Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. All recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The original content including, but not limited to, the ideas, plot line, characterization and intellectual property of this story are owned by OliviaRising. June 2010.
A/N: I have been reading FanFiction for years and it is time for me to give back. Thank you to all who have encouraged me to write my own version of Edward and Bella. Enjoy!
A Beautiful Melody
Chapter One
I rub my dry and slightly sore tongue against the roof of my mouth as I silently fume over the fact that I have just spent the better part of two hours stuffing and sealing the invitations to Black Corporations' annual charity gala for endangered Peregrine Falcons. Yes, Peregrine Falcons. Not for cancer, not deadly and threatening diseases, not child abuse or neglect. Falcons. Not that endangered falcons are an unworthy cause, because it is; a worthy cause, I mean. But I most certainly did not work my ass off for four years in business school so that I could sit in an overly-lit, excessively air-conditioned room pasting address labels on stacks and stacks of white envelopes.
I sigh as I seal the last envelope and assess my battle wounds. Two paper cuts... not bad for almost four hundred invitations. In fact, I would say that this is an all time low for me. My scowling face brightens slightly at the small victory.
For all of my internal complaining, I know that my job as Jacob Black's personal assistant is an extremely coveted and prestigious position, and while I do a lot more grunt work than I would like, I thank my lucky stars every day that my hard work has rewarded me with such a highly ranked position.
"Bella! The meeting with Cullen Enterprises starts in half an hour- have you arranged for Frank to wait for us at the entrance of the building?" I hear Jacob yell from is office.
I sigh once more as I hastily gather all of the necessary folders off of my desk and wait for Jacob to exit his office. Black Corporations and Cullen Enterprises have long been what you could call 'feuding' companies, constantly competing in everything from ranking and earnings to hosting publicized events. If you ask me, most of the animosity between the companies seems to stem from the well-known bad blood between the two companies' chief executive officers, the hot-headed Jacob Black and the enigmatic Edward Cullen.
Mhmm... Edward Cullen. I feel the heat of my ever-present blush spread like wildfire across my face as I mentally conjure up the image of his perfect face and oh so perfect body. I know nothing about him personally... the closest I have ever been to him is in a stuffy conference room where he studiously ignores me; well, ignore is not the right word because that would actually involve him knowing I was there and choosing to disregard me. No, Edward Cullen does not ignore me, he simply does not know I exist... story of my life. Not that it would matter really, anything Cullen is taboo at Black Corporations and it is an unspoken, unofficial rule that employees of each company are prohibited from talking, meeting, mingling, etc. with a member of the opposing 'team'. It's not like anyone actually enforces this mindset... I mean, this isn't high school. It's just a question of loyalty- no fraternizing with enemy and whatnot.
Jacob Black briskly exits his office and I quickly scramble to his side with the necessary folders, all the while desperately trying to hide my still-burning face. As we wait for the elevator, Jacob gives me a quick sideways glance and swiftly resumes facing the stainless steel doors. Maybe he attributes my red face to my constant blushing...
"Miss Swan, you do realize that your work computer is monitored and that using company equipment and time for... personal use... is unprofessional and inappropriate?"
I feel my face burn and grow several shades of red darker as we continue to wait for the elevator. Bastard. Does he really think that I have time to just sit around and look at illicit web pages with all of the busy and menial work he gives me? The elevator doors glide open, and Jacob strides purposely into the elevator while I stumble in behind him, still reeling with embarrassment.
The car ride to Cullen Enterprises is very tense as Jacob briefs me on what to expect during the meeting with his longtime competitor. He seems to have momentarily forgotten the elevator incident and I am glad for the distraction. Black Corporations and Cullen Enterprises have recently decided to join forces to provide aid, water pumps, and solar-powered energy to various impoverished regions in Africa. In a surprising and shocking move, the two companies have decided to put aside their constant competitiveness and animosity for the moment in order to help the less fortunate... at least that's what the press release said. I have no idea what prompted this temporary truce, but I do know that this new partnership will require me to work very closely and spend a lot of quality time with the enigmatic, Greek god himself, Edward Cullen.
