Sorry this one took a lil longer, I've had lots going on. Hope you all enjoy!

You know the disclaimer: All belongs to Stephanie Meyer...I just play house with her characters! x)

BPOV

I had just settled into bed with my worn copy of East of Eden when my phone buzzed. I looked at the caller ID and sighed. Edward.

Hey! What happened to you today? I missed you.-E

Sure you did, I thought. He didn't even notice me coming in while preoccupied with another much more beautiful woman. I couldn't help the thoughts, of Edward Cullen being a playboy, that stormed my head. I decided not to text back. I know it was childish, but I didn't have anything to say to him. I am feeling much like a child right now.

Edward obviously doesn't think our lines of student/teacher relationship are blurred, so I needed to get that feeling out of my head. The best way I know to do that is steer clear of him all together. I had come to depend on him much more than I needed to in the last two weeks, and I would get him off my mind. I said I wanted to start over and lord knows I don't need a man messing with my heart.

EPOV

I had been a nervous wreck since seeing Bella with the invitation in her hand Saturday. I was instantly self conscious, did she know where it came from? I could kick my darling little sister for putting me up to this. Alice had assured me that Bella was 'into' me as she had put it. She is the one who made me go to this crazy masquerade ball months ago after Tanya and I broke it off. Then, Alice called me one day, she beamed excitement claiming she had just met her sister to be. She rattled on and on about how Bella was perfect for me, both of us being the quiet, nerdy, artsy type.

The first day I met Bella at the library and confirmed that she was 'the' Bella, I knew instantly that Alice may just be right this time. When Bella and I discussed our families I hadn't told her about Alice being my sister. Truth was that Alice was adopted into our family when she was just a baby, not really making her less of a sister, but I did use that little tidbit to justify to myself that I wasn't lying to Bella. I didn't want Bella to know that her newest best friend was my sister, and that she had her eye's set on playing matchmaker with us.

When Bella didn't come to the library Sunday like she had said she was, and then not answering my text message, I knew something was wrong. The worse part was, I had no idea what, or even how to find out. I started to worry that maybe something terrible had happened to her, so I ran to her door. That's when I heard it. Another man's voice. That explains everything. She was with another man and couldn't come to the library and meet me, and of course she wouldn't answer my text with company around. Especially male company.

Bella avoided me like the plague for the next week. I didn't push her either. If she was seeing someone, it wasn't my business, and I wouldn't make things uncomfortable for her. That's the last thing she needs after all that she's been through. I thought about calling Alice to see what the heck was going on, but decided that wasn't my place either. I was pissed that I had already confirmed my attendance at the Ball, and had to go. I vowed right then this would be my LAST time, Alice be damned.

BPOV

"Bella! What is this you have here?!!" Alice looked at me questioningly, holding up the black envelope I'd been hiding from myself.

"Oh, sure Alice, like you don't know exactly what that is! Don't you try to play dumb with me!" I shot back at her. Sneaky little pixy.

"This didn't come from me, Bella! I swear on my mother's grave it didn't come from me!" Alice acted surprised. She was a great actress.

"Okay, Alice, but I'm still not going." I actually was going to surprise her and go, but not if she was going to play dumb.

"Bella, you have to go now! You got an actual invite, from someone besides me! There is some amazing stranger there who can't wait to meet you!"

"Alice, you are a silly girl!" I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"Hey, did I tell you Mike stopped by the other night? We have been talking for the last week or so. He came by to drop off his study notes. He's a really sweet guy." Alice already

knew about Mike asking me on a date while Jake and I were still together, and she had met him once. "He wants to go out Friday night, do you and Jaz want to double?" I offered.

"Sure, Bella, but you know this doesn't get you off the hook for the Ball. You will see it my way sooner or later. Besides, you need a rebound guy and Mike's perfect. We wouldn't want you to meet 'The One' before the rebound," she said, eying me suspiciously.

