Thank you to Prettyflour for prereading, but I have tinkered with this since so any mistakes are mine.

Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer and not me!

4 - Kick Back, Relax & Enjoy Yourself

BPOV

When I woke up on Saturday, it was almost eleven. I lay in bed for a few minutes, my mind in overdrive. I really couldn't comprehend what was happening.

Nothing's happening yet. Don't go getting over-analytical. A drop-dead gorgeous rock star may want you to straddle him, but if you act like a mad-woman it's never gonna happen!

Okay, so nothing was happening yet, and in all honesty probably never would. Still, if I had any degree of confidence in myself, then I could admit that on each occasion I had seen Edward, he had flirted with me and actually seemed interested in what I had to say. If this was Alice and I was listening objectively, I would be insisting that this guy fancied her pants off and would be telling her to take things into her own hands. However, I was not objective, I had little self-confidence and I had never made a move on a man in my life.

I needed to clear my head and decided to go for a run through the park. I rarely did this at the weekend—I was either exhausted from working the previous night or I was exhausted and hung-over from going out the previous night. I tidied myself up a little and pulled on some shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt. Of course, I hadn't factored in Alice and Angela being awake. If I had then I wouldn't have even bothered to get dressed, because there was no way they were letting me out of the apartment until I'd given them every detail. The second I left my room I was immediately pounced upon by the girls who quite literally dragged me over to the couch, each looking at me with varied expressions.

"How dare you think about leaving this apartment until you've told us every last morsel. Why didn't you tell us who Mr. Delicious really was? "Alice was glaring at me, her arms folded tightly across her chest and her left leg jigging on the spot.

Angela looked like she was ready to burst with excitement, "Seriously, Bella, this is A-MA-ZING! Edward Cullen, oh my God!" Her eyes were wild and she was clapping her hands together frantically.

"Okay, okay, calm down please. I'm sorry I didn't tell you who he really was, I could barely believe it myself and I knew exactly how you would react." I waved my hands in front of them to prove my point. "I never expected to talk to him again, so I didn't think it would be an issue. I am really sorry, guys, okay?"

"Whatever. What we really want to hear now is what happened last night? After we left did he come back to talk to you?" Alice had remained in exactly the same position, but poor Angela couldn't keep still.

"Fine, just let me get through it before you start bombarding me with questions okay?" I sighed.

After they had agreed I proceeded to tell them everything. When I had finally finished they were both still as a rock and gawking at me like I had been talking Swahili.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Bella, he totally fancies you. That is so amazing—seriously wow! Angela swooned closing her eyes and swaying while she sat.

"Come on, Ang, he was just having a bit of fun and a flirt," I moaned, wishing with every bone in my body that she was actually right.

"Bella, shut up. I agree with Angela. If this wasn't a famous, inch-perfect, god-like creature and he was just a regular guy you had met in a bar, what would you think? You wouldn't think anything. Instead, I guarantee that you would be sneaking back home in last night's clothes with sex hair and a very satisfied smile on your face. I saw him staring at you while we were sitting with him at the bar. Bella, he never took his eyes off you." Alice grabbed my shoulders and shook me as she spoke, "He wanted to see you tonight, if he didn't like you he would have just said, 'Goodnight, Bella', nothing else."

I couldn't take all of this in; I needed to get out of the apartment right now. I didn't want to get too far in front of myself but how in the world could anything ever happen with a guy like that? He must have photographers leaping out at him everywhere he went. I couldn't even contemplate having to run again. I loved it here and I'd never felt more at home. I couldn't risk everything I'd built for myself for a good night of wham bam could I?

Please, please, please risk it. That man would make your toes curl I'm sure!

"Look I need to get out and clear my head; it's too much to think about. I'm back at work at three so we can chat when I get back. I won't be long, okay?" I didn't wait for an answer. I slipped on my sneakers and hurried from the apartment.

I jogged to the park with my IPod blasting and ran three laps around the reservoir. I loved this place. The way the trees overhung the path in a canopy effect above my head, the sun high in the sky reflecting off the water, creating mirror images of the skyscrapers on the surface, and seeing those high rise buildings in the distance, but feeling a million miles away from anything remotely "city". I was covered in sweat by the time I'd finished; it was a really hot and humid day but I did feel a little better. Of course I hadn't succeeded in totally expelling all thoughts of Edward from my mind, I had a feeling that he would be stuck in there for some time to come.

