A/N: Well...here it is. My one shot that didn't make the final cut. Congratulations to Ninapolitan for winning first place with her fabulous story "HOME". It is truly a fantastic read! My appreciation goes out to the gals at NaughtyHeels for doing a fine job at running their Anonymous Contest! I feel honored to have competed with so many talented authors. Thanks to all who reviewed my story!!! I was so pleasantly suprised at how many reviews I got! Thanks so much for the support!!!

So to answer everyone's question. Will you continue this as a multichaptered story?

The answer is YES!!!! Welcome to my latest story kids.... Be sure to let me know what you think!

NaughtyHeels Anonymous One Shot Contest

Freeze Frame

"Centerfold" by the J. Geils Band

Jewels64

Edward and Bella

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. What I do own is some terrific memories and some really horrific photos of many a good time back in the 80's.

Summary: Successful Edward Cullen is shocked to discover that

his unrequited crush from High School, Bella Swan, has become a Playboy

centerfold. Obsessing over her photographs, Edward seeks Bella out. Will he be disappointed in what he finds or will she finally

return his feelings?

"So tell me Cullen…how does it feel to know that the one girl who totally cock blocked you throughout high school is now Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for June?"

Emmett stood there in front of my desk wearing a big shit eating grin.

"What the fuck are you going on about Emmett?" I sighed as I pushed myself away from my computer. I leaned back into my chair, pulled my arms up and laced my fingers together behind my head.

Emmett guffawed loudly. "Just think. The one girl you rubbed one out to night after night during your formative teenage years now has millions of men fantasizing about her."

He threw the magazine down on my desk. I looked at the thick glossy cover and bolted upright in my chair.

It was her. Isabella Swan.

Oh. Fuck. Me.

Emmett laughed even louder when he saw my reaction. "Jesus Cullen! You look like that pathetic little band fag that I used to pick on in high school right now."

I didn't care that he was teasing me. I was too wrapped up in the photo on the cover. She had changed or maybe it was just the artifice of the photo. But nothing would ever change that glossy mane of chestnut hair or that mouth that begged to be kissed. As I continued to stare at that ripe, shiny red mouth, her come hither stare and Christ…those long ass legs in a garter and stockings, I found myself involuntarily straining against my trousers. I shifted in my chair. Subconsciously I reached up to push my glasses back up my nose.

Shit.

I haven't worn glasses in years. Lasik surgery had cured me of my astigmatism years ago.

"Go ahead and look through it. You know you want to." Emmett teased me. "Besides, I've got another copy. Swan turned out to be fucking hot. Trust me on this."

He laughed as he left my office. I leaned back in my chair and studied the cover once again. I had to admit it came as quite a shock. For four long, excruciating and embarrassing years at Forks High School I had pined for Isabella Swan. She never really knew I even existed. I debated on whether to open the magazine or not.

Could you handle it Cullen? Seeing her naked and provocatively posed?

I threw the magazine back down on my desk and snorted. This was fucking ridiculous. I was the CEO of a major corporation and I felt like a kid getting caught with his father's porn stash.

I got up and walked over to the micro fridge I had in my office. I pulled out a bottled water, opened it and went to stare out the big glass picture window.

I had left the nerdy, glasses wearing, insecure high school kid in Forks. I went to college, went through a growth spurt, and joined a fraternity. I buried an old high school grudge against Emmett McCarty once he became my frat brother. We found we had more in common than we thought. We've been tight ever since. He's my damn business partner.

Emmett was the one who got me to work out and lose the glasses. When women started noticing me, I found self confidence. All it took was getting laid the first time and I knew I would never be that naïve high school kid ever again.

I hadn't thought about Isabella Swan in years. Now I had some perverse desire to know what she had been doing all this time. How did a girl like Isabella go from wearing nothing but flannel shirts, jeans and hiking boots to being a playmate? And judging by the cover alone, a fucking gorgeous one?

I walked back over to my desk and decided to man up and take a look. I sat back down in my chair with a resounding thud, leaned forward and picked the magazine up. I slowly turned the pages until I found the index listing.

"Turning up the heat in the Kitchen". That was the title of the article.

Kitchen? Why would Isabella be in a kitchen? In high school I seemed to remember her wanting to be a journalist.

I steeled myself as I flipped through the pages until I found the one I was looking for. I furtively glanced at my door wondering if I should lock it. I mean, even though I was the CEO, how would it look to some new intern if she came in and found me reading a Playboy magazine?

I punched the intercom button on my phone. "Jessica!" I barked.

"Yes Mr. Cullen?" Her irritatingly nasal voice answered.

"I do not wish to be disturbed for a while. Please hold all calls and visitors."

"Certainly!" She chimed back in an ingratiating manner. As much as her voice grated on my nerves, that woman was an absolute vulture when it came to stopping unexpected interruptions.

I opened the magazine back up and was astounded by the glorious face shot of Isabella Swan. Her dark chocolate eyes were smoky and mysterious. Long dark lashes fringed them. She was sporting a Mona Lisa type smile. It was the type of smile that said she had a secret to tell and you were the only man she was willing to tell it to. Her hair was loose, curled lightly and it framed her heart shaped face. Glossy pale lips set off the smokiness of her eyes. She looked both innocent and wildly seductive.

I turned the page and about damn near dropped the magazine. She was posed leaning over a kitchen counter, her short chef's jacket riding up to expose the perfect peach of her ass. A flimsy piece of lingerie lay in between each perfectly proportioned cheek. Long legs were made even longer by the impossibly high heeled red leather stilettos that she was wearing. She held a whisk in her hand.

