The Bargain, chapter 3, teaser

Edward approached his wife with the remainder of his glass of sherry. Holding it aloft, he said quietly, “To our marriage, my love. May it be long and fruitful.” Draining his glass he returned it to the tray carried by Mrs. Weber. Seeing that Bella still held her glass Edward stretched out his hand and raised the glass to her lips. “Drink, my love. We needs must be going.”

Chapter 35 pictures

Bella's blue sequined dress

Exposed

Chapter 35 teaser

“Okay, this is what we’re going to do. I’m going to call Demetri and let him know we’re coming down. He’s double parked right out front. The photographers aren’t allowed on private property, so they’re all standing on the sidewalk. Even though it is fairly dark, I want you to put on those sunglasses as soon as we’re in the lobby. Keep your head down and don’t let go of me. I’ll lead you to the car. The windows are tinted, so once you’re inside they can’t see you.”
“You’re scaring me.”

“Don’t be scared. Don’t show them your fear, that will only make it worse."

The Bargain, chapter 2 teaser

"Seems the girl doubts I'm human," Edward commented ruefully.

"Don't worry about it," Sam grunted. "You won't be here long enough to try her."

Edward met his look stoically. "That wasn't my intention. 'Tis my wedding day, after all."

Sam scowled. "I wouldn't worry about that either," Sam said menacingly. "I'm here to see to my Mistress's bidding, whether I like it or not. But my first task is always her welfare. I judge what's best for her welfare myself. Don't give me cause to believe that keeping you alive is a threat to her safety."

The Bargain banners

A gift from the generous BeanFlikn247.  Thank you, Connie!

This was was created by the incredible pkitten21 as a favor to me.

The Bargain

I'm starting a summer fun fic that will post fast and furious.  The first chapter is already live.  The fic is called "The Bargain" and is based on a 1970s era bodice ripper by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.  Here's the summary:

A condemned man consents to wed a lovely heiress to free her from an unwanted arranged marriage. For his name she promises that which is only hers to give. When the bargain is violated what recourse has the cheated man, bound for the gallows unfulfilled?

So, a little tease, perhaps?

"I am cursed," she muttered. "Would that I were born poor, so I would know that a man wanted me for myself."

And this, she fully believed. Neither her beauty nor riches had aided her in finding a suitable life mate. Once it was known that she was the daughter of Charles Swan, one of the richest men to ever walk the market, young men in need of a wealthy spouse crawled from the woodwork to seek her hand.

Her refusal to accept the court of even the most deserving of these young men drove her father to issue his ultimatum.

"The young studs flock to you, but you refuse any man with a name to be proud of." His inconsiderate words bruised Bella's pride and brought a hot rush of tears to her eyes. Heedless of this, her father continued.

"What are riches for if they are to buried with you? I want grandchildren! Are you set on being a spinster? A poor man with a title to give to his heirs would bestow upon your children power at court. The wealth I have, it is the name I lack. You could give that to them, by accepting the hand of any of the rutting swains.

"It is my cross to bear that I be blessed with a daughter who has the beauty to choose among barons, earls and dukes. Instead she whiles away her days waiting for a knight on a white horse to sweep her off her feet."

It was at this point that Bella made her mistake. She chose to argue with her father, goading him into driving his walking stick into the floor at her feet.

"You have one year to come to your senses. If, on your twenty-first birthday you have not married into a family of the aristocracy, I will promise you to the next strutting rooster still young enough to get you with child. If I have to drag you to the altar in chains, you will obey me."

Chapter 34 pictures

Bella's gift from Edward

Bella's gift from Jake

Moving Day

Chapter 34 teaser

"Where's that boyfriend of yours?" Jasper asked me in a low, menacing voice. "I'm going to kick his ass. Couldn't he have hired movers or something for you?

"Edward?"

"Do you have another boyfriend?" he asked sarcastically.

"Don't get snippy with me," I told him.

"Don't get snippy with Bella," Alice called from the other side of the room, simultaneously. Riley snorted, a surprisingly indelicate sound.

"Morning, Bella!" a loud voice boomed from the doorway. Both Jasper and I turned to see Jacob standing just inside the now crowded apartment, a couple of guys I thought I recognized milled about in the hallway behind him.

"I was only kidding about having another boyfriend, Bella," Jasper said to me quietly, eyeing Jacob with concern.

Chapter 33 pictures

Bella's Thanksgiving outfit

Giving Thanks

Chapter 33 teaser

"You and Edward are, like, serious? You're finally really dating?"

