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 "Don't Wanna Fall In Love" by Jane Child.

Chapter 11 – Lifesaver

Garrett turned and said something to Peter, who stepped out the back door and headed to the bus, presumably to check on Edward. Once Peter was gone, Garrett led me through the restaurant's kitchen, past the private dining room where everyone else was eating lunch, and through the main dining room, to the front door.

Luckily there was a taxi waiting, so we climbed inside without having to wait. Garrett called out an address and we were on our way. A few minutes later, we pulled up at a horse ranch. I noticed the parking lot was full. There were even a few news vans parked out front.

"Where are we?"

"I thought you should see what you are helping raise money for."

"I'm helping raise money?"

"Yes, this tour is set up so Edward can raise money for various charities across the country. This place is the benefactor of the charity funds raised today. They do summer camps and events for special needs kids. Today, they are doing horseback riding for kids with muscular dystrophy."

"I didn't see this on my schedule, are they expecting me?"

"No, they were told that none of the artists could make it to the event. I thought that was bullshit, because the only thing planned for today was a press conference that could have been bumped back a couple of hours so that you, Edward, and Mike could pop in and sign a few autographs. These kids would be thrilled to see a star like that."

"I'm not a star like Edward. Most of these kids wouldn't even know who I am."

"You might be surprised. Come on, let's make some kid's day."

I followed Garrett toward the gate. When we went inside, I was floored by what I saw. There were people standing around watching kids being led around an arena on horses that were equipped with special saddles designed for the handicapped kids.

There were kids lined up waiting to ride. They were positioned along the rail so they could watch their friends. I noticed that the reporters were talking to a cute little girl with pigtails on the other side of the arena. I was kind of relieved that they had not spotted me when I came in.

Garrett tapped me on the arm and whispered, "You've been spotted. Look to your left."

I turned and saw a couple of kids smiling from ear to ear. When I looked, they started giggling. I waved and they giggled some more and waved back. I noticed one of the little boys was wearing a birthday party hat. His wheelchair was parked at the head of the table that was surrounded by friends, both with and without wheelchairs. He was smiling at me and talking to a woman who I assumed was his mother.

The woman laughed and walked over to me. "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you, but my son thinks you are the musician, Bella Swan. I told him that he was probably wrong because they told us that none of the celebrities could make it, but I promised I would check."

I smiled. "I am Bella. I was able to reorganize my schedule at the last minute, so here I am. Is it his birthday?"

"Yes. He turned 8 today."

"What's his name?"

"Jeremy"

I walked over to the table and took a seat right beside the birthday boy. "Hi, Jeremy, I hear you turned 8 today."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Would you like me to sing happy birthday to you?"

He smiled and nodded. People started gathering around. I noticed the news crews had made their way over and were now standing just beyond the kids. I stood up and sung happy birthday to Jeremy and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Garrett somehow acquired a permanent marker, so I wrote "Happy Birthday, Jeremy. May you have many more years of happiness," and signed my name to his shirt.

After that, I spent a few hours talking to the kids and their parents. I walked horses around the arena with the volunteers and watched in awe as kids got to do things they would never be able to do if not for this organization.

It really made me realize how petty my problems were. These kids had it so much worse than I did and they couldn't even run away from it. They were fighting for their lives every day while I was getting upset about why Edward didn't want to talk about his sex life. I was pathetic.

After a few more hours of playing with the kids, Garrett told me that we needed to get back. We had already missed the press conference and I knew Edward would be pissed, but I did get a lot of press exposure for the charity organization, so he would just have to get over it.

The bus had moved to the stadium we where we were going to play, so it took a little longer to get back to the bus than we expected. Because of the time delay, I had to rush to get dressed for the concert. Edward, Aro, and Peter were sitting in the back of the bus when Garrett and I climbed on board. I rushed past them, to the closet and grabbed my clothes then headed for the shower. I knew I smelled like sweat and horses and half contemplated not taking a shower to see how Edward would react when he came out on stage with me, but I decided I couldn't stand the smell of myself, so I took the shower anyway.

