A/N: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm SORRY! Really, I am. I'm starving my poor readers, I know I am! My excuse is that I've just moved from my home in Sweden to my new home in Los Angeles, and it's been quite the rollercoaster! Love it, though :) I'm one step closer to finding Robert Pattinson, HAH!

Welll, here's the next chapter, hope you enjoy! I'll try to update as soon as possible, but school starts in 10 days so I might have to focus on that, lol.

THANK YOU so much to everyone who is still reading. I love you all!

Chapter 6

"Did you just have sex with someone, Bella?"

Oh, God, sometimes I swear Alice is psychic.

Although she wasn't quite right this time, but almost.

"No." I answered, looking around the crowded dance floor for a waiter. I needed a drink, and I needed it now. "I didn't have sex, what makes you think that?" I added innocently, knowing she wouldn't buy it.

"Oh, give it up girl! Your hair looks like haystack and your lipgloss is all messed up, not to mention the fact that you have the most ridiculous grin on your face." she rolled her eyes, "Tell me."

It didn't matter to Alice that there were people all around us, some of them obviously eavesdropping on us. Well, to tell the truth it didn't really concern me either.

I spotted a waiter with a tray of champagne glasses and quickly grabbed one, then turned back to Alice and smirked at her.

"Let's just say I had a little run in with Mr. Cullen."

Alice's mouth fell open, "What! Like, right now? He's here?"

I nodded, "Yeah, apparently he and Emmett bonded that night at the club, and Emmett invited him here."

I saw Emmett standing by the bar, next to a very starry eyed Rosalie. He seemed to sense my fierce gaze, because he turned his head in my direction.

"You. Are. Dead." I mouthed, knowing he would understand immediately what I was referring to. It had been his plan, after all.

Emmett just grinned and winked at me, turning back to Rosalie.

"So where is he? What happened?" Alice tugged on my arm, an excited gleam in her eyes.

I looked around, not sure where Edward had went off to when I left him at the stairs after our very hot and steamy make out session against the corridor wall. Spotting him on the other side of the dance floor, speaking to Carlisle, I turned to smile at Alice.

"He's over there" I said, motioning to where the two most gorgeous men in the entire world stood, talking and laughing like they'd known each other for years. Alice's eyes grew wide at what I guessed was the combined hotness of Edward and Carlisle.

"Wow, Bella. He's even more handsome than I remembered. Of course, he looked better with his pants off." she giggled, and I couldn't disagree with that.

"Yeah, he's almost too gorgeous, I feel insufficient." I muttered.

Alice poked me in the ribs, "Hey, none of that! If there is anyone who could stand next to Edward Cullen and look like she belongs with him, it's you."

She looked over at him again, and a grin spread over her face.

"You know that he keeps looking in your direction, right? He's watching you like a hawk, Bella." Alice said, and I wanted to roll my eyes at her exaggeration.

"Stop staring at him!" I said and waved my hands before her face to bring her back. I knew all too well how easy it was to get lost in the sight of Edward.

"Okay, okay. But I'm telling you, he's still looking at you." she laughed, and took another sip from her champagne glass. I had already finished mine, and was searching for the waiter so I could get another one.

We spent a few minutes talking, I told her how Edward had surprised me in the hallway and how I had surrendered to him once again. She squealed when I went into details about everything that had happened, hanging on to every word.

Alice loved to hear about everyone's sexcapades, and I loved sharing so it worked out quite well.

"So, what's the next step? Are we still going with the "show him who's the boss" plan or are you having second thoughts?"

"Yeah, about that… Damn it, Alice, I'm so confused! I like this game we're playing, but I have a bad feeling that if I keep it up, it could turn into something more difficult." I said, glancing over at Edward. Alice was right, he was still watching me. I couldn't help the thrill that went through me when our eyes met, it was insane how my whole body reacted just from one look. I wanted to go over there and finish what we had started before.

I had been determined not to go the whole way when we were upstairs, both out of respect for Esmee and Carlisle, and because I was still determined not to give Edward what he wanted so easily. Believe me, he had done his best to convince me otherwise, but I was quite stubborn, even when it came to Edward's charm.

But if I was being honest with myself, the reason I had resisted was because my epiphany from this morning was still fresh in my memory.

If you let this situation get any more out of hand, you'll end up hurt.

I had made a mistake when I gave in to him, even if I didn't end up having sex with him. But his touch, his voice and just the feeling of his lips against mine was enough to make another crack in my carefully built wall.

Alice shook her head slightly, then took both my hands in hers.

