Wow! Thank you HRHLadyEsme for all the kind words you shared in your Lemon-shot on the PPSS. If you're not already following her on Twitter, I highly recommend!! (HRHLadyEsme).

Also—thank you AnnettesKitty for agreeing to beta this for me at the last minute. If you haven't checked out her Daniel Gale blog---DO IT!

I have had a really rough couple weeks---the kinda shit we're not allowed to write about in fics for most contests if ya get my drift. Thank you, thank you to my twitter peeps and to the girls in the cave on the GR board for all your support!!

As always—Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I just enjoy making her characters do bad things. ;o)

Lying next to Bella and listening to the rhythm of her breathing made my heart dance. Her face held a look of peace; the likes of which I'd not read on her expression since I'd arrived in Forks. Her russet locks cascaded across her pillow in an abstract pattern and I couldn't resist brushing a few stray strands from her cheek. Very carefully, gently, I pressed my lips to her forehead.

She was absolute perfection and beauty; every bit as beautiful as, if not more than, the first time I'd set eyes on her.

It was sophomore year. I had been placed in a weightlifting class as an error on the part of the guidance office. Two weeks into the first semester, after enduring all I could and upon the recommendation of Coach James, I was placed into a Ceramics class being taught by Mrs. Stanley. I had taken several drawing classes and a painting class with her, and she was really nice to me. So, even though ceramics was not my preferred art medium, I was relieved to be out of weightlifting.

I was switched in the middle of the class period. As I walked in, Mrs. Stanley was going over the techniques of bonding two separate pieces of clay together in a way to withstand the kiln process. Already knowing me as a capable art student, she just plunked a block of clay in my hand and directed me to find a seat. I wandered the room aimlessly in search of an empty chair; avoiding a table full of cheerleaders and circling widely around my brother's jock friends. I walked immediately to the table where Eric Yorkie and Angela Weber were smiling in my direction. I knew Eric from years of Math competitions and Angela had been in my AP English class the year before. Always the serious student, I quickly got busy working my brand new clay, listening closely to Mrs. Stanley in hopes that I could make a gift for my mother for Christmas. As the art teacher moved toward the back of the room, that's when I noticed her, an angel. The loveliest mocha eyes, deep set and inquisitive, caught my glance. Her fair complexion offset by her long silky brunette strands. A few random freckles scattered her nose as she chewed on the bottom of her rose petal lips. The first girl I had ever truly seen was sitting alone in my art class. Bella Swan.

I loved watching her hands work the clay; the way her light pink nails would peek through. The potter's wheel was her particular forte, and my secret sinful pleasure. Gently and carefully, with skilled and patient hands, she would stroke and caress until the lump she started with inevitably became a beautiful work of art. It was absolutely sensual the way she handled the clay. She truly had a gift. And that gift brought me extreme pleasure. I imagined how those hands might feel on my skin…and I longed for her touch. Many a morning I had to be the last to leave ceramics, waiting out the affects of watching Bella on the wheel.

Ceramics quickly became my favorite subject. Although I never quite got the nerve to actually sit with her, I made up little scenarios in my mind of how it might play out between us if I had arrived early for class and sat at her table. Even though each scenario was made up of wonderful conversations and laughter, deep down I was certain I'd make a fool of myself. On the last day of the semester, I walked directly to my seat with Eric and Angela, even though I had made a silent promise that- by the end of the class-I'd speak to her. Disappointed in myself, I quickly signed up for Ceramics II.

But, Bella was not in that class. It was the longest semester of my academic career.

A sudden knock at the door brought me back to the present. I hustled down the stairs, not wanting the noise to wake Bella. I opened the door to find Whitlock and Bella's cousin, Alice, standing on the front stoop. I immediately noticed their hands clasped together…fingers-entwined. They seemed so natural and comfortable that way, as if it'd always been. I tried to fight back a smile, with only half success.

"Come in." I said, closing the door behind them.

"Damn! Bella was right. You do look different." Alice's eyes were wide as she was very obviously looking me over.

"Umm, thanks?" I replied, nervously.

"So sorry to barge in, London. I tried to express earlier that perhaps the larger Cullen might not welcome our unannounced visit, but this beautiful pixie insisted." Jasper explained.

"I'm not afraid of that big bag of wind. In fact, I can't wait to get my hands on him! Where is he, anyway?" Alice, quick as a flash, was starting up the stairs before I could stop her.

"Shhhh, Alice. He's not here. Bella's upstairs sleeping and, consider all she's been through, she really needs some rest. I promise we're the only ones in the house."

The tiny dynamo stopped in her tracks. "Seriously? How'd you manage that?" She arched her brow.

"Emmett was in no position to argue?" I shrugged.

Alice laughed. "But I figured you and your brother would have been a package deal…unpacking your bags to share a room at Mommy and Daddy C's by now." Alice smiled at me like she already knew the answer.

I was rather surprised my mom had not even called yet.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Alice surprised me by wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Good for Bella! I'm surprised she had the nerve, but it's about time she actually admitted to herself what she really wanted…and went for it."

