Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and not to me… sigh.I also don't own Sleeping with the Enemy. The book belongs to Nancy Price and the movie belongs to Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation.


Sleeping with a Monster

Previously…

"I iced tea okay?" Edward asked smiling at me as he handed me a glass of tan liquid.

"Yes, thank-you," I said politely not quite looking him in the eye, afraid of what I might see there. I didn't want the pity stare or the look of apology telling me he did not return my feelings.


Chapter 12 – Bring it On

"Bella!" Emmett yelled at me from the barbeque grill. "Chicken or steak?" he asked obviously wanting my menu choice.

I had been sitting under the gazebo with Alice, Jasper and Edward, getting to know them better. Alice, I found out was a dance instructor and owned several dance studios. It was a natural choice for someone whose walk looked more like a choreographed dance. Jasper was a police detective who worked for the Phoenix Police Department's Special Task Force. When I found out he was a cop, I almost slipped up but caught myself before I mentioned that Charlie had been a cop. Luckily, Alice, who was talking a mile a minute, cut me off before I could say anything incriminating. Emmett owned a local chain of very successful sporting goods stores.

Then there was Rose… Well, I hadn't seen much of her since arriving, but I found out that she was a personal shopper. It was a time consuming job, but it paid very well. I had the feeling Rose was avoiding me. Maybe I was reading into her reaction to me. After all, she was hosting this barbeque. She was probably busy and didn't have time to socialize. At one point, I told Edward I was going to help Rose in the kitchen. It was the polite thing to do. However, Edward stopped me as he told me I was a guest, she didn't need help, and Rose liked to do everything herself. I noticed that Alice wasn't helping, so I accepted Edward's explanation, for now. However, in the back of my mind, I knew Rose was avoiding me.

"Steak, cooked medium," I said smiling at Emmett from across the yard. Edward chuckled next to me on the love seat we were sitting on under the gazebo. He had his arm casually draped across my shoulders making me hyper-aware of our physical contact. I turned my head to look at him.

"What's so funny about steak?" I retorted with mock indignation.

"Nothing. I just hope you're hungry," he replied shaking his head. "When Emmett buys steak, you can expect them to be the size of small island." My eyes widened at the prospect of how big my steak would be.

Edward laughed again. "I'll go talk to him and see if I can get you a smaller steak. Would you like another drink?"

"Thank-you, whatever you're having." I smiled, not caring as long as it was cold.

After Edward left, Alice jumped up and rushed over to sit in Edward's place on the love seat.

"Bella?" she said expectantly. She looked adorable in her white skinny jeans and a lemon yellow baby doll shirt. But, what fascinated me the most about her outfit was the yellow five-inch spiked heels. How did she walk in those things and where did she find them in a color that perfectly matched her shirt! Her outfit complemented Jaspers simple outfit that consisted of a white button down shirt and blue jeans.

"More questions, Alice?" I queried, quite sure she wanted to continue her interrogation of me. She just shook her head.

"Actually I just wanted to tell you that you're wrong," she replied.

"It wouldn't be the first time," I muttered under my breath, causing Alice to look at me sternly. I smiled innocently at her. "And what am I wrong about? About you not having any questions for me or was there something else."

She leaned in close and whispered, "Edward likes you very much. I've never seen him act this way with anyone."

I stared at her in shock. "What about Tanya?" I asked, wondering about the woman that he was cozy with at work.

"Tanya…," Alice said visibly wincing. "Is exactly what Emmett said she is." She offered as if that explained everything.

"And?" I pressed, not sure what to think.

Alice sighed and rolled her eyes at me. "Tanya is not Edward's type. She has been trying to land him for years. She's very predatory and I know Edward doesn't like to be around her. Unfortunately, they work together at the hospital. She, like Edward, is in her final year of residency," Alice said in a quite rush.

Just then, Rose came out of the house and looked at over at Edward by the grill with Emmett. "Edward? Will you please come inside and help me carry some of this food back out?" She motioned for him to follow her.

