Disclaimer: I own copies of all Twilight books (except the Bree Tanner one) and all four movies so far. I didn't write Twilight, though. Just having fun with it here.

A/N As usual, missrebecca checked this for me and my WC girls gave good feedback.

Chapter 8

Edward

Wait. What?

How did our conversation get from playful banter to me mock-proposing to Bella?

I groaned and threw my head back, dropping it to the back of the couch with a thud.

'You alright, Ed?' Emmett asked, plopping down beside me.

I forced a grimace but didn't open my eyes yet.

'Something happen with Bella?'

My head shot up and my eyes sought out his in question.

'What do you mean?'

'It's okay, bro, she's a cool chick.'

Had I been that obvious in my obsession?

Oh, so you're admitting to being obsessed now?

Might as well, since I couldn't seem to get her out of my mind.

'Thanks, Em, but nothing happened. Not really.'

'See, somehow I don't believe you, dear cousin. You've been far too distracted for nothing to be going on.'

I caved and told him about the date-that-wasn't-really-a-date-but-was and how we had been texting. He guffawed when I got to the part about me accidentally proposing.

'Dude, are you serious? You've known her, what, five days?'

'Exactly. I was lucky to make it sound like a joke. I just hope she doesn't read too much into it, because I don't want things to be awkward.'

'You mean, you don't want to have messed up your chances of getting in her pants.'

That earned him a smack over the head. Even though I had considered that possibility – I was a guy, after all, and she was an incredible girl – it just felt wrong to be talking about her like that. He had the sense to apologize.

'Look, just see what happens when you see her next. In the meantime, keep on texting her. As long as her tone doesn't change, I wouldn't worry about it. She seems to have a good sense of humor, anyway,' was his advice.

'Thanks, Em.'

'You're welcome. Now, enough with the girl talk. Let's do some shots and shoot some pool!'

o.O.o

My fascination with Bella wasn't limited to texting. Nope, not even close. I actually found myself getting more and more involved in everything remotely related to the wedding, just to be able to spend some more time with her. She had made it clear that she was there as the photographer in the first place, and she wanted to maintain her professional reputation. This translated into no flirting while she was on the job, no touching, and definitely no kissing. It sucked, but I understood. If she had been working at Cook County, I would have set the same ground rules. Or so I told myself. At least texting wasn't off limits, and I made good use of my unlimited plan.

What are your plans today? – E

Helping Alice set up for the rehearsal dinner. – B

Do you need a hand with anything? –E

Wouldn't want to keep you from your duties as best man. – B

All taken care of. Made my famous hangover cure and supplied him with my secret stash of painkillers. Besides, he's still out cold. – E

Famous hangover cure? Now I'm curious… – B

Nope. Not telling. Family secret. How are you feeling, by the way? – E

I'm good. Coffee-IV is hooked up. – B

Good to hear. Now, can I come over? – E

If you're that bored, I'm sure we can find you something to do. – B

That conjured up images of what I'd like to do with her. I willed my lustful thoughts into submission and typed out a response.

As long as there are supply closets, I'm in ;) – E

o.O.o

Half an hour later, I almost regretted offering my assistance. Alice had me lugging tables back and forth across the room, and I was sweating buckets.

'What did they put in those centerpieces? Rocks?' I complained.

Bella laughed, 'That hangover finally catching up on you?'

I grumbled noncommittally. I hadn't been that drunk the night before.

'Oh come on, I'm just teasing you. You can take a break if you want. I'm sure Alice won't mind.'

I cocked an eyebrow at her – the girl was a control freak, to put it mildly.

'Alright, maybe she'll mind, but it's not like you're an employee or anything.'

'Okay, I'm going on a break, then. Do you want to join me?' I asked, looking at her hopefully.

'I really wish I could, but I've got to stay here. Unlike some people, I actually work here,' she winked, but I thought I saw genuine regret in her eyes.

o.O.o

After a brief phone call to check up on Emmett and James – who had barely woken up – and a stop at the coffee place we had been to before to grab a bite to eat, I made my way back to the hotel.

'Looking for Bella?' Alice asked from behind me, startling me.

'Uhm… yeah,' I admitted. 'I brought back coffee,' I continued, holding up the two cups in evidence and handing her one.

'Thanks, Edward. She's getting her camera bag out of our room. Look,' she said, looking at me sternly. 'I'm glad that you like her and you guys are having fun. But we are here in a professional capacity, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't distract her while she's working.'

'Don't worry about it, Alice, I wouldn't dream of interfering. I just enjoy spending time with her.'

She smiled, 'Alright, that's all I needed to hear. Now go!'

She practically shooed me away and I was happy to oblige.

I arrived at the suite just as Bella was walking out the door, and I didn't waste time in pushing her back inside and up against it once I had spun her around.