Here it was September and it had been a two months since the "first date" and there had been plenty more following it. We would sneak away for a few hours at least once a week when the home nurses were at his house. I was of course still going by his house everyday. I had even taken to sneaking over to his house a couple of times after dark. I would lay in his bed with him, wrapped up in his warm, safe arms. We had not slept together yet, but our relationship was taking a turn towards the physical. Nothing to major, just some on top of the cloths stuff, which none the less, still left us both short of breath at times. No one besides Quil and Jacob knew anything and surprisingly, Quil had not let the secret out yet. Embry and I went about our "normal" ways around each other and all the little remarks about us had ceased. In fact, we were doing such a good job of hiding our relationship, that Emily kept trying to set me up with some guy from the construction crew that Sam worked for part time. I of course kept finding ways to get out of meeting him. If Jacob or Quil was ever around for one of these conversations they would smirk and wind Emily up even more by asking, "Yeah Lee, why not meet the man?" I would roll my eyes and decline again. Embry was aware of the situation and kept telling me to just ignore it and decline, although I think he secretly thought it was funny as well.

So here it was another day of leaving work and heading to his house. Sam and Emily were hosting another cook out and Embry's Aunt from Seattle was coming in to spend a few days at his house to help take care of Ms. Anne and allow Embry some time out. I pulled up into his drive and entered the house without knocking. I found Embry's Aunt coming down the hall from Ms. Anne's room.

"Oh, you must be Leah, correct?" She asked extending her hand to me.

I smiled and nodded as I took her hand.

"I was told you would be stopping by. I'm Janet, Anne's sister." She said dropping my hand.

"Leah Clearwater, nice to meet you as well." I smiled. "Is Embry home?"

"No, but he should be back any moment. He took my car and went to the market to get me a few items. Can you believe I forgot my toothbrush and hairbrush when I packed." She laughed.

I laughed lightly.

"Well, Anne and Embry both tell me wonderful things about you. Anne says you come by and read to her?" She asked.

"Yes. I try to anyways, it isn't always easy to do, what with my job and everything." I said.

"Well dear, it's the thought that counts and I can tell you Anne really enjoys it. She also says you've been taking really good care of my nephew."

"Yes." I chuckled, "He doesn't really know how to cook, or run the washer, or wash a dish, or work a vacuum cleaner… Come to think of it, besides taking wonderful care of his mom, he doesn't seem to be able to do anything else."

Janet laughed and put her hand to my shoulder, "Thank goodness he has you. He should consider himself lucky."

"I do." I heard Embry say from behind us.

I smiled at him and had to remind myself that after just meeting his Aunt, me throwing myself into his arms and attacking his mouth, would not make a good first impression.

"Oh Embry, you're back. Thank you sweet boy." She said as he handed her a small bag.

Embry smiled that swoon inducing smile to me before looking back to Janet. "How's mom?"

"Just drifted off to sleep." Janet said stepping around him and into the kitchen.

When she had disappeared from sight, Embry pulled me to his lips and gave me a quick but heart pounding kiss.

"Missed you." He said as he pulled away.

"Missed you more." I whispered.

We could hear Janet returning from the other room and we both took a step away from each other.

"Now Em, I don't want you returning home until a dreadfully late hour. You go and enjoy the night out with your friends, do you understand me?" Janet said with a smile.

Embry chuckled, "Yes Aunt Janet. And thanks."

"You're welcome, now get yourself ready and get out." She laughed.

"Guess I'll head home too and change." I said looking to Embry, then making my way to the front door.

"Oh Leah," Janet called from behind me, "Nice to meet you dear."

"Nice to meet you to Ms. Janet." I smiled as I opened the door and went to my car.

