When I woke up my chest was pressed against Emmett's, my head resting in the crook between his neck and shoulder. He had his arms wrapped around me as he snored softly, his head leaning backwards. I giggled at him, wondering how he could even be comfortable. Sighing I snuggled closer and closed my eyes, I was too comfortable.

It wasn't till his hand smoothed against my back that I realized I was wearing nothing but my underwear. We had fallen asleep while sharing our grief right after the pictures were taken, neither of us thinking about my state of undress.

I was about to wake him up so that I would be free of his arms, anxious now that I was aware of my naked breasts being pressed against him, when his phone started to ring.

"What the fuck?" He grumbled sleepily, waking up in confusions.

He blinked as he glanced around, realization dawning on him that he was in the guest bedroom with me.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Bella!" He rushed out, his arms letting go of me.

I grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to cover myself, trying not to notice how he was staring at my chest as he spoke.

He reached down and took his phone out of his pocket as it began to ring again.

"Crap, I have to take this." He frowned looking at the screen. "Bella, I'm really sor-"

"It's fine Emmett."

"I'm going to take care of this and jump in the shower. I'll make breakfast when I get out, okay?"

"Sounds good."

I threw myself back onto the bed, groaning out in frustration. This was becoming awkward and I didn't want it to be. Hopefully when he finishes showering, it will be forgotten and we would move past it.

I startled when incessant banging began from the front door. Bending to pick up my shirt and shorts, I dressed as quickly as my sore body would allow and used the crutches to get to the door.

After entering the new code Emmett had given me I opened it and saw Rosalie standing there fuming.

"How dare I be locked out of my own house!" She screeched, stomping her feet like a child.

"Emmett had the codes changed."

"The moron couldn't even remember to tell his own wife." She grumbled, pushing past me to enter the house.

"Rose, I don't think you're suppose to be here."

"Who do you think you are?" She snarled, turning abrubtly to face me.

I stumbled, unsteady on the crutches.

"What, you can't keep your own husband happy so you decide to try to steal mine?"

"I am not stealing him, Rose. I did all I could for Edward, he needs help."

"Please, save the sob story. Tanya has been with him for months and Edward has never done what you are claiming he has done to you. You are nothing but an ungrateful bitch!"

My heart stopped and I began feeling dizzy.

Months?

Then it hit me. Rosalie had known all along. She planned for me to go to the office party and see Edward with that woman. She wanted me to see.

"Youknew."

"Of course I knew! Who do you think introduced them? God, you are so stupid sometimes!"

Her face distorted, she has never appeared as unattractive as she does right now. "He deserves someone like her. She's beautiful and knows how to keep a man happy! She's worthy of his political status. All you do is disappoint and anger him. You are certainly nothing special to look at, trust me." She sneered, looking me over.

"Is that why you helped me find a dress? You wanted me to see them together?"

I already knew but needed to hear it said.

"Aren't you the quick one. Of course I wanted you to see them. I was hoping once you knew you weren't making him happy, you would do the unselfish thing and let him go. Tanya is my best friend, she deserves to be happy. They deserve to be happy. He has told Tanya over and over how much he loves her but that he would never ask you for a divorce. That you were mentally unstable and he was afraid of what drastic measures you were capable if he tried."

"Rosalie, I never thought I could dislike you more than I already did."

Emmett's voice filling the room as he made his presence known. His hair was still damp, dressed in jogging pants and an old Harvard t-shirt.

"I've accepted what you have done to me, but to do that to Bella?" His face was red with anger he took a step for her and I grew fearful.

"Emmett, don't! Rose, tell him you didn't mean it!" I screamed.

Emmett blinked, staring at me with sadness.

"Bella, I am not Edward. I would never put my hands on a woman, even one as heartless as her. Calm down sweetheart." He pleaded.

"Sweetheart?" Rosalie screeched. "You just wait Emmett! If you go through with this ridiculous divorce, I will be telling everyone how you are sleeping with your brothers wife. That you moved her into my home minutes after they fought and kicked me out! You will be ruined in the community!"

"Rosalie, leave. There's no reason for you to be here. I already told you I'd have your things delivered. As to your stories, tell whoever you want. I couldn't give a shit. I will only warn you once, I will hire a guard for the house if you even so much as walk on the grass and have you arrested for trespassing.

"You are going to regret this, Emmett Cullen! You will never find someone like me."

