An: Hey! I hope this update greets you having a happy day. As we all well know, FFN is having a really hard time right now with updates, posting, and alerts. I'm hoping this will find you, the reader, in an expeditious way. I am doing my best to get out the word on FB, but for my lovely readers that aren't on FB, I hope you're able to find this, or will find this once FFN fixes itself. I know patience is not our virtue when it comes to getting our fic fix.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews. Y'all never cease to amaze me with your thoughts and insight.

Thank you to my prereaders and my beta. Without them, this would not be possible.

***Fiddling was had. All mistakes are mine.

Chapter 16

"I hoped that you could understand
That this is not what I had planned
Please don't worry now
it will turn around

'Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and we'll be fine
So say what's on your mind
'Cause I can't figure out just what's inside
So say alright
'Cause I know we can make it if we try
'Cause I need more time
Just a few more months and we'll be fine."

"More Time" by NEEDTOBREATHE

~oOo~

Edward had just finished packing his things for spring training when he received a text from Bella.

Hey! Stuck in traffic. Be there in 15. ~B

Okay. I'll order the food. Be safe. ~E

Edward placed an order for delivery from his favorite Chinese place. They'd decided to have a quiet night in. Sitting by the fire with a little wine and dinner was just what they needed for their last night together for a while. Their seasons were going to be full throttle soon, and they'd be juggling schedules and finding time to be together. They deserved quality time before all hell broke loose.

Bella breezed in just as Edward brought his fishing pole and golf clubs into the foyer with the rest of his luggage. He always had some downtime during training, so he wanted to make sure he didn't forget the essentials. He loved to wet a line or go play golf with the guys to blow off some steam. They all had things they loved to do and doing things together other than baseball bonded them as a team.

"Hey, shug." Edward smiled into their kiss.

"Hey, yourself, darlin'." Bella gave him a blinding smile as she looked at all the luggage and stuff that invaded the entryway.

"Lord, don't you start up with that already."

"'Tis the season," she teased.

"'Tis the season, my ass. I'm gonna dread hearing that start up again."

"The strain is more than you can bear, eh?"

Edward snorted. She never ceased to amuse or amaze him.

"So now you're quoting Doc Holliday? Where the hell have you been all my life, Swan?"

He picked her up and twirled her around, nestling his lips into the crook of her neck and blowing raspberries. Bella shrieked with laughter as goosebumps broke out all over her body. Just as she was about to cry "uncle," the doorbell rang. Edward placed her back on the ground and answered the door. Sure enough, it was their dinner. He took the food and passed it to Bella, then handed the delivery man his tip.

They walked into the living room and spread out the food on the coffee table.

"Mmm. This smells so good." Bella groaned. "I didn't realize how hungry I was until I actually smelled it."

Bella had endured a long and intense practice that day. They were gearing up for the Challenge Cup, so she had put in a lot of extra time and energy into her training.

"Me, too. Let's eat." Edward walked into the kitchen to get the wine. Wanting to set a romantic mood, he had put candles out, had the fireplace going, and had them sitting on a floor of pillows and blankets around the coffee table.

"This is so nice, Edward," Bella complimented. "It looks so comfy."

"Thanks." Edward looked at her sheepishly. "I thought a little coffee table picnic was just what the evening called for."

Edward poured wine as they tucked into their food. He had a comedy playing they had been wanting to watch, keeping the atmosphere fun and light for their last night together.

Bella enjoyed the effort Edward put into the evening. She knew it was going to be hard on them once he left. It would change their dynamic, so she appreciated the attention to detail he'd put into the date. For just one more night, she could pretend they were a couple, that the deal could stay on hiatus.

Edward had been intentional with Bella after the whole Jacob debacle. She could see it in his actions every day. He was just…more, and while she relished all the "more," she couldn't help thinking it was too good to be true. Once he drove off tomorrow, she would have to gird her loins and put her shield back up. It was the only way she was going to survive their seasons.

A tiny niggling in the back of her brain kept lurking forward, telling her to take a chance on him, that he was worthy. Edward knew her worst, but she couldn't quite give in…yet. She still had a fear of history repeating itself and a fear of the unknown. Though he showed none of the signs Jacob had, she just couldn't seem to get over the hump and trust herself.

Edward picked up the leftover food and put it in the fridge. "Hey, shug, would you please take all the leftovers with you when you leave tomorrow? I'd hate for it to go to waste, and I certainly don't want to come back to that lingering in the fridge." He shuddered at the thought.

