Chapter Twelve - Interruptions and Distractions

“It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.” ~Unknown

Chapter Twelve – Interruptions and Distractions

BPOV

I was saved from answering his question by the ringing of my phone. Cliché as it sounded, all I could think was, saved by the bell. I pulled it out of my pocket and breathed a sigh of relief. Alice.

“Hey Alice, what’s up?”

“Bella! I was so worried about you when you didn’t come home.”

I immediately felt guilty for not calling and telling her I would be late. I certainly hadn’t meant to make anyone worry about me.

“I’m so sorry Alice. I should have called you, but everything kind of happened so fast.”

“Oh my God!” she screamed into the phone. “What happened? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where are you?” She was firing off questions in rapid succession, leaving me no chance to answer.

“Alice! Please calm down. Everything is fine.” I tried my best to sound soothing, the last thing I needed was for her to get hysterical on me.

“Are you sure?” She didn’t sound completely convinced, but at least she wasn’t screaming anymore.

“Of course. Edward showed up at the library just before my shift ended and asked me if he could buy me a cup of coffee.” I couldn’t help but notice he was watching me intently, as if gauging my mood.

“Oooohhhh…” it was long and drawn out as she said it, like she was reading much more into it than was actually there. “Well, I’ll let you go then. See you later, and have fun!”

“But…” she hung up before I could even say anything else. All I could do was stare at my phone. When I heard someone chuckle, I glanced up to find Edward with that damn lopsided grin in his face. The same grin that made my knees weak and my heart misbehave.

“Trouble?”

“Um, no. Just my roommate Alice. She was worried about me when I didn’t come home.”

His eyes changed and he looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize Alice would be so concerned.”

“No, it’s okay. That’s just the way Alice is.” I wanted to change the subject and bring him out of whatever funk he had gotten into. “Um, where were we?”

The embarrassment vanished from his face and was replaced by a mischievous look that put me on edge. My heart started pounding again and I was suddenly very nervous. “I was asking you why you were blushing.”

I should have known he would get back to that question, but why did I have to lead him right back to it myself? “Oh, right. Um, no particular reason.”

He just kept smiling at me. “You don’t think I really buy that do you?”

“Yes?” I said hopefully. I really didn’t want to get into it. Actually, I was hoping a hole would open up in the floor and swallow me up.

He put his hand to his chin, like he was contemplating the mysteries of the universe before he grinned at me once again. “Sorry, no dice.”

“I blush easy. And you were staring at me.” Well, it was partially true anyway.

He cocked his head to the side and considered me for a moment. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a horrible liar? Try again.” I wanted to throttle him.

“Fine!” I threw my hands in the air in frustration. “It’s your eyes, okay? Your eyes are green, you big jerk!”

Humor lit his features as he considered my answer. “Now that, I believe.” My cheeks flamed again as he went on, “But I like it. Just like I like your eyes. They’re so warm and inviting.” The playfulness was gone, only to be replaced with a sincerity I couldn’t understand.

“Thank you.” I whispered breathlessly.

He took my hand in his again and started tracing patterns on the back and along my wrist. The current flowing between us was nearly unbearable. I wanted to jerk my hand away, but I was frozen in his gaze. “Do you feel that, Bella?”

I didn’t even pretend I didn’t understand him, I only nodded jerkily.

“I feel drawn to you, like a moth to flame. I wonder why that is. Do you?” His long fingers kept toying with my hand, causing tingles to race up and down my arm.

“I don’t know.” I didn’t really. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to know.

His eyes narrowed as he stared into me. I could feel his gaze penetrating me, down to my soul. His hand wrapped around my wrist and held there firmly. “Your pulse is racing.” Then he took my hand and placed it against his chest so I could feel his heart thundering under his shirt. “So is mine. Can you feel it?”

I felt trapped. Caught up in him and what he was doing to me. Never before had I had this kind of reaction to someone. And you never will again. My mind was traitorous; my body was too. Both yearned for him, longed to be wrapped in his arms again. I started trembling without even knowing it. Shaking like a leaf because he was just too damn close. “Yes,” I whispered.

He leaned forward, over the small table between us and I was yanked out of my trance. I was afraid he would kiss me. Afraid if he did, my walls would come tumbling down and I would be irrevocably lost in him. My pulse was still racing and my breathing was shallow, but I managed to pull away and clear my throat.

“Do I frighten you?” My head snapped up and I stared at him in shock. How could he know?

“Maybe a little. More the situation frightens me.” I knew that wasn’t going to suffice. I would have to hash this out now.

“The situation? What does that mean?” He looked confused.

I sighed before taking a long drink of my coffee. I was trying desperately to gather my thoughts so I could tell him I didn’t want a relationship.

“My mother died,” I blurted out before I could think of a better way to start. His eyes softened and he started to say something before I cut him off. “No. Don’t say anything. It was a long time ago. What I meant to say was that my father never got over that. I don’t really remember my mother at all, but Charlie does and I watched it eat at him everyday of my life.”

“Okay, but I still don’t understand.”

“Look, I made a promise to myself a long time ago. I was never going to get into a relationship. Never going to allow someone the chance to hurt me the way Charlie hurts. Never going to fall in love.” I looked away briefly before looking back at him. “All it does is complicate your life. And you have complication written all over you.”

He seemed partially amused and a lot frustrated by my answer. “You act like I’m asking you to marry me and bear my children.”

I laughed at that because he was absolutely right. I was terrified of the way he made me feel. Terrified that starting something with him now could someday lead to wedding bells and carriages. “Maybe. But I don’t have a lot of experience with relationships. Actually, I don’t have any. I’ve never allowed myself to get involved. With anyone.”

I hoped he was able to understand the severity of what I was saying to him. I wasn’t about to let him get close, I couldn’t risk my heart that way.

I saw as realization dawned on him. “Never?”

“No, never. And like I said, you have complication written all over you.”

He ran his hands through his gorgeous hair and I had to bite the inside of my lip. Why did he have to be so damn sexy?

“How about this… can we be friends? Maybe hang out sometimes?” He had my hand again like he was frantically trying to hold on to me.

I sighed again because I had no willpower against him. How could I possibly tell him no? I glanced down at our entwined fingers before giving his a quick squeeze.

“I suppose.”

His face lit up like a kid’s on Christmas morning. Then he brought my hand to his lips once more and he winked.

“I promise to make it worth your time.”

