Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Readjusted

Chapter 1: Escape

Bella Swan

"Matthew Newton, hurry up! Your father should be on his way." I screamed as I picked up a few toys he had left scattered around the living room.

"What, mom? I'm ready," He replied, dragging his Buzz Lightyear suitcase behind him.

"Did you get your jacket?" I asked as he nodded showing it to me.

"Alright then. Are you going to be good for your dad?" I said in a warning as he nodded, going towards the couch to watch some television afterwards. He wasn't a bad kid, but he had a tendency to misbehave when I wasn't around.

As I finished putting away the toys I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My dark brown hair was a mess, and I didn't have a stitch of makeup on. I was only twenty-nine years old, but there were days where I felt much older.

I smoothed out my hair before straightening out my shirt. It's not like I cared about what Mike thought. Well, I did. I didn't want him to think that I was a mess, even though I was. I mean I was a single mom who had been working nonstop as just to be able to pay my rent and my bills. I didn't have time to really take for myself.

"Mom?" I heard my son call.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I answered going into the living room. His dark brown hair was very much like mine, but his bright blue eyes were definitely his father's.

"When is dad coming?" He asked me in an innocent voice. I looked down at my watch to see the time. It was just after six, the time he had agreed to pick Matthew up. He was late, as usual.

"He should be here any minute now, Matt, don't worry." I replied, praying that Mike would show up. He wasn't a bad father. But, he definitely wasn't father of the year either. He did have the tendency to forget to pick up Matthew the way he was supposed to.

I was greatly relieved when I heard the doorbell ring. Matthew immediately jumped off the couch, rushing to get his bag and jacket. Matthew adored his father, and although I despised him I didn't get in the way of their relationship. Every son needed his father.

I smoothed my hair again before walking to the front door and opening it. My heart immediately shattered when I saw Lauren standing outside my door. Lauren was Mike's slutty girlfriend, who had destroyed my life the year before. She had been Mike's personal secretary, and one of my best friends, until I had walked in on both of them going at it on his desk. I was positive that I would never forget that day, because I was still able to recall every detail.

"Hi, Bella." She said with a fake smile. Even though she was only twenty-five she had had more plastic surgery than I could possibly count. Her mouth, nose, cheekbones, boobs, ass, and stomach had all been altered in one way or another. All courtesy of my now ex-husband.

"Lauren," I greeted trying to keep the venom out of my voice. "Where's Mike?"

"He's tied up at the office still, and told me to pick up Matthew for him. I truly hope that's not a problem." She answered just as Matthew appeared behind me.

"Why would it be?" I responded even though I wanted to break her artificial nose.

"Where's dad?" He asked looking slightly disappointed.

"Hi, Matthew," Lauren said squatting down to his level. "Are you going to give Auntie Lauren a hug?"

"I guess," He replied dejectedly as he gave her a quick hug.

"Well, all his homework is done for the weekend. He goes to sleep at nine, and can't have any sweets unless he eats his vegetables." I explained the details to her. I didn't need to do this with Mike, even though I felt the need to sometimes. "He needs to be at school on Monday by eight"

"Got it," Lauren stated dismissively. I knew she hadn't gotten a word I had said.

"Be good for your dad." I said fixing Matthew's jacket. "I'll pick you up after school on Monday."

"I love you, mom." He whispered as I gave him a hug.

"I love you too, Matt." I sighed as I watched him follow Lauren to her brand new red convertible, that Mike had no doubt paid for.

I watched the woman who had ruined my life drove off with my son. I hated the fact that I couldn't stop her. She had never done anything to Matt, but I still felt it was wrong.

It was extremely depressing to realize just how much my life had changed over the course of one year. Mike's family was the owner of Newton's Outfitters, and he was promoted to CEO the year we had been married. I never really worked while I was married to Mike. I had completed my Bachelor's in Pre-Law, but had gotten pregnant with Matthew before I had even applied to Law School. Since we were living comfortably on Mike's salary I decided to dedicate myself to being a stay at home mother. It was still a decision I could not bring myself to regret.

But with the divorce came the realization that I had no job to fall back on. I received child support from Mike, but I had refused to ask for spousal support. I knew I was more than entitled to it, but I didn't want anything from Mike. I was more than capable of taking care of myself, and I had taken up a job as a receptionist at a doctor's office. At night I had thrown myself into my studies and had completed a course to become a registered paralegal. And, would be starting my new job on Monday.

