Thanks to my awesome betas GrayMatters and PixieKat7.

Any and all mistakes you find will be mine.

Fuck count: 16 ~ I'm gonna have to work harder for them next chapter right?

Special thanks to Nikita2009 and Katinki for pre-reading, (by the way, they are BOTH great story tellers, read their stuff!)

Thanks for reading everyone, and thanks for reviewing as well.

Stephenie Meyers owns all Twilight related characters you see below. The words are mine.

Chapter 11

Oh HELL no!

This could not fucking be happening to me. Please for the love of fucking Christ, tell me I am NOT standing here dripping all over the hall carpeting, while staring into the glorious, yet appallingly shocked, green eyes of my housemate. Well, I was staring into his eyes, while his eyes were glued to my tits, which had popped right out. Again I say, this cannot be happening to me. Fuck my life!

"Uhh, oh my God Bella, I'm so sorry!" Cullen stammered loudly, his eyes huge as they finally met mine, his cheeks, neck, and even ears as red as my face must have been, his body twisting so quickly to face away from me I was fearful Robby might get motion sickness.

"Oh, shit! Oh, Cullen, oh my God, I am so freaking embarrassed," I said quickly, grabbing a big white fluffy towel out of the closet and wrapping up in it as fast as I could. "I'm so sorry, I forgot a towel and I swear I didn't think you were home, oh fucking hell kill me now," I babbled nervously, staring at the floor in mortification.

I heard a shuffle, looking up I saw it was him, scuffling backwards towards Robby's room along the wall. What the hell? Did he think I was still naked? Why would he fucking be walking backwards?

"Um, Cullen? Why are you walking backwards?" I asked him suddenly, in wonder and amazement. He looked utterly ridiculous.

"Just trying to save your dignity Bella. It's okay, everything is just fine, I'm just going to put Robby to bed and then I promise I won't bother you again tonight," he offered quickly, his voice sounding as embarrassed as I was.

"I have no dignity left, obviously. I'm covered Cullen, you can face me," I said softly, my words thick with embarrassment.

"Um, no, that's okay, I, I mean we're almost there. I'll just get him changed and in bed then be out of your hair," he offered again, sounding slightly irritated.

What the hell? Was he mad at me?

"Oh... alright then... are you mad at me Cullen?" I asked sincerely, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turned his head quickly to face me at the doorway of Robby's room. Looking directly into my eyes, he said seriously, "No, no I'm not mad at you Bella. Why would I be mad? I just feel bad for catching you unaware and am trying to respect your space, which clearly I have impugned upon tonight."

"Oh, alright then, well I'll just get to my room and please, accept my sincerest apologies for this Cullen," I offered sadly. Fuck, I felt like such a damn fool.

He kept staring at me, I noticed his Adam's apple bob up and down and could see he was trying to decide what to say next.

I turned to walk down the hallway to my room and heard his deep breath followed by the words that made me smile wider than I had in the months since Ang and Ben died.

"Bella, it's me who should apologize, I know I've embarrassed you. I'm sorry I didn't holler out to let you know I was here, but Robby was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him. Please don't apologize, I'm not mad. I hope the rest of your night is good." He stopped and seemed to ponder his next thought for a moment. "By the way, Bella?" he said, his voice a little lighter.

"Yeah?" I said, still embarrassed, turning to face him again. My arms were holding tightly to the big towel wrapped around my body, lest I give him another show.

"You have really nice legs," he said sweetly with a wink, his eyes dancing and smiling wide. He turned quickly then, going into Robby's room and shutting the door behind him.

I have nice legs? Oh God, compared to what he could have fucking said, I'd totally take that compliment! I giggled and went to my room and seriously did not come out for the rest of the night. I contemplated the fuckery that had gone down, and my mortification was so strong I just couldn't face him again tonight. I'd deal in the morning if I had to.

Morning came far quicker than I wanted it to. I heard Robby softly cooing through the baby monitor so I put my robe on and went in to change and feed him.

As I walked into his room, I saw Cullen sleeping in the rocker. What the hell?

"Cullen? Cullen? Wake up..." I said softly as I shook his shoulder.

"Whaaa? What? Why am I?..." he said looking around the room, clearly confused about where he was.

