Thanks to VampPixyJAK for giving me the idea for the first part of this chapter, Angelnlove52, as always for being a great beta, Goldangel121 and TwilightCullenLvr9 for your awesome reviews. And everyone who added the story to their Favs or alerts or reviewed. I love reading your ideas and thoughts so gove me more. As promised there will be another chapter to follow this week.

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10. What was I thinking?

EPOV

....

Practice was going great and I was really enjoying myself, it was nice of Emmett and Jasper to invite me out and I was starting to think that we would become good friends. They were both really cool, laid back guys and they were definitely a lot of fun-even if Emmett would sulk when he wasn't winning and Jasper was a bit of a show off; which didn't seem to help with Emmett's sulking at all. It was a lot of fun, they would purposely wind each other up just to get a reaction but then get all moody when the other did it in return, they were close friends that I could tell. But it wasn't long until I was drug into some teasing too.

"So Jasper," I shouted as he got ready for Emmett to pitch the ball. "I was thinking that I wouldn't mind at all if you decided to ask Alice out." He stood, shocked and before he could answer; Emmett flicked out a wicked curve ball that Jasper didn't seem to even see.

"Strike one," Emmett shouted with a wicked grin. Jasper's face turned into a scowl.

"Oh, you are dead Cullen!" he growled as he swung his bat around indicating he was ready for pitch number two.

"You don't have to kill me to date Alice you know," I laughed trying for a second time to distract him. His face turned red but he didn't take his eyes off Emmett, who had already pulled another ball from his pocket.

"But it would be so much easier," he teased as he swung the bat on Emmett's second pitch, connecting hard and sending the ball fast and over my head. He took off running but I was faster, I managed to get to the ball and fling it back to Emmett before Jazz could claim second base.

It was then Emmett's turn to pitch for me and as he took the mound, I swung my bat around teasingly as I eyed Jasper in the distance.

"If Emmett doesn't manage to strike you out Eddy boy I'll be here with my hands ready," Jazz called from where he was fielding. I chuckled to myself at the thought – no way was Jasper going to catch me out.

It was down to this one last ball, Jasper was leading our mock game but if I managed to get a home run off this one hit I would win. We had played 2 of these games already and Jazz had won both of them. I knew that Emmett was on my side and wanted badly for Jasper to lose this one game just so he wouldn't have to endure Jazz's victory dance and constant self praise. I admit it was starting to wear on me but it had Emmett seriously on edge – I could see his brow wrinkle in frustration and his shoulders tense every time Jazz opened his mouth. Emmett already planned to throw me a slow ball just in the hope that I could hit it hard enough that it could pass Jazz and I could get my home run. We knew it was cheating but we were both anticipating the satisfaction of knocking Jazz off his ladder – it would be worth it.

So I stood on the batters mound waiting for Emmett to pitch; mentally blocking out Jaspers taunts. I watched as Emmet wound his arm and winked at me as he let go of a relatively slow moving ball – well slow for Emmett anyway. To my satisfaction Emmett threw it low and to the outside, just where I liked it. As my bat struck the ball, I knew instantly that I was in trouble - I hadn't hit it hard enough, Jazz was going to catch it and he knew it. He ran, with his glove ready, to precisely the spot where the ball looked to land. I only had a small amount time to take in the horrified expression of Emmett and only seconds left before that ball fell perfectly into Jazz's open hand.

"Hey Edward, Jazz said Alice a nice arse!" Emmett bellowed thinking fast. That did it; Jazz took his eye off the ball for a mere second as he turned red and glared at Emmett to retort.

"I DID NO-" He didn't get to finish as the ball hit the ground. "SHIT!" he cursed as he rushed to pick up the ball. The instant the ball hit the ground I was running. I made it to second base before Jasper managed to get to the ball and throw it to Emmett. Playing his part Emmett missed the catch allowing me to get to third.

"Oh clumsy me," Emmett mockingly groaned trying hard not to laugh. I could almost hear Jasper's frustration as he watched Emmett lumber over to the ball kicking it with his feet and then pretending to stumble as he picked it up. I was home before he had even turned around.

....

So we thought that it would be great to knock Jasper off his victory ladder – well we were wrong. Jasper wined on and on about how we cheated him out of the game and we were a bunch of bad losers – look who's talking, so he challenged us to a rematch. We declined, we were exhausted and we knew that there was no way we were going to beat Jasper now.

