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Chapter 10: Holding the Stick

Holding the Stick: The act of grabbing an opponent's stick; a penalty.

After making sure that I would be fine, Edward left the bathroom to give me some privacy. I quickly brushed my teeth and splashed some cold water on my face.

"You sure you're good?" Edward asked quietly, poking his head in around the door. I nodded at him, and he left the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

I gripped the edge of the sink and looked at myself in the mirror.

"You're allowed to be happy," I mumbled to myself. "Quit looking for ways to be miserable."

I took a deep breath and mentally patted myself on the back for the pep talk.

I was comfortable in my pajamas for the night (nothing too risqué, just a tee shirt and sleep shorts). As I made my way towards the bed I saw the light on in the walk-in closet so I had a little more time to prepare myself. Two adults sleeping in the same bed who would be raising a child together was nothing to freak out over. If only I could have a glass of wine.

What I wasn't prepared for was for Edward to strut out of the closet only wearing basketball shorts. Now, it had been months since I had seen this much of a perfect man, so my mouth going dry was completely normal, right? No person should have such defined abs. The "V" that led to the promised land was calling my name and his beautifully chiseled pecs were making me light-headed. No man should have such a perfect body with a face like Edward's. Share the good genes wealth with your offspring, please!

"Ugh," I groaned, as I threw a pillow over my face.

"What's wrong?" Mr. Perfect Body asked.

"Please, continue to throw it in my face that as I get fatter, you continue to get sexier and more cut," I said as I peeked from behind the pillow. Even if I hated how I felt at the moment, it didn't mean that I shouldn't stare at his flawlessness; one should not waste an opportunity such as this.

"If I remember correctly, a few months ago you weren't complaining about my body," Edward joked as he flexed his muscles. He even attempted to move his eyebrows up and down as if to say 'come hither'.

"Oh, stop it!" I laughed and rolled my eyes. I was trying my hardest to remain calm, but on the inside I was starting to feel all kinds of hot and bothered. I threw my pillow at him.

"You know you like it, Bella," Edward smirked, easily catching the pillow.

In response, I rolled my eyes again and put my hand to my forehead, covering my eyes. I felt the dip in the bed as Edward sat next to me. He grabbed my hand from my forehead and put it on his abs.

"If you want my body and you think I'm sexy," Edward sang gently into my ear, "come on, sugar, let me know."

I laughed harder at how silly he was being. When I looked up at Edward his smile took my breath away. He looked so young and carefree. I was the one making him feel this way. I couldn't stand the distance between us any longer. I grabbed his face and pulled it down to mine.

The feel of his lips on mine was pure heaven. I could only hope that I wouldn't get tired of it. Who was I kidding? No one would get tired of this feeling.

Edward's hands cupped my face as I moved my hands to play with the hair on the back of his neck. Just as I was considering using all my strength to pull him down on top of me, Edward suddenly stopped the kiss, but kept his forehead resting against mine.

"As much as I wish I could keep going, I'm really not up for it," he said remorsefully.

Damn concussion.

I pouted slightly. In response, Edward placed a soft, short kiss on my pouted lips.

"Fine, let's get some sleep. Unlike some people in this room, I actually have to work in the morning," I said, pushing him away from me. As he walked around to the other side of the bed I sighed as I was given a glance at the perfection that was his hockey ass.

"Goodnight, beautiful," Edward whispered after we were both settled in bed. "And goodnight, baby," Edward placed his hand over my belly and smiled.

"Goodnight," I yawned, easily cuddling close to Edward.

The next few days flew by. I continued to spend the night at Edward's hotel. The only problem with that was I had to deal with Edward's grumpiness about not playing or training at the moment. It was hard not to smile at his adorable pout. I learned that laughing at him only made him more upset.

Before I knew it, Saturday had arrived; the big double date. I had received countless texts from Rosalie with outfit ideas. She was pulling out all the stops for this one.

I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup when I heard Edward knock on the bathroom door.

"You almost ready?"

