SM owns all things Twilight.I just own this plot.

AN: What can I say to all the wonderful people who continue to review and list this story and more amazingly me among their favourites? Thank you so, so much and please keep doing what you're doing. I would like to say a special thank you to Veggie Vampire 90, Ksiarsauke and ellinor, please stick with me.

I received a very kind PM about my terrible punctuation. And whilst I am incredibly grateful to that person for contacting me privately,

I would like to apologize to anyone who has found this story hard to read due to my embarrassingly awful punctuation and grammar. I know I should find a beta, but although I am a newbie to Twilight fic, I have written for other sites years ago and had a very nasty time with a beta. Also, and I know it isn't professional, or fair to you my brilliant readers, but I am such an impulsive and impatient writer, that when I write, I want to post and get feedback ASAP. I just hope that you are interested enough in the story to stick with it and overlook my errant full stops, commas and speech marks.

ES POV

Rolling over, I flung an arm across my face to try and bloke out the sunlight that was scratching at my eyelids. Any sleep that I managed to get in-between the nightmarish acts of brutality that made up nights with Charles was never deep enough or long enough to allow me the luxury of dreaming. So I was determined to make this dream last for as long as possible.

As, it could only be in a dream, that a man as breathtakingly beautiful and kind as Carlisle Cullen, would not only open up his home to a complete stranger like me for as long as I needed it. But then, hold me in his arms for, I'm not sure how long it was, as I sobbed hysterically, promising to protect me from whatever demons that were haunting me.

And I knew it was wrong. I knew, that it would only make Charles' sneering insults sting even worse than they did already and the pain caused by his fists hurt all the more. But just for a few more minutes, I wanted to lose myself in the warmth and strength of Carlisle's arms. I wanted to feel his hand stroking my hair as he crooned words of comfort and reassurance in my ear. I wanted to lose myself in his intoxicating, but strangely comforting scent.

"Just five more minutes, pleeease…" I pleaded, as a persistent knocking, joined forces with the brightening sunlight in their efforts to force me back into consciousness.

"Sorry Esme, but brunch is nearly ready and you really do need to eat something. Doctor's orders…and Sunday brunch is Edward's specialty."

My eyes snapped open. Alice Cullen was standing in the half open doorway, bouncing nervously from foot to foot. It wasn't a dream. I really had left Charles, broken down and been rescued by Carlisle. This meant, I had really sobbed hysterically in his arms for hours. Letting out a groan, I pulled a nearby pillow over my face. What must he, what must Alice and the rest of the family think of me?

"Esme, please don't be embarrassed about what happened on Friday night…." Alice began to say. Had I spoken my last thought out loud I wondered for a second. Then, I realized what else she had said. I sat up suddenly, and then really wished I hadn't, as my head and the room in front of me began to spin.

"Friday night! Alice, please tell me today isn't really Sunday." I squeaked.

" 'fraid so." She said, shuffling and looking down awkwardly at her feet for a moment, before looking back at me. She was a little embarrassed, but more than that, she was genuinely concerned about me. She gestured into the room with her hand, seeking permission to enter. I nodded and she crossed the room to the bed, with I noticed the grace and poise of a ballerina. She sat on the bottom of the bed and turned to face me

"You were really upset Esme, hysterical. You passed out in Dad's arms after a little while, but you kept waking up screaming. He didn't want to, but he was so worried…he got Edward to give you a shot of something to help you sleep. You were asleep pretty much most of yesterday, apart from the few times Bella, Rose or I helped you to the bathroom." Alice said quietly. I was quiet for a long moment as I took in her words. Her large doe eyes, so full of concern, never left mine. I had become so hysterical that he had had to sedate me. There was a part of me, that wasn't sure how to react to the fact that he, or Edward on his orders, had drugged me. But that part was quickly squashed by the bigger part of me that was grateful that he had cared enough to try and help me. And maybe even more importantly, he hadn't as most people when faced with a hysterical women would have done, put me in a hospital. I couldn't leave any type of trail for Charles to follow.

"I am so embarrassed." I whispered, lying back on the pillows.

