Disclaimer: Somewhere in Time and Twilight are not mine... I just introduced them to each other. ;o)

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Enjoy!

Chapter 5: Push My Luck

EPOV

I had to crash the dinner. I just can't help it. I can see that it's black tie and I know I stick out in my brown suit but I need to see her again. She is dancing with a much older gentleman who, more or less, just rocks her back and forth in place. I cut in abruptly and take her into my arms. I know I'm being somewhat rude to her dance partner but I could be tossed out of here at any second. I don't have much time.

"Mr. Masen, what do you think you're you doing?" She asks, trying to stifle a smile. Thankfully, she seems amused by my antics.

"I'm dancing with you." Turn on the charm, Masen. "I couldn't wait to see you again, Miss Swan. I also couldn't pass up the opportunity to hold you in my arms."

She seems flustered. "Well, yes, but we don't even know each other."

"I know everything about you." I tell her sincerely.

"Yes, I'm sure you do," is her short reply.

"What do you mean?" Dammit. I'm coming on too strong.

"If you will excuse me, Mr. Masen." She's pulling away from me…

…and I panic. "No, no, no… You don't understand," I plead as I try and keep her in the circle of my arms.

"I think I do." She looks away. I'm losing her.

"No, no. Wait. Please, please don't leave. You have no idea… No idea how far I've come just to be with you." If watching Emmett placate Rose has taught me anything, its: When all else fails, grovel.

Much to my relief she's relaxing back into my arms again. My hopeful smile is rewarded with another blush. I don't think I will ever tire of seeing her ivory cheeks stain pink. It is definitely one of the most endearing sights I have ever seen. She allows me to lead her once again.

"Miss Swan? May I ask… earlier… you asked, 'Is it you?' What did you mean by that?"

Bella pushs her chin upward and stares at a spot over my shoulder. "I don't have to answer that," she answers a bit stiffly.

"I know you don't," I tilt my head to the side trying in vain to keep eye contact. "I wish you would, though," I gently prod.

I can see that she isn't ready to tell me so, I gather her in my arms as close as I dare and begin dancing in earnest, thankful for the lessons my mother forced me into. Bella tries to stop me right away.

"Mr. Masen. Please, I can't really dance." She seems ashamed to admit.

"Don't worry, Bella. It's all in the leading." I wink at her. Yes! Another blush.

We are almost able to complete a full song before her manager steps in with two men and addresses me. They are exceptionally polite but make it very clear that they know I do not belong there and it is time to make my leave. I am about to get escorted out when Bella steps in and makes it clear to them that my presence was not the bother that they have assumed. She then turns to me and takes my arm and walks me toward the lobby to where we can say our farewells. I use this time wisely. I walk away from her with a smile knowing that she has just agreed to let me take her out on the lake tomorrow after her morning rehearsal. I can hardly wait.

I feel as though I am walking on air. As I glide through the lobby on the way to my room her manager pulls me aside and asks to speak with me. As he leads me outside to the quiet porch he formally introduces himself as James Meadows -and that is where the pleasantries end. He doesn't want me around Bella. That much has been made clear by is body language.

"Just where are you from, Masen?" He eyes my suit with disdain. Sorry. I didn't think to pack a tux.

"Chicago," I answer. "Where are you from, sir?" Try to remain civil, Edward.

He ignores my question and looks down his nose at me. "I am given to understand that you are a composer."

I nod. "You understand correctly." Where is he going with this?

"I'm not entirely unacquainted with American music of the last decade. Perhaps I am familiar with your work?"

I give a quick shake to my head and smirk. "No, I doubt it."

His eyes narrow. "Do you think to further your career by using Miss Swan's contacts in the industry?" Now we are getting somewhere.

I can see he feels threatened. "You don't really believe that's why I'm here, do you?"

"Why are you here?" He leans in to assess me. "Is it money?" he accuses.

I smirk. "Now, I don't really think you believe that either." I'm not after her fame or fortune and he knows it.

"There is the law, Masen. I warn you that I will not hesitate to make avail of it," Meadows threatens and turns to enter the lobby once again.

"Oh, yes?" I follow him. "On what charge?" I demand. Is this guy for real?

He turns back to me with an air of superiority and declares, "This matter is concluded, sir."

"No," I object.

He smirks and gives me a curt nod. "Oh, yes. You may depend upon it," he says with a certain degree of finality and storms across the lobby.

Great. I pinch the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes in frustration with a heavy sigh. I really didn't need to piss off the father-figure in Isabella's life. This could be bad.

A/N: Please review and let me know what you think. :o) Thanks!!