A/N:

I want to say another huge thanks to everyone for your support. It was great pressing complete on this fic. To those that were waiting until it was complete, I hope you enjoyed reading all the way through.

Just to touch base on a few things, there won't be a sequel, and I've decided officially there won't be an epilogue, either. But don't think I'm discounting you guys that want a glimpse into the future. So, if you don't already follow me on Twitter, you probably should to find out any info, since I'm being vague.

Lindz26 is the almighty beta.

This is the promised EPOV outtake from chapter 7 entitled "He Kissed Me." For those that don't remember, it's when Edward kisses Bella for the first time on New Year's. Enjoy!

OUTTAKE #1
CHAPTER SEVEN
*SHE REJECTED ME*

Dickhead.

Can't do anything right.

Yeah, why don't you just spill all the food from the menu on her? Brilliant idea.

Jackass.

I wasn't nervous around women. I'd pursued a few of them, and there were never any problems. So, why was she so different? She just was. Something about her made me into this moronic klutz. The type of guy I would rag on in my college days. I didn't blame her for running out of the bar as fast as she could.

Stupid idiot.

I should've gone after her as soon as I noticed she was gone, but…damn Kate. It wasn't that I wasn't glad to see her, since we hadn't spoken in a while—and I had no clue she was even working there now—but it was really bad timing. When I'd turned my head to see if Bella was okay, she was gone. I couldn't even catch up to her outside, she was so quick.

So, here I was, on a Monday morning, standing outside of the auction house, trying to work up the nerve to go in there and tell her exactly what I'd continuously rehearsed over the weekend. Wanting to get over here quickly, I hadn't even shaved or combed my hair—not that I did that much, anyway, but I tried to if I knew I would be seeing her.

After exhaling for a solid five seconds, I walked into the lobby. The receptionist with the glasses was there, as usual. I was getting to know her a little too much, since she enjoyed talking.

"Mr. Masen," she greeted with a bright smile. "Back again?"

"Uh, yes—" I began to say, before she cut me off.

"Jasper should be here, but I was told to hold his calls until further notice, so he might be in a meeting."

"Well, actually—"

"He doesn't usually hold his calls unless he has something important going on or is waiting for a specific phone call."

"I'm here to see Bella," I finally got out.

She quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?" she questioned. "Not a problem. One moment." She picked up the phone and dialed some numbers. She placed her palm over the receiver and glanced up at me. "It's ringing." She was twirling the cord around her finger, but suddenly stopped. "Oh, Mr. Whitlock. Hello."

I tried to suppress a groan. Jasper. He was in her office right now. Great. Maybe I should just go.

No, I needed to at least tell her I was sorry.

"Bella has a visitor," she informed, and paused. "Yes. It's Mr. Edward Masen. He's standing here in front of me." She grinned at me briefly and hung up. "You're all set to go through."

I didn't even reply, choosing to just walk through to the elevator. My nerves were really kicking in as I pressed her floor number.

As soon as the door opened, and I stepped out, my eyes found her. She was looking right at me. I thought I'd see anger in her eyes, but instead, there was fear. Was she just as scared to be in my presence as I was in hers?

She was racing toward the break room, clearly trying to avoid a run-in with me, but I came here for a purpose. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't set things straight…if I didn't tell her why I was such a stupid jerk.

The reason was because I liked her so damn much. I liked how together she was, I liked how stuck-up she could be at times, I liked how she dressed, I liked that she didn't like what I liked. She was different than any girl I'd cared for, and I hadn't cared for a girl in a couple years.

Maybe I was changing…growing. I wanted someone that could keep me together, because I was barely hanging on with all that was going on in my life, and since I'd met Bella, she'd unknowingly kept me from tumbling over the ledge. I needed her more than she probably needed me.

My feet carried me automatically to where she was. Her back was turned as she held a coffee pot. I was frozen, staring at her, my heart rate taking off ahead of me. I would say what I rehearsed. Wait…what was I supposed to start with? Shit.

"Bella," I found myself croaking.

She quickly turned, appearing shocked. Even with the deer caught in the headlights expression, she was pretty. I wondered how long it took her to get ready in the morning and look as if she barely tried.

Before I knew it, her back was facing me again. She really didn't want to see me. I sighed, knowing I deserved it after Friday night. I'd really have to make it up to her somehow.