And of course, my traitorous heart stuttered.


Edward was such a gentleman. It was really a shame that I wasn’t going to allow myself to fall in love, because really, he was just the kind of guy I could see myself falling for. Other than being a cocky bastard, he was also witty and smart, two things I found myself extremely drawn to.

I immediately felt nervous for agreeing to be friends with him. It could only lead to disaster. At the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder what he found so intriguing about me. It was obvious he was telling the truth about being drawn to me. Every time his gaze caught mine I could see the emotions boiling under the surface. Either that or he was an extremely skilled liar.

Would that be so bad though? If he was lying to me only to get me in his bed, would I have been able to find a more attentive lover? Even without any experience, I knew the answer was no. No one had ever made me feel the way he did. No one would ever make my body yearn for theirs like he did. And most of all, in all of my almost 19 years, no one had weakened my resolve as absolutely and completely as he had.

The only problem was that for all the bravado I had shown earlier, I was suddenly frightened about losing my virginity. Of course, it wasn’t like I was giving it to him tonight, but I knew before long I would end up having sex with Edward. Whether that was his intent or not, I didn’t know, but I did know that it was inevitable.

Somewhere around 11:30 I felt the panic start creeping in. I was sure to fall short in comparison to him, in any and all aspects. There was no way I would ever please him. It was probably a better idea to cut my losses now so he could move on and find someone more suitable to him. As if he could hear my internal struggle, his arm came around me and he started guiding us back toward our dorm.

“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” His voice was directly in my ear and I couldn’t hold back the shudder that coursed through me. I felt his grin against the sensitive skin at my jugular.

“N..Nothing,” I stuttered, damning him to the pits of hell for having so much control over my body.

“Remember what I told you about you being a horrible liar?” His amusement was clear and I huffed in annoyance.

“Look, Edward.”

“Uh-oh. That sounds serious.”

Somehow, we were already standing in front of my door, although how he knew which was mine, I wasn’t sure. I tried my best to glare at him, but he just looked back at me with that same sparkle in his eye.

“Look,” I started again, daring him to interrupt me. “I’ve given this some thought, and I’m not sure,” he cut me off before I could go on.

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

I huffed again, annoyed because he was trying to charm me. I had to stand my ground.

“I don’t think,” he pulled me closer to him and released the full power of his gaze on me. His breath was whispering across my cheek and I could actually feel my eyes losing their focus. His hands skimmed down my sides until his fingers were entwined once again with mine. My heart was beating a rapid tattoo in my chest.

“Please, Bella? Please come out with me tomorrow. We can go somewhere with Alice and Jasper if it will make you feel better.” My determination was slowly slipping away, running with the wind.

“I’m starting to think this isn’t such a good idea,” I mumbled into his chest. I could have sworn I felt his heart skip a beat before it kicked back into high gear, pounding against mine as he held me close.

“Well then, if that’s the case, I might as well get this out of the way.”

I looked up at him, ready to ask him what he meant when he leaned down and captured my lips with his. In that moment, time stood still, worlds collided, and my heart was lost. Slowly and gently his mouth moved over mine, tasting me, savoring me, fulfilling me. It took all the strength I had to stay upright as he skillfully shattered every ounce of control I had.

When his tongue brushed across my lips, I opened my mouth without thinking and was suddenly assaulted with the flavor of him. His scent was swirling around me, orange blossoms, sunshine, and honey. He probed the recesses of my mouth like a starving man, caressing my tongue with his, and gently pulling mine into his mouth.

His hands skimmed back up my sides and cupped my face gently, like I was something fragile to be cherished. That was all it took before my brain caught up and my hands shot out on their own accord to lock themselves in his hair. He groaned into my mouth and I plastered my body to his, pulling him as close to me as I could get him.

He backed me up so I was against the wall and my legs hitched up to wrap around his waist. The kiss was no longer gentle and slow, but had turned into a raging inferno. My body was burning and my skin was on fire. Everywhere his roaming hands touched me I felt singed. I was whimpering in his mouth without knowing it and my chest was heaving, searing with the need for air.

I threw my head back and his mouth attached to my throat, licking me and nipping at me. I was moaning wildly and my head was thrashing back and forth, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. Something in me had snapped and I was too deliriously aroused to care. His teeth attached to my neck; I yelped in surprise before clawing at his back, trying urgently to shed him of whatever clothing was barring his body from me.

I could distinctly feel his erection pressing into my center and ground myself down on him. That apparently triggered something in him and he groaned once more before breathlessly saying, “Stop.”

He pressed his forehead to mine and we were both violently gasping for air like madmen. I was both pleased and ashamed of myself for reacting so vividly to his touch. I couldn’t for the life of me, figure out what had come over me. He raised his head to look at me before cupping my face in his hands again.

“Bella, we need to stop.” Then he muttered under his breath, “Never thought I would say that.”

For some reason or another, that struck me as funny and I broke into hysterical giggles. I should have been scared, or even mildly shocked at myself but all I could do was laugh. His eyes narrowed at me before he brushed his nose along my jaw line, effectively shutting me up.

“Please see me tomorrow.” The sight of this glorious man begging me crushed my resolve and I went limp against him.

“Okay,” I said, utterly defeated.

His lips skimmed over my face, across my eyes, and stopped to give me one more peck, right on my swollen lips. “Thank you,” he said, before unwrapping my legs from around him, gently placing me back on the ground, and releasing me.

He took a couple steps away, in the direction of his own room before he said one last thing, “Jesus woman. You’re going to be the death of me.”

It shocked me to my core that he’d had the same thoughts that I had a few short days before. Then I heard him whistling his way down the hall while I stood there with my heart hammering in my ears. Cocky bastard.


EPOV

Before she had a chance to answer me, her phone started ringing. I was determined at that point that we would get back to the question at hand. That damn blush looked so stunning on her face. It made her look innocent and delectable all at once.

Her soothing voice broke me from my thoughts. She was trying to convince Alice that she was okay. Must be the Alice Jasper had been talking about for days. Then she was talking about me and my name from her lips sounded so heavenly. I was desperate to know what she was thinking when she said it.

I continued to watch as she sputtered then stared at her phone with such a cute and annoyed expression on her face. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her dismay. It seemed Alice must approve of Bella being with me if she was so quick to let us get back to our date. No Cullen. A date is when you pick her up at her home at a prearranged time. This was an ambush. Ambush or not, she was sitting across from me and I was going to make the most of it.

