"Bella! Bella!"

I heard my name being called and searched through the crowd until I spotted one of my best friends, Alice, waving her arms frantically. I gestured to let her know I had seen her - she was kind of hard to miss, popping up and down as she was - and then began to weave my way through the crowded nightclub towards the corner booth where she sat. It took me forever to get to her, seeing as it was after nine o'clock on a Saturday night. Warm bodies pressed against me from every side, both men and women, and a variety of colognes and perfumes - I recognized at least four of them - assaulted my senses. Once again, I wondered how I had let Alice talk me into this. Clubbing was fun on occasion, but not really my thing.

I finally made it and collapsed into the booth across from her.

"God, what a crush! I think I was violated three different times on the way over here!" I exclaimed.

"By anyone cute?" Alice asked, immediately interested.

"Don't know," I said, shrugging. "One of them smelled pretty good, but I couldn't see the faces."

"Well, that sucks. Here." She pushed a pink drink across the table towards me. "I ordered you a Drunken Punch."

I sniffed the glass.

"What's in it?"

"Um, cranberry juice, Chambord, a couple of different kinds of rum. It's yummy."

I took a cautious sip, and my eyes smarted with tears as the alcohol immediately burned my throat.

"Holy crow, Alice! How much rum is in here?"

"Don't know. But I think that's where the 'punch'comes in!" She laughed.

"You can say that again."

I took another sip, and this one went down slightly smoother. I think the high alcohol content numbed my throat, actually.

"So where's Rose?" I asked, referring to our other best friend, who was also supposed to be meeting us here.

"Hard to say. She was here, then her phone rang and she went outside to answer it, but that was at least twenty minutes ago, and she hasn't come back. Oh wait, there she is!"

I followed Alice's pointing finger and spotted Rosalie on the dance floor. A big, muscled guy had his hands on her hips while her arms were looped around his neck. They were grinding slowly together to the thumping beat of the song currently playing, Matisyahu's "One Day." I shook my head with a smile. She looked especially outstanding tonight in a scarlet satin corset, black leather miniskirt and thigh high black boots.

Rose was tall, blond, and beautiful. Men were drawn to her like moths to a flame. Of course, the majority of them did get burned. She had a scathing tongue that could bring almost any guy to his knees in short order, and she didn't put up with bullshit. The thing that pissed her off more than anything else was a guy who would bend over backwards trying to get into her pants without even bothering to get to know her, a guy who would tell her what they think she wants to hear, when in reality all they want is a piece of ass because she's gorgeous. Which has definitely caused her to be jaded in the romance department.

Most people think she's a bitch with a capital B. But underneath all of that is one of the most loyal and trustworthy hearts you'll ever find. She doesn't open herself to others easily, but when she does, you have a friend for life.

Rose, Alice, and I became best friends in grade school and, miracle of miracles, we've remained just as close to this day, even moving into the same apartment building after we graduated from college and began our lives in 'the real world.' Rose and Ali share an apartment, while I have my own place four doors down. I love them dearly, but have always known that - if our friendship was to survive - I could not live with either one for any extended amount of time. I like my quietness sometimes, and 'quiet' is not a word you would associate with either of my besties.

I watched as Rose leaned in to whisper something in her dance partner's ear. From the huge grin that spread across his face, it must have been something that garnered his approval. He really was good looking, with dark curly hair and - I squinted a bit in the dim light - yep, definitely dimples.

"Hey, I think I know him!" Alice suddenly exclaimed. "I'm pretty sure he just moved into our building."

"Well, it sure does look like Rose is getting to know him better," I laughed, watching as Rosalie's hands slid up and down the guy's well defined chest, showcased in a snug white v-neck t-shirt.

"How come Rose never has any problems finding hot guys?" Alice pouted. She was actually pretty adorable when she pouted, and I had to smile.

"Ummmm, because she's Rose?" I offered, taking another sip of my drink. I was definitely starting to feel a buzz from it already. "Alice, you know the answer to that question as well as I do. She's gorgeous, she's rich-"

"Bella," Alice interrupted, "I'd like to think that both you and I are none too shabby in the looks department. Agreed?"

"Agreed," I said with a giggle. Was I giggling? What the fuck was in this stuff? I took another drink.

