So, how do we like FighterWard? Isn't he swoon-worthy? Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the story … What's up next?

Things are going to be slow-going for these two. Part of it is Edward wanting to do right by Bella. She'd been shattered by Jacob. She's leery of fighters and Edward wants to prove to her that not all fighters are assholes like her ex. The other part is that not all relationships jump right into the physical aspect. For me, I need to be emotionally attracted and intellectually attracted to a person before I can even begin to think about sleeping with them.

So, with that being said, there's a change in plans. We're going to have a date with Edward, along with some UST … maybe a making out, heavy petting, dry humping? We'll also have the fight party at Rose and Emmett's place.

What I own: Some new Casetify cases for my iPhone.

What I don't: Twilight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Bella drove home, showering and taking time to shave, buff, and polish every inch of her skin. She was curling her hair, pinning it back into a messy, romantic updo. As she was putting her makeup, her phone vibrated. I'm on my way, gorgeous. I can't wait to see you.

She blushed, smiling at his message, and tapped out a response. I'm putting final touches on my look for tonight. I'm excited to see you again … in a suit, no less.

He didn't reply, as Bella assumed he was driving. She stood up, walking to her closet and putting on bronze cocktail dress that had spaghetti straps and skirt that hit mid-thigh. Because of the straps, she couldn't wear a bra and she toyed with the idea of going completely commando, but decided against it. She wore a pair of nude lacy panties that left very little to the imagination. Putting her phone, some lip gloss, her driver's license, and a credit card into a small clutch, she found a pretty pashmina to wrap around her shoulders.

There was a knock on her door, making her heart twist beneath her ribs. Walking to the entrance, she opened the door and had to stop from her jaw dropping to the floor. Edward wore a black suit with a white button down. He held a single sunflower as he grinned crookedly, handing it to her. His gaze grew heated when he looked at Bella. "You're exquisite, Bella."

"So are you, Edward," she said, smiling gently at the pretty flower in her hand. She gestured for him to come inside while she put the sunflower into a small bud vase. Looking coyly over her shoulder, placing the vase on the windowsill in her kitchen, she purred, "You're sexy in swim trunks and you're beyond hot in a suit."

"Hmmm, I beg to differ, gorgeous," he said, moving closer to her and slid his arms around her waist, turning her in his arms. "You are absolutely beautiful … I will definitely have to show restraint. You teased me yesterday with all that skin in the hot tub. Now? It's glowing and begging for my touch in this dress." His hands moved up her back, sliding down her arms before he threaded their fingers together. "Shall we?"

"Yeah," she smiled. She locked the door, walking with Edward to his Volvo. Gallantly, he opened the passenger door and helped her in. He bent down pressing a soft kiss to her lips before walking to the driver's side. He backed out of the driveway, heading toward the city. "Where are we going?"

"Sunset dinner cruise," he answered. "Emmett and Rosalie were supposed to go but with Charlie moving up the departure date of the Portland fight, he gave me the tickets." His cheeks pinked up as he took a quick glance at his beautiful date. "I think he's happy that we've pulled our heads out of our asses."

"No, I pulled my head out of my ass," Bella snorted. "I'm still so …"

"Don't finish that statement, gorgeous," Edward interrupted, shooting her a firm look. "No more apologies. We've moved on and we're together. You said so earlier today." He stopped at a light, looking directly. "You said you're mine."

"I'm assuming that goes both ways, right?" Bella asked. "You're mine?"

"I don't share," he replied, arching a brow as he picked up her hand and kissed her palm. The light turned green, forcing his gaze back to the road.

"Me, neither," she whispered, twining her fingers with his.

The drive to the marina was quiet, save for the music playing through the speakers. It had an alternative feel, but was mainly instrumental with some ethereal soprano voice soaring above the sounds of guitars, drums, and strings. Bella hummed along with the melody, which made Edward smile crookedly.

Parking the car, he guided Bella down the pier to a sleek yacht. There were people milling about, walking up the ramp to get onto the vessel. Edward had his arm Bella's waist as he took out an envelope from his breast pocket. At the entrance, he handed the tickets to the usher and stood next to Bella as the professional photographer snapped their photo. Edward captured her chin, kissing her lips as the photographer took another picture.

Bella let out a laugh. Her eyes were shining in the dipping sun as she held his hand. Walking onto the boat, they were led to the top deck of the boat. It was elegantly decorated with ten tables set up inside. The hostess smiled, seating them at a table near a window. As soon as she left, a tall waiter approached and offered them a bottle of wine. Bella requested a bottle of chardonnay.

"Not a red wine drinker?" Edward asked, sipping his water.

"Not really. I like merlot, but I have to be at home because I get hungover as I'm drinking it," she answered. "Are you going to have some?"

"I'm only going to go for a run tomorrow and I'm off for the weekend, with strict rules of eating whatever Rose is serving from your dad. I need to gain that weight," he laughed.

"Oh, who invited you?" Bella smirked, leaning forward on her hands.

"Emmett told me to go, but I knew you were thinking about asking me, gorgeous," he replied, his grin widening.

"You're awfully cocky, Masen," she snorted. "You weren't like this when you first got here."

"I'm not cocky. I'm confident. There's a difference," he retorted. "I temporarily lost my confidence when my old gym decided to screw me over and my ex-girlfriend was getting plowed in my bed. But, I believe I've found my place here. Emmett and Jasper are becoming my best friends. Charlie is the best coach I've ever had. Better than that … asshole who could have derailed everything." His eyes turned into green ice chips while his sexy smirk fell away.

