Sorry for the late update! I've been sick…and when you're coughing and there's snot everywhere, it's really hard to think sexy and witty! Updates will come around more regularly now!

Once again, thank you for all the wonderful reviews, the personal messages and emails received from the readers! I love reading each and every one of your comments!

We are slowly but surely getting to the point where emotions will boil over. I know a lot of you would like for the sexy times to start already – but I personally like the slow burn and anticipation. It makes the moment that they actually 'do it', a lot more credible and fun!

Just a reminder that I don't own Twilight or any of the characters. I simply like to play with them.

Chapter Sixteen

The Play Date – Part One

"You don't mind if Emmett and Rose come along, right?" Edward whispers in my ear as we stand in the elevator behind my parents on Saturday morning.

Edward showed up outside my door at exactly seven o'clock for our trip to Tacoma. Charlie is still not in better spirits about the fact that he needs to go to Seattle's annual Daffodil Festival, but I couldn't care less at this stage. The only thing my mind seems to be focused on is the delicious sent wafting from the man standing beside me, leaning into my shoulder. It's all sunshine, and sandalwood and Edward. I'm literally salivating.

I have no idea when things changed, but for some reason there is a constant charge of electricity surrounding Edward this morning. It could be the fact that I had my hand on his crotch just hours ago. It could be the fact that both of us are very aware of the fact that he made me come or the fact that I now know he wants me…physically at least. Either way, I can't resist tapping into the tingling sensations caused by his proximity.

A shiver runs down my spine as his breath tickles my ear, and I swear I can hear him chuckle beside me. I clear my throat in the hopes that the action will simultaneously clear my head.

"I don't mind," I whisper back, daring to slightly turn my head and look up into Edwards shimmering eyes. He is so beautiful. It takes my breath away and makes my heart leap. I'm in so much trouble.

"Good. Their waiting downstairs," he gives me a small smile as his hand brushes against mine briefly.

I stare at him dumbfounded and vaguely notice my head bopping up and down in agreement.

Another soft laugh leaves his chest as he stares deeply into my eyes, a small frown forming between his brows.

"Are you okay?" He searches my face, looking for signs of who knows what. His scrutiny makes me feel uncomfortable and I tear my eyes away from his.

"I'm fine," I shrug casually and focus on the descending numbers of the elevator as we approach the ground level of the building I live in.

"You just seem…" he thinks for a second before continuing, "a little distracted."

I shrug again and silently pray that he just lets it go. I have no idea why I'm acting like a mushy teenager at the moment, but the boy has my head spinning and I'm fighting every urge in my body to be closer to his.

The elevator doors open, and I take a deep breath, only now realizing that I was holding it all this time. I follow Charlie and Renee into the foyer without giving Edward another glance. I'm going to have my work cut out today. The less I look into his iridescent eyes, the greater my chances to actually make it through this day without humping his leg…again.

"Rose and Emmett are waiting outside. Do you want to come and meet them before we leave, Renee? Charlie?" Edward asks as we make our way towards the sidewalk.

"Of course," Renee smiles sweetly, "I would love to meet them."

I give her a thin smile before Edward leads us towards an imposing looking Jeep parked across the road.

I make a grab for Edward's hand before we reach them, and pull him towards me.

"They won't? You know?" I whisper, suddenly frightened that they might not be on the same page regarding our agreement.

"They know. Don't worry," he smiles encouragingly and pulls me behind him without letting go of my hand. His grip is firm and safe and it kills me to know that it means…nothing. Absolutely nothing.

As we approach the Jeep, the first thing I notice is a gigantic man exiting the driver's side. This must be Emmett. Edward wasn't lying when he said his friend is huge. The man looks larger than life and incredibly intimidating. I feel Edward's hand squeeze mine as my step falter. I turn my head slightly to catch a glimpse of Renee. If she felt intimidated by the shear size of the man in front of us, it doesn't show.

"Charlie my man!" Emmett barks jovially and reaches a mammoth hand to shake my father's outstretched one. My eyes are fixed on the movement and I almost miss the approach of a blond woman that can only be described as an Amazon. I can feel all the saliva leaving my mouth as I wearily glance at the Swedish beauty smiling brightly at my parents. Rosalie.

