Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story; those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.

Note: Okay my lovelies! I know you've been waiting an awfully long time for this chapter, but between my beta and I there is enough school related stress to kill a person. ANYWAY, the point, SHE HAS NOT HAD A CHANCE TO EDIT THIS CHAPTER! But, i knew you all wanted it... so, don't complain! Oh, and there is a little treat in here... hahahahaha. You'll see. ;) love you all!

REVIEW! PLEASE! I have the next chapter and, if i get forty reviews BEFORE the edit is done I'll post that as well. And, i promise you this, you REALLY WANT that chapter! HAHAHAH!

"Okay Bella, you had your extra hour of sleeping with my brother. Now get out here."

I began to shake as the bed did, waking me up pretty quickly, but not making me move from the warm harbor that Edward served as.

"She's getting there Alice. Stop shaking the bed," he groaned, his arms tightening around me as he stretched.

The bed stopped shaking. "If she's not at the door in five minutes Edward, I'm coming to get YOU."

"Okay. She will be," he yawned and rubbed my back gently. "Come on Bella, I think it's time."

I just moaned and pushed harder against him. "No."

He chuckled before pulling the covers away from out heads, the cool air sweeping over my skin and making me shiver. His arm wrapped around me again, allowing me some warmth. "I'm sorry."

I just groaned again, cuddling further into him so I could steel more heat. "Can't we just stay here while she goes shopping? We only serve to slow her down anyways."

He laughed. "She would never allow it. But I'll make you a deal; get up and ready and we'll sneak off around one to get lunch."

I pulled away. "Fair enough." I was about to get up when I remembered my last sabotaged attempt. I gave Edward a critical look. "Are you actually going to let me get up this time?"

His smile was sheepish. "Yeah. I will. But only if you promise to tell me about anything else that you remember from last night."

"And if I don't?" I asked. "Will you make me stay here until Alice comes over?"

"No." His smile was wicked and gave a new definition to the term sexy. It practically melted me right there. "She would find you here."

"Oh yeah? So what would you do?" I nudged him lightly.

"Say no and find out."

A dare. I considered this. What could he be planning? Nothing too bad, I'm sure. I mean, it is only Edward. He was probably just trying to scare me out of saying no; pressuring me into agreeing. And I really didn't like that agreement. What if I remember something like the one earlier? Or worse? I shook my head. "No. I won't."

His smile became wide and he kicked the covers off before standing up quickly. He scooped me up into his arms in an easy motion, the smile still on his lips as he started toward the door, pausing only to grab the key off the table. I wrapped my hands around his neck, trying not to smile at the touch on my thigh. That was when I remembered what I was wearing. I looked down at the nearly see-through shirt, my mostly bare thighs. "Wait, Edward, my clothes…"

His smile widened as he opened the door and kept walking. "Yup."

I released his neck and tried to get him to let me go. Suddenly this was a bad idea, even if he was touching my legs and holding me. He was heading toward the elevators. "Don't. People will see."

He laughed and used his elbow to push the call button for the lift. "Stop struggling or I'll toss you over my shoulder. That would give people an even better view. Anyways, you're the one that said 'no'. I warned you if you remember correctly."

"Fine! I'll tell you if I remember anything else! I swear! Just, don't do this!" I had stopped struggling of course.

"Too late for that Bells," he was still laughing as the door opened, revealing an empty, mirror-walled room. I stared at us as he walked in. My hair was matted and gross, but that was the last think I noticed. Edwards's skin was only a little darker than mine where his hand held my legs; my body looked tiny in his arms, against his chest; my cheeks had a little pink, but not the flame I was used to; the shirt hung loose on my body, falling across my upper thigh and hanging down; Edward's hair was messier than normal (sex hair, as called by Alice). The reflection looked… good. My heart began to pound as my eyes met his in the mirror. His smile grew and he smacked a button on the side panel.

"What's wrong Bella? Forget exactly how good you look in that shirt?"

I choked a bit, my cheeks darkening. I knew he was teasing, his tone gave it away, but I couldn't fight off the intense pleasure of him saying it anyways. He laughed again, leaning against the wall and looking down at me.

"Oh, don't blush yet. Wait till we get down there and every head turns."

I let out a strangled gasp; just thinking about it made my stomach stir with acid. "Edward, please."

"Too late," he sang. The doors slid open just after he spoke, a couple in there mid thirties standing on the other side. They stared blatantly as Edward stepped around them, smiling. I snapped my jaw shut and my eyes shot around the lobby. There were people EVERYWHERE. I whimpered, tucking my head against his chest as he took a few steps, eyes already turning toward us. He chuckled, the sound heavy in his chest. "Oh, look at all the guys staring," he whispered, "I do believe they are jealous Bella. Not that I blame them. I would be too."

