~ 25 ~

My eyes were riveted to Edward's broad shoulders as he balanced the tray of cholesterol he was carrying back to the table. I thought about those shoulders, how they had so much responsibility riding on them with his family and now me.

A fresh batch of shame found a home in my gut. I'd underestimated this man. Worse, I'd jeopardized his livelihood and the well-being of everyone who depended on him. More than ever, I was determined to be worthy of his sacrifices.

"This might be a bit of a shock to your system," he said, sliding the plastic tray into the center of our table.

I studied the pile of greasy food, and my stomach shuddered. "How could this not be a shock to your system?"

Edward chuckled as he rearranged his long legs under the table. "I'm a guy. I can eat anything."

"Ketchup on top or on the side?" I asked, the little half-pint bottle of Heinz hovering over the fries.

"I like it on top." Yep, there was a definite twinkle in his eye.

"Me too." I grinned back at him, and without even thinking, I squeezed out a little happy face of ketchup.

"Hmm, that could be a problem." He pulled a fry from the side of the stack and dragged it through the ketchup. "Both of us liking it on top."

Our eyes met, and I answered his innuendo by taking a huge, unladylike bite out of my burger. "Mmm, good . . . mmm."

As I mawed on the massive mound of meat in my mouth, I decided not to stall any longer. "I'm ready for the rest of the conditions now, please."

Thankfully, he wasn't the type to gloat but simply set down his shake and said, "Number two: you get back on the wagon with your classes and study that cute little ass off before finals." My jaw dropped open, and I'm sure my eyes were shooting daggers sharper than the little plastic swords in our pickles. "Before you say anything, you should know that the dean has had a long talk with Charlie."

My burger slipped through my fingers and tumbled into the plastic basket. I hadn't fully appreciated just how much more humiliation was waiting for me. "Jeez, so the whole world knows now?"

Edward reached over and covered my trembling hand. "Your parents and me. That's not the world, Bella; it's just the people who care most about you."

If I'd harbored a doubt about the integrity of his intentions, Edward had just swept it away.

I dropped my eyes to the worn hardwood floor, pulled in a shaky breath, and reminded myself that these people were not out to get me—exactly the opposite. I was the one on a crash-course with rock bottom, and they were trying to throw themselves in my way.

"Hey." Edward jiggled our hands so I'd look up. "You're looking at a guy who never finished high school."

"Is this the 'Do as I say, not as I do' speech?"

"No, Bella, not at all. I, uh . . ." His upper lip disappeared between his teeth, and for the first time since his appearance in my life, he looked shy. "I'm studying for my GED."

"You are? That's great! Good for you."

"Yeah, I guess." The hand that wasn't holding mine flew to the back of his head and gave a reassuring little rub. "Your dad always encouraged me to take care of this. I guess I always found excuses to put it off."

"He did?"

"Mmhmm." Edward smiled, and I had to marvel at how little I knew about their whole arrangement. "He threatened to fire me at one point if I didn't get on the stick, but when push came to shove, he couldn't do it. Charlie's a big softie. You know that, right?"

I chuffed. "Don't tell him that. He thinks Mom's the softie."

Edward nodded, and we sat with that between us for a few minutes. It was Edward who finally broke the moment.

"So, I thought maybe we could study together. I mean, I know my stuff's not nearly as hard as your college classes, but . . . at least we'd be suffering together?"

His forehead scrunched up while he sat there waiting for my response. I tried to honor his incredible generosity without embarrassing him further. "Thank you. That would really help."

Relief broke across his face. "Good. I kind of hate studying alone."

He tried to pick up his burger, but clearly it was a two-handed job.

"You can have your hand back," I informed him. As he brought the burger to his mouth, I asked him for the rest of the conditions.

"Okay," he answered.

"Sooooo?"

His eyes flicked back and forth between me and the fries. He sucked up a long drink of his shake and took yet another bite of his burger.

"You're stalling, Edward Cullen. Number three must be a doozy."

He took a couple more fries into his mouth, grabbed his napkin, methodically wiped off each finger, and dabbed at his mouth several more times, all the while studiously avoiding my eyes. I was getting nervous.

"Edward! I'm about to have a stroke over here."

"Okay. Here it is. You and I are going to quit smoking."

A/N: Many of you figured these conditions were coming, but did you know Edward would be studying and quitting too? This guy puts himself where his mouth is. ACTIONS speak louder than words! And did you catch that little tidbit of Edward and Charlie? Awww.

I've been trying to post teasers on the off-posting-days in my FB group. Join us if you'd like the inside scoop! ;)

XXX ~BOH