First of all, I would really like to apologise for how late this chapter is. I've had a really hard few months with studying, essays, the school holidays and going away etc.

I had a couple of nasty pms and reviews too which proper put a downer on me. I understand this story is not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine, people are entitled to their opinions but why be a dick about it? Here's a thought... if you don't like this.. don't read it! Its rather simple!

I almost stopped writing this because of a few idiots... constructive criticism is great, I want to get better at writing but putting me down because you don't like something ive written is uncalled for.

Im sorry if Im being a bitch, I appreciate every single one of you guys... your the reason Im doing this, but Im not about to be made to feel like crap because a few people don't like what they read. You know who you are.

Im not fantastic at spelling or grammar, and I know I'm not the best writer in the world - I never claimed to be - but Christ this is FANFICTION. This is meant to be fun, not some childish bitch fest. So please, if you don't like this, just don't read it. I wont be offended, I would rather you didn't if all your going to do is moan anyway.

Ok so sorry for the epic A/N I really wanted to say that before I carried on and please don't think this is any way aimed at my regular lovely readers because its not. Your all fantastic!

Thank you to my awesome beta Magenta who has encouraged me not to listen to morons and to carry on. If you haven't read her story, Angel of War you really really should!

So here we go. I hope you like it .

Chapter 14:

I would totally be lying if I said that Masen's kiss wasn't incredible. It was fantastic, in fact there were no words to adequately describe how amazing it was.

But why did he have to be such an ass? He left me high and dry without an explanation making me think all kinds of things. Negative things.

Did he even like me? Did he do this just so I would agree to helping him with his Lauren problem.

There was no denying it, as much as he pissed me off. I had feelings for Masen. I had become soft, I knew this yet there was nothing I could do about it. I was once a strong, confident person but my feelings for Masen had changed me and I really did hate myself for that.

He was quite possibly the hottest, sexiest most irritating person on the planet but I could not help my feelings towards him. I had never felt this way about anyone before, including Jake and I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with him. The intensisity of my feelings for him frightened me.

I had tried so hard to push them to the back of my mind but no matter what I did, my thoughts always ended up back to him.

And now I felt like he had broken my heart. He was never mine for me to feel this way but for some reason him leaving me the way he did and making me feel so unwanted and rejected hurt me more than when Jake had cheated on me.

I couldn't even begin to explain how insane that sounded, I was in love with Jake and he had betrayed my trust. This was not the same. Masen had passionately kissed me and left me saying he had something better to do. Ok so he didn't say that exactly but thats how I felt.

It wasn't the same, so why did I feel so completely shitty and unwanted?

I had woken in the morning with puffy eyes and a sore throat. I hadn't even cried this much over Jake which made the situation even more pathetic.

How was I going to face him after this? I could pretend to have drank too much alcohol and pretend not to remember it?

No, that wouldn't work, If I remembered sleeping with him I would sure a hell remember this.

I wasn't exactly hammered and he knew that so no, that would not work.

I dragged myself out of my pit and into the shower,I caught a wiff of myself and it was not nice in the slightest. I climbed into the shower and sighed, why couldn't things just be easy?

If Masen wanted to act like an ass that was his prerogative, I would help him and in return he could help me get rid of Jake. I was not gonna make a fool of myself anymore though, if he wanted me he could damn well fight for me. And if he didnt, I would know for sure that he wasn't interested in me.

As much as the thought of him not reciprocating my feelings hurt me, I was not about to run the risk of being hurt again, once was bad enough.

I wasn't about to set myself up to be disapointed. Not by him, I was better than that.

I decided that today I was going down to see Jess, who lived on the 3rd floor and invite her out for coffee as I blew her off last night. I hoped she didn't think I was being rude by not going out with her last night, as she saw I was kinda busy... not the kinda busy that I'm sure she thought.

It would be nice to go out with someone that had nothing to do with the fire house, and that didn't know my problems.

I headed down to her floor and knocked on the door to see if she was available later on.

She answered the door and seemed really pleased to see me.