"What? No?" I was confused by her assumption. "What do you mean 'finally'? And why would you think that?"

"Oh, I just assumed." She seemed embarrassed. "The way you two are together. Do you know how often you two touch each other when you're in a room together? He can't keep his hands off you and you're not much better. And then, when you got upset over his crack about making dinner, he apologized and kissed you. Why would he kiss you if he wasn't really into you?"

"It's just the way we are," I explained. "It's like we're always 'on.' We are trying to fool people into believing we're together. Obviously we're doing a good job, if we're able to fool you."

Alice shot me a look I could only describe as frustrated, and started muttering under her breath, something that sounded like, "The only person you're fooling is yourself."

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that," I told her with exaggerated politeness.

"You weren't supposed to," she snapped back. Then her eyes softened.

"No one would blame you if you liked him, Bella," she said. "I've worked with him for a couple of years. He's always been nice to me. According to Jasper he's a great guy. And, let's face it, Edward is pretty easy on the eyes."

I didn't like where this conversation was going. "Yeah, well, Jasper also thought I was a gold digging muckraker at one point, so his opinion is suspect."

Chapter 32 pictures

Fragonard Freesia perfume

Bella's bedroom furniture

It Doesn't Mean Anything

Chapter 32 teaser

"So, tell me why is there a message on Alice's voicemail from Edward Cullen, telling her that you need a change of clothes, when we all know that I've slipped you enough haute couture to last you a lifetime, hm?"

"Um, how do you know what's on Alice's voicemail, Riley?"

"That's not important, darling, answer my question."

I sighed.

"Um, I spent the night at Edward's place-" was as far as I got before Riley let out an ear-splitting scream that went on and on. I yanked the phone away from my ear until I was sure he was done. When I brought the phone back to my ear, he was in midrant.

"…I knew, I just knew…" he continued on and on, speaking faster and faster, until his words were just an unintelligible cacophony.

"Riley!"

"…with that dress and those shoes…"

"Riley!"

"…and Alice owes me a day off, with pay…"

"Riley!"

"…the websites had it so wrong…"

"Riley!"

"What?" he responded as I finally got through to him.

"Are you bringing me my clothes?"

Stunned silence ensued.

"Are you still there?" he finally asked, in a hopeful whisper.

"Yes."

Chapter 31 pictures

The sunflowers Edward gives Bella

Edward and Bella arrive at the premiere

First Date

Chapter 31 teaser

Marking His Territory

Edward Cullen's most recent outing with his current gal pal was to the same watering hole where she was recently caught in the arms of another man.

"Edward was devastated when he found out about Bella straying," says a source close to the Chicago's Most Eligible Bachelor. "He was quite put out by Bella's public display, and the two fought terribly."

Ultimately, it seems, they've decided to give it another try by erasing the memories of Bella and her erstwhile suitor, and replacing them with memories of their own.

Reconciliation in Three Acts

Chapter 30 teaser

"Babe, as sexy as you look wearing my shirt, would you change into something else? The cleaners are picking up tomorrow, and I want to send it out to be dry cleaned."

"Sure," I replied, mentally rolling my eyes at the endearment while enjoying the way Victoria's eyes narrowed.

I turned to walk away. I had just taken a step when I felt Edward's hand on my ass. He slapped me painlessly, though the sound rang through the room. I let out a sound between a squeak and a shout.

"I'll get you for that, babe," I threatened as I continued into the dressing room.

"I'll look forward to it," Edward called to me as I closed the door behind me.

Chapter 29 pictures

Bella's outfit for the presentation

Killer

Chapter 29 teaser

"Edward, I'm sorry…" I began.

He cut me off. "You will have lunch with my brother and me in the cafeteria today. If your 'date' from last night is there you will follow my lead. No matter what, you will sit at my side and you will do your job…"

"Wait," Riley interrupted once more. "What? 'Sit at my side and do your job…?' What, exactly, do you do for Edward Cullen?"

Chapter 28 pictures

The flowers for Bella

Bella' desk

What Jessica Did

Chapter 28 teaser

"Are you still drunk?" The disgusted amusement was back in his voice.

"No, I'm not still drunk," I mimicked, "just a little light-headed."

"Well, just settle down. Bella made arrangements for you to have late check-out before she left."

"Bella left? When?"

"A couple hours ago. She called Alice for a ride around nine this morning."

I groaned and rubbed my face again. Jasper chuckled without a trace of compassion.

"Go take a shower," he suggested. "I'll get your shit packed up and order something for you to eat."

