Disclaimer: I am in the unfortunate position that I do not own any of the characters relating to the twilight series, they belong to Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter Ten

EPOV

I kept my eyes trained on the screen in front. The film that Rosalie had brought was playing, but I wasn't taking anything in. This was getting bloody stupid. It was fucking unbearable. Shit.

I had never ever wanted a women as much as her. God knows why. She was barely civil to me either ignoring me completely or being downright argumentative. But when she had waltzed in wearing those tight jeans that showed off her ass, I couldn't stop my body from reacting. I stayed seated unable to get up due to my 'problem' and tried to look nonchalant. Emmett and the others thankfully seemed to be oblivious to the fact that the women caused me to regress into some kind of lust fuelled teenager.

So, here we are. Watching this film. Or not watching the film in my case. Crap, can this situation get any worse? At least the pizza was good.

I can still feel her presence, even from this far across the room. I need a drink. I really need a drink. Why did I turn down Jaspers offer of a beer? Oh yeah, after last time I had decided not to drink tonight.

I woke up the morning after the Mexican night at Bella and Rosalie's flat on the sofa to the sound of the front door slamming shut. I immediately sat up confused and it had taken me a moment to realize where I was, and then the worst hangover I had had in a long while kicked in. When I had called Heidi to get a car sent over she had just questioned me on what had happened and then laughed at me for being so hung over. Nothing like your assistant knowing all your business.

'I don't know. Ask Edward.'

Shit. Not paying attention. 'Ask Edward what?' I looked away from the screen to see everyone now looking me, with no indication of who had called my name.

'Julia Roberts. You know her right? Emmett was always asking me questions like this, based on if I knew some celebrity or was some rumour he had read in the paper true.

'I said hi to her one time at party, Emmett.' I rolled my eyes at him and returned to looking at the screen.

'But you've got to agree she's hot,' he pushed.

I rolled my eyes at him, 'Ew. No, Emmett. Not my type,'

'He's right. She's too old. And married,' Rosalie surprised me by speaking, 'What is your type, Edward? Blonde or brunette?'

'Erm. Pass.' I looked at her briefly and ran my hand through my hair, before turning away again. I didn't want to get into a conversation about my love life right now. 'I thought we were watching the film.'

'Oh, no Eddie,' Emmett grinned, 'This is way too much fun.' Emmett and Jasper shared a look and then laughed at my obvious discomfort. I thought I saw a small smile flash across Bella's face, although I looked away quickly before I got caught staring.

'Yeah, come on Edward, are you seeing someone? You don't seem to have much luck with the ladies recently,' Jasper goaded and I couldn't help but notice Bella's frown. I could almost read their minds, no doubt they were all thinking about the recent report in the tabloids that I was dating some unknown blonde. But the truth was she was just a fan that had asked for an autograph and had hugged me, but the tabloids had twisted it into some torrid love affair.

'Let's just watch the film, shall we?' I responded and once again tried to focus on the film.

'Ah come on, Edward. The ladies want to know,' Emmett ignored me and Alice and Rosalie both agreed. I had a sinking feeling I was being ganged up on.

'No. Because if I am seeing someone you're gonna take this piss,' I pointed at the boys, 'Or if I'm not, Alice is going to try and set me up with someone.'

'I promise, Edward. I won't try and set you up with anyone,' Alice chipped in, 'Come on! What's her name?' She pouted at me, and gave me her patented puppy dog eyes and I groaned in defeat.

'Fine,' I finally said running my hand through my hair once again, 'I'm free and single.' Unfortunately.

'Ha ha,' Jasper cried jumping to his feet, 'I told you he would never go out with her. Pay up,' he held his palm up to Emmett and I suddenly understood why they were prodding me for information. Emmett grumbled but got to his feet, pulling a note out of his pocket, handing it over to Jasper.

'Mate, I totally thought she would be your type,' he looked at me with disappointment as he sat back down.

'Yeah, well it's your fault for betting on me. I thought you guys would be over this by now.'

'Anyways, Edward, you didn't tell us who your type was. Blonde or brunette?' Rosalie piped up again.

'He likes brunettes,' Jasper stated, before I could answer. 'And he likes clever girls,' Emmett added, 'To balance Edward's nerd-like tendencies.'