"How can I help you?" she asked, her voice robotic and…not at all what I was expecting. It was the same voice I'd remembered when I first met her. The assistant's voice, not the Bella voice. I'd witnessed the Bella voice on Friday, when we were getting to know each other. I wanted that voice.

"Don't do that," I pleaded. We'd taken such a huge step on Friday. I actually thought she might've liked me back…but now, she was distancing herself.

She was keeping her hands moving, pouring coffee into a mug. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

Shit, still with the voice. "I know, Bella," I said, and rubbed a hand over my tired face. Why was I such a fuckup? "I know I messed up. If I could just—"

"It's fine."

I wasn't surprised she cut me off. I'd just have to work a little harder. I wanted her to look at me, to see me. If she did that, I could tell what she was thinking by looking at her eyes, but she was hiding them from me.

I took steps right up to her, keeping only a few inches between us. Her shoulders stiffened slightly, aware of where I was. Mine relaxed, glad that I could be this close to her and, for once, not be as nervous.

"No, it's not. Just let me apologize," I spoke softly, staring into her long, brown hair that cascaded down her back in waves. I'd been wanting to touch it for a while now, just to see if it was as soft as it looked.

"There's nothing to apologize for. It's not necessary." Her tone was quieter now, changing, no longer as robotic.

I couldn't remember what I'd rehearsed, but I did know what was in my heart. My words would have to come from there. I had to be honest. This was my chance to tell her…Shit, I was nervous again. "It's just…when I'm around you—shit… I don't even know—"

"I told you, Mr. Masen, this isn't necessary."

No. No. Not Mr. Masen, again. Those words sliced through me. "Why are you calling me that?" I questioned, a little more than hurt.

She harshly slammed the spoon she was holding to the counter, but I stood still, refusing to leave just yet. She proceeded to tell me coldly that it was my name, so it was what she would refer to me as from now on. I couldn't express how much that wounded me, because I was sure we had made progress. I mean, I certainly couldn't call her Ms. Swan. She was Bella to me, and I hoped I could be Edward to her.

"I thought we could be friends…"

"Well, I guess now you know that we can't be," she spoke wryly.

I was fighting a losing battle. Maybe I'd misread her. Maybe she just didn't and wouldn't see me the way I saw her. I had to make sure.

"Is that what you want?" I asked. I could deal with her being angry with me for spilling food on her. At least I'd know that I'd have to make it up to her. But if she didn't want to be friends because she just didn't like me, then I'd have to leave her alone.

"Yes, that's what I want."

I breathed in and out a few times slowly, taking in what she'd just said. There was no indication in her voice that she wasn't serious. I really had misread her. Emmett was wrong. I was wrong. I felt like an idiot.

I'd never put myself out there this much for a woman before. And to have it backfire so brutally…well…it sucked. It made me angry. It made me hurt. I'd been rejected before, but never like this. This was a blow to the stomach, because I really, really liked her. A little too much, I guessed. Now, I wish I didn't. It was going to be hard getting over this.

"Very well," I spoke cuttingly, and walked out of the room. I wasn't going to waste another damn second here. She didn't want me. I needed to be done with her now. Enough was enough.

X-X-X-X

It took me only a few weeks to get over her. Yep, I was over her. Beyond over her. I wasn't thinking about her eyes, or her hair, or the way she scribbled intently on that ridiculous scheduler of hers with a deep crease in her forehead. As far as I was concerned, I could find some other girl and not think about her once…but I wouldn't do that, because I didn't have time, anyway…or the strength.

Damnit. Yeah, I was still thinking about her, and no, I wasn't over her. I could delude myself all I wanted, but it still wouldn't change that she entered my mind continuously. I didn't get it. I'd only known her for barely a month. This wasn't normal.

Back in college, I'd gone after this one girl, who I had quite a bit in common with. It was one of the only times back then where I actually thought I could have a serious relationship. Well, after three weeks, it got old, and I dropped her. I was onto the next girl in two days.

With Bella, it'd been weeks now since I last saw her, and she was still in my thoughts, taking up permanent residency there. Shit…we hadn't even been dating. Not even close. I was out of my goddamn mind. No wonder she thought I was a loon.

