Note: Another unedited chapter. I think my Beta's are a little mad at me for taking so long with these chapters. I am sure many of you are as well, not that I can blame you. I do have some big news though: I AM HAVING A LITTLE NUDGE OF MY OWN! It is part of what took me so long getting through this chapter! I had it next to complete before I found out I was pregnant, and then ever since things have been nonstop. Anywho, you should all be happy to know that the next chapter is nearly complete as well and I SHOULD (though at this point I know better than to promise) have it up soon. This chapter is lighter, as many of you asked for, and I hope you all enjoy! The ending is a little different than I had planned and some of you will be disappointed, but I guess it just felt wrong. More on that at the end of the chapter. ENJOY!

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.

"You know beautiful, you have quite a way with me," Jasper whispered into my ear, sending little shockwaves through my chest.

"Oh? How so?" My eyes turned up to his just as we stepped through doors into The Church. The music probably drowned out my voice, but it wouldn't stop me from getting my answer. I grabbed his collar and pulled his face down by mine, brushing my nose against his cheek as I repeated myself.

I felt his cheeks lift as he smiled. "If you can't tell then I won't tell you."

I pouted a little as I pulled away and met his eyes. "Not even a hint?"

I watched him bite his lip before shaking his head. He brought his face closer to me, our noses almost touching. He's going to kiss me. His lips parted. "If I told you it would take the fun out of exploring."

A shiver ran up my spine as he pulled back, never having allowed our skin to touch. The bass in the song was drowned out by my heartbeat. My lips wanted to reach for his at the same moment that my body began to react to what he had said and the suggestions that hid behind them. For a moment I considered just taking the advantage—I knew he would let me kiss him if I wanted—but I loved the game of chase too much. I wasn't going to turn from prey to hunter for something that would come soon enough anyway. I loved knowing that he was craving me as much as I did him, and would wait as long as I needed for him to make the first move. I would have him, I was meant to, so why not just savor the game for now. We both would win in the end anyway.

I turned, taking his hand nonchalantly, and made a hard left toward the bar. A few minutes passed while Jasper got our drinks, but in the time neither my hormones nor my mind slowed down. I wanted him in a way that I had never experienced before. In my time I had been able to have more than my fair share of attractive men, but none had ever brought out the reactions that this blonde god was able to. Half of me wanted to kiss him, the other to just wrap my body around his and never ever let go.

"You okay Alice? You look a little pale." Jasper asked as he returned to my side with a blue concoction and a beer.

I giggled, releasing a bit of the tension that had built up in my chest. "Of course. I couldn't be better."

His smile made me draw my lip between my teeth, making me wish I had just taken the opportunity earlier. Or that he would take it now… immediately preferably. "I had hoped you would say that."

I took the glass he offered and quickly took a little swig. Coconut. "Why's that?"

"Because it officially makes me the luckiest guy in the club. Not only do I get the prettiest girl, but she's happy with that."

My smile was automatic. "I doubt I'm the prettiest girl here Jasper. But I am most definitely happy to be here with you."

He tried to hide his delight with the beer, but his gave him away. He waited a moment before speaking again. "Do you feel bad for leaving Bella."

My smile slipped as I thought about my best friend. She was so upset, even if she wanted to try to pretend otherwise. It was killing me to think that her heart was breaking every time that she so much as thought about my brother. It wasn't fair to her. What the hell had he been thinking? Couldn't he tell that this was worse for her, not better? "Terrible."

"Do you want to go back? We could spend the night in instead…" he offered, straightening as if to leave.

"No. Us being there wont do her any good. If anything us going home for her would make her feel worse. She doesn't want to be a 'burden' on us. I don't know what that girl I thinking honestly. By now she should understand that she is my sister and she could never be a burden."

"How can we help? I offered to set her up with a friend and she looked like that was the most horrific idea she had heard.

"She doesn't want anyone else. She has only ever really wanted to be with Edward. Bella will only want to be with others less now. She had a taste of what she has always wanted, and that is only going to make her crave it more. Not that she will ever admit that to herself. But she does need someone to help her through this."

"She needs you." His eyes were intense. "And her needing you is a lot more important than me wanting you."

I blushed, nibbling on my lip. "It's not me she needs. She needs someone who won't remind her of Edward at all. But I don't know who that could be…"

"Who isn't connected to that time of her life then?" he asked, a little smile in the corners of his mouth. "There must be someone."

Realization fell over me, a wonderful idea that had always been hovering at the back of my head without me even recognizing it. "Renéee! How did I not think of that before?"

He smiled. "Who is she?"

"Bella's mother. When Bella moved to Forks her mom had just been remarried. Bella stayed in Forks for the rest of highschool and only saw her a few times a year when she went to Arizona to visit her. If anyone can pull her out of this it'll be Renée. I'll give her a call tomorrow and tell her the situation." I clinked my glass against Jasper's bottle in celebration before downing the contents. "I guarantee she's here before the end of the week."

He smiled and took a swig of his beer before nodding toward the dance floor, "You ready to show me what you're made of?"

I could feel the smirk spread without permission. "You sure you are ready for that? Can you handle it?"

He wrapped his arm around my waist and led me toward the mass of gyrating bodies. "We're about to find out."

I could still feel his hands running up and down my arms, my hips, my sides, always gentle, but never able to hide the want behind their movements. He was a good dancer, sexy and graceful, never afraid to adjust his movements to mine. Despite our obvious height difference we made an incredibly comfortable pair. I had hardly been able to control myself once three drinks and two shots in, when we left. His body had felt so good when pressed up against mine, tempting me in ways no male body ever had. Everything was so tight, so fit, but not off with his tall, thin frame. I wanted to touch it all—under the fabric this time.

He led me down the block to the car, his arms keeping me safe as I stumbled drunkenly in my heels. My giggles brought me back into my own a little. I looked up at the sexy man directing me and bit my lip. "You're a good guy."

He laughed. "I'm glad you think so Alice, but I'm not always."

"I highly doubt that." I scoffed, shaking my head.

He gave me a wolfish grin. "Oh, I can promise you I can be bad sweetheart."

I blushed and started giggling again. "I meant you're a nice guy then. Besides, being bad has its uses, you know." I bit my lip and allowed my mind to say what I wanted to, even though I knew better. "I like my guy being bad anyway."

His grin widened as his eyes searched mine. "What does it take to be your guy, Alice?"

