Claiming a Swan

Chapter Two

Chapter Two
Now...

Shit! Shit! Shit!

Those were the only words running through my mind when I bumped into him...

I was in a complete rush. I was late for my meeting with the executives of the company. I really couldn't afford to be late.

It was like fate really wanted to screw with my life.

Carlisle Cullen stood before me. His white doctor's coat flowing in the September wind. His skin was the same ivory pale, his hair as golden as the rays of minimal sunlight peeking through the clouds. It was his eyes however - that captured hers. She lost her breath when he gazed at her.

"Carlisle." I spoke breathlessly.

"Bella, my I wasn't sure I would see you again."

His voice was something from the past, it reminded her of her teenage years. How she'd dated Edward. How her life was irrevocably changed when she knew Vampires existed in the world.

"I'm sorry, Carlisle. But I'm in a hurry. I'm late to a very important meeting. It was really nice seeing you!"

I rush my speaking and push past him, I thought I heard an inhale of breath - but it could've easily been the wind.
I had no time in getting my usual coffee. I would have to go through the meeting without the needed caffeine. I hurry to the edge of the main street and cut the corner and push past the glass doors to the Publishing house. Swan and Co. Publishing was the biggest publishing company ever to grace the District, in Pennsylvania .

Running up all the different sets of stairs - I finally make it to the conference room, where all the executives are sitting.

"My apologies, everyone for being late. I had a run-in with an old friend."

"No apologies needed, Ms. Swan." Gary Lancaster said. Gary was my boss - before I became his boss. He made me into the business publishing expert I am today.

"Please. Let's begin." After hearing many new authors, and the authors we had on payroll and the due dates and deadlines. Bella exited the meeting. It was enough she declared and now it was time for the coffee of the day.

There was a Starbucks right across the street.

Avoiding all the traffic and the cluttered swarms of people - Bella entered the coffee shop. The waft of coffee beans filled the air. It was comforting and warming. She ordered her usual - a venti iced white chocolate mocha. Having that coffee was enough to fuel her for the rest of the day.

"Now. How can I get so lucky to bump into you twice?" Carlisle's voice floats from behind. It startled her and she twisted herself to see she was standing beside Carlisle Cullen.

"Are you following me?" Bella asked breathlessly.

"In a way. But I am more curious as to how you've been, Bella."

"It's been years, Carlisle."

"It has."

"I've changed."

"So have I." He countered. And Bella could see the changes. He didn't have the same familial vibe to him. No. He looked edgier - or had a fight with his inner vampire - his inner vampire winning and taking control. He looked dangerous. But then I looked at him - and with his doctor's coat on - he looked like the same old Carlisle I knew. But deep down I knew there was a monster wanting to play. And that scared me.

"I growed up. I'm not the same teenage girl. I'm glad to see you. I've missed all you Cullens. And please tell them all I wish them well. But I have to go."

"Bella." The barista shouts with my order.

I pick up the coffee and pat Carlisle on the shoulder in a goodbye gesture. He places his hand on mine, grabbing it.
I felt an electrical spark when he grabbed my hand.

"Isabella. Can we see each other tonight?"

"I'm busy." He lets my hand go. And I exit the coffee shop.

***

It was a dream I knew. At least that is what I told myself.

I knew I went to sleep in my bed.
So this had to be a dream...

Carlisle was there. I slowly ease myself from the bed. And yank him close to me. Giving in to temptations that were forbidden.

***

Carlisle eyed her from the bed.

She went to bed in a tank top and her underwear. Her naked skin was smooth and perfect.

He only wanted to see her. To be near her.

Yet - he couldn't leave without trying.