Apparently Wes Chapin was the lead in an upcoming romantic comedy. I had hit the jackpot. The interview had gone very nicely and we promised to stay in touch. Rosalie was ecstatic when I relayed the conversation to her a few days later. She seemed to be on cloud nine as everything fell into place. Alice and I were getting together this afternoon to finish plans for the Bachelorette party. With Alice at the helm this bridal vessel was sailing smoothly and quickly. Time was flying by but the burden of planning was a lot easier to bear while Alice had everything under control.
I sat in my café as I finished my piece on Trent Coggs. I was alone today so my work moved even faster than normal. As I pressed save and attached it to an e-mail for Rose I was surprised. I had finished the articles for all the players that I had the appropriate information. I had to go back to the stadium soon, if not today to continue my research. But Edward's there… I bit my lip. I hadn't seen or heard from Edward since our bathroom encounter. A smiled spread across my face when I thought back to that night. His lips on my skin… that was not a productive train of thought so I forced it from my mind. Fantasizing about Edward did not get work done. I simply had to go to the stadium and interview more players. If he's there then I will decide on a course of action. Most liking a course involving some type of janitorial closet…
I sent the e-mail and closed out the open programs on my desktop. Packing my things quickly I made a stop in the restroom. I couldn't help myself. I fluffed my hair and reapplied make-up thinking about running into Edward.
I walked the short distance to the stadium and took a deep breath before going inside. Just as before the confusing twist in the hallways had me going in circles lost and confused. I made my way to the field vaguely remembering the tunnel. It hadn't crossed my mind that practice would still be going on so when I heard yelling and whistles I paused.
Cautiously I stepped into the light and saw the team executing various drills. I did not know who belonged to which number but I had a vague idea. I figured Emmett was the large blocker on the left side. He knocked the players in his way from his path as if they were merely dolls. I shuddered to think about that strength.
My eyes roamed the field looking for anyone else I recognized. I saw Jasper practicing his kicks into a high net. He must be the punter. He had beautiful form as his leg came around and struck the ball with precision. No wonder his record was impeccable for field goals.
Then I caught sight of Edward. He was shouting out a play with his velvet voice while he stood behind a row of offense men. He yelled 'hike' and they all burst into motion. Edward took two quick steps back once the ball was passed to him and his eyes searched for someone open. He must have seen me instead because he hesitated. It was long enough for the defense to squeeze through the blockers and take him down. My hand flew to my throat in horror as he was buried under massive bodies.
I took the steps two at a time as I ran to the field. I was surprised to be greeted by laughter.
"Come on Eddy, you can't let a pretty girl distract you," someone chuckled as he pulled Edward to his feet once the pile had dispersed. My alarm was for nothing considering he was unharmed. I blushed profusely and stood awkwardly a few feet away.
"I'm terribly sorry! I didn't mean to distract anyone." I was stammering on until one of the practice coaches jogged over.
"Is there a problem here?"
"No sir, I was just distracted by Miss Swan here. It won't happen again," Edward responded. I glanced at him but wouldn't hold his gaze.
"Good, good. Now who the hell are you?" the coach demanded as I stood with my mouth open and shuffled my feet.
"I-I'm Isabella Swan, from the Seattle Sun Times and I need to finish interviewing the players." I tried to look professional but I wouldn't be surprised if it had come out as terrified.
"Not during practice you don't. Go sit over there," he instructed pointing at the sideline bench. "I'll send guys over during their breaks." I nodded and walked away quickly. "Cullen, I don't care how fine her ass is, you will look at me when I'm talking to you!" he yelled as I retreated. Apparently Edward had been staring at my butt as I walked away. I felt my face flush more and I tried to move faster. That was not a conversation I wanted to hear. Well ok, maybe a little.
I watched in awed silence as the guys took formation again. Edward called another play but this time when he received the ball he faked a pass. He dodged around oncoming tackles and leapt into the air. He managed to maneuver around any obstacles before he shot off down the field. He ran like a mountain lion, swift and agile straight to the end zone. His scrimmage mates all congratulated him on the score with a strange victory dance.
I pulled my notebook from my bag and made notes of who belonged to which number to try and keep from staring. I did manage to hear a few comments once the cheering died down.
