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Sexy Vampires & Slimy Things

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Time flies when you're having a good time, or so I've heard. It sure seemed that way, because before I knew it, I was standing around the kitchen table, carving pumpkins with my friends. Halloween was just a few days away, and Alice had planned a costume party at our apartment. The gang had been preparing and decorating all week.

Alice was now around fourteen weeks pregnant, and although she would say she was as big as house, she really wasn't. She had a very small baby-bump, only noticeable to those who knew she was pregnant.

"Have you picked out your costume for the party yet?" Alice asked me as she carefully carved into the pumpkin sitting in front of her.

"Actually... I haven't."

"Bella, you seriously need to get on the ball, my party is this weekend."

"I know," I answered. "I-I just..."

"It's okay; I got'cha covered," Edward said, before walking into my bedroom and then emerging with his and hers vampire costumes.

Tell him now.

"Oh those are hot." Rose peeked over her pumpkin and grinned. "Sexy vampires. Much sexier than the peanut butter and jelly jars Em picked up for us."

"Babe, I already told you, our costumes are symbolic. We go together to like peanut butter and jelly." Emmett flashed her his famous dimpled-smile. "I could have chosen the bacon and eggs costumes."

"Thank God you didn't. It's gonna be hard enough walking around like a jar of peanut butter. I don't think I could have handled being dressed like a breakfast dish."

"Rosie, I'm peanut butter; you're jelly."

"Oh whatever!" Rose rolled her eyes. "What are you and Jasper dressing as, Alice?"

"Since this is our last Halloween before becoming parents, we're dressing as naughty nurse and doctor," Alice answered. "Next year, our little one will be here, so we'll probably have to dress as Minnie or Mickey or something of the sort."

"Edward, may I speak to you alone?" I asked before walking toward my bedroom.

"What? You don't like vampires?"

"Vampires are great... I love vampires. I just need to speak to you in private."

Laying the costumes over the back of the couch, Edward followed me into the bedroom. Once we were inside, I shut the door and wasted no time wrapping my arms around him and burying my face in his chest.

God, he smells so good.

"Oh, you just wanted to get me alone... I see." He smiled before leading us over to the bed.

"Edward..." I swear to God, I was going to tell him, but he started kissing my neck. Edward's lips on my neck meant any and all thoughts were incoherent.

"I really need to talk to you," I said, turning my head to the side, allowing him better access.

"I'm listening," he said in between kisses before laying us back on the bed and placing his hand underneath my shirt.

Seriously? What was it I needed to say...

Tugging at my shirt, he quickly pulled it over my head before crashing his lips against mine again. His hands were everywhere, and as they sink lower and lower, I fell harder and deeper into the moment. His uneven breathing was so exhilarating... but I had to talk to him first.

"Edward," I say, breaking our kiss. "I really need to tell you something."

"I said I'm listening." His lips were once again on my neck, freeing my mouth for speaking purposes.

"I'm not gonna be able to make it to Alice's party," I said as he ceased all movement.

"Why?"

"Remember when I told you I met Jacob Black?"

"Yes," he answered, stealing his touch away.

"The deal went through. Our company wants to launch the Black line."

"What's that have to do with Alice's party?" He scooted away until his back rested against the headboard.

"Apparently, Jacob Black is a very busy man. This will require Angela and I to work on his schedule."

"So you have to work Friday evening?"

"Jacob wants Angela and I to meet him at The River Café for a business dinner... to work out some of the details."

"And Angela can't do this herself?"

"I thought the same thing... but she insists on me being there, and she's my boss," I told him but he chose not to reply.

"Edward, please don't be mad at me."

"I'm not mad," he finally said, leaning his head back and briefly closing his eyes.

"You're mad." I crawled up the bed, toward him.

"I'm not mad. Disappointed, maybe. But I'm not mad. If your boss wants you there, there's not really much you can do... but be there."

"I'll make it up to you, I swear."

