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Taking a Shot

Chapter Eight

On Tuesday night, only two days after we had played the New Jersey Devils we had to face off against them once again, but this time on home ice. Our confidence got the best of us from the last win, and we sucked it up on the ice, playing like shit. Even knowing Bella was in the stands cheering me and my team on couldn't make me play any better.

The only goal we scored that night was when Giroux flicked a shot past a blocker setting up a shot for Jagr. He circled behind the net before sliding the puck past the goaltender. It was a great score but that wasn't enough to carry us through the rest of the game. It was all New Jersey the rest of the way.

The Devils had played a better game than we had – they out shot us, out scored us, and were much tighter defensively. Their penalty kill minutes had been tremendous and they took advantage of scoring when on the power play. With only eighteen shots on goal there was no way we could slip the puck past their goalie.

After the game I was in a sour mood, but Bella took it in stride. She tended to my "wounds" taking extra special care of me. We made love into the wee morning hours until we both were too exhausted to move. And only when the alarm woke us did we move from the warmth of each other's arms.

The following day I said goodbye to Bella and Philly and left for a two game road trip. I was only going to be gone until the weekend, a mere three days, but to me it felt like an eternity away from Bella. Over the past weeks we had grown closer than ever as we tried to balance our schedules and time apart. We were doing great but it didn't make me any less melancholy.

We played the New York Islanders on Thursday and the Boston Bruins on Saturday breaking even with a win and a loss – which we took gracefully. We were still looking good in the standings for a spot in the playoffs.

When I arrived back in Philadelphia on Saturday evening after our last away game, I called Bella only to find out she was working a double at the hospital. My hopes of seeing her were shattered and I'd have to settle for seeing her the following night after our game against Pittsburgh. I knew our schedules would conflict, but I didn't realize how much.

I sent off a quick text letting Bella know I loved her and would see her the following night after the game. Then I took a hot shower to loosen my muscles and turned in early and dreamed of a sexy brunette with warm chocolate eyes.

Tonight's game was crucial as we were three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins who were second in the standings. If we lost, it would put us further back and if we won it would put us closer to first place. We needed a big win and every players head in the game, including myself.

As with every other time my feet hit the ice a serene feeling took over my body. I let the feel of the ice beneath my feet calm me and clear my head. I pushed all thoughts of Bella to the back of my head and concentrated on playing my best and helping my team win.

After two periods of play you would have thought we were the worst team in hockey the way we played. We let Pittsburgh get ahead two to nothing. They played like a team on a mission and we just let them hand it to us. Even our fans thought so as we were booed off the ice before the second intermission.

Coach layed into us about getting our heads out of our asses and start playing like a NHL hockey team instead of some damn amateurs. I guess his talk hit home because when we returned to the ice third period it didn't take long to turn the game around.

Two minutes into the third period, I had possession of the puck. I skated up the ice sliding the puck across the ice to pass it to Timonen. He took off going around the net slipping it under the goalie's right leg for our first goal of the night.

We were still down two to one with less than a minute of play left when Hartnell took a cross-ice feed from Briere shooting the puck into the net. Within minutes of Hartnell's goal there was a melee on the ice. There was all ready tension between the two teams and when we scored it only raised the animosity as we headed into overtime.

Because of the fight and the penalties, we took the ice in overtime with three on three players. When the puck hit the ice, Pittsburgh took possession. Jazz slammed a player into the boards taking the puck and moving up the ice. He passed it to Simmonds who then passed it to me. I skated up the right side holding control of the puck before passing it to Jazz who was fighting off a player in front of the net. Jazz took a wrist shot and flipped it in over the goalie's head.

The light over the net buzzed, and the fans went nuts. It was a close win, but a win is a win and we celebrated before hitting the showers.

I was riding on adrenaline from the game and needed to blow off some steam. There was no way I was going to go another night without seeing Bella. I needed to kiss her, touch her. I needed to hold her in my arms and just feel her body against mine. I needed to make love to her.

I sent a prayer to the gods that Bella was off work and then quickly typed out a text.