"Also, neither of ourbank accounts is lacking, to put it fairly. We are independent women."

"Yes, we are!" I raised my glass in a toast to her.

"We need to find men, Bella! Seriously! Do you know how long it's been since I've had a halfway decent orgasm not supplied by my own hand? Too fucking long, I tell ya! I need some fresh fucking meat! Am I alone in this thinking, or do you agree?"

"First off, you know I love it when you drop the F-bomb," I said, winking at her. She blew me a kiss.

"Second," I continued, "I'm not sure I have time for a man in my life right now because-"

Alice waved her hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, I know. I know you've been swamped at work lately, but come on Bella! Don't you miss it?"

"Miss what? Sex?"

"Fuck, yeah!"

"Of course I miss it! It's been four freakin' months!" I gestured just a bit too wildly, and punch sloshed over the rim of my glass and onto my hand. I licked it off and took another drink before continuing. "But let me tell you-"

"Wait, wait. Four months?! You mean not since-"

"Needledick, The Bug Fucker!" she and I chorused together, both of us beginning to laugh hysterically.

Needless to say, my last foray into a session of knocking boots had been less than satisfying. I'd ran into Mike Newton, a guy we'd gone to college with, in a hotel bar when I was finishing up a meeting there with the caterer. One drink had led to another, one kiss had led to another, and before I knew it, we were hitting the sheets. Unfortunately for me, Mike was somewhat…less than endowed. I swear I've never seen an erect penis that small in my whole life. And while I know that makes me shallow, what it didn't make me was cum. I mean, I know size isn't everything, but come on! At least learn to work with what you've got, right?

Apparently no one had told good ol' Mike that. I ended up faking the big O just so he'd finish. He was a determined little fucker. Literally. My hips had started to go numb at that point. I left with a distinctly contrived post-orgasmic glow. He called me for weeks afterwards, always wanting a second go round. I finally told him I'd become a born-again virgin and planned to save myself for marriage. I guess he believed me because the phone calls stopped abruptly, thank God. Rose had graced him with his unforgettable nickname when I'd first told her and Alice the story.

"Ah, little Mike," I sighed, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes. "But seriously Alice, I'm scarred for life from my last one night stand. And hello? Wedding season is right around the corner, I'm gonna be so busy!"

"Live a little bit, Bella! You're only twenty-six, and we need to have fun while we're still young. Now, I'm not saying go out and screw some random stranger just to scratch your itch, but you need to let loose a bit. For tonight you should just be Bella, not pastry chef extraordinaire, not 'Seattle's Sweetheart'-"

"Ugh, you know I hate that fucking nickname," I groaned, knocking back more punch.

I was a pastry chef, specializing in wedding cakes, and I loved my job. It was fun, it was challenging, and it paid well. And I love my boss, Irina. She has encouraged my creativity from the first day I started working for her, giving me free reign, so to speak. I was good at what I did, and she knows it, but I still felt very lucky to have her as my boss.

A few months ago, the Times interviewed me and cursed me with that awful, saccharine nickname. Now, don't get me wrong. I was fucking thrilled they wanted to feature me, and really proud that my work was being recognized. That article had definitely brought in more business to the bakery, which I knew made Irina happy.

Like I said, the recognition and everything it brought was really great. But I could have done without the silly moniker.

Alice rolled her eyes. "I know you hate the name, so for tonight leave all of that behind! For tonight, just be you. My gorgeous best friend who needs to relax. Now, I'm going to take a page from Rose's book and go find me some hunk to dance with. I suggest you do the same."

And with that she stood up, slammed back the rest of her drink, hiked her skirt just a tiny bit shorter, and strode off through the crowd. She was a formidable sight, all five feet nothing of her. I laughed at her retreating back. Oh, how I loved the little woman and her endless - sometimes scary - energy. I wouldn't change a thing about her. Well, except maybe her perceptiveness. Alice knew me as well as I knew myself, and I would be lying if I said that most of what she'd told me tonight wasn't true. It really had been a long time since I'd just let myself relax and have a good time. I guess I was due.

With that thought in mind, I picked up my glass to take a drink and realized it was empty. Huh. Well, that just wouldn't do. If I was going to follow Alice's suggestion, I would definitely need more of the yummy cocktail. That stuff was good.

