Fighting Temptation

Chapter 10: … or Dare

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are property of me, Dobber17. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

This chapter has been edited by CherryBerry12.

Bella Swan

A loud rumble woke me well before my alarm went off. I forced my eyes to open and peered around the dark room. Edward was curled on the bed next to me, his face buried deep in his pillow with an arm draped over top. The noise sounded again from the other side of the room. I groaned, finally realizing what it was.

Snoring.

I blinked slowly and tried to find the source of the sound. I cringed as it rippled through the room again. In the darkness I couldn't tell if it was Mike or Tyler who sounded like a wounded warthog.

Edward stirred next to me as I shifted, trying to muffle the sound by pulling the comforter up to the point it covered my ears.

"You okay?" he murmured without opening his eyes.

"No," I admitted. "Someone's snoring."

Edward reached out clumsily, trying to cover one of my ears with his hand. "Shh. All better."

While I appreciated the effort, the combination of the comforter and Edward's hand did nothing to stop the rumbling deep in my ears. I tried to fall back asleep, but by the time my alarm finally went off, I was beyond cranky and had zero interest getting out of bed. Edward took pity on me, sitting up and reaching for my phone to turn my alarm off.

I dressed slower than usual, my body dragging despite Edward's best efforts to speed me along. Alice texted him, asking if we could try to come to the gym earlier than usual, and which be an issue since Mike had wanted to complete his dare before the day actually started.

Edward and I trailed a few paces behind Mike and Tyler as we travelled to the gym on the snowy sidewalks. My mouth opened wide, unable to fight of the yawn that emerged.

Edward wrapped an arm lightly around my shoulder. "Did you get any sleep?"

I shook my head, fighting the urge to rest my head on his shoulder. "It doesn't feel like it. I don't know how I didn't hear him the first night."

He lightly bumped his hip with mine as we walked. "It's okay. You talk in your sleep. Granted, it's much quieter and not coherent for the most part. Last night I almost got you to have a full conversation with me."

My cheeks already burned from the wind hitting them. I knew I talked in my sleep, but I hadn't given it much thought in a long time. "What did I say?"

"You were quite insistent you only wanted chocolate, not vanilla. You wouldn't tell me if we were talking about cake or ice cream, so I'm guessing chocolate for both?"

I shook my head. "It would have been ice cream. I prefer vanilla for cake."

He smiled, tightening his arm around my shoulders as we reached the gym. "Noted."

We were barely in the door when small arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me from under Edward's arm. Edward let Alice steal me from him, walking away with his palms raised in surrender. He made his way over to Emmett with an amused grin gracing his lips.

"Alice, let Bella breathe." I looked over Alice's head and saw Rose with a warm smile on her face. Alice laughed before letting me go.

"Sorry. Sorry! I just waited to say hi before speaking to my lovely fiancée." Alice released me with an apologetic smile before making her way to where Jasper stood with Reid.

"She's tiny but mighty," Rose joked. "The guys forgot to announce that we were having a dance yesterday since they let you all out early. We're going to grab our class in a few minutes and make the announcement. The numbers won't be perfect, but they'll be fairly even."

Rose and I made small talk until a familiar face entered the gym. Jaclyn was perfectly in stride with the guy next to her. He was cute, standing a few inches taller than Jaclyn's long frame, with light brown hair only slightly more tamed than Edward's typically was. She caught my eye and waved, saying a quick word with the guy by her side before heading over to where Rose and I stood.

"Is this Jaclyn?" Rose asked, watching her approach.

"Yeah. Do you know her?"

Rose shook her head. "No, but I know stories. I have a plan."

I didn't have time to ask for details. Rose took a few steps forward to meet her with an outstretched hand. "Jaclyn, right? So nice to meet you. I'm Rosalie, Emmett's wife."

If Jaclyn was surprised Rose knew her, she didn't show it. She grabbed Rose's hand. "Hi Rose. Great to meet you. Emmett's great; really nice and helpful."

"Thanks. And so are you! I heard about you helping Bella out yesterday. I want to thank you for that. From what I've heard about Reid he needed a good, verbal ass-whooping. Emmett's been restraining himself so he doesn't get fired, but I was happy to hear someone finally did it."

Jaclyn waved her hand. "Trust me. It was my pleasure."

"On a happier note, do you know about the dance yet?"

Jaclyn nodded. "Yeah, I overheard Lori and Reid talking about it."

"Do you already have a date and dress lined up?"

"Yeah I suckered a friend into going with me already." She laughed, waving in the direction of her friend across the gym. "As for a dress, I live about an hour away. I figured I have enough time to grab something from home at some point."

"Perfect. That was quick and easy then."

"Bella, anything interesting happen with the boys yesterday?" Jaclyn asked, changing the subject.