"Hey Jasper! Let's help–," Edward started to call, but Rose cut him off.

"No Edward. Just you." Her tone rang with finality as she turned on her heel and marched back in the house. Edward watched her retreating form, shook his head and frowned. But instead of going inside, he walked over to me.

"I won't be too long." He reached out and touched my cheek, giving me a smile. "I guess Rose wants to 'talk' to me," he grimaced.

"Don't let her give you any crap!" Alice chirped next to me. I looked at the both of them with a confused look on my face. Edward laughed at my expression.

"I'll tell you about it later," he said before he turned and walked into the house.

After Edward was gone, I turned to Alice. "What is going on?"

"I'll let Edward tell you about it later." She gave me a smug smile.

"Alice," I whined. But she wouldn't budge. She just shook her head stubbornly. I looked at her for a moment, wondering if she would be equally stubborn if I asked her about Rose's obvious dislike for me. I decided it couldn't hurt to ask. The worst she would do was say 'no.'

"Okay, if you won't tell me… Can I ask you another question?" I said hesitantly.

"You can ask," she answered with a grin. I rolled my eyes at her and smiled. However, that same smile soon died as I thought about the possible answers I might receive to my question for Alice. A hand on my arm pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see the concern in Alice's face. "Bella?"

I smiled reassuringly before I asked my questions, "Why does Rose dislike me? Did I do something to offend her?" I couldn't understand her reaction to me. Rose acted as if I had scratched my keys up the length of her car ruining a customer paint job. Her dislike for me was palpable. She avoided me, didn't talk or acknowledge me, and the few times she did, the disdain in her voice was evident. She was barely present at the barbeque, keeping mostly to the house or at Emmett's side by the grill, but never in the same area where Edward and I were.

"Oh, that's easy," Alice said shaking her head. "You're with Edward and you're not Tanya."

"If Tanya isn't Edward's type and he doesn't want to be with her, then why is she mad at me?" I asked, wanting more clarification. I needed to know what I was up against here. I knew I certainly didn't deserve Rose's hostility towards me.

"Rose and Tanya have been friends since their freshman year of college. They are very tight. When Emmett came along, Rose decided Edward should be with Tanya. End of story. Rose has pushed this agenda to get Edward and Tanya together for almost four years. I'm surprised Edward is still on speaking terms with Rose. But you know what? Edward has handled it like a gentleman. He hasn't let it come between his relationship with Emmett," she explained.

"I see. I guess I shouldn't take it personal?" I rolled my eyes a little.

"Bella. It wouldn't matter who you were. Rose can't seem to accept anyone with Edward except Tanya. Rose is one of the most stubborn people I know. And I'm sorry you have to deal with her. Please know that it's only Rose and her inability to accept anyone new into our inner circle of friends." Alice grabbed my hand, her voice full of apology.

"Yeah, Bella," Jasper added reminding me of his presence. "I, for one, am glad to see Edward here with someone. He's been the odd man out for so long. I can tell he really likes you." He placed his hand on my shoulder and I instantly felt my fears about Rose calm.

I glanced over to the house. Through the kitchen window I could see Rose moving her arms very animatedly as she talked to Edward. I could tell by the hard line of Edward's face that he was not happy with Rose as he kept shaking his head in disagreement with what she was saying to him. Just before Edward walked past Rose, he said something to her that caused her face to redden. Suddenly Edward strode out of the house as a very agitated Rose came out after him.

"Don't you walk away from me!" she shrieked. Quick as a flash, Emmett was at her side, restraining her as he whispered in her ear. She struggled a little against his grasp as she tried to shrug him off. "This conversation is NOT over!" she yelled at Edward's retreating back.

"Yes it is Rose!" Edward shot back over his shoulder as he continued his long strides across the yard towards me. Emmett stepped in front of Rose, blocking her view of Edward. Emmett said something to Rose in a warning tone, but it was too low for me to make out what he said. She turned on her heel and stormed back in the house. Emmett sighed, shaking his head sadly, shoulders slumped, head hung low. After a moment, he turned his head half over his shoulder.