"How about this, Alice, you and Jasper go out with Mike and I Friday night, and if I don't have an amazing time, then yes, I will go to the damn Masquerade Ball with you Saturday." I offered.

"No, Bella, how about this, Jasper and I will go with you Friday IF you will go with us on Saturday." The twirp, she always had to have the upper hand.

"Oh Yippee! Yippee!!!" Alice squealed. "I already have your dress for the ball! I can't wait till you see it! And don't forget to call and confirm that you'll be there!" She was talking so fast that all her words were running together.

"Wait, Alice, what do you mean you already have my dress??" I should have known.

"I bought it a month ago, when I knew I would talk you into it!" She smiled confidently at me.

"I do get final approval you know! And, I will call Mike later to confirm Friday, then call you with the when and where's."

Alice and Jasper stayed for dinner before heading out. They filled me in on how Jasper had moved in with Alice, she was lonely after having me there and didn't like it, so, of course, Jasper was more than willing to keep her company. I knew that they were getting close to that point when I moved in. Neither of them would ever say anything, but I could see the disappointment on Jasper's face the few times he did visit and left at the end of the night.

After they left I called the number on my invatation to confirm my attendance to the ball. I was surprised by the information I recieved from the call. It was a gentleman who answered the phone. He explained that upon entrance I would be given a mask, and a name. I was told that I would have the option of using this name upon entrance if I wanted, to make me more comfortable. The man said that I could use my real name as well if I wanted. This method was offered to make things more mysterious. He also gave me the address and arrival time.

After hanging up with this gentleman I was actually excited to be going. Kind of nervous as well. The whole using another name kind of scared me at first, until he explained to me that they keep record of everyone that comes and goes from each of the parties. So, if there is ever any trouble, they can trace back to a person. Alice had already explained that all women received the same mask, and all men received the same mask. Alice and Jasper still used the given names and mask's each month, Alice said that it makes her feel sexy.

She went on telling about her and Jasper roll playing every night after the Masquerade ball, before I stopped her. There is only so much a girl really needs to know about her best friend.

Later that evening I texted Mike. I had already told him I would go, all the time secretly hoping that Alice would come to. Yeah, I know, I'm a child.

Text from Bella to Mike

Hey, what time Friday?-B

Well, that depends. You going to let me buy you dinner?-M

lol. Only if you insist.-B

How about Spokes at 6?-M

Text from Bella to Alice

Spokes at 6 Friday?-B

MMM-Don't think Jaz and I can make it that early. Can we meet up with you after dinner?-A

Ahh! Fine Alice.-B

Text from Mike to Bella

Hey pretty lady...you still with me?-M

Yeah, Sorry. Spokes at 6 will be fine.-B

Movies at your place after?-M

Actually, I was looking forward to going out. How about the Rainier Place after?-B

Sounds good.-M

Yep, see ya tomorrow.-B

Nite-M

I really didn't want to bring Mike back to my place. He seemed a little pushy the other night when he was over. That's why I really wanted Alice to join us for our date. Mike was a super nice guy, but I didn't trust him 100%. I know that it will be a while before I trust any man after the hell Jake put me through.

I called Alice to let her know what the plan was and to give her an ear full for bailing on me during dinner tomorrow. Surely Mike could mind his manner's for an hour.

After a quick shower I slipped in my fuzzy pj's and settled into bed. I had tried my hardest to keep Edward out of my mind, and I did pretty well during the day. It was night time that I was flooded with thoughts of him. I'm sure the vivid dreams I've been having of us together were only a product of me thinking about him each night before bed. I had done my part by staying clear of him, and he seemed to be doing the same with me. Maybe after some time apart we could go back to being just friends.

