Chapter 10: Yellow Card

Chapter 10: Yellow Card
The cab stops on the corner where the pool bar’s located and Edward’s the first one out, offering his hand for me to exit the back seat. Jasper gets out from the front seat and takes a deep breath, straightening out his clothes before joining us. I notice Edward’s a bit possessive tonight, always touching me somehow, whether it’s a brush of fingers, a hand finding purchase on the small of my back, or holding my hand firmly in his. He continues to eye his cousin, a little wary of Jasper’s apparent Southern swagger. It’s really ridiculous, but it’s also a little hot. Here I am, walking into a bar with two totally smokin’ men...it actually reminds me of the old days...
You know...the old Bella....Pre-Edward.
I lean into him to whisper so Jasper can’t hear, “Anything you want to tell me about your dear cousin? Looks like you want to hurt him. What, can’t take a little competition?” I know I shouldn’t goad him on like that, but it’s so much fun to watch Jealousward in action.
Edward snorts and scrunches his brow in mock offense. “Please, Jasper wishes. Neither of us had any problems attracting the ladies, but he was always one step behind me,” he declares proudly, showcasing a bright smile. I can almost see the little sparkle, like in toothpaste commercials. He’s such a ham sometimes. I can still sense a little tension from Edward though, so I figure he must be a little on the defensive with Jasper around.
We both laugh, and Jasper catches up to us, immediately opening the door for me, “After you, Beautiful Bella.” Oh, the cheese. I roll my eyes and look back over my shoulder to see Edward also rolling his eyes. Back in the day, I would’ve totally played them off each other and watched the pissing match, but something about the new Bella doesn’t want to torture Edward any more. At the end of the day, I would just be torturing myself, and I’m really looking forward to him spending the night with me, so best not stir the pot.
I’m immediately accosted by smoke, music, loud chatter, and the surprisingly strong arms of a small hurricane... Alice.
“Oh, my God, you’re here! I’m so happy!!”
How does she do it? It boggles my mind.
She clears her throat, I guess waiting for an introduction. I look over to see Edward’s eyes wide and probably wondering if Alice is insane.
She is, Edward....she is.
“Alice, this is Edward Masen, newly appointed right-wing for the New York Red Bulls,” I say proudly, “Edward, this is my very best friend, Alice Brandon.” They both shake hands while Alice appraises his form, not a bashful bone in her body tonight. She must already be on the Tipsy Train.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alice. Bella has told me a lot about you.”
Alice giggles, “Oh, it’s very very nice to finally meet you, Edward. Bella has not stopped talking about you. I can see why, you leave quite an impression” She cocks an eyebrow to him, then to me. I mirror her expression, silently demanding, “Alice, are you flirting with my man?” She’s about to start the Alice Inquisition, when Jasper makes his presence known. He clears his throat and Edward gets the message and makes the introductions.
“Alice, this is my cousin, Jasper Whitlock, he’s visiting from North Carolina. Jasper, this is Bella’s friend, Alice.”
Jasper saunters up to Alice and gives her his best smoldering stare. Little does he know, Alice is not easily impressed. I chuckle to myself, getting a light elbow jab from Edward.
“Alice, it is my pleasure to meet your acquaintance,” he takes her outstretched hand and lays a light kiss on her knuckles. Alice scrunches her brow, staring at his mouth on her hand, then looks back to me and Edward, and mouths “Is this guy for real?”
Edward apologetically nods, “Sorry.”
Now, I must say that Jasper is hot, he’s a Southern gentleman, and according to Edward, has no problem getting the females. But I don’t think he’s ever met anyone like my Alice. She retracts her hand. “Uh, it’s nice to meet you too, Jasper...uh...why don’t we all walk on over to our table, my friend gave us a whole section to ourselves. I hope you guys play. Rose and Emmett are already here,” she says over her shoulder as we follow her to said table. Rose sees us and smiles and waves, happily sitting on a stool watching Emmett make shots, sending balls flying in every direction, some into corner pockets.