We arrive at Cullen Enterprises with five minutes to spare, which is surprising considering the constant traffic of New York City and our late departure, and the conference room is already packed with various members of the project. As Jacob and I take our seats, I quickly scan the room for any sign of messy, bronze hair. The seat at the head of the table is empty and people are busy flitting about- setting up the projector, handing out papers, preparing for the meeting, etc.
While waiting for the meeting to begin, my mind drifts off to thoughts of what I imagine is going to be a huge disaster when I get home. My roommate and best friend, Alice Brandon, has generously decided to cook dinner for us tonight even though I am pretty sure she does not know how to use a microwave, much less a stove. I am imagining the various disastrous scenarios that may be waiting for me at home when the conference room suddenly becomes eerily quiet and everyone quickly sits up straight and stiffly in theirs seats.
"Sorry for the delay, but I am here now so let's begin," a deep, velvety voice says from somewhere behind me.
The voice's owner strides purposefully toward the head of the table with a tall, beautiful blond woman following him to the empty seat at his right. I am aware of various people shuffling papers and talking, but I cannot take my eyes off the copper-haired god at the head of the table. I blatantly stare at him, knowing that not he, nor anyone else, will pay any attention to me... as usual.
As the blond model to his right jots down notes... I think her name is Irina, I see his lips begin to move... his luscious... pink... soft... lips... I wonder how they taste...
"Miss Swan!"
I am jolted from the beginning of a hot fantasy by the steel voice and harsh glare of Jacob Black. My fire-hot blush goes from zero to sixty in less than a second and my head involuntarily snaps to the head of the table on its own accord. The gaze of two piercing green eyes reach mine and I am momentarily disabled and held prisoner under their scrutiny. I am aware that everyone in the conference room is now staring silently at me, and my dry mouth opens and closes a few times like a fish... a fish in deep shit. Did someone ask me a question? I tear my eyes from Edward's penetrating stare and look to Jacob for support... help... anything!
"Mr. Cullen was asking if you brought those reports with you," Jacob hissed through clenched teeth.
Reports...? Oh! In the folders! I quickly reach into my bag and retrieve said folders.
"Uh, these are the latest reports and statistics..." I mumble while handing Jacob the papers and binders.
"Sorry..." I whisper so softly that I doubt anyone can hear.
I eventually lift my gaze from where it was burning a hole through the carpet and notice that even though the meeting is back in full swing, Edward Cullen is still staring at me with unwavering curiosity... at least I hope it's curiosity and not anger at the fact I disrupted his meeting. As I feel my face heat up once again, if that is even possible, I quickly look back toward Jacob and feign interest at what he is saying. The meeting continues in much the same way- everyone discussing issues and being productive, while I look in any and every direction but at the head of the table.
The meeting lasts about two hours, and when it is over, I let out a not-so-subtle sigh of relief. My bladder is bursting and my legs are numb, but I endure the discomfort so that I can make a swift exit from the conference room that has so quickly become my prison of humiliation.
"Mr. Black? Miss Swan? May I speak with you two for a moment?" Never have I been so unhappy to hear that velvety voice.
My legs quiver as I turn to face Edward Cullen, and this time it's not because he looks like an Armani model in that suit, but because nature is calling and my legs are just beginning to gain back sensation. Jacob is already talking to Edward as I reach them, and they don't seem to notice that I am there. Not sure what to do, I clear my throat nosily because, really, I have chosen them over the porcelain throne that is calling my name, so the least they can do I acknowledge me.
Jacob turns to me, seemingly ignorant of his rudeness, and suddenly I regret drawing attention to myself because now both tall, intimidating men are staring down at me.
"Bella, this, as you know, is Edward Cullen," Jacob states briskly. "Edward, this is my personal assistant, Isabella Swan."
I hold out my hand to shake Edward's, but he surprises both Jacob and me by lifting my hand to his mouth and lightly brushing his soft lips over my knuckles. I internally swoon and my eyes droop closed for a few seconds. Heaven. And before I can stop myself, my over-active imagination has already begun to conjure up images in which he brushes his lips elsewhere on me...