“Trouble?” I asked, assuming Alice just wanted to chat.

“Um, no. Just my roommate Alice. She was worried about me when I didn’t come home.”

Suddenly, I felt guilty for not allowing her time to check in with her friends, or stop by her room first. I had just been so eager to have her with me that I hadn’t considered anyone or anything else. I was rather embarrassing.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize Alice would be so concerned.”

More like you didn’t care. She interrupted my thoughts before I could continue to berate myself for my selfishness.

“No, it’s okay. That’s just the way Alice is,” she said, as if that explained everything. Which, I guess from everything I had already learned about her from Jasper, it was. “Um, where were we?” she continued, giving me the perfect opportunity to get back to my previous question. She looked nervous as to what I would say, but I wasn’t going to let that deter me. Nothing could at this point.

“I was asking you why you were blushing,” I said, and sure enough, the flush stained her cheeks once more.

“Oh, right,” she stuttered, endearing her to me even further. “Um, no particular reason.”

Yeah, like I believed that. I just continued to smile at her, amused that she thought she could fool me.

“You don’t think I really buy that do you?” I certainly hoped she didn’t. She didn’t look stupid.

“Yes?” she sounding so cute questioning herself that way that I had to swallow back a chuckle. Instead, I put my hand to my chin and pretended to consider it. Yeah, right.

“Sorry, no dice.” I had to know why she was embarrassed.

“I blush easy. And you were staring at me.”

The second part she seemed to add as an afterthought. I cocked my head as I considered that. It may or may not have been true, but it definitely wasn’t the whole story.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re a horrible liar? Try again.”

If I had to, I would annoy the answer out of her. If I knew one thing about myself, it was that I was persistent. Or hardheaded. Either one worked for me. She didn’t look amused. She looked like she wanted to pummel me. Success!

“Fine!” she yelled, throwing her hands up in the air for emphasis. “It’s your eyes, okay? Your eyes are green, you big jerk!” For a moment I was stunned. She was breath-taking when she was angry. Then her words sank in and I was pleased as hell. She likes my eyes.

I couldn’t help but smile at the revelation. Maybe, just maybe, she thought of me as I thought of her if she liked my eyes so much. “Now that, I believe.” Her blush nearly broke my concentration, but I was a man on a mission now. “But I like it. Just like I like your eyes.” More like love your eyes. “They’re so warm and inviting.” Begging for me to fall into their depths.

She looked shocked, like she wasn’t sure whether to believe me or not. Then she whispered, “Thank you.” Her voice was breathless.

I grabbed her hand from the table and started running my finger from the back of it around her wrist. She stared at me like she was caught in a daze. I couldn’t help but revel in the feeling of her hand in mine. There was a humming on my skin whenever we touched. “Do you feel that Bella?” Please say yes, please tell me I’m not crazy.

She jerked her head up and down, like it was almost detached from her body. Or like she was a puppet on a string. The words started pouring from my mouth before I could stop them.

“I feel drawn to you, like a moth to a flame.” And this is probably just as dangerous. “I wonder why that is.” Because I’m afraid I might be falling in love with you. “Do you?” Please tell me you feel the same.

“I don’t know,” she said, but she looked worried. Or scared.

I set my jaw and narrowed my eyes. I couldn’t stand if she was afraid of me. I needed to show her she dazzled me just as much as I hopefully dazzled her. I grabbed her wrist, just needing to touch her, feel her soft skin against mine, hold her closer. Her pulse was racing, throbbing through her veins. “Your pulse is racing.” I put her hand on my chest, reveling in the warmth that spread through me. “So is mine. Can you feel it?”

She was trembling, but her eyes were steadily fastened to mine. Emotions were swirling there and I could feel their kin tangling around in mine. She opened her mouth and whispered, “Yes.”

I wanted to feel her lips against mine. I couldn’t get them out of my head, or the desire to kiss her. I just wanted to feel if they were as soft as they looked. I wanted to know how they tasted. Would they be tart? Would they be sweet? She looked terrified. She cleared her throat and backed away.

“Do I frighten you?” I had to cut to the chase. I wanted to make her enjoy her time with me so she would get used to it. I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible and that wouldn’t be very easy if she was petrified of me. Her head snapped up and her eyes locked on mine.

“Maybe a little. More, the situation frightens me.”

“The situation? What does that mean?” I didn’t understand what she meant. What exactly was wrong with the situation?

She took a drink of her coffee after letting out a soft sigh. She looked uncomfortable, like she didn’t really want to talk about it, but she had me so intrigued.

“My mother died,” she said in a rush. I felt a pang for her, sorry that she had to go through something like losing her mother. I’d never really had mine, but that didn’t mean I never wished I did. Before I could tell her so, she continued, “No. Don’t say anything. It was a long time ago.” What was she about? “What I meant to say was that my father never got over that. I don’t really remember my mother at all, but Charlie does and I watched it eat at him everyday of my life.”

Now we were getting somewhere, but I still didn’t understand what that had to do with me. I asked her to clarify, just so we were on the same page.

“Look, I made a promise to myself a long time ago. I was never going to get into a relationship. Never going to allow someone the chance to hurt me the way Charlie hurts. Never going to fall in love.” That was pretty crystal clear. She was trying to shut off the chances of us developing something. I wasn’t about to let that happen. She went on. “All it does is complicate your life. And you have complication written all over you.”

I felt a little put-out. Was she serious? Maybe I wasn’t the easiest person to get along with, but all I was asking for was some of her time, for now. At the same time, I was amused that she was bold enough to tell me to my face. “You act like I’m asking you to marry me and bear my children.” The idea might have had some merit, but that was all in the distant future, when I was ready for something like that.

She laughed, “Maybe. But I don’t have a lot of experience with relationships. Actually, I don’t have any. I’ve never allowed myself to get involved. With anyone.”

Each sentence was added with purpose. She stared at me to make sure I understood her meaning. Then it dawned on me. She’d never had a boyfriend. Or a lover. I felt my eyes widen a small bit. “Never?”

“No, never. And like I said, you have complication written all over you.”

Okay. Now I see why she was terrified. I must have come off pretty strong, and she had zero experience. It was obvious we were going to have to slow things way down so I didn’t scare her away. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. Of course I would get the virgin I had wished for on the first day here, but now that I had her, I wanted more than just a quick tumble in the sheets. She was right, this was complicated.

