"Alice are you guys anywhere near ready? Our reservations for dinner are…" Edward paused in mid-step as his eyes stopped on me who was standing panic stricken in my jeans and bra. He blinked a few times, staring at me. Finally, sense took over and he turned and walked out into the hall, pulling his sister with him. She smiled at me before closing the door. Then I could hear it from where I stood, "Alice! You don't open the door when anyone is half naked, Bella especially! What if it hadn't been me?"

"Calm down Edward, I knew it was you. You have a very particular knock. Anyways you've seen her in her bathing suit… and you picked out that bra. It's not such a big deal." Alice replied, obviously irritated at her brother. "Now, what is it?"

"We have reservations for 6:30 for dinner. How much longer?" His tone was tight again, like he was restraining himself.

I sighed, still blushing as I grabbed the dress and hurried into the bathroom where I stripped out of my jeans. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror; my cheeks flared a deep red. I took a few breaths, trying to calm myself enough to return to my normal color. When my face was again its normal pale, which coincided with the closing of the door as Alice wandered back into the room, I stuck my head out of the bathroom. "I need help getting into this without messing up my hair."

She came in, pulling the dress out of the bag and unzipping it before helping me step in. When she zipped it up I found that it was snug, but not in a bad way. It fell mid-thigh and the fabric was so soft and silky I found that it just felt amazing, making the length no longer matter.

"Bella." Alice said, smiling as she stared at me. "You look completely amazing! God, he'll love it."

I smiled and looked in the mirror, amazed instantly by the blend of green to my skin. The dress was simply amazing. I turned back to Alice. "So, did you really get me flat shoes?"

"Yes." She hurried out of the bathroom, clicking in her killer heels. A moment later she reappeared, a black box in her hand. "I saw them and figured you'd like them more than the others I was looking at. And I was sure they would go well with the dress and make it so that you didn't break an ankle."

I smiled as she handed me to box. I was a little nervous, I must admit, just because I knew how eccentric Alice could be. But, when I removed the lid, I found a pair of black, high lace, ballerina flats. Oh yes, they would do very well indeed. I pulled one out and lifted my foot, slipping it on, not worrying about tying it just yet. "Thank you Alice, they are great."

"I'm glad you like them. Let me tie them for you." She crouched in front of me, wrapping the ribbons in perfect crosses around my leg before tying them in a cute bow just behind my knee. I put the other on my foot and she tied it in a identical fashion. When she stood I hugged her.

"You know Alice, you are the best friend anyone can have. But realize, that I am going to kill you later for opening the door knowing well that I was still in my bra. Don't think I've forgotten."

She laughed as she hugged me back. "I would never think such a thing. Don't worry, I'll understand when the time comes. But for now, lets just get out of here."

We laughed as we left the bathroom and into the room to grab our purses. I placed mine on my shoulder, taking a last look at my reflection while Alice shoved some makeup into her own. I looked so different, and not in a bad way. But, even if I did love it, it just wasn't me. My bared shoulders made me a little self-conscious and the amount of leg showing was way too much for me. I sighed as Alice started walking toward the door. "You ready?"

"Well, it won't get any better. Lets go." I said, grabbing the key she had extended to me and shoving it into my purse before following her to the door. She opened it and I saw, over her shoulder, that Edward was leaned up against the wall just across from us, waiting patiently. He had on a black button-up shirt, the top buttons left undone, over a pair of dark jeans.

"Hello Edward."

"Alice." His face was tired as she looked down at his watch again. "We have to hurry if we don't want to be late."

"Don't blame us Edward. Women no longer have the option of not taking so long to get ready with all the statements against us." I laughed, as I stepped of the door behind Alice.

His eyes flicked up to me from his watch. At first they leveled on my face, a bit of a smirk at my statement. Then he seemed to notice that I wasn't wearing my classic jeans and t-shirt. His eyes rode down my body, stopping on my shoulders, carrying down my dress and onto my legs and shoes. I managed to keep most of the blush out of my cheeks as he shook himself and looked back into my eyes. "Alice didn't make such a bad choice."

"I didn't think so. I'm particularly fond of the color." This time I did blush, realizing what I had said. Hopefully he wouldn't notice.

