We spend the evening in each other's arms, talking about anything and everything. I find out his exact age—thirty-five—and hear about how he joined the military and served two tours overseas. His passion was always hearts, but he loved being in the Army. I can't even imagine what all he saw, but from the haunted look on his face when he discusses his tours, I know it was hard.

I once thought about it, but Emmett wouldn't hear of it. I spoke to a Navy recruiter and came home, excited to tell him, and he shot me down instantly, telling me it was too dangerous, and he couldn't handle me doing it. I loved him enough to listen and go to college at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York as planned. Now I kind of wish I had seen more of the world, done more for it, but there's no going back.

"Why did you move to Forks?" I ask, lying against his chest.

"I had a cabin here and a job offer at Olympic Medical Center," he says with a shrug. "I grew up in the city, but I hate it. I wanted to move here for a while but couldn't bring myself to give up my job at Harborview until my new partner contacted me. It seemed like the perfect fit, so I took the offer. I'm glad I did now. This thing … this spark between us won't stop me from saving your life, Bella, but we can't—"

I nod, instantly understanding. "It needs to stay between us."

"Yeah." He sighs sadly. "I want to tell the world how amazing I think you are, but then I can't work with you. Shit, Emmett would probably lose his mind."

"And possibly try to kill you. Like … I would honestly worry about that, but you know, I don't mind keeping what's between us between us. You'll be my best kept secret."

"And you'll be my beautiful girl. So, do you actually think it can work?"

I doubt it, but nod anyway. "Sure. Emmett works a lot—especially nights—so we'll have plenty of time to see each other. And someday …"

"Once you have your heart, we'll scream from the top of the mountains."

"But until then, we're each other's best kept secret. I'm good with it—as long as I get to see you often."

He kisses me, long and passionately. "You won't be able to keep me away, pretty girl."

After how he just made me feel, he won't be able to run from me.

Dying with good sex is a good way to go, at least.


Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.