He chuckled, his skin jumping at every small touch. "Don't play so innocently. You know exactly why." And, privately, he enjoyed her that way. His sultry, soon-to-be-wife, once again at her fumbling attempt at seduction.

The fumbling made it all the more enjoyable.

Leaning his head down, he returned her kiss with his own, fervor behind the touch. He was only set aside a small allotment of time for Bella - even smaller, now with the cockblock sibling here.

With a final press of his lips, he tore himself away sooner than to be expected. It was a slow, slow process. One step forward, two steps back. "No, I don't think so - as much as I'd love to. But I'm worried about her, and the ropes do need to be shown." He sighed. "And you know Alice would pick the most unopportune time to knock."