“Hey, guys, look who’s here!” Alice exclaims and everyone introduces themselves again. Out of the corner of my eye I see Edward and Emmett give each other the shoulder-smack-man-hug. We all order drinks and snacks and the boys start a new game. Watching Edward play pool is a separate experience from watching him on the field. His dark jeans fit snugly on him, as does his v-neck tee shirt, and when he bends down to set up his shots, the fabric hugs his lean muscles as they flex and tighten. I immediately feel that fluttery feeling flowing down to where my thighs meet and I can’t take my eyes off him.
“Um, Hello....Earth to Bella,” Rose waves a hand in front of me, and I shake my head, coming back to reality. I think I’m drooling.
“Sorry, what were you saying?” I respond lamely. 
Rose laughs, “Wow, you’ve got it bad my friend. Alice and I were just talking about maybe doing the girls thing this weekend. You know, a little shopping, manis and pedis, all that good stuff. The boys are going to be busy doing drills and stuff on the field, so what do you say?”
“Um, yeah, that sounds great.” 
I continue to stare at Edward’s ass as he bends over to make a difficult shot. Alice asks, “So what’s the deal with Colonel Sanders over there?” She points to Jasper. Rose giggles and I chuckle, shaking my head at Alice’s choice of words.
“What do you want to know? I mean, I don’t know much about him myself. He and Edward basically grew up together. They’re not blood cousins, but Edward spent summers in North Carolina with his family, and I guess he and Jasper formed a tight bond...they ended up going to college together. They both had soccer scholarships. I also know Jasper’s a bit of a Ladies man too. Why, you interested?” I say, smiling evilly.
“Oh, God, no! That guy looks like a total tool! He’s been eyeing me the whole night. He thinks he’s hot shit, doesn’t he? What’s with the shaggy blonde hair?” she starts to outright laugh, “it makes him look a bit effeminate, don’t you think?”
The three of us laugh, and Rose adds, “Oh, come on, Alice, he’s not that bad...he’s got a great body, and he’s got that Southern accent going, that’s super sexy...Poor thing, you should give him a chance.”
“Um, no. No way. He’s totally NOT my type,” she quips. She’s right though. Ever since I’ve known her, Alice’s type has always been tall, dark and handsome....she actually dated a couple of guys from the reservation back in Forks. Jasper was definitely the exact opposite of her type.
As the night wears on, the boys come back from their game. Edward has a huge smile on his face, and a wad of cash in hand. My guess is he won. Japser and Emmett are grumbling behind him. Rose holds out her hand to Emmett, being as sympathetic as she can. He pouts dejectedly and allows her comfort him. Jasper takes a seat in between me and Alice, as Edward approaches, The Smirk firmly in place.
“Wow, like your ego needed more stroking,” I tease. He grabs for my waist, lifting me from the stool, only to flip us around. He sits on the stool and pulls me between his legs as I rest my arms on his shoulders, my hands finding their place in his hair. He breathes into my ear, “I can think of something else that could use a little stroking,” lightly licking the outer shell. Goosebumps breakout all over my body and I let out a shuddering breath. I lean forward and kiss below his ear before responding quietly, “get me home soon and there will definitely be more than stroking going on,” He leans away to see my smug face. His eyes are wide and hopeful, and he starts looking around to our friends to see if they’re watching. They’re not.
Rose and Emmett are sucking face, and Jasper is making googly eyes at Alice, who’s not havin’ it. She’s looking at me for help. “Please” she mouths. I shake my head, “no way.” I’m having too much fun watching. She did this to me all the time in college...it’s payback time. “Bitch,” she mouths back, causing me to giggle. Edward looks in the direction of my stare, and looks back to me. 
“I’ve never seen Jasper crash and burn like that. It’s a first for him. I’m sure I’ll be hearing him criticize her: ‘She’s blind,’ ‘she must be a lesbian,’ you know, shit like that.”
“Oh, don’t get me started. Alice will be calling me bright and early to chew my head off for not helping her out tonight.” We both laugh and meld our lips to one another as we kiss unhurriedly, just exploring each other’s mouths. He tastes like beer and Edward. He places a couple of short kisses on my lips before muttering against them, “Wanna play?”
