Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or Hot Mess by Cobra Starship, the inspiration for the party. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Note: So... I'm back and better than ever! This chapter is a lot different from the other ones; its less fluff. I don't know, I got kind of sick of my old writing, so this is new. I hope you like it, cause this is similar to how it will be for the rest of the story.

Also, I know a while ago I said I wouldn't write lemons. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but there's a slight one in this chapter. Since I've matured, and I know exactly how these two are feeling, the tension needed to be relieved. I've put warnings in so if you want to skip that over, go ahead. It's not a key point in the chapter.

ps. Go on and check out my new oneshot Elevators are Matchmakers. It's Rose and Emmett.

Without further ado, the party....

Chapter 18: Hot Mess

The majority of the car ride was spent in comfortable silence, our fingers twined together lovingly. I glanced over at Edward, noting the triumphant grin plastered across his face. I was pretty sure the expression was mirrored on my face. Though I still didn't thoroughly understand why he felt so strongly about me, I had to accept the fact that he loved me as much as I loved him. Nothing could change that. At least, that's what I hoped.

Edward parked his car and turned off the engine, jumping out of his seat and rushing to my side of the car. I giggled, taking the hand he offered to help me out. A gust of wind ruffled my dress, and I again realized that it was winter. I was wearing a mini dress and sandals. I shivered violently, picking up my pace to get inside faster. I was regretting my refusal of his jacket now. Edward was dragged along behind me, chuckling the whole way. I pushed the door open and slipped in, with Edward immediately behind me.

The venue for this party was very different from the last. The floors, walls, and high ceilings were stark white, giving off a sterile feel. The stairs were slates of glass all connected precariously by ropes of wire. There was a collection of square black sofas and chair clustered in the center of the room, a spatter of party-goers already lounging drunkenly over them. Black and white paintings of angular designs decorated the walls. All of the doors leading out of the room were glass, and from what I could see, the rest of the house was just as black and white.

"Some people are waving us over," Edward whispered in my ear, breaking my concentration. I frowned—I wanted to examine the rest of this house, not mingle with strange people that I didn't know, and that I didn't particularly want to know either. I was happy with my friends, and I had learned that many of the people who came to these parties were complete assholes.

"I'm going to take a look around. I'll find you in ten minutes, okay?" I requested, my eyes darting curiously about. Edward's eyes narrowed infinitesimally.

"I don't know if that's a very good idea, Bella," he replied tightly.

"Well Edward, I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself." I smiled wide at him, and twisted out of his grip, flouncing towards one of the glass doors. I didn't look back to see Edward's reaction—knowing him, it would be furious. I pulled the chrome handle of the door, and let myself inside. It was the kitchen. Immediately, I found myself swept up by Mike Newton, the baby faced boy from my gym class.

"My girl, Bella!" he slurred, greeting me and introducing me to his friends all at once. I spied the cliché red SOLO cup in his hand. His arm wrapped around my shoulders possessively.

"Hey, Mike." I shrugged out from under his arm and surveyed those around me. Jessica was there—I offered her a small smile which she timidly returned. An attractive stranger sidled up to me.

"Lemonade?" he offered, holding out a cup to me. I realized how parched I was, and took the cup, thanking him. I took a big sip; the lemonade had a certain bite to it. I wondered if it was homemade or store bought. Whichever, it was tasty and satisfying.

Within minutes, I had drained the lemonade. Mike took my cup and refilled it for me. I felt more comfortable around these people now, and was laughing along with every joke—everything seemed funny to me now. I loved how easy these people were to get along with. I mentally slapped myself for thinking that everyone was an asshole who I didn't know. I learned the names of these people; there was Kathryn, a stunning yet haughty golden girl who reminded me irresistibly of Rosalie; there was Jay, a red haired and freckled boy who belonged in an Irish pub; and then there was Nate the attractive stranger with his dark hair, brilliant blue eyes and a white, panty-dropping smile. His arm was slung casually around me and Kathryn, whom I learned was his girlfriend.

