The lovely 2brown-eyes gave this a read for me.

Not beta'd, so ALL mistakes are MINE.

LEG 5: Get in That Lederhosen, Baby!

"This is really beautiful," I say, motioning to Bangkok lit up at night as we cruise down the Chao Phraya River and enjoy a traditional Thai dinner. "A perfect end to date four."

"Bangkok's okay," Edward says, glancing at the bright lights of the city. "But I'd much rather look at you."

I take a sip of my wine, my eyes finding his over the rim. That line is the cheesiest thing I've heard since college, yet it makes my stomach flip. "It's so strange," I say, setting my glass on the table. "In my mind, I know it's completely ridiculous to be this into someone so quickly after meeting them, and yet, I'm not concerned in the slightest."

"Good." Edward smiles, taking my hand and holding it on the table. "Because I feel the exact same way." He pauses, his expression thoughtful. "I agreed to this experiment because the opportunity to run the race excited me. And now I find myself more focused on my relationship with my partner than the race itself." He shrugs. "Sure I want to win"—he leans closer, his voice a soothing hum between us—"but I want this more, for longer."

My throat closes, and though I have words, they're stuck inside me, unable to burst through the gridlock. My free hand goes to my chest and my mouth falls open, but my tongue refuses to move. He's alive, shining brighter than the city surrounding us, and I'm drowning in his sincerity.

"Shit," I finally whisper, breathing deeply. "Edward …"

Instead of maintaining the distance between us, I toss my napkin on the table and get up, moving over to settle sideways on his lap. I don't have to request he make room, it's automatic, our bodies and minds in tune, his arms cradling me to him.

I brush a piece of wayward hair off his forehead. "Can it truly be real after only a week?"

He taps his chest, our eyes connected. "That thundering right here when you just spoke says yes."

And I know exactly what he means. Right this very second my stomach is filled with butterflies, and they've taken flight, churning up a delicious nervous energy. It spins out of control, sending these pulses of giddy girlhood feelings racing through me.

I don't think.

I act.

Anchoring my palm against his scruffy cheek, I pull his lips to mine. I start off slowly, exploring the line of his plump mouth before licking at the seam. He opens with a husky grunt, and I nearly ram my tongue into his mouth as lust surges to life inside me, but I refrain, teasing and taunting before I dip inside to tangle with his.

One fist clenches my long waves, and the other hand grips at my side, forever pulling me closer into his orbit. I'm spinning out of control; lost in a man I barely know and totally okay with it. Whatever magic is at work here is heady and powerful and it feels too good to be true.

Loud bursts overhead break us apart as fireworks light up the river. "Stunning," Edward rasps, and he isn't looking at the sky. The fireworks reflect in his clear eyes, and I'm spellbound.

I wipe my lipstick from his bottom lip. "I'd say date four was a raving success."

"I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around our luck." He chuckles, motioning around us. "Who ever gets to do stuff like this on their blind dates?"

"To be fair," I say, my eyes turning to the colorful display in the sky. "I don't think we're blind dating anymore."

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely so." I look back into his reflective eyes. "When I voluntarily agreed to date two, we officially dropped the blind part."

"So, we're dating?" He's barely able to contain his smile, and I can feel the nervous energy coursing through him. "Like really dating? A couple?"

I shrug one shoulder, acting way more casual than I feel. "I'd say so."

He smashes his lips to mine, and though we don't explore each other's mouths, the energy that was percolating beneath his skin is burned off between us. His lips continue along my jaw and pepper down my throat before he ends with a sigh, his arms holding me just a tiny bit tighter.

"How do we handle this for the camera?" he asks.

James tailed us earlier and got in a few shots for the show, and then we were left alone to enjoy the rest of our night alone. The show's producers have chosen to play up our flirting, but they haven't pushed us to be more or even own up to how really into each other we are, so it'll be interesting to watch back on TV in a few months.

Hopefully together.

"I'm not sure, but we've been doing fine so far."

"Yeah." He snorts. "But that was before you were my girlfriend."

Those butterflies in my stomach?

Yeah, they erupt into a flurry of activity. "Can we go now?"

He chuckles, and it fills the air between us with an electric charge. "I think we have to wait for the boat to dock."

"Right." I remember now. "Let's go find that captain."

He nudges for me to get up. "I've got this. You finish your wine."

While he's gone, I reflect on the night, the past days, week even. The race has lived up to its name—Amazing in every way—but so has my blind date. I may regret this all by the time it's over, but for now, I'm simply going to thrive in this magnificent moment. A once in a lifetime dream come true. And just maybe, on the other side, I'll have found something special.

"He says we'll be on land in five minutes," Edward says, his chair legs scraping against the teak deck. "And then another ten-minute taxi ride to our hotel."

"That's fifteen minutes too long," I say, taking another sip of my wine before setting down my glass and propping my elbows on the table. "Tell me about your brother. Masen was it?"

Edward's lips quirk even as I can read the surprise in his eyes. "If you'd asked me a few days ago, I'd probably have told you he's an annoying little shit who likes to make trouble. But today, he's the best brother a guy could ask for," Edward says, lifting his own goblet for another drink. "I probably won't ever give him hell again."

I laugh softly. "How old is he?"

"Nineteen."

"Oh wow," I say, surprised. "Twelve years apart means you didn't spend your childhoods together."

