A/N: Hi again. Thanks so much for your awesome reviews. Thanks to the new readers who put this on alerts.

It's Wednesday afternoon and I'm off to the midnight screening of New Moon in a few hours. YAY! We're watching 'Twilight' at 9.30pm first then 'New Moon' . By the next posting, hopefully heaps of you will have watched it too.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 16

"Ok, thanks Alice."

The sound of Edward's voice roused Bella from her sleep. Rolling over, she nestled deeper into the pillow, the supremely comfortable bed making going back to sleep infinitely more desirable than waking.

It was Wednesday morning and they had spent the previous two nights in the hotel, unable to return to Forks while the roads were closed due to the storm that nearly caused Bella's plane to be diverted. Edward had woken, disentangled himself from Bella's arms and walked to the window. Amazingly, the sun was starting to peep through the clouds, heralding a brighter day than the previous two. He rang Alice to find out what the road situation was like closer to home. Turning around, Edward smiled affectionately when he saw Bella burrowed into the pillows.

The previous day and night had been like a beautiful idyll. A time out of time. With nothing to worry about except what they were going to do with their time, they had lost themselves in each other. When they weren't making love, they watched television, snuggled together. They ordered in their food as neither was bothered about getting dressed and going down the hotel's restaurant and bar. They had luxuriated in the huge spa bath for ages, Edward driving Bella insane with desire. At night, they lay in bed for ages, just talking about anything and everything. Bella admitted that a part of her wished that the snow never melt. Edward couldn't help but agree.

Unfortunately, their idyll was about to end. Lying next to Bella, Edward reached out and gently pushed her hair back from her face. Softly, he traced his finger over her lips, smiling when she kissed it sleepily. Reaching over, he gave her butterfly kisses all over her face where he could reach until she groaned and rolled onto her back, her arm around his neck.

"Mmm, much better than an alarm clock," she murmured sleepily.

Edward chuckled. "I'll be your alarm clock every morning if you want."

"Tempting."

"How tempting?"

"Way, way too tempting," she replied, as she rubbed her eyes. "What time is it?" she asked, sitting up against the pillows.

"It's just past nine o'clock," he replied, joining her. "I just spoke to Alice. She said the roads have been cleared. The sun's actually trying to make an appearance at the moment."

Bella smiled wryly. "That news should fill me with joy, but it doesn't," she admitted. "I've loved our time here."

Kissing her cheek and grabbing hold of her hand, Edward nodded in understanding. "I know. We have to leave our little love nest and head back to reality."

"Love nest," she mused. "That's exactly what this was. I'll miss it."

"Me too. But we can always come back. Why don't we stay here when we come down for the symphony? I can try and get this room, if you like," he suggested.

Bella gave him a delighted smile. "That's a great idea, Edward. I'd love nothing better than to come back."

"Done. I'll make the booking when we check out, just in case." They just looked at each other, a smile on their face. With one last, lingering kiss, Edward rolled off the bed. "We'd better get going, love. Even with the roads cleared, they'll probably still be slippery so I want to take it easy on the way back."

With a sigh, Bella agreed. It didn't take long to gather their meagre belongings. It was the first time they'd been dressed since they arrived. With one last look at their little slice of paradise, they went downstairs to check out. Whilst there, Edward enquired about the room's availability in April and to Bella's delight, it was free. Booking it on the spot, Edward then led them out to the car, which had been brought around by the valet.

As predicted, the roads were slippery so Edward took great care on the drive home. They didn't feel the need to talk much, a comfortable silence surrounding them. Both of them were lost in memories of the last two days.

Edward finally pulled up at Bella's apartment, carrying her bags upstairs. The apartment was cold from being left empty for the last four days, so Bella hurriedly turned on the heating.

"I'm going to go and get changed, love," said Edward, dropping her bag on the bed. "I'll probably call in to the hospital afterwards. I feel guilty about leaving Bernard carrying the load for the last couple of days."

Wrapping her arms around his waist, Bella leaned against his chest. "Ok. I'm going to do some washing then I'll see if Dad's home. Will you come back later?" she asked, looking up into his face.

Edward nodded. "Of course. I don't think I could stay away." Dropping a light kiss on her lips, he disentangled himself and headed for the door. "Take care on the roads, love."

"I will. I'll see you later." As Edward turned to leave, Bella called out. "Wait, Edward!"

