I jump from the couch, spilling the dark liquid across my toes.

"Jesus fucking Christ!"

Across the room, I see a dark silhouette in Carlisle's chair. The sliver of moonlight makes it hard to distinguish any features.

I hear a soft chuckle. "Nope. I'm definitely not him."

Holy fuck. That voice.

I reach over and turn on the lamp, the dim light filling the room. I squint as my eyes adjust. My vision clears and I finally see him.

His hair is disheveled, a mixture of colors: gold, red, bronze. His eyes are kind and soft. A smile spreads across his face. I've completely lost my train of thought.

"Who...wha...what are you doing in here?" My voice strained, I clear my throat, trying to take back control of my brain.

"I was just enjoying the 'peace and quiet' as you put it." He leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I would ask you the same, but I've got pretty good idea." He nods his head toward the liquor cabinet.

I sit back on the couch and cross my legs. "Do you have a habit of hiding out in dark places?" I raise a brow, my body betraying me as I feel a throbbing between my legs.

"Not usually." He smiles as he rubs his hands over his thighs. I notice his long fingers. "I just needed to clear my head. I was about to head back to the party when you James-Bonded your way in here."

I tilt back my head and laugh. "Me? James Bond. Hardly. I don't think James Bond knows the combinations when he cracks a safe."

He takes a swig of his drink. I can see his smile through the bottom of his glass. He sets his drink on his knee.

"Touche." He nods in my direction.

"So, since you scared the living shit out of me asking for some, would you like me to top you off?" I ask, offering to fill his cup.

"Nah, I'm good. I need to be able to stand tonight. I better take it easy."

I shrug and pour myself a glass. "More for me." I smile as I down another shot. Shit. I feel dizzy. Two beers and three shots are a bit much. You need to slow down, Bella.

His voice brings me away from my inner discussion. "May I ask how you knew the combination, since we've concluded that you aren't James Bond?"

I lean forward, my dark brown curls fall over my shoulders. "I've been sneaking liquor from this office since the ninth grade. I practically grew up here. My best friend's parents are hosting this party." I lightly tap on my lips. Shit. They're numb. I'm definitely buzzed.

He swirls the ice in his drink, his eyes looking me over. "So you're friends with Alice?"

"Mmmhmm. Best friends since elementary school. She's practically my sister, which is why I'm even here tonight. That, and I've dressed some of the guests."

"Dressed them?" He takes a piece of ice from his glass and places it in his mouth, his tongue slides over it as he drops it in.

I start to drown on my own spit. Or the wetness between my legs. I stand up as I begin to cough uncontrollably. He rushes to my side, his hand patting my back as his other hand brushes away my hair covering my face. When I finally stop coughing, I look up and my heart nearly stops. His perfect mouth is inches from mine. Fuck. Me.

"Um, thank you." I stand up straight and let go of his forearms that were holding me up. "I'm fine now."

"Are you sure?" His voice concerned, I look up and meet his eyes.

"Yes, I'm sure." His eyes are emerald green, with specs of gold in them, like a kaleidoscope. I force myself to look away, needing immediate distance. I curl my wobbly legs under me as I sit back down on the couch. He hesitantly goes back to the chair and sits.

I close my eyes for a second and regain my train of thought. "Where were we?"

"You dressed people," he replies.

"Yes, well, I styled them. I own a clothing boutique and a lot of women here tonight are my clients."

"So that's why you're here? In case of a fashion emergency?" He laughs softly, his eyes bright with humor.

I roll my eyes playfully, "I'm here to see how everyone looks and out of loyalty, I guess. Alice really wanted me here. There's no way I could have missed it, even if I wanted to."

"Did you want to?" He raises a brow playfully.

"Honestly? Yes. I'd much rather be at home than here. I don't know him and I don't know her so yeah, being in bed sounds much better than being here." I shrug my shoulders as I think about being in my bed with him. The cobwebs between my legs are creating a dam.

He clears his throat and replies, "So you don't know the guests of honor?"

"Nope. I snuck in here as soon as I could. Although, I'm sure I could pick out Tanya from what I've heard about her." I laugh as I pour myself a small drink. A little more won't hurt.

"And what exactly have you heard?" His voice sounds intrigued.

I think back about my earlier conversation with Alice and Esme and smile, "I heard she is snooty bitch and has a case of the Madonnas." Okay, I threw in the bitch part but I'm sure it's true. His eyes scrunch together in confusion, just as mine did earlier. "You know, she speaks with a fake British accent?" I giggle, remembering Esme said she was really from Jersey.

"Well, that's interesting. I guess that would be noticeable." He laughs softly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I, um...I need to get going." He stands and runs his fingers through his hair, causing my breath to hitch. I take a deep breath, trying to restrain myself from tackling this stranger. I slide my heels on and stand.

"It was nice to meet you." I smile up at him and reach out my hand.

He wraps his hands around mine. My fingers almost burn from his touch, like a chemical reaction. I'm thankful he has a tight grip because my legs are close to giving out.

"The pleasure's been mine. I hope you enjoy your evening and that you don't miss your bed too much." His warm breath travels down my neck. My teeth tug against my bottom lip when I think about my bed. And him. And his mouth.

His tongue darts out, wetting his lips as he lets go of my hands. I let out a sigh as he heads to the door, he opens it slowly, and turns with a half-smile. I smile back and let out a whimper as the door closes behind him. Almost every part of my body begs me to go after him except for my brain. It tells me to stay.

So I stay.

A/N: Ooooo! Bella's a little drunk and a little stubborn. LOL! Does she go after him? Would you?

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