*All Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. All editing is by the fantastic Lolafalana*

Have you ever have one of those days when you want to just crawl back into bed, toss the covers over your head, and start all over? I used to have them all the time. It was like my life was in a tail spin, and me? Well, I was just the lucky girl along for the ride. I thought I had my life all figured out, but isn't it funny how life never goes the way you planned? I finished college, and after years of working my sweet little patootie off, I finally owned my own cake decorating business.

I would have loved to say that my love life was grand, but you can't have it all, right? I had a disease my best friends Rose and Alice liked to playfully refer to as "monkey man syndrome." In other words, everyone I dated was a business type guy. It's not that I liked them in particular, in reality, they were all very serious and well . . . dare I say boring? Yeah, I do. It was just the type of man I seemed to attract. Let's face reality. I wasn't a knock-out like Rose, although I could hold my own, and I wasn't as free-spirited as Alice. I tended to be rather calm, quiet, and clumsy to be honest. I am also intelligent, cute, and self motivated. I have my perks.

As far as the clumsy part well . . . it was a curse. I trip over the stupidest things. Rose always told me when I meet my perfect man I'm going to trip over him. Yes, my best friends were bitches, but they were my bitches and I loved them. I hated to bring a date around them, because the girls always despised any man I saw. According to them, I had no taste and dated nerds. Great for my self confidence, right? I always thought if they asked me out, and they were fairly nice why not give them a shot? I got myself smacked in the head a lot for that comment. Alice thought I was crazy and Rose . . . well she was just Rose.

Alice told me I was too focused on work. I needed to get out more and have a life. If I did I would meet men, but I really did find it hard to relax and just let go. I made a new year's resolution that this year I was going to do better, this year I would finally let go. I hoped I could really do it. Alice and Rose promised to help me, but they had since met two guys and I figured they would be occupied. I soon found out how wrong I was.

My year started out normal enough. I was at work one day like most days. I was in a wonderful mood, though I don't know exactly why, perhaps it was my new outlook on life. I laughed at myself as I finished the cake I was working on. It turned out really good. Alice was dating this really sweet guy named Jasper. He had a sister and her son was turning three. He was really into the Car's movie. Alice practically begged me to make this cake for them. I would have done it anyway, but it was fun to watch her. I wasn't sure about the whole car thing. I'd never really done a car, but it sounded interesting and I was always one for a challenge.

I finished wiping the edges and smiled. Not bad Swan, not bad.

I heard the bell ringing as the door opened, but I didn't turn around. "I'll be with you in just one moment," I said as I walked to the sink. I washed my hands before I greeted anyone. I still had icing on me.

I jumped when a male voice caught me by surprise, a rather sexy male voice. "It's okay love, take your time."

He had an accent. Interesting. I turned and saw a handsome blonde looking through one of my books. He had his hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, so I wasn't quite sure of the length. He wore a cream colored sweater that fit him perfectly enough to show the outline of a muscular chest. He had to work out. I couldn't resist letting my eyes fall lower over the pale blue, well worn jeans that adorned his legs. Sigh. Nice . . .

"Can I help you with something?" I questioned as I watched him close the book. Perhaps me? He was cute, beyond cute. He was model material. Rosalie and Alice would die if they saw him, but that was not what was killing me here. My problem was I'd been alone so long I was hyperventilating over the first cute male I saw. Bad, Bella, bad!

He looked up at me and smiled. "Actually yes, I was looking for a cake." He pushed the book away and leaned on the counter; his eyes slowly drifted up my body. He just checked me out! I was surprised he was so comfortable with me. He didn't know me and I could get upset. Ha! With what he looks like? I doubt anyone ever got upset.

Wonder if he wants to taste my icing . . .

Dammit, Swan! Get a grip!

I swear I had been around Rose and Alice way too much!

"What kind of cake were you looking for?" I leaned on the counter across from him, trying to act nonchalant about the entire situation. He bit his lip, and I do believe my breath caught.

"Well, my boss . . . his wife is coming in town and it's her birthday."

"Ah . . ." I shook my head in understanding. "He has you doing the dirty work."

He laughed. "Yeah, well, I'm kind of the low man on the totem pole. He signs the checks. I simply smile for the camera." I knew it, he was a model. He was too pretty not to be.

He extended his hand. "I'm Andrei, and I'm visiting from Russia."