He turned, his eyes questioning.

"I want to give you a key. In case you come back and I'm at Dad's. I don't want you waiting outside in the cold."

Edward looked at her closely, nodding slowly. "Are you sure you want to do that?"

Frowning, Bella looked confused. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just that giving me a key to your place is a serious step," he replied.

Reaching up, Bella ran her fingers through his hair. "We've spent most of our nights together since the Ball. I love you and I want you to feel like this is your home too."

Eyes shining, Edward leaned down and kissed her tenderly, softly rubbing his lips against hers. "Ah Bella. I love you so. I'm honoured you trust me so much." There was silence for a few moments as they lost themselves in each other, before Edward drew back. "I'd better go."

"See you later. Bring clothes for tomorrow. I've grown used to sleeping next to you," suggested Bella, speaking the truth.

"Ok." With one last kiss, Edward left the apartment.

Changing her clothes and putting a load on to wash, Bella decided to go and pick up some groceries then visit Charlie. Renee had given her a gift for him.

She was walking around the supermarket when her phone rang.

"Hey Bella. You back yet?" asked Jacob.

"Yeah, got back this morning."

"It was a bastard of a storm," he said. "I'm surprised you managed to land that day."

"Me too. I'm glad though. The last two days have been wonderful," sighed Bella.

Jacob chuckled. "You got it bad, don't you?"

"Oh yeah. You have no idea."

"Hey Bella, what are you and Edward doing for New Years?"

"Um, I'm not sure. We haven't really discussed it," she replied. "Why?"

"There's going to be a big party at the rez on New Year's Eve. They're planning a big bonfire, fireworks, heaps of food and drink. Why don't you come with Edward? I'll finally get to meet him," suggested Jacob.

Bella had been to parties on the Quileute reservation before and had a ball. "Sounds like fun, Jake. I'll have to check with Edward though, in case he's rostered on. Can I call you back and let you know?"

"Sure. Hope you can come, it'll be fun."

"I'm sure it will. I'll call you tonight. Edward's going to the hospital and I'm off to see Charlie but I'll talk to him about it tonight."

"Okey dokey. Better get back to work. This cold has played havoc with car engines. I'm flat out with repairs," he said wryly.

"Well, that's good, isn't it? You might have to look at putting on another mechanic at this rate."

"You're not wrong. Anyway, I'll hear from you tonight then?"

"Yeah. See you."

"Bye Bella."

Bella continued shopping, wondering what Edward would think of the invitation. She hoped he wasn't working that night.

Finishing her grocery shopping, she drove to Charlie's house. He wasn't home yet but she let herself in. Meandering around the house, Bella did a load of washing before cooking some dinners for Charlie. She was spooning it into various containers to be frozen when Charlie arrived home.

"Oh, hey Bels. Glad you got home safely," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah, only got in this morning. The roads are still pretty slippery."

"Tell me about it. Been to three accidents this morning alone," he replied, taking off his police jacket.

"Bad ones?"

"No-one hurt luckily. Just more work for the local panel beaters. People just insist on driving as if the roads are dry," he muttered, shaking his head and gratefully accepting a cup of coffee. "So, how's Renee?"

Bella told him about her stay with Renee, giving Charlie the present she'd sent him. She told him about the return flight and the necessity of staying in Seattle.

"Well, if you have to be stuck somewhere, a five-star hotel is a pretty good option," commented Charlie with a faint smile.

"Sure beats sleeping in the car," grinned Bella.

Charlie told her about his Christmas day with Billy and Jacob and various other relatives. "Did Jacob tell you about New Year's?"

"Yeah, he called me earlier to invite me and Edward. You going?"

"I hope so. I have to speak to Edward first and hope he's not on call."

"Hope you both can make it. Should be fun."

A couple of hours later, Bella pulled up to her apartment, smiling when she saw Edward's car already there. Letting herself into her apartment, she could hear the television on. The sound was so homey and comforting. She'd forgotten what it was like not coming home to an empty house.

Walking into the lounge room, she called out, "Hi honey, I'm home."

Edward looked up and chuckled, holding his hand out to her. "Hello dear. How was your day?" he asked in a high pitched, girly voice as he pulled her onto his lap.

Bella giggled at his silliness and coiled her fingers into his hair, pulling his mouth down to hers. Several long minutes later, they pulled apart.