"Nah Jazz....we won't speak of your terrible loss ever again if we can go," Emmett teased half heartedly. Jasper glowered at him before he nodded.

"'Kay, I guess there is only so much thrashing you guys can take," he laughed as he started to pack up his gear.

"Cool, I want to see what the girls are up to," Emmett exclaimed with a wicked grin, throwing his gear into the back of the car, before hoping in and turning the engine revving it in anticipation. He was clearly ready to head back to Rose. I on the other hand felt apprehensive about seeing Bella, just thinking her name started to cloud my mind – I wonder if she thought about me at all the way I thought about her? Unlikely, was the only answer I could come up with.

We made it back to the Hale's house without much drama as we were all feeling a little too tired to hassle one another. When we arrived I jumped from the cab and grabbed my things ready for a warm shower but it seemed Jasper had the same idea. As he passed heading for the house he gave me a slap on the back.

"Dibs first shower dude," he called as he rushed toward the front door. But I was quick on his heel and we reached the door together pushing each other as we entered. We had a minor scuffle as we headed toward the bathroom but I managed to get in first, shutting and locking the door behind me. Jasper banged and cursed outside the door as I grinned to myself.

After I was showered I headed towards the kitchen from which I could smell something delicious cooking. I entered to find Alice and Bella flipping pancakes and cooking bacon. Rose was preoccupied batting away Emmett who was trying to wrap her up in a bear hug.

"Ew Em get away from me," she cried swatting at him with a tea towel. "You smell," she groaned. A grin was plastered on his face as he stalked her.

"But I missed you," he whined as he lunged forward grabbing her by the waist. Rosalie anticipated the movement and artfully turned out of his embrace running from the kitchen. Emmett laughed as he chased her down - his expression reminding me of a child playing kiss catch (more excited about the chase than the actual kissing).

"Hungry?" Alice chirped with her back still turned from me as she flipped a pancake. In response my stomach growled.

"I guess that's a yes," Bella laughed. The sound made my heart jump; she had the most beautiful laugh. She was wearing a black apron that was covered in flour which she had also managed to get in her hair and on her face. I chuckled at the sight of her which caused her to blush.

"I have flour on my face don't I?" she asked. I nodded in response still unable to open my mouth. She was the cutest thing I had ever seen. She tried in vain to wipe the flour from her face with the back of her hand but instead she made more of a mess. I stepped forward and without thinking grabbed a tea towel off the bench and dusted her nose and cheek. She laughed again at the gesture, blushing deeply and my heart warmed. I reached for a stray strand of hair and tucked it gently behind her ear.

"Better?" she questioned quietly meeting my gaze; raising her right brow.

"Much," I smiled return, my hand still cupping her face. Her lips parted as my thumb brushed them, I closed my eyes as I felt her cool breath against my skin, I almost lost it right there. Our bodies were close and I could feel Bella's warmth, smell her sweet smell, I was tempted to lean in and take in more of her scent when Alice coughed to get our attention. Bella blushed a deep crimson, I dropped my hand instantly and felt my face warm as I realised I had forgotten Alice was even in the room. I turned to face my little sister with the shame of a boy caught stealing cookies written on my face but she held my eye for only a second with clear disapproval before she continued cooking.

"You can get out the plates and cutlery Edward," she ordered. I did as she asked getting lost in all the Hale's cupboards but finally managed to find everything. Just as I laid out the plates and cutlery I heard a car pull up the drive and two doors slam.

"Expecting anyone?" I asked looking at Bella and Alice. Alice shook her head but looked at Bella questioningly.

"J-" Alice began before she was interrupted by a loud pounding on the door.

I walked over to answer the door but Rosalie came bounding down the stairs beating me to the punch. As she opened the door I caught a glimpse of a person that I had had enough of seeing in the last two days. James was standing in the door way, his face contorted and red with anger, Laurent stood only a few feet behind him.

"Where is he?" he spat at Rosalie who took a step back in shock.

"Where is who?" she answered acidly recovering quickly. James made a move to enter the house but Rosalie shifted her body to block his advance. Crossing her arms over her chest she spoke again, "Your friend isn't welcome here," she stated nodding towards Laurent.

"We aren't staying long," he replied not making eye contact but searching over her shoulder until he spotted Bella. His eyes rested on Bella for only a second before he turned his attention to me, his expression becoming unfathomable, his nostrils flaring.