I stood and made my way to the bar, trying not to get trampled on in the process. I was thankful that at least I wasn't wearing heels tonight and had instead opted to pair my dark wash skinny jeans and lacy pink camisole top with gold ballet flats. Bella plus heels in a crowded nightclub equaled too many fucking opportunities for disaster. I was clumsy as hell stone sober. Add in tipsy Bella, and I'd be guaranteed to add another scar to the collection tonight.

There were several people waiting on drinks, but I managed to squeeze myself into the crowd at one end of the bar, and in just a few minutes I had another Drunken Punch in my hot little hands. As I sipped, I turned to survey the club and see if I could spot my two friends. Rose was easy. Not only was she several inches taller than a lot of the people dancing, she was also in practically the same spot as earlier, still with Mr. Dimples. I was impressed. No one usually managed to grab her attention for more than one song.

I didn't see Alice, but that was no surprise. Being as petite as she was, she was definitely harder to spot in a crowd.

Rose and Mr. Dimples finally decided to quit the bump and grind. When Rose caught sight of me, she headed my way, tugging her handsome dance partner by the hand to follow her.

"Bella, you made it!" She gave me a hug, and I couldn't miss the sparkle in her eyes,which I was willing to bet had nothing to do with any alcohol she'd consumed tonight. She was positively glowing.

"Who's your friend, Rose?" I asked, smiling at Mr. Dimples. He smiled back and winked and, wow, he really was hot.

"Oh! This is Emmett! Emmett, this is my friend Bella."

"Nice to meet you, Bella," he said, offering me his hand. I shook it, laughing a bit as his massive hand swallowed mine.

"You too, Emmett."

"Emmett, would you be a doll and get me a drink while I go to the ladies room?" Rose asked him with a smile. My jaw nearly dropped with shock. She was acting completely unlike herself, and I was intrigued. The Bitch had been replaced with Pollyanna. To see her acting so…so…girly was fucking odd to say the least.

"Of course. A raspberry martini for the lady?" he asked, bringing her hand to his mouth and pressing a kiss to her wrist.

I felt my eyes go even wider at the sweet gesture. And also the fact that he knew her drink of choice. At Rose's affirmative nod, Emmett turned to me.

"Can I get you anything, Bella?"

"I'm good, Emmett," I replied, holding up my still mostly full glass. "But thanks."

"Come on," Rose took my hand and towed me with her towards the back of the club. Once we were inside the relatively quiet bathroom, I turned to her with a big smile.

"OK, spill it. Who is he, and why does he have you acting like a giddy thirteen-year-old?"

She burst out laughing. "I know, it's fucking sickening isn't it? Jesus Christ, Bella, that man melts me. Literally, he melts me."

"Okay wait, start at the beginning," I urged her as she disappeared into a stall to do her business.

"God, this fucking skirt is making me sweat," she grumbled before answering me. "Okay, the beginning. Emmett moved into our building last week."

"Yeah, Alice mentioned something about that when she saw you two together on the dance floor. She said he looked familiar."

"Right. I first ran into him in the elevator on Tuesday. I swear Bella, the instant I set eyes on him my heart started doing all kinds of crazy shit. You know like in the trashy romance novels we used to read when we were kids? That was me. I could barely catch my breath."

I heard the toilet flush, and Rose came out. I studied her as she washed her hands, still unable to get used to seeing her act like this about a guy.

"So, then what happened?" I prodded when she appeared to be lost in her own little Emmett-World.

"Well, we talked a little bit, But honestly, how meaningful of a conversation can you have in a fucking elevator? It was like a thirty second opportunity, and really all I did was introduce myself and try not to drool at the sight of his dimples. Did you see them, aren't they to fucking die for?" She sighed. Sighed, for God's sake!

"Yes, I did and yes, they are. Continue." I gestured impatiently.

"Anyway, when he got off on his floor, he told me he hoped to see me around," she said as she smoothed her hair in the mirror. "I didn't know when I'd see him again and-"

"Wait, wait, wait." I held my hand up. "The guy has this much of an effect on you, and you didn't tell me and Alice?"