"You keep saying that, Bella, but there's never time for us. Have you noticed we haven't spent the night together in over a week?"

"I know, and I'm sorry. This has been a busy week. By the time I get home, it's already so late, and I know you're already sleeping... I don't wanna wake you, so it's easier if I just come back here."

"I miss you, Bella." He opened his arms and I snuggled against him. "It's just frustrating sometimes."

"I know... and I miss you too." I gazed up at him as he placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"I was kinda looking forward to Alice's lame ass party... well, being with you."

"I'm sorry."

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~ F, L & G C ~

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"How's this?" Edward stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the crooked, red bow tie on his costume. "Do I make a good vampire?"

"You're the sexiest vampire to ever exist." I smiled, straightened the bow tie for him. "I wish I was going with you."

"Yeah, me too." He ran his hand through his hair with a sigh, turning to face me. "It's not too late. You could always call and cancel. Tell Angela you caught a bug or something."

"Are you encouraging me to lie, Pretty Boy?"

"Just a little, but I swear it'd be worth it."

"I know it would be worth it, but I have to be there."

"I have to go. Alice needs help setting things up." He grabbed his long, black cape and quickly placed it over his shoulders. "I vant to drink your blahd."

I laughed at his silly Dracula voice and hugged him tight around the waist. It was no one's fault but my own, I felt left out. I hated feeling left out. I'd much rather be going to Alice's silly costume party than to some fancy restaurant.

"Have fun."

"I'll try," Edward said before placing a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Eww. Did you get makeup on me?"

"Just the outlines of my lips... to let Mr. Black know you're already taken by the sexiest vampire to ever exist." He winked.

"You have no worries when it comes to Mr. Black." I snatched a few tissues from the nightstand and dabbed at the bright red lipstick on my forehead. "Go. Enjoy yourself. Hopefully this business dinner won't take too long, and I can get back in time to enjoy some of the party."

"How are you getting to the restaurant?"

"Jacob is sending a limo." I rolled my eyes.

"Nice."

"I told him I would take a cab, but he insisted... so..."

"Maybe he's trying to impress you."

"Maybe he's trying to impress Angela. I think the two of them will end up sleeping together throughout this project, and then when it's over, she'll cast him to the swine."

"I'd say he won't mind. He'll enjoy it as much as she does."

"I'd say you're right. I could care less what they do. Maybe if the two of them get close enough, they'll start having these meetings alone."

"One could only hope. Maybe the two of them will fall in love and Angela will forever get off my girlfriend's back and free her schedule for all of eternity."

"I don't know. I don't think Angela is the type to fall in love."

"She's a woman. I'm sure she enjoys romance and love, and all that comes with it."

"I think Angela is more of the love 'em and leave 'em type though."

"Well, don't take love advice from that one." He chuckled, leaning in and placing a light kiss to my lips.

"I don't plan on it." I smiled. "Now go. You're gonna be late, and I have to finish getting ready myself."

"Okay, I'm leaving. I love you."

"I love you."

"Hurry back."

"I'll try."

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~ F, L & G C ~

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Of course I thought Mr. Black sending a limo was ridiculous. I was perfectly content to take a cab to the restaurant. However, I had to admit, it was kind of cool watching the people on the streets stretching their necks to try and see inside. No doubt, thinking I was some celebrity or something.

No one important to see here. I softly laughed as I watched from behind the tinted window.

Once I arrived at The River Café, Mr. Black was already seated and waiting. The unique view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline twinkling upon the waters almost felt magical. I had never seen Manhattan at night from across the harbor; it was incredible.

"I take it you like the view," Mr. Black said upon standing.

He had a smirk on his face and was dressed in a black suit with a gray tie. I suppose one could say he looked handsome. I mean, if you like the rich, muscular type with a cute, boyish smile.

"It's amazing," I said, taking my seat. "I've never seen anything so..."

"Magical?"

"My thoughts exactly, Mr. Black." I took my seat across from him.

