had ever seen. I didn’t know girls still blushed. “I already knew your name too. Your roommate told me last night.”

I had to grin again since she was being honest right back with me. “Yeah, Jasper told me.” I couldn’t help but look at her. She was so beautiful, standing there before me with her cheeks still colored with a lovely blush. I had the urge to kiss her. Her lips were so full and pouty, I wanted to take her bottom lip between my teeth and chew on it.

“Can I ask you something Bella?” I debated asking whether or not I could kiss her, but that might be too forward. I didn’t want to scare her away. Her breathing pattern told me she expected that anyway, so I changed tactics. “What time do you get off?”

I saw her swallow, hard. I was mesmerized by the long column of her throat. I could make out her jugular and could see the frantic pace of her heart. Her eyes were clouding and she whispered, “8:00.”

I glanced at my watch and realized I had timed this perfectly. I couldn’t help but smile. “Can I buy you some coffee in 5 then?”

Her heart was still racing and her voice was still breathy when she answered, “Yes.” I nearly groaned. How many times had I imagined her voice in just that way? Probably too many to count.

I had to get out of here and clear my head before I threw her up against the stack and took her like a madman. Instead I took her hand once more and brushed my lips across her knuckles again. “I’ll be waiting.” Then I turned and walked out of the library.

I sat on the wall outside the library and tried to calm myself down. My heart was racing as well and there was a stirring in the pit of my stomach. I had never before been nervous about taking a girl out somewhere, why was this happening now? Because this one matters. I thought about that for a minute and realized yes, Bella did matter. Who cared that I didn’t know her yet? Who cared where she came from or why she was here? All that really mattered was that she was here, and I would know her. Soon.

I glanced up when I heard the door of the library. She looked like she was off in her own world and that wicked smile was gracing her lips once more. She absolutely took my breath away. I walked toward her to meet her and realized she hadn’t noticed me. I knew it was evil, but I couldn’t stop from planting myself directly in her path.

What I hadn’t been prepared for was the feeling of Bella’s body against mine again. I wrapped my arms around her to keep her from falling and my voice dropped to a husky whisper, “We keep meeting this way, Bella.” I heard a low moan and again I nearly came undone. I sucked in a breath through my teeth. This girl was going to be the death of me.

I tightened my arms around her and tried to calm my raging hormones. My body was screaming at me to take her now, here in front of the library. My brain was telling me I should wait until she came to me. I heard her whimper before she took a step forward and turned to face me. “I’m sorry.” Her voice floated around me, calming me instantly.

I didn’t want to let go of her yet, but I loosened my hold. “No complaints here.” And I most certainly wouldn’t ever complain about having her in my arms. I grinned at the thought, stepped away, and held out my hand, “Shall we?”

Without hesitation, she said, “Okay.” Then she put her tiny hand in mine and let me take the lead.


We walked to the coffee shop in comfortable silence. I was enjoying the fact that she didn’t feel the need to fill the void with inane chatter. It was comforting. I had never in my life smiled more or been more at peace than I was at this moment with Bella. She, like my music, would be my saving grace.

The coffee shop was warm and inviting, just like Jasper described it. The scent of coffee was strong, but I could still make out Bella’s scent beneath the strong scent of what was brewing. It was a scent that had been burned in my memory.

I led the way to a small empty table in the corner and pulled her chair out for her. She eyed me warily for a moment before sitting down. It was as if no other guy had ever held her chair for her. I had the irrational urge to track down any male that had ever been in her life and beat them senseless for their poor treatment of this beautiful girl

The barista made his way over to us and we gave him our selections. “What can I get for youse?”

“Umm, I’ll have an Iced Caramel Macchiato, please.” She glanced at me nervously once again, so I just smiled. I admit, I was trying to charm her.

“Caffé Misto, please.” The barista nodded and made his way back to the counter.

Her hands were sitting on top of the table and she was playing with her fingers. It was such a cute and nervous gesture, but I wanted her to be comfortable with me. I put my hand over top of hers to still them.

“So, Bella,” I just wanted her to talk. I could have listened to her and talked to her for hours. I was once again filled with an overwhelming sense of joy by just being near her. “Tell me more about yourself.”

She seemed to consider what she wanted to say. I wanted to know everything about her. Where she was from, what her life had been like, her deepest desires, and everything in between. “What would you like to know, Edward?”

“Anything you want to tell me.” Idly, I played with her fingers. Her tiny warm hands felt right in mine. I wanted to hold her hand for eternity if she would allow it. “Why don’t you start by telling me where you’re from?”

She smiled at me and my heart swelled again. “Nowhere special.” Her voice was flirty and I felt that urge to take again. I banked my desire and smiled back.

I stroked her palm and the tips of her fingers reveling in the wonder of her hand in mine. “Is it a secret or something?” I couldn’t help but be fascinated by her. Most girls wouldn’t shut up about themselves and this one seemed to have too many secrets.

Then she leaned over the table and my eyes nearly fell out of my head. Her cleavage was straining against her shirt, but her eyes held amusement, “If I told you, I’m afraid I’d have to kill you. That would be a shame.”

My grin nearly split my face. She actually had a sense of humor as well. I was nearly convinced that she was perfection personified. I decided to play along with her. “Is that right?” Her hair bounced around when she nodded her head and the scent of strawberries reached my nose. “Well, I’d hate to die before I got to know you. Why don’t we start with something simpler?” And I did want to know her. All of her.

Just then, the barista came back with our coffee. I gave him some money and a handsome tip to ensure we wouldn’t be bothered. When he made his way back behind the counter I captured her gaze once more. “Where were we?”

I could see her pulse racing again and liked that I had that affect on her. “You decided to ask me something other than where I’m from.”

“Right. Well then, what’s your favorite color?” This question was so different from my previous one that I threw her off guard.

“Green.” She stated emphatically before her cheeks flamed again. I was intrigued.

“Is there something wrong with green?” Her blush deepened and I couldn’t figure out why she would have been embarrassed by her favorite color.

“No. Nothing.”

Not knowing was driving me crazy. I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Then why the blush?”