Well whip me, beat me, call me Eddie.

I honestly don't know how long I stared at that photograph. I don't know how long it took me to realize that I had been holding my breath. I let it out with a loud whoosh and suddenly I felt like I was in high school again.

Mr. Banner had given me the information regarding the upcoming band concert to deliver to the editor of the school paper. Her name is Bella Swan and for the last three years I have had a secret crush on her. Before taking it to the classroom that doubled as the newsroom, I stopped in the bathroom to check my appearance before seeing Bella.

My hair stood wildly on end going in all different directions. No matter what kind of hair products my mother forced me to try, inevitably my hair always had a mind of its own. My polo shirt collar had been buttoned all the way up and I decided to undo the top button. I debated on whether I should flip the collar of my shirt up or not. Definitely not. Too gay if I wore it flipped up. Only Emmett McCarty could get away with that shit and not have someone call him gay. Didn't help matters that I played piano. And wore glasses.

I could just hear Emmett now. "Hey Cullen, practicing to take Elton John's place as the top piano playing queer?" I wet my hands and tried to smooth my hair down. I realized there were grease smudges on my glasses and pulled them off and cleaned them with the hem of my shirt. I exhaled quickly into my palm to check my breath. Not bad. At least Mom didn't pack tuna fish for lunch for me today.

I picked up the papers I had to deliver to Bella, took a deep breath and walked out of the bathroom. I made my way through the empty halls of the school. Off in the distance I could hear the choir rehearsing and sounds of the basketball team practicing in the Gym. I walked down the English Arts hallway and pushed open the door that housed the "newsroom" of the school paper. Upon entering it appeared as if there wasn't anyone in the classroom.

I walked in a little further and was greeted by the sight of the most perfect heart shaped denim clad ass leaning over a desk. I could hear all these guttural moans and breathy exclamations.

"Damn it to hell. Come here!" Bella grunted as she tried to reach for something.

I stood stock still. I was too mesmerized by the sight. I stared at the perfection in front of me. She was wiggling about on the desk and I became painfully aware of the erection I had straining against my jeans.

At that very moment, Rosalie Hale, Homecoming Queen and Drill team captain, walked into the room. She slapped me hard on the back of the head.

"Jesus, Four Eyes, take a picture. It lasts longer."

Mortified for being caught staring at Bella, I started to back up and tried to leave the room. But I become motionless the moment Bella straightened herself up and flipped her hair back over her shoulders with a head snap that looked like something out of a music video.

Bella turned around and smiled at me. "Hey Cullen. What's up?"

And so I sat there in my office, reliving some of the most painful memories of my teenage years staring at the photos of Isabella Swan. I sighed and closed the magazine. I smiled to myself and the brief thought of "If she could only see me now" flittered through my head. I laughed quietly and put the magazine into my brief case. I knew I would look at it longer later at home. I shook my head.

I decided to call Lauren. I knew a long session between the sheets with her would work off some the unrequited lust I still carried for Bella Swan. I picked up the phone and dialed Lauren's number. She was always my go-to-fuck whenever I needed to relieve some tension. I was bound and determined that I would not spend this evening with my dick in my hand like I did years ago.

***

Lauren finished getting dressed. I watched her as she pulled her skirt up and tucked her shirt back in.

"Thank God you didn't mess up my makeup. I have a cocktail party I have to be at in about 30 minutes."

I flopped back on my bed. Lauren was a cold, calculating bitch with a penchant for hot, dirty, hair pulling sex. I sighed as I looked at the ceiling. I got the release I needed but nothing could erase the image of Bella Swan from my head. What the hell was wrong with me?

Lauren pranced over to the bed and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"Thanks Love. That was fantastic as always. I'll let myself out." Lauren turned in an over perfumed whirl and left my bedroom and apartment. I lay there in the rumpled sheets wondering what it was going to take to get Bella off my mind.

I got up off the bed, pulled on my boxers and walked into the living room to find my brief case. I pulled the magazine out and went back into my bedroom. The magazine automatically flipped open to the pictorial of Bella. I lay there looking at each picture, dissecting each pose, each facial expression. I felt my dick starting to twitch. Damn it! What the fuck?

I pulled myself up off the bed. This was becoming ridiculous. I grabbed my cell phone and called Emmett.

"Yo, Cullen! This shit better be important because I am about to get the phone number of the most incredible red head I have ever fucking seen."

"Do you still have Jasper's number?" I asked him.

"Yeah. Why?" He asked. I could hear the pulsing thump of bass resounding through my phone. Emmett was at his favorite bar.

"I… need…Shit Emmett! Just text me his number okay?" I practically yelled into the phone.

"Chill Dude. I hear ya. I'll send it to you right now." Emmett laughed loudly and I heard him say 'Well damn baby, took you long enough' before he hung up the phone.

I waited patiently for Emmett to send me Jasper's number. I knew I had to quit thinking of Bella Swan. Jasper was the one person who could help me do it.

My phone vibrated on the counter snapping me out of my reverie. I looked down at the display. California area code. Thank you Emmett.

I picked my phone up and dialed Jasper's number immediately.

***

Two weeks later I'm standing in a crowded room of impossibly beautiful people in Jasper and Alice's Malibu beach home. Emmett decided to tag along because if we were going to land an invite to the Playboy mansion, there was no way in Hell that he was going to miss out. Looking around I realized that I had never seen a bigger collection of fake boobs, fake tans, and perfectly flawless faces that literally showed no emotion when they smiled. Botox should be made illegal.

