Author's Notes: Thanks everyone for continuing to bear with me and for all the reviews! And, guess what? The wonderful kuntrygal was nice enough to create a thread over at the Twilighted forums for this story! The link is in my profile, so go ahead and head on over to chat it up with us! Thanks again, Karen! You rock!

As always, lots of Sexy, tattooed up Edward love to IcelandGirl812 for being the best beta a person could ever ask for.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, but I'm sure you all already figured that out.


A Little Less Than Before

Chapter Four;

Lady in Red


Edward Cullen

"Edward, dude, it's time to get up!"

Three loud bangs came from the other side of the door as I groaned and shut my eyes tighter in hopes of somehow blocking the horrid noise out. Maybe if I just willed myself to go back to sleep, he'd leave me alone...

"Seriously, would you get up?" Emmett's incredibly loud voice pierced through my ears and made my slight headache that much worse. "Mom made pancakes, and she's not letting us touch them until you come down!"

In an initial attempt to get him to leave me alone, I buried my face deeper into my soft pillow and tried to count sheep. One, two, three...

"Eddie!"

Fucking jeez. He just had to use the one nickname I couldn't ever stand, the one he knew could drive me absolutely insane.

"EDDIE."

"Alright, Emmett, damn!" I snarled, hurling my pillow at the door so he'd understand I was getting up. It was one hell of an annoying way to wake up, but a small part of me was glad. I didn't have any family in Chicago and didn't really have time to have any close friends, unless you counted coworkers I had lunch with occasionally as some. Work forced me to throw myself into the adult atmosphere Carlisle and Esme had always warned me about.

One of the things I disliked most about Chicago were my uninterrupted mornings. It was nice to be able to get up without a wake-up call, but I'll admit, it was always quite... lonely for me to awake beside nothing but myself and the pillow I had slept with. Granted, there were times I'd wake up with someone next to me, but it was never a long lasting thing. They'd be gone within the first five minutes of waking up, and it just turned into something I had to learn to get used to.

Even when I would stumble into someone I was clearly interested in, it was obvious - girls didn't want me for my heart. They wanted me for my money, my "godly sex hair", and my pricey apartment I had handed over five month's worth of salary for. After dealing with women like that for years, I eventually stopped caring. That was not the life I wanted to live anymore. I didn't want to be that Edward Cullen any longer, so when the opportunity arose for me to move back to Seattle, I took it in a heartbeat.

Following a quick rub to my eyes to rid myself of any bits of sleep, I stretched my arms out and yawned lazily. It had been such a long time since I had slept in this very room underneath this very roof that it still took some getting used to. For the first time in such a long time, our family was finally all back in the same house together. After Alice and Jasper's engagement party, we thought it'd only be right to spend some quality family time together and all got to sleep in the rooms and beds we grew up in.

I couldn't believe how untouched my room was. Everything was left just the way it was when I moved out after high school. My bed was made, my awards still hung everywhere, and my old pictures remained where they were. Mom and Dad told us they wanted to preserve every part of us they had and that was their reasoning for never tossing our left behind articles strewn about.

My head throbbed slightly as I tried to replay the previous night through my head. I had been on the road for much longer than I'd wanted to be, I finally got to see my family after years, and I met one hell of a gorgeous brunette courtesy of Alice.

Bella Swan, one damned sexy lady in red.

I'd seen pictures of her, Alice, and Jasper before. Everyone sent me pictures whenever they could to let me know I was being thought of, regardless of being thousands of miles away. I always thought she was an attractive woman whenever she showed up in the many photographs Alice sent my way, but never really thought of the possibility that she could be even more stunning in person. So when I was introduced to her, I was blown away.

Alice always spoke highly of Bella, and now I knew for myself exactly why. She was funny, smart, and big-hearted. Absolutely nothing like the girls back in Chicago, that's for sure. But, there was something about her... Deep inside where no one could see or even understand, something seemed to be wrong.

Because in my opinion, you don't run out of a party like that without having some sort of good reasoning behind it. "My mother's in the hospital" or "my best friend just got into an accident" would be understandable ones. For some reason, her whole "The thought of them embarking on a new life together is a bit much" thing wasn't reaching me.

I was curious to know the real reason, but wasn't willing to pry into her private life when I had just met her. If I came off as an ass, I'd ruin any sort of chance I might have with her before anything even started. Though a chance might even be too farfetched to hope for since she had this expensive looking heart pendant dangling around her neck. I'd seen those "key to my heart" necklaces before. Bella's heart was in another place. Those pendants were no joke, so I guessed she was harboring strong emotions towards some guy.