“How about this…” I started, “can we be friends? Maybe hang out sometimes?” I was willing to do spend time with her in any capacity just so she could get used to me. I took her hand anyway, trying to let her know I wanted more.

She sighed, louder than the last time and looked down at our fingers tangled together. She squeezed my hand and I felt my heart lift. “I suppose.” And then I was soaring. I had never felt happier than I had since I’d first run into her.

I brought her hand to my lips again, wanting to stake my claim early. “I promise to make it worth your while.” I figured she deserved a warning to let her know I was ready to woo her.


Bella and I walked all over the campus just chatting. I told her that I was teaching piano lessons over at the Hopkins Center. She told me she was an English major. There were long moments of comfortable silence while I walked next to her. She was such a breath of fresh air.

Over the years, I had dated clingy girls who plastered themselves all over you at every waking moment and chatty girls who wanted to do nothing other than talk about themselves. Bella didn’t seem to fit into either category. She was laid back and she was innocent. Both of those qualities drew me closer and made me want to know more.

She had a far off look on her face and I was dying to know what she was thinking about. Her browed was furrowed in concentration, but she didn’t look angry. If anything, she looked very confused and worried. I walked along for a bit longer, slowly making our way back toward our dorm. It was getting late and I didn’t want her friends to worry anymore. We finally made it back to the dorms, but she was still in a daze.

Finally, when I could take no more I put my arm around her and leaned in close to her ear. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” She trembled in my arms and I grinned into her neck. I wanted so badly to feel her come apart in my arms.

“N…Nothing,” she sputtered out. Her cheeks were blushing a furious shade of red nearly making me groan.

“Remember what I told you about being a horrible liar?” If her blush hadn’t given her away, her fidgeting would have. She huffed at me causing my grin to widen.

“Look, Edward.”

I didn’t like the sound of that. I didn’t want to give her a chance to pull away. “Uh-oh. That sounds serious.” I hoped a little levity would calm her down. I stopped in front of her door and leaned against the frame.

“Look,” she said again, glaring at me. “I’ve given this some thought, and I’m not sure,” but I wasn’t about to let her finish. There was no way she was going to give me the brush off.

“Will I see you tomorrow?” She looked perplexed before she huffed at me again. Clearly she was getting annoyed, but I had broken her train of thought.

“I don’t think,” I still didn’t want to hear it. I had to do something to keep her from walking away just yet. I had to know she’d see me again. I pulled her into me and stared into her eyes before grazing my nose along her skin. I ran my hands from her shoulders, down her arms, and twisted my fingers through hers. Her chest was pressed against me and I could feel her heart pulsing.

“Please, Bella? Please come out with me tomorrow. We can go somewhere with Alice and Jasper if it will make you feel better,” I whispered softly in her ear. She was weakening. I could feel it in her posture. She was trying to pull away from me but she was only fighting herself.

She buried her face into my chest and murmured, “I’m starting to think this isn’t such a good idea.” My heart faltered. She couldn’t be turning me away already. Was this some sick joke? I set my jaw and decided I wasn’t going down without a fight.

“Well then, if that’s the case, I might as well get this out of the way.” She looked towards me and I made my move.

My lips closed firmly over hers, immediately clouding her brain. She was leaning into me now, grasping the front of my shirt with white knuckles. Her eyes were glassy and she looked stunned. I moved my mouth over hers slowly, taking in the scent and feel that was Bella. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined.

Her lips were soft and smooth and they fit perfectly under mine. The way her body was molded into mine, I couldn’t help but think she was made for me. I could smell her all around me and it was driving me mad. Strawberries and Freesia overwhelmed my senses and I licked her lips, begging for access. I had to have more. A craving was building in me, pushing me forward.

She opened her mouth and I slowly explored her mouth, licking all around. Her tongue brushed mine and I massaged it with my own. Our breath was mixing into ambrosia, permeating the air between us. I pulled her tongue into my mouth and ran my hands back up her sides and took her face in my hands. I didn’t want to push her much further.

As I was about to let her go, her hands shot out and grabbed two hands full of my hair, pulling me into her. I groaned deeply, relishing the pleasure it brought me. I felt my control slip and had her backed into the wall in an instant. Any shred of sanity I had maintained thus far fled far and away. Bella lost in passion was an amazing delight.

She bounced slightly and jumped, wrapping her legs around my waist. I grabbed hold of her hips and pinned her there so she wouldn’t fall. All rationale gone, I ravished Bella. My hands roamed all over her body, taking in her curves and her angles. Her long legs were fascinating. The way the muscles pulled and stretched had my erection springing to life. I could clearly imagine the same position without the barriers of clothing.

Her head was thrown back and she was panting, her chest heaving. A primal growl tore through me as I latched onto her neck, licking and nibbling every sensitive area I could find. She was thrashing around me, driving me insane. The need to touch her and possess her was growing. I bit her neck, just at her jugular, right below her ear. She gasped in surprise, then began pulling at my clothes and shredding my willpower.

Her hips were still lined up with mine and she was slithering around when she suddenly ground herself down into my cock. My thoughts shut off as the pleasure coursed through me. Then I remembered her innocence and my bubble burst. I couldn’t take her right here in the hallway. She hardly knew me and I was ready to steal her purity like some thief in the night.

No. Bella was special. She wasn’t going to be some toss in the sheets for me. I was determined to do this right. I had to slow down and show her that I was sincere before we went any further. The thought of it nearly brought me to me knees. Now that I’d had a taste of her zeal it was going to be hard to resist. I groaned in frustration. I was definitely going to need a cold shower tonight.

Before she could try to spur me onward, I murmured against her mouth. “Stop.” I was shaking with the effort to regain some semblance of control.

I pressed my forehead into hers while we gasped for air. We were both staring at each other with a near crazed excitement. When my breathing started to calm, I cupped her face in my palms once again. I had to take this slow.

“Bella, we need to stop.” I still couldn’t believe what I was giving up, but I was hoping it would pay off in the long run. Even that, though, didn’t make me feel any better at the moment. “Never thought I would say that,” I muttered darkly, already hating myself for the tortures I would endure tonight.

Her lips were red and swollen and she stared at me with dark, hooded eyes. Her chest was still heaving slightly and I had to look away before I buried my face there. A small giggle slipped through her lips and she looked shocked. Then a flood of laughter burst forth from her and she was laughing uncontrollably. For the life of me, I couldn’t be mad at her. I tried to glare but that wasn’t working, so I ran my nose along her jaw line again, savoring the essence of Bella. Her laughs stilled instantly.