"Mijo, why don't I make you something to eat. You haven't eaten all day," my mother advised as she continued knitting a scarf.

I came out of my daze and regarded her, trying as hard as I could to put my thoughts of Bella out of my head. "I'm fine, Mom. If I'm hungry, I can help myself to something." I managed to give her a smile. The last thing I wanted was her worrying about me.

I was glad to be spending Christmas here in Chicago with her. Chicago was my home, and it always made me happy, even though I liked it better over in Washington. My mother did, too, which was why I wanted to move her to Pine Lake as soon as she was able to.

She paused her knitting to cough a few times. When I attempted to stand from my chair to go to her aid, she put up her hand, waving me off. "I'm fine. I'm fine," she assured through bated breaths, and finally calmed. She went back to her knitting almost instantly.

"Maybe you should lie down," I suggested, worried.

She chuckled. "If I lie down, how will I finish your scarf?"

I snorted. She knew I wasn't a scarf wearer. She was just keeping her mind and hands active. "True," I replied.

There was a knock on the door, and I got up to answer. My aunt, Esme, smiled at me as she shook snow out of her hair.

"The snow is really coming down out there," she said, stood on her tiptoes, and pecked me on the cheek. "How is she?"

I took her thick coat off her and hung it up on the coat rack. "She coughs a couple times every hour or so."

She nodded. "That's fine. Nothing to worry about," she said, and patted my chest.

"Is that you, sister?" my mom questioned.

My aunt and I went into the living room. Mom set her knitting down and tried to get up, but Aunt Esme told her to remain sitting. They hugged and caught up, while I sat on the couch and stared out the window, watching the snow.

I hadn't spoken to anyone back home since the last day I saw Bella, afraid that everyone would remind me of her. I hadn't even spoken to Emmett. He'd called me a few times and left some messages, but I hadn't called back. I just really needed this time to myself. To not think so much. It seemed I'd never stopped thinking.

"So, tell us more about this girl," Aunt Esme prodded me.

"That's a lost cause," my mother chimed in with a sigh. "I've been asking him for the past few days now, and he won't budge."

I rolled my eyes and looked out the window again. I just didn't want to talk about it. Ever since my mother had figured out I liked someone, she'd ask me about her every time I visited. Normally, I would humor her and tell her all about my interactions with Bella, but because I'd been flat out rejected by her…well, I wasn't so willing to share that piece of information.

"Ahhh," Aunt Esme said. "Things haven't gone well, then."

"Oh no," my mother gasped, looking wounded. "Please tell me you two are okay."

For some reason, my mother wanted Bella and me to work out. She didn't even know the girl, and she'd already pinned her as the future mother of my children.

"Everything's fine," I replied tersely. Dead giveaway. I wished I was a better liar.

"Well, the only person you're lying to is yourself, child," my mother remarked. "Tell us what happened."

I sighed and leaned back. "It's just not going to work out like I thought," I admitted.

"Why not?" Mom questioned sadly.

I shrugged. "She doesn't want anything to do with me."

My aunt huffed. "She sounds like a piece of work. Drop her."

"Now, wait a minute," my mother said urgently. "Don't listen to your aunt. She's always so quick to assume the worst. What exactly did she say to you?"

I folded my arms across my chest, as if that could protect me. "I just wanted to be friends with her. She doesn't even want to be that."

"Maybe she's scared," Mom said.

I shook my head. "Don't think so. I spilled wine all over her, and she was angry. I kind of don't blame her for not wanting anything to do with me."

"You spilled wine on her? Oh, mijo…" my mother said, shaking her head.

Aunt Esme was chuckling. "Yo tampoco sería su amiga con lo que costó el recibo de la lavandería," she voiced to my mother.

Mom clicked the roof of her mouth with her tongue, glaring at her. My Spanish was a bit rusty, and my aunt knew that, but I could understand pieces. I chose to ignore it.

"Anyway, I tried," I spoke truthfully, and looked back out the window. It was dark, save for the street lights. I could see the snow falling everywhere the lights shone.

"I wouldn't give up on her yet," Mom spoke gently. "She hardly knows you. Give her another chance."

I shook my head, officially dropping the subject. With a sigh, my mom went back to talking to my aunt about nothing in particular.

