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Tapas at Twilight

Chapter 24: Simmering

AlicePOV

Jasper unlocked the door and tossed his keys on the counter. He stretched up and let out a long and low whistle. "Can you believe that Al?"

"The circumstances are incredible, that's for sure. He's perfect, though, for both of them. He is so sweet with Ness, it's almost heartbreaking. But I knew those two would get together. I knew it from the first time he walked into the space; Nessie is just cosmic proof that they belong with each other."

He nodded thoughtfully and pulled me close next to him on the couch. "So how about..."

"Jasper Whitlock, so help me if the next words out of your mouth are 'how about we get hitched baby?' I will...I...."

"You'll what darlin'?" he asked leaning closer to me, wrapping his arm around my waist, his nose was ghosting along my cheek and I could feel the moist heat of his breath tickling my neck. He was simultaneously setting me on fire and dousing my ire, frustrating me to no end.

"I...will say YES you big dummy," I stuttered out exasperated. I had dreamed about having this conversation with him, but this was not in the script. He grinned as he circled his arms tighter around my waist, laying soft kisses along my neck.

"Well that certainly makes my part less stressful then doesn't it. I love you Alice, I just want you to be mine forever," he pulled back with the most earnest expression.

"I can't believe what I'm about to...I want you to be mine forever too Jasper," I smiled softly and brought my lips gently to his. He growled a bit and pressed me down into the couch cushions.

"I'm gonna make an honest woman out of you Alice Brandon." He smiled wider than the Cheshire Cat.

"You know I already have my ring picked out right?"

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you sweetheart and I'm sure you'll show it to me first thing tomorrow. And Alice?"

"Yes?"

"For the record, I was going to say how about we call it a night since it's so late." He had the nerve to peck me on the cheek and trot off to the bedroom. I sat there fuming over his casual treatment of our engagement. But as I thought about it, we had both known from the moment we met that we were going to end up here. In a way I guess it's my own fault for jumping to conclusions, I should've just let him finish what he was saying. I sighed dreamily and hopped off the couch, twirling my way to the bedroom. When it's right, it's right.

The next morning I called up Esme and Renee. Esme emailed me all of the information that she'd gathered on venues and florists, and Renee and I made plans to go on a covert emergency shopping trip.

For once I was glad that the Moms had done some of the leg work on this venture, we needed to get those two love birds hitched. There was so much sexual tension crackling between them I'm surprised we hadn't seen the ignition of a second great Chicago fire. Mrs. O'Leary's cow had nothing on those two.

I arrived at Tapas a couple hours earlier than usual so that Renee and I could go back to Lulu's and get that dress for Miss Stubborn. I still don't understand why people don't just do as I say; in this case it would've saved at least 2 gallons of gas. I heard a loud clattering noise from the kitchen and decided to investigate.

I wish that my premonitions about the future were more like a movie than a feeling, because if I'd been able to see what was going on behind those swinging doors, I never would've burst in.

Not that it mattered much since they didn't even hear me come in. Edward had Bella pressed against the wall next to the shelves where all the pots and pans were stored, a large stack of sauce pots in a heap on the floor.

Well that explains the noise.

He looked like a man dying of thirst and Bella was the oasis. The way he drank her in and the way she was responding to every touch was overwhelming at the very least. Just looking at them, I knew that Edward had brought Bella back to life, and Bella has certainly unleashed something in him. They were in their own world right now, and at this rate, it couldn't last much longer without boiling over. I quickly backed up out of the kitchen not wanting to interrupt their private moment.

I knocked on Edward's apartment and greeted Renee with a big smile. "We have work to do," she sang out my five favorite words.

"That we do. When does Nessie start back to school?"

"Hmmm, three weeks I think?"

I started doing calculations in my head, it would be close but it had to work.

"Okay, that means we've got 2 weeks to get those two hitched. They're going to spontaneously combust any minute."

"You think so? I don't know, I mean yes, they're affectionate, but they seem so in control." I began chuckling.

"That's because you didn't just walk in on what I did downstairs. Let's just say 'heated exchange' and 'throes of passion' are two very applicable descriptions. If the Fire Marshal had walked in behind me, he would have been handing out citations left and right!"

A crooked little smile crept onto Renee's face and I could tell she was trying to hold back a full-fledged grin. No one was more excited than Renee about this wedding, and I could tell every time we talked about it how happy she was for Bella, for Nessie, and Edward.