"I am standing here guys." Alice said, taking my arm and leading me toward the elevator. "I would prefer it if you talked to me rather than about me. Is it really so much to ask?"

I laughed a little, tightening my grip on her arm. "Of course it is Alice. Why would we want to actually talk to such a dull and monotonous person? I would much rather talk to someone as eccentric and fresh as Edward."

"I do believe your insulting me again Bella." Edward whispered from beside me before poking me gently in the side.

"I've already told you; I would never tease you Edward. I'd be too terrified of the consequences."

Alice laughed beside me as she pushed the button for the elevator. It only took a second for us all to be in and heading down toward the lobby. "So, Edward, where are we eating? My favorite I hope."

"Like I would ever make reservations anywhere else when you were here." He said.

"Where is this?" I asked, looking at my pixie like friend rather than godlike one.

"Just a really beautiful bistro that has the most amazing Italian chef," she said. "And just wait until you see him. Gorgeous. And that accent. Makes me want to purr."

I laughed, "Oh really? And how is old he?"

"Not even thirty. But his food is almost as amazing as his company. He always comes out and chats with the customers as long as they aren't too busy."

"Then we'll have to be sure to kick everyone else out. You've got my interest peeked now." Our laughter rang out as the door opened again, letting us out into the foyer of the hotel where several people turned to look at us. One guys lingered for a little longer than I would have liked, but would have been worse if I hadn't had a tight grip on Alice's arm and been right beside Edward.

"Oh Bella, look at Edward. He doesn't like hearing his sister talk about guys. See the way the corner of his mouth twitches? It means he's keeping himself from saying something." Alice whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

"No brother like it Alice, that's not left to just me." His voice was hard as he glanced down at us.

"Then it should be fine if Bella tells me what she thinks of him. She's not your sister." She laughed at her little trick, then she leaned into my ear. "But first, tell me what you think about him."

I looked the way she was to see a tall, blonde hair man staring at us as we walked. His hair was cropped short which worked surprisingly well with his strong features. The shirt he was wearing pulled tight across his chest and his arms were bulging. I smiled to myself as I looked away.

When we were outside I laughed. "Okay. Honestly? He wasn't too bad. I mean, the hair worked for him though I would really prefer to have something I could run my fingers through. But his arms were just too… steroidish, you know."

"One to ten?" Alice continued, her eyes flicking up to Edward. Her smile grew and she winked at me.

"Seven." I said, laughing before glancing up at Edward who had a very set line for his mouth. His lip was twitching a bit as he looked straight ahead. "Oh, I'm sorry Edward. Is this making you uncomfortable?"

He looked down at me, the line loosening a little and forming into a sarcastic frown. "Not at all Bella. I love listening to the girls in my life gushing over guys. Nothing quite like hearing it."

I laughed, touching his arm. "Afraid of being replaced Edward?"

His lip twitched. "Nope."

"You sure brother? You certainly don't seem to find the humor in it." Alice pointed out, a tease in her voice.

"I'm sure."

"Then it wouldn't bother you if we continued would you?" I had to smile at her after that one. Only Alice.

His jaw tightened and I saw his eyes narrow a little as he stared at a spot ahead. "Not at all."

This time we laughed together, Alice and I. It was hard to stop as we kept looking at each other, but managed to do it before the tearing up stage came.

--

--

An hour later we had finished eating and I was talking with the amazing and gorgeous Val, short for Valentino, who held absolutely nothing on Edward.

"How can you say that? There is no way that you can't dance at all Bella!" he was saying, leaning toward me with a laugh. I almost swooned at my name said with such an accent.

"It's completely true! It's like having two left feet that think they are right feet. It's absolutely terrible! If I don't break something tonight it will be more shocking then if I don't make someone else break something." I was laughing as I said it, leaning back in my chair and holding my stomach.

"Certainly this can't be true. Edward, have you witnessed this beautiful girl dancing?"

He looked up from the spot he had been staring at on the table. "Once or twice, when we were younger."

"And?" Val encouraged.

"Well, she hurt her ankle both times. Not to mention that she made three people trip over her at the same time," he sounded so tired when he said it, like we had already been to the club and he had danced like no other.

I reached over and patted his hand, laughing. "I remember that. What Edward is forgetting is that he was not only one of the ones to trip, but also the one who ended up taking me to get a cast."