As I stared out into the night, I couldn't help wondering where Bella was right now. Even though I knew I had to forget her, if I could have just one present for Christmas, it would be that she was mine.

X-X-X-X

I flew back to Washington one day before New Year's Eve. I was grateful for some alone time, just hanging around the house and working on the gazebo outside. The next day, I decided to finally return Emmett's calls.

"Where ya been, man?" he asked. "I've called you a shitload of times. Thanks for calling me on Christmas, by the way."

I sighed. "Sorry. I've had a lot on my mind."

"Hey, don't sweat it. I figured something was up. Does it have to do with Bella?"

Did he have to bring her up? "Yeah, it does." My tone was terse. I wasn't in the mood.

"Alright, geez. I won't ask anything else, but you know I'm here."

I felt bad now. He'd only ever tried to help me out with her. "She's just…" I started, and paused. "She's not into it, okay?"

"What do you mean she's not into it?"

"She's not into me," I clarified.

"How do you know?"

"She said she didn't want to be friends. I think that's a pretty clear message, don't you think?"

"I really think you've got it wrong," he said. "Rose told me Bella was asking a few questions about you."

"What?" I questioned incredulously. That had to be a joke. "No, she wasn't."

"I'm serious as shit. She asked where you were spending Christmas and why you weren't returning phone calls. If she didn't like you in some way, she wouldn't ask anything about you."

I furrowed my brow, still skeptical. "No, I don't think—"

"When you liked a chick in the past and then didn't like her after a while, were you still thinking about her? No, when you were done, you were done, right?"

Even though he'd put that a bit crassly, it was true. But I didn't know what to think with her. Maybe she did like me a little, or at the very least could tolerate me, but the fact was that she didn't want me around her. I mean, I couldn't force myself on her. I wouldn't. And even though I'd told myself I'd needed to be done with her, I was having a hard time…because I wasn't done. Not in the least.

"Doesn't matter. It's over," I stated with a sigh.

"You're the most stubborn dick I've ever had the displeasure of knowing," he said, and chuckled, to which I rolled my eyes. "Look, there's a party tonight that Rose and I are going to. You should come."

"Mmm, I don't think so," I responded immediately. I'd rather just stay home with a beer, maybe hang out on the dock.

"You owe me for not returning my calls for weeks, so get your ass showered and shit. I'll be over in an hour."

I groaned, but decided to give in. I did feel bad about not keeping in contact with him all that time. "Yeah, okay, whatever," I muttered, and hung up.

I wasn't exactly sure where we were going for this party, but I didn't care, really. I didn't bother too much with how I looked as I threw on a button down shirt and some slacks.

When Emmett and Rose arrived, looking much better dressed than I was, she asked if she could use my bathroom, and I pointed her toward the direction of the guest room. Emmett went to my fridge, pulling out a Corona.

"How's Mama Masen?" he asked.

"Good," I answered. "Uh…that reminds me…" I pulled out my phone from my pocket, dialing my mom's number.

"Put that down, man," Emmett ordered "I'm sure she'll be fine for one night."

I shook my head. This wasn't something I was going to easily give into. My mother picked up almost straight away, and I touched base with her. She said she was fine and not to worry. I told her to give me a call any time if she needed me, or even if she just wanted to talk. We hung up, and I felt much better.

"Done now?" he asked, and took a swig of his beer.

"Yep."

"So, you haven't asked where we're going."

I shrugged, letting him know it was of no importance to me.

He chuckled. "Suit yourself. Guess you'll know when we get to the auction house."

I furrowed my brow. "Auction house?" I asked angrily. "You jackass. You set me up." I couldn't believe this shit. He was trying to trick me into seeing her.

"Calm the hell down," he demanded. "I didn't set you up. I thought you'd like a night out, and that's where Rose and I will be."

"You know she'll be there," I said through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, I do, so?"

"So, I can't see her, Emmett," I said, almost desperately. Not after what she said to me. Not after I told myself I had to get over her. If I saw her, I didn't know what would happen or how I'd act.

He crossed his arms over his chest. "She's really tearing you apart, isn't she?"

I sighed and looked away. She wasn't just tearing me apart; she was burning me to pieces.

"I've got an idea," he voiced energetically.