"Renee," Edward reaches his free hand over and softly places it on Rosalie's shoulder, "this is Rosalie and Emmett McCarthy. Charlie, this is Rosalie." Everyone shakes hands as I practically cower behind Edward in uncomfortable mortification. Edward has never really spoken much about Rosalie, but good grief, knowing that this is the kind of woman Edward has in his life makes me feel unsure and hesitant. How does one compete with Miss. Universe? Not that I'm competing. Rosalie is taken anyway, so it's not as if Edward stands a chance. But still. I feel plain and insignificant.

"Bells!" I literally jump as Emmett reaches over and pulls my body into a smothering hug. His arms are practically crushing my stiff form as I try to move my nose which is firmly planted against his chest for air. "Haven't seen you in a while,"

Thank goodness Emmett is playing along, and even though I'm not a fan of the physical contact, I can at least appreciate his effort.

"Hey Emmett," I breathe once he lets go of me, "always nice to see you," I look up in his eyes and see the mischief dancing there along with his boyish dimples. Very cute.

"Hey B," Rosalie sing-songs beside me and once again causes my heart to plummet to the ground.

This is all so surreal. They must think I'm the biggest loser on the planet; having their best friend pretending to be my boyfriend.

"Hi Rosalie," I give her an unsure smile and try to hide my embarrassment.

"Oh please, since when do you call me Rosalie, you goof!" she produces a bubbly laugh which would have relaxed me if I didn't notice the steely look in her eyes.

Call it woman's intuition if you want, but whatever it is that's causing the cold clamp over my heart, it's clear that Rosalie is less entertained by our little arrangement.

She pulls me in for a controlled hug and then very subtly turns us slightly away from the conversation going on between the rest of our party.

"I just want you to know that I don't approve," she whispers sweetly in my ear, "and if you hurt one hair on that boy's head, it's going to be me and you," with that she gives me a tight squeeze meant as warning and not as comfort and pulls away. I swallow thickly as she smiles at me before moving back towards Emmett and wrapping her arm around his middle. The woman should win an Oscar for her performance. She's even better at this than I am.

Call me crazy, but I instantly respect her. There's something very comforting about the knowledge that Edward has someone in his life that will protect him from woman…like me. I move towards Edward and take his hand. I try to convince myself that I'm doing this for show, but deep down I crave the buzz and comfort his skin has come to supply. He turns and smiles softly, his eyes full of questions. He knows it's not like me to initiate physical contact. He knows something's up.

"Let's get a move on," Edward announces and tugs on my hand, "we don't want to miss the best part."

Charlie and Emmett snort simultaneously and Renee and Rosalie simultaneously jab them in the ribs.

I'm jealous of the little movement meant to chastise. It's real, what they have. What I have is nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The Daffodil Festival is huge. And I mean really, really huge. There are literally thousands of people littering the streets of downtown Tacoma. There are over forty floats decorated in Daffodil blooms, marching bands and even the boats in the marina are decorated with blooms. It's beautiful and in all honesty, a little strange.

We've been making our way through the crowds, eating candy floss and gaping at the passing floats. The drive to Tacoma was short and extremely uncomfortable…for me at least. Edward had his hand on my thigh the whole drive here, only letting go of me whenever he needed to change the gears of his Volvo. The action is normal when you're in a relationship, and I'm sure Renee was beaming from the back seat. But we're not in a real relationship, and I have no idea why the thought is so troublesome to me today.

I think Edward and I crossed a line last night that was better left alone. It's not doing me any good knowing that this hot as hell man is attracted to me. Is it flattering? Yes, of course it is. Does it cause my insides to turn into knots? Yes, like it's nobody's business. Is it utterly frustrating that Edward seems to take it all in stride and hardly lets on that last night happened? Like hell it is!

I'm completely irritated by the fact that he seems unaffected. Honestly, I'm more frustrated with myself. How is it even possible that a veteran in emotionless business deals seem to be coming apart at the seams? If anyone should remain calm and collected, it should be me, not him.

I watch him from the corner of my eye as he laughs at something Charlie says. How does he do it? How does he seem so comfortable and easygoing around my parents? Is this ruse not getting to him? Is it not gnawing at his insides and keeping him awake at night as it is me? I obviously underestimated Edward Cullen. He seems to be a master at this game, and for the first time since this whole sordid affair started, I'm actually afraid that I might be the one getting played here.

