Title: Dance with Me
Rating: M
Summary: A major league baseball player with a bad rep needs to clean his image. He signs on to do a reality dance show. Will he clean his image and have the right kind of chemistry with his partner?
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.
Big thank you to Riss-uscma and flutetenorsaxplayer2008 for their work on editing, reading, and encouraging me.
More sexual related content. I hope I didn't totally flub with it. I'm trying, but explicit isn't my style...there's your warning.
May 31st 2008
Edward POV
Bella and I always got along. We always had fun in the studio, and sometimes when things were getting heated in rehearsal, we'd either act on our impulse or we wouldn't if there was a camera. We were very familiar with each other thanks to the dancing. We got to touch and hold each other in intimate dance positions. I touched her face, hair, arms, legs and her back. Sometimes the touches were firm, soft, caressing or even just a tap. Touching Bella was like the ultimate high. Dancing with her was fun but it was also hot.
Last night we went further than all the other times we'd been together. Granted, we hadn't been able to be together in a natural sense. We were both so focused on the dancing and the show, we just didn't do normal couple stuff-like dates and making out like teenagers. Let alone go past first base.
I wasn't nervous about being with Bella intimately. I knew it would happen sometime and I felt no need to rush it. Last night was incredible. I had it all planned out and with Jasper and Alice's help everything came together. I wanted our time in New York to be special, not only because we had just won, but also I wanted it to be special for us. We didn't have much a break in between the show and summer rehearsals. I had to take the private time with her while I could.
I was glad Bella liked my plans. She was shocked, but the happiness in her eyes when I told her where we were going made me feel good. Like I'd done something nice for her, and she really appreciated it. Surprisingly, I was up for some more ballroom dancing. Dancing with her was very nice. We weren't dancing a choreographed number; we were just letting the music guide us. I didn't struggle very much last night. I only asked her which dance was next because I couldn't tell based on the music.
After our night of dancing, we went back to the hotel. We had to go to sleep at a reasonable hour because we had more press. Even though we were both tired, we were also very awake. Dancing gave us a sort of adrenaline rush. We were aware of each others movements and by the end of the night, we just needed some relief. For so long, we'd been teasing each other. Not intentionally, but with the sexiness of the dances plus Bella's taste in costumes, I was almost going crazy. It was like a sexiness overload.
The fact that Bella let me touch her was a big deal. We'd never really go that far physically and I was really happy that we were moving forward in our relationship. The good thing about being with Bella was that I knew she trusted me. We had this level of comfort and I could read her like a book. I knew when she was angry, sad, and happy, now I even knew when she was aroused. I could tell Bella was very affected by our dancing. Hell, I was too. And to be honest, I'm not quite sure how I managed to stay so collected during the show. Dancing was very intimate and it's just came down to plain sexual chemistry-dancing with a partner could get very hot and heavy. I guess we both remained professional because we were so focused on doing our best and doing the show.
I felt pretty damn good about myself. I just won a major reality competition. I had the most beautiful girl as my girlfriend. We went past first base and I was actually going to play baseball again! If that wasn't pretty fucking awesome then I don't know what was. I guessed I sounded like an immature teenaged boy, but come on! I really did have a lot to be thankful for.
It was six am and Bella was still fast asleep. I don't know if she was aware of this, but she slept naked whilst I was fully clothed. Yeah, I don't even know how I managed not shed my clothes and join Bella. It took a lot of self-control on my part, and the fact that she was dead tired also killed my urge to get naked along with her. I pleased my girlfriend last night so it was all good.
Bella slept on her side. She was sleeping soundly and her back was facing me. I didn't want to disturb her, so slowly got up and headed for the bathroom. Alice would be giving us a wakeup call in an hour.
I decided to get ready for the day. Bella and I had Regis and Kelly and then I had to head to Letterman. Bella was off the hook but I wasn't. She'd be out shopping with Alice and Jasper and I would be doing press.
By the time I was dressed and ready, Bella was still sleeping. I guess she was a heavy sleeper. It wasn't even seven, so I decided to surprise Bella with breakfast. I phoned room service and asked for a plate of berry waffles, an omelet and pretty much every side order of bacon and sausage and hash browns. I knew Bella liked junk food, so I figured she'd go for the waffles and the hash browns.