"Oh my, well then yes, let's get this ball rolling."

Somehow this little wedding that Renee and Esme, and now yours truly, were planning for just family and close friends was getting bigger and bigger everyday. There was so much to be done, and I was loving every minute of it. We linked arms and headed back to the downtown shops.

?POV

I had a few more calls to make in order to set my plan into motion. I was secretly thrilled thinking about the chaos this would cause to the restaurant.

First on the list was Mr. Alistair Stapleton, he was a renowned international food critic that just happened to be in town for a few days. I knew it was a long shot, but I had a feeling he wouldn't want to miss this for the world.

I dialed the number my contact had given me and waited patiently. I explained the activities planned for the evening and much to my delight, Mr. Stapleton wholeheartedly agreed he would not want to miss such an eventful evening. Though he didn't promise any articles, just his presence would be enough.

I continued through my Rolodex tipping everyone off to the evenings activities as well, this arrogant, pathetic excuse of a chef was going down in a big way. No one crosses me.

BPOV

I was left breathless and thoroughly disheveled after Edward's impromptu visit to the kitchen. We'd been engaged for less than 24 hours and I wasn't sure how much longer my resolve would hold up. We couldn't keep our hands off of each other and at this point I really didn't want to anymore.

I had been looking up flights to Vegas but got side tracked with the memory of Edwards fingers intertwined with mine, the total abandon in his eyes, the smell of sawdust and soap on his neck, the strength in his arms...When Jasper came into the kitchen whistling a very cheerful tune, I nearly fell out of my chair crashing back down from my day dream.

I poked my head out of my office and narrowed my gaze in his direction. Oblivious to my irritation, he stuffed his few belongings into a locker and pulled on his whites. Oh yeah, reality, why couldn't I just live on planet Edward and never be interrupted?

"So Jazz who put the honey in your grits?" He looked happier than usual.

He smiled widely and shrugged. "Can't a man just be in a good mood?"

"Of course, but you're whistling Zip a Dee Doo Dah, that's a little bit more than 'just a good mood' wouldn't you say?"

"Well, it is a wonderful day. I'm just feeling happy." He winked and set to work on his prep for the day.

I suppose I really couldn't tease him too much about being in such a good mood, seeing as how I've had a perma-grin attached to my face for the last eighteen hours.

"So are we doing the calamari tonight?" Jasper asked. It was one of the many on our list of new recipes to try. We'd been working with Rosalie and the rest of the front-of-house staff, on getting customers opinions and culling the least favorite dishes off the menu to make room for new ones.

"Mmm yeah, they didn't have anything super fresh at the fish market, but the supplier was able to track down some flash frozen calamari from Monterey. They clean, trim and freeze them right on the boat, so it's the closest thing to fresh." I pulled out the bin from the walk in and Jasper took his time inspecting the little white squid.

"They look good, don't have too strong of a fishy odor either. This should be tasty."

We worked quietly side by side, every now and then Jasper would have a little bout of musical Tourettes and start whistling again. Something was up with him, and I knew just the person to ask.

As we neared closer to service time Alice and Ness came into the kitchen, coordinating outfits as usual and waited for our staff meeting. Alice glanced over at me and grinned, she looked especially bubbly as well. I wiped my hands on the white cotton towel looped through my apron and walked slowly into my office.

I caught Alice's attention and crooked my finger inviting her to follow me. She whispered something to Nessie and bounced past the lockers into the seat in front of my desk.

I placed my palms flat on the desk and leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "What's up with you and Jasper? You're both shooting sunshine and cotton candy all over the place." She just continued to smile and shook her head at me.

"You're one to talk Bells. Jasper and just had a really good talk last night, that's all."

"That's it?" I was skeptical, Alice was always scheming.

"Well, that and I found a killer deal on the perfect pair of shoes for you to wear for the wedding!"

I chuckled in mock derision, "Only you could be that excited about shoes Alice."

We exited my office and everyone gathered for our pre-service meeting. I gave my usual spiel with the addition of my newly minted engagement. Everyone congratulated me and Nessie and before we knew it, customers were waiting at the door. It was cute to watch Ness and Alice shift into professional mode.

