Standard Disclaimer – I do not own Twilight or any of the characters from the story. All song selections have been provided by my amazing beta, NoWayWithWords. She is the greatest! She has set up a YouTube playlist that includes the songs chosen for the chapters. If you would like to check it out, see my profile for the link.

The song for this chapter is "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado w/ Timbaland

Chapter 9 – Welcome to the Big Time

What felt like only a few minutes later, I felt gentle tapping on my shoulder, "Bella, you need to get up." It was Garrett.

I opened my eyes and tried to focus as he continued to talk. "Everyone left about an hour ago. Edward called and said you need to be at an autograph signing at 7:30. That only gives you an hour and half to get dressed for the concert, review the security plan with me, and make it through the hotel."

"Ok, no problem," I said, as I climbed out of bed and went to get my clothes. "Give me a few minutes to get showered. You can talk to me while I'm getting ready."

He agreed and went back to the front to give me some privacy. I took a super fast shower, dried off, and stepped into the dress. I told Garrett I was decent, so he came to the back. I had my hair up in a towel and was putting my make-up on when he came in. I listened to him explain that making eye contact encourages people to approach me. He asked how I felt about signing autographs and having my picture taken. I told him I didn't have a problem with it as long as it didn't make me late. We talked about the paparazzi and how they worked.

I had all my make-up on, my hair done, and was stepping into my shoes when Garrett said, "Bella, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. There should be no secrets between us. I need to know exactly what's going on with you in order to do my job effectively, so I may have to ask personal questions on occasion."

I nodded as I fluffed and sprayed my hair. "Of course, I understand. I'm not shy and I don't get offended easily, so you can ask me anything."

"Are you wearing anything under that dress?"

I gave myself one more glance in the mirror, making sure I looked perfect. "Nope, not a thing. The way this dress is cut, it shows even the smallest pair of panties."

Garrett looked me up and down then went over to the closets. He opened each one, flipping through the clothes that were inside and moving on to the next. When he opened the one that contained Edward's and my clothes, he grabbed a tuxedo jacket from one of Edward's hangers and brought it over to me.

"The dress is beautiful, and you look great in it, but one grabby fan could accidentally pull it off of your shoulder and that would leave you exposed in the middle of a crowded casino. I think it would be a good idea if we borrow this, just until we get you back stage."

I put the jacket on. It was much too big. Garrett tucked the sleeves under, so they looked like they were the right length, which looked a little better, but it looked like a tent when I buttoned it. I looked in the mirror at myself and unbuttoned the jacket. With it open, you could still see the fit of the dress. It just looked like I was wearing a long jacket over it.

"Garrett, do you think it would be alright if I didn't button it? It would still keep people from pulling on the dress, but it doesn't make me look as bad."

He agreed on the condition that if we got swarmed by fans, I would wrap it around me and hold it tight. I tried to tell him that it wasn't likely that anyone would even notice me, but he made me promise anyway.

Glenn wished me luck as we stepped off the bus. We were parked in a secured area behind the casino, so no one was around. Garrett led me through a door and said something to the casino security guard, who spoke into a radio to notify someone that I was "on the move". I giggled because I felt like I was in a spy movie.

I followed Garrett down a hallway, to a set of double doors. Another casino security guard met us there. He was going to escort us to the autograph signing. He opened the door and Garrett stepped through. He told me to stay right behind him and keep up. Even though there wasn't anyone around, I kept my head down as we started walking. The guard led us around the outside of the casino floor to keep us off of the main walkways that were crowded with people.

We made it around that section of the casino with no problem. It wasn't until we had to move out into the center of the casino to head toward the elevators that people started to recognize me. A few girls started calling my name and headed our direction for a picture. Garrett checked his watch and said, "You only have ten minutes, then we have to leave."

