B - Another update, damn, we're good! Okay, so most of you hate Masen. I understand this, but it makes me sad. You wankers get your Cullen in this chapter, enjoy. :P Oh! And me and Karla have something utterly fantastic coming out and trust me, if you love our smut, our next big project is going to blow your freakin' minds. Make sure you add us to your alerts list, to keep updated!!

K- Aren't you proud of us?? we're updating none stop!! :P anyways... TEAM CULLEN, this is the chapter you've been waiting for... yeah, laides, this is it!! check it out!!!Still, give Masen a break, he's not as bad as he seems.

PLEASE!!! REMEMBER TO ADD US TO YOUR AUTHOR ALERTS, SO YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR RECENT PROJECT!! ITS FREAKING AWESOME!!!


Recap

I needed to talk to Masen, apologize for my behavior and deny any sort of feelings. Set the record straight, and move on. My heart clenched painfully at that thought, but I had to protect myself falling even deeper for him.

*Snort* Like you're not already head over heels in love?

--Just shut up!

I sighed deeply. Tomorrow I would end things with Masen my way; tonight I would just survive my mother's dinner with Alice's help.

Chapter Nine: The Dinner Party

Bella POV

"Would you stop fidgeting? You look amazing, Bella," Alice said, scolding me as we approached my childhood home.

I rolled my eyes and lifted my chin, exaggerating my 'model walk' for Alice. "Well, that's certainly better than you hunched over, dragging your feet."

Why is she here again?

--To deflect Rene's wrath when she notices there is no 'boyfriend' beside you.

Oh, yeah, that's why.

"Come on, Bella," Alice said, hurrying me up the front steps of the familiar New York townhouse.

I straightened by skirt one last time. Alice had insisted on my outfit, arguing that if I looked amazing my mother wouldn't have any more things to argue with me besides the boyfriend thing. Which then led to me wearing a dark brown pencil skirt that ended just below my knees; it had a slight pleat on the end making it look more casual. We then complemented it with a form fitting beige v-neck blouse that hugged the contours of my breasts, but we decided that it was still was dinner appropriate. I absolutely drew the line when Alice wanted me to buy a pair of four inch boots, and by some fucking miracle, I got away with some appropriate 'kitten heels' as Alice called them.

Deciding to go all the way, I ended up ironing my hair and applying some light makeup. By time Alice met me in front of my apartment, I was feeling confident and pumped up. To my dismay, however, as soon as the cab approached our destination the confidence disappeared and I was tempted to jump out the moving car.

Alice just rolled her eyes and reminded me I always got this way whenever I visited my mom. She promised that we would leave if my mom did not let the boyfriend issue go and, in exchange, she would pay for a round of margaritas. Alice had said that the drinks would keep us entertained and help me forget my permanent state of spinsterhood.

Without any further delay, I rang the bell and took in a deep breath.

Ok, Bella, you can do this! Just explain the boyfriend thing is not really true.

-- What about when she starts talking about grandchildren?

You will… deflect the conversation by saying she's too young for grandchildren!

--That's actually a good plan!

I mentally congratulated myself, an honest smile appearing just in time - Renee opened the door.

"Girls!" Renee squealed, pulling the both of us into a big hug.

Awe, maybe you're too hard on mom. See? She loves you!

"Hi, mom," I giggled, hugging her back.

"Renee, you look lovely this evening," Alice commented.

Renee blushed and for a moment I was reminded of our resemblance.

"Why, thank you, Alice. I could say the same about you girls. I do wish Bella would let you dress her more often though," Renee said, eyeing me appreciatively.

Scratch that - mom loves Alice more.

"Thank you, mom, I'm glad you approve." Sarcasm was evident on my tone.

Renee ignored me. "Sure, honey, you look nice," she said, peering over our heads. Alice and I confusedly looked behind us, thinking my mom was looking at another arrival; however, there was no one.

"Bella, sweetheart, where is your special guest?" my mother asked, looking pointedly at me.

Oh, shit, here it comes.

