An: Hello! Posting today from beautiful Atlanta, Georgia. I have to thank you so very much for all the amazing reviews. Y'all have overwhelmed me with your kindness and support for this story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let's get to it, shall we?

Shout out to my amazing prereaders and beta. Without them, this would not be possible.

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

Chapter 13

"Like a small boat

On the ocean

Sending big waves

Into motion

Like how a single word

Can make a heart open

I might only have one match

But I can make an explosion

And of those things I didn't say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

I'll play my fight song

And I don't really care if nobody else believes

'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me."

"Fight Song" by Rachel Platten and Dave Bassett

~oOo~

Garrett and Kate's annual New Year's Eve party was in full swing. Garrett's parents were out of town for the holiday, so they left their house in Garrett's capable hands for them to enjoy. The evening was always a highlight for Edward, and tonight he was looking forward to having Bella by his side. He was eager for her to meet the rest of his friends. Ben, Paul, Sam, and Alec were captivated by her interesting and lively conversations. Bella was approachable and didn't appear to meet a stranger. Edward's closest friends—the Saintly Six, as they were known in high school—complimented him throughout the evening. The wives and girlfriends—Angela, Rachel, Emily, and Jane—barely left her side as each one made an effort to get to know her. Kate especially loved her, just as Garrett had told Edward she would.

This annual tradition started when Edward and Garrett were in second grade. They took turns spending the night at each other's house to celebrate and bang pots at midnight. When they got older and high school turned into college, the parties and gatherings grew. The pots and pans turned into fireworks and keggers, and once Garrett married Kate, he volunteered to host the annual event at their home, which was fine with Edward. The gathering was where Edward felt most like himself. These were his people, the friends who knew him best, and Bella blended in seamlessly. Garrett never invited clients, and Edward never invited teammates. This night was for their original friend group, the Saints, and a few other close friends. They knew as time went on other elements might play into the guest list, but for now, it was perfection.

"Edward, I love her," Kate whispered into Edward's ear enthusiastically. The smell of her alcohol-laced breath was a hint of how her gin and tonic was affecting her. It also made her extra affectionate.

"Yeah?"

"Yes." Kate giggled. "She's…well, she's perfect for you. Just look at how she's holding court over there." Edward turned around to see Bella chatting with Garrett and a few of the guys' wives and girlfriends. "Garrett is eating out her hands, and you know how insane he gets at this party. And…I know, I know…Garrett filled me in. Y'all are 'just friends,' but can't a girl dream?"

"Katie…"

"Listen to me, darlin'." Kate grabbed onto the lapels of his jacket and pulled him close. "I've been dying to go on double dates and couples' trips with you. Do you know how long I've waited for this moment, Edward Cullen?"

Edward arched a brow at her using the 'darling' moniker, casting an admonishing glare. "Katie, you're gettin' way ahead of yourself here," he replied as he attempted to pump the brakes on her, but nothing seemed to squelch her zeal.

"Pfft, l know what I see. And I see a man in love. You may not admit it yet—and don't shoot the messenger or get me in trouble with Garrett—but I've known you for six years, and I've never seen you look at a woman the way you look at her."

Edward slid his eyes toward Bella once again. Her brown met his green as the beautiful smile she gave him lit up the room, lit up something deep inside him. He inhaled deeply, slowly letting out his breath. She was a sight to behold. Tipping his drink back, his gaze lingered as he appreciated her beauty; the elegant way she held herself together. His eyes continued to travel down her body, lighting at the top of the slit of her black dress. He knew what secrets she held under that dress, what lay beneath that slit. He couldn't wait to slide his hand between her thighs and hear the noises that drove him wild.

Edward shook his head. He needed to get his mind out of the gutter and focus on the party. Edward hugged Kate, whispering a thank you in her ear for yet another fantastic party. He walked over to Bella, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her close, as he joined the conversation.

Just before midnight, Garrett announced the countdown was about to begin. They had come a long way from the keggers, M-80s, and cherry bomb fireworks. Swept up in the moment, Edward snagged two glasses of champagne off a passing tray and swiftly guided Bella down a long hall, leading her to the room they were staying in. Closing the door behind him, he led her to the double French doors at the back of the room, overlooking the pristine golf course of the Marietta Country Club.