The girls ran up to me and asked if they could take a picture with me. I smiled and posed with each of them. More people started crowding around. Flashes were going off in every direction. It reminded me of getting out of the limo at the New Years Eve party. Before I knew it, people were shoving paper, books, and anything else they could get their hands on, at me. I stood there for a few minutes signing as fast as I could, while Garrett and the security guard tried to keep people from getting too close.

Once ten minutes was up, Garrett told the crowd that we had to go. The security guard was in the front trying to push his way through. Garrett was behind me, trying to keep people from grabbing at me, and I was sandwiched in the middle, clinging to the jacket like my life depended on it. Once we stepped onto the elevator, I thanked Garrett for insisting I wear the jacket.

We got off the elevator and were met by two more casino security guards. One of them radioed that I had arrived, and opened the door for me. Garrett and I stepped into a room that was decorated with signs for the charity event that was hosting the autograph signing. I recognized it as the same charity where Edward had dinner earlier. I also noticed that Edward was sitting at a table on a stage in the center of the room and there were probably 40 people sitting at tables in the center of the room. Once they saw me come through the door, they started cheering. Garrett led me around the perimeter of the room to the stage.

Edward came over and offered his hand as I climbed the stairs. "I'm glad you could make it on such short notice. You look lovely."

"Thank you. So, what are we doing here?" I asked as we approached the table and took our seats.

I noticed a microphone sitting on the table in front of Edward's chair. He winked at me and said, "Raising money for St. Luke's." He turned the microphone on and announced to the crowd, "See, I told you she would come." He turned and looked at me with a smile as a guy ran out on stage and handed a microphone to me.

Edward reached over and made sure the microphone was on before speaking again. "Hi, Bella."

I held the microphone up and replied, "Umm, hello, Edward." The crowd laughed.

"Did you enjoy your nap?" He paused and turned toward the audience. "She was sound asleep on the bus when I left."

I could hear the crowd whispering. He was giving them the impression that we were seeing each other. I knew this was all part of the publicity stunt, but I didn't expect him to be so straightforward with it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to play along, or not. Looking at the smile on his face, I decided to one up him.

"Yes, I enjoyed it very much. I hope you don't mind, I borrowed this from your closet," I admitted as I smoothed the lapel of the jacket that I was still holding closed.

He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you that no jackets were required for this event."

He played right into my hands. I gave him a sexy smile and said, "Oh, I guess I'm overdressed then."

I stood up, slipped the jacket off, and hung it on the back of the chair before taking my seat beside him again. The crowd went wild when they saw the dress. The long tablecloth was hiding the fact that the dress was shorter now. Edward's mouth was hanging open as he took in the sight of me in that dress.

People in the audience had their hands up. An assistant with a microphone ran over to someone in the audience so they could ask a question.

"Bella, is that the same famous dress you wore on the CD cover and the New Years Eve party?"

"Yes, it is. I needed something to perform in, so I had it shortened."

I stood up and walked around to the front of the table so they could see the dress. Cameras were flashing and people were all talking at once.

"I turned the left over material into a skirt which I will wear at our next stop," I added as I went back around and took my seat.

I noticed Edward discreetly adjust himself as he lifted his microphone. "I can't wait to see it."

Someone from the audience asked, "You mean you haven't seen the skirt?"

"As a matter of fact, this is the first time I've seen her in this dress since it has been altered. I like it… a lot. I can't wait to see how the skirt turned out." He winked at me.

"I'll have to show you later," I told him with a crooked smile.

The person manning the microphone announced that they had time for one more question before the signing would begin. A lady in the back of the room raised her hand first, so he carried the microphone back to her. "My question is for Edward. Will you be taking Bella with you to Europe in July?"

Edward shook his head and said, "I will be playing with local bands while I'm in Europe, to give them some exposure. We've lined up a lot of great talent. I've been especially impressed with a band I will be playing with in France. I have the complete itinerary and the names of the bands I will be playing with on my website, if you're interested in checking them out."

