Sorry for the delay, but at least it's still Friday. Real life has been a throwing things at me left, right and center. I'm working on it. We'll see how things go next week.

A huge, giant, massive THANK YOU to my betas, darlingsaila and A Letter To No One, without whom my writing would not make sense and be comma less. I hardcore love both of these girls! They are the BEST!

Thank you to everyone reading/reviewing/alerting/recc'ing this story! I can't say how much each and every one of them means to me. I am truly overwhelmed by the response. If someone does rec this story, please tell me so I can thank them. I'm a very grateful person, so I say thank you...a lot.

I don't own Twilight or any university mentioned here or anything you might actually recognize, like the NFL. I'm just playing.


The next week was fairly quiet; Edward pushed himself more than usual to be ready for the game against the University of Kansas. Aside from knowing it would be really tough match-up and everyone would have to be in top form, there would be NFL agents in town. Edward had been invited to dinner by a representative from the Volturi Group on Saturday night, and was insisting I join them. I kept telling him I didn't think it was a good idea, and he repeatedly reiterated he would pick me up at seven.

Once again, Friday afternoon found us arguing about whether or not I should stay the night. Eventually, Edward won and I conceded to stay the night, on the requirement that we kept things low-key. After ordering in Chinese food, we snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. When the movie was over, he scooped me up, carrying me into his bedroom, and proceeded to make slow, soft love to me.

"Sweetheart?" I whispered as we lay cuddled together, hesitating to bring up the one little fear nagging at me.

"Yes, love?" he mumbled, burrowing his face deeper in my hair.

"Are you looking for an agent because you're going into the draft this year?"

The thought of him leaving, of not having him here next year, was paralyzing. I didn't want to think about what would happen to us if we had to be separated. Surely, he would find another woman. Someone prettier and more graceful, who knew everything about football and could talk to him about it, who was better in bed and knew what they were doing.

"No, baby. I'm going to finish my degree. That was always my plan, even before I met this gorgeous brunette I'm a little obsessed with." He tightened his arms around me and I pressed my body closer to his.

"Then why interview agents now?"

"Because it's a slow process, and if I find someone, they can market me better to garner the best deal possible."

"What if something happens next year?"

"Are you saying I won't play as well next year, Bella?" he joked. "I'm offended! I plan on winning the Heisman two years in a row. That way, the fifty million dollar contract I'd be offered if I were drafted now will be one hundred million next season. I have to make sure I have enough to buy that hospital. I think I like that idea.

"Besides, I couldn't take you with me, and there is no way I'm going to be separated from you for a year. I can hardly deal with away games, and those are only a couple days."

I made a noise in agreement, breathing easier since I knew he would still be around next year.


In the morning, Edward was quiet, obviously trying to get his head in the game. He gave me a quick kiss before he left, leaving me to get ready for the game at his place. I realized it had been a few weeks since I last slept in my own room; I had taken to packing a bag every few days, and occasionally eating lunch or studying at the house when I knew Edward was busy.

Making a mental note to try to spend a little more time there, I showered and dressed in my faux football jersey with Edward's name and number on it, combined with a jean skirt and flip flops. I'd made Edward promise I wouldn't be chasing after him to get on an ambulance this week and opted for comfortable footwear.

Alice and Rose picked me up, both of them wanting to make sure I wasn't late to the game. Alice was practically beside herself with excitement…and love.

"I'm telling you guys, we're soul mates. Seriously, I've never felt this way about anyone and it's only been two weeks. At first, I thought it was just the best sex I'd ever had, because does he ever know how to make a girl feel good, but after spending time together between romps, I realized he's the perfect guy for me. He's sweet and sensitive, and great at reading my emotions, plus he's fucking hot, and has that incredible accent. God, when he talks dirty in bed, it makes me-"

"Alice!" Rose and I both yelled. "We do not need to know that much detail about your sex life," Rose continued. "We understand that he's good in bed."

"'Good' does not even begin cover it," Alice muttered as we entered the parking lot. "I can't believe how freaking awesome our seats are! These are even better than the ones Edward gave you at the beginning of the year! He was totally holding out!"

I rolled my eyes as Alice continued to babble on about Jasper, the game, and our seats. I was truly pleased both of my best friends had found guys they loved, with the added bonus that the boys were Edward's closest friends. Plus, I now had as many girls in my corner as Irina did in hers. I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face as we took our seats and Alice flipped Irina and her clan off before they could even start anything.

I cheered loudly for the team as they came out, yelling strongest when Edward's name was announced. He smiled and winked at me just before taking the field. I only wished the rest of the game had been so carefree.