"We didn't." He scratches his sharp jaw, and I want to nibble it. "He was in kindergarten when I went off to college, but"—he holds up a perfectly proportioned pointer finger—"I was there for him during his teen years and now he's on campus at UCLA, so I see him from time to time."

"That's really great." I bob my head. "Is he a race fan?"

"The biggest," Edward replies, smiling. "I'm pretty sure he signed us both up, but he wasn't pissed that I got the call, and he didn't."

"What did you think when they called?"

He laughs, and it's not a true husky Edward laugh. "I pretended I knew what they were talking about, and all the while, I was picturing myself strangling the kid."

"He must've convinced you, though." I hold up my hands. "Here we are."

"He did." He licks his sinful lips. "I'd be a fool to turn down an opportunity like this, even if you were a Jessica or something."

I bark a laugh without meaning to. "Are you saying there's something wrong with Jessica?"

"I'm saying that she's batshit crazy." He's dead serious. "Both of them."

"Like I said. Foreplay."

"Speaking of," Edward says, standing and holding out his hand. "Let's blow this popsicle stand."

As I take his offering, I realize we've already docked. "How did I miss that?"

"Good company," he breathes, his lips ghosting my ear.

There's no disputing that.

The trip back to our hotel is relatively swift, and even though we don't taunt and tease, the energy between us is charged. The air is so thick and cloying, I can barely take a deep breath. My mind, even as I carry on a normal conversation, is running through the scenarios of what happens when we close the door to our room. We'll be alone with nine uninterrupted hours between us, and I'm not sure what I want to happen.

When we exit the taxi, Edward laces our fingers, swinging our hands between us. "There's no reason to be nervous," he says softly. "I don't think we're quite there yet."

"I agree." I look up at him, smiling. "And I disagree at the same time."

He grunts, and gah, I love that sound. "It's like you're this way sexier mirror image of myself. You say things I feel before I can muster up the words."

"I'm just being honest."

He stops then, swinging me around to stand in front of him. "I don't want to fast forward this. The race is going to continue to be insane and I think we're better suited for saving that until after, or later at least. I just …" He trails off, sighing as a little pucker forms between his brow. "I want you, badly, but I don't want us to get caught up in a whirlwind and go down in flames later because of it."

"Again, I agree." I lift up on my tiptoes and press a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Our instant connection was based purely on the physical, but since then, I realize I also like what's inside the package. And I don't want to lose that because we burned too hot too soon."

He blows out a heavy breath. "Okay, then. Let's end our date here, and when we go up to this room, we go as teammates and not as a couple?"

"Uh …" My face screws up. "Is that what you got from all that?"

"Pretty much."

"I was thinking we could go make out like horny teens for a few minutes," I say, gauging his reaction. "And then, we spoon and fall asleep like teammates."

"Okay," he squeaks, and I laugh at his cuteness. I mean, as sexy as he is, there's no doubt he's got game. But every now and then he reverts to this shy guy and it makes me smile, until he licks those luscious lips, and then I turn into a simpering fool. "So where does this horny teenager line end?" he asks, pulling me flush against his hard body. "I'm going to need specifics or we're liable to fail our first test."

My mind is fuzzy from being so close to every hard inch of him, but I fight the haze of lust. "Clothes on, lips and hands stay over the clothes."

"Okay." He nods once. "So you're gonna work me into a frenzy and leave me to take care of it myself?"

I pause, thinking it over before smiling. "Yes."

"You won't get any complaints from me."

We're already making out by the time we reach our door. We maneuver between kisses and panting breaths to finally get the card in the lock. Like everyone else's room, ours has two beds, but Edward and I haven't slept apart yet, and we don't intend to start now.

We tumble onto the nearest one, all hands and lips and heavy sighs. Fingers explore skin and tongues trace dips and crevices. We don't talk much, choosing instead to let our bodies communicate the realness of what we feel.

Who knows if it'll last or how long beyond the finish line, but in this moment right now, it's as real as the stars in the sky. He makes me feel like I'm seventeen again, crushing on my then best friend's college-aged brother home for Christmas break. And even though that guy had sex with me and went back to his college girlfriend, I'll never forget how I felt the entire week that led up to us sleeping together.

Breathless and giddy.

Shy and wanting.

Excited and terrified.

He filled that true first crush void, and I learned a lot when it was all said and done. I'd felt a lot of things that made the heartbreak after worth it.

And here I am again, for the first time in years, feeling those schoolgirl flutters. I won't trade them for anything. Even if it means I lose out later. Not every man can create this high, and I intend to lather myself and waddle around in it.

"Babe," he breathes, pulling my hands from beneath his tee. "Not under the clothes."

"Maybe we could …" I start to push it up instead, but he stills my wandering fingers.

"That isn't the deal we made." He's looking toward me but not at me, his breaths heavy.

"So," I say, grabbing the hem. "We can modify it."

"No." He sits up and moves far enough away that my hands fall to the bed. The entire mood in the room chills a degree. "I'd love nothing more than to take you right here right the fuck now"—he adjusts his rock solid dick that I never got the chance to fondle—"but we drew a line before all this lust infiltrated us, and I think we should stick to it."

"Okay." I'm quiet with my reply, agreeing with him and hating his strength at the same time. I tilt my head toward the bathroom door, glancing at his lap. "Why don't you …"

"Yeah. I think I will." He chuckles before pinning me with those dangerous eyes. "Are you gonna be good?"

I lie back on the bed, my fingers toying with the hem of my shirt. "As soon as you get out of here." He audibly gulps, and I break into a fit of giggles, tossing a pillow at his head. "I was just fucking with you."