My mouth formed a little 'o' and I realized my mom was asking about Masen. "What do you mean, mom? Alice is right here!" I said, cheerily swinging an arm over Alice's shoulder.

Renee laughed looking guiltily at Alice. "Honey, Alice doesn't need an invitation!" she said, appalled by my statement. "She's practically family! No, dear, I meant your boyfriend."

I grimaced audibly; I was about to tell my mom there was no 'boyfriend' when Alice suddenly interrupted me. "Bella! You didn't tell your mom he had to work tonight?"

What the fuck?

My mouth hung open as I stared at Alice who looked pleadingly at me.

"Work? On a Sunday night?" Renee asked, one eyebrow slightly raised.

Alice stepped lightly on my foot and I could barely contain the wince that escaped from my lips. "Yeah, mom, he's really sorry, but he had an important meeting to prepare for Monday."

"Oh, the poor dear," Renee said, shaking her head. Alice and I nodded, our faces plastered with the same sad puppy face we used when we were nineteen, in order for my mom to let us go clubbing. "We should call him," my mother added quickly.

What?

"What?" Alice and I both screeched.

"I should formally invite him for next weekend, of course," she explained as if she was the most obvious thing. "Call him, honey."

Alice excused herself into the living room, leaving me to deal with the mess she created.

Traitorous pixie!

--No, no, no!! Where did this go wrong?!

"Come on, Isabella, there are people waiting for us." I swear my mom knew I was lying through my teeth, and she just wanted me to confess.

No fucking way.

Before I could think things through, I took out my Blackberry and dialed Masen's cell phone. I became nauseous and had sudden urge to throw up, but I held it together hoping he didn't answer.

--Hang up! Do you realize what you're doing?

I… I…

"Bella," Masen answered in a relieved tone, "babe, I'm glad you called."

I had to move my hand over my stomach; I swear the butterflies felt like they would make my insides explode.

The vibrant smile on my face was not unnoticed by my mother. She was beaming. "Edward, I –" Before I could alert him of Renee, Masen interrupted me.

"Swan, this morning… I was … you have to understand… it's not easy for me…" He was struggling with whatever he wanted to say. Meanwhile, Renee was practically jumping in front of me asking for the cell phone.

"Edward, don't worry about it." I bit my lip nervously. "There's someone here who wants to say hello."

"What?" he asked confusedly.

Before I could answer, Renee snapped the device away from me. "Hello, Edward? Hello? Hi, dear. This is Renee Swan, Bella's mother."

I suddenly realized the stupid-ness of what I had done. I had just connected my 'desperate to marry me' mother to my 'commitment-phobic' boyfriend.

Ok, I am going to throw up. Why on earth did I do that?

--Because you're a fucking retard.

Yup, no argument there. Stupidest thing I've ever done.

--Oh, Bella… *shakes head*

"Oh, very well, dear, thank you for asking. How are you?" Renee asked, eyeing me proudly. Apparently she was impressed with whatever Masen was saying. "Oh, that's nice, dear. Bella was just telling me how you couldn't make it tonight."

"Mom, I don't think -" I was cut off by 'the look'. You know, the one my mother always used since I was old enough to remember, the look to tell me to shut-the-hell-up. I complied; after all, I was powerless against what has already happened.

"I completely understand, Edward. I just wanted to tell you that the invitation is open, we are very excited to meet you!" My dad came out to the foyer giving us a complex look. "Oh, Edward, I have to go, but it was nice talking to you. I hope we can meet soon. Bye, dear!" Renee gave me back the phone before joining my dad and whispering something into his ear.

"Edward?" I asked in a small voice, there was silence before I heard the dial tone.

Fuuuuucckkkkkk!

--Well, it's official. It's over.

"Bells, are you okay?" my dad asked, shaking me out of my mental scolding.

"Yeah, fine," I tried to say nonchalantly. Charlie eyed me wearily but let me go without question.

--Really, Bella, there's no way you can fuck up this night even more.