Mike was to pick me up at 5:30 this evening. I took my time in the shower and getting ready. Alice wanted to come and help, but I told her that tonight I could take care of myself. I'm sure that tomorrow she will have her way with me and honestly, I'm not sure I can endure her torture two days in a role. I decided that going simple would work best for me. I wasn't really in the mood to get all dolled up. So, I decided on dark wash skinny jeans with a black lace cami under a black and white checkered fitted vest, and to add just a little sexy I wore my white knee high boots. I'm not really great in heels, but I can hold my own for short periods of time, so why not. I left my hair down, just adding a little moose for control and fingered my loose curls. Leaving makeup to a minimum, that is one thing I couldn't take much of. I actually felt dirty under that mask rather than beautiful.

Mike and I had a wonderful dinner, and he was a complete gentleman. We had a few drinks and even danced to a couple songs, and never once did I feel uncomfortable with him. I started wondering if it was all in my head the other night. He was never over the top, and maybe I was just hyper-aware of a man being in my home since it had been so long since I'd been with anyone. I quickly shot those thoughts from my mind just as Alice and Jasper made their way to our table at Rainier. At least that looks like Jasper coming this way. Weird.

"Hey girl!" Alice shouted over the music. "How's it going with handsy tonight?" Alice gave me a quick squeeze.

"Shhhh Alice! Gesh! He just went to the restroom, he could be on his way back! Besides, he's been a perfect gentleman." I was feeling a little shaken after the hug.

"Isabella Swan! You are drunk!" Alice shouted again, smiling knowingly at me.

"Maybe just a lil." I slurred. Wow, I can't believe it hit me so fast. I had only had 3 drinks at dinner, and this was my first drink at Rainier.

"You'd better slow down girl! Come on, I'll take you to the bathroom." Alice grabbed my arm, leading me to the ladies room.

"Jasper, get Bella a water." She yelled over her shoulder.

"At least you still look great Bella. How much have you drank?" Alice was wide eyed.

"Um, just a couple, maybe like 4 total." I said, crashing myself against the counter in the bathroom. "I really didn't feel too bad until we got here."

"Well, just drink a glass of water and maybe you'll feel better." Alice said, helping me back to out booth.

Alice and Jasper mingled their way around the bar and Mike sat with me at the booth.

"Are you feeling any better Bella?" Mike ask me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Yeah, I think so." I smiled back at him. He is so cute, his wide blue eyes, and strong hands caressing my shoulder.

"Can I get you another drink? Or water if you'd like." Mike smiled at me pulling me closer. I never noticed how tasty his lips looked before. Without thinking I lent in and kissed his soft lips, lingering a little on his plump bottom lip. Mike's tongue swept over my lips to deepen the kiss and I allowed him. I'm not sure how long we kissed this way before Alice interrupted.

She cleared her voice loudly "Bella, feeling better?" Annoyance clear on her face.

"Yeah" I said pulling away from Mike. "I think I'll take that drink Mike."

As Mike got up from the table Alice snagged his seat close to me. "What the hell are you doing Bella?!" She was pissed.

"Alice I'm a big girl. And I'm having fun, nothing wrong with that." What is her problem?

Before Alice could say anything else Mike was making his way back to the table with my drink.

"Here ya go." Mike handed me my drink. "You want to dance?"

"Sure! Lets go!" I hopped up from my chair and shot Alice a glare. I'll do what I want with this adorable boy.

Mike and I made our way to the dance floor, Ciara's 'Get Up' blaring on the speakers. I was facing him with his leg between mine, I danced closer with my arms around his neck, when he turned me around and ground his erection into my back kissing just below my ear.

"Maybe dancing wasn't a good idea Bella" He whispered in my ear, taking a nip at my ear lobe.

I couldn't help the shiver that ran through me as he continued torturing my neck. After the song was over we made our way back to the booth where Jasper and Alice were sitting.

"Bella, we're leaving." Alice told me. I could tell that she was still aggravated.

"Ali, I'm sorry. I'll call you tomorrow ok. Thanks for coming." I felt horrible. I will never understand the power that girl has over me.