"Jasper. Would mind manning the grill for a minute?" he asked without looking at us. Jasper stood up from his chair and kissed Alice on her spiky-haired head before he walked towards Emmett. Jasper playfully bumped his shoulder against Edward as he passed him, causing Edward to give him a tight smile. Emmett disappeared into the house, I was presuming, to calm his wife.

I was quite certain this conversation had something to do with me and I ducked my head in embarrassment. I didn't want to cause any trouble for Edward.

"Hey there beautiful," Edward said looking at me as he approached. The tight smile he had given Jasper had eased into the gorgeous smile I loved to see on his face. I was so engrossed in the drama that had unfolded before me, I did not notice Alice moving over to one of the chairs. Edward sat down next to me, looked into my worried face. "What's wrong, love?" I blushed at him calling me 'love' again. The fact that he said in front of Alice confirmed it to me that he wasn't aware he was calling me that.

"Maybe I should go," I offered, not willing to cause any more problems for Edward. I had a sinking feeling. I was sure that argument had something to do with me and I didn't want to be the thing that came between Edward and his family. Rose was married to Edward's brother, which meant she was family.

"Why?" Edward tried to act as if Rose had not had an angry outburst a few moments before and it had nothing to do with my presence. I leaned my head to the side as I gave him the 'What kind of idiot to you take me for' look. Edward laughed a humorless laugh. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Rose can be quite a handful, especially when she doesn't get her way. I guess she will just have to get used to disappointment. But you shouldn't have to leave."

"Edward, this is her house. I am quite aware of the fact that Rose does not like me." My frustration started to build the whole situation.

"And this is my brother's house. The only one here with a problem is Rose and it's hers to deal with, Emmett will talk to her. It's not that she doesn't like you it's that–" Edward started to say.

"–I'm not Tanya," I finished for him. Edward looked a little surprised that I more informed about the situation than he realized. He glanced at Alice, who was acting as if she was completely enthralled by the pattern of the fabric of the seat cushions.

"It sounds like you've been talking to an evil pixie." He narrowed his eyes at Alice.

"What?" Alice said feigning innocence before defending herself. "Bella wanted to know why Rose didn't like her."

"Edward, I don't want be the cause of strife between you and your family," I said sadly. "Why don't you take me home. The evening is young, you could still come back and continue with your evening with your brother."

"I don't think so." Edward's tone was full of annoyance. "If you go, so do I. The fault here isn't yours. It belongs solely to Rose. And now she had made you feel unwelcome and uncomfortable."

"But Edward," I started but he cut me off.

"No, Bella. It is NOT okay for her to treat you so rudely and I won't stand for it," he said with finality.

"I agree!" Alice added. "If you go, Jasper and I go. Edward is right. Rose has no right to treat you this way. She has not given you a chance or made any efforts to get to know you."

"The food is ready!" Jasper called from the grill as Emmett carried out more food. We all got up and walked towards the house.

"Why don't we eat before we decide if we should leave?" Edward offered as we walked. I looked at him skeptically, but nodded in agreement.

As we dished up our food, Rose came out and stood next to Emmett. After a moment, he nudged her. She shot him a death glare before she approached Edward

and me.

"Edward," she began, still not acknowledging me. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier." Her apology didn't sound heart-felt. She paused for a moment as Edward raised one eyebrow at her as if he was expecting her to do better. She narrowed her eyes slightly before she said, "But if you would just see–"

"Rose," Emmett said in a warning tone. She stopped what she was saying and took a deep breath.

"Bella, I'm sorry I have been less than welcoming. It was unintentional." Her voice was cold and everyone there, including myself, knew she didn't mean this forced apology. But I accepted it all the same, not willing to stoop to her level.

********

"I think it's time to get out The Box," Emmett said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively as he came in from the back yard. Edward and I had just walked out of the kitchen after getting a couple of drinks.