How can you tell if someone is having an orgasm if their fucking face doesn't move?

Alice came floating into the living room. Her long bohemian style dress floated behind her creating the illusion of a sensual earth goddess. Jasper stood on the deck of his beach house dispersing his latest ideas to a rapt sea of well maintained, toned and highlighted blondes. Jasper went to college with both Emmett and me. Jasper used his education in psychology to turn himself into a popular self help guru. Appearances on Oprah and Dr. Phil had cemented his place in the American psyche of "I'm so fucked up and I'm willing to try anything to change it."

His marriage to Alice Brandon, a self proclaimed psychic who communicated with the dead, made them popular amongst the Hollywood set. They were young, beautiful and hip. They had the Hollywood crowd at their feet.

Jasper acknowledged me as I came out onto the deck. The view from his home was spectacular. The beach, the white capped waves, the blue water throwing sparkles from the sun made me a touch envious. I spent my days slaving away in a Chicago high rise and Jasper spent his time preaching his own brand of crazy to anyone who was willing to pay for it.

Jasper broke from his adoring audience, came over to me and wrapped me in a warm but embarrassing bear hug.

"Edward! Damn it's good to see you man!" Jasper ebullient greeting had me smiling. I hugged him back.

"Jasper Whitlock as I live and breathe. You finally got your wish of becoming a professional beach bum. California is treating you well I see?" I asked laughing.

"Dude, Malibu is so chill it's fucking insane! Life is good my man!" Jasper responded wholeheartedly.

We spent a few minutes catching up only to be interrupted by Emmett's booming presence. Jasper led us into the main room of the house to introduce us to Alice.

She was tiny and exotic looking. Her crystal blue eyes were almond shaped and framed with heavy black liner and thick black lashes. They were the most arresting feature on her elfin like face. Her wild spiky black hair was almost as unruly as mine.

"Edward Cullen. So glad to finally meet you." She said as she clasped my hand warmly. She had a deep whiskey voice that seemed more appropriate for someone twice her size. As she held my hand her eyes widened immediately. "There is a big change on the way for you."

Jasper laughed as he put his arm around his diminutive wife. "Alice, you're off the clock honey. No need to make such proclamations like that now."

Alice turned to Jasper. "I have no idea why I said that. It just came to me."

Emmett laughed out loud and grabbed Alice's hands. "So darling…what's in store for my future?"

Alice's brows furrowed as she held Emmett's hands. "You must be Emmett right?"

Emmett nodded flashing her his best smile. With Emmett's strapping build and Midwestern good looks, he seemed to fit right in with the crowd that mingled at the party.

Alice gripped Emmett's hand tightly. "You will learn the meaning of respect at the hands of a strong woman."

Emmett laughed even louder. "And just who is this so called "strong" woman?"

Alice responded quickly. "Sorry. All I caught was a flash of blonde hair and a look of disapproval."

"Well damn Alice, I hope she's beautiful." Emmett commented still smiling as he humored her.

"She is someone you already know. She knows you well. Tread lightly with her Emmett. She knows you entirely too well." Alice warned.

Emmett guffawed to a point of shaking the rafters. "Well whoever she is honey…she better make herself known quickly because the McCarty love train is leaving this station the minute he finds the perfect caboose!"

Jasper and I just shook our heads. One of the only things you could fully count on in this world was Emmett and his self absorption. Jasper and I excused ourselves from everyone and made our way back onto the deck. Both of us grabbed a fresh beer and a pair of sunglasses and sat down to watch the sun start to sink below the horizon. The rich ochre, salmon and violet colors that streaked the sky were stunning.

"So what's the real reason for the visit Cullen? I'm sure it had to take a lot for you leave the comfort of your high rise office to make it all the way out here to California."

"Plain and simple Jazz-- Do you know Isabella Swan?"

"Hef's new playmate? Yeah I've met her. If I weren't married to Alice, I'm sure that I would definitely be interested in pursuing her. But word has it she's headed to your neck of the woods."

I sat there momentarily stunned. Isabella was coming to Chicago?

"Really. That's interesting. Hmmm." I muttered quietly.

"Spill it Edward. You're making me kind of nervous."

"Do you want the long story or the Reader's Digest Condensed version?" I asked him.

Jasper raised his eyebrows at me.

"Shit Jazz -- I haven't thought about Bella for years. Suddenly she shows up on this fucking magazine and I can't get her out of my head again. You see, Bella Swan and I went to high school together. She was my unrequited crush for four miserable years. I had finally gotten the courage to ask her to dance at the Spring Fling during our senior year. The whole thing ended badly and now I find myself wondering if she would think different of me now." I admitted.

"Are you fucking serious? You want to look up an old high school crush? What is this? Some sort of revenge fantasy? I don't know Edward. Sounds kind of skeevy to me."`

"Jazz, please…. I know you have personal dealings with Hef's girlfriends. Can you get me into that party? I just have to see her. I need this obsession to go the fuck away!"

Jasper took one look at my face and knew that I was serious on all counts.

"Okay…Okay." He grudgingly answered. "Just let me run it by the wife first. I'm not promising anything, but I don't hide anything from her. She can be pretty fucking scary with how much shit she knows sometimes."

I clapped him heartily on the back. "Thanks Jazz! I owe you one."

"Yeah? Well don't thank me yet Dickward. We're not out of this yet."