"How are things at the hospital?" asked Bella, laying back against his shoulder, his arms folded over her stomach.

"Fairly quiet. Of course there's no clinics so it's only labouring mothers and emergencies coming in."

"That's good. It makes me feel less guilty about missing work," replied Bella.

They were discussing what to do for dinner when Bella remembered Jacob's invitation. "Edward, are you working New Year's Eve?"

"No. Since I worked Christmas Day, I'm off duty at New Year's. Why? Do you want to do something?"

"Jacob's invited us to the Quileute reservation for New Year's Eve. They're having a big party and he'd love us to go. What do you think?" she asked.

Edward smiled down at her. "If that's what you want, of course I'll go with you. I've never been on a reservation and I'm intrigued."

"Great. It'll be fun. They having a huge bonfire and fireworks. Jacob's ringing later to see if we're going."

"So I'll finally get to meet the famous Jacob, then?" mused Edward. He still felt a pang of jealousy when he thought about Bella's past with Jacob, although he'd never admit it to Bella. It was something he had to deal with.

"Yeah. I'm sure you'll get on great." Edward didn't really reply, just hugged her tight.

The doorbell rang, startling them both. "Expecting someone?" asked Edward as Bella got off his lap. Bella shook her head as she walked to the front door. Looking through the peephole, she smiled widely.

"Alice! Jasper! What are you guys doing here?" grinned Bella, opening the door wide to let them in.

"Hi Bella. I missed you and convinced Jasper to drive me over. Hi Edward?" Alice called out to her brother who'd come out into the hall.

"Hi squirt. Jasper."

"Don't call me squirt!" complained Alice, ignoring everyone's chuckles. "We were going to get Chinese for dinner and wondered if you wanted to join us. We drove past your place, Edward, but there was no-one home and came to the logical conclusion that you were with Bella."

"Genius, Alice," mocked Edward, earning himself a punch in the arm.

Jasper grinned at Bella and leaned down to murmur in her ear. "Imagine growing up with these two?" Bella laughed.

"It's her fault," claimed Edward, ignoring Alice's squeal of indignation.

"Don't listen to a word he says, Bella. It's all lies. I'm starting to think you're not good enough for my best friend," said Alice loftily.

"Too late. You should have thought about that before you ruthlessly started matchmaking," replied Edward, taking Bella's hand. "Bella's mine now."

Bella looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yours?" she teased.

Growling softly, Edward leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Mine. Only I can make you moan in pleasure the way you do." Under the guise of kissing her below the ear, his tongue marked his possession. Bella closed her eyes, a thrill of desire running through her. When she opened them, she was staring into Alice's delighted face and blushed.

The two couples went out for dinner at one of the local Chinese restaurants. Alice told them that her morning sickness had gone but now she found herself ravenous, eating everything in sight.

"I had such a hankering for sweet and sour pork tonight," she said. "That's why we're here."

Edward chuckled and shook his head in Jasper's direction. "Oh man, are you in trouble."

Jasper just looked at him, a quizzical expression on his face. "Why?"

"I can see you going out at all times of the night, looking for some obscure food because Alice is having a craving for it." The other's laughed at Jasper's stunned expression.

Bella took pity on Jasper and patted his hand. "Maybe she won't have too many cravings," she said sympathetically, even though she was giggling as well. "Hopefully nothing too bizarre."

"Bizarre? How bizarre?" asked a nervous Jasper.

"Well, I've had women tell me they've had cravings for tree bark. And weird combinations of food like cucumber and peanut butter," replied Bella.

"Tree bark? That's ridiculous. Please baby, don't start chewing the trees," pleaded Jasper.

The other three roared with laughter, Jasper's bewildered face not helping things. Alice reassured him that tree bark held no allure whatsoever. Yet.

The rest of the meal was spent coming up with the weirdest combinations and cravings they could think of.

o-o-o-o-o-o

As Edward had told her, things were pretty quiet at the hospital. It allowed Bella to spend a fair bit of time with Edward during the day, taking long lunches and spending time in the office. They did share the odd, clandestine kiss but generally tried to act professionally whilst at work. And they succeeded mostly. Until Friday afternoon.