"I wondered where that beautiful accent was from." Oh. My. God! Did I just flirt?

He laughed and held my hand in his across the counter. "You are very sweet. I was homesick, but you are making me feel welcome here."

He was making me feel bad now. I would hate to feel homesick.

"You know, this is my first time in a cake store," he said with a grin. "I've never been in one before. It smells very good."

I raised my eyebrow. "Are you serious, you mean I took your cake virginity?" I realized what I said and laughed. I didn't know what made me so confident but hey, I had made a pact with myself that I would be more relaxed. He was a good-looking guy; why can't I flirt a little, or a lot?

He seemed to be as amused by my comment as I was. "I didn't get your name, beautiful lady. Are you perhaps the Isabella whose name graces the sign outside?"

"I am, but you can call me Bella."

"It is a pleasure, Bella." He raised my hand to his lips and I swear I could hear women's panties from around the world hit the floor. He was smooth, this one, and oh so charming. I tried to control my breathing, not to mention my heart that was mistaking itself for a racehorse inside my chest.

"Andrei, tell me what kind of cake are you interested in?" I liked the sound of his name on my tongue.

"She likes chocolate and strawberry. I was thinking you could do something with that," he said as he watched me curiously. He was leaving it to me? Cool, that was simple enough. I guess he was waiting for my reaction; he had a concerned look on his face.

"Is that possible?"

I smiled at him. "Certainly, how soon do you need it?"

A loud noise came abruptly from his pocket, and I chuckled as he reached in and fished his phone out. He glanced at it, pushed a button, and slid it back in his pocket without hesitation. His brown eyes were back to gazing into mine.

I wonder if he would be interested in staying here all day. Eye candy is a wonderful thing.

"I need it by Friday afternoon—her plane lands at two p.m., so around noon."

I didn't have a problem with that. I had plenty of time to whip something wonderful up. I knew she would love it. I nodded. "No problem."

He slid his hands in his pockets and rocked on the balls of his feet. I knew he wanted something else—he had that look in his eye.

"You know, Bella . . . I don't know Seattle very well. This is actually my first visit here and I'll be going back to Russia soon. I was wondering . . ." he spoke softly; his eyes on me, "Perhaps we could go somewhere?" he asked me, then paused, waiting for me to answer. He has got to be kidding! He was asking me out? My besties would flip a gasket. I had never had someone that looked like him ask me out.

"Actually, I'm supposed to meet up with a few friends for drinks tonight." Wait until they see him! I smiled at him and leaned closer. "You are more than welcome to come along."

He took very little time thinking it over. "I would love to. Can I get your number?"

Shock was the least of what I was feeling; elation, surprise, and bewilderment consumed me. Yeah, that about summed it all up in one nice, neat, little Lady Gaga bow. I couldn't believe he was interested in me, seriously? Alice would probably wet her pants literally. You get her excited and she reminded me of a Chihuahua sometimes. You couldn't keep her still. Her eyes would get all big and she would shake with nervous energy. It was something to watch. She never got why me and Rose called her Peppy. Go figure.

I gave the Russian hunk my number and directions on where to meet me later that evening. I still wasn't sure my mind wasn't playing a cruel trick on me. I am, after all, not the luckiest with men and I never got a guy like him. I will admit, I watched in awe as he left my store. He had a really nice butt. I have always been the butt kind of girl. You know, nice and firm . . . yeah . . . sigh.

I cleared my head and decided I was not going to day dream all day. Who knew if Mr. Perfect model would even show up? I finished my work and actually put some effort into getting dressed that night. I didn't want to take the chance just in case he showed up. I hadn't even told my girls about it. I didn't want to humiliate myself if it was unnecessary. They'd probably never believe me anyway.

We arrived at the club and settled around a table. I was glad the place wasn't too crowded, we could actually talk. Alice toyed nervously with the olive in her martini. I should have known she was up to something, it was too quiet and Alice was never quiet.

"Bella, don't get mad or anything . . . but we kind of fixed you up with a friend of Emmett and Jasper's," she whispered, watching me for my reaction. She knew I would be irate. I hated when she did stupid things like that.

Rose raised one perfect eyebrow. "Don't you even say 'we,' sister. You did this one on your own." Rose turned to me. "It doesn't matter, Bella, the guy got called back in to work tonight. He couldn't make it, but Emmett did say he was cool though."