As I made way down the narrow driveway to Sam and Emily's, I was glad that I had decided to walk. The air was a little warmer, even for September weather and it felt nice to my skin. And the small breeze felt equally as nice blowing through my hair which I kept down a lot more now as it was almost to the center of my back. I looked down to the outfit I had on. A simple pair of faded hip hugging jeans and a white baby tee, paired with my white cross trainers. Thanks to a shopping trip to Seattle with Alice and a small fortune of my savings, I had an entirely new wardrobe. My closet now filled with plenty of jeans, dresses, shirts, tee's and anything else Alice insisted was a "must own".

When I came up to the house, I could see the usual crowd in the front yard. Quil had young Claire in his lap as he sat in a chair reading her a book. Her little face lighting up with every word he said. Kim and Jared were sitting on the porch swing, his arms holding her to him. Paul stood with Rachel and Emily at one end of the long table that was filled with food, while Jacob, little Nessie and Embry were standing at the other end with Seth. When I saw Embry I couldn't help but notice the way the black tee he had on showed his well defined muscles of his arms and pecks. The dark denim jeans he had on hung loosely from his waist and his hair had that just woken up look. He laughed at something Jacob had said, but apparently Seth didn't think it was quite as funny and he rolled his eyes and headed into the house as Nessie left Jake to sit with Quil and Claire for the rest of the story.

"Hello all." I said stopping next to Jake and Embry.

Embry's eyes ran the length of my body quickly and I saw him bite his lip before looking back to my face.

"Hello Leah." He said in that deep husky tone that made my knees weak.

"Hey Lee." Jacob said with a light laugh. "Glad you made it."

I smiled and tried to keep my eyes on anything but Embry, even as I felt his eyes on me. I heard an unfamiliar laughter and turned around. Sam was coming from the house toting a large bowl of macaroni and cheese with some guy I had never seen before beside him carrying a plate full of Emily's awesome cookies. Once they had set the items down on the table, they both made their way over to Emily just as Paul and Rachel walked away to join a now emerging Collin from the tree line.

"Leah!" Emily called waving me over to her.

I looked once to Embry, who gave me a quick wink and made my way to her.

"Leah, this is Nathan. He works with Sam. Nathan, this is my cousin I've told you so much about, Leah." Emily said as she held my arm.

I felt my insides knot up. So this was the man Emily kept trying rope me into seeing. I swallowed and extended my hand to him.

"Nice to meet you Nathan." I said forcing a smile.

"Like wise." He smiled taking my hand, "Emily and Sam have told me much about you."

"Oh… Well, only the bad things are true." I said looking to Emily.

He laughed and looked to Sam, "You were right. She does have a sharp wit about her."

"Sharp wit"… What the hell….

"So, Emily tells me you work at the diner in Forks?" Nathan said.

"Yeah, a couple of days during the week." I said.

"I've never eaten there.. The food any good?"

I mentally sighed and glanced to Embry. He was still standing at the end of the table as Jake was talking to him. To most it would seem that he was listening to him, but I could see the way the muscles in his shoulders were tensed and his eyes kept flitting over to where I stood with Nathan. I gave him a soft look that no one noticed and he gave me a soft smile in return.

"Leah?" Emily said pulling me back to the conversation, "Nathan asked you a question."

"Sorry, what?" I asked.

"Is the food there any good?" Nathan repeated.

"S'okay." I said. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

I made my into the house and into the bathroom, shutting the door and leaning onto the counter. Damn Emily for this. I had told her over and over that I was in no way interested in meeting anyone. I wanted nothing more to grab Embry and crush my mouth to his, showing everyone that I was most certainly taken, but that didn't seem like such a good idea at the moment.

Knock, knock.

"One minute!" I yelled at the door.

"Lee, it's me." I heard Embry's voice from the other side of the door.

I sighed and opened the door. Embry stood there looking at me with what I think was a hint of worry to his normally collected face.

"Can I come in?" He asked.

I smiled and stepped to the side, letting him to the room then shut the door and leaned back against it.

"How ya doing?" He asked as he leaned against the counter with his arms across his chest.

"Wondering where I can bury the bodies when I kill Emily and Sam." I said harshly. "Ya think the Cullen's would mind if I used their back yard? It's not likely anyone would look there."

