Dinner with Emmett went surprisingly well. I successfully kept the topic of conversation away from myself and on Emmett or his family. Vampire Emmett had been very big on family, and I hoped that human Emmett was as well. I'd heard about his brothers and the sudden passing of his parents. The everyday topics helped me keep a lid on my suddenly carnal natures, and I even managed to hold an actual discussion with him. Multisyllabic even.

Hatties's was a small diner, but the food was fantastic. I ate entirely too much, but nothing compared to the amount of food Emmett consumed. It was strange, watching Emmett devour human food. I watched him finish off his second slice of pie, wondering if he'd go for a third.

A heavy-set woman with light brown hair approached our table, smiling broadly at Emmett and his suddenly empty dish.

"Thanks Hattie," Emmett said, smacking his lips loudly.

Mmm, those lips. I bet I could still taste the chocolate if I were to kiss him. Maybe just nibble on his bottom lip….

Bad Bella, I thought, biting my lower lip hard and mentally scolding myself. Bad, bad, bad, Bella.

Wait, had I been sucking my bottom lip, daydreaming that it was Emmett's. What is wrong with me?

"Are you sure you don't want some pie, hon'?" Hattie's gaze was on me now, and I managed a small smile while shaking my head.

"Emmett," Hattie spoke as she moved to stand beside him, "I 'spect you to bring this young lady back to me, and often. Poor thing, looks like she's gonna blow away." Her accent reminded me of Jasper, and my small smile broadened as my face turned beet red.

Emmett grinned at Hattie before turning to look at me. His gaze was penetrating, and I found myself holding my breath. He leaned forward, perching on the edge of his seat, causing his knees to touch my own. He made no effort to break the connection, and neither did I. The heat from that small contact was bliss, and I wanted to enjoy every minute of it.

"Oh," Emmett responded, eyeing Hattie conspiratorially once again, "I intend to." His smoldering gaze returned to me as he nodded his affirmation.

My breath returned, but I was far from composed. I was very nearly panting at not only Emmett's tone, but also the look in his eyes. I'd seen Emmett, vampire Emmett, hungry before, nearly consumed with thirst…the look was so similar. I squirmed in my seat, wondering if his thoughts were just as unpure as my own.

"I'll get your check, hon'."

Check. Crap, I didn't bring any money and I had no idea where Jasper put our stash of cash. I sat up, looking out the window at the manor down the street.

"What's wrong?"

"I-I don't have any money with me."

"What do you need?" He asked as he placed several bills on top of the check for Hattie. "There's a general store just up there," he gestured out the window, "we can go now if you like."

"No, I mean I don't have any money…for dinner."

"What? Why would you need money for dinner?" He was truly perplexed, and downright adorable, I might add, with his quirked brow. I suppose going dutch in 1935 was a bit of a stretch.

I just shrugged at his question, hoping for a graceful way to once again redirect the conversation.

Emmett leaned across the table, closing the distance between us so I could hear his hushed tone. "You are one unusual girl, Miss Bella Hale. Don't think I haven't noticed your attempts to control our talk tonight," his Tennessee accent dragging the "i" sounds out a bit and causing my heart to beat erratically. "It's okay, you like to be mysterious." He leaned forward a bit more, raising out of his seat just a fraction. "I always liked a good mystery, myself."

He was close enough for me to feel the soft heat of his breath and smell the chocolate. That damn, delicious chocolate.

He stood quickly, interrupting my erotic thoughts and breaking the moment.

"Come with me," he said as he extended his hand to me, "I have somethin' I wanna show you."

I sat in my seat, my eyes darting between Emmett and his hand. Part of me, the biggest part of me, wanted to take his hand and follow him wherever he wanted to go. The other part of me screamed out to run, to end this dangerous distraction before one, or both of us, ended up getting hurt.

"Come on," he said, putting on his best innocent look and pouting a smidge, "I promise I don't bite."