"Bella, I know you don't want to hear this, but I'm gonna say it anyway. From the way you both look at each other, it's already turned into something more difficult than a random hook up. I've never seen you like this, not even with Jacob. You know how we hate when people say stuff like 'you're glowing' and shit like that? Well, looking at you now, there really isn't any other way to describe you." she laughed, "You're fucking glowing, Bella! Except for that frown, you look like Rose did when you introduced her to Emmett."

I wanted to laugh at her, or tell her she was mistaken, but I couldn't. And I was pretty sure that the grin that had been plastered on my face when I returned was evidence enough of what Edward Cullen's presence did to me.

"You want my advice?" she asked, grabbing us another champagne glass from a passing waiter.

"I guess, but I have a feeling I won't like it." I sighed, taking a sip.

"Get to know him! See if he's worth spending your time on, and if he is, go for it!"

I scoffed, "Yeah, that would have been a good plan for anyone but me. Commitment and trust issues, remember?" I said, gesturing to myself.

"We'll work on those." Alice said, and then seemed to sense, as she always did, that it was time for a lighter subject. "You wanna grab something to eat and then dance? It might help you take your mind of things if I can get the DJ to play our song?"

I laughed at the fact that Alice always knew exactly what I needed. Though, I wasn't sure I would be able to take my mind of 'things', a.k.a Edward Cullen, as long as he was no more than a few feet from me.

Oh well, I could always try, right?

We found Rose and Emmett at a table, untouched food in front of them and matching goofy grins on their faces as they stared at each other wordlessly.

"Hi lovebirds." I sang, happy that they seemed so into each other. They were two of my best friends, so I would love it if they got together, as long as Emmett treated her with respect of course. But by the way he was looking at her, I had no doubt that his days as player was way over.

"Oh, hi Bella! How did it go with Mr. Rich And Handsome?" Rosalie asked, tearing her eyes away from Emmett.

I rolled my eyes, no doubt Emmett had told her everything.

"Fine." I said, and then shot Emmett a dirty look. "It was a real coincidence that you just happened to bring Edward here, right? Say yes and I might consider not showing Rose all the pictures of you from your awkward teenage years."

Emmett looked horrified, but Rosalie just laughed and looked rather expectant. She didn't know what she was in for…

"You wouldn't!" he choked, glaring at me.

I snickered, then patted him on the back. "Don't worry, brace face, your secrets safe with me."

Alice grabbed my hand and started pulling me towards the dance floor just as I heard Rose ask "Braces?" and Emmett whine my name.

"Let's just leave the happy couple and hit the dance floor, alright?"

I nodded, I didn't think I could spend another minute watching them being all cute and starry eyed with each other, it reminded me of the thing I shouldn't be reminded of.

Alice let go of my hand when we reached the dancing crowd, and headed for the DJ booth at the other side of the tent. I reached up on my toes to try and spot Angela and Kate, but before I could even start looking for them, I felt a pair of hands around my waist, pulling me back against a hard, sculptured chest.

"You just can't keep your hands off me, can you?" I said, a bit surprised that I hadn't felt him come up to me. Usually I would have known he was there even before he touched me.

"No, I don't think I can. Especially in that dress…"

The voice did not belong to Edward, and I spun around on my heal fast enough to make me slightly dizzy. Looking up, I found myself standing face to face with none other than James Miller, the man I had met at the club just the other night.

He looked absolutely gorgeous, with his dark blonde hair and tanned skin. His cheeks had the sexiest stubble, just the way I liked it. I remember that he had been clean shaved when I met him the last time, but I preferred him this way. He looked like he had just rolled out of bed, and the look suited him perfectly.

"James!" I smiled, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

Mmm, scratchy…

"It's a small world, isn't it?" he said, smirking.

I couldn't help putting my hand on his bicep in a rather flirtatious manner, this man made me want to do dirty things…

"So it would seem. How come you're here? I thought you were going out of town?" I asked, secretly very pleased that he was there. Maybe James was just what I needed to forget about Edward and all the complications that he entailed.

James rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and glanced at me with that same signature smirk I remembered from the other night, making him look even hotter, if possible.

"Yeah, the trip was cancelled. Apparently there was some strike among the pilots, and I found out last minute. So, since Dr. Carlisle is an old friend of my parents, I decided to come here instead." he explained, and then added in a suggestive tone, "And I'm really, really glad I did."

"So am I." I smiled, resisting the urge to reach out and touch his cheek. I knew Edward was around here somewhere, and I probably shouldn't do anything to offend him since I was just with him a few moments ago.

But then again... Maybe it would be a good idea to flirt with James? Perhaps it would prove what kind of man Edward really is; if he would be upset or if he simply doesn't care. If it does offend him, could that mean that I am more than just a cocky, hard to get girl that he just want to bag?