Oh… my… god. My heart was pounding, my breath was short and heavy, my cheeks redder than any tomato. What was Edward saying? I glanced up at him to see my favorite smile as he looked around. I let my eyes run over various people who had stopped to stare. Then the front desk was there, the woman from yesterday behind it, staring, slackjawed.

"Where is the pool?" Edward's voice was honey.

She started, glancing down at me with my head still pushed into his chest, my face horror stricken and red. "Umm… one floor down."

He laughed. "Oh good. Here that Bella? Another trip across the lobby."

She stuttered this time, her eyes still glued to him. "The-there's a s-s-staircase right there."

I followed her finger to see a staircase not far from where we stood. My relief was too intense for words. The only thing I could imagine was walking back through the crowd and continuing to be stared at. Not that I can blame them. How often do you see a god carrying a half naked girl with bedhead from hell across a crowded room? I managed to choke out a thank you as I looked back at the girl.

"Would you prefer the stairs?" Edward asked, looking down at me. I just nodded weakly, completely mortified still. He chuckled as he thanked the woman and started down the stair. He was halfway there when it all kind of hit me.

"Edward?"

"Yes?" the smile he had told me that he knew exactly what I was about to ask. People were still gawking.

"Pool?" was all I could choke out.

"Oh yes. Remember yesterday? In the room? I do believe I have some revenge."

I whimpered again and tried to get out of his arms, but he held tight. I glanced at some of the people who had heard his explanation to see them all look away, not meeting my eyes. Oh god, of all times to people think of that kind of reference; now I actually needed help and they wouldn't even meet my eyes! "It's too much Edward."

"I disagree," he whispered as he stepped down onto the stairs, "but what do you suggest?"

"A truce?" I squeaked.

He took another step down as he laughed quietly. "Those have never worked with us. We just become sneakier."

"Yeah…" I admitted. Closing my eyes I tried the one thing I was almost positive would work; "I'll tell you what I already remembered."

He stopped and looked down at me, "No." That was a shock. "I want you to tell me that if you want to, not because you have to."

I sighed, a little irritated. "Then what do you want?"

He stared walking again as he laughed, the sound filling my head. "To throw you in the pool!"

I growled. "All I did was blow on your neck!"

He smiled widened. "And what about shopping before that?"

The thong. It all came back to me in a rush. "Oh…"

He took the last step and headed toward the nearby glass door, the pool visible behind it "Yeah, I think I have reason enough for tossing you in. Don't you?"

I sighed, shaking a little. I scrambled for an excuse. "Edward, isn't this shirt see-through enough? Once its wet…"

He just laughed again as he pushed the door open and walked toward the opposite end of the pool. "I'm quite aware actually. Don't worry too much though, you'll be a little drier by the time we head back through the lobby."

My heart stopped and I tightened my grip on his neck. My voice was high as I asked, "What?" Would he really do that to me? "Like… THAT? What happened to the whole trying to protect me from guys staring thing?"

He laughed yet again, my discomfort a great source of amusement for him. "Honestly, as long you are in my arms everyone somehow believes you are mine. It seems to keep the advances on you away."

If only being with you was that easy. My thoughts screamed bitterness. "But…" I searched for another excuse. "But…."

He looked down at me as he stopped, the edge of the pool at his feet. "Any last words?"

I held a little tighter. "Please?"

His eyes bore into mine for a second, the smile fading from his lips and eyes and being replaced with a dark intensity. My hopes lifted and I widened my eyes, using them to plead. His arms tighten around me and he sighs, still not looking away. I smiled gently, not entirely sure why. Maybe…

He jumped in, me still in his arms.

--

APOV

Oh god, I had given the FIVE minutes and she still wasn't here! Now Edward was just being selfish. Not that I could really blame him. Something had happened last night and now he didn't want to her go. I had never seen Edward wake up with a smile like that, never so happy. And Bella clinging like as soon as she let go he would vanish. But I had already given them back an extra hour and five minutes! I couldn't wait any longer to find out exactly what had happened! Bella knew more than she claimed and I would find out exactly what that was.

I grabbed the keys from the end table, walking down the ahll to the other room. I pounded on the door first, giving courtesy its chance. There was no answer. Don't tell me they were asleep again. I slid the card through the lock and pushed the door open. The room was quite. I walked, focusing on the bed. It was empty. I rounded on the bathroom. The door was open ,the light off. Oh they did NOT!

"Edward! Bella!"

I wasn't surprised when there was still no answer. I stomped out into the hall. Where did they go? I thought it over; this was obviously Edward's idea…. Nothing came to mind. After pacing for a minute, still trying to figure out a location to start, I stopped. They would come back soon enough. I could feel it. With a sigh I went back into my room, calming myself down. This is what I wanted; them to be together. For both to be happy.