Edward placed his hand on the side of my neck, leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Bella, how good are your video gaming skills?" His breath tickled my neck and I tried not to gasp in reaction to his sudden close proximity to me as his thumb gently caressed my skin behind my ear. He was driving me crazy. I realized that 'The Box' Emmett was referring to must be an Xbox. I pulled back looking Edward in the eyes trying to gauge why he wanted to know. He mischievous grin gave his intentions away, and I almost swooned right there having those warm soft lips of his so close. His green eyes were amazing and up this close, I could see the flecks of gold in them. I returned his smile before I leaned back in to whisper in his ear.

"What did you have in mind?" I returned innocently in Edward's ear. Edward shivered a little and I wondered if he was cold. I could tell by Emmett's announcement that he considered himself quite the video game aficionado. That coupled with Jasper's comments earlier about wanting to beat Emmett, just this once, and I knew Edward was hoping I could hold my own.

"Emmett is probably going to challenge you to a game of Halo or Guitar Hero. Please tell me you play." Edward almost begged. I decided to tease him a bit and give him a taste of his own medicine.

I raised my hand up and placed it on the side of his neck mimicking the placement of his hand on me while I gently caressed his neck with my thumb. "Edward... What will you give me if I say I do?" I whispered back, breathlessly.

Edward froze before he started to stammer, "I… er… um… aaaa…" I started to laugh as the realization hit me that I could fluster him.

"Settle down Edward. I can play, although I'm really rusty," I reassured and he started to relax.

Truth be told, I used to play Halo, Guitar Hero, Grand Theft Auto and various other games with my friends and roommates in college. There was a group of us that hung out and played together. We affectionately called ourselves 'The Gang' in response to being called a clique. The Gang consisted of about ten of us. Our numbers fluctuated as various boyfriends or girlfriends would come and go, but the core ten remained constant. One of our favorite activities was to play video games. I had gotten pretty good by the time I had graduated from college. We even continued to get together occasionally after college to play, but I was extremely out of practice. Once I got engaged, James subtly started to distance me from my friends by keeping me tied up all the time or picking little fights with me so I would feel guilty for going out with my friends.

"Jeez Edward, please try to refrain from jumping Bella here in the family room. At least be considerate of those around you and take it back to one of the bedrooms." Emmett's loud comments caused Edward and I to jump out of our intimate pose, and I blushed profusely with embarrassment. This only egged Emmett on further as he boomed with laughter.

"Why do you look so guilty, Bella?" he almost shouted.

"You're just jealous, Emily," Edward shot back. I couldn't stifle my giggle at Edward's nickname for Emmett. Rose walked up behind Emmett and slapped him upside the head.

"Emmett, stop trying to embarrass the girl," Rose chastised aloofly barely acknowledging me as she stepped inside the house. "Besides you should be happy Edward is finally interested in a member of the opposite sex. At least now we know he's not gay." She gave Edward a cold, calculating smile.

"Ugh!" Edward groaned. "If you don't knock it off, I won't let you play with Bella. We'll just leave now and go play Xbox at my house without you and then she will never know just how good you are, Emmett." Edward put his arms around me and acted as if we were going to walk out the door. I heard Rose mutter something under her breath, but I couldn't make it out. Edward glared at her for a moment before he glanced over to his brother.

"Okay Edna," Emmett said grinning with his hands in the air as if admitting defeat. I heard Edward's growl as he narrowed his eyes at Emmett. "Sorry, Ed-Ward," Emmett corrected himself dramatically as he rolled his eyes. But Edward continued to pull me towards the door.

"Bella?" Edward said in a hushed tone. I looked up at his excited face. "How good are you? And what are you good at?" I just raised my eyebrows and donned a mock shocked look at the double meaning of his questions. Edward suddenly blushed as he realized what he said and I busted out laughing at his embarrassment. 'Revenge is sweet.' I thought as memories of Edward laughing at my blushes ran through my mind.

"I meant what games are you good at," he laughed softly, but then he quickly amended that by saying "Xbox games" as he realized I could still embarrass him.