I wasn’t going to let her go. Now, more than ever, I was resolute about winning her heart. Bella would be mine. She had to give me a chance. So I did the one thing I had never done for a woman in my life. I begged. I pleaded with Bella to see me the next day. I would go crazy if she cut me off now. I was already shamelessly addicted to her.

“Okay,” she muttered and I let out of breath of relief.

I kissed over her cheeks, across her eyes, and down her nose reverently taking her in and showing her my gratitude for her acceptance. “Thank you,” I whispered against her lips before giving her one last peck.

Her legs were still wrapped around me and as much as I was enjoying it, I had to get her into her room. My resolve was weak and my body was straining towards her. I carefully peeled her off of me and gently placed her on the ground in front of me.

I had to get away, had to clear my head, or else I would follow her. I took a few steps before looking back at her. She looked so desirable standing there with ruffled hair, flushed cheeks, and her hand over her hammering heart. I almost gave in to the pull and stepped back into her, but snapped my knees tight and gave her another once over. “Jesus woman. You’re going to be the death of me.”

Since that somehow amused me, I walked off to my room, whistling.

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?”

Chapter Ten - Come Hell or High Water

“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter Ten – Come Hell or High Water

EPOV

As usual, my thoughts were plagued by her. Truck girl. It was beginning to frustrate me to no end. Never in my life had I thought so much about one girl, then again, never in my life had I wanted one as much as I wanted her. It was throwing me off my stride.

At least I knew where she lived now. And wasn’t it a stroke of luck that she happened to be right down the hall? I didn’t want to dwell on how I had missed her all the time, or how she had managed to avoid me. Thoughts like that were sure to only piss me off.

Instead I thought about her eyes, so warm and deep. All I had to do was close my own eyes to remember how lost I felt staring into their penetrating depths. Her hair, so soft and fragrant. I could still feel it ghosting across my skin as it surrounded us both. Her lips, so luscious and full. I wanted to feel them, to taste them. Her body, so soft, yet so firm. I imagined my hands running over her, pleasuring her. Her voice, so timid and shy. I wanted to hear it again. Saying my name, whispering in my ear, screaming with desire. I shook myself out of my daze, shocked at myself and more than a little turned on. What was this girl doing to me? I still didn’t even know her name!

One thing was certain; I would make her mine. Whether she knew it or not, I did. There was no other way it could be. No way at all. I wake up every morning thinking of her, go to sleep every night dreaming of her, and spend the entirety of my days wanting her. It was getting out of control.

I glanced at my clock and noticed it was nearly 8:30. Jasper should be back with my coffee by now. It was the second best way to start my day. The only thing better would be if a certain brunette woke up beside me. But that would happen soon enough.

I walked out into the living area and was greeted by emptiness. No chattering TV, no Jasper, and the most depressing thing about it, no coffee. He was supposed to be here with my morning brew. It was our routine. It was sacred. What on Earth could possibly have been more important than our most sacred routine?

I sat on the couch and glared at the door, willing it to open. I could still faintly hear Emmett snoring away from the other room, and that only enraged me further. Who wanted to listen to that rumbling without their morning coffee? Certainly not me. I contemplated going in there and dumping him out of his too small bed, just so someone else would be as irritated as I was.

After 15 minutes of muttering and glaring, I finally heard the sound of keys in the door. I launched myself off the couch, desperate for my morning fix, but froze when Jasper walked in. He was a fucking mess. His shirt was untucked and unbuttoned, and was that coffee all down the front of him? I groaned to myself.

“Please tell me that’s not my fucking coffee all over your shirt.” I shot him my most lethal look, hoping he would be ashamed of himself for committing a crime so heinous. But he didn’t even look at me. It was more like he was looking right through me. He had this ridiculous fucking smile on his face and I instantly wanted to punch him. That fucker met a girl. I glared at him once more, and just because it would make me feel better, I punched him in his shoulder.

He turned that goofy smile toward me and beamed at me. He actually had the audacity to beam at me when I hadn’t had my morning coffee. Did he want to die? I crossed my arms over my chest

“What?” He still had that goofy look on his face, and it was apparent he hadn’t been paying one bit of attention to me.

“My fucking coffee! Tell me that’s not what’s all over your god damn shirt!” I was enraged. My routine was broken, I had no coffee, and I was about to go through the fucking roof.

He looked down at himself like he had no clue his shirt was a fucking mess. Then he smiled at me again. “Sorry about that.” Then he turned to go sit on the couch. I just stood there, stunned. What the fuck was wrong with him?

“Is that all? You’re sorry? What the fuck happened? Did you get jumped? There’s got to be a good reason you showed up here looking like that, and without my coffee!” No one would be kidding if they said I wasn’t a morning person.

“Of course I didn’t get jumped. I met Alice.” Who the hell? Just when I was getting ready to ask that, he continued, “She was behind me at the coffee shop and I nearly spilled our drinks on her. Good thing I didn’t or she might not have ever talked to me.” He looked so happy, I didn’t want to bring him down, but I didn’t have any fucking coffee.

“Okay. Trying to not get pissed off here seeing as though you didn’t replace my coffee, but who the hell is Alice?”

“The girl with the yellow Porsche.” My mind spun in a million different directions. If he met her, it was a good possibility he knew more about her.

“So… Alice, huh?” I was going to need to be sneaky about this. “And what did you guys talk about?”

“I didn’t ask her about Truck Girl, so don’t get your hopes up.” Well, fuck me. Here I thought I was being stealthy. “I did find out she lives right down the hall with her two roommates though.” His brow quirked because he knew I’d find that interesting. “She asked about you specifically. Wanted to know if I was rooming with the ‘bronze-haired guy’ she saw me with the other day.”

“Did you ask why?” My hands were starting to get clammy.

“Didn’t have to. She said one of her roommates had bumped into him the day before that. Did you happen to bump into any other girls that same day?” He was snickering at me now. Much like he and Emmett had both been since the whole story came out. They still found it hilarious that I had knocked her over in the stairwell.

“No, I didn’t. It’s got to be the same girl. What room are they in?”

“What room do you think?” Then he smirked at me, and I had my answer.