My mind wandered over the years as I waited. When Edward was younger he had been my best friend; playing with me, protecting me. Never mean. Never selfish. But, as we got older, his openness began to recede, he became colder to everything around him, like it was going to hurt him. Though never sad around his family, he became distant from everyone else, never really talking or even noticing them. Bella was different; she had caught his attention nearly immediately. His interest at first, I think, was merely caused by mine. When I had caught Bella looking at Edward I got a feeling in my stomach, almost like I knew her already. So, I decided to be her friend. She had been perfect, falling in to our lives immediately. You would think she already was part of our lives -as if she always had been- on that first day she had come over for the barbeque; everyone in the family was completely taken with her, the most interesting of which was Edward. It was obvious that Bella had a bit of a crush right away (not much of a surprise), but his interest was different. Just the mention of her name made something in his eyes brighten. I don't think he was in love with her then, but they had some sort of connection. He didn't' hold back around her in the slightest.

I'm not sure EXACTLY when he realized how deep he had fallen, but I can remember when I first think I really felt that he was in love.

--

"They're late! Can we at least get an appetizer or something? I'm starved!" Emmett's eyes ran over the menu.

"Fine. Order something Emmett." I snapped, still staring out the window. The snow hadn't lightened and I was beginning to get anxious. Edward had always been a good driver, but this whether could make even the best mess up. Or maybe Bella had slipped and hurt herself and they were in the hospital getting her fixed up. Or maybe…

"Don't worry so much Alice. They're fine. Probably decided to ditch us so they could talk. They do that kind of stuff all the time! Just RELAX."

I saw a silver flash against the snow and squinted. "Finally!" I breathed, watching Edward park. He hopped out quickly, running to the other side of the car and opening the door before ducking down. I squinted, trying to see better. "What is he doing?"

Emmett leaned towed the window, looking out at the white. "What?"

I didn't respond, just watched as he stood back up, closing the door as he laughed. Bella was tucked inside his coat, Edward's arm wrapped around her, her face a wide smile as she said something. I watched as Edward's arm seemed to tighten as he looked down, laughing again. Bella looked up, saying something as they walked slowly, her face glowing with a little blush. Oh yes, this was good. Though I hadn't expected it to snow when I had told Bella not to bring her coat, it had worked well without me being fully aware of the real plan.

Two minutes later they were sitting at the table, Bella beside Emmett, sitting across from Edward. She was studying her menu, deciding what she wanted to drink. I looked at Edward; he was looking at her from under his eyelashes, the menu open in front of him as if he was looking at that instead, and there was a small frown on his lips. I tapped Emmett's leg with my foot, nodding toward Edward. He smiled when he saw the direction of his brothers gaze. He threw his arm around Bella, pulling her to his side. "Did you slip yet?"

She laughed, hitting his arm softly. "No, not yet. But now it's jinxed."

My eyes shot to Edward. He was staring at Emmett's hand on Bella's bare arm, the frown deeper. I watched as a few thoughts seemed to cross his face, leaving shadows of the mood they would put him, before he looked down at his menu with a bit of a sulky frown. I almost laughed. I had seen him jealous of several guys when they were around Bella before, but never his own brother. It wasn't like he had ever been jealous because they were touching her; it was just that he didn't really have her full attention. Now it seemed different. I looked back at Emmett who was also staring at his brother with interest.

"Eddy, you alright?" I could see the light dancing in his eyes.

Edward looked up sharply, looking at Bella first. "Don't call me Eddy. You know I hate it. And I'm fine, thank you."

Emmett's smile broadened and he opened his mouth to say something when the waiter came back over, noticing the additions to our table. He was staring directly at Bella. "Hello. Can I get you something to drink?"

She looked at him, surprised. I watched as a blush swept across her cheek as she noticed his stare. She stammered when she went to speak. "L-lemonade?"

The waiter smiled, his eyes sweeping down her arm as he scribbled blindly on his notepad. He glanced at Edward, his face becoming a little stricken momentarily by the hostile look on my brother's face. It passed. The waiters look, I mean, not my brothers. Nope, that one stayed firmly in place. "And you?"

"Coffee." Whoa; the simple word seethed loathing.

The guy looked shock again, probably not realizing the problem. He stumbled away, not glancing back. I kicked my brother with only a little force. "What was that about Edward? Hostile much?"

He turned back to me, blinking a few times as his face paled. "Sorry…"

I just shook my head and looked back at Emmett whose grin was as wide as it could be now as he pretended to stare out the window while he tried to keep from laughing. Oh yes, it was just as plain to him as it was to me. My eyes turned to Bella who was looking at Edward now, a little line between her eyebrows as she held his stare. They were having one of there little silent battles that we all witnessed so often. It wasn't a surprise. I have to admit that these silent conversations always made me, and everyone else really, feel left out, but at the moment I wasn't upset about this. Edward was beginning to change and if this is one step that had to be included, so be it.