"Har, har," he says, narrowing his eyes. "One day …" He gives me a heated once-over before running his sinful tongue across his bottom lip and disappearing behind the bathroom door.

I lay there hot and bothered and pretty damn pleased with our progress as I fall asleep. Sometime later, I barely wake when he slips in behind me and hooks an arm around my waist, tugging me back against him.

The morning is hectic. Not knowing where your next destinations is doesn't help. We've spent 2 LEGS in Thailand, so we know we're leaving, but there's an entire world out there to explore. I dress in knee-length leggings and a tee with my team purple Nikes before joining Edward in the room to grab my bag.

"Ready for LEG 5?" Edward asks as we shut the door behind us.

"Oh, I'm ready all right." I look up at him from beneath my lashes.

"Stop it." He pinches my side. "A guy can only stand strong for so long."

"You really shouldn't tell me that," I say, storing it away in case I need to seduce him one day. "I'll surely use it against you."

He leans down, his lips close to my ear. "And I'll surely forgive you, as long as you forgive yourself."

His hand is on my back as we exit the elevator, and I feel his touch all over my body. He's right. These are physical things, and it's not enough. The better foundation we build, the better chance we have of making something lasting. And who knows? Maybe none of this matter and we're taking baby steps for nothing, but I'd rather be safe and keep him than sorry and lose him.

Knowing some kind of travel is next, we forgo breakfast and get to our starting spot just in time to see Esme and Carlisle take off in a cab. They're chattering among themselves, and Esme is animated, her hands flying all around as she talks with excitement about something.

"And 3, 2, 1. Go!"

Edward rips into the clue, and I squeal when I see our next destination.

ROUTE INFO

Our couples will now travel more than 5,000 miles from Asia to the heart of Europe. Munich, Germany. After landing, they must make their way by train to Wies'n Tracht & Mehr clothing shop and pick out the appropriate attire to be part of Oktoberfest.

"Germany!" I jump up and down a couple of times for good measure before turning to my fine-ass partner. "I've always wanted to travel there."

"You're in luck then." His lickable lips twitch and I want to kiss that sass right off of them. "Let's grab a cab."

As usual, Edward has both of our backpacks at the starting line, so it's easier to keep up as we race to the street. Getting a taxi is pretty easy, and all of the drivers know where the airport is, so no worries on getting lost.

Turns out, all eight teams make the same flight, so we've been truly equalized for the first time since the start of the race. We now have thirteen hours to fill and will arrive at six-thirty in the morning. With the time zones and long flights and train rides interspersed with a solid day of race activity broken up with pit stops, I barely know what day it is anymore.

And I don't really care.

I'm having the time of my life.

After we've settled in for the flight and eaten, Edward and I get back to light conversation. It's always a plus to get to know someone better, and we have all the time in the world to eat, sleep, and talk.

"Tell me about your family," he says lowly. We're settled in, heads together, voices quiet. Who knows where Emmett is lurking? "Do you have any siblings?"

"I don't, surprisingly," I reply, smiling as I think of my parents. "Both my mom and dad are remarried, but neither of them had other children."

"Did they remarry later in life?"

"When I was in my teens, so not too late to have children." I consider Renée and figure I should expand. "My mom is a little flighty. She doesn't actively regret having me but getting pregnant so young pinned her down. She couldn't handle it. We left when I was six to chase her dreams. I guess most young children would be sad about it, but it never bothered me. I remember their arguments and how much she cried. I still visited my dad every summer and during holidays, so I didn't feel like I missed out on anything."

"Where do they live? Your mom and dad, I mean."

"My mom's in Phoenix, about twenty minutes from me. That's where she finally settled with a minor league baseball player when I was sixteen." I huff a laugh when I think of Charlie. "My dad is the Police Chief of this nowhere town called Forks a few hours out of Seattle. He only remarried a few years ago, and his wife already had two almost-grown children."

"Ahh." He pokes me in the side, knowing I'm ticklish. "Then you do have siblings."

I purse my lips, trying to find something wrong with his reasoning. "Huh," I say, holding back a smile. "I guess I do, though I've never thought of them that way."

"Maybe you should," he suggests, his light eyes sparkling. "Do you get along?"

"Oh sure." I'm suddenly rethinking my entire relationship with Jared and Quil, my newly realized step-bothers. "I just … I guess since we were all mostly grown it never occurred to any of us to become anything other than friends."

"Hmph." Edward bobs his head. "Whatever works, I suppose."

"Right," I comment, still a little off-kilter from this new realization. "But now that it's been so glaringly pointed out, it's hard to put it back in the box."

"No one has ever mentioned it?" he asks. "At all?"

"Nope." I shake my head definitively. "They had a small backyard wedding, and we're all no-frills type people. I've known their family for as long as I can remember."

"Sounds like you have a few relationships to build when we get back." His eyes roam my face. "It's pretty cool, though, really. The fact that blending the two families was so chill no one even bothered to assume the roles."

"When you put it like that it makes us seem like we don't care very much, but we really do." I pick at my week-old purple polish. "The relationships are there. Acknowledging them is where we're lacking."

"I don't mean to sound accusatory," he replies, tilting my chin up, his fingers lingering. "I'd imagine you're not the only blended family to not really take to the whole step-sibling idea."