I shook my head, I couldn't believe this. 'Fine. If we're gonna talk about this- Yes, I prefer natural brunettes and I like well educated women from a good family. Someone that I can have a decent conversation with, preferably with similar interests to me. And she should be have a successful career, working in the same industry. And it doesn't hurt if she's easy on the eye.

'But don't even think about setting me up with anyone you two.' I looked at Alice and Rosalie who were sharing meaningful glances and smirked, trying to keep this discussion light.

It was then I heard a snort of laughter and a clear voice piped up, 'Well, it's no surprise that you've not met your ideal woman with a list like that.'

'What do you mean?' I looked at Bella who had crossed her arms and had a disdainful look about her face.

'"Well educated?", "Good family?" You sound like something from the 19th century. Do you need them to have a dowry, as well?' She laughed bitterly, 'You call me a cynic but you're looking for your perfect Stepford wife! Women like that don't exist.'

The room fell silent and the others looked between me and Bella with a mixture of amusement and confusion, 'You assume that all women are cynics like yourself. You doubt the virtues of your own sex,' I spoke slowly attempting to keep myself calm but.

'Not at all,' Bella shrugged in an act of nonchalance, 'I just doubt that any women can live up to your exacting standards, Cullen,'

My gaze was hooked on the brilliant brown eyes that were glowering at me with anger. Her face was flushed pink, her chin jutted out in defiance. The whole room was charged with an electric atmosphere, as the noise of the film blaring from the tv and the presence of others in the room faded. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. All I could do was focus on the women in front of me, because, hell, Bella was hot when she was worked up.

'Ooh,' Alice finally spoke up breaking the tension, 'Were getting to the good bit now!' And just like that the Bella broke the connection between our eyes and focused back on the tv. I couldn't help but stare at her, slightly confused at what had happened. Jasper caught my eye and smirked at me, but I just scowled in response and shook my head in warning.

I went back to pretending to watch the film, still struggling with the feelings swirling around inside me. How can one women make me feel so confused?

Some time later after the film ended, I managed to make my excuses to leave, citing the half-truth that I was tired. After I had escaped to the sanctuary of my car, I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding. What the fuck was wrong with me?

I exited the car to a series of blinding flashes and the crowd broke into a roar. I could already hear the click of cameras and the paparazzi calling out as I straightened myself out and looked at the scene in front of me. Either side of the carpet were barricades holding back screaming fans. I took a deep breath and turned around to where Heidi and Felix were always waiting for me.

But they weren't there. I searched around for them, but couldn't spot them in the large number of people that were milling around. I was on my own. Should I wait or should I go in? My car had already zoomed off, so I had no choice but to go ahead. I made my way up the carpet stopping to greet the first fan who was waving a small notepad and pen. 'Oh my God!' the girl screamed in my ear so loud I thought she would burst the drum, 'Is she here yet?'

I looked back confused at her as I realized that she wasn't even looking at me and was still focused on the end of the carpet. Huh? I moved away from her as she continued with her high pitched screaming and moved towards the theatre, as the noise from the crowd built into a crescendo.

And it suddenly hit me. Nobody was calling my name. Nobody had seemed to have noticed me. It was like I was invisible. The crowd had worked themselves into frenzy. The paparazzis' camera lenses and the journalists' attention all poised to the end of the red carpet awaiting some unknown celebrity. Who was it?

The faint sound of a car engine muffled by the rising screams of the crowd alerted me to the fact that whoever it was that was so eagerly anticipated had arrived. I turned round and from my viewpoint at this end of the carpet to see a brunette step out of the car. Although I couldn't see much from this distance I could tell that she was beautiful in her long flowing purple gown. I stood and watched as she made her way up the carpet, smiling for the cameras, signing autographs and greeting fans. She turned and looked in my direction and it was then I recognised her.

'Bella?' I called, my feet finally propelling me forward as I strode in her direction. She didn't hear me and carried on her slow journey up the carpet.