I wasn't sure which surprised me more, Alice's words or her gesture. Stepping back, I studied Alice's face. She really meant it. I was what Bella really wanted.

"And you're okay with this?" I asked curiously.

Both eyebrows up this time, she said "Edward Cullen, my opinion should mean nothing to you and Bella. But since you asked and you seem to need some sort of approval…you definitely have mine! No offense, but I have never been able to stand that big oaf of a brother of yours!"

"No offense taken, believe me!" I laughed. I really did seem to need some sort of approval. I had no idea how my parents were going to react and I was very surprised we'd not even heard from my mother yet.

I looked at Jasper standing quietly beside Alice now. It had been the longest I'd ever been around him without hearing his voice. Turning to Jasper, I asked "How is it that the two of you happened upon Bella's house at precisely the same moment? I smirked as he got a bewildered "deer in the headlights" look about him.

Alice jumped right in. "Well, Jasper here had Bella's purse that she must have left behind on her way out of his bar last night. Jasper was clever enough to check inside for her cell phone. And my number happened to be the first one that came up on her contacts list--you know---A for Alice. So he called in hopes of getting Bella's bag back to her. Wasn't that thoughtful?"

I raised my brow at my normally fast-talking, yet suddenly silent friend. "I guess I'm just a lucky guy?" he said shrugging his shoulders and looking terribly sheepish. For a fast talker, he was a terrible liar.

I'd have bet good money he'd have been spewing stories of karma…and the moon and sun and planets all being perfectly aligned. But no story came.

Maybe Jasper couldn't squeeze a word in or perhaps he didn't need to talk fast for Alice. Maybe he could just be himself…whoever that was. I hoped so…for my friend's sake. He had been my perfect confidant and sounding board; having played such a pivotal role in my getting closer to Bella. He too deserved a little long-awaited happiness.

Before long, Bella woke up and came downstairs. As she and Alice caught up on everything that had happened, Jasper and I stepped outside. That's when the old Whitlost showed up again.

"So, my smooth operating friend, how exactly did you get Papa Bear out, leaving Mama Bear behind to play house with you?" he asked with a wink.

"Just as I said, it was all Bella's doing. And for the record, we're not playing house. Not yet." I explained.

Jasper sat down on a wooden bench and sucked his breath in through his teeth. "And why do you suppose old Attila the Hub didn't fight to maintain possession of what was rightfully his?"

That had been puzzling me, too. I didn't understand why Emmett had left so easily. It wasn't my big brother's normal style. Emmett did not lose…ever! There was only one reason I could possibly think of, and Jasper and I voiced it at the same time. "Rosalie?!"

Later that evening, upon Bella's insistence and against my better judgment, we took a ride over to Rosalie Hale's apartment. Bella was adamant about thanking her for the friendship and respect she shown.

The entire ride across town, I had a bad feeling about going there. I convinced myself that it was probably nothing and that, in light of everything that had happened since my return to Forks, I needed to start trying to see the glass as half full. We parked on the street and walked to the large double doors at the entrance to Rosalie's building. I held the door for Bella, never even noticing the familiar SUV parked discreetly on the side of the building. We rode the elevator all the way up to the 10th floor. Staring at the brown wooden door to Rosalie's apartment for what felt like forever, Bella finally knocked. I could hear the lock turn just before Rosalie's face appeared in the cracked door. I couldn't help but notice the look of surprise on her face as she looked from Bella to me and back.

"Bella? Um…hi. Wow. You two…I figured you'd be…umm…why are you here?"

Bella replied "Rose, I'm sorry for coming unannounced, but I just really needed to thank you in person for…"

From somewhere further inside the apartment we heard a recognizable voice shout "Who is it, Babe? Aw hell, who cares? Just get rid of 'em." As the words stopped, it was Emmett's towel-clad form that appeared from behind Rosalie in the doorway.

Before I could even think or react or speak, Bella's arms wrapped around my neck and pulled me to her. She met my mouth with eager lips, her tongue quickly finding mine. I loved the feel of her, the taste of her. She raked her fingers through my hair and I indulged in her softness, running my hand down her side, hesitating as my thumb outlined the fullness of her breast. Her actions were desperate and hungered and, although I was well aware of exactly what provoked them, I was helpless to do anything but return her passion. Random thoughts ran through my mind simultaneously. Eat your fucking heart out, big brother--- you insensitive ass. God, I love this girl. And, damn, she's kissing me right in front of Emmett. Who's got the girl now, asshole! Fuck, she's kissing me right in front of Emmett? I am such a dead man! Oh, but GOD she tastes so damn good. At least I'll die with a smile...

Lost in my own realm of deliria, I was forced back to reality by the sound of wood cracking beneath Emmett's fist as it struck the door.

If you have not yet read the outtakes for these stories, see "Knock, Knock, Who's There?" on my author's page. You'll find outtakes in Emmett's, Jaspers and Rose's POVs.

Reviewers get to work a potter's wheel with Edward--- Ghost style!!!! Run---review---he's waiting!