I flashed them an angry look. "Alice, I can find my own man, thank you! Stop trying to fix me up. Have you ever thought perhaps I like being alone?" I huffed as she rolled her eyes at me.

"Yeah right, nobody likes being alone, Bella. You're just scared, but I wouldn't fix you up with a monkey man. Jasper said he's really nice and you deserve someone who will be nice to you," she disagreed. I knew her heart was in the right place. I just didn't want to be fixed up with anyone. If my plan held true, I had a sexy Russian to occupy my time, at least temporarily. That was better than nothing.

"Now that's what I call a man. Yum to the E." Rose smirked while she nursed her Cherry Tom Collins.

"I know, right?" Alice added.

I figured Emmett and Jasper had just walked in. I was wrong, very wrong.

"Bella?" Oh, the sound of that sexy Russian.

I turned, biting my lip, and gasped when I saw him. Damn, he was even prettier than when I first saw him. He had his hair loose and it hung seductively around his face. I usually didn't date men with long hair, but in that case, I could make an exception. It was just barely shoulder length. His tight, white T-shirt fit him snuggly and I could see every perfect muscle. I was lucky that he had it tucked in to his jeans. The boy could wear some jeans, too. Wow. And here I thought he looked good earlier. He grinned, flashing his pearly whites, and I groaned, sat up straighter, and crossed my legs tighter.

Must not jump in public. I scolded myself mentally.

He leaned on my chair and his eyes fell over me. He certainly wasn't ashamed to be bold.

"красивая" he whispered so low I barely caught it. Huh?

"What did you say?"

"Kra-si-va-ya," he sounded out for me. "It means beautiful in my language and you are."

Oh damn, double damn! I finished off my Chivas and coke in one drink. I hadn't even pulled my drink away from my lips when my eyes met those of my two best friends. They wanted answers. I had better start talking and quick. I smiled and let out a nervous giggle that sounded more like a cat got ran over than a real laugh. I really did suck at playing things cool.

"Rose, Alice"—I turned to Andrei—"This is Andrei, he and I met this afternoon."

He shook their hands and greeted them politely. I really expected no less from him, he had already shown me he was polite if nothing else.

Alice was practically bouncing in her seat. Peppy was coming out to play, Yikes!

"Really? Tell me all about It." she grinned like an insane woman. I sighed, knowing I was in trouble. Andrei must have known I was uncomfortable, bless his heart he was just too sweet. He pulled up a chair next to me and turned to her.

"I met Bella when I was ordering a cake. I was not expecting such a lovely woman to be working there." He laughed. ". . . and the rest, as they say, is history."

Alice clapped, shaking Rose back and forth. I thought Rose was going to spill her drink. She wouldn't have liked that at all, especially on the new dress she was wearing for Emmett.

"I have ears, Peppy, calm down," Rose scolded her while pushing her hand away. I did catch the smirk on Rose's lips before she sat her drink down and glanced at me. "I must admit, Bella, you are full of surprises, even I didn't see this one coming."

"Where are you from? Do you have brothers and sisters? How old are you?" Alice was throwing out questions left and right before the poor boy could answer one. Rose and I both looked at her.

"Enough, Alice, this isn't an interrogation," I scolded her.

He laughed and I turned to catch his bright smile. "Your friend seems to be worried about you. It's sweet that she is concerned," he whispered. His warm breath blew over my skin as he leaned close. I closed my eyes, inhaling his sweet scent; cinnamon and was that a hint of vanilla? I needed another drink. I scooted my chair back and grabbed his hand.

"Let's go to the bar."

He followed me but only ordered coke. I looked at him funny. Why was I the only one drinking here? He smiled that cute little smile.

"I don't drink."

"Really?" I was stunned. I don't think I had ever met anyone who didn't drink. I mean, at least a little. He grinned wider and sat on a stool pulling me closer.

"I want to see you clearly, anyway," he said as he ran his finger down my arm. I felt my breath hitch as his eyes followed. He immediately raised his eyes to meet mine. It was oddly tense, yet I wasn't uncomfortable at all. It was that strong sexual tension that feels so good when you feel it. I had finished my drink before I realized it.

"Do you need another?" he asked me as his hands stopped on my hips.

"I . . ." I knew I should have probably slowed down, but I was letting lose, right? How often did I do this? Never.

"Yes."