Wonderfully confused, Bella looked at Edward when he handed her the glasses of champagne. He opened the French doors, but not before he grabbed the thick blanket at the end of their bed. As they walked out onto the balcony, Edward wrapped them in the blanket, and then he relieved Bella of his glass of champagne. Bella snuggled in close to his chest, as they heard the countdown begin in the other room.

"Wait," he whispered next to her temple. He gestured with his glass of champagne over the dark and frosty golf course, showing her exactly where to look.

They could hear the excited voices of the partygoers in the other room. "Five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year!"

And at that moment, fireworks exploded right in front of their eyes.

Bella squealed with delight, pulling the blanket tighter around her body as she nestled impossibly closer to Edward. After a few moments basking in the display, Edward pulled Bella away to face him, clinking his champagne glass with hers. The blanket fell, puddling around their feet as the fireworks faded into the background; her face was the only thing he wanted to see.

"Happy New Year, shug," he murmured.

"Happy New Year, darlin'," she responded, tilting her glass to take a sip.

He took a sip of his champagne as well, then set their flutes down on the balcony railing. His gaze burned into hers as he traced his fingers down the side of her face, down her throat, before he gently cupped the side of her neck. His light touch caused Bella to shiver, though she was not cold. The heat from his body and his gaze were enough to engulf them both.

And then darling kissed his shug with all that he had. It was, without a doubt, the best New Year's Eve kiss either one of them ever had. It was wet and hot and all-encompassing. The fireworks were still going off, but they didn't compare to the fireworks Bella and Edward were making.

With his body pressed so close to hers, Bella clearly felt his desire for her. She moaned into his kisses, threading her fingers through his hair. She elicited a deep groan from Edward that made her knees weak and her heart aflutter.

"You want me," she whispered playfully into his ear as she nibbled on his lobe, making his breath even heavier.

The simple declaration aroused him even more. The unmistakable casualness with which she said it could not compare to the hard, aching need building inside him.

"Oh, I want you." He reached around her and squeezed her bottom, bringing her closer to where he needed her the most, letting her feel how much he wanted her. He nuzzled into her neck, planting kisses behind her ear, making Bella gasp. "You've been teasing me all night in this sinful dress, shug."

His lips ghosted along her neck, licking, sucking. "Wooing my friends…winning the heart of Kate." His warm breath dusted over her, as he continued to murmur in her ear, his voice deep and gravelly. "You've been quite the hit."

His touch trailed down the inside of her parted thigh, right where her dress split open. "All night I've thought of all the ways I wanted to take you...how I wanted to devour you." His hand slid under the split until he reached her damp center, cupping her ever so slightly. All he had to do was move the barely there thong to the side, and slide a finger into her, but that was not his goal.

Bella arched back as Edward's palm moved up to smooth over her breast, sliding his fingers under the fabric, moving it to the side to expose her peaked nipple. He leaned down to take it into his mouth, lightly sucking, teasing it with his tongue. When he bit down, Bella cried out, grasping his hair.

"Edward…" Bella pulled him tighter against her breast. Her heart raced, and her breath hiccupped from the pleasure of his mouth on her body.

"Bella…"

"Oh God… Can they see us?"

Edward shook his head no. His tongue continued its attention, as his hand caressed her other breast.

"I want…I want…"

"What do you want, Bella?" he mumbled against her skin.

"Oh, God…you."

"You have me."

~oOo~

January was the month of new beginnings—a time for making plans, and setting goals for the new year. Edward and Bella said goodbye to 2020, noting it was personally and professionally a successful year for both of them. They enjoyed the holidays, making time for each other in the midst of all the family and friend obligations. Between all the dates, home-cooked meals, and Netflix, they fell into an easy and comfortable groove.

They were selfish with their time and whom they shared it with—but knew once the middle of February hit, they would be back to a steady grind. To their knowledge, they kept their relationship successfully on the down-low. There was zero pressure and there were zero questions. Both sets of parents knew they were friends, and they wanted to keep it that way; but it didn't stop Esme from asking Edward to bring his new friend over for dinner. They had yet to meet each other's families, though Bella did have that unexpected meet up with Esme at the game several months earlier.

Their impending seasons loomed, while each day drew them closer to the middle of February. The dreaded month was when the separations and the deal would go back into full force, something Edward was hoping they would amend. Neither acknowledged the date, merely ignoring the upheaval that would once again become their reality for the next eight months.

Bella came home on a cold January day after an arduous, yet satisfying, workout. Grabbing a protein bar out of the pantry, Bella was going through her calendar as she sat at the kitchen island when she heard a light rap on the front door. Millie barked, dancing around, excited to see who was there. Looking through the peephole, Bella saw her neighbor, Al, holding something in his hands.