I shook my head, trying to clear my head of thoughts. I left my coat and purse in the assigned closet and moved into the living room. I was impressed to see that Renee had really outdone herself this time, the house looked absolutely gorgeous. The familiar couples were in attendance, as well as some new ones I was not so accounted with; I walked around the room trying to spot Alice.

I was momentarily distracted by a very handsome older man, he was one of the new additions; he had blonde hair, sweet blue eyes, light crow feet - highlighted by his gorgeous smile - on his eyes that just added to his look. Even if he was the one who captured my attention, it was the untidy bronze mop that made me gasp in surprise.

'Mature handsome man' noticed my expression, turning to look my way; his companion turned around slowly, curious to see what the heard gasp was about. I was soon greeted by a shy crooked smile, and warm hazel eyes.

"Cullen," I said breathlessly.

"Bella," he said, equally mesmerized.

--Well, it seems this night can end up even worse than you expected.

"Shit." I was unable to stifle the groan that my thoughts caused.

Fuck, that was out loud, wasn't it?

Cullen POV

She looked gorgeous. Her auburn hair was down and straight, framing her heart shaped face; her expressive brown eyes looking up at me in a way that made me want to reach out and kiss her.

Her plump pink lips groaned in distress; I was even captivated by that.

Damn, I've got it bad.

I hadn't seen her in two fucking months. Not since our disastrous lunch date. In hindsight I knew I was a little out of line when I accused her of sleeping with James. It was not my place, but jealousy consumed me and I wanted to shake her and make her see what a scumbag my brother was. I guess I went a little too far because she ended up telling me to fuck off and left.

At that moment I was only focused on my anger, so when I left the restaurant and saw her with him I couldn't contain the hateful stare I sent their direction. Even when I saw she was obviously distraught, I only cared about James standing there acting like he gave a fuck, and I had to restrain myself from asking him what-the-fuck his problem was.

So I walked away; if she wanted to waste her time with him then that wouldn't be my problem. The first weeks were easy, because I had drowned myself in work, but now that the defense for my case was completely set up and I had more free time on my hands, it was nearly impossible to ignore the nagging voice in my brain that wondered how Bella Swan was doing.

I would be lying if I said I came here just because of my mother's request. I came here knowing there was a very high chance I would catch a glimpse of her; even so, nothing could've prepared me for seeing her again looking so unbelievably beautiful.

"Shit," she groaned, making me remember she might not be too pleased to see me. Carlisle chuckled beside me and Bella looked horrified, the cute blush I thought about every day making an appearance. "Oh, I'm sorry, I… wasn't … I -" She exhaled loudly, her shoulders sagging in defeat.

"Carlisle, this is Bella Swan," I said to my stepfather. "Bella, this is my father, Carlisle Cullen," I said, looking at her.

She looked dumbfounded for a second before taking Carlisle's outstretched hand. They exchanged pleasantries, and I could tell Bella was avoiding looking at my direction; I was a little irked by it, but I tried to keep my expression casual, but my whole body was tense at her dismissal. I relaxed as I felt a soothing hand on my shoulder and I glanced back to see my mother had joined us.

"Bella, how are you dear?" she greeted her. "I see you've met my husband; I don't think you did last time, did you?" I swear my mom gave me a menacing look in her last question to Bella.

What did I do?

Bella smiled and shook her head. "No, Esme, I had to leave early last time. But Edward just introduced us."

Esme beamed at me in approval and I had to suppress the urge to roll my eyes. She chucked at my expression and once again turned to Bella. "Renee mentioned you might bring your boyfriend tonight, is he -"

I felt the color drain my face when I heard a mention to Bella's boyfriend. Had James and Bella's relationship developed to that level?

"No! No, no." Bella cut her off. The three of us looked at her questioningly. "There was a slight misunderstanding with my mother this morning. I'm here with my friend Alice," she explained, looking embarrassed.