"I could only hope. The papers will be delivered later this afternoon, be sure to sign in all marked spots."

I watched as she glared at each of us before storming out, much like she had the day before.

"Bella, are you alright?"

"I never knew."

I was frustrated with the tears I couldn't hold back. Angry that I felt so hurt over his betrayal.

Emmett rushed to me and held me in his strong arms. I let myself cry into his chest for a moment before pulling myself together.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't care."

"Of course you care. You gave him your all, he only gave you his anger, only to find out the best of him was given to someone else. Once you are over the shock you are going to be angry, and that's okay too. I will be here to talk with you and help you every step of the way. I will never leave you to fend for yourself until you feel you are ready for it."

I stared into his face, taking in his words. I was so grateful for everything he had already given me and what he was still giving. I took in his kind eyes, his full lips sporting a gently smile. The dimples I loved deepening, the curls he tried to tame were drying and springing up crazily. How his words were always motivational instead of degrading. He always had my best interest at heart and never forced a decision on me. My heart started beating quickly as all these thoughts ran through my mind, still staring up at his handsome face.

What are you doing, Bella?

I had to mentally shake myself. He is my best friend, my brother in-law!

Distance yourself before you do something you regret.

"I am going to go take a shower and get dressed." I told him, leaving as quickly as my ankle would allow.

"Breakfast will be waiting for you." He called after me.

EMPOV

I woke up this morning with Bella cuddled to my chest. My phone rang again and I stopped breathing when I reached into my pocket to retrieve it.

Fuck, morning wood.

I prayed Bella hadn't noticed and then saw she wasn't wearing a shirt which didn't help at all. I needed a shower. A cold one at that. Using the excuse of the unidentified called, I practically ran out of the room.

I released some, uh, tension, and stepped out of the shower just as someone began pounding on the front door. When I heard the code sound I threw the closest clothing I could find and raced down the stairs, worried it was Edward.

I sighed with relief when I realized it was Rosalie, then grew furious when I heard what she was saying. Admitting she had planned on Bella finding Edward with Tanya. I should have known when I saw who he was with. I kicked her and her empty threats out of the house and rushed to Bella's side, holding her against my chest and letting her cry her heart out. She fit so perfectly in my arms and I would allow her there as long as she wanted to be.

I wish she could see herself through my eyes. She was beautiful, strong, so smart. She lifted her face and stared at me, her eyes looking right into mine as if she were seeing my soul. I felt her searching for something, but for the life of me I didn't know what. I felt as my head lowered on his own accord, yearning to be closer to hers.

"I am going to go take a shower and dress for the day." She hurriedly said, pushing out of my arms.

What was I thinking?

She must have sensed what was about to happen and got scared. I just hope I didn't break her trust. I walked into the kitchen, sitting at the small table once I poured a cup of coffee. I stared into my cup, guilt weighing me down. I had known what Edward was doing to her. I always tried to talk to her about it, make her leave him. I would never try to control her though, that was Edwards job, his turn on. I was so stupid to do her bidding and leave her in the house alone that night. I thought I was keeping her safe by driving by to make sure Edward didn't return, little did I know he left his car at Tanya's and took a cab home. That was the phone call this morning, my father left a message saying he had gotten the information. I should have made her listen when she lost the baby all those years ago.

I needed to make it up to her somehow.

XXXXXXXXXXX

It had been two days since Rosalie came to the house. Two days with no contact from her or Edward. I wanted to feel relieved that they were not making things difficult, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was a storm brewing. Something was going to happen, I felt it in my bones.

I was making Bella and I sandwiches for lunch, waiting for her to come out of her room. I had just put some chips onto our plates when she came in looking fresh. I noticed that she was walking without her crutches and just slightly favoring her ankle.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her, setting a plate in front of her as she sat at the kitchen table

"Much better after a bath, thank you."

"You aren't using your crutches."

"I think it is almost healed, it isn't hurting as much today."

"That's great Bells!" I was happy to see that the bruises on her face and neck were turning yellow. They should be fully gone in a few more days. "I have an idea I wanted to run by you."

"Whats that?" She asked taking a huge bite of her sandwich.

I chuckled at her soft moan and over the bit of mayo that was left near her bottom lip. Then it was my turn to moan as I watched the tip of her tongue stick out to lick it off which I covered up by also taking a bite of my food. I need to get a better handle on my infatuation of her.