Of course, my mind goes directly into the gutter and my hand very skillfully reaches down to graze his jean-clad hardened cock. He hisses in a breath, “That’s not what I was talking about, but I can adapt.” He laughs into my neck, kissing and licking my pulse point there. I stop touching him and look into his eyes in confusion. He responds to my expression, “I meant if you wanted to play some pool with me.” He’s grinning again, and I just want to get out of here and fuck the hell out of him.
“Sure, I’ll break.” And just like that, I pull away from him, grabbing cue sticks for the both of us while he gathers the balls into the triangle and sets them in place. I bend over, looking at him through my lashes, my cleavage proudly on display for him, and him alone, as his eyes take me in and fill with lust. I think he might explode. It’s a good distraction. Not that I need it. I’m a pretty badass pool player.
Our game continues in more ways than one. When I finally miss a shot, I back away, allowing him to maneuver at odd angles for tough shots. I get to watch his muscles once again flex and tighten through his shirt and jeans. This man is perfection, down to the gracefulness of his movements in something as simple as a game of pool.
Everyone else around us just watches intently, as we play our little game. It’s finally my shot again, and I bend over a little further to reach my intended target. Edward stands behind me and just when I’m about to make my shot, his warm hands grab hold of my hips, squeezing gently, making me totally miss my shot. I’m fuming, but he’s pretty darn smug. But I let him be. I gesture with my hand, giving him the floor to make his own shot...we’re pretty much tied. 
He makes the next couple of shots with ease, and while he sets up the last shot, I stand next to him, but he knows something’s up, since his eyes glance towards me in suspicion. I simply smile and give him space, staying away from his line of sight. As soon as I glance up at Alice, she knows what to do. Which is why I love my best friend. He’s about to take his shot when Alice suddenly shouts, “Bella! Why are you flashing Jasper?!” I hear the crash of a pool ball hit the floor as Edward quickly swings around, and he’s not happy. Alice giggles, and I try hard to hold in my laughter. We look at Edward, who is darting his eyes between Jasper and me, trying to decipher what has actually happened.
Poor Jasper’s eyes are about to pop out in fear of his cousin, who looks like he’s ready to pound him into a pulp. Jasper quickly holds up his hands in surrender. “Dude, I didn’t do anything! It was Alice! Y’all tryin’ to get me trouble?!” he says, desperately trying to diffuse the situation. It’s too funny....I’m about to lose my shit when Edward’s eyes lock on me. They’re dark, they’re hungry, and they’re pretty pissed off.
Oh Shit. 
I see a ghost of a smirk growing on his face as he walks towards me menacingly- predator to prey. I’m scared shitless, but it’s strangely arousing. I’m all fear and excitement and anxiety. In one quick swoop I’m thrown over a shoulder, Edward’s arm firmly around my thighs. I hear Emmett hollering in laughter as Alice hands me my purse and Edward swirls around for the exit. All I hear is the rumble of Edward’s dark voice.
“Emmett, give Jasper a ride to my apartment, yeah? We have business to attend to!”
“Will do!” Emmett bellows as he continues laughing, as all the others look on in shock and amusement.
I’m yelling for him to put me down, but I’m also giggling nervously as I grab his ass to steady myself. I can hear and feel a faint chuckle vibrate through Edward’s body.
“Think you can play me, do you? Oh, Swan, you are so going to pay for that,” he warns as he slips me into a cab with him close behind. I’m still giggling like a school girl until I see his darkened, hooded gaze that signals that I’m definitely in trouble...in a good way. His lips and tongue do wonderful things to my ear and my neck on the ride home as I mirror his actions on his neck and collarbone. His hands cup the back of my neck, and I feel safe in his presence. And just like that, punishment is swiftly forgotten.
I manage to open the door to my apartment with Edward’s lips and hands still attached to my body and we stumble in the darkness. I don’t bother flicking the lights on and drop my purse on the floor. A deep, shuddering sigh escapes from his mouth as he embraces me, his entire form melding to mine as my hands securely wrap around his shoulders. Our kisses are passionate but slow. We’re in full-on lust mode, but we’re still taking our time tonight, in mutual agreement to pace it slowly. Our tongues dance in perfect rhythm as we slowly find our way to my bedroom.