"Ha!" I laughed unnecessarily loud at his harmless declaration. Not yet anyway, I thought to myself.

I looked again at his hand, realizing this was one of those red pill or blue pill moments from The Matrix. I absently gnawed my lower lip, warring with myself about this seemingly insignificant choice. If I said no, he would probably end this little exchange himself. Probably. He would be nice and sweet about it, but our flirty banter would cease and I would see less and less of him…which would almost certainly be better for both of us in the long run. I took a deep breath, making up my mind as I returned my gaze to his perfect blue eyes.

"I'm ready," I said as I slipped my small hand into his large one.

Looks like it's the red pill…I want to see how far this rabbit hole goes.

We made our way through the diner as Emmett said his goodbyes to Hattie and a few other people. His hand never left mine, and we walked that way down the street toward a tower-like structure.

"What is that?" I asked, pointing to the tower.

"That," he said, tugging my hand to hurry me along, "is where I'm taking you. If you don't hurry we're gonna miss the best part."

I picked up my pace to match his long strides. I watched the tower grow larger and larger until we were finally standing at the base.

"Emmett, I don't think this is a good idea. I don't do so well with stairs and climbing. I'm kind of…clumsy." Boy, that's the understatement of the millennium. I smiled weakly at him before I returned my worried gaze toward the tower stairs.

"Don't worry, Bella," he stepped closer to me and I become very conscious of Emmett's large frame. "I won't let anything happen to you. I'm right here."

He pulled me toward the stairway and I reluctantly followed his eager direction. His hand never left my own as we wound around the exposed staircase, finally reaching the top.

I stood on the platform, looking at the town below us. "It's beautiful up here. What is this?"

"Fire tower. We don't use it anymore, not with the new metal one in place just over the ridge," he gestured behind me and I turned to follow his motion. That's when I spotted the mountains in the distance.

I gasped at the beauty before me. Sure, the deserts in Phoenix were breathtaking…and even Forks had its allure, but this was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I could see fog rising from the forest, giving everything an ethereal appearance.

"The fog looks like smoke," I said as I made my way to the other side of the platform, only now releasing Emmett's hand so I could grasp the handrail. Once there, I turned my gaze down toward the ground below.

I was shocked at high we were, and I quickly let go of the rail, taking a small step backward to distance myself from the edge. I was stopped by a very solid, very warm body behind me and I froze.

"It's okay," he whispered in my ear, his breath blowing down neck, "I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you, remember?" I could feel the scruff of his facial hair along the back of my neck and I barely suppressed a moan.

He walked us back toward the handrail, his body prone with my own as he gently held my shoulders. "People always talk about sunset, how nice it is up here, but this is my favorite time of day. You know, twilight, just after sunset but before it gets really dark…." I could feel his body shift, and I assumed he was looked down at me for some sort of acknowledgement.

Couldn't he tell what his proximity was doing to me? Surely, he didn't expect me to talk. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. I turned my head a bit and scarcely nodded, hoping he could continue this conversation without me because I didn't think I could speak.

Somehow, he pressed even closer, pressing one hand on either side of me, creating a protective cage around my body. I shivered at the contact; my senses overwhelmed by all things Emmett.

"You're cold? Of course you are, I'm such an idiot," he berated himself as he rubbed his hands up and down my arm, breaking the pseudo-embrace while trying to create friction.

Oh, I needed friction, alright, just not on that part of my anatomy.

"Here," he said, shrugging off his jacket, "take this." He draped the garment across my shoulders, engulfing me, and I turned my head into the collar, inhaling his scent.

"Thanks," I offered. I wasn't really cold, but what could I say. I shivered because you felt amazing pressed against my body…and I can't help but wonder how that would feel if we were both naked.

Right. I may have taken the red pill, but I didn't chase it with a bottle of tequila.

I turned back toward the mountains and I noticed the stars as they began appear in the twilight. "Look at the stars, they're beautiful. This is perfect."