"Bella!" She squeeled. "Come on in, I was just talking about you"

"Oh, you were?"

"Yes, I was telling my friend Angela here that I had met you, come meet her"

I headed into the living room, her apartment was much smaller than ours but it was nice. It was very... lived in.

There was clutter everywhere I looked but it wasn't a dirty place.

She had a cute little tabby cat lying on the window ledge sunbathing.

"This is Angela, Angie this is Bella, the girl I was telling you about"

Angela was a tall, very thin girl of about 22 ish. She had long curly brown hair and was incredibly pretty. Everyone seemed so pretty compared to plain old me.

"Hi, nice to meet you" Angela said, holding her hand out to me.

"You too. Im sorry to intrude, I was just wondering if you might like to go out for coffee later, I feel really bad about blowing you off last night"

"Oh, no dont worry about that. I could see you were busy" Jess said to me with a little smile on her face.

"Yeah, about that sorry. I didn't know he would be there until we were at work yesterday"I replied hoping she wouldn't ask any more.

"So, was that guy your boyfriend?" Jess asked me.

"What guy?" Angela asked.

"This tall gorgeous guy in Bella's last night. No kidding Angie he was beautiful"

"Really? As good looking as my Ben?" She asked giggling.

"Who'se Ben?" I asked butting in.

"Ben is my fiance, he recently proposed to me" The smile on Angela's face told me that she was incredibly loved up. I was jealous and pleased for her at the same time, even though I didn't know her.

"So, you didn't answer the question Bella. Is Mr McHotty your boyfriend?" Jess pressed giggling.

"No, hes not. We work together" I told her.

"But you like him?"She stated.

"He's an ass" I said smiling.

"He's a fine ass" Jess giggled. I had to smile with her. She was totally right, he was a gorgeous ass.

We headed down to the local coffee shop where we spent the next two hours chatting about random useless crap. It was so nice to meet new people and enjoy myself. I hadn't smiled that much in a long time.

I left them chatting and headed back up to the apartment. I really needed to go grocerie shopping, the house was bare. No wonder Alice was so skinny, there was never anything to eat. I felt like I hadn't cooked a decent meal in weeks.

I came home to an empty apartment, yet again.

Since the girls had gotten themselves boyfriends I barely saw them, not that I was jealous or anything... Ok so maybe I was a teeny bit jealous. I felt like I was always on my own up here. Or constantly at work.

I missed having someone so close to just be able to cuddle when I felt a bit down or kiss goodnight to.

Sometimes, a very small part of me wished that I could just forgive Jake and go back to having that but I knew that I would just end up getting hurt again and my sister would never forgive me.

It was Santiago's son's birthday tomorrow too and I hadn't gotten him a present yet, what did boys of his age like? I had no clue.

Alice had left me her car to use while she was out with Jasper as my truck was still bust. As much as I loved that car I knew I was gonna have to trade her in and get something more reliable. I needed something I could trust, especially in the colder months.

Maybe I could go look at buying a new one this weekend? It would give me something to do I suppose.

I headed down to the grocery store and picked up plenty of food, it seemed like no one else bothered to get any food in the house. And I worked most of the time so god knows what the girls did when I wasn't around. They most probably lived on take away food.

I managed to get Santiago's son a Ben 10 game for his DS as I had heard him saying he had bought him one for his birthday, so hopefully he didn't already have the game.

Kids loved computer games right?

I should have just given him 50 dollars and told him to knock himself out!

I got home and turned on the sound system, I was in the mood for some seriously loud music and if the neighbours complained who cares, I wouldn't hear them anyway.

I cranked up the volume and danced around the kitchen like a moron while unpacking all the groceries.

I caught something out of the corner of my eye and almost had heart failure when I saw Masen standing there in my kitchen leaning against the counter. I dropped the jar of peanut butter I was holding and it smashed all over the floor.

What the fuck was he doing here and how did he get in?

"Hi" He said.

"Hi, what are you doing here?" I know I sounded a little shocked but seriously the last place I expected to see him was in my kitchen... again.