"I know, I know, but Bella I have never fallen for someone like this before. It's scary!"

"To see you acting like this, I feel like I've stumbled into an alternate universe," I admitted with a laugh.

"Imagine how I feel!" she shot back, her eyes wide.

"Well, I always knew when you finally did fall, you'd fall hard," I teased her. She smacked my arm, but I swore I saw her blush ever so slightly.

Just then the door opened, and Alice bounded inside.

"There you two are! Bitches, it is hot as fuck out there! They need to turn on the damn air conditioner. Rose, that guy you were dancing with, Emmett? He's so nice! He even bought me a beer! I guess he recognized me, and he told me where you were, and man I have to pee!" she exclaimed, dashing into a stall.

Rose and I just shook our heads at Alice's exuberance. We were used to it. When she came back out, she made Rose re-tell how she and Emmett had met, and she squealed and bounced the entire time.

"Okay, but how did he end up here tonight?" I asked as she finished.

"He was in the lobby last night when I got home from work, and we started talking. Then he invited me for a drink so we went to Sidney's, you know that little bar that opened around the corner? It's a cool place, actually. Oh my God girls, he's amazing. Uh. May. Zing. We talked until the bar closed at one, can you believe that shit?"

"No wonder I didn't hear you come in last night!" Alice exclaimed. "I remember you said you were going to be working late, and I went to bed at ten o'clock."

"Well, technically I was working late. I didn't leave the studio until close to nine thirty."

"And he's here tonight because…?" I prompted.

"Well, I casually mentioned that we'd be here tonight and told him if he didn't have anything planned, he should drop by."

"Okay, and what was the reason you didn't tell us any of this?" Alice demanded, hands on her hips.

"This will sound so stupid but…" Rose trailed off, and a blush rose to her cheeks. I couldn't help but gape. Rosalie Hale did not blush, and now I'd seen her do it twice in one night! This was getting more and more curious...

"But?" Alice prompted impatiently.

"It's just that, you know me, you know how I am with guys. Emmett is so different from anyone I've dated. He really gets me. And I just...I wanted to keep it to myself for a little bit. I'm trying not to over-analyze whatever it is that's going on but...it feels like he's...the One."

"The One?" Alice and I echoed in a shocked whisper.

Rose nodded, eyes wide.

"I'm telling you girls, I have never felt like this before. Oh God, I sound like a fucking Hallmark card, don't I?" She actually looked a bit worried at this point, and I had to smile.

"Yeah, a little," I agreed. "It looks good on you, though."

"We just connect," Rose sighed. "And it's...perfect."

"Connect, huh?" Alice asked with a raised eyebrow. "And has there been any horizontal connecting?"

Rose scowled.

"No. Not yet. Although, it's killing me to not just jump his bones already. But, I will tell you this. He walked me to my apartment last night and gave me a kiss that fucking curled my toes. The man can kiss in ways that should be completely illegal."

The dreamy expression crossed her face once more, and Alice started squealing and jumping up and down. Again.

"Rose has got a boyfriend, Rose has got a boyfriend!" she chorused in a high singsong voice, dancing in a circle around Rose, who was rolling her eyes.

"Don't make me beat you down, Mighty Mouse."

"Ok girls," I broke in, "I think we should head back out. Emmett is going to wonder what happened to you, Rose."

When we arrived back at the bar, Emmett had Rose's drink waiting and the two of them were soon wrapped up in each other once more. Heads together, they conversed softly, speaking close to each other's ears to be heard over the music. His hands couldn't seem to stop touching her. The back of her neck, the curve of her waist. Hers were just as bad, slipping into his belt loops to pull him closer, and brushing his hair back from his forehead. Alice and I eyed each other with amused shock, silently communicating our awe at seeing Rose act like this.

Finally, she turned to us.

"Emmett and I are going to head upstairs. It's too loud down here."

We nodded and watched them walk hand in hand towards the stairs that led to the second level of the club. Upstairs there was another bar, some couches and tables, and doors that led to an outside patio. It was more intimate and relaxed up there, more suited for conversation.

"Feel like dancing?" Alice asked, not really waiting for my reply before grabbing my hand and pulling me behind her.

"Sure, why not?" I laughed, downing the rest of my punch and setting the empty glass on a table as we passed.

