Hey everyone! We are finally updating! Poor Emma, I think I annoyed her with this chapter, even after she kept pushing me to help update. Sorry guys! Umm can I tell you Emma has amazing taste in dresses? She picked out Bellas dresses in this chapter they are soo peerrttyyy!!! I shall post them in my profile when I'm not so lazy haha. Anyway I'm writing a new story and that should be up soon-ish. Emma is a much better person than myself and updates her regularly! So read hers, too! They're amazing! Anyway, Emma didn't have much to say except sorry it took so long, and that was really my fault anyway, so don't blame her!

Enjoy!

Chapter Seven

I didn't need to go into the office today, yet here I was walking in my best pea coat and various winter accessories.

Even if I did need to go into the office today I didn't need to be dressed in this expensive dress with its pencil skirt and ruffled blue top. I also didn't need to be wearing my black pumps and stockings, nor did I have to spend an hour curling my hair just right.

But I did, because I was prepared to shamelessly walk past Edward's office for as long as it took for him to notice me. I knew this was a pretty Rosalie thing to do, but I wanted to look good for him. I had a big crush, okay, and I liked it when he got all cute and flustered.

"Hey Angela," I sang when I walked in, hanging up my coat.

"Wow, you're looking good today," Angela said, letting out a low whistle. "What's the occasion?"

"I can't concentrate at home and I thought I'd see if Jasper needed any help, too."

"Why the dress?"

My cheeks turned pink. "I just thought I'd dress up nicely. I don't know when I'll get the chance to wear it."

"You look great," she gushed. "Hope you get your work done." I went to my office, the one very far away from Edward's, and turned on m computer. Seattle's Brew was the first thing I loaded up. So much for getting work done.

I had one unread private message from Mason which made me quite excited as I opened it.

I want to get you a Christmas Gift.

I smiled. Maybe he'd been thinking of this for a while. That sounds perfect. Should we set a time and place? I smiled when he replied with a laugh, saying he was looking forward to it. I opened the document again and started writing, feeling sudden inspiration.

How about noon on Wednesday at the Starbucks near Armchair books? Is that enough time?

Yes, that's great. I know exactly what to get you.

Crush

Young women are generally viewed as being entirely involved with finding a man- finding their true love, someone to marry, or someone to use for a night. Being a young woman myself, I often get calls from my mother asking if I've found a guy. If I have, the first questions are generally 'is he cute?' and 'are you in love?'

I'm not sure how I feel about love. You see some people after a month with a partner proclaiming from treetop to balcony 'I love you!' only to break up over something trivial, like not enjoying the same movie, or because you stayed to your cousins house one night.

"Love" is so complex, the thought of it frightens me. How do you know when you fall in love? DO the heavens part and shine down on that one person? Does your stomach get so filled with butterflies you can scarcely breathe? Or is it as simple as when you're together, you can't see anyone else and you're the happiest you've ever been?

I've never been in love, but one of my favourite feelings is falling like, getting a crush on someone.

I'm one of those people who has a 'type'. Typically, I don't follow that criteria to a T, but you generally win more points with me if you do. My type, is the geek type.

Now, I don't mean full blown socially inept, more acne than visible skin surface, braces, still sleep in your mother's basement. I mean, if Chace Crawford was walking down the street next to a man with thick glasses, dress clothes and suspenders, I might just jump on suspenders and have my way with him. If you crack a nerdy joke in a normal conversation, I would swoon just as hard as if you suddenly put on glasses or fumbled over your words. Glasses make a guy even more attractive, in my opinion.

I've been in like lots of times before, and I really enjoy the little feelings I get in my stomach. I don't even mind when I blush talking to the object of my crush. When you get a crush on someone, it's fun finding out new things about them, and seeing them is always exciting.

I have a crush now, and I find myself purposely dressing well and trying to impress him. He is a bit of a geek, like myself, but that's what makes me like him so much. He's amazingly smart and though I haven't heard his music, I'm sure very talented. If he ever breaks out a pair of glasses, I'm sure I will be a goner.

So what about you. Is falling in love as hard as I make it seem, or is falling in like more painful than I find it. This is what I want to know from you guys this week. I hope you have lots of butterflies in your stomachs!

I smiled, satisfied with how it sounded for now. I'd get Rosalie and Alice to read it before I sent it to Jasper. I stretched my arms out and leant back in my chair. I paged Alice and Rosalie's office but they didn't answer. With a sigh I got up to head down to Jasper's office.

When I rounded the corner to the hallway with Jasper's office I saw Edward walking slowly to his door, looking through some papers in his hand. I took a deep breath and started to walk down the hallway. When he looked up his eyes widened and he somehow managed to walk right into his door.

