Ordinary Man, Nothin' Special, Nothin' Grand

Edward tried not to laugh when Jane turned up at breakfast with a black eye and swollen nose. She glared across the buffet but didn't say a word. He could only guess she'd been told to back off until Liam arrived...if Liam was, in fact, on the way. After all, the man still needed his money. Edward had no idea how much American hurling could pay out in Ireland, but he'd surely surpassed the amount he owed. Anything else Liam made through the final match today was just gravy. The man wasn't stupid. He'd let Edward earn the money before doling out any punishment.

And Edward hoped to be holed up in an emergency room by that point. That had to be safer than the hurling pitch.

Of course, he was basing all his decisions on hope.

"You ready for today?" Emmett nudged Edward's shoulder and nodded toward the corner where several other Nashville players sat.

The two carried their food over and sat, Emmett on one side of Bella and Edward on the other. As soon as his ass was in the chair, she reached over and covered his knee with a warm hand.

Christ, the woman was incredible. To have pursued anything with her was selfish and stupid, but he just couldn't help himself. One look in those big brown eyes and he'd been hers, completely. Now he just had to live long enough to fulfill some promises.

"Nervous, I suppose," he said in answer to Emmett's question.

"I saw Jane," Bella whispered, her lips grazing his ear.

How was he supposed to worry with Bella's mouth on him? Oh, yeah. Because Bella had actually been the one to dole out that black eye. He turned in his seat and saw Jane's glare zeroed in on Bella's back.

"Don't, under any circumstances, leave your tent today. If you have to go to the jacks, find some reason to take Emmett and Jasper and anyone else you can."

"I'm not dragging my brother to the bathroom with me," she hissed.

"You need to go, Bells?" Emmett said, eyebrows raised in concern. He knew what was up.

Edward was surprised Bella's brother hadn't just gone ahead and killed him the night before for putting his sister in danger. His arm already tingled in anticipation of the coming punishment.

"No," she snapped. "I don't need an escort to the bathroom."

Emmett met Edward's gaze over Bella's head and nodded. No one would leave her alone for even a second; not if Emmett had anything to do with it. That gave Edward the reassurance he needed to make plans beyond the match...and beyond even the emergency room.

"Are you really ready for this?" Bella's voice softened, lost its edge. "Will your plan really work?"

"Ah, I don't know, to be honest. Everything I've thought through requires everything else to happen exactly as planned."

"You mean you have more than just a broken arm? Because that would make me feel a lot better."

He grinned and pulled her close. "Aye. It's shaky at best, but it would work. There's some hiding in an emergency room and some running involved. And definitely making sure you're safe."

"Um, okay then. I'll just trust you. I guess."

So many thanks to all of you for your patience. We know we promised multiple posts per day, but sometimes life. You know. We appreciate the words of encouragement, the birthday wishes, and all of your excitement. You can't know how grateful we are that you're still here with us!