Chapter 6
As with the other chapters, purely cosmetic work has been done to this. I've made some changes as far as punctuation and repeat words, and a few things to make it flow better. Nothing imperative or important to the story has been changed.
As always, I don't own Twilight or anything that has to do with Twilight, even Edward and Bella. But I do own this story, the words are mine, they come from my mind, I don't have much of one left so please be kind and don't steal it. Let me have the little bit of mine I have left to enjoy as long as possible, plus I know some people that would be upset if you stole it, and I will find out. I have my ways bwahahaha lol
Thanks so much to all of you who reviewed, I'm behind on my reviews, I've had real life get in the way, but I'm trying to catch up. I love that all of you have told me how much you love my story, it means a lot to me
AydenMorgen beta'd this chapter.
JAG, I love you more than steak, and I love being your beta. Enjoy and see you at the end!
Taking Chances
"Oh my fucking God! No sleep and working out don't fucking mix bro. Shit, I feel like the walking fucking dead after that. I need about ten more coffees! Fuck that; just give me the damn shit straight up or in an IV! That's it, I need ten shots of espresso stat, straight into the IV please!" I'm lying back on the mat with my hands behind my head, laughing at myself for being stupid. I realize where I'm at and thoughts of Bella come into my mind.
Fuck... I need to think of shit to keep a hard-on from happening and fast. This fucker isn't wasting time.
Shit, um...think damn it. Grandma's underwear, eww that's nasty. That's just too fucked up. Um fuck, I don't know… Two ducks fucking, sunsets... shit no. That makes me think of seeing one with Bella, which makes me think of...stop! Don't go there. Shit, oh I know! Emmett getting head and butt ass fucking naked.
BINGO!
Shit... and it worked, hard-on averted. Now back to getting my ass ready for my upcoming fight.
I stand up and pull Emmett's ass up off the mat. We start grappling and it's difficult for both of us, both of us struggling to do anything we need to do.
Today isn't going to be a total waste but shit, it's kicking my ass. I want to just go home and get some fucking sleep; I'll just have to make up for today at practice tomorrow. I want to be well rested for Bella tonight. Having your date fall asleep has to be about the worse thing to happen to you on a date and I don't want to be the one to do that to her.
"So, what are you doing tonight?"
I'm so deep in thought that Emmett catches me off guard and I jump a little. He looks at me with curiosity in his eyes.
"Wanna come out with Rose and me? You haven't been out in a couple weeks; it'll do you good. Plus, who knows, you might find a woman to hook up with, get your sex on, have a little fun. Know what I mean man? Bow chick a bow wow." He wags his eyebrows at me like it's supposed to be seductive or some shit.
"So what do you say?" he asks in between moves, half breathless.
"Nah bro, I think I'm just gonna stay home or maybe go to the movies. Maybe see that new movie that's out, it looks like it's supposed to scare the shit out of you."
"Dude, that's lame. Come on, come out with Rose and me. You'll have fun. It beats sitting at home wanking yourself off to whatever porn movie you have in your DVD player or on the porn channel. Go out, get some of the real shit, man."
I stop and glare at him, giving him the fucking evil eye.
"What?" He smirks at me, acting like what he said was no big deal. "You know you're in need. I know for a fact you haven't been with a woman in a couple weeks. Hell, when was the last time you jizzed from being with a woman? I bet money that's what's wrong with your sorry ass lately. Sexual frustration, not getting laid enough."
"Emmett! What the fuck man? Since when is my fucking sex life any of your fucking business? If I want to sit at home and wank it as you say, then I will fucking sit at home and wank it. I don't want to go out and just get laid! Shit, I'm fucking tired as hell. I want to go home and get some fucking sleep. Then maybe I'll grab some dinner, have a beer and watch a movie, and no, not a fucking porn either."
I stand looking at him with my hands on my hips, practically out of breath from practice and going off on him.
Fuck, my brother and his busy body, nosy ass self. I need to get him off my ass so he doesn't try to keep pushing this shit. I don't want to have to tell him that I already have plans, plans with Bella, because then his ass will badger me with even more questions about who with.
The last thing I need him to know is that I already have plans with her.
"So... leave me the fuck alone and chill with trying to get me to go out. I don't think Rose wants me to tag along anyway. Not that it would matter, you two will be all over each other and more than likely end up fucking in the middle of the dance floor at some club. That shit is something I don't want to be witnessing going on anytime in the near future. Once is fucking enough… fuck that; once is too many damn times."
"Fine, be an asshole, see if I care. Hope you don't overwork your arm watching your "movie" tonight." He storms away from me like he's pouting into the office and starts laughing like a damn hyena.
