Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Game Of Love

By Momma2Fan

Chapter 05:

Reality Bites

BPOV

I pulled into the parking lot of the U-dub campus and parked. I made my way to the dean of students office to discuss my future here at the college. I was halfway through my second year and I really wanted to complete my degree. If I did, I knew it would help me run the ball club better, since I was majoring in business management. Deep down I always knew dad would leave me the team.

I opened the office door and the secretary looked up. “Good morning. How can I help you?”

“My name is Bella Swan, I have an appointment.” I explained.

“Of course, please have a seat and I’ll tell Mr. Banner you’re here.”

“Thanks.” I turned and sat in one of the provided chairs and looked around. The office was poorly decorated; grey walls, ugly furniture and no pictures or potted plants. The room needed some TLC and life.

“Miss Swan? You can go in now.”

I rose and walked to the open door and stepped inside. The secretary closed the door behind me and I was left alone with a gray-haired man.

“Isabella, please sit. What can I do for you today?” Mr. Banner asked, getting to the point.

“Well, sir, as I am sure you are aware, my father recently passed…” I began.

“Yes, I did read that. You also inherited a major league baseball team, is that correct?”

“Yes, which brings me to the reason for my visit. Running a ball team is a fifteen hour a day job. I understand I have an obligation to this institution to complete my courses, but I was wondering if any arrangements could be made. I would like to continue with my classes, but I would have to do so via correspondence and the internet.”

“Have you spoken with your professor’s yet?” I shook my head. “Well, I certainly have no problem with it. I would ask you be present for your final exams unless other arrangements are made between you and your professors. I see no reason why you can’t complete this year.”

“I appreciate that. I have appointments with all of my professors today and I plan to be able to continue as soon as possible. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” I stood and held out my hand.

Mr. Banner grasped mine in his clammy one. “No problem, Miss Swan. Good luck.”

I nodded in thanks and left. I walked out of the ugly office into the cold Seattle air. I rushed over to the business building and made my way to see Zafrina my Business Administration 101 teacher. I knocked on her office door and heard her silent welcome. I opened the door and smiled at my favorite teacher.

Zafrina rose and greeted me with a hug, “Bella, how have you been my dear?”

I shrugged, “I have good days and bad days.”

She smiled and then indicated for me to sit. “What can I do for you, sweetie?”

“Have you been reading the papers, Zafrina?”

“I have. You have quite a bit on your plate, don’t you? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Actually, there is. Is there any possible way I can complete my class through the mail or email?”

“Hmm…Do you still have the syllabus?”

“I think so, yes.”

Zafrina taps her chin. “Okay, follow that and you’ll have all the reading and assignments. You can email me your work and I will email you the tests. Although, I have to insist you be here for the actual final. Will that work for you?”

“Perfectly. Thank you so much.” I gushed.

“It’s not a problem. If you need anything else, please, don’t hesitate to call me.”

I stood to leave and hugged her again. “I won’t.”

“Take care of yourself and I will see you in a few months.”

I nodded and headed to my other appointments. They went much the same way. I only had one class that I would have to take an incomplete in, but at least it wouldn’t put me behind. When I could come back I would be coming back as a junior.

~~GOL~~

I was in my office buried in papers as I went over the copy for my term paper. It had been two weeks since I had talked to my professor’s and worked it out to continue my education. In that time I had completed assignments and dealt with contractual obligations. There was a commercial shoot coming up before the guys headed to Arizona, and I wanted to be on set.

I had been watching the batting practices of those Sam had decided needed the extra work and I must say under his tutelage they were showing improvement. I thought Sam’s methods were inspiring, but I still felt uncomfortable around Jacob. After his comments to me at the press conference, his innuendos had gotten worse. I thought back to the day of the press conference and shivered in disgust.

I had just sat down and caught Edward’s eye and smiled when I felt someone lean over to me. “I can’t wait to get to work, Isabella. I know this is just the beginning for us.”

I couldn’t hide the grimace as I remembered the way his hot breath felt against my face.

I finished proofreading my paper and sent it to the printer. I stood and stretched my sore back and neck muscles. I walked over to the mini fridge and pulled out a diet Pepsi, popping the top I took a long pull and sighed as the sugar hit my system.

“Thirsty?”

I smiled and turned to the doorway. “Hey. How long have you been standing there?”

Edward flashed me that lopsided grin, “Long enough to know you need to go down and have Angela work out the kinks in your neck. Are you about done?”

I walked over to the printer and pulled out the twenty page report. “Yeah, I just have to mail this to Professor Amun and I’m good. Why?”

“Well, Emmett and Rosalie, and Jasper and Alice are going to dinner and they want us to come. Do you feel up to it?”

I looked at him and wondered if I could spend an entire evening in his company. “Sure. Where are we going?”

“Jasper wants to go to Eclipse. We agreed, since it doubles as a restaurant and you can get in.” He chuckled.

“Sure…rub it in to the teenager.” I giggled. “I need to go home and change. What time should I meet you?” I walked over to the filing cabinet and got out a priority mail envelope and slipped my paper inside, before sealing it and adding Amun’s address. Once I was done I walked over to get my coat, but Edward beat me to it. I turned so he could help me on with it.

“Actually, Emmett said he would drive. Then if we all drink too much, you can drive us back to your house and we’ll sleep it off. Is that alright?” Edward finished helping me into my coat.

“Yep.” I said, popping the ‘p’.

“Okay, we’ll meet you at your house in an hour.” I nodded and we parted ways. He down the steps to get his gear and me to the elevator that would take me to the parking garage.

I stopped at the post office, dropped my paper in the mail, and then headed home to shower and dress. Eclipse was a high end restaurant and club, so I needed to wear a dress and heels.