I was going to have to figure out a way to give Alice a huge bonus, she was really helping out with Nessie a lot. Ever since opening Tapas, one of my biggest fears was that I wouldn't be there for Nessie, but Alice had a way of keeping us all together, and I really loved her for that.

I peeked through the window of the kitchen door and watched as Nessie skillfully led a group of 4 to their table, distributed the menus, rattled off the newest dishes and finished with a brilliant smile. Alice had really taught her well.

Several hours later Alice came into the kitchen with a funny smile on her face.

"Bella, there's a table that is requesting an audience with the Chef." Her tone was neutral, passive almost, but her expression was wry. Scheming.

"Is there a problem?"

"Not that I'm aware, but they seemed rather insistent that they speak with you."

I shrugged and pulled the towel out of my apron, setting it on the counter next to my station. "Lead the way," I motioned for Alice to show me to the table.

I scanned the room quickly and immediately zeroed in on a statuesque strawberry blonde woman seated at a private table in the corner, laughing heartily with her hand on MY Edward's shoulder. For a split second jealousy and sadness and anger raced through my body but was quickly replaced with anxiety.

I cursed myself when I realized that I'd mistaken Tanya as a threat to my relationship. Again. Though before I didn't even have a relationship. I had made so many ridiculous assumptions about her in regards to Edward, and this was the first time since then that I'd had any contact with her. Had Edward told her what I had assumed? In my haste to forget that embarrassing situation, we'd never discussed Tanya beyond what Edward had explained to me about her growing up with his family.

My heart pounded as I tried to decide whether or not to just run back into the kitchen or face the music. Edward hadn't seen me yet, so I could still escape. I was seconds away from turning around when his face lit up and he smiled widely, beckoning me over to the table. As I got closer to the table I realized that they were not alone, a dark haired man with a sleek goatee sat next to Edward and two children about Nessie's age sat between Tanya and who I assumed was her husband.

"Bella," called out Edward, "I want you to meet my cousin Tanya and her husband Demetri." I extended my hand willing it to stop trembling and shook both of their hands.

"It's so good to see you again Bella! I hear congratulations are in order?" Tanya's face was illuminated with a genuine and disarming smile. "I've been dying to get to know the woman who was willing to chip through Edwards crusty and I must say often stinky exterior to find out he is the biggest sweetheart in the world." I couldn't help but feel like she really was happy for us. But then why wouldn't she be? She was the closest thing Edward had to a sister, she should be happy for him, for us. I relaxed a bit at that thought and shifted into my confident Chef mode.

"Yes, thank you, it's good to see you too, especially since I'm not crashing into you this time!" I chuckled and turned to the man, "And it's a pleasure to meet you Demetri. Are you all enjoying the food?"

"It's perfect as usual Bella, you continue to out-do yourself," Edward reached out and picked up my hand pulling me to his side.

"Well, I'm glad everyone is enjoying their meal."

"Bella, we are all so happy that you are going to be a part of the family, and even happier I must say to have Nessie, what a mature and self-assured child. She reminds me of someone I used to know." She jabbed Edward in the ribs playfully. I realized in this moment that Nessie had more than a biological father, and grandparents. She had a whole new world of cousins, and aunts, and uncles. This was going to be a lot to get used to.

We chatted for a little while longer. The dining room was winding down for the night, so there wasn't a huge rush to get back into the kitchen. Once the meal was done, Edward said goodbye to Tanya and her family and wrapped his arm around Nessie.

"I'll see you after close right?" he smiled warmly at me.

"Of course, shouldn't take too long." I leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"Love you Bella."

"Love you too."

I pushed back into the kitchen and seemed to land in the middle of some strange game of one-up-manship about kitchen injuries. I wondered if anyone could top my attempt at slicing my finger off earlier in the summer.

"Jasper, that does not even compare to having a 200 pound ice sculpture smash your hand into the side of the sink. I couldn't hold a knife for weeks," Kate complained. I could definitely beat that.

"How about slipping on a spot of ketchup with a tray-full of meals, landing flat on my back while the meals flew all over their intended recipients? We're talking cream sauce, spaghetti sauce, and ravioli's everywhere. And I ended up in a back brace for 6 weeks." I cringed, reliving one of my most embarrassing moments in my brief stint as a server. I had the utmost respect for what Rosalie and the other gals did every night.

"Yeah, I think that one takes it," chuckled Eli.

