A/N: Hi! We are now back to our regular Friday updates. Sorry that I didn't get a chance to reply to any reviews for the Chapter 19 over the last few days. Ready for more Edward/Bella interaction? Let's keep going…

Chapter 20

I left my little Civic in the parking lot of Texas Orthopedic Hospital and climbed into Edward's Corvette for the drive downtown. We took the same route we had used last week on our trip to the ballpark, and I couldn't believe how things had changed in such a short amount of time. Edward was in high spirits, excited about the pitching coach's visit, and he whistled while he drove. He turned to look at me periodically, flashing that bright, sexy smile when our eyes met.

His building was only a few blocks from the ballpark and was a sleek, silver high rise. He used a key fob to enter the attached garage and maneuvered into what I assumed was his assigned parking space. He rushed around the car as soon as we parked, but I had already opened the door to climb out. He seemed frustrated that I hadn't waited for him to do it for me, and I shook my head at his silliness.

Edward escorted me down a short set of stairs and through a doorway into the lobby of his building. The place was expansive and tastefully but impersonally decorated with brown-flecked marble floors and large windows facing the street. An exquisitely arranged vase of flowers graced a circular table in the center of the room. A security guard was seated behind a mahogany desk off to the side. He nodded in greeting to Edward as we passed him headed to the elevator. We stepped inside once the door opened, and Edward punched the button for the 19th floor.

"Not the Penthouse, huh?" I joked. "I'm disappointed." Edward laughed.

"I'm no Nolan Ryan," he admitted, but a sly smile crept across his face. "Yet," he added.

"Yet," I agreed with a grin. We exited into a hallway with beige walls and carpet. Edward motioned toward #1901 and fished for his keys. He opened the door and allowed me to go in first. His eyes were fixed on my face, watching my reaction closely. I stepped inside and took a look around.

The first thing I noticed was the wall of windows directly in front of me. The view was spectacular. I could see all the way to the ballpark and figured you could even watch some of the action when a game was being played. The floor plan was open concept, and the kitchen took up one side of the room and the living area to the other side. A hallway disappeared off from the other side of the living room, which I assumed led to the bedrooms.

I did a double take and realized the view, as lovely as it was, was only a distraction from the real focal point of the room. An enormous black grand piano was situated right next to the windows on the living room side of the space, placed just so that a person on the bench in front of the keyboard would have a perfect view of the skyline. I let out a quiet gasp and moved toward the instrument, letting my purse drop onto a tall table behind the black leather sofa, which was beautiful but I only gave it a passing glance. My shoes clicked along the hardwood floor.

I turned back to see what Edward was doing. He had pushed the door closed and was watching me from beneath his lashes with a small smile. His hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his work out pants. I covered the short distance to the piano and ran my hand reverently over the polished wood. I looked back at him.

"I guess you still play," I stated without bothering to pose the question. He moved toward me and paused just behind my back. I could feel his closeness through the sheer material of my blouse, even though I couldn't see him. I focused on the skyline.

"I didn't for a while," he admitted, "but when I found out I was coming back to Houston, it seemed like a good time to rekindle the past." I shivered as I heard the double meaning to his words. I slowly turned around, and he didn't back up. We were nose to nose, just gazing at each other.

After a time, he slowly leaned in. Our lips touched just barely, then the kiss deepened. I had no idea which one of us was responsible, but I sighed when his mouth open slightly. His hands skittered up my back just as my hands embedded themselves in his wild mane. We stood making out next to his piano for an unknown amount of time. Finally, he broke away, but he seemed to be taking deep breaths to calm himself. I reveled in my ability to rattle him that way.

"Are you hungry?" he asked breathlessly, and I laughed softly. He looked at me disapprovingly.

"Is your mind in the gutter, Dr. Swan?" he asked teasingly. I blushed and shook my head.

"I could eat," I said evasively, and he smirked back. I glanced at my watch, seeing that it was already past 6 pm. A knock at the door startled me. Edward's face lit up, and he hurried to the door. He checked the peephole and quickly opened it. A young Asian girl in her early 20's stood there with bags of what appeared to be food.