Deciding to put Edward's intentions to the test, I took James' hand and pulled him with me onto the dance floor. I earned a disapproving look from Alice, who was returning from the DJ's booth.

Rolling my eyes at her, I turned to dance with James to the song Alice had requested. The dance floor was really crowded now, it was getting late and more and more people, who had gotten their fair share of champagne, were beginning to leave their seats at the tables.

It really was a beautiful night, I thought, as James placed his arms around my waist and looked down on me with a sexy grin, making my breath hitch slightly.

The sky was pitch black by now, and the lights around the tent and in the trees around the garden lit up the scene perfectly, creating a warm atmosphere even though the air was slightly chilly. The sound of laughter and clinking glass mixed with the music coming from speakers placed strategically around the tent, and I knew that if I were to move a few feet to the left, I would be able to see the star lit river running nearby.

Esmee had decorated the small dock she'd had built there with ball shaped lights, and the path leading down there was lit by torches on either side. It looked like something out of a dreamy romance novel, but despite my distaste for anything romantic, I had a sudden craving to go over to the dock, sit down and let my feet touch the water while Edward held me close and whispered softly in my ear…

Wait, what? Did I say Edward? Oh, good god this is not going the way I planned…

"So, how about that rain check you promised me?" James whispered in my ear, but it was not at all the way I had imagined Edward doing it.

Mentally kicking myself for thinking about Edward that way, I pressed myself closer to James, as if though his presence could erase any foolish ideas that might pop into my head.

Just as I was about to answer, not really having a clue to what I would actually say, the voice I had imagined whispering sweet words to me suddenly spoke from behind me, though there was nothing sweet or tender in his tone now.

"Are you lost, Miss Swan? Or do you simply have a habit of running from one mans arms to another?" Edward said, and I froze.

Holy shit, it felt as if he had punched me in the stomach with his words, they hit me harder than I could ever have imagined.

I turned slowly, afraid to see the expression on his face. James let go of me, obviously surprised by Edwards tone, and probably also by the fact that he was here. No doubt he remembered Edward from our little run in at the club.

If Edward's voice had been cold, it was nothing compared to his eyes. The way he watched me chilled me to the bone, and I suddenly felt like I was seven years old again, just having been caught stealing cookies from the jar by my kindergarten teacher.

Only, she had scolded me for about 2 minutes before letting me go play with the other kids again, but I had a feeling that Edward was much better with holding grudges.

And I seriously doubted he wanted me to play with anyone else…

"I'm not lost, I'm dancing." I said, trying to sound fierce. After all, I was only dancing, though I might have intended to take things a little bit further, but he didn't know that. And who was he to tell me what I can and cannot do, anyway?

Edward lifted one eyebrow, "It looked like more than that to me."

"Then perhaps you should have your eyesight checked." I snapped, and then instantly regretted it.

James let out a low whistle, and held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, I'm gonna go get us something to drink, Bella, and let you and Mr. Bossy talk."

"No, James, you don't have to-" I began, but he had already disappeared through the dancing crowd.

"Great…" I mumbled, and then pushed past Edward, ignoring the thrill that went through me when our hands momentarily touched. I stalked off towards the dock, hoping that I wasn't being followed.

Why on earth was this so confusing? I had wanted to test him, right? So why wasn't I happy now that I had gotten my answer?

I sighed as I reached the wooden dock, deciding that I would probably never understand the strange ways my screwed up brain worked.

The sound from the partygoers faded away as I walked further and further down the narrow path, instead I could make out the sounds coming from the forest on the other side of the river, as well as the soft splashes of water as the gentle waves hit the dock.

The moon was full tonight, and I marveled at the sheer beauty of the star lit sky as I sat down at the edge of the dock, removing my shoes and placing them beside me so that I could let my feet touch the cool water.

I sat there for quite some time, staring out towards the sky while the night breeze swept over me from the river. I tried to recognize some of the stars, remembering all the nights my dad, Charlie, had sat with me on the front porch of our house and pointed them all out for me.

Suddenly, I caught sight of something in the water. Was it a fish, maybe?

I leaned forward, trying to see it again.

"Bella."

The voice startled me, I had been so caught up in trying to see what it was in the water, that I hadn't heard someone approach me.

I cried out as I lost my balance, I had been leaning too far out and I hadn't held on to the dock as hard as I should have.

The water was suddenly everywhere, blinding me and making me choke on it as I hadn't closed my mouth from the screaming. I kicked with my feet to try and get to the surface, and then suddenly felt an arm around my waist, pulling me up.

When I broke the surface, I coughed water for quite some time, blinking to get the water out of my eyes. The arm was still around me, and of course I knew who the person was that had caused me to fall into the water.