Edward becomes impatient and grabs my ass, lifting me off the ground so I can wrap my legs around his waist. We never stop kissing, and when we need to come up for air, his mouth attaches to my chest, leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses. He pushes me up against the wall, grinding his very hard erection against me where I want to feel it the most. My whore-moan spurs him the fuck on as he grinds on me a few more times before a deep growl rumbles against me and he’s on the move again to my room.
When we get to my bed, he gently places me in the center of the mattress as he hovers over my body; his eyes are hungry but hold a hint of something else I’m still scared shitless to name. My hands reach the hem of his shirt, coaxing him to lift his arms to remove it. When he’s shirtless my hands explore the chiseled plains of his chest and abs, my fingers tracing the lines of his pecs and six-pack, and finally reaching the ‘V’ of his hips. His breath hitches as my fingers dip under his jeans and boxer briefs, feeling his hardness pulse from my touch. His eyes are deep and dark as he looks down to where my hands are. He then leans back on his heels, deftly unbuttoning his jeans, removing both jeans and underwear quickly. The sight of him is glorious; he’s completely naked, and I still have my clothes on. I can see him peering down at me, and I know he wants to rectify that situation right away. He leans over me again and takes my top off with my help, doing the same to my jeans taking off my black lace panties as well. He gazes, taking time to take in every part of my bareness, almost like he’s memorizing every inch of me.
“You are so fucking beautiful,” he exhales as his mouth starts its journey from my chest to breast to nipple. My body writhes in response while my hands caress his back and shoulders. His hands are roaming everywhere, and I feel worshipped. I feel like I need him to hear me, to see me, so I take his face in my hands and make him look at me. He halts his ministrations and stares in confusion.
You are fucking beautiful...everything about you. Your face, your body, the way your hands make me feel, the way your eyes see right through me...your heart....your heart is beautiful, Edward.” I have no idea where all of that comes from, and I’m kind of in shock, and so is he. I blink rapidly trying to bring myself back to the moment, but Edward recovers quickly, smiling in awe of me. He suddenly shivers, closing his eyes briefly. Have I made a mistake? I knew I should’ve just kept my mouth closed.
“Edward...I...”
His lips crash down forcefully, teeth crashing in desperation. It feels like our first night together...that fateful night in my hotel room in London. But it’s different. There’s an underlying understanding and connection that I cannot ignore anymore.
I think I’m in love with him.
What an odd emotion to wrap my head around. My heart explodes, and I pour out all the unsaid feelings I can now define into our kiss. Edward’s knee nudges between my legs and I quickly wrap myself around him, pushing him against me with my heels. His eyes never leave me, the tip of his perfect cock grazing my slit and clit. My body arches, wanting more friction, and his hot breath sends delicious shivers throughout my body as his mouth sucks and kisses the junction of my neck and shoulder. I want him to live there. 
He stops though, raising his face to look at me. He can see my silent confession. I know he can. He smiles adoringly, like he always does, but with a certain revelation and understanding of what I feel and cannot yet say. He slowly enters me, both of us wanting to feel every second of our union. He stills, breathing heavily, trying to regulate it. I smile at him, reflecting everything I feel for him, and we both just know.
We move slowly, in tandem. I meet his every thrust. Our eyes never falter from our locked gaze until the sensations become too much.
“Oh, god....Edward,” I gasp, closing my eye and giving into the overwhelming fullness. 
“I know, baby...I know...you’re spectacular, you know that?” His words float and travel between the movement of our bodies as he closes his eyes and rests his forehead on my chest. His hair tickles my chin, but I love it and my hands love it as I hold on to his damp tresses, pulling him closer.
“More...oh god, Edward...I need more...please...”
His tempo increases immediately, and his hand darts out to wrap around my thigh, bending my knee and allowing him to go deeper. The combination of both faster and deeper thrusts sends me into sensation overload. I can hear and feel him getting close.
“Fuck, Bella, baby, I’m gonna come....I need you to come with me....come with me, Bella. Fuck....You’re everything to me...fucking everything.”
That’s all it takes. His words unravel me, and I’m over the edge in a heartbeat.
