Thank you so much for putting up with that last chapter! I know it was a little emotional. Okay, long chapter. Also, I tried to make the article format the way I had typed it, and it just wouldn't work. Do you guys have that same problem? You'll see what I mean...

(Bella's POV)

"Bella . . . . Earth to Bella. Can you hear me?"

I snapped to attention. Simmons was staring at me. Apparently, my mind had roamed off again. Thinking that a vampire may have been lying next to me all night after a seven year lapse had a tendency to make my mind wander.

"Yes?" I snapped.

"Could you hand me the Merrill Lynch file?"

I handed it to him and plunged back into my work.

It was about 3:00 on the Friday before Thanksgiving, and Simmons and I were in my office putting together a proposal for the Board. Now that Christmas was approaching, our public relations department wanted us to put forth a more caring image. The premise was that if we changed our public persona to a tender and compassionate investment firm, then those companies that hated our guts would once again want to do business with us.

I still didn't understand why I was put in charge of it. I was about the farthest thing from loving and caring this firm had ever seen.

We were just putting the finishing touches on an ad campaign that made us look like Mother Theresa, only much better dressed, when Simmons threw his pen down on the table and said, "I've been at the office since 7:00 this morning. I have got to take a break."

"We have about one more hour worth of work on this ludicrous waste of time," I muttered, "And then we'll have to get out of here anyway. We'll be late for the Governor's Ball if we don't."

"Ah yes. Another ball." He laughed wryly. "I had no idea that working here would entail going to so many parties. I don't recall seeing that in my job description."

I nodded my head knowingly. I was pretty sure I hated the parties more than he did. "Well, you seem to enjoy the girls that you take to the parties," I sneered.

He leaned back in his chair and laced his hands behind his head. "That's the one part I don't mind," He replied, sighing heavily. "I will certainly enjoy spending the evening with Sasha."

"Sasha? What about the Gazelle supermodel?"

"Oh, Sasha is a model too, and she's pretty super." He laughed deeply.

I tilted my head and looked at him for a moment. "How old are you?" I asked.

He blinked in surprise. "We've been working together for two years and that's the first personal question you've ever asked me."

"Well, I always figured you were close to my age," I said defensively. "It's not like I did a background check on you."

He chuckled and said, "I'm 24. My birthday is in January. I'm just a few months younger than you."

I tried to look at him with new eyes. He wasn't bad looking, but then again, what did I know? I still judged every man I saw against a much higher standard of perfection.

"This job must really cut into your social life," I said with mock sincerity.

He shrugged. "It certainly doesn't help. But I am human. I make time for things that are important to me."

"Ouch," I said sarcastically.

"The worst part," he complained, "Is that at most functions everyone assumes you and I are a couple. We're together so much that it's hard to convince the ladies that there really isn't anything going on. They're always jealous of you."

I grimaced. "Jealous? The girls you date are Goddesses. How could they possibly be jealous of me?"

His eyebrows rose. "You really don't see yourself very well, do you?"

At that moment, Sally came in with a stack of papers for me to sign. On top was a magazine. Without looking at it, I took it in my hands and said, "Sally, I think you forgot this."

She looked at the magazine and said, "Oh no, Ms. Swan. That is for you. I thought you might like to see it." She walked swiftly out of the room with a sappy smile on her face. I rolled my eyes and impatiently pulled the cover around to look at it and slowly felt the panic rise as I began babbling incoherently.

It was STAR magazine, and on the cover was Vaughn . . . and he wasn't alone. I was walking with him and he had his arm around me. I could tell the picture was taken as we were walking out of a restaurant last week. The headline read, "It's love for the Sexiest Bachelor Alive!" A smaller caption below said, "Sorry ladies, we all wanted him, but it looks like he's found true love with investment tycoon Isabella Swan."

Simmons jumped up. By the reaction on my face, he thought it was something horrible. He took the magazine I'd thrown onto the desk and after turning it around to read it, his eyes grew wide and he exclaimed, "Wow!"