He met my eyes, laughing a little. "I'll never forget the look on Carlisle face when I told him what happened. He couldn't believe that you could cause so much damage."

I laughed, looking back at Val and putting my hand just beside his, not pulling it away when my pinky rested against his. "See, I told you. And now they are dragging me off to a club so I can kill myself. Or, worse, somebody else."

"That would never be worse Bella." Alice said, leaning over toward me. "What would we do without you? I mean, we wouldn't have anyone to entertain us while she attempted to walk."

I threw my head back, laughing. I could feel the warmth of the drink still I my throat, but my arms were kind of cold in the restaurant. The air conditioning must be on. When I shivered my laugh died.

"Are you cold Bella?" Edward asked.

"A little." I admitted, rather shyly as I looked over at him. "But I'm fine. What time is it?"

"Not nearly late enough for you to disappear." Val said, touching the hand I had rested on my knee gently. I felt my skin prickle, not because it was a bad touch or anything, just because that wasn't the hand I wanted to be brushing me. I looked up into his deep, dark chocolate eyes and he smiled, removing his hand before glancing at Edward. "But if you must you must. Be sure to keep her warm Edward. Can't have this one catching cold."

I stared at him for a minute only to see his lip twitch up. He stood up and offered me his hand to help me up. I took it and stood, lifting my purse over my shoulder. Alice came over and beamed up at him.

"I'll be seeing you again soon, right Alice? You know you're my favorite costumer."

"Of course you will Val! Like I could resist my love affair with your food for more than a few weeks."

He laughed as he leaned down and kissed her on each cheek before looking over at Edward and sticking out his hand. "And it was nice to meet you Edward. Any family or friend of Alice will always get special treatment when they come in here. I hope you enjoyed your food."

"It was very good. Thank you." Edward took the hand and gave it a shake before stepping next to Alice who began to tug him toward the door.

When he seemed to be out of hearing range I looked up. "How did you know?"

He laughed. "Bella, the only one who can't seem to tell is him, which is really too bad. He's a lucky guy to get such a smart and beautiful girl."

"Thank you for a wonderful time Val. I hope I'm invited back."

"I expect to see you every time you come into Seattle!" He said, laughing as he leaned down to my cheek and kissed it before whispering. "Now go get him. You look too gorgeous in that dress for words; no sense wasting it on me."

I smiled and kissed his cheek before hurrying after my friends, still smiling. When Alice saw me coming she smiled and opened the door, all but pushing Edward out. They appeared to have been watching us the entire time. Once I was by her side she pulled me out the door and smiled. "What did he say Bella?"

I shook my head. "Nothing of importance Alice."

She smiled. "Ahh, that good was it? Hmmmm. You'll have to tell me later when we aren't irritating Edward with our 'gushing'."

I laughed again and looked at her brother who was staring ahead again, no smile evident on his face. I felt my own smile fade a little. I didn't like seeing him so serious. "Edward? You know we're just teasing you, right?"

He looked over, seeming surprised that we had acknowledged him. It made me feel worse. But he smiled gently. "Of course Bella."

I let go of Alice's arm and took a step closer to him. "Then why so serious?"

He stared at me for a second, then looked at Alice. I glanced at her to. All of a sudden a phone began to ring and she opened her purse and began to chat with someone. I smiled at that convenience and looked back at Edward. He met my eyes and sighed. "I just like seeing the way guys look at you. It makes me kind of uncomfortable."

I tilted my head, trying to keep breathing normally. "Why?"

"It's like when I see someone staring at Alice. It's hard to see that you are a grown woman now, and not a high schooler still. Hard to think that you don't need to be protected from guys."

I felt a twinge of disappointment. So, he saw me as a little girl still. I sighed a little but held his gaze. "It's not like you've ever needed to protect me from guys Edward. That's always been Alice."

His eyebrows shot up. "Yes I did."

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "Name once!"

"When I had to threaten Mike to get him to back off when he had his camera and you were in a bathing suit and you didn't want you picture taken."

I stared at him. "That's not like this, Edward. Not what we're talking about."