"My mom… she likes to see stuff that is not there. She heard someone - a friend! - in my apartment this morning and she immediately concluded he was my boyfriend," she laughed nervously before continuing, "I tried to tell her that he was just a friend, but she never listens and actually that caused a big fight between Ma – I mean, my friend and me. She really should let me explain before going and jumping to the same stupid assumptions. Besides, it's not like I need a boyfriend, please, why? I'm swamped with work and marriage is such a horrible institution, but I don't have to tell you that, you've already been divorced …"

Her eyes almost bugged out of their sockets when she realized what she had just said. I looked at my mom and Carlisle who just seemed to be as impressed as she was, except her expression was mortified while my parents looked amused. I chuckled when she just continued her ramblings.

"Oh, I'm sorry… I meant… you must know marriage is horrible from your first marriage, not this marriage. Not that I think your marriages are horrible! Of course not! You look really good together, like those magazine couples with the perfect house and…" she laughed fearfully and I heard Carlisle snicker and cough to try to cover it up.

"I'm sorry; I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm happily single and you two seem really happy," Bella finished with a forced smile.

Dear Lord, did you follow all that?

--Just the single part.

"Oh, honey, I know what you mean," my mom said once she snapped out of her initial Bella-word-vomit shock. "When I was your age I had no plans what-so-ever to get married again, I just wanted to focus on my career and my boys." She turned to look at me adoringly before turning back to Carlisle. "But, you'll find someone who'll show you marriage isn't so bad," she finished; hooking her arm around Carlisle's, who bent down to kiss her forehead.

"Bella is head of her department, actually," I said trying to ease some of Bella's embarrassment and take the topic off my mother's marriages.

Bella looked at me a little shocked, but gave me a small smile, nonetheless.

"What department is that?" Carlisle asked

"Advertising and Marketing at the Twilight Publishing House," Bella answered. "I'm actually doing a very big release party next weekend. It's the new romance novel by Heidi Deveraux, but I'm using the popularity of the series to promote some really good unknown authors that have new novels coming up."

Carlisle looked impressed and Esme was looking at Bella in a whole new light. "You're working with James?" my mother asked.

Bella bit her lip and paused for a moment, she looked like she was holding back from saying more. "I do, he's an amazing manager. I've wanted to do this for a while, but my old boss never let me do it."

"James told me about that, he's really impressed with his new staff," my mother added. I snorted at that thought.

Of course James is impressed. He's been fucking her since day one, I thought bitterly.

"What?" Bella asked defensively.

I smirked at her. "James is always impressed with beautiful women. He's a sucker for a pretty face, but I'm sure you knew that." I didn't care I was being rude.

"William!" my mother scolded me.

"Actually, I don't. Masen makes me work hard for what I want," Bella said in a dangerous tone.

"Bella, I don't think Edward meant -" Carlisle started but I cut him off.

"Oh, I know, Bella. He must make you work very hard for you to get what you want," I said, mocking her with my tone.

What the fuck are you doing? Weren't you just whining that you had lost her? You're acting like an ass, once again.

--She knows it's true; James takes advantage of their situation.

Bella laughed without humor. "Don't you worry about how hard he makes me work for it. I don't mind it one bit; in fact, I enjoy my work more than you'll ever understand." Her eyes were blazing with rage. Without realizing it she had stepped closer to me, her body rigid with defiance, her chest heaved as she contained the anger I was getting accustomed to.

I was panting as well, my fists tightly pressed next to my thighs. I towered over her, my shoulders tense at her words; they were taunting me more than I wanted to let it show. The thought of her enjoying his touch was enough to make me forget that we were surrounded by people. I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and kiss her, make her mine, and show her I was the only one who could ever give her what she wanted.

The air was thick around us, the shocking electricity shooting between our bodies made me want to press my chest against her; I was attracted to her like a fucking magnet. I was, however, vaguely aware of Carlisle leading my mom aside, leaving Bella and I to our conversation.

"As much as you enjoy it, it's still work. Having to hide, keeping the secret, and not disappointing the fucking imbecile who'd rather hide in the shadows than be seen with you," I whispered angrily.

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about," she whispered back, her tone no longer patronizing but rebellious.

I chuckled darkly. "Please, Isabella, you really think you're fooling me? What excuse did he use? Not ready for that step? Moving too fast? Casual relationship -" She gasped at that.

