AN: Wow. Thank you so much for the great response to the last chapter and welcome to all the new readers. Everyone has been so great reviewing. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I read every single one, and I'm doing my best to respond.

So let's see how Darling and Shug are doing as they become friends outside the bedroom.

Chapter 9

"We'll find out what we're made of

When we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like one, two, three

I'll be there

And I know when I need it, I can count on you

like four, three, two

And you'll be there

'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do.

Oh, yeah."

"Count on Me" by Bruno Mars

~oOo~

Edward stepped into the waiting shower. The spray of hot water covered him, relaxing his mind and his body. Powerful streams pummeled the knots left in his back by last night's game. The hotel showerheads weren't as good as the ones his trainer recommended for his home, but beggars couldn't be choosers; they still made a huge difference after a long, arduous game.

It had been a week since he'd seen Bella, since they'd had their talk and made plans to go hiking. Just the thought of her made him hard. He'd wanted her so badly that night. The sounds she made as he kissed her made him ache. He'd wanted to be a gentleman, and his instincts had been honorable, but right now, he was cursing his decision.

As the water continued to fall over him, he washed his body and hair. He moaned as the sensations awakened not only his body but also his cock. Like every morning since the day he'd left her in the parking lot, Edward lathered his hand with shower gel and dropped it where he needed it the most. He began to stroke himself, with visions of Bella appearing behind his closed eyes—her smell, her sounds, her writhing underneath him as took her. The more he thought of her, the harder he got. The harder he got, the faster his pace. His hand moved with purpose, twisting and stroking, reaching the tip and gliding back down.

He saw her against the window, her head thrown back in ecstasy as he thrust into her over and over. Edward, nearing the cusp, readied himself to fall over the edge. When his thighs started to falter, he laid his palm on the tile wall, supporting himself while he gripped himself tighter, moving faster and faster, bringing him to his final release. He spilled onto the shower floor, groaning and cursing, his legs weakening almost to the point of collapse.

Edward leaned his forehead against the shower wall as he struggled to catch his breath. His heart was beating rapidly, pleasure humming along his skin. Each pulse of his cock had been more powerful than the previous one. All he could see behind his closed eyes was the breathtaking view of Bella coming beneath him.

As his breathing gradually regulated, he slid to the shower floor, pondering what the fuck had just happened. Who was Bella Swan, and how had his body become completely hers?

~oOo~

Bella arrived home from practice early for a change. She'd trained hard, and with practice cut short by the rainy Atlanta weather, she was ready to relax. She was grateful she had the foresight to order takeout for dinner, and it was ready when she arrived to pick it up. Freshly showered, she opened her container of sushi and sat down in front of the TV with Millie.

Realizing the time, she grabbed the remote to see if her favorite shortstop's game was on. As luck would have it, she caught the end of the first inning. Edward had yet to come up to bat.

As she ate her dinner, her phone rang with the familiar sound of a FaceTime call. When her sister's face displayed on the screen, she sighed. Wanting a quiet evening to herself, Bella debated whether to answer. Since Rose was alone at home rather than on the road with Emmett, she figured it was better to answer.

Bella knew she'd won the big sister lottery. Rose worried about Bella, and she was fiercely protective. There wasn't anything Rose wouldn't do for her.

Wiping her mouth, Bella swiped the screen to answer, propping her phone up to talk.

"Hey, babe."

"Hey," Rose responded.

"What's going on?" Bella could tell by the look on Rose's face that something wasn't right.

"Nothing. It's just raining and I'm sitting here all alone, feeling sorry for myself."

"Why?" Bella feared Rose's response.

Rose sighed. "I got my period." Her voice and face cracked with emotion.

"Oh, Rose, I'm so, so sorry. Remember, the doctor said it wouldn't be an immediate fix."

"I know, I know. I was just secretly hoping. You know?"

"I know, sweetie, but the doctor said it was going to take some time for you to heal from the surgery."

Rose nodded, wiping a tear from the side of her eye. "You're right. I'm not even really supposed to be trying for the next three to four months. I just felt a twinge of excitement since my period was late."