"I used to be really good at Halo and Grand Theft Auto, but I was almost unbeatable at Guitar Hero," I replied watching Edward's face light up. "You need to remember, it's been over a year since I've played."

"I think you'll do just fine. It's a lot like riding a bike." Edward grinned, his eyes alight with excitement. "I think it's time for a little payback. Let's tell Emmett you know how to play a little. Just follow my lead, okay." I could see the wheels turning as he formulated his plan of revenge.

I nodded in agreement. Edward still had his arm around my shoulders when we walked back into the family room.

"Change your mind?" Emmett taunted. "Or are you just going to surrender now and admit I'm the best there ever was!" He thumped his chest like the gorilla he was.

"We'll play, but Bella says she wants to be on my team," Edward said squeezing my shoulder.

"Have you ever played, Bella?" Emmett raised his eyebrows at me in anticipation.

"A little, but it's been so long." I looked at my feet, hoping that my pretend shyness was believable. "What are we playing?" I asked, peeking up at Emmett.

"How about we start with something easy like Guitar Hero." Emmett said as if he was talking to a child. Edward coughed as he tried to stifle a laugh and I gently nudged his ribs with my elbow to shut him up.

Edward looked at me and gave me a sly wink. "Bella, why don't we find Jasper and Alice to see if they want to play." I nodded as we walked outside to the backyard. Before we walked over to Jasper and Alice I stopped.

"Edward, I hope you're not pinning too much on my abilities here," I whispered, worried I wouldn't be able to beat Emmett. I didn't know how good he was and I didn't know how well I would pick it back up.

"Don't worry, love." He brought his hand up to caress my cheek. Sitting across the yard, I could see Alice nudging Jasper to watch Edward with me and I ducked my head, blushing. "We can start out slow, if you want. I'll tell Emmett you want to practice a little before we start. Besides, we just have to beat Emmett and Rosalie as a team. Trust me, the last time I was here, Rose was still struggling with the game."

"What about Jasper and Alice?" I was still a little unconvinced.

Edward grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Don't worry about them. They'll play along. Anything to get Emmett."

We quickly made our way over to Jasper and Alice where Edward proceeded to tell them about the scheme. The nodded their heads in agreement. But Alice stopped us before we went back inside.

"I want something in return," Alice chirped smugly as she looked directly at me as if I had something she wanted.

"What?" Edward and I said in unison.

"I will do this on one condition – Bella has to promise to go shopping with me." She looked at me sweetly.

"Done," Edward agreed without even asking me.

"Hold on!" I protested loudly. "I didn't agree to that. Besides, I hate shopping." My annoyed admission caused Alice to gasp in horror.

"Shhh," Edward and Jasper said to my little outburst.

"Hey! Get you butts in here!" Emmett bellowed to us. "It's time for Hero!"

Jasper walked past me with pleading eyes. I could tell he really wanted me to do this, but shopping? As Alice danced by, her sing-song voice called to Edward, "That's the deal, if you want me to keep quite."

"Evil pixie," Edward muttered after she left. Edward then turned to me and I could tell by the playful look in his eyes that he was going to try to get his way. "Bella." His soft voice made my knees turn to jelly. "It's just a little shopping." I just shook my head, afraid if I opened my mouth I would promise to give him anything he wanted.

"Hm." Edward stepped closer to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I automatically brought my hands up and wrested them on his chest. He leaned down to my ear and purred, "Maybe I need to use my powers of persuasion on you." I was thoroughly convinced his powers would work on me, but he didn't need to know that. I tried to control my reaction to him, but as he nuzzled his nose behind my ear before trailing little kisses along my jaw line towards my mouth, I knew I was lost. He stopped his advancing kisses when he reached my mouth and I held my breath as his mouth hovered an inch above mine. My heart was pounding in my chest from the anticipation Edward was creating in me. He knew what he was doing and I knew I was in over my head.