Bingo.

"- Ah, that's it, isn't it? A casual boyfriend does not have to come with you to the customary dinner party, does he?" I knew I was stepping over the line, but I wanted to make her see what she didn't let me say over that lunch date.

However, I was not at all prepared to see the tears forming in her beautiful brown eyes. I wouldn't have noticed if she wasn't so close, but I did. I saw with amazement how the tears made her eyes phase from a dark brown to a lighter color, almost as light as mine.

I felt like a bastard, I wanted to apologize for my behavior, but her stance didn't let me. She was sad, yet, she didn't let the tears fall. She stood her ground, looking up at me, her eyes betraying the confidence in her facial expressions.

"I would never hide from you, Isabella," I whispered, taking my first step towards her, our chests pressed together and I could feel her every breath. "I would never make you work for anything; everything would just be yours to take."

I lifted one hand to brush her soft cheek, her eyes closed at the contact and I could swear I felt her shudder. When her eyes opened again there was no more anger or hate; there was just Bella. My beautiful Bella looking up at me with sad, scared eyes, and I wanted nothing more that to take those feelings away and make her smile.

I saw her look down from my eyes to my lips, and I felt the rush of blood to my groin when, still looking at my lips, she bit her lower one. This was it; she wanted me to kiss her. I leaned down slowly, savoring the moment before I could finally claim those pink lips as my own.

My hands came up to cup her face and my heart soared when she relaxed under my touch. I smirked, thinking about the stupid-ness of my brother for not taking care of this angel, and my advantage to the situation.

"James is an ass, Bella, and he doesn't deserve you," I whispered, voicing my thoughts without realizing it.

Inches away from my ultimate destiny, Bella heard my words and the spell broke. As soon as she heard my bastard brother's name, the rage that had long disappeared re-emerged in her eyes and before my lips could actually feel hers, her tiny hands shoved me away.

"Fuck off, Cullen," she seethed, loud enough for everyone around us to hear.

She glared and, for a moment, I was sure she was going to slap me. She apparently reconsidered her options and just pushed past me, leaving me like she always did.

"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath.

No! You are not going to let her walk away again.

I turned to go after her, only to be stopped by Carlisle grabbing my shoulder authoritatively. He cleared his throat, and suddenly I felt like I was fourteen again and he just found the dirty magazines James had innocently placed under my bed.

"William, would you care to explain what just happened?" I heard my mother reprimand me.

Shit!

Bella POV

I pushed past him, not even caring about the odd looks my mother's guest threw my way. I practically ran away from the crowded living room and into the back garden.

Who does that fucker think he is? 'I would never hide from you, Isabella' … No shit, asshole, you would just call me a whore every chance you got.

--…

Argh, he just... I hate him! He is so fucking infuriating!

--…

Would you just say something already?!

--You were going to let him kiss you.

What?! No, of course not! I shoved him away, didn't I?

--Yes, but only because he mentioned Masen's name.

I… don't…

--Admit it! If he had not mentioned Masen, you would be making out with him in front of everyone!

That is not true. I hate him! He treats me like a fucking prize he has to win over his brother! He even put me down in front of Esme and Carlisle.

--Then why did you let him get so close!

He just invaded my space!

--And yet, your panties are soaked.

You're wrong and confused. I am in love with Masen!

--But you're hot for Cullen.

Shut up already!

"Argh!" I practically screamed when I reached the back garden. "Asshole," I muttered, looking up at the sky, trying to keep the tears from falling.

"Bella?" I heard Alice call for me.

I turned to see her walk out and join me, our purses already in hand. "Hey, babe, what happened? I went into the living room to see you shove Masen away and run out here. Do you want us to leave?" she asked, gesturing to our bags.

I shook my head, looking down at my feet. "That was not Masen, that's Cullen," I explained, sniffing and unable to contain my angry tears.

"Oh," Alice mouthed getting a tissue out of her purse and handing it to me. I took it, smiling gratefully at her. She knew better than to bombard me with questions right now.

