Author's Note: This is a collaboration oneshot between ConfettiRainfall and myself, and was written for The Writer's Coffee Shop "Sports of Love Challenge." It is also posted on TWCS Library at www dot TWCSLibrary dot com under our pen names.
As always, Twilight and all its characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. We don't make any money off this, and we sure as hell don't intend any copyright infringement. We just like to play in the sandbox Ms. Meyer created.
Please note that this is rated M for a reason. If you are under 18, go read elsewhere. This is NOT for you!
Enjoy! Review!
The Sports of Love Challenge
Hosted by The Writer's Coffee Shop
Name of story: Back to You
Pennames: TwilightMomOfTwo and Confettirainfall
Category : Kahlua
Fandom: Twilight
They'd been friends since childhood, though they couldn't have been more different. Where Emmett was easy-going and boisterous, Edward remained stoic and silent. In a way, their opposite demeanors complimented each other. Of course, the two of them did have a lot of common ground. For one, they worked for the same company. Both of them enjoyed putting in a day of honest work at whatever construction site they were assigned to, and spent most of their free time on the football field.
"Oh, come on, Eddie. It was just a joke," Emmett said, laughing boisterously.
Edward sneered at Emmett – he hated that particular nickname.
"Emmett, need I remind you that I'm not five," Edward replied snidely, ignoring Emmett's bantering. "We're here to do a job, not have fun," he added in a huff before turning around and walking towards the trailer which constituted the makeshift site office.
"It's no wonder you can't get laid," Emmett muttered. "Maybe if you did, you'd calm down, chill out."
"Yeah, sure. Whatever," Edward remarked sarcastically.
That was a typical day, unless Edward was around his nephew. On those occasions and, only then, would Edward's demeanor change. He instantly became carefree, lighthearted and funny; however, the only person who consistently got to see that side of Edward was Jasper. Occasionally, if they were lucky, Emmett and his wife Rosalie, Edward's fraternal twin sister, would also be able to enjoy time with Edward when he was in a more jovial mood. Those moments, however, were few and far between.
Rosalie was convinced the reason for Edward's extreme behavior was because of a girl he'd known back in high school. A shy, quiet beauty named Isabella Swan. He and Bella had dated during all their high school years, and it had been Bella who encouraged Edward to play football. They had been friends for years before they started dating and Edward had been certain she was the one. Even when Edward became the school's star wide receiver, when he could have dated any girl of his choosing, Edward only had eyes for Bella.
Unfortunately, upon graduation, Bella broke up with him, ending their long-time friendship, stating they needed to explore new relationships with other people because they were attending different colleges. She claimed she didn't want to hold him back, but Rosalie had been certain it was Bella who wanted to scout out new guys, fresh meat, and she hadn't kept that opinion to herself. Until Edward had finally snapped and told her to never mention Bella's name in his presence again.
Rosalie abided by his wishes, keeping quiet, though it pained her to no end to see her brother in so much silent anguish. Edward knew that, should the opportunity ever arise, Rosalie was determined to have vengeance against the girl who had destroyed her brother's soul.
Even though Edward had been extremely popular at school, he had never been outgoing except for on the football field. However, after losing Bella, he withdrew even more into himself and the only reason he went to college was because Rosalie convinced him that she couldn't go alone. Reluctantly, Edward attended college, played football and earned his degree in civil engineering. He was even scouted by the NFL; though, after suffering several concussions on the field after some vicious tackles, Edward decided to forgo a football career.
At least, that's what he had told Rosalie.
His sister, however, believed that Edward couldn't handle all the attention, especially from women. No matter what she tried, who she set him up with, Edward hadn't been able to have a serious relationship since Bella left him, and eventually Rosalie gave up trying.
It was Edward's love of football and his unconditional love for his nephew which caused him to find himself facing a group of eight year old boys as Emmett's assistant football coach for one of the local community teams. Edward called out each boy's name as he reviewed the registration forms while the boys formed a line, glancing at each one briefly.
Nothing stood out on any of the forms until Edward came across the name of one boy, James Black, whose father was listed as Jacob Black, deceased and his mother, one Isabella Black. Edward cringed at the name, though he chastised himself immediately for the stupid reaction. Certainly there was more than one Isabella in the world. And besides, what were the odds of his Bella Swan ending up back in her home town, married, with a son the same age as Jasper.
As the memories of his first and only love bubbled up inside him, Edward found himself getting angry. He had buried his pain for so long after losing her love that it made him furious now to think of her, married to another, perhaps with a child of her own. She had ruined him for all other women, and he knew he'd never find again what he had back then. His broken heart had never healed. He was unable to form a relationship with another woman, because they only served to remind him of what he had lost. None compared to her.
None ever would.
Forcing himself back into the present, Edward turned his attention to the boy standing in front of him, and took in the chocolate brown eyes and mahogany hair. The boy looked just like her. He knew instantly who the boy's mother was and he immediately felt physically sick, as if he'd been punched in the gut. This should have been his son. He should have been happily married to her. Not this man, Jacob Black.
Sudden jealousy sent a flash fire through his body.
Damn you. Damn you, Bella Swan, for breaking my heart.
Edward paused as he reminded himself that the boy's father was dead and, suddenly, he felt sorry for the youngster. Regardless of what Edward believed, no child deserved to lose a parent, as he and Rosalie knew from personal experience, having lost their mother to brain cancer when they were fifteen. Bella had been at his side then, her quiet presence supporting him, loving him during some of his darkest hours.
He found himself wondering who had been there for her when she had lost her husband.
"Edward?" Emmett called out.
Hearing his voice brought Edward out of his melancholic contemplations as he reminded himself that even if his Bella was the mother of James Black, she was no longer his Bella and she hadn't been his for fourteen years.
