Beta'd by cejsmom and preread by Twi-mom12292005

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Chapter 16

EPOV

I can't believe my eyes. Alice invited the girl she met in Europe to the Gala and she's her. What are the chances? It's the Dog Beach Virgin. I am so shocked I can't speak for what feels like an eternity. I just sit and watch her, like a fool. I'm sure my mouth is hanging open. Thank god no one else at the table notices.

I thought I had built her up in my mind to be something more than she was. But she is more beautiful than I remember. Even my photos don't do her justice. The day at the beach she had her hair in a ponytail, and no make up. Tonight her hair is down and flowing around her shoulders and she has a touch of make up on. Nothing overdone, just enough to highlight her features, especially her deep brown eyes.

Having her seated right next to me after all the time I've spent thinking of her is surreal. I honestly never thought I would see her again, especially after we emailed and then... nothing.

Now, with her so close I can't even describe my range of feelings; I've never felt anything like this before. I'm trying to just go with it, knowing in the back of my mind it doesn't change anything.

I listen to her shyly interact with my friends and family. She seems very self-conscience and fidgety; so different from the snippy girl at the beach. My mind tries to put these two sides of her together. I get the feeling there is a lot more to this girl than I originally thought.

I know I have to speak at some point so I start to think of something witty, something that will peak her interest in me. I'm hoping the photos softened her a bit towards me because the last time we saw each other she was pissed, apparently at me.

What pops into my head is the dog beach and before I can stop myself, a stupid, smart ass question flows out of my mouth.

"So, Bella, been to the dog beach lately?" I nearly slap my hand over my mouth to keep the whole sentence from escaping, but I can't.

"Nope, and I don't plan on it anytime soon." And there she is. The bitchy girl from the beach I remember so well.

My brain is going a mile a minute trying to figure a way to get my foot out of my mouth, when Emmett mentions the interesting day I had at the dog beach and the "hot girl" I met there. Again before I can stop myself I tell them that Bella is "that girl." The roar from the table even startles me; they are all howling with laughter, and repeating, "Dog Beach Virgin," my nickname for her.

Bella jumps up, I assume to leave, obviously embarrassed. I have to think quickly and try to smooth things over with her or she'll be gone, again. I decide to go with a subtle approach and I gently grab her hand and lean in to speak to her quietly. The heat of her body so close to mine almost causes me to forget my train of thought. I refocus and say what's in my heart. Basically, that I don't want her to go. I don't want to let go of her hand either, but I know I should, so I give it a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

With some hesitation, and a flash of some odd emotion in her eyes, she sits back down. I let out a giant breath, which I'd apparently been holding while waiting for her decision. I make sure the conversation at the table for the rest of the night is pleasant and benign. I do a lot more listening than talking, afraid I'll screw up again.

I'm so enthralled by Bella and listening to her talk about everything that I almost miss my cue to leave. When I do leave the table I practically knock over my chair. I really hope Bella didn't notice.

To avoid any conversation about my abrupt departure, I stealthy return just after the fireworks begin. I make sure to sit close to her. We are surrounded by couples, but for once I don't feel like the third wheel. It feels really good. For the first time ever I can see myself as part of a couple, but I only let my mind go there for a second.

When the Gala winds down, I'm not done with Bella. I heard her mention earlier that she walked here, so that's my perfect opportunity. I offer to walk her home, and she hesitantly agrees. It's our first time alone tonight and I know this is my best chance to make things right with her. I really should, for Alice's sake. They are friends after all.

The walk is good, wonderful actually. I hope her house is really far away, so we have more time to talk. I learn some very important information. The reason Bella was so mad at me at the beach that day, was because she thought that I was a dog walker with no control over his dogs. She also thought it was one of my dogs who assaulted her. I had to laugh at the dog walker part. But I make sure she knows it wasn't me or my dogs that messed up her day. It takes some convincing, but she seems to believe me.

After this revelation and some much needed laughter, the tension between us seems to diminish.

Everything is going so well until the phone call. One of my worst nightmares happens and on one of the worst nights. Someone broke into the center, did some damage, but worst of all, let some of the dogs out.