Neither of us noticed Emmett come into the room, which was shocking considering his sheer size. We both jumped a foot when his voice boomed out, “Is she rooming with the blonde too?” All I could do was laugh. We were all done for. Every fucking one of us.


I had to mentally prepare myself for my lesson tonight with Tanya. She hadn’t taken kindly to me shooting her down, and I was silently praying that she would have let it go by now. Those hopes were dashed when she walked in wearing next to nothing and slid as close to me as possible on the bench.

“So, Eddie…what did you want to do with me tonight?” Her eyes were twinkling at me and I didn’t miss the double entendre. But I didn’t want to do anything with her. I just wanted to give her piano lessons and go on my way. Why did life have to be so damn complicated? I wanted to cringe when she called me that. I hated being called Eddie, especially by Tanya.

“First thing, don’t call me Eddie. Ever. Second, why don’t we start with your scales?”

Gruff was the name of the game, and I was sticking to it like glue. I didn’t want her to get any further ideas. In fact, I wanted to find a way to shoot down the ideas she already had.

All throughout the lesson, Tanya would rub her leg against mine. She sat entirely too close for comfort, and she was batting her eyes at me. Her scent was strong, like she had doused herself in perfume before walking in here and it made me want to gag. It was overly floral, like hothouse roses just gone to wilt. I was getting nauseous and felt like I was swimming in the scent. It was nothing like hers. A small smile came to my face just thinking about her.

Tanya mistook it as a smile for her and ran her hand from my shoulder to my hand. “Time’s up Eddie. Why don’t we get out of here and go somewhere a little more… private.”

I jerked my hand away from her and glared at her. Subtlety obviously wasn’t working. Perhaps crass would. “No Tanya. I thought I made it clear that I wasn’t interested in you. Am not now, and will never be. Your type,” I gestured to her overly-provocative outfit, “shouldn’t have any trouble finding someone willing to play your games. Count me out.”

She was shooting daggers at me with her eyes and her breasts were heaving. The sight didn’t even arouse me a little. “And furthermore, if you can’t let this go, I’ll have to suggest you find yourself a new private teacher.” With that, I grabbed my things and stormed out of the practice booth and down the hall to the one I had signed up for.

My anger was taking over me and I could feel it bubbling under the surface. The music poured out, hot and angry. My fingers flew across the keys and the sound scorched the air. This wasn’t peaceful music, nor was it meant to soothe my soul. This was pissed off, fuck the world, leave me alone music.

Not too long before, I would have gladly jumped at the chance to romp between the sheets with a girl like Tanya. The difference was that a girl like Tanya wouldn’t be interested in just one romp. She had ‘calculating bitch’ written all over her. And even more, that was all before I found myself in a tumbled heap in the stairwell of my dorm with her. Ever since then, I couldn’t even see anyone else.

As my mind focused on her once again, the tune changed. The fire fizzled out and all that was left was that lingering melody that had been haunting me. Her lullaby. The passion rose and ebbed as it poured out of me. One part of my mind demanded to stop and write the notes down while the other insisted on continuing, vowing to commit each note to memory.

Once again I lost track of time while I was composing this piece. Or rather, while it composed itself through me. I had never before written anything as fulfilling and beautiful as this one piece. It seemed to overshadow everything else I had ever done in my life. I didn’t want to linger on the reason why for now.

I reluctantly gathered my things and made my way home. There was a crisp breeze that blew my hair in every direction. As I was coming up on the library, there was something else on the breeze too. A faint scent. Strawberries and freesia. I whipped my head around and once again saw her coming out of the library.

I stood there for a moment watching her. There was something about her that called to me, drew me in. Like a siren. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was tired of watching and waiting. I want her. I will make her mine. Even as she stumbled, I was still drawn to her presence. She was beckoning me.

I was certain by this point that she was my missing half, my better half. She has to be the one that can finally complete me and make me whole. Ever since she barreled into my life, it’s been brighter. She’s the reason I get up each day, just on the off chance I might finally run into her again.

I need to hold her, to know her, to love her, to possess her. I want to claim her and somehow mark her as mine. Not to spite Mike, although that will be a nice side benefit. But I want her for her. Nothing else matters. As a plan formed in my head, I silently followed her to our dorm. Tomorrow was a new day. Truck girl didn’t stand a chance.


TPOV

I followed that asshole out of the practice room and down the hall. I couldn’t believe the things he said to me. The nerve! Calling me a whore, just without the actual word. Like the meaning would slip right over my head. As if. I would just have to make him see reason.

I was shocked to hear the anger pouring out of the keys. When I had done my research, nothing had clued me in that he was so gifted a pianist. Nothing I had ever done had equaled his mastery of the keys. It made me want him all the more.

Most people thought I was a bimbo, but I knew what I was doing. When I had first started researching the men here at Dartmouth, there were several options open to me. I had narrowed it down to two guys, Edward Cullen and Royce King. Both were extremely attractive and both came from ridiculous amounts of money. What tipped the scales for me was Edward’s musical talent. I could just imagine him serenading me every night. Yes, I had chosen well.

I was lost listening to his music, even if it was angry. Then, without warning, the tune shifted. It was such a sweet melody that was barely floating through the thick paned door. I peeked around, praying he wouldn’t see me, trying to catch a glimpse of him while he played. His eyes were closed and a small smile graced his cruel lips. I wanted to know what made him smile that way. I wanted to know why he didn’t smile at me that way.

When he was finished, I ducked back around the corner and waited a minute before following behind. I wanted to know more about Edward Cullen. The man I would someday marry. I had to find out his weaknesses. I had to know what made him tick. I would make him mine. He didn’t stand a chance.

I nearly balked when he suddenly stopped near the library. I was certain he had discovered me and was going to give me another lashing, but he never looked my way. Instead he was staring ahead, looking at something else. From my vantage point all I could see was some girl. He couldn’t possibly be looking at…wait a minute. He is looking at her. Looking at her with such longing, like he wanted her. But, why?

I stood there silently fuming. There was no way he wanted her over me. I staked prior claim. How could some mousy, insignificant, boring girl like that retain his interest? She doesn’t deserve someone like him. She doesn’t even hold a candle to me. How could he have turned me down, scorned me for some Plain Jane nobody like that? It just wasn’t possible.

In that moment I made a decision. I will find out who she is and I will destroy her. Nothing will stand in my way. A girl like me does her research well, and a girl like me deserves to be on the arm of a rich, successful, powerful doctor like him. And most importantly, a girl like me always gets what she wants, despite the competition. They say, ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’ Whoever ‘they’ are obviously never met me.