Edward sighed. "Yes, Emmett?"
"You okay, dude?"
"Yeah, fine," Edward replied as he returned his attention to the next name on the list.
As practice began, Edward couldn't help but notice that, even in his demeanor, the boy was just like Bella. Quiet. Listening intently to the instructions before executing the movements judiciously. There was so much of Bella in this small boy that it only furthered Edward's anguished reminiscence, and he had to carefully compose his face before anyone would notice.
Edward was anxious for practice to conclude. He waited with bated breath for the boys' parents to arrive as he carefully scoured the crowd for James' mother. Edward's breath hitched in his throat when he saw a guy, perhaps in his mid-twenties, approach the boy, a big smile on his face.
"James!"
"Uncle Seth!"
Suddenly Edward's heart felt lighter. Perhaps this was Jacob Black's brother. But, was Bella his mother? Why did he even care? It was old history, wasn't it? So why was he longing to see her? It seemed his heart had already convinced him that she truly was this boy's mother, the one who looked and moved so much like her that it took Edward's breath away.
Edward shook his head at himself and turned, walking toward Emmett when a voice stopped him dead in his tracks. At that moment, ice water seemed to run through his veins instead of blood. Edward would never forget that voice, even though he hadn't heard it since the day she said good-bye, and broke his heart.
"Seth! James! I'm sorry I'm late. I got stuck in the office."
Edward's face paled, his heart pounded in his chest, as the huge lump in his throat prevented him from breathing, causing him to gasp for air. Panicking, he tried to convince himself that he was mistaken, that if he dared turn around, he would see a stranger, but somehow he knew that wasn't true. He had listened to that voice and had loved, cherished the face behind that voice for more years than he could recall.
Edward was frozen where he stood, willing himself to turn around, his body refusing to obey, as he heard her sweet, melodic voice again.
"Thanks, Seth. I don't know what I would do without you," she sighed.
"Bella, where else would I be? He's my godson," he said before whispering, "We all miss Jacob."
As soon as Edward heard her name, he was unable to stand still, the instant longing overpowering his fear as a tugging sensation deep within his core answered some silent call from her. Without wanting to, without meaning to, he spun around on his heels. He gasped as he saw her mahogany hair while she pushed a strand behind her ear, her profile coming into view for the first time since he was eighteen.
Edward thought about all the things he wanted to say, all the things he wanted to do, as he took his first step toward her when he heard another voice.
"Hey, Edward." Emmett had the worst timing ever.
Edward tried to quickly turn around before she could see him, but somehow she seemed to move quicker than any human should as he found her milk chocolate orbs staring into his emerald green eyes for the first time since she had left him. He watched as her mouth gaped open, her lips moving slightly, but no words sprang forth. He was surprised that his heart hadn't escaped through his ribcage as it pounded in his chest, trying to sprout wings and fly – to her.
No matter what she had done, no matter how many years it had been, Edward was certain of three things. First, he still loved her. Second, he would only ever love her and third, he had already forgiven her for leaving him. He didn't know when or how her husband had died, and it didn't really matter, except for the pain that it must have caused her. All Edward knew was that Bella was presumably single, and that he needed her in his life, in whatever capacity she would allow. He had let too many years pass him by not to let this chance meeting be a new starting point. If she couldn't love him, perhaps she'd consent to be his friend.
For now.
Bella simply stared at Edward, unable to speak. She hadn't consciously thought about Edward Masen in years. However, he'd show up in her subconscious during her dreams, quite often if she was honest with herself. She forced herself to ignore, forget those dreams night after night, week after week, year after year, but she knew she would never forget him. Not even after she had met Jacob.
Although she had loved Jacob enough to marry him and have his son, she knew that she would never truly love anyone the way she loved Edward Masen. She had hoped by giving Edward the opportunity to thrive in college, allowing him to focus on football instead of her, he would become the football player she knew he could be. She had broken her own heart by leaving him, for him to have that chance, knowing that he would hold back for her unless she forced him into that option. After they broke up, she had covertly followed any news about him that she could find. For some reason, although he'd had quite a remarkable college football career, he never pursued anything at the professional level. She'd heard rumors that he had been scouted by several NFL teams, but had turned them all down.
Bella had thought about calling Edward many times, even going so far as to call Rosalie once, but had lost the courage to speak once Rosalie answered the phone. Bella sighed, knowing that she would never be able to take back the words that had escaped her mouth all those years ago even though the horrendous conversation reverberated in her mind nearly every day since she had spoken those malicious lies.
"Edward, we need to explore, find ourselves."
"Bella, I know who I am, what I want to be."
"Well, maybe I need to learn what I can become."
"I know who you are and who you'll be. You're the love of my life. You're my reason for living and one day you'll be my wife."
That's when she spoke the lie that shredded both her heart and his.
"Edward, I need some space. I don't know if I'm truly good for you, if you're good for me."
"What are you saying?"
"I think we need to see other people."
Bella recalled the gut-wrenching expression that came over Edward's face as she tried to steady her lips before they started trembling as she continued looking into his eyes. Those eyes had haunted her, turning from a bright green to a dull hazel, as she watched the life drain from his face. She'd averted her eyes down to her hands, unable to watch the pain that flashed across his face, knowing that she had inflicted it on him, knowing she was breaking his heart. Even if it was for his own good.
Bella shook her head, trying to bring herself back to the here and now, as she looked up and saw his bronze hair, his chiseled jaw line and his slightly crooked smile. Even though he had matured, she was amazed at how magnificent he had become. The years had been good to him as she reminded herself that it in fact had been years. At that instant she was unable to stop herself from thinking about what his wife looked like, what career path he had chosen and whether any of these boys were his.