"Hi, Mr. Masen!" she greeted enthusiastically. "It's nice to see you have a guest tonight." She curiously peered past him into the apartment to get a look at me. I smiled at her in response, as she transferred the bags over to Edward. He smoothly handed her some bills in exchange.

"Thanks, Mai," he responded and waved at her as she headed back to the elevator.

"Mai?" I questioned with shock. Edward just smirked and moved toward the enormous island in his kitchen area. It was covered with black and gray granite with a dark colored wooden-paneled base. He dropped the bags onto the empty expanse.

"Relax, she's the granddaughter of the original Mai. Her mother, Anna, runs the restaurant now. I visited the place once when I first moved back, and it didn't turn out well," he told me, rubbing the back of his neck and looking sheepish. "I got kind of mobbed. And the restaurant isn't that large. So, they offered to deliver anytime I wanted. Mai's been by here at least once a week. Win, win," he declared with a shrug. All I could do was laugh.

"Edward…" I began but didn't know how to finish. I shook my head. He closed the distance between us, coaxing me into the kitchen from behind, his arms wrapped around me. We shuffled together to the island. I thrilled from his closeness.

"I took the liberty of ordering chicken vermicelli with egg roll pieces. And summer rolls with peanut sauce, of course," he told me nervously. "I didn't know if it was still your favorite." I leaned in to kiss the vulnerability off of his face. I couldn't believe he remembered my order from six years ago.

"It's still what I order," I confirmed. He looked relieved and opened up one of the dark wooden cabinets above the kitchen counter to pull out pristine white dinner plates and placed them on the island.

"Let's eat before it gets cold," he requested, "and then we can talk." I nodded but couldn't help but tease a little.

"Maybe I'll get a little after dinner serenade," I hinted. He rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the pleased smile that stole across his face.

"Maybe," he agreed and started opening bags. He produced silverware from a drawer in the island and handed me a plate with a healthy serving of delicious Vietnamese food along with a paper towel, which I assumed was the bachelor version of a napkin. I picked them up and glanced around.

"Go ahead and sit on the couch," he instructed while making his own plate. I drifted over and sank down onto the buttery leather. A large coffee table was in front of me, covered in sports magazines. Edward joined me a moment later and turned the television on to ESPN news. He turned the volume down low so it was background noise and turned slightly sideways to face me. We ate in silence for a while.

"Edward, I'm excited to watch you pitch on Thursday," I began cautiously. His eyes sparkled while he chewed. "But I just want to warn you about something." He swallowed and looked concerned.

"What?" he asked with trepidation. I poured a glass and took a large sip of the white wine he'd placed on the coffee table before I answered him.

"Carlisle does not approve of doctor/patient relationships. He's made that pretty clear, so I need to keep things on the down low until they make their hiring decision next month," I told him. His eyes narrowed, and he put down his fork. I could see the gears turning in his head. He thought I hadn't changed, that I'd still put my job above him. I hurried to correct him.

"It's just temporary," I promised. "I mean, I'm not really your doctor, especially now that I'm not helping with the therapy." He stared at me with an unreadable expression. Finally, he spoke.

"Maybe you shouldn't come on Thursday, then," he said slowly. "I don't want to get you in trouble. There will be other opportunities to see me play, I hope." He attempted a smile, but it didn't look right. But I was overwhelmed by the sentiment. I expected him to argue to demand a public declaration from me after everything we'd been through before. He was putting me first, but I could see that it cost him.

"No, Edward," I told him softly. "I'm going to be there for you, no matter what." He leaned forward, and I met him halfway, our food forgotten. He pressed his lips against mine ferociously, forcing my mouth open. His hands reached behind me and crushed me to him tightly, almost making it hard to breath. I scooted forward so I could hitch one leg around his hip, pulling him impossibly closer to me. He dragged me onto his lap and leaned back until we were partially reclined on the couch. Finally, he pulled back slightly and nipped my nose.

"I think you requested a musical performance," he teased. I giggled.

"That I did," I agreed. He helped me sit up and then grabbed my hand, hoisting me to my feet. We both collected our wine glasses to bring them with us. He guided me over to the piano bench and gestured for me to sit on it next to him. Our wine glasses were set on top of the magnificent instrument. His fingers flew across the keys in a warm up. He paused and turned to grin at me.