Bella had spent most of the day tidying up the files, completing paperwork that tended to get neglected in the hustle and bustle of a normal, busy day. There were no new patients admitted and only a couple of new mothers on the ward. Most, understandably, had wanted to go home as soon as possible to spend the holidays with their families. Bella had spent a considerable time chatting with the women, holding the babies and killing time. Edward had wandered in and joined in the chatter, admiring the babies. When Bella had been called away, she'd passed the baby to him, their eyes meeting as they briefly held the baby together. Bella couldn't help the shiver raced through her as their hands touched, knowing he'd felt it. As she walked away, she could literally feel her body heavy with arousal. She tried to ignore it, without much success.

Sitting at the nurses' station while she took a call, she literally shifted in her seat, trying to ease the discomfort. When Edward came over, it just got worse. She saw Edward's eyes widen in surprise then darken with desire as he accurately read what she was feeling. Dear Lord, how long before we can leave? She thought desperately. Bella couldn't explain why she was feeling like this. This desperation to be with Edward, to feel him inside her. She felt like she had a fever, shivers rolling over her.

Under the guise of writing in his notes, Edward wrote an instruction and passed it Bella. Looking down, Bella felt herself almost go into meltdown as she read what he'd written.

Meet me in 3rd floor Archive room in 10 minutes. I love you.

Heart beating wildly, she watched Edward walk towards his office. She told the other nurse that she was going to take her break now. Going to the bathroom to run some water on her flushed face, she made her way upstairs. With so many staff on leave she only ran into one person as she headed to the lift.

The third floor of the hospital contained most of the management offices as well as a number of filing rooms. The archive room was at the end of the hallway and held inactive files. Bella had only been here a couple of times. Turning the handle, she breathed a sigh of relief to find it wasn't locked. Before entering, she looked around to make sure no-one was watching but she needn't have worried. The floor was nearly deserted, the offices locked up and in darkness as their occupants enjoyed their Christmas/New Year break.

Bella stood in the dim light, not really knowing what to do as she waited for Edward. Her pulse was thundering as she thought of him and what was likely to happen when he arrived. Bella knew she should put a stop to this and force herself to wait until they were in the privacy of one of their homes but simply couldn't. This sudden, overwhelming compulsion was too strong to deny. She knew she'd be horrified if anyone every vaguely suspected what would be going on in this room but her need for Edward took precedence over everything.

At the sound of the handle turning, she turned and breathed a sigh of relief when Edward stepped into the room, locking the door behind him. Looking into his eyes, she saw the way they were burning for her and she couldn't help the small moan leaving her lips as she felt the gush of wetness between her legs.

"God, Bella," he murmured, taking her in his arms, his lips moving to her throat, his tongue swirling as he tasted her skin. "We shouldn't be doing this."

"I know," she moaned, her hands pulling at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin. "I can't help it. I need you so badly."

Edward's hands were roaming over her body, settling on her hips as he pulled her into him, letting her feel exactly how badly he needed her in return. Rocking his hips into her, he moved his head to take her lips, urging her to open her mouth. His tongue devoured her, his hunger evident in every pore of his body.

One hand had unbuttoned his shirt enough for Bella to put her hand inside while the other speared into his hair, thrusting herself against him, as close as she could. Pulling her shirt from her trousers, Edward squeezed his hands between them and closed over her breasts, squeezing and tugging on her cloth-covered nipples, before pushing the material out of the way so he could touch her skin.

Bella's head fell forward and she began suckling on the skin of his throat, her hips thrusting against his hardness, desperate for relief. Impatiently, she pulled at his tie and took it off before undoing the collar so she could taste more of his skin. Edward pulled his mouth from her throat and bent down to take one nipple in her mouth.

Mindless with desire, Bella's knees nearly buckled as he greedily sucked on her nipple, moving his mouth between the two. When Bella's hand moved down to cup his erection, Edward groaned against her skin. Bella began squeezing him through the material, loving his hot, panting breath against her.

"Open it," he urged. "I want your fingers around me."

Eagerly Bella complied, fumbling with his belt buckle before sliding the zipper down. Her hand reached inside his boxers and pulled out his engorged member, thrilled at how ready he was for her. Squeezing gently, her hand began moving over him, her thumb caressing the head, spreading the liquid that had gathered there.

"God Bella," he breathed. "What you do to me."