Bella felt her stomach cramping and her heart twisting in her chest. No matter how hard she tried, she was unable to turn away from him. All her attempts to call out for him left her speechless and she was sure she looked like a fish as her mouth opened and closed silently. After what seemed like an eternity, Bella saw Edward walk toward her. His eyes were a bright green, the emerald color she loved so much, and they seemed to be sparkling. She recognized the look and her heart shattered a little more knowing that those eyes weren't hers any longer.
"Bella," Edward spoke quietly as she found him standing in front of her, his arm outstretched towards her. "It's been too long."
Of course he would remind her of that. It was just enough of a dig to help her regain her senses. Regardless, she would not be rude as he apparently would be James' coach.
Bella extended her hand and Edward quickly grabbed it. Immediately she was stunned by the electricity that seemed to flow from his hand through hers, traveling up her arm, until the tingling sensations found their way to her chest. Instantly she recalled experiencing those vibrations each and every time Edward had touched her all those years ago. She was unable to hold back a gasp as she returned her gaze from their intertwined hands to his captivating eyes.
Edward could not remove his gaze from Bella's breathtaking face. He had gone too long without seeing her beauty and even has he held her hand, the overwhelming yearnings began to stir within him once more. When he heard her gasp, he was certain that she, too, had felt the mysterious current that always seemed to pass between them, each and every time they touched. Apparently, that was one thing that had not changed over the course of the years, causing him to wonder what else might have remained the same.
Bella had remained quiet and he couldn't help but wonder why. He desperately needed to hear her voice again as he pondered over what could have caused her silence. Finally, as he slowly released Bella's hand, she spoke.
"Uh, yes. It has," she mumbled nervously.
It occurred to Edward that although he was aware that James' father had died, he was not certain whether or not Bella was currently in a relationship. Yet, somehow, he was certain she wasn't. Knowing Bella as he did, he was fairly confident that she would not have sought the companionship of another, too concerned with the needs of her child and everyone else around her, always so quick to ignore her own needs. And, of course, she had no way of knowing that even after all these years he remained available, unattached, alone. As all the feelings came rushing back in waves, he knew that he could not let her leave without at least attempting to speak with her privately as he succumbed to the urgency to tell her that he had never loved another.
"Would you like to have a drink this evening, or, perhaps, a cup of coffee?" Edward suggested, as he was consumed by the urge to touch the soft skin of her face, to cradle her delicate cheeks in the palms of his hands. Not once since that dreadful day had his body responded to a woman as he now yearned for Bella. He prayed to anyone, any entity who might listen, that she would accept his invitation as he watched her look from her son, to the man he assumed was her brother-in-law and back to him.
"Seth?" Bella spoke quietly. "Would you mind taking James home? I won't be long."
Edward cringed inside as he considered the possibility that Bella did not really want to spend time with him, but was, perhaps, just being polite. He understood she had obligations, but after so many years he had hoped that she missed him as much as he did her. Edward promptly ridiculed himself for being such a fool. Why had he allowed himself to get his hopes up? He tried to keep his expression calm, but was unable to stop the scowl that momentarily contorted his face.
"Edward, are you okay?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
He blinked, doing his best to relax the grimace he felt, before answering.
"Yes, fine. Are you ready to go?"
"Umm, I have my car. Where shall I meet you?" Bella inquired almost hesitantly.
Unwilling to even let her get in her own car, Edward thought for a moment, dismissing the noisy tavern around the corner for the quiet coffee shop down the block.
"There's a nice place within walking distance if you'd like to go there. I'd be more than happy to escort you back to your car when you're ready to leave. It seems silly to drive when we're so close. And the weather is still nice enough for a walk...," Edward replied as casually as possible.
It was clearly obvious that she was reluctant, but after a moment of contemplation, Bella agreed.
As Edward looked around, he realized the field was empty, Emmett having left without saying a word. Had Emmett recognized Bella? Edward hoped that Emmett would keep his mouth shut and not mention anything to Rosalie. She would be furious and that was a conversation Edward did not want to have with his sister any time soon.
As they walked toward the parking lot, a staggering desire to take Bella's hand in his took hold of Edward. He was about to reach out when he thought better of it. He didn't want to rush her and, possibly ruin the second chance they had been given, yet the urges he felt deep inside to pull her soft, supple body against his was nearly more than he could take.
While he had never loved anyone other than Bella, he had from time to time permitted Rosalie to set him up on dates with one model or another. He had learned quickly that all he had to do was smile and women seemed to drop their panties for him. It was not something he was proud of, but there were moments when the constant loneliness became too much and he just needed to feel a woman's body even if in his mind it was Bella he was coupling with.
A few years after Bella left, Edward had found himself on a blind date with a nice girl, Tanya Kaminski, and as things progressed, he felt that maybe this relationship could actually go somewhere. However, the first night he'd stayed over Tanya's place, Bella's name fell from his lips as he climaxed. Not surprisingly, that was the end of anything he might have had with Tanya. After that fiasco, he had never tried again, reluctantly taking to one night stands, instead. He always used protection, never had sex while drunk, and all of them were blonde and statuesque. Never brunette. Never one whose hair or figure might remind him of Bella. Those were his rules.
Before either of them realized it, they found themselves at the coffee shop. Neither had spoken to the other while they walked, both too nervous and apprehensive to find the right words. As anxious as they were, they were equally afraid to pass up the opportunity they had been given. Edward held the door open for Bella as they entered the coffee shop and smiled. Bella smiled back. Before thinking, Edward placed a hand on the small of her back and, when she didn't pull away, he found himself from grinning ear to ear.