***

I was standing at the bar feeling somewhat conspicuous as to what I was doing there. Jasper had managed to get me into the party. We had made our way to the bar and I decided to stay stationary and wait for what ever happened. Jasper branched out and began talking to everyone he knew in the room. Yeah. California had been good to Jasper.

Never in my life have I seen so many unbelievably beautiful women in one room. If I hadn't had a single minded purpose, I would have been hitting on everything I saw. Luckily for me Emmett was already removing possible distractions from my sight. He was like a kid in a damn candy store.

I watched as Hugh Hefner made his way through the room. Hefner walked over to the bar and I immediately introduced myself.

"Mr. Hefner? " I asked as I offered him my hand to shake. "I'm Edward Cullen. I wish to apologize. I crashed this party with my good friend Jasper Hale and my business partner Emmett McCarty." I pointed to Jasper who stuck his fingers up in a peace sign. Emmett of course was no where to be seen.

"Ah…yes. Mr. Hale is quite popular with my girls." Hefner commented, "Not to worry though Mr. Cullen. You are quite welcome here. I know who you and Mr. McCarty are. I keep tabs on the up and comers in Chicago still. Should have invited you both out here sooner. Please make sure to utilize the many amenities of the mansion." He patted my arm and walked away retying the sash on his smoking jacket.

I picked up my drink and scanned the crowd. I saw so many familiar famous faces. It kind of made me a little giddy to know that I was included.

I walked through the hallway into the game room noting each appreciative glance from the women I walked past. Even if Bella wasn't here, I was going to get laid tonight regardless.

I made my way through the mansion searching for Bella. This was a party being held in her honor. Why the hell would she avoid her own party?

I walked down a long hallway and accidentally entered the kitchen.

Son of a bitch.

There she was.

Ordering the kitchen staff around and supervising the serving of appetizers.

I guess she didn't get the memo that she was the guest of honor.

She had just hustled out the last flustered server when she looked up and caught my eye. The look on her face slowly changed from one of confusion to recognition.

"Edward? Edward Cullen?" She asked.

I just stood there looking at her like a love struck fool.

I finally found my voice. "Um…yeah. Do I know you?" I tried to play off my reticence.

Her face broke out into the widest, beautiful sunshine and rainbows smile I had ever seen.

"Hell yes you do!" She crowed. "Bella….Isabella Swan!" She pointed to her beautifully shaped breasts.

Quit staring at them Cullen. She's gonna think you're a perv.

"Bella? Well I'll be damned." I remarked.

She pulled a tray from the oven and set it on the counter. What ever the appetizers were that she had on that tray, smelled freaking delicious. "Well Hell….I never thought I would ever see you again!"

I stood there just staring at her. Her pictures didn't do her justice. She was more beautiful than I remembered.

She cocked an eyebrow at me. "Are you okay?"

I finally found my voice and couldn't control the stammer. "Uh…I'm fine…yeah …fine. Is this the part where I tell you that you haven't changed a bit?"

"It can be." She winked at me. "Go ahead and spoil me."

I laughed. I knew she was having some fun at my expense.

"Seriously…Isabella. You look fantastic. Absolutely Beautiful."

She walked around from behind the island in the kitchen. "Flatterer. Can I tell you how much it honestly bothers me every time someone tells me I'm beautiful?"

I stared at her for a moment trying to discern whether she was being serious or not.

"Why would it bother you if someone tells you that you are beautiful?"

She sighed. "Cullen, beautiful women are a dime a dozen here in Hell-A. What I wouldn't give to be called exotic or unique or mysterious."

Now I was intrigued. "So then tell me how you ended up in Hugh Hefner's kitchen."

Bella looked me squarely in the eye and seemed surprised. "You don't know?"

I gave her a huge grin, raked my fingers through my hair and laughed. "Guilty. Yes. I know. I was just wondering why you were here in the kitchen instead of enjoying the party. Your party."

A slight blush seemed to creep up her throat. She knew at that moment that I had seen the pictures.

She still blushes. I had always found that to be extremely appealing about her.

"I'm sorry? Did I just make you uncomfortable?"

Bella laughed lightly. "No. It's still taking some getting used to being seen as something completely sexual. I'm the original flannel and jeans girl remember?"

"The photos are beautiful Bella. Nothing to be ashamed of. I'm curious as to why you did it though."

Bella threw the dishtowel down that she had in her hand, untied the apron and removed it. She walked around from behind the counter and tripped. She fell straight into my chest.

"See? Me and high heels just don't mix." She said as I helped her get righted. Her body made full contact with mine and I could smell her scent. She still smelled like the fresh wild strawberries that my mother grew in her garden.

I cleared my throat and stepped back, painfully aware of the effect she was having on me. Not wanting her to see or feel the full effect I offered to escort her to the bar to get something to drink.

She happily accepted my invitation and we made our way to the bar.

***

"So there I was sitting in class and it finally dawns on me that I don't want to be a reporter. I don't want to work for a newspaper or a magazine. I just got up and walked out right in the middle of class. Dropped out and went to culinary school. I have managed to make a good go of a restaurant here in L.A. Now I have my sights set on a sister location in another city." Bella laughed as she stirred her cocktail.

We had been sitting at the bar for quite some time and I had lost count of how many drinks we'd had. I don't know if it was the alcohol that was giving me the courage or if it was honestly just Bella that was making the whole awkward situation comfortable and fun.

