Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and characters. The rest here is mine.

I might have wirtten the bones of the story, but my betas Sarahsumbrella and silentnc help flesh it out and make it pretty. Thank you.

And thanks to everyone who is rec-ing and reviewing, reading and alerting. It's amazing - thank you.

CHAPTER 25: Backchecking

Winter faded into spring, and for Edward, high school hockey faded into league play. Our high school team had made it to the State quarterfinals before losing to the team that went on to win the State Championships. For a small town school in the boonies of western Washington, it was an amazing season. James Lucard made no reappearance in Forks, and the incident faded to just a bad memory.

Edward spent a lot of time at practice and playing, traveling around the state and even into Canada. We always managed to carve out some time together, though, and had begun to investigate colleges. He had a quite a few scouts talking to him and his dad, both collegiate and from the National Hockey League. We had lengthy discussions about fields of study and programs of various colleges across the country. He had decided long ago that he would play college hockey, and had promised his dad he would finish his undergraduate degree before he went off to play in the NHL. I thought it was a wise course of action for his future. I just didn't see how we would be able to attend the same university, though. He had potential offers from schools all over the country and parts of Canada, and it seemed that the front runners were all from back east. It wasn't that I was hesitant to move so far from home and Charlie, exactly, but I couldn't fathom how I would be able to afford out of state tuition. Especially out-of-state tuition at the institutions he was considering.

Charlie and I talked a little about my financial situation when it came to college, and I decided to look into student loans and grants before getting into a deep discussion with Edward. I don't think it even occurred to him we wouldn't be going to the same university, and at this point I wouldn't disabuse him of that notion. There was no way I would let my situation compromise his choices in any way. He had some amazing opportunities in front of him, his skill and talent made the possibilities for his future exciting ones. I knew I had to let him make the best decision for himself, and then see what the best decision for me would be. It wasn't easy – I didn't even want to consider being parted from him like that, going to different schools in different states. I couldn't begin to imagine what that would do to our relationship. After many hours of solitary consideration and soul-searching, though, I knew it was what I had to do. I had to let him make his choice, and then see what options I had for staying as close to him as possible. Not that my situation was less important than his, it was just more flexible. I didn't say anything to him – I just kept my options open as we looked over the different schools and programs that sent scouts and representatives to his house.

Other than that great looming concern, I was having the time of my life. I loved him, deeply, every part of him. Not just the good stuff, like his beauty, his kindness, and his excellence in bed. I could even find his temper, his sulkiness, and his tendencies toward perfectionism endearing. We were turning into one of those couples – always together, always touching, always a pair. Alice and Jasper had grown closer as well, and Angela and Ben never strayed from their course, together as they had been since the ninth grade. It was fun being part of a couple, and part of a well-matched group. We were happy.

There was an unusual warming trend in late March. There had been a succession of days that were not only sunny, but pleasantly balmy. Angela, Alice, and I had taken to coming out to the stadium bleachers during our free period to soak up the sun while we had the chance. Of course, the fact that Edward and Jasper had Gym during the same period, and the teacher had changed the course plan to include outdoor sports to take advantage of the weather, was just an added bonus.

Today their class was playing baseball, shirts versus skins – and Edward's team was skins. He had taken off his T-shirt like the rest of his team, and was playing left field. It was the position closest to where we sat in the bleachers, and the three of us watched him and Jasper unabashedly. His bare back gleamed in the sunlight, rippling with muscle as he bent his knees and crouched down slightly, pounding one fist into his baseball glove. His T-shirt hung from the waist of his cotton athletic shorts, pulling the band down slightly, and my mouth went dry. The muscles in his calves and thighs flexed and bunched impressively. A baseball cap covered the top of his wild bronze hair, but even at this distance I could see wisps of it sticking out from under the edges. He looked…glorious.

Two freshmen girls who were taking advantage of the weather – and the view – sat on the bleachers a few rows down from us. Their heads were together as they talked quietly and animatedly. The murmured name caught my attention. There was only one Edward in the school, and he was right in front of us in all of his half-naked glory, so there was no doubt who they were talking about. I scowled. That was my Edward-chest they were drooling over.

Alice noticed my glare and turned to me with a grin. "So…" she began a little too loudly, so the girls could overhear. "Is what they say about hockey players true, Bella?"

I raised a brow. "Is what true?"