Thanks to some inspirational words from Cyndi Lauper and Beyonce amongst others, (naturally Inner-Bella had been singing Etta James' "I just wanna make love to you") I had decided just to have a little fun, what harm could come from that? I agreed with Alice, I needed to kick back, relax, enjoy my life and stop worrying about everything. Easier said than done but I had to give it a try.

When I got back to the apartment I went straight to the kitchen to get something to eat. Our selection of food was abysmal as usual. I used the last remaining egg and managed to make myself a very bland omelette.

Sustenance is important. You need to keep your strength up for tonight—there could be kissing, touching, licking. Oh God, there could be straddling!

"Behave," I muttered.

That earned me a peculiar look from Alice who had appeared at the window separating the kitchen and the lounge.

"So, what are you going to do if he shows tonight?" she asked, still frowning at me like I was insane.

"I'll be working, Alice, and if he does show up he'll be with his friends," I grumbled as I tried to eat my lunch. "Besides, he's not going to show up again. I'm sure any romantic thoughts he had would have disappeared the moment he saw Jazz's bare arse bent over you on the couch last night. That was beyond gross, by the way."

"You'll get over it, so will Edwared." Alice shrugged, completely unperturbed by the whole thing. Seriously, nothing embarrassed this girl. I could do with taking some notes on how she did it.

"Anyway, back to you," she continued. "You're only working until Sally shows, right? So, we'll come and sit with you while you work, and then as soon as you're done, we can all go out for some fun. I'll bring you a sexy little number and if Mr. Delicious is at the bar you can show him what you've got!"

"Yeah, a girly night out is just what we need, I'm not in work until six tomorrow afternoon." Angela bounced on the spot excitedly. "Come on, Bella."

"That sounds like a good idea. Even if he doesn't show, I could do with a drink or two. But don't you dare bring something too skimpy or sexy, Alice. Just something nice, we will be in Arts after all." I finished my omelette and washed up. "I'm going to shower before work."

I spent far too long in the shower, dissecting things again; I really needed to loosen up.

Yeah and carry that thought with you tonight, maybe even loosen his pants up too.

Eventually I emerged; I quickly dried my hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. After dressing in my work clothes I left; shooting another stern warning to the girls to bring me something nice to wear as I walked out of the front door.

When I got to work I found Sandrine standing behind the bar talking to Mr. Connolly. I greeted them both and walked into the office.

Art glanced up at me from behind his desk and started laughing, "Heard you had fun last night?"

"What do you mean by that?" I quizzed, "What did you hear?"

"Nothing much really, just that Edward caught quite an eyeful of Alice's boyfriend last night when he walked you home. Classy girl that one isn't she?" Art continued to chuckle.

"Oh yeah, it was embarrassing and unpleasant. Jasper's bare arse isn't anything that I needed to see." I paused before asking, "How did you find out about that?"

"Edward and the guys stopped by just after lunch for a few drinks. I need to give Alice some shit about that," he added still laughing. "

"Yeah Edward mentioned he was coming here for a drink. " Disappointment flooded through me. He had already been in and left. Had he done it to avoid me?

He knew what time you were working, and he made sure he had already gone before your shift started. That's it then, there shall never be any straddling of Mr. Delicious.

I decided to text Alice.

Mr. D has already been and gone. So he won't be making an appearance tonight. I guess the only thing left to say is, I TOLD YOU SO! B x

Oh crap, Bella, I'm sorry. Well it's his loss, I bet he had a tiny cock anyway. Just a few more hours & you can drink your sorrows away lol A x

Now that I am looking forward to. Bring on the alcohol. B x

The afternoon dragged, I was really regretting agreeing to work. Saturday afternoons were usually pretty steady, but there weren't enough alcoholic patrons in the whole of Manhattan to keep me busy enough to shoo away the disappointment that I still felt.

At about seven the girls arrived. Alice had a dress in her hand which was definitely not something nice, it was something sexy and I shot her an icy look.

"You have got to be kidding me, Alice, I'm not wearing that." I continued to glare at her.

The dress was a smoky grey, one shouldered, very short number with a pleated design that ran from the bust line to the hem and there was a thin belt which pulled at the waist. In her other hand, Alice had a pair of black open-toed sandals with heels that were almost as high as the bar stools.