I heard a garbled squeak and realized it was me.

"That's a really good shot of the two of you," he assessed. He opened the magazine and found the article and began reading.

"Thomas Vaughn, (27) the hot quarterback of the New York Giants, is apparently off the market. Friends say, this time it's for good.

He's been seen around town with the lovely up and coming star of the financial world, Isabella Swan (25). The couple

have enjoyed many romantic moments around the city, from

Broadway shows, to the Ballet, and eating at the famed restaurant Tavern on the Green.

"This is the real thing." A close friend told STAR magazine.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there are wedding bells soon." Another

close friend has secretly told us that they're waiting until after the

football season for the big announcement.

Some have speculated that Swan may not be ready for

marriage, and that is the reason for the delay. She's still seeing

her old flame Michael Simmons (24) on a regular basis and to

add intrigue to the love triangle, she and Simmons are co-workers.

Vaughn has reportedly demanded that Swan stop seeing

Simmons, and that has caused some tension in the relationship.

She was also recently seen at the exclusive club Northsix

dancing hot and heavy with an unidentified male. She left the club

with him and didn't return home until almost 4:00 in the morning.

Vaughn was said to be furious, but feels that Isabella is the girl for him and very wants much to work things

out with her.

Swan has been frequenting boutiques that specialize in bridal

gowns, no doubt looking for just the right dress for the big day. "I

am so happy for them," a family member has stated. "Thomas

wants a big family, and they intend to start having children very soon after the marriage. . . ."

I began beating my head on the desk. Simmons looked up from the magazine and said, "There's still a page and a half left. Do you want me to keep reading?"

"Read one more word, and I'll kill you where you stand," I threatened, my voice garbled.

"Don't you want to see the rest of the pictures?" He asked. "There's one of you walking into some clothing store, and another of you and Thomas coming out of the ballet, and, hey . . . there's one of you and me at the Waldorf party!" His shoulders slumped. "Oh man, I wonder if Sasha has seen this yet. I will have to do some fast talking to get out of this one."

He paused and then inhaled sharply. "On the other hand, this might get me some play. I'm in a love triangle with the Sexiest Bachelor Alive. My social standing has just risen considerably!"

"Shut up or die," I grumbled, my face still down on my desk.

"Why are you so bothered by this?" He asked me.

I lifted my head and looked at him incredulously. "I want to be respected and revered in the business world. I want to be feared and admired. Now, all I am is a hussy stuck in a love triangle with one co-worker, out all night with another guy, and all the while, the sweet, innocent Thomas Vaughn is trying to tame me and then apparently stick me in a house where I will bear him 6 children!"

He winced at my tirade and then said, "You're reading too much into this, Bella. It'll all blow over soon. I mean, it's not like anyone really believes this stuff."

I stood up and pointed an accusing finger at him. "This is all your fault! This never would have happened if you hadn't tried to make me act human!"

I started pacing around my office. "Being human has never worked out very well for me," I babbled. "I'm just no good at it. It's a train wreck every time I try!"

Suddenly Sally beeped in. "Ms. Swan, Mr. Vaughn is on line one." She said it with that knowing little smile in her voice and it just made me angrier.

Apparently, Simmons could see that the chance for him to leave unscathed had arrived. "I'll leave you two to discuss whether you're having six children, or seven," he whispered. I threw a stapler at him as he ducked out of the room.

I picked up the phone and held it against my chest for a moment. It had been two days since Vaughn had kissed me. I wanted to tell him that it was over and that I needed to end this, but he made me promise him that no matter what, I would give him five dates. Tonight was number four. I took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

"Hello." It still came out like a growl.

"Damn, I was hoping to get to you before you saw it." He sounded very frustrated.

"How did they get all this?" I bellowed.

"Bella, I swear I don't know. I actually don't think they talked to anybody. I'm pretty sure they made it all up. I'm so sorry. I never saw anybody taking our picture."