"I know, but please don't be. You're among friends here. And I don't know if this is any consolation and please, don't tell her I told you. But, the first time Bella officially met Dad as Edward's girlfriend, was two hours after she had been in his office to get a prescription for birth control pills. Emmett was convinced her head was going to explode she went so red. And if you want really embarrassing, ask Emmett about the time he got sunburn and poison ivy, on his butt!" Alice giggled. It wasn't much consolation and I think Alice knew it wouldn't be. But I loved her for trying to make me feel better.

"Ten minutes Tink!" Edward called, his voice echoing up the stairs. Alice sprung up off the bed.

"I've put some clean towels in the bathroom and a few of the shampoo and body wash shampoos I got from work." She said brightly, closing the door behind her as she disappeared through it.

I took a quick shower, planning on using and enjoying Alice's designer treats when I had more time. I dressed in a clean, fitted button down shirt and a pair of Capri pants and headed down to breakfast. The smell of bacon was making my mouth water. I was, despite Alice's pleas not to be, embarrassed as I entered the dining room.

"Esme! Welcome back!" Emmett boomed his large open face split into a wide, genuinely friendly smile.

"Thanks Emmett." I muttered staring at my hands, the floor, anywhere but at the people sat at the table. Suddenly, Carlisle's head poked round the arch that lead of the dining room into the kitchen.

"Good morning, I mean afternoon…" he said flustered. I looked up into his eyes and the genuine concern and something else I couldn't quite place, made my heart clench.

"Hi."I said softly

"Esme you're sat next to Carlisle like before." Bella said. I smiled and nodded, taking my place. Within a couple of minutes Edward appeared carrying a platter of scrambled eggs he was closely followed by Carlisle, carrying bacon, sausage and waffles. They took their seats, Bella taking the chance to follow the instructions on Edward's apron and kiss the cook.

"Edward all of this looks and smells amazing." I said as I spooned a large portion of eggs onto my plate.

"Thank you, but I can't take all the credit."

"Yeah, noboby…urns…acon better …an…Carlisle…" Jasper mumbled through a mouthful of food.

I hadn't meant to say anything, but suddenly I found myself saying;

"It's not burnt. It's crispy."

There was silence for a moment, followed by a few quiet sniggers.

"That's what Dad always says." Alice said smiling.

"And as you can see, I'm right. It just takes someone with a more educated pallet to prove it." Carlisle said a little smugly, before turning to me and saying, a soft smile on his lips.

"Thank you Esme."

I nodded and prayed that I wasn't blushing. There was something about the way he looked at me.

"Talking about thanking people…" I began quietly. "I would like to thank you, all of you for taking care of me. I really am embarrassed about the way I…" I couldn't say anymore as I was drowned out by a chorus of "don't be silly's" and other mild admonishments. Only Carlisle remained quiet. I turned my head and looked into those beautiful hypnotic eyes once again. They were soft and slightly pained. I quietly mouthed a thank you to him and hoped that he could see the depth of my gratitude in my eyes.

"Esme, have you thought about getting a restraining order…"Rose began to say, only to be drowned out by the sound of my fork dropping from my hand and clattering to my plate and the strangled cry that emerged without me even realizing it.

"I can't! He can't! He can't find me…" I ground out finally. I covered my face with my hands. I should have known that it was too good to be true that I could really enjoy the peace and protection that Carlisle and his family offered. I knew that getting a restraining order was the sensible thing to do. But to do it, would mean that Charles would know where I was. And as terrified as I was about what that would mean for me, I could, would not let him hurt Carlisle or his family. I was going to have to leave, get away. I didn't have a car, but maybe I could borrow bus fare and pay it back later?

Suddenly, I felt Carlisle's hands on mine. He was pulling my hands from my face.

"Esme, calm down." He said. His voice was calm, kind, but had a tone of authority to it, that brokered no argument. This was definitely, Doctor Carlisle Cullen speaking.

"You do not, have to anything you don't want to do. We can consider a restraining order or, any other type of legal action MUCH later, when you are feeling stronger. It will be your decision, we will work at your speed on this, won't we?" He said over his shoulder. There were acknowledging mutters and Rose said a quiet sorry. I pulled my hands away from Carlisle's and sat up.