"Yeah, just give me a minute," I said, trying to put on my lipstick. I smiled at my reflection feeling rather proud of myself. I had a natural-looking smokey eye and my hair was curled. I was wearing a blue knee-length dress with a black belt under the bust. The skirt flared out. I paired it with black heels that tied in a bow in the front. Before I opened the door to the bathroom, I stuck my lipstick in my silver clutch.

Edward looked up from tying his shoes when he heard the door open. The way he looked me up and down had me contemplating calling Rose and telling her she was on her own tonight; that look made me feel so incredibly attractive.

"Wow, you look gorgeous," Edward said as he walked over to me. He didn't hesitate to kiss me as soon as he was close enough. I lightly pushed him away knowing he was feeling so much better and it would be difficult to convince either of us that going out to dinner was better than staying in bed. Without clothes on.

"You don't look so bad yourself," I muttered as I wiped the smeared lipstick from his lips. This man could wear a suit. He should either be naked or in a suit at all times.

"Let's get this over with," Edward groaned. He helped me put my coat on and held my hand as we walked to the lobby.

"Any news on when you'll be playing again?" I asked, while we waited for the valet to get his car.

"Not really. We can't do much until the headaches stop. But I should be good in a few weeks."

I could tell it was really beating him up that he wasn't playing. As scared as I was that he would get hit like that again, I couldn't stand seeing him this sad.

"Well, I would rather you be safe than sorry. Please don't rush it," I said as Edward helped me into the car.

"Yes, dear," Edward laughed kissing my cheek.

"I wonder how Alice and Jasper's date went last night," I said, looking out on the busy Chicago street.

"Please, don't remind me. I'm so glad I haven't had to be around him since they met," Edward shuddered.

"I'm actually surprised she hasn't at least texted me to tell me how it went." The more I thought about it the more it confused me. Surely Alice would want people to know how it went, unless it was terrible. I made a mental note to call her later.

"I don't want to think about it. I change with that man and he's probably sleeping with my sister. Oh, God. I have to beat him up," Edward groaned quietly.

"As cute as it is that you're being protective over your little sister, she is a grown woman," I reminded him.

Edward just shook his head. "This is another reason why we have to have a boy. I'll be in jail when she's in high school."

"So you'd rather us be the parents of boy because it's more acceptable for him to be having sex?"

"Yes," Edward said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Double standards will always be around.

The only thing I could do in response was shake my head. Men will be men, I guess.

The rest of the ride to the restaurant was silent. I was surprisingly not too worried about meeting Emmett. I'd already met the rest of his family, and after Esme's story, I was sure Emmett was a big sweetheart.

Edward helped me out of the car and quickly wrapped his arm around my waist.

"I apologize in advance for anything embarrassing my brother says or does," Edward said as we walked in the restaurant.

"Hey, bro!" Emmett yelled once he spotted us walking towards. He quickly pulled Edward into a hug. "Whoa, is this the woman you're setting me up with? Nice," Emmett said, raising his hand for a high five.

I looked over at Edward completely shocked. He had to be joking.

"No, dumbass," Edward punched Emmett's shoulder. "This is Bella. Rosalie isn't here yet," Edward made sure to emphasize the name of Emmett's date.

"I'm just joshin' with you! I'm not that stupid," Emmett laughed. He pulled me into a hug; a rather tight hug. "How's my niece or nephew doing in there?"

"Jesus, Emmett," Edward groaned as he grabbed my arm, pulling me safely into his arms. "You wonder why I never take you anywhere with me."

Emmett let out a booming laugh that caused a few of the other diners to look in our direction. Edward just shook his head. I grabbed Edward's hand and he followed the hostess to our table.

Emmett was exactly like I thought he would be. He was loud, but clearly he was a people-person. It was clear as day that he had a heart of gold.

"But seriously, Bella, it's nice to finally meet you. Edward's always been a picky one and it's great to see him happy," Emmett said once we were all seated.

"Thank you, Emmett," I said softly.

The boys started talking about sports, which left me to glance around the room. Don't get me wrong, I'll watch whatever is on, but I didn't feel the need to constantly talk about it. However, since they were deep in conversation, I was left to watch the door for Rosalie. It was typical Rosalie to be late. She always wanted to make an entrance.