Everyone else had apparently already showered, so there was barely enough hot water for me to rinse off. I dried quickly and stepped into my clothes. The pleated red skirt was loose enough that I could wear my black thong with it. It was a little more challenging getting into the vest because my skin was damp and I was not able to lie down to button the thing. I finally got into it and adjusted my breasts so the bulging cleavage was even, before I opened the shower door.

Garrett was standing near the shower door waiting on me. "Bella, Edward would like a few minutes to talk to you. I wanted to make sure you were okay with that before I left."

"Where's Aro?"

"He went to warm up."

"Okay." I could see Edward sitting in the back of the bus waiting on me. "I guess I should hear what he has to say. Thank you for checking with me."

Garrett nodded, "I'll be just outside."

I grabbed my brush and makeup bag and went to the back to sit on the couch across from Edward. His mouth dropped open when he looked up at me. "You're going on stage in that?"

I scrunched my eyebrows together and said, "You wanted to talk to me about tonight's wardrobe?"

He shook his head, like he was trying to clear it, and said, "No, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. I was just wondering where you went. I tried to wait for you to do the interview, but you never showed up. Peter finally got a hold of Garrett who said you were unable to come to the phone and wouldn't be able to make it to the interview, but he didn't say where you were."

"I went to see the kids that we are raising money for. I sang Happy Birthday to an 8 year old little boy who has spent his entire life in a wheelchair because his body is deteriorating. They say he may not make it to 10. He wasn't the only one. There were dozens of kids there, all in similar conditions. Some were better off and some were worse. They got to pet and ride horses and actually enjoy doing something they may never get a chance to do again. I'm sorry, but I thought that was more important than sitting behind a microphone and answering questions for reporters. I figured that if I could make them smile and forget about their troubles for a few minutes then it was worth it."

Edward nodded, but didn't say anything. We sat in silence for a few minutes before he finally spoke up. "They asked if we were dating and I told them that it was still to be determined. I didn't want to say no, but I didn't know if you would want me to say yes after what happened earlier."

"I guess that was a safe enough answer."

"I'm sorry I froze up earlier. I don't know why I didn't feel comfortable talking about my past. I guess you were right. I didn't want you to think bad about me because I haven't exactly been an angel."

"I didn't expect you to be, that's why I didn't ask how many lovers you've had, Edward. I know you have a lot more experience than I have. You have been a popular musician for over 8 years. I understand that. All I wanted to know was how long it had been since you had sex the last time. I'm not just being nosey. I just wanted to know if you have someone waiting for you at home. Am I the other woman?"

Edward was looking at his feet as he shook his head. "No, not at all. I haven't had an actual girlfriend in years. The closest thing to it was Tanya. But, like I said before, we had no feelings for each other. She was just a convenient way to keep from messing around with strangers and risking our health and my reputation. Since we went our separate ways, seven months ago, I've been too busy to even worry about trying to find a new lover. We did run into each other about four months ago, but we got interrupted."

"So, the simple answer to my question is, 'It's been seven months'. That's all I asked. You said that you almost always used condoms?"

"Yes. When I was younger, I didn't use them unless I had to, then I had a scare that opened my eyes. After that, I got serious about it."

"What kind of scare?"

"I was nineteen years old and on tour during the summer. I picked up an eighteen year old girl who had just graduated high school. She was pretty enough and more than willing to do anything I asked her to do. I took her on the road with me, so I would have someone to fuck around with whenever I wanted. I didn't know she was fucking around with a couple of the roadies when I wasn't around. She ended up getting pregnant and I freaked out. I was way too young to be a father. A few weeks later, she had a miscarriage. I went with her to the hospital. They said they thought she had a sexually transmitted disease and took blood from both of us. My test came back clean, but hers didn't. Lucky for her, it was something that was curable, but it was an eye opener for me. I got rid of her as soon as she got the prescription filled and fired the roadies that she fucked, right after I told them they needed to see the doctor to make sure they didn't have anything."

"You really lucked out."

"I definitely did. After that, I stocked up on condoms and used them every time. I even wore them with Tanya. Come to think of it, you are the first girl I haven't worn one with in years."

"I don't know if I should feel honored or concerned."

"Why would you be concerned? I told you that I have been clean for years."

"I'm not concerned about that. I'm more concerned about what kind of secret magical power I have that I could make you completely disregard your instinct to protect your own health and sanity."