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. It's not fair, to any of you, me breaking down like this and making you feel uncomfortable in your own home. I know Rose is right. But, the thought of Charles finding me…"

"Even if he did, he wouldn't get close enough to hurt you." Edward said, in what sounded like a growl. And the acknowledging responses from Japer and Emmett also sounded like growls, that I found strangely comforting. There were a few moments of awkward silence before dear, sweet Emmett did what I could already see was what he did best, lighten the mood.

"So, Eddie…" he began.

I heard the irritated hiss from Edward.

"you never did tell us where you learnt to make these, pretty damn good eggs."

"Honeymoon."Edward replied quietly.

Emmett began tutting and shaking his head.

"Em, I knew we should have had the chat with him."Jasper said sadly.

"Actually boys," Bella said suddenly. "eggs are a good source of protein and energy and after the first week of our honeymoon left me so exhausted that I could barely walk to the kitchen. I thought that I had better at least teach him how to make eggs, so that we didn't starve to death."

The table exploded into sniggers and I swore I heard Carlisle mutter something about how Bella "used to be such a sweet, innocent girl." Even I had to smile. I envied this familiy and their ability to show their affection for each other and talk about things like this so easily. Things settled down after a few minutes and we returned to eating.

"Esssmmmee" Alice said, her voice wheedling. I turned in my seat and faced her nervously.

"Yes." I replied cautiously.

" Dad told me that you would be looking for work."

"Yesss"

"Well, you will need a few things, for when you get an interview, you want to make the right impression, and whilst we were out, I thought we could pick you up a few other little bits." She said the words in a rush, tilting her head to the side and smiling sweetly.

"Alice, I don't really have the money to…"

"Don't worry about that, you can pay me back when you get a job."

I wanted to argue. But she right.

"Um, Esme, Rose and I would like to come and maybe get you a few things." Bella said quietly, chewing on her lower lip nervously. I nodded. Not trusting myself to speak.

"What about baseball"? Edward, Jasper and Emmett whined in unison.

"We're only going to Port Angeles." Alice replied standing. "and the sooner we leave, the sooner we get back." She trilled happily. I stood. Carlisle gave me an encouraging smile. As we reached the front door, Emmett's voice echoed from the dining room.

"Oh great. That means we get stuck with the dishes."

"Sorry son, you know the rule. The cook doesn't clean. So you and Jasper get stuck with the dishes."

I didn't catch Emmett and Jasper's response to Carlisle as Alice hustled us out of the door. We came to a halt by a slate grey Volvo. Bella tossed the keys across the hood to Alice without a word. I guess that Alice's quirk of always need to always be the one driving was just accepted. The journey was quiet apart from a little small talk. I didn't really get to see much of the scenery as it seemed to flash past the window in a blur. I glanced at the speedometer and saw that it was nearly 90.

"Um Alice…I know we're in a hurry, but could we slow down a little?" I asked

Bella snorted. "Esme, I'm afraid you'll have to get used to the fact that all the Cullen's have a led foot when it comes to driving." She said.

"That, my dear sister, is because you're so used to driving like a nun on a Sunday school outing." Alice replied. Bella pulled a face at Alice who responded by sticking out her tounge. They both then burst into giggles.

"Oh, very mature. I wonder what the high school kiddies would say if they could see sensible Mrs Cullen now." Rose sniggered

"Do you enjoy teaching Bella?"I asked, wanting to join in the conversation and get to know the other woman I would be living with.

Bella leant forward through the gap in the seats.

"Yes and no. I love it when I can actually teach and actually see the moment when a student actually gets, what it is the writer is trying to convey. But so much time is spent on paper work, the budgets have been cut back to the bone and the school board only wants us to teach the kids …"

"We're here." Alice said. I couldn't help but notice the slight grimace of distaste as Alice surveyed the low, grey brick mini mall. Rose laughed as we got out.

"Alice comes out in hives if she is exposed to anything that isn't designer for longer than about five minutes."