While our team was great, KU's matched us play for play. Both schools' defense teams were at the top of their game, forcing our offense work that much harder. The score stayed low throughout the game and was tied fourteen to fourteen for the majority of it. Unfortunately, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Kansas made a field goal, making the score fourteen to seventeen in favor of them.

I could see the visible anger and frustration on Edward's face as the minutes ticked down and he was still unable to find an opening to score again. I noticed the other girls giving me dirty looks and became uneasy.

"Hey, Alice, Rose, why am I suddenly on the receiving end of these nasty looks?" I quietly whispered and glanced around to notice other fans I'd never met giving me the same kind of looks.

"I hate to break it to you, Bells, but you are now the most hated girl on campus. If we lose this game, you will officially be a football curse," Rose informed me.

"But that's not fair!" I gasped. "We've won every other game this season and Edward and I have been together practically the entire time!"

"Doesn't matter. We lose, and you make the easiest scapegoat. You did something to him to throw off his mojo and fuck up the game," Alice said mournfully.

The clock ticked down to ninety seconds, when all of a sudden, a chant floated out from the Kansas side of the field. "Rock chalk, Jayhawk! KUUUUUUUU!"

Rose's eyes grew wide and I heard growing rumblings from our side.

"What the hell was that?" I asked.

"That's the KU chant, used when they feel certain of a win. It's sort of considered a Kiss of Death," answered Rose.

"Oh, fuck. Edward's not going to like that," I whined.

I stood up suddenly, spotting Edward pacing anxiously on the sidelines, waiting for our defense to hold Kansas for one last play so he could get a final shot at a touchdown. I'd even settle for another field goal to tie the game and put us in overtime. I walked the few steps to the rail and did my best to catch his eye.

He walked over, scowling slightly. I didn't wait for him to say anything; I simply leaned over and beckoned him closer. "Edward, if you lose this game it will make me a football curse in the eyes of everyone at UT. If you ever want to have sex again, outside of Saturday nights after winning, you will do whatever you have to do to win this game," I hissed at him.

He assessed me for a moment, trying to decide if I was serious or not. The look on my face must have convinced him, because he immediately took on the most determined air I'd ever seen. After nodding once to me, he turned and jogged back to the sidelines to await his final chance.

Thankfully, the opportunity rose before KU was able to run the clock down. Edward rushed out onto the field, barking orders as the other players took their places, with only eighteen seconds. The ball was snapped and, like a mountain lion, Edward instantly sprang into action. I'd never seen him move so fast. He was a blur of motion and in the blink of an eye, was over the goal line. The roar of the crowd was deafening as the touchdown pushed us into the winner's spot and the clock ticked down to zero.

I jumped up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs as Alice and Rose hugged me, yelling in my ears. I watched as the rest of the team raced onto the grass, converging into a mass of cheering boys.

Edward pushed his way to the edge and his eyes found mine. He grinned my favorite crooked grin and pointed to me. I blushed, but refused to hide behind my hair. I gave him my biggest smile and mouthed, "I love you."

He mouthed it back to me and let himself get pulled back into the fray.


After the game we went down to meet the guys outside of the locker room. I made sure to try to stay as hidden in the crowd as possible to avoid the press. Our guys emerged, blowing off the journalists and heading straight for us. Edward grabbed me up into his arms and kissed me soundly before setting me back on my feet and throwing his arm around my shoulders possessively.

I vaguely recognized the redheaded guy walking with Edward and wondered how I knew him. Abruptly, the answer hit me. He was the one who had told the paramedics to let me on the ambulance with Edward.

I shyly smiled, "Oh, hello again."

He returned my smile, "Hello. I see you're still doing your job."

Edward looked back and forth between us. "You two know each other?"

"Not officially," the guy said. "I'm Major Applewhite." He held his hand out to me.

I grasped it in mine, lightly moving them up and down. "I'm Bella."

He smiled wider at me, "Yeah, I know."

A frown crossed my face. "What do you mean, my 'job?' And while we're on the subject, why did you tell the medics, I'm 'the reason he's been playing so well?' I don't have anything to do with Edward's ability to play football. He was just as good before he ever met me."

The whole group laughed at my expense. I glared and crossed my arms over my chest, not understanding what was so funny. Edward pulled me closer, kissing the top of my head and murmuring, "I love you."

Major finally spoke up. "Yes, technically, you have no influence on his physical skills as a football player; he still throws and runs the ball just as well as he ever has. However, there's this motivation, this intensity that was never present before. You give him someone to play for. And you definitely provided the proper incentive today; I've never seen the boy move so fast. He refuses to tell us exactly what you said, but great job. It worked!"