"Why are you sleeping in the rocker?" I asked him, my brows furrowed in confusion.

His face turned red, he looked up at me and said softly " Oh hell Bella, I sat down here to give you time to get back to your room so I didn't accidentally see something I shouldn't again and I must've fallen asleep."

"You what? Oh Jesus, I promise you, I've learned my lesson, you will NOT be seeing me naked again, like EVER!" I burst out, my hand on my hips and my face beet red.

We looked at each other for a moment, both trying to keep it together and then suddenly we were both laughing like idiots. I was clutching my sides, my face hurting from the wide smile that accompanied my laughter.

Cullen, still seated, was bent over, laughing and wiping his eyes. After sitting back up, composing himself and waiting for me to do the same, he looked at me, his face friendly and said, "So you still want to hang with Alice today? I still want to watch Robby so you two can have some time for whatever it is women do at the Market and then have lunch."

"Honestly, I'd love it. I really do appreciate you being willing to do this, I need some girl time, it's been awhile..." I trailed off, suddenly melancholy, missing my friend Ang fiercely.

I was pretty sure Cullen knew where my mind went because he interjected something then that made me laugh.

"Well, you say that now, but, you've never shopped with Alice. I meant what I said yesterday, wear sensible shoes. She walks as fast as she talks, Bella."

We shared another laugh before I offered sweetly, "I do still want to go, but, when I get back feel free to do whatever for the rest of your day. I won't be gone all night or anything."

"Well maybe...and only if you wanted...I thought I could make dinner and we could watch a movie?" he asked quietly, his eyes looking at me expectantly.

"You want to hang out with me? Tonight? Really?" I said quickly, staring back at him in disbelief.

"Here's the deal Bella. I've been thinking about this, really I have, we need to get to know each other better. I'd really like to be your friend. We have Robby and this avoiding each other thing we've been doing isn't going to work. I'd think we should be able to be friends, don't you? I mean come on, anyone who would 'out' me so Jane Volturi will leave me the hell alone should already be my friend," he said teasingly, looking up at me from the chair, his face full of hope.

"Well... okay, that sounds good. Friends." I said, rolling the word 'friends' around on my tongue, like a new flavor of ice cream I might want to try.

Hmmm... could I be friends with someone I didn't like less than four months ago? I think I was willing to give it a try, after all, what did I have to lose?

Suddenly Cullen stuck his hand out for me to shake and said firmly, "Friends."

I grabbed his hand and shook it, feeling the warmth of his palm pressed against mine, my hand felt kind of tingly. After we let go, each of us smiling, Cullen looked down at his hand, the rubbed it up and down his leg. Again, what the hell?

Before I could stop myself I blurted "Why do you always do that? Do you have a germ fetish? Do you need to get some hand sanitizer gel?"

He looked up quickly at me, and then back down at his hand. Then he said cryptically, "No, I don't have a germ fetish and I don't need hand sanitizer either, I just..."

The phone rang, the shrill sound of it startling us both out of the conversation at hand. He jumped up from the chair and said quickly, "I'll get it!" and raced out of the room.

Weird, shrugging my shoulders I thought to myself, no big deal, I'd probably never know why touching me creeped him out so fucking much.

After I got Robby dressed and fed I took him down to play with Cullen. Then I got ready for my day in record fucking time and I headed down to say good-bye to them, I needed to meet Alice in an hour. I had decided on comfy jeans, sneakers a long-sleeved v-neck teeshirt and my North Face fleece black jacket zipped up to just below the v of my tee shirt. I had put my hair up in a high ponytail to keep it out of my way and had on my usual minimal make-up.

Cullen was sitting on the couch, with Robby and some toys in his lap. He had on gray sweats and a white t-shirt, his feet in white socks resting on the edge of the coffee table watching the news on the television. His hair was a mess and he had his glasses on. I felt a little twinge in my stomach at the sight. Mmm... I really liked the glasses.

"Hey, I'm leaving now, you still feel like a movie later?" I asked him cautiously, not wanting to get caught staring at him.

He glanced up from the TV to look at me and smiled, then said, "Yeah, if you want? I was thinking maybe some spaghetti for dinner? Maybe you could pick up some bread while you're at the Market today?"

"Sure, that sounds great, maybe I can find a dessert too, if you want?"