“Shit! Fuck, I’m coming, Edward....Fuck, fuck me, baby!” My orgasm totally immobilizes me, and I can feel everything at once, and it’s so much...too much...but I welcome it. I want it. Edward erratically thrusts a few more times before his movements falter, and he buries his head into my neck, lightly biting, as my legs close tightly around him, trying to bring him impossibly closer. His own orgasm rocks through his body as he spills into me, body and soul. “Holy fuck!” He yells, finally stilling his movements.
We’re both coming down from what has to be the most intense sexual experience I’ve ever had. We’re both speechless as he rests his weight on me. I hug him towards me, feeling the safety of his body surrounding mine like a cocoon. He stays inside me for a time, and I finally hear his breath steady in my ear, as he places light kisses everywhere. Everything is silent except for our breathing, and he whispers, “You’re mine...you’re mine...and I’m yours, I’ll always be yours.”
Those words, laced with pure, raw emotion, do something to me. My heart beats rapidly, and I feel like it wants to jump out of my chest. But it’s not a terrible feeling at all. I’m starting to get addicted to the euphoria. I turn my head slightly to place a kiss on his forehead whispering...
“I am yours.”
...................
I wake up in darkness. It must still be pretty early in the morning. I feel a heavy arm around my waist. I feel the steady warm breathing of the beautiful man next to me. We’re spooning, like we always do, and I’m content. We drifted off to sleep after spending moments caressing each other and whispering our feelings to one another. We laughed and talked lazily until we both closed our eyes to rest. 
I place my hand on top of his as he instinctually tightens his grip around me, bringing me flush against his chest, and I have no worries. My eyes close once again as sleep takes me.
...................
I smell bacon. And coffee...and....waffles?
The smell of good food wafting in the air coaxes one eye to open, the light from my window peeking through the shades. He’s not in bed, so I can only imagine he’s in my kitchen...making breakfast. 
He’s in my kitchen...cooking...that in itself is arousing.
Bella, get a hold of yourself. 
My body protests slightly as I wiggle myself out of bed. My muscles are wonderfully sore...it feels good...really good.
I grab his discarded shirt and pad towards my kitchen. He’s shirtless...in just sweatpants...barefoot.
Motherfucker
His back’s to me, and I take a moment to stare at the perfection of his muscular shoulders and his tight ass. I’m a lucky bitch. I walk up to him and put my arms around him, my chest to his back, as I spring to my tiptoes looking over his shoulder to what he’s making. I guess he knew I was here because he doesn’t even flinch.
“Something looks good,” I say into his neck and kiss under his ear.
“You mean, something smells good, don’t you?” He looks over his shoulder with an arched brow.
“Mmm...not from where I’m standing...it all looks good to me,” I coo as I pepper his back with kisses. 
He chuckles and turns off the stove, turning in my arms to embrace me, kissing every part of my face until he reaches my lips. We seamlessly connect, our tongues moving against each other. It starts out innocently enough, but within seconds the passion from the previous night returns and breakfast is almost forgotten. Edward breaks the kiss first.
“You hungry? I hope you don’t mind I kind of took over your kitchen. I made eggs, some waffles, and there’s coffee.”
“I didn’t even know I had a waffle maker. It all smells awesome. I think I’ll keep you,” I tease, pinching his side.
“Oh yeah? Just for my cooking skills? I haven’t impressed you enough with my other talents?” he says, his hands teasing my upper thighs, making their way up under the shirt I’m wearing. He suddenly realizes what I’m wearing....or not wearing.
He hisses through teeth, “Shit, Swan, you’re wearing my shirt and you don’t have fucking panties on? Are you trying to kill me?” he asks desperately. His eyes are hungry again, but not for food.
I giggle. “Well, I was curious to know what you were doing out here and didn’t want to waste time with unnecessary clothing.”
“Oh, panties are definitely unnecessary when you’re with me,” he practically growls in my ear, causing me to shiver and giggle again.
“I’m hungry,” I declare as I pull away and sit on my stool. “Feed me.” I sit up with hands folded, like a good girl.
“Oh, alright, alright, settle down,” he laughs as he fixes my plate and presents me with a cup of coffee. He sits down next to me with his own plate.
“Don’t you work today?” He asks.