"Hey Bella," Emmett speaks beside me and pulls me from my internal ramblings, "what do you say me and you take a walk to the marina and get a look at the boats?"

"Oh – I," I stutter and yank on Edward's hand to grab his attention. He looks at me inquisitively as I silently plead at him not to leave me alone with his friend. His grin grows in size and he nods his encouragement.

"Come on," Emmett laughs softly and grabs for my other hand, "I don't bite," he whispers and tugs me free from Edward's grasp. Edward laughs at my mortified expression and I offer him an angry scowl.

"We'll be along in a second," Edward chuckles again and shakes his head at me as if I'm overreacting. I'm livid but I comply partly because I know I'll probably kill Edward if I stay and partly because Emmett is pulling me behind him with the force of a herd of cattle.

I grumble irritably as I fight to keep up with Emmett's pace. I could just stop walking all together and have him drag me along like a rag doll but I don't want to ruin my shoes.

"So," Emmett starts once we're out of earshot from the others, "how are you keeping up?"

"Fine," I mumble and try to push my hair behind my ears as the wind whips it around my face.

Emmett laughs low and boisterously and for a second I contemplate how fitting his deep laugh is in comparison to his frame.

"You don't sound very convincing," he remarks as we approach the marina where all the boats are floating about, decorated in Daffodil blooms.

I don't answer as I stare across the choppy waters. What am I supposed to say anyway? I'm certainly not going to admit that I'm suddenly contemplating my slowly developing romantic feelings for his best friend or that Edward has a way of making me feel completely wanted and like a complete outsider all at the same time. I'm confused…that much is clear…and in lust…that much is a given.

"Look," Emmett sighs beside me causing me to look up into his friendly gaze, "I'm not saying that I necessarily agree with what the two of you are doing," he turns his head slightly and stares out at the water just like I did a second ago and I'm once again struck by the size of this man, "but to each his own I always say."

I smile at this. Emmett seems like a really sweet guy, considering that he would probably be able to kill you with his bear hands.

"Edward is a good guy."

I nod at that and turn my gaze in the same direction as his.

"He can also be very impulsive," at that I snort and then cover my face with my hair as my cheeks burn. I know exactly how impulsive Edward can be, "guess it comes with the territory. I don't suppose you can be a great writer if you're not willing to take some uncalculated risks."

I nod again as I stare at my feet, waiting for the blush to subside.

"All I'm saying is that you both should be careful," I look up at Emmett again and find him watching me with a knowing grin, "what starts out as a joke can leave the whole world crying."

I frown slightly at his choice of words and then giggle softly.

"Are you quoting Bee-Gees at me?"

"Hey, they had some good songs," Emmett shrugs and smiles goofily at me. I laugh harder as I shake my head at him.

"It's just business," I lie, and I think Emmett can tell by the skeptic look he's giving me, "but I'll take your advice into consideration," my sentence ends in an almost question.

Emmett smirks and then nods his head affirmatively.

"You know," he says as he throws his huge arm over my shoulder, dragging me into a half-hug, "you're not as bad as I imagined you would be."

"Um…" I try to relax in his embrace, "thanks?"

I feel the vibrations of Emmett's laughter against my side and can't help the grin spreading my lips.

"Hey guys," Edward's husky voice floats over to us and instantly sends a warm vibration through my body. I turn out of Emmett's embrace and notice Rosalie's squinting glare. Edward takes my hand in his and offers me an apologetic smile which I choose to ignore. I'm still not pleased with the fact that he left me alone with his friend, even if the conversation wasn't as awful as I expected it to be.

"Where are Charlie and Renee?"

"They headed to one of the restaurants for lunch. They're holding a table for us," I nod at Edward's explanation and allow him to pull me along with him.

"Great," Emmett declares behind us, "I'm famished."

"You're always famished," Edward remarks dryly.

"Beats being a skinny pole," Emmett retorts which causes me to chuckle softly.

"Hey," Edward chastises good naturedly and pulls me closer to the warmth of his body, "I leave you with him for five minutes and you're already siding with him?"

I blush slightly at the familiarity of the situation and the brief feeling of belonging and fight the urge to curl up in the warmth of it.

"Ah, don't feel bad Eddie," Emmett doesn't miss a beat, "most women like their men big and burly."