The coordinator had us move down to a small table in front of the stage and announced that people would be called up by their table number. He handed us some black and silver permanent markers and brought us each a glass of ice water before calling the first table. People lined up with photographs of them standing with Edward for him to sign, CDs, and photographs of me to sign. A few people brought copies of the magazine with me standing in the snow for me to sign.

I had just signed one of those magazines when Edward leaned over and said, "I still love that picture. You look so… hot, cold, peaceful, devious, innocent, and sexy all at the same time."

I laughed as I handed the lady back her magazine. "Is that humanly possible?"

"Are you telling me you are an alien, Bella?" he teased.

"No. Definitely not an alien. One of my friends accused me of being possessed once, when I was having a really bad day, but I've never been accused of being an alien."

"Possessed, huh? I'll have to remember to check you for the mark of the beast later." He laughed and gave me a crooked smile.

The signing took a little longer than we expected. When we signed the last autograph, Garrett put me back in the tux jacket while Edward thanked our host. Edward, Peter, Garrett, and I stepped into the elevator with three casino security guards and rode down a few floors. They led us down the hall to at service elevator which took us to the basement. We went down a few long corridors and ended up at the back entrance to the theatre.

Isaac's Prodigy was already on stage. They were pretty good. Their lead singer, Mike Newton, was singing a song that I recognized. Demetri and Marcus saw us coming and rushed over to us.

"Thank God you made it! They only have one more song to go. All we have to do it switch out the drums and then we're on." Marcus was pacing nervously.

Demetri turned to me and said, "Don't worry about him. He always gets a little anxious before a show. Once he starts pounding on the drums he gets better. Do you need to go to the restroom before you go on stage? If so, I would recommend that you do it fast."

Once he said that, my body reminded me of all the water I drank during the autograph signing. I spotted the restroom and ran in to take care of my business. When I was done, I washed my hands, applied some extra lipstick, and darkened my eye shadow and eyeliner so they would look good on stage, before I stepped out of the bathroom to see the drums being switched. Aro and Demetri were checking their guitars while Marcus waited for the roadies to give him the go ahead that the stage was ready for him to stand on it.

Edward wished me luck and then was escorted back into the greenroom to wait with everyone else. Someone handed me a microphone and turned it on, just as the band started to play the first song of the set. I took a deep breath, looked down at my shoes, said a prayer that I didn't make a fool out of myself and marched out on stage.

The crowd went wild. With the spotlight on me, I could only see the first few rows, but the people I could see were cheering. I focused on a young girl standing in the front and remembered when that girl was me. I sang my heart out for that girl and she sung every word right along with me.

The second song was more upbeat, so I started walking around to different areas of the stage. By the third song, I was dancing and having a great time flirting with the audience. At the beginning of the fourth song, I turned around to walk toward the back of the stage and noticed that there was a hug screen hanging behind the stage. Images from the photo shoot I did when making the CD Cover were flashing on the screen, along with some live pictures from cameramen that were hovering around the stage. I didn't even notice them until that minute.

Thankfully, this discovery had not thrown me enough to make me mess up, so I continued on like I knew what they were doing all along. I spun around to face the audience and let myself have fun.

When Aro started playing the first chords of "Dirty Boy," I looked over and saw Edward standing backstage in jeans, a tight shirt that showed off his muscles, and a microphone headset. He was waiting for me to get to the first chorus, when he was supposed to start singing, before he came out.

This song had a sensual beat, so I swayed my hips and made my way toward the front of the stage. When he told me that he was going to spice up the background words a little bit, I went through the lyrics and spiced mine up too, but he hadn't told me what he was going to say, so I didn't know if it was going to sound good together or not. This made me a little nervous.

I pushed it aside and focused on the music as I started to sing the song that was more like a cheesy poem an actual song:

Some think my man is romantic and sweet

A true gentleman when he takes me to eat

Holding my hand as we walk through the park

The flowers and candy always hit the mark

But they don't know him quite like I do

I know just how bad he is and what he can do

The crowd went ballistic as Edward came out on stage. Our eyes locked as he sauntered towards me, like a cat stalking his prey. He circled me once, blatantly ogling my body and ran his fingertips down my spine as he whispered the words in answer to my lines.