We had a look through several stores, it was Sunday so they weren't that busy. I walked through the racks, running my hand over a few items. I could see Alice watching me over the top of the rack she was skimming through and Bella and Rose watching Alice. Finally as we left another store, Bella caught Alice's arm. Her other hand went to Alice's forehead.

"She doesn't have a fever." She said to Rose.

"Ok pixie, what's going on? Usually the minute we enter a store you zoom through and have a rack of things picked out before we can blink."

"Whether we want or like them." Bella added.

"Such gratitude!" Alice huffed."Without me, you Rose would still be dressing like an off duty hooker and Bella, you would never have discovered the benefits of lingerie, blue or otherwise. I just thought that Esme would like to choose a few pieces on her own." She said, shifting uncomfortably. They had obviously heard what I had said about having to beg Charles for money and later, his insistence on controlling what I wore. Bella and Rose looked guilty as they remembered and realized what Alice had been trying to do. I felt tears prick my eyes, but they had seen enough of me breaking down. Instead, I pulled Alice into a hug and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you sweetheart, you don't know what that means, but it has been so long since I've even thought about what I, actually like, I'd still be here this time tomorrow. This time, I'll bow to your expertise." I said quietly. Alice pulled away a little and looked at me.

"Are you sure?" she asked. I nodded.

"OK ladies, gather round. We are short on time, we are going to have to split up." Her face and tone were as serious as a general, addressing troops about to go into battle. " Right ,Bella, you can handle underwear and shoes, we're talking low heeled court shoes, neutral colours, boots, ballet pumps, maybe a pair of kitten heels. Rose, you can do accessories. Ok, we'll meet back here in 90 minutes, lets get to work." She clapped her hands and after asking me my sizes, Bella and Rose took off.

Ninety minutes later, we were sitting in the food court with coffee, cake and a frightening number of bags. I would owe all of the Cullen's so much money for all this, I wouldn't be able to save for a new car for god knows how long.

"What can I say?" I said quietly, on the verge of tears again.

All the girls gave me a reassuring squeeze.

"What I need you to say to me at this minute is whether this fits."Rose said pulling out a gray box. Inside, was a practical, but beautiful and expensive watch.

"Rose, you shouldn't have." I admonished.

"I didn't. Emmett wanted to get you something. You realize that you have made a friend for life now? You stuck up for him about food, you're stuck with the big lug now." She said with a soft smile.

"He's a lovely man, you're a very lucky woman." I said.

"I know. But if you tell him I said so, I'll deny it."Rose said, the soft smile still on her face.

"Rose and Em aren't ones for whispering sweet nothings."Alice teased, as she took a bite of her cake.

"Well how can we compete with Romeo and Juliet?" Rose snorted, pointing at Bella, who blushed but, had a wide smile.

"You'll find out. These two really can be sickeningly sweet when they want. Just make sure you cough, loudly, before entering the lounge especially if Edward's playing the piano." Rose said. Bella choked on her coffee. Once she had regained herself, she narrowed her eyes and hissed at Rose.

"Just you and Grizz leave at least one of the beds at the beach house able to be slept in." she hissed.

"Our great, great, great…our really, really old and loaded uncle Aro has a beach house in the Hamptons. He lets us use it. Rose and Em have first call because of Em's deployment." Alice said in explanation. The mention of Emmett's deployment had chilled the atmosphere. In what looked like an unconscious gesture, Rose and Alice reached across the table and joined hands.

"How long has Emmett been in the army"? I asked.

"Ten years, he got into some trouble his senior year of college and the judge told him he needed an outlet for all his excess energy. So he joined the army reserves."

"Oh, so what does he do the rest of the time?"

"He's a fireman. Sometimes, I don't know which job causes me more worry. Anyway, we have the beach house next weekend, Bells and Edward the weekend after and Alice and her cowboy after that. Carlisle goes a bit later in the season, although I don't know why. All he does is take a case full of medical journals. He could stay at home and read those."

I wanted to join in the conversation more. But it had been so long since I had engaged in girl talk. It had been so long since I had had any type of social interaction. Charles had told me in no uncertain terms what an embarrassment I was in front of his friends.