"What about you Cullen? What's the world's best piano player been up to since High School?" She inquired, one dark eyebrow rising up in a question.

"I'll tell you if you dance with me. You owe me one Swan." I said as I stood up from the barstool and held my hand out to her. A nice slow jazz number started playing. I smiled thinking how much Hefner liked his jazz. Right now I was a really big fan as well.

"Dancing? Me? Not really a good idea." She replied.

I leaned down and took her shoes off her feet. "No excuses now. Seriously, you still owe me that one final dance from the Spring Fling back in high school."

Bella lightly smacked her palm to her forehead. "Oh God. You had to remind me. I not only owe you a dance but I owe you the biggest apology ever."

Bella got up out of her barstool and swayed just a little. I pulled her out onto the dance floor and put my arm around her waist. I took her hand and placed it on my chest. Her head fit right under my chin and I could feel how silky soft her hair was. We had never gotten this far during the Spring Fling Dance.

Bella was sitting at one of the tables filled with most of the popular kids in school. She looked so pretty in the blue dress she was wearing. In the entire four years we had been going to school together, I couldn't ever remember once seeing her wear a dress.

I decided that I was going to ask Bella to dance. For four long years I had remained quiet about my feelings for her. I knew this was going to be my last opportunity before graduation to do anything about those feelings.

My feet felt like they were weighed down with blocks of concrete. My heart was pounding and my palms were sweating profusely. But I pushed myself forward. It was now or never. I watched Bella throw her head back in laughter at something Emmett had said. Now I was feeling a little trepidation. Every time I got anywhere near Emmett it felt as if I was wearing a big bull's eye on my back.

Suck it up Cullen. This is your last chance.

I walked up and stood quietly off to the side and cleared my throat.

Rosalie Hale quickly spied me. "Well, well, well! What have we here? Looking to get your yearbook signed Cullen? Sorry but my pen is fresh out of ink."

Emmett's loud laughter roared through the tackily decorated gym. "Good one Babe!"

Bella nudged Rosalie in the ribs and shook her head at her. "Hey Cullen. Enjoying the dance?" She asked me. God her eyes were beautiful.

"Uh…..um…yeah. I was wondering if I ….that is if you…. Wannadancewithme?" I sputtered out.

"Christ Cullen! You can dance? I thought you only knew how to do band formations on the field during halftime!" Emmett jeered. I was starting to lose my resolve. I watched as Rosalie passed a silver flask to Bella and she took a quick swig out of it. Her face pinched up into a sour look. I just knew there had to be alcohol in that flask.

"Thanks Cullen. I appreciate you asking me, but I don't dance. I might literally hurt someone. But hey -- hope to see you at graduation. Okay?" Bella replied.

Feeling somewhat dejected, I nodded and turned to walk away. She would never give me the chance to let her know how I felt. Just as well I guess. What would a girl like Bella Swan ever see in a guy like me?

Bella and I danced several dances. I relished the feel of her hand in mine and her body pressed up against me. Perhaps fate and time had done me a service. Knowing how she felt in my arms now, I realized that I was much more capable now of being able to handle the close intimate proximity of her body. I probably would have had an embarrassing raging hard on and blown a load in my pants back in high school if I had danced with her then.

"Wow. I should have danced with you back in high school." Bella said, her thoughts almost mirroring mine. "So 'fess up Cullen. What have you been up to since high school?"

She looked up at me with those huge doe eyes of hers and I felt like I could tell her every secret dream and fantasy I had ever had about her. Some of them were now more vivid than others after seeing her centerfold. I had literally stared at those naked pictures of her, memorizing every detail about her body. I knew that I had to see the mole that sat right on one of her perfect hipbones in person. I wanted to put my tongue on that mole, trace her hipbone and make my way down further until I found her very center.

"Of course I went to college. I decided to rush a fraternity and thought I had literally walked into Hell when I had to rush with Emmett McCarty. He and I found out that we had much more in common than we thought. I never would have guessed that muscle head in high school contained an acute brain for business. We became frat brothers. Emmett kind of took me under his wing and I shed a lot of insecurities." I told her.

Bella smiled at me. "You certainly did change. You got taller, lost the glasses and filled out quite a bit. I'd say you are actually quite devastatingly handsome now Cullen."

The inner geek inside me started doing the happy dance. She noticed.

The song ended and I walked Bella off the dance floor. She leaned down and took another sip from her drink.

"So what happened after you traded in Clark Kent for Superman?" She lightly teased.

I smiled at her description of me. I liked the idea of playing Superman to her Lois Lane.

"After college Emmett and I decided to go into business together. We formed an IT company and it has done remarkably well. That's it. End of story."

Bella raised her eyebrows at me. "No Mrs. Cullen anywhere?"

"Yes." I said and felt slightly giddy as her face fell. "Back in Forks, living with my father, Mr. Cullen."

Bella lightly smacked at my chest. "You know what I was asking."

I was starting to enjoy this. "Yes I do. I just wanted to see if you would squirm."

"I bet you could seriously make me squirm Cullen." Bella flushed red when she realized that what she said could have been mistaken as a double entendre. "I mean…omigod…how embarrassing."

I leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I find it to be extremely charming and sexy."

Bella's head snapped up and she looked directly into my eyes. Suddenly the air seemed to crackle with an electrical charge. Neither one of us could look away. Was it possible that she was attracted to me?

"You know what? I'm not sure why I'm asking this, but I'm really curious. Would you kiss me Cullen? Let me see what I really missed back in high school?" Bella asked me shyly. One look into her eyes and I was not going to deny her.