He's a dirty boy

Seeing you like this is making me hot

Such a dirty boy

I just want to touch you, and taste you a lot

He's a dirty boy

You know I'll give it all that I've got

With a brand new toy

I walked away from him and headed to the right side of the stage as I continued to sing.

He doesn't care if it's night or it's day

He just wants to get fucking laid

Grabbing my tits and pinching my ass

A hand up my skirt and a foot on the gas

But they don't know him quite like I do

I know just how bad he is and what he can do

He came up right behind me, pulling me up against his hard body. His hands slid around my waist and he nuzzled into my neck as he whispered in my ear.

He's a dirty boy

I just wanted to make you smile

Such a dirty boy

Writhing and naked on the cold hard tile

He's a dirty boy

This is definitely going to take quite awhile

With a brand new toy

I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair, giving it a little tug. He let out a soft moan, before I pulled away from him again and headed to the opposite side of the stage.

I thought he'd get better if I finally gave in

Sweaty and sated and sticky with sin

Catching my breath do you know what I found?

My man was ready to go one more round.

But they don't know him quite like I do

I know just how bad he is and what he can do

This time when he stalked over to me, he didn't hesitate. He grabbed me by the arm a spun me so I was facing him and then pulled me up against his body. He had one hand around my waist, as the other grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my head so far back that my upper body was arched away from him while my hips were firmly attached to his. He leaned over me and ran his tongue from the bottom of my plunging neckline up my chest, over my collar bones and up the side of my neck. I struggled to ignore the bulge in his pants while I continued to sing. He made it to my ear just in time to whisper his lines.

He's a dirty boy

I was thinking maybe you'd stay for the night

Such a dirty boy

It feels so good that it has to be right

He's a dirty boy

Fuck, I've never had someone so tight

With a brand new toy

I pushed my way out of his arms and danced toward the center of the stage hoping no one would notice my shaky knees and the butterflies in my stomach. Never in a million years did I expect him to actually lick me, but damn it was good.

Some may say that it's sexual addiction

I simply call it incredible friction

We will stay happy and wild as can be

Just as long as he keeps fucking me

Edward stalked back toward me with a smirk on his face. This time, instead of pressing himself against me, he knelt on the floor at my feet, ran his hands up the sides of my legs, to the bottom of my dress. He then reached down and picked up my right leg and slid it over his shoulder, so he could whisper to my inner thigh while he maintained eye contact with me.

He's a dirty boy

Every time I'm near you I end up with wood

Such a dirty boy

I'd fuck you all day and you know that I could

He's a dirty boy

I never dreamt it could be so damn good

With a brand new toy

He just finished his last line, when he glanced down and noticed that from his angle he could see right up my skirt and I had no panties on. He bit his lip, trying to unsuccessfully stifle his moan, but it the sensitive microphone picked it up anyway.

The crowd went wild. I was pretty sure that most of the men in the audience were going to be getting laid that night. Edward slid my leg off of his shoulders, quickly stood up, took my hand, and turned to the audience.

"Ladies and gentleman, please give it up for Bella Swan."

I don't think I have ever heard cheering so loud. The keyboardist, Gianna, and the two backup singers, Heidi and Jane, took their places on the stage. Jane was shooting me daggers with her eyes as I bowed and waved to the crowd.

As I made my way off the stage, I heard Edward say, "Are you having a good time tonight?" The crowd screamed. "Believe me, so am I. Let's cool it down a little with a number from my latest CD called…"

Garrett was waiting for me backstage. He led me to the greenroom where they had tables of fruit, sweets, and finger foods. Isaac's Prodigy was hanging out watching the concert on a big screen TV that was broadcasting whatever was being projected on the giant screen behind the stage.