"In another couple of days you should be healed enough for some light physical activity."

She raised a brow at me in question, her eyes giving me a speculating gaze.

"Like what?" Her words leery.

"I could start training you with you. Teaching you some self defense would not only be fun, but will help make you feel more confident."

"Self defense? As in boxing?"

"In a sense. My second major in college was physical education. If you want, we could start tomorrow."

"How? My ankle is still week."

"We will start working your arms till your body is ready for more."

She took another bite and chewed thoughtfully, thinking it over.

"That sound great actually." She finally said, giving me a huge smile.

It was now my life goal to make her smile like that as often as I could.

"I have to give you credit, this is the best sandwich I have ever had!" She said while picking up the second half.

"What about the cafe's turkey club?"

"This is better." She spoke around a bite.

"This is as far as my cooking skills go, sadly." Stealing a chip from her plate as she swatted at me.

"You make me lunch when you aren't at work and I will take over dinner's."

"You know you are on the losing end of this deal."

She shrugged as she stood up and took both our empty plates to the sink.

"You don't have to do that." I scowled when she started loading the dishwasher.

"It's the least I can do." She said, bending to place the plates on the bottom rack.

My tongue stilled in mid response, watching her ass waving in the air stealing all of my attention.

"See something you like?" She asked.

I looked over to see she had her head turned in my direction.

Oh shit!

Trying to think of something to say to fix my mistake, surprised she hadn't ran out of the room and away from me yet. Then I noticed the teasing smile playing on her lips.

Grinning, I stood up and danced around foolishly as I left the room singing.

"This is a man's world, but it wouldn't nothing, nothing, not one little thing, without a woman or a girl..."

Basking in the sound of her giggles as I walked toward my office, a huge smile on my face.

BPOV

I soaked in the large tub, eyes closed as the warm water eased my sore muscles. The bubbles were crackling as the water pushed them together. I turned my ankle around a bit, the water had made it feel much better than it had this morning, no longer so stiff. As my body melted in relaxation, my thoughts drifted to Emmett. The new feelings he now created when he held me or he spoke to me, butterflies filling my stomach. Just as quickly, I began feeling guilty. I shouldn't be feeling this way after just leaving my husband or create anymore complications for Emmett than I already had.

I frowned, getting out of the tub and putting on a pair of yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt I had stolen from Emmett. I was rebelling against Edward in my own way as I dressed in these items. I was never allowed to walk around my house dressed like this. If I was honest with myself, it was as fearful as it was exciting. I'm ashamed to admit that I am still scared of Edward even with Emmett to protect me, the idea of him showing up and seeing me like this terrified me. I needed to listen to Emmett this time and stay away from Edward.

I went downstairs to find Emmett had made us sandwiches. The roast beef with a tangy horseradish sauce was amazing, and I readily offered to cook him dinner if he would make them for me again.

I stood, gathering our plates to wash.

As I loaded the dishwasher, we were teasing back and forth. When he was suddenly quiet, I looked behind me to see if he had left. He didn't even notice I had noticed, catching him as he stared at my ass while I was bent over.

"See something you like?" I asked him teasingly.

I figured he couldn't help it, he was a male and there was no motive other than sneaking a look.

He stood up giving me his well known goofy grin, dancing and twirling as he left the room. Singing in a loud, off key voice making me giggle.

I can't believe he remembered my confession of secretly loving James Brown!

He has given me a safe place to stay while making sure Edward stayed away, taking care of my injuries. All while he was going though a hard time of his own. I haven't done a thing to make sure he was okay after his and Rosalie's split or from choosing me over his own brother.

My new goal, to make Emmett laugh. With a plan coming to mind, I raced to Emmett's bedroom.

I had never been inside his bedroom before and was happily surprised. His room wasn't perfect like Edward insisted our bedroom to be. He had a pile of clothes in a corner, his bed was unmade. An empty water glass sat on the night stand. It endeared him to me even more. Going to his closet, pulling a fedora hat from his shelf that he insisted he looked distinguished in. Smiling, I left his room and went back down the stairs.

EMPOV

Sitting at my office desk,I picked up the phone to call my father. It went straight to voice mail.

"Hey Dad, I was wondering if you could do me a favor, or rather one for Bella. I want you to start the paperwork for her divorce from Edward. I will have her contact you later. Thanks."