Rosalie chimes in with an Amen Brother which surprisingly causes me to laugh again.

"I've never had any complaints," Edward defends and metaphorically dumps a bucket of ice cold water over me. Of course, that isn't something he would have said if we were really dating. But we're not. And I hate that I've allowed myself to momentarily forget that. The carefree moment is lost as the four of us fall into uncomfortable silence. I let go of Edward's hands and shove mine into the pockets of my wool jacket.

"Hey," Edward softly shoves me with his shoulder, "you okay?"

"Sure," I mumble and stare ahead of me. No, I'm not okay, but that's not his fault. It's mine for forgetting that this is all a scam. A scam, mind you, that I constructed and insisted upon. If I could kick my own butt right now, I would.

"Then why did you let go of my hand?" he asks in a fierce whisper. I refuse to look up. I refuse to be sucked back into Never-Never land by his hypnotizing gaze.

"My parent's aren't around. No need to pretend," I shrug and slightly pick up my pace.

"Oh," I'm shocked to hear the dejected tone in his voice but focus my eyes on the road ahead. If both of us are getting confused, then I'll need to take it upon myself to redefine the rules. This is getting out of hand, and as Emmett warned, it can end really badly if I don't get a hold of these unfamiliar feelings.

At least one of us will need to get our head back in the game. Since I'm the one with nothing to loose, it will have to be me.

"This was an amazing day," Renee declares as we stand outside of my apartment building saying our goodbyes to Emmett and Rosalie.

"It was a lot better than I expected," Emmett agrees and gives Renee a farewell hug, "and it was really great to meet you."

"Sweet child," Renee coos and squeezes Emmett's cheeks which he offers willingly.

I internally roll my eyes at my mother, but appreciate the way that everyone just seems to fall in love with her and my father. They really are amazing parents, and sometimes it takes an outside perspective for me to remember exactly why I feel so lucky to be their daughter.

It was a great day, for all intents and purposes, and I guess I should be thanking Edward for the effort. My parents, even Charlie, had a great time and for that I'm really grateful. The whole day was jovial and fun, even though I felt weighed down by the situation, and Edward's constant questioning eyes. I kept my distance, more than most, trying to real in some perspective. Edward certainly noticed, and after lunch and my obvious attempts to put some much needed space between our bodies, his attitude towards me turned surly to say the least. No one noticed, no one accept for Rosalie of course, her arched eyebrows giving away her interest. I was far beyond the point of caring though. Yes, she was intimidating, but I didn't get where I am today by being intimidated by tall, busty blondes. I can hold my own in any situation and this one is no different.

My phone buzzes just as I'm about to give Emmett a hug. It's Alice.

"Sorry," I apologize and remove myself from the party.

"Hey Ali," I say with a heavy sigh.

"What's wrong?" She knows me so well.

"Nothing," I lie. See? I told you I was getting good at it. "What's up?"

"Listen, I got your earlier text that you guys were in Tacoma with Edward's friends and honestly Bella," I roll my eyes because I know what's coming, "I feel left out."

"Mhh-mhh," I reply knowingly.

"So, Jasper and I thought that it would only be fair that you and Edward do something with us tonight," she carries on without taking pause.

"I don't know Alice, I'm really tired," I sigh rubbing my temples, "it's been a long day."

"Don't really care," is her thoughtful response and I swallow down my annoyance, "it will just be for drinks, I'm sure you'll be able to manage that."

"Who's it?" Edward asks behind me causing me to jump. I frown at him as I turn around, wanting to ask him what business it is of his, but notice that all eyes are on me.

"It's Alice," I say in a clipped voice desperately fighting to remain civil.

"Let me speak to him," Alice interrupts.

"Give me the phone," Edward speaks at the same time. I stare at him slack jawed and watch him remove my Blackberry from my frozen hand.

What the hell?

I huff in frustration as I watch Edward walk away a few paces, animatedly speaking to my best friend on my phone.

"Sounds great," I hear him saying and clench down on my teeth, "I was hoping you were calling for that reason," he continues and I find myself flabbergasted at the way he just seems to take control of every aspect of my life, "we wanted to end the day of with drinks, so that sounds perfect," I turn my head towards Emmett in silent question and receive a perplexed shrug from him, "see you in two hours then," my head whips around to Edward again and this time I'm just pissed. How dare he make plans with my friends without consulting with me first? I stalk towards him, knowing that my behavior is slightly juvenile but I just can't seem to give a shit. This is taking things too far. I'm emotionally spent from this day, trying to keep up this farce we have going on and simultaneously trying to fight my body's natural gravitation towards Edward.