Edward laughed and moved over to sit beside me as I was slipping on my heels. "It is definitely some powerful magic." He leaned forward and kissed my shoulder. "Do you forgive me for being an ass?"

I looked into his sparkling green eyes and could see the sincerity there. He really was sorry for not being open with me. "Of course, I forgive you. I just don't want you to think you have to keep things from me."

"I won't. Oh, I almost forgot. I bought you a gift when we were in Vegas." He got up and retrieved something from his bunk. "I thought they would look perfect with your red dress. They will look great with this outfit, too."

He held up a pair of silver hoop earrings with music notes dangling from them and a silver chain with a treble clef in the center and music notes on each side. "Oh, Edward, they're beautiful!"

I could feel the butterflies in my stomach start fluttering around wildly. I couldn't believe he thought of me and wanted to give them to me as a surprise.

"I'm glad you like them. I figured it was the least I could do since you negotiated such a good deal on the leather jacket."

I felt my stomach drop. He didn't get me the jewelry because he was thinking of me. He bought them as a thank you gift. I kicked myself for getting my hopes up and decided to focus my attention on the concert… I checked my watch. "Oh shit! I go on in a few minutes. I have to run!"

I put the earrings on while Edward clasped the necklace around my neck. I glanced in the mirror. I looked perfect. I ran for the door of the bus with Edward right behind me.

When I stepped off the bus, Garrett smiled. "You look incredible, Bella."

"Thanks, but I am afraid I'm going to be late. Do you know where we're supposed to go?"

Garrett started walking slowly, "Don't worry. You're not late. Mike was slow getting started. They are just getting ready to wrap up, and then we still have to do the stage change, so you have a few minutes still."

"Thank God." I slowed my pace and tried to relax a little.

"So, did Edward pull his head out of his ass?" Garrett asked with a smug smile.

"I guess you could say that. Wait, how did you know what we were talking about?"

"I don't know the details, I just know Edward. When I saw you upset earlier, I figured he did or said something wrong, because he usually does. The man can handle thousands of screaming fans and a room full of reporters with ease, but put him in a situation where he has to deal with people on a one on one basis and the man will inevitably freeze up or stick his foot in his mouth."

I laughed. "I'm beginning to think you're right."

"He usually doesn't mean anything by it, though. He just doesn't clearly see how the other person could take his words or his actions wrong. When the shit hits the fan, Peter sits with him while he explains what happened. Peter points out his errors and lets him come up with his own solutions, and then everything usually gets better."

"So, Peter probably knows what our argument was about?"

"Probably, but he won't say anything to anyone. He is very good at keeping Edward's secrets."

"He doesn't even tell you?"

"No, but I can pretty much guess what this one was about on my own."

I gave him a suspicious look. "Oh, really? What do you think it was about?"

"I would have to say it has something to do with sex. Knowing Edward, it was probably something to do with disclosure about previous relationships."

I blushed and said, "How did you know that?"

Garrett laughed as he explained, "Bella, the curtain around your bunk is not sound proof and you're not the only one that gets up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom."

I buried my face in my hands. "I'm so embarrassed. I thought we were being quiet."

"Another thing you need to realize is that the bus has shocks, just like any other vehicle, so if you are having sex against the shower wall, the bus is going to rock."

I peeked through my fingers and asked, "How did you know it was in the shower?"

"You were in the shower when he asked us all to leave. The bus started rocking shortly after that. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that one out."

"Do the other guys know?"

"Absolutely not," Garrett said with a laugh. "They would be pissed."

"Why would they be pissed?"

"One of Edward's rules is that no one can have sex on the bus. That's why Gianna and Heidi are on separate buses than Aro and Marcus. He says he doesn't care if they hook up back stage or get a hotel room if we have an extended stay somewhere, but he doesn't want them fucking on the bus, because it's a distraction to other passengers."

"He didn't mention that rule."

"No, I'm sure he didn't."

"Hey Garret, when I woke up earlier, I could hear a woman giggling. Who was that?"

"Oh, that was Gianna. She came onboard to grab Aro and drag him off somewhere."

"From the sound of her giggles, I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the rule the Edward and I have been breaking," I said with a laugh.