My heel caught the edge of a hole and I almost stumbled into the street. Jaspers arms tightened around me, straightening me fully. For a moment I understood how Bella felt with Edward always around saving her. After a steadying breath I looked up into his eyes, keeping the grip I had around his middle. "All it takes is you wanting to be."

The grin faded into the sweetest smile I had ever had turned in my direction. My heart felt like it stopped as lifted my chin, trying to return it. He bit his lip and leaned down a little, his face nearly touching mine. "Is it that simple? Tell me true Alice, because it's all that I want. I will do whatever it takes."

I shook my head, unable to pull my eyes from his. "Then be mine, Jasper."

His hand ran down my back, falling toward my left hand. He lifted it to his lips, kissing it without looking away from me. "I already was Alice. All I needed was to know if I could make you mine as well."

I swallowed hard, wanting him to let me explore those lips. "I was just waiting for you to ask. What took you so long?"

He chuckled, the sound running down my body as if solid. "We've only known each other for a few days gorgeous."

I nodded, lifting my face just a little closer to his. "We may have only known each other for a few days, but I have been waiting for you for years and years."

He brushed his nose against mine. "I know exactly what you mean."

My eyes drifted close, my arms tightening around him, trying to encourage him to kiss me. I felt his lips brush mine, teasing them. Then again. The third time I tried to follow them, wanting them too bad not to, but he pulled back. "Time to get you into the car."

I opened my eyes, surprised at the rejection just a moment before he lifted me into his arms completely. He grinned at me as he began walking. He was cradling me close to his chest, holding me like a gift he cherished very much. I cuddled my head into his neck, savoring the sweet cologne he wore. My nose ran up the side, right over his gland and I gave the skin a feather-light kiss. He rubbed his cheek against the top of my head, a very comfortable motion that encourage me to kiss his neck again. This time I felt him shiver under my lips as his arms tightened even more around me.

"Here we are," he whispered, lowering me gently back onto my feet as he opened the passenger door of his car for me. I stepped closer to him rather than toward the car. I lifted my face expectantly, wanting the kiss that he had teased me with. He smiled down at me lowered his face to almost the perfect distance. "What are you waiting for my dear?"

I huffed a sigh. "If I have to tell you then I am obviously getting mixed signals."

He smiled and brought his lips to my ear, "Patience. Wait for it and it will be so much sweeter, I promise." One of his hands ran down the middle of back until it rested just in the center of my lower back. He pulled me hard into his body, his cheek against mine. "There is nothing I wont give you if you really ask for it Alice, but if you are willing to wait for it, willing to be patient I will make it worth your while every time."

My heart slammed against my chest as I nodded, my bottom lip held by my teeth. His breath spread across the side of my neck as he kissed my shoulder softly. It all just made me want him more, but also made it worth reigning in… for now. I hoped he would be able to deal with the frenzy once it was unleashed. "I'm," I said in a rough voice. I stopped and cleared my throat. "I'm willing to wait for anything, Jasper. I trust you."

He released me with one more gentle kiss to my shoulder, and redirected me toward the waiting car. I got in and managed to stay quiet as I floated on my cloud all the way home. Jasper walked me all the way up to my door, but said goodnight with only a gentle hug and another kiss the my hand. As he turned to walk away I called after him. "Jasper?"

He turned back with a warm smile. "Yes Alice?"

I wanted to ask him a million questions at once, but managed to clamp lip enough to just squeak out a, "Sleep well."

"I will do my best Alice. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I promise. I know you'll be in my dreams tonight. Dream well." Then he disappeared into the waiting elevator. "Goodnight sweetheart."

With a shaky breath I opened the door into the dark apartment. He would be in my dreams too.

Renée made a plane two days later, but I gave Bella no warning. Jasper and I had planned it out over dinner the night after our first date. Bella had gone to bed early, having not slept very well the night before. Renée had been heartbroken to hear about what happened with Edward. She had only met him a couple of times, but even she could recognize how in love her daughter had been. Her husband was out of town anyway, so she was able to free up a week quickly. Money had been an issue, though she never had a chance to even mention it before I told her that I wanted to purchase her plane ticket due to the short notice and that she was more than welcome to stay at my apartment for the endurance of her stay. I had always adored the woman, even though she was a little scatter-brained.

Jasper took Bella over to a bookstore for a bit while I went to the airport to pick up her mother. I was so excited that, though the original plan had been the other way around, I could not be left around Bella without making her suspicious. If there was anyone who would be able to help the poor girl, it would be her mother. Who better? A mother could help take away any pain with a simple hug. She could understand you with a single look and be completely honest about her opinion. Of course Bella had never been completely open with her mother, or anyone else for that matter. Getting Bella to talk about her feelings was harder than pulling teeth. But some things need to be shared. There was nothing like a broken heart to send a girl into her mother's arms.

-BPOV-

"That is very sweet and all Jasper, but entirely unnecessary. I can get you a free copy without any trouble. I think I even still have some in my office closet." I said, a firm grip on the book in his hand.

"No Bella. I would rather buy my own copy and get you to sign it," he said, laughing, "And with everything I've heard about it I really want to read it."

"Please. Everyone else got free copies. There is no sense wasting your money on it."

"It's not a waste of money! I just happen to be friends with the author and am happy to pay the money for the book," he insisted, pulling the book out of my hand and tuck it under his arm as he continued to browse the shelf. Obviously he wasn't hearing any of what I was saying.

"I don't know if it is really your style anyway," I mumbled. "It's targeted more for a female audience."

"You're not going to talk me out of it Miss Swan," Jasper teased. "If both Emmett and Edward could read it without their heads exploding I am sure I will be able to handle it. Besides, I have heard that it is also funny, and I am very fond of comedy."

"But mostly it approaches a portrayal of the temptations females encounter throughout their lives. It's fantasy, not action or anything like that."

"Bella, are you suggesting that a man can only read about action? That's rather cliché. I actually really like fantasy, sci-fi, and the such as well, you know."

He was trying to get me onto another subject. I could tell just from the sly look he gave me. Wont work mister! "I'm telling you, the audience is female targeted. It's very girly. Romantic, from erotic to mushy. Full of pieces of the female mind that you wont like to think about."

"Sounds intriguing." He wiggled his eyebrows at me, drawing a laugh out of me even as I kept trying to frown. Suddenly his pocket burst into song. He pulled out his phone quickly, opening without looking at the caller ID. I wandered out of the isle to give him some privacy. I walked over to an armchair, shifting the small stack of books in my arms onto the side table. I reached for the one on top, the first I had found in the hour that we had been wandering around the store. I hadn't gotten halfway through the first page when Jasper walked over by me. "Alice is on her way home. She'll be there in half an hour. She wants us to stop by some little pizza joint not too far from here to pick up the food she called in. Should be ready in about ten minutes. You about ready?"