"Want to leave?" she asked, patting my back. "There's a great margarita bar downtown." I chuckled when I remembered Alice's earlier promise.

"Bella, Alice?" I heard my mom call from inside the house.

I quickly dabbed my eyes with the tissue, letting Alice examine the makeup. She nodded in approval before we both turned in time to see my mom in the doorway.

"What are you girls doing out here? Come on; help me get everyone in the dining room." My mom barely acknowledged us before gesturing us to follow inside.

I sighed. "Let's just stay for dinner and leave as soon as Renee turns her back," I said as soon as my mom disappeared inside.

"You sure?" Alice asked, looking at me. I nodded. "Ok, I'll distract her for a bit. Stay here and try to calm down," she said, giving me my purse and hugging me.

"Thanks, I'll be there in a bit." I watched Alice go with a smile. As much as I complained about Alice most of the time, she really was the best friend I could ever hope for.

I sat on the steps that led to the main garden to get more comfortable. I pulled out my compact mirror from my purse and retouched my eyes. I wasn't going to go back there and have everyone see the effect Cullen had on me.

I took out a cigarette and lit it up. My parents and Alice hated that I occasionally smoked, but, for once, I didn't care. I needed it. Hopefully the cigar smell from the old rich men in the house would mask my little slip. As soon as I inhaled the 'disgusting cancer sticks,' as Alice liked to call them, my body instantly relaxed.

--You really should quit, you know?

Shut up.

"Do you know cigarettes have chemicals similar to rat poison in them?"

He just won't quit, will he?

I ignored Cullen's remark and took another long drag of one of my any vices. "What's it to you?" I asked with a shrug, looking ahead at the rose bushes my mother had in the back.

I felt him sit down next to me, and tried my best to ignore the angry look he gave me when I continued to smoke. I wished he would just leave me alone, but I had to actually acknowledge him in order to tell him to leave, so I just decided to continue ignoring him.

"You're not coming in?" he persisted.

I rolled my eyes and turned to look at him. "Yes, in a minute. I just need to be alone right now," I said, hoping he would get the hint and leave.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, before running a hand over his hair, making it stand at odd ends. I could tell he was frustrated with me, but I didn't care.

"Bella… I'm sorry… I can never seem to do anything right with you," he said, embarrassed.

I snorted, agreeing with his comment. I finished my cigarette, blowing the air softly and seeing the smoke danced on the dim moonlight. Eerie silence fell once again; I wanted another cigarette, but decided against it, taking a deep breath. I proceeded to confront him about his problem with me.

"Why are you such an ass to me?" I asked bitterly.

I turned to look at him; he was looking down at his feet, his brow furrowed in concentration. I thought he wasn't going to answer so I started to push myself on my feet. Before I could, however, he took my hand and pulled me back down; he didn't let go of it, and noticed I wasn't bothered by it.

"I don't realize what I say most of the time." He turned to look at me; his hazel eyes looked darker in the dim light. "I know that when I met you, I was incredibly rude and condescending, and that it seemed like I barely acknowledged you. Except that, I just had so many things on my mind at that moment - all because of work - that I couldn't concentrate. When Rose appeared with news about the case I was working on, it was imperative for me to go… It wasn't until later that night, when I was – once again - surrounded by piles of legislations and research, that I realized the highlight of my day was you." His voice was soft and deep, hypnotizing me with his words.

"Me? You barely looked at me!" I said in amazement.

He is really out of his mind, isn't he?

--Let him explain!

Cullen nodded giving me his shy smile once again. "It seemed like it, Bella, but I did, I really did notice you." I shook my head in disbelief.

"I wasn't even presentable… I was wearing …" I tried to say, but stopped when I felt his cool fingers brush against my cheek.

"I remembered the red highlights in your ponytail, the gestures you made to your mother when you thought I wasn't looking, the gorgeous blush on your cheeks when you saw me across the room, the way your body felt pressed up to mine… I may not remember what you were wearing that day, but I still remember the way you smelled when I caught you in my arms."

