18

I make it through my speech, and it's all because of you. I hate having all eyes on me while I stumble through my thanks, but knowing you're out there, waiting for me to finish, gives me something to look forward to.

Halfway through dinner service, Alice announces she has to use the restroom, and every woman at the table, including you, decides to accompany her.

I nod to Alec, who's sitting a few tables over, and he follows your group. It's just a precaution because Rosalie has been shooting daggers since you insulted her, and wouldn't you know? As soon as you stood up, she dropped her fork and made a beeline after you.

You're tough and Kate is with you, so I'm not worried. Alec is excellent at damage control, just in case.

"Why do girls always have to go to the bathroom in a pack?" Jasper mutters.

The excitement of the night has worn off. He'll liven up when the music starts, but right now, he's bored to tears.

Garrett ruffles his hair. "It's just a girl thing, bud."

"Is Miss Swan your girlfriend now, Uncle Edward?"

I nod.

"You kiss her an awful lot." He grimaces and picks at the metal covering his left arm.

"It's a grownup thing, soldier. You'll understand when you're older."

"No way. Girls are gross."

Garrett snickers. "Alice is a girl."

Jasper blinks slowly. "No, she isn't. She's Alice."

We're still laughing at his logic when you return. Kate is practically howling as I pull your chair out for you.

"Do I want to know?" I ask softly.

"Probably not."

I eye my best friend, but she's out of control.

Garrett slides her wine glass away.

"Bella." She cries and laughs at the same time. "Classic ... insult ... her face."

A team of servers descend to get our dessert choices.

"Wanna get both and share?" you ask and lick your lips.

Suddenly, I'm craving your mouth instead of the black forest cake I chose during the tasting.

"Edward?"

I shake my head. "What? Yeah, sure."

You smirk and give the server our order. "Where were you just then?" you ask me when he's gone.

"Do you want to come to my place after this?"

You don't hesitate with your answer. "Sure, why not."

I give in to temptation and lean in for a kiss while Alec escorts my ex and her date out of the building.