While Bella slept, I checked my e-mail. I was glad that I received my e-mail through my phone. Technology absolutely rocked. There wasn't much for me to look at-a couple of spam and a few documents from Jasper. We were in the midst of settling on a team. I already made up my mind it was just a matter of getting everything ready for the new season. I needed to get back in the gym. I needed a strengthening coach to help me get back on track. I also needed to go over the legalities of the new team. There was a lot to do before the new season started. The current season was in full swing now. The ALCS and NLCS wouldn't be till the fall. I had a lot of games to watch till then. I needed to study on the team I was leaning towards. Besides preparing myself, I had to prepare Bella. She needed to know. I just couldn't tell her not yet anyway. Okay, call me a pussy, but I knew telling Bella wasn't going to be pretty. I had this nagging feeling that she wouldn't be too happy with my decision.
"Hey," Bella said taking me out of my reverie. She draped her little arms around my waist and gave me a gentle squeeze.
I hadn't even heard her move. I didn't even know she was awake. I placed my left hand over hers and smiled.
"Good morning. I didn't even hear you get up."
Bella pressed herself closer and leaned into me. I could feel that she'd covered herself with a shirt. I looked over my shoulder, and sure enough her top half was covered with my t-shirt. She looked well rested, but still a bit sleepy.
"You were busy playing with your phone," she murmured into my back. "You've been up for a while?"
"No less than an hour," I replied.
"Too early," she whined.
I laughed as I turned to look at her. She looked sexy in my shirt. I guess all guys found their girlfriend sexy whenever they wore their clothes. Bella definitely had the sexed up look going for her. Her hair was a haystack but I even found that sexy.
"I ordered breakfast. It should be here anytime. Do you want to get ready now?"
"I have to, don't I?"
I leaned down and pressed my forehead on hers. I tucked her hair behind her ears and gently kissed her nose.
"Yeah, we kind of have to be somewhere."
She closed her eyes and rested her hands on my waist very near my butt. When I felt her hands wandering I playfully slapped her butt. She gasped and then slapped me.
"What was that for?" I asked.
"You slapped me first," she stated.
"Only because I knew you'd slap me."
She grinned, "Then we're even. I'm going to shower. Tell me when the food gets here?"
"Sure thing."
She turned to leave, but I quickly pulled her back. Before she could say anything, I gave her a kiss on her lips. It was quick and sweet.
"Good morning," I said laughing.
"Good morning," she repeated. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready."
I slapped her butt one more time and she yelped as she made a beeline for the bathroom.
While Bella was in the shower, Alice called. I knew she would. She was her usual perky self. Loud, happy, joyful and did I mention loud? Of course she was just reminding me that Bella and I had to be at the lobby before eight.
The food came while Bella was still in the shower. After I tipped the server, I went into the bathroom. The door was partially closed. I knocked and yelled at Bella.
"Yeah?" she hollered back.
"The food is here."
"Okay. I'll be out in a few minutes."
I went back to the living room area and poured myself a cup of coffee. I was waiting for Bella, so I put the TV on for some entertainment. Since it was so early in the morning the only thing that was on was the news. I settled on CNN.
It took Bella less than ten minutes to get out of the shower. She was dressed in a pair of sweat pants and my t-shirt. I couldn't hold back the smirk when I saw her wearing it again.
"Ohh waffles!" she said settling down into a chair. She began to pick up a fork. While she drizzled syrup over the waffles I started on the spinach omelet.
"How much time do I have, Edward?"
"Excuse me?"
"When does Alice need us?"
"Oh, ummm, you have about forty-five minutes."
"Perfect," she breathed.
Bella and I enjoyed breakfast. It was nice that we had our morning together. Spending time with her was going to be rare once I started training and working again no matter where I went.
Bella ate the whole plate of waffles, which didn't surprise me. She was an avid eater and she could afford to be. I watched her as she finished her food. It wasn't the first time I studied her while she ate. The very first time we had lunch, I was staring at her; I couldn't help myself. I was enthralled then and I still was. Bella caught me looking again, and this time she leaned across the table and kissed me. I was tempted to deepen it, but we were pressed for time. I knew Bella would slap my ass again if I made her late.
She got up from the table and took a piece of bacon with her.
"I'm going to change and do my makeup."
I nodded at her. I didn't need to watch her do that. If I watched her change clothes I might be tempted to throw them away and finish what we were started from last night. There was so much more I wanted to do with Bella but there was so little time.
