ELEVEN

Edward's car pulled up to my place, and as he put it in park, I could still feel the buzz of the evening's events thrumming through me. He walked me to the doorstep, my thoughts swimming with everything we'd shared tonight. The way he'd set up that rooftop movie night—it was perfect. He was perfect.

He moved closer, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch so gentle it made my heart flutter. "Goodnight, Bella," he said, his voice soft, giving me that charming smile.

I blinked up at him, watching as he turned to walk away. I frowned, feeling a mix of disbelief and amusement bubble up. "Seriously?" I called out after him, crossing my arms.

He stopped and turned back, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" he asked, looking genuinely puzzled.

"You're really not going to kiss me?" I scoffed, a teasing smile creeping onto my face. "After all that? You do all this, and then you just say goodnight?"

Edward's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing across his features. He took a step back towards me, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"I didn't want to presume," he said softly, closing the distance between us. "I thought maybe you'd want to take things slow."

I bit my lip, shaking my head playfully. "Well, you missed your chance," I said, pretending to be unaffected as I turned to unlock my door.

But before I could even get the key in the lock, I felt Edward's hand gently grasp my wrist. He spun me around, and suddenly I was face-to-face with him, my back pressed against the door. His eyes were intense, burning with a mixture of desire and mischief.

"Oh no," he whispered, his breath warm on my face. "I don't think I have."

My heart raced as he leaned in, pausing just inches from my lips. I could feel the electricity crackling between us, the anticipation building with each passing second. And then, finally, his lips met mine.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if Edward was giving me one last chance to pull away. But as I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss. His hands found my waist, pulling me closer, and I felt like I was floating.

Time seemed to stand still as we stood there, lost in each other. The world around us faded away until there was nothing but the feel of his lips on mine, the warmth of his body pressed against me.

He tested the boundary, his tongue darting out to lightly touch my lips. Without a second thought I opened my mouth for him. As our tongues danced, a soft moan escaped my throat, muffled by our kiss. Edward's grip on my waist tightened in response, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. The intensity between us was building, threatening to consume us both.

Finally, breathless, we broke apart. Edward rested his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as he caught his breath. When he opened them again, they were dark with desire, yet soft with affection.

"Bella," he whispered, his voice husky. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

I smiled, my fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. "Me too," I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

He chuckled softly, placing a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. "I should go," he said reluctantly, "I have a flight early in the morning for an away game. If I don't leave now I'm worried my tongue will find its way back to yours."

He'd be leaving for two weeks. How is that possibly fair?

I couldn't help but laugh, even as disappointment fluttered in my chest. "Responsible as always," I teased, trying to mask my reluctance to let him go.

Edward grinned, his eyes twinkling. "One of us has to be," he retorted playfully. But I could see the conflict in his eyes, the same desire to stay that I felt.

He leaned in once more, pressing a soft, chaste kiss to my lips. "Goodnight, Bella," he murmured against my mouth. "For real this time."

I smiled, savouring the lingering warmth of his kiss. "Goodnight, Edward."

As he walked back to his car, I fumbled with my keys, my hands still trembling slightly from the intensity of our encounter. Just as I got the door open, I heard Edward call out.

"Bella?"

I turned back to look at him.

"Rosalie texted me about an hour ago. Tell her I said the dress would have been on the floor like she insisted had I not signed my balls away to my coach. We don't show up to the team flight tired" he says, "but insist that to her please."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing, my face flushing at the implication. Of course Rosalie would have texted him something like that. She'd treated me like her personal barbie doll tonight.

"I'll be sure to pass along the message," I called back, shaking my head in amusement. "Though I'm not sure she'll appreciate the excuse."

Edward grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Tell her she can take it up with Coach if she has any complaints."

As he got into his car, I leaned against my doorframe, watching him. Just before he closed the door, he looked up at me one last time, his expression softening.

"Sweet dreams, Bella," he said.

"You too," I replied, my heart fluttering.

I waited until his car disappeared around the corner before finally stepping inside, closing it tightly.

"Why are you alone?" Rosalie crosses her arms standing in the kitchen, a night shirt hanging from her frame.

"Because Donkey from Shrek cockblocked me," I answer.

Rosalie's eyebrows shot up, a mix of confusion and amusement crossing her face. "I'm sorry, what?" she asked, trying to stifle a laugh. "Did you just say Donkey from Shrek?"

I sighed dramatically, kicking off my shoes and collapsing onto the couch. "We were watching the movie, just about to kiss and likely do more but boom… 'I believe…' blasted through the speaker and we jumped out of our pants."

Rosalie burst out laughing, collapsing onto the couch next to me. "Oh my god, that's hilarious," she gasped between fits of giggles. "I can't believe Donkey cockblocked you!"

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "It's not funny, Rose! We were so close, and then..." I trailed off, remembering the heat of the moment before it was shattered by Donkey's voice.

"Okay, okay," Rosalie said, trying to compose herself. "But seriously, you guys didn't pick up where you left off? I mean, come on, it's just a movie."

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my frustration. "No, we didn't. They have the away game too so he has an early start."

Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Then the dirty picture I sent Emmett may have been slightly unfair," she smirks to herself, "because he's going to be up all night."