"We're all dressed the same. Come on, Bella, it's about time you embraced the fact that you're hot and dress accordingly. You WILL wear this. End of discussion." Alice went and put the outfit in the office and I heard Art laugh at her as he commented on last night's encounter.

I didn't get much chance to chat with the girls as the bar started to fill. I kept looking around to see who was coming in through the door. I repeatedly told myself I was just looking for Sally showing up so I could go.

Oh please, Sally my arse. You are so looking for Mr. Delicious. Just admit it woman, you blew it.

Yeah, I really blew it.

By eight thirty, Sally still hadn't arrived and a very sheepish looking Art called me over. "Bella, I really hate to ask but Sally can't get in; she's stuck in Chicago. Any chance you could work until things die down?"

"Aw, come on, Art," I dithered. I had issues with saying no to people and those big, baby blues he was shooting at me weren't helping. "Um...I..."

"No way, Art, we're partying tonight. Bella, you tell him no do you hear me?" Alice was gesticulating towards my boss and glaring at me.

"Please, Bella, just give me until eleven yeah? You can take the girls up to the pool bar and work there. It's always quieter in there and if anyone does get too rowdy, Alice can kick their ass." He ignored the evil eye Alice was giving him, and then unleashed his secret weapon. "Tell you what, the girls can have a few drinks on the house while they wait."

With the mention of free drinks, Art had Alice and Angela immediately on his side, so naturally I agreed. I trudged wearily upstairs and prepared myself for another few hours work.

"So, what did Art say about Edward?" Alice asked as she and Angela took a seat at the bar.

"Just that he'd stopped by earlier with the guys. That's when he told them about seeing you and Jazz on the couch." I sighed. "They'd gone before I started."

"Maybe he didn't realise you wouldn't be there?" Angela offered.

"I told him what time my shift started," I said and then added, "It's probably for the best. It's not like anything would have happened anyway."

Working the pool bar was a breeze as long as the customers behaved themselves. As a rule, the only people in here came to play pool. They came to the bar just to re-fill, and I knew the girls and I would get plenty of chance to talk. I tried to be enthusiastic and join in with their conversations, but I couldn't deny I was still gutted that Edward was a no-show.

"Bella, we're just going to have a game of pool. You don't mind, right?" Alice asked.

"In those dresses?" I laughed and she just shrugged. "This I have to see."

I had to smile at their enthusiasm as they giggled and mocked each other, while discreetly trying to take their shots at the table.

Eager to busy myself and pass the time, I looked around for game of something to do. One of the fridges was looking a bit empty so I heaved a crate of beer over and began re-stocking it.

"Hi, Bella. Art said I'd find you up here."

There was that voice again, was I hearing things? I froze for a split-second before standing and turning in his direction.

Nope not hearing things—there he is.

Edward was leaning against the bar smiling at me. "How come you're up here tonight?"

"Art's roped me into covering until later. As a bribe he offered a quiet shift and free drinks for them." I motioned to Angela and Alice over by the pool table. I found myself smiling at him. I couldn't help it. He must have been telepathically linked with the muscles in my face.

Ooh wouldn't you like to be linked with some of his other muscles too?

"That's a relief. When I couldn't see you downstairs, I though I might have scared you off last night." Edward laughed and moved to sit at one of the stools.

Wow he was fucking spectacular. Tonight's attire was just as sexy; he had a short sleeved navy shirt with white pin-stripes and a pair of cream chinos with some loafers on his large feet.

Big feet huh? Take a quick peek further south, his trousers look pretty tight and I want to see what he's packing for lunch.

"Mmm, because your company was definitely the most unpleasant thing of the night," I sneered sarcastically.

"I suppose you're right. That dude's naked ass was not something I'd like to see again. If we were talking about your ass though..." Edward trailed off suggestively and then burst out laughing again.

He wants to see your ass! Show it to him and then STRADDLE, STRADDLE, STRADDLE. NOW, NOW, NOW!

"Yeah right," I scoffed in embarrassment. I had been so wrapped up in him that I had only just realised he wasn't alone and three other men were standingbehind him at the bar. "So, what are you drinking?" I asked making sure I acknowledged each of them.

"Beers all round, Bella, please. Can I buy you a drink?" Edward asked politely.

So sweet and thoughtful, STRADDLE!

"Thanks but no. I've still got a few hours left yet. Maybe later though?" I grinned and turned to get the beers.