"You've still got it," I told him. He leaned forward to peck my lips without removing his hands. Then, he transitioned into a song. I leaned against him while he played. The sun was setting, and the skyline turned into a light show. It was breathtaking, a truly perfect moment. I listened to his playing, enjoying the beautiful sound, but I couldn't recognize the tune.

"That was beautiful," I told him when he was done. "But I didn't recognize it." He turned to smile at me again, removing one hand from the keys to brush my hair back from my face.

"Not a Johnny Cash fan, then?" he asked with a smirk. I quirked an eyebrow.

"Of course, I'm a Johnny Cash fan. Who isn't?" I asked rhetorically. He suddenly turned sideways to straddle the bench, and I mirrored his action until we were sitting facing each other. It was fully dark outside now, and the city lights twinkled.

"That song is from his last album," he told me leaning in close so our faces were only inches apart.

"Which one?" I asked as I wrinkled my brow. I'd listened to it, but I didn't own it.

"Ah, I think you need to listen to the album again and figure it out," he told me. His cheeks reddened, and my curiosity was peaked.

"Tell me!" I demanded and poked him in the ribs. He squirmed away laughing, while shaking his head adamantly. I let it drop when he grasped me by the hips and shifted me against the piano. His eyes became serious and hungry. He lowered his mouth over mine and delivered a searing kiss, using the instrument as leverage behind me.

He used his thighs to pivot the bench long ways to the keyboard and pressed me against the keys with his body. My elbow slipped and a discordant note rang through the room. We were both panting now, and Edward's hand slipped underneath my blouse and ran up my ribcage underneath my blouse. I responded by running my hands up his back under his t-shirt. His muscles rippled and flexed, broader and more developed than they had been the last time I'd had the pleasure to do this very thing.

Edward's fingers dipped inside my lace bra, caressing my left breast. My nipple hardened in response, and I groaned in ecstasy. He deepened his kiss and moaned into my mouth. I shifted my hips seeking contact where I needed it, and he responded by pushing his pelvis forward, too.

"Edward," I gasped when I felt his hardness press against my thigh, proof of his desire.

"Bella," he rasped in response, sliding his hands against my belly and searching for the button on my jeans. I allowed him to pop it open, and he roughly grabbed my hips and shoved me higher, so I was sitting on top of the piano keys. A cacophony of notes rang out around us. I was in a haze. I hardly knew what was happening.

My blouse was up around my shoulders, and Edward was kissing my stomach, slowly sliding down the zipper on my jeans. Somewhere inside my brain, a rational voice was telling me to stop him, that it was too soon, but I ignored it. His fingers slipped inside my underwear and dipped into my wetness. I moaned out loud. It was a wanton sound, and I should have been embarrassed, but I just wanted more. I was wedged onto the piano keyboard, so I really couldn't reach for him, but I struggled to sit up. He was having none of it. He dragged his thumb across my most sensitive area, and I threw my head back once again.

"Bella, just let go," he whispered in my ear. "We have loads of time." His thumb continued to circle me, and it wasn't long before I saw stars. I started to shake, and Edward removed his hand and leaned against me, kissing my face, my cheeks, and my neck as I rode out my orgasm. I let out a shaky laugh once I'd come down, and he leaned away from me, allowing me to remove myself from the piano keyboard. We both laughed as the discordant sounds filled the room again.

"So…" we both said at the same time, and then laughed nervously. Edward's eyes flicked down the hallway, and I couldn't help but look, too. I assumed he was looking towards his bedroom. I wanted nothing more than to be his again, but I knew it was too soon. Apparently, he did, too.

"Bella, I'd like nothing more than to drag you to my bedroom, but I want to do things properly this time," he said in a low, sheepish voice, echoing my thoughts.

"Um," I said as I tried to swallow and regain my composure, "I think that was pretty proper." I coughed again trying to recover. He let out a low chuckle and gave me a quick kiss on my forehead. I was learning to love his quick pecks. I turned my head to check the time on the TV set top box. It was already almost 9 pm.

