Disclaimer: These characters and all likenesses to the Twilight Series belong to the absolutely talented Stephenie Meyer Disclaimer: These characters and all likenesses to the Twilight Series belong to the absolutely talented Stephenie Meyer. We are only borrowing them for our story; we hold no rights to them otherwise.
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Previously: "I don't think we're done teaching the boys a lesson just yet. A peep show in a teddy is nothing compared to what they'll see tomorrow night."
EPOV
I woke up to the sound of pouring rain. I'm not sure how much sleep I actually got but my body felt like I hadn't slept at all. Images of Bella in her babydoll kept me awake all night. I imagined having my way with her on the balcony, bending her over the railing, taking her on the chaise lounge and then on the stairs. I was so turned on by my vivid imagination that I had to take matters into my own hands, literally.
I awoke still frustrated however in more ways than one. I was furious with Emmett for sending that photo. I tried to tell him it was a bad idea but Jasper seemed to agree with him so I let it go. I don't think any of us were expecting the furious reaction we received. Bella wouldn't even look at me, she wouldn't acknowledge my presence at all and the silent treatment was killing me. We were just starting to get to know each other and now I was back to square one.
What I couldn't understand was the performance on the balcony. If the girls were so upset with us, why tease us? Then it hit me, they were getting back at us and what a glorious punishment it was. I was going to have to prove to Bella that I was interested in her and no one else. First, I had to get her to at least speak to me and I had a feeling that was going to be easier said than done.
I quickly showered, put on my work clothes and headed downstairs. I was hoping to get a moment alone with Bella to explain things but when I reached the kitchen it was a sea of testosterone.
"Where are the girls?" My voice sounded panicked.
"Good morning to you too Edward. Coffee?" Carlisle was chipper as always.
"Sorry, Carlisle. Good morning and yes please." I reached for the cup Carlisle handed me and made my way to the stools at the bar next to Emmett and Jasper who looked somber. Carlisle headed upstairs and I took my seat.
"Hey guys, where are the girls?" I was hoping someone would finally answer my damn question.
"They left earlier this morning before we came downstairs." Jasper stated with a morose tone while Emmett grunted and shifted in his seat.
"Why? The shop doesn't open for another hour." I directed my question at Jasper who seemed to be the only one speaking this morning. Why would they leave so early? The likely reason was they were avoiding us like the plague.
"Carlisle said something about them helping Esme with inventory but I think we all know the real reason why they took off so early."
"Will you just drop it Jasper? Damn, the girls got their panties in a bunch but they'll get over it. It was a joke!" Emmett finally spoke trying to sound irritated but it came out more contrite.
"Really Emmett? Get over it Emmett? Have you noticed they haven't spoken to us since yesterday morning Emmett? Don't you realize why they left early Emmett?" Jasper was fuming.
"Dude, why do you keep saying my name? That's annoying. Anyway, yeah I noticed but if they were so pissed off then why the burlesque show last night on the balcony huh?"
"They're trying to teach us a lesson and teasing us is their choice method." I tried to put it in layman's terms for Emmett.
"Nu-uh, showing off your goods in a nightie ain't punishment. That was more like a treat." Emmett just didn't get it.
"A treat? So Emmett, I bet you'd like to see Rosalie's nightie up close right? Or better yet, how about what's underneath that nightie?" Jasper was obviously better at breaking it down to Emmett level.
"Hell yeah! Duh, Jasper. Like you and Edward wouldn't jump at the chance with Alice and Bella. Geez, Jazzman..dense much?" He clearly didn't get it still.
"Well Einstein, you don't have a chance in hell of ever seeing that nightie again. I hope you stored a very descriptive image in that empty head of yours." Jasper was nudging Emmett's head with his knuckle.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I was beginning to lose my patience with Emmett.
"It means they were teasing us. They wanted us to see them in those outfits but they have no plans on taking it any farther than that. They were making a point Emmett, that they are far better looking than those sorority girls. AND, they were giving us a glimpse of what we can never have all thanks to your photo message." He's got to grasp it now. If not, my next option was to pound it into his head. Any lingering trace of patience had now gone out the window. I stood up, ran my hand through my hair and began to pace.