"Later then. I won't forget you know." Edward turned and handed the beers back to his friends. "Guys, this is Bella, Art's best employee. Bella, you remember Emmett, Seth and Garrett right?"

"Hi guys," I replied, smiling.

I tried to match the names with faces, wishing I had paid more attention to the band as a whole. I saw them shoot a look over to the pool tables which were all occupied.

"Look, the girls over at that table are waiting for me. Just tell them to finish up and send them back over here." I indicated over to Angela and Alice.

"Let's not be too hasty, we can share right guys?" The man I believed to be Seth, snickered and made his way over to the girls, followed by the one I assumed was Garrett.

Edward remained in his seat and the fourth guy stood behind him. I knew this was Emmett, Edward's brother, although they were different in their physical appearance. Emmett was very muscular with dark hair, and also very good looking, but he lacked the, "oh, sweet Jesus" effect that his brother had in abundance.

Nice analogy, very impressive.

"Nice to meet you again, Bella, I hope my brother's not annoying you as much as he is us? Shit, we've heard so much about you this week I feel like I know you already." Emmett laughed and slapped his brother playfully across the back.

"Yeah he's a bit annoying isn't he? I can't seem to get rid of him. Doesn't he have anywhere else to go?" I teased, smiling at Edward.

"There are plenty of places I can go but you wouldn't be there so I'm not interested," Edward grinned back, his eyes locked on my face. Emmett rolled his eyes and walked off towards the others who were now laughing and joking with my friends.

"So what have you been doing with yourself today?" Edward asked as he drank his beer.

"I went for a run in the park before work. Nothing exciting I'm afraid. I would ask you the same but Art mentioned you'd been in already sharing the story of Jasper and his arse!" I laughed and moved to sit on the stool behind the bar.

"I like 'arse'. Arse is so much better than ass," he chuckled.

"If you're such a fan of arse then may I suggest a club a few blocks away which might be better suited for you, if you know what I mean." I giggled.

"That was a low blow, Bella." Edward narrowed his eyes at me, "Anyway, like I said earlier the only 'arse' I want to see would be yours." Once again he laughed before shooting me a wink.

"Wow, you're full of yourself tonight. Maybe a drink later isn't the best idea!"

"Sorry, Bella, you're not getting out of it that easy." He pushed his empty bottle toward me. "I'm still due a drink alone with you after last night."

Oh, God...it's too much.

I got him another beer and looked around the bar. A few more people had drifted into the room and it was getting too busy for anyone to play their games easily. Clearly, the buzz of having world-famous Zeus in the bar had caught people's attention. One girl, with fake hair, fake boobs, fake lips and no ability to move her face from the mouth up, made her way over to the bar and pulled a stool close beside Edward. Obviouslt she wasn't up here for the pool.

"Well, hi there. I know who you are. Wow you're even sexier in person. I'm Heidi. It's a pleasure to meet you. Edward, right?" The little hussy breathed sexily to Edward and held out her hand.

Edward looked at her outstretched hand, and then at her face. "Hi," he said simply and then turned back to look at me, rolling his eyes.

"I can't imagine why you're here?" Heidi glanced around the bar and turned up her nose. "Why don't I show you somewhere much better."

"I'm just waiting for my girl to finish work." Edward smiled at her and grabbed one of my hands which had been resting on the bar. "Last night was fucking amazing. I can't wait to get you back to my place again." Edward stared at me intently and furrowed his eyebrows, and I was confused for the smallest fraction of a second.

He wants to get rid of the dirty slut, play along you idiot.

"Oh God yeah, I wouldn't miss that for the world, baby!" I winked at him and stroked the top of his hand seductively.

DirtySlut huffed and shot me a glare before storming from the room.

"Whew, thanks for that. It's definitely the fastest way to get rid of tramps like her." he smiled at me before throwing in a shudder for effect.

"No problem, I suppose that's one of the 'perks' right? Always plenty of women throwing themselves at you everywhere you go." I glanced down and realized that my hand was still on top of his, I pulled it off and mumbled, "Sorry."

Edward looked like he was about to say something when Angela bounded towards us. "Two more drinks please, Bella. As soon as you're done go get changed, and we can have a few shots here before we go somewhere else, okay?" Angela didn't wait for my response and just grabbed the beers and skipped away.

"Florentino's no doubt. That place is so fake. I don't think any of the girls in there would ever have to worry about drowning. Their surgically enhanced tits and lips would keep them afloat," I muttered grumpily.