Just as I was wishing he would kiss me already, Edward suddenly pulled back. "I'm sorry Bella. My actions were too forward and uncalled for." My eyes flew up to his and I found myself face to face with an apologetic Edward. I took a shaky breath as I tried to process what was going on. I was feeling a little whiplashed and confused to say the least. But mostly saddened that Edward didn't want to kiss me. I couldn't find my voice to say anything in response. Instead, Edward released his hold on me except for my hand and walked back into the house, silent.

"I don't think we're going to play," Edward mumbled as soon as we entered the room.

I decided to make a snap decision, one that I was sure I would regret later because it involved shopping. "Well, I don't know about you Edward, but I'm going to play," I said firmly with a wide smile. I winked at Alice to let her know I was in. Edward turned to me and looked in my eyes, searching for something. "It's okay, Edward. I'll do it." I whispered still smiling. I released his hand in mine, deciding I needed to talk to Alice about our shopping trip, but mostly because I needed to distance myself from Edward. The sudden change in signals was confusing me.

As I walked in front of Edward, I whispered, "Your powers of persuasion were quite effective, Edward. You just need to work on your finish." I winked at his confused face as I left him and walked over to Alice.

"Alright man!" Jasper crowed, knocking knuckles with Emmett.

"How are we teaming up?" Alice asked jumping up and down.

"Bella and Edward are a team so I think we should team up as couples," Emmett announced as Alice squealed with delight.

I glanced over at Edward to find him staring at me intently with an unidentified emotion on his face. I sighed still wondering what that man was thinking and what his reactions to me meant. He had kissed me yesterday, he was attentive today, glued to my side, always touching me; I had almost convinced myself that Edward actually liked me for more than a friend. So why did he stop his 'persuasion' just as he was about to kiss my lips. I was starting to doubt it had anything to do with Tanya. His reaction to the mention of her, as well as, Emmett's 'skank' comment told me that even if he was warming up to her, it didn't mean he was exclusive. I continued to mull these things around in my mind until Alice squealed, making my ears hurt.

"Oh Bella! I'm so glad you are here!" Alice practically yelled. "The guys never want to team up with us. They don't think we're good enough." She pulled me into a bone crushing hug. I laughed and ruffled her spiky hair.

"Easy, Alice. Let's not scare Bella off before she has a chance to get to know you and has a real reason to be scared!" Jasper laughed at his over-exuberant girlfriend.

"I think this could be interesting. Now that we each have a handicap on our team, I think we should make it more interesting – perhaps with a little wager?" Emmett suggested. This suggestion was met with indignant 'heys' from Rose and Alice at the obvious putdown of their gaming skills. I glanced over at Edward's smirking face. He winked at me and I knew Emmett was playing right into our hands.

"You in Jasper?" Edward said nodding his agreement to the wager and secretly to the scheme.

"Yeah!" Jasper agreed.

"The usual bet?" Emmett rubbed his hands together with a smirk.

"I think we should up the stakes," Edward said with a wicked grin.

While the guys discussed the terms of the bet, Rose walked over to Alice and me, and gave us a menacing smile. "I hope you brought your 'A' game girls, because I'm going to shred you at this game," she sneered. Although it sounded like she was talking to both Alice and me, she was looking only at me when she said it.

"Bring it on sweetheart," I said in a sickeningly sweet voice as I offered her a fake smile. But the hostility I felt towards Rose was evident in my eyes as I faced off with her. I was sick of her attitude. I would not take anymore more of her crap, even though I was in her home. I was going to take her down a notch or two, even if it was just video game. As Rose walked off, I glanced over at Edward who was staring at me with his mouth open wide. As soon as I winked at him, his face erupted in a beautiful smile. Alice coughed as she tried to hide her laugh. I smiling smugly at Edward knowing that at this game, I was going to kick Rose's ass.


A/N: I hope you enjoy fiesty Bella. I know she's a little OOC, but then so is her marrying James. LOL. Like I said, I won't update until after Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading and reviewing! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. - SavageWoman