I nodded and stood more slowly than before. I took a few steps towards the bathroom before hesitating.

"Did she quit?" I asked, quietly, not turning around to look at him.

"You'll need to talk to her about that yourself."

Chapter 27 pictures

Saturday afternoon in the park

Bella's outfit for the reunion formal

Bella's jammies

The Highest High and the Lowest Low

Chapter 27 teaser

"One, two, THREE!" I let go of the horseshoe, but Bella held on a bit longer. By the time she let go she was so high in her swing that the horseshoe went straight up in the air. I followed its progress incredulously before realizing it was likely to come down right on our heads.

"Shit!"

I grabbed Bella by the shoulders and pulled her out of the way of the falling horseshoe. She stumbled and we went down in a tangle of arms and legs. Not knowing if the horseshoe had hit the ground yet, I scrambled to cover her head with my own body before throwing my arms up over my own head.

I heard a meaty thunk nearby and raised my head cautiously. The horseshoe had landed less than a foot away from us. I rolled over to let Bella free. She didn't move.

"Bella?" I reached over and tapped her shoulder gently. Her back and shoulders were shaking and I began to worry that I hurt her.

"Bella? Are you okay? I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" The words came rushing out of my mouth in a torrent.

She still hadn't moved, except for the shaking. I jumped up and ran around her before squatting down in front of her. Her hands were covering her face.

"Bella? Bella!" I pulled her hands away from her face and registered that there were tears streaming down her face.

Chapter 26 pictures

Bella's jammies

Friday night outfit

Bella's necklace

Thank you for Tonight...

Chapter 26 teaser

"Good afternoon, Mr. Cullen, will Mr. Whitlock be joining you today?"

"Not today, Bree, however, if I could trouble you for the same table we dined at last time I'd appreciate it."

He reached over and clasped her hand lightly. I could see a light flush blossom on her face. I could sympathize with her.

"Certainly, Mr. Cullen, would you like a drink at the bar while it's prepared for you? I'll be over to get you shortly." She gestured to the long, dimly lit bar. Two busy bartenders, in impeccable white shirts, were filling orders behind the highly polished wood.

"Thank you, Bree."

I stepped to Edward's side. He glanced over at me and smiled. I reached across my body with my right arm and lightly grasped his forearm, while tucking my left hand in his elbow.

"We'll have a drink while we're waiting," he said to me.

I simply smiled in response. I glanced at Bree as she turned to lead us away, but not before I caught the flat look in her eye.

Sorry, sweetie.

Chapter 25 picture

Bella's vanity

Drunken Tramps and Sadie Hawkins

Chapter 25 teaser

Bright light poured in the bank of windows facing me, bringing me to wakefulness. I was ridiculously comfortable wrapped in my soft robe and covered with a luxurious blanket. As I became more aware of my surroundings I realized my head was rising and falling gently. I also became aware of one area of discomfort; something hard was poking me in the chest.

Last night came back to me in a rush and I bolted upright, suddenly aware of the position I was in.

I looked at Edward who hadn't awoken despite my fast movements. I glanced around the room as if seeking confirmation that I did just wake up snuggled up with my boss.

Happy Valentine's Day

Chapter 24 teaser

I moved one hand up and brushed the long hair off her shoulder, baring it. Dropping my head I placed a kiss on her exposed skin and ran my lips lightly back and forth from her neck to her shoulder and back. Her hand, which had been resting on my back, crept up until she could caress my neck. I could feel goosebumps erupt across my back.

She threaded her fingers in my hair and tugged, turning my face towards hers. I watched her eyes slide shut behind her mask as her lips parted slightly—an irresistible invitation. I captured her mouth with my own, sliding my tongue easily past her parted lips.

Chapter 23 pictures

Edward's floorplan -- note, Edward turned the middle bedroom into an office/library

Edward's view

The Aftermath

Chapter 23 teaser

"Bella?" I asked, my voice tight, controlled.

"Yes?" Her voice was still rough. She cleared her throat.

"Give me a reason," I implored her, angrily, through my clenched teeth.

"A reason?" she asked confusedly, "A reason for what?"

"A reason I shouldn't fire you right now. What were you thinking Bella? How could you let this happen?"

Chapter 22 pictures

Bella's mask

Alice's costume

Jasper's costume

Emmett's costume

Edward's costume

Lunch with Esme

This is Hard

Chapter 22 teaser

"Hi, Edward!" a trio of sing-songy voices interrupted Jasper's rant. He looked at the girls who had approached our table with a raised eyebrow.