Now, I'm no great dancer by any means, but alcohol does tend to make me relax. I was enjoying myself, hoping I didn't look like a spazz, but honestly too tipsy to really care. It was fun. We were goofing off, dirty dancing with each other, singing along loudly with the music, and giggling a lot. Alice kept smacking my ass, hollering about what a sexy bitch I was as she shimmied and strutted. I blew her kisses and shook my boobs at her. Pretty soon my stomach hurt from laughing so much, and I was glad that I'd come tonight. It was fun to just let loose and be silly.

Alice and I were into our third song when I noticed that she had an admirer. There was a guy leaning against the rail that ran around the edge of the sunken dance floor and he seemed unable to take his eyes off of my friend. She was oblivious, for once. I stepped closer to her as we danced together and rested my hands on her hips as she shimmied. Alice laughed, and I leaned down a bit to speak directly in her ear.

"Don't look now, but there's someone watching you."

She grinned wickedly.

"Really? Do tell."

"He's leaning against the railing up by the DJ booth, and he's been watching you. He's pretty hot."

"Ooohhh, spin me so I can see him too!"

"Light green shirt, blonde hair," I murmured before grasping her hand and twirling her around. I knew the moment her gaze found him because she very nearly fell over. When she turned back to me her eyes were wide.

"Oh my God, he's gorgeous!" she squealed, and I knew she was seconds away from jumping up and down, like she always did when she was excited.

"Yes he is, now keep dancing. He's been watching you for a while, and I'm pretty sure he likes what he sees."

"Well of course he does, why wouldn't he? Two hot, somewhat drunk girls, dancing with each other," She giggled. "I always get lucky when I wear this skirt, ya know."

I had to laugh at her, taking in the faded denim miniskirt that was frayed across the bottom and sat low on her hips. Alice was petite, but curvy where it counted. She'd paired the skirt with a black halter top that was backless, low cut, and studded with iridescent crystals across the front. The combo could have looked trashy, but on Alice it just looked sexy. I don't know why she could pull off certain looks that no one else could, and I'd given up trying to figure it out long ago. I guess, as cliché as it sounded, she just had that 'certain something'. She wore silver metallic gladiator sandals that strapped almost to her knees, and crystal studded silver arm bands on each bicep. Her short black hair was flipped out and flirty and completely suited her.

I chanced a look over at Alice's admirer and found his eyes still fixed on her. Alice was right, he was actually gorgeous. Blonde hair, worn longish and a bit tousled, framed a face that could have graced any Abercrombie catalogue proudly.

Just then Blondie took a cell phone from his pocket, answering a call. He had to plug his other ear with a finger to hear whatever the caller was saying and then, after a short conversation, he snapped the phone shut. With one last look at Alice, he turned and started to fight his way through the crowd.

"Uh oh Ali, he's leaving."

"What?! No!" Alice spun around and searched the spot where he'd been standing, but he was gone.

"It's okay. Come on, I think he was going towards the bar. You can still catch him!" I laughed as we also began to fight our way through the crowd.

When we arrived back at the bar, Alice's mystery man was nowhere to be seen. We searched and searched and Alice even hopped on my back to see over the crowd, but to no avail. Finally, fifteen minutes later, she threw in the towel.

"Well, that sucks. Can't believe we lost him."

"Sorry, Ali." I gave her a sympathetic smile. "C'mon, let's go upstairs and get a drink."

"Yeah, Okay."

I had to laugh at her, she just looked so dejected. We got upstairs, where it really was so much quieter and cooler, and found Rose and Emmett snuggled cozily on a deep leather couch. Emmett was on his phone. I caught his half of the conversation as Alice and I ordered drinks at the bar.

"Yeah….What?….No, upstairs….Yeah, you can't even hear yourself fucking think down there….Uh huh….Cool….Okay, see ya then."

After getting our drinks - beers for both of us this time; Drunken Punch was just too sweet and too strong - we wandered over to the lovebirds. Emmett was speaking softly in Rose's ear. She saw us approach and flashed a smile before frowning.

"Why the long face, Ali?" she asked, picking up on Alice's blue mood immediately.