"Oh," I exclaimed reluctantly. "I should probably go home. I have clinic in the morning, and you have to meet with Carlisle," I reminded him.

"Will I see you there?" he asked pensively, leaning in and brushing my lips lightly with his own, back and forth, back and forth. I shivered and struggled to keep my train of thought.

"Well, I'll be in the same area, but I'm working with Dr. Alistair tomorrow. I should probably stay away, though," I added. He frowned but recovered quickly.

"I can avoid you, if I try, very, very hard," he joked, threading his fingers through the ones on my left hand. I laughed shakily.

"You are persuasive," I commented breathily. He let out a low chuckle. Suddenly, he leaned back and studied me seriously.

"You told me that you valued the Baylor job above all, but have you considered others?" he asked. I didn't answer right away but watched his face.

"You don't want me to work at Baylor," I guessed. He shook his head.

"I want you to be happy, and I definitely don't want you to leave the city," he insisted, but I thought about his reaction in the parking lot weeks ago when I mentioned the Baylor job. He wasn't sure he could ever trust me to value him over my work. I could see that now.

"Edward," I began and kissed him on the cheek. "There's a lot up in the air right now. Let's see how it goes. Now, I need to get a good night's sleep if I'm going to resist the most handsome ball player on Earth tomorrow. I hear he's going to be in my clinic," I teased. He responded with a kiss on my lips and then a sharp swat on my rear. I giggled, and he grinned, but we made it to his car without further incident. I replayed the evening over and over as I fell asleep that night.

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I was hyper alert the next morning in clinic, jumping at loud sounds and constantly looking over my shoulder. I was nervous about Edward being there somewhere with Carlisle, but also disappointed that I wouldn't be able to see him, talk to him, touch him. I was also exhausted from staying up too late. Edward had called me the moment he returned home from dropping me off, and we'd talked for hours.

The conversation had been rambling and nonspecific, but it was wonderful getting to know him again. He really hadn't changed much intrinsically. He was still sweet and earnest. But he'd had many more experiences. In that he far surpassed me. I'd never really left Texas with the exception of vacations in Mexico with my parents. My mom and Phil had traveled extensively to some pretty exotic locales, but they'd usually left me at home with our housekeeper. I'd only been in the Atlanta airport, and I loved listening to Edward describe the city he'd called home until recently.

He described his favorite restaurants and assured me that the Tex-Mex had been dreadful. He told me some funny stories about a few of his former teammates and related some of the odder encounters he'd had with fans. In some ways, his life sounded normal, but every now and then, an unbelievable detail would slip through and remind me I was talking to a professional athlete. He avoided mentioning Victoria, but I knew eventually she would slip into our conversations. She was a part of his past, and I wanted to know everything.

On the other hand, my life had changed very little since we'd parted, so I was sure he'd find my stories boring. But, he seemed riveted. He was especially interested when I related seeing Leah and Emily Black at the speakeasy. Apparently, he hadn't talked to Sam in quite a while and was interested in getting together with him. I promised to contact Leah and get Sam's info for him. He seemed pleased with the idea.

Dr. Alistair was very laid back and relied on me very much when we worked together. He often would sign off on charts of patients that I had seen without actually examining them himself. While I was flattered by his trust, I found him to be a bit lazy. So, when I worked with him, clinic flowed a bit faster than it did when I worked with by-the-book Carlisle.

So I found myself cooling my heels just before lunch, leaning on the nurse's station, staring into space and trying not to fall asleep where I stood. Tanya's nasal laugh caught my attention, and I turned in its direction just in time to catch her leading Edward out of the hallway that led to the faculty offices. She was talking animatedly with her hands, simpering at him, and we saw each other at the same time. I saw him purse his lips in an obvious attempt to keep from smiling at me.

He made some comment or asked a question that caused her to look away from him. As soon as her attention was diverted, he winked at me. I put a hand over my mouth to stifle the girlish giggle that threatened. The moment lasted only seconds because Tanya was back to gazing at Edward with what I'm sure she thought was girlish enthusiasm. Apparently she hadn't received the memo about not dating patients, I thought wryly.