"You know." She nudged me playfully and gave a meaningful look toward the two girls. "What they say about hockey players in bed. That their pelvic and groin muscles are so developed from skating they can go for hours…have amazing control..."

I struggled not to laugh out loud. I took a peek out of the corner of my eye and saw that the freshmen had gone completely still, their heads held at an angle that made it apparent they were listening to every word.

"Well," I said in a confidential manner, scooting toward Alice but keeping my voice at a level that carried. "He does do this one thing…you know, with his hips…" I deliberately let my voice trail off suggestively and gave an exaggerated shiver. Everyone seated on the bleachers leaned toward me. It was all I could do not to laugh. "I mean," I fanned myself, really getting into the act. "It made me scream so hard I actually lost consciousness in his bed, right underneath him…"

I did laugh as one of the girls actually fell off the bench at that outrageous statement. They both scrambled to gather their things, blushing wildly and casting me worshipful glances as they scurried away. I was turning to Alice to give her a high-five when I heard another thud, and looked over to see that Angela had fallen off the bleacher seat as well. She got up, dusting herself off with a sheepish grin and a shrug, her face as bright red as I'd ever seen it.

"Really?" I asked in disbelief, glaring at her. "Not you, too?"

She just shrugged again and made exaggerated panting motions.

"Is there anyone in this school not crushing on my boyfriend?" I asked in frustration.

"Um, no, probably not," Alice said.

"Probably not what?" Jasper climbed up the aluminum benches to where we sat. We hadn't noticed that the Gym class had been dismissed early.

"Bella wanted to know if there was anyone in school who wasn't lusting after Edward," Alice explained as he sat next to her, taking her hand and giving her a brief kiss. "I told her probably not."

Jasper grinned at me. "Oh. Well, Alice is right, you know."

I rolled my eyes. "Well, at least you're not."

"Sorry," he admitted cheerfully. "I'm probably the worst. I'd love to stick my dick in his ass."

We all choked, and I heard Edward's voice behind me. "What are you guys talking about?" He jumped over the benches on his way up to us, and I couldn't help but gawk at the marvelous display of bare skin and coiling muscle. "Stick your dick in whose ass?"

"Yours," Jasper admitted with an evil grin, and Edward froze for a second, but recovered admirably.

"Yeah, right," he snorted. "Like that would ever happen." He waited a beat as we absorbed this. "It would be my dick in your ass, sweetcheeks."

Angela made a strangling noise. I glanced over at her, and saw that her eyes were glued in reluctant fascination on Edward's bare chest, dropping down to the dick in question. She caught my glare, grabbed her books, and bolted. I cast my eyes to the sky, raising my hands up in exasperation.

"No one's dick is going in anyone's ass," I growled.

Edward's wide eyes swung to mine, and Jasper and Alice rose with a snort.

"Too bad for you, Edward," Jasper said in mock sadness as they walked away. We had a perfect view as his hand dropped purposefully to rub Alice's ass suggestively.

"What the hell just happened?" I asked rhetorically. He sat behind me and chuckled, pulling me between his legs, my back against his bare chest. He smelled like sunshine, sweat, and Edward. He settled against me deliberately, lifting my hips slightly and rubbing my ass directly over his dick. I jumped in startled response, and he laughed again.

"Where do you want it?" he murmured, teasing, but heat instantly blazed through me. All the strength left my muscles at his husky, sexual tone. I moaned in lust, dropping my head back on his shoulder.

It was his turn to start in surprise – he certainly hadn't been expecting my reaction. "Jesus," he murmured, pressing me down harder against his instant erection. "Jesus, Bella."

I turned my head on his shoulder to meet his smoldering gaze. His bright eyes went to my mouth, and I licked my lips in anticipation. I saw a glimpse of flashing green just before his head ducked to mine, his lips forceful, all wet tongue and nipping teeth. The breath left my lungs as I absorbed the sheer pleasure and the unmistakable evidence of his desire. I whimpered helplessly as his hands gripped my shoulders, lifting and turning me into his chest as if I weighed nothing. I dimly heard the shrill blast of the whistle being blown, signaling the end of the period, but his tongue only slid further into my mouth. I tried to bring my hands up against his bare chest, to let him know he had to stop, but he just pulled me to him, taking the kiss impossibly deeper. I sagged bonelessly against him.