Embry chuckled and held his hand out to me. I took it and he pulled me into his chest. "I'm pretty sure they would mind. But I think we could find another place."

I snuggled my face into his chest taking a deep breath of his comforting smell. I felt him place a soft kiss to the top of my head. I looked up to him. Both of us just holding each others eyes. No words needed to be spoken. I knew from the look in his eyes that he wanted the same thing I did. Just to be alone together.

"Guess one of us should head back out there." He said rubbing his hands up and down my arms.

"Yeah… Don't want to start talk." I sighed.

"No." He smiled as he leaned down to my lips and gave me a quick kiss.

I stepped out of his arms as he slowly opened the door and stuck his head out looking to see if anyone was around. He looked back to me over his shoulder.

"See ya out there." He smiled and closed the door behind him.

I waited three more minutes in the bathroom, then made my way back out front. Embry was back by Jake and Seth had returned to him as well. Paul and Rachel were taking turns spinning Nessie and Claire in circles as Quil, Kim and Jared watched with smiles. Collin was standing with Emily helping her pour some ice into the cooler. Sam and Nathan were standing near the table chatting to each other. I made my way down the steps and towards Jake and Embry. As I drew closer to Sam and Nathan, Nathan smiled at me. I did my best to smile in return.

"Lee." Sam said stopping me in front of them.

"Yea?"

"Did you know that Nathan here was partner in the company I work for?" Sam said with a sly grin.

I looked to Nathan. "No. That's cool."

"No big deal." He said rolling his eyes.

"You don't look old enough to be partner in a business." I said.

He laughed, " Thanks I guess."

"Ok! Let's eat." Emily yelled.

Thankfully during dinner, I was able to seat myself a few chairs away from Nathan where I sat in between Seth and Collin. He was still able to see me though, and kept looking over to me, giving me what I guess was supposed to be a flirtatious smile. Embry seemed to notice this as well and his eyes kept knotting up when he looked in Nathan's direction. Once I saw Jake nudge him in the arm.

After everyone had their fill, I helped Emily clean up and place the left over's in the fridge and we returned back outside with a few six packs of beer for the guys.

"So, Nathan…What do you think?" Emily asked as I was placing the beers into the cooler.

"I don't.' I said taking the last two beers from her and placing them in the cooler.

"Come on Leah, He's nice, works and handsome too." She sighed.

I looked back over to Nathan. I guess he was a nice looking guy. He was tall, though still a about two feet shorter than Embry. He had dark blonde hair that bordered on being brown. His green eyes seemed a nice color against his lightly tanned skin. He had small defined arm muscles, I guess that came with his job, but he just basically looked run of the mill to me. His face didn't cause my heart to pound into my chest like Embry's did.

"I guess he's ok, but Emily, for the last time, I'm not interested." I said.

"I swear Leah…." Emily mumbled.

Sam and Nathan came over to us and Sam pulled two beers from the cooler and handed one to Nathan.

"It was really nice of you to invite me over." Nathan said to Sam.

"We've enjoyed having you man." Sam said patting his back.

Nathan smiled and looked to me, "So Leah, What do you like to do on your down time?"

Oh lord… I could tell where this was going….

"Not to much, hang out." I said looking over to where Embry was.

He was playing a game of basket ball with Jacob, Paul, Seth and Collin. Kim, Quil, Claire, Nessie and Rachel were watching from the sidelines. Nessie and Claire playing cheerleaders for Jake and Embry. Seth was seated on the ground next to the court looking down at his phone.

"Oh she's just being shy." Emily laughed, "She likes to hang at the beach a lot too."

"Well, something we have in common." Nathan smiled.

Ugh, I knew what was coming next, he was going to ask me out….

"Well Leah, If you would like too I would like to take…." He was saying but I cut him off.

"I'm sorry would you excuse me a moment, I need to tell someone something." I said quickly and started towards the basket ball game.

