AN: Hi everyone, Sorry it's taken so long for another update.
Sadly my grandfather passed away so I've been busy taking care of everything.

Anway, onto the next chapter. we've left off with Bella mulling over if she could really go out to the club like a normal person without worrying about what the press might do to her afterwards.

PS. Sorry if I got some of the baseball lingo wrong in this chapter. Do let me know!

Hope you'll enjoy!

Chapter 37

EPOV

The next week flew by and before we knew it we were getting ready for the opening game of the season. We were all feeling the adrenaline start spiking and the tension in the locker room was palpable. We were in our uniforms and had all agreed to wear a black band around our upper left arm as a sign of respect for Charlie.

I hoped Bella would appreciate this gesture. She was still grieving for her father, but she was getting better every day. I knew it.

'It's the start, boys.' Emmett said as we were all gathered for the pre game pep talk.

Sam and Jared were here too. They had started last week as our assistant coach and batting coach. They hadn't had a lot of time to get us into shape, but they had done some good. I'm sure seeing us play would help them get more into a rhythm and get us in good enough shape to reach the world series and then win that.

'The start of the season is here and we've trained hard to be in the best shape we can be. 162 games stand between us and a spot in the world series. We've promised not only Charlie, but his daughter, our new owner that the world championship will be ours. So let's go out there tonight and win this game. Show them we're here to take names and crush everyone who stands in our way.'

The lockerroom burst into cheers.

'Next starts here!' Emmett boomed out our new motto for this season and we all echoed it loudly.

'Go!' Sam shouted as he opened the door and we filed out. We ran down the ramp and onto the field still cheering and whooping, and the crowd went wild along with us as we appeared on the field.

We were first up in the field so we headed to take our places. The other team came out next, and the crowd was clapping and cheering loudly. They headed into their dugout, the first batter taking his place.

I glanced over at our dugout and felt a small sense of satisfaction seeing Laurent and Tyler sitting there, identical scowls on their faces. The talk Bella had had with them had helped. After that first training they had behaved themselves, and they'd thrown themselves into training. There had been no more gossip or talk behind my back.

They had been extra bummed out that they still couldn't play this game with the rest of us, even with their imrpoved behaviour. But they weren't alone in the dug out, there were the alternates and sadly, Seth as well. My dad had ruled him out of this game, his arm was still a bit weaker than it should be. He'd been getting an extra PT regimen that should get him back into shape to play the next game. Carlisle hadn't wanted to chance it yet. Seth understood, though he was bummed.

The announcer called the guest singer up to sing the national anthem and then there was the ceremonial opening pitch thrown by some high up member of the state congress. Then finally the game begun. I kept my eyes on the ball all the time, running with every hit, leaping to catch the fly aways.

When I caught the third out, we headed to the dug out to start batting. The game continued and we were pulling ahead in the scores. I stepped up to bat but the pitcher was good, and I barely managed to get the ball at all. It sailed into left field and I quickly high tailed into first, barely making it there with a slide. I manged to head to second when the next batter soared the ball into outfield. But then there was an out. The next one got three strikes and then I was running for third. But the ball landed in the outstretched hand of one of the players, causing our third out. And that completed the first inning.

We continued on like that, and I was pleased to see us still slightly ahead in the scores, though it wasn't an easy game at all. They were definitely making us work for it, but that was good. Challenge was good in this game. It kept our heads in it.

When we finally reached the last inning we were only just ahead. I kept my eye on the ball and ran like hell to make sure the players oculdn't steal any bases. We were diligent and didn't give an inch. And then there were already two outs, the batter struck the ball hard and I took off running, feeling like it would be a wide one. I kept looking over my shoulder looking at the ball and noticed it was heading far outfield. I ran harder. I knew this one would be difficult to catch, but I had to try. If I caught it, it would mean the third out and we would have won the first game of the season.

We had to win.

I pushed myself harder and turned around looking up and seeing the ball head straight towards me. I jumped, and the ball landed in my glove with a twack.

Out.

For a moment it was quiet, then cheers burst out as we were called the winner of the first game of the season. Everyone piled onto the mound where we jumped around and celebrated. Emmett was there with us, patting me on the back.

We had won!

I couldn't believe it, we'd won the first game. Just 161 to go and then on to the world series. When everything settled down somewhat we headed to the lockeroom, still cheering and celebrating. I breezed through showering and changing but when I was done there was only one thing on my mind; finding Bella.

She'd been here to see the game as well, only high up in the private viewing box that was hers. She'd invited Rose and Alice too, as well as my parents. I wondered for a moment if she was still up there and I could sneak up as well, but Emmett caught me heading out of the locker room.

'Ed, let's go' he ordered.

'I thought we still had a few moments before the press conference.' I muttered, heading over to him.

He just rolled his eyes at me and headed down the hall to the media room. I followed after him and we headed inside. I was immediately blinded by the flashses of the camera's. Then I found myself in the arms of my father and my mother. I grinned and hugged them both back.

'Congratulations, son.' Carlisle said, squeezing my shoulder.

'Thanks, dad.' I smiled at them. 'Did you guys enjoy the seats?' I asked them.

Esme nodded. 'Oh yes, we could see everything so well up there. It was amazing. And we could actually hear each other talk, too.'

'That's great.' I smiled at her. The rest of the team were slowly filing in and Emmett gestured for me to take my seat. 'I'll find you guys after, alright?'

They both nodded and went to stand near the back of the room, with the other family members and girlfriends from the team.

As we all took our place the door opened again and Bella walked in. My heart nearly stopped at the sight of her. I wanted to run to her and wrap her up in my arms and spin her around. I wanted to celebrate her first win with her.