I ask to use Bella's car, she agrees and wants to come with me. I wish I could be happy about this, but I know that my place isn't the safest place to be right now. I know who did this and I'm concerned that this is only the beginning of my problems with the neighbors.

She asks me to drive since she had a few drinks and I didn't; another detail about this woman that draws me in. If she only knew how much this little gesture means to me.

When we arrive at the Animal Rescue, it's exactly what I expected. I take Bella upstairs to my apartment while I talk to the police. I do a quick inventory of the dogs and thankfully there are only three missing.

I return to the apartment to find Bella asleep on my couch. She looks so peaceful and beautiful. I don't have the heart to wake her. I jump on my computer and post some lost dog ads on Craigslist and the Find Toto website. I make some flyers with the missing dog's photos. I stop and watch her sleep for a minute deciding whether or not to wake her, but choose to write a quick note instead. I can't help myself and I move the hair off of her face and give her a light kiss, breathing in her delicious and familiar scent.

I drive around for what seems like hours. I find two of the dogs wandering the streets, but Booboo, the most timid of the three is nowhere to be found. It will be light soon and the dogs and I are exhausted so we return to the rescue, to Bella.

I left her my cell number, but she didn't call. I assume she's still sleeping so I work on securing the Rescue. I have to patch the chain link fencing, fix the locks, board a window and do some make shift locks on some of the dog kennels.

The sun is rising, I'm sweating. My back is killing me, my hands are sore, but most of all I'm worried about Booboo. I stop to stretch my back when I catch her scent. I turn slowly. She's leaning on the wall all casual, watching me, with a cautious smile, and holding a drink. I can't help but smile no matter how tired I am.

She steps forward and hands me the drink. I have the most overwhelming desire to kiss her, but I don't. I just say thanks.

"Did you find any of the dogs?" She asks in a sexy, what is most likely her morning, voice.

"I did, I found two of them. I put some signs up and placed some lost dog ads. Hopefully, Booboo will turn up today."

"You should have woken me up. I would have gone with you." she says.

"I didn't have the heart to wake you, and you did help me. I used your car, remember? Good thing you're use to dog hair in your car." I tease.

"You must be so tired, are you almost done?"

"Yep, almost. Then I'll drive you home and get my car." I don't really want her to leave, but I know I have to offer.

"No, no way. You need to get some sleep first. I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you drive on no sleep. Take a shower and catch some sleep. I can rest or read or something."

"Are you sure? I don't want to mess up your day." I ask.

"I insist." She says in a confident voice.

Well, I guess that's settled, and honestly I couldn't be happier. Well, if Booboo came back then things would be perfect.

With the center doors secured, Bella and I head back to the upstairs apartment. I give her a quick tour of the place, giving her some options of things to do while I'm sleeping. And I head to the shower. My muscles are so tight, a result of the stress of the night, no sleep and the manual labor. I'm really sore. The hot water helps some, but not much. I debate what to wear. I've never had a girl in my apartment when I was sleeping. I decide on a pair of pajama pants and a wife beater. I'm honestly too tired to care as long as I'm covered up.

I head to the kitchen to get some water and ibuprofen.

She notices what I'm doing and asks, "Are you hurt?"

"No, just really sore and tired, nothing some sleep won't help."

Bella is looking at all of my photographs mounted on the walls. "These are amazing. Did you take all of them?" she asks.

"Yeah, I've been taking pictures for as long as I can remember. It started as just a hobby, but kind of evolved into a career. I really do enjoy it. I rarely go anywhere without my camera. Most of these are just random shots from here and there."

"They're really good. You're very talented. Do you have more shots from that day at the dog beach?"

Panic mode, what do I say? Some of the photos are... interesting. She may get pissed or think I'm a perv. Plus, she is part of my screen saver. Too tired to think it through thoroughly I boot up my computer and open the file from the dog beach that day. I relinquish my desk chair to her and stumble to bed, mumbling, "Sorry.".

I'm out as soon as I hit the pillow. I dream about her; her smell, the heat of her body. It's the most pleasant dream I think I've ever had.

A/N

She's in his apartment, on his computer. Do you think she will snoop? Would you?

He is a bit of an enigma...

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