Emmett however, could not keep his mouth shut. "So, did you get your gift alright Bells?"

She pulled her eyes away from Edward and looked to her right. "Yes. Once we got through the insanely crowded street and beat our way to the front of the line in the store I managed to convince the guy that I really had ordered it."

"Went that good, huh?" I asked, choking back my laughter at her bitter sarcasm.

Edward spoke this time, searching for the right words. "The guy was… a bit of a…"

"Ass." Bella filled in, her voice was a growl. "Plain and simple."

Edward laughed, amusement on his face as he stared at her. "Just because he was flirting?"

I saw here blush return as she met his eyes. "Please Edward. There is a difference between what he was doing and a simple flirt."

"And what was he doing?" I asked, kind of sad that it made Edward break his eye contact.

"It doesn't matter," Bella muttered, still looking at Edward. "I got Esme's gift; that's all that really matters."

"Your lemonade," the waiter set the glass down in front of Bella. He laid the mug down before Edward without taking his eyes off of her blushing face. She was staring very hard at the mug, obviously aware of the guys eyes. She had never been one for attention. "Now, what can I get you to eat?"

Emmet spoke first, drawing the attention away from poor Bella. "Start us out with some barbeque wings. I want the Texan Burger, extra cheese."

I shook my head, unable to keep form smiling. That was definitely Emmett. "I just want the chicken ceaser salad."

He nodded, scribbling on the pad before looking over at Edward. His face was hard this time, but the hostility was basically gone. "Cheese burger."

Bella was biting her lip, eyes carrying over the menu as she made her final decision. "Grilled chicken sandwich, no tomatoes please."

"No problem darling," he said, smiling at her again before walking away. My eyes automatically flicked back to Edward who was again angry as he glared down at his mug. His eyes carried up to meet Bella, locking with them. I watched the irritation bleed away and a little smile pull at his lips.

"So, you have to tell us Bella, what did the guy do to make him such an ass?" Emmett's interruption made me want to kick him.

She looked away from Edward, down to her hands. "I really don't feel like talking about it."

He bumped her with his shoulder, "Come on Bells, you've piqued our interest now."

He blush darkened. "No, I really don't want to talk about it."

"But-"

"Jesus Emmet, stop! Can't you see that its obviously making her uncomfortable? Don't try to force her to talk about something she doesn't want to."

We all turned to him, bewildered. Even Bella was shocked by his sudden outburst in her defense. I looked at Emmett who was staring into his brother's angry face, shock painted on his own features. Bella had both eyebrows up near her hairline, a little darker blush on her face as she looked closely at Edward. It melted away quickly when he looked back at her. She nodded, smiling a little. "Thank you."

He just nodded, and I noticed the little color in his cheek. Dear god, what was going on?

--

There was a light knock on the door, obviously Bella's. I stood, smiling to myself, no longer upset about her not being here earlier. I all but skipped to the door, ready to start asking her questions the minute she was safely inside. The site before me was shocking and would be absolutely hilarious if not for the fact that I was so surprised.

Edward had a blushing Bella in his arms, a smile on his own face. They both resembled drowned rats, soaked from head to tow, dripping where the stood. Bella's messy hair was like a helmet on her head, her shirt clung to her skin, making the bra she had under it extremely visible, more so than it had been earlier. Edwards hair was plastered to him, the water dripping down his face and neck.

I caught Bella's eye first, a smile spreading across my lips. She just blushed deeper and looked away. Edward, on the other hand, held my eyes, excitement swirling in his own. When he spoke, he could no longer keep the smile from growing, 'I do believe you wanted this."

"Yes, but I didn't expect you to try to drown it first."

"What can I say?" His smile widened as he looked down. "I managed to make her turn nearly forty shades of red though. I think that's a new record."

"How did you managed that?"

"Walking across the lobby." Bella muttered, obviously attempting to get out of his arms. His hand tightened on her as he pushed past me and into the room. I just laughed, not sure what else to do.

"That's absolutely terrible Edward! How dare you walk!"

He laughed, lowing her to the ground. "I know; I'll just have to stop moving completely so I don't make anything worse off. Though I have a feeling she would just start calling me a lazy bum."

"Shut up." Bella said, punching him hard in the arm. She squealed, pulling back her hand and whimpering before shaking it a bit, closing her eyes as she flinched.