I just stood there pinching the bridge of my nose with my fingers. I could feel a serious headache coming on.

Very hesitantly he said, "Do you still want me to go to the Governor's Ball tonight?"

I let out an exasperated gush of air. "I don't know Vaughn . . . "

"I don't want to make things harder for you," he said softly. "I'll just talk to you tomorrow."

Oh great, now I felt guilty. I was letting these vultures win. I didn't really care about being with Vaughn, but I didn't want to slink around in the shadows either.

"How about this," I said. "Can you just meet me there? I don't suspect the paparazzi will actually be allowed in the party."

I could hear the relief in his voice. "That's a great idea. I'll be there around 8:00. I can't wait to see you."

I knew I should say I can't wait to see you either, but I was still the world's worst liar. I settled for something neutral.

"Yeah, I'll see you then." Probably not exactly what he was hoping for.

I hung up and looked at my watch. I would be late if I didn't leave soon. I cleared my stack of papers and signed all the ones Sally had given me. I then gathered my things, threw the stupid magazine in the trash, and went home to get ready for another party I didn't want to attend, wear a dress I didn't want to wear, and be with a man I didn't love.

This human thing was highly overrated.

I arrived at Rockefeller Center and was met by a mob of photographers. I was so terrified that I almost told my driver to just keep driving. I jumped out of the car and began running the best that I could through the huge, crushing mob. They were screaming my name as they pushed cameras in my face and kept asking where Vaughn was. The flash blinded my eyes and all I could see were bright white dots in front of me when I groped forward and felt the door handle and escaped into the building.

I didn't feel safe until I was in the elevator. As the heavy doors shut, my breathing slowly returned to normal and I felt myself calm down more with each floor I passed. Finally, the elevator bell rang and I walked out at the top floor of Rockefeller Center, where the Rainbow Room was located.

Simmons was standing in the lobby. "Man, that was crazy out there, wasn't it?" He exclaimed. "The second I stepped out of the car they all started screaming your name and asking where you were. I would have rushed past them pretty quickly if Sasha hadn't stopped to pose for pictures."

He motioned to his right and I saw a very exotic looking girl staring down at me from what looked like six feet of nothing but legs. The slit in the side of her dress went all the way up to the top of her thigh. Judging from Simmons' past performance, I mentally noted that this girl would probably last two weeks.

I shrugged out of my coat and began walking to the coat check. Simmons and "legs" followed me. "There isn't any paparazzi up here, is there?" I gestured to the dining room.

Simmons was shaking his head before I finished. "No," he said. "The coast is clear."

I took a deep breath and walked in. A few heads turned, but for the most part, no one took notice. Simmons led the way to our table and I laid down my purse and went to speak to a few people I knew. Dinner wasn't going to start for another twenty minutes or so.

The Rainbow Room, located on the top floor of the Rockefeller Center, was built in the 1930's and many considered it to be one of the premiere hot spots in Manhattan. It was one of my favorite places. Probably because it was nice, but non-pretentious. It had a revolving dance floor, but I mostly loved the windows that surrounded the entire restaurant. I stood at the windows now, looking out at the view. I could see the ice skaters far below and could just make out the gold statue and waterfall. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree had already been delivered and crews were hard at work putting on thousands of lights for when the tree would be lit next Thursday, on Thanksgiving night. A light snow was falling and it made everything very soft and peaceful.

Shortly before dinner began, Vaughn walked in. He looked flushed and out of breath, straightening his tie as he scanned the crowd. I looked at him sadly. Most likely, he really was the Sexiest Man Alive. ("Alive" being the key word in that sentence.) It would be just too perfect that I fall in love with him and have those kids - one or two, not six or seven. I always had to do things the hard way. Once again, I tried to will myself to fall in love with him, much the same way Jake had tried to imprint on me before I left for college. No such luck.