"Sure Bella, anything you'd like. Have fun okay? And tell my sister hello and that I said to have mercy on you!" he said humorously, smiling hugely at me.

I smiled back at him as I bent over to give Robby a kiss on the cheek. "See you boys later, have a good day," I said gently, rubbing the top of Robby's head in affection.

I looked at Cullen, he had the weirdest look on his face as his eyes met mine. Something similar to indigestion problems, frankly he looked sick, his face flushed and yet pale at the same time.

"Are you sure you're alright Cullen? You look like you might be getting sick?" I asked seriously, looking at him more closely to see what might be wrong.

He swallowed thickly, avoiding my gaze and then said, "No. No I'm not sick, I think I'm just tired. I'm thinking I'm gonna take a nap when I lay Robby down for his. Go, have fun, we'll see you later."

I shrugged my shoulders and turned for the door, shouting out my goodbye as I closed it behind me.

Parking at Pike Street Market, I easily found Alice at our designated meeting spot, the brass pig that had been standing by the fish thrower stand for the last 25 years, it was the most recognized location at the Market.

She had on jeans, sneakers and a bright, royal blue down vest over a black thermal shirt. Her adorable hair spiking out all over the place. She seemed to be bouncing in place, looking all around for me.

When she saw me walking up, she smiled big, perked up, squealed and ran towards me in excitement.

"Oh yay! You fucking made it! I'm so glad you could come Bella!" she said exuberantly, while grabbing me close.

"Yep, I'm here, ready to get my shop on!" I said, getting excited to spend the day with someone I thought I could really become good friends with.

"I hope you don't mind Bella, I asked Rose to meet us for lunch. She has some things to do beforehand so she couldn't meet us to shop," Alice said, looking at me hopefully.

"Really? Oh that sounds great Alice, I'd love it if Rose came along for lunch." I answered genuinely. I'd wanted to get to know Rose better as well. She was so sweet to me on the day they moved Cullen's things into the house.

"Excellent, let's get started then, we don't have time to waste!" Alice said excitedly, while grabbing my arm and pulling me forward.

We walked around the market looking at crafts and flowers, Alice ended up buying a huge bouquet of spring mix tulips, daffodils and irises. They were so gorgeous. She picked up a few veggies and such for her dinner with Jasper tonight. I told her Cullen was planning on making dinner and I needed to get some bread.

We went across the street to the bakery/eatery called Three Girls Bakery and I got a few different types of bread. As I was paying the man, my phone vibrated with a text. It was from Cullen.

I read what he had written: *Bella, don't get dessert, I'm making a surprise, hope you're having fun, tell my sister to play nice.*

I replied: *Alice is awesome, I won't get dessert, what's the surprise?*

*If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it? ;~P* he texted back.

*Fair enough, see you in a few hours then. :)* I responded.

Alice was staring at me intently. I smiled, told her what Cullen had said and asked her if everything was alright.

"Yeah, everything is fine Bella, just fine," she answered cryptically, a strange smile on her face.

"Come on, Rose is probably waiting just around the corner here, have you eaten here at the bakery before?" she said, again grabbing my arm to pull me along.

"Oh yes, I have! It's decadently divine... ahhh meatloaf sandwiches... my favorite," I said, drooling in anticipation for the delight I was about to consume.

"Excellent, I myself prefer the roasted eggplant sandwich with hummus, but Rose always goes for the Reuben, she's such a carnivore!" she said, laughing brightly.

We walked around the other side of the structure to see Rose sitting at a small table waiting for us. She had on another track suit, this time it was red, showing off her beautiful skin and hair. She was so gorgeous.

After we exchanged hellos, placed our orders and sat down to eat, we sat chatting for a bit.

"So, Bella, how was the bath last night, did you get enough quiet time?" Alice asked me sweetly, between bites of her sandwich.

Rose looked over and smiled. "You got a bath Bella? Oh man I love a nice hot bubble bath..." she trailed off wistfully.

"Um, yeah, welllll..." I said, my voice rising questioningly, in preparation of what exactly was too much information.

They both stopped chewing and stared at me expectantly.