He leaned closer pressing his cheek against mine. I couldn't help myself; I closed my eyes and savored the sensation of his warm breath in my ear. He traced his nose up from my neck to my ear and I held my breath when he whispered, "I can still smell the strawberries in your hair, exactly the same glorious scent…"

"You can't smell the smoke?" I said breathlessly. I grimaced when I heard my own statement.

--Way to ruin the mood, Bella!

To my surprise, Cullen chuckled and leaned back to look at me. "There are no dull moments with you, are there?"

I huffed, feeling my face heat up. "I'm glad I amuse you," I said, taking my hand away from his.

"Bella…"

"See, I really don't get it. If you … like me... that much, then why do you keep calling me a whore? Why do you keep putting me down?" I paused for effect, seeing if he dared deny my claims.

When he didn't, I continued to question his motives. "Edward, I think you just have this idolized imagine of me, and since I'm dating… your brother… " His shoulders tensed. "Well, maybe it's a competitive thing…"

"Bella, I do not have this 'idolized idea' of you," he said, exasperated. He took a deep breath before continuing, "You are not some image of perfection I created in my mind. I am very aware of your inability to walk across a flat surface without stumbling in air, your constant swearing when you think no-one can hear you, the smoking, and the drinking, and the lack of filter when you tend to say whatever is on your mind without thinking things through." He arched an eyebrow, challenging me to protest.

Well he's no better!

"So you're saying that apart from the smoking, drinking, perpetual clumsiness and verbal diarrhea, you like me?" I asked, listing my flaws with my fingers. Cullen ran a hand over his hair once again and shook his head.

"No. What I'm saying… is that I like you, just as you are."

Silence. There was nothing more. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and I had no words. I was speechless against his confession. I couldn't ignore the leap I felt in my heart, nor stop the smile that grazed my features.

"Bella, what on earth are you still doing out here?" my mother interrupted us, stepping out and coming to a screeching halt when she saw Edward and I on the steps of the garden, dangerously close to each other.

Half a second later a breathless Alice came out, trying to stop my mother, I presume. She, too, stopped abruptly at the scene before her.

"Alice, dear, come along. These two will join us momentarily," Renee said, with a devilish smile. She grabbed Alice's arms and led her to the house before she could protest.

I giggled at my mother's insistence and support for Cullen.

Well, it appears she adores Cullen.

--Only because she hasn't met Masen.

And I don't think she ever will.

I was saddened by my last thoughts; looking back at Cullen, I noticed that even if my heart flipped at his words, and the butterflies in my stomach did not cease. He was still not the man I wished for this moment. My traitorous heart, although smitten with Cullen, still yearned for Masen.

Stupid heart.

"We better go in," I said, breaking our wonderful bubble where the both of us could just … be.

This time, Cullen failed to take my hand. I already was a few steps away from the back door when I heard him speak once more. "Bella, about the competition with my brother -"

"Don't," I interrupted, turning back slightly to look at him. "We do amazingly well when you don't mention Masen… let's leave it like that, okay?" I was raising the white flag.

He looked like he wanted to say more. Before he could lose the good points he had earned with our conversation I switched gears. "I could really just use a friend now," I said, smiling at him.

Cullen POV

I looked into her sparkling eyes. Evidence that she had been crying; I wasn't sure if it was my fault or James', however, I knew I never wanted to see those sad eyes again.

I smiled warmly at her; stepping closer, I placed her arm around mine and led her to the house. "Let me escort you in," I said, accepting the unspoken agreement to end the animosity between us.

Friends…

I would be lying if I said I was content with the idea. But, at least it was a step higher than where I stood these past few months.

Okay, friends, at least for now.


B - So, all you TC lovers out there, did we finally do Cullen some justice?! Now, STOP COMPLAINING!! :D Haha. We love it. Thanks for all the reviews as of late, K and I cannot get enough of them! Finally, come play with us in the forum... we post teasers for every 20 reviews we get!!

K-However, do not stop once we reach 20!! maybe if we get 40 we'll post more ;) :P!! visit the forum! and keep an eye out for the next project!! :P

REVIEW!!! :D