"You're probably right." Garrett led me back stage, so I could get something to drink while they were changing out the stage. Mike, Eric, and Tyler came by and told me that we had a sold out crowd. They apparently had a great show and were ready to celebrate.

I could feel the energy from the crowd as I stood on the side of the stage and waited for my cue. Edward came up behind me and said, "See you in a few," as he kissed me on the cheek and went to join everyone else back stage.

I heard the crowd start to cheer when Marcus, Demetri, and Aro started to play, but when I stepped out into the spotlight, they really went wild. I went right into the song and they sang along. I danced around the stage as I flirted with the audience and sang my songs. I was having a blast. At one point, the stage lights went out and started circling the audience. I could see that all of the seats were full.

The show in Vegas was sold out too, but when I was performing, people were still filing in. Now, everyone was here before my part of the show even began. I could see people holding signs that said, "We love you, Bella!" and "Bella Rocks!" I wished I would have remembered to bring my camera with me, because I would have loved to have someone come out and take a picture of the audience for me, then I remembered that I could go get the camera when I got off set.

I didn't see Edward standing on the side of the stage when "Dirty Boy" started. I was worried that he would miss his cue and I would look like an idiot on stage, but just when it was his turn to sing, I heard his voice over the speakers then he came around the corner onto the stage. Women were screaming and going crazy as he sauntered over toward me.

We performed the song exactly like we did in Las Vegas. The chemistry between us was magical and it really showed in our performance. This time, when he knelt before me and put my leg over his shoulder, my skirt was in the way of him being able to kiss my thigh, let alone seeing anything, so he used his hands to caress my knee and slide my skirt up my thigh, kissing it as he went. I could feel the moisture leak into my panties as he lips touched my skin. Right at the very end of the song, his hand slipped under the edge of my skirt and lightly grazed my soaked panties.

His eyes were blazing as he slipped my leg off of his shoulder and rose to his feet. He leaned forward like he was going to kiss me, but slipped his finger into his mouth, and gave me a wink instead. I felt my knees go week. I waved to the crowd and made my way off the stage as he started singing his first song.

When I got off stage, I told Garrett that I wanted to go get my camera and take pictures, so he led me back to the bus. Glenn was asleep, so I tiptoed aboard the bus and grabbed my camera. On my way back by his bunk, I heard Glenn start gasping for air.

"Glenn, are you ok?"

He didn't answer, so I pulled back the curtain and peeked inside. Glenn's face was turning blue and he was holding his throat. I ran to the door and yelled for Garrett, before running back to his side.

"Glenn, are you choking?"

He nodded his head and passed out. Garrett jumped on the bus as I was trying to pull Glenn out of his bunk. Garrett grabbed him and heaved him onto the floor in the hallway. Since there was no room to get beside him, I quickly climbed over Glenn and straddled his waist so I could do chest compressions. Garrett turned on the interior lights so we could see. I looked inside his mouth but didn't see anything. I twisted my head as best as I could to make a good seal and blew into his mouth twice, trying to dislodge the object. When that didn't work, I started the compressions again.

This time, I heard the air suck into his lungs. The object had moved enough that air was able to pass through. I looked inside his mouth, but still didn't see anything. Glenn's color was coming back and he started to cough again. Garrett helped me off of him and turned him over, so he could cough. He pounded Glenn on the back until a giant wad of bubble gum came up and he was able to spit it out.

Glenn sat on the floor for a few minutes trying to catch his breath, while we asked him if he was alright. He said that he was, but when he tried to get up, he winced and grabbed his side.

"Garrett, I think we should take him to the hospital so they can check him out."

Glenn shook his head in protest. "No, I don't need that. I'm just a little shaken, that's all. I was reading the paper in my bunk and chewing gum. I must have dozed off."

Garrett poked on a few of Glenn's ribs before Glenn yelped. "Glenn, I know you don't want to go to the hospital, but if you have a broken rib, it could puncture a lung. You have a choice, either you come peacefully and let us drive you there, or we call an ambulance who is going to come flying in here with lights and sirens, drawing all kinds of attention."

Glenn reluctantly agreed to go to the hospital with us. Garrett called Peter to let him know what happened. Peter reminded Garrett that I was needed on stage for the final song and there was a charity party afterwards that I was expected to attend. He told Garrett that he would watch both me and Edward while Garrett ran Glen off to the hospital to be checked.