After my third cup, I was starting to feel extremely… turned on. I hopped off the counter, on the pretense of finding Edward and showing him just how unbelievably sexy he is.

"Whoa there, partner, you can't leave yet." Nate's voice was almost a purr as he held out his hand to stop me. "Cell phone, please." There was a giant grin plastered on his features. He reminded me of Edward, no matter how little they looked alike. I pulled out my phone from between my breasts, handing it to him. I felt a flutter of smugness as Nate's mouth fell open and he stared openly where my cell phone had been. Kathryn wasn't paying attention; she was busy talking to Mike. Nate took the small device from my hands, and quickly programmed his number in. He passed it to Kathryn, who passed it to Mike, who passed it to Jessica, who passed it to Jay, who passed it back to me. I grinned triumphantly as I shoved my phone back where it belonged. I pulled Nate's face closer to me so I could give him a kiss on the cheek, which was sloppier than I had originally thought. It also ended up closer to his lips than I would have liked. I stumbled over to Mike, and leaned down towards his ear.

"You know, Jessie really likes you," I informed him. He turned his eyes greedily to Jessica, then back to me, raising a brow as if to ask Really? I nodded in confirmation, and then staggered out of the kitchen. I ran smack into a fuming Edward.

"Bella, what the hell?" Edward seethed, gripping my shoulders tightly. Though he was livid, he was so sexy. His hair was tousled perfectly, no doubt a result of his long fingers running through his hair. My imagination took over from there, thinking of all the naughty things those fingers could do… "I'll find you in ten minutes, okay?" He mimicked my voice perfectly. I frowned. Why couldn't I do that? "Bella, it's been an hour and a half, and I've been looking all over this fucking funhouse looking for you. I was so fucking worried about you! What if you had been taken up into one of the bedrooms? Or you were passed out? Bella, when will you realize how in love with you I am? That I can't be without you without feeling like a part of me is missing?" He continued ranting, but I only caught the last part, and I instantly felt bad. I couldn't stop making mistakes. Ever.

"Edward," I started, but my voice cracked. His jaw was clenched tightly; I let my hand wander up to his jaw, caressing it softly until it relaxed only slightly. "If you love me even a shade as much as I love you… then that's a lot. But I still can't comprehend why you love me." All of the cloudiness in my head had disappeared when I made this realization aloud. Edward frowned.

"When will you ever see yourself clearly?" With that, he planted his hands firmly on either side of my face, and kissed me in earnest. I responded just as eagerly, sighing into his heavenly mouth. His tongue took the invitation and plunged deep into my mouth, exploring every inch. My fingers tangled in Edward's thick copper hair, securing his face to mine. His hands raked down my sides, leaving fire in their wake. A moment later, his lips were gone, and a grimace was on his face.

"Bella, you've been drinking," he accused. I frowned in confusion.

"No I haven't! I just had some lemonade," I argued. Edward shook his head sadly. "What?"

"Ever heard of Mike's Hard Lemonade, Bella?"

Oh.

"Yes." That would explain the wooziness and my extremely aroused state. Well, I was an idiot. At least I could come to terms with myself. "Can we have sex now?" I asked, watching as his green eyes widened in surprise. I snickered, but didn't take back what I had said.

"What happened to abstinence?" Edward questioned. I shrugged lightly, grabbed his hand and stumbled up the stairs. Though I was more aware of my actions, I was still turned on. And I had no inhibitions; the world seemed so open and I could take as many chances as I wanted, and I would turn out alright.

I pulled Edward to the end of the hallway, tripping once or twice, finding the last door. Fortunately, there were no awkward noises behind this one. Faint trails of a bass made its way up the stairs as I opened the door. I spotted a small speaker in the corner of the room, feeding the same music as the player downstairs.

Stumblin' but yeah you still lookin' hella fine

Keep doin' what your doin' and I'ma make you mine.

Well you're a hot mess and I'm falling for you,

And I'm like, "Hot damn, let me make you my boo."

Cause you can shake it, shake it, shake it,

Yeah you know what to do.