I showered quickly and then slipped on my red lace boy shorts and strapless matching bra. I put on a little makeup, giving myself a smokey eye and swiped a little color across my cheeks. I half dried my long mahogany hair and scrunched a little moose into it, letting it fall in waves down my back. I walked back into my room and stepped into my Nicole Miller off the shoulder jersey sheath dress. It was fire engine red with long sleeves although it left my shoulders bare. It was form fitting and hugged my body well.

“Bella! You ready yet?” Rose yelled up the steps.

“Almost, can someone come zip me up?” I hollered back.

“Be happy to,” the velvet voice greeted me.

I smiled at Edward before turning my back to him. I felt his warm fingers come in contact with my exposed skin and shivered at his touch. He pulled the zipper closed and placed a chaste kiss to my shoulder. I turned and met his eyes.

“Edward…what?” I asked confused.

“I’m sorry. I…I…shit!” Edward ran his hand through his hair, something I have to come to know as a nervous gesture.

I walked up to him and grasped his hands. “Hey…” I waited. “Edward, look at me.” He finally met my gaze. “I’m not offended, so don’t apologize. Apologies mean you did something wrong and you didn’t.” I reached up and kissed his cheek. “Now, go down and tell everyone I’m coming.”

He nodded his head and left, still having said nothing. I sighed and went into my closet and slipped on my Jimmy Choo’s. I flipped off the light and made my way down the steps. A loud whistle drew me up short.

“Damn, Bells. You’re smokin’.” Emmett complimented.

“Shut up, Em.” I continued the rest of the way down the stairs and met the emerald gaze of Edward. His eyes were smoldering as they took me in, causing me to blush. I pulled my lower lip into my teeth and ducked my head. I picked up my coat from the couch and slipped it over my shoulders. “Let’s go.” We piled into Emmett’s SUV and took off to hopefully have a relaxing evening.

EPOV

I can’t believe I did that. Why did I have to kiss her shoulder? Shit! I am going to fuck up and lose my job. Well, not really since I am under contract, but I could get traded. I looked up when I heard Emmett whistle. My dick came to life when I saw the beauty that was descending the stairs.

Damn! I had to find a way to be with her. I would have to start romancing her. Starting tonight.

We piled into Emmett’s SUV and headed to Eclipse. Once there Emmett stopped and handed over the keys to the valet, as Jazz and I helped the girls out. We walked up to the door after Emmett threatened the valet with death if there was a scratch on his baby.

“Good evening, Miss Hale. Party of six?” The maître d asked.

“Good evening, Alistair, yes. And preferably something close to the dance floor.” Rose requested.

Alistair smiled. “Of course. Right this way.” He picked up some menus and we followed him to a table that faced the dance floor, but that was also a little secluded from the rest of the diners. “Is this acceptable?”

We all nodded and helped the girls out of their coats. We handed them to Alistair who said he would have them checked, and then sat down. He left us after explaining that our waiter would be right with us.

We glanced over the menus and decided what to drink. “Good evening, my name is Tanya and I will be your server this evening. Can I get you all…holy shit! You’re Edward Cullen!”

I cringed at the screeching waitress. “Yes I am. I’ll take a Sam Adams, draft.”

“Of course. And for you…Emmett McCarty? Jasper Whitlock? Wow! And you’re Bella Swan. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“We haven’t met. You are here to serve us drinks and food. We would appreciate it if you can do it without squealing. Can you do that, Tina?”

“It’s Tanya and yeah, sure. Sorry, Miss Swan. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“I’ll take whatever you have that’s diet.” Bella snapped.

After everyone had placed their drink orders and Tanya had walked away. Rose and Alice burst out laughing.

“Damn, B. I’ve never heard you go off on anyone like that.” Rose chuckled.

“Yeah, you’re always so polite.” Alice added.

“Well, the bitch was annoying.” I agreed. “I hate when people squeal at me.”

“Dude, Bella’s face was priceless. Way to mark your territory girl.” Emmett guffawed. I stilled in my seat. I looked to Bella, who was blushing a deep crimson. I grinned and wondered, not for the first time, if my feelings were one sided.

The rest of dinner went smoothly and was really quite good. We laughed and talked about the upcoming season. I noticed Bella begin to relax and enjoy herself more. It was nice to see, especially after everything she had been through in the last couple of months. She was a lot stronger than we gave her credit for. After our meal, the couples went out on the dance floor.

I watched Bella smile as she watched our friends dance. “Did you want to dance?”

Bella looked at me and grinned. “Did you want to be able to run around the bases?”

I laughed, knowing of her long standing clumsiness. “Come on. I’ll take the risk.” I stood from the table and held out my hand to her. She looked at me and then placed her small hand in mine.

We joined the others just as Bruno Mars’ Talking to the Moon began to play. I pulled her into my body and she fit perfectly. I smiled when she molded herself to my form. We swayed gently to the strains of the music playing.

“Thanks for convincing me to come tonight, Edward.” Bella said in my ear.

“You’re welcome.” I pulled our cheeks apart to look down at her. I’m not sure if it was the song, or the lighting, or the way her body felt against mine, but something possessed me to lower my mouth toward hers. What surprised me was that she seemed to be leaning up to meet mine at the same time.

We were a whisper apart when I saw a flash of light to my right. We immediately jumped apart and turned our shocked faces to the paparazzi smiling at us. He was going to make a fortune with that shot. Before I could react, Bella was gone from my arms and security was escorting the man out.

Great! That’ll be front page news in the morning! I thought. Fucking cocksuckers!

I looked around to find Bella and saw her with the girls and Jasper and Emmett waiting on me. Time to go.