"Ladies," I grinned as I greeted the women standing nearby. Two of them turned to each other and giggled, the third gave me a hard look accompanied by a wicked smile. Nice. She was about Bella's height, though, and her eyes were definitely brown. Too bad.

"Find me later," I told them, "we can share a dance."

"Okay!" the two giggling ones said. The third, a socialite I recognized as someone from Tanya's large group of acquaintances, shot me another challenging glance before strutting away behind her friends. I watched her ass appreciatively as she walked down the stairs behind her friends. I turned back to find Jasper's hard eyes on me.

"Sorry," I said, though my tone conveyed the insincerity of the word, "you were saying?"

Jasper sighed. "I was saying that you don't know anything about a real relationship, Edward, so you can't imagine what it feels like when it ends."

God, I Want You

Chapter 21 teaser

I was ready for a drink after a particularly wild song ended and was about to suggest we head back to the table when Timbaland's Scream blared through the speakers.

The slow, sensual beat didn't appeal to as many dancers as the more raucous numbers, and I felt the area around us open up as some people left the floor. It was still crowded, but Bella and I weren't pushed up hard against each other anymore. We continued to dance only holding each other lightly. The music was seductive and sexy. Suddenly, Bella fell against me as some drunken fool stumbled into her. Instead of stepping back after regaining her balance, she slid one hand around my neck. We were now pressed together from knee to shoulder.

What's this? I wondered.

Merry Christmas

Chapter 20 teaser

"Well, Isabella Swan, we seem to have a problem here, don't we?"

"A problem?" her voice quivered, barely audible over the sound of the water falling from the showerhead.

"Yes, if I'm not mistaken, you're employed by the company contracted to clean this building." I paused, raising an eyebrow, waiting for her confirmation.

"Yes, sir."

Sir.

"Unless there's some obscure clause of which I am unaware, you are in violation of your contractual duties. You're fired."

"What? NO!"

She took a step closer.

"Yes," I replied, affecting boredom. "My assistant will contact your employer tomorrow and terminate our contract, effective immediately. Since we're terminating for cause I have no doubt that you'll lose your position, as well." I took a deep breath. "Good evening, Miss Swan."

I turned and began slowly walking towards the door to my office.

"Wait!"

Chapter 19 pictures

Stroke of Midnight, waitress uniform.

Rose's dress.

$50,000 earrings.

Bella's dress.

Bella's La Perla robe.

Power panties.

Not Once, but Twice

Chapter 19 teaser

"I'm sorry, ma'am," Victoria said in a simpering voice, "I didn't realize anyone was still here. Do you mind if I clean or would you prefer I come back?"

Taking a deep breath I slowly turned to face her.

Her expression was blank at first before I saw confusion. Finally her eyes narrowed in recognition.

"You!" she hissed.

Metaphorically hiking up my power panties, I answered her. "Hello, Victoria."

"What are you doing here, Swan? And what the hell are you wearing?"

Chapter 18 pictures

Outfit for lunch with Mike.

Bella's outfit for Chinese at the office.

Floorplan for Angela and Bella's apartment.

Riley and Angela

Chapter 18 teaser

She raised her hands slowly and slid them along mine behind her neck. My eyes widened slightly at the contact as I felt her soft, warm fingertips glide across mine. There was a nearly inaudible click and her hands were suddenly gone. I looked down to see her holding the necklace against her chest to prevent it from sliding into her dress.

"There," she breathed. Removing the necklace, she held it out to me, cradling it carefully.

"Edward…?"

I licked my lips. "Yes, Bella?"

"I need to know…." Her eyes fell from mine. She stared down.

I leaned closer to hear her whispered words.

"Know what?"

Chapter 17 pictures

Diamond and sapphire necklace.

Edward's tux.

Bella's lingerie.

The Gala

Chapter 17 teaser

"How much have you had to drink tonight, Bella?"

"Um, champagne?" I chuckled and shook my head at her inappropriate response. Bella definitely had too much to drink.

"Yes, Bella, the champagne. How much did you drink?"

"Six." My head snapped around as I turned to look at her.

"You had six glasses of champagne?"

"Yes." She blinked.

Hmm, one word answers. This wasn't good.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Edward. Just fine. Really. Fine," she assured me with a bright smile.

"You really need to eat something else," I decided as we approached the desserts. "What looks good?"

Chapter 16 pictures

Bella's dress for the charity ball.

Chai Tea and Sapphires

Chapter 16 teaser

"Alice, what are these outfits for?" I asked holding up the book.