I felt heat flood my face and hid it in Edward's shoulder. I heard more scattered laughter as Edward began herding us forward. "Come on, love, we only have a couple of hours before dinner."

"Oh, I don't think I should go. I'm pretty sure I've provided enough 'motivation' for the day."

He simply shook his head, chuckling softly.

We had just reached the parking lot when my phone rang. I pulled it out and saw 'Dad' flashing across the screen. Pressing the 'send' button, I held the phone to my ear. "Hi, Dad."

"Isabella Swan, just what in the hell did you tell that boy to make him win this game?"

I froze at the angry sound of my father's voice. "You saw the game? But you always go fishing on Saturdays," I said in a small voice.

"Yes, Bella. I did watch the game today. Last weekend, after Billy and I came back from fishing, I had to hear from Jake and his friends that you were making out with the star quarterback on national television. I thought they were pulling my leg! You didn't tell me your new boyfriend plays football, Bella."

"Jake's a damn liar! He's just mad I wouldn't ever go out with him," I replied.

"So, you're saying you did not kiss that boy for the world to see last week?"

"Well, yes, I did, but we weren't 'making out.' It was a very quick peck. Why does it matter whether or not Edward plays football anyway? I didn't mention it because that's not what's important to me. I told you about him. Who he is, not what extracurricular activity he's in."

My dad started to speak, but Edward pulled the phone from my grasp.

"Hello, Chief Swan, this is Edward Cullen." There was a brief pause and he spoke again, "It's nice to speak with you, too, sir. I couldn't help but overhear that you might have some questions about me?"

More silence ensued on his part as I tried to steal my phone back. Edward grinned and danced out of my reach.

His face turned serious, "No, sir. I care very much for your daughter. I would never dream of disrespecting Bella like that. I'm in love with her, sir."

He laughed, "No sir. She threatened never to come to another game if I lost. She has this wild idea that she's a football curse."

"Of course, sir. It was nice talking to you, too."

"Thanks, Charlie. Bye." He pushed the 'end' button and handed me back my phone.

I gaped at him. "'Charlie?'"

He smirked, "Sure, that's his name, right? At least, that was what he asked me to call him." I stood there, sputtering at him. "Come on, beautiful girl. You may not have much to do to look perfect for tonight, but I do."


Seven o'clock found Edward at my door, and me dressed in a hunter green wrap dress that fell just above my knee, paired with simple black flats and my pearl necklace. Alice had pulled my hair into a low ponytail, smoothing it so it draped over one shoulder in perfect waves. It drew attention to my neckline and the pearls, which pleased me. The necklace had been a high school graduation gift from my dad, and I knew had cost more than any other present I'd ever received.

Edward looked devastatingly handsome in a perfectly tailored dark blue suit. It was all I could do not to throw him on the ground and have my wicked way with him. A whimper may have escaped me.

He smiled tenderly at me. "You are a vision, love." I couldn't help but reach for him, pressing my lips to his. He sighed against my mouth before reluctantly pulling away. "We should go, love."

Dinner was held at the fanciest restaurant I'd ever set foot in. Each table had its own team of servers and, unbeknownst to me, our party was large enough that they gave us a private room. Aside from Edward and myself, there was Caius, the agent, Jane, the publicist, Coach, Major, plus a lawyer employed by the university, Mr. Anderson, and the Cullen's family lawyer, Mr. Jenks.

Coach and Major greeted me warmly, both of them giving me hugs and complimenting me on how I looked.

I shook hands with both lawyers, and Caius and Jane.

"Lovely necklace, Miss Swan," Jane spoke as we were seated. "Is that a gift from Edward?"

"Oh, no," I exclaimed, placing one hand on the strand. "It was a high school graduation gift from my father."

Her eyes turned calculating. "Rather expensive present for a small town police chief."

"How did you know that about my father?" I gasped, completely taken back.

"Miss Swan, we make it our business to know everything about our potential clients. Apparently, that now includes knowing all about you," she snidely answered.

"Jane," Caius softly warned. "You'll have to forgive us, Miss Swan. When it comes to handling high-profile clients, it behooves us to investigate those surrounding said client. We have to protect our clients as best we can. You do understand, don't you? We only have Edward's best interest at heart."

"Of course," I said, quietly. Edward's hand grasped mine under the table and rubbed soothing circles on my palm.

"You needn't have worried about Miss Swan, as your research would have shown. Her background is impeccable, not a single blemish on her record," Mr. Jenks interjected.

Edward's gaze snapped to him. "You ran a background check on Bella?"