One of the guys got up and walked over to me. "Bella Swan, right? I don't believe we've officially met. I'm Mike Newton. This is my drummer, Tyler, and my lead guitarist, Eric. I play bass and sing."

"Hi, everyone," I said lamely as I filled my plate and grabbed some water.

"We watched your show," Mike continued. "That was some hot shit out there. I'm glad I don't have to follow that performance. It was great. Did you have to practice it much?"

"Actually that's the first time we've done that. I didn't even know what he had planned. He told me he wanted to spice up the lyrics, but he didn't say anything about the rest."

Eric spoke up. "You're telling me that was all done on the fly? That is incredible. The chemistry you two have together is magic."

Tyler nodded his head. "He's right. It's definitely magic. Your voices complement each other and you have good aesthetic balance, so neither of you outshines the other. There is nothing more annoying than seeing an ugly man singing a love song with a beautiful woman or vice versa. It's just not believable."

We all quieted down and watched Edward perform on the TV. One thing is certain, that man knew how to work a crowd. He had the crowd singing along and dancing in the aisles. Women were throwing things up on stage and screaming his name. A couple of them even had signs asking him to marry them. It was crazy.

When he finished his set, he popped into the green room to grab a bottle of water. "Hey, guys, do you want to come out and sing the encore with me? We're closing it with 'Heading Home.'I know Bella knows the song. Do you guys know it?"

"Sure. We know it," Mike said.

"Ok, we are going to do two more songs and then everyone can come on stage for the last song. Eric, Tyler, you can go sing with Heidi and Jane. Mike and Bella, you can come up front and sing with me. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good to me," Mike answered. "How about you, Bella?"

"That works for me."

I stepped into the bathroom to touch up my make-up and fluff my hair while we waited. When they started the second song, Mike and I made our way to opposite sides of the stage to wait. When the stage hands gave us the signal, we both came out and joined Edward on the stage, as Eric and Tyler came out and joined the backup singers. Everyone in the house was singing along. It was a memorable experience.

When the song was over, we all exited the stage as the house lights came up. The guy that was coordinating everything the roadies were doing came over and told us that the after party was going to be held in the same room that Edward and I signed autographs in earlier, so we all followed the security guards back through the tunnels and up the service elevators to the conference room.

The tables had been moved to the outer edges of the room to make space for a small dance floor in the center. There was a DJ set up on the stage and an open bar near the back of the room.

As we all filed into the room, I went straight to a table that sat between the bar and the dance floor and kicked off my shoes. Garret sat Edward's jacket on the chair beside me and asked if I wanted something from the bar.

"They never have what I want at these things. I'd better go up there and see what they can make," I replied.

"Give me your top three choices and let me see what I can do," he told me, as he held the seat out for me to sit down.

"Ok. I prefer a Chocolate Martini but will settle for a Tequila Sunrise or a glass of Merlot. If they don't have any of that, order me a Seven and 7. They always have that."

"I'll be right back," he said, as he headed for the bar.

He returned a few minutes later with my first choice, a Chocolate Martini. I thanked him and took a sip. It was strong and sweet, just like I liked them. I noticed that all Garrett had was a bottle of coke.

"Garrett, aren't you going to have something to drink?"

He shook his head. "No ma'am. I'm on duty until you are loaded up in that bus and we are on the road to our next location."

"That sucks. It must be boring having to babysit people all the time."

He laughed. "Oh, I'm not here to babysit you, Bella. I'm just here to make sure you're safe. If you choose to do something stupid, like get drunk and dance naked, I'm not going to stop you. But if someone tries to lay a hand on you while you're doing it, I'll break their fingers."

"What if I wanted someone to lay their hands on me?" I asked, laughing.

"Then you had better let me know who you would give that permission to, while you're still sober enough to think clearly, or I won't let it happen."

"That's good to know. I'm not the kind of girl to get drunk enough to dance naked anyway, so I don't think it will be a problem."

"Good, because it would be very difficult to stay focused and watch the crowd for threats if you were bouncing around on the dance floor with no clothes on."