In the locker room I grab my shit, walk into the office to let Emmett know I'm going home and getting some fucking sleep. We discuss meeting up earlier than usual tomorrow to work my ass out double what we did today.
That's fine with me, I will be having plenty of fun tonight. It will be worth it, getting sleep and rest to be my best for the most beautiful woman. Then showing her a good time and enjoying every second I am with her.
I walk out to my car, pulling out my phone as I'm getting into it. It's fucking hot and humid outside as always so I blast the a/c to get it cooled off fast. I can't wait for the fucking fall to get here. It's doesn't really get to be fall here but it's a hell of a lot cooler than summer is, that's for damn sure. There isn't as much humidity then either.
I pull out the paper that has Bella's number on it and put it in my phone and type out a text:
Hey Bella, I'm leaving the gym a bit early. Gonna
go take a shower and a nap. Text me or call me
and let me know what you want to do. Have a
good rest of the day :D
I hit send then start backing out of the parking lot.
I pull out onto the busy ass street, heading for home. I can't wait to get a shower, get some sleep and be ready for the woman who I can already feel is slowly changing my life. I can't wait to hear what she's planning for us tonight.
Thinking about it, maybe I should have decided. I hope she isn't thinking I'm lame for having her decide. I just want to give her the chance to do what she wants. I need to stop over thinking this and just go with it. I'm such a lame ass sometimes, especially when it comes to women and relationships and all that shit. I need to get my shit together, get with it and just fucking do what I need to do, that's all there is to it.
Thank God I live so close to the gym. I'm so fucking tired; I'm surprised I even make it home.
I walk in the door, go upstairs and take a shower. Without getting dressed, I get into bed. I don't even look at my phone or turn the television on. Hell, I barely even dry myself off. I fall right to sleep hoping to have some of the most fucking amazing dreams I can make come true... hopefully soon.
Darkness starts creeping into my room as I'm waking up; the sun is starting to set so it's been a few hours since I lay down. Rubbing my face I sit up and try to clear my head of sleep. In my state of sleep-induced grogginess it dawns on me what I'm suppose to be doing tonight. Shit, what time is it?
I suddenly realize I haven't heard my phone go off letting me know there is a text.
My mind starts wondering away, thinking stupid shit, like does it mean she's changed her mind? Fuck, I hope not. I jump out of bed and grab my phone looking to see what time it is and notice I have a missed text message. I open it right away and it's from Bella. Fuck!
Hey I was thinking that maybe we could do Cuban
food if that's ok w you. After that I don't reallyknow,
you can choose, is that cool?LMK Bella
Cuban food... I can do Cuban food; actually, I know just the place. I go there all the time and they know me and they have awesome food.
I think for a second about something to do after we eat.
I think I have the perfect thing to do after we eat, I'll have to see how things go and how she's dressed before finally deciding on it.
Cuban sounds good; I have just the place. You don't need
to dress up, but dress comfortable. I'll pick you up in 30,
is that ok? Oh, I need your address so I know where to
pick you up from.
After sending the text, I put my phone back on my dresser, go to my closet and start looking for something to wear.
Shit. I remember from earlier that it's hot as hell out, so I'm thinking maybe shorts.
I grab my khaki cargo shorts with matching belt and one of my many TAPOUT shirts. This one I think is perfect for tonight, it's black and it has the word Believe on the back. Just what I need to do; believe that tonight will go good and maybe we can move forward from where we are.
I think I'm gonna wear flip flops. I have nice feet, so why not? I can't stand seeing people out there wearing flip flops with nasty toes or hairy feet. Living in Florida, you see a lot of it, sadly on both men and women. I shiver at the thought of nasty, hairy feet.
Into the bathroom I go and give myself the once over to make sure I look presentable and not like a slob. I brush my teeth. Can't have bad breath when I pick her up; that would not go over too well.
After getting dressed and doing all my primping, it's time to go get Bella. I head downstairs and out the door to my car. At the last second I decide I want to surprise Bella with dessert after dinner if or when we go to the place I want to take her. So I head to one of the best bakeries in Tampa, Alessi Bakery and it's not too far from me. I grab an assortment of cupcakes, cake and cookies, and a couple different pastries. After that I head to her house to start the evening.
I realize looking at the address she text me she doesn't live too far from where I live.
It takes me less than ten minutes to get to her house, thank God for all the interstates here. I get out of the car and go to the door to knock. When raising my hand, I notice it's slightly shaking. What the fuck? Shit, I didn't think I was this nervous. Focusing on getting ready for tonight must have kept my mind off of going out tonight with her.