She looked over and a wicked smile appeared on her face.  "Those are for the club's soft opening."

My eyes went wide. "You want me to wear something like this? In public?" I pointed to an outfit that was scandalous, at best.

"Well, that one might be a little over the top for you, but a club opening isn't a charity ball. You're going to be competing with some pretty heavy hitters when you're there. Women your own age. Gorgeous women your own age. I can't have you looking all dowdy."

"I'm not in a competition, Alice. I don't need to dress like a tramp."

Alice sighed.  "Bella, listen. You know that there's nothing going on between you and Mr. Cullen. I know it, too, but no one else does. What's more, you want people to think that there is. I don't want to hurt your feelings, Bella, but honestly, your job at the club opening is to be an accessory. Arm candy. You need to look good so he looks good. It's what you signed on for."

Alice would force me into some pretty revealing outfits over the next year using that exact argument.

Dinner for Five

Chapter 15 teaser

I turned to Bella.


"Enjoying the wine?" I was hoping to bring her attention to the fact that she was on her third glass. Tipsy Bella wouldn't bother me, but I didn't want her to feel embarrassed should she get silly in front of J.J.

"Yes, it's very good." J.J. smiled like he was the only one who could pick a wine.

"If you like that I have an amazing Cheval Blanc you'd enjoy," I told her. I rolled my eyes at myself again. At this rate I'd be inviting her up to see my etchings any time now.

Chapter 14, pictures

Necklace Edward puts on Bella.

Bella's outfit for the dinner with J.J.

Workin' 9 to 5

Chapter 14 teaser

This was the third time a trip to the bathroom led to an uncomfortable scene between me and Bella. When she opened the door in my blue bathrobe my brain just shut down.

She was in the middle of dressing. She obviously wasn't wearing her clothes yet and needed to put on my robe to deal with my interruption. Then, when she opened the door, I stood there like a 15-year old boy, gawking. I didn't even move when she tried to get past me. She practically had to rub herself against me to go sit on the couch.

I'm not oblivious. I wouldn't have offered Bella this job if she wasn't physically appealing, but she really wasn't my type.

What's your type, Cullen? Plastic socialites with IQs barely in the three-digit range?

Tanya fit that description and we were together for eleven months. She hadn't had this effect on me in, well…never. Tanya was as beautiful as the talented doctors of Chicago could make her. It was quite plausible that one could find the words "made in China" stamped somewhere in or on her body. Bella's body was natural and all the more intriguing because of it. Where Tanya had been all sharp edges, Bella was soft curves. That was obvious in the dress she wore last week and tonight, in my robe.

You're not attracted to her that way, Edward. You've just been without, ummm, female companionship for too long.

I needed to get laid.

Days in the Life

Chapter 13 teaser

Edward stepped off the elevator reading something he was holding in his hand. He absently made his way to the coffee service, barely glancing at the cup he was filling, as he continued to read. I had followed his progress across the room. When his cup was full he finally looked up at the room.

"Bella!" he said. He smiled; he seemed pleased to see me.

Whoa! I hadn't noticed before how handsome he was when he smiled.

Lady at Lunch

Chapter 12 teaser

The three men sitting with me stopped talking. All of them were now looking at Ben. I introduced him and he joined in the general conversation.

It was a complete coincidence that I was looking out the cafeteria door when Jasper walked by. He was on his cell phone, but caught my eye as he made his way down the hall. Through the glass wall, I could see him freeze in his tracks a few steps past the entrance to the café before taking three steps backwards and standing in front of the open door. His eyes were on mine as he said a few more words into his cell and snapped it shut. He entered the cafeteria and approached our table.

"Good afternoon, Bella. Here to pick up the item I'm holding for you?"

"Hi, Jasper, yes," I answered.

"Good. Come up to my office with me?" Jasper looked at the men gathered around the table.  "Good afternoon, gentlemen."

The four men around the table suddenly looked like little boys caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Goodbye to the Past

Chapter 11 teaser

"What's wrong, James?"

"It seems that a piece of equipment has gone missing from Cullen Enterprises. The vacuum cleaner used in the CEO's office wasn't in the storage shed when Victoria went in on Wednesday night. I'm assuming it was there when you worked on Tuesday."

"Of course it was there, James. I used it to vacuum the office. I also brought it back to the storage shed and locked it up when we left Wednesday morning."

"Yet it wasn't there when Victoria got there Wednesday night. There was no evidence of a break in. Either you left the shed unlocked and someone helped themselves, or you took it yourself."

"What? That's absurd."

