AN: Hey, I'm back! Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me this far. I just spent an incredible week surrounded by nature, completely separated from the "real world." It was an awesome and spiritual experience. Take some time out this week to get away from it all, even if just for a few minutes, and just be still. Well, without further ado…I hope it was worth the wait!

Chapter 8

He was looking exceptionally hot tonight. My eyes traveled up and down his form, missing nothing. His bronze hair was tousled even more than usual, giving him a freshly sexed look. I couldn't help the involuntary shiver that arose as I imagined myself as the cause of that wild hair. My gaze continued downward, past his full kissable lips, taking in his lean muscular build. He wore a simple brown cashmere sweater, which complimented his hair and eyes, along with low rise jeans that hugged his hips just right. This man was trouble. He was too beautiful for his own good.

At some point in my examination of his many assets, I remembered that he had spoken to me and was awaiting an answer. I looked back into those expressive green eyes and realized he was well aware that I had been checking him out. But, the twinkle in his eye, combined with that oh so sexy smirk, suggested that it didn't bother him at all.

"Uh, yes," I finally responded. "I'm Emmett. Good to see you again Edward." My stomach twisted in pleasure as his name left my lips. I hoped I'd get to repeat it often.

"So what brings you out tonight Emmett?"

"I'm, uh…celebrating with my best friend, Rose." I didn't really want to get into my medical history and prayed I'd been vague enough to escape further questioning.

"So what's the occasion?" he asked.

Yeah, that plan didn't work out so well. I tried to keep things light, answering, "I got some good news this week and she wanted to take me out. That woman doesn't take no for an answer." He smiled and I decided it was time to make a move and put myself out there.

"So, do you dance?" I asked.

"Well…that depends." He replied seriously.

"On…?" I prompted.

"On who's asking." He countered with a shrug.

This was my make or break moment, and I had to take the chance. What's the worst that could happen? He could say no and I could go back to enjoying the fantasy Edward. Or he might even say yes…

"I'm asking," I stated firmly. "So, what do you say?"

He downed the rest of his drink and took my hand in his.

"So that's a yes?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yes. That's a yes." He said with a crooked smile.

The blood was rushing in my veins as I led Edward through the crowd. I stopped near the middle of the dance floor and turned to face my gorgeous man. We began to move to the beat and although I could hold my own, he really knew how to work his body. His motions were flowing and sensual and it gave me a good indication of some other types of moves he would be good at. I knew that I was smiling like an idiot, but I couldn't help myself.

As time wore on, we gradually moved closer to each other, as if magnetized. He brought one hand up to lightly grip my waist and gave me a wink. I mimicked his move and rested my own hand on his hip. I pulled him gently towards me and brought my other hand around to rest between his shoulder blades, essentially hugging him as we continued to dance. He positioned his mouth next to my ear, so he could be heard above the music and said, "You are gorgeous Emmett." I felt myself harden at his words and his close proximity.

He pulled in closer still and began to run his hands over my arms and back as he rocked his pelvis against mine. I groaned and leaned into him saying, "No, Edward. You are the beautiful one and you are driving me crazy."

He answered immediately, "That's the plan." He pulled back and smiled mischievously before turning in my arms and stopping with his back to my chest. I stepped forward a bit, so there was no space in between us and began to grind my now straining erection into him. The things this man did to me. He tilted his head back, leaning it against my shoulder and I watched as his eyes closed in pleasure.

This was pure bliss, dancing with Edward in my arms. I took a glance around the room and saw several envious glares pointed my way. I couldn't blame them. If he'd been dancing with another man, I'd have been jealous too. But he wasn't. Edward Cullen was dancing in my arms tonight.

I began running my hands over his chest and abs, reveling in the soft texture of the cashmere over the hard planes of muscle underneath. As we continued to grind together, the lower region of my body was becoming a little too excited. I needed to take a break before my problem became too much to handle. Thankfully, I spotted Rose and excused myself to let her know I didn't plan on sharing a cab back with her.

"That's my Rose over there," I said as I pointed her out to Edward. "Just give me a sec and I'll be right back."

He nodded and I walked away hoping with everything inside me that he'd wait and not move on to someone else. I'm sure he could have his pick of any guy, or girl for that matter. Rose was sitting on a bar stool and chatting it up with her gruffly handsome bad boy. She saw me approaching and waved me over.

"Hey Em, are you having a good time?" She said as I pulled her in for a quick hug.

"Yeah Rosie," I answered. "Hey, um, are you okay to go home on your own?" I glanced at her blonde, who had stepped back a bit to give us some privacy, and smiled. "Or at least with someone other than me?" I raised my eyebrows at her and nodded my head towards her guy.

She smacked my chest, but laughed, "Sure buddy. You got somethin' going on too?"

"Uh, yeah…remember the guy from the waiting room? Edward?" I inquired.

"Oh, my gosh! You're kidding me! That's great Em, where is he?" A hyper Rose was rare, and she was practically bouncing out of her seat in excitement.

I turned to point him out and saw Edward leaning against the wall and watching us closely. He hadn't gone and found someone else at all. He was waiting for me! I gave him a little nod and turned back to my giddy best friend.

"Are you taking him home, Em?"

"I don't know Rose. I really…just…I don't know." It wasn't that I didn't want to take him home and ravish him. Believe me, I did. But, I was kind of falling for him and wanted more than just a one night stand. I barely knew anything about him, but the connection I felt was so strong. I wanted it to last.

"Oh come on, live on the edge a little babe. You deserve to have some fun." She put her hand on my cheek and looked directly into my eyes. "Don't worry Em. Just for once, let go. Okay?"

"Okay," I agreed.

"Good," she smiled, satisfied. "Hey Em, before you go, I want you to meet my… someone other than you." She stood up and introduced us, "Emmett this is Jasper. Jasper, meet my best friend Emmett."

I shook his hand saying, "It's good to meet you man."

He lifted his head in acknowledgement and replied, "You too." He turned to Rose, "You wanna get outta here darlin'?" Well, that explained the cowboy boots. He was obviously from the south and that accent of his was sexy. Rose nodded, gave me another hug and squeezed my hand before taking hold of Jasper's and following him out of the club. One of us, at least, would be having some fun tonight.

I grabbed a couple waters, while I was near the bar, and headed back to Edward. He was still leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets and one leg crossed in front of the other. The picture of ease, he watched me walk back towards him and I could swear I saw him checking me out.