We both doubled over laughing. Bella just turned redder. I felt bad and gave her the best sympathetic look I could manage. Edward gave her the same look as he backed toward the door. When she stuck her tongue out at him he just laughed and turned to leave. She was glaring at him, water dripping down her and soaking the carpet that she stood on. I wondered what happened, but decided to wait for the questions and only motioned for her to get out of the shirt, a sudden inspiration for her outfit coming to me. She started unbuttoning it quickly, watching her fingers. I tuned to the door then, realizing that I hadn't heard it close. Edward was just turning around to say something, his mouth opening as he eyes fixed on the stripping Bella. He froze, his gaze sweeping the length of her body. I watched as he shivered, his jaw working up and down for a second. I had three sudden urges at once; the first was to just laugh at his face, the second was to push him toward her, and the third was to slap him. In the end I settled on clearing my throat, making Edward's eyes snap to me at the same time that Bella looked over at me. Both turned red instantly, one realizing he was caught, the other realizing seeing that we were not alone, the shirt only having one button left. Edward shut the door as he all but ran out of it. I could practically taste his embarrassment.

--

BPOV

--

I let out a slow breath, hearing it shake, as I stared at the now closed door. "Alice…"

"Yes?" She sounded so innocent, like she didn't know what I was talking about as she pranced over to the phone.

"Did he… see me…"

"Of course he did." She shook her head as if she didn't understand why I asked. I watched her, mortified, as she lifted the receiver from its cradle and pushed a button. "Yes, I have a shirt that I need washed immediately." After a pause she looked back at me for the first time. "Yes, it is. Washed and dried. Room 928. Thank you."

I watched as she set the phone back in its place slowly, eventually turning to face me again. "Alice…"

"Don't look at me like that Bella. Just get the shirt off and get into the shower; we'll talk when you get out."

--

EPOV (A/N- BEFORE YOU ALL GO GETTING EXCITED NOW, REALIZE THAT I'M BEING EXTREMLY CAREFUL WITH THIS!!)

--

I all but slammed the door behind me. WHY did I do that? WHAT had I been thinking? HOW could I have been such an idiot? My eyes shut, the only image behind them being of Bella. I groaned, everything running through my head. My back slammed against the door, my head leaning against it. This entire morning… what had been going on with me? Since when did I take innocent girls clad in nothing but MY shirt through a crowded lobby? Since when did I drop that same girl in a pool, purposely soaking her? Especially Bella! There was no one more sweet, innocent, or undeserving of such treatment! She had never been anything but the friend that I craved, and I was acting like a stupid teenager!

I took a deep breath, letting my eyes open and sweep across the room as I tried to calm myself. It was a mess; the tray was still by the end of the bed, covered in what we didn't eat, my clothes were flung everywhere for god knows what reason, the bed sheets were twisted and crumpled, and there were three pillows on the ground. I again tried to remember what I had done last night. What could Bella have possibly remember that I didn't? What had I done during that game? Probably tried to make a pass at her; done something amazingly stupid and embarrassing like attempt to kiss her. I shivered a little, imaging what it must have seemed like to her. I was little more than a brother to her, someone to protect her and talk to her, and yet for the past two days I had been acting far from brotherly. The bathroom, for instance. Granted, that was needed, but I know I could have gone through it with better conduct. I knew that I SHOULD have.

I pushed myself away from the door, still shaking my head. There was no reason to sit here and moan about the things that had already past. My eyes fell to the bed and I sat down where we had been. How was it possible that I had woken up with her in my arms this morning? What could have ever possessed me not to send her back to her room when we got tired? And I couldn't just let her sleep either, obviously, I had HAD to hold her. To torture myself further. Why? Because obviously I'm a masochist. I let myself fall back on the mattress and I could almost feel her warmth. EDWARD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? YOU ARE OVER THIS! YOU KNOW THAT! THAT'S WHY YOU CAME WITH ALICE! YOU ARE OVER THIS AND YOU WANTED YOUR OLD FRIEND BACK!

A groan escaped my throat. I had been so sure I would be able to handle this with no problem, that I could do this without a second thought. But, apparently, I couldn't. APPARENTLY I was worse off now than I had been before. Three years of separation…

There was a knock on the door and I groaned again before standing. I opened the door slowly, looking out to the hall to see, rather than the Alice I expected, an older woman dressed in a light blue dress. "I'm hear to clean up your room. Miss Cullen called the front desk and asked me to come up."

I nearly chocked, glancing back at the state of the room. I saw another woman in blue pass, walking a bit further down the hall. My eyes just went back the one standing before my door. "Actually, that is really not necessary, it's under control."

She smiled sweetly, her motherly face reminding me vaguely of a favorite grandmother long forgotten. "Are you sure sir? If your just embarrassed you don't need to be. You can't even begin to imagine the things that I have seen in my years at this hotel. I promise you, anything you have in there will never compare."

"No, I'm quite sure. Just my clothes and a cart."

She smiled. "If your sure… Would you like me to take the cart back down to the kitchen with me?"

