A/N: Hey all, sorry for the LONG delay, but honestly, I think I do have a valid excuse... I had a certain DVD to watch... No, wait, really...I had to change beta's. My loving thanks to NeverHadDreams for all her support at the beginning of this adventure, but she is now heavily involved in her own real world adventure (drowning in wedding dress hell, poor girl...lol!). Congrats, sweetie; all the best and don't hesitate to bug me if you need an outsider's opinion on anything! I'll miss you!

So, please join me in welcoming my new beta... zgirl21! You might know her from her awesome story, Bleeding Love (in which she just posted a new chapter...squee!!). She's also a busy gal with school and all, so it takes a bit for us to go back and forth before I have a chapter completed. I hope you will all bear with both of us, and stick with me on this story. There is only one other chapter after this one (maybe 2) before we get into some real angsty nitty-gritty, and I personally can't wait!!

I hope you enjoy this longer chapter. Again, I own nothing of Twilight, except that brand, spanking new DVD!!

BPOV

Alice, of course, assaulted me the minute I got through the door, wanting every detail of my date with Edward. The mile-wide smile plastered on my face was a pretty clear indication, but she was relentless, and wouldn't let me sleep until I had given her a complete play by play. The phrase "never kiss and tell" didn't exist in Alice's vocabulary, although secretly I didn't mind the recap. It made my heart pound just as hard retelling the events of the evening, recalling every sensation and emotion that had rushed through my body at Edward's touch. Alice followed me to my room, sitting cross legged on my bed, as I changed into a pair of pyjamas and went to the bathroom to wash my face.

"So, when are you seeing him again?" she hollered across the hall as I was drying my face on a towel. Way to kill the buzz, Alice. Frowning at my reflection in the mirror, I sighed thinking of how long it actually would be until Edward and I could see each other again. I had to focus on my studies with midterms next week. Thanks to my emotional state last spring after my break-up with James, I had withdrawn from everything in my life, including school, and my grades had tanked, so much that I had actually been put on academic probation. I couldn't afford to let my grades slip even in the slightest, otherwise I'd be kicked out of my program, effectively ruining my chances at getting hired anywhere within my field.

"Who knows," I grumbled to Alice as I walked back into my room and flopped down on the bed beside her. "Midterms next week, and we all know I have to put my nose to the grindstone."

"Oh Bella, come on. You'll do just fine. No one has pulled their socks up more than you have in the last few months. Everyone can see that. You can spare a few hours for coffee or something..." she replied, smiling slyly. I rolled my eyes at her, and she stifled a laugh as she hopped off my bed.

"Sweet dreams, little Bella!" she trilled as she danced out of my room, shutting the door behind her. I crawled under the covers, mentally going over my schedule for the next few days, planning out my studies around my shifts at the bar, and the few classes I needed to attend for the rest of the week. There had to be some time I could sneak away to see him again. His face flashed behind my closed eyelids, his eyes, his lips. I drifted off with images of Edward floating through my head, and slept more peacefully than I had in ages.

Although I had an early class in the morning, I had still hoped to sleep until my alarm went off. That idea was thwarted early on as Alice once again came bounding into my room, squealing at the top of her lungs.

"Oh my God, oh my God! Bella! You will not believe it! Oh my God!!"

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, smiling as Alice literally bounced all over my room.

"What? Alice, calm down and tell me what's going on!"

She turned to face me, but continued to bounce up and down, her face beaming.

"I just got a call from my boss at the design firm, and they offered me a full-time position as a buyer! They're sending me to New York in two weeks! Oh my God! I can't believe it!" she squealed excitedly, throwing herself at me. I hugged her enthusiastically, both of us rocking back and forth, her giddiness spreading over me.

"Alice, I am so proud of you! You deserve this more than anyone I know!" I kissed the top of her head and gave her another squeeze. Alice had been waiting for this opportunity, putting in her time on a part-time contract with one of the best fashion design firms, balancing that job while working at Starbucks. She had been so worried when this position had come up that she wouldn't have enough experience to be considered. Although she didn't really talk about it, I knew she was really hoping this would be the job that would start her career in the fashion world. Alice was born for this life, and it would have been a serious blow to her confidence had she not been hired for the job.