Half hour later, Bella, Alice, Jasper and I were all standing around the lobby. Jasper had his BlackBerry out. He was trying to get a hold of our car service. Apparently our driver was nowhere to be found. Our last day of press for the show, and we'd be late to Regis and Kelly. If Bella and I missed our time slot then we wouldn't be able to come back and film it. The studio, not to mention the producers would be pissed.
I was getting impatient when finally our car arrived. Same black SUV, same driver. I didn't ask why he was late. I just got inside the car and started talking business with Jasper. He and I were going to be doing press and other business things. He brought up Letterman and advised me to not lose my cool. Letterman had a knack for picking on his guests. If he liked you then he'd be nice, if he didn't like you then you're pretty much in for a load of shit. We discussed the Letterman interview all the way to the Regis and Kelly studio.
All of the interviews were getting to me. As athlete, I wasn't quite used to going on talk show after talk show. I was used to socializing and staying up till the wee hours of the night, but I wasn't used to the other side, the more classy side of fame.
When Bella and I were backstage, we went over some of our Samba moves again. We had to do a little dance and then we'd be interviewed. Bella was hounding at me to stretch again. She muttered something about not wanting me to cramp up because that's how injuries occurred.
Bella and I danced and then we did our interview. Everything went well. We promoted the summer tour and when I was asked about next year's baseball season I simply stated I was interested in playing. I couldn't announce my plans yet because nothing was official.
After we wrapped up the show, Bella, Alice, Jasper and I all headed back to the hotel. The girls were going to have their shopping day and Jasper and I were going to head over to the Letterman studio. It was going to be another busy day for all of us. We had one more day in New York and then we'd be heading back to LA.
June 2nd 2008
The weekend finally began. We were all back in LA and for the first time in weeks, Bella and I were free. No rehearsals, no photo shoots, no press; I was a free man now. It felt odd to not be in the dance studio or in the television studio doing our run through. The past couple of months I'd been on this tight dancing show schedule and now that the show was finally over I felt weird. I wasn't busy.
Since it was a Saturday, I decided to spend some more quality time with Bella before our summer tour rehearsal began. I started the day with delivering coffee and muffins to her. She opened the door looking like she wanted to crawl back into bed. We had a great breakfast of unhealthy chocolate muffins and copious amounts of coffee. Once Bella got ready for the day, I surprised her by taking her to the beach. Now that we had some free time we could do just about anything. I could take her out or we could stay in. It didn't matter what we did as long as we did it together. I was very aware that I sounded whipped. I knew that I was. Bella was amazing and I owed her my career. She gave me my life back in a way. She revived my sports career. She helped me change and for that I would always be grateful.
"Are you okay?" she asked bumping against my arm.
We were seated on the sand very close to the tide. The beach was crowded but so far no one paid much attention to us.
"Yeah, I was just thinking," I replied.
"About what?" she asked.
I gazed out into the ocean and scrunched up my nose. I wasn't sure if I should tell Bella about my team now or later. I still hadn't signed anything but it was almost official. Bella needed to know, but I was afraid of her response. In fact I didn't want her to respond at all. That was illogical. She was going to respond. I just wasn't sure if she'd support me or not.
"I'm thinking about a lot of things. I was thinking New York was pretty special and that now that we're home things are going to get crazy again."
"I'm not sure what you're saying."
I sighed and pulled my right arm around her. I pulled her into my body and leaned my head against hers.
"We have the tour coming up and then I'm going to go back into training."
"That's great, Edward!" Bella enthused. "You're going to get back into shape and you're going to play again, right?"
"Yeah, that's my plan."
"Do you know where you'll be going? Have you decided yet?"
In my wildest dreams I never thought Bella would be the one to ask me about my career. I always thought I'd tell her when I found the right time. I didn't think she'd ask. But then again, we were talking about my career right now so it was no surprise.
"Bella," I said into her hair. I was closing my eyes, bracing myself for what I was about to tell her. I didn't have the guts to look at her while I spoke. All I could do was hold her close and bury my face into her beach kissed hair.
"I decided to go to the Mariners."
There I said it. I told her. It didn't make me feel any better.