"Pleasure to meet you, Isabella."
My name rolls off his tongue sensually and he makes it sound way more exotic than it truly is. I look up meekly into his eyes and every muscle below my waist immediately clenches deliciously at the sight of his masculine jaw, straight nose, emerald eyes and just-rolled-out-of-bed hair.
He is openly smirking at me now... he knows how he is effecting me! Smooth Bastard. Of course he knows what he is doing... he probably does this to women all the time... he is the master puppeteer and we are all his willing puppets. Mere mortals defenseless and vulnerable to his charm and gorgeous looks.
Jacob coughs awkwardly, pulling me from my reverie while Edward gently releases my now- burning hand. I feel the absence of his touch immediately. And as my body suddenly remembers its urgent need to use the bathroom, I also realize that I can no longer deny that I am unconditionally and irrevocably in lust with Edward Cullen.
Back at Black Co., my monotonous Wednesday afternoon routine is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected summons to Jacob's office. Maybe he's going to reprimand me for my humiliating slip-up during the meeting...? I was hoping that he would overlook that...
As I enter the spacious, stark office, Jacob continues typing on his computer keyboard without bothering to look up or acknowledge me. I desperately want to tap my foot or clear my throat... anything to get his attention and promulgate my impatience. His typing eventually slows and he lifts his dark gaze to me. Finally!
"As you know, Bella, I leave this Friday for a two week long business trip in London, and I have decided to put you in charge of the Aid for Africa project while I am away. It is your responsibility to assist Mr. Cullen in any way that he sees fit without shirking your responsibilities here at Black Corporations," Jacob says stiffly.
The underlying message in his seemingly indifferent tone is clear: don't fuck this up.
"I considered giving this responsibility to someone else after your embarrassing display of inattention at Cullen Enterprises, but you are usually quite reliable and you know the details of this project better than anyone else, so I am following my instincts and giving you this opportunity to represent this company and impress me. Don't make me regret this decision." And with that, Jacob resumes typing on his keyboard.
Jeez... he's always so uptight. I am pretty sure there was a compliment hidden somewhere in that apathetic, somewhat-threatening speech, and I try to hide the small, prideful smile that threatens break through my impassive facade as I make my way back to my desk.
The rest of the day passes quickly with my mind filled with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of heading this important project... okay, and at the prospect of getting getting up close andpersonal with Edward Cullen. And with those vivid and not-so-PG thoughts of Edward swirling around in my mind, I arrive at my apartment in the West Village, too wrapped in a particular fantasy involving today's conference room to remember to brace myself for whatever catastrophe Alice has created in her attempt to show off her domestic skills.
I fully expect to be assaulted with the real Hell's Kitchen when I walk in the front door, but the apartment is uncharacteristically quiet and I actually smell something... delicious...
"Alice...?"
"Bella! You're right on time!" I hear Alice chime from the dining area. "I made you're favorite!"
I never though I would ever hear her say those words.
When I turn the corner and see her standing next to the dining table, I am momentarily speechless. The table is completely set with plates and cutlery, and in the center is a bowl of Caesar salad, a basket full of garlic bread, and a dish full of steaming mushroom ravioli. My mouth begins to water.
"Alice, How did you manage to do all of this? I didn't even know you knew how to make pasta..."
She blushes instantly, and I know something is up. Maneuvering around her petite frame, I try to peek into the kitchen as she unsuccessfully attempts to block my view.
"Come on, Bella! I have been waiting forever for you to get home, and now you're here, so... Bon Appetit!"
"Are those take out boxes from Babbo in the trashcan?" I ask, spotting the empty containers of my favorite Italian restaurant peeking out from underneath a dish rag thrown haphazardly on top.
"Details, details," Alice says nonchalantly with a dismissive wave of her hand, and I decide not to argue.
The meal is, of course, delicious... it better be for the outrageous price. And Alice has kept the copious amount of wine flowing until I know that I am a little more that buzzed.
"Bell-a! I have a feeling I am going to meet my soul mate soon... I just know it!" She says dreamily.