I hated not being able to go with him, but Garrett assured me that he would take care of the old man as we loaded him into the taxi. Peter popped his head out the back door and called to me as the taxi pulled away. I ran to him and he pulled out a flashlight and shined it on my face.

"Geez, Bella, you look like hell. Come here." He pulled me quickly into a room behind the stage and turned the lights on. He ran his fingers through my hair and tried to fluff it a little, then pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the edges of my mouth where my lipstick had smudged. He pinched my cheeks a little for color and said, "That's the best I can do with no supplies. At least you don't look like you just got fucked. Now, get out there on stage and knock 'em dead."

He rushed me to the side of the stage just in time for me to go out and sing the last song with Edward and Mike. When the song was done and we made our way off the stage and over to Peter, Edward said, "What happened? Did you start without me?"

Peter answered before I had a chance. "Bella saved Glenn's life. Garrett is taking him to the hospital to make sure everything is alright. If she hadn't been there and known what to do, he would have died."

"What happed to him?" Edward asked as he looked between Peter and me.

I replied, "He fell asleep with gum in his mouth and started choking on it. His airway was completely blocked, so I had do chest compressions and give him mouth to mouth until it moved enough to get air in his lungs. He did cough it up, but I think I might have broken a rib when I was doing compressions, or we could have damaged something when Garrett yanked him out of his bunk."

"Shit. We should go to the hospital and make sure he's ok," Edward said as he turned to head toward the door.

"No," Peter ordered, "We need to stay here. He's fine. He was walking and talking when he and Garrett left. It could take some time for them to do x-rays and check him out. You and Bella are needed at that charity party, remember. A long list of people paid a lot of money to attend this after party, so you need to do what you do best…go charm the masses, have a few drinks, and make them glad they donated so much damn money."

"You're right. We have an obligation to these people." Edward turned to head toward the party but Peter stopped him again.

"Wait, Edward, first we need to get Bella back to the trailer so she can freshen up her makeup. It wouldn't be noticeable on stage, but up close, she looks like shit."

"Gee, thanks, Peter," I deadpanned.

He rolled his eyes and led us both to the trailer to freshen up. I fixed my hair and makeup while Edward changed into another shirt that looked just like the one he was wearing and put on some more deodorant. Once Peter approved both of our appearances, he led the way to the party.

The room was filled with people. This time, instead of an open bar, there was a cash bar with a sign that said that all of the money would go to the charity. Peter slipped us each some cash so it would look good when we paid for our drinks then followed us up to the bar. He told us that we needed to stay together as best as we could and avoid the dance floor at all costs.

We got our drinks and made our way to a table near the corner of the room. As soon as we sat down, people started coming over to tell us how much they enjoyed the show. Edward thanked them for coming out and asked them if the sound quality and lighting were alright. He seemed to genuinely listen to what they had to say about the technical aspects of the show. Somehow he managed to pull them into talking about something technical to keep them from asking him questions about his personal life.

A lady came up to me and told me that she saw me at the horse ranch earlier in the day. She thanked me for taking time to go out there and see the kids. I asked her if she had a kid there and she told me no. Her daughter died two years ago, but she still came to the events and helped out as much as she could, because she knew her daughter really loved it when she was alive.

She told me that she and some other parents who lost their children started up a babysitting service for parents with special needs children, because you can't just call on the 16 year old girl down the street to watch your kid when they have to know about things like catheters and pumps to suck phlegm out of their kids lungs when they start choking. I was impressed and amazed that she would do this for other parents when she had no child left of her own to worry about.

Edward got up a few minutes later and told me that it was time to mingle. Peter told us that we needed to visit the same table together, but we didn't necessarily have to talk to the same people, so we worked our way around the room clockwise. His ability to talk bullshit with anyone was uncanny, yet disturbing. While he kept the conversations light and neutral by asking their opinions about neutral subjects, I redirected personal questions by asking them to talk about themselves. I could honestly say that I met some fascinating people.

I noticed Mike, Eric, and Tyler out on the dance floor with Jane and some of the guests while Gianna and Heidi sat with Marcus and Aro. I looked around, but didn't see Demetri anywhere. I remembered that Demetri disappeared from the party in Vegas too.