And in true Rosalie fashion, when she walked into the place, conversations stopped and people started to stare. She was wearing a tight red Bodycon dress that emphasized her very feminine physique. She had her black Louboutin pumps on, and was ready to break some hearts tonight.

"Please tell me this is Rosalie," Emmett whispered.

"Yeah, this is her," I responded as I waved to get her attention.

"I'm forever in your debt, baby bro," Emmett bowed his head to Edward.

Edward and I exchanged looks. Maybe the world wasn't ready for Emmett and Rosalie to meet. I could see things ending badly.

Rosalie confidently walked towards our table. The men stood up like gentlemen to greet her. Rosalie glared at me as I tried to stand up.

"Calm down, preggers. I don't need you to fall or something trying to stand up," Rosalie said as she bent down to give me a quick hug.

I heard Emmett cough as Rose stood back up. She had planned the hug because the way she turned toward me gave Emmett a perfect view of her ass. After her comment, I figured she didn't think so low of my ability to stand up without falling. I did that successfully everyday. She was just trying to get a reaction from Emmett.

"Rosalie, I'd like to introduce you to my brother, Emmett," Edward said.

Unlike his greeting to me, all Emmett did was nod stiffly at Rose. I tried not to laugh as Rose grinned at him. This was all a game to her.

I leaned close to Edward and whispered in his ear, "This was a bad idea."

Our waitress came by shortly after to take our drink order and Emmett finally worked up the courage to speak to her.

"So, Rosalie, what, I mean, where do you work?" He stumbled over his words.

"I'm a personal shopper," she stated, appearing as though Emmett had no effect on her.

There was an awkward pause as we all just looked at each other. Well, everyone except Rosalie who seemed like she didn't have a care in the world as she looked over the menu.

"Um, do you…um, like sports?" Emmett finished lamely. I looked over at Edward, who was trying to hide his laughter.

"You sound like a fifteen year old boy who's never been on a date before," Rose laughed.

After we ordered our dinners, Edward tried to help with the small talk but Rose was in full bitch mode. She told me once that it was her way of weeding out the weak men. If they could handle her when she was like this than he was a keeper.

"So, how about the Bears?" I joked trying to ease the awkwardness. We had all finished our dinners and were waiting on dessert. I was hoping this painfully awkward night would finish soon.

"With a quarterback like Cutler, they're never going to be any good," Rosalie scoffed. Her hatred for Jay Cutler was out of this world.

"Are you kidding?" Emmett yelled. I stopped listening when he started spouting stats about touchdowns and interceptions. I was left in shock that not only had Emmett found his voice to say more than a pathetic question to Rose but he was arguing with her now.

"You know, I don't think they'd notice if we just left," Edward whispered to me. I looked over at Rosalie and Emmett still arguing about football. It was getting a little heated.

"But our dessert isn't here yet," I said sadly. I wanted my chocolate, damn it.

"I'll buy you anything from room service. Let's just split and make them pay-" but Edward was interrupted by Rosalie yelling at Emmett.

"You're such an idiot!" Rose didn't stand up to leave like I thought she would. Instead, she grabbed Emmett's face and violently crashed her lips to his.

My jaw dropped. What was happening right now? We were in public!

"Rose," I tried getting her attention. I finally snapped my fingers at her. "Rosalie!"

They abruptly broke apart.

"Edward and I are leaving. Since something is obviously going on between you two, we will kindly leave you the bill. Wait until we leave to go back to sucking each other's faces off. Or better yet, go somewhere more private so these poor people don't have to see that," I said, standing up. Edward was quick to follow and without looking back we went to wait for Edward's car.

"I'm afraid we just unleashed a beast," I said once we were in the car.

"Do you think they will make it out of the restaurant before they start ripping each other's clothes off?" Edward asked. I shuddered. "That was weird foreplay. It's like they were going straight for makeup sex when they haven't had normal sex first."

"Let's just go get me chocolate," I said leaning my head against the headrest.

Edward laughed but didn't say anything else. I was ready for a break.