"Well, we are now," I assert, making a decision right then and there. "Jared and Quil are cool, and I'll be a lucky girl to call them my brothers." It hits me square in the chest. "Wow. I'm not an only child anymore."

Edward chuckles, and it's his usual low, sexy one. "Yeah, I bet that it is a mindset that doesn't really change once you're in your twenties."

"It's done now," I insist, nodding in approval. "Who knew my handsome boyfriend could alter me so easily by pointing out the obvious in a simple get-to-know-you plane convo?"

He licks his lips, his eyes doing that sea-weedy thing again. "I love hearing you call me that."

"I love knowing it's true."

"I'm tempted to ask you to meet me in the bathroom for a thirty-thousand-foot make-out session." He pauses, wrinkling his nose. "But the idea isn't as appealing in reality as it is in my head."

"No mile-high club for you?"

"Absolutely not," he asserts, but then his eyes fog. "Then again, maybe we could rent a private jet one day."

"Jesus." I roll my eyes, giggling. "I'm not sure the cost would justify the end result."

Those clear green eyes that see through me take a long, slow pass across my face and down the rest of my body. "It would absolutely be worth it."

"Then maybe we will."

The rest of the plane ride continues in the same fashion. He peppers me with questions, some thought-provoking, some lust-inducing, and some just to make me smile. We eat dinner late at night, and I lay my head on his shoulder as we watch a movie. I guess I drift off to sleep because the next thing I know, I'm being shaken awake.

"Babe," Edward whispers, his fingers brushing my face. "We're landing in twenty. I thought you might want to go freshen up before we're full speed ahead for LEG 5."

Even though I hear him, I don't fully open my eyes until he reminds me of the race. "Germany." I sit upright, clamoring for the window. "It's still dark."

"The sun will be up soon." He points to the horizon line, showing me the sliver of brightness. "It's catching up to us."

I'm wide awake and aflutter with excitement. I clap my hands and then ball them into shaking fists. "What do you think they have in store for us here?"

He runs his hand across his scruffy jaw, thinking. "I don't know, but I hope we don't have to learn a German tune."

"You have an excellent memory," I remind him, pointing. "You'll have no issues if that's the case."

He grunts, and I'm not sure if it's an acceptance or denial, but either way, it's adorable. "An excellent memory doesn't help much when it's a language I don't understand."

"I suppose." I stand, squeezing past his knees. "I'll be back."

Before long, eight teams are racing through the airport in relatively close proximity. These are the moments that can cost a race. Edward was wise enough to ask our flirty stewardess about how to navigate to the train station at the airport. It's working well, for more than just us though.

I can hear Emmett behind us telling Rose, "Follow Ed and Bell."

That ride is just as quick, and we're on the street in no time, begging for someone to point us toward the store. A nice German woman does, and we take off. It's pretty much a foot race between us, Emmett and Rose, and Tanya and Jake.

Inside the store, we look around only a few seconds before I spot the clue. "Here." I grab Edward's hand, hoping the others don't hear.

We step to the side and Edward rips it open.

ROUTE INFO

Go Bavarian in lederhosen and dirndl. When the shop owner approves your costume, search for your next clue at Alter Peter Tower.

"At least it isn't a sparkly one piece again," Edward says, looking over the traditional costume. He holds up the pants. "Leather works for me."

The shopkeeper ushers us into small changing rooms—the race has made sure all measurements needed for occasions such as this were taken beforehand. While we're changing, I can hear the murmur of other teams as they fill the small clothing shop. Once I've managed my dress and knee-high socks, I slip my feet back into my tennis shoes and step back into the shop.

Edward's already there, his hand held out. "Ready?"

Other teams are in various stages of dress as we wind through the racks and out onto the street, map in hand. "There it is," I say, pointing to the tall tower not far from where we are. "Let's go."

We take off up the sidewalk, racing toward the tall structure. Before long, fast footsteps pound the pavement behind us. "Come on, babe. They're gaining."

My breaths are gushing out of me as I try to keep up. "I'm moving as fast as I can."

"I can see the base of the tower," he says, releasing my hand and racing a few steps ahead. "Pick it up."

I'm too breathless to reply, which is a good thing because I might tell him where he could shove his encouragement. I can barely breathe as it is, so the last thing I want to hear is some long-legged fast-running man acting like I should do better.

"I see the clue box," he yells, racing the last few steps.

By the time I catch up, he's poised and ready to rip it open. Him leaving me behind, even a few feet, is new for me, and I'm not sure if I like it.

ROUTE INFO

Climb to the top of the tower and look for the marked Ford Focuses below. Then you're going to drive yourself to Schlafwagenfabrik to find your next clue.

I don't wait for his guidance as I enter the tower ahead. I'm still smarting that he left me, but that could be me being a brat. By the time we make it to the top of the endless stairs, I'm over my fit and we're back to teamwork. Emmett and Rose are directly behind us, and we have to work fast to stay ahead.

The tower has a clock at the top and a guarded walkway on all four sides. We scurry out, each team going separate ways. Emmett and Rose are only outside about twenty seconds before they're racing away, and it frustrates Edward.

I can tell by his scowl. "What did they see so quickly?"

Jake and Tanya join us then, with Leah and Emily stepping out only few seconds behind them. I double my efforts, searching the streets below for the cars.

"I see one," Emily yells, her and Leah disappearing as quickly as they arrived.

"What the hell?" Edward mutters, tugging his hair.

"Look." I point to a red and yellow race flag on top of a pair of cars on the street. "That must be it."