Bella smiled even though she hated the pain her sister was going through. Rose's endometriosis had been a very difficult journey since she was a teen. The constant pain she endured was horrific, but she always persevered, and the corrective surgery was a small roadblock on the way to parenthood. Sooner rather than later, a little Emmett or Rosalie would come to be.

"Listen, Rose, you want me to pop over or pack a bag and stay the night?"

"Actually, my bag is all packed. Can I come over there? I have Chardonnay." Rose lifted her bag and a wine bottle for Bella to see. "I'm so tired of being home alone. This road trip has felt especially long. I should have gone with him, but I have so much work to do, I thought it would be hard to navigate. Remind me not to do that again," she said with a laugh.

"Okay, come on over. And I just happen to have our favorite popcorn on hand. Lucky you, I just went to the store."

"White cheddar popcorn?" Rose squealed.

"Pfft…would I have any other?"

"Can we watch the—"

"Already on," Bella assured.

"Walking out the door. See ya in fifteen."

"Be safe. Roads are slippery."

Rose sent her a smooch and disconnected. Bella walked to the pantry, making sure she had all of Rose's favorites. Bella hated when her sister was sad, but the one good thing about Rose, she didn't wallow. She had her moment and moved on.

Bella had everything they needed, including more wine. She always tried to stay stocked up, especially with their favorite peach ice cream. Even though it was not a good time for her to indulge, Bella would make an exception for Rose. Moderation would be key.

In exactly fifteen minutes, Rose rang the doorbell, and Millie went crazy.

"Hey, babe. Thanks again. You're a life saver."

Rose walked in as if she owned the place, dropped her bag by the door, and marched with a purpose straight into the kitchen. She placed two bottles of wine in the fridge and one on the counter next to the glasses Bella had set out.

Raising an eyebrow, Bella asked, "Are we having a party?"

"You know me. I always like to come prepared. Plus, I kinda owe you some wine from the last time I was here." Rose looked at her with a flash of regret.

Bella remembered Rose drank more than she normally did that night, which concerned Emmett, but he knew his girl was letting off some steam from the doctor's report. Once again, he had been out of town when she received the news, so not being there had really worried him. He'd called Bella out of desperation. She knew exactly how to handle Rose.

After Bella poured them each a glass of wine, they sat on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn between them.

The game was in the fourth inning, and the Braves were down by one against the Mets. The girls continued to chat as they watched the game. Rose was being mindful, steering clear of all Edward talk, and Bella was grateful for the reprieve. She wasn't ready to discuss their relationship any more than they already had, and Rose had a way of bringing things out of her.

Emmett was up to bat, so the girls were quiet as they watched. Emmett had a great two-base hit, sending one of the guys on second base across home plate to tie the game.

"Woohoo! That's my monkey man," Rose cheered before she took another sip of her wine.

Bella rolled her eyes at the nickname. She didn't want to know why Rose called him that. If she asked, the next thing she knew, they'd be talking about sex positions. Bella wanted to avoid knowing all the cringey things about her brother-in-law, so she cheered just as loudly, clapping and whistling. She was so proud of Emmett. He was the brother she never had but never knew she needed.

Edward was up next. Bella tried not to look super interested, but she failed miserably. She was fidgeting and chewing her thumbnail, a nervous habit from childhood she couldn't ever seem to hide from Rose.

"It's okay, babe. This is an Edward-judgment-free zone," Rose teased. "I promise not to make a big deal out of it. You're both consenting adults who seem to know what you're doing. Who am I to judge?"

"Thanks. I appreciate that. He's really been a great friend."

"I'm glad." Rose waited a full minute before she continued, offering Bella her unsolicited opinion. "I guess I just can't imagine the fringe benefits of being his friend outweigh you both opening your eyes and trying for a real relationship."

"Rose—"

"I know…I know. I just want you happy, Bella. And from what Emmett's said, Edward's a great guy. I met him for the first time at spring training, and he seemed very charming, personable. I promise, I'm not trying to butt my nose in here, and I did just say this was an Edward-judgment-free zone, but I thought you might be interested to hear what Emmett thought."