"There was a hottie watching Alice dancing," I explained. "Seemed very interested, but then we lost him in the crowd."

"He was gorgeous, Rose!" Alice cut in with a scowl before taking a large gulp of her beer. "Tall, blonde, and gorgeous! And now he's gone!"

She stomped her little foot in frustration and pouted.

Rose sympathized, and I rolled my eyes at Emmett, laughing. Poor Alice.

Just as I was about to speak, I caught sight of a familiar head of blonde hair coming up the stairs over Alice's shoulder. It was her mystery man! He was heading straight towards us, and I watched him do a double take when he recognized Alice. I turned to tell her, but she was still off on her own little tirade.

"Ali-"

"I should have gone over and asked him to dance. Now it's too late, and I'll never see him again. Bella said he was watching me, and I didn't even know it! Can you believe that? Did you see the way he filled out that green t-shirt, Bella? God, those shoulders!"

The stranger's eyes widened as he looked down at his green shirt, apparently just realizing that Alice was talking about him. His face lit up with a sexy smile. I nudged Alice.

"Alice, there-"

"With my luck, he's probably gay anyway. All the best looking ones are. No offense, Emmett, because you're a fine looking specimen also," she continued, as if I hadn't even spoken.

"None taken, Alice," Emmett laughed, grinning broadly and eyeing the newcomer with a wicked glint in his eye. "So you really think he was gay, huh? Did he give off that gay vibe?"

The dude scowled at Emmett - who laughed even harder - and shook his head vigorously in the negative, his eyes meeting mine. No, he definitely was not gay.

"He didn't give me that vibe at all," Alice replied. Blondie grinned at this. "Complete opposite in fact. But he was just so...so...Ugh, I don't even have the words!" she sighed dramatically.

At this point, he was standing directly behind Alice. Towering over her, really, and looking extremely amused. I tried once more to warn Alice.

"Hey Ali-"

"And those hands! God, did you see them? I love a man who knows how to use his hands," she sighed. "I can't believe I didn't even find out his name!"

Finally deciding to put Alice out of her misery, the stranger leaned down so his mouth was directly next to her ear.

"It's Jasper."

Alice jumped and whirled around, her shocked eyes traveling up to meet his. They simply stared at each other for a long moment while the rest of us just watched, our eyes bouncing back and forth between them, like spectators at a tennis match.

Alice suddenly took a step closer, then she reached up and laid her hand against the stranger's chest, right above his heart. Her eyes went wide for a second, and then a smile appeared on her lips.

"There you are," she said softly.

"Here I am," he replied, covering her hand with his own. They were quiet once more, just gazing at each other intently.

Emmett finally broke the silence.

"Dude, she thought you were gay!"

This earned him a smack on the arm from Rosalie, and I had to laugh.

"Ladies, this is Jasper. My baby brother."

"Only by six minutes," Jasper interjected distractedly, his gaze still intent on Alice's face. Their hands had dropped from his chest, but he still held hers, lacing their fingers together.

"You're twins?" Alice asked, her brow furrowed. I was sort of confused as well. They looked nothing alike.

"Fraternal," Jasper answered.

Upon a closer inspection, I realized they did sort of resemble each other. Something in the shape of their eyes and the angle of their jaws, but whereas Emmett's hair was dark brown, Jasper's was wheat colored. Emmett's eyes were bright blue, and Jasper's were a light grayish-green. Both were tall and broad, but Jasper was more slender, lankier.

Emmett made the introductions.

"Jazz, the tiny one that you've attached yourself to is Alice. This is Rosalie, she's mine. That's Bella, and I have no idea if she belongs to anyone. Do you have a boyfriend, Bella?"

"Um, no," I replied, feeling a slight flush warm my face at being singled out.

Jasper finally tore his gaze from Alice to smile at each of us. I smiled back, liking him immediately. He tugged on Alice's hand, leading her to a big squishy armchair across from the couch and pulling her down onto his lap. She went happily, settling herself comfortably as though she'd been with him like this a million times before instead of having just met ten minutes ago. I shook my head, sitting down on the couch with Rosalie and Emmett. This night was just getting more and more odd.

