LAST REPOSTED CHAPTER from my original story! I've updated this chapter with more from Angela's point of view! This chapter is from multiple POV's as we go into this dinner. Hold on tight.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own TWLIGHT or DWTS. BOO!


APOV

My mind was moving a mile a minute. What should we bring to dinner tonight? I know we said we'd be in charge of the wine, but maybe we should bring something else? Appetizer? What was Bella making this evening? I'm excited to try her cooking. I can't cook worth shit, though Jaz will eat anything I make because he's the most amazing man ever. What if we brought some dessert? That might be good. We could keep it simple. Maybe some ice cream and fruit. Simplicity. Ha! I don't do simple…but maybe we should. I don't think a tiered cake will be up Bella's alley. She radiates simplicity, in the most amazing way.

"Alice, darlin'..." Jasper's southern drawl pulled me from my thoughts.

"Yes honey," I responded semi-absentmindedly.

"Darlin' please stop thinking about whatever is in your mind right now and look at me."

I listened to his words and finally shut my brain down. It was then that I took in that we were parked in front of our apartment. The joy of being married to a fellow member of DWTS, it meant we got to rehearse in the same building, which made carpooling a no-brainer. Anyway, I digress. I didn't remember getting into the car or Jasper driving us here. My mind started churning away again.

I turned in my seat to face him, my rock. My love. He reached his hand out and caressed my cheek gently.

"Alice, I need to know if you are truly alright. I know you. I know how you are. I also know that you are a chatty Cathy and you haven't uttered a single syllable since we left the studio. Talk to me, baby."

Jasper was right. I was having an internal monologue and not saying a word aloud. That wasn't me.

When we got to rehearsals, I immediately went off with Mike, not wanting to talk or think about the 'James interruption'. I hadn't really had the chance to decompress all of the feelings.

"Jaz…" I began but faltered. I didn't know what to say. I thought back on what had happened before we left ABC and I looked back into his eyes and shrugged, my eyes beginning to water.

"Oh darlin', come here." He reached out, unbuckled my seat belt and pulled me onto his lap as if I was as light as a feather. But in his arms is where I needed to be.

"Is it because of James?" he continued and I nodded into his chest. It was true. Having him back on the show really through me for a loop and seeing him again still affects me. What he did hurt me, badly. I can't regret what happened, because I now have Jasper and he is the best thing to ever happen to me, but I can't forgive and forget either.

"I'm still shocked that he's back. That's all." I tried to keep the shaking out of my voice.

"Alice, I promise you, I will never let him hurt you again. And I know your brother won't either." His soothing words calmed me down as he rubbed my back. He was extremely gifted with my emotions. But I stirred as I began to picture an image in my head. One that involved James, but not me. Bella.

"Oh Jaz! What if he hurts Bella?!"

"What? Why would you think he would hurt her?" Concern was evident in his voice.

"I just have a feeling that he's not going to come after me this time, but Bella instead." I tried to calm my voice down as I continued.

"Didn't you notice the way he honed in on her. Granted, she held her own against him until Edward walked up and all but peed on her, but still…it's a challenge. She's a challenge. And we know how James is with challenges." An involuntary shiver ran down my spine.

"Well," Jasper began, "since Ed, how did you put it, 'all but peed on her' I'm going to go out on a limb and say he's going to be rather protective of his partner, so I think she'll be ok."

I smiled at him. I hoped he was right and I tried to relax. I just couldn't shake that feeling.

"So little lady, how about we head upstairs and get cleaned up for this dinner. I'd like to wash this rehearsal off of me. I don't know about you, but I think I have a hopeless case with Jessica."

I snorted. He didn't know hopelessness. I can't count how many times I've come home from rehearsals with Mike saying how I didn't think anyone could be worse than him. When I enlisted Edward's help this past weekend when we were home, I really hoped he would be able to absorb something from him. I guess the holds were getting better, but still…he has a long way to go.

"It's only been a week, Jasper. There's still time," I said, trying to be positive enough for the both of us.

And with that, he gave me his panty-dropping smile, a quick kiss on the cheek and got out of the car.

EmPOV

I was excited to be with Rosie again. Damn, the woman was the sexiest creature to walk this planet. Like, ever!

I had to admit though, I was tired from the weekend. Too much travel. I never liked when we were on the road for games. I was happy the season was over because it meant less travel for me. Unfortunately, being on the road didn't stop entirely. This weekend I was out in Connecticut doing some interviews at ESPN. Questions about the coach, about the team. Questions about my future. I probably smirked during that part. As I looked toward the future, I saw my Rosie with me.

Don't get me wrong. Nothing's happened, but that doesn't mean I don't want it to. Have I mentioned she's hot? But it's more than that, you know? She gets my jokes, even the crappy ones. She rolls her eyes, but I can tell she thinks they're funny. And she loves sports, cars, and working out. Things I love as well. And she calls me on my shit. There are times that she lets me get away with everything, harmless flirting, joking around, but there are times she's all business and puts me in my place. She's Wonder Woman.

I was grateful to be back on the West Coast. Granted, it wasn't home in Seattle, but damn, with Rose, I'd be wherever she was.

Listen to me. I sound like such a sap, but that woman has done something to me. Turned my insides into goo even. Who knew?!

I watched her in the corner going over the new dance moves that I had a feeling were meant for me. She moved effortlessly. She was beautiful. She was graceful. She was confident. She was a great teacher. Damn.

After that creepy dude, James whatever-his-name-is, came into the room, I felt Rosie tense beside me. Something about that kid just wasn't right. I mean, I didn't need Rose's demeanor to tell me that, but fuck if I wasn't going to do something about it. My arm immediately went around her. I wasn't taking any chances.

She hadn't wanted to talk about it when we left for rehearsal, and I wasn't going to push her. She was like me. She got into the 'zone' and really focused on the task in front of her, blocking everything else out.

Damn, it was like we were meant to be.

Sap!

Shit!

"Emmett, get over here!"

Duty calls.

"Break over already?" I asked. Football was tough. Ballroom dancing was definitely tougher. I wasn't going to give up or anything, but I was super happy when it was break time.

"Almost, but I just got a text from Edward. Apparently, there's a little get together happening tonight at Bella's and we've been invited. Want to go?"

"With you? Always."

She gave me a playing nudge and walked back the stereo to put her phone down.

I'd follow that woman to the ends of the earth.

"Alright buster. Break is now officially over. Get your butt into gear. Nail what we've been working on all day and I'll let you go home early to get ready for tonight."

"Yes ma'am!"

Game on!

BenPOV

I have to admit, getting the call from Edward about tonight kind of threw me. I mean, we are close and hang out on occasion, but this seems different. Not a 'guys night' where we met up at a bar or hung out and watched a game on tv. This is basically a dinner party, for lack of a better term.

I don't know if I've ever been to a dinner party, come to think of it. Outside of the cast, I've never been super social. I hang out with the dancers and even some of the crew, but that's about it and even that is rare. A dinner party?

Ah hell, who am I kidding? I just want to get out of my apartment! I'm going stir crazy with this damn injury. Being out of the show this season is tougher than I ever thought. My knee isn't back to full strength yet, so I have to sit out. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done: sit back and watch.

It sounds crazy, I know. The idea that it's hard to 'sit still' and 'not do anything' but it's true! I've been active all my life. I've been a part of DWTS since its inception. And to not be able to dance, it's killing me.

I know they said that I would do some of the demo dances later in the season, when I'm stronger, but I am still missing the competition. Hell, I guess it really is better than nothing.

The couples have been working for a week, so I haven't heard much from anyone. They've all been engrossed in rehearsals and I can't blame them. There's really no easy time on the show, but in the beginning, when you are just working on the basics….man, it's tough…and it only gets harder from here.

So again, hearing from Edward about a dinner was pretty much from left field. I didn't expect to see any of them until I finally made it back to the studio once the show was actually up and running.

It must be my lucky day and I think it will be a good night too. I'll get to catch up with the group and maybe meet some of the new competitors from this season…including Bella. When Ed said her name I could tell something was up with him.

This I gotta see.

AngPOV

To say I was shocked about seeing Bella and Edward in such close proximity to each other in the kitchen was an understatement.

Ok, maybe not shocked. I mean, I knew they would hit it off great. And of course, they look great together. I was just surprised to, one, find them home so early, and two, to be in such an intimate position.

Especially Bella! I mean, she was just sitting on the counter, Edward standing between her legs, with a look that screamed cat-that-ate-the-canary. She didn't even try to move or act like nothing was happening.

My little girl is growing up!

Watching the two of them in the kitchen was heart-warming too. They complemented each other so well. They each worked side by side and when one would move, the other would adjust accordingly. And it was refreshing seeing Bella that comfortable with someone, especially a man.

Way to go, Edward!

I knew this show would be good for Bella. She'd been so determined to not participate. I practically had to beg her to do it…and now, I wanted to shout from the rooftops 'I TOLD YOU SO'…

…but that might be a little over the top.

I could only hope that tonight would prove fruitful for all. I hope everyone gets a chance to relax and enjoy themselves and perhaps we will see some fireworks happen.

I took the cheese platter into the living room and set it on the coffee table. I figured that I'd give them space…no need for me to be right up in their business. At least, not at the moment.

I turned on the sound system, hoping to goodness I didn't blast the bejeezus out of the neighbors again. When we first arrived, I was going around pressing buttons left and right, wanting to see what worked, what didn't, etc. When I got to the stereo, I pressed the on button and the sound that blared out was so loud and obnoxious it nearly knocked me over. It took us a good minute trying to figure out how to turn it down or off.

When it was finally quiet again, we heard muffled yelling from next door. We couldn't completely hear what was being said, but the gist was 'turn off the effing music.'

Luckily, the volume was turned down and I opened the cd player. Ruffing through Bella's cd case, I found a couple of discs that I felt would get us through the night. When I heard Michael Buble's voice start to croon, I knew I was setting the mood.

Was I ashamed? Nope.

I headed back into the kitchen to make small talk when I heard the knock on the door.

I looked at Edward and Bella as they were cleaning up the food prep.

"I'll get it," I volunteered.

I jumped at the opportunity to leave the lovebirds alone for just a minute more before the rest of the group arrived.

I couldn't help but snicker as I opened the door. That snicker got seriously stuck in my throat when I saw the man standing in front of me.

Ben Cheney?!

I closed the door in his face and caught my breath. WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING?!

Immediately, I opened up the door to see that my eyes weren't playing tricks on me.

"I'm so sorry about that. I didn't mean to shut the door on you."

"That's alright. I just thought I might be in the movie Clue." He answered quickly and must have seen the blank look I had on my face from the dumbfoundedness I still felt from seeing this gorgeous man in front of me. "Sorry, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about."

"No, I know exactly what you are talking about" I said, quickly cutting him off. "When the cop rings the doorbell and Mr. Green answers the door but slams it shut in the cop's face before opening again…Sorry. I'm rambling."

I felt like I was gripping the door for dear life and gasping for much needed air.

"It's ok. I promise that I'm no cop." His laugh was delightful and I couldn't help joining him.

"No, I guess you aren't."

"I'm Ben, by the way. I was invited to a dinner party this evening by Edward. I hope I have the right address."

"Yes, you do. Ben, it's nice to meet you. I'm Angela."

"Angela…very nice to meet you."

I opened the door wider for him to enter.

"Edward is upstairs, if you'd like to follow me."

"After you." He gestured towards the stairs and allowed me to proceed in front of him.

"So…Angela? How do you know Edward?"

"Through his dance partner this season on the show. I work with Bella Swan, who was paired up with him this year, so we have a mutual connection I guess."

"Ah, yes, Bella. I'm looking forward to meeting this woman." He said with, what sounded like, wistfulness.

I couldn't help the feeling of disappointment that spread through me. I mean, another guy for Bella. Not that she didn't deserve the attention, but I wish it wasn't Ben. I had a crush on the guy since seeing him on the first season of DWTS and I had never met him before today! Just my luck…

"Oh?" I tried to feign disinterest as we reached the top of the stairs.

"Yeah. The way that Ed said her name on the phone earlier…she must be someone special to him. I don't know if I've ever heard him like that about anyone…and all he did was say her name, you know?"

"Oh, good! I mean, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed this." I felt my heart grow knowing that he wasn't interested in Bella, but what she's done for Edward.

"You too?"

"Yeah, Bella has changed since meeting Edward and I honestly think for the better." Thinking back on the last week and what I knew about this past weekend, I could feel I wasn't wrong.

"Awesome. Ed needs someone like that in his life."

"So does Bella."

We stood there looking at each other on the landing leading into the living room when a voice interrupted the stare.

"Angela, who was at the door?" Bella called as she came out of the kitchen, Edward following closely behind her. He beat me to the punch.

"Hey Ben! Glad you could make it."

"Thanks for the invite, Edward. Honestly, I was getting a little bit of cabin fever since the surgery, you know? I appreciate the thought." Ben and Edward shook hands.

"Of course. Ben, this is Bella Swan, my dance partner." Edward pulled Bella towards him and Ben at the same time.

"Bella, it's a pleasure," Ben said as he shook her hand.

"Welcome! Glad you could come. I know it was a bit short notice for you." Bella seemed to have a guilty look on her face. I'll have to ask about that later.

"Not a problem. Glad I was free."

"And I believe you met Angela?" Bella asked, motioning back to me.

"Yes. Yes, I did." Ben's eyes met mine.

I blushed. When did I turn into Bella?


So...what do you think? Last REPOSTED chapter! On to the new!