"You haven't…haven't told Emmett, have you?" Bella's eyes widened with alarm.

"Nope. But he isn't blind. He said Edward's been watching you play, without him." Rose looked amused at Bella's reaction. "Edward had been joining him to watch you play a few times in the clubhouse."

"How would he know?"

"I guess Edward was intently watching his iPad one day, so Emmett walked up behind him and saw the game on the screen. But don't worry. Emmett decided to play it cool and not draw attention to it."

"Well, tell Emmett I appreciate him not making a big deal out of it. Right now, it's not a big—"

The girls looked at the screen the moment they heard the crack of the bat. Edward had hit a ball out into centerfield, and it took a bounce. They were screaming and clapping for him as he ran with all his might, but when he tagged first base and ran straight past it, they both saw him stagger.

The look on his face was pure anguish. He was hopping on one leg, until he couldn't take it anymore. He was on the ground before the first-base coach could reach him. As the team doctor and the coach ran out to check on him, Bella and Rose held each other's hands, watching the drama unfold on the field. They saw Edward grimacing and shaking his head as he answered the doctor's questions. Finally, with the help of the doctor and a teammate, he got up and hobbled on one leg past the dugout, down the stairs to the locker room, and out of sight.

Rose and Bella looked at each other in shock.

"What the hell happened? Can you call Emmett?"

"No, I can't call Emmett. He doesn't have his phone down there." Rose thought for a moment, then she said, "I'll text him to call me as soon as he can after the game."

"Okay, okay…" Bella blew out a big breath. She hated seeing athletes get hurt on the job, especially this one. It was their livelihood; one misstep or injury could be career-ending. The anticipation was killing Bella while they waited to hear what the announcers reported.

"Chip, based on the slow-motion replays, it looks like Cullen clipped the bag with his foot, and his heel, or the side of his foot, came down hard on the bag. Hopefully, it doesn't have anything to do with his leg."

Bella and Rose both looked horrified. Neither of those scenarios sounded good. While they waited to hear more from Emmett, they watched the game and drank a lot more wine than either of them had intended.

~oOo~

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Edward yelled as the team doctor attempted to inspect his injury.

"Edward, I need to examine your foot. Can I take off your shoe and sock to get a better look?" Dr. Gerandy asked.

Edward nodded, taking a big gulp of Powerade as the doctor went to work. The tug and pull of his sock and shoe coming off were excruciating. The grimace on his face left nothing to the imagination. As the doctor inspected Edward's foot, he noticed a dark purple bruise starting to form on the side of his heel. Edward saw it as well, and he knew instantly that wasn't a good sign.

He groaned as he lay on the table. Running his hands roughly through his hair, Edward gripped the ends and began to pull hard in frustration.

"Edward, we need to get this X-rayed, and get you seen by a specialist. My suspicion is that you have a bruised heel, but we have to rule out a fracture first so we know how to treat it."

Edward nodded his head as visions of days on the IL crowded his mind.

The doctor tightly wrapped Edward's foot for support and set his heel on an ice pack. As he stared at the ceiling, Edward found himself dreading the next few days, visiting doctors and being a burden on his parents.

Dr. Gerandy brought Edward crutches and arranged transportation for him to the hospital. Being out of town sucked, and Edward was frustrated he wasn't able to see the team orthopedist immediately.

"For the time being, we are going to start with RICE and keep that foot elevated as much as possible. You know what RICE means, correct?"

Edward chuckled. "Rest, ice, compression, elevation. It's, like, the Holy Trinity of orthopedic care. Am I right?"

"You're correct."

"How long?" Edward looked at him, feeling vulnerable. Anxiety showed on his face as he struggled to keep calm. The unknown possibilities made Edward start to panic.

"We'll know more once we have your X-ray and get an MRI. That'll tell us all we need to know and how to proceed. You could be down a few days to a few weeks. If it's a break, we'll have to reassess. But let's take this one step at a time and not borrow. We'll get you back out there as fast as we can."

Edward felt his stomach drop when he heard how long he could be down. He prayed it was only a few days. He was hitting well and didn't want to lose his momentum. As he rested on the table, waiting for the transport, his mind wandered to all the things he had on his plate.

