A/N So, this is going to be a busy WWS week! I'm publishing two chapters today and one every day through Thursday, which will be EPOV of the picture. Then WWF will post for Bella to see his reaction. I hope you enjoy! Chapter 5 is coming right after this and is their IM chat. Not much new info there but you can get a glimpse into his head on the chat. It's not a necessary read, but it's there if you want it!

Words with Strangers Chapter 4

I had problems. I shouldn't be reaching for my phone first thing the minute I woke up but I was. Again. The second day in a row if we were counting. But I really wanted to know what she thought of me and my movie. Talk about instant honest feedback. She didn't know she was talking to me after all, so she'd tell it like it was. Unless of course she told me nothing at all. Not good.

I pulled up my WWF app and there she was. I felt myself smiling already at the sight of her name. And her word. Heart? What did that mean? Did it mean anything? Was I overthinking everything? Yes, I probably was. She'd gotten a triple word score so maybe that's all there was to it.

I bet you smell incredible. Just a hunch I have. But I'm glad you don't use scented lotion. Some things should not smell flowery, especially manly parts.

Tell me about it, Bella. And it's not always easy finding unscented lotion at the drop of a hat either. I would have found a way to smuggle some in with me if I'd known I was going to need it so badly.

I love that you were a little jealous when I mentioned an unfortunate incident in my very distant past. Is it okay to admit to you that a friend and I were talking tonight about how ridiculous it would be for me to assume you were sitting at home just waiting to talk to me? It bugged me, even though I knew it was true. She's just trying to get me to go out and live a little. I guess I'm happy in this little bubble. I let you in, though, so I'm not lonely anymore.

Ha, you don't know how close you are to reality. While I'm not at home, I am living for your words. It's kind of ridiculous how attached I am to hearing from you. And yes, jealous as well. I'm a moron.

Not countless guys, which is a good thing. One annoying pest that won't take a hint, but eventually I'll knock it into his head. How many times do you have to ditch a guy before he goes away? I ask for your expert opinion on this one. And no, I'm not telling you to make you jealous, even though I love that I can. I really want to know.

Well, Bella, even if you're not trying, you're doing a pretty good job of making me jealous anyway. What in the hell is wrong with me? My jaw was actually clenched. Sick, Cullen, you are one sick man.

I'm pretty sure you could never scare me off, even if you were packing a yard stick. That would just make you more of a challenge, and I'm quite competitive, as you've clearly seen.

A yard stick indeed. Not that scary, sweetheart, but I don't think you'd complain.

I can promise you'll be the happiest prisoner in the world. I'll keep you well satisfied and you won't even need your manly, unscented lotion anymore. Win all around.

And we have lift off again. I couldn't help it if my mind immediately went to my hands being cuffed behind my back as she tortured me with her lips and tongue. I'd really like to win with Bella.

You do stimulate me just as much, if not more, than I stimulate you. I was just thinking that I needed to go buy a heavy duty package of batteries to get through our game. I'll pick them up when I get your lotion.

Fuck, that was hot. What little toys do you have, Cheese Girl? I'd really, really like to know. And now I need the lotion again. And your desk, with you bent over in front of it. Please.

I'm afraid that Ed Harris doesn't have a new movie out that I know of. I went and saw a girly movie. I'm sure it wouldn't be your thing but my friends and I were blown away. And while that Edward was fantastic and yes, quite hot, it was you that I hurried home to talk to. That counts for something, right? I'll always come back to you. Stimulating conversation trumps a pretty face any day, at least for me.

She thinks I'm hot? And it was good? Blown away? I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face at her words. She had no reason to sugar coat it, after all. Hot damn.

And even better than that, she liked real me better than screen me. I didn't even have the words to express how good that made me feel. It had been years since I'd met a girl that didn't know who I was and liked me for who I was. What, since I was sixteen, seventeen maybe? Heart was a good word for her to play, because mine was pounding right about now.

I shook my head and tried to focus. Gotta be on the top of my game to reply back to Bella.

My manly parts definitely do not smell like flowers, nor does any part of me. I have no idea what I smell like, unless I'm wearing cologne. Perhaps one day, you could tell me?

