First of all, a big shout out to my team of pre-readers and beta: NimNimBonjangles, bevey99, and Fran. Thank you so much for all the help with this story.
Also, a huge thank you to all of you who've read, fav'ed, followed, and reviewed this. It means a lot to me.
The much-awaited chapter is here. ^_^
[Bella]
I was playing with fire by giving Edward a key to my room. All through the bus ride to Seattle, I promised myself I wouldn't do anything stupid. In reality, this would be our best shot at being alone without anyone noticing.
After Edward went to his room, I indulged Jake in dinner at the hotel's restaurant. I didn't feel like going anywhere else.
"So, stealing a school bus was why you didn't make it to lunch?" I joked once we were sitting down at a table.
"Ha! I didn't steal it. We borrowed it. I'm glad Jasper saw reason."
"It was a genius idea."
He grinned, smugness radiating from his every pore. But his expression sobered quickly. "Listen, on Sunday…if you're not too tired…would you like to come to La Push when we return home?"
"Sure." I shrugged, not sure why he sounded so nervous.
Jake abandoned his soup halfway, meeting my eyes. It made me wary. "I feel like I can trust you. We're friends."
"Yes, you know you can trust me," I said seriously. "What's going on?"
He scratched the growing stubble on his chin. "It's complicated."
"You'll tell me when you're ready."
"I'm running out of time," he muttered, wincing. "Look, Bella…I won't blame you if you choose to stop talking to me after you hear this."
"What the hell? Are you a serial killer in disguise?" My voice pitched, and I hated it.
Half a smile formed on his lips. "You'll think I'm a monster."
"Just tell me," I said, curiosity eating at my gut.
"I used to coach the sports team in La Push, too," he started, keeping his eyes on his plate. "I resigned last summer, but it was almost too late."
"What?" What could have happened for him to have to resign? Had someone been in a terrible accident on his watch?
He swallowed thickly, lifting his head; his dark eyes met mine. "I had an affair with one of my students." His voice was so low, I wouldn't have believed my ears if I hadn't seen his lips moving.
Wow, nothing about him had made me guess he was gay. The controversy there had to be a lot more horrible than if I caved to Edward's smooth-talking, which could turn into something similar, and I'd be out as a teacher on my first job.
"Shit," I gasped, my fork dropping on my plate with a loud clang.
Jake leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. "I resigned before anyone caught on to what was going on. I was such an idiot. We weren't even subtle during practice. I tried to stay away from her after quitting that job, but she was insistent."
"She?" I repeated, dumbfounded.
Jake laughed humorlessly. "I guess I skipped the part about coaching the girls' volleyball team."
"Yeah, you did." I took a sip from my wine, wishing we had the whole bottle on the table. "What happened after?"
"We kept meeting in secret. It wouldn't have mattered, probably, but she was still sixteen at the time."
"Holy shit!" I felt woozy. I bit on my tongue so I wouldn't spill my own secrets to him.
I should be horrified at what he was telling me, but I had found something we had in common.
"I told you, I'm a monster," he muttered.
"And now?"
"Even though everyone suspects we started dating while I was her teacher, no one can prove it. I can legally date her now." He took a long pull from his beer, squeezing his eyes shut. "Vanessa lives with us now. Her parents kicked her out when they found out."
"That's…" I had no words.
He caught my eyes, watching me warily. "She's pregnant. I found out a while ago. I fucked up a kid's life." His hands covered his face.
"Shh. I'll bet she doesn't see it like that," I whispered, dragging my chair to be closer to him. I stroked his forearm. "And you're not a monster," I insisted.
"You're too kind."
"Jake, look at me." I chewed on my lip, waiting for him to drop his hands. When he looked at me, his eyes were wet. "Love doesn't know age, color, sex, what society considers ethical…"
He frowned, eyeing me suspiciously. "Why do you sound like you speak from experience?"
"Because I am. My first boyfriend was fourteen when I was eighteen. He wasn't the first boy to try grabbing my attention, but he was the only one who succeeded. Then, in college, right after I graduated, I hooked up with a guy in his second year. He was my first real relationship."
"At that age, a few years younger or older doesn't matter, Bella. I'm twenty-eight. She's seventeen now."
I kept quiet, not confident enough to come clean with my hidden desire for Edward.
"Thank you…for listening and being understanding." His large hand cupped mine, squeezing it.
"Anytime." I threw an arm around his shoulders, kissing his cheek. "If you ever need to talk about it, I'm here."
He pulled away, nodding.
.
.
.
The next day brought the basketball game, which was brutal.
I hadn't ever seen professionals being this competitive and aggressive. I'd lost count of how many fouls were called and how many points scored based on the free throws.
At the moment, three members of the rival team kept blocking Edward, disabling him from scoring. Eventually, he lost the ball due to their pressure. When he had the ball again some minutes later, he made sure to score.