I owed my best friend Alice and her husband Jasper a lot. They had both been a ray of sunshine throughout my divorce. Alice had taken care of Matthew for me while I studied, and Jasper had been quick to hire me at the law firm he ran with his father and two brothers. I would be making a lot more money, and would hopefully have more time for my son.

I walked over to my couch, letting myself sink into the cushions. As usual I was at home on a Friday night. I had nowhere to go, and no one to go with. I never dreamed about having to start over. I didn't even think it was possible. Who would want me? I was divorced and had a son. My choices were quite limited.

As I drifted off to sleep with some cheesy romance movie playing on the television, I heard my phone ring. "Hello," I said as I heard my sister, Angela's, voice on the line.

"Seriously, Bells. Is that the kind of hello I get?" She asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Hi, Angie, what's up?" I asked. Angela was my younger sister. She was twenty-five and had just moved to Washington after finishing her Master's in Psychology from NYU.

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me at Escape tonight?" She asked. My sister was quite the party person, and always knew the party spots to hit.

"I don't know," I mumbled. I was never much of a club person when I was younger, and I seriously doubted that had changed.

"Come on, Bells. Is Matthew with you this weekend?" She inquired causing me to laugh. I had used my son quite a few times in order to get out of going out with her.

"No, he's with Mike this weekend." I sighed hearing her squeal.

"Then this is perfect." She stated. "Get in the shower, and I'll be over with clothes and makeup in less than twenty minutes."

"Angela, you live almost forty-five minutes away." I pointed out. She answered me with a giggle.

"Silly Bells, I'm already more than half-way there. I wasn't going to taking 'no' for an answer this time." She explained as I dragged myself off the couch.

"I hate you, Angela." I joked causing her to laugh.

"I love you, too." She finished before hanging up.

It had been forever since I'd been to a club. I had even bailed out of Jasper's thirtieth birthday bash, since I had Matthew that weekend. But even though I had escaped the evil pixie, Alice, my sister had gotten me instead..

I, Bella Swan, was going to a club.

Edward Cullen

It was the typical Friday night for me. I flipped through the numerous TV stations while trying to figure out where I was headed out to tonight. I didn't just go to any place. I had standards and I was not going to waste my time.

It was just after eight, and I figured I had time to order Chinese before hitting the showers and getting ready for the night. I had decided to head to Escape, it was a relatively new club that held much promise. It was definitely the new hot spot to be.

I placed my order letting the front desk of my condo know that I was expecting a delivery. I lived in one of the most expensive and exclusive buildings in Seattle and they would not simply let anyone in. Sure, the rent was high, but it was worth it.

I took out a pair of black pressed slacks and a dark green shirt. Green was my color of choice most of the time. I had been told by many of the very beautiful women that I have been with that brought out my eyes.

My thoughts quickly turned to my last conquest and I couldn't help, but smile. It had been quite a wild night. Twins were always fun, and drunk twins were even better. But my mind was not able to wander much further once the phone began to ring.

"Talk to me," I answered.

"Edward, dear, how are you?" My mother, Esme, asked.

"I'm fine, mom. How are you?" I asked. Even though I loved my mom, she was bit annoying at times. She had a tendency to call me at least once a month with the same lecture.

"Do you have big plans with a pretty girl tonight?" She asked making me to laugh. She already knew the answer to her question, because I had made it clear that settling down was definitely not in my plans, not now, not ever

"Mom, must we go through this again?" I asked causing her to sigh heavily over the phone.

"Sweetheart, you're definitely not getting any younger. Don't you want to settle down and start a family? I really want grandchildren." She continued as I rolled my eyes at her little speech.

"Mom, you already have a grandchild." I pointed out.. My brother Emmett and his wife Rosalie had just given birth to a baby boy.

"But, I want a grandchildren from you as well, Edward." She replied. I shook my head in annoyance. Children were definitely not for me.

"Mom, we've been through this." I sighed. "I'm happy the way things are now."

"I wish you'd reconsider. You really have no idea what you're saying." She answered sounding exasperated.

"Mom, I really have to go." I stated, putting a stop to the conversation. This was an argument that neither one of us was ever going to win.

