Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Game Of Love

By Momma2Fan

Chapter 04:

The Press

BPOV

The press conference was scheduled to begin at noon and I was dreading going down there. Alice and Rosalie had arrived and I was going over my speech. It was straight forward and to the point. It explained the changes that would be taking place and my feelings regarding the new ownership. It said nothing about the crap that was going on between Eric Wedge and me. Marcus was currently bringing a slander suit against him. He was trying to fight it, but didn’t have a leg to stand on since he had signed the non-disclosure agreement.

“Alice? Are you sure I can say all of this?” I asked curiously.

“Yes, of course, Bella. I even faxed a copy over to Marcus, so you don’t have to worry about anything.” Alice finished brushing out my hair.

Did I forget to mention that not only are Rose and Alice my best friends and PR personnel, but also my personal stylists? That’s right. I had met them in high school my freshman year, when they were juniors. I was actually the one who introduced them to Emmett and Jasper, even though they probably would have met anyway.

Alice finished curling the ends of my hair, and then came around and began applying my makeup. After what seemed like hours, but was probably merely minutes, I was done.

“Now, go in the bathroom and put on the outfit hanging there. When you’re done come out and we’ll give you a final inspection.” Rose commanded.

“Okay,” I agreed. Better to do as I was told than face their wrath. I stepped into the bathroom and looked at the grey slacks and mauve top. A pair of black heels were on the floor next to the door. Very professional attire for a woman who was trying to show the world she wasn’t a child. Once I was dressed I stepped back out into the office only to find that Rose and Alice weren’t alone. Emmett, Jasper and Edward were all with them.

Emmett let out a low whistle. “Damn, Bells. You look good girl.”

“Yeah, Bella. You’re gonna floor ’em.” Jasper complimented.

Edward didn’t say anything. He stood stock still and stared at me mouth agape. I blushed under his stare. Emmett was the one to break us out of our trance.

“Yo, Cullen! Should I call the janitor to clean up your puddle or are you gonna be okay?” Emmett chuckled.

Edward blinked and then grinned. “Fuck off, McCarty.” He then turned and looked at me. “You look beautiful, Bella.”

“Thanks.” I said and ducked my head. The intercom buzzed saving me from further embarrassment.

“Miss Swan the press corps is here as well as Mr. Uley.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Cope.” I looked at my friends. “Shall we?” I opened the door and preceded everyone out to the waiting room. Edward pressed the button for the elevator that would take us down to the press room. Emmett kept cracking jokes to help me relax and at some point I found my hand in Edward’s as he gave it a gentle squeeze. I looked over at him and squeezed back.

The elevator doors opened and I stepped out along with my ‘entourage’. I led the way into the press room and was met up by Sam Uley and a large man I could only assume was Jacob Black. I thought he was a very attractive man. Not as attractive as Edward, but good looking enough. I stepped up to the podium and the flashbulbs went crazy. I looked around at the sea of faces through the lights and found my friend, Jessica Stanley. She winked at me and I grinned. Once the photos were completed I began speaking.

“Good afternoon, thank you all for coming. I have a few words and then I will take a few questions. As of Monday morning the Seattle Mariners are happy to announce that Sam Uley has been offered and accepted the role of team manager. He will be assisted by Mr. Jacob Black. I have every confidence this new staff will help improve moral and lead us to a winning season. As to the rumors that Mr. Wedge has started in the press I can only speculate as to his motives. Let me assure you the proper action has been taken. Furthermore, I wish to express my distaste as to the treatment of myself and my father’s memory and legacy. I never intended to take over the Mariners at such a young age, I expected my father to lead a much longer life. Since that did not happen, I have stepped into my role with trepidation.

“Regardless of the ever present doubts, a woman, and one my age, can and will be able to run this club and do so with the confidence I know my father had in me. I have lived and breathed baseball since I was old enough to hold a bat. I will continue to live and breathe baseball. It’s America’s pastime. At this time I will take a few questions.” The voices began firing at me from all cylinders. “Miss Stanley.”

“Thank you, Miss Swan. Jessica Stanley, Seattle Times. Can you tell us what you hope to achieve as a long term goal for the Mariners?”

I smiled, knowing she would ask that. “Well, obviously, Miss Stanley, we want to go to the World Series.” A loud ‘Whoop’ could be heard from the back of the room. I was sure that it was Emmett. I answered a few more questions and then decided to let Sam speak. “At this time, I am sure Mr. Uley would like to say a few words. Sam?” I turned and let him come to the podium.

“Thank you, Miss Swan. Ladies and gentleman…”

I sat in the seat he had vacated and breathed a sigh of relief. I found Edward in the crowd and saw he was smiling and nodding at me in approval. I smiled back and realized that everything would be okay.

Or so I thought.

EPOV

When Bella stepped out dressed in her professional attire my dick twitched in my pants. Dammit! I really needed to get control of this. I couldn’t help the look on my face when I saw her, she was gorgeous. Leave it to Emmett to burst my bubble, although seeing Bella blush made her even more breathtaking. I was definitely in trouble. What would my Dad say if he knew I had fallen in love with Bella Swan? My boss and the girl he thought of as a daughter.

The six of us walked to the elevator and just by Bella’s posture, I could tell she was nervous. I reached down and clasped her hand in mine, giving her a little squeeze. She looked up at me from under her lashes and I felt myself harden right there. I got harder when she squeezed me back. We walked into the press room and I was confronted with Jacob Black. He was a womanizing bastard with a wife and kid at home. I just hoped he stayed away from my Bella. My Bella! Well shit, I was in deeper than I thought.

I walked to the back of the room with Em, Jazz and the girls as Bella made her way to the podium. The flash bulbs were blinding to me and I was behind them, I could only imagine how she was feeling. I listened as Bella delivered her speech to perfection. I could tell she was trying to keep her emotions out of it, but when she spoke of Charlie it was difficult. I wanted to run up to the stage, take her in my arms and never let go.

When she was finally done speaking and turned the podium over to Sam, I watched as she sat next to Jacob. She looked through the crowd and her eyes met mine. I smiled and nodded letting her know that she had done well. She smiled back at me and I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe my feelings weren’t reciprocated.

Then I saw something that made my jaw clench. I watched as Jacob leaned over and whispered in her ear. I also, watched as Bella cringed away from him. I really hoped he left her alone, I would hate to have to hurt him.

I was shocked at how possessive I was behaving. Bella and I were nothing but friends. Something I think I am going to have to change. And soon.