So I explained how I got home, relaxed with some wine, got in the tub, blah blah blah, then it got to the point where I had to tell them about forgetting my towel. When I explained what happened I thought Alice was going to choke on her lunch. Rose held it together for a bit longer before she exploded in laughter.

"Laugh it up you two, I was mortified, I still am!" I exclaimed, my face burning in humiliation at the memory.

"Oh Bella, you have no idea, oh my God that is so fucking funny!" Alice said, her voice filled with laughter.

"Holy shit Bella, you had to just want to fucking die right then and there," Rose said sweetly, this only after she wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled herself together.

"Well no shit Sherlock, I mean Jesus, I don't really even know him ya know? Fuck my life!" I said in a rushed breath, looking back and forth between the two of them, seeing their kind eyes and warm smiles.

"So how did my brother handle all of this? Did he freak the fuck out or was he cool? He had better have been cool or so help me God..." Alice said suddenly, her brows raised in suspicion.

"Oh he was nice, as nice as he could be given the circumstances, I mean I embarrassed the hell out of us both. He did tell me this morning he wants to try to be friends though, it might make things easier since Robby is involved and well, we do have to live together, ya know?" I offered, looking at them both to see what they might think or say in response.

"I think that is an excellent idea Bella, Edward is actually a pretty nice guy once you get under his rough and tough cocoa puff exterior," Rose said.

"Well frankly, I'd say it's about time he tried to be friends with you. I suggested that last night after you left I told him he needed to be extra nice to you, especially since you saved his ass from Jane Volturi. He totally agreed with me by the way. He told me then he was trying to figure out how to get you to like him, he really does want to try, and I hope you'll give him that chance," Alice said, looking at me expectantly.

"Of course I will Alice, I mean, he is responsible for Robby too and my God, I need to fucking make things work, if only for Robby's sake, ya know?" I answered sincerely.

Rose just smiled softly at me, Alice looked like she was the cat who swallowed the canary. What-the-fuck-ever, I had no clue what to make of all that.

We all finished up our lunches and said our goodbyes. I thanked them both for a wonderful afternoon, it was so nice to have some friends to talk to. The only downfall was I ended up missing Ang and Ben even more than usual.

I made it home by around four-thirty. I walked in the front door and could smell the most delicious smells. I of course smelled spaghetti sauce, but there was something else there too, an underlying smell that I couldn't quite place.

I called out a soft "I'm home" in case Robby was sleeping, Cullen answered back "We're in here Bella!" and I smiled as I headed towards the kitchen.

I walked into the room and saw Robby in his bouncy seat, Cullen stirring a simmering pot of sauce looking up at me with a big smile, still wearing his glasses.

"Did you have fun Bella? You look like you did," he said sweetly.

"I did! It was wonderful, we ended up meeting Rose for lunch too and I remembered the bread," I said, pulling the bread up from the bag and placing it on the counter. "I got a few to choose from, bread and I are best friends," I said with a laugh.

He looked at me smiling and said, "Me too, I love bread, all kinds of bread. I wanted to take a class on bread making one time, I still might," he offered with a light shrug of his shoulders.

"Oh, that would be fun, I've always thought it would be too hard so I've never even tried it," I said. Making conversation with Cullen wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be after all. "You're still wearing your glasses, is everything okay? Are you feeling alright, did you get a nap?" I asked, concern in my voice.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I did get a nap and I'm only wearing my glasses because I was stupid and fell asleep in a rocking chair last night with my contacts in," he said jokingly. "My eyes just kind of hurt today."

"Oh, well that's good, I'm glad you got to rest. So...I'm dying of curiosity here, I smell something wonderful and wondered, is that the surprise dessert you talked about?" I asked him, smiling widely waiting for him to tell me what I was having after dinner.

"Oh, yeah, it is. I had to call my mom for the recipe... do you want to know what it is, or be surprised and see after dinner?" he offered teasingly.

"Oh no! I totally want to know what you made! The anticipation has been killing me all day," I said, my voice excited and yearning for the answer.

"Well, I think you'll like it, I mean I'm pretty sure you will. I heard you singing about it last night and figured I couldn't lose. I made lemon pie," he answered brightly, his eyes dancing with delight and his smile wide and genuine.

Oh fuck! Kill me now, that's NOT the kind of lemon pie Billy Idol meant and not the kind I was singing about.