"What are you doing?" I bite out through clenched teeth once I'm in front of Edward.

"Yea, she seems pissed," he chuckles as if he's sharing a personal joke with Alice which just causes my blood pressure to rise even more, "I leave her to you. See you later."

With that he hands my phone back to me, gives me a cocky wink and strolls back to my parents.

"Alice," I growl into my phone as I subconsciously watch Edward's backside move in his jeans. Damn him and his body. Damn him and his smile. Damn him and his hair. Just…damn him!

"Wow, he sounds really nice Bella," Alice sings on the other side which causes me to release the air I've been holding with a huff, "we'll see you guys in an hour or two, okay?"

I don't answer. I'm still trying to get my anger under control.

"Don't be mad, I just really miss you," she says sweetly.

"That's unfair Alice, and you know it," I reply dejectedly as my shoulder slump in defeat.

"I know," she has the decency to admit, "but I really do, and I really want to meet him. Jasper is just going on about your Edward and I feel like the only one that's not in on it."

"He's not my Edward," I whisper as I turn my back to my staring crowd.

"For now he is. So come one, get dressed in something sexy and meet us for drinks. It'll be fun," she attempts to raise my mood and it does, slightly.

"Fine," I concede, "where are we meeting you?"

"Chop Suey," I can hear the excitement in her voice, "wear that cure silver slip we bought you the other day. That will totally have all the men drooling over you."

"Not really what I'm going for, but thanks," I turn to make my way back, "see you later."

"I hear we're going out?" Emmett asks eagerly once I join them again. I don't even dare to look at Edward, afraid that my gaze might injure him on the spot.

"Indeed we are," I try to sound excited but I'm sure they can tell that I'm faking it.

"Oh, to be young and full of energy…" Renee trails off with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Of course you're more than welcome to join us," Edward offers kindly and makes me despise him even more. Okay, I don't really despise him, but I despise him for being so nice. Why is he being so nice?

"Oh hell no," Charlie pipes in and shakes his head vehemently. "I'm still recovering from the last time."

Renee looks visibly disappointed, but I know there's now way she'll enjoy the laud music at Chop Suey, in spite of how with the times she is.

We say our goodbyes and agree to meet Emmett and Rosalie at Chop Suey in two hours. The ride in the elevator is quiet, partly because we're tired but mostly because I'm really pissed off at Edward.

As we enter the apartment I and make a beeline for my room. I need a shower to wash the day away and to relax my tense muscles. I can hear Edward behind the bathroom door, probably looking for something to wear as I turn the shower on. I'm so angry at his attitude. I know I should be thankful that he's doing everything possible to make this all seam legitimate, but it's like wanting your parents to like your best friend and later resenting your friend because your parents like them too much…feeling like they like your friend more than you. Best of all is that I can't even call Edward and I friends. He's a practical stranger who's embedding himself into my group of friends and family like an old coat. And nothing of it is real. Absolutely nothing.

After I washed my hair and stood beneath the spray for what felt like hours, allowing the warm water to wash away the tension in my body, I step out of the shower and cover myself with a towel.

A soft knock at the door has me spinning around, my heart immediately jumping to my throat.

"Hey, are you decent?" Edward's honey voice permeates the steam surrounding me.

"No," I croak in shock staring at the door handle in bewilderment, watching it intently our of fear that it might start to turn.

"Okay, I just…" he trails off for a awkward second, "I'm just going to finish up in the guest bathroom."

"Okay," I can't keep the relief from my voice.

"Okay," he replies softly. I stare at the door for another minute, somehow not trusting that he's gone, and then finally release my breath.

I slowly make my way towards the door and turn the handle softly, sticking my head into my room to ensure that I am in fact alone. Edward is not there, but I can smell him everywhere, and the mere thought of him moving around in my room has me slightly aroused. I force myself to ignore the longing pang in my stomach and make my way towards my closet after I lock my bedroom door. I'm not taking any chances.