I tapped Edward on the shoulder and asked, "Hey, where did Demetri slip off too?"

Edward leaned in and replied, "He has a thing for tall blonds with real tans and nice lips. He usually gets a room at a nearby hotel and disappears for the night. We'll see him before it's time to leave."

I couldn't believe I hadn't notice him sneaking back on the bus before. "I hope he's being careful."

Edward gave me a funny look. "Not that it's anything for you to worry about, but you can trust me on this one. That man is fanatical when it comes to protection. I just wish he would find someone and settle down."

"That's funny coming from the guy that is the epitome of the word bachelor."

"I know, I know, I just don't want to see him get hurt. He has been a great friend for years. I just want to see him happy."

"That's really sweet of you, Edward. It's good to see your sensitive side."

Garrett showed up just as the party was winding down. He said that Glenn was fine. He had two bruised ribs that were pretty tender, but he would be fine. He just needed to not lift anything heavy for a little while and make sure not to have anything in his mouth when he went to bed ever again.

Glenn was asleep by the time we headed to the bus, so we were all quiet. Aro and Marcus had hotel rooms for the night, so they disappeared with their women, and Demetri was gone for the night, so Peter, Garrett, Edward, and I tiptoed on to the bus.

I was much too tired to take another shower, so I brushed my hair and changed into some pajamas before heading to my bunk. When I pulled back the curtains, Edward was already in my bed. He opened one eye and patted the bed on the other side of him.

"What took you so long? Come on, let's get some sleep."

"Why don't you just let me sleep on the outside? I get up more often than you do. It would make it much easier on both of us."

He shook his head. "No way. I wouldn't get any sleep at all. I'd be too worried about accidentally pushing you off the bed. With you on the inside, I know you're safe."

"But I…"

He didn't let me finish my sentence. He grabbed me and flipped me over his body like I was a rag doll. Once on the other side, he shifted me so I was facing the wall and he was spooning up against me.

"There, that's much better. Now, get some sleep. I have to get up early tomorrow."

"Why are you getting up early?"

"I'm going jogging with Peter."

"Peter likes jogging?" He didn't seem like the type. He looked more like he would enjoy swimming or martial arts. He just didn't look like a jogger.

"No, but he has no choice in the matter. He goes where I go and I'm going jogging."

"So, you're saying that I can make Garrett do yoga if I feel like doing it?"

"You can make him take you to yoga classes, but you can't make him actually participate. Peter gets stuck because he can't grab a golf cart and follow behind me. I'm sure he would if he could, though."

I fell asleep quickly and woke up feeling refreshed. Edward and Peter were gone. Glenn was still asleep and Garrett was up watching TV in the back. I got up and went into the kitchen area to grab some fruit for breakfast.

I was standing there peeling my orange when I saw a car pull up. A tall guy climbed out of the passenger side of the car. He had shaggy blond hair that was falling in his eyes, a golden tan, and bulging muscles that were accented by his tight t-shirt. He could have been a body builder.

He walked around to the driver's side and opened the door. Demetri climbed out of the car and stood there talking to the guy for a minute. Before the guy got in the driver's side of the car, he leaned down and gave Demetri a long passionate kiss. Demetri slid his hand around the guy's waist and squeezed his ass. When the kiss ended, Demetri reached up and brushed the guy's hair out of his eyes, kissed him one more time, then turned around and headed for the bus.

As the guy drove off and Demetri reached for the door, I almost felt like I should pretend that I hadn't seen anything, but I decided that it would be stupid and wrong to lie about it.

Demetri climbed on board and froze in his tracks. I could tell that he didn't expect anyone to be up.

"Good morning, Demetri. Did you have a good night?"

"Ummm… I suppose."

I shrugged my shoulders and went back to peeling my orange. "If I spent the night with a hot looking piece of ass like that, I wouldn't have to suppose. I would know for sure."

Demetri laughed. "Well, since you put it that way, I had a fantastic night. How about you?"

"I stayed at the after part too late to have a fantastic night." I gave him a wink. "I did sleep well, though."

"Sorry to hear it," he teased. "So where is your lover boy, anyway?"

