A/N: I'm breaking my rules and posting as I finish writing instead of building up chapters and waiting on set times, but I'm feeling crazy inspired right now. I hope it stays that way.
Thanks to everyone that reviews, follows or favorites! :)
Chapter Song: Powerful Stuff by Sean Hayes
Bella was standing in the lunch line when a hand grabbed hers. She jumped and whirled around, then smiled when she saw it was Edward, looking freshly washed.
"Football practice," was his answer to her quizzical eyes.
Bella nodded, looking at their entwined hands then scanning the cafeteria to find Jess and her two flunkies staring at them. Edward followed her gaze and clinched his hand against her. She winced and he loosened his grip.
"Sorry." He murmured, looking agitated. "Are they bothering you?"
Bella shook her head, but Edward knew she was lying. Sighing she made a little gesture with her thumb and pointer finger. Three deep lines formed on his forehead, Bella took his hand in her and laid it on her lower back. That got his attention rapt on her as he rubbed her spine up and down slowly.
She pointed at herself then made an okay sign as a low buzz took over her body from him touching her in such a delicate way.
He nodded, kissing her temple and glancing at his friends with narrowed eyes. "Please let me know if they do."
Bella nodded as she grabbed two trays for them.
"I would've picked you up this morning but I had morning workouts that I had to be extra early to so I could run laps since I skipped afternoon practice yesterday." Edward said once they sat down a good ways away from Jess and the group that now included Mike and Tyler.
Bella couldn't help feeling guilty for being the reason for that.
"Don't blame yourself." Edward said, reading her expression correctly. Good thing she was so readable to him, it made conversation somewhat easier. "I wanted to skip. Hell, I'd skip anytime to be with you."
Bella smiled but shook her head at him, taking a pen and notebook out of her bag to write, You shouldn't and I don't mind getting up early and waiting for you.
She worried about seeming too eager until she saw him smiling around a fork full of mash potatoes. "Really?" He asked after swallowing.
She nodded, Of course.
"Great. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 6." A light bulb seemed to off over his head. "Hey, we forgot to exchange numbers!"
Bella smiled, taking his hand and writing her number on his palm. He took her pen when she was finished and wrote his on the front of her notebook.
Alice and a cute blonde guy came to their table then. Alice beamed at them both as the guy slightly bowed his head. It was strange to see someone that wasn't from the 1800's do that but also kind of endearing. "Hey! Bella, this is my boyfriend. Jasper, this is Edward's girlfriend." Alice introduced us as they sat down.
That last word shocked Bella. Sure, they were dating. That was clear enough. But labels had yet to be established.
Edward leaned over to whisper, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
At that moment she wouldn't have been surprised to eject right out of her seat with how excited and happy she was. She smiled up at him with a nod. He kissed the side of her mouth, licking something off that she didn't know was there. She blushed as something deep in her belly warmed, peeking at their company who were too busy staring into each other's eyes to notice. Jess did though and looked like her ears were about to burst with steam like a cartoon character.