"Let's go."

"Wait," I say, comparing where we are to the streets below on the map. "I need to make sure we know where to go."

Carlisle and Esme and Mike and Jessica appear on the walkway, and Tanya and Jake disappear into the stairwell. "Forget it," Edward snaps. "We'll find it once we're on the ground."

"It won't be the same …"

"Let's go, Bella!"

He doesn't wait for me, instead slipping into the staircase. Heat burns its way up my neck, and it isn't in the usual sexually charged way. I'm livid, but he's already gone, and I have no choice but to follow. I'm not sure who this pushy teammate is but I want my Edward back, the one who cares more about my feelings than winning this race.

I pass Kate and Garrett on the stairway as I try my damnedest to catch up with Edward. He's only about eight steps below me, but this just isn't like him. Every now and then he glances back to check my position before continuing his hasty descent.

When I exit onto the street, he's already off. "What the heck, Edward," I yell to his retreating back. "Wait up."

He rotates and walks backward. "We've already lost first place. We need to pick up the pace."

"I'm doing the best I can."

"I know," he replies, slowing so I can catch up. When I'm beside him, he turns and continues forward. "We wasted too much time up on the walkway."

"I was trying to make sure we knew where we were going."

"It's not that complicated, Bella." He walks just a little bit faster, and I double my efforts to keep up because he's pissing me off. "You look out over a few streets and you go down and find it."

I press my lips tightly together and take a deep breath through my nose. "Oh yes, of course," I say sarcastically. "How could I have ever thought it would be complicated." By this point, I have no idea where we are, so I guess his little theory is about to be put to the test. I come to a halt and look around for the pair of cars I saw from above. "Now where oh where have those Fords raced off to, I wonder."

His eyes snap to my face, and I bite back a scowl. "Don't be pissy."

"Never." I wave to the street. "Lead the way."

He looks right and left before huffing as Tanya and Jake beep the horn on their way by. "I guess it is that easy," I mumble under my breath, only to earn myself a glare.

"This way," he barks, not bothering to see if I follow. "They must've snagged one of the cars while we were wasting time."

I stop in my tracks. "Who are you, and where is the guy I met on LEG 1?"

"What?" He turns, scowling. "We don't have time for this."

"Yeah, I don't have patience for being treated like crap either, but here we are." I throw my hands in the air.

"Bella," he sighs out. "Can we just shelve this? We're already behind."

"Fine," I snap, pulling my map from my fanny pack. I point to the location of the two cars we saw. "We need to go down that street over there."

"Whatever," he mumbles, taking off without another word.

I clench the map so tightly in my hand, it crumbles into an unreadable piece of nothing, so I toss it in the first trash can we pass. My blood is boiling, but beyond that, I'm having a hard time comprehending what could've turned him into such an ass. I mean surely this isn't the sore loser in him, is it?

That would be a tragedy.

I follow behind Edward, not even trying to stay by his side as we navigate to the street where we saw the cars. After going a good distance down it, I come to the realization that those two cars are no longer here.

Edward is spinning around, his head jerking from left to right as he searches in vain. "I thought you said this was the right street." His tone is accusatory, and I snap.

"This was the correct street," I sneer, taking slow steps in his direction as I speak. "But who knows which teams are ahead of us now since you refused to listen to me earlier. While we were wandering around with you in a tizzy, other teams must've taken these cars."

He speaks between clenched teeth. "Or maybe it was Emmett and Rose and Leah and Emily who took these while we piddled with a map."

My mouth pops open, and fire races up the back of my neck. "If it wasn't for my piddling with a map, we wouldn't even be on the right street."

He's quiet for a second, breathing deeply through his nose. "Whatever," he finally mumbles. "Let's just find a fucking car."

"Lead the way, oh wise one." I sling out my hand, too angry to continue this argument.

He huffs, hands on hips as he ponders where to go. "This way."

I walk about four feet behind him, and when he picks up the pace, I match it. I'm not looking for any reason to have to speak to him, yet we're still at it fifteen minutes later.

I stop in my tracks. "I refuse to continue this needle in a haystack approach," I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Then what would you suggest?" He's all smartass and superior acting.

I roll my eyes. "We go back up and actually spot a fucking car."

"A waste of time." He shakes his head as if he's the authority here.

"I wasn't asking your permission," I say, turning toward the tower. "You can either keep up or get us disqualified."

"Bella!"

I continue walking.

I'm done.

His footsteps beat a staccato against the pavement, and I release a sigh. If you'd told me just a few hours ago we'd be in this position, I would've called you a liar. And I'd have been wrong. What a difference falling to the back of the pack can make.

We pass #teamtvtypes as we approach the tower, and they get overly excited to when they see us. "We're not last," Kate says, tugging Garrett's sleeve to speed him up.

I grit my teeth and pick up the pace, assuming Edward is somewhere behind me. The stairs are hell, and my brooding partner is breathing down my neck. There's no way to avoid his presence in this tight space.

When we enter the walkway, we both go separate ways. I spot a car with a flag moving, realizing it must be Kate and Garret, so I search in that vicinity. Edward's griping under his breath at his own inability to locate the final car.

I scan, scan, scan, and finally, I see the blue Ford with the red and yellow striped race flag on top. I jump up and down, forgetting that I'm angry. "I got it," I cheer, reaching for my nonexistent map. "Shit." I breathe deeply, frustrated all over again. "Let me orient myself, so we don't make a mistake once we're on the ground."