“Yep. I’ll head on over in about an hour. I do a lot mostly at home, but I have to go in today and touch base with Rose and the crew. And you? I’m sure you’ve got your fair share of stuff to do...everyone’s going to be pulling you in a bunch of directions.”
“Yeah, but not until later. I actually should check in with Jasper at my place though and see if he got home in one piece.”
I laugh. “If Alice has anything to do with it, he probably has a black eye by now. She’s tiny but she packs a punch,” I say as Edward’s eyes widen in fear for Jasper.
“I’m telling you, I’ve never seen him sweat a girl like that...ever. Woman usually fawn over his sweet talking Southern charm.”
“Hmm...it’s a wonder you’re not really related,” I wink as he rolls his eyes.
After breakfast we make out a bit more, before ending up in my shower. His dick is in my hands, growing by the second and we can’t get enough of each other. I slip down his body until I’m on my knees. I don’t give him a second to protest before my mouth takes him in completely. My hand covers the rest of his length and I start to move, lick and suck until he’s yelling expletives, coming hard as I swallow every drop. With a final kiss to the tip, he lifts me up by my shoulders and kisses me passionately, shoving me against the wall. He’s about to return the favor when I stop him.
“If you do that, I’ll be late and we’ll never leave,” I pant.
“That’s fine by me, you can call in sick,” he says against my breast as he gives my nipple a little attention.
“Ohh...don’t tempt me. I really wish I could just stay with you all day, but we both have stuff to do, so let’s get to it. You can spend the night with me again if you want,” I kiss him one last time while I turn the shower off and reach for a towel.
“How about you stay over my place again? I’ll make something, we can just hang out. Remember, Jasper’s staying with me, so I might want to take him around town a bit...you can show us around maybe? I’m still pretty new to this city, you know,” he winks.
“Um, Ok...I guess I can do that.” I don’t know why staying over his place is still so scary to me, but I hesitate and quickly recover, knowing that I can ask him to play the piano for me again. I noticed it tucked away in a corner when he took me on the tour of his place, and watching him play turns me on. On top of that, he has the Monster Terrace that I will make sure we christen at some point.
He wraps a towel around his waist and heads out to retrieve his clothes as I get dressed for work. We’re working in perfect silence, stealing glances and smiling. It’s weird. It’s like we’re a married couple and it’s the most normal thing in the world.
Married? Why the fuck did my brain go there? Marriage is not my thing. It didn’t work out for my parents, and I’ve seen quite a few marriages around me crumble....no no no...marriage is not in the cards for me.
Yeah.
As I’m getting my stuff together to leave. Edward’s phone chimes. A text message. 
“Weird. It’s my agent. Says it’s an emergency.” He looks at the screen, pouting. So cute.
“Go ahead and call him, I don’t mind. I’m going...just lock the door behind you from the inside.” I make my way to him, and reach on my tiptoes to give him one last searing kiss. “I’ll see you tonight. Text me later with a time.”
“Sure, baby. I’ll be quick, I’m just gonna call him and head out. I’ll miss you.”
I smile shyly at the sentiment that comes so naturally to him. It makes me all warm and fuzzy. As I make my way to the door, I hear him talking to Felix, his agent. It sounds heated, but I don’t have time to stay and find out what’s going on, so I make a plan to text him later.
I can’t explain the spring in my step, but I can tell you I’ve never been this relaxed in my life. Sure, I can stand here and say that all those one-night-stands were fun, because they were. But now, I can see what I was missing: the connection. I had been so detached before, hiding behind meaningless sex. I had been pushing men away to protect myself from falling too deep and not being able to pick myself up. It started with Mike. He promised me the moon and the starts, and in my teenage haze of hormones and romantic illusions, I totally fell for it. Little did I know he’d cheat on me with one of my best friends.
Ever since then, I had steeled myself to stand on my own...or so I thought. The truth is, I was using sex to cover up my fear of giving my heart to someone, only to see it crushed. And after making it a habit, it just became easier to stay away. I convinced myself that I didn’t have the time for a relationship, nor did I want one.
But Edward makes me want that again. I feel perfectly at ease in his arms, and hearing him say those wonderfully sincere words of acceptance, appreciation, of lust and wanting, makes my heart swell...in.....in....in love.