Hey, baby. Hitting the showers. Are you home yet? –E

Mmm I wish I was there to join you. And yes I actually just got home. –B

Damn, baby. Now I have a hard on. –E

I guess I'll have to take care of that for you. –B

Bellaaa –E

I guess I'll see you soon then? –B

I can't get there fast enough. See ya in a bit. XoXo –E

I'll be waiting. XoXo –B

After a quick shower I dressed in my suit before grabbing my bag and running to my car. I tried my best to abide by the speeding laws but it was hard when I had one thing on my mind. Bella. I pulled up to her apartment in record time and cut the engine.

I ran a hand through my messy hair trying to tame it before I knocked on her door. My heart was pounding in my chest and my nerves were shot. But why? This was only my Bella. The most important person in my life, the woman I loved more than anything.

The door opened and there stood Bella in a blue silk robe, her hair piled on top of her head and bare foot. She was any man's wet dream. I pulled her close as her body molded to mine and lowered my lips to hers.

The kiss was fierce and hot and filled with passion. Our mouths moved against the others in a sensual dance of lips and tongue. Bella sighed in contentment as I held her close. I pulled back resting my forehead to hers, staring into her beautiful, soulful eyes.

"Mmm … well hello to you too, handsome."

"I missed you, baby."

"I missed you too, Edward. Come in before the neighbors report us for indecent exposure."

Bella opened the door wider and I brushed past her dropping my coat on a chair. I loosened my tie and rolled my sleeves up to my elbows. I heard the door close and then the click of the lock. When I turned around I stopped short at the sight of Bella.

The blue silk robe was pooled at her feet and she stood before me in a black bra and panties. She looked sinful.

"Jesus, Bella."

"You like?"

"Like? Are you kidding me? I love it."

I walked the short distance and pulled her in my arms. "You're so damn beautiful."

I smashed my lips to her in a hot kiss. My hands wandered down her body as my mouth moved against hers. When I slid my hands to squeeze her ass, I groaned realizing she was wearing a thong.

"Baby, you're killing me here."

"Hmmm … we wouldn't want that."

She cupped my straining erection through my pants and I groaned. My mouth was on hers again as she wrapped her fingers around my cock and stroked it up and down. My body was on fire from just one touch. I pulled back, hauling her up in my arms and carrying her to the bedroom.

I gently placed her on the bed before stripping out of my clothes. I crawled up the bed like a cougar ready to pounce, only stopping when I settled between Bella's thighs. I looked down at the creature before me and almost come in my pants. She was gorgeous and all mine.

"Bella … you are so damn sexy."

I flicked the front clasp of her bra as her luscious breasts were freed of their confinements. Here nipples were a pretty shade of rose, hard and erect. I lowered my head to take one in my mouth. I swirled my tongue around one areola while I caressed her other breast. Only when her nipple was hard and wet did I move to the other to pay it the same attention.

I kissed a trail of warm wet kisses down her belly stopping right above the waistband of her panties. I hooked my fingers in the band and pulled them down her legs, throwing them over my shoulder. My lips fused with her clit as I took it into my mouth. Her soft moans stroked my ego and I continued to lick and suck.

"Edward … please."

I looked up to see lust in her beautiful eyes. She was consumed with passion as she begged for release. I took a languid lick of her warm center and Bella exploded. Her fingers threaded in my hair as she held me just where she wanted me.

When her orgasm subsided and she caught her breath I crawled up the bed to position myself at her entrance. My eyes never left hers as I pushed forward until I was to the hilt. We both sighed as if there was no better place in the world.

"I love you, Bella."

"I love you too, Edward."

I slowly began to move inside her in languid strokes. Bella was so wet and tight and felt so damn good wrapped around my cock. I slid my cock in and out of her warmth while her soft whimpers coaxed me on.

"Jesus, Edward … you feel so good."

Her hips met mine thrust for thrust as we both climbed that steep slope. I Knew there was no way I was going to last much longer.

"Ah … shit, Bella, I'm not gonna last. I need you there with me."

"So ... close …"

I thrust one more time before spilling into her and Bella was right behind me. Her muscles fluttered against my cock making my orgasm go on and on. My chest was heaving as I tried to catch my breath from my powerful orgasm. I slipped out of Bella, fell on the pillow next to her, and pulled her into my side. She hummed in contentment and for the moment I reveled in the feeling of having her in my arms.