"I did knock but your music was too high"

"Right"

I bent down to clean up all the broken glass.

"Here let me help you" Masen said.

He bent down next to me and began picking up bits of the glass too. I was still wondering why he was here but was sort of thrown off by his scent. He smelled like he had just come out of the shower. I could smell shower gel and hair products.

I had to remind myself that as much as I liked him I was not going to be chasing him. If he was interested he would have to do something about it.

I obviously wasn't paying attention as I managed to nick myself with a sharp piece of glass and cut myself.

"Shit" I said as I held my finger out for inspection.

"Here, put it under cold water" Masen told me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the sink.

His touch sent shivers all over me.

"Thank you" I replied sincerely. I hated blood, the smell and sight of it made me want to vomit which as it goes is not a good phobia to have in my occupation.

"Why are you here?" I asked him quietly while looking down into the sink.

"I came to say sorry"

"What for?" I asked.

"I'm sorry about last night, you know.. the kiss and that"

Oh, so he was sorry that he kissed me. Great.

"Ok" I said. He must have sensed that I was kinda pissed off.

"No, I'm not sorry I kissed you... well I am... but that wasn't my intention"

"Ok, Im glad we got that cleared up" I snapped.

"No, wait ok that came out wrong. I didn't mean it like that. I'm not sorry I kissed you, It was just not my intention to come here and seduce you like that and for that I apologise. I'm sorry If I made you uncomfortable in any way"

Well that was better than him saying he hadn't really meant to kiss me, it made me feel somewhat brighter but I was still pissed at the fact that he had just left. But I decided to let it go and not let it get to me, I didn't want another argument with him. We were gonna have to work together for the next few weeks the last thing I wanted was for this to be even more uncomfortable that it already was.

"No worries" I replied as I cleaned my bloodied finger up in the sink.

"Do you have any band aids?" He asked me.

"Yeah, in the drawer behind you"

He reached into the drawer and pulled out a band aid and put it on my finger. Why is it that the smallest cuts hurt the most? My finger was stinging. I secretly wondered if it would be considered rude to ask him to kiss it better?

"Is that all you came over for?" I asked him.

I really wanted him to tell me that he came back for me and to finish what he started but I knew that it would never happen and that made my heart sink.

"Yeah... I was in the area" He said while scratching the side of his head.

I cleaned up the rest of the broken jar and its contents and dumped it in the trash.

"Are you going to Santiago's tomorrow?"He asked me.

"I'm not sure. I have things to catch up on so I might pass"

I did really want to go but I didn't want to be in the same vicinity as Masen knowing he was so close yet at the same time so completely untouchable.

I yearned for him and I knew deep down I was setting myself up for disapointment.

"You should come, we do this every year. Its always really good fun".

"I'll see" I replied looking up at him.

"Right well, I had better go. I havent got the kid a present yet, I just wanted to come and explain myself" He was standing with his hands shoved in his pocket rocking back and forth between his toes and heel looking somewhat unsure. I didnt know what to say. I wanted to tell him he had upset me by just leaving but at the same time I also wanted to grab his head and shove it between my legs but I guessed either scenario might cause an argument and decided against it.

"Ok, well thank you. I might see you tomorrow" I replied.

"Do you need a ride? Is your truck working again?"

"No, I'm pretty sure shes officially gone"

I looked up to see him looking at me curiously. That expression looked good on him, even if it was slightly confusing.

"Well, if you need to go car shopping I dont mind coming with you. You know, so you dont get ripped off"

"Er thanks, that would be good"

And with that he left.

I was so fucking transparant, I wanted him...badly and even though I knew he was fucking with my emotions I couldn't help but want him.

Is it so bad to want him to want me?

I finished putting the shopping away and lay on the sofa in the living room and cried again. My God, I was turning into such a pussy and it pissed me off.

It seemed like all I did was cry over this guy. Did he really mean that much to me? I really liked him. Sure, he was an ass 95% of the time but the rest of the time he was sweet and lovely and an incredible kisser.