His hands slid down to my hips and he flexed up as he pushed down, bringing my legs around his waist. I took advantage in the change of position to lean back slightly with the last shred of my rational strength.

"Edward…" My voice was breathless, husky, low. "We've got…class…"

"No." His voice was just as husky, but determined and much more forceful. "No class. Do you think I can go to class like this?" He rocked his hips up into me, where I was already hot and damp between my legs, and I lurched forward against all that rippling skin. "Shit, Bella."

He kissed me again, and any sense I had left fled when his tongue slid over mine. He tasted too good to be true. I barely noticed when he lurched to his feet, one arm supporting my ass and the other my shoulders as I clung to him, wrapped around him, and kissing him for all I was worth. I realized he was climbing the bleacher stairs, and I held on tight until he stopped, juggling me a little and lifting his head. I unlocked my ankles from around his waist and staggered slightly as my feet hit the ground. I saw that he had climbed up to the top of the grandstand seats, up to where the announcer's box was located. It was a small enclosed building at the very top, about eight feet wide and maybe fifteen feet long, with the wall facing the field lined with windows to give an unobstructed view of what was happening down below. I glanced at the heavy door as he held me to his side, noting that the knob had a bulky lock with a line of numbered buttoned numbers on it.

"Edward," I began. "What -" He reached down and punched in a series of four numbers, turned the knob, and the door swung open. "How -"

"One of the benefits of being a team captain," he said. "All the combos are the same at the school for all the sports departments."

Well, that seemed dumb, but I wasn't going to complain. Edward held the door open slightly, glancing around to make sure no one saw us, and nudged me inside. It was too warm and smelled a little stale, but all thoughts of my surroundings flew from my head as he crowded in behind me, shutting the door. He swung me around by the arm so that I was pushed up against the smooth metal, face-first. His big body covered mine from behind, sandwiching me between him and the door, and I couldn't move. I ached, suddenly and fiercely, between my legs and the tips of my breasts.

"Want you," he muttered, pressing me hard into the door before easing back slightly and wrestling with my jeans. His hands snaked around my waist, deftly unfastening the button and lowering the zipper. I struggled half-heartedly, but his chest anchored mine, pushing my cheek thrillingly against the cool metal of the door. His hips were pulled back only far enough to give his hands room to work, stripping me of my jeans and panties down to my ankles. His fingers probed between my legs with familiar confidence.

"You're so fucking ready," he murmured, and I shuddered. "Thank God." I heard the snap of elastic as he shoved his shorts and jock down, and I shivered convulsively as his tongue traced my ear. "Condom, Bella."

"Bra," I managed to gasp, bringing my hands up on either side of my face to brace myself. I was breathless and burning, the tickle and scorch between my legs growing exponentially as the seconds ticked by.

His breaths were loud and harsh in my ear as he shifted, still behind me. He released the pressure on my chest only to push his hips into mine, keeping me pinned against the door. One long-fingered hand reached around to cover my breast, kneading and rolling, before tugging the neckline of my T-shirt down and dipping into my bra. His calluses scraped thrillingly against my sensitive flesh. It took him a little longer than necessary to find the small, plastic square, but he finally pulled it out from between my breast and my bra with agonizing flair. His weight shifted yet again, his chest squashing mine and his hips retreating slightly. The unmistakable sound of plastic tearing and wet rubber being rolled onto his erection filled the room. I shivered again, and his feet urged my ankles further apart. One hand curled around my hipbone, pulling me back into him, while the other put light pressure on the small of my back, urging me to arch my ass toward him. The hand on my back lifted, and I felt it trail down between my legs before guiding his thick, hot length into me. I gasped at that first dragging stroke, shrieked at the easier slide of the second, and moaned at the third, which pressed as far as it could into me before stopping, holding, throbbing.

"Oohh," I keened, spots dancing behind my tightly squeezed eyelids. "Oh my, Edward…"

He pulled out, and a cry of denial burst from me. "Sorry, sorry," he gasped, turning me easily before bending and grasping my thighs, lifting me up and sliding my back against the door. "You're too short for that, baby." He pinned me there with his weight so that he could take one hand and guide himself back between my legs. We both moaned at the exquisite sensation of him filling me, and I had to admit this angle felt much better. He kissed my mouth, placing one hand on each cheek of my ass, holding me, tilting me just exactly so for each stroke. He pushed and pulled with his hands as he pushed and pulled with his hips. The sudden feel of his fingertips glancing along our flesh where we were joined sent me into an overload of awareness. Sensation sharpened, ached, and overwhelmed.