Rose barked out a laugh when I told them what Tyler's dare was. "I am not warning Emmett at all." She checked her watch, fighting off her smile before excusing herself to grab her dance class. She was back quickly, their dance class pouring into the gym behind her.

A few short, sharp whistles grabbed everyone's attention. The whistle still hung around Jasper's neck, but he was adorably crouched so Alice could comfortably rest the whistle in her mouth. Alice and Jasper made the announcement together. As soon as Alice gestured to the newcomers near the door, the scramble started as people rushed to introduced themselves.

"Hey, Bella!" Of course Mike would try to ask me to the dance. During school, he asked me to every single dance even though I gave him the same answer each time. I wasn't sure why he was wasting precious seconds asking me when there was a whole class of predominantly female dancers across the gym.

"Hey, Mike. What's up?" I asked to be polite.

"I was wondering if you would go to the dance with me?"

"I'm sorry Mike, but Edward already asked me."

He turned to Jaclyn and opened his mouth but she cut him off before he spoke. "Nuh-uh. Not happening Mikey."

Mike's chest deflated a fraction of an inch before turning his attention to a group of dancers clustered in a small group by the doors. A few guys close to Jaclyn and me casually asked us to go with them. She told them we both already had dates, and they didn't seem fazed as they continued strolling through the gym.

Alice weaved her way through the crowd, pointing her thumb over her shoulder when she stopped before me. I followed where she was pointing and swallowed hard. Emmett was nowhere in sight and Edward was now sitting on the bleachers ... except he wasn't alone. Two girls stood near him, shamelessly flirting as I watched one with long red hair twist a loose strand from her ponytail around her finger. I couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy even though I knew I was already going to the dance with him.

"Wanna take care of that?" Alice's voice brought my focus back to her.

"Alice, what could I possible do? We aren't dating so I have no right to do anything."

"You're as stubborn as he is," Alice grumbled, rubbing her temple.

Jaclyn piped up. "Sitting on his lap would send a firm signal."

Alice nodded in approval. "Simple yet effective. But I'm not going to push you to do anything you're not comfortable with. Just know he'll appreciate it. He's too nice to tell people to back off, but it's nauseating watching him try to be a nice guy sometimes."

I let loose a breath and stood, trying to fight off my nerves. Before I could change my mind, Alice nudged me a step forward, giving me a firm pat on my butt in encouragement. I only made it a few steps when I heard Alice ask Jaclyn, "That is a basketball thing, right?"

I fought off my grin, trying to concentrate on the task at hand. Sitting on his lap sounded so simple, but I felt myself freeze as I stopped before him. The girls now sat on either side of him, their sides nearly touching. I wasn't prepared for him to grab my hand and gently tug me the few extra steps, causing me to fall into him. He caught me around the waist, easing me into the only open spot: his lap.

Edward gave me a broad smile. "Hello, love." He glanced at the girls flanking him. "This is the graceful date I was talking about." I tried to ignore the twinkle in the eyes. We both knew I was far from graceful, especially as I literally just fell into him.

"Oh. She does exist." One on the girls murmured.

Edward ignored her. "You okay?" I knew by his tone he was still putting on a show, but the crease between his eyebrows made me realize he was also sincerely asking how I was.

"Yeah, I just missed you." I wrapped an arm around his neck and leaned my head against his shoulder, in part to continue our charade, and in part to hide my growing embarrassment. The girls got the point, mumbled a hasty goodbye, and walked away.

Edward pried my head from his shoulder, trying to hold my gaze. "Were you jealous?" he teased. Instead of answering, I tried to get off of his lap, which practically screamed yes, I'm jealous! Edward's arm around my waist felt like steel and he wouldn't let me budge. "I'll admit, I was jealous."

"You were jealous girls were flirting with you?"

He chuckled. "No, smartass. For one, you had your own string of suitors. Plus you were able to ward them off quickly and effectively."

"Next time you can come sit on my lap," I quipped.

Edward lightly pinched my hip. Before I could retaliate, he drew my attention a few feet away from us. Emmett, a picture of pure boredom leaning against the wall as he toyed with his whistle while Tyler slowly made his way toward him, his eyes darting around the gym. In the chaos of everyone still finding a date, Tyler chose his time wisely.

"Um, Emmett?" I giggled at the waver in Tyler's voice. Edward shushed me, and I bit my lip to contain my amusement. "I just wanted to tell you that I think your muscles are very big and strong." Tyler said in one breath before quickly stroking Emmett's arm. Well, if you could even call it a stroke. It was more of an awkward poke.

Confusion crossed Emmett's face before a mischievous grin formed. He grabbed Tyler's shoulder before Tyler could turn around and walked away. "Thank you, Tyler. I don't suppose you'd want a closer look at these muscles?"

Tyler look mildly horrified as he slid from Emmett's light grip and sprinted away.