I hung up and started up my computer. I knew I should have asked her about it first and not assumed, but I didn't want to take any chances with her safty. I figured it wouldn't hurt to get it started and if she didn't sign, she didn't sign. Either way I refused to allow her to live under his roof ever again. My thoughts were disrupted when music began blasting from the living room.

What in the world?

I frowned and started to stand up when Bella cam sliding into the room in her socks. She had one of my hats on and pulled over her eyes.

"Don't be so quick to walk away... Dance with me... I wanna rock your body... please stay... Dance with me... You don't have to admit you wanna play... dance with me... Just let me rock you... Till the break of day... Dance with me..."

She was singing, dancing around awkwardly while favoring her weak ankle. I burst out with laughter, I stood up and ran to her. Grabbing her hands, I twirl her making her join in my laughter. We danced and sang together, smiling and laughing like fools.

"Are you teasing me over my man crush on Justin Timberlake?" I asked her when the song stopped.

"Maybe a little." She giggling as I tickled her sides. "Stop, stop!" She squealed. "I just wanted to make you laugh!"

"It better still be just between the two of us." I growled playfully.

"I'm gonna pee!" She squealed.

I snicked, stopping my attack and resting my hands on her hips. She was still giggling slightly, sounding so childlike. Smiling up at me, her eyes sparkling like I had never seen them do before. I realized she was happy, currently unburdened of her fears. I hope it was also because she knew there were no repercussions for anything she may say or do here.

"Bella, are you happy here?" I asked, softly.

"I know you wont hurt me." She grew serious.

I stared into her eyes, searching for a sign that she was being truthful with me.

"Never, but are you happy?"

"I think I'm getting there." She admitted honestly. "Are you?"

"I am very happy you are here." I whispered, my cheek involuntarily brushing against hers.

I pulled back just enough to see her face. Her expression never wavered. I was waiting for fear, nervousness, any sign of distress.

None came.

I wanted to kiss her so badly and it took every once of self control that I had not to. I knew was to soon and had no clue if she would ever see me as anything but her brother in-law. The last thing I wanted to do was to fuck up and give her second thoughts over staying here, or worse, have her run right back to Edward.

"I'm going to go for a run, will you be okay for a little while?" I asked, still not moving away.

She answered with a nod of her head, also refusing to move. So neither of us did. We just stood there, our body's not touching, my hands on her hips, our lips inches apart. I saw something flicker in her eyes that I couldn't name, I figured it was time. I gave her forehead a lingering kiss and stepped back.

"I will be back soon. Lock the door and set the code, okay?"

She nodded at me in agreement and I walked out to put on my sneakers.

Checking on Bella before I left, I found her in the sitting room laying on the chaise with a blanket and book.

"Remember to set the locks." I called out to her before walking out the door.

X

Five miles later I was turning around and on my way back home. The fresh air helped to clear my head. I knew I had to take a step back and let Bella heal, finally accepting that I was more than just a little attracted to her. We have had a close friendship for years and I have always loved the person she was, but these past couple of weeks I was seeing her in a different light. Before she left Edward, I felt the slight change in the way I viewed her. I wanted to think she felt it also, that she had wanted me to kiss her just as much as I wanted to when in the office. My phone rang, stopping the conflict going on in my head. Looking at the caller ID I saw it was my father.

"Dad." I breathed out, slowing my pace a bit.

"How are you and Bella doing?"

"She is getting better."

"I'm glad to hear that. Why do you sound out of breath?"

"Running."

"I won't keep you then. I was calling to inform you that your brother showed up at the house last night."

"What did he want?"

"He wanted me to talk to Bella and make her come to her senses."

"Mother fucker." Stopping my run to pace in a circle.

"I told him I knew how he treats his wife and that he was no longer welcome in my home."

"Dad, what are we going to do about the firm? I don't think I can go back. Having his office next to mine and working together."

"I want to suggest the idea of you working on what you can from home for now and letting Jasper Whittlock handle the rest of your load."

"What do you think of promoting him, letting him take my place permanently?"

"I think promoting him is an excellent idea, but what do you mean take your place?"

"Dad, I know how hard you worked to build the company for Edward and I to one day inherit, but just cant do it anymore. So much has changed.

"As much as it pains me, I understand. You have to do what is best for you. Do you have something line up with another firm?"