Emmett's mouth formed an O and he started shaking his head. "Shit, that's just mean."
Jasper and I both sighed and shook our heads. "It may seem mean to you but to them its seemingly fitting and we deserve every ounce of retribution the girls dole out." Jasper nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I'm starting to understand now. I guess I wasn't thinking about the backlash when I sent that pic. So, how do we fix it?" Finally Emmett saw the error of his ways.
"I'm not sure to be honest; I've been thinking about that all night. Clearly, we have to do something to get back into their good graces but what exactly, I haven't quite figured out." I wish I had an answer for Emmett but at the moment my mind was drawing a blank.
"We're just going to have to go out of our way to show the girls that we are interested in only them. We need to prove that we aren't Neanderthals and that our intentions are good." Jasper elbowed Emmett as he spoke.
"And how do we do that?" Emmett had a serious look on his face and his brow was furrowed making him look utterly clueless. Jasper and I simply looked at each other as if we were trying to read each other's minds for the answer.
We didn't have a chance to speak as Carlisle walked back into the kitchen. "Boys, every thing alright? You all look like Santa skipped you this year."
"Um, Carlisle may we ask your opinion on something?" I was hesitant to ask him but I was hoping he could shed some light on how to woo a woman back after you've completely and thoroughly fucked things up with her.
"Sure, what can I help you with?"
"I screwed things up for us and now the girls hate us." Emmett hung his head in shame.
"What do you mean? I'm sure it's not that bad and can easily be fixed." Carlisle was always the optimist.
We explained the situation to Carlisle about the photo but left out the part about the lingerie show on the balcony. We edited thinking it would be best not to embarrass the girls any further. We simply stated they were ignoring us and we were desperate to make things right.
"I see. That really wasn't a wise thing to do Emmett. I'm hoping between the boys harassing you and the girls' silent treatment you've learned your lesson." Carlisle had a stern look on his face but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching. Emmett simply nodded his head and sulked like a five year old who dropped his ice cream. "It seems to me the girls' initial reaction would have been one of inadequacy. You were surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women and although you handled yourselves chivalrously, the girls don't know that. They weren't on the boat; they only saw what you wanted them to see which was a photo of half naked women. Picture yourselves on the receiving end of a photo like that or better yet, seeing it in person. Imagine the role reversal here boys. What if you saw the girls surrounded by a group of young, handsome men that aren't you?' He paused for a moment to allow the image to sink in. Emmett looked angry, Jasper looked jealous and I felt a combination of both including remorse.
Why am I jealous? This is a new emotion for me but one I can't push aside. I don't want any man touching Bella but me as caveman as that sounds. And did the girls truly feel inadequate? There was no reason for them to ever feel that way. They were three of the most beautiful, smartest, wittiest and funniest women I had ever met. Inadequacy must not have been a lasting emotion though. Based on their display last night I believe it was immediately replaced by anger and revenge.
"I'm sure the girls got over their initial shock and went into retaliation mode, hence the silent treatment you are receiving. I'm not justifying vengeance but it makes sense if they are trying to teach you a lesson. And gentlemen, let's hope you only have to go through this lesson once." Carlisle was chuckling as he spoke.
"So what do you suggest we do?" Jasper no longer wanted to continue with the lesson and neither did I.
"First you need to make sure the girls know that you were complete gentlemen yesterday on the boat. I'm sure Esme can subtly explain that for you if you'd like." We all nodded in agreement as Carlisle continued. "One quick question if I may? Are the girls aware of your interests in them? Obviously there is an interest on their part or they wouldn't have reacted the way the did." Why had I not realized that? I had been wracking my brain trying to figure out if Bella really was interested in me or if she was just being nice. I was thinking back on all the moments we shared in the last two days. She held my hand, the closeness of our bodies in the pool, my body's reaction to her in the pool, the fact that she didn't pull away, what she said to me when I put her to bed and even our almost kiss should have given me enough reasons to believe it. I knew I was completely infatuated with her but it was probably more than she felt for me.
"I'm not sure if they know we like them or not to be honest Carlisle. I'd like to think I've made it known but now that you've brought it up, I think we haven't made it obvious enough." I decided to answer for the group.