"Esme…"Rose began cautiously. I hadn't been around Rose long, but I could already tell that she wasn't the type of woman who was comfortable in showing her softer emotions. And I had a feeling, that I knew what she was about to say.

"Rose, I've told you already. It's me who should be apologizing not you. And I also want to apologize for not being much company or very helpful today. I am grateful. But I guess I am a little, ok, a lot overwhelmed."

"Do you not have any friends that could have helped you? Not that I'm saying that we mind helping you."! Bella said, tripping over her words and blushing as she tried to explain herself. I reached across the table and covered her hand with my own.

"I have never been a person that has had a lot of friends, even in college or during my time working. But I did have a small group of friends, who could see exactly, what a bastard Charles was. But I was young, inexperienced and totally stupid. I believed Charles when he said that they were jealous and trying to split us up. I had two friends, Ellinor and Carla, who stuck with me after I got married. But there was only so much of my "I walked into a door" and "I fell down the stairs excuses they could take. We lost touch. They tried, but I was so tired of having to lie and the fights we would get into over my lies Added to that, Charles didn't like them and if getting rid of them meant that I escaped a beating. I did it…." I could feel the hot, angry tears of frustration pricking my eyes again. Bella reached over and began rubbing my back. I tensed slightly at the feeling, but I needed it so gave in, turning my head to give her a weak smile.

"What about your parents? I know if my daughter started showing up with unexplained bruises, it wouldn't be Jasper the bastard would have to worry about." Alice growled. And as small as she was, I could see Alice being able to do serious physical injury to anyone who made the mistake of hurting a member of her family.

"My father tried to talk me out of it. But my mother saw it as a great match for her "old maid" of a daughter. I was twenty five!"I snorted bitterly. My relationship with my mother wasn't great to begin with. She had always wanted a boy. I was always a disappointment. So when Charles began dripping his poison about her, I believed it. The only thing I regretted, was not being there for my father when he was dying. That…I'll never …forgive myself for…" I whispered, burying my face in my hands. I had buried my thoughts about what happened with my father deeply in the back of my mind, not having the strength or the courage to deal with them. To, suddenly talk about them now, was like ripping a band aid off of an open wound. Bella's cell phone rang.

"Hi baby, yeah we're on our way home now. No that's Esme…no, no, tell Carlisle she's fine. You know how overwhelming a shopping trip with Alice can be…see you soon…you too…ok, I tell her but warn Emmett that this is me we're talking about, anything can happen…"Bella said, her voice sounding slightly strained. She snapped her phone shut,

"The boys are getting restless. They want to play ball. Esme, do you happen to know the rules of baseball?"

We were home before I realized thanks to Alice's driving. We had lightened the mood in the car by turning on the radio and singing along, becoming especially loud during a Michael Buble song. We all then proclaimed our secret crushes on the Canadian crooner. We pulled up to the house to find the boys and Carlisle waiting outside for us. I suddenly felt a little shy as Carlisle opened my door and helped me out of the front passenger seat.

"Did you have a good time? I heard you crying when Edward called Bella."

Ok, I wasn't sure whether to be flattered by his concern or pissed that he was checking up on me. Stop it Esme. Not all men and sadistic control freaks like Charles.

"Have you not noticed? I cry a lot, especially over the last couple of days. "I replied, my tone a little sharper than I had meant it to be. "But I did have a good time." I said quickly. He had turned to walk away from me. I quickly touched his arm, causing him to turn. We were now standing extremely close and for a moment I lost myself in his scent.

"Thank you Carlisle" I said quietly, indicating with my free hand the bags being unloaded. Whilst it was true that Alice and the rest of the children had paid for pieces of my wardrobe. I had caught sight of Carlisle's black Amex card when an assistant had handed it back to Alice. He had the grace to blush slightly. But had then, fixed me with a gaze that had so much intensity and warmth to it, it felt like it was melting my bones.

"You are more than welcome." He replied, his voice rough but still with that edge of velvet.