"Oysters and a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Rose," he said to the waiter. "Is this wine okay with you?" His eyes snapped to mine.

"I-I... it's fine," I answered, having no idea what he was talking about. I knew it was wine, but to be honest, I had never heard of it.

"Have you ever had Louis Roederer Cristal Rose?"

"I have not."

"Very good. You'll love it. It goes great with oysters."

"I have never had oysters."

"You've never had an oyster?"

"No." I wondered quietly what Mr. Black would think of me if he knew I would have been completely content with a cheeseburger, fries, and a beer.

"It's going to be a lot of fun spoiling you, Miss Swan." Mr. Black grinned.

"Spoiling me?"

"I mean, with business dinners. I'll try to schedule them at only the best restaurants."

"You don't have to do that," I told him. "I'm happy with a burger and fries."

"You mean something from the dollar menu?"

"Not exactly. I don't like McDonald's very much. There are other places that sell burgers besides McDonald's, Mr. Black."

"Please, call me Jake," he interrupted.

"Jake," I said, anxiously glancing around the unique, waterfront restaurant. "I wonder what's keeping Angela?"

"She should be arriving any moment."

I felt utterly uncomfortable being there alone with Mr. Black... Jake. He made me feel nervous. I wished over and over that Angela would hurry and get there. She knew how to talk to people like Jake. She was an expert at dining with the rich.

"Your wine, sir." The waiter poured a small amount of wine for Jake to taste. Once he had his approval, he proceeding in filling our glasses.

"Tell me a little about yourself, Isabella," Jake said, before sipping from his glass. "Is it okay if I call you Isabella?"

"Or Bella."

"Bella... even better. I like it." He slightly tilted his wine glass in my direction before shooting a dazzling smile. "Where you born in New York?"

"No. Actually, I was born and raised in New Hampshire."

"New Hampshire, huh?"

"Yep... on Lake Sunapee. My dad raised me. He owns his own business - Charlie's Place. Nothing major, just a small, simple bar and grill, but it does rather well. Pays the bills."

"Sunapee... I've only been once; I enjoyed it. Lovely place." He didn't name my father's business, and for some reason, I felt relieved. "And your mother?"

"My mother remarried and moved to Florida when I was very young. We keep in touch mostly by phone or emails. I try to fly out and visit with her as often as I can. But I don't see that happening any time soon with this new job."

"You don't like your job?"

"I love being a designer. I love working at Ralph Lauren... it's just the hours can sometimes be overwhelming."

"Like right now?"

"I kinda had plans tonight."

"You should have said something. We could have rescheduled."

"It's fine."

"From now on, if you have plans, let me know. We can always reschedule."

"Thank you, Mr. Black. That's very... thoughtful."

He didn't reply back; he only smiled as the waiter placed oysters on our table. He wasted no time, popping one in his mouth and humming in pleasure.

"So you've never had an oyster?" he asked and I shook my head. "May I?" Jake never gave me a chance to answer as he moved closer to where I sat and snatched another oyster. "Tilt your head back."

"I can do it," I nervously told him when he placed one hand on the back of my chair and was now only inches from my face.

He smells... expensive.

"Of course you can, but I'm going to show you how."

I swallowed thickly and did as I was told. I nervously tilted my head back and watched as a huge grin formed on Jake's lips as he brought the oyster closer to my mouth.

"These are smaller, so they'll be easier to swallow," he said and I nodded. "Ready?"

"Yes."

Tipping the shell, the ball of slime slid down my throat.

"Bon appétit," he said.

Rich people really eat this? I thought to myself. I hated it.

"Another?"

"No, thank you."

"You didn't like it?"

"I really didn't. Sorry." I instantly reached for my wine, taking a huge drink.

"That's fine. Would you like for me to order you something else?"

"No. I'm fine, really."

"Are you sure? They offer a huge selection of appetizers. Shrimp? Crab? A salad?"

He clearly wasn't going to let this go. "A salad sounds really good."