"NO," I replied forcefully. Enough of his stupid ideas and plans that never worked. The double date plan, the flowers plan—they were all crap.

"Yeah, yeah, come on," he encouraged with a smile, and set down his beer bottle. "Okay, check this out. You go to the party. You act like she doesn't exist—she means nothing, she's nada—you know what I mean? Then that'll get her noticing you, and she'll be all like, 'Why isn't he paying any attention to me?'"

"Em," I sighed, shaking my head at not just his bad impression of Bella's voice, but at the fact that his plans bombed.

"No, no, I'm not done," he said. "So, then you're all cool, acting blasé. When midnight comes around, you go up to her and kiss her. She'll be so surprised; she won't even know what hit her."

I gave him a dry look. "This plan is shit," I dead-panned. "Not to mention, she probably has someone she'll kiss." The thought of that put me further in a bad mood, but there was nothing I could do about it. She wasn't mine.

"No, she won't. We can figure out who she's kissing and lure him away around midnight."

"I'm not doing this," I said in finality.

I could hear the bathroom door opening in the guest room, along with Rose's footsteps down the hall. "You guys ready to go?" she questioned.

"Just think about it," Emmett whispered.

We took Emmett's Porsche that was uncomfortably compact. Rose opted to sit in the back, because she was smaller and could fit. The problem with sitting up front with Emmett was having to deal with him continuing to egg me on about kissing Bella at midnight, or "BS" as he kept referring to her as. I wasn't going to, no matter what he said. Why would I kiss her if she didn't even want to be friends? That didn't make sense.

"You need to go for it with BS," Emmett encouraged annoyingly.

"No," I replied for the last time. I was getting fed up as hell.

"Look, if you just do it and get it over with, maybe BS will finally notice you."

"What are you both talking about?" Rose asked from the back.

"Nothing," Emmett and I said in unison.

"You guys are weird," she muttered. "I'm just gonna make a call to Bella."

I clenched my jaw at the sound of her name and stared out the window.

"Fuck, Rose. You're going to see her in like five minutes," Emmett berated.

"I hope you don't use that mouth in front of my boss and co-workers," Rose scolded.

"You weren't complaining about my mouth last night, baby," he said, and chuckled.

"That's it. You're not allowed to talk for the rest of the evening."

I chuckled. "Sounds good to me," I agreed. Emmett was getting on my last nerve tonight.

"Fine, but you two don't know what you're missing," Emmett said.

Once we parked the car, I could feel my stomach twist. This wasn't where I wanted to be tonight. I should've just hung back once he told me where we were going. She was going to see me. How would I even act? It would be hard to ignore her. I'd have to, though. That was what she wanted.

No, I couldn't go up there. I just couldn't. I could feel myself breaking down. Even though I hadn't seen her in weeks, she still managed to make me split at the seams. Goddamn her to hell. I just wanted to get over her!

I needed a minute to get myself together. If I went up there, I needed to be in control, not this crazy ass, emotional lunatic.

"You guys go up," I said once we reached the elevator in the lobby. "I have to make a phone call."

"Okay, it'll probably be crowded, so if you can't find us, call Emmett," Rose instructed, and stepped into the elevator.

Emmett leaned into my ear. "I'll figure out who she's kissing."

I glared at him. He really didn't know when to drop something.

When the elevator door closed, I rested my back against it, taking a couple moments for myself. In a few minutes, I'd see her. I wondered if she looked any different. Was her hair a little longer? I bet it was.

Sighing, I resigned myself to the knowledge that I wouldn't be able to know, because I'd have to avoid even looking at her if I wanted to get through this evening.

I pressed the up button and waited. Once the doors opened, I stepped in. The higher I got, the more I could hear the party.

As I came out on the floor, the room was filled with people, talking, laughing, having a better time than I knew I would. My eyes searched for her on instinct, and I was grateful that she wasn't in my line of sight. I immediately spotted the back of Emmett's big head near the opposite end of the room. Shifting past people, I made my way to him.

"Well, it's about fucking time," Emmett snapped. "You're not gonna talk on that bullshit phone for one more minute, got it?"

I sighed, closing the distance between us. "It was important," I said, which was true. No, I hadn't called anyone, but I just needed a breather.