I did hate that place but somehow we always ended up there. The thing was, now Edward was here, sitting at the bar, talking to me. I didn't want to go anywhere, I wanted to stay right where I was.

"So don't go and stay here with us instead. We're not that bad you know?" Edward asked quietly, almost nervously. I looked at him and smiled,

"You might not be that bad, but I can't be held responsible for their actions." I indicated towards Angela and Alice. "When they're in good form they terrify me!" I laughed.

"I'm serious. Hang out with me instead," he said again, and I felt my heart begin to race.

"You'll be sorry you asked after they get you arrested for disorderly conduct and you end up sharing a cell with a rather large man called Amos." I hoped I came across as cool, but inside I was anything but.

Edward laughed. "Never happen—I can dazzle my way out of pretty much anything you know."

The bar upstairs was now far too crowded. Those already upstairs playing pool had given me an earful about not having room to play and left. The majority of people remaining were women, all trying to catch the eye of anyone from the band. Unfortunately for them, Emmett, Seth, and Garrett were having too much fun goofing about with Alice and Angela; in fact they were still trying to play pool. Alice was being her usual charming self, "accidentally on purpose" hitting people with her cue to try and get them to move.

Edward meanwhile, was at the bar with me and didn't give any of these floozy's a second glance. Despite the fact they weren't going to score with anyone, none of the girls actually left the bar. I started to get a little stressed out; people were complaining how long it had taken to be served and were getting too boisterous.

Edward stood and said, "I'll go and give Art a shout." He jogged out of the room and every girl in the bar turned to watch him leave.

I was getting seriously pissed off; I shouldn't have even been working tonight, never mind dealing with irate and horny women all trying to get a piece of Zeus.

I want a piece of Mr. Delicious!

Suddenly, Art burst into the room shouting, "Okay everyone, downstairs please. I'm closing up here, but you can get served at the main bar downstairs." He began ushering everyone out.

Soon enough all but Alice, Angela, and the band had left the room. Art walked over to me with an apologetic look on his face.

"Sorry, Bella, guess our 'guests' here drew in quite a crowd. Listen, just clean up and then you're done. You and the guys can stay up here and help yourselves to drinks. but tidy up afterwards yeah?" Art apologised to the guys for the hassle and went back downstairs.

"Thank God for that!" I huffed as I started gathering the glasses and bottles that were strewn about the now empty bar.

To my surprise Edward collected a few empties himself and brought them over to me while I loaded the dishwasher. I wiped down the bar and then got myself a soon as I drank some I couldn't help but sigh in relief. "Ah, that's much better."

"So that's you done?" Edward was sitting back at the bar again smiling as I drank.

"Yeah, finally! Thanks for going to grab Art, if you hadn't I'd be alcohol free and still working." And then, before I could stop myself the next few words just came hurtling out. "You certainly helped get me off quicker than I would have done alone!"

Oh shit, what the hell did you just say? Christ Almighty you should never be allowed to talk without some sort of screening process!

I saw Edward unsuccessfully try to stifle a laugh and before I could even start to explain, he replied casually, "Anytime."

I threw back the rest of my drink in shame, and then I walked out from behind the bar. "I'm going to change."

As I headed away from him Edward called out, "You are coming back aren't you?"

I looked toward Angela and Alice and laughed, "Of course, I doubt those two are planning on going anywhere!"

I walked quickly down the stairs and made my way through the heaving crowd to the office. I called out to Art who was behind the bar with Sandrine, "I'm getting changed, so I'm locking the door okay?" Art nodded and carried on serving.

I stripped down to my underwear and grabbed the dress Alice had brought for me. I couldn't deny it was pretty but not really suitable for anywhere like this. I sighed angrily and pulled it over my head.

Admittedly once I had it on I felt much better. It hugged in all the right places, covered all the right places and revealed just enough in all the right places too. I applied a bit of make-up and pulled my hair into a low side bun, letting a few strands hang down. I finished it off with the ridiculous shoes, a squirt of perfume, and then stuffed the rest of my clothes into my bag, before hanging it on the coat rack in the corner of Art's office.

I made my way rather unsteadily back up the stairs. Just as I reached the door a creepy looking man stopped me. He had a mop of greasy hair which was slicked back against his head, and there was a strong smell of stale sweat radiating from him.

"Hey, Precious, let me buy you a drink," he drawled and planted his eyes straight on my two friends situated a little further south than my face.