"Think about it, Edward." She added.

"I love you, mom." I finished before hanging up and hearing my doorbell ring. My food was here, and I had a Friday night to get ready for.

Bella Swan

Even though I knew we had the same parents, dark hair, and eyes I wasn't completely sure how Angela and I were related. Our personalities we're complete opposites. Angela was loud and energetic, while I was more laid back and relaxed. In a way we complimented each other. I kept her feet firmly on the ground and she kept me from being reclusive mole.

"You look absolutely stunning, Bella." Angela cried when she had finished the last touch of lip gloss.

"And, I'm supposed to believe that." I sighed, rolling my eyes.

"Just look at yourself in the mirror," She ordered stepping aside as I took in my reflection in the floor length mirror that hung behind my bathroom door.

I studied my reflection, taking it all in. The short red, layered dress was extremely beautiful, but it didn't feel right. My hair had been flat ironed straight, but it was still lifeless. I would never compare to any other woman at the club. I could pretend all I wanted, but I was still plain old Bella. I was nothing special.

"Do you approve?" Angela asked leaning against my marble counter. She looked extremely beautiful in her tight silver dress and dramatic makeup. She definitely had the better luck in the genes department.

"It's nice." I sighed, forcing a smile. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome." She added. "Now let's go, it's time to turn some heads at the club."

We arrived at the club just after ten. Escape was a very high end club, and I was shocked when Angela led us passed the line and through the velvet rope. My little sister had quite the number of connections.

The inside of the club was beautifully designed. There were black suede booths surrounding the walls and huge shiny chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The dance floor was gigantic and there was a glass bar at one end and another on the second floor. The entire atmosphere seemed to hum with the loud music that was playing in the back ground.

"Dance with me," A gorgeous tall man with brown skin and long black hair said to Angela, who simply smiled taking his hand. But, stopped herself to look at me.

"Go ahead," I urged with a forced smile. I was dying of nervousness, but I wasn't going to spoil her fun. "I'll go grab a drink."

"I'll be back," She assured me before following the tall man to the middle of the dance floor.

I made my way to the bar on the first floor, and found a seat. I wasn't much of a drinker, but I figured one or two drinks wouldn't be too bad. I deserved a little fun, and Matthew was going to be with Mike until Monday.

I ordered an apple martini, sipping it lightly as I watched the crowd dance. A few guys had smiled at me, but I was unsure of what to do. I had never been much of a flirt. I had been with Mike for seven years, five married and two dating. I was definitely way out of my comfort zone when it came to flirting.

Edward Cullen

I arrived at the club around 10:30 and started searching for the women that I would focus my attention on tonight. It was almost never the ones that tried to throw themselves at me. I didn't like desperateness, though if they were attractive enough I wasn't opposed to having some fun in the bathroom. Most of the time I preferred the challenge.

I winked at a few girls as I passed the dance floor heading towards the bar. I ordered bourbon and coke, keeping things simple to start off with. As I waited for my drink my eyes fell open a brunette who sat on the other side of the bar. She was definitely a ten in the looks department, her full pouty lips making her extremely alluring. I had found my conquest for the night.

I waited patiently as I saw her scan the crowd. I wanted to make sure she was not taken. The fact had never stopped me before, but I always liked to know what I was getting myself into. Her eyes shifted to me, and I gave her my trademark smile which she timidly returned. She was definitely a shy one.

Though it wasn't my usual way to get a girl's attention I decided to signal the bartender, telling him to give her another of whatever she was having, on my behalf. She was going to be a challenge, I could tell already, but I vowed to get her into bed that night.

Bella Swan

I didn't expect Angela to return. She was in her party mode, and she tended to be a bit forgetful. I just had to make sure to find her before the end of the night. After all, I didn't quite have a car since we had taken a taxi. Neither one of us wanted to risk driving if we were drinking.

As I looked around my eyes locked with those of a very good looking man. He stood on the other side of the bar, and he appeared to be looking intently at me. He had messy brown, maybe reddish, hair. Even through the darkness I could still make out the deep green of his eyes. He was definitely the most good looking man I had ever laid eyes upon.

Just as I was about to break our eye contact, his lips broke out in a dazzling smile which started setting off alarms in my head. I knew he was bad news, but his smile had captured me. I returned the smile shyly before looking away. There was something about him that just seemed to scream trouble, and I knew I didn't need that in my life, especially not at the moment.