James pushed past Rosalie with force knocking her into the opened door. Laurent made a move to enter but Rosalie was quick to her feet. "Get out of my house!" she screamed. Hearing Rosalie's scream both Emmett and Jasper quickly made their way downstairs. Seeing Laurent and Rose facing one another, expressions filled with rage, Emmett reached around Rosalie and slammed the door in Laurent's face. Jasper rushed to Alice's side his stance tense; Alice's eyes had grown wide with worry. He took her hand and bent whispering something in her ear, when she shook her head he immediately relaxed, taking her hand in his.

James ignored Rosalie and continued to make his towards Alice, Bella and I, coming to a stop only a meter away from where I was standing. "What the fuck is he doing here?" he hissed at Bella who stood a few feet behind and to the right of me. It was obvious he was referring to me. Bella flinched at his words – she's scared of him, I thought. My first reaction was to protect her but my instincts warned me against it; it will only make things worse. Bella opened her mouth to answer but Jasper cut in.

"Edward, Em and I played a little ball today, we left our cars here and took Em's Jeep so we could get up to the field," he explained shrugging. Without evening acknowledging Jaspers explanation James gestured to Bella.

"We're leaving," he grunted; turning his back to us, heading for the door. Bella remained still, from her expression it looked as if she was contemplating what to say.

"We haven't finished lunch," she mumbled looking at the floor, her cheeks red with embarrassment; her hands were shaking a little. What happened to her? Yesterday she threw herself between James and me; now she shakes in his presence. My fists bawled at my next thought -did he hurt her?

James turned on his heel his face still contorted. "Bella," he seethed. "I said we are leaving." Bella looked up then her brow becoming lined as she frowned.

"No James. I want to stay for lunch," she rebuked, raising an eyebrow. She was trying to act confident but her voice betrayed her. James's expression twisted even more as he took in what she had said and then it softened.

"We can get something on the way Bells," he offered walking over, ignoring me as he passed. He took her hand and began to lead her from the room.

"I want to stay," she said again. I watched as she tried but failed to pull her hand from his.

"I think she wants to stay James," Emmett stated. Ignoring his comment James continued to lead Bella from the house with her struggling.

I had had enough; as they passed I put my hand on his shoulder spinning him around to face me. As he spun he continued to grip Bella's hand which meant she went spinning with him and into me. I grabbed her around the waist as she stumbled, pulling her from James grasp, steadying her. "She wants to stay," I growled. James's reaction was expected, taking in my hold on his girlfriend; he growled.

"This is the last time you will touch her Cullen," he roared charging towards me. But before things could turn violent Bella slipped from my hold and hurried towards her boyfriend; putting her hands on his chest; stopping him in his tracks. He continued to hold my gaze his fists curling in rage.

"Let's just go James," she whispered.

"I think that's wise," Jasper agreed. I was about to tell Bella she didn't have to when I caught Jasper's furious expression. He shook his head, 'leave it,' he mouthed. Against my instincts screaming at me to stop her, I did as he said.

Without a backward glance Bella and James left. Everyone remained silent and still until we couldn't hear James's car on the gravel drive any longer and then Jasper broke the silence as he stormed over to where I was stood and shoved me hard.

"What the hell Edward?" he seethed, his teeth clenched. "What the fuck were you thinking?" I didn't know what to say, I couldn't understand his anger. James had over reacted, treated Bella like absolute shit and he was mad at me? Jasper grabbed me by the collar shoving me into the kitchen wall.

"You have to forget about Bella Swan," he growled. "She is taken. Stop touching her. Stop putting yourself between her and James. You did it yesterday and you did it again just now." He shook his head. "You are causing her trouble, us trouble and the team trouble. Find someone else or..." he stopped his rant as Alice appeared from nowhere and placed her hand on his arm.

"I think he gets it," she whispered. He turned to look at me his anger all but gone.

"I hope so," he sighed, leaving the kitchen; Alice in tow.

Emmett and Rose stood by the door to the kitchen and looked sympathetically at me before heading upstairs together. I walked over to the kitchen stove and turned off the element; lunch was ruined the pancakes burnt. I took a seat on the bar stool, put my head in my hands and contemplated Jaspers words.

'...forget about Bella Swan.'

That would be easier said than done.