After they had ordered and gotten their coffee, Bella found herself intrigued by the man sitting in front of her. Although she had known him for many years, they had not been in contact since she left him and she wondered what made him tick. In many ways he seemed the same as he had been during high school, but Bella could also detect a subtle sadness that seemed to surround him. She needed to learn about him, how he had been and what he'd been doing. Had he ever married? Was he divorced? Could he have remained single? That was something she found hard to believe. Edward had become a magnificently handsome man and she was certain he had women falling over themselves around him.
As Bella sipped her coffee, she thought about whether or not Edward had seen James' enrollment form listing his father as deceased. She wanted to tell Edward what had happened, but it was too soon so she decided to break the silence with some small talk.
"What have you been up to?" she asked quietly.
"Not much, you know, work," Edward mumbled nervously, wondering what had come over him.
"I saw Emmett at the field. How is he?" Bella inquired.
"Good, he's good. He needed an assistant coach for Jasper's team, so apparently I'm it," he chuckled.
"Jasper?" Bella looked confused.
"My nephew, Emmett and Rosalie's son," Edward replied, almost choking on his coffee. He knew Rose would find out that Bella's son was on their team and was almost afraid for Bella. Almost. A small part of him looked forward to that showdown, should it ever occur.
"How is Rose?" Bella hesitantly asked, fiddling with her napkin. She hadn't seen Edward's sister since the breakup and Bella was certain Rosalie hated her.
"Umm, she's good. Still models every now and then, but mainly enjoys being a mom."
Edward laughed as he saw the shocked expression on Bella's face.
"Yeah, it's hard to imagine, but she's really great with Jasper," Edward said laughingly.
Bella looked up at him, trying to smile, but suddenly her heart wasn't in it. She had not been out with a man since Jacob's accident, and for some reason she felt guilty. She knew there was no reason for the guilt, but she was having a hard time, concerned what James would ask her when she got home. Regardless of her hesitation, she realized that perhaps she had been given a second chance with Edward and she didn't want it to go to waste.
"What about you? Any kids?" Bella murmured. She wasn't usually so forward, but she had to know who and what occupied Edward's life.
"No," Edward replied sadly. "No kids. No wife, or girlfriend, either." The words sounded harsh, more bitter than he'd expected. Edward sighed.
"Oh," was all Bella could say. Suddenly the years apart seemed to disappear and all she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him. Although she mourned the death of her husband, seeing Edward looking so sad took her back to the day she'd left. Somehow she would make it up to him, if he'd let her.
Edward looked out the coffee shop window. Why had he admitted how lonely he was? Because he was an idiot. Bella had moved on, but he had not. Could he be any more pathetic?
"Ready to go?" he asked, feeling awkward by the entire situation. It was getting late and he assumed she needed to get home.
"Yeah, I guess so," she said, staring down at her empty cup.
They walked in silence back toward the field, neither knowing what to say, but not wanting the night to end.
Edward wanted nothing more than to take Bella home, have a drink and an honest talk about what had happened. He wanted to understand why she had left and he was tired of the anger. Somehow he knew they had been given another chance, but until they discussed what had occurred in their past, they wouldn't be able to move forward.
"Edward, where is your car?" Bella asked, bringing him back to the present.
"Actually, it's right here," he stated, pointing to his 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I Fastback. Emmett had helped Edward rebuild the engine and eventually restored the body. This car was his pride and joy – the one possession Edward had after Bella left him that brought him pleasure.
As they walked over to his car, he thought about how great she would look sitting in it. He couldn't help but admire her slender figure even through the scrubs she was wearing and he found himself smiling as he pictured Bella without her work uniform. As memories of the moments they had shared during high school blazed through his mind, he instantly felt a twitching in the lower part of his body. Edward found himself frowning, wondering how many men might have had similar reactions to Bella's beauty and how many she had been intimate with. He shook his head, trying desperately to dispel the thoughts that had begun to consume him.
"Nice car," Bella said, bringing him out of his reverie. "It suits you well," she continued with a smirk.
Edward wondered what that look was for. "Thanks," he replied before turning and looking at the handful of cars that remained in the lot.
"Which one is yours?" Edward asked.
"The minivan," Bella replied. "I know, soccer mom," she said rolling her eyes.
"No, football mom," Edward joked as Bella smiled.
Suddenly images of Edward playing football rushed through her mind as she recalled the nights after those games. She could remember the scent of sweat and testosterone that had radiated off him after a game. It had been an aphrodisiac to her and their wild, passion-filled romps were still firmly lodged in her memories.
Bella was stunned by the intensity of the feelings that were stirring within her. She knew if she didn't get away from Edward immediately, it was likely she'd do something she might possibly regret later.
"I guess I better get home," Bella sighed.
"Sure," Edward said as the need to take Bella's hand trumped his rational thought. Feeling her soft, supple skin brought to the surface every desire, yearning he had suppressed for years and the proximity to her body was overwhelming. He waited for Bella to pull away, but she didn't.
"Come on," he said. "I'll walk you to your car."
Bella nodded and smiled. As they walked the distance of the parking lot in comfortable silence, Bella realized she no longer felt guilty as she held Edward's strong, warm hand in hers.
Before they departed for the evening, they exchanged phone numbers. Edward promised to call Bella after work the next day before watching her drive away, as he felt his heart once again leaving with her.
Upon Bella's arrival at home, she braced herself for the barrage of questions she knew was coming.
"Seth, James, I'm home," Bella called out nervously.
"Mom! We're in my room," James yelled excitedly.