He met Edward's stare with one of his own. "Of course we did. You should have known your parents would ask that of my office."

Edward clenched his jaw, flexing the muscle there. "My parents met Bella at the first game. They had no reason to have her investigated."

"You know as well as I that appearances can be deceiving. Your parents were just protecting you."

"Yes, and yet, they'll still be getting a phone call from me tonight."

"Edward," I whispered and squeezed his hand gently.

"Sorry, love," he said as he kissed my temple.

Thankfully, one of our servers came and took our drink orders.

"Why don't we get down to business?" Coach suggested.

"Excellent idea," Mr. Anderson added. "Of course, you should know this all preliminary. We will be meeting with numerous other agencies so that Mr. Cullen can make the best choice possible. The University of Texas also prides itself on protecting its students; all of them."

I studied my menu while preliminary talks began, attempting to make myself as invisible as possible. Drinks were served and orders taken for dinner while Caius discussed the kind of deals he could make for Edward, and what teams he thought were the best options.

"Of course," Caius added, "you will need to adjust how you're playing the game to make yourself as marketable as possible. I know your running game is extremely strong, and has won a number of matches, however, most NFL offenses prefer a passing game, and will need to know you can deliver."

"Michael Vick has a notably aggressive running game and he's considered one the best NFL quarterbacks ever." I froze in horror. Had that really just come out of my mouth? Where the hell was my filter? My sense of self-preservation? I'd sworn to myself I wouldn't say a word unless directly addressed. Oh, God, why did I always feel the need to defend Edward? I need to beat my inner mama bear into submission.

I felt every single set of eyes rest on me, and a diatribe of expletives directed at Alice for pulling my hair back ran through my head. I looked down at the table, blushing ferociously and rapidly blinking back tears.

From my peripheral vision I saw Edward smirking at me. "Why, Isabella Swan, have you been researching football?"

I relaxed by the tiniest bit at the teasing quality of his warm voice. I shook my head in denial, still too embarrassed to speak. I felt Edward's fingers rest at the base of my neck, massaging delicately.

"That's so cute, baby. I love how you're always quick to defend me," he continued to tease, grinning now and seeing through my blatant lie. I heard muted chortles from the others.

I met his gaze, smiling despite myself. "Shut up, Edward."

He snickered, "Love you, too." He faced Caius again, his demeanor all business once more. "My brilliant girlfriend does have a point."

Caius's face was a mixture of amusement and condescension. "Miss Swan does raise a valid example, however, Vick is the exception, not the rule. If you can't step up your passing game, you will find it quite difficult to get drafted at all, let alone first round. Any agent worth their salt will tell you that."

"I'm aware," Edward answered. "There's also something to be said for how they import that information."

Caius nodded once, appropriately chastised. Our meals were served and I busied myself with eating and keeping silent. Caius and Jane both tried to sell the Volturi Group as a whole by mentioning a few famous clients and what kind of deals had been made for them. Overall, I was unimpressed. I was turned off by their "holier than thou" attitudes and blatant condescension toward me. I was also aware that it really wasn't my decision and made a vow I would not express my opinion to Edward. This was his decision entirely.

By the time dessert was served I was anxiously awaiting the end of the evening.

"So, Bella, what are your plans after graduation?" Major asked, trying to draw me back into conversation.

I slowly chewed my bite of cheesecake to buy time. "I plan on going to graduate school."

"Really? What do you plan to study?" Coach chimed in, and I felt the weight of everyone's attention.

"English. I haven't decided if I'll do a Masters or a Ph.D. Most likely a Masters, since I'm already pretty well indebted with student loans. Out-of-state tuition isn't cheap," I nervously giggled and saw Caius and Jane were the only ones not smiling.

"What schools are you interested in? I'm sure the university has resources you could use to look into scholarships," Mr. Anderson proposed.

"I'm not entirely certain. I know Dartmouth and Northwestern have top rated programs. I'm also looking into University of Washington; I'd qualify for in-state tuition. I have looked into a few scholarships, though."

Mr. Anderson smiled, "Well, I'm sure you'd have no problem getting a scholarship. You've maintained at four-point-oh grade point average thus far. You might also check out the scholarship services in our financial aid department, I'm sure they could help you find even more opportunities."

I smiled graciously at him. I was starting to think everyone at this table knew more about me than I did. It was becoming a bit unnerving.

"Yes, I'm sure you'll have a very fulfilling little life, wherever that may be," Jane added in a sickly sweet voice.

"Thank you for dinner," Edward snapped, standing abruptly. Everyone looked up at him in shock. "You've given me more than enough information to help make my decision." He gave a curt nod to Caius and Jane. "Bella?" he softly spoke, holding his hand out to me.

