Disclaimer: Do not own.

Author's Note: This is the chapter you've all been waiting for! I hope it lives up to your expectations. Thank you to those who reviewed and who pushed me to get this chapter out. You really don't care about this note and have already begun to read the chapter, haven't you? Enjoy!

Chapter 10

As I walk through my door, I realize I'm slightly disappointed in myself. For one thing, I could have kissed Edward tonight in front of everyone, making us the complete center of attention. But, on the other side, I want the kiss to happen my way, in private where we can fully enjoy each other and become caught up in the moment.

I'm absolutely enthralled with the idea of being able to kiss Edward. I can't help but imagine it in my head, in several different scenarios. I sigh, closing me eyes, wishing he were here with me. Oh, what his lips make me think! Blushing to the empty room, I decide to come up with a plan.

After debating for a few minutes, I reach for my phone. I dial Alice quickly, praying that she's available.

"Hello, Bella!" She squeals into the phone.

I grimace, pulling the phone a few inches from my ear, "Hi, Alice." I try to keep my voice perky.

"What's wrong?" She sounds slightly worried.

"I was wondering if you can help me with something?" I sigh, fully aware that I sound defeated.

"Of course, Bella..." She trails off. Knowing her, the wheels are already set in motion in her head.

"Well, I have a plan..."

After an hour on the phone with Alice, my plan is perfected. I jump happily into bed, hoping to be able to sleep quickly. Soon enough, dreams about Edward come into view.

The doorbell rings, breaking me out my trance. I rush over to the door expecting to see Alice. And Emmett, Jasper, and Rose. No, no, no. This was not the plan.

"Bella!" Alice jumps to give me a quick hug, pecking me on the cheek.

"Alice! Why are they here?" I plead with her, wishing she didn't have to tell everything.

"You know very well we're here to help," Rose says, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Besides, it's always better when everyone is involved." She gives a wink to Emmett.

A phone rings; we all check in our pockets. Emmett answers his quickly.

"Edward Status Update: Mom and Dad have currently kidnapped him and are taking him out lunch. He'll be back in time for the prep work. They both say hello to you. And they want to wish you good luck today on your little endeavor."

Blushing, I quietly say a thank you. I look to Alice, "You are going to pay for this, you know?"

She waves a hand dismissively, "I know this is going to work. How else could it without these guys?"

"Alright, you win. We'll do it your way," I grin at everyone, giving a thumbs up.

We arrive at the restaurant a little too quickly for my comfort. Apparently, Alice loves to drive extremely fast when she's excited. Note to self: Before driving with Alice again, make her depressed. I snicker to myself as I get out of the car; four faces are uncertain as to why I just did that.

Alice grabs my hand, dragging me into the restaurant. She walks behind the bar and places a large box on the table. Once she is finished emptying said box, she turns to me, "This is the new sound system. And it has a microphone. It's perfect!" She holds up the microphone, examining it slowly. "Emmett and Rose will hook everything up. They're even going to put speakers in the walk-in!"

I give a dramatic sigh, "Alice, it wasn't supposed to be this complicated! The plan was to go to his house and grab him as he walks out. Considering that I don't know where he lives, I needed you."

"I changed the plan, your point?" She puts her hands on her hips, slightly pouting.

"The point is that this was supposed to be done by me. With your help, of course. Not with the help of a new sound system!" I feel my anger rising and I try to keep it in check.

"Bella, Bella, Bella..." Jasper stands next to me, a soft smile on his face. "We want you both to be happy. Don't be upset because Alice went overboard with your plan. Trust me, it's the same plan, just hyped up a bit." Giving my hand a pat, he takes a speaker and some wire. "I'll go hang this in the walk-in."

I calm down slowly, realizing I did over-react a bit, "I'm sorry, Alice..."

She cuts me off, a wide smile on her face, "You're forgiven already." She hands me a duffle bag. "Now, get your butt in the locker room and change! It's going to work!" She gives me a gently push over the bar, her eyes gleaming.

Mumbling to myself, I make my way to the locker room. I glance in the bag from Alice, noticing new chef clothes with a little note.

Just trust me, Bella! That old chef coat of yours isn't even white anymore. You need some color to your outfit instead of just white and those god awful black checkered pants.

Alice

I pulled out a brand new chef coat and chef pants. The chef coat was a woman's fit, perfectly white with blue piping on the edges. Printed on the front left panel was Chef Bella. The pants made me laugh. They were slightly black with tons of colored chili peppers on them. I have to hand it to Alice; I always wanted fun chef pants for the kitchen.

After I was dressed, I checked myself over in the mirror. Now, not only did I look like a true chef, I felt as if I really did belong in the kitchen giving orders to Edward.

I hear static, thumping, and a clearing of a voice over the speakers. I smile, waiting to hear what will be said.

"Bella, please report to the bar for a impromptu meeting, stat!" Alice's voice rings over the speakers in the locker room. "And I'm sure you love your new chef clothes!"