"Ok people, we're losing light so I want no messing about, twenty minutes till game time. "Emmett bellowed. His loud voice shook us out of our moment and I realized I was still holding his arm. I pulled away and hurried into the house. I changed into some jeans and my new boots. My feet would hate me later, but it was necessary. Carlisle had quickly checked and changed the dressing on my hand to a smaller one and given me something for the throbbing pain that had returned due to carrying shopping bags. The burn, which was not as bad or as big as I had first thought, being more towards the heel of my hand, was healing ok.

We drove a little way outside town to a large clearing that looked as if it had been specially made for baseball. It was getting late, but with double summer time, we could still get a game in and not be home too late. Alice and Jasper and Rose and Emmett were leaving sometime after breakfast the next day, Monday morning, for their drive back to the city.

"Emmett, this is me Bella. The girl so clumsy she can't walk across a flat surface without tripping or falling. I thought you loved me? Why are you making me run and use a weapon that I could hurt someone or more likely, myself with?" Bella whined.

"Bells, we have Esme now, to referee. And your balance hasn't been that bad for years. Carlisle, as her physician of record, is Bella carrying any injuries that can stop her from playing? Sex sprains don't count."Emmett asked, with the seriousness of a professional baseball coach. Carlisle winced slightly at Emmett's mention of sex sprains, before shaking his head.

"Sorry Bells." He said, swinging two bats, high over his shoulder.

"I want a second opinion."Bella demanded, she spun round and crooked her finger at Edward, who was tossing a ball around with Jasper further out. Whilst Edward, was arguing on his wife's behalf with Emmett, Carlisle jogged over to me. I was standing slightly to the side of the pitcher's mound.

"You'll need these." He said, handing me a whistle and a baseball cap with a big C on the front. I placed the whistle round my neck and the cap on my head. He didn't stand quite so close to me this time. But all that did, was allow my gaze to wander over his jean clad legs and his muscular chest, the definition of which was clear through the long sleeved, V neck gray jersey he was wearing beneath his open base ball shirt. I had to stop this, this was wrong.

"Baseball huh?" I mumbled stupidly, raising my eyes from his chest to his face. He grinned and then reached over a tucked a lock of my hair, which had escaped from my pony tail, back behind my ear.

"Well, it is the national pastime." He said softly.

Bella was playing, but Edward was running for her, much to Emmett's annoyance. Apparently, Edward had gained his varsity letter in track.

"Just call 'em as you see 'em Esme." Bella called.

"Just remember, everybody cheats." Rose said.

"Time." Alice said finally from the pitcher's mound.

The game was short, but intense, with Emmett claiming victory for his side. The bickering and banter was intense on the ride home. And after joining everyone for a pizza dinner, I was glad to escape to my room. I took my time heading up the second floor. The third floor had been converted into a suite of rooms that Bella and Edward now occupied. It really was a beautiful house, that although already beautifully decorated, would look even better with a few more modern touches that would make the most of the amazing light which streamed in through the large windows. I had just reached the landing of the second floor, when I heard a hiss of pain and a curse, from somewhere down the end. Carlisle's room. Part of me wanted to just turn away and go into my own room.

The feelings I was experiencing for Carlisle couldn't be normal. I was I knew, emotionally fragile and to a certain extent damaged. Any feelings I had, must be as a result of that damage and would only cause us both pain. And would they even be real? Or, just my damaged phyche? My head was a mess of emotions and I had seen, or was it just wishful thinking? That Carlisle was as confused as I was. But as much as I tried to rationalize,and tell myself that I didn't want to hurt myself any further or Carlisle at all. I wanted, needed, the sense of safety and calm that being around Carlisle gave me. And I was,I was ashamed to admit, already greedy for the feelings that coursed through me every time he really looked at me. What they were, I wasn't totally sure as, it had been so long since I had felt them. Self worth? Pride? The feeling that maybe, just maybe, if only for a little while, there was a man looking at me and seeing Esme the woman.

I hadn't realized I had moved, until I was outside his half open door. I knocked quietly.

"Come in…?" he called hesitantly. I pushed the door open futher.

"Carlisle…" I called.