"I can't believe they are sending me to New York already! Holy cow, this is big! This is huge! Oh, and she said that we're allowed to bring significant others too, they just have to pay their airfare. Oh my God, I have to go call Jasper and tell him!! I hope he can get the time off to come with me!" she babbled on as she bounced right back up and out of my room, squealing the whole way.

I swung my legs over the side of my bed and sat there for a moment, excited for my best friend. I could hear her on the phone with Jasper, her squeals echoing through the house. Glancing at my nightstand, I noticed my cell phone was blinking. Curious, I reached for it and flipped it open to find a text message from Edward.

"Woke up to thoughts of you. Great way to start my day. Hope yours is good. Don't study too hard!"

Now it was my turn to squeal, although I did so inwardly. He woke up thinking of me. My heart did a quick flutter. Quickly I typed in a reply to him.

"Thinking of you too. Thank you again for last night."

I kept my phone close as I changed out of my pyjamas and pulled on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie, pulled my hair back in a ponytail and started gathering up the textbooks and study material I would need for today. Sure enough, within a few minutes there was another text message.

"Guys are talking about going for beers after work tonight. Will that be awkward? Would love to see you."

Grinning, I eagerly typed in my response.

"Was hoping you would. Can't wait to see you too."

I glanced at the clock and did a quick mental calculation. Only nine hours until I'd see him again. It felt like forever, but hopefully the time would go quicker if I poured myself into studying before my shift started at the bar. Grabbing my mp3 player, I shoved everything I had gathered into my book bag and slung it onto my shoulder as I headed out of my room. Alice was still on the phone with Jasper, so I snuck her another quick hug and mouthed to her that I was heading to class. She waved me off, chatting animatedly with Jasper about the hotel in New York where they were setting her up.

As I headed outside, I was grateful that the air was slightly warmer than it had been over the last few days and that I wouldn't need a coat on my short walk to campus. With the sun warming my face, I stopped briefly at the coffee shop at the edge of campus to grab a coffee and a bagel, before resuming my walk to class, enjoying the crisp air and the crunching of the fall leaves beneath my feet. I found myself smiling, and although it was a beautiful morning, my smile had much more to do with thoughts of a certain green-eyed man who I couldn't wait to see later that day.

EPOV

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I flipped my phone shut after reading Bella's last text message. At least I wouldn't have days to wait to see her again, just until the end of shift. She was already haunting not only my dreams, but my daytime thoughts as well, although I wasn't complaining.

I felt a nudge at my shoulder, and quickly looked up to see Emmett handing me a hot cup of coffee, sipping one of his own.

"Thanks, man," I offered in return.

"Not a problem. So, I take it the date went well?" he asked with a smirk, eyebrows raised.

My smile returned full force as I nodded my head, sipping my coffee.

"I'm happy for you, man. Just remember though, don't screw this up. Bella is like a sister to me, and I'd hate to have to beat the shit out of you. I just broke you in, and I don't want to have to go training another bozo to take your place!" Emmett grinned, but I didn't miss the warning in his message.

Just then Mike walked into the lounge, clipboard in hand.

"Okay pretty boys, who's going in for the calendar contest this year?" he hollered, loud enough for the guys in the kitchen to hear him.

I leaned closer to Emmett, so as to not garner too much attention with my obvious ignorance.

"Calendar contest?"

Emmett just gave an amused smirk and spoke up.

"Count me in Mike, and the probie too."

I shot him a confused glance, and was about to ask again when Mike cut me off.

"Well, better get your ass in the gym, probie. You're a bit of a lightweight, and the ladies are paying to see guns and a six pack!"

Both my hands went up in defense, and I started to mumble any excuse I could think of, but Emmett intervened.

"Don't even think of skipping out, Edward. Probie's are automatically signed up. You're the fresh meat! No excuses! Besides, we have our own little cheering section with Rosie, Alice and Bella, most of the girls from the bar..."

"Okay, wait! Will someone please tell me what I'm apparently already signed up for?" I demanded.

Mike sat down across from us, only too eager to explain.

"Every year we put together a calendar of the department's finest with all the proceeds going to local children's charities. Problem is there are just too many fine young men, much like myself," he started, as someone from the kitchen threw a wadded up piece of paper at his head. He deflected it, shooting them the bird, as he continued. "Anyways, like I was saying, too many good looking guys for twelve months, so we hold a competition at Dallas Nightclub, sort of a combination fashion show and talent show, with celebrity judges who determine who are the hottest twelve who get to grace the pages of the calendar. And of course, the audience is filled with the hottest chicks, all wanting a piece of this." He gestured to his chest as yet another projectile was thrown his way.