The last seconds of the game were the most intense. After a wonderful shot from the Spokane team, securing them three points, it brought about a tie. Emmett divested the others' attention, throwing Rosalie the ball. She scored, earning loud cheering from our side of the arena and loud booing from the other side.
When there were only five seconds left, Jake called the team to him. I was on the edge of my seat. One point ahead of the others was nothing in basketball. The tables could be turned any moment.
"It's the most intense game we've had in a while," Jasper commented from his seat next to me.
I wasn't sure if he was talking to Alice or me. She was rocking back and forth, chewing her nails.
When the whistle announced the game could continue, I held my breath. The other team almost scored within moments, but they were quickly blocked. Edward grabbed the ball, and before the rivals knew he had it, he was halfway across the court. His slam dunk happened right before the end of the game buzzer sounded.
But, before Edward's feet could touch the floor, one player from the other team slammed into him.
"Shit," I gasped, staring horrified at the bad angle he'd fallen.
I wanted nothing more than to rush over there and check if he was all right. When Jasper sprung to his feet, I followed suit. With Alice close behind, we made our way to the court.
Jake was shouting at the other coach while crouched by Edward's side. Edward was sitting down, holding his shoulder, his jaw clenched. Jasper took over, talking with the other coach, while Jake shared words with the medical team who'd come to check on Edward.
In the midst of that chaos, his green eyes found mine. He managed a smile before wincing at what the doctor was doing to his shoulder.
"I swear, boys and playing clean…not gonna happen this lifetime," Alice mumbled.
"You think the other boy will be punished?" I asked curiously.
"It's a game, Bella. They play dirty. Cullen will be fine. I've seen worse in their games, believe me."
I shuddered, not eager to ever find out what she meant by that.
Jake helped Edward stand. Emmett rushed to his friend's side, checking on him. It was clear Edward hated the attention, but he played along.
"If I hear you drank anything besides water after that painkiller, you'll spend the rest of your school days in detention with me," Jake threatened Edward lightly.
"No drinking, Coach. Promise," Edward grumbled.
While the team went to change clothes to return to the hotel, the rest of us went outside. Like Jacob had predicted, most of Forks was there celebrating.
On the way back, we stopped at a restaurant. For a short while, we were all a big family, no longer teachers, students, or parents.
It was clear the students weren't likely to order anything alcoholic. I guessed every adult present was aware how these teenagers already had a stash of booze somewhere. It would be difficult to keep them under control tonight.
Edward sat at his table with his friends, sometimes rolling his right shoulder but otherwise not showing he was in any pain. He didn't try to look at me again.
I was more nervous than I'd been on the day I lost my virginity.
If Edward chose to use the key to my room tonight, I wasn't going to stop him.
I downed my second glass of wine, deciding to stop before the alcohol got me over the pleasantly buzzed threshold.
On the drive back to the hotel, the bus was full. Jake had allowed friends of the team to join us. It was funny to see Jake tipsy. He even started singing We Are the Champions, and soon everyone on the bus was singing along. I felt bad for the poor driver having to listen to us.
"Thank you, team!" Jake clapped loudly once we finally pulled up in the hotel's parking lot.
Everyone started clapping louder, and Edward went to Jake, grabbing his hand. "All thanks to your efforts, Coach. Thank you."
Jake seemed to have forgotten his star player was injured because he clapped Edward's right shoulder, grinning. Edward winced slightly, stepping away so Jake could get closer to the rest of the students.
Edward placed his hand next to mine on the headrest I was bracing on. The tips of his fingers grazed mine, but he didn't look at me.
When the door opened, everyone started climbing down.
"Later," Edward whispered before sliding his arm around Emmett's shoulders, joining his friend on his way out of the bus.
My body felt several degrees hotter. Later couldn't come fast enough.
By the time our group reached the reception area, Jake had sobered somewhat, and he was trying to settle the rowdy students.
"We're not the only people in this hotel," he shouted over their loud chatter. "So, let's keep it down," he added, once everyone was quiet. "I want everyone in their rooms by midnight. If I hear another door opening and closing after midnight, you're in trouble."
"Aye!" Emmett saluted. Even though some laughed, Rosalie shoved her hand into his arm, scolding him.
"How was this experience?" Jake asked as we made our way to the elevator.
"I'd have regretted not coming," I admitted.
"You'll see how fun it will be tomorrow morning." He winked.
"What's tomorrow?" I asked curiously. I thought we were headed home in the morning.
"You'll see," he said mysteriously. We got inside the elevator along with several students.
I understood that it was a surprise for the team, so I didn't push him.
On our floor, Jake walked me to my door. "Sucks you got the room on the other side of the floor."
"I'm away from the party. I need my beauty sleep," I joked.
"Pshht." He rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall next to my door. "We're cool about what I told you yesterday?" he asked warily.
"I told you, Jake. I don't see you differently. I don't think you're a monster," I said, using his word.