A few weeks after the now infamous double date, Edward was cleared to play. With strict orders to Rosalie that she and Emmett were not allowed in the apartment for the night, I was ready for a nice quiet evening with a good book. Emmett and Rosalie were getting along perfectly. Too perfectly, in fact. After coming home from work one day only to see Emmett's bare ass ready to pounce over the couch after Rose, I decided I would just stay at Edward's hotel as long as he was there.

Flashback

I was fishing for my keys out of my purse when I heard a crash from the inside of my apartment. I grabbed my pepper spray from my purse and slowly opened the door; pepper spray at the ready.

I screamed before my mind really knew what it was looking at.

"BELLA! You aren't suppose to be home yet!" Rosalie yelled from behind a naked Emmett, who grabbed the nearest pillow to cover himself with.

"Ugh! I like that pillow!" I whined, closing my eyes tightly.

"Bella, please put the pepper spray down," Emmett said calmly.

"You owe me a new couch!" I shouted before turning around and slamming the door.

I stormed outside and grabbed the first cab I could. I tried to call Edward to warn him I was coming to his hotel whether he wanted me to or not. He, of course, didn't answer in my time of need. This doesn't bode well for when I'm in labor or something and need him.

I made it to his hotel without hearing a word from him. But I was on a mission to find a bed and lie down.

"Can you call Edward Cullen's room? He's not answering his cellphone, and it's an emergency," I didn't even wait for the receptionist to greet me.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cullen stepped out of the hotel about forty-five minutes ago," the woman responded. She noticed my crestfallen face because she was quick to try and help. "He didn't get his car, so you can wait in here."

I just stared at her noting in my mind that she was clearly watching him leave. I quickly reeled in my jealousy and gave her a tight-lipped smile. I sat down on the nearest seat and began rubbing my temples.

"Bella?" I heard Edward only about ten minutes after I sat down. I opened my eyes and I was face to face with a very concerned Edward. He was resting his hands on my knees, but once I opened my eyes he was standing up to help me. "What's wrong?"

I didn't say anything and instead wrapped my arms around his waist. He didn't hesitate to return my hug.

"I'm fine. I just need to lie down in a clean and uncontaminated place," I mumbled.

Edward didn't say anything but led me to the elevators. Neither of us spoke until we were both lying on his bed.

"I saw your brother naked," I said. "Who knows where they haven't had sex in my apartment?"

"I thought something was seriously wrong!" Edward laughed.

"I need to bleach my eyes. Thankfully your child can't see what I see," I ignored Edward. He continued to laugh, but pulled me closer to him. He kissed my forehead.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that. But this just means it's time for a little payback. Start thinking of a plan, baby," Edward whispered still smiling at me.

End flashback

We were still figuring out some way to retaliate. But Edward was in Dallas so with a promise from Rose they would be at Emmett's place, I was getting comfortable on our new couch. However, a phone call from Jessica had me scrambling to find an outfit that hid my now apparent baby belly.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked Jessica for the tenth time since she called me. She had a nasty habit of not getting to the point.

"Bella," she whined. "We need to get you bonding with the other girlfriends and wives. We have a sisterhood and you're a part of it. Every Christmas a few of us get together to help someone put up their Christmas tree. We'll watch the game, have some wine, and decorate. Well, minus the wine for you."

"Jess, it's getting impossible to hide the fact I'm pregnant!"

"You can't hide it forever. These girls will only judge you a little bit. I promise," Jessica joked. "Plus, games will be more fun once you get to know more of the girls. And Alice is coming!"

I groaned. I really just wanted to be lazy tonight. But the mention of Alice had me thinking I should go. After her date with Jasper, she ignored my phone call and texted me that the story was an "in-person" story.

"Alright, fine. But you have to come pick me up," I demanded.

Jessica channeled her inner Alice and squealed through her phone. "It's going to be so much fun! Text me your address!"

She didn't give me a chance to respond before she hung up.

"Maybe I shouldn't have kicked Rose out of the apartment," I muttered to myself. I heaved myself off the couch and tried to think of an acceptable outfit for this kind of evening. Spending the evening with women I didn't know sure sounded like such a great time, not.

I'm excited to introduce my take on new characters in the next chapter! I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this chapter!

~Audrey