A/N: OK people, things are about to get a little bit citrusy in this chapter! I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Please let me know what you think in a Review. :)

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight.

Chapter 4 – Mr. February (cont'd)

Alone at last. Bella took a deep breath. She wasn't sure how this was going to play out. With Emmett, the chemistry in the room had been tangible; with Riley, she wasn't so sure. She recalled Rose's wise words: "Any guy who's straight and single will take what's offered to him on a plate." She didn't really like the idea of being nothing but a free meal to Riley, but her friend's advice gave her what she needed to screw her courage to the sticking place.

"So…" Bella breathed. "Where do you want me?"

"Oh, right, yeah. The massage." Had he forgotten about it already? That wasn't a good sign. For the past hour Bella had struggled to think of anything but Riley's big hands on her naked skin. "Um, I guess we may as well use the bed."

"OK, cool," said Bella, as if the thought had never occurred to her. Now I've got him right where I want him, a vampy new voice that Bella recognised as her own said. She walked over the bed, still covered in rose petals, and Riley followed her. Time for phase three of the plan.

Bella hesitated. It was now or never. If she made a half-assed job of this it would just look really awkward. She'd had enough of being Awkward Bella. It was time for Vampy Bella to take centre-stage. With a fluid movement, Bella peeled off her tank top to reveal a midnight blue lace bra. Nervously, she peeked up at Riley. He was looking. No, he was staring. She quietly let out a sigh of relief. Her plan was working.

Wordlessly, Bella unbuttoned the fly of her denim shorts and let them drop to the ground. She stepped out of them, aware now that Riley's gaze had dropped to the matching panties she was wearing. She turned to get face down onto the bed, fully conscious of the fact that the lace underwear was cut to show just enough of the curve of her butt cheek.

She looked back up at Riley with a raise of her eyebrow. "I'm ready when you are."

The bed was lower than a massage table, so Riley sat down on the bed next to Bella. He put his hands on to the bra strap running across her back. "Do you mind if I…?"

"Not at all," purred Bella, relishing the feeling of anticipation. Riley fumbled with the clasp of her bra like a teenage boy trying to reach second base for the first time. Bella suppressed a smile. Surely, as a masseur, he'd done this hundreds of times before. Something must be making him nervous. She hoped it was her.

Emboldened by Riley's nerves, Bella made a snap decision. "Here, let me." She pushed herself up into a sitting position facing Riley, and reached behind her back to unhook her bra. She slid down the shoulder straps, letting the bra fall away. The cool air of the studio and the heat of Riley's hungry stare on her bare breasts felt exhilarating. She heard Riley swallow and his breaths become ragged. Bella couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so attractive, so in control. It felt phenomenal.

She gave Riley a small smile and lay back down on the bed. He cleared his throat, as if remembering he had a job to do, and placed his hands on Bella's naked back. His touch was gentle and firm at the same time. Bella was pretty sure in normal circumstances this would not get the knots out of her back, but as Riley's big hands glided sensuously over her skin she felt any tension melt away with pure pleasure.

He gradually worked his way lower and lower until he reached the top of Bella's panties. She silently willed him to keep going, to slip his fingers under the lacey fabric. He seemed hesitant, softly kneading the skin of her lower back over and over, getting tantalizingly closer and closer. Bella let out a small 'mmm' as a sign of encouragement. It worked. Almost.

Riley brushed his hands lightly over the top of her panties, following the curves of her butt down to her slim, bare legs. He massaged Bella's legs in long, purposeful strokes, letting his fingers slide down to the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, causing her to shiver with delight. Again, Bella willed him with all her might to explore a little further.

Just when Bella thought she was about to burst with sexual frustration, the tips of Riley's fingers brushed the lace between her legs. She couldn't stop a moan of pleasure from escaping her lips. This was too much; she had to make a move. She wanted to kiss him, needed to feel his body pressed against hers. She started to make a move to roll over on to her back.

Suddenly, Bella heard the door to the studio slam shut. In shock, she clutched her hands to her breasts, just as Riley pulled his hands away from her body. They both looked over to the source of the noise, horrified.

"Oh my god, sorry! I didn't think anyone would be here. I, er, hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Cullen.

"I, um, forgot my phone," explained Edward, apologetically. "Ah, here it is." He picked up the iPhone and waved it at the stunned couple.

Bella was speechless with rage and embarrassment. She didn't want Edward to see her like this, knew she had to give an explanation. "Edward, look… uh, this is not what it looks like. Riley was just giving me a massage. Strictly professional."

"Yeah," added Riley. "I'm a masseur. Bella mentioned she'd been having back problems, so…"

"Hey guys, it's none of my business. I'll leave you to it," said Edward, hastily heading towards the door. Bella knew he didn't believe them. She thought she could sense something like disappointment in his voice. She just hoped to god he wouldn't say anything to his aunt.

Bella and Riley exchanged guilty looks. "I'd better be going," he said, getting up from the bed. Bella nodded, sadly. Once again, Edward Cullen had managed to completely kill her buzz. Awkward Bella was back. She pulled the white sheet off the bed and wrapped herself in it, suddenly conscious of her semi-nakedness.

"Well, you've done a great job on my back, Riley. You've definitely loosened me up a bit. Thanks."

"Don't mention it," he smiled, shyly, as he tried to pull on his jeans under the privacy of his toweling robe.

Bella showed him out of the studio moments later after an awkward goodbye. As she closed the door behind him, her eyes fell on the key poking out below, taunting her. She let her head crash against the doorframe in frustration.

Next time, Bella, lock the damn door!