Chapter Nine - A Woman's Worth

“Promise me you’ll always remember. You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~A. A. Milne

Chapter Nine – A Woman’s Worth

BPOV

I should have known she’d gone shopping for more clothes for me. Of course, after my near breakdown on Tuesday night, she was nice enough not to mention it. But all day yesterday I had to model my new clothes to see what they liked and what was going back to the store. Apparently Alice had a very good eye though and everything she picked fit their standards. I just wish it fit mine as well.

I had to work again tonight, and by the grace of God I didn’t have to work with Mike again. Unfortunately, I did have to work with him for a few hours tomorrow night though. Thankfully his shift was earlier than mine and he would be leaving at 5:00.

I had fully expected to be dragged off to some store or another before I had to work, but when I came out of the room Alice was nowhere to be found. That was odd considering she was always back with the coffee by this time. I had gotten used to having it right when I woke up and not having to wait for it.

I looked at the clock again to make sure I had seen it correctly and confirmed my earlier thoughts. Alice was late. But Alice was never late. I started to get worried before I remember that it was bright outside already and it wasn’t likely that anyone had grabbed her. Plus, she looked fairly spunky and I was certain if someone tried, they’d find they had bitten of more than they could chew.

So where is she then? I looked around, but there was no note. Rosalie had gone down to the showers not long ago, so she wasn’t with her. No matter how many times I told myself she was okay, I couldn’t help but worry nonetheless. Just then, I heard a key in the door and sighed in relief. I knew she was fine.

It wasn’t Alice. My face must have shown my worry because Rose cocked one perfectly plucked brow at me, silently asking me what was wrong. After Tuesday night we had slowly begun to more than just tolerate each other. I wouldn’t say we were friends per se, but at least there was no longer any animosity between us anymore.

“Did you see Alice in the hall?” Her brows scrunched together in confusion before she smoothed them out.

“No. Isn’t she back yet? She said she was running right down to the bakery and coming right back. She should have been back about 10 minutes ago.”

“I know. She’s not here though. You don’t think something happened do you?” The worry was creeping back into my voice. I couldn’t stand to think of anything happening to her.

“Let’s calm down for a minute. Maybe there was a line, or she got sidetracked.” That never happens, my mind sadistically whispered to me. “Did you try calling her cell phone?”

Suddenly I felt silly. Of course I hadn’t tried her cell. When I hadn’t seen her in the room, my mind immediately went into panic mode. Again, my face gave me away and Rose smirked at me. “I’ll go do that now.”

I went back into our bedroom and picked up my cell off the bedside table. No missed calls. That didn’t mean anything though, so I scrolled through to her name and hit send. After two rings, her bubbly voice flooded my ears. “Hey Bells! I have the best news! I’ll be there in about 5, don’t go anywhere!” Then she immediately hung up.

I looked at my phone in confusion for a moment. I hadn’t even gotten word in. I walked back out into the living area, phone still in hand, to find Rosalie watching some show on TV. She glanced up at me and noticed my expression.

“Is something wrong?” Great! Now I’m getting her all worked up too.

“Um, I don’t think so…” I trailed off and looked down at my phone once more. I was still very confused and had no idea what was about to happen. “Alice said she’d be here in about 5 minutes and not to go anywhere.”

“And?”

“And she said she had the best news, but she hung up on me before I could even say anything,” Rosalie’s laughter rang out through the room.

“That sounds just like Alice,” she shook her head and went back to her show.

True to her word, 5 minutes later Alice came strolling through the door with a beaming smile. I eyed her warily, already knowing not to trust that smile. She twirled into the room, coffee in hand, and went to set it down on the table. Although she was usually very graceful already, there seemed to be a new bounce in her step.

“Good morning, my lovely and beautiful friends!” She danced over and kissed me on the cheek before making her way over to do the same to Rose. We shot each other a glance and then both looked expectantly at Alice. As usual, Rose was the first to break the silence.

“You want to tell us what’s going on?” Alice just beamed at us.

“I just went to get coffee,” she had a sly grin on her face now, and I could feel the worry creeping over me again.

“Bullshit.” Very succinct, Rose.

“What? Can’t a girl just run down to the bakery to get coffee?” She was batting her eyelashes at us and we glanced at each other again.

“Um, Alice? No one is saying you didn’t get coffee, but you’re almost 20 minutes late,” I was trying to sound firm, but I was still worried about her. She broke into peals of laughter, which confused me even more.

“It was the most wonderful 20 minutes of my life!” She grabbed Rose’s coffee and took it over to her, then sat down next to her on the couch. “I met my soul mate today at the coffee shop.”

Rose lifted one eyebrow at her. I wish I knew how to do that. “Your soul mate, eh? Really, Alice. You don’t believe in that do you?”

She looked affronted, but then a dreamy look came over her face. “Of course I do. Jasper is the one for me.” Rose and I were silent, waiting for her to continue, but she was just staring off into space with a small smile lingering at the corners of her mouth.

“Alice? Are you gonna tell us what happened?” I couldn’t handle it anymore. I just needed to know what this Jasper guy was like and how he had managed to woo Alice so completely.

“He spilled coffee on himself.” She giggled at the memory, but neither Rose nor I really got the joke. She saw our looks of confusion and backtracked to give us the whole story.

“I went down to the bakery to get coffee, like I always do and there was this guy standing at the counter in front of me. Apparently he hadn’t heard me come in and when he went to turn around, he lost his grip on the tray of coffees.” She smiled that small smile again to herself and her eyes got misty.

“Well, what happened then?” Rose wanted answers, and she wanted them now.

“The coffee was just about to spill on me, which would have been terrible considering this is a brand new sweater and it’s one of my favorites. Do you know how hard it is to find a sweater in this color and blend that fits me correctly? I nearly had to wrestle another woman in the store for this one and it was the last one!

I can’t even imagine the horror of trying to find a replacement for it if anything happened. I actually think it may have been part of a limited collection for this season’s fall line.” She stopped there for a minute, but before she could gear up to go on about the sweater again, I cut her off.

“Alice, what about Jasper?”

“Oh yeah, right. So anyway, right when the coffee was about to tilt out of his control I closed my eyes, just waiting for the burn. But he flicked his wrist around and the whole tray dumped down the front of his shirt. Have you ever heard of anything so romantic?” She had that dreamy look on her face again and she was lost in her own thoughts.