"Thanks. I'll do my best to remember. But if for some reason I forget, I know where you hide your key." She waggled her eyebrows at him.

Edward laughed. She did know where he hid the key. She had used it quite a lot lately when his batting practice ran late, or he was volunteering. He completely trusted her in his home.

They cuddled down in the pillows and blankets with the movie still playing in the background. Edward decided he needed to lay a few things out before he left. He reconciled with himself that it was a risk, but the last few weeks felt so right that he didn't want to lose that feeling or the momentum they had going.

"I'm gonna hate not being able to do this again for the foreseeable future." Edward sighed as he wrapped his arm around her, snuggling her close to him. He buried his nose into her hair, inhaling, discreetly committing to memory the smell of her shampoo.

"Mhmmm. So am I. It's been so nice. Too bad the real world is calling now."

Edward pulled her just a little tighter. The feel of her in his arms calmed the storm he had rising inside him, and his thoughts started to become jumbled.

His fingers roamed over her shoulders in calming circles. He wasn't sure if it was to calm her or him. "Shug, how do you see us once I go back tomorrow?"

Caught a bit by surprise, Bella moved out of his arms and straightened herself up, making sure not to lose the contact they held between them. "I'm not sure exactly. What do you mean?"

Edward held her gaze with an intense look in his eyes. Reading the look on her face, he took her hand in his, willing her to relax even as he felt the tension building between them.

"I see your wheels turning, Bella. Please don't overthink what I'm asking. Just breathe." He tenderly put a kiss on the back of her hand. "Things between us have…felt right. I know you've felt it too. I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page before I take off tomorrow."

"What page is that?" Bella whispered. She looked down at their entangled hands, nervous to reengage eye contact.

Edward placed a finger under her chin and tilted it up. He wanted to see her clearly, to be able to read her emotions. She was an open book, so he didn't want to guess where they stood.

"The page where we continue on the trajectory we're on now. I don't want to lose the progress we've made in our relationship simply because the season's started."

"So, you're saying you don't want the deal anymore?"

"Have we really been in the deal, Bella?"

"Well, no, not exactly."

"Is there anyone else?" He raised his eyebrow at her questioningly as he held his breath.

"No. There hasn't been. Just you."

"Then why do we need this deal?"

"But you said—"

"I know what I said, shug. I know relationships aren't…aren't my strong suit. But I'm trying. And I think it's been good so far."

"It has." Her lips curled into a half smile. "Tell me, Edward. What are you asking for?"

"I'm asking for us not to slam the brakes on anything just because the season's started. That's all."

"So, you want to keep it the way it is? Keep dating?"

"Yes."

"Okay. What about the deal?"

"What about it?"

"Is it still in play?"

"That's entirely up to you."

They knew deep down what Edward was saying. The meaning of the deal had changed. The safety net it provided, primarily for Bella, would be gone, leaving in its place a commitment Bella wasn't ready for.

Bella chewed on her bottom lip, considering what he was saying. She hated to be so difficult, to disappoint him, but she knew her mind and her heart weren't in the same place yet.

"After the whole Jacob thing, I realized that I'm still working on my own trust issues. I want to be able to say yes with no reservations. I owe it to both of us to be sure I'm ready for more. Does that make sense?"

"Absolutely, it does. There's no pressure, Bella. That's the beauty of what we have together. But like I said before, I'd still like us to continue to move forward."

"I'd like that." She knew she wanted more with him. Why she was so damn skittish, she couldn't say, but the adoration he held in his gaze gave her the confidence to ask for what she needed. Time. "Thank you for your patience; it really means a lot."

"I'm glad. You deserve good things, Bella. I'd like to be a part of that."

Bella leaned in and brushed a kiss over his lips. "You are."

Edward's mouth quirked upward for a second as his eyes bored into hers, searching for any indication the conversation spooked her or she was simply placating him.

Bella studied him while she played with the hair at the nape of his neck. His face was so close that she placed a few lingering kisses on his lips. The scruff of his beard stubble rubbed against her cheek, sending tingles all over her body. Her imagination went into overdrive as she remembered the feelings his beard evoked between her legs and across the planes of her body. Now that she had a taste of him, all she could think about was the way his mouth felt on hers, the taste of his skin, and the feel of his muscles rippling beneath her touch.

Edward, encouraged by the lust-filled expression on Bella's face, pulled her into his lap until she straddled his hips. Her breath caught when he curled his arms around her and tugged her close, leaving zero doubt what he wanted to do for the rest of the evening. She felt his desire hard and wanting beneath her. A flush of heat traveled up her neck and bloomed on her face, and she gazed at him with hooded eyes.