I take a deep breath a couple of times and knock.
I wait a couple seconds and knock a couple more times. I hear someone yell, "One second!" so I back up so I can be seen through the peephole of the door.
The sound of locks turning and chains sliding against the door can be heard and my stomach is flip flopping like a dead fish, making me feel queasy. I swallow hard, trying to calm my nerves.
It's not like I've never seen her or been close to her physically. Fuck, if I'm honest, we're doing this whole thing a little backwards… okay, a lot backwards, so I shouldn't be this fucking nervous. I swallow one more time, still hoping to calm my nerves as the door opens.
My breath falters and my heart skips a beat.
I am completely blown away as I see her standing there in the doorway, making me gawk at her like an idiot. I thought she was beautiful to start off with, but seeing her in the dress she's wearing, with a 'V' neck that is showing off more of her neck? It means more skin for me to touch and see and I am at a loss for words. She has her hair mostly down but the sides are pulled back and it's wavy. She's wearing sandals that have a bit of a heel but show off her cute little feet and make her a little taller. Easier to try to get a kiss from her.
She looks so fucking good. I want to take her and strip her out of her dress and fuck her right here and now.
I start breathing somewhat normally again as she turns around to grab something. I notice when she turns back around to face me and starts walking towards me that it's her purse. Like a smack upside the head, it dawns on me that I haven't said a word since she opened the door. I quickly remedy it.
"Bella, you are so beautiful tonight." My smile is about to swallow my face as I say the first thing that comes to my mind.
She looks at me and blushes. Holy fuck, she blushes? I knew she did when she was aroused, but getting a compliment makes her blush too, it seems. I'm going to have to see if I can make her blush more.
It's not so much the blush that does it for me, but the smile that accompanies it and the feeling I get knowing I'm putting it there. I love making her smile. It's different than any other I've seen on her and it makes her whole face glow. I could get use to seeing her glow like the sun.
"Thanks, you don't look too shabby yourself. In fact, you clean up quite nicely. I've seen you in shorts before but you look so different outside of your workout stuff. You look normal." She giggles. "Though that mess of hair is the same, can't tame it, huh?" she jokes about my wild bit of hair and reaches up to muss it up, rubbing her fingers through it. Her hands, her wonderful, strong, smooth hands that I love, touching me… going through my hair, on my scalp, making me all tingly…
I shiver a bit.
"Ready to go, gorgeous?" I move out of the way so she can step out and lock the door. We start walking and I place my hand lightly on her lower back, I don't know exactly what our boundaries or limits are, but I hope she doesn't mind. As if to answer my question she looks back as she feels my hand touch her and gives me a little smile. It makes my stomach flip flop more, from nerves or excitement; I'm not sure, probably both.
"Yep, where are we going? I know you told me to pick but I don't know much about good restaurants around here. I just thought Cuban food would be yummy. I haven't had it in a long time, not since we first got here and tried out this little place that was really good. I couldn't tell you where it was though, since I didn't drive there and haven't been back since."
"Oh, just this little place that I know. I go there all the time and know most of the people there, even the owners. Our families know each other now, my parents have become good friends with them. I've gone there so many times after a late night out because they're open twenty-four hours starting Friday nights and we love it. It's great food after having a few drinks."
"Cool, sounds good. Are we doing anything after? I mean, we don't have to if you don't want to. I was just curious is all."
"Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. I can't show you all my cards so early in the night. I have to have something to keep you with me, don't I?"
"Has anyone ever told you that you're crazy before?"
"I think I've heard that somewhere along the lines in my life. I am a fighter, so yeah, I guess I have been told that before."
"Well, they were right. You are crazy and not just because of the fighting."
"Okay, if you say so. Here we are, gorgeous, your chariot awaits."
"Did you just call your car a chariot? Yes, definitely crazy." Her little laugh comes out.
"Too corny?"
"Yes, just a tad." She starts with her index finger and thumb together then widens them and ends up with her hands spread apart to show me how much she means by a tad.
"Okay, smart ass. No need to rub it in."
"You asked, I only answered." It looks like she sticks her tongue out at me but I can't be sure. Either way, she gives me a look that makes me grin ear to ear.
"Okay well, let's get the Princess of Smart Ass Land in the car so we can feed her."
She rolls her eyes at me. Shit, I can't stop with the corny ass shit.
"Edward, really? Wow, when you said there were many sides to you, you weren't kidding. I just didn't take extremely corny as being one of them."
"Yeah, well, only for you, you know." I close her door and walk around to mine to get in, rubbing my face before sitting down trying to get my shit together. We're going down the road and she turns to look at me. I look over at her, wondering what's going on in her mind. She doesn't make me wait long.