I didn’t know if I would necessarily consider it romantic, but it was clear that she did and was sold on this guy. Rose and I just continued to exchange glances, making it clear we would talk more about it later.

Suddenly, Alice perked up and gave me that wicked smile again, setting me on edge. “I almost forgot! I didn’t even tell you the best part yet.” He gaze was still locked on me and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what came next.

“What is it?” I asked nervously.

“Guess who he’s roommates with.” I felt that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, the one I could only associate with one person. My face paled and my eyes went wide.

“No.” It barely came out as a whisper. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I guess in a theoretical sense, it had.

“Oh, yes. In fact, he’s rooming with both of the guys we saw him with at that pub last week.”

“Well, isn’t that interesting,” Rose purred. “And where, dear Alice, is this room full of gorgeous men?” She looked like she already knew, but in a way I guess we all had an idea after Tuesday night. Alice smirked and looked directly at me again.

“It’s funny you ask, Rose. It seems like there is a room full of absolutely stunning men right down the hall in room 412.”

I couldn’t believe it. I had hoped that we were wrong. How was I possibly going to avoid him if he was just a few doors down the hall? How could life be that cruel to me? Just calm down Bella, you’ve managed to avoid him fairly well so far. Except for the other night.

Even my mind wasn’t helping. I felt my breath coming in gasps again and turned to flee the room. I just had to get out of here. I ran in our bedroom and quickly threw on some clothes.


That evening, I couldn’t keep my mind off of Alice and her budding romance. She was serious when she said Jasper was her soul mate. Not that I believed in any of that. I didn’t need to have any experience with romance to know that stuff like that only happened in storybooks.

My entire day was consumed with these thoughts. Who really truly believed in love at first sight anyway? Despite romance novels and movies, that kind of love doesn’t really exist. Besides, who really wants a storybook romance anyway? Wouldn’t it be just a fictional and fake as the story it was based on?

It’s not like a guy would ever truly live for you, die for you, or give up everything he had for you. Chivalry and the like are dead. True gentlemen aren’t even a dying breed anymore. They are, in essence, extinct. And even if there was someone out there made just for me, how would I ever find him?

Even if I did somehow manage to find him, how could anyone ever fall for someone as insecure and neurotic as me? They say in order to truly find love you have to love yourself first. Yeah, like that will ever happen.

On my entire walk home I thought more about loving myself and if it was possible. What is there to love? I’d have to overlook so many overwhelming obstacles to love me. I’m clumsy, I’m shy, I tend to live in my books, and I have an inability to articulate my wants and needs. Line up all you eligible bachelors. I scowled to myself as I trudged up the stairs.

It’s not even like I’m even remotely beautiful. I have blah brown hair, blah brown eyes, pale skin, and I’m too skinny. Gangly even. Who would ever notice someone as plain as me when there are girls like Rosalie around? Even Alice was gorgeous. I was so outgunned.

I walked into our dorm and slammed the door before I realized we had company. My steps faltered and I nearly lost my balance before I could catch myself. Sitting on our couch was a tall lanky blonde guy with soft blue eyes. He had a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips and I suddenly liked him all the better for it. Just like that the tension left my body.

I carefully made my way over and extended my hand, “You must be Jasper.”

“Yes ma’am, and you must be Bella. I’ve already heard so much about you.” His eyes were twinkling with secrets. I shot a glance at Alice but she just shrugged her shoulders.

“Oh, really?” I gave him a half smile and raised my brows. “Care to share?”

“You seem to have met one of my roommates before. Edward remembers you vividly.” His grin stretched across his face again and I knew I wouldn’t get anymore out of him.

Edward, eh? Somehow the name fit him. It may have been old fashioned, but I could see the bronze haired Adonis in the pages of Mansfield Park as Edmund or Jane Eyre as Edward. Where did that thought come from? Must have been all that talk about storybook romances.

I grinned back at Jasper and gave him a wink. “Well, you make sure to tell Edward I said hey.” Then I sauntered to our room as wild laughter broke out behind me.

I closed the door and dropped down on my bed. I grabbed my pillow and held it over my face and screamed into it. What the hell was wrong with me? Why did I just do that? Tell him I said hey? Seriously? Why not just hand-deliver him a fucking invitation? Now he was going to talk to me for sure. I didn’t want that! I can’t talk to him! My tongue tied itself in knots the last time I had tried to talk to him. Not only that, but I’m the crazy girl who knocked him down in the stairwell.

Oh yeah, we can’t forget about the whole following him home incident too. Might as well just stamp a huge S on my forehead for Stalker. Maybe I should I just take out an ad in the paper, no better I’ll hire a skywriter. My name is Bella. I’m totally lame. Did I mention I’m your stalker too? By the way, hey.

Jesus, what is wrong with me? I am so screwed. What am I going to do? It’s not like I can just run away. I have to stay and face him. If he even approaches me, that is. I’ll be calm, cool, and collected.

Who am I kidding? I’m a total fucking spazz! If I even think about him I nearly hyperventilate. Now I think I can just talk to him nonchalantly? Yeah, when pigs fly.

I groaned again in frustration. How did I get myself into this mess? Oh, right. I was just my normal clumsy self and I was rooming with Alice. This was all her fault. She just had to go and find her soul mate in his roommate didn’t she? Traitor.

I tossed and turned for what seemed like hours. I heard Jasper leave and I heard Alice and Rose come in and go to bed, but I didn’t let either of them know I was still awake. I didn’t want to talk about Edward. Even knowing his name made it worse. Now I couldn’t just refer to him vaguely. Every time I thought about him, I would think Edward.

I shouldn’t even be thinking about him. I don’t date. I don’t want to. I don’t want to get involved in a relationship. I don’t even know the guy! Here I am, thinking about him in the middle of the night and all I know is his name. And what he smells like. My mind truly was evil.

I was sure I was in some kind of trouble. I didn’t know when it was going to come, but I knew there was trouble coming. Why couldn’t I have just remained the quiet girl that sits in class? I didn’t want any attention. I didn’t want people to know who I am. I just want to get an education and a degree so I can move on with my life.

But no, now I couldn’t stop thinking about him. And apparently, he had been talking about me. Well, let him talk. I’ll leave these funky premonitions to Alice.

My skin started feeling tingly and sleep finally took over me. That was the first night I dreamed about Edward.