I’m in love with him. I love Edward. Holy shit.
Does he love me? I’m not sure. I know he cares deeply for me; I can see it in his eyes and feel it in his touch. But love? It’s too overwhelming to even think about. I decide to put all my thoughts in a mental file and consider it later.
In the cab, Alice calls me, because I know there’s a story about what happened after we left, and I just want to find out if she punched him out or not.
Yeah, thanks for that, by the way. How could you leave me to fend for myself with that loser?”
“I didn’t have a choice if you remember. I was carried away against my will,” I say with a chuckle, since I know that’s a bold face lie.
“Yeah, I bet,” she replies sarcastically. “That guy tried every line in the book with me, I almost punched him, but luckily Rose and Emmett stayed with me to back me up.”
“So you didn’t hit him? Oh, damn it, I had a bet going with Edward that you would.”
“Ah, so I take it the evening was a success?”
“Um, yeah, you can say that...it was actually...really fucking perfect.” I’m beaming.
“Nice. That guy’s so in love with you, it’s so obvious.”
Um...What?
“What? What do you mean? He’s not in love with me, Alice.” Could it be true? I’m slightly panicked, and Alice can hear it in my voice. She knows me well.
“Oh, settle down, Bella. It’s ok...I know you’re in love with him too.”
“Um...”
“Yes.... Bella, you are.”
Silence. I’m too stunned to speak. Alice helps me out.
“Bella, embrace it. There’s nothing wrong with being in love. He’s a great guy. He obviously worships you, he’s hot, and he gives you the best orgasms you’ve ever had.”
This...is true.
 “Ok....yes...I think I’m in love with him. There, I said it.” It feels strangely wonderful to say it out loud.
“Good. Congratulations. Now more on this Jasper guy...” She continues to ramble about all the lines he fed her and how he’s not her type. All the while, I’m reveling in what I’ve just confessed, and what Alice has just revealed to me. I’m so out of my element.
“Hey, did you hear me?” She sounds exasperated. She knows I zone out.
“Yes, yes I did...sorry. Look, sorry about last night, I didn’t mean to leave you there with Jasper. I honestly don’t know him enough to tell you anything, but I do know Edward mentioned he’s never had issues landing girls. So, great, you’ve proved him wrong. Hey, Listen I gotta go, I’m at work now...lunch later this week?”
“Yeah yeah yeah...lunch later. Toodles.”
I run into the office and notice there’s a little more foot traffic and frenzied movement than normal, and I look for Ben or Rose, locating them at the end of the hall. 
“Hey, what’s all this?” I say, gesturing to the mob of employees running around.
“Shit, Bella, you’re here,” Rose looks flushed and looks worried. She stares at me like she’s trying to gauge my demeanor.
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Did you see Edward this morning?”
Strange question to ask.
“Um, yeah, I did see him,” I say carefully looking around to see if anyone’s listening. Ben’s busy on the phone. I lean in a little closer, “he stayed at my place last night. You know that.”
“Did he say anything to you this morning before you left about the team?”
“No, why? Actually, he was taking an emergency call from his agent when I left. Why? What’s going on, Rose?” I didn’t like the sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Shit. Bella,” she sighs worriedly, “We just got word from reps at the Red Bulls that Edward’s drug tests came back. He tested positive for some banned substance. I don’t know the details yet. I’m sorry.”
Everything at this point goes into slow motion.
“What? Rose, what do you mean ‘banned substance,’ like what, steroids?” Impossible. Edward would never...
“Yeah, we’re just getting the details now, but they’re having an emergency meeting right now with him and the team reps, and we’re trying to send people over there now.”
Testing positive for illegal substances can lead to team suspensions, fines, and with Edward having just signed his contract, it could be a disaster. But it’s impossible. He would never take anything illegal. He’s really into doing everything the old-fashion way, pure diet and fitness. This doesn’t sound like him at all. My inquisitive instinct takes over and I run to my office, opening my laptop and trying to get a hold of Edward. It goes directly to voicemail. I leave him a short message to call me ASAP, ending with “Please tell me this isn’t true, Edward. Call me.”
Now, it’s full crisis mode, as I get my bearings and dig into what I’m good at...snooping.

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