"Oh, that's awesome, Edward!" she cried. She had her arms around my waist and she gave me a sharp squeeze. "I'm so proud of you! Wait, a minute," she paused. "Isn't that in Seattle?"
"Yes," I said still not looking at her.
Bella pried herself away from me and lifted my head so that I had to look at her.
"You're signing with Seattle?"
"Yes," I replied. I kept looking in her eyes because I knew she deserved that. I couldn't look away or she'd probably slap me in the face.
"Don't I get a say in all this?" she asked quietly. She looked sad and her eyes were about to well up in tears.
I knew what I was doing when I decided to go with the Mariners. I was focusing on my career. I was looking at the big picture too. If I moved to Seattle, I could have my career and make room for Bella. LA wasn't a place for a family and even though Bella and I were not there yet, I wanted to start now. I could keep playing ball and eventually when Bella's contract was up she could move back home. She could move in with me, we could get a house and finally start on making a family. This was what I wanted and I just hoped Bella saw things the way I did.
"I can't do this, Bella. I can't sit here and watch you cry."
"You're making me cry," she said.
"I know and I'm sorry. But honey you just have to understand that I'm trying to think about you as well as me. I want to go to Seattle because I honestly think I'll be happy with that team. And besides, I was hoping you'd want to follow me once your contract is up."
"You want me to go with you?" she whispered. She wiped some tears away and now she looked confused.
"Yes but not right away. You need to focus on your career and I need to focus on mine. We'll still be together and we'll visit each other whenever we can. When you're contract is up I want you to think about moving in with me. You could open up your own studio and everything. I'll help you, Bella. You can have everything you want."
She was taking it all in. She looked thoughtful and then she sighed and fell back down on the sand. Shielding her eyes away from the sun, Bella then sat up and poked me in the chest.
"You're serious? You want me to move in with you after my contract is up? You still see us together in the next year or so?"
"Well, yeah," I said matter of fact. "Don't you?"
"I don't know," she replied. "A lot can happen in one year. If you're moving away… long distance relationships don't usually work out."
"But you're considering it," I pointed out. "The way you're speaking now… you're thinking about it. In your mind you've already said yes."
"Don't sound so sure of yourself," she snapped. "But yes, okay I'll follow you."
That was all I needed to hear. I scooped her up in my arms and kissed her till she was breathless.
"We're going to make this work, Bella. I'll do anything to make you believe in us."
I swept back in and kissed her. I held her against my chest and cradled her head. She was the reason why I was going to play again. Everything I did-I did it for her now. I gently probed her mouth open and let my tongue glide against hers. Our kiss was getting too PG-13 rated for the beach goers. I knew I had to stop now or we'd be in trouble again.
She pulled away and looked me in the eyes.
"Then make me believe, Edward. Take me home and make me believe that there's going to be an 'us'."
She got up, brushed sand from her body and pulled me to my feet. Bella was nothing if not determined. She was seriously considering moving up north with me. All she needed was a little persuading and some confirmation. I wasn't sure if I wanted it to be like this. In a matter of months I'd be moving away and Bella was going to be here. I didn't want to sleep with her just to make her believe I still wanted to be with her even after I moved.
The car ride was silent. I could tell Bella needed some time to think. Hell, I needed some time to think. She was basically asking me to take her to bed in hopes of convincing her own mind that there was still going to be an 'us'.
When we got back to my house, Bella sat on the couch and look up at me. I was standing in front of her unaware of what I was supposed to be doing. On the one hand, I wanted nothing more than to be with Bella in the most intimate way possible. Quite frankly I had a desire to rip her bathing suit off and lock her away in my bedroom till Monday came. On the other hand, I didn't want our first time to be because she was scared this was all we had. I wanted her to know that this was it-she was it for me.
Bella stood up and smiled wanly at me.
"Are you going to convince me, Edward? Or do I have to convince you?"
She was standing right in front of me obviously waiting for an answer. I couldn't leave her hanging.
Bella wrapped her little arms around my neck and stepped on her tip-toes. She had this look in her eye that both scared and thrilled me.
"We need this, Edward. I need to believe…Just do this for me please."
I engulfed her lithe body and she relaxed against me. Bella always liked it when I held her. She and I were naturally drawn to each other; that was proven when we danced. Bella began to trail kisses all over my face. When she kissed my eyelids she let out a soft sigh.
"I love your eyes," she said quietly.