He nodded to the bartender and continued to caress me softly as I drank. It was never inappropriate, but I felt like I was on fire anyway. The look in his eyes was enough to keep me entranced. We were lost in our own little world. I saw that Jasper and Emmett had arrived, but I didn't pay attention to much else. I heard Three start to play on the speakers and pulled his hand.

"Dance with me," I said as I started toward the dance floor. I was a little past tipsy . . . okay, I was a lot past tipsy and extremely happy; how could I not be with that handsome hunk in my arms? I saw Alice waving happily at me and I smiled back. It was nice dancing with him. I saw the girls turning their heads and checking him out, I knew he was looking good and he was with me. It made me feel good to for one night to be the girl everyone wanted to be. I lost track of how long we danced. I just remembered him holding me close, his lips whispering such naughty little words in my ear.

"Bella, I want to take you home."

Oh! And I want you to take me against the wall tens ways from Sunday, but I won't tell if you don't.

He leaned back enough for me to see his dark eyes. I wanted those eyes, those lips . . . I wanted all of him. I was going to be the Bella I never was. I promised I would be and he was my chance to start over.

"Yes," I said breathlessly as I reached up and wrapped my hand in his hair. "God, yes!"

He didn't need to be told twice—his lips captured mine roughly and he took control. He was soooo good! I'd never been with a Russian man before let alone made love to one, but if they were all like that I think I needed to brush up on my Slavic. I might just need to move.

I awoke in his hotel room around four in the morning. I should have been exhausted, but being in a strange , I found it hard to sleep. I looked over to find him sleeping soundly. He looked like an angel. I smiled to myself and slipped out of bed as gently as I could. I didn't want to wake him and I knew he was tired. I grabbed his shirt and threw it over my head as I walked into the other room. I admired the view from his huge windows. He had a great view of Seattle. He must be a pretty good model to afford such a nice hotel.

I could see some photos of him on the table illuminated by the city lights. I made my way over and smiled, lifting a few. He really was absolutely stunning. The pictures were too perfect for words. He was dressed in only a pair of jeans . . . one word: Amazing. I tossed them back on the table and that was when the reflection caught my eye.

What the hell?

I slid the pictures towards me and there it was. Sitting there, perfectly obvious as if to taunt me, was a gold wedding band. It had been lying there among the pictures as if someone had sat it there on their way out.

I could feel the bile rising in my stomach. Please tell me this isn't true . . . Oh God!

I frantically searched through the pictures for something, anything, to give me a clue and that's when I found it. There, written on a piece of paper, were what time to pick Sonja up at the airport, there was a restaurant and reservations times. In retrospect, I thought about what he had said. She liked chocolate and strawberry. He did seem to know her quite well when I thought about it. I looked around the room cautiously and saw a few wrapped presents in the corner of the room.

This cannot be happening to me!

I moved forward, almost tripping over the chair. I held it silent, praying I hadn't made too much noise. I was still tipsy, but not drunk like I was before. Yes, I was drunk, I admit it. I didn't know half of what happened when we got back to the room. Okay, I feel horrible about that! Now, seeing he was married, I felt like dirt. I didn't know why. He was the one who should feel bad, not me. He lied to me, used me, and was sleeping like an innocent baby. Creep! I tried to tip-toe back into the bed room. It ended up as more of a side ways walk. I ran into more than my fair share of things. I was never graceful. I didn't think I would drink again anytime soon. Why did I do this? Oh yeah, my stupid New Years resolution to let myself: be more open. Stupid!

I watched him with caution as I felt on the floor for my clothes. I couldn't find my bra. I liked that bra too! It didn't matter, he could have it. I was not going to stay and look for it. He turned in his sleep and I flung myself to the floor. I waited a moment and peeked over the end of the bed. Yep, he was still sleeping soundly. I crawled on all fours into the living room. I was too afraid to get up. I might have bumped into something.

This feels like a really bad episode of Friends. I felt like I was caught up in something Rachel might do. I sighed, took a deep breath, and threw on my clothes. I ran my fingers through my hair and did the best I could to look presentable. I refused to turn on the light. I wasn't taking chances with him. I grabbed my purse and ran out the door as fast as my two legs would carry me. I hailed a cab and chewed on my thumb nail the entire way. It was a habit I grew out of years ago. I willed myself not to cry. Damn him!