"You never did tell me where you're taking me."
"I wasn't planning on telling you, just letting you see. It's not anywhere fancy, but like I said it's really good food and I love the atmosphere. Hope that's okay?" Now I'm wondering if I should have picked somewhere a little bit more romantic and expensive. She doesn't strike me as the type to care, but I don't want her to think I'm cheap. I just think this is one of the best places to get food, especially Cuban food.
"Oh...okay. I can't wait to see where we're going. I like surprises."
Likes surprises... I'll have to remember that for the future, if there is one after tonight.
"You won't have to wait too long; it's not to far from here. You've probably gone by it many times, actually. We'll be there in a couple minutes."
It's quiet but it's not uncomfortable. It's nice, knowing that we can be together and not have to talk and not have it be so awkward anymore. I'm so glad to be done with that fucking awkward shit we had. Tonight, it's going to be different. I'm going to man up and just go for it, put myself out there with her. See what she does and go from there. Even though we don't need to say anything, I still want to talk to her, find out stuff about her… learn all I can.
I'm about to ask her something when I hear her voice and it cuts me off mid-thought.
"So, did Emmett say anything more after we left? He seemed pretty pissed."
"No, not really, he gets over shit fast. We practiced and sparred some. Then he tried to get me to go out with him and Rose tonight. That was a pain in the ass to try to get out of."
"Oh... well, you could have gone with them if you wanted to. We could have done this another night. I don't want to take time away from you and your brother."
"Bella, there was no doubt in my mind who I wanted to spend tonight with doing stuff. I asked you out and I want to take you somewhere and spend time with you and that's what I plan on doing. I just hope I don't bore you to death." I give her a big smile, letting her know I'm sincere in my decision.
We're close to the restaurant now and you can actually see it from where we are on the road. Bella sits up and points at it.
"Hey!" she says all excitedly. "There's that place I was just telling you about! The place we went to when I first came here that I loved. Oh my god, I can't wait to go back there soon. What road is this? I need to tell Rose; she's gonna be excited. We've been trying to remember the name of it and where it was. Wow, so funny we were just talking about it and here we are near it." As she calms down from her little burst of excitement, she looks over at me and notices the look on my face.
"Edward, what's wrong?"
"Um..." is all I can get out.
As I'm turning onto the road right next to it she looks at me again.
"Is this...is this the place you are taking me? Edward, are you serious? Whoa, what are the chances... this is too funny! I guess I know I'll like the food then," she laughs.
"This is too cool. I mean the chances were good, but not many people actually know about this place. Well, not many that I have come across anyway."
I pull into a spot, get out and go open her door for her. I was raised to be a gentleman and you always open the door for a woman.
We get inside and sit at the U-shaped counter I always sit at. There are three of them and I sit at the one on the right side. It's a small place, seats about fifty or so people and has been here for a long time. It's what one would call a hole in the wall place, but fuck, the food is so fucking good. They know me here; know my family and friends, so bringing Bella here is kind of a big step for me. Even though it's really just a small step and dinner, in some ways, it means more to me, bringing her to my special places.
Carlos, the server that is usually here when I come in, is here tonight. He comes over and raises his eyebrow at me in question of who is with me. I know that look; I've seen it before when I've come in all battered from a fight or from practice. When I finally explained to him what was going on, he just laughed at me and shook his head as he walked away.
"Hola Carlos, how are you tonight?"
"Hola," He hands us menus and silverware. "I'm good and you?"
"I'm great." I smile and look over at Bella, letting him know why without words.
He doesn't skip a beat and with his Cuban accented voice asks me, "Who's this beautiful woman by your side?"
"Bella, this is Carlos. Carlos, this is Bella."
"Hola, Carlos. Nice to meet you," she smiles at him with a slight blush creeping on her cheeks.
"What can I get you to drink?" He looks at her, waiting for an answer.
She looks up to answer him, "I'll have Cherry Coke please, if you have it."
I smile at her answer.
He walks over to get our drinks.
She turns to me, her eyebrow raised, looking at me like I'm crazy for smiling.
"Are you not getting something to drink, Edward?"
"I am. He already knows what I want; I get the same thing every time I come so he doesn't even ask anymore."
"Oh, okay, I thought it was odd that you didn't order something to drink."
He comes back with our drinks and lets us have a couple more minutes to figure out what to eat. After the couple minutes he comes back and we put our order in.
He brings us bread and I start to ask Bella questions to get to really know her. After all, this is why I asked her out tonight.
"So... Bella, what are some things you like to do for fun?"