We were laughing when Peter, Edward, Aro, and Gianna approached and asked if they could sit with us. Each table had six chairs, so there was just enough room. Peter came over and sat beside Marcus, who was sitting on my right, while Edward sat on my left. Aro and Gianna sat on the other side of the table, holding hands and talking animatedly.

I nudged Edward with my elbow and motioned toward Aro and Gianna. "I didn't know they were together."

"They've been married for a few years. I can't remember how many. Marcus and Heidi are engaged. They are going to get married when we come back from Europe."

"That explains why Jane looks at me like she has a stick up her ass. I take it you two have a thing going on?" I asked casually.

He nearly choked on his drink, sputtering, "Hell no! That woman is a flaming bitch. She throws herself at me every chance she gets, but I can promise you that is never going to happen."

"I don't know. You seemed pretty cozy with your backup singers when I ran into you in Seattle, last time you were on tour," I challenged.

"That was probably Tanya. She and I had a relationship of convenience; I guess you could call it. By the end of the tour, she wanted a steady relationship, and I didn't, so she quit the band and moved away."

"So Jane assumed she was going to be 'convenient' on this tour because she is the only woman that's not in a committed relationship," I summarized.

"I guess so, but she's wrong."

"You're just saying that because I'm here. If I hadn't signed up for this tour and you were only traveling with Mike's band, I bet she would start to look mighty tasty in a few weeks," I teased.

Edward shivered and said, "Hell, no! There is plenty of porn and lube hidden on that bus. I don't need her to take care of my needs. And if I got really desperate, I could always pick up a groupie or two."

I laughed. "Two groupies? Now you're bragging."

"No, actually it's called being lazy. Groupies are always so eager to do whatever the hell you want them to do. I can tell them I want to watch them take care of each other and they will go at it for hours. All I have to do is wait until they're almost done, jump in and finish them both off in a few strokes, and they go away thinking I'm the stud. In reality, I probably only put in a minute or two on each one, got mine and passed out."

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience." I felt my stomach drop a little with the realization that he had more than enough options to choose from but quickly shook it off. We didn't have any claim on each other, so I had absolutely no reason to feel jealous.

"I guess you could say I've been around the block a few times when I was a kid. I had my first top ten hit when I was eighteen and went on tour for the first time when I was nineteen, so I did some really stupid stuff. Now that I'm older, I know better than to pick up strange women. It's just not safe for your health, or your career."

"I'll keep that in mind next time I feel the urge to pick up a couple of groupies for a night of mindless fucking," I said, with mock contemplation.

Garrett got up and retrieved me another Chocolate Martini and then went back to talking to Peter. I thanked him and took a sip of my drink.

Edward cocked an eyebrow. "You have him fetching drinks for you? What, are you turning into a Diva already?"

I could already feel the alcohol kicking in and making me tipsy. "No, I think he is just testing my resolve not to dance naked."

"I wasn't aware that was an option," he said with a sparkle in his eye. "And exactly how resolved are you?"

"I'm extremely resolved to keeping my clothes on while on the dance floor."

"What about at the table?" He teased.

"I'll keep them on at the table too."

"How about the hall, elevator, or restroom?"

I finished my drink and shook my head. "Sorry. I'm not taking this dress off until I get back on the bus."

"I'm glad we're on the same bus," he said with a wink. "By the way, you surprised me today. I didn't expect such a wonderful treat."

"Treat?"

"Yes, I didn't take you for the kind of girl that gets waxed."

"Oh, now I know what you're talking about," I said as Garrett brought me another drink. "I've been waxing for years. It's cleaner and lasts longer than shaving." I turned to Garrett and told him, "I need to slow down a little after this one, ok?"

He laughed and said, "Whatever you say, boss."

I turned back to Edward and explained, "When you said 'treat', I though you meant something to eat."

He leaned forward and whispered, "I did. Did you go without panties on purpose, just to tease me?"