"For fuck sake, Cullen, give a girl some warning before you try to drown her!" I spluttered, still coughing.

The water wasn't cold at all, luckily, and I showed his arm off me and grabbed hold of the dock instead to keep me up. Edward was watching me with an expression that could both me amusement and disbelief, I didn't really know which. His hair was soaking wet and clung to his forehead, but of course he still looked like a god.

I probably looked like a wet dog.

"It's not my fault you were sitting so close to the edge! And honestly, how easily frightened can a person be?" Edward retorted, also grabbing onto the dock so that he was only inches away from my face.

I kept kicking to keep afloat, and I might accidentally have hit his leg. "I didn't hear you! It looks like you have a thing for sneaking up on me, damn it."

"Perhaps, if you were a bit more observant, you would have heard or seen me coming." he said, his tone colder than the icy breeze.

"If you had been more observant, you would have realized that I was not aware of your presence." I started swimming towards the latter on the other side of the dock, but before I could get far, Edward's hand gripped my ankle and he pulled me back roughly, forcing me to grab onto the dock again.

"What are –" I began, but then he let go of my ankle and grabbed my waist instead, pulling me to him.

I didn't have time to think before his lips were on mine, forcing my mouth open and slipping his warm tongue inside. He kept us both afloat as I locked my legs around his waist, kissing him back fiercely.

My fingers twisted in his hair and I sucked on his bottom lip as he slipped one hand under my thighs, then sliding his fingers underneath the soaked fabric of my dress.

It was the perfect romance novel moment; just the two of us in the water under a star lit sky, the sound of our ragged breathing hanging in the air and wet skin touching and tasting with intense passion. It could have turned into something more if I had allowed myself to let go and just feel, but that nagging voice in the back of my head kept telling me that having sex with Edward would be the end of all self control and self-preservation. It was bad enough that I couldn't resist kissing him… Not that anyone could blame me; I mean I'm talking about Edward Fucking Cullen. Resistance is useless.

My romance novel turned into a horror novel after several minutes of heated kisses in the water, when the sound of a woman's high pitched scream broke the spell we'd been under.

"BELLA! YOU'D BETTER NOT BE IN THE WATER WEARING YOUR THOUSAND DOLLAR VERSACE DRESS, OR I WILL STRANGLE YOU WITH SEAWEED, SO HELP ME GOD!"

Alice had impeccable timing, as always. I sighed, and untangled myself from Edward reluctantly.

"I'm here, Alice." I called, and swan to the latter. I felt Edward behind me, but didn't look back at him as I climbed up on the dock, the water dripping from every inch of my body.

Alice stared at me in terror, her eyes glued to the soaked dress. I looked down, also pissed off that my dress was probably ruined. I had liked this one, and not just because Edward had complemented it before…

Edward came up on the dock as well, and Alice's eyes moved to him instead. Then her mouth fell open as she looked between the two of us.

"Why were you both in the water?" she asked, suspicious.

I rolled my eyes, "Edward surprised me and I fell in." I explained, and then turned to him, trying not to think of the gorgeous way his white shirt clung to his perfect upper body. "I guess you went in after me to play hero and try to save me or something?"

In my peripheral vision, I saw that Alice gave me a stern look.

"I'm no hero, Miss Swan, but if a girl falls into the water, I feel obligated to pull her out." Edward said, running his hand through his wet hair. Tiny water droplets were in his eyelashes and on the top of his lip, and I longed to reach up and smooth them away.

"Yeah, since it was your fault, you would be obligated." I began walking, Alice following behind me with my shoes in a firm grip. No doubt wanting to be sure they didn't end up in the water as well.

"Wait!" Edward called, and I instinctually did what he asked and turned around.

He had picked up his black jacket that he apparently had taken off before he got in after me, and was now holding it out to me with a concerned expression on his beautiful face.

"Take this, I don't want you to get cold." he said, and then draped the jacket over my shoulders. It was too big on me, but it smelled amazing. Just like Edward did, of course.

I pulled it closer around me and smiled at him, "Thank you."

He nodded, and then walked past me and Alice towards the house. I followed him with my gaze until he disappeared into one of the side doors, and then shook my head as if to clear it.

Alice was watching me intently, a speculate look in her eyes.

"What?" I asked, shrugging. I was getting cold, despite Edward's heavenly scented jacket, and wanted to go home. I had a lot of thinking to do.

She smiled a huge smile then, and started walking up the path.

"Oh it's nothing." she said, reaching out to take my hand. "It's just nice to see your best friend falling in love."

And for once, I was at a loss for words.

Oh! High Maintenence is getting an update soon as well, I'm actually trying to write a new chapter for all my stories within a week! :)

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