She looks at me like I just asked her the hardest question of her life, but I think it's more surprise that I asked and not that it's hard for her to answer.
"Wow, um...shoot, I don't know, I haven't done much for fun lately. I guess going to the movies, or watching movies at home. Being here, I have loved going to the beach when I can, which isn't all that often, but I love it. The sun, the water, the sand, the smell of the water. I could sit at the beach all day with a book in my hand and snacks and drinks and be content. Other than that, I guess books, music, I like going to antique stores or boutiques."
I giggle at how much she has told me just with one simple little question. I think I can do a lot with just that answer alone but I want to know more. Before I get to ask another one though, she's asking me one.
"What do you like to do for fun? Besides kicking people's butts." I hear a little snort come from her.
"Well, I love going to the movies and watching them at home too, I have a large screen TV just for watching movies. Let's see, oh, music. I love going to cafes and listening to local artists and playing the guitar and singing and reading sometimes, though I haven't had much of a chance lately with my schedule. The beach is great too, I just don't get out there often like I would like. Once again, schedule conflicting with me having fun."
As I finish answering her, Carlos brings our food to us. We start eating and get into a discussion about ourselves.
We talk about the kinds of music and movies we like, what our favorite movies are, what our favorite TV shows are. We talk about the mundane everyday things in life, things that make up who we are on a day to day basis. We get into silly things like favorite color… mine is blue, hers is purple… favorite foods, favorite candy, and favorite flavor of ice cream.
We eat and talk, the conversation flows so easily. It's as if we've known each other for a long time. There is no awkwardness, no hesitation. This is a good start to getting to know her and it feels great. We keep smiling at each other; I, of course, make sure I don't have any black beans stuck in my teeth beforehand by running my tongue over them before I smile at her. No way am I having black stuff sticking in my teeth on our first date; that would just really be great to start off the evening.
After we're done with eating, I pay the bill, leaving Carlos a good tip as I always do. We head out to the car, once again I place my hand on her lower back and from the side I can see a slight smile.
"Thank you, Edward, for dinner. That was great; I'm having a great night." I notice she is walking a bit closer to me now. It takes all I have not to act like a teenage boy and fist pump.
After we get on the road, she starts looking around.
"Everything okay?"
"Um...this isn't the way to my house..." She turns and looks at me, her words trailing.
"Oh." It's all I can say at this second in time. My heart is kind of making its way into my stomach. I was thinking she was having a good time and wanted to do more.
"Okay, well, I'll take you home if you want. I thought maybe you'd like to do something else but if you're not up to it, I understand." I try to keep the sadness and hurt from my voice.
She looks at me a bit confused.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Edward. I want to go, I...I just wasn't sure. I'd love to do what you have planned. I'm having fun. I didn't want it to end, but..." She trails off, blushing a bit.
Does she ever finish her sentences?
"It's nowhere great, but I like to go here and just chill and look at the sky. It lets my mind relax and not be stressed with the day or whatever else is on my mind. I can just be. I was thinking you might like to go and see it."
"That sounds great. I'm game for it." She smiles and then turns to look out the window.
"Cool." With that we go to the place that is my hideaway, a place I've never brought another person to before.
The airport.
So... what did you think? I know I left you with a cliffie. Sorry, I couldn't go on to what happens next in this chapter, it just didn't feel right to do. Be patient, I will be posting the next chapter next week.
Here is Bella and Edward's outfits for this chapter too. http :/ www. polyvore . com /cgi/profile?id=1822636
A word about reviews, I have loved all the reviews have sent. I love them, I love hearing what you all have to say, with that said, I understand some people forget or don't feel comfortable to leave them. Even just letting me know where you came across my story so I can thank the person or site would be great. You don't have to but I would love to hear from you all.
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Disclaimer: I am not an expert on MMA, UFC or any other martial arts or types of fighting amateur or professional. I have done some research and know people who are involved somehow with the sport. I chose it b/c it's something that interests me and it's different from other fics. This story is something that came to me just out of the blue and has been bugging me to get written. As I am not an expert on the sport of MMA, I will be taking some creative license with it in my story. If you want more info, Google or Swagbucks are both awesome places to look for more info.
Now for some Fic Recs. Please read them and if you do, let them know I sent you.
If You Only KnewbyChiTwiGal ~ http :/ www . fanfiction . net /s/6099557/1
A Matter of Trustby quietruby ~ http :/ www . fanfiction . net /s/5936854/1
Doctor's Ordersby mybluesky ~ http :/ www . fanfiction . net /s/6107382/1
Lethal to Virtueby TheBondGirls ~ http :/www . fanfiction . net /s/5911891/1