Bella was certain he and Seth were playing one of James' video games as she chuckled quietly. Seth was such a kid at heart. Just like Jake. A tear trickled down her cheek as the house suddenly felt very cold, more so than usual. She thought about her feelings for Edward and the reasons she had left him. They had seemed such a good idea at the time, but looking back she couldn't help but wonder if that one decision had turned out to be the greatest mistake of her life.
Bella shook her had as she walked up the stairs. No matter how much she hurt herself or Edward, there was no way she could ever regret marrying Jake if for no other reason than because of James. He was the light of her life.
As Bella approached James' room, Seth walked out. James had already gotten ready for bed.
"Good night, sweetheart," she said to her son before kissing him on the forehead.
"Night, Mom," he replied, yawning.
Bella was relieved James had gone to sleep. She wasn't ready to discuss anything with him. However, she knew she wouldn't be so lucky with Seth. Making her way down to the kitchen, she stopped upon hearing Seth's voice.
"Bella, it's not really my business, but who was that guy?"
A part of Bella wanted to tell Seth to take a hike, but she understood his concern, especially when it came to James.
"He's just an old friend, that's all," she said.
"Is that so?" Seth asked, looking at her in disbelief. "Come on Bella. Level with me. I saw the way you two looked at each other. That's not the look of casual friendship."
"Seth, Jake being gone is hard on all of us, but I'm not dead," Bella replied in a huff. "And, yes, he is just an old friend. Can we leave it at that?"
Seth looked disapprovingly at Bella and she felt uneasy. She didn't want Seth to hate Edward, but right now she didn't have the energy to deal with it. She wasn't even sure if there was anything to be concerned about.
"Fine, but would you just be honest with me? I worry about you and James," Seth replied cautiously.
"Of course. If and I mean if there's anything to tell, we'll talk. I miss Jake, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life alone," Bella said sadly.
Seth left a few minutes later and Bella spent the rest of the evening and all night thinking and dreaming of Edward.
Edward was preoccupied with Bella from the moment she'd driven away, unable to stop thinking about her as he slept. To say the dreams were erotic would have been an understatement. As he drove to work the following morning, he was anxious to see Emmett, wondering what he might have mentioned to Rose.
The job site was so busy that they didn't have an opportunity to talk until lunch and by the look on Emmett's face, Edward knew he was in trouble.
"So, seems you found Bella Swan," Emmett said slyly.
"Mind your own business, Emmett," Edward scowled.
"Talk with me or talk with Rose. It's your choice," Emmett scoffed.
"Emmett, it was the first time I've laid eyes on her in over fourteen years. Her son's on the team and we're the coaches. That's it. End of story," Edward replied with a huff.
"Dude, I'm not stupid. I saw how you looked at her. You've never gotten over her and I don't want you to go through that again."
"I haven't heard from Rose so I'm assuming you didn't mention anything to her," Edward said hesitantly.
"I'm not even going there. You know she's going to flip her lid. If Rose ever sees Bella, she's going to chew her up and spit her out. It's not going to be pretty," Emmett said, shaking his head.
"I'll deal with my sister," Edward replied angrily. "If Bella and I are getting the opportunity to start over, Rose will not interfere."
"Good luck with that," Emmett chuckled.
By the end of the day Edward could hardly rein in his anticipation as he ran to his car, pulled out his phone and called Bella.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Bella. It's Edward. Are you home?"
"Yes, today was one of my off days. I only work three days a week unless there's an emergency," Bella replied happily.
Edward was silent for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. He didn't want to invite himself over because he assumed her son was home. He was about to invite her to dinner for the following night when Bella beat him to the punch.
"Would you like to come over?" she asked quietly.
"Are you sure that's okay, I mean with James?" Edward didn't want to cause a scene. He knew how he'd felt when his mother died and he didn't want to interfere with James' and Bella's relationship.
"He's actually having dinner with his grandparents tonight," Bella replied. "He won't be home until seven-thirty or eight."
"In that case, would you like to have dinner tonight?" Edward asked, his heart racing as his pulse pounded in his ears.
"I'd like that very much," she replied quickly, agreeing to meet at the restaurant.
Fifteen minutes later, Edward and Bella found themselves face to face once again. Some of the anxiety and apprehension from the previous night had dissipated, so they enjoyed a quiet meal together as they slowly became reacquainted.
As they ate, they discussed what they'd done during their long absence and by the time they were ready to leave, both felt a little more relaxed. They still hadn't discussed exactly why Bella had left, but that would happen eventually. They walked down the sidewalk, hand in hand, making their way to Bella's car as she used her remote to unlock the door. She turned to him as he leaned against the car and felt herself drowning in his eyes, gazing at her softly. Neither of them spoke.
Edward's hand came up slowly and brushed against her cheek, cupping her face. Bella's breath hitched in her throat as the heat from his hand seemed to seep directly into her skin. Edward's eyes dropped to her mouth. Bella licked her lips nervously. Inside her, a fire began to burn. Before she could form a rational thought, she closed the distance between them, pinning Edward against the car and crushing her mouth to his. Edward was shocked, but only for a moment, as the feel of her soft lips overwhelmed him and he began to return the kiss. He swept his tongue across her bottom lip, and invaded her mouth as she gasped. Their tongues battled feverishly. Passion flared just like it always had between them.
Bella's hands wound into his hair, pulling at the strands as she crushed herself closer to him, lining her body up to his from head to toe. She couldn't get close enough, panting in his mouth, wrapping her legs around his. Edward's body reacted instantaneously, his suddenly throbbing erection pressing into her stomach. Both moaned at the contact. One of his hands cupped the back of her neck, the other grasped her waist, pulling her closer still. Edward's heart pounded, his breathing erratic and he could almost envision being surrounded by the softness and heat of Bella's supple body, sheathed within her, losing himself. It had been so long, so lonely without her.