We cleaned up and closed everything down for the night. I caught Jessie on her way out and gave her a look asking if things were still going according to plan. I silently hoped and prayed she understood and that everything would fall into place. I just had to keep my wits together for a little while longer.

I trudged up to Edwards apartment and very nearly collapsed on the couch. I was drifting in and out of a semi-conscious state wrapped up in his embrace when he murmured, "stay with me tonight." Every nerve fiber in my entire body woke up and electrified at the thought.

"Believe me when I say I want to more than you know. I was looking up flights to Vegas. We could catch a red-eye on Sunday and come back Tuesday."

"Pfft, you deserve so much more than a Vegas wedding. I just can't stand walking away from you every night. And not just because I long for your body, but my heart doesn't feel right when you're not with me. I don't feel whole without you by my side."

"I know exactly what you mean Edward, I just..." I was warring with myself. The woman aching to lie next to the love of her life whispered, "what Ness doesn't know won't hurt her right?" We could behave ourselves, I could spend the night, set an alarm, and wake up in time to sneak back into the futon before she woke up. Is that the kind of Mom I wanted to be? Sneaking around?

But then the responsible, out-of-practice, self conscious woman spoke a little louder, "it's the principle of the matter, you are not a hypocrite and you're not stupid. Sleeping with him now will only lead to more than just closing your eyes and sawing logs." I hate responsible girl right now. I sighed defeated and frustrated beyond words, "I'm sorry Edward." He inhaled deeply, slowly, and exhaled in the same measured manner.

"I love you Bella. I just love you so much and I can't wait to show you in every way."

"Same here Mr. Cullen." Somehow Edward had maneuvered us to the front door and I reached up on my tip toes while at the same time he lifted me up to properly kiss me goodnight. As our lips danced together sliding smoothly past one another, I felt transported back to my day dream. My fingers wove into his hair clutching handfuls, pulling gently, and scratching over his scalp. With each stroke of my hands a low moan passed from his lips to mine.

His grip around my waist tightened and shifted as he brought my legs up to wrap around his hips. The zings and pulsing electricity of the charged atmosphere urged us on until we were both panting with need. I almost didn't hear the soft footfalls of my mother as she made her way down the stairs.

"Good heavens, Alice was right. You two are about to set this place on fire, there's an extinguisher right here in the hallway if you need it. Night kids."

Edward chuckled at Renee's assessment of our current state of passion; I was a little more than mortified, and buried my head into Edward's shoulder groaning in embarrassment. I can't believe my mother just caught us groping like a couple of teenagers.

"Come on Bella, I'll walk you upstairs, okay?" I had wrapped myself around him like a baby koala bear to its mother. Slowly I loosened my legs and slid back down to the floor, earning a quiet hiss from Edward. "Sorry," I mumbled.

We shared a less intense kiss at my door and Edward trudged back down to his apartment. Forget Vegas, Justice of the Peace is sounding better and better.

JamesPOV

"Alors Zjessica, you 'ave been doing as we discussed no?"

"Yes, I have her complete trust. She doesn't suspect a thing."

"Very well, zat eez very good. You know your part in zee 'ole plan correct?"

She nodded. I would be glad to be rid of this beastly woman, her usefulness was coming quickly to an end.

"My friend will be zere, 'e used to work for zee Department of Healss, so 'e will be very convincing. I will 'ave two vials, and you will 'ave zee last one. You must make sure to get it on zee right plate before it goes out zee door. Do you sink you can manage zat?"

"Consider it done. She won't know what hit her." Her mouth curled up into an evil smirk and she nodded one more time.

A/N: Alice and Renee joining forces! Are you thrown again–Is Jessie good? Is she bad? Is there enough UST to sink a ship? Just so you guys know, I read and appreciate every single review! I'm so motivated when my inbox is crammed full! It makes me want to write faster and not put any of the characters in mortal peril. So hit that little button and review S'il Vous Plait!

Calamari with bacon and garlic oil

Ingredients

* 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into lardons

* 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* 2 pounds fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings

* Salt and freshly ground pepper

* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

* 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves ( you could sub sweet basil here too)

Directions

Place the bacon in a medium saute pan over medium heat and cook until lightly golden brown and the fat has been rendered. Increase the heat to high and add the garlic, olive oil, and squid, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook the squid for 2 to 3 minutes or until just cooked through. Stir in the herbs and serve.