"Be that as it may, the vacuum was an expensive piece of machinery. The cost of its replacement came out of your paycheck, which, by the way, wasn't even enough to cover the total charge. By rights you still owe Nomad $19. I suppose we'll take the last $19 from the few hours you still have coming to you for the work you did this week."

The Finish Line

Chapter 10 teaser

"So why didn't he want you to take over for your grandfather when he retired?"

"Age, really. I've been interning or working for CE since I was 17 years old, so I had almost 10 years here when I was appointed CEO, but I'm still very young for the position."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-nine." Bella's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"What?" I asked her. I was sure there wasn't anything she was thinking that I hadn't already heard.

She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and tilted her head. "Now that you've told me, I guess I can see it. You have a very commanding presence about you. I thought you were older."

That wasn't something people ever said. She had surprised me. I looked down at my drink before taking another sip.

"How about you, Bella? How old are you?"

"Mr. Cullen, don't you know it's impolite to ask a woman her age?" she asked in a falsely offended voice.

"I'm not asking you as a woman, I'm asking you as an employee."

"That's even worse," she exclaimed with a small laugh. "Aren't you banned from asking an employee about her age?"

"Technically, but I'm sure you can see how it might be necessary for me to know, considering our unique working relationship."

"True…." She pretended to ponder. "I'm twenty-four."

Go, Chapter 9 pictures

Bella's dress for the Fortune Party

Go

Chapter 9 teaser

As we walked through the gathering our presence began to garner attention. I saw several people bring their heads closer to their partners' in hushed inquiry. A gaggle of younger women, mostly trophy wives, twittered together excitedly and made no attempt to hide their curious looks. Everyone here was aware of my break up with Tanya, or rather "her break up with me," and they were dying to know who Bella was.

I tilted my head towards Bella and she turned slightly to give me her attention.

"We seem to be causing quite a stir."

"We certainly are," she answered, a smile in her voice.

Get Set

Chapter 8 teaser

"Edward, do you have any sisters?"

Huh?

"No, no sisters."

She nodded.

"So, you haven't been privy to much 'girl talk'?"

I chucked. "No, there hasn't been much 'girl talk' in my life."

She nodded again. "Women and men are very different – " she began.

"I'm aware of the differences between men and women, Bella," I interrupted, not sure where she was going with this.

"I'm sure you are," she laughed, "but if you think that your associates' wives and girlfriends will be satisfied with our relationship being 'undefined,' then you are woefully uneducated in the ways of women. Unless our relationship is 'defined,' speculation will run wild.

On Your Mark

Chapter 7 teaser

"Grab yourself a cup of coffee or something and then join me in my office. Ms. Weber, please join us as well."

"Yes, sir," Angela answered quietly.

I quickly made myself a cup of tea as Angela hung up her pretty sweater coat and stashed her purse under her desk. The two of us entered Edward's office silently. I noticed that Angela had a small pad in her hands.

"Please sit down, ladies," Edward said, waving his hands at the chairs in front of his desk. We both sat down. I took a sip of my tea while Angela flipped open her pad and removed a pen from behind her ear. Edward settled back in his seat.

"You won't need that, Ms. Weber," he told her.

Angela closed her pad. I noticed her eyes tightening.
"So, on to business," Edward began. "I usually don't discuss performance with other employees present, Ms. Weber, but for the sake of expedience I thought we'd do this together."

Let's Get it Started, EPOV

Chapter 6 teaser

"Edward," she purred as I walked into the room and closed the door behind me.

"Tanya," I replied, nodding.

"I had a very interesting conversation with my publicist," she started. "She's under the impression that we're no longer dating. Imagine my surprise since this was news to me."

"Tanya -" I began.

"Don't you 'Tanya' me," she cut me off. "What the fuck, Edward?" Her voice had risen in pitch. I wondered how much she'd already had to drink.

"After last night, I decided that this," I waved my hand between us, "wasn't working anymore. It was fun while it lasted, but it's not serving either of us anymore."

"You didn't see the need to discuss it with me before calling my publicist?" Her voice was still tinged with anger.

"You didn't see the need to discuss it with me when you told me you weren't coming home with me last night."

"Is that what this is about, Edward? You need to get off?"

"Tanya, you're being crass." As far as I was concerned, this conversation was over. I couldn't talk to her when she was like this. I walked past her and sat at my desk, glancing at the papers I had left there earlier.

Crash

Let's Get it Started, BPOV, Chapter 5 pictures

Rejected Dress 1

Rejected Dress 2