Emmett suddenly stepped to the side, just as I stopped in front of him. I was stock-still as my eyes immediately came into contact with Bella's large, brown ones. She was here. Right in front of me. Out of my peripheral, I could see what she was wearing. Why did she have to look gorgeous tonight? Of all the nights. God just had to spit in my face with that one.

I swallowed thickly, my nerves kicking into high gear as usual when I was around her. She didn't look angry; in fact, she looked downright scared. I tried, with all my might, not to show my emotions.

"Edward," Emmett said, garnering my attention. "Look who we have here—it's Bella."

My eyes snapped to his in fury. He was such a dick, pressing my buttons like this. I couldn't take this shit. It was too much.

I looked back at her. Her words from the last time I saw her came back to me, as they had so many times in the last few weeks. She didn't want to be friends. I thought I could maybe be okay being in the same room with her if I avoided her, but now I realized I couldn't do that. How could I when she looked the way she did and had me feeling this way?

I needed to get out of here.

"Bella," I greeted as a formality, trying not to linger too much on her name, and walked away as fast as I could without looking ridiculous. She probably thought I was a nut job.

I only got as far as the elevators, when I felt Emmett's large hand on my shoulder. "Hey, wait up," he urged. "Why did you treat her like shit back there?"

"I told you I couldn't see her, and you just had to be a fucking pushy shithead and force me to come," I seethed, officially snapping. I was fucking frustrated at him, at myself, at her.

"Well, fuck, man. There's no need to get your dick in a twist. I never actually forced you to come, and I was just trying to help."

"Yeah, well, help your fucking self," I growled. "I'm sick of you butting into this. Just leave me the hell alone and go screw your girlfriend or whatever it is you two do."

He pushed against my shoulder, causing my back to slam against the elevator door. "Fuck you. You don't even call for weeks, and when I invite you out with me and my girl, you insult me and her. You can go to hell."

I instantly regretted my words. He was just trying to help, and I was being an inconsiderate dick. It was just so hard being here, and he was the only person I could take my frustrations out on.

I knew I needed to apologize to him, but I didn't think I was in the mood to right now. Hopefully, I could just calm down and be normal.

He'd already started walking back, and I followed somewhat behind him. He wasn't too far ahead, talking on his phone. He reached Rose and instantly hauled her away.

"Hey, Edward," Jasper greeted, gaining my attention. He was standing next to Bella. I felt her eyes on me. Don't look at her. "Good to see you."

Trying to pretend like I was fine, I mustered a small smile. "Yeah, same. Sorry I haven't called."

Jasper had also called me a few times over the last few weeks. Even if I had been picking up my phone, I didn't think I'd have picked up his calls. Jasper had changed. He wasn't the same guy I knew back in the day. I wasn't even sure how to talk to him anymore. Not to mention, after Bella told me what he'd said to her when they broke up, I'd been imagining myself punching him in the face. Even now—I would've liked very much if I could take my frustrations out on him.

"It's fine," he assured. "I figured you were just busy. And I've been busy myself, actually. Did you have a good Christmas?"

How on earth could he stand here and talk to me when Bella was standing next to him? He wasn't even acknowledging her. Was he out of his goddamn mind? Well, I wasn't any better, not acknowledging her, either. But if I had a choice, I would.

I crossed my arms over my chest, assessing him closer. "Yeah, I did," I answered.

"Who'd you spend it with?"

I dropped my eyes to the ground. I didn't want him or Bella to know I was with my mother. Not that I was ashamed or anything, but because that was personal. I didn't just go around telling any random person about her.

"Wait…did you spend it with a girl?" Jasper asked eagerly, and I brought my hand up to the back of my neck, trying to avoid answering him. "You did, didn't you?" He chuckled. I suddenly had the feeling to punch him again when I saw his arm wrap around Bella's waist. What the hell was he doing? "Nice. And here I thought I was going to have to find you one at the bar."

Yeah, good thing that didn't work out. Dick.

"Excuse me," Bella suddenly spoke softly, and pulled herself away from Jasper. She walked off, leaving me with him.

"She's been quiet all night," he remarked, to himself more than me. "Not sure what her deal is."

With a quick glance, I saw her going to her office. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for a reprieve from her intoxicating presence.

I looked over my shoulder and saw Emmett and Rose together at the other end of the room. I would have to apologize to him before the evening ended.