I leaned fully against Emmett of my own accord, tired of fighting my growing attraction, granting my body this simple gift.

"Perfect," he echoed just above me. "It is perfect."

I couldn't help but realize he was no longer speaking only about the scenery, but also about us, this intimate moment. I turned around to look at him and the passion in his eyes was unmistakable. His tongue brushed across his lips and I mirrored his actions, subconsciously preparing for what I knew was to come. He glanced from my mouth to my eyes, silently asking for my permission. I quickly surrendered, tilting my head up toward him.

The kiss was tender, almost chaste, and he made no rushed effort to deepen it. His mouth lingered on my own for a moment longer before he pulled away. I had to stifle the desire to touch my fingers to my lips, they felt electric from their minimal exploit and I was certain the sensation would be tangible.

He searched my face for something, and I struggled to read his expression. This side of Emmett was new to me and I didn't know how to read him. I crinkled my brow as I examined his eyes, looking for any sign as to what he was thinking.

His expression turned worrisome and he quickly stammered an apology, "I-I'm sorry if I—"

"No," I softly admonished him, placing my hand on his large chest over his still beating heart. It was pounding hard, as though he'd just completed some physically demanding task. I couldn't help but enjoy a small bit of female pride, knowing I had affected him in such a way. "Don't be sorry. I'm not." I smiled, hoping to demonstrate the genuineness of my words.

"Bella," he said my name huskily, his hand gently holding my cheek, "you are one very unusual girl." He smirked as he repeated his phrase from dinner, and I had to resist the urge to kiss his dimples.

"I better get you back to the manor before Jasper gets worried." He released my cheek, grasping my hand again in his own.

Miraculously, I made it down the fire tower stairs without needing medical attention. The walk back to the manor was quiet and the streets were noticeably more calm.

Well, maybe other people noticed that the streets were less hectic…I was too consumed with reveling in the feel of Emmett's hand in my own. They were calloused and rough, starkly contrasting the gentle way he clutched my hand and caressed my fingers, occasionally pulling me back against him when I would wander more than a few inches away from him.

We walked hand in hand until we reached the front porch of the manor. Once we landed on the top step, Emmett turned toward me. I knew he wanted to kiss me again, and I was more than eager to comply.

"How was dinner?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice. "Jasper! You scared me to death." I was silently relieved to see his topaz eyes, clearly he was well-fed from his hunt.

Emmett quickly grabbed my hand again, taking a stance slightly in front of me, effectively placing himself between me and Jasper. I had to smile at the gesture. His protectiveness was sweet and endearing.

Poor guy, he was absolutely clueless that he wouldn't stand a chance in a confrontation with Jazz.

Jasper continued to stare at us, and I realized he was waiting for an answer to his question.

"Dinner was good, great in fact." I glanced at Emmett as he turned to offer me a small smile. "Emmett was just walking me back to the manor."

Jasper made a show of looking from me, to Emmett, then to our still joined hands. "Mmm-hmm," came his slow response. He was playing the defensive big brother role to a tee.

"You can never be too careful," came Emmett's response to Jasper's piercing stare. I was impressed. Emmett showed no sign of backing down from Jasper even though he was putting out some pretty extreme vamp vibes. For a human, that was truly remarkable. Stupid, but remarkable. "Our little town is safe, but I didn't want to take any chances."

Awe, he was taking up for me. Could he get any more adorable?

Jasper looked from Emmett, back to me, and smiled. That look made me nervous and I immediately narrowed my eyes at him, trying to ward off whatever plan he had suddenly devised.

He nodded thoughtfully, turning his attention fully on Emmett. "Actually, Emmett, you bring up a good point."

Jasper turned sharply on his heel and walked toward one of the rocking chairs to take a seat. "Please, sit," he gestured toward the double swing next to the chair and Emmett and I both followed his suggestion.