I didn't even pretend that I didn't know who he was talking about. He was being honest with me, so I was honest back. "He and Peter went jogging."

Demetri laughed. "I'm sure Peter is thrilled."

"Edward said Peter didn't really like jogging."

"No, he doesn't mind jogging, he just hates jogging with Edward because it draws too much attention and Edward runs too damn fast. If someone were to tackle Edward to the ground, Peter would be so out of breath that he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Sometimes I think Edward picks the most populated places to run on purpose, too. In a matter of minutes, he has 30 people following behind him. It's crazy."

"I can't even imagine having people follow me around like that."

"I don't know, Bella, you keep dancing around on stage in that sexy red dress and you'll have them following you around with gifts and flowers."

"Oh please. It's a cute dress but it's not all that sexy," I lied. I knew I looked hot in the dress, that's exactly why I wore it.

"Have you looked at yourself in that dress? If you were blond, with a nice tan, and weren't fucking Edward, I would be all over you in a heartbeat."

"Demetri, I hate to break it to you, but I'm a girl," I teased.

"Bella, I hate to break it to you, but I'm not exactly gender specific."

"So, you're bi?"

"I like to call it non-discriminatory, but yes. I tend to lean a little more to the gay side, but not completely. I like a good woman every now and then."

"And you only like tanned blonds? How is that not discriminating?" I gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder.

"It's a preference, not a rule. Damn, you hit hard for a chick," he said rubbing his arm. "Hey, Bella, do you mind if I give you some friendly advice?"

"No, go ahead."

"Don't get attached to him, ok? He's not the sweep you off your feet and ride off into the sunset kind of guy. He's much more like me than he likes to admit." He looked around and said softly, "I really like you, Bella. I just don't want you to get hurt or waste your time waiting on the happily ever after moment, because you aren't going to get it with him. Sure, he'll treat you like a princess, but that's how he treats all of them. I'm not saying he'll fuck around with other women while the two of you are a thing, but as soon as you're out of the picture, he'll move onto the next woman and not think twice about it. I've seen it happen too many times over the years. I don't want to see it happen to you."

I felt my heart sink in my chest. I knew that I had already allowed myself to get too close. I needed to keep in mind that this was just sex to him. I provided three things to him, assistance raising money, body heat when he was cold, and a piece of ass when he was in the mood. That's it.

"Thank, Demetri. I'll try to keep that in mind."

"For some reason, I think it's already too late. Isn't it, Bella? You're already getting attached, aren't you?" He gave me a sad look.

"I don't know. I might be a little attached, but nothing to cry over at this point. I just have to keep my emotions in check. I can enjoy the physical part of our relationship. I just need to back off emotionally. It shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

"It's easier said than done, I'm afraid."

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter. It seems that our little couple has finally gotten past their first little spat. Edward's trying to pull his head out of his ass and Bella is starting to get to know the band a little better.

Here is my little soap box moment for the week… I highly recommend that people of all ages learn CPR and Standard First Aid. There are classes held all over the world. Take the classes every couple of years, so you don't forget, and make your kids take them too. If something were to happen to you, they are going to be the ones that have to help you.

I have been teaching CPR, AED, and Standard First Aid for the last 5 year. I have had to use the skills on more occasions than I have time to mention right now. Take the classes! They are well worth the time that you have to invest.

Another minor soap box moment… If you are financially able to assist charities, I would recommend that you first check into the charity you are assisting. Make sure they are a valid charity; they support the cause you think they support: and see if they are tax deductible. There are plenty of scams out there, so don't let yourself get suckered. Also, don't commit to give more than you are able to give. If you don't have money, there are other ways that you can assist. Some charities need food or clothes. There are also charities that just need some time out of your day. Find out what is in your area and see how you can help.

On a happier note, yesterday was my birthday! My wonderful hubby took me out to a delicious dinner and took me clothes shopping. I bought 3 dresses.

Ok, it looks like I might finally be back on track with my time, so I should be able to start replying to reviews. I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to review so far. I want you to know that I do appreciate all of the wonderful words that you have sent me, but since I'm so far behind, I think I'm not going to go back and try to post responses to all of the reviews that I missed. I'm going to start with reviews for this chapter and try to keep up with it. I hope this doesn't offend anyone.

Thanks!