"Esme, are you ok?" He said, appearing in the doorway to his en suite bathroom. I couldn't help the gasp that escaped me. He was wearing his jeans, but was barefoot and bare-chested. His blonde hair, still wet from the shower, was combed back from his face, high lighting his perfect bone structure and clear, slightly tanned skin, which made his eyes stand out more prominently. He blushed slightly. Jesus Esme,get a grip before he changes his mind, thinks you're a complete loon and sends you to the nearest physciatric ward. I told myself firmly.

"Physician heal thyself" he said wryly, holding up a tube of heated rub for muscle pain. "Please don't tell the children, especially Emmett and Alice. I'll never hear the end of it. I get enough teasing about being past it already.

"You're far from past it." I said firmly. He bowed his head slightly. "Would you like some help"? I asked before I realized what I had said. What was I doing?

"Would you mind"? he said, sounding genuinely grateful. I shook my head and followed him into the bathroom. There was a large shower, a toilet and a mirror which took up most of one wall, with his and hers sinks beneath, complete with vanities. "It's my shoulders" he said. He was at least four inches taller than me.

"You'll have to take a seat." I said. He straddled the toilet, his back to me. I stood behind him and took the tube.

"Mind your hand". He said.

"The trick with this stuff is to use the fingertips and really rub it in." I squeezed some onto my fingers and rested the tube on the cistern. I began to smooth the cream along his broad shoulders. I felt his muscles twitch slightly beneath my fingers.

"I think Emmett and Alice might smell this stuff…" I said, wrinkling my nose as it made my eyes water slightly.

"I wasn't planning on going downstairs again tonight. Mogambo is on in about forty minutes."

"You're an Ava Gardner man then?" I laughed

"Don't tell me, you're more a Cary Grant girl." He said teasingly.

"What can I say? I find grey hair very distinguished on a man."

Any further teasing was stopped by his sudden hiss of pain as I began massaging the cream into his shoulders.

"I'm sorry, was that too hard."? I said nervously, stopping.

"No…that felt really good." His head was on his chest "Would you mind carrying on…just for a minute…?" he mumbled into his chest.

"Um…no….ok…" I said, my voice squeaking a little. My face must be bright red I thought. I continued to massage his muscles and he let out a low growl which caused an unfamiliar feeling of want or was it need, to begin to curl low in my stomach. The curl began to tighten slightly as I let myself really feel the soft skin, stretched over hard muscle beneath my hand.

'Ok, that's great…" he said suddenly. I pulled my hands away from him as if I had been electrocuted. Turning to the sink, I washed my hands twice, to try and rid them of the greasy cream and the smell.

"Oh crap."! I had forgotten about the dressing on my hand.

"What's wrong?" he asked, coming back in from the bedroom, where he had gone to collect a clean shirt. An oversized, SFD shirt. I held up my hand.

"I'm really sorry."

He shook his head. "Not a problem." He placed his hands, lightly on my hips and moved me off to the side. It had happened so quickly, I hadn't had chance to react. Which I think was probably just as well. Touching his shoulders had been….an intense feeling that had left me with a stomach full of butterflies. Actually feeling his hands on somewhere as intimate as my hips would have been… wonderful, but part of me knew, too much. All I knew was, the feelings I had felt during my dream had not done actually touching his body justice. And to think, I had been a hysterical mess, when I had had the chance to actually be held against that chest!

"Ow"! I was snapped out of my musing, by the pain, of Carlisle coaxing the last of the dressing away from my hand.

"Sorry." He said. He worked quickly and quietly, although I did notice he took a few deep breaths. When he was finished, he looked up.

"All done." It must have been my wishful thinking again because I was convinced I heard disappointment in his voice.

"Right, you should still be able to make the start of your movie." I said, turning and heading out of the now claustrophobic bathroom. I was nearly at the bedroom door.

"Esme."

I turned.

"Would you like to stay and watch the movie with me."?

AN: Would you like Esme to stay and watch the movie? I have planned her answer, but I am curious to know what you think she should do

I know I have taken artistic liberties with how far I've stretched time and possibly U.S shopping laws for a Sunday. Sorry. I also know that I am borrowing bits of Twilight, but only bits I hope work to add moments to the story.

Yes I like Michael Buble. I know a lot has happened in a weekend, but I want to keep the story moving. Please hit the little green button.