I took a step forward, my eyes zeroing in on her mouth. I had longed to kiss those lips for years. I put my hand up behind her head feeling her hair in my hand. I started to pull her face towards mine and almost lost it when I saw the pink end of her tongue dart out to wet her lips.

I was just about to kiss her when I felt a hand slap the back of my head. "Christ Cullen! I've been looking for you all over the place!" Emmett boomed. I grimaced as I thought back to Rosalie Hale doing the same thing to me. I don't know which one of those two taught the other that maneuver but it was the bane of my existence at this very moment.

"Emmett." I managed to growl through my teeth.

"SWAN!!! As I fucking live and breathe!!!" Emmett finally realized who I had been standing with.

Bella's eyes grew wide with surprise. "Emmett! Edward was just talking about you!" She jumped up into his brawny arms and he swung her around in a hug not letting her feet touch the floor. I was growing aggravated as I could hear her natural laughter and old camaraderie that she shared with Emmett bubble to the surface. I felt like an outsider again.

I finally interrupted them. "Emmett? I think I saw Jasper trying to get your attention just a second ago. He looks like he needed rescuing from a couple of blondes."

I knew that would get his attention.

"Bella baby! I have to say it. The photos were divine! You are a woman for the ages." Emmett picked up her hand, flashed his dimples and laid a theatrical kiss on her palm.

Bella blushed again. I nudged Emmett meaningfully. "Jasper needs you."

It took a second but Emmett finally realized that I was unhappy with his intrusion. He dropped her hand, laid his hands one on top of another over his heart and sighed theatrically. "Broken. I'm a broken man Bella." He laughed as he made his way through the crowd.

"He hasn't changed much. Better dressed but still kind of a big hearted oaf." Bella snorted.

"Yeah, he grows on you. I can't help it. I honestly like the guy but his timing sucks. Which reminds me. Where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?"

Bella coyly looked up at me through her lashes. "I believe I asked you for a kiss."

I felt one side of my mouth crook up into a half smile. Good. She hadn't forgotten. I moved in closer. I was standing right in front of her with just inches separating us. I could feel the heat rolling off her. She kept staring at my mouth as I bent down to meet hers.

"Don't move. Stay very still." I whispered huskily. I leaned in and placed my lips against hers. Bella breathed into my mouth and I applied more pressure to the kiss. She kissed me back. I traced the shape of her lips with my tongue and felt her mouth slowly part to invite me in. I plunged my tongue into her mouth, tasting her hot wet sweetness. It was better than any fantasy I had ever had about kissing her. No woman in my past ever came close to kissing me like this. I knew at that moment that what I felt for Bella in high school was real and not just some dumb teenage crush. I would actively pursue Bella. I wanted her as mine. I broke the kiss and reluctantly pulled away.

"Wow." Bella breathed out. "Why is it that all the geeky guys know how to kiss?"

"That's not all we're good at." I murmured as I placed a hot kiss against her collarbone.

"Cullen? Are you flirting with me?" She laughed.

"Are you biting?" I answered raising an eyebrow at her.

"Only if you want me too." Bella smiled and bit her bottom lip. "Damn. That's it. No more alcohol for me tonight. I don't like to lose control."

I remembered all too well what Bella looked like when she lost control due to drinking. It was how the Spring Fling came crashing to a horrible end.

I was walking out into the parking lot to get into my car when I noticed Bella leaning over and profusely vomiting next to her red pick up truck. I rushed over immediately to help her.

"Bella? Are you okay?" I asked. I was on the verge of panicking.

She groaned loudly and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. The smell coming from the contents of her stomach that she had just voided onto the pavement was making me have the dry heaves.

Her eyes had been watering and she moved to clear them. "Edward?" She asked. It was the very first time I had ever heard her call me by my first name.

"Yeah…it's me. Are you….are you drunk?" I finally asked.

"I think so. I keep seeing two of my truck."

I was livid. Emmett and Rosalie had gotten Bella drunk and were nowhere to be seen.

"Bella, give me your keys. I'm going to drive you home. There is no way you can drive."

"Mkay…" She tried to fish into her purse to find her keys. She started to lose her balance and landed square on her ass. "Whoops!"

She started giggling uncontrollably. I reached for her purse and found her keys. I opened the door to her truck and put the keys in the ignition. I leaned over to unlock the passenger door. I decided to roll down the window because I didn't know if she was going to need to throw up again or not. Besides being trapped in a truck cab with the fetid stench of barf was not appealing to me at all.

I got out of the truck and hoisted Bella up into my arms. My dick turned traitor on me the minute I felt the softness of her skin. I groaned inwardly and carried her to the passenger side of the truck.

"So strong….who knew?" She mumbled.

I gently placed her in the cab and blushed furiously when my hand grazed her boob as I fastened her seat belt. I quickly got over to the driver's side and turned on the ignition. The truck rumbled to life and then backfired. It sounded like a gunshot. My heart leapt into my throat as I tried to calm down enough to drive her home.

It took me several jerky starts out onto the road before I got the feel of her manual transmission. Bella had slumped over onto the passenger door and I could hear her mumbling incoherently.

I drove carefully through the town praying that we wouldn't get pulled over. I didn't know how I would ever explain it to my parents if I got arrested with the Chief's drunken daughter in the truck. Then again…it could do wonders for my reputation.