The smile on his face was unmistakable when he found me and began striding to the table. He kissed the top of my head and said, "I'm sorry, that was terrible out there. I don't know how to fix this."

I smiled meekly. "Let's not ruin a perfectly good evening by talking about it. They can stand out in the 34 degree weather and wait for us to come back out in three or four hours. That ought to bring some justice to the world."

He laughed and gave me his easy smile. "You're right," he said. "Let's enjoy the evening." He looked me up and down. "And how could I not, when I'm with the most beautiful girl in the room."

After dinner, the Governor stood up to give his speech. It was long-winded and excruciatingly boring. One would think that the sun didn't rise on New York City without the help of the Governor. Thankfully, he finished. Unthankfully, that meant that the dancing was beginning. The emcee announced that the entertainment for the night was some singer named Micheal Buble'. I had never heard of him, but everyone else around the table seemed very excited. He sang mostly songs from the 40's and 50's, and apparently the majority of his songs were love songs. I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face.

Vaughn took my hand and pulled me to my feet. The look on his face made me want to tell him the truth of how I felt right away, but I knew this was not the place. I stood up slowly and we walked hand in hand to the dance floor. When he held me close, I could feel his heart pounding through his tuxedo, and I thought, was this how it was for Edward? Were my emotions this transparent for him to read? I winced inwardly as I realized my emotions had been 1,000 times easier for Edward to decipher. I had made it so easy for him. I had never been interesting. He never had to fight for my affection. I was just a boring, clumsy distraction.

Vaughn was holding his cheek quite close to mine when it became very obvious that he wanted to ask me something. I pulled back and looked at him. I could see that he was having a war with himself. The kind of war in which you very much want to know the answer to something, but aren't sure if you want to hear the answer, or how the person will react when given the question. Maybe he would make it easy for me, I thought hopefully. Maybe he would ask me right now how I felt about him and I would be able to give him a kind, but honest answer. Finally, he took a breath and asked me.

"Bella . . ." He swallowed and then said, "Did you really stay out all night with a guy you met at Northsix?"

No matter how I felt about him personally, I didn't want him to think I would do such a thing. I shook my head and said reassuringly, "Vaughn, it wasn't like that. He was an old friend that came into town unexpectedly. He asked me to go with him. We did stay out all night, but we did things like visit the Empire State Building and hang out at Times Square. It was all very innocent."

I could feel the weight lift off of his shoulders. "Thank you for telling me," he said warmly. "I know that until we have five dates I shouldn't ask you anything like that but . . ."

"It's okay," I replied quickly, interrupting him. "I'm glad you asked me. I would rather you know the truth than think I was that kind of girl, especially when I haven't even invited you up to my apartment."

He pulled me close to him again and I was glad he didn't pursue the questioning about the whole "hot and heavy dancing" thing that was also reported in the magazine. Leave it up to those dumb vultures that that was the only thing they got right. Besides, I also felt bad at my hypocrisy about sounding so virtuous. I knew that if a certain vampire still loved me and wanted to come up to my apartment, I wouldn't be able to get the door opened fast enough.

The saxophone was playing softly and the man's singing voice was so smooth. It created a very romantic mood with the beautiful chandelier, the lights turned down low casting a soft pink hue, and the soft snow that was falling outside. I looked around me and saw many couples, including Simmons and Sasha, having a great time. I envied them.

I was brought out of my thoughts when Michael Buble' began singing a new song. It was the same song that I'd heard on the yacht that had ended the night for me. The same one that Edward had played on the piano while he sang those beautiful words.

Can't I just have one night free from Edward? I internally shouted.

Suddenly, there was a hand on Vaughn's shoulder, and a velvet voice behind him.

"Pardon me, but may I have this dance with the lady?"