I smiled. "Hold on just a second." I was sure to close the door gently, not really wanting her to see the mess of the room. My hands curled around the handle of the cart and I pulled it back to the door before pushing it out to her. She beamed at me. "Thank you."

"Your welcome sir," I was about to shut the door again when I saw the hesitation on her face as she looked at me. Noticing my pause as well, she smiled. "Do you mind if I say something sir? I mean, I'm just an employee here and I don't want to butt in where I'm not needed…"

I raised both of my eyebrows, but smiled. "Say whatever you want."

"It's about the girl you were carrying in the lobby… the wet one."

I felt myself begin to blush but nodded. "Yes. What about her?"

"Well, I saw the way that you looked at her and… well, to be perfectly blunt, don't let her go. She was nervous when she looked around at everything but you. I just… I don't see love very often anymore, and it warmed my heart. Don't give it up if you have a choice," she smiled, "Have a good day sir!"

My jaw dropped as she walked away, not entirely sure how to take any of that. What was she TALKING about? Love? I backed into the room, closing the door, my head spinning as I glanced over my shoulder at the bed before walking back and laying down in the spot where I had slept the night and morning away.

--

BPOV

--

Nearly two hours later I was ready. Yes, it took TWO FULL HOURS to get me ready to leave my room. I was staring in the mirror, Alice standing behind me in complete silence, as she had been all morning. My eyes raked over my body. The capris looked good, there was no denying it, not making my legs look as tiny as they were. But the shirt I was still nervous about, it left my stomach completely bare, along with my back. You couldn't see the latter problem though simply because Alice had gotten Edward's shirt cleaned and was having me wear it over everything. Not buttoned, of course, just to cover my back and shoulders. It made me feel a little better, but my bare stomach still made me flinch.

"Alice, I don't understand why I can't just chose a different shirt and not have to wear Edward's at all. And don't just shrug again; you haven't spoken to me other than to tell me to close my eyes. Please. I don't want you to be mad at me. I want you to talk."

She smiled at me yet again. "I was only staying quite so I could wait till you were all ready to bombard you with questions. As for the shirt, wearing his shirt will drive him absolutely insane Bella. Just wait; he's going to take one look at you and blush. I promise."

I shook my head a little, smiling. I would trust her this time. "Okay, so does that mean that I'm ready?"

She beamed at me and I was so glad to see it that I didn't even care that it meant I was going to have to explain everything to her. She had been so quiet it had been driving me insane. "Yes!" she skipped over to her bed and patted it for me to sit with her. I walked over, finding relative easy balance in my shoes (A/N: Capris, shirt, and shoes now posted on my profile!) When I was safely beside her she took my hand. "Okay, tell me EVERYTHING!"

"I don't know where you want me to start…"

"Yesterday; where did he take you while I had been talking to Emmett?"

I smiled, thinking about it. "Back to the restaurant."

Her eyes squinted. "Why? When you came back he wanted you to get us into the club… what does that have to do with the restaurant?"

I looked away from her. "He was trying to make me see myself as others do. He wanted me to stop being self conscious…"

"And how did he try to make you see that? Obviously it worked well enough to get us in."

I sighed, closing my eyes as I explained the entire bathroom scene, from walking in to being pinned against the wall to going back to Alice. Her face was shocked as she listened, but when I was done her smile was wide, stretching across her face. She started asking questions faster, each of which I answer; what had happened in the club; why did we leave; what did we talked about when we got back (only this part did I really edit); what I remembered from the night before (I even told her about the strawberry memory); ending with, why had I been so wet this morning. I answered all as well as I could, getting redder with each response. I knew that I didn't want to hide this from Alice though. She had dragged Edward along for me and only me. She had wanted us to get together only because she knew how happy I would be.

"Wow."

I met her eyes. "What?"

"Everything," she said, shaking her head. "It's just… whoa. But in a good way! You may end up together after all!"

"Don't get your hopes up Alice. I mean, he's just acting kind of weird; it doesn't mean that he's in love with me or anything."

Her smile stretched. "Oh girl, you are in bad," she laughed like no other, making my blush deepen again. "Don't worry though. You didn't see the look on his face when he turned and saw you nearly out of the shirt. I promise you, he feels more than he's letting on. We just have to get him to show it!"

I closed my eyes, shaking my head, but not in disagreement. She was right this time. If he really had feelings for me I intended to make them come out. I didn't really care what it took. I would make him show it if he loved me. Actually, it didn't even matter if it was love. If he had ANY feelings whatsoever, I intended to find out about them.

Ten minutes later we had a luggage cart piled high, everything from our room packed onto it. Alice turned to me, smiling. "Okay Bella, now you need to go get Edward."

I looked at her, surprised. "Why me?"