"Goddamn, I love it when you look at me like that." Edward moaned. He bucked his hips up into hers, slowly moving her over his aching cock, setting a rhythm that would only ignite their passion further.

Bella's heart thundered with an unbridled passion only Edward could elicit from her.

Edward tunneled his hands into her hair, cradling the back of her head. He tilted her head back and crashed his mouth to hers. His tongue pushed past her lips, sliding along Bella's, skillfully teasing and stoking the fire. She gasped and grabbed onto his shirt for leverage as the hunger she felt for him sparked up and down her spine.

"Bella."

The sound of Edward saying her name made Bella voracious. As his kisses continued and the motion of his hips undulated beneath her, Edward brought Bella to a desperate precipice, making her body buzz. She recognized him in every cell of her body. Bella was pliant, wild, and out of control.

Ragged breaths met ragged breaths as they continued this dance.

"I need you…now," Edward growled against her lips.

"Please!" Bella shuddered a response.

He rose from the floor with Bella's legs wrapped firmly around his waist. He walked them back to his bedroom and placed her gently in the center of the bed.

They shed their clothes swiftly, desperately wanting to feel each other skin to skin. There was no time for foreplay. They were frantic and needy. Edward slid into Bella effortlessly. Moaning with each stroke, she clamped down on his cock. God, he thought. He would never get enough of this, of her.

There were no words to describe how they responded to each other. White heat and sparks burned and exploded against their skin.

Bella cried out, her senses on overload with each push and pull of his body. She gripped his shoulders, finding purchase as her hips lifted to meet Edward's. Each thrust only egged her on for more. He overwhelmed and consumed her in the most delicious ways.

Edward felt powerless in the presence of this woman. She freed something deep inside of him that he couldn't explain. Now that the floodgates were open, he couldn't remember the man he was before her.

He wanted her.

He needed her.

He never wanted to let her go.

~oOo~

It was a beautiful day in Florida as Edward teed off on the eighth hole, hitting the ball straight down the middle of the fairway. He rarely had the time to indulge himself on the course, but he loved the game. The idea of playing against himself, working to improve on his personal best, was always a challenge. He also needed to brush up on his game. He didn't want to embarrass himself completely when he played in his own golf tournament.

"Nice," Jasper praised.

Edward walked back to their golf cart and put his cigar in his mouth, puffing on it as he watched Jasper tee up.

"Don't those pearls ever get in your damn way?" Edward teased.

Jasper popped his collar. "Hey, they're part of my signature style."

"They make you look like a fuckin' clown."

"Darlin', is that kind? What if Sophia heard you say that?"

"Yeah, yeah. You always got to bring up the kid. Pull on my heartstrings."

"Join the club, my man. Why do you think I wear them all the time? Apparently, pearls aren't just for games anymore. I can't seem to leave the house without them. So I just embrace the weird and go with it." Jasper shrugged.

Edward laughed at the absurdity of the situation, but he knew if Sophia was his daughter, he'd never be able to say no to her either. She was the spitting image of Alice, and those baby blues killed him every time. Sophia was a heartbreaker, and she knew it. She had the whole team wrapped around her four-year-old finger.

Emmett and Ben were standing to the side of the tee box, waiting patiently for their turn. Edward opened his bottle of water, realizing it was almost empty. Just as he finished the last gulp of his water, one of the beer wenches pulled up beside him.

"Hey, handsome. Long time no see," Tanya crooned.

"Hey, Tanya."

"What can I get you? Water? Beer? Me?"

Edward heard the guys in the background cutting up and cackling like a bunch of hens.

Ignoring her offer, Edward replied, "I'll take a water and a Dos Equis, please." His ears pinked up at the attention, especially knowing the guys were watching the exchange. He reached into his wallet to grab some cash to tip her as she fulfilled his request.

"Here you go."

"Thank you." He handed her a twenty for her trouble.

"You sure there's nothing else I can get you?" She laid a hand on his arm suggestively.

"I'm sure. Thanks."

Tanya sighed. "Well, if you change your mind, give me a call." She slipped him her card, just like last year.

As she headed over to the other men, Edward could have sworn he heard Tanya murmur under her breath, "Unf, so damn hot."

She'd tried to catch his eye last year but to no avail. It wasn't as if she was an unattractive woman. Her long, tan legs and blonde, sun-kissed hair garnered attention on and off the golf course. She was infamous for the attention she gave the rookies and players. And that right there was why Edward was not interested. He hated being another notch on someone's bedpost.