"Hey, Al. Come on in. It's freezing outside."

"Thanks, Bella."

Al stepped inside, and Bella promptly closed the door. Looking at the large, gorgeous floral arrangement in his hands, she tilted her head curiously, waiting for Al to explain.

"Here you go." He handed her the vase filled with her favorite flowers. "These arrived for you today. The delivery man rang our bell and asked us to give them to you. He didn't want to leave it on the stoop with all this freezing rain and bad weather."

"Oh, wow. Thanks." Bella looked at the arrangement with a bright smile on her face. "I really appreciate you holding onto these for me. They'd never have survived on the doorstep."

"Edward's either really smitten or he's in big dog trouble, 'cause these are gorgeous, darlin'," Al teased.

"Not in trouble." Bella shook her head as she leaned in to smell the flowers. She felt a warm blush bloom on her face as Al continued to smile all-knowingly at her. "Al, stop with the creepy grin. It's not a big deal."

"Well, the look on your face says otherwise, but I'll let you go with that. Peter's off today and making chili. Want to come over and have some supper with us?"

"Raincheck?" Bella looked at him hopefully, not wanting to hurt their feelings or seem ungrateful for the invitation. "I'm beat after today's workout. I'm just going to curl up in bed and maybe read before I fall asleep. I'm completely useless."

"Oh, honey, you know we understand. Just want to make sure you know you're always welcome." Al cracked open the door. "There's a card tucked in there too."

Bella raised an eyebrow at him, wondering if he read the card.

"Don't raise your eyebrow at me, missy. I'm no hooligan. I didn't read your card." Al leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Tell your dreamboat we say hey when you call to thank him. Tell him he owes us a dinner. Peter's dying to cook for him."

Bella giggled. "I will. Thanks again, Al. Stay warm." Bella closed and locked the door behind him. She carried the flowers into the kitchen, admiring them the whole way.

How could Edward know my favorite flowers? she wondered. The bouquet was filled with pink peonies, white and pale pink ranunculus, pink Juliet roses, and light green hypericum berries. She smelled them, then withdrew the card from the plastic holder nestled in the bouquet.

Bella,

Thinking of you

J

Bella dropped the card on the counter as if it had burned her. She wrung her hands in distress as she paced back and forth in the kitchen, murmuring the whole time to herself.

Why? Why now? What is he doing? How did he find me? What does he want? I can't, I can't. I can't keep these flowers here.

She grabbed the flowers off the island and set them outside in the freezing rain. She pulled her drapes closed and walked back into the kitchen.

There. That ought to do it. They won't survive the night, and I won't have to look at them.

She ran to her phone to see if she had any messages from him, only to find she had nothing new. Feeling anxious, she went to her bar cart and grabbed the bottle of red wine left over from the other night with Edward. Pouring a healthy glass, Bella drank with an unsteady hand as she stared at the freezing rain pounding loudly on the other window.

"You wouldn't be anything without me. You're riding on my coattails; don't you forget that. You got those sponsorships because you're attached to me."

His voice continued echoing in her thoughts.

"Where are you going? Who are you going out with? You can't have that hamburger and fries, Bella. Do you know how many calories it is?"

"I love you, Bella. We can be great together."

The visions of their time together crept through in her head—the last one making her shudder, as it made her feel vulnerable all over again. The flowers were a reminder of how well he knew her, and that had her on edge.

Tears sparked in her eyes as the memories flooded her mind. Raising the glass to her lips, she inhaled deeply before she took another sip. As the wine numbed her, she gave herself a good talking to. She reminded herself of how far she had come and what she had accomplished without him. She shook off the pity and wiped her eyes, forcing herself to remember she was not the same girl anymore. She was stronger, wiser, and more confident than she had ever been. She was not his anymore, nor would she ever be again.

Motherfucker, she thought to herself. I'm happy for the first time in two years, and he has the audacity to interrupt my life with this bullshit. Well, fuck you. You're not going to carry any weight with me ever again.

Bella finished her glass and poured another, carrying the bottle with her to the bathroom. She decided to run a hot bath and have a soak while she read her book, hoping it would help clear her mind. She was right. Once she finished and got ready for bed, she had all but forgotten the disturbing floral display sitting in the freezing rain.