I called again, 'Bella!' as I moved through the now jostling crowd, trying to find her, 'Bella, it's Edward,' I shouted but once again my cries went ignored as she turned her back to me. She was right in front of me now and I reached out to touch her, but as my hand went to connect with her shoulder I seemed to pass straight through her, my skin a shimmering mirage and I realized that I was falling hand first to the ground...

My fist connected with something hard and I woke up with a start. I groaned and turned over to lie on my side. From the pain in my fist I had obviously hit my hand on the headboard when I tried to prevent myself from hitting the ground in my dream. I can't believe I had dreamed about her again.

I seemed to dream about Bella a lot recently. Either my memory regurgitating scenes from the club, or sometimes I would dream we were in a windowless room and she was rapidly firing questions at me. But this was a new one. I think I was becoming slightly obsessed and it was driving me crazy.

I got out of bed and took my time showering before dressing. I ate breakfast in front of the TV and checked my emails. After sending a few emails to colleagues and friends, I began to flick through the TV channels restlessly. I was still unused to having whole days off with nothing to do. I was used to Heidi bossing me about, dictating my every move and shepherding me between film sets and hotels, to photo shoots and interviews.

Unable to stand the boredom any longer I switched off the tv and leapt to my feet. I entered my bedroom, picked up my phone from the bedside table and dialled. I stared at the floor whilst the phone was pressed to my ear, the connecting tone ringing. As it rang and rang I impatiently rubbed my forehead, and pulled my hand through my messy hair. Finally, someone picked up.

'Hello?' spoke a groggy voice on the other end of the line.

'Jasper?' I questioned.

'Fuck, Edward. What are you doing ringing this early?'

'Early?' I laughed and checked my watch, 'It almost midday, Jazz,'

'Yeah,' he sounded pissed off, 'It's the weekend.'

'Well, where's Ali? She's always up early.'

'Shopping. With Rose and Bella looking for dresses for the gala.'

'Oh.' I replied. Bella in a dress... Like I needed any more fantasies about her.

'Were you after Ali then?' Jasper asked sounding more awake now.

'Nah. Not really. I'm bored, I was just after some company.'

'Pro Evo?'

'Sound's good. I'll be over in half an hour. Make sure you're dressed.' I heard Jasper groan in response down the other end of the line.

'That was one time Edward. You're never going to forget it are you?'

'No.' I replied between laughs.

'Fucker,' he responded.

'I'll see you in a bit.' Jasper gave his goodbyes as I hung up.

Forty-five minutes later I was seated on the floor of the living room at Jasper and Alice's, playstation controller in hand getting beaten at Emmett and Jaspers favourite computer game.

'Come on, Edward,' Jasper taunted, 'You're making this too easy,'

'Yeah, well, not all of us have time to sit around playing computer games,' I replied focusing intently on the screen.

Jasper made one last shot at goal in the closing seconds of the game, 'And he shoots, he scores!'

My opponent whopped holding up the controller with one hand and pumping his fist in the other before handing up his hand to his forehead in the loser sign.

I flipped him the finger in response, 'Shame Em isn't here to bring you down a peg or two.'

'Ha! Your joking, right? He barely leaves Rosalie's side these days,'

'Really?'

'Yeah.'

'So he's really serious about Rosalie?'

'Yeah, I think so. I mean...when has Emmett ever gone out with a women more than once?'

'Maybe she's just good in the sack.' I replied.

Jasper laughed, 'Well...I don't know but I think it's more than that. He's invited her to the gala so she's going to meet Bob and Sue. I mean it's gotta be serious if he's introducing her to the parents.'

I paused for a moment processing what Jasper had said. He was right, of course. Emmett had never even taken a girl on a second date let alone to meet his parents, oh no, wait, the whole family will be at the gala. Not to mention all of his business colleagues will be attending.

This was worrying. It had been...what? Three weeks. Just three weeks. It was too soon. I wasn't sure about this girl. Can she be trusted?

'What do you think about Rosalie?' I looked to Jasper who was setting up for the next game.

'She's...' he looked up at me, 'Don't tell your sister but you've got to admit she's pretty hot. I can see why she's a model... Not my type though. But she seams nice enough. A bit guarded, you know, a tad defensive. Why?'

'Well,' I paused trying to find the right way to frame my words, 'We hardly know this girl and as you pointed out Emmett seems to be in pretty deep. I just don't want him to get hurt by her.'

