Disclaimer: I own everything but their names.

July 3, 2001 – Santa Cruz, California

Edward was right, I had choices. I refused to be one of those girls who just gave up when they got frustrated. I was way too hard-headed for that.

So, I met him again the next day. He strolled up and greeted me with that adorably sleepy voice, looking deliciously rumpled and relaxed. He looked so comfortable, I wanted to crawl inside him and take a nap.

Edward tossed the surfboard under his arm into the sand. "No kicking sand today."

"No laughing at me today," I returned.

"Deal," he agreed.

His hands guided me along with his voice that morning. They were everywhere. My hips, my shoulders, my calves. Even that ticklish spot on the back of my left foot. His grip tightened when I wasn't quite where he wanted me, easing slightly when I'd done something right.

It made me want to do everything wrong.

"I think you're ready," Edward said as we gathered our things to head toward the shop.

I tried to ignore the butterflies doing somersaults in my stomach. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yes, but I've got Lisle for the next couple days, so I don't know if I'll be able to squeeze in any practice. With the holiday tomorrow, the city's going to be a little crazy with tourists."

I was disappointed, but tried not to show it. "That's cool, I get it."

And I did. I knew what Jasper had said was true: nothing in Edward's life was more important than Lisle… especially not some chick who wasn't supposed to be anything besides his employee.

Honestly, if he wasn't so cool to hang out with I might have felt stupid about my crush. He was nice to me, sure, maybe even a little hands-on, but I imagined most people trying to teach a klutz to surf had to be. As it was, mooning over his touches in my head suited me just fine.

However, our break didn't stop him from preparing me later that afternoon for what would be our next 'lesson.'

He'd thrust a wetsuit into my hands and pushed me into our only dressing room before I could even get a word of protest out.

"You'll need it, trust me," was all he said as he pulled the door shut behind me.

I crossed my arms over my chest and scowled at the stupid suit. "Is the water really that cold?"

"Yes," he said, exasperated. "Now try it on."

Huffing, I stripped, wiggling, pulling and grunting as dramatically as I could as I tried to force the thick wetsuit up and over my body. I'd always imagined the ocean to be warm, like a bath – but apparently the Pacific Ocean hadn't gotten the memo from my brain. Edward insisted it was a necessity. The water would be cold and uncomfortable, especially during the time of day when he preferred to surf.

"Does it fit?" Edward called out.

I stared at myself, a little bit shocked and wholly unable to answer him. It fit. Like a freaking glove. A really, tight, revealing glove that sucked and tucked and squished. My boobs were smaller, my butt a little less bubbly, but I still had my curves.

Thank god I didn't look like a twelve year old boy with long hair.

"Umm, Bella?" Edward prompted, tapping his knuckles against the dressing room door.

I sighed and answered him in a quiet voice, "Yeah, it fits."

"Are you gonna let me see?" Edward asked.

"Me too!" Jasper interrupted.

The unmistakable sound of them arguing came through the door and I rolled my eyes. I knew when I opened the door it was likely Jasper would be in a headlock.

Sucking in a deep breath, I opened the door. I knew they'd never let me get away with hiding. When I stepped out, they stopped – mid wrestle – and just… stared at me. I felt like I was blushing from the top of my ears to the tips of every single toe. Their staring just made me feel more self-conscious about the way I looked.

"Oh my god, if you don't stop looking at me right now, I'm going to punch you both in the face," I huffed.

Edward laughed, pushing Jasper away roughly and crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes stayed on mine, trailing head-to-toe, once… and then again.

For a brief second I imagined that he wasn't looking at me with a practical eye, assessing the way the suit should fit for the water, and instead because he liked what he saw.

Not gonna lie, it was a freaking awesome daydream.

Jasper was incorrigible. He'd stumbled back, whistling, and then he bit his fist playfully. "Damn girl, you were born to wear that."

I tore my eyes away from Edward and rolled them at Jasper. "Stop it," I said, stepping back and slamming the door on them both.

"I'm serious," Jasper called. "If it weren't for my extreme sense of professionalism, I'd be dragging you into my brothers' office right about now…"

His face appeared over the top of the door and he leered at me with a teasing grin on his face. I glared at him in return, though I couldn't keep from laughing. It was nice hearing I looked good from someone, even if it wasn't the someone I hoped for.

"Stop that before you get us sued for sexual harassment," Edward scolded, yanking Jasper away.

I was still staring at the door when fingers I'd know anywhere wrapped around the top and Edward's face appeared. I stared at him apprehensively.

"It looks great," he whispered.

And then he winked.

He did what now? ;)

Seriously, all of you… you're making me feel all the things. I can't tell you how happy your response makes me. Thank you so much!

Reviews are love, and I'm a sucker for them.

Until tomorrow!

xx