Did I mean that? Yeah, I did. What in the hell spell did this girl have me under?

While I might not be at home waiting to hear from you, I can tell you that you're on my mind an inordinate amount of time during the day and even more at night. And if I were actually at home right now, I think I'd prefer your company to that of most anybody. We can be a little less lonely together. Honestly, I'm traveling a ton right now and you're helping get me through. So thank you for that, Bella.

Thank you so much more than I can possibly say.

I really can't say that I know how to get rid of a guy who can't take a hint. I could brag and claim that nobody ever tried to get rid of me, but that would be a lie. I was pretty awkward for awhile there when I was a kid. I knew how to take a hint though. No means no and all that good stuff. Maybe you could wear a t-shirt that says that? Or perhaps I could run him off for you.

I'd be more than happy to get rid of a jackass who's harassing my girl. Well, not my girl, I guess. My friend. Who happens to be a girl. A girl that I want to have sex with very badly. A girl that I want to talk to every minute of the day. Not good, Cullen.

I enjoy your competitive streak. No point in playing with someone who can't bring it. And you can play with me, and my yard stick, any time you like.

Please do, I'm already tired of my hand.

You can't take away my lotion after you tell me you're running out of batteries. I reached for my bottle the instant I read that. Do you know what a hot image entered my mind? Let's say you were in your best teacher wear and your desk was involved. So you see, I need my lotion, unless you have a better idea.

Even talking about the fantasy made me harder. Damn it.

Time to poke a little fun at myself.

A chick flick, huh? What kind of manly actor stars in one of those? Clearly not one that could compete with me. No wonder you ran home to play with me. Now there's a good thought. And now I need my lotion yet again. People are going to start saying I have girl hands with all this moisturizing. I'll blame you for it too.

My hands really were getting quite soft. Kate and Garrett were already catching me grinning at my phone a little too often; the last thing I needed was for them to know what I was up to in the privacy of my hotel room.

I'm glad you enjoyed your movie and your hot actor. I'm gladder that you prefer me to him. Gladder? That's a weird word but autocorrect says it's right. Heart, huh? Are you trying to tell me something? I kinda like it. Your move!

I did like it. And I wished I could return the favor with an equally suggestive, cool word but my letters really sucked. The best I could do was tuna. Nice message from me. Hopefully she wouldn't take it that way.

I had to get my stuff together. We were headed to Paris and the premiere was tonight. Irina, happily, had flown to Paris yesterday so I wasn't stuck on the flight with her. I wasn't looking a gift horse in the mouth. I'd take the peaceful, short flight when I could get it.

Xoxoxoxox

"Edward! Edward! Did you have to learn to ride for this movie or did you already know how?"

That was only the tenth time I'd been asked that question, but I smiled and answered it anyway. "I learned how to ride when I was a kid. I wasn't an expert by any means but I knew the basics. They whipped me into shape pretty quickly for the movie, though."

I shifted my leg away from Irina's hand underneath the table. Damn it. What part of no means no did she not understand? Maybe I should hook her up with whatever guy was annoying Bella. They might be a perfect pair.

She glared at me and turned to face the reporter that had just asked her whether she'd gone through any medical training for her role as the nurse that whipped my character back into shape.

"I have some exciting news." She was looking at me again for some unknown reason. What news? Please do not let her announce that we're back together or something ridiculous that I will have to dispute immediately. "Last night, James and I got married!" She took her left claw away from my knee and held it up as cameras flashed and reporters went nuts all around us.

What? She's groping at me under the table and she married James last night? Good luck, buddy, you're going to need it. What did I look like? I hoped I didn't look upset. I wasn't upset. Surprised, yes. Upset, no. Why the hell didn't someone tell me before I was slapped in front of the cameras? I plastered a smile on my face and tried to act like this wasn't news to me.

"We were walking past a little chapel yesterday and James dropped to his knee and asked me to marry him. We just rushed inside and did the deed." She was all smiles as she dropped her hand back down and placed it on my thigh. What the ever living fuck was wrong with her? She's leaning close to him, smiling and holding his hand and trying to get at my cock? I brushed her hand away and braced myself for the onslaught.

"Edward! What do you have to say about this? You and Irina did date, after all."

And so it begins. I cleared my throat and answered. "All I can say is congratulations. I'm glad that Irina has found happiness. I wish nothing but the best for her and James." Especially James. If she hasn't fucked some bellhop at the hotel before the night is through, we can consider it a win for the happy couple.

The rest of the press conference was a whirl as Irina's wedding took center stage. I couldn't care less, though. I smiled and answered the few questions that came my way and kept my eye on the clock. Finally, it was over and Garrett and Kate descended upon me.

"I can't believe her," Kate hissed, glaring at the back of Irina's head as we made our way out into the hallway to head to the movie theater itself.

"You can't believe her? She was groping me with the hand that was wearing that shiny new ring," I told her.

Garrett shook his head and caught Kate before she could march over to Irina and do, well, something not good. She looked like she was on the warpath. "Just leave it, Katie. She's going to have to deal with her father."

"Did he know?" I asked.

"No. At least I'm pretty sure he didn't. I was standing next to him and he looked positively murderous. So if he knew, he must have told her not to breathe a word of it and she went ahead and did it anyway." He grinned brightly. "So I'd say she's going to get hers, even though I'd love to see my Katie take her down."

"I could. I should. Now I've got to prepare some damn statement about how happy Edward is for that evil, manipulative, slutty…" she broke off at Garrett's raised brow. I just laughed. It was good to have her raging on my behalf. "Oh, well, like Edward said, we'll wish her what she deserves. Everybody knows what she deserves."

I laughed. "Let's just get through the premiere and the damn party. I'm not staying more than an hour." I wanted to go back to my room and see what Bella had to say today. I needed to talk to someone who didn't know what kind of public humiliation I'd just suffered. I knew damn well why Irina had announced it the way she had. She wanted to punish me for not taking her back. I didn't care, but I sure looked pathetic to the outside world. Goal achieved.

"Fair enough," Garrett agreed. "As long as you make an appearance and pretend to be happy, it's all good." It better be.

Xoxoxoxox

I didn't even wait until I'd kicked off my shoes to open my Words app. It'd been a long day without her to make me smile. And I certainly needed to smile now.

Loafs? Well, put the tuna on the bread, Bella. I hurried to open the window that kept her words from me.

I give you my heart, you give me tuna. Are you trying to tell me something? That I'm fishy? That I smell? Now I'm the one who's insulted!

I laughed as I dropped down on the bed. You definitely don't smell, Bella. At least I hope not. And I'd really like to give you more than tuna.

I'd love to tell you what you smell like, and I'm willing to bet it isn't tuna. Yes, I am still offended. But I'll forgive you, because I'm full of heart, just like my word.

I hope you are full of heart, Bella. I could use some today.

I'm more than happy to help take away your loneliness, Edward. Do you travel a lot? Is it for work or pleasure? I'm very glad I'm not alone in having thoughts throughout the day, and yes, especially at night. Hence the battery shortage. In all seriousness, I prefer your company to most everybody else's as well. You, as they say, get me. And vice versa. Plus, you're sexy, or at least your words are. For an English major, you can't get much better than that!

The only thing pleasurable about this trip is you, Bella. She thinks my words are sexy! I felt myself smiling at that. As if mine could remotely compare to hers. Figures that she's an English major. She's too talented with those words of hers to be anything else.

A no means no t-shirt? I don't think that would get through to him. You most certainly would though. And that's the second time you've referenced being in the same vicinity as me, or me and my stalker. Are you traveling to Washington anytime soon?

I wish that I was. Surprisingly, I really wish that I was. But then the fun ends and I become Edward Cullen, actor, and everything changes. I wish it wouldn't change, but how could it not?

I can play with you anytime I like? That would cut my battery spending costs. That could only be good for the environment, so I'm going to say that we'll be playing quite a lot. Is that alright with you?

Haha, do you really need to ask that question, Bella? I'd play with you all day and all night. Happily.

A desk you say? And hot teacher wear? That would be the see-through blouse and tight skirt, right? Would I accidentally drop my chalk and bend down to pick it up right in front of you, driving you mad with lust and forcing you to bend me over the desk and have your wicked way with me? How's your lotion supply doing now? I really hope you're able to stock up while traveling. They don't allow big bottles on the plane. Be careful!

Fuck me. She did it. I honestly thought I would get through this conversation without sporting a raging hard on but she had to go and tap right into the teacher fantasy as if she was inside my head. Damn it, I needed more lotion.

I'm sure your hands are quite manly, even if they're well moisturized. I'd be more than willing to check them out for myself and let you know. It's all in your best interest, of course. The actor was plenty manly but you hold a certain appeal that I just can't resist. Playing with you brings me pleasure. Playing with you would probably bring me more, if you get my drift.

I moaned. I actually moaned at her words. See, I'd been missing out on the sexiness that was Bella all day long while I'd been stuck with the harpy and her idiot husband. My hands are all yours, Bella.

Crazy though it may be, I do prefer you to just about anyone but my best friends, and then it depends what kind of mood they're in. I'm glad that you're glad I prefer you. What do you prefer?

You, Bella. I always prefer you. Never doubt that.

My turn. My head hurt and my dick was hard but I needed to send her a message before I dealt with anything else.

Of course I don't think you're fishy or that you smell like tuna. I'm sure you smell very good. I'll tell you what you smell like when you tell me what I smell like, deal? My letters sucked and I had to play what I had to play. I'd much rather have given you something that was worthy of your heart. Maybe I can make it up to you at some point?

Just tell me how, Bella.

I do travel a lot. Mostly for work, but sometimes for pleasure. Generally always alone, or with people who are paid to be with me so it doesn't really count as companionship. Have you ever been anywhere outside of Washington? I admit, one of the perks of my job is that I get to go to many interesting places, but I rarely get to truly enjoy them. I don't get much down time either. Oh well, I can't really complain.

Well, I could, but what good would it do?

If my words are sexy, yours are beyond that. I'd call them downright stimulating. You keep taunting me with those batteries. I admit, a large (pun intended) part of me wants to know exactly what you're using them in, but my imagination goes to all sorts of good places so you don't have to tell me if you don't want to.

But go ahead and tell me if you like. Don't make me beg.

I can't say that Washington is in my itinerary for this trip, but with a little time and a lot of incentive, I could be persuaded to see that my next trip for pleasure leads me to head north. Would it be a trip for pleasure, Bella?

That might be the dumbest question I've ever asked. Being with Bella would be pure pleasure; I had no doubt of that. Maybe one day I could tell her who I was and maybe we could meet.

I'm a real fan of saving the environment, but I'd hate to see those batteries stop being used. I have a very pleasant, okay, hot, mental image of just what you do with them. Perhaps you should show your toy to your stalker and tell him you don't need him. No, wait a minute, don't do that. That's for my eyes only.

Yeah, it is. Stalker wouldn't go away if she showed him her toy. I know I wouldn't.

Fresh out of lotion after the mental images you shot at me this go-round. It's a good thing hotels supply them. I'll have to call room service and smell not-manly for the night. Bending over in front of me to pick up your chalk? You are a naughty teacher, Bella. Very naughty. And I'd love to bend you over your desk and punish you for taunting me so. I can promise, much like your torture, my punishment would be sweet and leave you wanting more.

A perfect, round ass filled my mind and I felt my palm twitch at the thought of spanking it lightly before sliding inside her hot, wet pussy. Damn. Girly lotion in the bathroom it was.

I'll be happy to let you check out my hands and let me know if they're still manly or not. I think it would require a lot of touching, just so you could be sure to give me an accurate report. Would that be alright with you?

Let me explore your body, Bella. We'll both enjoy it a lot.

I very much prefer you, Bella. You've been the highlight of this week by far. I hope you will continue to be even after this game is over. For now I bid you adieu. It's late here and even though my body hasn't adjusted to the time, I should sleep. After I get that new bottle of lotion. Your turn.