"No thanks," I said, as I moved to step around him.

Creepy Creepyson, however, seemed to think he was irresistible and backed up against the door not allowing me to pull it open, "Come on sweet cheeks you know you want to really. Just say yes and let me show you a good time?" He winked at me in expectation.

"No way, never, not a chance. Now would you stop being such a wanker and let me past." I was glaring at him and he smirked. He was about to say something else when he was barged out of the way by someone flinging the door open from inside the bar.

"Oh sorry, man, I didn't see you there. Not really the most intelligent place to stand is it though?" Alice grabbed my arm and dragged me inside.

"You always manage to attract the freaks, Bella, I'll give you that. The next time someone bothers you, just tell them you're a dude in a dress and they'll leave you well alone. Although, maybe not when you're in that dress." Alice smiled smugly, "I said you would look hot. Are you coming for a game of pool?"

"Absolutely not. I need to catch up, you two have been drinking for hours." I pointed to the bar and walked off.

I had to giggle when I caught sight of Edward stood behind the bar with a towel over his forearm. I think I saw him look me up and down but I couldn't be sure.

Live in hope. You can always live in hope.

"Suits you, Edward, are you sure you're in the right line of work?" I asked cheekily.

"I could say the same to you, you're definitely better suited on that side of the bar." He laughed and set a beer down in front of me, quickly followed by two shot glasses and a bottle of tequila.

"I don't think Art meant for us to drink him dry you know?" I warned as I took a drink of the beer.

"I can handle Art." Edward walked around the bar and sat on the stool beside me. "I suppose you get that a lot?"

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Creeps like the one outside trying it on."

"You saw that?"

"I was just about to intercede, but your friend beat me to it. I doubt I'd have been as subtle. Creep couldn't take a hint."

He's jealous. Rejoice, praise the lord, hallelujah.

"Yeah, once men get a drink down their neck their confidence seems to know no bounds." I laughed. "Actually, there is this one guy in particular who's starting to get on my nerves. He keeps showing up at the bar and just sits there all night. He even insists on walking me home and plying me with alcohol. I mean what's that all about?"

Ooh get you, you're flirting.

"Touché! Although maybe you encouraged his behaviour—just a little." Edward eyed me accusingly.

I took a long drink, watching him carefully as I did. "I don't see how." I hadn't taken my eyes from his for a minute or so and I felt like I was burning up.

Edward swung around on his stool, so he could lean back against the bar. Once again I caught his eye roam down my dress to the tops of my legs. "Well, your comment about straddling might have driven him a little crazy. I'd say you were all he could think about."

I was momentarily flummoxed, what could I say back to that?

Say? Nothing. Do? Straddle!

"Wow no smart comment? I'm shocked," he mocked,

"I'm not usually a smart-arse as a matter of fact," I harrumphed in his direction and grabbed the bottle of Tequila. I poured us two shots and pushed one towards him. He picked it up and raised his glass.

"Cheers," I muttered as I downed the shot. "Burgh, I hate this stuff. Good job it works." I choked.

We had several more shots and beers together. As a result, I was loosening up. I found it much easier to talk to him and quizzed him about travelling and performing.

I soon became a little self-conscious that I had been prattling on like an idiot for a while. "Sorry, I bet I sound like a total fangirl. I must be annoying the crap out of you."

"Not at all," he said. "You're definitely the most talkative I've seen, but I suppose we can blame the alcohol for that. I'm not complaining though, you know how much I like to listen to your voice."

If my calculations are correct, you could have his pants off and be straddling him in less than two seconds.

"Right, you've had more than enough time to drink yourself silly. Come on, Bella, let's have a game of pool." Alice walked over to us and proceeded to drag me over to the pool tables.

"I'm not playing. You put me in this dress, Alice, you know how short it is. Besides I can't play pool anyway," I insisted.

Angela too pleaded with me, "Come on, Bella, I can stand behind you we can play doubles. It will be so much fun."

"Come on, I'd be willing to bet you're the best tactical player. With all those voices in your head telling you your options, none of us would stand a chance." Seth smirked.

"What did you just say?" I asked and then whirled around to face Edward who had followed us over to the tables. I scowled at him. "You tosser—you told them what I said?"

Unfortunately, everyone else found the use of the word "tosser" hilarious and began to mimic me in terrible British accents.

Edward stepped over to me and put his hands on my shoulders.