She grabbed her book and slid into bed with Millie nestled beside her. An hour had passed. It was all the distraction she needed to take her mind off everything. Just as she was turning the page, she heard a text chime. Fearing it was from him, she picked up her phone nervously to see whom it was from: Edward. She sighed as she cradled the phone to her chest. Seeing his name on the screen made her heart jump. He appeared to have this uncanny way of knowing when she needed to talk or needed the company.

You awake? ~E

Yeah ~B

Want to FT? ~E

Sure, I'm in bed tho ~B

Without me? ~E

Before she could respond, her phone rang. Propped up in bed, she fluffed her hair then answered.

"Hey, beautiful. Staying warm?"

"Hey, there. I am. All snuggled up with Millie." The smile on her face was a bit forced, and Edward picked up on it.

"Are you drinking the Pinot?"

"Huh?"

Edward gestured behind her on the screen. "On the nightstand."

"Oh, oh yeah…I didn't want it to go bad, so I decided to finish it." She shrugged. She was a horrible liar, so she hoped he wouldn't pry too much.

Edward tilted his head, assessing her mood. "Bad day?" He knew she didn't tend to drink alone, so he was surprised to see not only a glass but also the empty bottle beside it.

"No. Just a long, hard one." She fidgeted in bed, pretending to get comfortable, but she knew she probably wasn't fooling him one bit. "You?"

"Yeah. It was a good and busy day. Spent quite a few hours today at batting practice, and then I had a meeting for the veterans' fundraiser. Who knew planning a golf tournament would be so damn involved?" He chuckled.

"Oh yeah. It really is. But it's for a great cause. I think it's awesome you picked Folds of Honor for your charity." She looked at his weary but smiling eyes.

"It is. You remember meeting Mr. Larry, the Colonel? At the Waffle House?"

Bella nodded. "Your dad's best friend, right?"

"Yeah. That's him. He's helping me out with this. He's my head chairperson. He'll handle a lot of the details for me while I'm out of town. He's already been a godsend."

"How great to be working with someone who's basically family. Sure does make it easier and a lot more fun."

"Meh…don't let that nice demeanor fool you. He'll kick my ass if I slack off and don't do my fair share." Edward laughed.

"Duly noted." Bella saluted.

"You still interested in coming, helping out?" He looked at her hopefully. "I promise, I didn't commit you."

"Yeah, just… Will you please send me a calendar invite, so I can add it to my planner?"

Bella saw the screen go blank for a moment, losing Edward's face. The next thing she knew, she got an alert for her calendar.

"Done." Edward's face popped back on the screen.

"I see that. Thanks." Her smile still was not reaching her eyes.

Edward sensed something wasn't right, but he didn't know how to approach it. He'd hoped the conversation would loosen her up and take away the slight crinkle between her eyes, but it was still there. She worried her lip, a nervous habit he noticed she did a lot when she was thoughtful or uncomfortable.

Bella looked distracted, though she tried to appear engaged. He could see her eyes glazing over a few times in the conversation.

"You look tired. I'm going to let you go," Edward commented.

"You look tired too."

"I am, but you don't seem very chatty tonight."

"I'm sorry. I just…I just have a lot on my mind."

"Anything I can help you with?" He looked at her expectantly.

"Unfortunately, no. Just a few things I need to sort out. I'll be fine." She could barely look into the camera and found herself looking anywhere but at him.

Edward brushed his hand over his face, frustrated she wasn't talking to him. He knew when a woman used the word fine they were anything but fine. He was trusting, when she felt comfortable, she would come to him. He decided not to push anymore and to end the conversation on a happier note.

"Okay. Okay. I'm here if you need me." He gave her a reassuring smile.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"So, we still on for the weekend?"

Her smile brightened and she looked directly into the phone. "Absolutely. Can't wait."

"Good. I'll pick you up for breakfast and we can go from there."

"Perfect."

"You sure you don't need me to come over and keep you warm?" Edward waggled his eyebrows.

"Edward, go to bed. You're not driving in this icy mess."

"All right. Just trying to keep chivalry alive and well in the ATL."

"Chivalry…" Bella giggled and shook her head. "Where do you come up with this stuff?"

"Just being me…" He stretched his arms above his head, smirking, as he clasped his fingers together, intensifying the stretch.

"Well, I like you just being you." Her soft, sleepy voice was sweeter than it'd been since they got on the phone.

"And I like you being you."