"Yeah, that's why you've made it as far as the back cover, Mike," someone hollered from the kitchen, and Mike flew off the chair, making a mad dash in the direction of the echoes of laughter.

I hung my head and groaned. "He's not serious, is he?" I turned to Emmett, a pleading look in my eyes.

"Yup. Dallas holds about 700 capacity, and tickets sell out every year," he chuckled. "Don't give me that look. It's for kid's charities."

"What do I have to do exactly?" My voice was starting to develop a whine, and I raked my fingers through my hair, certain that I felt a bead of sweat on my brow. I hated crowds, not to mention being the center of attention in said crowd.

"All in good time, my friend, all in good time!" He rose, clapping me on the shoulder. "See you in the gym in fifteen!" he called over his shoulder.

By the end of shift, I was actually ready to thank the gods for sparing us any rigorous calls. Every muscle in my body was screaming in protest from the '300' work-out I had been subjected to for the last two days. My legs were actually shaking as I made my way down the stairs, pulling my sweatshirt over my head before joining the rest of the crew heading across the street to the bar. The only inspiration propelling me to put one foot in front of the other instead of collapsing in a heap was the thought of seeing Bella.

We had been texting back and forth periodically throughout the day, and she had gotten quite a laugh over the whole calendar affair, completely at my expense, but she did promise to explain it to me in great detail, or rather to have Rosalie explain it to me tonight. Apparently she would be joining us at the bar, along with Alice and Jasper. Something about celebrating Alice getting a promotion. I was a little nervous at being surrounded by Bella's closest friends, knowing full-well that I would be the subject of intense scrutiny. Heck, between that and the whole idea of the calendar, I was ready to crawl under a rock!

Once again though, all my nervous jitters vanished when I walked through the door of the restaurant, eagerly searching over the heads of my co-workers to find her, melting when I finally caught sight of her behind the bar, as breathtaking as ever. She met my gaze, flashing me a smile and a quick wave as she started pouring pitchers of beer. Following Emmett to a table near the bar, I sat down and tried not to keep staring at her.

"Close your mouth, Edward. You're drooling," Emmett claimed as he sat beside me, clapping me on the back. I blushed, looking down at the table, shaking my head.

"Sorry. It's just hard being so close to her and not being able to touch her, you know?" I replied quietly.

"Yeah, well, if you don't stop your bellyachin' I'm gonna throw up! You'll get your chance soon enough," he chided.

"Get a chance at what?" a voice spoke up from behind me and I turned to see a very tall, leggy blond sidle up to the table, glancing at me before stepping into Emmett's waiting arms. Instantly their lips locked together in a rather passionate kiss, and I deliberately glanced away, instantly feeling like I was intruding on a private moment.

"Mmmm, Rosie, baby," Emmett started, pulling away from the kiss, somewhat reluctantly I noticed. "Meet Edward, one of the new probies."

She removed one of her hands from Emmett's chest and reached over to shake my hand. "Ah, so this is the man of the hour. Let's see, will it be February or March?" she perused me up and down, putting a finger to her chin and squinting her eyes at me.

"Hell, no!" Emmett stated defiantly. "No probie's gonna unseat me. This is Mr. February!" He rose off his stool, grabbed the hem of his t-shirt and hauled it up to reveal a perfect six-pack set of abs with one hand, while flexing the bicep of the other arm. "Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!" he hollered, turning around to the hoots and cheers of the other bar patrons, mostly our co-workers. I laughed along with them as Emmett sat back down and pulled Rosalie to his chest. "Right, baby?"

"That's my monkey-man, Mr. February," she replied playfully, leaning in for another kiss that Emmett was only too happy to oblige her with.

Looking away again, I was thrilled to see Bella approach the table with a pitcher of beer and three chilled mugs, noticing that she stopped only inches from me as she placed them on the table. Turning to me, she was nibbling on her bottom lip, but a smile was drawing up the corners of her mouth.

"Hey," was all I managed to say as I held her gaze with my eyes, and took the chance of grazing my fingers down her arm. She caught my fingers in her own and gave them a quick squeeze.