Bella felt, more than saw, when he turned and leaned her back against the wall. She was aching for him, almost beyond coherence. His mouth took hers savagely, lost in passion as his fingers nearly tore the button of her trousers in his haste to get them off her. Bella moved to help him, kicking off her shoes, allowing her to step out of her trousers. She groaned when Edward placed his rigid member between her legs, the soaked material of her pants the only barrier between them.

"Edward, touch me," she pleaded.

Heeding her plea, Edward's finger snaked under the material, feeling the soaked, swollen folds of her sex. Softly, he caressed her nub, swallowing Bella's moan. Her hips began bucking against his hand, her breathing ragged.

"Oh baby, you're so ready for me," he breathed against her lips. Bella only nodded. Without another word, Edward pulled her panties down and only waited for her to kick them away before he lifted her up, braced her against the wall and plunged into her.

Bella wanted to cry out in pleasure but a tiny portion of her brain reminded her that they were in the hospital and someone could walk past, unlikely though it was.

Edward gripped her thighs, his only thought to bring them both the ecstasy they both craved. Resting his forehead against hers, his eyes not leaving hers, he pulled out and plunged back in again. Bella's mouth opened on a silent moan, her legs tightening around his hips, trying to keep him buried inside her.

"More," she groaned, moving her hips as much as she could, the feel of him stretching her so deliciously nearly making her come right there.

"Yes," he muttered, moving his hips slowly, letting her feel every inch of him. He watched the flush of desire spread from her face down her body, her nipples pebbling even more as her skin displayed its rosy hue.

"Please Edward. God, I need you to move," she pleaded, grabbing hold of his hair to lick and suck at his lips. Her hips began moving in a rotating motion, his length hitting just the right spot inside her. She was so aroused, she knew it wouldn't take much to make her climax.

Nearing the brink himself, Edward started bucking his hips, thrusting into her scorching heat. Faster and faster his hips moved, her moisture coating his penis, the friction of their bodies driving them both wild. Their clandestine coupling, in this inappropriate place added a tinge of excitement for both of them, heightening their desire.

Her heart thumping furiously, Bella threw her head back against the wall, her body shaking from the force of Edward's thrusts. Small whimpers escaped her lips as the tension grew, the pleasure coiling from her groin, spreading through the rest of her. Edward's hands gripped her thighs so tightly it would have hurt if she could focus on anything other than where their bodies joined.

Edward pumped furiously into her, his soft grunts blowing in her ear. When his tongue ran over the rim of her ear, Bella lost it. Biting her lip to stop shouting, she couldn't help the long groan that left her mouth as she came, her orgasm ripping through her. Bucking wildly, she rode him as the pleasure slowly subsided. When she felt Edward twitch inside her, his growl near her ear signalling his climax as he pumped furiously, spilling himself inside her, Bella felt another smaller orgasm crash over her.

For what seemed like ages, they stayed like that, Edward still moving gently inside her as they recovered. Turning her head, their lips met, kissing softly as their pulses slowed.

Coming back to earth, Edward gently lowered her legs, massaging the spot where his hands had gripped her. He was still buried inside her, loath to leave her warmth.

"Oh God, Edward," she breathed, her eyes struggling to stay open. "I loved that."

Edward chuckled into her neck. "Boy, does that make going to work worth it."

Bella giggled. "I can't believe we've just had sex in a file room! At work! At our age!"

"Me neither. It's your fault. You seduced me," he teased.

"Me?" she cried in mock outrage. "Yeah, you're right. I don't know what came over me but I was suddenly craving you. I thought I'd explode before I could have you inside me, I wanted you so badly."

"I noticed. You had that look you get when you're aroused. I got hard instantly." With a gentle kiss, he pulled out of her.

Bella looked at him, still fully dressed except for his pants undone and his now-soft penis on show. By contrast, she was virtually naked, her shirt open, hanging off her shoulders and her bra pushed up over her breasts. She wore nothing but socks below her waist.

"We really shouldn't have done that," she said wryly, stooping to pick up her pants and stepping into them. "It's totally unprofessional."

Tilting her head up with his forefinger, Edward looked into her eyes. "I know, but I can't bring myself to regret it. It was amazing."

Bella's eyes softened at his words. "I know. Incredible. We can't do this again though."

Nodding, Edward helped her put her trousers on. "Once things get back to normal, it would be pretty impossible to do it in this room again. Too many people around."