I giggled, "No, silly, I had no idea you were going to do any of that. I can't wear panties with that dress because it shows panty lines really bad. It wouldn't have done any good to wear them anyway, because they would have been soaked through when you licked me like that."

Edward squirmed in his seat as he tried to adjust himself. "Bella, I strongly suggest we change topics before I drag you out to the trailer, hand Glenn a wad of cash and send him into the casino, so he doesn't have to hear you scream while I take out seven months' worth of pent up sexual frustration on you."

I felt my nipples get hard and the moisture build up between my legs. "Seven months is a long time."

"Yes, it definitely is," he sighed, as he looked around the room at all of the people.

I turned and grabbed Garrett's arm, pulling him toward me. "Garrett, tomorrow, when I'm sober, will you please remind me to give Edward permission to do nasty things to me?"

Edward's eyes shot back to me and his mouth dropped open.

I giggled and said, "Garrett, I am whispering, right?"

Garrett laughed, "Sorry, boss. You're talking loud and clear."

"So he probably heard me?"

Garrett nodded. "I'm pretty sure he did." The he looked over at Edward, apologizing, "Sorry, man, I don't mean to be the cock blocker here, but Bella and I agreed that I wouldn't let anyone touch her unless she gave them permission when she was sober. I'm afraid it's a little too late for that tonight. If she's says it's ok for you to touch her when she sobers up, you won't hear any complaints from me."

Before Edward had a chance to say anything, I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him out on the dance floor. There weren't that many people dancing, but I didn't care. I wanted to dance, so I was going to dance. I closed my eyes and let the music move me. I could feel the heat of Edward's body as I moved. He put his hands on my hips to keep me from bumping into people as the dance floor started to fill up. The roadies had finished packing everything back in the truck and came to party with us.

They were mostly men, but they didn't care. They got out on the dance floor and danced by themselves. A few guys had paid escorts, since prostitution was legal in Vegas, so I was pretty sure that is what they were. One of the women made a phone call and soon two more women showed up. Garrett and Peter were watching the women closely to make sure they weren't going to be a threat while we danced.

After a few songs, we returned to the table. I was hot and sweaty from dancing. I was starting to get tired and wanted to take a shower before I went to bed, so I told Garrett I was ready to go. He turned and said something to Peter as he got up and grabbed the jacket from the back of the chair.

I shook my head. "I don't want to wear the jacket. I'm hot and don't want to get sweat all over it."

"You have to wear it, Bella. Just because it's late, doesn't mean you won't get swarmed by fans. You'll only have to wear it until we get out of the casino."

I stepped away when he tried to put the jacket on. "That jacket looks expensive. I'm sure Edward brought it because he has some kind of fancy thing he's going to. He wouldn't want to wear it if it smells like my sweat."

Garrett turned to Edward and said, "If she walks through the casino in that dress and fans swarm her, there is a pretty good chance that the dress will get knocked off of her shoulder and we will end up with a wardrobe malfunction that hasn't been seen since Janet Jackson played at the Super Bowl."

Edward went over to the bar and grabbed a stack of bar napkins and a bottle of water. He took my hand and led me back to my chair. "Here, sit sideways in the chair so I can clean you up." I did as he asked. He poured some of the cool water on a few napkins. "Lift up your hair, Bella, so I can get your neck."

I twisted my hair up and held it on top of my head. I flinched when the cool napkin touched my warm skin. He wiped from the back of my neck, all the way down my back, in long smooth passes. Once my back was wiped down, he did my arms then came around to the other side of me to wipe my neck and chest. It cooled me down to the point that I was actually chilly.

Once I started to shiver a little, he held the jacket up so I could put it on. I slid my arms in and wrapped it tight around my trembling body. Garrett thanked Edward for his help then led me out of the room. Before the elevators could close, Edward and Peter joined us. Peter and Garrett rushed us through the casino without anyone noticing. When we climbed up in the bus, I started the shower and handed the jacket back to Edward. He went to hang it up, as I slid the dress off of my shoulders and let it fall to the floor.