I stare at the contents of my closet when my eyes fall on the daring silver dress Alice suggested I wear tonight. It really is beautiful and compliments my curves perfectly. It's a simple slip dress covered in silver beads and sequence. The dress just covers my butt, and I have to admit that I bought it merely because I looked good in it, not because I ever had the intention of wearing it. As I worry my bottom lip with my teeth, I make up my mind. If Edward wants to take control of this situation… If he wants to play this game as if he is the master of it… Let us see him try with me wearing this. Cue evil laugh.

It's an hour later when I exit my room. My hair is hanging in soft curls around my shoulders, compliments of every girl's best friend…GHD. My make up is done a shade darker than usual, compliments of every model's best friend…MAC. The dress is hanging on me like it's been tailored especially for my body, and I feel sexy and confident, compliments of my best friend…Alice. And the shoes I'm wearing…well, let's just say, Jimmy Choo knows what she's doing. I would screw me wearing these shoes.

I make may way towards the living room, holding my little clutch bag securely in one hand. It's only big enough for my Blackberry, lipstick and my credit card. Who needs anything else, right? My parent's and Edward are sitting in the living room, talking about the events of the day. Edward's back is turned towards me, and I'm still caught off guard with the strange sensation of seeing him in my house. It's like his aura fills the whole room and just makes everything buzz with vibrant color. My confidence slips for a second, but is quickly replaced when I hear a low whistle from my father.

"Good grief honey," Renee shrieks, "you look amazing."

I would have blushed, but the words didn't come from Edward, so I don't.

Edward's head whips around and I watch him…watching me… And oh lordy… The look in his eyes turns from curiosity to full blown desire in a millisecond. It's as if time stands still as I make my way towards them in slow motion. I feel like I'm descending my parent's staircase at home on prom night. Only this time, the boy staring slack jawed at me isn't a gawky, teenage Jacob, no, it's a very hot, dangerously sexy man. It's a man models would want to date. It's a man every other man in a club is jealous of and the mere thought that my appearance could make this man look at me like that, is heady and empowering.

He stands up as I stand still in front of him, his eyes traveling from my feet slowly towards my face, burning a trail up my body. I watch his Adams apply bob as he swallows thickly. Game on Eddie.

"Wow," he whispers hoarsely, and I can tell that he would be saying a couple of other naughty things if my parent's weren't witnesses to our exchange.

"Wow indeed," my dad chimes in from beside us. I look at my father instead, still not able to make actual eye contact with Edward, fearing that the fire in his gaze would set me alight, "you look amazing Bells."

"Thanks Dad," I reply softly, and this time I do blush, because getting a compliment from my dad isn't really something I'm used to, "we better go if we don't want to be late."

I look back at Edward, but not at his eyes. Instead, I focus on the sliver of skin visible at the neck of his grey button down shirt. He really is pale. It's kind of pretty.

"Yea," he once again replies with less control than usual and I smile internally at my victory.

I turn to give my mother and father a kiss and then make my way towards the front door, feeling Edward's eyes on me as I walk. The knowledge that he's watching me makes me feel desirable and I absolutely relish in it.

We're silent as the elevator approaches. I nervously clutch my bag and try my best not to fidget.

We enter the elevator silently, and Edward stands just slightly behind me as I watch the number descend. We stop on the eight floor to let an elderly couple enter the elevator with us, nodding in greeting. I step slightly back to make room and feel my elbow brush against Edward causing my skin to erupt in goose bumps.

"You cold?" he asks huskily in my ear, his breath blowing against my skin causing me to shiver slightly.

"No," I whisper and fight the urge to tilt my neck in order to grant him more access to my skin.

We remain silent even though I can hear my heart hammering in my chest.

As we reach the ground floor, the older couple step out, and I make my way behind them. I'm halted in my stride as Edward's hand folds around my elbow, effectively stopping me in the open door of the elevator.

"Miss Swan," he breathes in my neck which causes my breath to catch, "you are in so much trouble."

And with that, he slightly tugs on my elbow and pushes me through the doors into the foyer.

My head tilts in surprise at his words and I finally allow myself to look into his eyes, and what I see there causes my knees to wobble.

Oh shit. I think I just might be.

I hope you liked it!

The next chapter will be in EPOV at the club…

Hold on to your horse's ladies…things are starting to heat up!

Let me know what you think – your thoughts inspire me to keep on writing!