"Oh...my…God…I'm…come…ing…" I gasped with every sharp thrust, and then I did, banging my head against the door, arching my back against it, pushing my pelvis into his and undulating with the spasms of my pleasure. My inner muscles pulsed around him.

He made a harsh sound of satisfaction, pushing into me high and hard, his body going still and then shuddering in sharp jerks. I could actually feel the swell and throb of him as he came. The unbelievable sensation turned my aftershocks back into current shocks, and I bit down hard on the bare flesh of his shoulder.

He leaned into me as our shivers and trembles blended into one another. He was holding me up against the door by his weight alone, and as his legs finally gave out we slid in a messy heap on the floor. He managed to twist so that I ended up sitting across his lap, but our feet got tangled together along with my jeans and his shorts. We sorted through our discarded clothing, giggling and exchanging soft kisses as we helped each other dress. I fastened my jeans and watched with interest as he rose to his feet and arranged himself, settling his shorts into place and tugging the T-shirt over his chest.

"You've got on your gym stuff," I pointed out to him. "How are you going to get your other clothes?"

He rubbed a hand through his hair, eyeing me critically. "You don't look too bad. Are you going to your last class?"

I shifted uncomfortably. I was still wet, slick, and swollen between my legs. "Um, no. I'll just tell Charlie I wasn't feeling well and went home before sixth period. But what about you?"

"I'll drive you home and then head to my place. My mom and dad are at work, so they won't notice. We'll just have to get to school a little early tomorrow so I can switch the clothes in my gym locker."

"Good plan." Edward gave me a slow, deep kiss, taking my hand and sneaking out of the announcer's booth. Luckily, everyone had gone back inside, so we were able to make it back to his car without being observed.

-0-

With Edward at practice and traveling to games, I decided to get a part-time job. My best friends were all dating and spending time with their significant others, so I had some extra time on my hands. Plus, I figured that any extra cash would come in handy, depending on where I finally decided to go to college. Edward was really interested in what the scouts from Boston College and Dartmouth had to say, although he'd also been talking about Princeton and Yale's programs lately. I was thrilled and excited for him, while at the same time trying to battle my apprehension. My grades were excellent, but there was no way I was getting into Princeton or Yale. I started looking at other colleges in those areas that had good writing programs. I was interested in a strong writing or literature program, maybe journalism, or just good old English. I hadn't made a final decision.

I started working at Newton's Outfitters, the local sporting goods store owned by Mike Newton's family. It wasn't a lot of money, but they were flexible with my hours. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that Mike was kind of fun to work with, now that he wasn't constantly hitting on me. I started working in late April, and they were glad to have the extra help, especially with summer fast approaching.

Mike and I were in the store late on a Friday afternoon, the two of us scheduled to work until closing. The excitement of the school year being almost over was tempered by the heavy, damp drizzle that was spitting from the sky. No one was in the store, and we were both draped over the counter, chatting amicably about what we wanted to do this summer, and the stress of the upcoming SAT and ACT college entrance exams. We cleaned up what little was necessary and finished our closing tasks.

"I've just got to lock up, Bella, go ahead and take off," Mike said. "See ya."

"Thanks, Mike." I smiled at him and went behind the counter to grab my keys. Edward would be on his way to my house soon for dinner, and I'd promised to cook one of his favorites, pasta carbonara, for him and Charlie tonight. He liked to load up on carbs the night before a game, and what man didn't like smoked meat?

I walked out into the small, deserted parking lot. There was only my old truck and Mike's Suburban parked toward the back by the trees. It was starting to get dark, and I glanced grimly up at the overcast, heavy sky, the cold drizzle chilling my skin. I sighed and gave a small shiver, reaching to unlock my car door.

"Mmm." A soft, menacing voice sounded in my ear. "You smell even better in the rain, Cullen's Cunt." A large, looming male presence had suddenly appeared behind me.

I gave a shocked, startled shriek, spinning around to face him and dropping my keys on the wet asphalt. Great, Bella. Drop the only meager form of defense you have. My klutziness was literally going to be the death of me.

