Well it's Wednesday! Enjoy...and thanks always to Nati for pre-reading and critiquing my work. :)

Chapter 12: Out to Lunch

I typed the last sentence of my paper and read over my work. I had finished in just enough time. I had to leave in a few minutes to head over to the training room for football practice. Most of this afternoon I had dedicated to writing my research paper for my English class. It wasn't due for another few weeks, but I wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way because next week was a busy week for the football team.

Angela sat at her desk studying as well. I saved my draft before getting up and getting my stuff together to head to practice.

A small smile played at the corner of my lips as I got ready. I was meeting Edward at 4:30 again. We were starting to make some progress on that knee of his which was extremely stubborn.

I was starting on my second week with the team and I actually felt a part of the family. Similar to the way I had felt during my soccer days.

I slung my exercise bag over my shoulder.

"Bye Ang," I said walking to the door.

She pulled out her headphones. "Already? Okay, don't let any of the guys beat up on you." Angela gave me a warm smile and I nodded before heading through the door.

The trek across campus wasn't too bad. The weather had managed to stay decent for the last couple of days and so I chose to get some exercise rather than take my car.

I reached the training room in good time and deposited my stuff in the office after a quick greeting to Billy who was busy with forms.

I inhaled deeply as I climbed up on my favorite taping table and waited for Edward. During the week I often brought one of my school books, but I had gotten everything done earlier so I wouldn't have to be bother with anything today.

I stared at the wall as I watched the hands on the clock tick by slowly. I finally decided to reorganized the tapes under the primary taping table to keep my hands busy.

I was bent down at the knees reaching for some black tape in the back when I heard someone clearing their voice.

I turned and saw Edward. He was wearing gym shorts, his brace, a t-shirt and some sneakers. His hair was in disarray around his head and he wore a small smile.

"Oh, hey." I laughed, standing up.

Edward looked amused, but didn't say anything as I went over to the ultrasound machine.

"No ice today?" Edward raised his eyebrows looking hopeful.

"Nope, I wanted to do something different today. It's good to switch it up some times."

"Yeah, I'm glad I don't have to freeze my leg off at least."

"Well, we won't right now, but you'll have to ice after practice." Edward grimaced at my words. "But I can just give you two ice bags, so it shouldn't be as bad as the whirlpool." I smiled.

"I'll take it." Edward hopped up onto a table and waited while I got all the stuff ready.

I started the ultrasound, moving in circular motions. The ultrasound required me to remain very close to Edward and I could feel the heat emanating from him.

"So, how has your day been?" Edward asked. He still had a small smile on his face and I wondered what was so funny today.

"Um, not bad. I worked on a paper this morning and I finished right before I came over here." I focused on spreading the gel over his knee. "And yours?" I asked, glancing to his face.

"Not much to complain about actually. I had lunch with Emmett which was nice. We haven't really had a chance to just chill in a while."

"That sounds really nice. Emmett's such a goofball."

"Yep, that's Em alright. But speaking of Emmett. He got me thinking this morning. I really haven't been very nice to you and I'd like to make it up to you." Edward paused. I turned my gaze to his and raised my eyebrows.

"Let me take you out. My treat. I promise I'll be on my best behavior and maybe we can get to know each other better." Edward's voice lifted at the end and he sounded slightly more unsure as he went on.

I stopped my rotations with the transducer. I exhaled. I was surprised by the turn of events. I hadn't expected Edward to ask me out. But I had sworn that I would keep my relationship with him as professional as I could.

"Edward, I don't really think that would be the best idea." I grimaced, feeling bad.

"But, why? Please. Let me make it up to you. At least give me the chance to apologize properly. That's all I'm asking." Edward pleaded.

I debated. Would it really hurt to go with him? And he was apologizing after all. I decided that we could grab a quick lunch. It would be harmless.

"Oh, alright. We can grab lunch. How about tomorrow? I'm done early at 11."

"That's perfect. I'll stop by your dorm at 12?"

"Yeah, I'm 404 in Haynsworth." I continued my rotations with the ultrasound gel.