"Caius Volturi will get what he deserves," Bella sneered, reaching for this hand, and threading their fingers together.

"The entire gym, to be honest," Edward huffed. "They're all dirty. It's not overt, but …" He looked out the window, breathing deeply. "They lack integrity, and they almost broke me with what they did to me when I was pounded by Demetri. I see how much I lost by fighting for them as each day I work with Charlie, Emmett, and the other trainers at Bull Dog. He truly means it that the gym is a family. I haven't had that … since my mom died."

Bella squeezed his fingers, feeling his words in her heart. He clung to her hand tightly as she murmured, "You've got us now. Once you're in, we don't let anyone go, Edward." She gently pulled on his hand, making him look at her. "Never …" She gave him a tender smile. "The only time we let someone go was … Jacob … and you know what happened with him."

"I promise you that will never happen, Bella. The drugs were the main reason I wanted out of Volterra," he said. "That and my injuries from …"

"You won't get hurt like that again, Edward," Bella argued. "We've got the best trainers, best doctors, and best coaches. Your safety is paramount."

The waiter brought the bottle of wine, pouring it into Edward's glass. He picked it up, taking a sip and smiled up at the waiter, who proceeded to pour the wine into both their glasses. He also went over the offerings for the evening. Bella got the grilled salmon and Edward chose a steak. The waiter left, explaining he'd bring out the first course once they cleared the dock.

"You can't say that I won't get hurt again, gorgeous," Edward sighed. "I mean, I fight and beat the shit out of other guys for money."

"I get that, but we won't condone what happened to you. The Volturi didn't push for a deeper investigation after what Demetri did to you. I think the reason why was that they paid off Demetri for pummeling you, Edward," she said.

"Marcus said something similar," Edward shrugged. "Something about pushing me to fight before I was ready and forcing me to break my contract, owing them a shit-ton money."

"Another reason to shut them down," Bella huffed.

"But, enough of that. I want to focus on this evening and the lovely company I'm sharing it with," he said, blinking to her and grinning crookedly. "So, tell me about yourself. What do you do for fun?"

"I'm a bit of a homebody. I love to read, get lost in a good book. I also enjoy music. That music playing in the car? What was that?" she asked.

"They're a local band to Chicago. I know the singer. I took a music class, and she helped me through it," he answered. "Anyway, she's working with this band, and I follow them on Spotify. It's a cool combination of alternative rock, with a touch of folk, classical and indie rock."

"It sounded almost like an instrumental version of Evanescence with a Mumford and Sons twist," she said. "Can you send me their profile?"

"Sure thing," Edward said, taking out his phone and sharing the Spotify link. "I think you'll like them."

"What about you, Mr. Masen? What do you do for fun?" she cooed, running her fingers around the rim of her wine glass.

"I've been in constant motion since my mom died that I can't honestly tell you," he sighed. "I don't fight because I love it. I do it because I'm good at it. I enjoy music, but I'm not talented enough to pursue it. I love listening to it, but I'm in awe of anyone who can do what my friend does. You know?"

"Okay, if you could go back in time, before your mom died and you had your life in front of you, what would you want to do?" she asked. "A doctor? An underwater basket weaver? A lawyer?"

"Not a doctor, though I know enough first aid that I could fake it," he snorted. He looked at her, a soft smile spreading over his face. "A musician. My mom taught me piano and she was so good. Unfortunately, I was not, and I got frustrated with it. I stuck with it, but she passed away before she could help me, teach me the good stuff. Hell, after she died and we ran out of money, the Steinway grand piano was one of the first things to go."

Blinking up at Bella, she saw the ancient sadness in his gaze. "I would have liked to meet her, Edward."

"She would have loved you," he breathed. Mentally, he added, just like I already do.

Their conversation over dinner was a lot less heavy. Edward shared some funny stories from when he was in college, getting his business degree. Bella shared some behind-the-scenes tales from Bull Dog, including how Emmett and another one of the heavy-weight fighters dyed Charlie's hair blond. Charlie's hair was so dark that the blond turned out a lovely shade of carrot orange.

"He looked like Carrot Top, that comedian with the orange curly hair," Bella giggled. "It was not a good look. Charlie demanded that Emmett pay to get his hair fixed, but I just held up a pair of clippers. I sheared him bald, making him wear a hat until his hair started to grow back its usual dark brown, with a smattering of gray."

"Please tell me you have pictures," Edward laughed.

"I do," she smirked, reaching into her clutch. She flicked open her Instagram, finding the incriminating photos. "Before, after and bald." She handed him the phone.

"Oh my … Charlie does not have a head to be bald," he snorted.

"That's why I made him wear a hat. He actually grew to love wearing fedoras and it's now his thing when he's at the fights, supporting his fighters. I'm certain the fedora will make an appearance at Emmett's bout," she explained, taking the phone back.

As she was tucking her phone back into her clutch, a small jazz combo began playing on the stage. Several couples went onto the dance floor, swaying to the music. Edward looked at her, giving her a shy grin. "Would you like to dance?"

Bella looked at him, blushing at his tender expression and sincerity in his gaze. With a bright smile, she took his proffered hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.

A/N: I'm leaving it here. We'll pick up the date and subsequent events in the next chapter. Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. Link for that is on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.

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Thank you for your patience while I deal with my mucked-up brain and mental health issues.