You're a hot mess, I'm lovin' it, hell yeah!

I pressed my body against Edward's, feeling how unopposed he was to my actions, and smiled devilishly up at him.

"Bella," he breathed as I wound my fingers in his hair and tugged his mouth down to mine. I slid my tongue to touch his lips, and he opened his mouth to me. Our tongues danced in harmony for a few moments, before I pulled away. I let my right hand fall down from his neck to his shoulder, down his arm before lightly wrapping it around his left hand. I brought it up to my lips, and gingerly kissed each fingertip.

"Edward…" I whispered, trailing his fingers down the center of my torso, touching my sternum, between my breasts, along my abdomen until our hands reached the apex of my upper thighs. He swallowed hard, his eyes dark with lust. "Touch me."

"Bella," he repeated, his voice cracking. I smelled an easy victory. "I can't take advantage of you."

"Please?"

****LEMON HERE****

With that last word, he broke. His mouth covered mine passionately as his fingers drew tight circles on the skin of my upper thigh. I couldn't contain the moan that came from my mouth. The noise seemed to fuel Edward's desire, because he pushed me down to the bed, climbing on top of me. His fingers moved to my throbbing center seconds after we were in a comfortable position. They danced delicately over the thin lace of the floss Alice preferred to call underwear. And for a moment, I was thankful that I had no choice in my clothing material. If I had, I would be wearing cotton underwear and a cotton bra. Although, I don't think it would have mattered to Edward either way… I felt pretty in these pieces of lace.

Edward hooked his pointers into the sides, and pulled down, tantalizingly slow. Finally, the material was around my ankles, then gone, and a slight breeze from the air conditioner teased my burning core. He started the circles on my thighs again, but this time, I needed more.

"Edward," I choked out. "Please, touch me… please…" He coerced, sliding his hand to my wetness. He ran his fingers up and down my slit, and I shivered with pleasure. My head lolled back on the pillow, my eyes closing on their own accord. Edward brought his fingers to the throbbing bundle of nerves, and rubbed it in circles. A strange, gargled noise came from my mouth at the sensation. His fingers drew down to my entrance, pressing lightly before moving away.

"Edward…" I growled, clenching my fists in frustration.

"Yes, Bella?" He asked angelically, batting his eyelashes comically. I didn't laugh. I had never realized before now how frustrating this whole ordeal truly is.

"Stop teasing me." With that, he plunged a finger inside of me. I yelled out in ecstasy; the feeling was unimaginably glorious. He pumped his finger in and out, and a feeling similar to a spring coiling wound in my stomach. His fingers continued his ministrations as he brought his head down to meet them. I cried out again when I felt his cool, wet tongue touch my enlarged bundle of nerves. He curled his fingers, and I was done for. "Shit… Edward… I'm gonna…" I felt the spring inside of me release, and I felt like I was falling into oblivion.

****END LEMON****

When I came to, my whole body was shaking, and I felt weak and tired. Edward's chin was on my stomach, looking up at me with a huge grin on his face. I squinted down at him, but the effort was too much. I let my head fall back onto the pillows, and my eyes closed again. Edward laughed at my reaction—I could tell he was pleased with himself.

"Good enough for you?" He asked slyly, already knowing my answer. I shrugged noncommittally. He crawled up over me, placing a quick kiss on my lips. "We should get out of here, love," he suggested. I groaned—my legs felt like jell-o. He scooped me up in his arms, and this time I didn't complain. My energy levels were seriously depleted. I curled up against his chest, and relaxed into his grip.

I heard murmurs around me—Edward telling Emmett that we were leaving, others biding him farewell, and Edward asking someone to open the door for him. I felt the gentle rocking of Edward's movement as he walked back to the Volvo. The last thing I remember was Edward pressing his lips carefully to my forehead.

.::.

The next morning, I woke with a splitting headache. Sunlight filtered in through the window, stinging my closed eyes.

"Ungh," I moaned, turning so I was facedown on my pillow. I heard a musical chuckle from above me, but I was in no mood.