Down the road, a car honked, and Edward suddenly remembered where they were and how very wrong this situation was. They were moving much too fast.
"Bella," he panted against her mouth as he gently pushed her back. "Bella...we have to stop. We can't do this here."
His dick throbbed painfully in the confines of his pants, and though he wanted nothing more than to consume this beloved woman in his arms, he couldn't do it there, not in the parking lot, not after all this time. They both deserved better, and he deserved to know why she had left him all those years ago before he took this any further.
Tears welled up in her eyes, shame consuming her as Bella assumed Edward was rejecting her. Before Edward realized what was happening, Bella had twisted out of his arms, reaching for the door and yanking it open with such force that it nearly knocked him to the ground. Faster than seemed humanly possible, Edward reached for her before she was able to enter the car, grabbing one of her wrists and swinging her around so she was once again facing him. Her passionate reaction had given him hope, and he was not willing to let her run from him again.
"Let me go," she sobbed, struggling against his grip on her arm. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. Please don't be angry."
"Bella, it was just unexpected," Edward said, a small smile gracing his lips. "Nothing would make me happier, but you've been through too much. Let's take this slow, shall we?"
As her tear-stained face lifted to his, Edward pulled Bella against his chest, rubbing her back and placing tender kisses on the top of her head. After a few minutes, as her breathing returned to a more normal rhythm, Edward lifted her chin up so he could look into her eyes.
"Are you ready to go?" he whispered lovingly.
Bella nodded as Edward hugged her again and placed another soft, gentle kiss on her lips. "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
She nodded once more before she got into the car and he gently closed the door. He waited until she had pulled out of the parking lot before he made his way to his own car, a wide smile on his face. For the first time in years, he felt hopeful. Suddenly, the future looked much brighter.
Bella couldn't wait to get out of work the next day because James had football practice and she was going to see Edward. It was clear from their behavior the night before, that both of them still had feelings for the other. Bella was a little nervous, mostly because Seth would be there, and she didn't want him to cause a scene. Her brother-in-law was a little too protective for his own good. Add that to the possibility that Rosalie would be there, and Bella had reason to feel a little jittery. Although Edward may have forgiven her, Bella was sure that Rosalie had not.
Practice was almost over by the time she arrived, but she was still able to see James play. Bella smiled as she thought about her son; she loved him so much. She knew no one could take Jacob's place in her son's heart, but she hoped that one day Edward and James could become great friends.
She watched Edward as he coached, happiness evident on his face. When he spotted her in the stands, he grinned and waved. Bella was unable to remove her eyes from his long, lean, muscular body, his sweat-drenched shirt clinging to his chiseled chest. She was transported back to her senior year of high school, remembering how Edward's body moved sinuously as he ran, reached for and caught nearly every football that was thrown his way. She recalled how his body had moved over hers when they made love, powerful, hard, sinewy.
Bella had been lost in her thoughts when she heard James.
"Hey, Mom!" he called out, waving wildly, a huge smile on his face.
Bella stood up, waving back as she caught sight of the tall boy with blond, wavy hair, standing next to James. Based on looks alone, that had to be Emmett and Rosalie's son, Jasper McCarty.
She chanced a look around and was met with the icy stare of Rosalie's blue eyes. Bella flinched and hurried directly toward James.
She felt Rosalie's hateful glare on her back, but she didn't want to make a scene in front of her son, so she quickly ran to Seth, begging him to take James home, promising to explain everything later. He started to object, but then nodded as he observed a very angry, tall, blond woman storming toward Bella.
"I'll be home soon, okay?" Bella said to James who appeared anxious as he looked from his mother to Jasper and the woman who seemed to be stalking Bella. Seth quickly pulled James away towards the car. "Come on, buddy..."
She didn't want him to hear whatever Rosalie had to say. She really didn't think Jasper should hear it either, but Bella had no way of shielding him from his own mother's outburst. Bella was relieved when she heard Emmett's deep voice.
"Jasper, come help me put the equipment away, okay, son?" Emmett looked at Bella with mixed emotions.
With both her son and Rose's son out of harm's way, Bella stood and faced her former friend.
"So, you're alive," Rosalie said mockingly. "That's too bad."
Bella knew a confrontation with Rosalie would be unpleasant, but she had never considered the possibility that Rosalie would wish her dead. Searing spasms of pain ripped through her chest at the thought of what her leaving had so obviously done to Edward and his family. She looked at Rosalie, ready to face her penance, but couldn't help glancing at Edward for a moment. He had noticed the commotion and was currently running towards them, a grimace on his face.
"No," Rosalie said angrily as she followed Bella's eyes.
"He will not come to your rescue. This is between you and me," Rosalie gestured, poking her finger into Bella's chest before pointing back to herself.
"I . . . I don't need him to –" Bella stuttered, unprepared for Rosalie's outburst.
"That's right, you didn't. You left him alone, broken and I had to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart," Rosalie spat out bitterly. "You will not have the opportunity to do it again."
Bella had always known how protective the Masen siblings were of each other, but had never realized how much hatred Rose actually felt toward her. She was stunned, not sure what to say. How could she ever have a relationship with Edward if his family hated her? They were such a big part of his life. All she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and disappear. Perhaps it would have been better if they had not become reacquainted.
Bella sighed.
"Rose," she said.
"Don't you 'Rose' me. You are not a friend. You are not even good enough to be the dirt on the bottom of my shoe. You stay away from my brother, you fucking bitch!" Rosalie roared.
Bella stood in stunned silence when Edward reached them.