James Lucard. I'd known it was him the minute I heard his chilling voice calling me that horrible name. "What…why…What are you doing here?" I tried to inject strength and purpose into my voice, but failed miserably. I flattened myself against the door of my truck as he stepped closer, trying to slide away from his ominous, intimidating form. My heart fluttered frantically in my chest. Adrenaline and fear coursed through me.

He smiled, a terrible mockery of Edward's gorgeous half-smile. "Ahh, Miss Bella Swan. I came looking for you, of course." He moved closer still, eliminating the small distance between us. My shoulders rose defensively before I could stop the revealing action.

"Wh-why?"

He tipped his head to the side, his glittering dark eyes never leaving mine. I felt like the proverbial rabbit trapped in a cobra's gaze. "To see what the fuss is all about. To see what has Cullen so… very… interested." His finger reached out as if to touch my cheek, and I flinched. His smile widened. He leaned forward, towering over me, bracing one hand on the door of my truck next to my head. He shifted so that his body practically covered mine and mere inches separated us. He was too close for me to even knee him in the groin. I was trapped, and if he was trying to scare me he was doing a bang-up job. My heart pounded in terror.

"Edward – Edward won't like this." It was lame, but it was the only thing I could come up with. I was dead scared. There was something just so cold, so nasty, so evil about him.

"Do you think so?" he breathed, lowering his head so that our faces were scant millimeters apart, his voice hissing soft. "Really? I can only hope. That's why I'm here, of course. That, and to get better acquainted with you. Cullen has a finer appreciation for good pussy than I gave him credit for." He leaned down, picking up my car keys, brushing against the entire length of my body as he stood back up.

My breath left my lungs in a gasp. I knew he wanted a reaction from me, but I couldn't help myself. This was scary, really terrifyingly scary, and I had no experience on which to base my reactions. I was an overly-protected police chief's only daughter. This kind of shit just didn't happen to me. And the tone of his voice when he said Edward's name…something was going on here, something beyond my comprehension. It was certainly more than just an inter-school athletic rivalry.

"Bella, Bella," he crooned, subtly moving forward until I had my back pressed up against my truck again and was completely helpless. He took my trembling hand, tracing my palm with one fingertip and placing the keys in the center. Arrogant fucking bastard. "Come play with me, Bella. I want to play with you. I want…to play…with you." His thumb and finger pinched a damp strand of my hair and ran along its length. I drew air into my lungs to scream.

"Bella?" I let out a startled and thankful woosh as I recognized Mike's worried voice. I frantically looked around James Lucard to see Mike standing uncertainly in the middle of the parking lot, frowning at us. "Is everything all right? "

"Mike!" I found the strength to dart around Lucard. He'd moved away from me when he heard Mike's voice. I ran to him and didn't look back.

Mike gazed over my shoulder and then he took a good look at my face. His expression changed to shock. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

I spun around and saw there was no sign of Lucard. I don't know how he disappeared so quickly or where he went – I was just thankful he was gone. I let out a very shaky chuckle, running my hand through my damp hair. "I don't know. I'm not really sure."

"Who was that?" He moved closer to me and hesitated as I drew in a sharp breath. My lungs still weren't working properly.

"He plays hockey for Port Angeles High." I tried to play it off, as the last thing I wanted to do was get into a lengthy discussion of the situation with Mike Newton, of all people. I didn't even know what was going on myself. "Just…trying a psych-out, or something."

Mike was still frowning at me. "Do you want me to call your dad – Chief Swan?" he asked hesitantly. I must not be very convincing.

"No! No, I'm okay. It's all right," I hastily assured him.

He tossed his keys in his hand, clearly not convinced. "Cullen?" he asked in a softer tone.

I instantly felt bad for thinking impatient thoughts of him only a moment before. He really was concerned. "No," I replied, trying to smile. "Really. Mike, thank you. I'm fine now."

"Okay," he said, still sounding doubtful, and turned to walk to his SUV. He paused, watching me until I got into my truck.

I sat in the cab for a second, putting my hands on my steering wheel and lowering my head onto them. I let out another weird kind of laugh that was more like a sob. What the hell? The adrenaline crash was making me even more shaky and weak, and I knew I couldn't drive right then. I'd just sit and wait until my heartbeat returned to normal – maybe in about a hundred years. I was dimly aware of Mike pulling out of the lot, and hastily reached over and slapped the lock down on my door. I was starting to freak out about being alone again, but my hands were shaking too badly to drive.