I actually avoided Alice and Rose the next two days and got Sam, my assistant, to run the shop Friday. I did not want to see him. I also erased his number from my phone. I just wanted to pretend that he never existed. I knew that was not going to happen when Saturday came along. I was relaxing on my couch drinking my coffee when my doorbell rang. I opened it and felt my stomach flop when Alice and Rose grinned and walked past me. Harsh reality now set in: no more hiding from the truth.

"I brought breakfast and gourmet coffee," Alice said all cheerful as if I cared right now. I really didn't want to even discuss what happened, but I knew I had avoided the subject with them. I had to tell them what happened so we could move on with our lives. Well, I could move on with my nonexistent one.

Rose sat beside me and smiled. "So you and the supermodel, who would have thought Isabella Swan would have got her groove on?" she teased me. "After all of these years you finally listened to us."

"We tried to tell you Bella," Alice added, placing coffee and a bagel in front of me. "You are beautiful and good looking—men are attracted to you. You just need to broaden your horizons. Get away from the monkey men."

I didn't comment, instead I blew on the latte they had brought me. It upset me how much I had looked forward to being with Andrei, only to be lied to. I really had given him a chance.

"I want all of the naughty details." Alice giggled and sat on the floor in front of me. Talk about being surrounded with nowhere to go. They both looked at me, expecting to hear something wonderful. Sadly, I had nothing wonderful to give them. They probably thought I was stalling.

"She was rather drunk, Alice. I'm not sure how much she remembers." Rosalie laughed, a small smirk on her beautiful face. I inhaled softly and shrugged. I guess I might as well get it over with. It was better to face the music now rather than wait.

"Rose is right. I was drunk and I really don't remember too much of the good parts. I do remember he was a really good kisser and he's got an amazing body," I said sadly. Alice's eyes widened and she started to get up.

"Bella, what's wrong? Did he hurt you? If he laid a hand on you I swear I'll go to Russia myself and I'll . . ." Alice was starting to get upset so Rose did the best thing possible, cut her off.

"Calm down, Alice, and let her finish." Rose patted my leg and waited patiently on me to continue. I looked at both of them and bit my lip.

"He was married," I said finally.

"That little Snake!" Rose cried, her face getting red. She moved closer and put her arm around me. I knew she was mad. Rosalie had a temper and when she was angry you didn't want to be around her. I also knew she wouldn't let that get in the way of comforting me. She would voice her opinion about him later. I felt sorry for Emmett.

"Bella, he's a creep. I promise you not all guys are like that."

Alice nodded from the floor as she laid her head on my knees in an effort to comfort me. I chuckled. She looked like an angel. You really have to know Alice to understand what I mean, but it was so easy to love her. I had wonderful friends and they always tried to protect me from the bad things in this world. I couldn't say it always worked, but I can say I love them for trying.

"He was a creep," I agreed. "Can we just cross him out and forget he happened?"

Alice smiled. "He's forgotten. I think someone needs a pick-me-up." That wasn't good, it meant hours of shopping and spending time in countless stores trying on, modeling, and purchasing the latest fashions.

Rose grinned widely and sat up. "As much as I hate to decline that offer, and I have to because I have previous engagements that require my attendance." Rose winked at me. Liar!

"It looks like it's just you and me, kid." Alice shrugged and smiled at me. I knew I wasn't getting out of it easily. There wasn't any need to try. I plastered a fake smile on my face. I tried to act as if I were excited to go on our little adventure. Did I mention I always sucked at acting? Alice stood and crossed her arms and looked at me with determination.

"You are still going missy. Now, go get ready."

I hate Shopping!

After three torturous hours of being Alice's life-sized Bella Barbie, I finally talked her into getting something to eat. I really wasn't hungry, I just wanted to sit down and get away from the stores. Unfortunately, we had to walk through the men's section in Saks, and Alice decided Jasper just had to have this shirt she found. While Alice was making her purchase, I walked around in a daze. I was tired, my legs were aching, my feet hurt, and I was at increased risk to be clumsy. That was never a good combination for me.

It was then it happened, the inevitable and worst case scenario. I tripped over some unseen item and before I could react, I was headed towards the floor. I closed my eyes and tensed, bracing for impact, but it never came. It took me a moment to realize I was against something, no, not something but someone, and they were holding me against them. I opened my eyes to see the most beautiful man I have ever seen. Andrei, Andrei who?