Her smile widened. "Because he is dreading seeing me. If you get him, he'll be in a better mood. Not to mention the fact that he's going to melt into a puddle when he sees you. You look gorgeous! Just go and get him. Pretend like what happened before didn't. Act like you aren't irritated with him, and be sure not to mention anything about your little strip tease."

"It wasn't a strip tease Alice," I said flatly, heading toward the door. I stepped out, taking a deep breath as I walked to his door. I lifted my hand, getting ready to knock, the butterflies in my stomach making me ill. Finally I let out my breath and my knuckles wrapped on the door.

It opened slowly, Edward still looking behind him, into the room. He had showered and changed, his hair its normal mess, his jeans loose and his t-shirt stretching across his shoulders and chest. I almost began to pant. After a second he turned back to look at me, his eyes almost popping out of his head when he saw me. "Bella…"

I smiled sweetly, feeling a little blush. "Alice sent me over. We have the luggage cart in our room if you want to bring your stuff over. We're ready when you are."

He nodded, his eyes fighting to hold mine, red sweeping across his cheek. It made my smile stretch. He noticed, but said nothing about it. "I'm sorry for-"

I cut him off, waving my hand to brush the words away. "Don't worry about anything." I was glad to know that the tremor in my chest was not evident in my voice. "Just realize I'm stealing your shirt for the rest of day in payment. We had it washed."

He nodded weekly, looking down at his shirt. "At least she chose shoes that won't make your feet blister."

I nodded, looking down at them. "Yeah, I was pretty appreciative. So, are you ready?"

"Mhmm. I'll be over in a minute. Just let me grab my bags." He closed the door lightly, taking one last look at me. The minute I was out of his view the blush shot over my face, engulfing my skin. I sighed in relief and went back to my room, Alice waiting on the bed.

"Well?" she sounded excited.

"Well he certainly blushed. It was… okay. I suppose. It could have gone worse."

She smiled and nodded. "What did he think of the outfit?"

"The only comment he made was on my shoes. I don't know." I touched my bare stomach self-consciously. "Maybe it's too much."

She just shook her head, "It's great Bella. I'll get it out of him when he comes over. Now, try to get that blush off your face and act normal. Just smile when he comes in and act like it was any other day. It will all be fine."

There was a light knock on the door. She stood up and danced over, opening it. Edward stepped in, his bag over his shoulder. He didn't meet Alice's eyes, didn't even look at me; just focused on the cart. Alice gave me a look, letting me know that she had, in fact, noticed.

"So, Edward, you don't mind us stealing your shirt for the day, do you?" she asked, looking at him.

"No." His voice was light but his eyes were still extremely focused on the bag he had added to the cart.

Alice gave me a wicked smile. "Oh good. SO, what do you think of my creation? I adore it, but she doesn't like showing her stomach. What do you think? I mean, personally, I think it looks fantastic; but I want to know what a guy would think."

"It's fine," was all he said, still not looking at us.

"Edward!" He jumped and looked at Alice. "If you're going to lie at least try to be convincing. Now, look at Bella and tell me what you REALLY think of the outfit. I can't believe you are being so cold after dropping her in the pool and forcing her to be tortured as you carried her back though the lobby! Carlisle would be shocked. I mean, you could at least try to be nice or something."

He looked shocked for a second, just staring at his sister. Then he turned his eyes to mine. "I'm really sorry Be-"

For the second time I cut off his apology. "Didn't I already tell you not to worry about it?"

His head shook miserably as he closed his eyes, confliction on his face. I watched as he calmed himself, his entire body relaxing as he exhaled. When he looked at me again his eyes held nothing but resolve. I felt them carry down my body as he studied the outfit, taking in the white, red, navy, and black in turn. His eyes connected with mine for a second before flicking to Alice. "It looks fine Alice. She can use my shirts whenever either of you feel the urge to put her in one. She's always been self-conscious, so I'm not surprised that she doesn't like it, but it's fine," his eyes came back to mine, "She'll have every pair of eyes belonging to any male in the street and shops completely captured."

I blushed, looking away quickly.

--

APOV

--

At around one I became antsy. Things had been quiet between all of us, but not awkward. We had been wandering in and out of stores for over an hour and a half and yet Bella had still not bought a single thread of cloth. She was keeping close to Edward, but never touching him. His eyes constantly darted around, meeting those of her admirers easily. Making them look away. I tried not to laugh at any of this, to just pretend I didn't notice. But I was incredibly aware of the two; the way they moved automatically around each other; the way they had to fight the urge to stare at each other; the way they both kept glancing at their watches at the exact same time.

We stepped out of another store when my phone started ringing. I pulled it out and watched as the other two glanced at their watches again, Bella having to pull the unbuttoned sleeves up to her forearm in order to do so.

"Hello?"

"Alice! Where are you?" I smiled at the excitement.