Edward's beside me now, and he tugs my backpack. "Let's go. We can find that easily."

I smash my lips together and nod. As we enter the staircase, I can't help but fume over his entitled attitude. After the first epic mistake, you'd think he'd want to be sure, but not my guy. Oh no. He's all about rushing headlong into the fire and hoping he doesn't get burned a second time. I'm not sure how I missed it before, but this won't pass without a long, hard discussion.

Later.

Right now, we have a deficit to overcome.

"Fucking finally," Edward mutters, picking up the pace.

I ignore his words, trying my best to stay unaffected, but it's hard. I want to drag him to a corner by his ear and give him a talking to unlike any he's ever had. But I'm too angry to engage. Things could go downhill quickly.

He opens the car and pops the trunk before shoving his bag inside. For the first time on the race, he doesn't take mine and load it too. It stings. There's no other way to describe it, but I'll be damned if I let a man I barely know ruin this experience—even if we have declared ourselves a couple.

And maybe that was my mistake.

He hops into the driver's seat without another word, and I bite my tongue and climb in beside James. These two guys are side-eyeing us and shit, but I have even fewer answers than they do. The person driving this car is as new to me is he is to them.

"Which way?" Edward asks, meeting my eyes in the rearview.

"I'm going to need a map," I respond, keeping my tone even.

"I thought you had one," he says, his eyes narrowed on me in the mirror. "Wasn't that entire scene back there about a fuuu … map."

Alec zooms in for a close-up, and I look down, hiding my face. I don't want to be accused of murder if this motherfucker goes missing. After a couple of deep breaths, I push down my rage and hide it behind a pleasant smile as I raise my eyes.

"Yeah, I don't have that anymore," I say as politely as humanly possible. "We can buy another or stop and ask for directions. Either works for me."

"Fine." It's clipped, but at least his eyes are back on the road.

We stop for directions, and I leave Edward to it, not bothering to join him in the convenience store. We're parked right next to the curb, so we aren't violating any distance rules.

"What the hell is going on?" Alec hisses as soon as Edward's door slams shut, lowering his camera. "You two have been race-perfect."

"He's pissing me off, that's what." I watch out the window as Edward smiles for the portly woman behind the counter. "Asshole."

"Well give it a rest, will ya? You don't want the world watching this shit, do ya?" He has a point, but in the heat of the moment, it's hard to rein it in. "Look, just chill for the ride and hopefully he'll be cool by the time we get there."

"And that's the problem," I snipe, gearing up to let it fly. "Why are you expecting me to chill, so he'll be cool later? Who says I want him to be cool? Fuck him and fuck you!"

"Whoa," Alec says, holding up his hands. "I was trying to be reasonable."

"It isn't reasonable to accuse me of being the problem."

"I'm sorry, okay?" Edward comes out of the store, so Alec lifts his camera ready to film. "I was trying to help."

"Well don't."

When Edward gets back into the car, it's completely silent. He has a piece of paper clenched in his hand even as he shifts gears in the car. I roll my eyes and turn to stare out the window. I'll be damned if I beg him to let me help.

We pull over twice for him to check his stupid directions, but we finally do make it to Schlafwagenfabrik and see the clue box. As much as I can't stand Edward right now, I won't allow it to cost us the race, so I jump out like a happy camper when I see the clue box. We get in position, and Edward rips open clue. "Using the rearview camera, drive your Ford Focus in reverse through a winter wonderland."

ROUTE INFO

From the outside, the building is just an old factory. But inside, teams will find a winter wonderland. Driving a 2015 Ford Focus, they must maneuver in reverse and use the rearview camera to piece together their next clue.

He doesn't speak after reading the clue. He simply turns and marches back to the car. I follow without a word, and it takes a lot of effort not to lose it on all these men. He gets in the driver's seat and I roll my eyes as I return to the back.

I don't make any effort whatsoever to help him read the signs, but I do peek and make a mental note just in case he misses one. The scenery inside the warehouse is pretty, but we're so focused internally that we're unable to enjoy it. The tension in the car is so thick I can barely breathe, and I don't know how much longer I can suffer in silence.

When we reach the end, we get out wordlessly and stand side by side before the ice princess who's patiently waiting.

"Schliersee," Edward says, his voice monotone.

She smiles and produces a clue, and neither of us has any enthusiasm to give. We move to the side and open the tab.

ROUTE INFO

Drive yourselves to Schliersee, near Seestrass 27. Choose a marked boat and row yourselves to your next clue, which will be attached to a buoy.

We're back in the car and the silence is deafening. "Edward," I say softly. When he doesn't acknowledge me, I speak louder while trying to keep the bark out of my tone. "Edward."

His eyes flick to me in the mirror before going back to the road. "Yeah?"

"I don't like this."

"Me either."

"Can we just …"

His eyes meet mine again, and they're tired too. "Save it for later? Yeah."

"Kay."

We still don't jump right into conversation, but once we get to Schliersee, the town is so adorable, it's impossible to stay silent.

"This is so quaint," I say, looking wide-eyed out my window.

"It is pretty," Edward adds quietly.

I smile to myself, even though he's not completely forgiven. "I don't think I could live here, though. Not enough hustle and bustle."

"Yeah." His eyes flash to mine in the mirror for a split second. "Probably not much trauma going on."

Edward pulls to a park in a marked spot, and we jump out, racing down to the lakeshore. There's only one rowboat with a race flag left at the lake, and Phil is lurking nearby, but we scurry past him and hop in.