"Then how about the time I had to tell him that if he didn't quit gawking at your ass I would have to remind him exactly who he was gawking at? Or the time Emmett had to stand between you and Eric when he couldn't stop staring at you when your shirt got soaked?"

This time I couldn't say anything. Had Edward really threatened Mike like that? Really? For me? I held his eyes for a second, then looked over at Alice who was still talking to someone with a very quiet tone, like she didn't want us to hear. When I looked back at him he was scanning the street.

"Alice? Is that the club up there? With the line?" he asked, nodding at a place on the opposite side of the street where a line seemed to stretch halfway down the next block.

She looked up, seeing what he was saying and smiling. "Yup."

I felt my jaw twitch. "How am I supposed to get in there?"

Edward gave me an odd look. "Bella, your 22. It's not like they can keep you out."

"No. I don't mean it like that. Alice and you will have no problem, but it's a new club and I know how selective bouncers can be. How am I supposed to get in?" I felt my face heating at just the though. Why had this not crossed my mind before? "Oh god, how could I have not thought about this before I agreed to go?"

Edward was staring at me, his jaw open. "You're kidding. Please tell me that you are kidding."

"What do you mean?"

He stopped dead grabbing me by the shoulder. "Okay, time for a quick chat. Alice, stay here. We will be right back."

Then he pulled me back toward where we had just come from, which took less time then getting away from Val's had. He opened the door for me, and I stepped through, confused. Val came out of the kitchen at the sound of the bell, no one else in the restaurant. "Edward! Bella! Miss me so soon?"

"Actually Val, I was wondering if we could you your bathroom for a minute. Bella and I need to have a little chat and a bit of privacy for it."

The smile that was already in place grew as he looked down at me. "By all means."

Edward nodded at him. "Thanks." Then he grabbed my hand, pulling me across the dinning room to the doors. "This way."

When we made the bathrooms Edward pulled me directly into the women's door. I shook my head as he stopped me just in front of the mirrors. Inside my heart was pounding, ready to explode. I could hardly breath as I asked, "Edward, what are we doing here? What's this about?"

He spun me around, so I was facing away from him, placing me firmly in front of the full-length mirror that was on the wall, his hands on my waist. "Bella, I want you to look at yourself. From head to tow."

I met his eyes in the mirror before turning my eyes to myself and doing what he told me. I looked down from my curled hair to my new ballet flats. Then I looked back up at him. "Okay. Why?"

He shook his head. "I don't mean scan Bella. I mean look. You think that you are so plain while everyone around you sees what you can't. Look at yourself. See how beautiful you are. See yourself for what you are."

At first my jaw just opened a little as I looked away from the intensity of his eyes. He was saying I was beautiful. He was trying to let me see it. I met my own eyes in the mirror, seeing the blush as it began creeping across my cheeks. I started with my hair which was only behaving because of the half of bottle of hair spray that Alice had used on it. I went to my face, my eyes that gave away what I was thinking, my cheeks that were red more often than not. I was too thin with no apparent chest unless I wore a nice enhancing bra. My legs were more bone than anything, reminding me of a chicken. What was he seeing that I wasn't?

I met his eyes again, my blush deepening. He sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head slowly. "I just don't understand why you can't see it."

"I don't understand what you see." I said, not taking my eyes off his face until his eyes opened again. Then I looked away quickly, staring at a spot on the floor that reflected in the mirror.

"Hey." He said softly, his hand touching my chin and making me look at his eyes again. "Don't be upset. Just look." His finger ran up my cheek and I followed it. For once, I didn't blush. "Soft skin, deep eyes, high cheeks," he traced from my eyebrow down the side of my face. "Perfect nose and lips." I watched his finger closely, not sure what else to do. It continued over my chin and down the side of my neck. "A long, thin neck, slim shoulders, strong arms, adorable hands." Here his fingers entwined with mine after running over my bare shoulder and arm. I felt my heart in my throat, pounding harder than ever before as he lifted it so the back of his fingers were on my side, just above my bottom rib, and ran it down my side to my hip while he whispered again. "Flat stomach, tiny waist, a butt that Mike fell in love with, gorgeous legs and perfect feet."

I don't when I had stopped breathing, but I took my first shaky breath as I stared at our intertwined hands.