They moved on through the clinic, probably heading down to MRI. I could tell Edward was trying hard not to laugh as they went. I felt like an addict given a tiny hit, but it was enough for me to make it through the day. I was glad he didn't seem upset by the need to play a part.

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The next two nights did not help my sleep deprivation because we spent hours on the phone talking into the wee hours. I was aching to see him again Thursday night, but also worried about what might transpire. I thought back to our almost instant co-habitation all those years ago and felt proud that we seemed to be doing things smarter this time around.

I reviewed everything that was occurring with Rosalie on Wednesday evening before my evening chat with Edward. She was pleased that we were talking, exploring the events of the last few years and sort of getting to know each other again.

"I'm worried about this situation with Carlisle Cullen, though, Bella," she told me. "Honestly, the two of you have a kind of sick symbiotic relationship. I think he'll flip if he thinks you've been lying to him." I bristled.

"I wouldn't classify it as lying," I insisted. "I've barely known what was happening from day to day since this all started."

"Yes, but I think Carlisle is very rule-driven," she described diplomatically.

"I don't know exactly what to say to him right now. I understand that he'll be owed an explanation at some point, but there's more to it right now," I explained. Rosalie made a dismissive sound.

"While I'd love to hear the details of the life of the most uptight man I've ever met, my more pressing issue right now is the bedtime story," she said with no small amount of sarcasm. "Think about what I've said, Bella." We disconnected, and I felt uneasy.

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Carlisle cut clinic short on Thursday afternoon at the VA. He filled me in on Tuesday afternoon about his commitment to meet with Edward's pitching coach. He found me in Alistair's clinic to tell me about it. He had not invited me to attend. Edward and I decided to tell him I was a guest of Alice, who had graciously agreed to accompany Jasper. As we finished with the last patient, Carlisle bid me good evening and said he'd see me the next day. I nervously corrected him.

"I'll see you tonight, actually," I said with practiced nonchalance. He froze and turned to me curiously.

"You're going to the ballpark?" he asked incredulously. I nodded in the affirmative.

"Yes, Alice invited me," I said steadily.

"Hmmm…" he replied noncommittally. "I guess that's all right, if you're just there to see her." I nodded vigorously but felt sick. I just knew this wouldn't end well. It was on the tip of my tongue to confess, but I couldn't force out the words.

"All right, then, I'll see you later," he said and left. I gulped and left as quickly as I could in order to get home and change clothes before I made my way downtown. I definitely didn't want to be in scrubs today. I wanted to paint myself as far from a health care professional as possible.

Edward had instructed me in guest parking at his building so I carefully made my way there and parked in the garage. I texted him that I'd arrived, and he met me in the lobby when I came through the door. He drew me in without hesitation and kissed my lips with a bit more fervor than acceptable for polite company. I didn't mind, and I didn't fight it. Maybe I had changed a little in the last six years. The security guard behind the desk cleared his throat and smiled widely at us as we made our way to the elevator. Edward smirked back.

We raced skywards in silence, and the door to his apartment was standing ajar when we arrived on his floor. Before I could blink, Alice was out the door, enveloping me in a hug.

"I'm so glad we can do this!" she exclaimed. "Edward's going to be a hit," she promised. I laughed at her enthusiasm and hugged her back.

"Hey, Bella," Jasper greeted from behind Alice and held his arms open with a hopeful expression on his face. I scoured my memory but could not recall a single time that I'd hugged Jasper. Well, there was a first time for everything. I stepped closer to him and allowed him to put his arms around me.

"All right, let's do this!" shouted Edward, herding us all back inside his condo. Four flutes of champagne rested on the kitchen island. Edward was obviously feeling positive about this evening's evolution. We each grabbed a flute and turned to him.

"To new beginnings!" he toasted, looking at me significantly. We all echoed his sentiment, and I thought about those nights the four of us had spent together. This didn't feel weird; it felt like coming home. I downed the contents of my glass. Lord knew I needed some courage, liquid or otherwise. Our glasses clinked onto the marble countertop, and we stared at each other.