I longed for a morning where Bella and I could wake up together and not have to worry about scurrying out of the apartment to run to our respective jobs. As long as the hockey season was in effect that idea was out the window. I don't know how long I laid there watching Bella. She was so fucking beautiful and peaceful as she lay there sleeping. It was hard to take my eyes off of her, but I had to get to practice. Bella had to work that night and as long as I got back from practice at a decent time, I'd be able to spend the better part of the afternoon with her before she had to go in.

"Mmm," Bella hummed. "Good morning, baby. What's got you so deep in thought?"

"Nothing, baby. Did I wake you?"

"No … you had such a serious look on your face. What's wrong?"

"I wish I could spend the morning in bed with you. I can't wait until the hockey season is over so I can do just that."

"Yeah? That would be nice."

Bella snuggled further into me, knowing full well that I had to leave soon.

"Emmett and Rose's engagement party is Sunday afternoon and I have the day off. Do you want to come with me?"

I grinned.

"I'm off Sunday, too. Who's going to be there? Is this a 'meet the family' kind of thing?"

"Well, yeah … sort of. My mom and step-dad will both be there. Why? You're not worried are you?"

"No, I just wanted a heads up, that's all."

"So does that mean that you'll go?"

"Absolutely, baby. Besides, Emmett had already mentioned it. He texted me a couple weeks ago and told me I had to be there if I wasn't busy."

As I was walking out of practice early that afternoon, I checked my phone to see I'd missed a call from Bella. She'd been called into work early so it seemed even my afternoon plans of lazing around with her had been foiled. I immediately called her back only to get her voicemail. I left her a message asking if I could bring her dinner.

I didn't get a call back from Bella that evening. I did get a few sporadic texts apologizing – saying she was busy but she'd call me the first chance she got. I almost wished that she would have called me instead of texting me but I settled for whatever she was able to give me.

By Tuesday, I was feeling a little frustrated. I missed Bella and I knew she must have been working herself to the bone and far too exhausted to call me. We had a shorter than usual practice on Tuesday because we were gearing up for the game that night. I knew Bella was supposed to be off that night and I'd asked her to come to the game, but since I hadn't heard from her, I wasn't sure that was going to happen.

When I got home from practice, I mechanically pushed through the door of my apartment, wishing that I was at Bella's instead of my place. I must have checked my phone a thousand times that afternoon, hoping for some communication from Bella. I would have settled for a 'hey' or 'I'm busy, text you later'. By the time I had to leave for the game, I still hadn't heard a word from her and it wasn't for lack of trying, but I didn't want to be the one who obsessed about texting or calling his girlfriend – completely smothering her in the process.

I tried my damnedest to keep my head in the game. When we skated out on to the ice as the announcers called out our names, I skated into place and my eyes immediately scanned the area and where Bella would have been sitting. Her seat was empty and I felt my heart fall a little.

Unfortunately, we were playing Florida again and I was up against Bella's ex – Garrett Denali. Like the last time we'd met – Garrett couldn't stop his scathing looks toward me. I felt a little bit relieved that Bella wasn't there to see it. Every second I could spare, I'd look up to see if Bella had made her way into the stands only to be disappointed when I realized she hadn't.

"Hey, Ed. Don't worry … if she's not here there's got to be a good reason why," Jasper assured me.

"I know, but … I haven't heard from her all day and that's not like Bella."

"Again, man, there's got to be a good reason. Now, you gotta get your head back into the game so we can win. The sooner we win, the quicker you can get the hell out of here and see what's going on with your girl."

As we were making our way back out to the ice after the second period, I saw Garrett out of the corner of my eye. He was being escorted out of the arena by two security guys. He didn't seem pissed off – he seemed … scared.

Coach ushered us out on to the bench – he had a few words he wanted to share with us before we took the ice again. He merely wanted to let us know to keep our heads in the game and don't cause stupid penalties.

The third period of the game went quickly. It seemed Florida had been a bit shaken by losing one of their star players. However, losing Denali wasn't enough to shake them completely – they ended up winning the game 2-1.