Conversation flowed easily among the five of us. I found out that Emmett was a personal trainer - why was I not surprised, with a body like his? - and that Jasper worked in the music industry, sometimes as a musician, but mostly a songwriter. He was modest when it came to discussing his work, but Emmett wasn't. You could tell that he was extremely proud of his younger-by-six-minutes brother. When he started naming some songs that Jasper had worked on, I was way impressed. Jasper just rolled his eyes and tried to change the subject every time Emmett got overenthusiastic.

We'd been sitting there for about twenty minutes or so, just enjoying ourselves, when Emmett's whole body tensed.

"Oh fuck, Jazz! Look, it's Crazy Tanya! Don't let her see us, don't let her see us, please don't let her see us," Emmett began chanting.

Alice, Rose and I looked at the boys curiously as Jasper cursed softly.

"Oh shit, she saw us!" Emmett groaned.

I turned my head to see who they were talking about and caught sight of a woman bearing down determinedly on our little group. She was very blonde, very tanned, and sort of pretty. But it was her breasts that caught my attention. They were huge, obviously fake, and barely covered by a low-cut spandex dress in a shade of purple I'd only ever seen on a Bratz doll. Of course, I'd always thought that Bratz dolls looked like miniature hookers. Barbie was one classy bitch compared to them.

"Emmett! Jasper!" The top-heavy newcomer squealed, and I fought the urge to plug my ears at her nasally tone. "How are you boys?"

"Hello, Tanya," Emmett sighed, obviously annoyed. Jasper only nodded in her direction.

"Fancy meeting you here!" Chesty continued, seemingly oblivious to the coldness of her welcome. "Me and my girls are partying downstairs, but it just got so hot ya know, so I came up here to cool off, and I can't believe I ran into you guys. I mean, what are the odds?"

"Not in our favor, apparently," Jasper whispered under his breath, and I snorted. I couldn't help it. Tanya whipped her head in my direction, and her eyes narrowed slightly underneath their extremely generous coating of mascara.

"Well. We haven't met, have we? I'm Tanya Denali. And you are….?"

Why the fuck was she looking at me like I was a bug stuck to the bottom of her stiletto? I didn't like her condescending tone at all, and had no idea why she was using it on me, seeing as I'd never seen her before in my life.

"I'm Bella," I said simply.

"Bella. Huh."

And with that she gave a little dismissive sniff before turning back to Emmett and Jasper. Rose and I gave each other our patented WTF? look.

"So,where's Edward? I know that wherever you two are, he's never far behind," Tanya continued in that grating voice.

"Oh, he's on his way," Emmett answered easily. "Where was he when he called you, Bella? Stuck in traffic on Williams?"

I raised my eyebrows at him - who the hell was Edward? - but he just gave me a pointed look that told me to play along.

"Um, yeah. But he should be here soon," I answered, hoping I sounded natural, but having no idea what the fuck we were talking about. Emmett pulled his phone out, and I saw him quickly type out a text.

If possible, Tanya's eyes narrowed even more when she looked back at me.

"I see. So you and Edward are….?"

"Are….?" I echoed her mockingly.

"Together? You and Edward are together?" she asked impatiently, hands on her hips.

"Oh, she and Edward are more than together, Tanya," Jasper broke in. "I've never seen him so happy. I think he's going to be popping the question any day now."

My mouth dropped open at this, but I snapped it shut quickly. Jasper winked at me.

"Oh, don't look so surprised, Bella! You know how crazy he is about you! All he talks about is Bella this and Bella that. He's driving us nuts."

I laughed. Now it became obvious that Tanya had a thing for this Edward, whoever he was. Equally as obvious was the fact that Emmett - who was still texting - and Jasper were desperate for her to go away. I had taken an instant dislike to her, so I didn't mind playing the game. I glanced at Rose, and she smiled in encouragement.

"Oh Jasper, you're going to make me blush!" I smiled coyly, pretending to be embarrassed. This was actually sort of fun, in a twisted way. Tanya looked so pissed, I was surprised steam wasn't coming out of her ears.

"Well, speak of the devil!" Jasper nodded at someone who was apparently coming up the circular staircase behind the couch that Rosalie, Emmett and I were sitting on. Tanya whipped her head in that direction as well, and her eyes lit up.

"Edward!" she squealed.