There were a few seconds of awkward silence between us, before I decided to break the tension. "I'll catch you later. I need to talk to Emmett."

He nodded. "No problem. I have to make a phone call, anyway."

We parted ways, and I went over to Rose and Emmett, who were talking quietly to each other.

"Em," I said as I approached him, and he just stared at me with an eyebrow raised. "Can we talk?"

He sighed and nodded. He gave Rose a kiss on the cheek before we walked a small distance away. "What is it?" he questioned.

"About before, that was stupid of me," I started. "I didn't mean any of it."

"I know," he said. "You're upset about her. I get it. Just don't take it out on me."

"I won't anymore," I promised, and he nodded. If we ever had disagreements, which was rarely, we could always make up in a heartbeat.

"Anyway, Rose told me who she's kissing."

I furrowed my brow. With the tone of his voice, it sounded like I wasn't going to like the answer. "Who?" I had to ask.

"Jasper."

"Jasper?" I questioned incredulously, stunned.

He slapped me on the shoulder. "I gotta run. Countdown is starting." He walked away, leaving me to my thoughts.

Jasper…?

Her lips…on his…no.

They'd broken up. He didn't even like her romantically by the looks of it, since he practically ignored her all the time and treated her like shit. Now, he was kissing her? What the fuck kind of game was he pulling? Did she really want to be kissed by him?

That was when I saw her, standing in the middle of the room, looking around. She was radiant. By far the most breathtaking person here. No one was even paying attention to her. They were all insane.

Where was he? Why wasn't he next to her?

The countdown was already at five.

She dropped her eyes to the ground, looking so sad. It was hard to watch, but I couldn't look at anything but her.

The countdown was at two, and he still wasn't at her side. He was just going to leave her. I couldn't believe that guy. He had to be the stupidest shithead in the world to not be right fucking next to her at this moment. If I could, I'd be right there, holding her in my arms, caressing her silky hair. I'd let everyone know she was mine.

She was going to be alone.

Not if I could help it.

I didn't know what I was doing as my feet carried me to her. I was out of my damn mind, but I couldn't say that I cared. People were already celebrating the New Year, so I walked faster, dodging people left and right while my sight stayed on the most angelic woman in the room.

Her eyes were closed for some reason, and maybe I was glad for it, because this way, she wouldn't see me practically charging after her.

Finally, I was there, and I had her in my arms, dipping her backward. My mouth was on hers, and I felt like a man that could finally breathe. Her lips were soft and warm, exactly as I had imagined them. Her hands fisted my shirt, and soon, she was kissing me back.

Shit…she was really kissing me back.

Her mouth was moving ravenously, and I found an abundance of energy within me, allowing me to keep up with her.

I thought she would push me away or slap me, but no…she was responding, quite eagerly. I wanted to move my hands all over her small frame. I wanted to feel her body even more flushed against mine. I wanted more of her, of this, but I knew there couldn't be.

After sucking on her top lip for a few extra seconds, I reluctantly brought her to a standing position again and unraveled myself from her. It took everything in me to let her go, but I had to. She didn't belong to me. I didn't think she even knew it was me kissing her. And if she found out, she'd hate me even more.

As I walked away from her, I could still taste her on my mouth and tongue. I moved to the elevator, but not before looking over my shoulder at her. She was staring directly at me, her eyes burning intensely. Did she know it was me? She didn't look angry or upset, she looked…passionate.

No, I was seeing things in her that I wanted to see, just like I had read her signals wrong before. She didn't like me like that. I had to figure out a way to get over her. Kissing her was pure torture, because now I'd have to live with knowing my lips had felt hers, but would never be able to again.

A/N:

Hope you enjoyed the insight. He sure is moody!

I also promised another outtake, from Chapter 18 "He Moved on from Me." That one will be sent to the FGB's Autism Awareness compilation of one-shots. It can be read upon donation, along with many other one-shots by talented authors. For info, go to thefandomgivesback . blogspot . com

Spanish Translation:

Yo tampoco sería su amiga con lo que costó el recibo de la lavandería = I wouldn't be friends with him either with the cost of the dry cleaning bill. (TY to MoniNP & ange_de_laube for translating this for me on Twitter and putting up with my one million questions.)