"Ok Bella." She hugged me again before leaving.

"Do you want to go too?" Mike ask me.

"Yeah, we probably should take off." I told him.

Mike helped me into his car, before heading toward my apartment. His hand was creeping slowly up my thigh. It felt amazing to be wanted by someone, but at the same time I wasn't ready for a more physical relationship with anyone just yet. I put my hand over top of his to stop his advance, as I looked over at him and smiled shyly. He stopped his hand from traveling further north, but didn't move it from its spot on my upper thigh.

Suddenly I felt a wave of nausea hit, I knew we were close to my building, so I rolled down the window and let the cool Seattle air hit my face, calming the queasiness in my stomach. When we finally pulled into my garage, I struggled getting out of the car. Mike saw that I was having a hard time keeping my balance and took my hand.

"Are you going to be alright Bella?" He ask with concern.

"Just help me get the boots off. I think I'll be able to walk up barefoot." I knew it was gross to walk barefoot, but I didn't really see any other way.

"Bella, I'll help you with your shoe's if you would like, but I'm not going to have you walking barefoot all the way to your apartment. Let me carry you." I knew he was trying to be helpful, and while I was reluctant, that may actually be better than walking barefoot.

"Ok" I said reluctantly.

Mike scooped me up in one smooth motion and carried me toward my place. It felt strange to be in his arms and this close to him. He smelled amazing. That's when I saw Edward coming in the front door of the building. He looked as if he had been out for a run. A late night run I'd say, he was wearing gym shorts and a long sleeved shirt, drenched in sweat. He looked at me in Mikes arms wide eyed before heading back in the direction he had just come from. For some strange reason I wanted to cry, what was that look in his eyes? Mike never seemed to notice the exchange as we headed on to my apartment.

I had to dig the key out of my bra, I carried it there a lot since I didn't like to carry a purse. Mike just gave me a strange look and quietly shook his head with a smirk. He carried me on through the doors even with me protesting the whole time, and sat me on the couch. We were laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes and my nausea was gone.

Mike took my leg in his lap and began unzipping my boot, he pulled the boot and sock off in one motion and began rubbing my tired feet.

"Mike, you don't have to do that." I said pulling my leg from his lap.

"I want to Bella." He said, tightening his grip on my leg.

"I know my feet aren't the freshest right now." I argued with him.

"But I know they have to be tired after being wrapped in those boots all night. Let me do this for you Bella." He locked eye's with me and I could feel my resolve melting. His hands did feel amazing. I lent back on the couch and just let myself feel how great he was making me feel. When I suddenly felt his tongue glide around my toe's and my eye's snapped open, his eye's were closed and he began moaning around my toe, now in his mouth.

I sat up quickly, stopping Mike in his tracks. "Mike, I think you should go." I didn't want to be rude, but this was going too far too fast and I knew if I didn't put a stop to it right now, I wouldn't.

Mike looked stunned "Bella I'm sorry, I just" he trailed off.

"Hey, don't worry about it. But I do think its time you go." I was trying to be stern, but still friendly.

Mike stood up from the couch, adjusted himself, then headed for the door. "You'll call me right?" He ask looking back at me with pleading eyes.

"Sure." I said, though I didn't know if it was a lie or not.

Mike took a few steps back in my direction and reached his arms out for a hug, allowing me to come to him. I closed the distance between us and gave him a good night hug.

"I had a great time tonight Bella. Thank you." He said finally before placing a tender kiss on my lips.

"Yeah, me too." I said releasing him. He seemed reluctant to let me go, but did.

I followed him to the door, "See ya." I said. "Goodnight Bella" Mike said as he left.

I had a great time with Mike tonight, it felt nice to be out with someone. I was a little disappointed that he was a little pushier then I would have liked. I would like to get to know him more, but I'm not sure he has the same intentions with me. I'll have to keep that one at arms length I'm afraid, I'm just not ready to go there yet.

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