"I kinda need to see it now," I kick my shoes off in the doorway and walk over to her.

When she shows me the phone I gawk.

"Oh my god, Rose!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I stared at the photo on her phone. It was definitely not safe for work - Rosalie posed provocatively in lacy black lingerie that left little to the imagination. "How is that even legal to send?"

Rosalie grinned wickedly, clearly pleased with herself. "What can I say? I know how to keep my man interested." She winked at me. "Maybe you should try something similar with Edward. Might help speed things along."

I felt my face flush hot at the suggestion. "I don't know, Rose. That's a bit... bold for me. Besides, we're not even officially together yet."

"Come on. I'll help you," she grins wickedly, "it doesn't have to be fully sexy. Just something to top his night off and make him thirsty."

I hesitated, biting my lip as I considered Rosalie's offer. Part of me was tempted - the thought of sending Edward a flirty photo was thrilling, if a bit nerve-wracking. But another part of me worried it might be too much, too soon.

"I don't know, Rose," I said hesitantly. "What if he thinks I'm being too forward?"

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Please. The guy just spent an entire evening wooing you with a romantic date. Trust me, he'll love it."

She grabbed my hand, pulling me towards her bedroom. "Come on, we'll keep it tasteful. Just a little something to make him think of you before he goes to sleep. Let him know what was under that dress."

She turns to have me face away from her.

"Undo it, face away from me and look back over your shoulder. The top of the g-string showing through the top of the zip."

I hesitated for a moment, my heart racing. This was so far out of my comfort zone but it made me feel empowered. memory of Edward's kiss, the heat in his eyes, gave me a surge of boldness.

"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do it."

I turned away from Rosalie, reaching behind me to slowly unzip my dress. I could feel the cool air on my skin as the fabric parted, revealing my back. Following Rose's instructions, I glanced over my shoulder, trying to channel some of her confidence.

"Perfect," Rosalie said, her voice approving. "Now, just tilt your chin down a bit... There. Hold that pose. Look down like it's impromptu."

I heard the click of her phone's camera. "Okay, done. Want to see?"

Nervously, I turned back around, holding my dress up with one hand. Rosalie showed me the photo.

I gasped softly as I looked at the image on Rosalie's phone. It was... surprisingly tasteful, yet undeniably sensual. The curve of my bare back was visible, with just a hint of the lacy g-string peeking out at the top. My face was turned slightly, eyes cast down, giving an air of shy seduction. It was subtle, yet alluring.

"Wow," I breathed, a mix of shock and pride washing over me. "I... I can't believe that's me."

Rosalie grinned triumphantly. "See? I told you we could make it work. You look hot, but not overly provocative. It's perfect."

I bit my lip, still staring at the photo. "Do you really think I should send it?"

"Absolutely," Rosalie nodded emphatically. "He'll love it. Trust me."

"What do I write?" I ask.

Rosalie tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, you want something flirty but not too over the top." She snapped her fingers. "I've got it. How about: 'A little preview of what was under the dress. Sweet dreams, Edward.'"

I felt my cheeks flush but couldn't help smiling. It was perfect - playful and suggestive without being too explicit.

"Okay," I said, taking a deep breath. "I'm doing it."

With slightly trembling fingers, I typed out the message and attached the photo. Before I could second-guess myself, I hit send.

"There," I said, letting out a nervous laugh. "It's done."

Rosalie squealed and hugged me. "Look at you, being all bold and sexy! I'm so proud."

We waited for a few moments, both of us staring intently at my phone. The seconds ticked by agonisingly slowly. Just as I was starting to regret my decision, my phone buzzed with a new message.

"Oh my god, he replied!" I gasped, nearly dropping the phone in my excitement.

Rosalie leaned in close. "Well? What did he say?"

With shaky hands, I opened the message. As I read it, I felt a rush of heat flood my face, a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration.

"He said..." I paused, clearing my throat. "'Bella, you're killing me. That image is going to be burned into my brain all night. Sweet dreams indeed.'"

Rosalie whooped triumphantly. "See? I told you he'd love it!"

But there was more. A second message came through just as I finished reading the first.

"'P.S.'" I read aloud, my voice trembling slightly with anticipation. "'I hope you know that payback is coming. And I play to win.'"

I felt a shiver run down my spine, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation coursing through me. Edward's words held a promise that made my heart race.

Rosalie squealed in delight, grabbing my arm. "Oh my god, Bella! Do you know what this means? He's totally into you!"

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a bit giddy myself. "I guess so," I admitted, unable to keep the smile off my face.

"You guess so?" Rosalie scoffed. "Girl, he's practically declaring war. A sexy, flirty war."

Just then, another message came through. With bated breath, I opened it.

It was a photo.

My heart pounded as I opened the message. The photo loaded and I gasped, my eyes widening.

It was Edward, shirtless, clearly just out of the shower. Water droplets glistened on his sculpted chest and abs. He was looking directly at the camera with a smouldering gaze, one hand running through his damp, tousled hair. The photo was cropped just low enough to show the defined V of his hips disappearing into a towel slung dangerously low on his waist.

"Oh. My. God," I breathed, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen.

Rosalie peered over my shoulder and let out a low whistle. "Your man does not play fair."