"No, I'm not sure if I even want to stay in law. I have plenty in savings, enough to live off for a while I figure out my next move. Have you started the divorce for Bella and Edward?"

"Yes, I just finished before calling you. We will need to schedule a court date due to our contesting the prenuptial due to the abuse she received at his hand and because he will fight us, denying everything. I also have the finalized the divorce between you and Rosalie. As you know, normally it would have take at least a year of separation but since there was adultery involved it's not required. You are officially a divorcee."

"I don't know if Bella is strong enough for a drawn out battle."

"Give her some credit, Son. She is stronger than you think. She left Edward, didn't she? Just pick a night and I will drive over so we can both sit and talk to her about her options. We will let her decide"

Sighing, I threw my head back and let the slight drizzle that had begun to fall on my face.

"I appreciate everything you are doing."

"Of course. Talk to you soon."

BPOV

Had I imagined it? When we were in the office I had been positive he was going to kiss me, and that I wanted him to. With the crave for his lips there was also a tug on my concence, telling me it wasn't the right time. It was unlikely he was even attracted to me in such a way, anyway. I felt so confused with my emotions. I shouldn't be looking at anyone with desire, I had just left my husband. It may not have been the best marriage, one filled with anger instead of love. After everything I have been through, a relationship should be the farthest thing from my mind. And yet, I couldn't stop my thoughts of Emmett. Thinking of him in ways other than being my brother in-law or best friend. I have never admitted it before but if I was honest with myself, the attraction began long before all this chaos.

It was two months after I had lost the baby and Edward was in class. Emmett showed up at our apartment grinning widely while wearing a ridiculous fishing hat and huge rain boots.

"Emmett, what are you wearing?" I asked laughing.

I stopped in mid laugh, my eyes wide as I realized it was the first time I had laughed in months.

"We are going fishing!"

My heart stopped.

"Emmett, I can't. I didn't ask Edward and I cant call him while he is in class."

"Relax, I'm his brother. Why would he care if you spent the day with family?"

I struggled with wanting to go and while wondering if Emmett was right. Maybe Edward really wouldn't care since it was his brother. My want overpowered the fear. I hadn't been fishing in a few years, not since before I met Edward.

"Let me change and leave a note for Edward."

Emmett let our a whoop as I ran to the bedroom to find my old jeans and a sweatshirt.

He rented a boat and drove us to the middle of the lake. We were quiet for a while, watching our line sway in the wind.

"How are you doing, Bella?" Emmett asked, breaking the silence.

"I'm fine."

"I want to know how you really are. How are things between you and Edward?"

"We are great!" I said with forced enthusiasm. "He is working so hard in his classes. I three half day classes a week that I really enjoy."

"Has he put his hands on you again?"

I put on my best smile. I have never been a skilled liar so instead of trying I danced around his question.

"He loves me and I love him. We are happy." I said simply. "Emmett! You have a fish!" I called out excitedly.

His pole's little bell had caught my attention and interrupted before he could say anything else.

He hooted and stood up, causing the boat to rock precariously.

"Emmett you are going to tip us over!" I laughed out.

He proudly reeled in a huge trout, hooking it on the line that was hanging in the water.

"Are you afraid to get wet Bella?" He asked with a wicked gleam, rocking the boat back and forth wildly.

"Emmett! Don't you dare!" My laughter becoming uncontrollable.

He laughed himself and sat back down. We went back to shore after I had caught a fish bigger than his while he pouted and declared we had enough to cook for lunch.

We cleaned the fish together and he grabbed some lemon and seasoning from the cooler he had brought. I got the fish ready and wrapped in foil while he started the charcoal in a grill that the park grounds provided. We joked lightly while the fish cooked, laughing more in just those few hours with Emmett and than I ever did with Edward in total.

"Bells, I have to say, this is one of the best days I have had in a long time." He said quietly while we ate our lunch.

I looked up at him with shocked. I noticed his curls were now unruly and going in every direction, his eyes light and happy while a soft smile was directed at me.

"Me too."

My heart was beating faster than necessary and I didn't understand why.

Thinking back on the happy memory, wincing as I was reminded of the beating Edward had given me when I returned home that afternoon, I understood. Somehow along the roads traveled with Edward, I had fallen in love with my husbands brother.

Did that mean that Rosalie and I were more alike than I thought, wanting someone other than my husband?