Bella's eyes stung with the warmth of his words. The way he looked at her when he said them held so much sincerity; it caused a tear to well in the corner of her eye.

"Sleep well, shug."

"I will."

"Night."

"Night, Edward."

Bella turned off the light and snuggled into her bed, replaying the day's events in her head, much to her chagrin. She hated how distracted she was with Edward. He was always so patient with her, so kind. And there she was, distracted by her ex, instead of focusing on the way Edward made her feel.

She tossed and turned for hours, until sleep finally found her. But the much-needed rest was interrupted by the garish sound of Rose's ringtone.

"Hello," Bella's sleepy voice croaked out.

"Did I wake you?" Rose asked, her words coming out in a rush. "I held off as long as I could."

"What do you think?" Bella snapped in reply as she got situated in bed, readying herself for a conversation.

"Sorry. We…we need to FaceTime."

"What? Rose, no. I just woke up. I'm a mess."

"Listen, have you checked your ESPN alerts?"

"How could I? I've been sleeping."

"Stop sassing me and go look. FaceTime me after you find it." Rose quickly got off the phone so Bella could search.

Bella sat up taller in bed, skimming through her phone, when the alert she dreaded to see, revealed itself.

"Holy shit!" Bella hissed. She hit FaceTime, meeting Rose's sad expression. "I knew it was too good to be true." She jumped out of bed and began to pace. "I knew I'd never fully get away from him."

When she read the headline again, her stomach dropped as the reality of each word sank in a little deeper.

Seattle Sounders forward Jacob Black acquired by Atlanta United.

"I'm sorry, Bella. Truly," Rose attempted to console her. "Emmett saw the alert and woke me right away. I've been wearing out the bedroom carpet, deciding how to tell you."

"I should've known! Ugh! I should've known when I got those damn flowers there was something behind it. There always is with Jake."

"He sent you flowers?"

Bella nodded, raking her hand furiously through her hair. "Yeah," she said, her voice breaking.

"When?"

"Yesterday."

"Oh, that motherfucker. He knew that article was about to come out. That's why he sent them."

"Yepper. Sure seems that way."

"Was there a card?"

"Yeah. It just said Thinking of you. And he signed it with his pretentious J as the signature. Like he's Prince or something." Bella rolled her eyes.

"Have you told Edward about him?"

Bella shook her head. "Nope. He knows there was somebody who hurt me, but he doesn't know details. It's just never really needed to come up."

"Okay, well, that's good." Rose poured a cup of coffee, contemplating her next words.

"I want you to be hyper-vigilant. You hear me?"

"Yeah, yeah…"

"I mean it. Don't get too complacent. He obviously found your address."

"I promise. He isn't going to hurt me, Rose."

"That's what you said the last time. There's always a next time."

"I said okay, Rose. What more can I do?" Bella was frustrated by this turn of events, and now Rose was going to go all protective on her.

Rose couldn't hold back the tender look on her face anymore, and her voice cracked with emotion. "Bella, I just got you back. The real you back. I don't want to lose that…or have you lose yourself again."

"You won't. That will never happen again."

"I know. I know…but I can't lie, it feels good when I hear you say it and see your face at the same time. I see that Bella determination and confidence you've always carried within yourself. Don't ever lose that again. Promise me."

"I promise. But just know…I'm doing it for me. I don't ever want to go down that road again." The frankness of Bella's candor put Rose at ease.

The words she spoke were empowering. Saying them out loud gave her the inner strength she needed to face this potential battle once more, and this time, she was ready.

An: Who is loving Kate for putting Edward on notice? Edward, give her a couples weekend. LOL. And now we know a bit more about Jacob. Dun dun dun…

I would love to know what you're thinking, so please kindly leave a review. Your reactions, love, and theories are a driving force and keep the wheels turning as I work to finish the story.

If you want to see the pic teasers and anything else related to this story, I have started a FB group called DrivingEdward Fanfiction. Please come and join in on all the fun with teasers, updates, and conversation.

The Eras Contest is under way and we have our first two submissions. Go read, review, and show them some love. You can find the contest here on FFN at The Eras Contest. Favorite and follow to get the latest contest submissions. We will be accepting submissions through October 31st.

We also have a FB group called The Eras Contest. Please come and join. The inspiration, or shall I say picspiraton in the group is outstanding.

I'm off to Saint Simons Island, Georgia for a lovely holiday with my daughter and some friends. Wishing you all a wonderful next 2 weeks until we meet again.

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward