A/N: Dang, the support so far has been overwhelming! It seems like you're all supportive of Bella making sure to give Edward a hard time for his previous behaviour, but hopefully he's on the way up. Slow and steady wins the race! A few people wondered if Bella would be moving into his old unit, and unfortunately that won't be happening. Remember - he lived there as a single guy on a minor league hockey player salary; she's moving into a larger place with three roommates. Still, he's very familiar with the neighbourhood which can come in handy *wink*. Teasers are posted in my fb group hmerdan's Fiction Spot on Wednesdays, and I try to post some sort of BTS info on Monday, as well as random amusing things whenever. We'd love to have you join us! As always, thanks to Kneon for her beta prowess! Now, let's see how Edward's recovering from foot-in-mouthitis.

EPOV

"I didn't know you could put pulled pork on eggs benedict," Seth groaned, rubbing his belly. "Those were delicious!"

Collin leaned back and groaned with pleasure, something I'm sure he must have picked up from his dad or an uncle. "The breakfast burger is where it's AT!"

"You think I can get my mom to learn how to make huevos rancheros?" Brady asked seriously.

"I'm glad you guys liked everything," I smiled and turned to Bella, who was taking the last bite of her decadent French toast. "How was your Heaven on Earth?"

She shot me a reluctant smile. "It lived up to its name. Thank you for the recommendation."

"It was my pleasure," I smiled widely. "It's one of my favourites during the off-season. But Coach Cullen would kill me if I had it the day before a game."

"Is that why you stuck to your chicken and waffles?" She asked, pointing at my empty plate.

I shrugged, "It's protein. And I had a smoothie with it."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure that'll smooth things over with your coach." She grabbed her napkin and wiped her mouth before checking the time. "Shit, I need to get to my appointment. Do you think we can get the cheque?"

"Bella, I told you I'm paying. Go to your appointment, I got this."

"Are you sure about staying with the boys?" she asked, standing and grabbing her coat.

"I'm positive. I thought we'd order a few shots until you get back." She paused with her coat half on, narrowing her eyes. I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm kidding! There's a board game cafe a couple of blocks away. You can join us when you're done and I'll bring you back to your car."

"You like board games?" The skepticism was obvious in her voice.

I shrugged. "Guilty. It's my one nerdy hobby."

Throughout brunch, Bella seemed to relax around me, but suddenly she tensed up again. "Well, thanks," she offered with a tight smile. "I'll see you guys soon." After giving the boys a warm smile, Bella left the room, leaving me confused. What did I say?

"Bella hates when people call things nerdy," Seth answered my unasked question.

"What? Really? Why?"

"Uh, because she's kind of nerdy?" He explained with a laugh. "She's always been into things like math and reading and shhh-tuff." I tried not to laugh at his obvious attempt at self-censorship. "She hates when people say things are nerdy or geeky or whatever, just because society doesn't think they're cool." He rolled his eyes, clearly having heard his sister say this many times.

Before I could ask more questions, Benito came to check on us and dropped off the bill. I put some cash, including a generous tip, inside the folder before heading out with the boys, this nerdy thing stuck in my mind.

"Has she always been sensitive about that nerdy thing?" I asked Seth as we were making the short walk down Bloor to Snakes and Lattes.

He shrugged, "I don't know. At least since high school. Like I said, she was kinda nerdy. Model UN, reading club, student council treasurer. The only guy she dated in high school was in the Magic and Board Games Club. She and Leah were always into that smart stuff."

"Leah?"

"Our older sister," he replied. "She and Bells met in kindergarten and introduced our parents."

I hummed noncommittally. So, maybe it wasn't just me that Bella had a problem with. I bet she'd be shocked to find out about my academic accomplishments. Well, until I left school to play in the AHL. "We're here," I announced as we approached the colourful sign. "Why don't we order some drinks and find a table? Then you guys can pick out a couple of quick games."

Standing at the counter was a skinny guy with a hipster beard. "What's up? I'm Lonny, how can I-" he started saying in a bored town, but stopped when he noticed us. "You're Edward Masen! Great game last night, man!"

"Thanks," I grinned. "We were just hoping to grab some drinks and kill an hour. Guys! What do you want?"

"Dude! They have a s'mores milkshake!" Brady enthused, followed by various cheerful sounds from his friends.

"You guys just had breakfast," I chuckled.

"But we didn't have dessert," Collin explained, talking to me like I'm five.

"Do you usually have dessert with breakfast?" I questioned with a cocked eyebrow.

"Sometimes," he shrugged. "Breakfast sandwich and a donut. Eggs and Pop-Tarts."

"Don't forget mom's killer blueberry muffins," Seth added, looking like he was about to drool. "They're almost the size of my head."

"Okay, three s'mores' milkshakes and one drip coffee with an oat and apple muffin," I chuckled. "Any suggestions for some quick games?"

"Well, if you're okay with downloading an app to play along, I recommend One Night Ultimate Werewolf." He continued to explain the game as the milkshake machine ran behind him, but it was clear the boys were sold at Werewolf and ran off to grab it along with a table before coming to get their drinks.

"Thanks, Lonny," I smiled and grabbed my coffee and muffin before joining the boys.


"You can't be the seer three games in a row, Edward!" Brady yelled.

"What can I say? I guess I just know things," I laughed.

"Bell just texted me," Seth interrupted. "She's heading over here now."

Honestly, I was a little disappointed. I had been enjoying myself with the boys. What started as a bit of fan worshiping had become something more casual. Sadly, the time was ending. "Okay, I guess we should clean up," I sighed. Lonny had already taken away our empty glasses, so it was just a matter of the game itself. Once we packed everything away, Brady offered to return it to the shelf, while Collin excused himself to go to the restroom, leaving me alone with Seth. Seemed like a good time to talk one-on-one.

"Hey, Seth, can I tell you something? Man to man?"

"Sure!" He sat up a little straighter. "What's up?"

"This may be weird for you but I like your sister. I get the impression she doesn't like me much."

He shook his head. "It's not just you, she's just not good with athletes."

"How so?"

"Well…" He looked conflicted like he wasn't sure how Bella would feel about him telling me all of this. "I told you she was kinda nerdy? People teased her a lot for it in high school. Not like really bullied, but they made fun of her. One guy who teased her a lot was this guy, Jacob. He's the equipment manager of my league now." I nodded, encouraging him to continue. "He used to make fun of her for being, like, a math genius. Then last year, he started working with the Wolves. Bells doesn't like sports, but she never misses my games. He's always flirting with her now and keeps saying she got hot. It bugs her."

Anger bubbled in my chest at the thought of this equipment manager harassing her. "So, what do you think? Do I stand a chance, or does my career ruin it?"

"Bella always says she hates people judging based on one thing. Yeah, she's into math and books, but she also likes other things. Music, sailing. She's actually great at fishing!" Seriously? Bella? Fishing? "Just don't tease her for being smart and you might have a chance."

"Thanks, Seth," I smiled. "That was very helpful."

Suddenly, his face turned serious. "But I should let you know. I don't care if you're my favourite hockey player and bigger than me. If you hurt my sister, my dad's a cop and knows how to chase a man to the ends of the Earth."

I wanted to burst out laughing at his threat, but I put on my most serious expression. "Seth Swan, you have my word. I will not hurt your sister," I swore solemnly and offered him a handshake.

"Hey, guys," Bella greeted us, her face flushed from the wintry winds outside, making her look radiant. "How was the game?"

"It was great," Seth grinned. "We all killed Edward last round."

"I'm sorry I missed it," she chuckled, throwing me a wink. Playful… interesting.

"How was the condo?" I asked.

"It looks good," she nodded. "The people living there now are also students, and the landlord needs to make some changes before we move in, so occupancy would be June first. That's a month after we finish classes, which means I'll need to make sure that works with Ben before we go ahead."

"Who's Ben?" I asked, stamping down my jealousy.

"Angela's longtime boyfriend," she explained. Okay, someone else's boyfriend, that's a relief. "He's an engineering student at U of T. As long as he's okay with coming back home for a month, it should work out fine. So, what do I owe you?"

I gave her a confused look. "Owe me? For what?"

"The boys," she stated. "I'm guessing you didn't just sit around here for free."

"It was my treat, I'm the one that brought them. Although you were right about their eating habits. They all wanted milkshakes!" I laughed.

"Oh… okay… well, thanks…" She muttered and cleared her throat. "Okay, let's go, guys! We need to grab my car and get back on the road!"

"Good luck in Chicago!" Lonny yelled out as we were departing.

"Thanks, man!" I replied with a tight smile. I always hated returning to my home city. My dad's firm had season tickets to the Blackhawks, so the chances of him or one of his colleagues being in the stands was a guarantee. When we beat them on their turf last season, it took all my willpower not to flip off those seats four rows back from the penalty box out of spite.

As we walked back to the parking lot, I pushed that out of my head and hung back with Bella while the boys walked up ahead. "I wanted to apologize for the nerdy comment," I blurted out. "I never really thought about it before."

She shook her head. "It's fine. I'm just overly sensitive about it."

"Still, I meant nothing by it," I offered before changing tactics. "So, you excited about your new place?"

"Oh, yeah," She smiled. "It'll be great to move out of my parents' house finally."

"Don't you live in dorms or something?"

She shook her head. "There's no point. My parents live twenty minutes from campus. It's cheaper to have a car and pay for parking."

"Probably more comfortable," I snorted. "The dorms at Boston College were like shoe boxes."

"You went to Boston College?" she asked, shocked.

"Well, until I got called up to the Marlies before junior year, yeah," I shrugged. "Before that, I played for the BC Eagles."

"Did you get any studying done while you were there?" She questioned in a mocking tone.

"Double major in political science and music," I retorted with a smirk. "If I hadn't been picked up in the draft, my backup plan was law school." I wasn't sure if I should laugh or be offended at the stunned look on her face. "What? Were you expecting some bird major where I could just show up and pass?"

"Honestly, yeah," She replied sheepishly. Okay, offended, but the look on her face is too cute to be mad. "Sorry."

"Don't be, there were tons of those. Film majors, communications, or my favourite, independent majors. Oh, and theology because, you know, Jesuit school," I shrugged. "There were still a lot of athletes with real majors who put in the effort, but the stereotype exists."

"Yeah, I'm aware," She grumbled. "Although Trent's not really known for its sports. Decent curling program, but that's it."

I couldn't help but laugh as we entered the parking lot. "I don't think BC even had curling."

"Welcome to Canada," She giggled as she climbed into the passenger seat of my unlocked car.

Once I climbed into the driver's seat and pulled out of the lot, I piped up again. "So, you know what I majored in. What about you?"

"Financial Science with a minor in English Lit," she stated proudly. Damn, smart and beautiful. The more I learned about this girl, the more I liked her. Like, really liked her, not one night in my condo liked her. "I'll be doing Financial Risk Management when I come here in the fall."

"Impressive," I breathed out. And honestly, a little intimidating. "Seth was right, you are a math genius."

"What can I say? I like data." She looked down at the centre console and pointed towards a speaker. "What is this?"

"It's Nuages from Nocturnes by Debussy," I replied. "I prefer classical after a game. It relaxes me."

"Same," she said with a soft smile. "I mean, it relaxes me while studying. I love Clair de Lune."

"What about pre-game?" Seth asked from the back.

"Personally, I swear by rock. But everyone's different," I told him, not wanting him to feel like he had to listen to my favourites. "We actually have a few rotating playlists we play in the dressing room. All the dressed players and coaches each pick songs, and one of our picks gets put on the list each game."

"What did you pick last night?" Seth asked, wide-eyed and curious.

"Last night was Bleed It Out by Linkin Park." I looked to his side and saw the questions in his friends' eyes. "And before you ask, Jazz played This Is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line, and Em played Not Afraid by Eminem. The guy's obsessed with Eminem. His nickname in the locker room is Slim Carty."

"Sounds eclectic," Bella laughed. "And I thought my playlists were random."

"You don't know the half of it," I groaned playfully. "Remember, we got six guys from overseas on the team. Have you ever heard Croatian pop music? That's all Pete plays."

"I can't say I have," She shook her head.

Behind us, I could see the boys furiously typing on iPhones. I leaned in close to Bella and lowered my voice. "What are the chances they're searching those songs now, data girl?"

"I'd say close to a hundred," She giggled. "But I'd need to study the stats." God damn, that giggle was cute as hell… "Also, I'm ninety-nine percent sure none of them got the Slim Carty reference."

Not wanting to come on too strong, I spent the rest of the ride discussing music, mostly with Bella but with the occasional comment from the back row. It seemed like no time at all before we were pulled back into the parking garage. I stopped the car a few spots away and jumped out to walk Bella to her car.

"So, was it as bad as you thought it would be?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes, but the soft smile on her face was unmistakable. "No, it was actually very pleasant," She conceded. "Thank you for watching the boys during the apartment tour."

"It was great spending time with them, but I'd rather spend some time with you." She opened her mouth, but I stopped her before she could say anything. "Just dinner, I'd love to take you out sometime."

"Look, Edward," She sighed. "Clearly, I was wrong and you're a nice guy, but I don't think so. I'm out in Peterborough, you're here. The distance thing…"

"But you'll be moving here in a few months," I pointed out.

"Yeah, and after this break, I'll be in the home stretch for school. I don't have time to date."

"I'll be in the home stretch of the season! We can find time somewhere." She looked hesitant but didn't say what was holding her back. "At least give me your number so we can discuss it. Please?"

"I don't know…"

"It's 249-555-1987!" Seth yelled out.

"Seth!" She snapped. "I don't need you giving out my number."

"Thanks, man!" I smiled and offered him a fist bump. "So, since your brother's the best wingman a guy can ask for, can I call you sometime?"

She rolled her eyes and shot a glare at her brother. "I guess nothing's stopping you now," She sighed. "I prefer texts first, though. If you call while I'm studying, I'm blocking you."

"Texts it is," I promised, and kissed her hand. "Have a safe trip home, Bella."

She huffed once more, trying to repress the smile on her face as she climbed into her car. As I watched her drive off in the garage, I programmed her number in my phone, planning to text her sooner rather than later.