I was afraid to move. What the fuck do I do now? I'm supposed to be this Edward's girlfriend, so I really should be standing up to greet him, right?

"Tanya," I heard a voice acknowledge from behind me. Goosebumps erupt across skin. God, that voice! It was deep and inviting, smooth as milk chocolate, yet slightly husky. I'd never heard a voice like that before. And did I detect a slight British accent?

I felt large, warm hands settle on my shoulders, where they lightly squeezed. I fought the urge to moan at how good it felt. My only warning was a breath of sultry air bathing the side of my face before that voice spoke huskily, right in my ear.

"Sorry I'm late, baby. Traffic was a bitch."

There was the slight rasp of stubble against my cheek, and then a pair of extremely warm lips pressed against the side of my neck in a soft, lingering kiss. My entire body quaked at the contact and my head fell back of its own accord, allowing those lips to travel closer to my cheek and leave another kiss there, while the strong hands squeezed my shoulders. My eyes fluttered shut and, oh my, this was bliss. The whole world faded away from me for a few seconds, and all I felt was the way my body reacted to this stranger's touch. My nipples immediately tightened, my toes curled inside my shoes, and a steady throb took up residence between my thighs.

Someone cleared their throat, and my eyes popped open as I crashed back to reality.

I stood on shaky legs just as Edward came around the side of the couch. I barely got a glimpse of him before he pulled me into a hug, but what I did see had my heart thumping erratically in my chest. Shining bronze hair that was messy, yet perfect. Green eyes that widened slightly when they met mine. A strong jaw. The most sensual lips I'd ever seen.

His arms wrapped around me, turning us so I was facing slightly away from the group, and then I was pressed against a body that was hard and definitely muscled, but yielding as my curves fit to him. Fuck, he smelled amazing. Like clean cotton and mint and something citrusy. His hands brushed my hair back, and his lips were once more at my ear. He pressed a sweet kiss to the sensitive area just behind my jaw before his voice wrapped around my senses once more.

"I'm Edward, and I'm really sorry about this," he whispered apologetically, very softly so that only I could hear. "Thank you for playing along."

I suddenly remembered the show we were putting on, so I lifted my slightly shaking hands and wove them in the silky hair that brushed his collar, giving every indication that I was comfortable in his embrace.

"She's not going to buy it unless I really kiss you. May I?" Edward asked softly.

My knees jellied at the thought - oh my God, those lips on my lips?! - but I managed to give a slight affirmative nod. He pulled back, and I once more got a fleeting glimpse into those jade eyes before his mouth covered mine.

His lips, warm and firm, were slightly parted when they touched mine, and I couldn't help the soft gasp that escaped me as my eyes slipped closed. He froze for a fraction of a second before continuing, angling his head slightly and melding his mouth more thoroughly to mine. I moaned softly, and my fingers tightened in his hair, urging his face closer as I opened my lips. Since this would probably be the only time I'd ever get to kiss this gorgeous creature, I decided to make the most of it.

I licked lightly at the corner of his mouth, and I swear he actually fucking growled. Growled!

It was the sexiest sound I'd ever heard, so I licked him again. This time, instead of a growl, I was rewarded with his tongue thrusting sinuously into my mouth, sliding against mine. I hummed happily as we tasted each other. When his tongue retreated to his own mouth, I followed it and he sucked my tongue gently, once, and then again, the sensual pull causing all manner of tingles to explode throughout my body. God, I never wanted to stop kissing him.

Unfortunately for me, that just was not possible. Emmett's voice burst heartily through the lust-induced haze that fogged my brain.

"Geez! Get a room, would you?"

Both of us froze. There was a definite teasing note in Emmett's voice, but I still felt the hot blush climb my cheeks. I had totally forgotten about our audience.

Edward and I pulled apart slowly and I couldn't help but wonder if he really was as reluctant as I was for the kiss to end, or if it was all for show. I opened my eyes, but was unable to meet his gaze, my embarrassment almost overwhelming. Then I felt a gentle finger under my chin. I braced myself for whatever I might find before I raised my head and our eyes met.

End notes: Sorry for leaving it here. *ducks* This chapter was long to begin with, and I had to end it somewhere. Reviews are lovely :)