"Just walked out of Jill's," I said, scanning the street momentarily.

"Great!" The line went dead and I closed the phone, slipping it back into my purse. Neither Bella nor Edward seemed to have noticed the oddly short conversation.

"Alice, I think I'm going to take Bella to lunch. Can we meet here in an hour or so?" Edward voice was quiet, little more than a whisper in my ear.

On any normal occasion I would have pushed them to the restaurant, but today he just had horrible timing. "Can you wait ten minutes or so?"

He eyebrows pulled together as he looked into my face, but he did nod. "Yeah. Okay. Why?"

I just shook my head, sitting down on a bench and pulling Bella down by my side. She smiled at me before trying to be nonchalant as she pulled up the sleeve again and looking at her watch. Her eyes slid up to Edward who was watching her. He just shrugged and nodded at me. Her eyes flicked over and I just smiled, trying to get across the fact that I was doing this for a reason, not for mere pleasure. She sighed and looked up at the blue sky. My phone started ringing again and I pulled it out quickly.

"Alice? You've got to get Bella to stand up."

I just shut my phone and dropped it back in my purse. This time they did give me a weird look. I just shrugged. "Just a message." I was careful not to look around for them as I dug through my purse for my digital camera; normally I would have just used my phone, but I wanted it to seem like I really wanted the shot. "Hey Bella, I want to get a picture of you. Will you go stand over there for a second?"

Her eyes flicked down to my camera. "Do I have to?"

"I would really like it if you did." My eyes widened and I felt my face mold into my classic plead. She sighed and stood up, walking to the middle of the street and turning back to me. "Perfect."

She smiled as I lifted the camera, a totally fake look that I would usually have slapped her for. I pretended to straighter the camera, noticing the movement out of the corner of my eye just before she squealed, having been lifted off the ground and spun quickly. I started laughing, looking at her as I put my camera away. Emmett had her in a giant bear hug; she was hardly visible in his arms.

"BELLA!" he hollered, still spinning.

"Emmett, I can't breath!" she choked out, her laughter heard through the strain.

He set her down, patting her head. "Sorry Bells."

She just beamed at him as he started to question her about life. I watched for a second, then remembered Edward standing not too far away. He looked on edge, like at any moment he was ready to dive on his brother if he made even the smallest mistake. It made me smile. Yup, years had passed and it was still the same old Edward. I felt a twinge of guilt for ruining the chance of the two having a peaceful lunch together, but the smile on Bella's face as she jabbed Emmett in the chest was well worth the little disappointment.

Then I remembered he was forgetting something (Emmett I mean). "Hey brother, I know that Bella is much more important than your brother or I, but what about this girlfriend I've heard so much about? Don't we at least get to meet her?"

He laughed, walking over to me and wrapping me in a tight hug before beaming at Edward. He looked over his shoulder, his eyes focusing on a tall, lithe girl; the infamous Rosalie. She was gorgeous; long blonde hair that flowed down her back, a striking face. There was no denying that she outshined even the most beautiful movie star. She was walking over slowly, her feet in a gorgeous pair of Manolos. Her eyes were only on Emmett's, a nervous look on her face.

"Alice, Edward, Bella, I would like you to meet Rosalie Hale; my girlfriend," he said, as she got close enough for him to put his arm around her. She smiled weakly at us, obviously nervous.

"Dear god Emmett, the girl looks like she's about to be eaten by wolves! What did you tell her about us that would put such fear into her?" Bella was the first to speak, completely comfortable with the situation.

He just laughed, glancing at Rosalie.

Bella skipped forward, punching him gently before sticking out her hand. "I'm Bella."

"The shy, quiet Bella?" she asked, breaking into a real smile as she took the extended hand. "I don't believe it."

I finally remembered to move, walking up beside Bella. "The one and only. You'll see it soon enough; she's just still running on the sudden adrenaline rush of being lifted when she least expected it. I promise you, the girl can turn fifty shades of red." I paused, extending my hand. "And I'm Alice. It's very nice to finally meet you Rosalie."

"Rose," she said, smiling and taking my hand. "Please."

I looked at my brother as he stepped up to Bella's other side, a little closer than he needed to be. His smile would look natural to anyone that didn't know him; to me, it was way too strained to be real. Emmett felt it was his duty to introduce him. "And this is my dear little brother, Edward."

Edward took the hand that Rose stuck out for him. "It's very nice to meet you Rose."

She laughed and, after releasing his hand, wrapped her arms around Emmett. We watched as the smile on Emmett's face grew near breaking. Edward's tension faded quickly, leaving us all with nothing but feelings of extreme giddiness as we got to know each other, laughing and joking. Rose was as amazing as the girl that won Emmett's heart should be. Not to mention the fact that she really like shopping!