Okay, no more wine for the tipsy pixie...
"And something is going on with you too! ...Is there something you aren't telling me?"
With the delicious wine swirling around in my system, making me bolder and loosening my mouth, I recount my day to Alice, not bothering to glide over any details, and I finish with the announcement of my mini promotion. She sits very quietly during my story, an almost impossible feat for her, and lets out a high-pitched squeal when I finish.
"I know! This is a huge responsibility and now I can finally prove..."
"No! Forget about the project! Bella, do you know what this means?"
I stare blankly at her, my mind becoming a little fuzzy with my last sip of wine.
Alice stands up dramatically and almost looses her balance before twirling around gracefully in her spot. She skips over to me until she is a few inches away from my face, and since I am sitting down, we are almost eye to eye.
"This means that you have found the one."
She says the last part ominously and I almost burst out laughing at the absurdity and the tingling feeling that is beginning in my toes.
"Bella, this is fate! I knew we would find our other halves around the same time!"
Other halves...? Soul mates...? Fate...?
"Alice, you do remember the part where I told you I made a fool of myself during the meeting, right...?" I say slowly so I don't stumble over my words. "Edward Cullen has never looked twice at me before, and today was only an exception because we will be working closely together."
"Bella, this isn't about him. This is about you," she says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "You haven't been this hot and bothered since you saw that Cristiano Ronaldo ad for Armani underwear."
My eyes briefly roll to the back of my head with that image taking over my mind.
"Alice, exactly! You're making too big of a deal over this. It isn't love or all that soul mate crap," she winces as I accidentally insult her strong beliefs. "I just find him extremely attractive, and I will do my best to put that aside and act professionally while I work with him."
"I bet you'd rather work under him," she quips deviously.
I sigh because trying to sway or deter Alice in any way is a lost cause. She didn't become a fashion editor for Nylon magazine by being a pushover- no, Alice is fiercely stubborn... and almost always right... that's what worries me.
"So what do you know about McHottie?"
She has a point... what do I know about him? Nothing really...
"Uh... he is the CEO of Cullen Enterprises...," I say lamely.
Before I can delve further into my fuzzy mind for more facts, Alice pulls me roughly from the dining table into the living room where she pushes me onto couch. My sluggish limbs struggle to acclimate to their new positions while Alice gracefully plops down next to me with her sleek silver laptop perched on her lap.
"You mean you haven't even Googled him yet?"
"Sorry, my stalking capabilities aren't as fully developed as yours."
She ignores my snide comment and types Edward's name into the search bar. Why didn't I think of this? Several links pop up... and several gorgeous images...
"We'll look at the pictures later- right now, we need information."
I internally sigh as the pictures disappear; she is on a mission.
After scanning through pages and pages of biographies and other information, I realize that none of the sources have much information about his early years, or even about his personal life and interests. Each web page mainly focuses on his accomplishments in the business world and gives standard information about his family, age and alma mater.
Alice, efficient as ever, has written a bullet point list of what we have learned on the back of our grocery list:
Age: 26
Adopted at age 4 after birth parents died in a car accident
Information about birth parents is unknown
Siblings: Emmet Cullen (28)- owner of several nightclubs in Manhattan
Adoptive Parents: Carlisle Cullen- attending surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital
Esme Cullen- founder of Park Avenue Interior Designs
Attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and graduated with honors
Created Cullen Enterprises straight out of business school
Rarely does interviews and keeps personal life extremely private
Is notorious for being seen with many different women at various events and social functions- rarely seen with the same woman twice
I feel a bitter taste in my mouth as Alice writes the last part down. Nothing we've just read about him reveals anything personal... except that he is a notorious womanizer. The fact that he is adopted is quite a shock, and even though I know I am invading his privacy, I can't help but want to learn more about this enigmatic man. His life before the adoption is a complete mystery, and even the details about the car crash are nebulous and inconsistent. I secretly hope that the two weeks of working closely with him will answer all of the questions I have churning around in my mind.
Love it? Hate it? Let me know what you think!
xXx Olivia