"What? I'm talking about fitness here," Emmett exclaimed, causing any nearby people to whip their heads in our direction. Tyler didn't break his stride, approaching Mike on the other side of the gym.

They exchanged a few words before Mike disappeared into the hallway with a scowl on his face.

"I think Mike is going to do his dare soon." I whispered to Edward.

I was right. When Alice and Rose were moments from leaving the gym with their class, the doors swung open. Before I even looked in Mike's direction, Edward smoothly slid his hands over my eyes.

"I mean, not that I object, but why you are covering my eyes?"

"Because I don't want you to be scarred for life." A giggle escaped my lips. Surely it wasn't that bad. Edward brought his mouth close to my ear, "It's like a blond jungle. No one wants to see that. Though I do want to know where he managed to find pantyhose since last night".

I think I gagged a bit. From the sounds echoing off the gym walls, I wasn't the only one. When Edward finally uncovered my eyes, the gym stood in muted silence, even Reid. Alice and Rose quickly ushered their class out and Jasper strode to the middle of the court, blowing his whistle to grab our attention.

"Let's start with twenty laps!"

~!~ FT ~!~

Most of the day was spent purely on shooting drills. Compared to the last two days, it felt like a breeze. For once, my body wasn't in agonizing pain when we packed up to leave for the day.

It wasn't snowing when we stepped outside, but it was windy enough the snow on the ground swirled in the breeze. Tyler and Mike took the lead down the sidewalk, hunching their shoulders against the cold.

"Am I just doing my dare once we reach the hotel?" Edward asked.

Mike turned his head, a cocky grin fixed on his lips. "Nah, give it a few hours. We'll head down when there are more people in the lobby."

"Great," Edward grumbled, keeping quiet the rest of the way to the hotel.

We took our turns showering, opting to watch television to pass the time before Edward's dare. We waited about two hours before Mike and Tyler stood and stretched.

"Edward, you ready?" Tyler called from the other side of the room. Edward nodded and stood up. "Bella, Mike and I will follow behind you to make sure you don't get harassed by any crazies chasing after you. There's the bathroom in the lobby you can change in. When you come out, throw your clothes on the ground and I'll pick them up and bring them back to the room," Tyler explained as we walked down to the lobby. "You've got a key, right?"

Edward held up the room key in response.

It was a quick ride to the lobby. Edward cast a quick glance around before making his way to the bathroom around the corner. I turned to survey the room, feeling nervous for him. There were a fair amount of people in the lobby, and he had to run up three flights of stairs, and make it down the hall to our room. It would probably take less than two minutes, but I knew I could never do it.

I saw Edward's clothing fly out of the bathroom before he did. He was covering himself with his hands and I realized his hands didn't exactly cover everything. Don't stare, don't stare, don't stare, I willed myself to no sprinted from the bathroom and quickly made it to the stairwell, barely more than a blur as he raced by. My jaw almost dropped. I never realized he was that fast.

"Look at that pasty ass run!" I laughed, secretly agreeing with the stranger in the lobby. It was quite pale. And muscular. And I had a very, very hard time looking away as we reached the stairwell. He was flying, and I was impressed we managed to stay only half a flight behind him. Once we emerged from the stairwell and onto the third floor, we almost fell to the ground in hysterics. The hallway was being blocked by an old lady with a cane … with Edward's perfectly toned butt facing us.

"Aren't you just a handsome fellow?" Ever the gentleman, Edward gave her a polite smile as he tried to shimmy around her so he could reach our room only two doors away. He almost made it unscathed, but quicker than anyone thought possible, the elderly woman took her cane and firmly smacked Edward's ass. He jumped in surprise with a small yelp as he sped the rest of the way to our room, luckily opening it the first try.

"Hard and firm. That's a rare find," She told me with a wink before walking away.

The shower was already running by the time we entered our room, nearly collapsing in hysterics. Tyler placed Edward's clothing on our bed before emitting a piercing wolf-whistle. Edward's answering groan through the bathroom door was enough to make me snort in a very unladylike way. I volunteered to run out to grab subs for dinner, mostly because they'd had a rough enough day already, but also as a much needed break from my giggle-fest.

I was back quickly, a freshly showered Edward sprawled in the chair near the window. At the sight of food, he perked up, moving to join me at the foot of our bed. We ate our subs in peace before the guys took it upon themselves to teach me how to play poker.

I was rubbish. I was so bad the guys had even gone as far as to make me a cheat sheet to help me. I still lost every hand.

Frustration quickly turned to boredom. I traded in my cards for my phone, moving from game to game whenever I ran out of lives. Only when Edward climbed under the covers next to me did I realize the time … and my desperately low battery life.

"Good night," I murmured, wrapping the covers securely around myself.

Edward's eyes met mine, a soft smile curling on his lips as he turned the light off. "Good night, Bella."

A/N: A little bit of fun this chapter. Drop a review! Thank you guys for reading! :)