My fingers dug into Vaughn's palm as my tell-tale heart stopped, then started again, and then began pounding furiously. Vaughn turned to him, and then back at me, wondering what he should do. Edward didn't give him a chance to decide. Without me ever seeing it, Edward was suddenly standing in front of me, holding me close. Vaughn looked at him with a barely calm facade and out of the corner of my eye, I saw him turn and look at me. I know Vaughn wanted me to refuse this dance. I know he wanted me to reassure him that I would certainly choose him over Edward. I know what he wanted, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the angel face that I hopelessly loved.

Edward moved us away from Vaughn and turned his back on him. He moved so gracefully on the dance floor that I didn't have to think about the steps.

He put his mouth so close to the side of my face that his cold breath tickled my ear, "Your dancing has improved," he whispered.

I kept waiting for his face to come back into my view, but his mouth stayed right next to my ear. I closed my eyes and tried not to move enough to make him stop holding me so tightly.

"Do you remember this song?" His mouth was moving on my ear again.

"No." I lied.

I felt him freeze for a moment and I was so afraid he would pull away, but he recovered quickly.

"Yes you do, Bella."

"No, actually I truly don't." My voice was thin and high.

He chuckled. "You are still a very bad liar, but I will try to revive your memory."

Unbelievably, he held me tighter and I felt passion taking over all my senses. He grabbed a handful of my dress at the small of my back and his other hand laced his fingers through mine and held it against his chest. My heart was awake, wondering where this feeling had been for so long. I could feel him, smell him, taste him . . . .

His voice far out shadowed the man at the microphone as he began singing to me.

I know your image of me is what I hope to be,

I've treated you unkindly, but girl can't you see?

There's no one more important to me,

So darling can't you please just see through me?

Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you.

The band played on, and I was so grateful for the moment, whatever he would give me. I didn't care what this would do to me later. I would deal with it then. He was my only brand of heroin. My arm, that I had been concentrating so deeply on just laying on his shoulder, tightened around his neck and I wanted to place my lips on his so desperately that I had to bite my lip and bow my head to keep from trying. I knew the song was ending and I never wanted anything so much as I did for that song to keep playing for the rest of the night, for the rest of forever.

It seemed that he, too, could sense the song ending. He brought his face around to me again and his cheeks seemed flushed somehow. His chest was moving up and down rapidly, and he swallowed hard as his nose brushed against mine.

His eyes were smoldering. They were dark and almost ferocious in their stare and I felt my breath catch as I held onto his gaze. He brought my wrist up to his mouth and inhaled so deeply that his eyes glazed over with an inhuman yearning and I tightened my grip on his neck.

"You look beyond beautiful," he hoarsely whispered. "Can I dance with you again before the night is over?"

I wanted to answer yes in a way that didn't involve words when I heard Vaughn's voice.

"The song is over, Cullen." He was fighting to keep his voice even as he stepped closer to me.

Edward let go of the handful of dress he held behind my back, but he ran his fingers along my side as he brought his hands down to rest in his pockets. His eyes never left mine. I was trying to remember Vaughn's name when all of the sudden, I heard a voice bellow behind me.

"Bella! I was hoping I'd get another chance to dance with you before I was sent home!"

I reluctantly turned my head and saw Emmett looking very dashing in his tuxedo. Vaughn looked at him with wide eyes.

I knew I should introduce this new brother, but when I looked at Vaughn I still couldn't recall his name. I opened my mouth and drew a blank.

"It's Thomas Vaughn," Edward whispered.

"Right. . . um, that is . . . uh, Vaughn, this is the friend I was with at Northsix. He's Edward's other brother. This is Emmett."

At that moment, a woman carrying a tray of desserts and drinks was bumped by someone on the dance floor and the dishes and glasses all began to topple off the tray in different directions. Emmett took one quick step to the side, grabbed the tray before it fell, and caught the drinks and the two dessert plates without spilling a drop. It all happened so fast that I had to replay it in my mind to catch up. Vaughn was beyond amazed. Edward just stared at his younger, but bigger brother and slowly shook his head with a condemning look.