"Are you okay?!" I asked, hurrying to him where he was holding his forehead in pain.

"Yeah, no... yeah I'm fine..." he stammered before tripping into his office and closing the door. I couldn't help the small smile that curled my lips, but did feel a little guilty.

"Jasper?" I asked, walking into his office. Alice and Rosalie were sitting down, laughing loudly while Jasper blushed red. "What happened?"

"Nothing," he spat out, pulling his jacket closer around him

"We just informed him he's been wearing his shirt inside out all day," Alice giggled. I let out a snort but didn't get a chance to tease him.

"You're looking mighty fine today," Rosalie said and Alice nodded enthusiastically. "Any reason why?"

"I just wanted to wear it. I've had it for so long." Rosalie rose one eyebrow.

"You sure it wasn't to impress one Entertainment journalist?" Jasper nodded thoughtfully while I glared and muttered a 'shut up.'

"I have a column I'd like you two to read," I told them, sitting on the arm of Rose's chair.

"Why not me?" Jasper asked, feigning hurt.

"A woman's perspective is needed," I replied.

"Why, what is it about?" he pressed.

"Does it really matter, Jasper?" I sighed.

"Yes! It's my newspaper!"

"Fine, it's about the female orgasm, you happy?!" He turned bright red and looked down.

"I'm not sure I want to publish that," he mumbled.

Alice rolled her eyes. "She's joking, hon. You'll get to read it eventually." He pouted and leant back in his chair.

"Do you have anything you'd like me to read over for you?" I asked him.

"Yeah, here," he said, passing me copies of Tyler and Jessica's articles, always the worst to edit. "That's what you get."

"Fine," I snarled. "I'll email you guys the column." They nodded and waved as I walked out.

When passing Edward's door I froze upon hearing the music through the walls. It was beautiful, very instrumental and easy going. I straightened out my skirt and rapped at the door. The music stopped and I heard a faint 'come in.'

Edward was sitting behind his desk, one hand under his chin as he looked thoughtfully at the computer. The glasses perched on his face made my breath hitch as I tripped a little on my heel. He looked up slowly when I shut the door and I swore I heard him breathe out a 'fuck me.'

"How is your forehead?" I asked with a small smile. He grinned.

"Fine. Nothing damaged but my dignity," he said. I smiled and walked closer to him.

"What were you listening to?" I asked quietly. He smiled at me and my heart skipped a beat.

"There's a band coming here to do a few shows next week, Matt Nathanson. I'm getting to interview him so I thought I'd do a bit of a review of his music- he's quite good." I nodded and looked down at the papers in my hand, chewing on my lip and unsure where to continue the conversation.

"Would you like to listen?" He asked quietly. I nodded and we smiled widely at one another. He started the song over and put that thoughtful look on his face again, staring nowhere while I stared at him.

The music was beautiful, but so was he, and when he asked me what I thought it took me a moment to find my words.

"It's nice," I said bluntly, but he nodded for me to continue. "I mean, the melody is really strong and the acoustic has a great sound. His lyrics are great, too."

He grinned. "Exactly. I feel like when I meet his I'm just going to gush all over him and not get a smart question out." I laughed happily with him.

"Well, I should go back to work," I sighed, walking towards his door.

"See you around," he said softly.

Gosh I liked nervous Edward. Too cute.

I sat quietly in my office, emailing back and forth with Alice and Rose who loved my column and sent it to Jasper before I could rethink it. I went over Mike and Jessica's articles, which were just boring, and I ended up rewriting half of it before going to pass it in to them.

I called up Eric Yorkie, a friend from high school who had opened up a music/comic store. I knew exactly what to get Edward/Mason for Christmas. We made arrangements for me to pick up the requested items in half an hour or so when I got off work and I was so pleased when I hung up the phone that I tidied up and was getting ready to leave in minutes. Jasper phoned and told me he loved the article, then teased me about my crush.

When I opened the door to leave I came face to face with Edward who had his hand raised as if to knock on the door.

"Hi," he said simply with his gorgeous crooked grin.

"Hi," I breathed out shakily. Nervous Edward was cute, but confident Edward was downright sexy.

"You know, Lewis has been asking a lot about Magneto," he said, that same grin intact.

"Has he?" I asked with a similar expression. "I think my poor girl's been pining over him too." Edward chuckled.

"Remember that play date for the cats?" I nodded, my smile widening. "What are you doing tonight?"

"Well, I have to run out right now and do some errands, but then I'll be home. How about you and Lewis come over for dinner and a movie?"