I sighed pushing that thought out of my head. My primary responsibility was to get Bella home safely. I swore that in some future life I would come back twice the size I was now and kick Emmett McCarty's ass for getting her so drunk and abandoning her.

We finally pulled up in front of Bella's house. No lights were on but the Chief's cruiser was parked in the driveway. I reached over and gently shook Bella awake.

"Bella? Hey…we're here at your house. Which one of these keys is your house key?"

Bella slowly pried her eyes open and tried to focus. "Edward? What are you doing here?"

I chuckled slightly. "I drove you home Bella. We need to get you inside. Which key is the house key?"

She looked at the key ring dangling from my fingers.

"You have the nicest fingers." She said. I sat there flabbergasted. She noticed my fingers?

"Uh…thanks. But I need to get you inside. I don't want to wake up your Dad because frankly he's the Chief of Police and he scares the piss out of me."

Bella started giggling again. "Key is outside. On top of the door frame."

I sighed and headed up to the front porch and reached along the top of the door frame. No key. Shit.

I made my way back to the truck and watched in horror as Bella opened the door and promptly fell out. She landed hard onto the wet grass on her lawn. She rolled over and laughed. Laughed a little too loudly. Quickly I looked back to the house. No lights came on. I was terrified. Terrified of getting caught by the Chief with his drunken daughter.

"Bella? There is no key! Is there another door or any other way in?" I begged almost to the point of demanding.

"Nope." She said making the "P" sound pop. "My bedroom window is open."

I walked around the house quickly and breathed a sigh of relief to find out what she said was true. I was just going to have to scale that damn tree and climb in, come down the stairs and get her back into her house safe and sound. Hopefully the Chief would be none the wiser that his daughter had gotten completely blitzed and couldn't drive home.

I went back and made sure Bella was propped up comfortably. I reassured her that I would be back in a few minutes. I walked back around to the side of the house where her bedroom was located. I pulled myself up into the tree and slowly began to climb. I slipped once or twice guaranteeing a nasty bruise or two. I finally managed to scale to the limb closest to her window. I pushed against the window to make the opening wider. The window creaked loudly.

Fuck. I was a dead man.

I waited a couple of minutes to see if Chief Swan had heard anything. Thank God there had been nothing. Pulling myself into Bella's bedroom. I waited for my eyes to adjust to the surroundings. My foot got caught on something as I made my way to the door. . I reached down and became instantly mortified when I realized I was holding a pair of her panties in my hand. Being the horny motherfucking teenager that I was I just had to stare at them for a minute or two…or six.

After a few minutes of fantasizing, I put her panties in my pocket.

I gingerly made my way out her bedroom door and walked very quietly down the staircase freezing each time a pronounced creak issued forth from a step. I made it to the front door, unlocked it and went out to get Bella.

I pulled her back up into my arms and carried her up the front porch. The door automatically swung open. I was face to face with Chief Swan with his drunken daughter lying prostrate in my arms.

"Who the fuck are you? And what the fuck is wrong with my daughter?"

Bella was quiet the whole ride back to my hotel from the party.

"Was it really that bad? My dad didn't totally crucify you did he?" She asked glancing at me sideways through those impossibly thick dark lashes of hers.

"Nothing I couldn't handle. Once I explained what had happened, your Dad was pretty cool. Sorry if I got you in trouble though." I apologized.

"Actually, my dad let me off with a warning. Of course he waited until I finally surfaced the next afternoon at 4 p.m. I walked into the kitchen and he was sitting there at the table. I had just opened the fridge to get some juice when he pulled the tab on his usual can of "Vitamin R". I smelled that beer and ran to the bathroom to hurl all over again."

I laughed thinking about Chief Swan trying to teach his daughter a lesson. "What did he say to you?"

"He admitted that he had gotten drunk as skunk on Scotch when he was 17. He said I had done enough penance with my hangover. He warned me that the next time I wouldn't be so lucky."

I reached over and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. And was he tough the next time?"

"There has never been a next time. Thank you Edward. What you did was very sweet. After the way I treated you throughout high school, I didn't deserve that kindness from you."

We both got quiet. I absorbed her apology and realized that she and I were finally on equal footing. We were no longer classified by any school clique. We were just ourselves.

I pulled up to the parking space in front of my bungalow at the Chateau Marmont. Bella's eyes went wide.

"Nice digs. I'd venture to guess that Mr. Edward Cullen is little more successful than he is letting on."

I smirked at her. "Either that or I'm a total poseur. Last chance to back out Swan. You coming in or not?"

"Oh! I am so IN Cullen!" She pulled open the door and bounced out of the car. I walked around and took her hand leading her to the bungalow.

I reached into my wallet for the key card and slid it through the lock and opened the door. I let her walk in ahead of me so I could admire the gentle sway of her hips as she walked. She still had the finest ass ever. Bella flopped herself down on the couch and leaned back exposing the lean long line of her body. I felt myself suck in an involuntary breath. She was going to kill me.

Bella finally broke the charged silence. "So are you going to just stand there or are you going to come over here and kiss me?"

"You are definitely a bossy little thing aren't you?" I chuckled. I shrugged my jacket off and started to open a few buttons on my shirt.

"Mmhmm. Maybe I just need someone strong to set me straight. Got any ideas who that could be?" She flirted back.

"Jesus Bella! You continue to say stuff like that to me and I can't promise that I will conduct myself as complete gentleman." I answered.

"What makes you think I need a complete gentleman right now?" She taunted me as she slowly started to pull the hem of her dress up.