"Hey yourself," she whispered back, leaning in ever so slightly towards me. A squeal from across the bar drew all of our attention away, and I reluctantly broke my gaze at Bella, looking up to see Alice and Jasper heading towards us. Both Bella and Rosalie echoed the squeal and the three girls were suddenly bouncing up and down and hugging eachother tightly. Jasper shook his head and rolled his eyes, bumping fists with Emmett and myself before pulling up a bar stool between us, and the three of us turned to watch the girls' giddy exchange.

Bella shot me another quick, wistful glance before returning to the bar, and Alice and Rosalie came to join us at the table. From the conversation that ensued, I learned all about Alice's amazing job opportunity, and the upcoming trip to New York in which Jasper was joining her. Emmett beamed with pride as he embraced his sister warmly, exclaiming how proud he was of her. A succssion of cheers and clinking glasses followed. Watching the animated conversation between these close friends had me slightly jealous and feeling a little on the outside. Although I had close friends growing up, and in college, it was obvious this group of friends were like family, and I felt the pang of missing my own family back home.

"So, Edward. I hear you're new in town as well as a new firefighter," Rosalie piped up. "How's that all working out for you?"

I swallowed the mouthful of beer I had just taken and cleared my throat.

"Um, great actually. I'm getting to know my way around, and getting settled in my new place. Actually Bella has talked me into having a housewarming party, maybe late next week. Would you guys be interested in coming?" I added the question at the end, trying to judge their reaction.

"That would be fabulous!" Alice replied excitedly. "Jasper and I can always squeeze in a party before we leave for New York, can't we babe?" she added, leaning into Jasper's side. The others echoed their own interest in attending, and I couldn't help smiling warmly. It was comforting to feel like they were accepting of me so quickly.

Just then my cell phone buzzed in my pocket. Quickly retrieving it, I was surprised to see a text message from Bella.

"Going on break. Meet me out back in 2 mins?"

Flipping the phone shut and tucking it back in my pocket, I took a quick swig of my beer and stood up, excusing myself, feigning the need to hit the washroom. I suspected Emmett had caught on to the real reason for my hasty departure when he met my glance with a smirk, but let it go without comment as he turned to answer Rosalie.

I practically sprinted out the door and around to the back of the restaurant, rounding the corner of the building just as Bella was coming out the back door. Her face lit up at the sight of me, and I couldn't help but echo the sentiment in my own beaming smile. Closing the distance between us, I hesitated only a moment before opening my arms to her, letting out a silent sigh of relief when she immediately wrapped her arms around my waist in return. She tipped her head up to look at me and I couldn't help but lean in and brush her soft lips with my own. Electricity tingled through me when our lips touched, and I think we both shivered.

"Hey," I whispered, rubbing my hands up and down her back, attempting to both warm and soothe her.

"I think I've heard that somewhere today," she giggled in reply, and I rolled my eyes at her.

"What can I say? Just the sight of you leaves me without words."

She looked up at me through her lashes before leaning in closer.

"So, you seem pretty comfortable with meeting everyone," she started. "How's that going? Are they grilling you pretty badly?"

I shook my head and grinned, pecking her on the lips yet again. "No, your friends are all wonderful. In fact, I invited them all to my house-warming party at the end of next week. I just wanted to check the date with you first. Considering I can't cook to save my life, I would be at a complete loss without you. Your midterms will be over then, right?"

"Yep, assuming I survive them," she frowned.

"I'm sure you'll do great," I assured her, kissing the bridge of her nose as she rolled her eyes and sighed.

"I have to get back in there." She nodded towards the door, but made no move to leave my embrace, so I pulled her in tight and she rested her head on my chest.

"Call me tonight when you get home from work?" I asked softly, nuzzling my face in her hair, breathing in her unique scent. She nodded her head in reply and squeezed me once more before pulling back. I leaned in to kiss her, and she met me half way, her lips so soft against mine, and I didn't want to ever let her go.

A/N: You all know I thrive on your reviews, so please leave me some love (or hate, whichever... I'm not picky!!) I do read each and every one, and appreciate the feedback so much. Our thread over on the Twilighted boards has been a bit slow lately, but I'm planning on dropping some previews of upcoming chapters soon, so come find us and bookmark it... www (dot) twilighted (dot) net / forum / viewtopic. php?f=44&t=2220