She looked amazing. Her hair was loosely curled and hung down her back. She was wearing bright blue slacks with a loose white bouse on top. She was simply stunning. The camera's flashed like crazy as she took her place behind the microphone. Then Harry stepped up and the press conference started.

Bella started with a short statement that she was proud of the team's accomplishment. 'My father's last wish was to win the world series. Today we took our first step towards that goal. And I will do my best to make sure we make it there.' She concluded her statement.

I couldn't help but feel pride at how she was able to honour Charlie.

The press started firing off their questions, some for Bella, some for Emmett, some for me or other players. After twenty minutes Harry called it to a close again and we filed out. The rest of the team headed straight for the lockerroom again to gather their things.

'Celebratory drinks at the bar!' Seth yelled as they headed down the hall. Cheers resounded through the hall and I laughed as they pulled me along. I cast a look back over my shoulder, but Bella was no where to be seen.

I focussed back on the guys and thought it was probably for the best. I wasn't really sure what I would do if I saw Bella right now, I just wanted to celebrate, and hugging her with so many camera's around, or doing something else would surely just be a recipe for disaster. So I headed with the guys to the bar just a few blocks from the park to celebrate the usual way with beer and good company.

I was a few beers in when Emmett came in the bar with Sam and Jared in tow. We all cheered and a round of shots was quickly ordered.

'To coach!' Seth yelled.

'To coach!' we all repeated and I threw back the shot, it burned all the way down and I shuddered.

It was tradition to do shots with jagermeister bombs, it was definitely not my favourite tradition.

'Good game today Cullen' Emmett patted my back, nearly sending me into the bar. It seemed Emmett had already had a few drinks as well. He usually only forgot his strength after a few beers.

But I let it slide. 'Thanks' I grinned at him.

Rose come over then and congratulated me as well. I ordered another round of beer for us.

'Order another, Edward.' Rose said with a small mischievous smile.

I frowned at her. 'Why?'

She nodded her head to the back of the bar. I frowned and looked over. There in a secluded corner was Bella, hidden away in a booth, with Harry and Alice. She was laughing and had an empty glass in front of her.

I smiled at Rose and quickly did as she suggested.

The bartender quickly poured the beers. And I clapped Emmett on the back, quickly heading to the back of the bar with Bella's drink.

Her eyes were on me before I even reached her booth, and the happiness in them lifted my heart.

'Hi' I said with a smile as I reached their booth.

'Hi' she responded.

'I noticed your glass was empty.' I said nodding to her glass and putting the fresh one in front of her.

'Thank you.' she smiled at me.

Alice cleared her throat. 'Well, I think I'll go find Jasper.' She gave me a wink as she passed me. 'Good job today, brother.'

'Thanks, Al' I gave her a quick hug before she set off through the crowd.

Harry was next. 'I'm going to call it a night. Good game today, Edward. Bella, you did good, kid. Charlie would be proud.'

'Thank you.' Bella said with a smile that was heartbreakingly beautiful.

'I'll see you after the weekend.' Harry said with a wave at both of us.

I sat down in the booth next to her. We smiled at each other for a moment.

'Are you happy?' I asked her finally.

She nodded. 'we won, of course I'm happy' she said with a laugh as she took a sip from her drink.

'Just 161 to go.' I told her clinking my glass with hers.

She laughed and nodded. 'Yeah, but I know I can do this now. It feels good to know. We won. We'll make it to the world series. I can get us there. I know that now.'

'I never doubted you.' I told her earnestly. 'you've done great things for the team Bella. Just getting rid of Jones and Paul was already a good thing. But also adding the pilates? Genius. I don't think there are many MLB teams that have that on their roster. It will definitely give us an edge. And that was all you. Those descions are what will get us there, Bella. I'm sure of it.'

Her mouth was slightly open as she stared at me, emotion glistened in her eyes, but I wasn't exactly sure which emotion it was.

As we stared at each the room around us seemed to disappear. I was lost in her gaze and I found myself leaning towards her. Her eyes were locked on mine and I subconsciously wet my lips.

'Bella.' I whispered.

'Edward.' She whispered back.

And then her lips were on mine.

Heaven. Pure heaven.

Her lips were soft and full as they moved with mine. I could taste the faint traces of her beer on her lips and it drove me insane. I traced her bottom lip with my tongue and revelled in the little gasp she made. Her lips opened and my tongue slid into her mouth. Nothing I had fanatasized about could have prepared me for this. From the moment I'd met her I'd wanted to kiss her. But this was more than I ever could have dreamt. She was amazing. Her tongue swirled with mine and we fit each other perfectly.

But then a loud cheer broke through our bubble and we pulled back from each other. For a moment we stared at each other, but then another cheer broke out and we both snapped our heads towards the cause of the ruckus. Apparently Emmett was regailing everyone with stories from the game. I grinned and shook my head, turning back to Bella.

But my heart stopped when her gaze met mine again. Tears were pooling in her eyes.

I frowned and reached out to stroke her cheek. 'Bella.' I started, but she pulled away from my touch. I immediately dropped my hand.

'I'm sorry.' she quickly said. 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that.'

'Done what?' I asked, dread filled me as she looked away from me.

'I shouldn't have kissed you. I'm sorry. I need to go.' She said, grabbing her purse.

'What? Why?'

'I can't do this, Edward. I'm sorry. I just can't.' She pushed at me and I got out of the booth.

'Because I'm a player on your team?' I asked softly.

'I'm sorry.' she only responded. 'I'm just… I can't do this.' And then she turned and ran from me.

I let her go.