Bella agreed. When they were fully dressed they got ready to leave the location of their secret tryst. Reaching up, she cupped Edward's cheek. "Thank you. I needed you so badly."

After a long, lingering kiss, Edward smiled wryly. "There's no need to thank me. I'd do anything for you. Especially make love to you when you want me. I love you. "

"And I love you. I still want you, but I'll force myself to wait until we get home," she informed him gruffly, delighting in the flare of his nostrils at her words.

"No working late today," he ordered. Bella nodded in complete agreement.

Edward left the room first, telling her to wait five minutes. When he'd gone, Bella looked at her watch and was surprised to learn that only twenty minutes had passed since she came into the room. She could have sworn their tryst had taken much longer. She stopped at the bathroom again, cleaning herself up and trying not to look like she'd just had sex.

It must have worked, because the other nurse didn't notice anything amiss about Bella's appearance at all.

o-o-o-o-o-o

"Any idea how many people will be there tonight?" asked Edward as he drove toward the Quileute reservation.

Bella shrugged her shoulders. "Loads of people. Generally, all the residents join in as well as people invited from town. A few hundred at a guess."

"Wow, that's a big party."

"All the families pitch in with food and drinks and I can guarantee that there'll be no shortage of food. There'll probably be heaps of dancing, both modern and traditional. It's usually great fun," she replied.

"Is Charlie going?"

"Yeah, of course."

Edward couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. He was inherently a reserved person, and being thrust into a throng of mostly strangers wasn't something he was comfortable with. He infinitely preferred smaller gatherings, but Bella had really been enthusiastic about going so he just couldn't put a downer on it. He hoped that there were other people he knew there tonight.

Looking at Edward's face, Bella could tell he was slightly tense. Reaching out, she put her hand on his thigh. "Nervous?"

He considered denying it but chose to be honest instead. "A little," he replied, turning his head and giving her a small smile. "I've never been comfortable amongst strangers."

"Really?" Edward always seemed so confident in any situation.

"Yes, really."

"There's really no need to be nervous. Everyone will be really welcoming, especially as Jacob's guests."

"Why especially?" he asked curiously.

"Because his father, Billy, is one of the leaders of the tribe. A chief of sorts, if you want to call it that."

"He's the chief's son?"

"Technically yes, but it's more a ceremonial title now. Otherwise, he's the same as the rest of us."

Edward nodded. Great, not only was Jacob intimately acquainted with Bella, albeit a long time ago, he was effectively royalty in Quileute society. No reason to be jealous Edward, he thought sarcastically.

With three straight days of sunshine since the storm the previous weekend, some of the snow had melted and it was now clear and cold. Perfect for a bonfire.

Bella directed Edward to where the party was being held and already cars were lined up everywhere, meaning Edward had to drive around before he found a spot. He opened her door for her before opening the boot. Bella reached in for the food she'd prepared to add to the rest of the buffet.

"Here, let me," he said, taking the platter from her.

Gratefully giving him the food, Bella curled her hand around his arm and led him towards the sound of music and people talking and laughing.

The party was being held in a large football playing field, with tarpaulins set up at one end. Bella headed for these as Edward saw that this was where the food was being set up. Several older Quileute women were busily arranging the various platters and organising cutlery and plates. They worked together harmoniously, obviously used to this size of gathering.

Once Bella delivered her platter, she took Edward's hand and led him out over the field, past numerous tables that had been set up, looking for Jacob. At the other end of the field, speakers were set up to pump out music and a large area was set aside for dancing. Halfway down the field, off to the side, a large bonfire was burning merrily away, with many excited children throwing more fuel into it, carefully supervised by the adults.

On the way, Bella was greeted by several people. She introduced Edward to everyone and there were a number of patients that came up to say hi, along with their infants.

Because of this, it was over half an hour after they arrived that Bella finally spotted Jacob. Excusing both herself and Edward, Bella hurried over before he disappeared into the crowd again.

"Jacob!" she called.

Jacob was standing talking to a group of young men, a beer in his hand and turned when he heard his name being called. A grin split his face as he saw Bella, followed closely by who he assumed to be Edward.

When Bella called out, Edward got his first glimpse of Jacob and every insecurity he had rose to the fore again. Why couldn't Jacob be homely or at least not movie-star good looking? He thought wryly. He had to get over this stupid jealousy, for his and Bella's sake. She'd never given him any reason to doubt her and had been scrupulously honest about her past. It was just his territorial male hackles rising, he acknowledged.