I placed my hand in his, rising. "Thank you for a lovely meal," I told Caius, and Edward guided me out. By the time Edward's car was brought up by the valet, my entire body was aching from the tension of the meeting.

I sank into the soft leather seat and closed my eyes, exhaling loudly. Edward slipped into the driver's seat and took off from the restaurant.

I felt the movement of the car slow after a minute or two and open my eyes to find Edward pulling over on a side street.

I frowned. "Edward, what are you doing? I'm kind of exhausted and still stressed from dinner. I really just want to go home."

He reached over and pressed his hand to my cheek and kissed my forehead. "I'm so sorry, love. They had no right to act the way they did to you. Those bastards will not be gaining me as a client, that's for damn sure."

"You can't let how they talked to me affect your decision. I have nothing to do with it. Maybe I should just skip any other meetings you may have," I protested.

"You have everything to do with it! You and I are together, and if those self-righteous bastards think you're just some passing fancy they can treat like shit, they can go fuck themselves.

"Look, I know this sounds terrible, but it was also part of why I demanded you come tonight. I wanted to see how you would be regarded. Whoever I pick to represent me will be a big part of my life, and by default, yours, too. If they can't conduct themselves in a friendly manner toward you, they will not make the cut."

"Edward," I gave an exasperated sigh.

"Bella," he returned in a mocking tone.

"You're impossible," I grumbled, and he grinned at me.

"Yeah, but you love me."

"I do. I have no idea why, but I do," I teased. He leaned over and kissed me, thoroughly reminding me of one reason I loved him so much.


Once back at his apartment, we changed clothes and readied for bed together, the sexual tension from the start of the evening was ruined by dinner. I was a little disappointed I hadn't gotten to ravage him in that suit, but knew it wouldn't be the last time he wore one.

We were brushing our teeth at the same time and I had to smile at the domesticity between us. I was practically living with him by now, and things were so comfortable and easy between us. I hoped it would always be this way.

"What are you smiling at, beautiful girl?" Edward asked as he put up his toothbrush.

"This," I answered, gesturing between the two of us. "It's just very cohabitating."

"Hmm, cohabitating…with you. I kind of like that idea." He leaned against the counter. "What's your lease like at the sorority house?"

"Edward! I am not moving in with you. At least not right now. I can't break the lease anyway, I'd still have to pay rent for the rest of the year."

"I bet Jenks could find a loophole, he's very good at that," he countered.

I began pushing him out of the bathroom and toward the bed. "Oh, stop it. It's late and I'm tired. Time to sleep."

We snuggled up together and I pulled the covers up, deeply inhaling the Edward-scent surrounding me.

"Bella, what did you think of the possible teams Caius mentioned?" Edward asked.

"Um, I don't really know. I'm not sure I could really make an informed statement on them. Why?"

"Well, it's just that…um, what I mean is, you want to go to grad school and I can't guarantee where I'll end up, and I don't want to be apart from you, but I also don't want to seem like I'm dictating where you end up because I want you to pick one that you like, and has a great program, but-"

"Edward, breathe," I laughed, cutting off his rambling. "I know I mentioned a couple places I've looked at, but honestly, I haven't looked everywhere, and it really will depend on if I'm able to get any scholarships for most of the schools."

"You don't have to worry about money. I'll always take care of you."

"You are not paying for my school!"

"I didn't mean that, but even if you end up with a hundred thousand dollars in loans, once we get married my money becomes yours. Even if I don't make a hundred million, I'll still make enough that paying off any financial aid won't be a problem."

As much as it rubbed me the wrong way to take Edward's money, he did have a point. We already talked about marriage, so it would be irrational of me to be offended that he wanted to help take care of me. If the roles were reversed, I'd want to do the same.

"Okay, I see your point. But why don't we cross that bridge when we come to it," I conceded.

"Thank you, love," he whispered and began humming my lullaby. He paused for a moment. "You know, Northwestern is in Chicago."

"Mmmhmm," I hummed, flirting with sleep.

"The Bears were mentioned as a possibility for me, and I know I wouldn't mind moving back to Chicago. How does Northwestern rank on your list of choices?"

"Good night, Edward."

I felt his laugh. "Good night, Isabella."


Alright, so there you go. Let me know what you think. I know it was a little more serious than the other chapters, but that kind of thing does pop up from time to time in life. :o) Next week will be far more lighthearted...with lots of lemons.

I will do my best to reply to reviews, but they might be short replies. It's that or not writing the next chapter. But I will still send teasers with my very brief replies. :o)