No matter how we played – Florida played better.

I hated that I had to sit through the press conference after the game. It wasn't enough that we'd lost. With the playoffs looming closer and closer – the press conference was unavoidable, and all I wanted to do was flee from the room.

I pulled out my phone as I left the arena and checked my messages once again. This time I saw that I had missed a call from Bella and she'd left me a voicemail.

"Hey, baby. I'm so sorry I didn't call you sooner. I was busy at work and just when I thought I'd be able to sneak out and get to your game – we had a major trauma come in. Edward – I know you'll be exhausted when the game is over, but I'd love it if you could stop by the hospital. I can't really explain why now but I will when I see you. I miss you … I love you. Bye."

There was something off in Bella's voice. It was more than exhaustion because I know what that sounded like. It was something else. As I climbed into my car and drove toward CHOP, I tried Bella's phone to see if she'd answer. I must have lucked out because she picked up on the third ring.

"Hey, baby," Bella sighed. "Did you get my message?"

"I did," I confirmed. "I'm on my way to the hospital right now. Are you okay? Is everything all right?"

"I'm fine. Just tired, but you probably knew that already. I'll tell you what's going on when you get here. Just get here safely, okay?"

"I will, baby. I love you."

"I love you too, Edward."

I ended the call as I made my way from the arena to CHOP. Thankfully, there wasn't a lot of traffic, and I was able to get there in about fifteen minutes. I could have made it in ten but I promised Bella I'd be careful. As I was getting out of the car, I got a text from Bella telling me where she'd be waiting for me.

As I stepped off the elevator, I saw Bella hunched over in a chair. Her face was worn with exhaustion and her eyes were puffy and red like she'd been crying.

"Bella?"

"Edward!" She cried, jumping out of her chair and launching herself toward me.

I caught her in my arms and held her close to me – breathing in her scent; a mix between her usual strawberries, freesia and sterile hospital.

"Bella? What's wrong? What's going on?"

She took a deep breath and exhaled sharply.

"Garrett's girlfriend was in an accident."

Denali.

"I don't understand, Bella. How does that affect you?"

"It doesn't … not really. But she had their baby with her. The car seat wasn't installed correctly and the impact of the accident caused the seat to bounce around inside the car like a pinball. They brought him here and of course, I was the nurse called down to the ER when he was brought in. Garrett came to be with the baby after they stabilized his girlfriend. They took the baby into surgery about fifteen minutes ago. He's got internal injuries and some broken bones but they felt he was stable enough to operate."

"Jesus, Bella. So you were in there working on the baby?"

She nodded.

"Garrett begged me to do everything in my power to save his son. But, I'm not a doctor and I'm certainly not God. He was so awful to me – the last time I saw him and before … when he … but seeing him there – so upset over his son and girlfriend – it's the first time that I truly felt sorry for him, Edward. For everything awful that he did to me – I wouldn't wish this on anyone."

"I know that, baby. You did what you could right?"

"For the baby, yes, but for Garrett … no. Is that horrible of me? I did my job – what I was supposed to do, but I did it for the baby because he was my patient – not because Garrett asked me to."

"Bella," I murmured as I rubbed circles on her back. "You're not horrible at all. He hurt you and that's something that you can choose to forgive on your own time, baby. You did your job – that's the important thing."

Obviously, Bella was agonizing over her treatment of Garrett. She needed to keep her professional decorum instead of letting her heart rule out. I'm sure she would have some choice words for Garrett if given the chance but she knew it wasn't the time or the place.

"How much longer do you have to be on shift?" I asked quietly.

"I'm already off. But they did ask me to come back in tomorrow morning. I guess I should head home to get some sleep before I have to come back in."

"All right, let's get you home."

I helped her gather her things from her locker and I drove us both to her apartment. We decided to leave her car at the hospital and I could drop her off before heading to the gym to work out before practice the next morning.

I watched quietly as Bella numbly stripped out of her scrubs and pulled on a pair of sweats and one of my t-shirts that she'd swiped. Not that I minded of course – Bella looked incredibly sexy in my t-shirts and nothing else. I needed her in my arms and she needed the strength and protection they provided her.

There was no other place in the world I wanted to be.

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