"Compliments of the gentleman," the bartender said to me as he handed me another apple martini, signaling towards the gorgeous man at the end of the bar.

I tentatively took the drink, smiling at the stranger in gratitude. I had no idea what else to do. I personally wasn't going to approach him.

I didn't have much time to contemplate what I should do, before he seemed to glide around the bar to where I was seated. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing all alone at a club? Where are your friends?" He greeted as he took the empty chair next to mine.

"I'm here with my sister," I answered politely taking a sip of the drink. "Thank you for the drink."

"It was my pleasure," He purred in a voice that made my entire body tingle with anticipation. It was almost as if his entire being screamed sex. "I'm Edward, by the way."

"Bella," I replied biting my lip nervously.

"That's a very pretty name," He added with a smile. "So, what brings you here?"

"My sister," I added placing my drink on the table. "She pretty much dragged me here, and disappeared the moment we walked in through the door. This is definitely her scene not mine."

"You don't visit clubs often?" He asked. I shook my head in response as he ordered himself another drink.

"I can't say I do." I replied, studying him. His hair was neither brown nor was it red as it seemed from across the bar. It was mostly bronze, and his eyes were the deepest green I had ever seen.

"In that case, I should keep you company." He stated with a wink that made me blush.

"I'm not much fun," I pointed out.

"I don't know," He stated with a chuckle. "You look like a woman that knows how to have fun."

"Don't say I didn't warn you." I added making him laugh.

I quickly found myself swaying to the beat of the music as Edward smiled. "Do you want to dance?" He inquired, offering me his hand.

"I don't know," I replied cautiously. I had never been much of a dancer, and I didn't want to make a complete fool out of myself.

"I don't bite," he said as I took a deep breath taking his hand. We reached the middle of the dance floor and he immediately pressed his body against mine his lips inches from my ear. "That is unless you want me to."

I gasped at the implications of his statement, but was immediately entranced the moment his body began to move against mine. His hands rested on my waist controlling the tempo of our dance as I found myself becoming entranced with the very scent of him. I had never met a person who had that kind of power over me.

I never wanted the song to end. I moved against him effortlessly letting the music guide my every movement. Who was this man? And, what kind of power did he truly posses?

Edward Cullen

I knew by the look on her face the moment we began to dance that she was going to be mine by the end of the night, if I continued to play my cards right. We continued to drink and dance, and even I had more than I was accustomed to. But it was worth it because I soon found myself kissing the beautiful woman from the bar against the front door of her house.

My hands wandered freely over the silky material of her red dress, as my tongue took control of the kiss we were sharing. I effortlessly picked her up, wrapping her legs around my waist as I climbed the stairs to what I hoped was her bedroom.

I groaned into her kiss as she began to work the buttons of my shirt. My senses were in overdrive as I was overcome by the smell of freesias and strawberries. This woman was a goddess, and I couldn't move fast enough. I had to have her.

Her eager response to my hands and mouth were amazing. I knew I was good at what I did so it was not unexpected. I soon had her out of that little red dress, my own clothes joining it on the floor. I barely had enough time to slip the condom on that I carried around in my wallet before I was sheathed with in her hot body. Foreplay was definitely not necessary tonight.

This was truly one of my better conquests, if not the best.

A/N: I'm back with a new story! Thoughts? Comments? I want to know. I really love this story, and it has quickly become one of my favorites.

My updates will come weekly, but as many you have noticed my chapter length has increased dramatically. I will have an update every Monday for this story.

My other new story, Taking Chances, will post on Wednesday and will also be updated weekly. Make sure to put me on Author Alert to get the alert. Taking Chances is my first venture into a pairing other than Bella/Edward. It is Bella/Carlisle instead, but trust me, it is really good. And, Edward is in no way the bad guy.

Even though my updates are weekly I will have previews every Friday in my beta's, Jayeliwood, newsletter. Link to instructions on how to sign up on my Author Page.

Finally, my one shot for the Steamy Movie Crossover is currently in second place. I would love for you guys to vote for the Quiddicth Match in Round 1. My other story, Saving My Life, will be in Round 2. Link to vote is also on my Author Page.

Next Chapter: The Fallout

Muggleinlove