ENTRY 10
AT LAST

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this!"

"Trust me, you'll be thanking me by the end of the night. Besides, it's for charity!" Alice reasons.

"You're still auctioning me off to the highest bidder! What if some creep wins?" I worry.

"Relax, Jazz is on standby; any weirdos and he's under strict instructions to step in."

That makes me feel slightly better. However, I'm still at the mercy of a room full of mostly strangers on Valentine's Day no less.

"And what if no one bids?"

"Please! The men will be fighting over you." Alice declares.

"Yeah, that's why I'm single on Valentine's Day," I sarcastically remark.

"You're single because you're too scared to make a move on a guy you've been mooning over forever. You know, he's gonna be here tonight?" She winks.

Wonderful.

I don't know what's more mortifying; being single on Valentine's Day, or Edward being there to witness this humiliation.

Definitely the latter.

"I don't know who you're talking about," I deny, which is pointless really, because Alice knows my infatuation with Jasper's old college roommate.

"Of course you don't." She sends me a disbelieving look but thankfully leaves it at that.

…

Entering the hall, my eyes are drawn to the stage that's set up for tonight's auction. Alice has gone to town for the fundraiser her parents hold every year in aid of the hospital Carlisle works at. Tables all decorated with red tablecloths, with beautiful red rose centerpieces. There's heart shaped balloons and decorations covering every wall. Honestly, it's like something out of a Hallmark movie.

I remind myself how good the Cullens have been to me when I'm on the verge of bolting. Instead I head for the bar because if I'm going to force myself on stage I need a drink - a strong one.

"I'll have a gin and tonic. Make it double, please," I order.

"I wondered where you were hiding," a velvety voice whispers in my ear.

I know without looking who's behind me. It's a voice that raises goosebumps on my skin. Turning around, I barely contain my moan. He has this effect on me. Every single time.

The green eyed God that is Edward Masen.

And because he's really trying to kill me he's wearing a smart suit - my favourite. The grey one that highlights every inch of his perfectly toned body; a body that's featured in many a fantasy of mine.

Can you blame me?

With his chiseled good looks, perfectly tousled bronze hair, and striking emerald green eyes, the guy looks like he stepped off the front cover of GQ.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth and he chuckles. "So the rumours are true," he says, eying the bright red 'I'm up for grabs' badge on my chest.

Classy.

"If the rumours are that Alice forced me into this farce, then yes, they're true." I grumble.

"It might not be so bad," Edward shrugs, all signs of teasing gone. He leans in almost imperceptibly. "Maybe I'll bid on you," he whispers.

My pulse is frantic, my breathing laboured as his gaze holds mine.

"Maybe I want you to," I breathe, leaning in closer. Our lips a breath apart.

"Can all participants in tonight's auction make their way backstage," announces tonight's host, breaking our moment. We both pull away sharply before I scurry towards the stage.

…

The next hour is a blur as the auction begins. I spend much of my time waiting my turn in a bit of a daze after my moment with Edward.

When my name's called I want to bolt, but one look from Alice tells me she'll find me and drag me back on stage kicking and screaming if she has to.

Instead, I suck it up, make my way on stage, trying to appear more comfortable than I feel. The bidding starts and I'm amazed as the number rises sharply. Really sharply. We're already up to $200 - the most someone spent so far this evening is $150.

Thankfully Jasper plays his part, outbidding any questionables. By the end it's between Mike and Jake. Both are nice guys but they're not him. Speaking of Edward, he disappeared half way into the auction and he's not returned since. I can't help feeling hurt, bitterly disappointed and plain sad.

After our moment earlier I'd hoped tonight could be the night we finally do something about whatever the hell there is between us, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.

Not really.

We've always talked easily, flirted shamelessly, and there's been plenty of almost moments … near kisses when we were both hammered, but nothing more.

Maybe he doesn't feel the same way.

"We're up to $500!" The host breaks me from my reverie.

Mike bows out then. Jake is jubilant. Jasper apologetic. Alice looks as disappointed as I feel. I send her a half smile. It could be worse. Jake isn't that bad. He's just not him.

"$500! Going once. Going twice…."

Just when I've accepted my fate a familiar voice calls out, "$500!"

"Sold to the bidder number 109. Come to the side of the stage to collect your date!" The host nudges me off stage, towards Edward who doesn't need telling twice.

He appears determined as he heads towards me with purpose. He reaches me, his arms wrap around my waist, dragging me against his body. I go willingly …eagerly. My fingers settle on his face, dragging those all too kissable lips towards mine.

This is it.

No more waiting.

"You took your time," I tease. "I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind."

"You know I'd never let that happen, Bella," he leans in closer. "I'm the only person you're going to be spending Valentine's Day with. I think we waited long enough, don't you?"

His smile is blinding. Mine is equally wide.

"Yes, we did!" I agree.

And then he kisses me.

At last …

#V3ENTRIES

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