"I'm sure Lewis would love to," he chuckled.

"Okay," I said softly. "I'll see you in an hour?" he nodded. We walked out together, talking about movie choices and cats. Edward offered to drive me to my house, but I shook him off, telling him to get Lewis pretty for Magneto. Eric's shop was only a block away, so I hurried over and picked up my gifts, accepting his offer for a ride home since my feet killed in these heels.

I hid the presents in my underwear drawer, before changing into jeans and a local bands t shirt, with a simple cardigan over the top for warmth.

"Hello little lady," I said, scooping up Magneto, who immediately began to purr. "You're going to have a visitor tonight, so you have to wait to eat." I set her down and she rolled onto her back in the middle of the kitchen while I prepared dinner.

Half an hour later and ten minutes early my doorbell rang. I ran to answer it with a smile on my lips.

Opening the door revealed Edward looking absolutely adorable with his grey cat in his arms. We just stood there smiling at each other until Magneto wrapped around my legs and meowed, causing Lewis to yowl and jump out of Edward's arms. They ran down the hallway, jumping and batting at each other before disappearing into the bathroom.

"Come in," I said with a laugh, stepping aside. He shook the snow out of his hair and pulled off his jacket. I stared at the way his shoulders moved underneath his t shirt.

"Something smells good," he commented as he turned to smile at me.

"I hope you like it," I replied, leading him out to the open kitchen and living room. "Would you like the grand tour?" I pointed out our supper cooking and the big living room window, offering a spectacular view of the city and the falling snow. I took his hand and lead him down the hallway, trying not to squeal from the shock of touching him and the warmth of his hand.

"This is my office," I showed him one of three rooms in the hallway. "That's the bathroom, and this is my room," I explained, pushing open the door. My queen bed and dressers were the only furnishings, and the decorations were the bare minimum to make it feel like home. On the floor the cats were playing with a feathery toy.

"You have a very lovely place," he said softly in the same deep voice that made my knees weak.

"Thank you," I smiled. "Maybe the next play date will be at your place and I can get the tour."

"Definitely," he grinned.

"You can pick out the movie," I said, walking back to the living room. "I'll just dish up supper and we can watch it." He smiled and turned to my bookshelf where my movies were stored.

I sat down on the couch and set our plates on the coffee table while I admired Edward's behind as he turned on the movie. He smiled as he sat next to me and groaned when he took his first bite of food.

"Good?" I asked. He nodded.

"Marry me," he moaned through a mouthful of chicken. I laughed.

"Swallow your food and try again." He chuckled and took another bite. I watched as the opening credits rolled up.

"Fright Night?" I asked. "Really?" He just grinned at me and nodded.

We watched the movie without a moment of silence. We'd both seen it many times before, so we pretty much made a commentary the entire time. We'd both get up to clean dishes, use the bathroom and get snacks without pausing it. Comments like "Why do they need to how that?" "They're pretty much having sex on the dance floor." "Why oozing green stuff?" and "It's really sexy when he turns into a bat, don't you think?" were frequent, followed by much laughter.

When the movie was over we just talked. I was unwilling to let this night end, like I hoped Edward was. We talked about the music and books on my shelves, he admired my record player, and I admired him.

Finally our conversation seemed to run out. We sat there in silence, and while I desperately wanted to invite him to sleep over like we were nine with sleeping bags on the living room floor and video games and trying to stay up all night and maybe a little heavy petting, I restrained myself.

"I guess I better get going," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He went down the hallway and returned with his cat, rubbing his stomach.

"Thanks for having us," he said softly, pulling on his jacket while I held a sleepy Lewis.

"Anytime," I said with a bright smile, sincerely meaning it. We stood there for a moment, looking at one another. I just couldn't get enough of the green in his eyes.

"Well, goodnight," he said finally, taking a step forward. I froze as he moved in and lightly pressed his lips to my cheeks. They immediately heated up, and my heart hammered at my chest.

All I could think about was the warmth of his skin, the smell of his neck and how soft his lips were compared to the roughness of his stubble. I heard his breath in my ear as he slowly pulled away, smiling at me the way confident Edward does.

"Goodnight," he said and left, closing the door behind him.

I let out a shaky breath and thought: I am definitely in like.

PAGE BREAK

The Wednesday assigned for mine and Mason's gift exchange was the same one assigned for the Secret Santa in the office. There was just a week until Christmas Eve, and we'd decorated the office very festively for any visitors who'd be coming in.

I sent Angela out with my gift for Edward, instructing her she would receive something in return, and to come back here pronto. She saluted me and left with her four bundled together packages. I'd gotten him a Frank Sinatra record. I'd no idea if he had a record player, and he probably did. On the off chance he didn't I would happily invite him over to use mine any time.