Our start is wonky, but Edward talks me through it in a calm and soothing manner. We find our rhythm, good enough to get us to the buoy and grab the clue. We wait until we get back to shore before standing side by side, closer than we have the other times today, and ripping the tab.

DETOUR

STEIN or STACK

This detour gives teams the opportunity to get a taste of Oktoberfest.

In STEIN, each team must figure out how to carry 22 steins, all at once, working like the Bavarian waitresses who serve these heavy steins for the 16 consecutive days of Oktoberfest. If they can make their delivery without dropping them, they will get their next clue.

Crate STACKing competitions were invented by beer enthusiasts who decided they could build a tower with all the empty crates that were lying around. Believe it or not, the world record is 49 crates high, and if you want to know how amazing that is, watch what happens when our teams try to build one with just 15.

"Twenty-two steins is a lot," Edward says, glancing to check my reaction. "I can probably do twelve."

I hold up my hands, my fingers spread wide. "I'm a fitness trainer. I have strong fingers, among other things."

His lips twitch, but he holds back whatever other reaction he might've had and shrugs instead. "I'm game if you are."

"Let's do stein." I grab the clue. "Let's ask for directions to Wolfsee Halle restaurant."

TEAM CHECK-IN

Alice and Jasper are leading the pack. They have passed the DETOUR and are already on the ROADBLOCK.

Emmett and Rose are hot on their heels as the lovebirds try to bring home their first 1st place finish.

Emily and Leah and Mike and Jessica have already left the STACK detour, but they haven't arrived at the ROADBLOCK.

Jake and Tanya just finished the STEIN detour and are headed toward the ROADBLOCK.

Carlisle and Esme are still at the STACK detour and their progress is slow. One team member has to stay on the ground while the other has to climb as they stack crates one on top of the other. It takes flexibility and muscle coordination to get it done. But once you find a groove, moving on it easier.

Kate and Garrett are at the STEIN detour, and it looks like they'll be passing it soon.

As we know, Edward and Bella are bringing up the rear after their complete meltdown at Peter Alter Tower.

END TEAM CHECK-IN

We load back into the car and stop the first chance we get. Things aren't back to normal between us by a long shot, but we've put the acrimony aside in favor of running the race. We haven't seen a single team since the tower, so we're pretty sure we're running in last place.

We park beside another Ford at the restaurant, and the first real smile I've had in hours curves my lips. "Another car," I say, tapping Edward's shoulder from behind. "Another team is here!"

Edward slams on the brakes and has the car off and my door open in no time. He's smiling, and it's a lovely sight. I decide right then to let it all go until this LEG is over and we're alone. I don't want to feel resentful. I don't want to begrudge my own happiness, so I choose to pretend the argument didn't happen.

For now.

Sadly, that only lasts for the time it takes to reach the door because we pass Kate and Garrett as they're leaving, and Edward spirals back into an angry sore loser.

"Get your ten and let's go," he snaps as I try to arrange the steins so I can carry the heavy load. "Move it, Bella!"

I want to bash one of them upside his head. "Give me a second to get a good grip," I bite back. "You'd rather me do it once right than fail and have to start over, yes?"

"Yes." His jaw ticks. "But we're wasting time."

"Arguing?" I narrow my eyes toward him. "We damn sure are."

"Fine." He huffs a breath through his nose. "Just please try."

For the first time today, I can see through his shitty attitude to the man beneath. It hits me like a ton of bricks. He's not accustomed to losing, and when he does, it's at a huge cost. A life. I don't want to make excuses for him, but I can see how that could shape a man, so I grit my teeth and lift the ten mugs of beer.

They're heavy.

But I'm a badass and I double down, following Edward as he weaves through the tables. "Hurry," I grunt, my fingers straining to maintain my hold. "Please."

He walks a little faster, and I refuse to give up. Seconds later, he moves aside so I can unburden myself first.

"Thanks," I murmur, setting the glasses on the table. "Now if I can get my fingers unlocked."

I chuckle uncomfortably as I release the large glasses of beer. I shake it off once I'm able to step back, opening and closing my hands as the blood rushes to fill the constricted veins. As soon as Edward has his steins on the table, he's beside me, his strong fingers working out the kinks in my aching hands.

I don't meet his eyes, afraid that I'd melt under his soft gaze or reignite under a harsh one. I absorb every nuance in his touch, and it feels like an apology, but I'm afraid to find out.

"We should hurry," I say, looking anywhere but at him.

He nudges my chin, so I'll meet his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"I hope so," I reply, giving him a small smile. "But we can discuss it later."

He chuckles under his breath and mumbles, "Of that, I have no doubt."

The woman across the table produces our next clue. Edward takes it and rips open the tab.

ROUTE INFO

Drive yourselves to the Markus Wasmeier Museum and search for your next clue.

"Let's go." Edward holds out his hand.

I just stare at it for a second before lifting my eyes to his. He's smiling, and it's impossible to resist. I lay mine in his, and he gives it a tug as he leads us back through the room and out the door. I catch Alec's eyes, and he's smiling as well.

The drive to the next destination is swift, and when we park, there are two other Fords here. I nearly scream in my excitement. "Two teams!"

"Yes!" Edward fist pumps. He takes my hand, and we race for the clue box.

Once again, he rips open the tab.

"Who wants to woo?"

"Crap," I say, looking around. "That could mean anything."