"Rose, shut the hell up," he said firmly. "I know you're just looking out for me, but this has nothing to do with you. It's none of your concern."
Rosalie looked surprised by her brother's outburst, but deep down she knew that he would forgive Bella anything. He had been in love with her since the first day he'd laid eyes on her. Rosalie honestly couldn't recall a time when Bella Swan hadn't been a part of their lives, until she abandoned Edward after high school.
"None of my concern?" she shrieked. "I've stood by and watched you walk around like the living dead for fourteen years! She ruined you for every other woman," Rosalie choked back a sob. She didn't want Bella to see how much her actions had not only affected Edward, but Rosalie as well.
Edward walked up to his sister and pulled her into a loving embrace. He knew his sister loved him and he adored her, but somehow he had to make her understand. Edward stepped back, still holding onto Rosalie's shoulders.
"Rose, I owe you so much," Edward said quietly. "I would never have survived the past fourteen years without you, but this is my choice. If Bella wants to be a part of my life, she can have me – any part of me."
Edward leaned forward and kissed his sister on the forehead even as she frowned at him.
Rosalie was still fuming. She shook her head as she started to say something to Edward, but decided against it.
Edward dropped his hands from off Rose's shoulders and walked over to Bella, taking her hands in his. As he raised them up to his lips, he lowered his head, kissing each one of her knuckles gently before returning his gaze to her beautiful milk chocolate eyes. Slowly he dropped one hand, placed an arm around her waist and kept her other hand securely in his as he escorted her to where Rosalie stood.
"Rosalie," Edward said quietly. "You don't have to love her. You don't even have to like her, but I will not tolerate you speaking ill of her, at least not in front of us."
Us – the word slid off his tongue so easily. He looked over at Bella and smiled.
"I think we need to talk," he whispered into her ear.
Bella nodded.
"Would you like to come over?" he asked.
"Yes. Just let me call Seth first, okay?" Bella replied hesitantly.
"Absolutely, love."
A short while later, Bella and Edward sat on his couch, facing each other, her stomach churning as she explained why she'd left, laying out her reasons, begging him to understand that she had wanted the world for him, and thought that by staying with her, she would only hold him back. At first, Edward was angry that she had made this decision for both of them, but in the end, he knew that no matter how angry he was, they wouldn't get this time back, and all they could do now was make the best of what they'd been given. She was here now, and that was what mattered.
"I can't tell you how sorry I am," Bella whispered finally as Edward caressed her tear-stained face.
"I just wish you would have talked to me," he replied as Bella placed her hand over his, leaning her face into his touch.
Suddenly the years of yearning for each other overpowered them as the desire that pulsed through their bodies was more than either of them could stand.
Their eyes locked, and the mirrored desire in Edward's gaze took Bella's breath away. He hadn't changed clothes yet, the musky scent of his sweat saturating his shirt, and Bella was reminded yet again how much that used to arouse her – and still did.
Edward recognized the hunger in Bella's eyes, and with a groan, he closed the distance and clutched her to him. Their lips met in a searing kiss, and fourteen years of separation faded into nothingness. His hands feverishly roamed down her back, tugging her shirt from her pants, as their tongues battled for dominance, Bella's sweet breath caressing his face. His muffled moan set her off, and she dipped her fingers under his shirt, scrunching it up his back.
He released her for a moment to rip the shirt off, then dove back in to claim her lips. Bella's hands traced across his chest, playing with his nipples. A husky moan tore from his mouth, only to be swallowed by her frenzied lips.
"Edward..."
Bella moaned as she pushed him back into the couch and straddled his legs, grinding her molten core against his throbbing hard-on. His hands went to cup her perfect ass, never breaking the kiss, and pulled her closer against him. His hips bucked up and Bella's gasp spurred him on. He bucked again as she pushed down against his bulging length and threw her head back, releasing his mouth. Edward's lips attacked her pale throat, licking and sucking on the sensitive skin behind her ear. A sobbing cry left her lips.
"Oh...Edward...I need you."
Edward scooted forward on the couch and stood up, his hands lifting Bella with him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled his face back to hers, as he stumbled for his bedroom. Blindly, he searched for the handle and pushed the door open, not stopping until he reached his bed.
He fell forward upon her when his knees hit the edge of the bed, catching himself on his arms, running his lips down her throat and down the vee of her shirt. Shifting onto his knees, he moved his trembling hands to the hem of her shirt, searching her eyes for assurance.
Bella smiled as she lifted herself up so he could remove the shirt. Edward's eyes roamed over her chest, her soft mounds barely hidden underneath the blue lace of her bra. His hands fumbled for the clasp behind her back, and he pulled the offending garment off her shoulders. It joined her shirt on the floor.
Reverently, unable to believe that he had been given this second chance, he ran his hands over and around the silky pale skin of her breast, her nipples peaking against his fingers. Bella's nails dug into his arms and her back arched. Edward lowered his head and flatted his tongue against one of the stiffened tips. Moaning at the taste, so familiar, so very Bella, he swirled his tongue around and closed his lips over it, sucking her nipple into his mouth, laving, nipping, remembering.
Bella mewled underneath him, her fingers dancing down his torso, tugging on his shorts, her legs coming up to his sides until her feet reached the top of his gym shorts and began pushing them down. He swiftly kicked off his shoes, toed off his socks, and shed his pants. His erection dug into her thigh as she pulled him back down, and lifted her hips towards him. He quickly helped her out of her scrub pants and pulled her panties tantalizingly slow down her legs, allowing himself to marvel at the drenched folds and the treasure that lay beneath.