I'd also snagged three rare and mint condition X-Men comics from Eric, who let me have them for quite a discount. I was sure that would make Edward smile.

While I waited for Angela I made phone calls home to my parents, edited a few pieces, and even started my Christmas column.

Edward was in his office with music playing. I knew this because I went to the bathroom three times in the 20 minutes Angela had been gone. I was practically pulling my hair out wondering if he was as excited as me.

I was getting ready for another bathroom break when the door opened and Angela dashed inside, holding a small envelope in her hand. What was that?! I'd spent a mint on him and he gives me what? A twenty dollar gift card? I was starting to feel down but she passed it to me with a huge smile.

"Who gave you this?" I asked, studying the way he'd written my name on the envelope.

"Ben," she replied with a giggle. "He asked me out, can you believe it?"

"That's excellent!" I exclaimed. She'd been mooning over him for a while now. I shook the envelope and gasped at what fell into my hands. Two tickets for very good seats for the opening night of Phantom of the Opera after New Years. He must have remembered our talk on the forums, and I'd never seen the show live. This cost as much, if not more than my gift for him.

"Did Ben say who it was from?" I asked softly. Her eyes widened and she looked down as she softly replied 'No.' She was lying. So now, Edward and I were purposely flirting with each other, except I wasn't supposed to know, and two of our friends knew and could watch us be complete idiots around each other.

"Thanks a lot, Angela," I said softly with a smile. "This means a lot." She left happily.

Jasper called us into his office for the Secret Santa, and we all crammed in. I was stuck next to Rosalie and Emmett, staring at Edward across the room.

"Alright, I'll go first," Jasper said with a smile, pulling out a small box. "I spoke to the manager at Vices and Virtues, and I got you a press pass to their shows," he explained as Edward's eyes lit up when he looked in the box. "You can go to any shows you want, and you have full access to back stage and the artists."

"Thanks man," Edward said, patting Jasper's shoulder with this genuinely happy smile on his face. "I got Emmett," he said, passing the envelope across Alice's head.

"Alright!" he exclaimed. "Tickets to a hockey game in Vancouver and enough money to get over there. Thanks, man!" Edward nodded at him and smiled at me over his shoulder.

"Here, Angela," Emmett said, tossing her a poorly wrapped gift.

"Aw, thanks, Em! I've been looking for this movie everywhere!" He grinned and gave her thumbs up. Angela had Rosalie and she gave her a new pair of killer heels which made Emmett's mouth water on sight. Rosalie passed Alice and Victoria's Secret box and she peeked inside, giggling before turning to me.

"Here, Bella," she said happily. "I know this will look great on you." Inside the neatly wrapped box was a beautiful white dress, and what I supposed Alice deemed appropriate undergarments. The sight of them made me blush, along with the fifty dollar gift card to Victoria's Secret.

"Show us!" Emmett yelled. I held up the dress, but hid the remainder of my present. Everyone gushed over how pretty it was, but the look in Edward's eyes was smouldering as he stared at me.

"I guess we saved the best for last," I said quietly, passing Jasper his present. He basically squealed like a little girl over the civil war books I'd gotten him and I grinned, glad I knew my friend so well.

"Okay everybody, let's go home early, shall we?" Jasper said happily, wrapping his arm around Alice's shoulders. We all filed out of his office but I purposely lagged behind, walking next to Edward.

"Do you like your gift?" He asked politely. I nodded and smiled.

"It's very beautiful. How about yours?"

"It's awesome, I'm really glad he did that. There are some people who work there that won't let me speak to the musicians, so this really helps." He dodged into his office quickly and grabbed his coat. I stopped him from moving and pointed down to the reception area.

Ben and Angela passed each other gifts and we watched as they both opened them up and laughed. Then I hid my face in Edward's shoulders to keep from squealing when Ben leant over the counter and kissed her.

We bother walked down when they separated. "Happy Holidays," I said, winking at Angela. Edward offered me a ride home again, but I declined, knowing that with my luck Alice's gift would go flying and he'd end up with a bra on his head and lacy panties shoved down his throat.

He bid me goodnight and I was hoping so badly that he'd kiss my cheek again. Instead, he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear and smiled at me before walking to his car.

The corner of the record I'd given him was sticking out of his jacket.

It's super long! I hope you enjoyed this, Emma put a lot of effort into a short time for this one! I also bugged her on the band like 50 times and right now I'm obsessed with his song Come On Get Higher. It's on my sleep playlist! Anyway don't forget to review!