Aspirin, a shower, an orgasm and sleep were on my menu. Hopefully Bella would have something stimulating for me in the morning. I played zag for 20 points and got off the bed. The sooner I got rid of this hard on, the sooner I could sleep.

Xoxoxoxox

I couldn't sleep. I was tossing and turning and imagining headlines laughing at me over Irina marrying James. Those were the bad thoughts. I was also having thoughts of Bella that were a lot more pleasant but harder to ignore. Physically harder to ignore. I had problems.

I grabbed my phone to see if she'd played. At least I could jerk off to her words and try to sleep again. Oh yeah, I had messages but she hadn't played her word yet. Was she there?

I'd say we better have a deal, Cartoon boy. All that taunting about touching me and smelling me better have some damn payoff. I need a cold shower after your message. Well, I need a lot more than that, but that's all I can have at the moment. When might you come up north?

Just imagining her in the shower and yeah, I was hard again.

I can't say that I've been anywhere overly interesting. Florida, Arizona. Cancun was kinda fun. I went with my two best friends a couple years ago. Can I admit that the thought of you being stuck in some hotel room, alone, makes me kind of sad? I know you're probably used to it but I wish I could be there with you to make it more fun. Take that however you want.

Don't be sad for me, Bella. You make it a lot better.

Still taunting me with your yard sick, aren't you? That's okay, I'll get my revenge by taunting you with my toys. Every girl has to have their trusty rabbit, of course, but my favorite is this little blue car with two bullets. I'll let you wonder about where they go, but let me say that when you turn those wheels, they can make you see stars. Well, me see stars. You'd just see one very excited girl. Which I imagine would be okay with you. If you want to know more than that, such as size and dimensions, you'll have to share your own first.

Car, what car? I wanted to concentrate on her words but was she on right now?

Your trip to Washington would be nothing but pleasure, provided it included me of course. If you're just coming to see the Space Needle, well, I'm not sure how much fun that would be. It's a great state that has a lot to offer, not the least of which is me. So you tell me, would you find that pleasurable?

Yes. Are you there, Bella? What do I do if you are? Do you want to talk? That's much better than sleep.

I won't show my stalker my toys. Nobody has ever seen them actually, though I'd be willing to let you, with the right incentive. Showing him would encourage whatever ridiculous daydreams he has about me. I'd rather encourage yours and hear all about them. What kind of punishment did you have in mind?

Was that the end?

I'm willing to do a very thorough study of your hands to be sure they qualify as manly. You'll probably have to touch every inch of me in order for me to be sure. Would that work for you? I wouldn't want to mislead you and then have someone accuse you of having girly hands, after all. A few hours, or days, and I could probably come to a reasonable conclusion.

No! She was up! Alright then. I was going to do it. I was going to ask if she wanted to chat with me. There was no harm in it.

I wish I could help you sleep. Being in a strange bed is never easy, especially when you're alone.

Not alone, not right now. Ask her idiot. Move fingers.

You've been a real highlight of my week as well and I just want you to know that no matter what, I'm happy I've gotten to spend this time with you. It means more to me than I can even say.

Crap, I better not have waited too long.

Bella, are you still there?

I held my breath and waited to see if she would reply. I'd kick my own ass if I'd missed the chance to talk to her live.

Yeah, I'm here. Shouldn't you be dreaming about me right now?

I was and I ached for you. So here I am.

I couldn't sleep. Decided to see if you'd replied and for once, my timing seems to be perfect. Wanna talk for awhile?

Please say yes.

Of course. On here or?

Here would be too slow. I could talk to her on the computer. I still had Skeletor17 as messenger for friends and family.

Do you have yahoo messenger?

I could always download another application if I had to. I got out of bed and grabbed my computer.

Yes, same name there.

Me too. See you on there in a few minutes? I need to turn on my laptop.

Boot bastard. I needed a new computer. This thing was entirely too slow.

Me too. Talk to you in a few, Edward.

I look forward to it, Bella. More than I can possibly say.

We were going to talk live! I couldn't wait.