"Fuck," he whispered as he realized all the plans he'd made when he returned were screwed. "Bella."

~oOo~

"Front door's open," Edward bellowed from the sofa.

He was really looking forward to Bella's visit. He had been going stir crazy sitting at home for the last week. She had been out of town since he returned, so this was the first time they'd seen each other. It was the day they were supposed to go on their hike, and he was feeling all sorts of guilty. The X-rays had come back negative and the MRI confirmed he had a bruised heel. Thank God, it wasn't a more serious injury, but it was a bad bruise, so Edward was out for the next two weeks at minimum.

Bella waltzed in with a big basket in her hands, greeting him with her sweet, unassuming smile. She was nervous about coming over to his house for the first time, so she baked a myriad of goodies for him to combat her nerves. She even made him a chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole, with the Ritz cracker topping.

Isn't that what people do when others are sick or injured? she had thoughtto herself.

"Hey, there." She smiled, putting the basket on the coffee table.

Edward was nestled in the corner of the sofa, his foot propped up by two pillows. Sitting beside him was a used ice pack and a giant tub of animal crackers.

"Hey, shug. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

"I bet you say that to all the girls."

"Only if they're named Bella." He gave her a swoony, drug-induced grin.

Bella sat down beside him, moving the animal crackers and ice pack to the floor, making herself comfortable.

"How high are you?" She giggled.

"Feeling no pain, Señorita."

"Señorita? Oh, we're really flying high, aren't we?"

"Not quite, but I'm slowly getting there." He chuckled as he pulled her closer to him.

She brushed her fingers through Edward's hair. He groaned at the sensation, tilting his head to meet the back of the sofa. His eyes fluttered closed as his long eyelashes fanned out on the top of his cheeks. She continued to soothe him with her touch, studying his face with each pass of her fingers. He looked disheveled. His beard was grown out more than usual, and his neck had sprouted as well. Edward was always well groomed, so this was a whole new look for him, as far as she was concerned.

"I thought you were feeling better," she murmured, her voice soft with concern.

"I was until I got too cocky and thought I would try to walk on it. That was a fucking disaster."

"Oh, Edward."

"Shit, I know, I know. I fucked up. I just wanna get back out there. I hate sitting here, knowing they're playing without me. I thought…I thought if I could tolerate it, I'd know I was on the road to recovery."

"And now?"

Edward blew out a rush of air before responding. "Now I know to stay off of it for a good week or more, and let myself rest. Stop trying to push it. Doctor said I didn't do it any harm, but to keep doing RICE and to test it in another ten days."

"Good. Listen to him and try to be a good patient."

"Yes, ma'am," he teased. "So whatcha got in that big ol' basket of yours, Little Miss Red Riding Hood?" His words came out slow and slurred.

Bella rolled her eyes. She could tell whatever pain meds he was on were beginning to take effect. Bella started to ramble, hoping against hope what she did wasn't too much. "Just a little something for you to enjoy. I came home early yesterday, so I thought I would bake you a few things to have in the house. I made some banana bread, blueberry muffins, and cookies. Nothing special." As if she couldn't shut up, she kept rambling. "And I brought you a casserole to heat up and eat whenever you're hungry. I'm sure your momma has made you some food, but I just thought—"

"It's perfect." He leaned over and gave her a sweet peck on the lips. "Now, hold up. Did you say you made cookies?" Edward's interest was piqued. He loved himself some cookies.

"Sure did. Chocolate Chip. I hope you like them."

Edward's glassy eyes lit up. "You hope I like 'em'? Damn, girl, I'm gonna love them. Those are my absolute favorite. Gimme that basket."

"Hold your flipping horses. I'll get them out." She swatted his hand away. "Now, they're a family favorite, but we have a special twist to ours. You'll have to tell me how they hold up against your favorites."

Bella took out the container of cookies, opened it, and pulled out the chocolate confection, handing it to him.

Edward moaned at the sight of them. "Get in my belly."