"Hey Bella!" greeted Jacob, giving her a hug. "And you must be Edward?" he continued, holding out his hand.

Edward shook his hand and forced himself to smile. "Yes. Hi Jacob. It's good to finally meet you. Bella's told me a lot about you."

"Yeah? Well she never shuts up about you," laughed Jacob.

Edward felt himself relax slightly, pleased at hearing that. "Is that so?" he asked, looking at Bella who blushed at the teasing looks from both men.

"Thanks Jake," she grimaced. Edward's arm wrapped around her and he pulled her tight against him.

"No problem Bella," laughed Jake. "Hey, have you guys eaten? There's loads of food. Get yourself a drink Edward."

"Thanks, but I'm driving later, so I'll take it easy," replied Edward.

"Ok. There's some great non-alcoholic drinks around. Old Quileute recipes that you should try," urged Jacob. "Later, some of the older guys are going to start doing traditional dances to welcome in the New Year. Ever been to one of these before Edward?"

Edward shook his head. "No, can't say that I have so I'm really looking forward to watching the dancing."

"Good. Come on, let's get something to eat."

Surprisingly, Edward didn't take long to feel comfortable amongst the throng. He had to admit that Jacob seemed like a decent guy and he couldn't see anything in his manner that would suggest Bella was any more than a friend to him. On the contrary, he was heavily in demand by the young, single females and spent a large part of the night dancing.

He and Bella joined in, Edward holding her close as they swayed to the music. This took him back to the first night they'd made love and leaned down to whisper it in her ear. Bella kissed him lightly in acknowledgement.

When they weren't dancing they were chatting to a number of people who Bella knew. They met Charlie who was having a great time with Billy and several older men. They spoke for a while then kept on going. They ran into Leah Clearwater who greeted them warmly.

"Where's the little one?" asked Bella, looking around for Leah's baby.

"Oh he's with Jared's mother. She offered to watch the younger ones while the other two are running around somewhere here with their cousins." Looking at Edward, who was in conversation with Jared, Leah leaned close to Bella's ear. "So the rumours I heard about you and the sexy doctor were true then?"

Bella giggled and nodded her head.

"Good for you, girl. He certainly looks like a keeper."

Bella could only agree.

Horns suddenly sounded announcing that the traditional Quileute dances were about to start. Pulling Edward along, Bella found a spot where they could watch. There were several drummers lined up near the bonfire, their traditional buckskin drums heavily decorated. As one, they began pounding on them, the deep, heavy beat seeming to reverberate through Edward's body. It has almost hypnotic.

Then a large number of dancers moved out in front of the drummers. Edward watched in fascination as they began a rhythmic dance. There were clad in buckskin which was decorated with fur and feathers. The lead dancer was wearing headgear that looked like the head of a wolf.

"The wolf is the tribe's spirit guide," explained Bella when she saw where he was looking. Edward nodded in understanding.

Dance after dance, the tribesmen continued their traditional movements. Some slow, some feverishly fast. Several onlookers began dancing as well. Bella and Edward were urged to join in, both of them clumsily trying to learn the steps, laughing as they made mistake after mistake.

"I'm getting the hang of this," laughed Edward, twirling around as instructed.

Bella couldn't help laughing at the sight of Edward with his hands in the air, trying to follow the traditional steps, his face alight with enjoyment.

They were having so much fun that when the music died down in order to allow the partygoers to count the New Year in, they were surprised at how quickly the time had passed. Glasses of champagne and streamers were being passed around for the midnight toast.

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!"

All around, people were kissing and hugging, glasses clinking, wishing one another a happy New Year. The sky lit up with a kaleidoscope of colour accompanied by poppers going off everywhere.

Amidst the cacophony, Edward pulled Bella close as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Happy New Year my love," smiled Edward tenderly. "May all your wishes come true."

"They already have, Edward," she whispered as she looked deeply into his eyes, letting him see the love she felt for him.

Lost in each other's eyes, their lips met, the kiss speaking more eloquently than words could, of their deep love for each other as the celebrations continued, unnoticed by either of them.

o-o-o-o-o-o

A/N: Review and let me know what you think. New Moon, here I come!