Jake waved his hand toward the waiter, who apparently was at his beck and call, because he was there within seconds. He then ordered me a salad.

Although asparagus and sweet peppers with cheese and croutons wasn't the worst thing in the world, and definitely better than oysters, I was more of a garden salad kinda gal. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes and carrots smothered in ranch dressing would have been much better. But considering I had already turned away his oysters, I kept my mouth shut and happily ate the salad.

"Better?" he asked.

"Much. Thank you, Mr..." His eyes met mine as he raised a brow. "I mean, Jake."

As we sat and ate our appetizers, my phone buzzed. I looked down to see it was a text from Edward.

This party bites... I miss you. - E

"I need to take this. Will you please excuse me?" I stood, and Jake nodded.

I dialed Edward's phone and he answered on the first ring. "Hey you."

"I miss you too. I really wish I was there. This is so boring, and Angela hasn't even shown up yet," I told him all in one breath. "Have you ever seen the view from this place?"

"Yeah... it's pretty amazing, huh?" he answered. "Angela hasn't shown up?"

"No. I texted her from the limo, so I know we left around the same time. She should have been here already. I just need her to come on so we can get this over with."

"Is Mr. Black there?"

"He was here when I arrived. We've been waiting for nearly thirty minutes or longer."

"So you're bored?" He laughed.

"Very. And I ate an oyster for the first time."

"And?"

"And it was awful. I hated it. I'll never eat another one."

"Never say never, baby," he replied. "I like them."

"Want me to snatch some and put them in my purse. I can bring them home for you." I joked.

"Nah, I'm good. Alice has pizza."

"Why does the party bite?"

"The party itself doesn't bite. It's great, she had a huge turnout. It's just lonely not having you here... that bites." His voice was laced with disappointment.

"Baby, I miss you too, and I would much rather be there with the sexiest vampire in the whole world, eating pizza and drinking beer rather than letting slimy shit slide down my throat."

"That sounded so wrong." He chuckled.

"Yeah, I realized it after I said it."

"I guess I should let you get back to Mr. Black and slimy things."

"Yeah. I need to call Angela too."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Oh, Bella, I wanted to let you know Tanya is here."

My imagination started running wild when Edward told me his ex was at the party. Alice hadn't mentioned inviting her. Suddenly images of Tanya dry-humping Edward filled my head... I had to get a grip. I wasn't about to be sabotaged by jealousy.

"And?" I asked.

"And I just wanted to let you know. I don't know, in case it's brought up later and you might think I was trying to keep it from you."

"I trust you."

"I know... just wanted to let you know, that's all."

"Is she hitting on you?"

"Of course not. Riley is with her. Oh and guess what they're costumes are, of all things?"

"Vampires?"

"Yes," he answered.

"I bet neither are as sexy as my vampire."

"I don't know, Riley looks pretty dashing in his cape. But seriously though, I'll probably leave early. So I'll be at my apartment by the time you get back."

"I hope to see you soon."

"Bye... love you."

"Love you too."

I ended the call and immediately called Angela. Unfortunately, it went straight to her voicemail.

"Angela, this is Bella. Where are you? Call me back as soon as you get this."

I stood outside in the flower garden another five minutes as I tried to call Angela again and again. Every time it went straight to her voicemail.

"There you are," Jake's voice echoed from behind as I turned to face him.

"I called Angela... but no answer. Maybe we should just cancel and do this another time," I offered.

"I've already ordered dinner. Lobster. You like lobster, right?"

"Lobster's fine." I sighed. Why did I feel like this night was never going to end?

"After you." Jake ushered me back inside as he opened and held the door for me.

"Thank you." I walked back into the dining area to see our table had been cleared.

"We can continue getting to know one another better while we wait. I told the waiter we were waiting for someone, so there's a hold on dinner."

Great... just lovely. This night really is never gonna end.

"Can you call your limo driver and see what's taking so long?"

"I can call the limo company."

"I thought you said it was your personal limo?"