"Bella, there's some water and aspirin here. Take it," Edward's voice ordered calmly. I held out my hand without lifting my head. "You'll have to ingest it somehow," he pointed out. I flung my arm over my eyes, and sat up. Excellent, I thought triumphantly, my arm does well blocking out all light. I held out my other hand again for the aspirin. I felt the little pills in my palm, and tossed them up into my mouth. Edward handed me my water, and I took a few gulps.

"Edward, never let me drink again," I stated before collapsing facedown on my pillow again. He chuckled once more. Stupid, not-hung-over boyfriend, I thought maliciously. I sat up slowly, squinting over at the bronze haired god who always wanted me. I offered him a small smile, until the moment was interrupted by an entirely too hyperactive girl.

"Bella! I heard you had a great time last night! You're really lucky that the music was so loud— 'cause apparently, you're wake-the-neighbors loud!" Alice giggled. "We're going to get some breakfast. Coffee helps a lot!" She suggested, dancing over to my side.

"Dude, you've got to give me more time. I don't recharge in five seconds," I answered groggily, stretching out my sore muscles.

"You've got ten minutes!" I groaned, rubbing my eyes, and blinked multiple times. I stood up, stretching languidly, and trudged over to my closet. I looked down and saw I was wearing a big tee shirt and some cotton underwear. Which reminded me…

"Edward…" I started, turning slowly around to him.

"Yeah?" He was preoccupied with fixing the curtains so they didn't let any light in.

"One; where is my panty set from last night?"

"Your thong was left at the party and your bra is in your top drawer."

"Two; who changed me?"

"Me." I cocked a brow at him. "I figured since I've seen it all, you wouldn't mind," he continued, grinning devilishly. I rolled my eyes, and then returned my attention to my clothing choice. I located that UTexas sweatshirt Alice let me get, and a pair of plain white sweatpants. Next, I found a pair of warm boots that I pulled on, an unfamiliar pair that had a button on the side. I pulled my hood over my hair, and turned to face Edward. "Let's get me some coffee," I mumbled, before plodding out the door.

.::.

"Alice, give it a rest," Jasper finally said. The subject pouted, frowning at her soul mate. She had been going on about my newly existent sex life, and to be honest, everyone was getting tired of it.

"Yeah, we all know that Rosie and I are the masters of the bedroom," Emmett added suggestively. Rosalie rolled her eyes, but smirked, showing her agreement with that statement. I brought my coffee cup to my lips, taking a sip. The caffeine was doing wonders for my hangover. If Charlie got wind of my activities, he would surely be furious—not only with me, but the entire school population for bringing me into their sphere of influence. I scoffed internally at the idea.

Edward was watching me with a type of enthusiasm I thought one could only find in children watching their favorite television shows. I quirked a brow at him, but he was too enthused in each minute movement my body made.

"Edward, what the hell are you staring at?" I asked. He shook himself out of his chance, and I swore there was a tinge of pink staining his cheeks.

"Nothing," he replied quickly, his voice cracking. Damn, he must be embarrassed. I silently vowed to find out what was on his mind… some other time. Obviously, it wasn't something he wanted to share with the entire table.

You will tell me later, I mouthed to him. He pursed his lips hesitantly. Please? I unleashed my pleading powers that I had discovered once upon a time, on him. He rolled his eyes and nodded reluctantly.

"So Bella, are you excited for Wednesday?" Rosalie asked, breaking Edward and I out of our silent mini-conversation. I shrugged noncommittally. Honestly, I could care less about this damn ball that everyone was so hyped up about. I saw it as a chance for couples to flaunt their sexy partners—not that that's a bad thing—and show off how much money they had with their dresses. "So, Jacob, huh?" I glared at her.

"Old family friends," I reminded her. "I'm kind of really interested in Edward over here." I wrapped my arm possessively through his, and rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed my hair, and I closed my eyes contently.

This is the life.

Author's Note: So, good or bad? Did you think it was as different as I thought? It's definitely shorter, but oh well. Please review with your feelings!

xx, Bella