"Wow!" Vaughn said breathlessly. "Listen, do you play ball? We could really use you. My offensive line is weak and I got hammered out there on our last game. With your reflexes, I doubt anything would get past you. I could get you a try-out with the coach."

Emmett's eyes brightened until he saw Edward's face. He looked at Vaughn remorsefully and I actually felt bad for him. I couldn't imagine how much fun he would have on a football field.

"Sorry man, it sounds awesome, but I have an old injury." He moved his arm around and winced like he was in pain. "I'm a big fan of yours though. Jasper and I love to watch you play." Emmett gestured to a nearby table and Jasper waved.

There was an awkward silence and then looking squarely at Edward, Vaughn took my hand and said, "If you don't mind, I'm going to dance with my date now." His message came across loud and clear. Emmett, however, didn't seem to care.

He stepped up beside me and said, "Actually, Thomas, I'm leaving tomorrow, and I was hoping that I could dance with Bella for a little while."

Vaughn's jaw tightened and then he turned to me. "Your decision," he said softly.

I was still more than slightly dazed from my previous dance. There was another vampire I wanted to dance with so much more, but I managed a small smile at Emmett and then turned to Vaughn and said, "Do you mind if we dance for a few minutes?"

Vaughn started to say something, but Emmett grabbed me around the waist, lifted me off the floor, and began twirling me around. He quickly led me away from the group, and into the middle of the dance floor.

A new song was just starting and Emmett's eyes lit up. "Hey Bella, do you know the rumba?"

"The what?" I asked.

He chuckled as he pulled me close and squared our hips exactly in front of each other, then he put my arms around his neck, placed his hands on my hips, and led me flawlessly through the moves. I smiled in spite of myself.

When the rumba rhythm starts to play,

Dance with me,

Make me sway.

Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore,

Hold me close

Sway me more.

Like a flower bending in the breeze,

Bend with me,

Sway with me.

When you dance you have a way with me,

Stay with me,

Sway with me.

I realized that somewhere, Vaughn was watching the whole thing, but I was concentrating so hard on following Emmett that I didn't dare look away. I wondered if Edward was watching, but just thinking of him almost caused me to lose my footing, so I forced my mind to other things.

"I'm going to miss you, Emmett."

"Ah, Bella, I'm going to miss you too." He looked like a little boy who just lost his puppy.

"Actually," he began. "I'm not going home quite yet. The three of us are going hunting as soon as we leave here tonight." He shook his head. "Edward and Jasper haven't been hunting since they got here. Edward is doing all right, but it isn't the smartest thing for Jasper to go that long."

I blinked my eyes in astonishment. "They've been here almost a month. Why have they waited so long?" I asked.

Emmett stared at me strangely like I should already know the answer. "He didn't want to leave you, Bella."

For a small moment, my heart quickened and then I realized what he was getting at. "He was probably afraid I was going to try some underhanded trick over the weekend while he was gone, right?"

Emmett gave me a look that meant I had it all wrong. I saw him glance anxiously across the room and I followed his gaze. I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. He cleared his throat and said, "Like I was saying, I'm going to miss you too, Bella. I hate to think I won't be here to see you do something human."

I lifted my chin defensively. "Hey, I'll have you know that I haven't had stitches or a broken bone in years."

"Just a broken heart," he replied softly.

I completely lost track of the steps and came to a complete stop.

"Don't Emmett." My voice was quiet, but firm.

He pulled me back and began dancing slowly as he said, "You have to talk to him, Bella. I saw you two dancing just now. That was some serious heat. You're totally in love with him."

I dropped my arms to my side. "Tell your family that I love them and miss them. Tell Alice I love her." Then I turned around and began walking away from him. He caught me and pulled me back. "I'm sorry, I'll be good." He swung me around and lowered me effortlessly into a dip as the song ended.

We danced two more songs, and then I saw Vaughn get up and begin walking towards us. But, before Vaughn was halfway across the dance floor, Jasper was suddenly beside me. He took my hand and said, "Would you like to dance?"