"Eddy and the hot girl sitting in a tree…" a few of the players sang obnoxiously as they formed a misshapen can-can line. Emmett grabbed his sides and practically fell on the ground with laughter. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
"I bet their doing more than that!" They all burst into laughter. I flushed even more and decided to set the record straight before this got even more embarrassing. I stood from my seat and marched over as they were getting little paper cups of Gatorade swinging my hips.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. I hate to bother you, but I think that something needs to be straightened out." I smiled sweetly and avoided looking at Edward. I could feel his eyes and they were not helping my concentration.
"Such as?" One asked gulping his drink.
"Edward and I are not together, and I understand that guys like to tease each other, but at least wait until I'm not around. You wouldn't want to embarrass a lady now would you?" I asked making my eyes wide and pouting slightly. "Does that sound reasonable? I would hate to have to mention some rather disappointing measurements I noticed while I was in the locker room last time." I ran my eyes up and down their bodies with a pointed look. I tried to create a bored expression as if what they had did not impress me. I could feel the ego drop just slightly under my gaze.
"Well I wasn't here last time. I bet I exceed your standards," a buff man stepped forward with a wolfish grin. I smirked at him. I thought I heard Edward growl slightly but I still avoided his gaze. I inspected this new guy as I circled him. I even grabbed his butt for good measure. He tightened the muscles trying to impress me. When I was back in front of him I smiled.
"I'm afraid not, sorry." I finished with a bright smile and sauntered back to the bench. They all burst out laughing as I walked away. I couldn't stop my own smile either.
"What are you lazy asses standing around for? We have a season to train for! GET MOVING!" I laughed slightly and tried to get comfortable. This could take awhile.
Every once in a while the coach would send a player over and I would ask them questions. At first I didn't notice, but slowly a pattern formed. All the guys were clenching their muscles trying to seem bigger while covering their 'manhood' while they sat with me. I tried to suppress my chuckles but it was hilarious and proving near impossible. Some gave me smiles of self importance while others tried to avoid eye contact.
I worked down my list until there were only three names left. I flipped through my notebook for a blank page before I glanced up. Edward stood before me drenched in sweat the muscles in his calves quivered with fatigue and his eyes blazed with some unknown emotion. My mouth immediately went dry. What could I possibly ask this god?
"Are you ready for me Miss Swan?" His voice caressed my name and I shivered with delight. His words had a double meaning but I stuck to the professional one.
"Yes Mr. Cullen, I am. Please, take a seat." I slid down to give him plenty of room. He might look appetizing, but he was quite sweating. It mixed with his scent and I felt my mouth water. It was amazing. A mix between grass, sweat, and heaven. He sat closer than I was prepared for but I tried not to lose focus.
"What would you like to know?" He stapled his hands together in front of himself with his elbows resting on his knees. He turned his head towards me and I was mesmerized by a droplet of sweat sliding down his cheek. "Bella?" My mind tried to think of a good question.
"Why football?" This seemed reasonable. He smiled and stole my breath. I was trying not to hyperventilate while he decided on his answer.
"Why not football?" He searched my face for a reaction but I stayed neutral waiting for him to continue. "Football is the perfect outlet for anything in life. Anger, happiness, lust, anything that you feel you can let go while you play." I shivered again at 'lust' since he was staring right at me I saw his eyes grow dark. His answer made sense but there was something missing.
"What about despair, heartache, and love?" I knew my question was masking another but I didn't have to the strength to ask the real question that I wanted answered for me, not the paper.
"I suppose those work too, but I feel that the fore mentioned emotions are must stronger. More primal."
"I don't see how love and despair are not primal. Love can drive a person to the brink, like a mother lifting a car off her child with inhuman strength because of love. Or a person watching the one they love slowly deteriorate and die, yet still have the strength to live through their despair. If these are not 'strong' enough for you then perhaps you should have added jealousy to your list."
He smirked.
"No, I don't feel jealousy. Whenever I want something, I get it. I don't get jealous, I get even." His eyes smoldered and I needed to direct his attention elsewhere. I was disappointed and thrilled by his answer at the same time.
"Do you have any love interests Mr. Cullen from which you draw these emotions?" I carefully looked away from him once the question had formulated in my mind. He stayed silent. I glanced up after a minute to make sure he hadn't left. He seemed to be debating what to answer.