"It was my personal limo that picked you up. I rented a limo to pick Angela up."

His words didn't sit well with me. What made me more special than Angela?

"Well, can you please call them?"

"Of course. Excuse me." He removed his phone from the inside of his jacket as he walked off.

I was frustrated as hell by this point. Perhaps I was jumping to conclusions, but something didn't add up; something didn't feel right. And in the back of my mind, I just wanted to leave.

"Angela!" I stood as she walked toward the table.

"Where's Jacob?"

"He's making a call to the limo company. Where have you been?"

"That limo driver was insane. He was being... an idiot. He took me in the opposite direction, and he insisted he knew a shortcut. I knew there were no damn shortcuts. After arguing with him for nearly half an hour, I made him stop and let me out. I took a cab here."

"Angela," Jake greeted, placing a quick kiss to her cheek. "I'm glad you could join us." He laughed it off as if it was some sort of joke.

"Insane limo drivers." Angela laughed with him. "I'm starved. Have you guys ordered?"

Jake informed our waiter everyone was now here so they could start dinner. Angela was thrilled he'd taken the liberty of ordering lobster. Of course she was impressed... dazzled.

"Since t-shirts are casual wear and universally accepted by both men and women, I was thinking we could make the line for male or female," I said.

"I like that idea," Angela said as she sipped her wine.

"Ladies, we'll get to the business part soon enough. Let's relax and enjoy some casual conversation."

"I like that idea better." Angela giggled in Jake's direction.

I faked a polite smile as I sipped my own wine and spent the next few hours listening to Angela and Jake babble, occasionally joining in when I was asked a question.

"So I was thinking maybe we could go further with the t-shirt line and add matching zip hoodies," I said to Jake.

"Keep going," he said.

"Designs of your paintings will be on the front of each t-shirt, and considering the line will be introduced in the winter, I was thinking matching hoodies with the same designs on the back would work better for the winter season."

"So, they'll be sold together?"

"That will be up to you, Mr. Black... I mean, Jake... and the marketing team. But I was thinking of mixing the colors. Rather than selling black and black, perhaps a black t-shirt with a red hoodie."

"I like it." He winked as a small smile tugged at his lips. "Let's talk material."

"Cotton," Angela interjected.

"As far as material, cotton would be a better choice if we decide to use pigment dye."

"What's pigment dye?" he asked.

"It's a coloring process that will coat the outside of the fibers. It creates a faded, worn look."

"Worn?"

"Yes. In my opinion, it gives the t-shirt more character, an edgy, stylish look."

"Then I like it," he replied.

I jotted down notes as we discussed the t-shirt line. I was just glad we were finally discussing business.

"I hope you don't mind, Mr. Black, but I've taken the liberty of drawing a few sketches to give you a pretty good idea on what the line could possibly look like. Of course, this isn't final. More sketches will be drawn up."

I pulled the sketchpad from my bag and flipped to the page I wanted him to see. Upon reaching it across the table, Angela snatched my sketchpad from my hand and looked at it first.

"This is really good, Isabella," she said.

"Thank you."

When she handed the sketchpad to Jake, I noticed how he first looked at my rickety, old sketchpad. Good lord only knows what was probably going through his head.

"I like this... very much." He gazed at the sketches. "You said there were a few..."

"Yes, the next page is a sketch of the hoodie."

He flipped the page as he showed the sketch to Angela. The two of them softly talked among themselves, pointing out how well Jake's paintings had been mimicked onto the sketch.

"Actually, Edward drew the paintings onto the sketch for me," I informed the two of them.

"The club owner?" Jake asked, avoiding eye contact.

"Yes."

"Impressive for a club owner." Jake flipped the sketchpad shut.

"He owns his own nightclub, but Edward also works at the Academy of Art University."

"That's an odd combination." Angela mused.

"I love your ideas, Bella," Jake finally said. "I love the idea of adding hooded sweatshirts to the line."