The guys finished their round and ate lunch on the terrace of the clubhouse. The day was still early enough, so they decided to make plans to hang out that evening. The guys were texting their girls, seeing if they would be up for a last-minute cookout.

Plans were finalized, shopping lists given, and then the guys jumped back in their carts to return to the compound. Edward went straight home to take a shower and a brief nap before heading out to pick up some beer and water.

After he got out of the shower, he walked into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. It had been a hot day, and he knew he needed to take care of himself. He spied the box of Bella's chocolate chip cookies on the counter—the ones she sent with Rose earlier in the week—and he couldn't resist. He grabbed the last few and headed back to the bedroom to lie down.

He scrolled through his phone as he snacked. Visions of Bella replayed in his head. He missed her. His body missed her. It was going on two weeks, and she was all he could think about. There was an inexplicable ache for her that gripped him.

He scrolled to her name and hit call. He wanted to hear her voice.

"Hey. You've reached Bella. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message after the beep. I'll return your call as soon as possible. Thanks, and have a great day." Beep.

"Hey, shug. I'm just sitting here eating the last couple of cookies and thinking of you. Give me a call if you get a chance. Hope you're having a good one."

Shit, she must be out or still at practice. He'd seen Rose around the complex a few times. She was always kind to remember not to out him and Bella in front of anyone. Emmett was the same way, but frankly, Edward didn't really care who knew anymore. Seeing all these couples and families around made him miss her even more than he realized he would.

~oOo~

A balmy breeze wafted through the palms as everyone sat around the fire pit. The kids had wanted s'mores for dessert, which kept Uncle Edward very busy helping Sophia and the other kids roast their marshmallows. Edward enjoyed helping them. He had a close relationship with his nephew, Liam, so this was nothing new. Every once in a while he would catch Rose's gaze across the flames. He knew she liked him—they had gotten along famously last spring training and throughout the year—but he couldn't shake the feeling something was off.

He walked over to the cooler to grab another beer. As soon as his head was down in the cooler, he heard Rose's voice.

"Hey, can you grab me a Coors Light please?"

Edward grabbed one and handed it to her.

"So, you talk to Bella lately?"

Ahhh, here it is. Leave it to Rose not to beat around the bush.

"No, not in the last few days. I tried this afternoon, but she didn't answer."

"Damnit, of course she didn't," she mumbled. "I could tell you hadn't spoken to her by the way you were acting this evening."

"Huh?" Edward wasn't sure how to take what she had said. "Rose, stop being cryptic. What are you talking about?"

Rose huffed into her beer. "Ugh, I hate the way she avoids talking when she's upset."

"Rose, you're kinda scaring me here. What the hell's going on?"

"Bella hurt her ankle this afternoon, and it's pretty bad."

Edward's eyebrows rose in surprise. "What happened? Why the hell didn't she answer the phone when I called?"

"Because she's too damn proud and stubborn. That's why. I don't know all the details. Some sort of high ankle sprain. She's lucky it didn't break. I'm heading home tomorrow to help her for the next week or so. Mom and Dad are on a Mediterranean cruise and can't be there to help her."

Edward pulled out his phone and tried to call her again. "Voicemail. Shit." He pocketed his phone and started walking toward his condo.

"Edward, Edward…" Rose called out as she ran up to him. "I'll get her to call you, promise. But keep trying." She hugged him hard and whispered in his ear, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being one of the good guys. I get it now."

~oOo~

Edward tried Bella's phone a few more times but to no avail. He had an early practice the next day, so he had no choice except to get to bed. Just as he was turning out the light, his FaceTime tone went off.

"Hey." Bella's face popped up on the screen.

"Shug. Oh my God, are you okay?"

Bella sighed as her eyes welled with tears. "I'm fine. Just mad as hell." She wiped her eyes. "Someone tackled me from behind and my leg went the wrong way. My ankle is shredded. I'm down for at least six weeks."

Edward winced. He knew from the length of time she would be out that she really did a number on her foot. "I'm so sorry. I wish I were there. You took such great care of me when I was down."

She gave him a weak smile. It was obvious the pain meds were beginning to do their job. Her eyes drooped and her speech became slower. "Edward, I'm sorry I didn't call you sooner. I just didn't want to make a big deal about it. I really thought I was going to be okay until I tried to put some weight on it. I've blown up like a balloon." She moved the phone down to her leg, showing him her fully wrapped foot and splint.

