Author's Note: I own NONE of this. No copyright infringement is intended. I just wanted to borrow the characters and play with them. I'm also looking for songs that would work for the story. Please leave a review or PM me if you have suggestions.

Thank you to all of the people who have faved my story! It means more to me than you can imagine!

Chapter 10: Sectionals

EPOV

We drove back from the mall after the first day of class. Bella puttered with her new phone. I drove us back to Brandon Hall. We needed to work on our plan of attack for the joint sectional on Wednesday. When we walked into the building, Bella excused herself to go to the bathroom. I took the opportunity to text my pixie of a sister.

Hey Pix! Did you know that Thursday is Bella's birthday – E

What?! No! – A

Party? Nothing too big – E

Hell yeah, Green-eyed Freak – A

Not Thursday, though. We have Emerson Express rehearsal. Lets shoot for Saturday. – E

Awesome, Edward. TTYL! – A

"Who are you texting?" Bella asked.

"My sister," I responded.

"And…?" Bella prompted.

"She says hi," I said giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Half hour to quickly come with a plan of attack, another hour of studying and then I'm cuddling with you, beautiful." Our rehearsal plan came together easily and we went back to Patterson. Bella and I hung out in my room, studying for an additional hour. Afterward, I popped in a movie and we snuggled on my bed.

I loved every minute of it.

The next morning dawned early. Plus, Tuesday dragged for me. I picked up Bella for Aural Harmony at 7:15. This class was ear training. I relied on Bella's perfect pitch to help me with this class. I can sight read anything for the piano. However, looking at a piece of music and being able to read it with little to no assistance was something I couldn't do as a singer. After Aural Harmony, Bella and I parted ways. I had my biochem lab. I was not looking forward to it. Then again, if it didn't have anything to do with music, I never did. I trudged through the lab with my partner, Eric Yorkie. That kid knew his shit. I would definitely ask him to help me with the class. At the end of the lab, I asked if he would be willing to be study partners. He agreed readily saying that he didn't understand some concepts.

Thank goodness for small miracles.

After my lab, I ran to Brandon to do a quick run-through of my pieces that I was playing for Opening Convocation. I was playing two pieces. I chose Clair de Lune and the first movement from Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata. They were easy pieces for me and easily recognizable. I was one of several students who were providing background music for the convocation. The Opening Convocation was mainly for the freshmen, welcoming them to the campus and to Emerson University. There was going to be food, non-alcoholic drinks and conversation. Nearly all of the faculty was required to go, with the exception of the adjunct professors. Bella said that she was going to be there along with her roommates. I wanted to make sure that my songs were perfect. I practiced for about an hour before I headed to U.S. History.

When I entered the classroom, I was pleasantly surprised. Jasper and Bella were in the class with me. They were chatting quietly in the back of the room. I strode over to them and plopped down in a chair next to Bella.

"Hey, baby," I said.

"Hi, Edward," she said as she gave me a chaste kiss on my lips. I was not having that. I nibbled on her bottom lip before releasing her. "Tease," she admonished.

"No, I'm not," I snickered. Then, I turned to Jasper. "Hey, Jas. I thought you took this class already."

"I did. I'm the TA. You'll be turning to me for questions, bitches," he said with a wry smile.

"Oh, jeez! How much do I need to pay you to see the tests beforehand?" I teased. Jasper rolled his eyes.

Bella lightly smacked my arm. "Ignore him."

"Seriously, Jas," I said, arching a brow at my best friend.

History was interesting, to say the least. The teacher was very much like Jasper. They had a strange connection to the Civil War. The teacher informed us that we would be focusing our time in class on the Civil War.

After our history class, Bella had to head to Brandon Hall to go for her first voice lesson. I wished her luck with a brief kiss. I headed to my final class of the day, Calculus. Tuesdays and Thursdays were going to kick my ass. I was constantly on the go from 7:15 until 3:00. Tuesdays were mildly easier. I was done after Calculus on Tuesdays. On Thursdays, I had time for a brief dinner before heading to Emerson Express rehearsal for two hours. Two hours of singing and dancing.