"Well done, Isabella." Angela smiled, picking up her glass of wine. "This wine is delicious."

"Louis Roederer Cristal Rose," I told her as we clinked our glasses.

"Good choice, " she said to Jake.

"A toast." Jake then held up his glass. "Here's to good business and what I can only hope is the beginning of wonderful friendships."

We all clinked our glasses together. Jake and Angela continued talking about the wine choice among other things.

"If you guys don't mind, and we're finished here... I really need to get back to the city," I said.

Jake's eyes shot to mine. I couldn't quite figure out the look that flashed across his face. Disappointment?

"The night's young," he said. "Oh... but you mentioned earlier you had plans."

"Yes."

"The club owner? The art teacher - boyfriend?" he asked, and I felt that was none of his business, but I nodded and smiled.

"Mr. Wonderful," Angela added with a giggle. Clearly, beginning to feel the effects of her alcohol.

"Yes," I answered, placing my sketchpad back into my bag.

"Let me call my driver." He pulled out his phone. "He'll pick you up out front."

"Thank you for dinner, Jake." I stood and held my hand for him to shake, but he pulled it to his mouth and placed a kiss on my hand instead.

"The pleasure was all mine, Bella." He still held my hand, staring into my eyes.

Pulling my hand from his, I grinned toward Angela. "I'll see you Monday morning."

"Of course. Goodnight, Isabella."

"I'll walk you out," Jake said as he walked around the table.

"You don't have to do that," I told him, but he continued to walk toward me.

"Really, it's no trouble. It'll just take a minute."

"You should stay here with Angela and enjoy your evening. I can walk myself out."

"Angela doesn't mind, do you?"

"Of course not. Take your time. I need to use the lady's room anyway."

"After you." Jake ushered for me to go first, but as I stepped in front of him, he placed his hand on the small of my back and I stiffened.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine." I wanted to push his hand away, but I didn't.

Admittedly, Jake was a very attractive man, and I'm sure he had tons of women falling at his feet. However, I wasn't interested, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was coming onto me.

As we stood and waited for the limo, a long stretch of silence fell between us. I could feel Jake's eyes on me, but I tried not look.

"So... I really enjoyed this evening." It was Jake who broke the silence.

"It was a lovely evening. Thank you again for dinner."

"Bella, can I tell you something?"

"Yes."

"I know we just met... but there's something about you."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't know. I can't explain it. Of course you're a very beautiful woman, that's obvious... but it's something else."

"I have a boyfriend," I said.

"Yes, I know." He grinned. "He's a lucky man, Bella. But I know you have a boyfriend... the club owner. I meant there's something about you I can't explain. I didn't mean to imply..."

"Oh..." I could feel my cheeks getting warm. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay. My mistake."

His smile wasn't a typical polite, genuine smile. It was more of a flirtatious smile... or was it? Perhaps I was reading too much into things and taking Jake all wrong.

"Goodnight, Jake," I said when I saw the limo pulling up.

"Goodnight, Bella. Thank you for a wonderful evening." He placed a feather-light kiss to my cheek. "Maybe next time I'll take you for a burger and fries."

"Goodnight," I repeated as the driver held open the door and I hurried inside.

Once we were pulling out, relief flooded over me. I looked out the window to see Jake still standing on the sidewalk. What was it with him? Was Jake really flirting with me or was he just an over friendly guy? Either way, I knew I would have to set some boundaries if we were going to work together.

The thirty-minute ride back to Manhattan landed me home just after midnight. Unfortunately, Edward was sound asleep when I arrived home, and Alice's party was nearing an end. I missed everything.

A/N

Thank you guys so much for all the feedback this story gets. You'll never know how much I adore you guys! I apologize for the wait on this chapter, both my beta and I have had a lot going on... that's why I try to never set a certain posting schedule.

Thank you to my wonderful beta, whom I appreciate very much. And thank you to my dear-wonderful best friend, C-Mo... You ladies rock!

Until Next Time,

Minerva