"Then there is your solution gentlemen and I suggest you start soon. Basically, treat them the way you would expect your sister's suitor to treat her." Carlisle was smiling and we all simply nodded. He was right and we needed to formulate a plan as to how we were going to win their hearts.
"Thank you Carlisle." We happily thanked him in unison.
"Now if I may change the subject to one of work matters, we've got another snorkel group today. No worries, it's a church group from Canada." Carlisle made sure to add the last part for our benefit as he saw us tense up. "The rain last night is going to make the water a bit murky but we'll have to make do. If you are ready, we'll head to the marina. I can hear Jack's Jimmy Buffet karaoke from here." We all laughed and made our way to the door.
As we all climbed into the van I could hear a collected sigh of relief. I tuned out Jack's off key rendition of Cheeseburger in Paradise and lost myself to my thoughts. I was pulled out of my reverie by Carlisle's voice.
"By the way, I forgot to mention this earlier but now is as good a time as any with the current situation. I overheard the girls mention to Esme they'd like to go out tonight. I know you all have to work tomorrow but it might be a good idea to get out of the house. There are tons of places up and down Duval Street that would be ideal. I believe I heard them say something about and I quote wanting to shake their derrières. I paraphrased the last bit of course. This is a perfect opportunity for you gentlemen."
"But they haven't invited us Carlisle. Wouldn't that be a bit presumptuous if we just invited ourselves?" I wanted desperately to spend time with Bella but I certainly didn't want to push her further away.
"Edward, you can be a bit more clever than that. You are your father's son after all." He was looking at me reproachfully.
"Um Carlisle, I have to agree with Eddie here. I really don't want to piss them off more than we already have." Emmett, the voice of reason. Who would have thought!
"All I'm suggesting, and you did not get this idea from me, is that you simply show up at the same place. Key West is a small town boys, people bump into each other all the time." He crossed his arms against his chest and smirked.
"Wow Carlisle, does Esme know you've got a sneaky side?" Jasper was wiggling his eyebrows up and down in Carlisle's direction.
"How do you think I won her heart in the first place?" He simply winked and smiled at us. We laughed boisterously and in unison. It felt good to laugh again and I couldn't wait for this day to be over.
The day dragged on like a never ending Monday. The tourists were nice people and never once complained about the water clarity. I kept imagining dancing with Bella, her back to my chest, my hands on her hips and her hands up behind her in my hair as our bodies moved sinfully to the beat. We had decided we would tell the girls we were going out tonight as well to enjoy some male bonding time. What they wouldn't know is that we planned on hitting every spot until we found them. Once we found them, by coincidence of course, we were going to try our hands at wooing them back.
The end of the day finally came and before I knew it we were back at the house. Esme had told us the girls were upstairs getting ready for their night out on the town. We told her we had planned to do the same and she gave us a knowing smile and a wink. "Of course you did dears. I think the girls said something about dancing themselves. There are only so many clubs along Duval. Well, have fun."
I ran upstairs and plugged my IPod into the mini boom box and hit play. I jumped into the shower to prepare for our, hopefully victorious, night on the town as the sounds of Coldplay filled the room.
BPOV
I was so relieved to hear Carlisle's observation of how the boys behaved on the boat. So, maybe Edward wasn't attracted to those girls but I wasn't sure how to make him attracted to me.
Last night I dreamed of standing on the balcony wearing my sexy babydoll. Edward climbed up and over the railing just to be near me. He took me in his arms wrapping one arm around my waist placing his hand on the exposed skin of the small of my back. He pulled me so tightly into him that I could feel exactly how excited he was to be with me. His green eyes looked right into my soul making my legs go weak as he brought his lips to mine. The passion was so unbelievable as his fingertips slowly traced up my back under my top. I have never been attracted to a man the way I am attracted to him. I wanted to be with him in everyway possible. Why did this make sense? I didn't even know him but I knew I wanted him to be mine. I didn't want any other woman near him. Jealousy was such a new feeling for me.
Alice woke us up extra early with the intention of helping Esme do inventory at the shop. Ultimately, her goal was to get us out of the house before the boys woke up. She was still trying to keep up the hard to get show that we were putting on for them. I tried to stall as much as I could while I was getting ready so I would have a chance to see Edward before we left. I just wanted to see his reaction when he looked at me and perhaps it would tell me if he was pleased with what he saw last night. Rose and Alice were on to me however and made sure to let me know.