Some lucky fucking guy.

I exited my room in my trusty pair of sweatpants and a regular, black shirt, kissing my mother on the cheek before taking a seat at the table. The house was clean once again since all of us pitched in a hand to help after everyone left.

"Finally, Sleeping Beauty." Emmett sighed, grabbing about six pancakes with his fork. He was still like a garbage disposal when it came to food. Same old Emmett. "So, how's your head, man? You had some Jager yesterday, didn't you?"

"Yeah, and was it just me, or did I see you taking shots with a certain maid of honor of mine, hm?" Alice winked and took her share of the pancakes, staring at me the whole time to gauge my reaction.

"Ah, is our old-fashioned Edward trying to woo Ms. Isabella Swan?" Emmett waggled his eyebrows at me and made our parents stifle back a laugh.

I chose to ignore his idiocy and with a shrug, I took two pancakes for myself and drizzled the maple syrup over them. "I figured we should get to know each other. Oh, and did she get home fine, by the way?" I didn't think my minimal headache could even count as a hangover since it didn't bother me at all. Bella and I had taken a few shots together while we watched servers run in and out of the kitchen. I never brought up her crying again because all I wanted was for her to enjoy the party. She did seem to ease up after a few shots but had to perform maid-of-honor duties shortly after. I didn't mind since I had all the time in the world to get to know her. She intrigued me in a way Chicago women never could. It was nice to see change for once.

"Jasper took her home, so I'm sure she's fine." Alice shoved a forkful of her pancake into her mouth and sighed in delight. "Oh, Mom. I've missed your cooking so much. Why did I move out again?"

"Because you were going off to college and wanted to be cool and live in a dorm," Esme replied with a laugh, taking a small sip from her coffee mug. "It really is so nice to have you all back again, though. And how are things looking with the new apartment, Edward?"

I wanted to groan in agony because I absolutely hated the idea of dealing with new land lords, handing over numerous amounts of money for the first month's rent, and the damned security deposit. If it didn't look absolutely pitiful and if I weren't so keen on the fact of living my own life, I would live underneath my parent's roof just to avoid all that. "When my stuff comes in, I'll settle into my new place. It's pretty nice for the price I'm getting it at, too."

"Well since your stuff probably won't arrive until sometime later today, how about you come with Jasper, Bella, and I to look at places for the wedding?" Alice suggested, taking a big gulp from her orange juice. "I need another guy's opinion. Please?"

The only reason I was considering it was because of the fact that Bella would be there. Maybe I could try getting to know her a little better since Alice and Jasper would probably be too occupied with the places we were going to be checking out. I turned towards Emmett, who was still shoveling down the pancakes like a monster. "You gonna come along, Em?"

He looked up at me from his syrup-laden plate and forced out a loud laugh. "You kidding me? I'm just a groomsman. There's no way our baby sis would be able to drag me to help her out with the wedding. My only job is to look good at the altar and get Jasper shit faced at the reception."

"Emmett Dale! Watch your language at my table!" Esme hissed as he guffawed loudly, mouth still full.

I suppose being part of something like this had to come with some sort of obligation. I'd never been involved in a wedding before, so it was all new to me. I figured it probably couldn't be that bad if I would be in good company. I did have to start on getting to know Jasper, since well, this was his wedding and I was his best man. Regardless of the choice being because of a coin flip, I was still the best man nonetheless. I turned my eyes over to Alice's pleading brown ones and almost threw my head back in fits of laughter at how utterly desperate she looked for me to say yes. Would it really have been so terrible to only go with her two best friends? "Relax, sis. I'll come with you, don't worry."

If there weren't sticky plates and cups of juice and coffee everywhere that would ruin her expensive pajama set, I'm sure she would have thrown herself across the table to hug me. Instead, she ran around to my side and embraced me tightly along with a quick kiss on the cheek for agreeing to go along.

"I'm glad the coin was on your side, Edward," she whispered softly, tightening her hold.

"Let's not tell Emmett that, shall we?"

Her tinkling giggle was stifled as Emmett turned to us, angry because he had probably picked up on what we were saying.

"I heard that!"