As I reached for the shower door, I heard a gasp. I looked up and saw Edward standing to the left of me, by the closet door, with his mouth hanging open, and Garrett and Peter standing to my right, in the hallway, with similar expressions on their faces. I could feel the blush on my cheeks as I realized my error. In this shower, you had to get in first, get undressed and toss your dirty clothes over the door before you turn the water on. There was no private bathroom for you to undress in. When you were done, you stayed in the shower until you dried off and got dressed. I guess I got confused in my drunken state.

I quickly opened the door and hopped inside. I would have been much more embarrassed if I wasn't still pretty drunk. I did a quick job of washing everything. When I was done, I wrapped the towel around myself and opened the shower door. Edward was standing there with a pair of my pajamas.

"I thought you might need these."

"Thank you." I stepped back in the shower and got dressed.

When I came out, Edward stepped in to take his own shower. I could hear the water running through the walls as I climbed into bed and pulled the heavy blanket over me. I was asleep in seconds. I didn't hear everyone else come in or get in bed, because I was sleeping pretty hard, but I did get up to use the bathroom when my bladder was full.

I was climbing back in my bunk when I could hear shivering coming from Edward's bunk. I peeked in the curtain and saw poor Edward completely bundled in all of his blankets, but still miserably cold.

"Edward, are you awake?" I whispered.

"Y-y-y-y-yes."

I pulled the curtain open and put my hand on his exposed cheek. It was icy cold. "Geez, Edward, you're freezing!"

He snuggled his face into my hand. "That feels so good. How are you so warm?"

"Better blanket, I guess."

"I'm definitely buying a new blanket first thing." His entire body shivered again.

"Edward, you're going to get sick sleeping in the cold like this. Why don't you come down and share my blanket with me. There's not much room, but I think we'll manage."

Edward shot out of bed mumbling, "Okay."

I climbed in first and moved all the way to the back wall as Edward slid in beside me. He looked at my blanket. "Where can I get something like this? This is perfect."

"I think you will have to get it from somewhere with cold climate. Maybe you can find one in Denver when we get there."

He pulled the blanket up to his chin as we both tried to lay still. As long as we stayed on our sides, we could lie beside each other without really touching, but neither of us was very comfortable like that.

Edward let out a sigh and said, "Do you mind if we shift a little?"

"Not at all," I answered softly, smiling in the dark.

He put his arm around me and shifted so he was lying on his back and my head was on his shoulder. I was pressed up against his side and had my leg draped over his, practically laying on top of him, but it was still much more comfortable than the other way. I listened to the steady beat of his heart as I drifted off to sleep.

A/N: OK, so now you all know the words to Dirty Boy. Just in case you didn't notice, the words in bold are the parts that Edward was whispering into the microphone. I know… It's kind of cheesy. Sorry, I'm not a very good song writer. You have my permission to roll your eyes.

While I'm apologizing, I should go ahead and apologize that it took me so long to get this chapter posted. I was on 7 day a cruise that went to Cozumel, Belize, Isla Roatan, and Grand Cayman, and then we stopped in New Orleans for a couple of days before we went home. I also went to 2 concerts since I posted the last chapter (100 Monkeys and Blue October). They were both incredible. I don't have anything interesting planned for a while, so I should get back to posting more frequently than every couple of weeks.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed reading all of the reviews I received from the last chapter. I read them on my BlackBerry while I was sitting at Café Du Monde in the French Quarter in New Orleans. My son said, "Mom, I didn't know mountains of powdered sugar made you so happy." My husband laughed and said, "Don't kid yourself. She's reading reviews." He knows me so well.

Thank you to all of you who took the time out of your busy schedule to post a review. I hope that now that thinks are starting to settle back down, I might be able to find a few spare moments to post replies. Unfortunately it won't be tonight because I have to be at work at 6:30 in the morning tomorrow. Ugh!