With Bella pressed up against me, I could feel her breast right throw the thin material of her bikini top. Her skin felt damp from the water and I could feel sand on various places of her stomach and hips. When I felt her trailing her hands down to my board shorts, I placed my hand over hers.
"Bedroom," I groaned out. If she wanted me to sleep with her I would. I couldn't deny her any longer.
Bella took charge. And it was the hottest thing ever. She led me on the dance floor and now she was leading me in the bedroom. I'd be a fool if I didn't find it utterly hot. Bella untied her bikini and before I could appreciate the sight of her breasts, she quickly stripped out of her denim shorts and bikini bottoms. She was completely naked and I wasn't. Bella was quick to rectify that. She tugged and pulled at my shorts.
Once I was naked like her, she pushed against my chest and directed to my bed. I fell down willingly, and she came up to straddle my hips.
"I never got to touch you while we were in New York," she mused. "This is making up for lost time."
She leaned down and kissed me deeply on the lips. The feel of her lips moving against mine was fucking fantastic. Her tongue glided against mine and it was bliss. I brought my hands to rest on her hips, and Bella slowly moved down on me. She moved her left hand to wrap around the base of my length. She began moving her hand up and down; I was eager to push up against her, but this was her show. She needed confirmation and damn it, I was going to give it to her.
She was hovering above me and I was teetering the edge of insanity. If she didn't fucking come down on me I'd flip her over and plunge my way into her.
She removed her hand from my length, drew her lips back, and smiled deviously at me.
"I can feel your need for me," she smirked. "Is this how you felt when we were in the dance studio, Edward?"
"Bella," I growled. "Stop talking."
She laughed as she swiftly lowered herself onto me. No sweet foreplay, no holding back-I was inside her. She and I were actually doing this. I tried to focus on the sensation of being inside her, but she started moving. She picked up a slow pace, and even though I wanted her to go faster I let her be. For a few minutes I was just letting her do her thing. She moved so gracefully. Her dancers body really gave her an advantage in this activity. The way she moved her hips was incredible. She moved with a certain sensuality and beauty. Her upper body moved with intense grace and fluidity. I moved with her and found that the intimacy came effortlessly for us. Even in bed we moved so well together.
I loved that we were as close as any couple could be. For so long I'd imagined how it would be to be with her like this. I knew we had different reasons for doing this though. She wanted this to help her decide about us. I wanted this because well I loved her and this was just another way to show her.
"Do you believe me now, Bella?" I gasped out while she kept moving above me. I had my hands on her hips to help guide our movements, Bella's hands were pressed firmly against my chest. I could tell she was holding out on me. She was trying very hard not to come. I gripped her hips harder and started to pick up the pace. She tried to control the pace, but finally gave up and allowed me to lead her.
"I believe you," she sighed.
I felt her start to crest so I helped her along. I pushed forward so I could be go deeper, and then I snaked my hand between her legs to her bundle of nerves. I told her to come for me and she did. She did so flawlessly and I followed her soon after. I had to say that her being on top the whole time was quite the experience. I'd had sex with girls like that before, but never for a first time. Bella was all sorts of different. She was in charge of our relationship and she knew it. Where we went from here was up to her. I told her my plans, I asked her to follow me. All she had to do was believe in us.
Bella collapsed against me and I wrapped my arms to her back. Her beach kissed skin felt good underneath my hands. My hands traveled to rest on the small of her back. I began to draw lazy circles on her lower back when she lifted her head from my chest.
"I believe you," she said again. "But that doesn't make me feel better."
Before I could say anything, she eased off of me and began putting her bikini back on. I was confused. Didn't we just have sex? Didn't I give her what she wanted? Had she not agreed that she believed me? She believed in us didn't she?
I stared at her in complete shock. I was really at a loss for words. I had no fucking clue what she was doing or what the hell was going on.
"I'm going to go," she said fixing her bikini. "I'll see you in a couple of days for rehearsal."
"Wait! Bella!" I cried. I guess I finally found some words.
She gave me a smile but it wasn't a happy one.
"I need to think. Goodbye, Edward."
Who hates Bella? Come on, I know some of you have to be somewhat furious with her. But don't worry, I will fix everything...;)
Yeah, Edward is going to the Mariners. I decided that for many reasons and I will explain myself further in the next chapter.
Till next time.
Tina