I had never wanted someone so much in all my life and just the thought of him not liking me the same way back broke my heart.

I fell asleep on the sofa with puffy eyes and a heaving chest.

I woke up to find Rose and Alice fluttering around the house, cleaning.. while in high heels?

What the hell?

"Rose, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice stil thick with sleep.

"Im cleaning. What does it look like?" She snapped back.

"Ok for a start, you dont clean. And there is no way in hell you would risk ruining a decent pair of shoes by hoovering so what gives?" I said, slowly sitting up.

"Ok... we are having guests over tonight and I wanted the place clean" She replied.

I turned to find Alice also dressed extremely well and wondered who the hell was coming here. Royalty?

"Whatever, I'm going back to bed" I said.

"No, no no missy. I don't think so. You need to take your butch ass in the bathroom, get cleaned up and put something pretty on"

"Hah, no. Im going to bed" I replied heading to my door.

"Isabella Marie Swan". I cringed. Uhoh, full name.

Did she just stamp her foot at me?

"Go get dressed... NOW!"

Yikes, Rose could be scary when she wanted.

"Alright alright. but I'm NOT wearing a dress"

I sauntered off into the bathroom and got in the shower. I let my thoughts as usual wander to Masen. I wondered what he was doing right now, where he was, who he was with. The thought that he might actually be with someone else right this minute made my blood boil but what could I do? He wasn't mine... as much as I wanted him to be, I knew he wasn't and probably would never be.

I sighed and got out of the shower and got dressed. I heard voices and peeked into the living room.

I almost jumped out of my skin when I realised who was in there. Those conniving little bitches.

Oh they were gonna pay for this.

In my living room was Alice, Whitlock, Rose, McCarty and a rather dashing looking Masen.

I didn't know what they were playing at but I was going to play right along.

I headed into Rose's bedroom and flung open her wardrobe doors. If they were dressed to impress then so would I be.

I found a pretty little blue dress and threw it on. I dried and curled my hair and put on some make up. I felt more feminine than I had done in a very long time. I believe the last time I actually made an effort to get dressed up like this was the night I met Masen in that club. Maybe this would remind him of why he was attracted to me in the first place?

I slipped on a pair of black high heels and left the room. Chances are I would fall and break my neck in these death traps but with any luck I could fall into Masen's waiting arms? Wishful thinking? Yeah, totally.

"Rose?" I called as I stepped out of the bedroom. " I hope you dont mind I borrowed one of your dresses, I thought if you were making an effort for our guests I might as well too"

Rose appeared with Alice and they both gasped.

"Oh Bella, you look like a lady. Im so proud of you" Alice gushed hugging me tightly almost cutting off my oxygen supply.

"Thank you. I thought as we had such important people coming over I might as well look the part huh" I said eyeing Rose who was looking down inspecting her nails. She knew that I knew who was in our living room.

"What gives Rose, why is he here?" I asked.

"I don't know what you mean. I just offered to make them all dinner"

"You can't cook" I snapped back.

"No, but I can order take out. They work so hard, they deserve this"

"What about ME? Don't I work hard too? Why dont you do anything like this for me? I'm your sister for christs sake"

"Keep your voice down Bella, don't make them feel unwelcome.

"He IS unwelcome Rose. Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is?"

"But you look really hot, and so does he. So.. go play nice"

Alice was just standing there looking at us like she was watching a Tennis match. Her face was rather funny actually.

Suddenly she gasped and pointed at Rose.

"Your trying to match make aren't you?"

"Rosalie NO" I said completely exasperated. "Masen is NOT interested in me, so please will you stop this before you make me look like an idiot"

"It didn't look that way to me last night when he was sucking your face off"

Alice gasped again.

"You kissed him?" Alice asked me sounding completely shocked. " I thought he was an ass?"

"He IS an ass... a seriously good looking, gorgeous ass but still one none the less. He doesn't like me like that, last night was a mistake" I replied.

"Like the last time?" Rose snorted.

"Oh for the love of God" I said as I walked away from them and into the kitchen.

I needed wine and fast if I was going to make it through this night without making a complete and utter cluster fuck out of myself!

I grabbed my glass and headed into the living room to say hi to the guys. The guys that I worked with, and now practically lived with too.

"Hey guys" I said as I saw them.

They all looked at me as though I had four heads. Masen looked like he was salivating which kinda made me feel smug and the other two just looked confused.

I completely forgot how I was dressed. Shit, only Masen had seen me looking like a lady before.

"Wow Swan, you look like a woman" McCarty said.

"Who knew you had legs girl" Whitlock sniggered as he walked over and hugged me.

"Oh yeah, Rose made me do it" I lied." Although I gotta say, had I known it was only you guys I wouldn't have made such an effort"

McCarty laughed at me and sat on the sofa patting the space next to him.

I looked at Masen who was looking down at my legs. I smirked in his direction and sat on the sofa.

"So, you know that Rose cant cook right?" I asked him

"Yeah, I actually found that out a few weeks back, she cremated my macaroni and cheese". McCarty chuckled while scratching his neck.

"But you came for dinner anyway?" I asked incredulously.

"What can I say, Im a sucker for a pretty face" He smiled at me and I could see how much he adored my sister.

"When did you find out about this?" I asked. I wondered how long I was kept out of the loop for.

"Last night, she mentioned she wanted to do something special for us and then demanded we bring Masen along too"

I looked over at Masen again. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a button down grey shirt. He looked beautiful, his hair was all over the place but that was nothing new. He looked like a model or some shit.

Rose and Alice appeared, handing the boys beer and I went to fill my glass up in the kitchen. I was so pissed at Rose. Who did she think she was messing with my love life this way. Granted I had no love life but it was still MINE, and I wanted to keep it that way, it was none of anyones business.

"Swan?"

"Yeah?" I turned to see Masen still with that confused expression on his face. He wanted to watch the wind didn't change and his face got stuck that way.

"Im sorry. About all this. I was only told about it this afternoon or I would have mentioned it to you. They practically forced me to come"

"Thats fine. I was just as clueless as you about it. It would appear that Rose is tring to match make. Which I told he was a ridiculous thing to do"

Please don't agree with me, please don't agree with me.

"Yeah" he replied.

Moron!

"So, I was thinking. For our little plan to work, we need to make it really good, really believable" He said while looking at his feet.

"Right..." I replied.

"We need to pretend to everyone, not just Lauren that we are together"

"No, Masen that is a bad idea". What was he thinking? This was gonna be a nightmare.

This would just infuriate Jake if he found out, it wouldn't make him go away it would make him more determined to piss me off. Plus it would get Rose's hopes up and make her think that we were actually an item. And there was the fact that this would have to end eventually and when it did we would still have to work together. The last thing we needed was this getting in the way of our work too.

"No, I think its a good idea, and I think we should start tomorrow at Santiago's house"

"Your clearly insane" I replied.

He flashed me my favourite grin and leaned into me.

"You look incredible by the way"he whispered and kissed my cheek.

He left me standing there and returned to everyone else in the living room.

What the hell was he doing to me? First he kisses me and makes me feel like he wants me, then he leaves me high and dry, now hes telling me he thinks we should go public with our fake relationship and tells me I look incredible.

I can honestly say I don't think this is going to be a good idea, someone is going to get hurt. Most probably me.

In my head I knew this was crazy and not the right way to go about things. I could get Jake off my back another more logical way and Im sure with the help of a restraining order or maybe a good slap Lauren would leave Masen alone too.

So why was I finding it so hard to tell him no?

Are you still with me after my bitchfest earlier?

What did we think? Is this gonna be a disaster for both of them?

Next up, Masens point of view and I promise you wont have to wait too long as Im in the middle of writing it now, so give me a few days and Ill get it off to the best beta in the world!

Please let me know your thoughts, I don't mind critism or advise as long as people are not nasty about it.

If you do have any ideas or anything drop me a line, Im open to suggestions.

Til next time xxxxx