I literally growled and crossed the room in three strides. I moved in between her open thighs and bent down to kiss the exposed flesh on her shoulders.

"Bella….I'm warning you. I have waited a long time for this."

She smiled up at me and put her fingers in my hair tugging on it tightly. "Then shut the fuck up Cullen and kiss me."

With those words I came undone.

I dropped to my knees and shoved the damn coffee table out of the way. I pushed her dress up roughly and hooked my fingers through the waistband of her almost nonexistent flimsy panties. I jerked them down her legs in my impatience to get to her. I needed to taste her. I wanted to feel her on my tongue.

I pushed her thighs apart and placed tiny tender bites all along her thighs from her knees to her fucking promised land. I inhaled deeply smelling the evidence of her desire for me. The smell of her caused another conflagration of lust. I had to taste her.

I leaned in and gently spread the slicked folds of her sex apart. I blew warm air against her heated flesh. I could feel her thighs tense near my head.

"Edward…please…" She moaned. Her fingers gripped my hair tighter and she lifted her hips off the couch towards my mouth. I had her. She was mine.

I touched the tip of my tongue to her heated core. I lapped at the pearly fluid that abundantly coated her entrance. She tasted of salt, cinnamon and sea. I ran my tongue along her slit causing her hips to buck wildly. I could hear her panting spurring me on. I found her clit and pulled it in between my teeth gently and started to suck on her. I found a rhythm that caused her to continually shake. I could feel her muscles tensing and I knew I was about to make her cum. I needed to feel her orgasm so I slid two fingers inside her as I feasted on her. She rode my fingers as I nibbled on her some more.

"Oh God…Edward…I'm….oh shit!" She exclaimed as she shattered against my fingers and tongue. I continued to gently suck on her until she rode her climax out. She slumped back onto the couch looking fully sated. I looked up and smiled at her. She sat up abruptly and pulled my face to hers to kiss me. Or so I thought.

Her tongue snaked out and she licked her own juices from my face. Fuck. That was hot.

"I think I just became the Nerd's Fan Club President." She snorted somewhat pleased.

I smiled at her and put my hand on her breast and fully palmed her feeling the hard nipple through her clothes. She arched into my hand letting me to continue exploring her.

"No arguments from the Peanut Gallery. You have my full support."

Bella eyed the bulge in my pants. "Hmm. Seems like you could be right." She sat up and put her palm flat against my erection. I thought my eyes would roll back into my head. She was touching me. Bella Fucking Swan was touching my dick.

I was reeling from the sensation when the alarm on my watch went off.

"What the fuck is that?" She asked annoyed.

"Oh shit. I have to be at the airport in about two hours. I have to leave today." I explained.

"You can't stay? Cancel your trip?" Her eyes were huge and fucking killing me.

"Uh…no. I can't Bella. Jesus! I wish I could. But I have urgent business that I have to attend to. I have a new client coming in a couple of days and there are details I have to sort out. I'm so sorry. Can I drive you home?"

Bella rolled her eyes at me. "This is un-fucking believable! I finally get the chance to see you again, you give me a mind blowing orgasm and now you're leaving?"

"Uh..yeah. It looks that way. Trust me Bella when I say that I want to stay. But I have a business that I have to return to. I promise you that we will see each other again."

She crossed her arms over her chest after pulling her dress back down. "Yeah. Whatever."

I decided not to argue with her. I stood up and straightened my clothes back up. Bella did the same. We rode in silence all the way to her home.

"Bella? May I see you again?" I asked.

She snorted at me. "Seriously? You don't even live in L.A. and I'm getting ready to go out of town to start up my new restaurant."

"Bella, I would do anything…go anywhere to see you again. Please? I will see you again. I promise. And I know for a fact that it won't take another ten years to do so."

She quietly huffed. "Hand me your phone. I'll put my phone number in. I really would like to see you again Edward. I just honestly don't know when I will be available. Probably not until my new restaurant opens and is running successfully."

I gave her my phone. She programmed in the digits. I quickly dialed the number and heard her phone ringing in her purse.

I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed it. "Good night Bella Swan. I will see you again. Soon."

***

The flight back to Chicago seemed to take forever. I spent most of the flight reliving the events of the previous night. I couldn't believe my luck that she was interested in me.

I made my way to the office the next morning adhering to my usual schedule. But I was also wired as hell. Jasper had mentioned that Bella was coming to Chicago. I placed several phone calls to the top retail brokers in town inquiring about the possible location of Bella's new restaurant. Fate seemed to be on my side again. The broker of my own building let me know she was arriving two days later to sign the lease for her new restaurant space. Amazingly it was in the lobby of my building. I made a generous concession to the lease. I wanted Bella to have the ability to stay in Chicago for quite some time.

As I arrived at work two days later, I could already detect the commotion going on in the vacant space in the building. I was making my way to the elevators when the real estate broker and the new tenant came out into the lobby.

"Well there he is now!" The broker chimed in an all too chipper voice. I turned around and smiled.

"Good Morning Ladies. How are you this morning?" I asked with a slight wink.

Bella Swan stood there with a complete look of surprise on her face.

"Bella? May I introduce Mr. Edward Cullen? He owns this building and is fully responsible for giving you such a good deal on your lease!"

Bella sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth. "Really? Small world isn't it?"

I smirked at Bella and enjoyed watching her squirm. "Welcome to Chicago Miss Swan."

So? Whaddaya think? I'm loving me some Geeky Edward.... Push the green button...let me know what you think.....