I shake my head at Alice. What other friend would go to these lengths for a single kiss? I'm not exactly sure what they have planned for this sound system, but I'm about to find out.

Everyone is gathered around the bar when I enter. Emmett is on the phone again, a distressed look on his face.

When he hangs up, he turns to us, "Bella, we have a problem..." He give a dramatic sigh, leaning his head on Rose's shoulder. "Edward will be here sooner than we expected. He knows something is up. Mom says he wolfed his food down, threw some money on the table, gave her a quick kiss, and then rushed out the door. He should be here in just a few minutes."

I can panic forming in everyone's eyes, except Alice's. She gives me a coy smile, "I knew he would do this! Bella, are you against me changing the whole plan?"

My eyes widen at her words, my head shaking a quick "yes". I close my eyes, wishing this day would have turned out different. First, my original plan was foiled by Alice. It was so simple and tasteful. She was just supposed to drive me to his place, drop me off, then leave. The rest was up to me.

And the worst part is she agreed to my whole plan. Then again, I should have known something was up with the way she was quickly agreeing with me.

"What did I tell you before?" Alice gives me a glare, her hands on her hips.

"Trust you..." I mumble.

"Exactly! Do you?" Her eyes search mine, waiting for an answer.

"Tell me the plan first. Then I'll let you know if I trust you," I smile at her, wanting badly to know her idea.

She shakes her head, "I know it will work, Bella. If it helps, I promise I won't go overboard. Besides, there's no time to explain it all." Her eyes plead with me, knowing I'll give in soon.

And I do. Seriously, who can say no to this crazy pixie? I've tried, trust me. I have always given in, whether it was an extra meal for her table because they were nice or letting her do my hair. I shudder, remembering that day. Though Edward did compliment me that night during service...

"Fine. My lovely pixie, what do you have planned for me?" I turn to her, giving her a mocking smile.

"Do your little prep work in the kitchen. You'll have more to do today with Jessica leaving. And all you have to do is listen," She gives me a gentle shove toward the kitchen. "Remember, Bella, listen. That's all. You'll know."

I stop in my tracks, trying to figure out exactly what she means. Listen? What should I be paying attention to? She knows how I can be in the kitchen.

I feel arms wrap around my waist from behind me, tightening their grip. At first, I think it's Edward and start to blush. I try to turn in the arms, realizing they're a little too big to belong to him.

"Do I have to do everything for you, Bella?" Emmett's voice booms from behind me. He picks me up, gently setting me over his shoulder. Before I can protest, he gives me a light smack on my calves, slowly walking towards the kitchen. "Just prep for tonight and don't worry about anything else. It's covered. Now be a good little chef and help me win this bet!" He sets me down in the kitchen, pushing me toward my station.

I shake my head in defeat, walking to my station. As I being to prep, I realize that I haven't asked Jasper about the reservations yet. I decide to just wing it on the prep tonight, as I don't want to foil their plans.

After about ten minutes of prepping, I give up. We did too much work last night and some of the prep is carrying over into tonight's service. Not that I mind too much, for now I can start to think about what Alice has planned.

I would lying if I said I wasn't worried about her new scheme. Knowing Alice, it's probably a bit over the top. And now I'm starting to panic about Edward's reaction to the plan.

Noise from the kitchen doors startle me out my thoughts. I hope silently that it's not Alice walking through those doors telling me there's another change to the plans. However, her words "just listen" remind me. Is this what she's telling me to listen to?

Finally, I turn my eyes toward the entrance to see Edward walking slowly into the kitchen. He seems a little uneasy today, his eyes filled with nervousness.

A tapping noise stops him in his tracks, his eyes search the room. The static comes over the speakers, causing a smile to grace my lips.

For a few seconds the static continues to fill the quiet kitchen. Edward and I are staring at each other, waiting for one to speak. I look over his shoulders to see Alice's head at the window in the doors. She gives her best smile at me, sports a thumb's up, then disappears.

Oh, dear lord.

"Well, I'm not paralyzed, but I seem to be struck by you. I wanna make you move, because you're standing still. If your body matches what your eyes can do; You'll probably---"

"Emmett, don't be absurd!" Alice's voice rings over the speakers. "Do you really think that's an appropriate song for the situation?"

"Yes! They're both just standing there! You said it yourself a few seconds ago. Besides, it has a great beat..."

"That's not what she meant," Rose cuts in. "This should do it."

"And I'm on tonight. You know my hips don't lie; And I am starting to feel you boy. Come on lets go, real slow. Don't you see baby asi es perfecto..."

I can feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, imagining what exactly Rose thought that song was going to make me do.

"Ugh! Shakira? That's the best you can come up with?" Jasper voice cuts into my thoughts. "Seriously, they need something more classical, like this..."

"Bella Rosa! tender flower! Come and cheer this darkey's heart; I am thine, and from this hour, Nebber, nebber let us part! Bella Rose! Bella--"

"What in the world was that?" Emmett cuts in, his voice dripping with disgust.