"Well, let's go," encouraged Jasper. We headed to the elevator in silence and made the short two block walk with only superficial chatter. Toshiro was in the booth again, and he winked at me as we passed. Edward used his card to grant us access, and we headed into the tunnel I remembered from our tour. The four of us entered the media room to find Carlisle and a man I didn't recognize waiting. A tall, thin African-American woman with hair trimmed close to her scalp typed on an iPad and an iPhone simultaneously in the corner. She was dressed in a no-nonsense business suit and seemed to be in her early 40's.

Carlisle gave me a hard look as Alice and I tried to fade into the background by sitting on a couch far removed from the actual participants of tonight's endeavor. The new faces ignored Alice and I. I watched the men greet each other, though. Jasper and Edward began shaking hands with Carlisle and the man I assumed to be Demetri Felix. Eventually, they drifted into the locker room to continue their discussion while Edward changed into a uniform. The woman stayed behind and continued typing.

"Let's go up to the field," Alice suggested. I looked at her quizzically.

"Can we?" I asked skeptically, and she rolled her eyes.

"They're going to head for the bullpen as soon as they're done. Why don't we just go ahead and sit up there?" I could find no reason to disagree with her, but I did wonder how she knew her way around so well. I agreed, and she led me into the hallway with the portraits before turning to a door I hadn't noticed the last time I was here. She turned the knob, and it opened. She smiled and motioned for me to follow her.

"I assume the older guy is Coach Felix," I hazarded. "But do you know who the other lady was?"

"That's Edward's PR person. I think her name is Renata. I've only met her once, the first time Edward came to Whitlock," she tossed over her shoulder. I pondered that. I hadn't considered that the media might be involved in this.

We passed through into the quintessential bullpen located in the outfield of all ballparks. A small mound occupied one side while a dirt depression indicated the spot where the warm-up catcher would sit. There was a plastic bench to one side, and Alice made her way carefully over to it and sat down. Once we were seated, I realized I had a question.

"Who's going to catch for Edward tonight?" I wondered. Alice smiled slightly.

"Jasper will do it," she answered.

"Huh," I answered intelligently. I knew Jasper had a baseball background, but I didn't realize how important he really was to Edward.

We'd only been sitting for a few minutes when we heard voices, and the door to the clubhouse opened up. Edward, Carlisle, Jasper, Demetri, and Renata entered the space. But they had gained another in their group. A tall blonde woman in a navy pantsuit accompanied them. I barely registered that Edward looked profoundly nervous before she made a beeline for Alice and me. Renata made no move to stop her. I guess Alice and I weren't considered important enough in tonight's events.

Demetri and Carlisle seemed to be in earnest conversation, but Edward and Jasper were distracted watching us with trepidation. I stood up and Alice mirrored my action. We met the stranger halfway, not far from the area where Edward would soon start warming up.

"Hi," she chirped cheerfully. "I'm Heidi Bates. I write the sports blog for The Chronicle," she told us referring to Houston's main newspaper. "I'm here to cover the rehab of our city's golden boy." She laughed gaily. Alice and I exchanged looks. Heidi held up her phone to indicate that she planned to turn on the recorder.

"How do you know Edward Masen?" she asked. I could see Edward ignoring Demetri in favor of watching our interaction. I knew he should be paying attention to him, not worrying about me. Alice was talking.

"I'm Alice Whitlock, Jasper Whitlock's wife. I'm a partner in Whitlock and Associates," she was saying, but Heidi turned a shrewd gaze on me.

"And you are?" she asked. Her voice was too loud, and Carlisle heard her. He and Edward were both watching me.

"I'm Bella Swan," I said dazedly. She frowned, unhappy with my uninformative answer.

"And how do you know Mr. Masen?" she asked with impatience. Carlisle and Edward were both staring at me intently. And I was tired; I didn't want to lie. I just wanted to be happy. So I answered honestly. How bad could the truth really be?

"I'm his girlfriend," I told her.

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Please don't kill me over the cliffie. I like being alive.

The Johnny Cash song that Edward played was Rose of My Heart. Please take a listen and/or google the lyrics. It's a romantic song and was the first dance that Mr. Grace and I shared at our wedding.