This time I didn't even attempt to look in Vaughn's direction. I just smiled as I turned to face Jasper and waved good-bye to Emmett. I was curious as to what was really going on, but I kept quiet as Jasper shyly put his arm behind my back, and began dancing in a small circle. There was a good 12 inches between us.

"You aren't going to sing to me too, are you?" I said playfully.

For a moment, he looked confused and then he smiled broadly. "Well, I could try, but I doubt you would want to hear it."

He looked away embarrassed and I waited for a few minutes as we danced in complete silence before I asked him a question.

"So, what could Edward possibly have said to you that would convince you to come dance with me?" I raised my eyebrow speculatively.

He looked very innocent. "What are you talking about?"

I pressed on with my line of questioning. "Did he promise you that he would let you leave and return to Alice?"

His mouth twisted slightly. "In case you haven't noticed, it's taking two of us just to keep up with you." He gestured to the corner where Emmett stood. "This week it took three of us and you still managed to have the upper hand." He looked at me seriously and said, "I'm not leaving any time soon."

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, "He promised you something. You wouldn't have come over to ask me to dance on your own. I remember how you always acted around me, I remember on my birthday . . ."

I sucked in air, hoping that it would take back the words I'd just said. "Oh, Jasper, I am so sorry. I never should have said that."

His eyes tightened as he shook his head. "No, it's all right. I'm the one who should have apologized long ago. I can't help thinking that this whole mess is my fault. If I had been," he seemed to be searching for the right word, "If I had been stronger, none of this would have happened."

The song was ending and I was confused. "What do you mean, Jasper?" I felt that this was the key to something important that had always been nagging at me in the back of my head.

He looked at me with nervous eyes, and then shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "I...I guess I'm just feeling very guilty for that night. I am sorry."

I saw Jasper glance quickly out of the corner of his eye in Emmett's direction, and I turned to see what he was looking at. Emmett had caught up to Vaughn, as he once again attempted to cross the dance floor to me now that the song had ended. I saw Emmett say something that he personally found very funny and then slap Vaughn on the back. Vaughn stumbled forward and had to take three steps to balance himself. It looked as if he had the wind knocked out of him, but Emmett, seemingly oblivious, began talking a hundred miles an hour about something as he pulled Vaughn out into the lobby.

I turned back around to cross-examine Jasper, but he wasn't there. Edward was.

"That was a perfectly executed play," I murmured softly.

"What do you mean?" He could play innocent so well.

"Jasper protects the ball, while Emmett goes in for the interception, and then you steal the ball."

His crooked smile appeared and my chest tightened painfully. "Let me get this straight, you're the ball in this scenario, right?"

I suppressed a grin as I tried to look serious.

He smiled again and said, "I assure you, I haven't the faintest idea as to what you are referring, all I know, is that the most ravishingly beautiful woman in the room was standing on the dance floor all alone, and I knew I had to do something to stop such a tragedy from continuing."

I swallowed hard and felt fear seeping into my bones. Instinctively, I took a step away.

He touched my cheek and said warmly, "Monday can be business as usual. You can do your worst in the conference room. But tonight, could you give me just one more dance?"

He put his hand out to me and there was no resisting. I forgot how to breathe as my whole body screamed to be in his arms again. I placed my hand securely in his as he slid his other hand behind my back, and I couldn't stop a sigh as I melted against him. I told myself I would leave my other hand resting innocently on his shoulder, but who was I kidding? My fingers ran along the ridge of his strong, marble shoulders and came to rest on the back of his neck. My thumb ran along his cold skin, and my head screamed out how dangerous this was for me. Seven years of work would now be washed away when he left, but my heart refused to listen.

He moved his face so that our cheeks were touching, and then he pulled me so close to his chest that I had to take shallow breaths. He pulled back slightly and I felt his fingers run slowly down my back.

"Why are you trying to stop me from dancing with Vaughn?" I asked quietly.

