A/N I am very very very sorry it's been so long since I updated. My stupid computer decided to just totally stop working. This chapter will not really be smutty. It's just fluff, since this story doesn't really have a plot . . . outside of the obvious, that is.

As soon as we walked through the door I realized that Esme had been cooking. I could smell the Italian spices across the house and my stomach growled fiercely. Edward wrinkled his nose at the scent but didn't comment. In fact, he looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, I forgot to feed you."

I laughed. "It's okay, I forgot to eat." In the dining room, Esme was setting out an elaborate meal for me. She had gone overboard; there was tomato soup, a salad, spaghetti and meatballs, bread, and stuffed peppers. I blushed but smiled. "Thank you so much, Esme. You really didn't have to do this."

She beamed. "Nonsense. It was my pleasure; I've never been able to cook for my children. I just hope it tastes all right."

"It smells wonderful. I just wish I could eat it all."

Esme looked worried. "Oh, did I make too much?" I bit my lip to keep from laughing. She had made enough food to feed the entire Cullen family, if they were human.

Alice bounced in. "Don't be ridiculous, Esme. Bella, hurry up and eat. We have plans for tonight!"

I looked over at Edward beseechingly, but he was glaring at Alice. She pretended to be totally oblivious, skipping away and calling over her shoulder, "Meet me in my room in 27 minutes!"

I sighed. "Better get started." I ate a spoonful of the soup and almost moaned. "Good lord, Esme, this is delicious! You could be a professional cook." Esme, who had looked anxious, smiled radiantly. "Thank you, Bella. I'm so glad you like it."

I dug in and, as Alice had predicted, was done in under half an hour. I took the stairs slowly, dragging my heels in trepidation until Alice yelled for me to move my butt before she came down and moved it for me. Always nice to have friends.

I entered the room and groaned. There were dozens of bottles of nail polish, more manicure paraphernalia than I had ever dreamed could exist, heaps of containers filled with sprays, lotions, and various forms of goo, and piles of clothing—including, of course, everything we had bought from Victoria's Secret.

I cringed at the sight until Edward shouted up, "You have 45 minutes, Alice."

She glared at the closed door; I'm sure her thoughts were not complimentary. Edward only repeated, "45 minutes."

Alice sighed but her face quickly brightened as she turned to me. "Well then, Bella, we'd better get started!"

"Alice . . ." I started to whine. Really, I don't know why I even bother anymore. It never works. Maybe sometime Alice would teach me how she does it. Nah, probably not.

She stared at me sternly. "I'm on your side, Bella. Remember? Didn't you have success when you listened to me about the underwear issue?"

I blushed, but it was true and I had forgotten to thank her. "You're right, Alice, thank you for that."

She beamed at me. "Of course I was right! I'm always right. And you're very, very welcome."

"But Alice, things are going really well right now. I think I can take it from here. And really . . . it's too embarrassing to talk about this when Edward can hear us."

"Oh, don't worry about that! He and Emmett are wrestling in the woods. Emmett wants to play video games with you after we're done."

I groaned. Sometimes it really seemed the Cullens were conspiring to prevent Edward and me from having any time alone.

"And then we're all going hunting, so we'll be away the rest of the night."

Or maybe not. I could live with Emmett's teasing and Alice's poking and prodding if it meant Edward and I could spend a night truly alone. I shivered. Of course, we were very unlikely to . . . go all the way tonight—that was too much to hope for—but still, a night alone . . . the possibilities were staggering.

I imagined the night ahead and was totally immersed in my thoughts during the styling of my hair and a mani-pedi, refocusing on the present when Alice handed me the outfit she wanted me to wear. I stared at the scraps of ribbon and lace that was masquerading as a nightgown. My self-confidence had improved, but not that much. "Alice," I said, "I'm going to sleep, not giving a private striptease. Please let me wear something that'll make me feel comfortable, not self-conscious."

"Fine." I was amazed she didn't put up more of a fight but didn't complain as she dug through the heap of nightclothes. Finally, she pulled out a crimson tank top and dark purple drawstring shorts. My surprise must have shown, because Alice said, "I know he likes blue best on you, but that's what you wore last time. He'll be expecting it. Red is more traditionally seductive, but the clothes themselves aren't too revealing. They'll show just enough to make him want more. Here, try it on and let me see."

I went into the bathroom and pulled on the outfit. It was nice, but I was still a little unsure about it. When I stepped out, Alice clapped her hands and jumped up and down. "Perfect! I am a genius. Your legs look incredibly long, your cleavage is fabulous and best of all, it's easy to remove!" All of a sudden, my face matched my shirt. "Now, put these on." She threw grey sweatpants and a blue hoodie at me, and I looked up at her, confused. "Video games with Emmett, remember?" I groaned but pulled the clothes on and walked downstairs.

Emmett greeted me at the bottom. "Ready to get your butt kicked, human weakling?"

I laughed. "In your dreams, vampire strongling." I turned to Edward, who was snorting at Emmett's and my bantering. He pulled me into his arms and murmured, "Make it quick, please."

I smiled up at him. "Of course. I missed you."

He lifted my chin and kissed me until Emmett shoved him away. "You can just wait until I'm done with her."

Edward growled but released me. I went downstairs with Emmett and beat him soundly at World of Warcraft 3. He kept accusing me of cheating and demanded a rematch, but I was seriously beginning to go through Edward-withdrawal. Finally Emmett left, grumbling to himself, and the rest of the family followed. Edward carried me to his bed, and suddenly my true love and I were alone in his house. He pulled back the covers. "Ready to go to sleep?" he teased, grinning.

I pretended to yawn. "Definitely. I'm exhausted." Ignoring his look of surprise, I stripped off the sweats and jacket and climbed into the bed, stretching out and arching my back. I opened my eyes and saw Edward staring at me. He seemed to be frozen to the spot he had been when I'd removed my outer layers. I fluttered my eyelashes at him. "Is something wrong?"

A strangled noise emerged from his throat. "Erm . . . no. I'm fine."

I tried to keep up the pretense but failed, dissolving into giggles. Edward stared at me in shock. I laughed harder—the expression on his face was just so funny. His eyes narrowed and a calculating look took over his face.

"Bella, love," he growled very softly, "were you pulling my chain?"

I nodded, still giggling.

A certain glint entered his eyes, one I'd only seen once before . . . "You really shouldn't have done that."

Sorry about the lack of smut! So, here's the question: Do you want this next bit to be playful or more intense?

Thanks so much everyone who reviewed with suggestions for a new name! I'm going to hold out for a few more suggestions, so if you have any ideas please review and tell me!