AN: This one's a wee bit shorter. By the way, I'm in the process of editing the story - no major changes, just correcting spelling mistakes :] As always, Bella's outfit will be on fanpire.x's Polyvore page. Didn't give it you last chapter coz she didn't really wear it much :P

Also, people seem to really like Carlisle. Because of this, I will promise frequent (sort of) visits to the hospital. Yay! :D

Pairing Names: Bellice (B/A), Bellett (B/Em), Jaspella (J/B), Rosella (R/B), Alsper (A/J), Emmalie (Em/R), Roslicella (R/A/B) , Balsper (B/A/J), Bemmalie (B/Em/R), Bemsper (B/Em/J)

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, any company brands I mention, any songs or singers I mention, or anything else that may sound familiar in this fanfic.

Chapter 10: I Feel Good

As the "check-up" didn't take too long, I was still on time for work, thankfully. Paranoia seemed to like me though, because I glanced around the reception area and the in the elevators before walking in. The thought that Lift Guy knew about James and I kept scratching at my nerves – I felt the need to make sure he wasn't around me.

I sunk down in my office seat soon enough, a relieved sigh flowing from my lips. My back straightened automatically when my office door opened. Riley peeked in and smiled as he saw me. He held up a cup.

"Coffee."

I grinned at him and waved him in. His chipper self got comfortable in the chair in front of my desk. I took the Starbucks cup from him and nodded in thanks.

"So…" he beamed cheekily, "what's up with you?"

"Me? Nothing."

"Right," he drawled. "That's why you did an FBI as you came in." He mimicked holding a gun and looking around quickly.

I laughed. "I did not."

"You did." He raised his eyebrows, "Does this have something to do with Mr. Stirling?"

I choked on my coffee.

Stuttering, I stared at him. "What?"

"Miss Swan," he smiled, "I've known you for years. I think I can tell if you've just fucked someone." He paused. "Especially if that someone starts skipping around the workplace, singing 'I Feel Good' by James Brown."

I hit his arm playfully. "He did not." And then I froze.

Riley smirked. "So you did fuck him?"

Hesitation bit at my tongue. "… Perhaps."

His amused brown eyes suddenly swirled with concern. "Bells… What are you going to tell them?"

"What do you mean?" I asked nonchalantly.

"The people you're seeing?" He cut in when I opened my mouth, "And I know you're seeing someone 'cause you never go past flirting with anybody in the building. And I know you're seeing more than one person 'cause… well, you only ever really get excited about phone calls when it's from one of four different people."

I just stared at him, mouth agape.

He chuckled a bit then sobered up. "I pay attention, Bells," he said softly, looking down. "I always pay attention when it includes you."

I wasn't sure what to say. I knew he found me attractive, but I never knew his feelings ran deeper than that. It made me sad to know that I could never return those feelings. A kiss on the cheek or a hug that continued for much longer than appropriate… That – that I could do. But love him? No. I had four people at home who loved me, and I could never hurt them like that.

But isn't that what I did with James? And Carlisle?

My guilt nearly consumed me again. I tried to ignore it when I realised my silence had made Riley stand up nervously and head towards my office door. I shot up out of my seat and hurried to block him. He looked anywhere but down at me. I put a hand on his arm gently.

"Riley," I waited for him to actually look at me. "I'm so grateful to have a friend like you, really, I am. And if things were different – if I didn't… Well, that doesn't matter. The point is" – I put my hands on his cheeks now, cupping his face – "I would most certainly love you like you do me. I have no doubt about that." He gave a small smile. "But things aren't different, and I'm sorry but… all I can do is be thankful you care so much about me."

He bit his lip and stepped back from me. His smile was genuine (thank you, God!) albeit a little remorseful. "So," he started, as if the awkward discussion hadn't occurred, "what are you gonna tell them, Miss Swan?"

His transition back to the formal name made me happy; it showed he was back to his joking self.

"I don't know," I told him honestly. "I really don't want to tell them of how I betrayed them without argument. I know I should," I said when he frowned at me, "but I just want us to live happily a little longer."

"Lies and deceit will make it worse, Miss Swan," he informed me, smiling, "You should know that from all that advice you give. Just ask yourself this – what would Ms. Dally say to do?"

I let out a deep sign and looked up at him from beneath my lashes ashamedly. "Be open with them and try to find the reason behind what made me cheat in the first place, then fix things so that reason won't be valid anymore."

He smiled softly, "And there you go."

I stood there as he moved past me to leave my office. Before he could touch the handle I turned to him quickly. "Riley?"

He glanced back at me. "Yeah?"

A tender smile was on my face as I tugged him to him by the tie and pulled him down to my level. He stared into my eyes hesitantly. I put a hand on his jaw and stroked the skin. "I really would have loved you," I whispered, before kissing him gingerly on the lips.

It lasted for about five seconds, but I could tell how much he treasured them as he smiled and left.

I sat at my desk again, a bittersweet taste in my mouth. The moment was ruined when Tanya phoned me from her small cubicle outside my door.

"What is it?" I rubbed at my frowning forehead. I'm gonna get wrinkles early if this keeps up.

"Mrs. Stirling wants to speak with you in her office, Miss Swan."

I froze.

Goodbye, my dream job. How I adored you so.