"Bella, hurry up!" hissed Rose. "I know what you're doing and Edward is off limits. Besides, didn't you get enough of him in your sleep last night?" She grinned as my jaw dropped.
Did I do it again? Why do I always have to talk in my sleep? I swear I need to tape my mouth shut before I go to bed. I had the hardest time falling asleep last night; frustration and my attraction to Edward were getting the best of me.
"I'm ready, let's go get this day started." I said as they literally pushed me out the front door.
It didn't take us long to get the entire inventory done and Esme was very glad to have our help. It made her job a lot easier and she was even able to help us up front as the bursts of tourists came in at regular intervals. The whole workday went by rather quickly. We didn't even have time to talk, which I was a bit grateful for. I knew Rose had some big plans for our evening and she spent any free time whispering with Alice about how they were going to make sure I looked perfect. I was a bit worried to say the least.
"Okay, all the racks are straightened on my end of the shop how about you girls?" asked Alice. I could see the anxious bounce in her step as she walked over to Rose and I.
"Just about done." Rose answered her.
"Girls have you decided where you are going tonight?" Esme inquired. "If you still want to go dancing there are quite a few places you could even walk to on Duval Street that would be fun. If you'd like to go dancing there is Upstairs at Ricks."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, one of the customers mentioned that place today." Said Alice. "It would be nice to take a walk and find a fun place to hang out for the night."
The next question Esme asked made us all furrow our brows at her, "Will the boys be joining you?"
"Um, yeah…we have no plans on asking them." Commented Rose with a flip of her hair.
"Is something wrong?" Esme looked worried.
Rose explained about the text picture Emmett had sent. Esme nodded as she listened and decided she should inform us about the actions of the boys. We didn't let her know that we had overheard her talking to Carlisle.
"Girls I can assure you these boys were very well behaved at work yesterday. Although men will be men, I know Emmett, Jasper and Edward to be gentlemen first of all. I can see that they are attracted to you ladies and if you give them a chance I am sure they will find a way to act proper. And perhaps you could reconsider your girls' night only? It might give you and the boys a way to get to know each other more and give the boys a chance to make it up to you." She smiled in a motherly way.
"Thank you for the advice Esme. We just want to blow off some steam so to speak but you have a point about the boys. Could you possibly drop a hint to them then? I guess it wouldn't hurt if they showed up." Alice explained.
"I would be more than happy to drop a subtle hint but not mention where you are going. It's more fun when it's a chase ladies." Esme had a sneaky side to her. Alice and Rose went to make sure our work was finished.
Esme placed her hand on my shoulder. "Bella, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Sure, it is so beautiful here. I am looking forward to seeing some of the town tonight and working here with you is so much fun." I smiled as she searched my eyes for something more.
"You are a very beautiful girl and don't ever doubt that. You have captured the interest of a very handsome young man who is probably driving himself crazy trying to find a way to show you he's attracted to you. If you're interested in him, and I think you are, you just need to go with your instincts and get to know him. You won't be disappointed."
"I'll try." I shyly smiled back at her as she hugged me tightly.
"Ladies, we are all done. Let's get the heck out of here and get ready for tonight!" Alice was beaming with anticipation.
We arrived back at the house before the boys and hurried upstairs. We figured we had an hour before they would be back. Alice and Rose were on a mission and clothes were flying in all directions as they searched for something perfect for us to wear. After a few minutes Alice produced three stunning outfits. I was worried as to which one would be mine because none of them were something I would have picked out for myself.
Rose's outfit consisted of a black corset with white stitching running down the front and white, short shorts topped off with black stilettos that made her tower over me. Alice's outfit was a tube mini dress in black with a pink ribbon running across the midsection also topped off with black stilettos that made her tiny 5' frame look almost as tall as me. My outfit was a pair of low-rise skinny, dark denim jeans and a top that left nothing to the imagination. It was a royal blue halter-top that opened right under my breasts leaving my entire stomach exposed. I would never normally wear something like this but it was this or the leather concoction Alice was eyeing. (A/N: Photos on profile)
We changed and I was pulled or shoved rather into the bathroom for hair and make-up. I felt like my hair was being pulled in every direction as Rose pinned it up high on my head. She left small ringlets of curls cascading around my face. Alice worked her magic picking out the perfect shoes for my outfit and then doing my makeup. When they finally put me in front of the full-length mirror, I didn't recognize myself.