"So, we're still on for tomorrow?"
"Me coming to La Push? Sure."
"Great. See you in the morning." He pushed off the wall, but I grabbed his arm.
"What's the surprise tomorrow?"
He chuckled. "Jasper plans to hand every team member a diploma, and he wants all of them to sign a ball and a jersey to keep in the trophy display."
"Whoa! That's cool."
"Night, Bella."
"Good night, Jake."
I entered my room, allowing the door to shut behind me, engulfing me in darkness until I placed the card in its slot to illuminate the room.
I knew it would be at least a couple of hours until Edward escaped the party, so I went to take a shower. My nerves were skyrocketing through my body, making my legs and hands shake.
Once I was done in the bathroom, I went to my backpack. I sat on the edge of the bed wrapped in a towel, holding my pajamas. Well, if you could call it that. I hadn't worn a baby doll for what felt like ages. It was a black two-piece made of lace and see-through material. I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror on the wall facing the bed. My air-drying hair looked fizzy and like I'd plugged my fingers in an outlet. My face and chest were red, and my eyes were dark with arousal.
As I got dressed, I asked myself if this was worth it.
I'd wanted many men before, but never with this intensity. Several more weeks of being teased and denied might be my undoing. I was afraid to step wrong in school while he pushed me more than I could bend.
While I combed my hair, trying to tame it, I overanalyzed what attracted me so much to Edward. Besides his good looks and how smart he was, I'd always found confidence a plus in a man. And Edward had heaps of it.
If I'd been more popular in my high school days, I'd have definitely gone for the bad boy type. Apparently, I was reliving my lost youth.
Edward was going to bring me Heaven, right before I'd go straight to Hell for sleeping with my student.
I tried to push that thought from my mind.
I tried to think of his kisses, of his scent, of the way he looked at me.
It didn't work. Not really.
When I felt chilled, I got under the blanket with my book. It was a pretense.
I'd been staring at the same paragraph for a long time when I heard the click of my door. My breath caught in my chest. The door shut softly, and muted footfalls approached the bed.
Edward was wearing his jersey, and a pair of sweatpants, with his sneakers left untied. He stopped at the foot of my bed, watching me somewhat nervously. It was a new look for him. I never thought I'd see him unsure.
A crooked smile formed on his lips as he raked his eyes over me. I pushed the blanket aside, and his eyes widened.
"Fuck," he breathed out, sitting next to my bare legs. His body heat reminded me how chilled I was earlier.
Not looking away from his face, I said, "You can touch me."
Edward gulped, placing a hand on my thigh, squeezing. "You don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to tell anyone."
"I trust you." I covered his hand with mine. "How's your shoulder?"
"That motherfucker," he muttered, frowning. "I know how to fall, or I'd have probably broken my arm."
I cupped his right shoulder, rubbing my thumb over his clavicle. "That was one dirty move from the other kid."
Edward rolled his eyes. "He'll probably get suspended for his behavior, or best-case scenario kicked off the team. He's a junior."
"I'm sure his principal and his coach will make the right choice."
"Me too." Edward leaned closer, resting his palms on either side of my thighs. His face was a breath away from mine. "No regrets, Ms. Swan."
"Bella," I corrected him.
"Bella," he whispered, closing the distance between us.
I melted under his soft and warm and wet lips. My fingers slid into his hair of their own volition. Suddenly, Edward grabbed my arms, crushing me to his chest, groaning as he deepened the kiss. I climbed on his lap, straddling his legs.
A sound close to a growl left his throat when I pushed myself against his chest. His hands dragged up along my waistline until he cupped my breasts. His lips pressed wet kisses down my neck until he reached his happy place. He put his face against my breasts, groaning.
"So perfect," he murmured. "I've wanted to do this since the first side-boob you gave me."
"Side-boob," I snorted, stroking his hair. "No one says that."
"I do," he said hotly, looking at me through his dark lashes. His eyes were the color of the leaves after heavy rain. "Much softer than I remember," he added, massaging my breasts.
"You barely got to feel it that time."
"I'm making up for it now." He bent his head to kiss my shoulder, pulling at the strap of the baby doll with his teeth. "You have to stop me now if you aren't ready…if you still want to wait until June."
I answered him by grabbing the hem of his jersey and pulling it over his head. I let it fall next to the bed before I chose to discover his body.
Everything felt right about this.
All doubts had flown out the window.
When I looked at Edward, I didn't see a teenager—my student. Instead, I saw a young man I felt incredibly attracted to. I caught his lips in another kiss when he lowered me onto the bed, running his fingers over my exposed stomach.
I was going to combust by the end of the night.
Ready for the next chapter? It might come earlier because I'll be busy next weekend.
Reviews are love.
This story is fully pre-written and there will be regular Sunday updates until it's completed. I'm currently working on the sequel. =)
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