Strong arms lifted her and moved her further up the bed, with Edward's hard body covering half of her almost immediately. His hand stroked her stomach, circling lower and lower until he reached the soft patch of curls at the apex of her thighs, her arousal glistening in the muted light. He captured her lips in another forceful kiss, as his fingers slowly parted her wetness and dipped into the heat of her slit, searching for her opening, entering the hot cavern. He pumped his fingers a few times, curling them to stroke the hidden spot within. Bella hummed against his mouth, and Edward groaned at the sensation.
He moved his head lower, parting her folds and licked up her slit in one sure stroke.
"Shit," Bella moaned huskily. "You never..."
Edward smiled against her heat, then dove back in and sucked her clit into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the swollen nub until Bella whimpered underneath him, her stomach muscles clenching, her fingers pulling on his hair, pushing him down between her legs. He thrust his tongue into her pussy as far as he could, feeling the walls contract, and she came with his name on her lips, the sweet juices of her release flooding his mouth. He swallowed convulsively, relishing the taste. In all their time together, he had never dared to put his mouth on her.
He had dared now. There was not a part of her that he didn't want to possess, want to touch, want to taste.
She lay panting, her chest heaving, flushed and Edward thought that he had never seen her look more beautiful. He moved up her body and lay down beside her, his leg between hers, pulling her face to him for another deep and passionate kiss.
Bella could taste herself on his lips, and it increased her arousal tenfold, making her bold. Her small, hot hand gripped his now painful shaft, swiftly rubbing the pre-cum over the head with her thumb, lubricating the hardened length, and she began firmly stroking up and down.
"Fuck, Bella," he gasped into her mouth, his hands fisting in the sheets.
Edward came undone. He quickly moved between Bella's legs, lifted her knees with his hands and with one powerful stroke pushed fully into the slick sheath of her sex. Bella gasped loudly at the intensity of being filled to the hilt, arching up to him, but Edward gave her no time to catch her breath, pulling out and pushing back in, setting a fast, hard rhythm. Their eyes locked for a moment, and then Bella's head fell back, her lids closing from the ecstasy he was inciting in her.
His hips slapped against her skin, harder, faster, pounding into her, and the pain, the anguish, the broken pieces of fourteen lonely years, left his body until all he could feel was the strong grasp of her inner muscles surrounding his hard length, her scent engulfing him, her arms wrapped around his neck.
Bella met him thrust for thrust, lifting her hips in the same rhythm, and with each powerful stroke, sucking him deeper and deeper until neither knew where one ended and the other began. She was panting, moaning, losing her mind, and somewhere deep inside, she realized that leaving him had been the very worst mistake of her life. She could finally admit to herself that living without him had been but a half-life, dulled by the pain of losing him.
She wound her arms further around his neck, pulling him down towards her, as he sped up his movements, curling his hands around her shoulders, robbing her mouth of breath. He sunk his head into her neck, feeling the coil build in his stomach, his balls tightened and he knew he couldn't last much longer.
"Bella," he panted, "so good, so...ungh...tight...so hot..."
Bella trembled in his arms, her climax fast approaching, her senses overwhelmed by the salty scent of his skin, the punishing pace he was setting within her, and the strength of the man that surrounded her. With each stroke, he hit that sensitive spot deep inside, and she could feel the tingling electricity come to a peak until the waves crested and she fell over the edge.
"Edward...unngh...more...I...oh fuck...I'm...," she nearly screamed. "Please, Edward... oh...oh...ooohhh...noooow..."
Her muscles clamped down hard around his throbbing dick as her orgasm tore through her body with a force she had never known before.
"Bella...Bella...yes...shit...I...unnggh...fuck..." With a muffled shout, Edward exploded inside her, his cum spurting in pulses, as her inner walls milked him until he collapsed on top of her, breathing rapidly. She clutched at him, panting for breath, tears streaming down her face. They didn't move for a few moments.
Edward lifted his head and saw the streaks on her cheeks. "No...oh no, sweetheart, don't cry. Did I hurt you? I'm sorry, Bella, please don't cry."
She smiled through her tears. "No, Edward, you didn't hurt me. I'm...I'm okay...no, I'm much better than okay. For the first time in fourteen years, I feel like I can really breathe."
He laughed softly, relieved at her words. "Yes. I think I know how you feel. Like this weight has been lifted from me. I can feel my heart again."
She stroked his hair. "I'm so sorry," she whispered sadly. "How can you ever forgive me?"
"You're here now," he answered simply.
"I don't deserve you."
"Yes," he disagreed. "Yes, you do. I love you, Bella."
"I love you, too," she answered with a sigh.
He rolled onto his back and pulled her with him. Twice more that night, they reaffirmed their love with gentle movements, passionate embraces and soft whispers.
As Edward awoke the next morning, he couldn't believe how drastically his life had changed and he knew exactly what he was going to do as he tenderly caressed Bella's sleeping form.
"Bella," he whispered in her ear, gently kissing the side of her face. "Wake up, love."
"Edward?" Bella mumbled, stretching as his eyes gazed longingly at her exquisite body.
"Sweetheart, we need to talk," he said softly.
"What?" Bella asked fearfully as she sat up.
"Calm down," Edward chuckled. "Nothing's wrong. It's just –"
Bella watched Edward as he nervously fiddled with the sheet.
"Look, I know it's soon, probably too soon, but I feel like we've wasted so much time already. I don't – I can't wait any longer. I'm ready; I have been for a very long time."
Edward paused as he gazed lovingly into Bella's eyes.
"I'll understand if you're not and I'll wait until you are, but...I need you to know how I feel...Bella, I love you. I've always loved you and I will love you until the day I die. For fourteen years, I was lost without you. I'm not willing to wait another minute to tell you that I need you. Marry me. Please."
End Note:
Thanks for reading.