"You know, I'm surprised we haven't bumped into each other more often. We live in the same building and this campus is not really all that big either."

I shrugged. I was still mulling over our lunch date. Wait. It wasn't considered a date was it? No. It wasn't a date. It was more of a friendly outing between acquaintances. There was no way that Edward was physically attracted to me. This thought sent a pang through me, but I mentally slapped myself for being silly. There was absolutely no reason I should be disappointed at that fact. Edward and I were barely friends.

The ultrasound machine beeped signaling the end of the therapy. I wiped of the gel from Edward's leg with a towel and moved the machine away.

"What now? Exercises and stretches?"

I nodded and returned to my perch on the taping table. I sat and was only vaguely aware of Edward as he ran through his exercises. I was too busy thinking about tomorrow.

Was he going to pay? Because if he paid than it was date. I mean I was pretty sure those were the rules of a date. but I was so inexperienced in the field of dating. My only boyfriend had been Jake and that had ended in a total mess.

What in the world was I going to wear? Was this super casual like t-shirt and jeans? Or more like nice top and a skirt? I sighed, thinking of all the endless possibilities. And I couldn't just ask him.

Perhaps Angie would be able to shed some light on the current situation and also help me pick out an outfit.

I returned my focus back on Edward who was on his last set of leg raises.

"Keep your knee straight." I said, watching him cheat by bending it.

"But it hurts." Edward whined.

I rolled my eyes. Always such a baby.

I hopped of my table and made my way to where he was laying on the other side of the room.

I stopped his leg on its movement upwards and straightened it.

"Okay, now go."

"Ugh, that doesn't feel good." Edward grimaced.

"If you keep your leg straight you can do five instead of ten."

"Okay."

I held onto Edward's leg keeping it straight by placing my hand over his knee and holding his ankle. His skin was warm and his legs were slightly hairy, but no overly so.

I watched Edward's muscles as he flexed. He was in excellent shape too. I hadn't really paid attention before. I glanced to Edward's face and saw that he was smirking. He'd obviously caught my awed gaze.

I flushed and turned away. Thankfully, he only had two more raises. I let his leg down and moved away.

Edward hopped off the table. I returned to organize the tapes.

"Bella," Edward's voice said so softy.

I turned and he was right behind me. So close that only a few more inches and he could have touched his lips to mine.

"Yes?" I breathed, suddenly feeling like I had no more oxygen in my lungs. My heart beat erratically.

"I'll see you down on the field." Edward said. He turned and walked out of the training room before I could respond.

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"Dammit! Ang, what am I going to do?" It was 11:50 and I was standing in front of my closet. Clothes were strewn on the bed, the floor and my desk mixed with shoes as well. I'd been trying on outfits since last night and I still hadn't found something satisfactory to wear.

"Come down, Bells. There has to be something." Angela assured me. She walked over to the piles of clothes. "Why don't you wear this sundress? It's not too fancy. And you look great in it."

She handed me the peach dress. I walked over to the mirror gazing at the dress and my reflection.

It was going to have to do. I was running out of time.

I slipped the dress on over my head and it fell snugly over my body. It looked pretty good and it wasn't too dressy. I slipped on some sandals and let my brown hair down flowing across my back.

I looked pretty good. The cream of the dress made my skin look radiant.

"See, there you look damn hot." Angela smiled.

"You're right. What would I do without you! You're the best." I gave Angela a tight hug.

"Of course. What are best friends for?" She laughed, squeezing me tightly.

"Well, he should be here any minute now." I squealed.

And then there was a soft knock on the door. Angela gave me the thumbs up as I walked over to the door.

I unlocked it and came face to face with Edward looking good in slacks and a polo shirt.

"You look lovely." Edward's voice was sweet.

"As do you." I complimented back.

I waved to Angela and closed the door and walked side by side with Edward down the hall.

hey guys hope you liked this chapter! It think its one of my longest chapters so far. And are you excited for their lunch date? Were you surprised at all? how would you like Edward to make it up to Her? I always love hearing from you guys!

I also want to say thanks to everyone for the warm remarks! You all are fantastic.

until next Wednesday!

-Marie