Bella watched as he took a big bite of the cookie. His eyes rolled back as he enjoyed every morsel.

"Oh, my damn. This is the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. What's the fancy stuff on top? It tastes salty." His words were coming out thicker and heavier, the pain medication taking a stronger hold on him.

She laughed at how perplexed he looked. "That's because it is salt. It's fancy and French. It's called Fleur de Sel. It's flaky, so it isn't your run of the mill table salt. It makes quite the difference, doesn't it?"

"I'll say. I've never had anything quite like this. It's almost…" He leaned in to steal another kiss from her. "Almost as sweet as you, shug."

Bella felt the heat of her blush at the sentiment. This man…damn this man. Why did he say the most adorable things?

He was full-on slurring now as he spoke his next words. "I love it when you blush." He ran his heavy finger lightly over her cheekbone and down her neck, making his way down the valley of her breasts. "You get all pretty and pink, just for me. It makes you all glowy."

Bella took in a quick breath as his fingers kept roaming. Edward looked at her moon-eyed, his finger making the journey from her collarbone back up to her cheek. He slipped his fingers in her hair, bringing her face to his. His sweet breath washed over her as he leaned in to kiss her once more. This time, though, the kiss wasn't so chaste. It was wanton and needy, building with each pass of their tongues. Bella reached up to cup his face, needing to feel him impossibly closer.

The kiss continued until Bella felt Edward jerk. The movement was accompanied by a low whimper—a sound that was not known to be made in ecstasy.

"Oh my God. Are you okay?" Bella broke the kiss in a panic.

In a gravely, pained voice, Edward responded, "Damnit. Yeah, I'll be okay. Just give me a minute. I shifted my foot and pain shot up my leg."

"I'm so sorry." Bella felt horrible. There she was, making out with him while he was high as a kite and in pain. What kind of person would do that? A horny person, that was who.

"Hey, hey. I'm okay. Don't worry. I wanted to smooch your lips just as much as you wanted to smooch mine. Maybe more." He waggled his eyebrows at her.

She couldn't help chuckling at his word choice. Edward was always playful, but he was getting funnier by the minute.

"Don't you go wagging those brows at me, Edward Cullen. You could've hurt yourself worse, and on my watch."

"I'm fine. I just misjudged how to move my foot. That's all. Not a big deal. The smooching was worth it. It's always worth it." His voice was starting to come out in a whisper as his eyelids fluttered open and shut. He was trying to keep himself awake, but the drugs were doing their job, pulling him under.

"Edward."

"Hmmm?"

"When was the last time you took your pain pill?" She tenderly swept a few locks of his hair off his forehead.

"Right before you got here. Why?" he murmured. He burrowed into the pillow he was leaning on, sinking into the sofa while he made himself more comfortable.

"No reason." She grabbed a blanket off the back of the sofa and laid it on him.

Edward sighed as he felt the soft blanket wrap around him. "Thank you." He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"You rest. I'll go put your casserole in the oven and let it cook. It needs about an hour."

As she stood, she started to unlace her fingers from Edward's. He startled awake and gripped her tighter, preventing her from fully standing. "Don't leave me, shug," he pleaded, his voice rough and weak.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here when you wake up. Promise."

"I'm sorry I messed up our date," he mumbled. Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, he closed his eyes for the final time.

"It's okay. We have plenty of time." She brushed her lips against his temple as she ran her fingers through his crazy hair once more.

Edward could only nod as the weight of the drugs finally pulled him completely under.

AN: Poor Edward. This will be a hard set back for him, tho it is only minor. Don't worry, he will be back on the field soon. Bella sure went the extra mile, didn't she?

I can't thank you enough for the reception this story has gotten. Y'all have blown me away. Thank you again for all the amazing reviews. I appreciate them beyond words. KEEP THEM COMING. I love hearing your thoughts and theories. It is such a fun motivator as I post this story.

I'm heading to TFMU in Minnesota tomorrow. Will I see you there? Looking forward to meeting up with friends new and old. Wishing you a wonderful day, and I'll see you in two weeks.

~Be Happy

~Be Kind

~Be Blessed

~DrivingEdward