Once inside, I drop my bags by the door and walk over, sinking into the couch with a sigh. I pull my phone from my pocket and text Emmett, "7pm? I am home now." I toss my phone onto the table and decide to take a shower. Skimming through my closet, I debate on what to wear. Is it a fancy place? Casual? Do I need to dress up? I shrug to myself and head toward the bathroom.

I turn the water on and place a towel onto the counter. I step into the steamy water and lean my head down, letting the warmth flow over my entire body, washing away the smalles bit t of the huge amount of tension I've been holding onto. I give my legs a quick run over with the razor and lather shampoo into my hair, rinsing and following with conditioner. I tilt my head at the ping of my phone, probably Emmett. I finish up and step out, wrapping myself into the towel and retrieve my phone.

"Bells, left you something outside your door, see you at 7 beautiful."

I smile and bite my lower lip, making my way to the front of the apartment. I open the door and see a garment bag hanging there, I grab it and bring it inside. Back in the bedroom, I hang the bag on my closet door and dry off, finding some simple rose-pink lace panties and a matching bra. I towel dry my hair as best I can and unzip the bag, anxious to see whats inside. I gasp at the elegant, deep red evening gown, its half-length lace sleeves and hold it against my body. Its floor length so I definitely need some heels. I lay the dress on the bed and walk to the bath room to finish drying my hair with the blow dryer. I decide on some loose curls and pin half of my hair back and put on a simple face of makeup. I smile to myself and walk back to the bed, sliding the dress on, up over my hips, realizing I would need help zipping the back. Emmett can do that when he arrives.

I check the clock, 6:30. I still have a few minutes. I grab a small black clutch from the closet to hold my phone and a few other small items for the night. Before sliding it in, I text Emmett, "the dress is gorgeous, thank you, but I need some help zipping the back."

Nearly as soon as I hit send, I hear a light tap at the door. He was already waiting. I grin and tell him to come in and inhale a sharp breath as I see him. He is a beautiful sight. He has on a crisp, black suit, white dress shirt underneath and his vest and tie match my dress. I have never seen him so dressed up before.

I realize my jaw is hanging open slightly and I am gaping at Emmett, I close my nouth into a huge smile as Emmett is stopped in his tracks, eyeballing me in return.

"Holy-...wow Bella, you look stunning." He says with a grin as big as mine.

"Thank you," I blush and turn around, motioning for him to assist with my zipper.

He slowly walks up behind me and takes his time guiding the zipper up my back. I shiver as a chill runs up my spine along with his fingers.

"We better hurry before we don't even make it out of this apartment. I'd much rather be unzipping this dress right now instead of helping you cover up." Emmett whispers into my ear.

I bite my lower lip, hard, and feel the heat pooling in my cheeks. I manage to choke out, "I just need to slip my shoes on and grab a coat."

I walk over to the closet and grab a pair of black heels, quickly stepping into them and sliding my nicer coat off of its hanger. After swiftly sliding my coat on, I walk back towards Emmett, taking extra precautions in keeping my balance. Emmett's eyes scan my body up and down and he holds a hand out for me, "Shall we?"

I nod, "of course."

I stare at Emmett a little too long and he raises an eyebrow in question.

"You look very handsome tonight," I gush and follow his lead outside, down to his car.

Emmett smiles and circles around to the driver's side, "I wanted tonight to be special, to mean something."

Emmett pulls away from my apartment building and reaches over, taking my hand in his, keeping the other on the steering wheel. I caress the back of his cool, silky smooth hand with my thumb. I sigh softly to myself and sink back into the seat, completely at ease.

"I told Edward he should go see Rosalie and figure out whats up between the two of them," I blurt out.

"I know," Emmett replies cooly. "She was very excited at the thought."

"Do you think there's something special between them...like that?" I ask. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I bringing this up now, before our night has even gotten to start?

Emmett nods, "I think there's something there. What that something is? I'm not sure, but they do owe it to themselves to figure that out." He gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

I nod, reassuring myself that this conversation is okay, and that I'm not a complete idiot. "Sorry for randomly bringing that up." I say

Emmett chuckles lightly and shakes his head, "I know you care for Edward, Bells, I just want to show you how much I care for you too. And I honestly think we have something...more, between us."

I give him a small smile, "I think maybe we do."

A short while later we pull up in front of an upscale Italian restaurant. Emmett comes around and opens my door, holding out a hand to me. I take it and thank him as he hands the valet his key. I place my arm in his as we walk toward the entrance. Inside, the restaurant is cozy, dimly lit with candles at each table. Emmett gives the host his name and we are escorted to a small booth tucked away into a corner. My eyes wander around the section we are sitting, all the detailed woodwork and floral decor elegantly matched throughout. Emmett is studying my face and asks, "Is this too fancy?"

I shake my head, "Its a beautiful place, I am just taking it all in. Thank you for bringing me."

He reaches over and pulls both my hands into his, "I wouldn't rather be with anyone else, anywhere else, Bella."

The waiter suddenly appears with a bottle of red wine and pours it into the two glasses that were already on the table. I sit up straighter and thank him and tell him we need a minute before ordering. I eventually decide to get Manicotti with a Caesar salad and Emmett rattles off something he will only end up taking a few bites of anyway, for show. We make small talk over a side of fresh sliced italian bread.

I finish half of my meal and throw in the towel, "I can't possibly eat another bite."

The waiter catches word of this as he seemingly appears out of nowhere again, "does that mean no room for a dessert?" He teases.

Emmett answers before I can, "no dessert, but some to-go boxes please." Flashing a bright smile his way. The waiter nods and retreats towards the back.

Emmett leans into me, "besides, you can be my dessert later, once I get you out of that dress."