"For the article?"
"Yes, this whole interview thing is for the article." The lie was audible in my voice and I was sure he heard it but there was no turning back.
"Technically yes." My heart plummeted to my feet.
"Who is this lucky lady?" The false happiness was even more noticeable but I would not back down now.
"Tanya Gilchrest." His eyes seemed to plead with me to see some other meaning, but it was lost to me. I felt tears beginning to well in my eyes.
"Cullen! Get your boney ass over here!" A large man bellowed from across the field.
"Do you need any other information?" Edward asked. I had turned away and was jotting things down in my notebook.
"I will eventually." I hadn't asked him enough questions about his past if he was going to be a feature in the story. I didn't look up again but I knew he had left. I interviewed the last two players and then packed my things. Alice was waiting.
As I walked through the halls I was blinded by my tears. Stop being stupid! You knew he was with her already, this isn't news! You don't even care for him, why does it matter? I kept screaming in my head. Finally I leaned against the wall and took a few calming breaths and my tears stopped. I wiped my face clean of tear streaks and started walking again. No matter how many times I have and will come here in the future, it was very unlikely to ever not get lost.
I took a turn I thought would lead to the exit but instead I found staircases leading to the various tiers of seats. I huffed and swung around. I ran right into the janitor from my first visit.
"I'm sorry, I was trying to find my way out but I seem to have gotten lost again." I explained cheeks flaming. He kept his head down so I couldn't see his face beneath the rim of his hat.
"Would you like some assistance?" he asked. His voice was oddly familiar but I couldn't place it.
"Just a few directions might help me find my way. I'm really am sorry for bothering you again." I said taking a few steps around him. I peered down the hallways looking for an exit sign when I felt his hand caress the nape of my neck. I stiffened and pulled away. "What are you doing?" I demanded. How dare he touch me again! I huffed and started out on my own again wanting to get away from him.
"Bella," he whispered. I shivered again. I glanced back over my shoulder to gauge how far I had gotten. When I saw him his face was in view. It had been Edward the whole time. He took three large steps to reach me before he backed my against the concession counter.
If I had even thought of resisting the thought was banished as soon as his lips touched mine. My back arched against the counter molding us so we touched sternum to toes.
"This is what you wanted to know, correct?" He whispered around the kiss. I gasped under his touch.
"Know what?" I heaved between labored breaths. He was bombarding my senses with so much they were in over load.
"That I want you, despite Tanya." His lips skimmed my chin and neck before he lightly bit the base of my neck. I froze slightly at the mention of her name.
"Not even close." My hands dug into his hair as I pulled his face back to mine trying to banish the thought. We both froze much like the night before when we heard footsteps. I lifted myself onto the counter and pulled him with me as I slid over the other side. He seemed surprised at my move but we were undetected from behind the case. He waited for the sound to fade before continuing the conversation.
"What did you mean 'not even close'?" I kissed him one more time before smiling a sarcastic smile.
"Don't worry about it." I winked and stood, amazed at my own nonchalance. He stood still baffled and watched me walk away. It was the perfect exit, now how do I get out of here?
I hurried to find the exit hoping I wouldn't be too late for Alice and my meeting. She was sitting at a café tapping her foot when I finally arrived.
"Jeez Bella, what were you doing? You're so flushed I would have sworn you ran a marathon." She was kidding but her words cause me to blush even more. "Waiter, I think we're ready to order!" she called and ordered me some water. "Well?"
"I was at the stadium getting the interviews I still need for my series." She pursed her lips.
"And?" I blushed deeper. "Your hair looks like someone stuck their hands in it, so either you met a hot stranger, or Mikhail found you." I averted my eyes not wanted to answer her. "Bella? It wasn't Mikhail was it?" A small smile formed on her face and she laughed with delight. "I knew it! Who is he?"
"I never got his name." I fibbed with gumption. She laughed harder.
"A toast, to Bella's escapades." I tapped my glass with hers and quickly turned the conversation to the wedding.
A/N I need some feedback. I have three options for this story, I could a) change the rating to M for future chapters b) skirt around any future lemons or c) leave it T but still do lemons with a warning at the top of the chapter. Let me know, I can't write the next chapter otherwise.