"Of course. I'm starving."

He shot me a look. "Don't tell Alice that. She'll think I didn't take care of you properly today."

I laughed. "You offered me plenty of food Jasper. It was self negligence that led to this. Alice won't get a bad report, I promise you that."

"I'll hold you to it."

We checked out, took our individual bags back to the car, and sat in a comfortable silence while Jasper slid through rush hour. It was worse after we picked up the pizzas, but we managed to make it back to the apartment within an hour. Alice actually met us down in the garage, seeming to be unable to contain her excitement. I rolled my eyes as we entered the elevator and began the assent. I loved her to death, and I was more than happy to see her in love with such a good guy, but wasn't it a little dramatic to hardly be able to not bounce up and down when she saw him again after 4 hours or so apart? Just seemed a slight bit excessive in my eyes, but then again, what do I know?

Alice skipped down the hall toward her door once the elevator stopped, and then waited for us to follow. I stared at her, confused. Had they slept together? Is that why she was so cheery? Good for her, you know, but did she have to be so painfully blunt about it? I took a deep breath and released. Stop being selfish. She had a right to be happy. She has every right to walk on air. I am not going to hold her back from her own happiness. "Well, someone is cheery today."

She swung a happy smile in my direction and nodded. "There's nothing wrong with being cheery Bella." She opened the door and disappeared with a curt, "If anything it will make you feel better."

"Are you saying that I can't be cheery, Alice?" I asked as I followed her in, my tone just a little biting.

"Only for the right reasons," she said, stopping and turning to beam at me. She was just a regular ray of sunshine today. Before I had a chance to respond my world went dark, two hands clasped firmly over my eyes. The palms were small and soft, delicate in a way only females can be.

"Guess who?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin as her voice filled my chest with confusion and undeniable joy. Mom. There was no doubt that I had missed her. Other than the occasional phone calls I had hardly seen her in the last few years, and a voice was nothing compared to the real thing. I turned before she could even pull her hands from my eyes and gave her a huge hug.

Her light laughter as she returned a big squeeze seemed to lift a weight from my shoulders. "Hey pretty girl, I missed you."

"I missed you too! What brought you out here?"

She smiled gently, "Just a trip that I have been meaning to make. Wanted to surprise you."

My eyes flicked to Alice. She was obviously behind this but I could not bring myself to get upset about it. Even if it wasn't her place to be the one to call my mom, she had given me something that I hadn't even realized that I needed. I turned my full attention back to her. "I am so glad that you are here."

I should have known that a mall would be involved. For once, I wasn't entirely upset about being there. While I hated the shopping aspect of it I couldn't help but love the memories that it brought back. I remember right before I had moved to Forks, when my mother and I had scraped together as much as we could for a shopping trip. I remembered the way that we had been happy enough to ignore the gloom of my leaving. As scatter minded as my mother could be, she was truly amazing in the way she could infect other people with her cheerfulness. Alice seemed more like her daughter than I did.

"Bella, you have to try this on!" squealed a little pixie, running at me with a flowing top.

"No, Alice. I don't need any more clothes."

"Come on Bella, it's your style. Please?"

"It is really cute, sweetheart," mom pointed out, examining the shirt. "If it's money that is the issue I'd be happy to buy it fo-"

"Money isn't the issue," I shook my head. "Since Alice came to stay with me I have gained a ridiculous amount of new clothing that I didn't even really need in the first place. She either convinces me to buy them or buys them for me herself. I really really don't need any more clothes."

"But, Bella…" Alice said, giving me her best puppy eyes.

I stared at her for a second and felt myself beginning to cave. "Alice, please. I need that shirt like I need a hole in my head."

Her head swayed from side to side as she grabbed my hand. "Don't worry Bella, this will look much better on you than any new orifice would."

I sighed as I followed her slowly, Mom bringing up the rear with an evil smile on her face. "You know Bella, Alice might have the right idea here. I mean, your just had your heart broken, why not dress up and get out there?"

My eyes rolled in my head. "Because it is unnecessary. I don't need to have someone, Mom. The one that I had my eye on obviously isn't going to work out, so why should I go jump into the arms of someone else? I'd be happier on my own."

"I wasn't talking about anyone's arms, Bella. Have you thought about maybe going out and just having some fun?"

Alice wiggled her eyebrows as she ushered me into a dressing room. "Who doesn't want to have some fun every now and then."

"Because I don't need to ha-"

"Stop where you are, Bella. Even you know that EVERYONE needs to get laid every now and then. Stop acting like a prude."

My eyebrows shot up as Alice closed the door, leaving me alone to try on the shirt. I stared at my reflection for a second. I had convinced her not to dress me up, but makeup had been inescapable. I examined myself slightly closer, remembering what Edward had told me seemingly ages ago. I had grown into myself since I was a teenager, even if I still viewed myself in the same way. Maybe Alice and mom were right… maybe it was time to get out and have some fun.

I had two dates set up within four days. The first was an absolute disaster. Jasper had set me up with one of his friends. Nothing against the guy, he was smart and attractive, but his ability to recognize sarcasm ranked at nonexistent. Overall, the night had ended with him giving me a light wave and hurrying out of the apartment building without even a 'goodbye,' never mind any 'I'll call you.' Not that it bothered me at all.

I don't even want to talk about the second. Let's just say the date was a blast, but, after we turned back up at his apartment, there were some… shortcomings. Overall disappointment.

Alice, though devoting her time completely to me and my mother, seemed extremely preoccupied and never even tried to set me up with anyone she knew. I believed it was for the better, though extremely odd behavior for my friend. I guess I should have suspected that I wasn't going to be in the free and clear.

-APOV-

My fingers smoothed out the wrinkles in my dress as I examined myself in the mirror. It fit like a green satin glove. The slit that showed off my leg may have been a touch bit over the top, but I was at the point where it felt like I needed to be. My heals lifted me several extra inches off the floor and shaped my legs into the closest thing to perfection I had yet been able to achieve. My hair looked shiny and elegant with the jade clip keeping it out of my eyes. There was nothing left for me to add but a little bit of luck. If only I had some to wear. If I didn't throw Jasper over the edge soon, make him break without me asking him to, then I was going to officially go out of my mind. As it was my hormones were rushing through me as if I was 18 again.

"Alice, you look gorgeous," Bella assured me from the doorway. "You don't need to keep checking to make sure."

