TWENTY TWO
My book lay abandoned in my lap. Edward was settled next to me in the chemo chair, his eyes glued to the show on his phone with his earphones in, a soft smile tugging at his lips. I nudged him with my elbow, my eyes drifting over to the boy sitting across the room. He was maybe fifteen or sixteen, skinny from treatment, with a baseball cap covering his bald head. But despite everything, his eyes were practically glued to Edward, wide and filled with awe.
Edward pulled out one earphone, raising an eyebrow at me. "What's up?" he asked, leaning in closer.
I tilted my head in the boy's direction, a smile playing on my lips. "That kid over there has been staring at you for an hour. I think he's starstruck," I whispered.
Edward's face softened instantly, and he kissed my cheek gently before turning his attention to the boy. He gave him one of those genuine smiles that made my heart melt every time. "Hey, man," Edward called out, and the boy's eyes went even wider as if he couldn't believe what was happening.
The boy blinked a couple of times, looking around as if making sure Edward was talking to him. "M-me?" he stuttered, his voice cracking slightly.
Edward chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, you," he said warmly. "What's your name?"
The kid's face turned red, and he swallowed nervously before managing to say, "Danny."
"Nice to meet you, Danny," Edward said, getting up and crossing the small space to sit on the edge of the chair next to him. "So, are you a hockey fan?"
Danny's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Are you kidding? Huge fan! You're my favourite player, man. I've watched every game."
Edward grinned, clearly loving the enthusiasm. "Well, thanks, Danny. That means a lot. Tell you what, how about we take a photo and I sign something for you? Maybe I can hook you up with some rink-side seats to an upcoming game or even a spot in the box if you want."
Danny looked like he was going to burst with excitement. "No way! Are you serious?" he said, his voice shaking with disbelief.
"Absolutely," Edward said, "You can meet the whole team. They'll love you. How's that sound?"
Danny nodded so hard I thought his head might fall off. Edward took a few photos with him and signed his hat, and the look on the kid's face was pure joy. When Edward finally came back to sit beside me, the smile on his face was pure contentment.
I reached up, cupping his cheek and pulling him down to kiss him softly. "You're going to make such an amazing dad one day," I whispered against his lips, feeling my chest swell with love for this incredible man beside me.
Edward pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine with a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "You think so?" he asked, his voice a little rougher, filled with an emotion that tugged at my heartstrings.
I nodded, smiling up at him, my fingers tracing his jaw. "Yeah," I said softly. "I can't wait to have your little hockey babies."
He laughed then, that deep, beautiful sound that made my world brighter. "You know, I love that you're talking about our future like that," he said, his eyes twinkling with joy.
I felt my heart skip a beat, my cheeks flushing with warmth. "Well, you make it kind of easy to picture," I said, giving him a teasing smile.
He kissed me again, this time deeper and more tender, and I knew in that moment that no matter what happened, as long as Edward was by my side, we'd find a way to get through it together.
I reached over and took Edward's hand, squeezing it softly. He turned to me with a smile that made my heart flutter. "So," he said, glancing at the bag of goodies he'd brought me. "How's the book?"
My cheeks flushed instantly, and I bit my lip to hold back a grin. "Um, it's… good," I said, my voice coming out a little too high-pitched.
Edward raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh, really?" he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Why are you blushing like that? Is it a sexy book, Bella?"
I tried to play it off, but I could feel the heat creeping up my neck. "Maybe," I muttered, looking anywhere but at him.
That was all he needed. He reached over and grabbed the book off my lap, flipping it open to a random page. The grin on his face widened, and then his eyes went big as saucers as he read a few lines. "Whoa," he said, glancing up at me, the teasing gone from his eyes, replaced with genuine surprise. "Bella, this is… this is downright dirty!"
I covered my face with my hands, laughing despite myself. "Okay, okay, stop judging me!" I said through my giggles.
He begins to read aloud, quietly enough that only I can hear.
"She grabs his throbbing member lining it up with her," Edward quickly snaps the book shut, his face flushing red to match mine. "Okay, wow," he says, clearing his throat. "I think I've read enough."
I can't help but burst into laughter at his flustered expression. "What's the matter, hockey star? Can't handle a little steamy literature?"
He grins, leaning in close. "Oh, I can handle it," he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "I just prefer to act it out rather than read about it."
"You were the one who told me to distract myself," I defend
Edward's laugh echoed through the room, that deep, rich sound that always made my heart do somersaults. "I had no idea you were into this kind of… distraction," he said, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. "I'm learning all sorts of things about you today, aren't I?"
I peeked out from between my fingers, my face still burning. "Don't act so surprised," I said with a smirk. "You already knew I had a wild side."
He leaned in closer, his eyes darkening slightly, the playful smile still on his lips. "Yeah, but now I have the evidence," he murmured, holding the book up like it was some kind of scandalous secret. "And I'm definitely going to use it against you."
I swatted at his chest playfully, but he caught my hand and held it, his thumb stroking the back of it gently. He leaned in even closer, so close that I could feel his breath on my skin, and whispered, "Next time, I'm reading this with you."
My breath hitched at the promise in his words, and I knew that I was completely, hopelessly falling for this man.
Edward's grin turned wicked as he held up the book again, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He leaned in even closer, so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips, and in a low, teasing voice, he said, "So… is this how we're making the hockey babies, Bella?"
My jaw dropped, and I felt the blush spread like wildfire across my face. I couldn't help but laugh, a mix of shock and embarrassment bubbling up. "Edward!" I squeaked, smacking his arm playfully.
He just laughed, that rich, beautiful sound that made my heart race even more. "What?" he said, feigning innocence as he shrugged, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him. "I'm just saying, if this book is the game plan, I need to be prepared. Should I study it? Will you be taking my throbbing member?"
I shook my head, still laughing, but I felt that fluttery feeling in my stomach growing stronger. He had a way of turning everything into a lighthearted moment, even when my mind was tangled up in fear and uncertainty. I met his gaze, trying to hold back my smile. "You wish," I said, my voice softening despite my playful scolding.
He leaned in again, his face now serious but filled with warmth. "Just so you know," he murmured, his fingers gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I'm all in, no matter how we make those babies."
My breath hitched at the sincerity in his voice, and for a moment, all my worries melted away under his steady gaze. I knew then, without a doubt, that this man was going to be by my side through everything, no matter what came our way.
"Good to know," I smirk.
"Do you have to go away?" I pout wrapping my arms around him, the shower hitting my back in a soothing tempo.
Edward chuckled softly, his arms encircling my waist as he pulled me closer under the warm spray of the shower. "You know I do, babe," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "It's just a two-game road trip. I'll be back before you know it."
I sighed, resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "I know," I mumbled, my fingers tracing absent patterns on his skin. "I just... I hate being apart from you."
His hands moved up to cup my face, tilting it so I was looking into his eyes. The love and concern I saw there made my breath catch. "Hey," he said softly, "I hate it too. But you know I'll call you every night, and I'll be thinking about you every second I'm away."
"There's gotta be a way to make phone sex more interesting," I whisper against his mouth.
Edward's eyes darkened at my words, a slow grin spreading across his face. "What did you have in mind?"
I bit my lip, feeling a blush creep up my neck despite our intimate position. "Well," I said, trailing my fingers down his chest, "maybe we could... get creative."
His eyebrows shot up, intrigue sparking in his eyes. "Bella Swan, you continue to surprise me," he said, his hands sliding down to my hips.
"How do you get creative over the phone?" She bites her lip.
"Video call me while I'm gone," he suggests, "then I can watch you."
I felt a shiver run through me at his words, a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Watch me do what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Edward's eyes darkened further, his hands tightening slightly on my hips. "Whatever you want," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Touch yourself. Use that toy I bought you to replace your vibrator. Tell me your deepest fantasies."
My breath caught in my throat, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "I... I've never done anything like that before," I admitted, suddenly feeling shy despite our current state of undress.
He smiled softly, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. "We don't have to if you're not comfortable," he said gently. "But if you want to try... I promise it'll be just between us. And I'll be right there with you, every moan."
"I'm in," I nod smiling, "but the video isn't the same as the real thing."
"Well let's make the most of this shower and then we can make up for the time we'll spend apart," he hikes my leg up his hip.
I gasped as Edward lifted my leg, wrapping it around his waist. The warm water cascaded over us as he pressed me against the cool tile wall. His lips found mine in a heated kiss, tongues dancing as his hands roamed my body.
"God, I'm going to miss this," I breathed against his mouth.
Edward groaned softly, trailing kisses along my jaw. "Me too. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?"
I tilted my head, giving him better access to my neck. "And other things grow harder," I teased, rolling my hips against him.
He chuckled, the sound sending vibrations through my body. "Hold onto me baby," he instructs.
I wrapped my arms tightly around Edward's neck as he lifted me, pressing me firmly against the shower wall. The contrast of the cool tiles on my back and his warm body against my front sent shivers down my spine.
"Ready?" he murmured, his lips brushing my ear.
I nodded, unable to form words as I felt him position himself at my entrance. With one smooth thrust, he was inside me, filling me completely. I gasped, my fingernails digging into his shoulders.
"God," Edward groaned, his forehead resting against mine. "You are incredible."
He began to move, setting a steady rhythm that had me seeing stars. The steam from the shower enveloped us, adding to the heady atmosphere. I clung to him, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist as he drove into me again and again.
"Edward," I moaned, "that feels so good."
"You feel amazing," Edward growled, his pace quickening. The shower's steady stream mixed with our heavy breathing, creating a symphony of passion.
I could feel the familiar tension building in my core, my body trembling with each thrust. Edward's lips found mine again, swallowing my moans as he drove deeper.
"I'm close," I gasped, breaking away from the kiss.
Holding his shoulders I begin to grind my hips down into his thrusts, arching my chest toward him.
Edward groaned at the new angle, his grip on my hips tightening. "That's it," he encouraged, his voice husky with desire. "Take what you need."
The water continued to cascade over us as I moved against him, chasing my release. Edward's lips found my neck, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin there. The combination of sensations was overwhelming - the fullness of him inside me, the warm water running down our bodies, his mouth on my skin.
"Oh god, Edward," I moaned, feeling myself getting closer to the edge. "I'm so close."
He shifted slightly, changing the angle of his thrusts. "Come for me, Bella," he whispered against my ear, his breath hot on my skin.
His words pushed me over the edge. I cried out his name as waves of pleasure wrack my body. I lean my head back against the tiles, quivering.
Edward held me tightly as I came undone, his movements becoming more erratic. I could feel him tensing, his breath coming in short gasps against my neck.
"Bella," he groaned, his voice strained.
"Yes," I breathed, running my fingers through his wet hair. "Come for me, Edward. Come inside my… oh my god that's deep."
With a deep groan, Edward thrust into me one final time, his body shuddering as he found his release. I held him close, our chests heaving as we came down from our shared high.
For a long moment, we stayed like that, the warm water washing over us as we basked in the afterglow. Edward peppered soft kisses along my neck and shoulder, making me shiver despite the steam surrounding us.
Slowly, carefully, he lowered me back to my feet, keeping his arms around me as I found my balance on shaky legs. I leaned into him, resting my head on his chest and listening to the steady thump of his heart.
"I already miss you," he kisses my face.
"Stay and I'll let you do whatever you want to my naked body," I smirk against his mouth.
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "As tempting as that is," he said, capturing my wandering hand in his, "you know I can't. The team needs me."
I pouted, but I knew he was right. It was one of the things I loved about him - his dedication to his team, his unwavering sense of responsibility. Even if it meant leaving me.