There was a knock at the door as Esme peeked her head in. "Hi ladies…Wow Bella, you look amazing!" She exclaimed as she stared at me.
Rose and Alice had satisfied looks on their faces as they bounced up and down. I looked at the image in front of me and couldn't help the smile that came across my face. Once again these new friends of mine were helping me feel much more confident about myself.
"Rose, we are running out of time! Get yourself dressed and Bella sit somewhere and don't move till we are ready!" barked Alice.
"I hear the door girls; I think the guys are home from work. I'll go make sure they're not around when you head out for the evening and no worries, I'll make sure to drop heavy but subtle hints for you. Have fun and be safe!" Esme winked and headed out the door.
Alice and Rose were standing in front of me in record time. I was so glad my outfit was nowhere near as risqué as theirs even though I felt like I wasn't wearing much. They looked amazing, if they could walk past any guy without him noticing I would be shocked. Alice opened the door a crack to check if it was clear in the hallway. Giving us thumbs up we tiptoed to the stairs carrying our shoes so we could be quick. I heard a choking giggle from behind me as Rose clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Shhh," I whispered and found myself giggling too.
As we reached the bottom of the stairs, Esme was standing there motioning us to hurry. She was blocking the view from the kitchen where we could see Carlisle standing in the kitchen doorway talking. It sounded like he was telling the boys a story about when he went to UM. She followed us to the front door and gave us each a quick hug as we slipped our shoes back before heading out. We were thankful for Esme's diversion and her help with the boys. Why did it seem that Carlisle was running a diversion too?
"Esme is so sweet." I said.
"She is awesome." Said Rose. "She's like a really cool mom."
Alice was looking up the street as we walked. "Only a few more blocks to go ladies. We are going to that place a customer suggested called Durty Harry's. She said Rick's Upstairs is the best dance club on the island and Esme said it's very popular too remember?"
"I'm ready to let loose and get low on the dance floor! Bella, you do know how to dance right?" Rose asked with a concerned look.
"Of course I do." I answered a bit offended. "I just need you both to show me how to be a bit more…sexy." The last word came out in a mumble.
"Girl, you came to the right place for help!" Alice looked like an excited bunny hopping down the sidewalk in heels.
We could hear the music from the club before we even reached it. People were heading up the stairway to get in. Alice and Rose grabbed my hands and pulled me along with them as we climbed the stairs. I was starting to feel their excitement as I willed myself to relax. As we walked through the door I felt a bit self-conscious as so many eyes were on us. Still holding my hands the girls dragged me right out to the dance floor. It was still early and there was a lot of room to dance. The DJ had just put on a new song.
Huh huh haaa
Pump it
Huh huh haaa
And pump it (louder)
"Let the lessons begin!" Shouted Alice.
Turn up the radio
Blast your stereo
Right now
This joint is fizzlin'
It's sizzlin'
Right
Turn it up (turn it up)
Come'on baby, just
Pump it (louder)
The little pixie was shaking her thing and Rose showed me the proper way to Pump It. Once I got the hang of it I had to admit I wasn't half bad, but then I didn't have a mirror to look in either. By the time Alice taught me how to gyrate we were laughing so hard we had to take a break.
"Lets get something to drink to loosen you up more." Rose suggested as we walked to the bar.
Alice leaned up to say something into the bartender's ear. He smiled at her and nodded his head. Within minutes he was handing her three glasses with umbrellas in them.
"Try this ladies" Alice said as she handed us our drinks. Rose started sipping away and I figured what the heck; I took a big long swig from my straw and was pleasantly surprised.
"Wow Alice!" I shouted over the music "This is great. What is it?"
Smiling at me she answered, "Some fruity thing." And proceeded to drink hers down without stopping.
"Chug a lug you light weights, the next song is starting." And Alice ran back out onto the dance floor, as Please don't stop the Music by Rhianna started to play. Rose raised her glass to me and we both downed what was left of our drinks.