"I'm making sure there is nothing else I can do," I corrected, "not making sure I look gorgeous."

"Why does it matter so much? You know that Jasper falls for you everytime he sees you no matter what you are wearing."

I sighed. "Can I tell you something?"

Her eyes widened as she stepped closer to my back, her own dress making a silky noise as it brushed her thighs. "You know you never have to ask to tell me anything, Alice."

I turned to her, a little smile in the corners of my mouth. "He still hasn't kissed me."

Her expression was blank for a moment, as if she hadn't registered what I had said, and then confusion took over. "What do you mean?"

I shook my head heavily. "He knows I want him to. And everything that I feel coming from him says that he wants to, but for some reason he wants to wait 'for the right moment.' Not that I am against that at all, but it feels like there are plenty of moments already that could have been the 'right' one, you know?"

She opened her mouth, then closed it. Reopening finally she spoke, "Wow. I had no idea. I had thought you two had already… Anyway, maybe it's for the better. Maybe he doesn't want to rush into anything sexual."

"But a kiss?" I groaned, exasperated.

"A kiss is the start of it Alice, you know that. Maybe he wants to prove to you that he isn't after what your body has to offer, but what your mind does. It's obvious that you two have already fallen pretty hard. Maybe he is afraid to make it about sex and bring about a change too fast."

"Or maybe he's a tease." Surprised, my eyes flicked to the door to see Renée standing there with a smile. "Not in the sense that he's going to tease and leave, but maybe he wants to get your heart racing as hard as he can before the moment comes. Maybe he wants to see that you do want him."

"Or he could just be scared," Bella added. "Plenty of guys get scared when they find themselves faced with these types of feelings so suddenly."

I sighed. "I don't know how much more I can take of this though. I'm terrified and I am going to end up just pouncing on him, never mind what he told me."

I turned back to the mirror and Bella grabbed my hand. "Alice, you look gorgeous. He won't be able to resist tonight. No man could. Now come one, we need to get going or we wont make the show."

"I told you," she pointed out.

I sighed. "I know."

Jasper laughed as he wrapped his arms around me. "What did you tell her Bella?"

"That if we didn't get going we would miss the show. But no, Alice decides that she had to redo my makeup because my eyeliner was a little smeared! So, another twenty minutes before we even make it to the car, nevermind the traffic," she said, laughing to herself. Despite the fact that what she said was completely true and disappointing, it was good to see her laughing again. It was all thanks to Renée too. Just having her mother around, even though she blatantly refused to really talk to her about what had happened with Edward, had lifted her spirits a lot.

"Well, we missed it. I know it's my fault. But, the night does not have to be ruined. No dinner theater, but there must be something we could do!" I said, looking down the street as if some sign would tell me the answer. "I refuse to have spent so much time dressing up for it all to be wasted."

"Why don't we go to dinner at Val's?" Bella asked, "We haven't gone since we got back."

I brightened up immediately. "I'm driving."

-BPOV-

Twenty minutes later we arrived, too dressed up for the small restaurant, but received with open arms. Val came out immediately after we ordered, targeting me first, his accent just as delightful as I remembered. "Bella, my dear, where is your Edward tonight?"

I looked up, a little pain shooting through me. I pulled myself out of the thought as quickly as possible and smiled. "Had to cut the cord. Couldn't keep such a beautiful thing for my lone pleasure. Woulda been selfish of me." I felt his eyes search my face, but I was extremely careful to keep smiling. "Besides Val, where would I be if I wasn't single and free to gush over you?"

He laughed and squeezed my shoulder. His accent was thicker when he spoke again, his voice a bit huskier. "What male could possibly have resisted that smile, beautiful?"

"A dumb one," my mother said, obviously checking him out.

He smiled. "From the resemblance, I am going to assume that you are related to Bella?"

"Val, this is mother, Renée."

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it quickly with a smile. "Just as beautiful as your daughter."

"But sadly not as available," she hinted obviously.

He chuckled as his eyes twitched back to me. He was about to speak, but I interrupted him, not entirely sure I wanted to hear what he would say about that. "Alice actually has someone else to introduce you to, Val."

He gave me a knowing look before turning his eyes to Jasper. "No one needs to introduce me. This is obviously the man that Alice is going to marry."

The couple froze, an embarrassed silence radiating between them. I decided to break the tension for them. "We can all hope. This is Jasper Hale."

Val's smile stretched. "I was only teasing, Jasper. I saw the way that Alice was looking at you when you first walked in. I am Valentino. It is a pleasure to meet you. I hope you are treating her right."

Alice beamed. "As if I would be with someone who didn't. You know me better than that, Val."

Jasper looked uneasy as he watched the man. Obviously he wondered the relationship between the two. I would clear it up later if it seemed to become an issue, but for now maybe the bit of supposed 'competition' would make him finally give Alice what she wanted. I watched as they clasped hands.

"I would treat her as nothing less than the angel that she is."

Val nodded. "That's very good to hear. You both, as any other guest of Alice's or Bella's, are extremely welcome here. Hopefully everything so far has made a good impression."

"Finally verdict doesn't come until after they get to taste the food." Alice smiled. "That is, after all, the real treat."

"Not my company?" he teased, grabbing an unused chair from the next table and scooting it beside mine. "You have wounded me Alice."

"Your company is beat by your food, I'm afraid. You are amazing, but your cuisine is divine." Her gushing was bringing an air of unease to Jasper as he tried to hold his tongue.

For his sake alone (mostly because I knew exactly how he must be feeing) I broke in. "Which reminds me Val. I was wondering if there was any way I would be able to get you to divulge your recipe for the costolette di maiale I got last time. I could not get over that glaze on the pork chop."

"Oh, you could definitely get me to tell, my sweet Bella, but would you be willing to pay the price?" he chuckled, making me blush. It was flattering, but still felt somehow off. He took my hand. "I am only teasing, of course. I would happy to show you exactly how to make it, if you would be willing to come join me for dinner."

Alice pounced. "Of course she would! Bella has been trying to get out and have some fun. Isn't that right, Bella?"

I swallowed hard, knowing that I couldn't refuse at this point. "I would be honored, Val."

He beamed at me and lifted my fingers to his lip, kissing them softly and slowly. "Are you busy Friday night?"

I shook my head, not sure what to say. Don't get me wrong, Val was attractive, sweet, a fantastic cook, and… did I mention attractive? But he wasn't Edward. And Edward was the only one that I really cooked with. The only one I trusted not to get in my way. If only I could—My mind stopped the thought mid-step. That was why I was doing this. To get out of my 'Edward' rut. Why not have dinner with Val? Worse case scenario, I get to spend an evening with a hot guy who I turn out to be uninterested in. Best case, I completely forget about Alice's brother and fall madly in love... right. "Friday is perfect. I'll leave my number for you."

He stood, still holding my fingers, and gave a little bow. "For now, I must leave you all and go back to oversee the cooking of your food. But I will be back after you are finished with your dinner. I'll bring dessert. My treat."

I watched him return the chair and couldn't help but do what I had not really ever allowed myself to do before: actually check him out fully. His body was long and well dressed in expensive looking clothing. Under it you could tell he was an athletic guy, with a slim frame but shapely pieces. His butt, for example, filled his jeans in just the right way. Nothing to complain about there. His hair fell a little longer than most guys kept it, but it was tied back from his face. The fair width of his shoulders and slight build easily kept any sort of 'feminine' effect far at bay. He was a man, a very attractive man at that, from the top of his head to the toes of his perfectly polished shoes. There was definitely no reason why I shouldn't enjoy going out with him… but still a little knot rested where my stomach had been just over a month ago.

-APOV-

Dessert was divine. The cake was moist, the frosting rich but not overpowering, and the flirtation between Val and Bella thick. I watched them closely, observing all that I could. Val was more than interested, obviously. He touched her arm every time he spoke, kissed her hands again and again with the sexy little grin that even had my heart pumping, even whispered in her ear a few times, saying something good enough to have her blushing up a storm. If I had been her, I would have already been in his lap, laying claim. But this was Bella, and she was still, in part at least, caught up on Edward. I wanted to ring my brother's neck at the moment; he had not only broken her heart, but screwed with other great opportunities that she could experience. Her body language showed only a little bit of reluctance, but her eyes showed a lot more. There was no doubt that she was attracted to him (as any sane female would be), but something still made her resist his (many) temptations. I wished I could be in her head for a moment; to understand how she could still hold on to a man who had literally fed her the very heart she was still trying to fix. Had I been in her position my rage would have put me in Val's bed before the night was out. No reluctance.

Renée leaned toward me, whispering even though Jasper, Bella, and Val were lost in conversation. "She's better than spontaneous people like us, you know? I can really see that now."

"No doubt, Renée."

She shook her head, watching her daughter's reluctance. "So devoted. Maybe even to a fault. Smart too. Cautious. Never diving in without testing the water." She turned back to look in my eyes. "She's a good person, but that doesn't sound like a very fun way to live."

I nodded, watching as Bella started laughing at something Jasper had said. For a moment I saw the girl I had gone through high school with none of the sadness that she had been carrying on her shoulders for the last few years. Her beauty was astounding, and Val seemed momentarily captured by it. She turned to his eyes, keeping a huge smile as she asked him a question.

"I-" he cleared his throat. "Of course it's amazing Bella." He pulled himself together quickly. "I must have the pleasure of tasting it. If your writing is as…" he considered his words carefully, "potent as Jasper says I have no choice."

She shook her head quickly, "No Jasper, Alice, Edward… they all give it much more credit than it deserves."

"Absolute nonsense, Bella," I spoke up. "You are a wonderful writer."

She shot me a 'shut your mouth before I say something not very nice' look "Ignore them Val. Too much alcohol makes people say things they shouldn't and you have gotten us more than a little tipsy."

He winked, "Good wine goes a long way."

Renée leaned to me again. "Is she still always so self-conscious? I thought she would grow out of it a little at least."

"More so after Edward if nothing else. Her coping method is to hide, not to indulge. I wish I could break her out of it." I shook my head. "Or smash his head with a boulder."

She laughed, her face showing signs of age that were usually well hidden with little touches of makeup and a brown dye. You could not help but immediately recognize an older Bella. She was still beautiful, of course, more distinguished even. I glanced at the smile on her daughters face and beamed. All it would take is Bella being happy for her to age just as well, as beautifully and gracefully as her mother had managed. Then again, there was still time for Bella to continue on the sad path she had placed herself on and not have the chance. Esme and Renée were prime examples of what a joyful life could bring. But Bella… she has a way of forgetting about the good, even though she tried so hard to hide it.

"A boulder, Alice? Seems rather barbaric. Why not a sledge hammer?"

"I can push a boulder off a high surface and manage to hit my target. Can you imagine me lifting a sledge hammer?"

She laughed again, shaking her head so her bangs swept across her forehead, covering her eyes. How could Bella not see the ridiculous resemblance between her and Renée? "Would be a sight."

"Alice is a sight already," Jasper said, slipping into our conversation with a sly smile.

"True. Very, very true Jasper. And the two of you are even more of a sight together." Renée smiled as she looked between us. "And very much in love in if I am not mistaken."

My blood rushed up my neck, into my face, flooding every vein with heat and embarrassment. I dropped my eyes down to the empty plate in front of me, unable to pull them back up as I struggled for a response that wouldn't carry any ill effects with it. My tongue felt like a fish flopping in my mouth, uncontrollable.

"Who could resist with such a perfect girl?" Jasper asked quietly. I could feel his eyes on me but could not bring myself to meet them. What did that mean? That he did love me? That I wasn't the only one experiencing feelings that seemed much too intense for the short period of time we had actually known each other? Or was he just trying to be polite and gently skirt the question? "She captured me before I had even met her face to face."

My throat tightened as I turned my head toward him, without looking up, begging my lips to speak naturally. "First time we spoke on the phone. It felt like we already knew each other. Even had been friends forever already."

"Such a great way to meet—no awkwardness. And a wonderful story to pass on," Val said, drawing my attention to the fact that everyone was listening.

"Yeah," I nodded meekly, blushing madly. I could still feel Japser's eyes on me and finally allowed myself to look up at him. I touched his hand on the table. "I am going to step outside for a moment." I gave a little laugh and turned to look at Val. "Too much wine. Overheated."

As I stood Jasper rose as well, pulling back my chair to make it easier. I met his eyes fully for the first time and thanked him with a smile. He laced my arm through his and escorted me to the door. "Do you mind if I join you?"

I had to swallow the stones in my throat before I could bring myself to answer. "Not at all. You are welcome to join me whenever and wherever you would like to Jasper."

He squeezed my hand before opening the door and ushering me out quietly. I took two steps from the door when he spun me around and pulled me to him, looking down into my surprised face. "I love you Alice. I know it's… soon. But I can feel it in every cell of my body. I was meant to be with you. I don't know how I know... but I can't deny it either. Every since I first heard your voice…"

My heart pounded in my ears and blood burned my cheeks as I fought the intense urge to look away. A smile spread across my face as I swallowed hard again. "I love you too, Jasper."

His smile took my breath away. It was like staring into the sun as it emerged from behind dark, rain-heavy clouds, suddenly warming me through. My rushing blood echoed through my ears as he move, quickly wrapping his arms around my middle and lifting me off my feet and into his arms. His lips encased mine, gentle and warm, beckoning but not demanding. I returned it with the passion of a river having broken the dam that had held it back. His kisses were divine. I could not help but admit, even in my frenzied state, that it had been well worth the wait.

-BPOV-

Friday came much too quickly for two reasons. First and foremost, my mom had a plane to catch at one. Alice, of course, could not miss out on the chance to do one more thing before, and made appointments for hair and nails at a spa not too far from the airport. It was relaxing, of course, but I couldn't help but be upset about mom leaving again. It felt as if she had just arrived, and I was not quite ready to let her go so soon. But, obviously, it wasn't up to me. She had a plane to catch and that wasn't something you could just push forward a few more hours.

"How would you like it cu—" the man with scissors was cut off quickly by Alice, already done with a small trim that gave her a bit more body and bangs that swept off to the left across her forehead.

"Trim it, don't cut it. And give it layers. She needs something that will work without any teasing or straightening or gel, but that is still sexy. She's got a date tonight."

The man glanced at Alice for a minute, nodded, and then got to work without another word. The girl knew how to take charge, that was for sure. I watched my reflection as my hair went from messy, to disastrous the more he clipped up and brushed away. I stopped watching after a little while, preferring to just wait until it was done to get nervous. After a ridiculous amount of time, a quick blow-dry, and little bit of fluffing my new hair was unleashed on my mother and Alice. It was two thumbs up. Finally I went over to the mirror that I had refused to look in and took a peek. It was different, but not by much; a little bit shorter with choppier ends and a bit more body. It looked healthier than it had and I noticed a bit more wisp around my face, framing it perfectly. I liked it.

After watching Alice pay a ridiculous amount for our treatment we had no choice but to head for the airport. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, staring out the window while trying to not get sad. I would miss her. It had been a while since we had spent any real time together, even longer since we had had real fun together. Halfway there I couldn't take the silence anymore. "When are you going to come back up?"

"As soon as I can. I had a good time, Isabella. I missed you a lot. Maybe in a couple months I'll be able to scrape enough money together."

"I'll help," I offered, turning back to look at her. She wasn't smiling like she had been. If anything, she looked perplexed. She didn't want to leave either. "And you can stay at my place next time. I know that you will love it."

"I have no doubt. You have always had good taste."

I laughed out loud. "Oh, I wish Alice could see it that way."

"I have never said you don't have good taste Bella, I only said that you don't USE your good taste. AND I was referring to clothing, not to your house."

Mom started laughing in the back seat, the serious look on her face breaking into a wide smile. It cheered me up immensely. I had forgotten how good it felt to have my mother around. It had been so long since I had lived with her and missed her like I would now. My mom and I had never been friends, not in the way we were now, and having it and then losing it so quickly… I guess we just needed a reason to connect. Alice, I had found out, had called her to cheer me up. She had informed mom about what had happened between Edward and myself. Alice's plan (in this particular case) had worked. Mom had reminded me that life would keep going, keep bringing better times, happy times. But I still wasn't ready for tonight.

"Bella," Val purred as I came into the living room. He stood in a dark leather coat over nice black sweater, topping dark jeans faded in just the right places and hanging very nicely on him. "You look ravishing as always."

I glanced down at the tight, black silk halter that Alice had dressed me in. The jeans I wore under it were a dark blue, black velvet roses running up the right thigh, stems wrapping around my calves. It was a cute outfit, though not necessarily what I had would have chosen to wear. He had already seen me dressed up, wouldn't it be good for him to see me when I wasn't, so he could actually know what I was like, not what Alice made me to be. But I didn't want to hurt his feelings by blowing away the compliment. "Thank you Val. Alice has a way with clothing, doesn't she?"

"Indeed she does. It's her job, no?"

"Yup," she said, smiling as she nudged me a little more forward. She had, again, been nice enough to let me wear my flats. "But, now you two need to get out of here. Go have fun!"

Val laughed, a deep purring sound as he reached out a hand for me to place my own in. I grasped his fingers. "I fully intend to make sure Bella has fun, Alice. Have no fear."

I swallowed as I glanced at her as she handed me my purse and a coat. I took my hand back long enough to put it through the arm, but it seemed as soon as it re-emerged from the other side Val was waiting to take it again. I didn't know if I liked it or not. A piece of me thought it sweet, the way he always touched me in one way or another without being too intrusive, but at the same time I knew it was the thought that I found sweet, the feeling itself didn't really turn me on, make my heart pound, or anything similar. And I knew it should.

Alice closed the door gently behind me, giving me one last reassuring smile before disappearing. I felt awkward alone now. I had never been truly alone with Val. I glanced at him briefly, noting the sexy smile that his lips held, no nerves whatsoever it seemed. Then again, a guy like him probably had enough girls falling over him that he had no self esteem issues anyway. Nothing but sheer confidence bled from every movement he made on our way down to the garage.

His car was meant to impress, and it probably would have worked with any other girl. The sleek, low convertible had to have cost him a fortune; probably more than any amount of money I had ever spent, even for my house. He escorted me directly to the passenger side and lifted the door for me, revealing a seat that all but sat on the pavement. The cabin was tiny—not cramped, just too small in general. I was happy to find that the drive was less than 20 minutes, making the idle conversation easy enough to handle without becoming bored or awkward. Neither of us learned anything new about the other.

The apartment we drove under to park made Alice's look like a shack in comparison. The building had to have more than a hundred floors, but the shape was completely modern, curving in and out like an undulating esophagus. A place for the rich. A place like those that Alice had dragged me to all through college for parties. I tried not to judge Val on it, but there was so much flash between his car and just the building he lived in… it made me wonder. Even the Cullen's, who had enough money to show, were not really too flashy. They enjoyed the 'nice,' but didn't use it to show off. They weren't exactly 'humble,' but they managed to retain a sort of modest air despite it.

As soon as we entered the garage a man stepped out of his post with a smile. Val stopped the car and opened his door as the smiling lad opened mine. It was good thing too… I had been trying to find the handle on the drive over and had never been able to. He held out a hand to assist me in getting out of the low seat with a sweet smile. Once safely on the ground with the door closed he walked around to Val's side.

"Good evening sir."

"Hello Steven. How's your night?" he asked, clasping the young mans shoulder like an old friend.

"Great so far, sir. Everyone's going out tonight, been a bit busy."

"It is a Friday," he pointed out as he nodded and slid something to Steven. "Please meet Bella."

"Very nice to meet you ma'am," he said with a little bow.

"You as well."

I watched as Steven and Val exchanged a few more words and warmed slightly more to my date. They spoke like good friends, people who had talked many times. It definitely increased my respect. Most rich didn't think that the Valet was any better than dirt in my experience. Val and the Cullen's had been the only exception I had met so far.

Steven eventually climbed into the car and Val walked to my side, taking my arm and leading me to the elevator. I had been right about the floors—135 total. Val pushed 87 before pushing in a code on a little out of the way keypad. The elevator started to move though I couldn't even tell there was any sort of motion except for the quickly changing numbers on the screen. We reached our floor in no time.

Val had to resubmit the code before the doors slid open and dropped us right into his living room. I stepped out after him, taking in the large room. The room was huge, perfect for entertaining large parties, but the way it was set up… two couches only, a big but not ridiculous TV, a small desk set up with a computer against the back, facing out the wall of windows. It felt empty to the size, but again made me like Val a little more. There was nothing extraordinary about it, nothing showy, nothing that boasted money.

I smiled and looked at him as he removed his coat and placed it on an ornate built in rack next to the door. He turned back and helped me remove mine, placing it next to his before taking my hand. "Bella, welcome to my home. It isn't much, but I am extremely comfortable. I hope you like it. Please make yourself at home."

I softened my smile as I looked at him, removing the little bit of prejudice I had placed on him earlier. His attractiveness had increased, if that were possible. "It is lovely Val. I am very happy to be here."

His smile bled sex, but I ignored it dutifully. "You haven't seen the room yet."

I glanced around, trying not to think about what he was most likely suggesting. "Well I have only seen this one."

His laughter was deep and echoed in the mostly bare room. It made me feel a bit better about my own house. At least I wasn't the only one that Alice would have been criticizing about empty walls. "Very true my dear. Allow me to show you the best room in the house… if you are willing, of course."

I choked on my tongue. Was he suggesting we go immediately to his bedroom? So soon? "Umm.."

He winked, "Trust me, Bella; you of all people will appreciate it." With that he headed to the right, my hand clasped inside the depths of his. I didn't know what to do but follow him or make a scene. The last thing I wanted to do was immediately jump into bed with him, no matter how attractive he was, but in the same right I hated the idea of embarrassing myself and him by immediately saying no… I would just have to wait and then let him know gently. My legs felt heavy as he led me to a wide hallway and immediately turned to the dark, open doorway on the left. I swallowed hard as he stepped in and the light flicked on. "Here we are."

I laughed from a place deep in my stomach, relief flooding my system before I could even comprehend what lay before me. The large counter in the middle of the room had a sleek, white top and proved home to many different, shining appliances. Along the right wall was another long counter, a stove tucked into the middle and sink built into the end, dishes still in the drainer beside it. The fridge was on the other side of the kitchen, a huge, black monstrosity with a chest freezer beside it.

I stepped forward and began to explore the appliances he had strategically set up—blender, mixer, deep fryer, griddle, and more. There was huge hanging rack above it, showing off more pots, pans, spoons, ladles, tongs, and various other wares than would ever fit in my kitchen cabinets. "You have a gorgeous kitchen. Better than I ever even dreamed of for myself."

"Well you are welcome to come over and use it whenever you care to if you wish," he said quietly from behind me, "as long as you give me the pleasure of being able to cook with you."

I winked at him, "We will see what you got."

He laughed and rolled up his sleeves at the challenge, "Oh, I'll show you everything I got Bella. Have no fear."

A couple hours later we were sitting on his couch, cradling our plates in our laps while we dove into the pork and potatoes. I couldn't even begin to describe the orgasmic combination of flavors that twisted around my tongue. I lifted the glass of wine from the side table and took a little sip, washing down another bite. My head was buzzing as I laughed at another of Val's anecdotes about his little sister (15 years younger) who had recently been trying to convince him to bring her out to Seattle for a while.

We had already consumed most of the bottle of wine while we cooked and the high that it had taken me to was perfect for the mood. Val was a natural borne story teller, never letting an awkward silence emerge, but managing never to over-talk either, always pausing to let me say something if I felt the urge. Every moment I had spent in his apartment had impressed me further; he was a good guy, funny and amazingly sweet. He managed to compliment me repeatedly without causing any discomfort, and to touch me again and again without ever overstepping any boundaries. Actually, the subtle touches to my lower back, brushes of my arm, light grazes against the bare skin of my shoulder as he swept back my hair did nothing if not make me crave more.

It actually surprised me how comfortable I became while cooking with him. At first it had been awkward, neither of us wanting to be intrusive, but before I knew it (maybe one glass of wine in) we were suddenly teasing each other and cracking jokes, bumping into each other and standing slightly closer than we needed to. Too quickly we were done cooking and just had to wait so we could plate it, so we had taken a seat on the island and started talking. He told me about his friends and family back in Italy, about what France was like during his college years. In return I described the trips I had taken across the country with my mom when I was a little girl, about the divorce with my father and what it was like now and how I had dealt with it. He told me about the trials of owning a restaurant, how it slowly becomes your life and you get lost in it. I explained to him what it felt like being a writer, having just published my first book about a year before, and how difficult it could be when you lost your inspiration. When the food came out I felt like I was sitting talking to a close friend.

Val watched me chew a bite, his eyes tracing my jaw before meeting my eyes. I noted that he had not once actually look anywhere but directly into my face. He smiled and took a sip of wine. "Beautiful job, Bella. Better than I can make it on my own."

I lifted my hand a little, wiggling my fingers, "It's the touch of sweet my mother always told me."

"Is you're mother back in Florida again?" he asked with a smile, taking my wiggling fingers into his hand and bringing them to his lips.

"Yeah. She left this afternoon."

"May I ask why she was here? I don't want to be intrusive." He had not released my hand, instead laying his cheek against my knuckles.

"To be a comfort I think. Alice called her because she thought I needed someone here." I said, lifting my thumb to stroke the little bit of stubble that sat there.

"Comfort?"

"Yeah…" I wasn't sure how to respond to what he wanted to know without screwing up the mood. I really didn't want to bring Edward into this and make Val uncomfortable.

"He loves you Bella. I don't know what happened to tear you two apart, but even I could see that he loves you." He kept his face against my hand, not seeming any more tense with the subject than any other we had brought up. It was a true credit to his willpower. "Not that I want to see you leave."

I laughed. "Have no fear Val. I am not leaving. How it is between us is… for the better."

He nodded and smiled, rubbing his cheek against my thumb and knuckles for a moment, his eyes closing as if savoring the feel. "Can I ask you a very personal question?"

I raised an eyebrow, giving a quirky smile, "You can ask, but whether or not I answer is yet to be determined."

"Were the two of you ever actually more than friends? Friends with benefits I think is what people usually say?"

I shook my head. "We never had sex. Not even close. Especially not when we were younger."

He opened his eyes, they seemed darker, deeper, conveying many many unspoken thoughts. It was like they were filled with molten passion. Liquid lust. The change caught me off guard. "So when did you have sex last?"

I flushed quickly, a little embarrassed. It had been a while to say the least. Going on a year, I think. Maybe more. "Let's just say it has been a good period of time. Longer than anyone would want." I wasn't sure why I felt so compelled to actually answer him when he had made it very clear that I was not required to answer. "Had a date the other night and almost… but it just never happened. I'm sure you have been much more lively than I have the past couple years."

He laughed and lifted his head. When he spoke his accent was thicker, the voice huskier. "You may be surprised Bella. I haven't had the energy to spend in a few months. And even then it was a fling just to break another long dryspell. I don't have the time. And even when I can make it, finding someone that is even worth it takes too much work when I could be doing things that actually matter."

"How many serious relationships have you been in, Val?" I asked, leaning forward a little, unable to help responding to the way he spoke.

"Three. I was engaged to one of them. I've had my share of flings and stands, but only three women that I wanted to be more." He shook his head. "I already have a relationship with my restaurant. Getting into another relationship would be like cheating on my wife, Bella. I know that sounds odd, but it's true. I don't have the time. I work six twelve-hour shifts a week, and even my day off is spent on that computer doing paperwork for the place."

I touched his arm. "I am sorry, Val."

He smiled and shook his head. "Don't be. It's hard work, and it leaves me with no personal life, but I love it all the same. I still created it, from the floor up. Built it into the place it is today. And someday I will be able to let someone else run it for me, but I just can't separate myself yet."

I watched his face as he lifted my hand back to his lips, kissing them so gently once. And then again. And then again. Finally his eyes rose back to mine. "Will you dance with me, Isabella?"

My mouth opened but wouldn't for the words. I had to blink a few times before I could find my tongue. "I would love to Val, but I can't. We've already told you that."

He stood, moving his empty plate out of his lap. "I will watch you, my dear. I won't let you fall."

I moved the plate from my own lap and took the hand he offered. I don't know what pressed me into doing it, but I could simply not resist the urge let him lead me. He picked up a remote and pressed something, turning on a gentle instrumental that filled the living room. "Just don't forget that I warned you."

He chuckled as he took me into his arms and began to lead. "Trust me Bella, I wont."

The music's gentle rhythm floated with us for a few minutes, never tripping when I did, but always immediately reconnecting when I was straight again. By the end of the song Val's toes must have hurt, but he stayed with me, kept dancing into the next the song, pulling me a little closer and causing further damage to his poor feet. I apologized every time I heard him give a little hiss, but it didn't really take away the embarrassment of having done it in the first place. By the end of the second song I had to step back.

"I can't anymore, Val."

He gave me a downtrodden look.

"I'm serious. I can't dance. I'm going to break your feet if we keep doing it."

Suddenly he laughed, his featuring flashing from sad to cheerful in seconds. "Oh. Of course, beautiful Bella. If you care to stop we will."

I smiled and picked up my glass, closing my eyes as I took a gentle swig of what was left. As I rolled the liquid around my mouth I felt Val come up behind me, his hands finding my hips with a gentle pressure. I smiled and swallowed the wine, leaning back into his chest. His fingers spread, running across my belly and hugging me to him. For a moment I remembered the feeling of Edward doing that and almost stopped him.

Stop it Bella. This is for your own good. You need this. Hell, you actually even want it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Val. He is sexy and sweet and obviously interested in you. Edward is miles and miles away, probably doing the same thing with someone else. You need to forget about him now. You need to let that go. You can't rewind time. You can't get it back. Make the best out of what you can get.

His mouth came down onto my shoulder, soft on my skin, warm and only a light touch. My breathing began to increase as he ran them higher, up my neck to just behind my ear where he laid the softest kiss. I could hardly stand it, desire starting to build in my gut as his hands slid the hem of my shirt up so his fingers were splayed across the skin of my belly. I sighed and closed my eyes, leaving the feeling for my skin alone to enjoy. "You are a very beautiful woman, Bella. Absolutely…" he paused and laid a hot kiss just above my gland, "breathtaking."

I sighed, leaning deeper into him and losing myself in the warmth of him pushed up behind me. I couldn't even try to speak as he ran his hands up to my bottom rib and back down, exploring my skin while his lips tasted my neck and shoulder. His hands tightened on my hips, spinning me so I faced him. Before I even had time to lift my arms to his neck his hands were on my cheeks, lifting my face to his and laying a scorching kiss on me. My lips burned, my mind went fuzzy, and I lost myself for a long minute as we, for the first time, tasted each other.

His lips were soft, but strong, knowing the movements like a dance. When he drew my bottom lip into his mouth I felt my body respond, tingling shivers rushing over my skin in all the places I wanted his hands. I couldn't resist his tongue, which begged to tangle with mine as he leaned back against the back of the sofa, pulling me as tightly to him as he could.

I had to pull my lips away for a moment, to take a breath, and rested my head against his shoulder, my nose running along his neck. The cologne he wore woke me a little, different than anything I had smelled on any guy I had been with and pulling forward the faintest memory of… I killed the thought before it was finished and lifted my lips back to Val's, determined to beat it as far away as possible. Not the time, nor the place anymore. I had to let it go, and this was my opportunity. Allowing the buzz of the wine to take over, I let it lead me into the night.

NOTE: So I am sure that more than a couple of you wanted more detail on the night with Val (and trust me, I very very much wanted to give it), but because the story is 95% focused around Bella and Edward, it just felt wrong of me when I started to write it. I promise, I will write you a scene later on that will make up for it I have good good plans for this story. I hope you all enjoyed!