Oh sweet Jesus, he's touching you. No possibility of straddling when you are standing like this, so just RIP HIS SHIRT OPEN!

"Sorry, Bella, I had to tell them about you. I was useless in rehearsals Wednesday morning, I kept messing up," Edward looked down at me apologetically, he was trying to soften me up but it wasn't going to work. "They knew something, or should I say someone, was on my mind."

"What's that got to do with telling them I'm a bloody lunatic?" I was trying so hard to be annoyed but I was failing. I was almost ready to assault him.

Goddamn he smells good.

He kept his hands on my shoulders and leaned his face a little closer. "I couldn't get you out of my head, Bella. The whole leaping, straddling and ripping comment had me up all night." He had leaned even closer and I could smell the tequila on his breath. His lips were inches from mine.

"Oh," I whispered pathetically,

Oh. Is that the best you can do, you idiot? How about you add something to that like, "Oh...excuse me, Mr. Delicious, would you mind if I shoved my tongue in your mouth?'"or, "Oh...excuse me, Mr. Delicious, would you shove your tongue in my mouth?"

Edward continued to lean in, and right at that moment I could confidently say he was about to kiss me. Inner-Bella revelled in delight, but of course I'm just not that lucky and right at that moment Edward's band mate, Garrett, shouted over to him, "Edward, buddy, you're up next. Come on you can break."

Edward sighed heavily in frustration and rolled his eyes, before stepping back and walking over to play pool. For the next hour or so I didn't get chance to talk to him. I did get roped into playing a game, much to my dismay. Alice and I played doubles against Seth and Emmett. I demanded Alice stand behind me whenever I took a shot and more than once or twice I caught Edward's eyes lingering as I was stooped over the table.

Of course I had a great time watching him play too. Every time he bent over to take a shot, I got a magnificent view of that perfect little ass of his.

The time flew by, and at about one thirty I peeked downstairs. The bar had all but emptied. Sandrine was cleaning up and I guessed Art would want to close up soon. I picked up a few glasses and bottles and carefully made my way over to the bar. I put the bottles in the bin and the glasses on top of the dishwasher which was still finishing its previous cycle. I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn't tripped or stumbled in the process and looked up to see Edward smiling at me as I walked back towards him.

"I reckon Art's going to want to close up. It's probably best if we leave now," I told the others.

"Ooh, why don't we go to Florentino's? We can have a few more drinks, it's only early we can't call it a night just yet." Angela suggested. "Are you guys' up for that?"

Alice nodded in agreement and the guys all sounded enthusiastic about the idea too. Well I wasn't, I knew exactly which club she would drag me to and I hated the place. Alice sensed my hesitation and refused to let me even try to get out of it.

"Bella, don't even bother trying to worm your way out of this. We've had a great time so far and that dress is far too pretty to waste on a night out in this bar." She leaned close and whispered, "And, just think you'll get another few hours with Edward if you do come along."

"But Florentino's? I really hate that fucking place, Alice," I bitched and walked sulkily downstairs. "We're going, Art, apparently in order to end a good night I need to continue drinking at an overrated club until I throw up," I grumbled.

"I completely agree." He laughed, and then added appreciatively, "Oh and, Bella, thanks again for tonight you were a lifesaver."

Edward stood close beside me and reached out to shake Arts hand. "Catch you later, buddy, I'm flying out to LA on Monday so I'll see you when I get back." I saw Edward throw some money down on the bar before we walked outside.

"Did you just pay him for the drinks?" I quizzed as we set off for the club which was only a block away.

"Yeah, I wasn't going to drink away his stock of Tequila for free. I earn more than him so it's only fair," he pointed out simply. "When it got a little busy I asked him to close the bar, except for us of course. I told you I wanted to have a drink with you in peace and I was getting impatient."

I'm getting impatient too, Mr. D. I need to see you naked.

We were beginning to fall back from the others, so Edward put his hand on my back and walked us forward a little faster. As he did he leaned forward and whispered in my ear, "I'm glad you agreed to come to the club."

"You won't be saying that when I throw up all over you later," I muttered, but Edward just laughed.

"Drunk or sober I'll take you. Truth is, I had no intention of saying goodnight to you just yet, Bella."

Oh my...

A/N This was the first chapter that has been split in two. The first time around this was huge and I want to try and keep them all around about the same size.

Thanks for reading - more soon :D

Katy

x