"True." Edward smirks. "But I have a lot of woo to do to make up for today, so I guess it's me."

"Uh." I giggle. "Works for me."

ROADBLOCK

Couples now have a chance to woo each other with a traditional act of German culture. Singing a different tune. If they forget the words, or sing off-key, they could face a rude awakening. But if they're in tune, they can celebrate and get their next clue.

"Fuck," Edward mutters, running his hand through his hair. "This is not what I wanted to do."

"Come on." I tug his hand. "Remember there are two other teams still here."

"Right." He perks up, his long legs moving faster. "I'd forgotten."

Edward is taken away to learn his song, while I'm allowed to go watch the other couples. It's Kate and Garrett and Carlisle and Esme. Currently, Carlisle is on a ladder serenading Esme, who's on a balcony, and I can't find a single fault. His voice is beautiful, he's in tune, and the sincerity is flowing off him like waves of calm.

Once he's done, a lady comes rushing out with a bucket. She pretends like she's going to dump it but instead produces a clue from inside. I smile even though they're my competition and turn to Garrett who's climbing up a different ladder. He's awful, off-key, and stumbling his words so he gets doused with a bucket of water before disappearing with his teacher, while I'm ushered up to the balcony to wait for Edward.

He looks unsure and flustered before he even climbs. And what's worse, is I know what's coming if he fails. I school my face to be nothing but serene as he opens his mouth. My jaw drops. It should be illegal to possess in one body all the sexy qualities Edward has. As low and gritty and heart-stoppingly beautiful as his voice is, it doesn't mean he pronounces the words correctly, and it earns him a bucket of water over his head.

Edward and Garrett take turns, and we're suddenly even with another team. Win or lose and it's all on Edward. I can see that weight bearing down on him with each try.

Garrett gets it first.

Apology fills Edward's eyes. "No," I say, refusing to allow him to fall into self-loathing. "You can do this. From the top."

He opens his mouth and even though I have no clue what he's saying, the notes soar through the air and fill me with joy. They're in tune and sincere and everything Edward is. My smile is as wide as the moon when he hits the last note and earns our final clue for this leg.

PIT STOP

Teams must now drive themselves to Lake Spitzingsee. And on the shore of this popular playground, they will find the pit stop for this LEG of the race.

The last team to check in here may be eliminated!

"Let's move," I say, grabbing his hand. "They're only five minutes ahead."

"That's too much," he responds, defeated.

"We're #teamedwardandbella and we don't give up! Let's go!"

I'm not sure if it snaps Edward out of his pity party, but he does pick up the pace and we hoof it to the car. He even rushes Alec and James to get loaded in, so we can go. You never know what can happen, especially when we're driving ourselves. Kate could suck at directions and that five-minute lead could turn into a ten-minute deficit.

Edward pushes the rules when it comes to speed, going a mile or two over the local limit. Not enough to earn a penalty, but more than he should. It isn't until we pull up on the lakefront that hope truly springs to life. Kate and Garrett have just walked away from their car.

"Look." I slap Edward's shoulder, pointing. "Stop the car!"

Edward slams on the brakes and throws the car into park, both of us jumping out without hesitation. The commotion must catch #teamtvtypes' attention because Kate looks back and starts running for her life.

"We got this, Bella!" Edward yells, glancing back to make sure I'm still behind him.

We can see Phil now, and there's still a good gap between us. Garrett has left Kate defenseless and all we have to do is overtake her. Edward does only twenty paces out from the mat, but it's a photo finish when it comes to us girls.

"Kate and Garrett," Phil says, looking between us as we all catch our breaths. "You are team number seven and, Edward and Bella, you are the last team to arrive."

Edward blows out a breath, shaking his head. "It wasn't our day."

Tears burn the back of my eyes. "We were out of sync."

Phil looks at me. "And the dating aspect."

"There are things to work on."

Phil bobs his head like he knows. And of course, he does. He has eyes everywhere. "It's a good thing you have the SAVE, or you'd have to work on that stuff in Sequesterville."

Relief sweeps through me, and if it wasn't for Edward moving in to support me, I'd have probably crumbled.

"That means," Phil says, turning to Kate and Garrett. "That you are now the last team to arrive."

Tears roll down Kate's cheek, and my heart breaks for her. "It's been amazing."

"Well, this sucks," Garrett adds.

"I know," Phil agrees, "but I have to tell you that you have been eliminated."

FINAL TEAM CHECK-IN

#teamblond(e)bombshells overtook Alice and Jasper at the ROADBLOCK, due to Emmett's epic singing skills. They were able to secure their first win, which earned them a 2015 Ford Focus each.

#teamgothpixie may not have taken first, but they did win the Date Night and will be having a romantic evening at the Bavarian Public Observatory.

Leah and Emily came in third.

Mike and Jessica fourth.

Tanya and Jake fifth.

Carlisle and Esme barely made it in before the showdown between #teamtvtypes and #teamedwardandbella, but they secured their sixth place after the STACK roadblock caused them to lose a lot of time.

Edward and Bella are not happy that Kate and Garrett had to take a hit for them, but they earned the SAVE with hard work and determination, so they let it roll off their backs.

They have other things to focus on anyway.

Sequesterville is what they call where the eliminated racers stay until the race is over.

Okay, so no new chapter was written. This means your next LEG will post whenever I complete LEG 7. I have 6 done, but that is all. Please remember, this LEG is over 9k and so is LEG 6.

See you as soon as I can :)