'Come on, Edward! She's not out to trap him or get one over on him. You need to trust Emmett's judgement.'

'Maybe,' I replied and set up my team's positions for the next game in order to avoid looking at him.

'Yes. You always assume the worst of people. Learn some trust.'

I scowled at him, 'Why do people keep saying that?'

Jasper laughed 'Come on, man! Lighten up. Game's starting.' He pointed towards the screen and I focused my attention back on the computer game.

Over two hours later we had moved on from Pro-evo to Call of Duty and I was finally holding my own against Jasper. He was pretty good on the footie game but was obviously out of practice on shooting games. We were playing one on one and I was successfully managing to hide from Jasper's advances, biding my time for when I could attack. Suddenly, voices could be heard in the hall, followed by the front door closing.

'Jasper?' Alice's voice called from the hall above the rustling of what obviously was shopping bags.

'In here!' he shouted in reply as my character emerged from it's hiding place and I started through the complex maze to where I knew he was. I was advancing on him quickly and Jasper had just realized I was moments from attack.

'Hey, honey,' Alice entered the room and flung her arms around Jasper, breaking his concentration and I used the opportunity to sneak up on him and open fire. Red filled his side of the screen.

'Yes!' I crowed, 'Take that, Whitlock!'

'Nooooooo,' came the cry from Jasper as he realized what had happened, 'Ali...you made me lose!'

I grinned at Jasper who was scowling in defeat, 'It was Alice's fault! She blocked my line of vision.'

'It's just a game, Jazz. Don't be a big baby,' Alice replied as I laughed.

I stopped laughing abruptly as I realized I wasn't the only one laughing. I turned around to see Bella and Rosalie standing in the doorway both girls chuckling. Bella was clutching a shopping bag and was wearing the same jeans as the night before but with a t-shirt and converse trainers.

'Oh...hello,' I said barely managing to keep the surprise out of my voice. I don't know why I'm always surprised when I see her. She's my sister's best friend, for God's sake. She's just a women. Doesn'tstop my heart from trying to jump out of ribcage every time I see her. Or me acting like a complete idiot in her presence. I realized I was staring at her when we made brief eye contact but I looked away quickly, burned by the depth in her eyes.

'Boys and their computer games!' Rosalie spoke up shaking her head and Alice nodded in agreement.

'Come on, upstairs. Bella needs to put that dress on,' Alice ushered the girls upstairs, pausing to turn round to look at Jasper and I, 'And tidy this mess up, you two!' She pointed to the coke cans and plates from lunch still sitting on the floor beside us.

The girls came down the stairs shortly after we had finished tidying up as directed.

'Don't fall in that dress, Bee,' Rosalie jibed, laughing at Bella as they made their way downstairs.

'Shut up, Rose,' I heard Bella respond tersely.

As they entered the room I felt the breath leave my lungs. I knew Bella was attractive. I was attracted to her. But in the dress she was wearing she was nothing short of beautiful. It had wide straps of black fabric that made up the straps of the dress and a corset style bodice which stopped just below her bust. Mid blue fabric flowed down from the black strips stopped and gathered around her bare feet.

'Wow, Bella,' Jasper spoke up, 'Is that your dress for the gala?'

'Yep,' she grinned and twirled round childishly making the fabric float slightly around her, 'It's too long but Alice is going to take it up for me.'

I watched in silence as Alice made Bella stand up on the coffee table and began pinning the dress to the correct length. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her in the dress. The conversation flowed around me and Bella's attention varied between watching Alice work and talking to Rosalie.

How had I not seen before how simply stunning she was?

Alice caught my eye and smiled at me, 'What do you think, Edward?' She questioned motioning to the dress.

I blanched internally at her questioned. How could I possibly say what I was thinking in front of everyone, that she was beautiful...breathtaking...a goddess. That she was always beautiful no matter what she wore, I suddenly realized. She would only be embarrassed and it would make things awkward.

'It's a nice dress,' I finally settled on, in response to Alice's question and forced my attention away from Bella and back to the tv.

Wow...another chapter finished. Hope you like it. Please, please review. It would make me very happy!