While I waited for my physical responses to settle, my mind spun. Should I tell Edward? I knew that's what Lucard wanted – he was seriously determined to piss my boyfriend off, for some reason. Could I give him the satisfaction? Could I worry Edward that much? How pissed off would he be if I didn't say anything, and he found out what happened? He'd be beyond furious, and rightfully so. I'd promised I would tell him if I ever saw James Lucard again. And if I didn't say anything to him, how could I bring the subject up so I could find out what was going on between the two of them? I had a right to know, now more than ever. I scrubbed my face, and to my shock I found myself suddenly sobbing into my hands. I was more frightened than I had realized. The crying jag was over fairly quickly, and I didn't really feel better at all afterward. That sucked. I sniffled, feeling a pity party coming on. I was scared, wet, cold, and uncomfortable, my eyes were swollen and puffy, my nose running, and I was wiping snot on my sleeve. And I didn't even feel better. How sad was that?

I jumped and screamed at the soft tap on my window, almost hitting my head on the roof. Edward. Of course Mike called him; I must have looked scarier than I thought. How long had I been sitting here freaking out in my truck?

"Bella?" Edward's voice was soft and strained. "It's me, Bella. It's okay. Open up."

Sniffling, I unlocked the door and pushed it open, scooting over so he could slide in behind the wheel. He shut the door behind him and instantly enveloped me in his strong, warm arms. I burst into sobs again, and this time when I was done I did feel better. He rubbed away my tears, and then just stroked my back, my cheeks, my forehead and face when I started calming down a little. Frowning, he stared into my eyes, and leaned down to tentatively press his lips to mine. When I sighed, he pulled back and pressed that amazing, soft mouth to my forehead.

"What happened?" he asked gently.

I gritted my teeth and tucked my head under his chin. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on to him as tight as I dared, reveling in feeling safe and protected. My whole world had shifted. "Lucard," I whispered softly, and felt him tense in reaction. I rubbed my face against the skin of his neck and collarbone, taking great comfort from the heat and solidity of him.

"What happened?" he repeated in the same gentle tone when I didn't continue.

I gripped him even tighter, as if it could keep away the memory of being so frightened. It helped. "He was here, in the lot, when I left work. I didn't see him at first. He didn't have a car or anything, just…all of a sudden he was there. Behind me. T-touching me." I shivered, and his arms tightened in response. I could hear his teeth grind above my head. "Nothing really…bad." I swallowed. "Just trying to freak me out. It worked." I gave a humorless laugh. I pulled back slightly to look into his face. "He wanted me to tell you. He wanted you to know."

Edward's features were tense, and he nodded shortly. He grabbed me suddenly, holding me hard against him and rocking back and forth. "I'm sorry, Bella. I'm so sorry." His voice was rough and clipped, agonized and regretful. "You shouldn't be in the middle of this. It's all my fault. I'm so, so sorry."

"What's going on?" I asked, and my voice was muffled against his chest. "Something else is going on here, Edward. I need to know the truth."

He was silent for a long time. I started getting mad, frustration finally taking over, and mad felt a whole lot better than scared. He sighed deeply, easing back to kiss each of my eyelids, my cheeks, and my mouth. I would have pulled away, but there was nothing sexual about the touches. It felt like he was trying to reassure himself.

"Yeah, you need to know. I should have said something sooner, but…" he grimaced. "I guess I hoped it would go away, and that there wouldn't be any reason to get you more involved." He brooded down at me.

I touched his cheek. "I need to know."

"Yes," he agreed. "You do. You need to know, to be careful. More careful," he amended when I opened my mouth to protest. "I know I have a chance of you cooperating if you know why." I was glad to see my favorite half-crooked smile make its appearance.

He held out his hands for my keys, and I frowned at him. "I'll drive you home. We'll talk there," he said. "You can bring me back later for my car." I dropped the keys into his palm and he started the truck, putting on his seatbelt and motioning for me to do the same. I didn't want to be that far from him yet, but scooted over and buckled my seatbelt. "Besides, your dad has a part in this, anyway."

Wait…what?

For the next chapter teaser I had a hard time deciding between using Franticward:

We both froze, wide eyed and horrified, staring at each other as we heard Charlie's cruiser pulling up in the driveway.

Or Adorableward:

His hair was still sticking up all over, looking to me like he just had wild monkey sex, but then it always kind of looked like that.

So I decided you guys have been so awsome I'd give you both. :)