Oh, joy. Oh, bliss…

After Calculus, I went back to my room to shower and change for the Convocation. I pulled my tuxedo from my closet and got dressed. I attempted to tame my hair, failing miserably. I quickly sprayed some cologne on and wondered if Bella, Rosalie and Alice would like to drive with me to the Convocation. I headed down to their floor and lightly rapped on their door.

Rosalie opened the door. She was wearing a black dress with red heely things. I think they were called stilettos? How the hell would I know. I'm a guy. If it's clean, it's in fashion. Hell, if it didn't smell, it was in fashion.

Okay, I'm better than that.

"Hi, Edward. This is an unexpected surprise! You look really nice. Is that a tuxedo?" Rose said.

"Hi, Rose. Thanks for the compliment. Yes, it is a tuxedo. I'm playing for this little shindig. I figured if you ladies needed a ride to the Convocation, I'd offer my services," I said with a crooked grin.

"Sure thing, Edward. Come on in. We're all decent," she said as she opened the door. "Bella is putting finishing touches in the bathroom. How does she put it, Ali?"

"She's 'poofing!'" Ali said from her desk. She was wearing a bright green wrap dress with black Mary Jane shoes. She was putting on a pair of earrings and adjusting her hair.

"'Poofing?'" I asked as I sat down on my sister's bed. "You both look very nice, by the way."

"Getting dressed up and putting make up on. Apparently it was a show choir thing," Alice explained. "Bella, what's poofing, again?"

"It's anytime I have to get dressed up. In my show choir days, the stylists would poof our hair to twice its size with teasing, hot rollers and hairspray. Anytime I have to wear more than jeans, I 'poof,'" she yelled from the bathroom.

Alice shrugged. "So, you're going to drive us, Edward? Thanks. That was unexpected."

"Just trying to be nice. I'm going to the same place as you ladies."

Bella had exited from the bathroom. She looked absolutely breathtaking. Her mahogany hair was smoothed out with a subtle curl at the ends. She wasn't wearing her glasses like she was earlier in the day. I'm assuming she put in her contacts. She had on a navy blue sleeveless dress that flared out at the hips with black heels. In her ears were a pair of sapphire earrings. Her skin glowed from the inside. She looked radiant.

I got up from my perch on Alice's bed and crossed the room to my Bella. She had yet to acknowledge my presence. "Bella, you look exquisite," I breathed.

"Holy Crap! Edward! You startled me. I didn't you know you were here," she said as she put her hand on her chest.

"Sorry, beautiful," I said as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

"I thought you were playing at the Convocation."

"I am, Bella. I'd figure I'd ask if you would like a ride. So do you?" I asked as kissed her temple.

"I don't know about you, Bella, but I want to take up lover boy for the ride. There ain't no way that my feet can handle walking up to the Convocation in these," Rose said as she pointed to her shoes. "To answer your question, Edward. I want a ride. I don't know about these two."

"You got it, Rose," I laughed. "Ali? Bella?"

Alice and Bella both nodded their assent. The girls grabbed their keys and jackets. We walked out to my car and scrambled in. Alice and Rose sat in the back seat. Bella sat in the front with me. We drove the short distance to the Convocation located in Old Main. I dropped off the ladies before I got a parking spot. I walked briskly to the building. Bella was waiting for me just inside the doors. She was nervously nibbling on her lip.

"Hey, beautiful. Why aren't you upstairs with Alice and Rose?" I asked as I linked my hand with hers.

"I wanted to wait for you. I never got to say that you look insanely hot in your tuxedo. You were too busy scaring the crap out of me," she teased.

"I feel like a penguin," I said as a I scrunched my nose, pulling on my jacket.

"A very HOT penguin," she said as she peppered kisses along my jaw line. She pulled my earlobe between her teeth and nibbled on it. "Bella, stop. You're going to render me incapable of walking if you keep that up."

"Ooops, sorry," she said seductively, looking up at me through her eyelashes. God, she's beautiful.

"I'm pretty certain the president of the University would not want one their students pitching a tent as he is performing at the Convocation," I gulped. I tried to adjust my arousal without bringing attention to it. It wasn't happening.

"There's something about a guy in a tuxedo that turns me on, Edward. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable," she said, biting her lip nervously. Her cheeks blushed a warm pink and she looked so adorable.

"Well, there's something about an insanely beautiful woman who nibbles my earlobe and is wearing the most amazing shade of blue that turns me on, Bella. However, your discomfort is not as noticeable as mine," I said, laughing quietly. I lightly brushed my knuckles across her cheek and pulled her face to mine for a quick kiss. "Come on. I have to play some music and shit. I'm certain you'll like at least one of my pieces I have selected for this evening."

"You're playing it. Of course I will," she cooed, kissing my cheek.

With our hands laced together, we headed up to the reception area. I was scheduled to perform first and then again in an hour and half. When we got up to the reception hall, I gave Bella another chaste kiss and headed to the Steinway piano in the center of the room.

Before I sat down, the president of the University, Dr. Marcus Volturi, waved. I gave him a nod and a smile. I settled myself at the piano and began playing the Beethoven piece first. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the sounds of the piano. About halfway through the piece, I reopened my eyes and noticed that there was a crowd around the beautiful instrument. Bella was a part of the crowd. She was standing in between Alice and Rose. Her eyes were shining with pride, adoration and love. At that moment, I had realized that Bella had never heard me play the piano. I poured all of my emotion into the music to make it special for her. I finished the first piece and received my applause. I stood and gave a stiff bow.

Before I sat down to play my second piece, Dr. Volturi weaved through the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, please give another round of applause for one of our best and brightest students, Mr. Edward Cullen," he said with a warm smile. "Mr. Cullen is a Pre-Med Major and still has time to partake in other activities here at Emerson. Edward, can you please share your extra-curricular activities with our newest members of the Emerson family?"

"Sure, Dr. Volturi," I said uncertainly. I did not expect to be put on the spot like this. "I'm a section leader in University Singers, a member of Emerson Express, and an officer for the music department. I am also a part of a band with three other Emerson University students, Breaking Midnight where I sing and play guitar."

"Thank you, Mr. Cullen, for sharing that with us. Do you have another piece to share?"

"Yes sir." I turned to the piano and began my second piece. This was strictly for Bella. I began Clair de Lune and I brought my eyes to meet hers. Her brows raised at the song and her lips turned up in her own crooked smirk. She raised a perfectly arched brow at me as she licked her lips.

Tease.

As I played my second piece, the crowd dispersed, save for Bella, Alice and Rosalie. I finished and the girls gave me another round of applause. I gave my stiff bow for a second time and headed to hang out with them. The next student who was playing took my spot at the piano and began a jazz tune. I slipped my arm around Bella's waist and lightly nuzzled her hair with my nose. Alice was vibrating with excitement and Rosalie had a sentimental look on her face. They both were very happy that Bella and I were together.

As we were talking, Dr. Meyers and his teaching assistant approached us.

"Fabulous job, Mr. Cullen," Dr. Meyers, Larry, our theory professor said.

"Thank you very much, Dr. Meyers," I replied politely.

"What did I say yesterday morning?" he chided, giving me a jovial grin.

"Sorry, Larry," I said. "I'd like to introduce you to my sister Alice, her roommate Rosalie and you know my girlfriend, Bella."

"Nice to meet you ladies," Larry said with a gracious nod. "It's good to see you again, as well, Bella. More awake now than at 7:30."

Bella blushed furiously. "It'll be safe to assume, Dr. Meyers," Larry gave Bella a pointed look. "Larry…that I'll be having my coffee while I'm in your class. I'm definitely not a morning person. At all."

Larry laughed quietly. "Let me introduce my teaching assistant, Mr. James Loften. He's working on his Doctorate in conducting and will be assisting me in all of my classes. He'll also be filling in if I am ever not in class."

James stepped forward and leered at each of the girls, paying close attention to Bella. "It's lovely to meet all of you beautiful ladies," he rasped. His voice had a slithery quality to it and it put me on edge. Bella inched closer to me, gripping my hand tightly. Rose stepped behind me, grasping at my suit coat. James smiled but it didn't reach his eyes, which made him look even creepier.

"Well, Edward. We don't want to monopolize your time. Please enjoy the rest of the Convocation. See you tomorrow bright and early. Bella," Larry said as he shook her hand. He turned to me and shook mine as well. "Edward."

"See you in the morning," James said huskily, giving a lingering look to my girlfriend. Bella shuddered, shooting me a worried look. Larry and James disappeared into the crowd.

"I don't know about you guys, but that James fella gives me the creeps," Rose said with a shiver. "Sorry, Edward if I got a little too close for comfort. I just needed to move away from the creeper."

"That's okay, Rose. I agree with you. There's something not right with him," I said.

"I didn't like how he looked at me," Bella muttered. "It's like he knew what I looked like without my clothes on."

"Make sure that you are never in a room alone with him, Bella," Rose said sternly. "Have someone with you at all times! His eyes are shifty and I don't trust him. You guys have a class with him?"

"Yeah," I sighed. "He's the TA for our music theory and aural harmony class."

"Keep an eye on him. Don't trust him," Alice said quietly, staring at James' head. "I have a feeling."

I glanced at my watch and saw that I had to play another set of music. "I need to play again. Will you all be alright if I leave you?"

"Of course," Bella said as she hugged me. "Good luck, Edward." I snuck away, sliding onto the piano bench. My second set went very well, earning another round of applause from the crowd.

"Edward, we want to head back to the dorm," Alice said as I strode back the girls. "Are you done?"

"Yep. Let's go," I replied as I grabbed Bella's hand. She turned to me with a radiant grin on her face.

"I'm so proud of you, Edward. You are quite honestly one of the best pianists I've ever heard," she said honestly.

Now, it was my turn to blush. I felt the heat in my cheeks and in rushing in my ears. I gave her a timid smile before I kissed her on nose. Gently pulling on her hand, I led her back to my car.

We headed back Patterson in silence. I parked the car in the lot and we walked up to our rooms. I escorted the girls to their room. I gave a pointed look to my sister before they went in. Alice understood and pulled Rosalie into the dorm room so I could give Bella a proper goodbye.

As soon as the door clicked, I crashed my lips to hers. I weaved my fingers through her soft hair and pulled her body flush with mine. I licked and nipped at her lips. Bella whimpered as she opened her mouth and granted my tongue entrance. Our tongues moved languidly with each other as the kiss quickly began to heat up. I could feel my arousal press against the zipper of my dress pants. I was certain Bella felt it, too. She actually grinded her hips against my erection. She slipped her arms underneath my tuxedo jacket and lightly scratched up and down my back. On her final pass of her hands, they slipped lower and rested on my ass. I pulled away, nibbling lightly down the column of her neck and inhaling her luscious scent. I lowered my hand from her hair and grazed her ribcage, almost touching her breast. At that point, I groaned and began distancing myself from her. I pressed a kiss on her neck, her earlobe, her temple and a final kiss on her lips.

"You are too sexy for your own good, Bella," I said huskily.

"I could say the same for you, Edward," she said with a smirk. "Sorry about your, um, little problem."She glanced down at the bulge in my pants and giggled.

"There ain't nothing little about it, Bella. I'll survive."

"I just wish I could do something about it," she said with a seductive look in her eyes. My brows shot up to my hairline.

Bella Swan is a vixen. Damn!

"I may take you up on that. However, not now, in the middle of a hallway," I said reasonably. "Buona notte, il mio cantante."

"Buona notte, bello."

I gave her a quick, searing kiss before I headed up to my room. I hopped in the shower and took care of my 'little' problem before I went to sleep. Bella Swan is definitely going to be the death of me. But what a way to go.

xx LC xx

Wednesday was very similar to Monday. I met Bella with a cup of coffee at her dorm room at 7:15. We sat through another riveting lecture about the basics of music theory. Bella and I sat in the back of the room. Every so often, I would catch James almost drooling as he was staring at Bella, licking his lips.

She's mine, you perv.

I kept giving him the stink eye but he wouldn't catch the hint. I eventually scooted closer to my Bella and put my arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple. James' eyes widened. I shot him an evil sneer and his eyes narrowed in anger. With a snarl, he turned back to his notes. His irritation was rolling off him in waves. I smirked at his reaction.

Thought so, fucker. You won't get her while I'm around.

After theory, Bella and I went for breakfast at The Cage. Emmett was already there, scarfing down a huge plate of pancakes. Bella and I ate with him. Emmett was still apprehensive about my dating his sister. However, he began to realize that I was as protective of her as he was, if not more so.

Emmett mentioned the opening home football game for the next weekend. He asked if we were going. Bella and I said that we would. However, I knew that Eleazar was going to ask the section leaders of the group to sing the Star Spangled Banner for all of the home games for the football team.

Bella left to go to her Introduction to Education class and I went to biochemistry, the bane of my existence. I sat and took diligent notes during the class. It made a bit more sense after going to the lab yesterday and with Eric's assistance. We stayed back after class and discussed meeting up after the lab on Thursday to compare notes.

I had a break in between biochemistry and University Singers. I had set up my schedule like this so I would be busy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I wanted my Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to be easier. I decided to head to Brandon to get some extra practice for my piano lesson. I had my piano lesson after University Singers on Wednesday. I didn't want to be unprepared since my teacher expected so much more from me, being a high flyer in his studio. The hour went by quickly and pretty soon I was heading to the large ensemble room for choral rehearsal.

When I walked in, Bella was already there. She was sitting in the same seat she was in from the first rehearsal. She was skimming her psychology textbook as she waiting for the class to begin. I strolled up to her and plopped down in the chair.

"What are you doing, beautiful?" I asked as I put my head on her shoulder.

"Reading, handsome," she replied with a twist of my nose. "I don't want to get too far behind in my reading. I have my piano lesson today and I'm not going to have very much free time."

"Who's your piano instructor?" I asked.

"Ummm, I think his name is Benjamin," she said. She rooted around in her bag and pulled out a planner a flipped a few pages. "Benjamin Cairo." I snorted. "What's so funny, Cullen?" she asked as she arched her brows.

"Benjamin is my instructor as well. When's your lesson?"

"1:30 – 2:00. When is yours?"

"12:30 – 1:30. We won't be able to go to lunch together, but I'll get to see you after my lesson. Perhaps we can go back to the coffee shop after your lesson?" I suggested.

"I promised the girls that I was going to go to the mall with them. Rosalie needs a new coat and when Alice and I went there on Saturday, we saw a big sale. I've been kind of ignoring them. A certain bronze-haired hottie has been monopolizing my time," she teased.

"Who's that? I'll kick his ass," I retorted, looking around the room.

"Dork," she said as she rolled her eyes.

"But, I'm your dork," I said with a kiss.

""Yes, you are," Bella murmured. Her face fell minutely, staring at me. "You're not mad, are you, Edward?" she asked skeptically.

I furrowed my brows. "Why would I be mad at you, Bella?"

"It's nothing. Never mind," she said quickly, dropping her eyes back to her textbook.

"It's obviously not 'nothing,'" I pressed.

She took a deep breath and closed her text book. She fumbled with the corner of her book and kept her eyes downcast. "Jacob would get very upset if I ever wanted to go out with my friends, not that I had a lot of them. Very rarely would I get to spend time with my friends without Jacob. He had such a tight hold on me. I'd usually just hang out with him and his friends," she said softly.

"Bella," I said as I cupped her face, forcing her to look at me, "Every moment I spend with you is a gift. I am grateful that you want share your time with me. Have fun with Alice and Rosalie."

Bella eyed me doubtfully. It was almost like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Are you sure that you're okay with this?"

"Of course, beautiful. You're in college. It would be unfair for me to monopolize your time. You need to make friends and hang out with them. I'm happy you are making friends, Bella," I explained, caressing her cheeks. "Now, are you ready for our tag-team sectional?"

"I'm actually pretty nervous. I was a section leader in high school. However, it pretty much meant that we were the 'go-to' people to get stuff done: type up programs, set up the choir concerts, and all that jazz. We had no real musical responsibilities. I'm afraid I'm going to screw up and the older members of the section will not respect me."

"Bella, from what I'd heard from the party on Saturday, your mad piano skills on Sunday and your sight-reading skills during rehearsal on Monday, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The good thing is that we are working together. We can bounce ideas off of each other. You'll do wonderfully. I'll be there if something doesn't go smoothly."

"How do you do that?" she asked with a watery smile, a few tears slipping from her chocolate brown orbs.

"Do what?"

"Know exactly what to say."

"I speak from the heart, beautiful." I kissed her sweetly as Eleazar strode into the room.

Rehearsal had begun. Eleazar wanted us to warm up as a group and to explain the expectations for student-led sectionals. Before he set us off to work in a smaller space, he asked all of the section leaders to meet in his office to debrief at the end of rehearsal.

Our sectional went exceptionally well. The fears that Bella had in our conversation were non-existent. She was confident, well-spoken and demonstrated the vocal parts very well. When she worked with the group, I was at the piano, playing the accompaniment. She gave a very clear conducting pattern and was efficient in her instructions to me. When I worked with the group, she took my spot at the piano and played parts. She didn't feel comfortable enough to play the accompaniment. Honestly, I felt more comfortable with Bella leading the sectional and me being her accompanist. About halfway through the sectional, I pulled Bella aside and expressed that to her. Her eyes widened in shock, giving her subtle nudge to the podium and I settled myself behind the piano. We completed the sectional that way. We had learned all of the second movement of the piece of music and even fine-tuned some parts in the first movement that were brought up during the previous rehearsal.

At the end of the rehearsal, the section leaders met in Eleazar's office for a quick run-down of what happened during their respective sectionals. Tyler Crowley, the bass section leader spoke first. The basses and altos worked together for their sectional, like the sopranos and tenors did.

"We did alright. We struggled with some rhythm things but we got those sorted out. I'm happy with the outcome," he said smugly.

"I'm glad. We'll see how things sound on Friday when we put the parts together," Eleazar said. He didn't sound very convinced. Tyler was not the best section leader. His version of running sectionals was going through the part once and declaring it learned. He never added any dynamics or addressed any issues. He just prayed that they fixed themselves. However, he had a good voice. "Edward and Bella how did your sectional go?"

Bella and I shared a look, "It went very well. Edward and I worked really well together. We plunked out notes and fixed some rhythm issues in the second movement. They were probably the same ones that basses and altos had. We had some time to add dynamics and articulations. At the end, it sounded very smooth. The blend of the two sections was flawless. Additionally, we had some time to also address some things that were troublesome in the first movement. We performed both of the movements before we left rehearsal."

"Excellent. Edward, what was your assessment of the sectional?" Eleazar asked.

"I concur with Bella. I also would like to add that Bella is an amazing section leader. She's skilled at the piano, has a clear conducting pattern and is very comfortable in front of the group. She actually led the rehearsal. I was merely the accompanist," I said with a proud smile, wrapping my arm around her waist. She blushed and nestled closer in my embrace.

"I'm glad. We'll see how things mesh together on Friday. Before I dismiss you all, I need to inform you that as section leaders, you represent Emerson University and in turn the University Singers. The Athletic Department has asked for students to sing the National Anthem at all of the home games for the football, basketball, and baseball seasons. Before you leave, I'd like you all to run through this arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner," Eleazar explained as he handed out a copy of our National Anthem. He went to go to the piano to give us our starting pitches.

"Eleazar, that won't be necessary. I can give the tonic note for the piece," Bella said confidently. She sang the tonic note and we all found our notes in the chord. She gave us a cue to enter with a breath and a concise head nod.

We sight read the Star Spangled Banner very well. Bella led us in cut offs and entrances. When we reached the climax of the piece, I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. We finished our run through and looked at Eleazar. He had a proud smile on his face.

"You all are truly the best of the best. I'm honored to work with such fine musicians! Bella, can I speak with you before you leave?" Eleazar said.

"Of course," she said with a timid smile.

Tyler, Tia, the alto sectional leader, and myself, we gathered our things and headed out of Eleazar's office. He closed the door and I was anxious to know what was going on behind that door. I was torn from my reverie by some bickering from Tyler and Tia.

"Can you believe her? She's just a freshman. She has no right being a section leader," Tia spat. She tossed her messenger bag over her body and glowered at me.

"She may be a freshman, Tia. But she's good. I mean really good," Tyler said. "Not even Zafrina could conduct us like that and she was a senior CONDUCTING major."

"Jesus, Tia. Can you be any more jealous?" I snapped. "She's an amazing musician. Probably has more talent in her pinkie finger than you do in your whole body. Christ!"

"Just because you're fucking her, Cullen, doesn't make you an expert in her 'musical talents.' I'm certain your dick is feeling very happy right now," she sneered, crossing her arms over her chest.

I saw red. "Don't talk about her like that. Yes, we're dating, but we're not fucking. Even if we were, you'd be the last to know," I growled, glaring at Tia.

"Tia, don't be such a bitch. Just because you're friends with Senna, doesn't mean that you have to be awful to Bella," Tyler reasoned.

"Senna was supposed to be section leader until your bitch waltzed in and stole her thunder," Tia snapped.

"Eleazar wanted the best for the job. Apparently, based off her audition, he determined that Bella was the best for the job. I happen to agree. I worked with her during our sectional. She has the potential to be better than any of this. Don't let your pettiness get in her way, Tia. We're not in middle school. Stop acting like it," I barked.

Bella walked out of Eleazar's office with a joyful smile on her face. He gave her a fatherly hug and beamed proudly. Tia turned on her heel and stomped away. I couldn't believe that she had said those things about Bella. I scowled at the direction that Tia had left. I shook my head in disbelief and turned to face Bella. She was talking to Tyler who was undoubtedly telling her that she did well. I stalked over to her and wrapped my arms around her waist. The tingle that I had come to feel whenever I had touched Bella calmed my frayed nerves. She idly traced circles on my hands as she spoke with Tyler. I couldn't even tell you what they were talking about. They could have been discussing the national debt, but I was so upset that I didn't really care.

"Don't you have a piano lesson, bello?" Bella's voice rasped.

"Uh, yeah. In ten minutes. Come with me to my practice room, beautiful. I want to talk to you. We'll see you on Friday, Tyler."

"Let me grab my stuff. I'll be right back," she said as she scampered to get her bag and jacket in the ensemble room.

Tyler put his hand on my shoulder, massaging my muscles. "Edward, don't let what Tia said get you or Bella down. Tia has had a pole up her ass since she was a freshman. She sees any new musician as a threat. Bella is a threat in her eyes. She'll back down, eventually."

"Thanks, man. However, what she insinuated was wrong."

"Definitely not tactful. I'll talk to her. Take care of your girl," Tyler said as he gave me a fist bump.

I smiled weakly and waited for Bella to come back with her stuff. She bounced back. Her eyes were twinkling. Apparently Eleazar was pleased with her performance.

I intertwined my fingers with hers and led her to my practice room. I unlocked it and held the door open for her. She walked in and placed her stuff on the chair in the corner. As she passed, I caught a whiff of her enticing scent. She smelled like strawberries, freesias and fresh air. I traced my fingers down her arm and I pulled her to my body. I pressed her back to wall of the small practice room. I grazed my nose along her jaw and down her beautiful neck. I lightly licked along her collarbones. I kissed along her soft skin and nibbled up her neck before sucking on her earlobe. She moaned and fisted my hair in her small hands. She roughly pulled my face to hers and kissed me. Her mouth was warm and needy. She bit my lower lip, causing me to groan. She forcefully plunged her tongue into my mouth. Our tongues fought for dominance. I rubbed my hands up and down her torso. I could feel the muscles of her abdomen contract as my fingers made contact. My hands ended up on her hips and I pulled them to mine. She jerked her hips in the most erotic way as I sucked behind her ear.

"Edward," she whispered.

"Oh, God, Bella. You are so incredibly beautiful," I cried. "It was like you were made for me."

"Oh…Edward," she whimpered. I kissed her swollen lips and pulled away from her. Her eyes were filled with lust and passion. Her cheeks were flushed. Her breathing was labored as was mine.

"So beautiful. Exquisite," I sighed as I kissed her deeply. Her lips felt like silk against mine. I weaved my fingers through her soft, thick hair. Her hands traveled down my torso and pulled my hips to hers. I reached down with one hand and lifted one of her legs and hitched it over my hip. I could feel her heat between her legs. I knew in my mind that we needed to stop. Unfortunately, I let my mind win out.

"Bella, baby, we need to stop. I want you so badly. However, I don't want you in my practice room," I said huskily. I unhitched her leg and pulled away. I felt like my heart was being ripped from my body as I distanced myself from Bella. I sat down on the piano bench and ran my hands through my hair.

"Now it really looks like sex hair," she giggled.

"Don't tempt me, baby. I'm holding on by the smallest thread of control," I said as I pulled her next to me. I grabbed her hand and placed it on my chest. "Do you feel that?" My heart hammered in my chest. It was beating so fast. Bella nodded. "You do that to me. Only you."

She took my hand and brought it to her chest, right above her left breast. Her heart was stammering as much as mine was. "So do you. I hope it never stops."

"Me, too beautiful." I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to hers. We slowed our breathing, but kept our hands on each other's hearts. "So, what did Eleazar say to you in his office?" I asked.

She squealed and hopped up from the piano bench. Her hands were clasped in front of her body. "Edward, I am so happy! Eleazar says that I am one of the best musicians that he has ever worked with. I have a natural talent for all things musical. He also said that the pair of us makes a fantastic team. He told me that if he is ever unavailable for a rehearsal, we're to run it. He'll email us the rehearsal plan if and when that happens," Bella gushed. She was bouncing in a fashion similar to Alice at this point.

"I'm so proud of you. You truly are my singer."

"I hope that never changes, either," she said quietly. Her eyes shone with unshed tears.

"It won't. Ever. Unfortunately, I do have a lesson I need to get to," I grumbled. "Text me later."

"Don't forget, my lesson is immediately following yours."

"That's right. So I'll see you after my lesson and if you get back at a decent time tonight, we can hang out."

"Or make out in the practice room," she teased.

"Don't tempt me, Swan."

She snuggled up to my chest and wrapped her arms around my waist. She sighed deeply. "I really wished that I didn't live in a triple, right now."

"Me too," I said sadly.

"Perhaps I can convince my roommates to let me have the room for my birthday. Not the day of since we have rehearsal, but Friday," Bella said quietly.

My mind reeled at the possibilities.

Bella in her room without interruptions…alone. Gah!

"Don't think you're getting any sex, Cullen," she said flatly.

"Wha…What? Why would you think that?" I asked, looking down at her.

"Because you're a guy. You tend to think with your little head and not your big head when it comes to physical stuff."

"As I said before, there ain't nothing little about it. Bella, I don't expect anything from you. We'll take this relationship as fast or as slow as you want to. I just want to have time where I can be with you, touch you, and kiss you and be alone while doing it. Not in a hallway, or a car, or a practice room. Just you and me. That's it."

"Oh."

"Piano lesson," I said.

"Right, piano lesson. Have fun. I'll see you later and talk to you tonight."

"You have fun with Alice and Rosalie," I said with a crooked grin. I pulled her heart-shaped face to mine and gave her three kisses before getting up to get my things and head to my piano lesson. I adjusted my still deflating boner. Bella laughed at me.

"You did this, you know! You're too damn sexy."

"Ditto, baby."

I can't wait until Friday. Please let Alice and Rosalie give Bella the room. Please! Please! Please!

A/N: Things got pretty steamy in the practice room. No lemons yet. Sorry. Pictures of Old Main are on my blog (link on my profile). You can also find me on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation and on Twitter: tufano79. Leave me some!