"Music from the Civil War era. I think it fits. Besides, the melody is peaceful, which is what they need."

"That was the most awful music I have ever heard. It even beats rap..."

There was a thump over the speakers, forcing Edward and I to laugh at this inane situation. It is a little awkward having to hear them argue over which song fits us best, but rather funny at the same time.

"What the hell was that for, Alice?"

"Just shut up, Emmett, for once in your life. This has to be perfect. They're both in there now, probably wondering why we're playing with the sound system."

Silence rings over the speakers now. I finally tear my eyes away from the corner where the sound has thus stopped. Edward is still standing on the other side of the line, giving me his crooked smile.

"This is interesting. And here I thought they were planning on blowing up the place..." He chuckles at his own little private joke. "Bella, what are you doing here anyway? Sunday is your day off."

Oops, rather forgot about that part. Sundays and Mondays are my days to relax and do all my errands. Again, plans change, not that I'm upset about having to work now.

"Well, with Jessica quitting over you last night, I thought I'd come in to help." I smile at him, hoping he'll look past the obvious.

"I can't keep up and I can't back down. I've been losing so much time, Cause it's you and me and all of the people, With nothing to do, nothing to lose. And it's you and me and all of the people and I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you.."

I don't pay attention to the bickering over the speakers as I watch Edward move toward me, his arms reaching for my waist. I swat his hands back, raising my eyebrows at him. "You're still being punished. No touching until I say you can."

He laughs at me, "You do know why they're playing these songs, don't you?"

"Actually, no, I don't. But I'm sure I can guess the reason."

He moves closer to me, his eyes glazing over, "Care to share your guess?"

"Oh! I got it! It's perfect!" Alice squeals into the speakers. "Hurry guys, or we'll miss it!"

Edward and I stare at the speakers, waiting for the newest lyrics to hit our ears.

"It's the way you love me, It's a feelin' like this."

I smile to myself, shaking my head at Alice's choice for a song. She was right all along; this is perfect. I feel my heart pick up, knowing it's time to make my move.

"It's centrifugal motion, it's that perpetual bliss."

I gather my courage, forcing my heart to slow slightly, wanting to grab him around the neck. Another few seconds and this wonderful greek god will be in my arms.

"It's that pivotal moment. It's 'Ah, impossible.' "

Slowly, I turn to face Edward, a shy smile on my face. I move a bit closer with every beat of the song. My hand raises to his face, resting on his cheek. My other arm wraps itself around his torso, pulling me closer to him.

"This kiss, this kiss."

I lean my head in, willing myself to drop all pretenses. He realizes what exactly I'm doing, and a beautiful smile graces his features. I give a grin back, moving closer to his lips.

"Unstoppable. This kiss, this kiss..."

Our lips crash against each other, an electric feeling pulses through my veins. Slowly, our bodies move closer, pressing against each other. My hands weave into his hair, relishing in the feel of the softness. His hands roam my back, gently tracing circles all over. I gasp at the feel of him, the tenderness of the moment.

We stay in this position, slowly kissing, exploring the feeling of each other's body tightly pressed upon one another. His lips are soft, careful, needy. I oblige to his needs, wanting more of him.

Catcalls from the doorway force us to break apart all too soon. Sadly, I remove my lips from his, putting a finger to his mouth. I give him another smile, then turn to the others.

"If you would so kindly place our winnings on the counter, we'll grab them later. For now, excuse us."

I turn back to Edward, grab his shirt, and lead us downstairs to the walk-in.

I push him into the cooler, relishing in this new found feeling. He turns around, opening his arms to me. I rush into them, whispering in his ear, "And now, Edward, you'll get to see what you've wanted for so long. Me being a woman."

His eyes light up as my lips crash against his. Our bodies pull together as magnets would. Our lips never part as he pushes me against the back wall.

He wraps his arms around my waist, gently lifting me off the floor. Wrapping my legs about his body, I pull my lips away for a few moments of much needed air. His serene smile makes me want him more.

And I realize I'm grateful Alice changed the plan. Before I can even consider how I am going to pay her back, Edward's kisses on my neck enlighten me to our current situation. I sigh happily into his hair, never wanting this moment to end.

I tilt my head back, staring in his eyes. I try to find words, but they would be useless in the here and now. All I can think of is how I never want those lips to leave mine.

Over the speakers, another song starts to play.

"Take my love, hold me tight, take my love, share this night, Share my lips, share my heart, say that we'll never part, Take my love, hold me tight, in its thrill find delight, Let each kiss build a dream, let our love be its theme."

And as Alice predicted, it's perfect.

Lyrics:

Paralyzer: Finger Eleven

Hips don't Lie: Shakira

Bella Rosa!: anomymous (Do you know how long it took me to find a Civil War era song? It was performed byCampbell's Minstrels, but the author is unknown)

You and Me: Lifehouse

This Kiss: Faith Hill

Take my Love: Frank Sinatra

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Two or three more, then it's over!

love, cooky