I was not going to subject myself to this for another second. It was time to let everyone know exactly what I wanted for once. I marched right into the center of the court, affectively stopping Embry as he was dribbling towards the goal and the others. Embry stopped in front of me holding the ball to him.

"Lee?" He asked in a worried tone.

I smiled at him for a moment then threw my arms around his neck and crushed my lips to his. I heard the gasps of shocks around us and pressed my body into his more firmly. Embry let the ball fall from his hands and wrapped them around my back lifting me from the ground as he held me to him.

"What in the hell?" I heard Paul stutter out.

I could also make out Jake's laughter from the side of the court.

"Quil, what's Leah doing?" I heard Claire ask as Nessie was giggling uncontrollably next to her.

"Um….She's… well, She's kissing Embry." Quil said.

Embry let my body slide down his slowly as he sat me back down to the ground. When I was back on my feet he pulled back from me with that breath taking smile. I felt myself blush slightly as I leaned back into his chest. I glanced up to Sam, Emily and Nathan. Emily's eyes were worried as she looked to me than back to Sam and Nathan. Sam's eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open slightly. Nathan, poor guy, just looked down right confused.

"How long?" I heard a stern voice say from behind me.

Embry turned us to face Seth. He had his hands straight down at his sides and a hard look to his always kind face.

"Seth…" I said.

He held his finger up silencing me. "How long?"

"About two months." Embry said.

"You didn't think to let me know?" He said looking to me.

"We… well, I, didn't want anyone to know right away Seth, I'm sorry." I said.

Seth marched towards us, his eyes entirely focused on Embry. Embry pushed me behind him and braced him self for whatever Seth was about to do. Seth stopped inches from him.

"If you hurt my sister at all, I will personally kick your ass. Is that clear?" Seth asked.

"Crystal." Embry said.

I saw Seth's body relax a moment, then he looked to me. "So this is why you've been so chipper lately?"

I smiled and nodded as I wrapped my arms around Embry.

"Well, I guess I'm happy for you then." Seth smiled.

"Thanks little brother." I laughed.

Seth smiled and headed back off the court when his phone started to ring. I looked over to Sam and them again.

"Come on." I said to Embry as I pulled him in that direction.

"So this is why you kept turning down every blind date I tried to set up." Emily said.

"Yeah. Sorry Emily." I said.

"It's ok. Although I don't know why you felt the need to hide it." She smiled.

Embry laughed and looked over to Nathan who was shaking his head with a smile on his face.

"Well, when you said that Leah was full of surprises you were not kidding." He laughed looking to Sam then back to Embry. "Sorry. Had I'd known she had a boyfriend, I wouldn't have tried to ask her out." He said extending his hand.

Embry shook his head with a smile as he took Nathan's hand. "No hard feelings."

For the rest of the evening I had to endure questions from Emily and Kim about every little detail of the past two months. Embry seemed to be dealing with the same thing from the guys. Seth got a little upset when it came out that Quil and Jake knew most of what was going on, but he soon let it pass. Nathan left shortly after Embry and I "came out" thanking Emily and Sam for a memorable cook out. After escaping from Emily and Kim, I made my way to the cooler for a soda.

"Hey." Embry said from behind me in a low voice. "You ready to take off?"

I dropped the soda back to the cooler and turned to face him as I wrapped my hands around his neck. "Why are you whispering? We're not in hiding any more."

A huge smile came to his face, "Oh yeah!"

He picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder all "cave man" style as I laughed.

"Thanks for the great evening, but we're headed out!" Embry yelled out to the rest.

I could hear Kim and Rachel giggle and a chorus of goodbye's from the others.

"Bye!" I laughed from where my face was resting upside down against Embry's back.

We had made it out of sight of the house when Embry sat me back on my feet and took my lips to his.

"Do you know how hot that was? You outing us like that?" He said as he placed small kisses along my jaw.

"You thought that was hot did you?" I laughed.

"Oh yeah." He said.

"Well if you thought that was hot, then you should stick around awhile Mr. Call, cause things will only get hotter." I said softly as I pulled him back to my lips.