"What about you isn't perfect Bella?" he asked in whisper as he lifted our hands and used them to push my chin up so I was looking into his eyes again. It was hard to remember to take another shaky breath as I held that gaze. "What about you would keep a guy from staring at you when you walked by? When you showed up the front door of his club? Who would ever not want to?"

I was all but completely trembling now as a chill ran down my spin. I was tracing his face like I used his, his strong jaw, gorgeous lips, up to his eyes that seemed to glow. God, he was gorgeous. I tried to hold his gaze but again was forced to pull away when I began to feel their intensity. I looked away from him and to the hem of my dress, not sure what else to do. He stepped back from where he had been, maybe an inch behind me, and I felt he loss of his heat. Then he spun me using the hand that still held mine, making me face him. Next thing I knew I was pushed against the wall, Edward's arms pinning me to it while he hovered no even an inch away anymore. I looked up at him, bewildered.

"Bella, you are not moving an inch until you look at me and say, convincingly, that you are beautiful." His face was as close as it had been earlier, when I had been teasing him. I said nothing, just stared into his face, unable to really find my voice. He sighed, his breath washing over my face and giving me a different buzz then the drink had earlier. "If you weren't so gorgeous do you think Val would have been flirting with you like that? Do you think the guy in the lobby would have been staring so blatantly? Would that guy at the mall have acted like that? Would I have had to take a step closer to you to make sure that guys didn't even think about approaching you when we were still in high school?"

I just took a breath, still not sure how to speak in the presence of such a strong force. I could smell him so well, that amazing aroma that could make me purr happily at any moment. I decided it was best just to give him what he wanted. "No."

"Why?" he asked, his eye boring into mine.

"Because I'm beautiful." I mumbled, looking away from his eyes.

He used his hand to push my cheek sideways so I was looking at him again. "What? Did you say something?"

"Because I'm beautiful." I said with a little more force, but unable to put any real conviction into my voice. It was hard to like with Edward so close to my body.

"Convince me that you believe that. Picture your soft hair. Your milk chocolate eyes that could melt any heart. Your milk skin that every guy wants to run his hands over. Your cheeks that get pink at the slightest compliment." His whisper filled my head, making me want to sigh again. "Now, what are you?"

"I'm beautiful." I said, picturing what he told me, just instead of an 'every guy' it was particular guy running his hand down my shoulders and arms and back as his lips touched the side of my neck. I held that image and his eyes when I spoke the line.

He smiled. "Say it again."

"I'm beautiful." I repeated, tilting my head up slightly so I was looking directly into his eyes.

His smile broadened and he pushed himself away from my body, leaving me cold and shivering. "And keep believing that Bella. It's true. Never forget it." His hand was still holding mine as he began to lead me to the door. "Now, are we ready to go see Alice and dance the night away?"

I just nodded weakly, trying to remember how to breath. He led us out of the bathroom and back into the main restaurant. "Thanks Val. I think that helped."

"Anytime Edward," Val said as we went past him. His eyes locked with mine and he chuckled a little at my odd expression. "Have a good night Bella."

I just nodded as I was pulled out into the warm night air by the hand. Alice was leaning against a wall in the same place when we got back, her phone back in her purse. "There you guys are! Where did you go? I've been waiting here for like ten minutes."

"Sorry Alice, Bella and I had to have a little heart-to-heart, but I think we're better now. You ready to go to the club Bella?"

"Yeah." My voice was light, almost high. It made me clear my throat and repeat myself, finally able to breath again, though my heart was still racing. "Yeah. I'm ready."

Alice raised her eyebrows and watched as Edward's hand released mine. "Okay, good. Lets go."

And I was pulled off toward the building, staring blankly at the line of people that seemed to have grown. We slowed once we were across the street and Alice glanced back, smiling. "Let's go charm a bouncer Bella."

Edward leaned down and whispered something in her ear, making her smile and nod. Then she grabbed my hand and pulled me with her while Edward walked behind us closely. Once we were only a few yards away I saw the man in front of a door turn to us, his eyes widening as they swept over Alice and I. "Ladies."

"Hello." I said, when Alice squeezed my hand hard. I smiled and gave a little laugh next, not sure what else to do and just wanting Alice to take over. But she didn't. His smile grew as we got closer and I could feel the blush ready to burst over my cheeks.