Emmett waited for me to sit before sliding in next to me. His large frame took up most of the space, pressing us against each other again. He angled himself so he could casually drape his arm across the swing behind me. Jasper smirked at me, arching a single eyebrow at Emmett's possessive display.

"You see, I'm going to need to travel a bit and I thought perhaps Bella would be better suited here. Traveling can be hard for a woman."

I sat stock still, mouth agape. Unbelievable! His words echoed through my head, 'Traveling can be hard for a woman.' My ass.

"Jasper," I snapped.

"Shh, Bella," Jasper coddled me, patting my hand as though I were a petulant child. "You're tired, darlin'," he looked away from me to speak to Emmett, "she gets a little fussy when she's tired." He looked back to me and my eyes were shooting daggers toward him. "Rest Bella, Emmett and I need to talk for just a minute. Rest."

I felt my body relax in spite of my anger. Damn it! Was he really pulling this on me now? I couldn't fight Jasper's control and I felt myself lean into Emmett as I tucked my head against his shoulder. Emmett immediately moved his arm to hold me against him.

Jasper continued speaking to Emmett, "I would feel much better about leaving her here if I knew I had someone watching out for her. Someone to keep an eye on her."

"I don't need a babysitter, Jazz." My words sounded fuzzy, even to me. I sighed, resigning myself to Jasper's manipulation. Oh well, I thought, might as well enjoy Emmett's warmth.

"She takes to so few people. It seems that she trusts you, and if she trusts you, then I trust you."

I felt Emmett nod before he spoke. "I'd be happy to keep Bella company Jasper. You won't have to worry about her, I won't let anything happen to her." He caressed my arm as he spoke.

I couldn't stop the contented sigh at his words and his hand on my arm. Yes, my sigh was audible, and I know Jasper and Emmett both heard it, but I didn't care. I was just too relaxed to care.

Emmett pulled me even closer when he heard me, and it was everything I had not to sigh again.

"I knew you'd be perfect Emmett," Jasper said with confidence. "I'll get my affairs in order tomorrow and leave the following morning." He leaned forward, toward Emmett and offered him his hand. Emmett shook Jasper's hand and I couldn't help feeling as if I'd just been traded like a piece of property, with a hand shake to seal the deal.

"I really appreciate this Emmett, you don't know what it means to me, not having to worry about Bella's safety."

"No," Emmett quickly countered, "I'm the one who should be thanking you. She's an amazing girl." He turned to look down at me as he spoke, and I reached up to touch his hand on my arm.

"That she is."

With Jasper's final words my date with Emmett was over. We all three made our way inside the manor and walked through the lobby, Jasper's hand on my elbow to guide me through my dream like trance. When we reached the hall leading to our rooms, Jasper turned to say goodnight to Emmett.

"Oh," came Emmett's quick response, "actually, my apartment is across from your rooms." He smiled at both Jasper and myself and once again I had to resist the urge to kiss those dimples.

Jasper cast a quick glance down at me, smirking as he said, "Well, that is certainly…convenient."

"I'll say," I added. Wait, was that out loud?

Jasper quickly moved us down the hall, pausing outside Emmett's door. "Goodnight Emmett, and thanks again."

Emmett nodded, never breaking eye contact with me.

"Mmm, goodnight Emmett." Oh. My. God. I sounded drunk. Jasper was so dead for this one. Er, dead-er…whatever.

"Goodnight Bella," Emmett purred. I think he wanted to kiss me again. Please Jasper, please let Emmett give me one itty-bitty goodnight kiss.

"Yes, goodnight Bella," Jasper bellowed above my head. I turned my face to scowl at him. "Let's get you off to bed now."

Damn placating, emotion-manipulating, vampire, I thought as I stumbled my way into my room. On the plus side, hopefully, I'd dream about that amazing kiss as I slept. My fingers involuntarily touched my lips.

Suddenly, I couldn't get to bed fast enough.