"You're so stubborn," he admonished. "I was really worried when Rose told me."

"I know. I'm sorry, Neddy. Rose jumped all over me for not calling you."

Edward cringed and laughed at her using his family nickname. But to be honest, it sounded pretty sweet rolling off her tongue.

"Bella, who's with you? Do I need to call my mom or Kate? Please tell me you're not alone."

"No, I'm not alone. Leah's here. You remember meeting Leah after my game, right?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Hey, Edward." Leah's face came into the picture. "I promise to take good care of her until Rose gets here tomorrow. She's been a real trooper."

"Thanks, Leah. Hey, shug, I'm going to let you go and get some rest. I'll call and check in with you tomorrow after practice, okay?"

"Okay, Neddy. Hey, Leah, did you know Edward's nickname is Neddy? It's the cutest thing."

Edward could hear Leah laughing in the background as Bella kept drunk talking away.

"Sorry, Edward," Leah chimed in. "I gave her meds just before she called you. Trying to stay on top of the pain."

"All good. I'm glad she has you there to help."

Bella gave him a groggy smile.

"Goodnight, Bella. Sleep well."

"Night. Hey, you know what? I miss, miss, miss you, Neddy."

"I miss you, too, darlin'."

"Byeeee."

Edward hung up the phone and turned out the light. He stared up at the ceiling, thinking about their phone call. He felt bad he wasn't there to help made a mental note to make a call in the morning. No one could handle a situation like this better than Kate. She'd help him get Bella some flowers, and knowing her, she'd make a casserole or two like she did for him. Loving on people was right up her alley.

~oOo~

"Edward?"

"Hey, Kate. How are you?"

"I'm good? Aren't you at spring training or something?"

"I am. Everything's good down here. I'm hoping y'all are still planning to come down and watch a few games. We're gearing up to start this week."

"Yeah, Garrett mentioned something about all the guys and all us wives or girlfriends going down there. I'm sure he'll get with you about the details."

"Good, good. I can't wait."

There was a silent beat between them before Edward got the courage to speak up. Right as he took a breath, Kate interjected.

"Okay, Edward. What's up, buttercup? You don't normally call me to talk about spring training. That's Garrett's domain."

Edward chuckled. "Am I that transparent?"

"Not transparent. You just usually call me for specific reasons."

"Ouch. I'm sorry, Katie."

"No, no. No need to be sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just mean…you don't call me to shoot the shit. You always have a reason for your call. Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out rude."

"It's all good. And you're right. Sadly, I do need your help." Edward sounded remorseful.

"Shoot."

"Well, Bella was injured at practice yesterday. She's off her foot for the next six weeks."

"Oh no." Kate groaned into the phone.

"Yeah. What I was hoping was…Could you help me pick out a floral arrangement? I need a good florist. Money's not an option. And I don't know…maybe…"

"You want me to make her some dinner?"

"Yes. Please?"

"Done. I'm looking forward to spending your money, Edward Cullen. Especially with the sky being the limit." Her exuberant voice rang out over the phone.

"Easy, girl. I'm not buying out the floral shop or anything."

"I'm just playing with you. We need to find her something beautiful and tasteful."

"Yeah. I want…I want to do something special for her. And I would like to pick it out and let her know I'm thinking about her. She's—"

"Special," Katie finished Edward's thought.

"That she is."

"Okay, I'm texting you the florist I have in mind as we speak. We can do a three-way FaceTime when you're ready. So you can see your choices."

"That'd be great. Thank you, Katie. I appreciate it. And I'll owe you one."

"Nah. Though…if you go to the World Series, just remember us little people."

"Consider it done."

An: Awww. Darling wants to pick out the flower arrangement. Could we love him even more? Okay, just a bit of housekeeping here. We all know the deal is really really loose. Neither of them is catting around. Bella will get there. Don't be hating on her too much. Her heart and her mind are closer than you think and Edward is trying to be patient. She just needs a little push, and it's coming.

Submissions close for The Eras Contest in two weeks. So if you're an author, please get them submitted by Oct 31st. We have four already. Some new ones have been submitted and are with our validators. We will post those as soon as we can. We are chomping at the bit to read some more great submissions.

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/playlist?list=PL7K2bIWBlltXklsgoSkRfYfIWgmn4lsC4&si=XA_k7a1Iu5vW9hvy

Wishing you a great two weeks until we meet again. I look forward to your thoughts on this chapter.

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward