Disclaimer: See it in Chapter 1.

Once again, I want to thank The-Critic1337 being my beta! She's helping to make this story a better story!

Chapter 21: Cheater

Emmett's eyes lit up and his smile grew even wider. He laughed loudly and joyfully.

"You better mean it, Bella, because I'm not going to go easy on you."

"Well don't worry, because I don't plan on letting you win," I smiled back smugly. Emmett laughed again.

"Let's set up the table," he said, heading inside.

"No!" The panic in Esme's voice shocked us both. "I really like that table. Do it outside, please. Edward and Rosalie have that card table set up in the garage with those spare parts on it. Why don't you clear that off and use it instead, alright?" she pleaded.

Emmett chuckled at Esme's concern over her table, but we both agreed. As we moved into the garage and began to clear the tools and parts off the table I distinctly heard the rest of the family coming out. It seemed as if we would have an audience. They all gathered around us as we set up. Edward smiled at me.

Alice, having already seen the results, must have thought it was hilarious, because she was in hysterics. Edward looked at her, reading her mind, and laughed too.

"Emmett," Rosalie's voice was demanding. "If you break that table, you're getting me a new one."

"It's just a card table," he grumbled.

"No, it's not just a card table. It's my card table, and I like to have a place to put things when I'm working. So unless-"

"Okay, okay," he cut her off. "I'll get you a new one later. Unless Bella wants to give up now?" he grinned at me.

"Not a chance!" I smirked back.

We brought the table out into the open so the garage wouldn't be so crowded. Emmett and I each leaned over the table, our elbows rest against the surface and our hands grasped each other's. Edward and Alice stood behind me, while Carlisle, Esme, and Jasper stood behind Emmett. Rosalie planted herself on the side as a sort of referee.

"You might not want to do this, Emmett," Edward said with his crooked smile. "I know how strong she is." I didn't miss the innuendo about our pervious night's activities, but fortunately Emmett did.

"What? You think she's stronger than me? No way!"

Edward just shrugged.

"Are you ready?" I asked Emmett.

"Always."

"Okay," said Rosalie. "On my count. One, two, three, go!"

I immediately felt Emmett's arm flex. He pushed his weight into me, but my arm remained steady. I heard him start to strain. I gave him a little leeway, bending my arm back just the tiniest bit, before I easily pushed it forward and slammed his arm back on the table, bending one of the metal legs a little. Rosalie groaned, but it was drowned out by a string of profanities leaving Emmett's mouth.

I beamed and stood straight while I pretended to fuss with my shirt and hair as if it was no big deal. And really, it wasn't.

Everyone, especially Alice, was nearly doubled over with laughter while I primped and Emmett fumed.

"Best out of three?" He asked, with his eyes determined.

Alice burst out laughing again.

"You really shouldn't." Edward said.

"Shut it, Edward. Best out of three Bella?" If Emmett wanted a rematch, I'd let him have it.

"You're on!" I was smiling. I knew I could win it, but I didn't want to see Emmett too upset.

We leaned over the table again and set our arms as before. Rosalie counted off again and I felt Emmett's arm strain into mine. I pushed slightly, and his arm bent backwards, but not too far. I locked eyes with him and pretended to strain and flex, but really I was letting up on my hold. Slowly, he pushed my arm back to the starting position. It wavered there while I sometimes nudged him forward and sometimes let him push me back until I figured he'd had enough, and let him press my arm into the table top.

"Yes!" Emmett shouted and raised both of his hands like he was the world wrestling champion.

"Don't get cocky," I said snidely. "We still have another match."

Emmett grinned broadly and brought his elbow to the table, waiting for me to meet him.

"Emmett, don't," Edward warned.

Emmett just laughed at him.

"Come on, Bella. One more!"

I shrugged and brought my arm to the table. I we locked eyes, both of us smirking. Rosalie counted off again, but this time Emmett didn't flex. In fact, he almost let go of my hand. He broke his gaze and looked over my shoulder. His face was contorted and confused.

"Alice?" his voice was heavy with concern.

I loosened my grip and looked over my shoulder at Alice, worried. As soon as my attention was diverted I felt Emmett grasp my hand firmly and slam it down so hard on the table two of the legs bent completely in half.

Emmett let out an excited yell and pounded his chest. Alice fell to the ground in laughter.

"You cheated!" I accused, outraged.

"I won," he corrected me. "You shouldn't have taken your eye off the prize!"

"Eye off the prize?" I mocked. "What is this? Some kind of Sylvester Stallone movie?"

"No, it's just an arm wrestling match," he laughed. "An arm-wrestling match that I won!"

"By cheating!"

"You lost that second match anyway," he said. "I would have won this one eventually."

"I let you win the second one," I grumbled. "I could have won it. I'm stronger than you are right now."

Emmett crouched and beckoned me over with his hands.

"Prove it then," he grinned.

Don't worry! It won't be long till the next chapter is out.

Thanks for all your reviews! I love hearing what you think, good OR bad!

-SurrepTRIXus-