I could feel the rumble in his chest. "Would you mind if we didn't talk about him for the next three minutes?"

I blinked my eyes in surprise but didn't press the subject. He was right. This was a precious three minutes. I closed my eyes and although I knew it would hurt all the more, I turned my forehead into his cheek and closed my fingers more tightly around his. I was playing the fool. I knew it. I didn't care. I would have 70 more years to suffer the consequences, but right now, this was enough. Let him use me for this dance. Let him take in my scent, let him try to appease his guilt, let him relive old memories, let him have one more dalliance with a human, I didn't care. I didn't care what the reason was. I was in Edward's arms, and I would stay here as long as he seemed to want me.

I had not been paying any attention at all to the song, when suddenly Edward began singing softly right into my ear:

I can only give you love that lasts forever,

And the promise to be near each time you call.

And the only heart I'll own,

Is for you and you alone,

That's all, that's all.

I can only give you country walks in springtime.

And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall.

And a love who's burning light,

Will warm the winter night.

That's all, that's all.

If you're wondering what I am asking in return, dear,

You'll be glad to know that my demands are small.

Say it's me that you adore,

For now and ever more

That's all, that's all.

As we danced and he sang to me, I saw our future laid out in front of me. A million tomorrows filling me with supreme happiness. I saw our nights, alone and filled with magic and I grit my teeth at the absolute yearning overtaking me. I saw me surrounded by the love and belonging of his family. I saw me running beside him. The whole fantasy was laid out in a complete and perfect vision.

His arm tightened around me. The song was ending. No, please no. I begged and pleaded to just let time finally stop for me, just this once. My arm tightened around his neck and he answered by letting go of my hand and wrapping both arms around me and holding me so tightly against him that I whispered his name.

"Edward."

"Bella." His whisper was rough and full of emotion.

The song was over. I closed my eyes and leaned my forehead on his chin. I knew Vaughn was coming. I looked up and said, "Was it you?"

Edward's brow furrowed and his eyes searched mine. He didn't know what I was asking. Then Vaughn was there, standing a few feet from Edward with his arms folded. I wanted to ask him if he had come into my apartment that night. If all the things I'd dreamed he was saying to me, he had actually whispered into my ear. I wasn't ready to let him go.

Edward pulled back slowly and Vaughn grabbed my hand. I jumped at how warm it felt. "Thank you," Edward mouthed the words to me, and then he turned and left. I watched as Jasper and Emmett met him at the elevators.

I turned to Vaughn and said, "Do you mind if we sit down for a few minutes?" He ran his hand over my cheek and frowned.

"Your cheek is so cold."

I brought my hand up to touch my face. The cold, I never felt. To me, it was burning. I swallowed hard and let him lead me back to the table.

At the end of the evening, Vaughn wasn't going to let me leave alone. We set our teeth and walked off the elevator, but to our surprise, there was no mob. Not one photographer anywhere. As we walked out into the frigid air, I noticed tiny bits of metal reflected in the snow. I bent down and my eyes widened in shock as I realized what they were. There were tiny pieces of lenses and shutters and flashes scattered everywhere. The cameras had been destroyed and smashed into oblivion. Memories of Edward saving me long ago came flooding back, and now, he had one more save to his credit.

I said goodnight to Vaughn and left him standing in my lobby. I don't think this evening turned out the way he had planned.

I was in bed for a good two minutes before it hit. It was a big one. It took my breath away and I rolled on my stomach and curled in on myself as I held my middle. I felt like I would split in two. I didn't even attempt to stop the tears. It was worth it, I kept telling myself. And it was. Even though it tore and ripped at my insides, I lay in that bed reliving every second of being in Edward's arms again. I was so thankful for fresh memories. I would take better care of these. I wouldn't try so hard to forget them. Now I understood how time could ravage even the sweetest parts. I would take care of them no matter the cost.

I was still curled in a ball, crying and remembering, as the sun shown in my window.