It's gettin late
I'm making my way over to my favorite place
I gotta get my body moving shake the stress away
I wasn't looking for nobody when you looked my way
Possible candidate
Who knew
That you'd be up in here lookin like you do
You're makin' stayin' over here impossible
Baby I must say your aura is incredible
If you don't have to go don't
Alice and Rose were on either side of me rocking their hips and shaking their asses as guys began to gather around the edge of the dance floor to watch. Rose then got behind me and grabbed my hips teaching me to move a bit more seductively as we heard a few hoots from the crowd. Every now and then I would glance around to see if I saw Edward. The club was really starting to fill up.
"No sign of our boys yet" shouted Rose. She must have read my mind. "Guess we need another refresher!"
"Filler up bartender!" yelled Alice as she left the dance floor.
We finished two more fruity concoctions and I was feeling very comfortable swaying to the music as I stood by the bar. I wondered what was in these drinks. Alice just smiled and wouldn't say a thing.
"What are we standing here for?" Alice took off again at the speed of light as Push It by Salt n Peppa started blasting from the speakers.
Salt and Peppa's here, and we're in effect
Want you to push it, babe
Coolin' by day then at night working up a sweat
C'mon girls, let's go show the guys that we know
How to become number one in a hot party show
Now push it
Ah, push it - push it good
By the time this song ended I had no problem moving to the music and getting into every move I could on the dance floor. A big smile from my BFFs told me I finally had the moves down pat. It didn't even bother me as three guys we didn't know started dancing near us and watching our every move. That was right when Rose elbowed Alice and me at the same time nodding her head toward the door. We looked across the room to see three of the sexiest, well-dressed men walking in the door, our men. As we danced we watched them scanning the room most certainly looking for us.
"Well, it's about damn time!" Alice loudly commented so we could hear. "And here is the perfect song. Drop it like its hot girls, we have something to prove."
Low by Flo-Rida started playing and we got down with it. The three guys I noticed earlier made their way behind us and started moving in very close. Rose went right along with it as a tall skinny blonde surfer dude was rocking back and forth right along with her. They weren't bad dancers but didn't have a whole lot of rhythm. Alice danced up against the red head that looked like he was about to drool all over her. I hoped it wouldn't be long before our guys spotted us out here.
I felt the black haired muscular guy who was dancing behind me wrap his arms around my waist and pull me into him. He told me his name was Tyler as we continued to dance.
Apple Bottom Jeans
Boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
He was singing to the song in my ear and at first I just went with it because I was having fun dancing. He would drop down with me each time the song mentioned it and I could feel him pulling me more into him.
I tried to do a few moves on my own but he was so strong I couldn't move myself away from him. We continued to sway and move against each other and I was feeling very uncomfortable. I couldn't get Alice or Rose to look my way and it was too loud to yell to them. It wouldn't be much longer till the song was over but I couldn't take it any more.
I tried one more time to pull away with no luck.
I turned my head back toward him and yelled, "Let me go!"
"I'm not finished," I heard Tyler say as the song ended.
"Oh yes you are!" came a growling voice just behind us.
Tyler spun us around to find who had interrupted his fun. That is when I came face to face with my Knight in shining amour, Edward. The anger and jealousy I saw in his face made his eyes appear black. This was the man I truly wanted to be with; I wanted him more than anything.
"Let. Her. Go!" he ordered as he took another step toward Tyler, not flinching once.
Tyler hesitated and removed his arms from me. He backed away and left the dance floor with his friends following him. Then I noticed Emmett and Jasper were standing with Rose and Alice. Emmett had his arms wrapped around Rose and they were dancing while Jasper had his arm draped over Alice's shoulder whispering in her ear the entire time.
I turned back to Edward and the anger had melted from his eyes. He was staring down at me letting his eyes roam over my body from my face to my feet pausing for a moment somewhere in between. A crooked smile crossed his lips as he took my hand and led me to the exit door.
"We're getting out of here." He said with a wink. I would have followed him anywhere.
A/N: You asked for it you got it...The heat is finally rising as our couples start pairing off next chapter. Stick around to find out who can't hold back anymore! And remember, a review gets you a teaser for next chapter.
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