In order to familiarize myself with the Seattle area again, Alice had me drive to Bella's where we'd be meeting up with her and Jasper. I actually already knew the area since her apartment complex was fairly close to mine. Alice and I waited patiently in my car, fiddling with our cell phones until we heard a car beside us make a sound that meant someone unlocked it. We both turned our heads in their direction and saw Bella and Jasper making their way to the black 2009 Hyundai Elantra SE I recognized from yesterday. Before I could even comprehend another thought, Alice began shoving me aside, making my face smash against my window.

"Alice! What the hell?"

"I want you to go ride with Bella. Get to know her a little better!" She smiled knowingly and unbuckled my seatbelt, pushing me harder into the window. "Don't think I missed you guys ogling each other last night, dear brother. Now's your chance!"

"Jesus, I just moved back yesterday. Don't you think that's a bit soon?" I grumbled, feeling completely awkward because of how smashed my cheeks felt.

"Oh, goodness, Edward, after your many suave encounters with five-minute women, you choose now of all times to get all nervous? Do like Emmett said and woo her! You're more than capable of it!"

"Are you saying you want me to get into your best friend's pants, Alice?"

She slapped my forehead. "I'm saying I want you to get to know her, Edward!"

I didn't want to press too much into the subject. All I really wanted was to not to feel like a ball of Play-doh. "Can you let go of my face?"

"Yes, I will. Jasper's a fabulous driver, by the way, and you already know all the destinations we're heading to anyway. So, get!"

I placed my hands on her arms and tried to pry them off my sore cheeks. "Let Jasper drive my baby? Are you kidding me?"

It looked as if she was ready to knee me in the groin when I said that, but thankfully, Bella and Jasper knocked on Alice's window, and she finally stopped. She pushed the small button and smiled gracefully as if she had done nothing wrong when the window was all the way down.

"Hey darling," Jasper laughed with a quick kiss, probably having caught a glimpse of our sibling banter. "Should Jezebels and I just meet you at the church? Or..."

"Nonsense, Jazz!" And like the sneaky little devil she was, she reached over and unlocked my door, shoving me out before I could even protest. "Edward is going to be riding with Bella. Do you mind driving his car?"

Jasper looked over at Bella, probably just as unaware of the announcement as I was. "You'll be riding with Edward?"

I caught her stealing a glance over at my manipulating sister, mouthing something I couldn't understand. "Um, yes. I guess... I am?"

"Oh. Alright." He chuckled softly and turned to me. "Trust me enough?"

Alice's brown eyes were alight with determination, and I knew there was absolutely no way I'd be able to argue with her. I begrudgingly let out a sigh and left the keys in the ignition.

"I'll be careful, Edward. Don't you worry."

I heard the southern part of him come through a bit as I gave him a thumbs up. He chuckled and pat my back reassuringly as I walked over to Bella's Elantra.

She laughed quietly and offered me the keys to her car, dangling them from her index finger as she smiled at me. "Would you like to drive?"

It was very nice of her to offer, but I shook my head politely and took my place in her car. My phone vibrated in my coat pocket as I took it out to read whatever it was I had just received.

You'll thank me. In the meantime, I love you!
-Alice

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at my pixie-brained younger sister, repeating over and over in my head that this was her wedding, and she deserved nothing but the very best.

He nicks it even a little and I'll kick him where the sun don't shine. Love you too, by the way.

I hit send once I finished my reply and tucked the phone back into my pocket. I had sat in this same spot not even twenty-four hours ago, but didn't notice the infamous "new car" smell lingering within the interior. It made me wonder if it was a recent purchase. "New car?"

She turned her key and followed Jasper and Alice out of the apartment lot. "Kind of. My dad, Alice, and Jasper all chipped in to get me this as a very belated 25th birthday present because my old car was, in their words, a heaping pile of disappointment."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched the buildings and scenery fly past her tinted windows. "It's nice."

"Yes, but I really do miss my truck," she sighed, putting her left turn signal on. "I'm guessing that's your Volvo?"

I was trying to avoid seeing my baby being driven by someone else and just nodded at her assumption. "Yeah, Jasper's driving it. I'm freaking out."

She let out a laugh and shook her head humorously, making her long brown hair cascade all over the place. "Don't worry about it, Edward. Jasper is a good driver. I'm sure everything is fine."

The conversation the rest of the way to our first destination was casual. She seemed in a much better mood than the previous night when she'd been crying and putting up walls to keep everyone out. I was sincerely hoping it really was just her getting a little choked up over the wedding and not something much more drastic.

We pulled up at a huge church and saw Alice flitting inside hastily before Bella and I could even get our seatbelts off. Soon enough, we followed them into the church. It was a huge building with a high ceiling and plush, red carpeting. Luckily, there was no service going on, which gave Alice full permission to run around squealing like a little girl. She was such an energetic ball of designer brands that sometimes it was really hard for me to take in the fact that we were related by blood.

"Oh my gosh!" Alice clapped her hands together and did a little spin where the altar was. "It's beautiful! Isn't it beautiful, you guys?"

"We still have other locations to look at, darlin'. We also have to consider the price ranges, if they're open for reservations in June, and how many people will be able to fit," Jasper pointed out, admiring the stained glass windows all around us.

I took a glance over at Bella who had taken a seat at a pew in the middle of the enormous church. She looked so nonchalant about the location, her brown eyes filled with nothingness as she watched Alice and Jasper talk amongst themselves. Deciding to try and get into her head for just a bit, I sauntered over to the pew in front of the one she was seated at and sat down diagonally so I could face her. "Penny for your thoughts?"

She looked over to me and put on a fake smile. I knew it was fake. I worked in business long enough to know when people tried to block others out from getting into their heads. Secretaries, coworkers, assistants, all of them would use some kind of fakeness on me at one point or another, and now I just had a knack for discovering it.

Bella was definitely giving me a fake smile.

"She's so happy," she sighed, folding her hands in her lap. "I mean, look at her. Look at him. They're... perfect for each other."

Warning bells went off in my head after her sentence. Something about the way she said it, something about the way she looked as the words fell from her lips... was wrong. Something didn't seem to be right. If she was so happy for them like she said she was, then why did she look the total opposite?

Alice and Jasper came towards us at that moment, saying the church was a definite possibility but wanted to check everything else out first before making decisions to set a date in June. Alice grabbed Bella's hands in hers and squealed endlessly about how excited she was.

Her heartwarming smile I had seen in countless pictures wasn't the one on her face now. She was smiling, but it wasn't reaching her eyes. My previous suspicions were right; something was wrong. I wanted to ask but didn't think it would be good to out her in front of her two best friends.

Whatever it was she was keeping hidden away was meant to be hidden from them, otherwise she wouldn't have pretended to jump up and down with Alice and congratulate Jasper over and over. It was really beginning to get to me when we arrived at our second destination, the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. They wanted to explore their options and didn't want to be restricted to only picking a church. They had made an appointment to see one of the rooms where their wedding would take place. The woman explained that 100-200 chairs could be set up in their hall and how convenient it'd be because they would only have to go down a few rooms to get to the reception.

Bella walked around the large room and admired the ambiance of it. She smiled again, and this time it did reach her eyes. She looked so much lovelier when she didn't force herself to hide behind a façade.

"I've always wanted to get married in a hotel like this." She ran her hand over the golden-painted railing and sighed dreamily.

"Oh, yeah?" I chuckled softly and eyed the chandeliers hanging above us. "Why don't you give the lucky guy some hints then?"

She turned to me and quirked a brow, looking sincerely confused by my words. "Lucky guy?"

I pointed to the heart and key hanging on the chain around her neck. "The guy who gave you that."

She blinked repeatedly and shook her head, turning away from me to admire the atmosphere of the room. "There is no lucky guy. Jasper gave this to me. He gave them to Alice and I on Christmas, to let us both know we'd always be the... um, only ones who'd have the key to his heart."

"He gave Alice one? Huh. I didn't see her wearing it," I mused, trying to think back to the previous night. All I remembered was one hell of an expensive looking diamond ring shining from her finger. No necklace. Not that I can recall.

Bella laughed softly and turned towards me, giving me yet another smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Well, why would she need to wear his diamond heart when she's already in possession of the real thing?"

Instantly, I felt terrible for bringing it up. I nodded just to let her know I understood her explanation and followed her out to another room where the reception was to be held. We listened to the woman give an explanation about the food the hotel would serve, how many people could be on the dance floor at one time, and various other things that dealt with the reception. Eventually, Alice and Jasper caved in and agreed to set their date for June 7th. They didn't bother to look at any more places after that and instead, we went our separate ways for the day.

Apparently, Alice's Porsche was low on gas, so she asked a little too nicely if it'd be okay if she and Jasper took the Volvo and because I had really had no other choice, I complied. Bella was fine with taking me back to my parents' place, so I waited patiently in the passenger seat as she said her goodbyes to my sister and Jasper. The three of them seemed to be in their own world as I tried to think of some way I could possibly get Bella's number. I figured I could easily get it from Alice, but then she'd have a reason to tease me relentlessly about how I was fawning over her best friend. Damn.

I bounced my knee up and down without realizing I was doing it and slammed it a little too hard into her glove compartment. It flew open and the contents of what were inside were easily visible. A sharpie, hand sanitizer, a map, a post-it pad, and a pair of sunglasses. The light bulb went off in my head, and I hastily grabbed the sharpie and a post-it. I was never one to leave my phone number for a girl, so this was pretty new to me. I started rushing when I saw her finally wave to them and put the note in a spot I knew she'd have to look at sooner or later.

The drive back was a little more awkward than our previous ones. I began to feel really bad for the whole necklace thing and wished I had just kept my mouth shut. When she pulled into the driveway of my parents' house, I wasn't sure what to do. Should I just hug her like friends would do? Would I even be considered her friend, or was I more of an acquaintance? I decided to just go with a friendly smile instead. "Thanks, Bella. Sorry that you had to tag along with me instead of Alice or Jasper."

"It's fine. It's something I have to get used to anyway. I can't exactly be around them 24/7 anymore, you know?" There was a hint of sadness in her voice again, and I couldn't help the part of me that wanted to just reach over and give her one hell of a hug. I decided against it and left her car without another word.

Once I was inside the house, I ran up the stairs to Emmett's old room and hoped he was in there. I was the only one who decided to attend college outside of Washington and since Emmett had been in Seattle longer, I figured he probably knew Bella a little better than I did.

I knocked on his door twice but was answered with nothing but silence. I knocked louder, and then twice more after that.

"Fucking what!" Emmett growled, throwing open his door with a little more force than necessary. If Emmett was allowed to give me a rude awakening, I should be able to do him the same favor. I plastered on a smile and pushed my way past him, making myself comfortable in the beanbag still situated in one corner of his room. Mom and Dad stayed true to their promise to leave our rooms alone. Emmett's looked exactly the way I remembered it back when we were still in high school.

Ignoring my presence completely, he flopped back down on his queen sized bed and grumbled something incoherent to me.

"So," I started, leaning into the beanbag, "how well do you know Bella?"

"God, Edward, is that what you woke me up for?!" he groaned. "For fuck's sake, you were hanging out with her today! I thought the whole point of that was to get to know each other better!"

"The whole point of today was to find a location for Alice and Jasper's wedding," I pointed out while reaching over to grab a Hacky Sack on the floor. "Now tell me, first of all, how long have you known her?"

He snorted and wrapped himself up into the blanket like an egg roll. "Hell, Edward. I don't know. Do you really have to get to know someone if all you want is their pants off?"

I groaned and slapped my hand over my eyes in irritation. "She's not a five-minute Chicago girl to me, Em! Now, would you help me out?"

He heaved a sigh. "Four years, Edward. That's how long I've known Bells."

"You've known her as long as Alice has?"

"Well, her and Jasper would come to the family parties occasionally. Ali introduced us all to the two of them during Christmas time a few years back."

I nodded in thought and threw the Hacky Sack into the air. "So, did Bella ever bring a boyfriend to the parties?"

Emmett rolled over on his bed so his back was faced towards me. "Nah. I don't know if it was just me, but I swear the only reason Bells never had a boyfriend was because she only had eyes for Jasper."

"You think Bella is in love with Jasper?"

He shrugged his big shoulders lazily and yawned. "Like I said, I don't know if it was just me, but she'd always look at him like... I don't know. This is coming from a guy who's never been in a serious relationship, so don't take my word for it. I'm just guessing."

I raised a brow at my brother's words, contemplating them thoroughly as I ran some of Bella's words from the previous day through my head.

"I just need some time to myself to take it all in."

My brows creased in thought, trying to figure this crazy and jumbled puzzle out.

"I mean, look at her. Look at him. They're... perfect for each other."

Before another thought could pass through my head, my phone began ringing and flashed a number I didn't recognize. Emmett groaned and told me to get out so he could get some rest. I closed the door behind me and held the phone up to my ear. "Hello?"

"Leaving your number on a post-it on my visor?" A laugh sounded throughout the earpiece as I crookedly smiled to myself and headed to my room. "Very original, Edward."

"That was quick. Haven't you ever heard of the two day rule?" I joked.

"Two day rule? Care to clarify?"

"When you get a number, you're supposed to wait two days before calling them to avoid looking desperate."

"Desperate, huh?" she laughed again. "Actually, Edward, for your information, I was just calling to let you know you forgot your iPod in my car."

Crap. I hadn't even realized it was missing from my pocket. I brought it thinking I'd be bored out of my mind looking at wedding chapels and reception locations.

"But because I don't want to look desperate, I guess I should just wait two days before giving it back to you?"

Oh, perfect. "How about you wait to give it to me until we have lunch together sometime this week?" I ran my hand through my hair and walked down the stairs, waiting for her answer.

"Are you asking me out, Mr. Cullen?" she questioned, sounding like she was challenging me.

"I believe I am, Ms. Swan." I went into the kitchen and was surprised to see Alice and Jasper at the counter, snacking on leftover fruit tarts from the day before. "Just for lunch, though."

She laughed. "Well then, just for lunch it is."

"When and where?"

"Surprise me," she said. "Goodbye, Edward."

I smiled. "Goodbye, Bella."

Alice and Jasper turned to me once I hung up the phone with a huge, stupid grin on my face. I almost wanted to do a little, triumphant dance because I had just gotten her to agree to go to lunch with me. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

"Are you and Bella going out on a date?" Alice squealed, bouncing up and down from where she was standing.

"No, we're just going to meet for lunch. She has to give me my iPod I left in her car."

"He wishes it was a date," Emmett's lazy voice came from the stairwell. He walked past us and went straight to the refrigerator, opening up a carton of milk. "He came into my room right after Bells left to ask how well I knew her and stuff."

I didn't think Alice could get any bubblier, but she did at that very second. "Oh my god, Edward! You and Bella together? That's perfect!"

She was getting a little ahead of herself since it was just lunch to pick up my iPod, but I didn't have the heart to rub that in her face. I grabbed a fruit tart from the tray in front of Jasper, wondering why he was the only one silent about me being highly interested in his best friend.

"You okay there, big man?" I laughed jokingly and popped the mini pastry into my mouth.

He looked up at me and chuckled with a shake of his head. "You and Jezebels, huh? I never would have thought..."

"It's only lunch. I think Alice is over-thinking things, as usual."

He shrugged and grabbed another fruit tart. "I don' t know. I just don't want her to get hurt. I don't want my best friend falling for you if it's only going to leave her heartbroken because you're a five-minute-woman type of guy from Chicago."

My eyes widened at his confession, suddenly wondering whether or not it was such a good idea that I be the best man anymore. Had Alice told him about my life back in Chicago? Or, even worse, was he planning on telling Bella? "Jasper, part of the reason I came back here first chance I got was to get away from that lifestyle. It just wasn't me anymore."

Jasper nodded and smiled at me. "Alright. I trust you. You're my best man, after all, right?"

"Right." The tension between the two of us was unknown to both Alice and Emmett as they fought over how many germs he was putting into the milk by drinking it straight from the carton.

"You car drives smooth," he noted, shoving his hands into his pockets when he stood up. "Where's Alice's room? I'm just going to take a nap."

"First door on the right of the second floor," I replied, watching as he left the kitchen and disappeared up the stairs.

I wasn't sure if Jasper was just being protective of Bella, or if he really didn't like me. He seemed like a nice enough guy before me being interested in her was brought up. Maybe it was the fact that he had pretty much been the most important man in her life for eight years and wasn't used to another guy trying to fit himself in the picture? I wouldn't know. I really had no idea. But it wasn't going to stop me. Not in the slightest bit.

End of Chapter Four


Author's Notes: So, because I know people will ask… "What's a five-minute woman?", I'll answer. It's a term my brother and his friends use. A five-minute woman is a girl you talk to for five minutes tops before she wants to go somewhere "private" and leaves five minutes after she gets what she wants. No names and numbers are exchanged. So, yes, Edward has a bit of a... bad boy history from Chicago. Has he changed? I guess you'll just have to wait and see. :)

Pictures of the church, the hotel, and Bella's car are up on my profile for those of you who enjoy visuals! This chapter was a little less angst-filled, but it'll all be back next chapter with BPOV taking over once again. And yes, some Jasper/Edward rivalry will be taking place. Ooooh!

Don't forget to check out the thread on the Twilighted forum! Again, my many thanks to kuntrygal for creating it! The link is on my profile.

Reviews would be quite lovely :)

-BB