By CaraNo Written and dedicated to HollettLA Special thanks to SexyLexi Cullen, Mid-Night Cougar, Evilnat, Kitty Vuitton, and Bree BPOV 1. Growing up, Jasper and I quickly learned only to count on each other. It's actually pretty amazing that we turned out the way we did. With an alcoholic mother and a gambling father, we didn't exactly have stability. But we had each other, and we still do. Even with the bad stuff that's happened in our life, nothing holds us back. We fight, work, and achieve. In fact, Jasper's biggest dream came true a few months ago. He was drafted to play for Chelsea FC in London, one of the best soccer clubs in Europe. London, baby! Now, it's not often you hear about Americans going to Europe to play. It's usually the other way around. And by that I mean, when you're not good enough to play in Europe anymore, LA Galaxy takes you. Just look at Beckham. I kid, I kid. Anyway…since Jazz knew that one of my dreams was to travel with my Nikon in hand, he asked me if I wanted to leave Florida and the States behind, too. No one knows my big brother the way I do, so he says, and now I'm his PA. I don't think he actually needs one, but he has my back and I have his. Jazz left for London last week when pre-season training began, and I arrived here just a few hours ago. I'm a proud sister when I flash some big security dude my ID at Stamford Bridge. And now it's time to see my brother in action. Okay, the real action doesn't begin until August when the season starts, but whatever. At the age of twenty-one, my brother is one of the best midfielders out there, and even a training session is a riot to watch when Jasper gets going. There are butterflies in my belly as soon as I—after getting lost a few times—reach the field. Hell, my eyes even well up when I spot him. He's out there, wearing a yellow vest over his Chelsea blue outfit. As he moves, the vest shifts, and I see "Whitlock" in white letters on his back. Yep. Proud sister, right here. It doesn't hurt to have all this eye candy around me, either. The players out on the field all look fine, and…some of the guys on the sidelines are hot as fuck, too. Especially that man over there. Yeah, over there. Tall, broad-shouldered, messy hair in some reddish brown shade, muscular arms folded over his chest… Damn. I only see his profile so far, but it gives me a delicious view of his defined jaw. Totally lickable. I'm already loving London. And for some reason, the theme song to Jaws begins to play in my head. 2. When practice is over, Jazz spots me and gives me a cheesy grin before he runs toward me at full speed. He's sweating like a pig; his curly is hair pretty much plastered to his skin, but I don't care. He picks me up and spins me around in the air, making me squeal like a little girl. "Fuck, it's good to see you, sis," he says, hugging me tightly. "You, too," I giggle as he releases me. "By the way, your apartment is awesome." "It is, isn't it? And it's our apartment." He grins. "I take it that means you've already dropped off your luggage?" I nod. "Took a shower too, so if you wanna go out for dinner or something, I'm game." "You're not tired after your flight?" Jet lag is a bitch, but… "I'll sleep when I'm dead." He laughs and throws an arm around my shoulders. Then he starts walking me toward his teammates. "Actually, we're a few guys going out. But you're definitely joining us." Hmm. "Is that man over there coming, too?" I ask, subtly motioning at Mr. Lick My Jaw. The man in question is currently speaking to one of the players, and, um, it appears they're talking about the player's calf. Odd. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Bella," Jazz groans. "I know you were a little flirt back in high school, but this shit is different, all right? Besides, Doc is way too old for you." I tilt my head up at him. "How old is too old?" I mean…I know I'm only nineteen—twenty in a couple of months—but that man—Doc?—doesn't look a day over twenty-eight, maybe twenty-nine…thirty at best. Eh. Whatever. And hey, age is just a number. "He's thirty-five." Oh… 3. "Come on, I'll introduce you," he mutters. "But you play nice. Don't shit where I eat, or…eat where I shit. Whatever the saying is." I scoff. He makes it sound like I'm a tease or a heartbreaker, and that's hardly the case. Just because I'm not a virgin doesn't mean I get around a lot. I've had three or four boyfriends. So what? That's nothing. And honestly? I'm sick of boys my age. They don't want what I want. I swear I was born in the wrong decade, 'cause I long for kids already. Jazz says I was dropped on my head when I was a baby. With Renee as our mother, I wouldn't be so surprised if that really happened. Oh, and one more thing? Jasper fucked my best friend in high school, only to never call her again. So, talk about taking a huge shit where I eat. Or ate. Past present. "Guys, this is my sister," Jazz says to a group of players. They all smile and shake my hand. Most of them have thick accents and they call my brother "Yankee". He introduces me to his coach, too. And then we finally reach Mr. Lick My Jaw. "Doc, this is my baby sister—Bella Whitlock," Jazz says, his protectiveness shining through when he slips his arm around my waist. "Bella, this is Edward Cullen—one of the physiotherapists. Everyone calls him Doc." Well, fuck me silly. Can I have your babies, Doc? "Glad to meet ya, Bella," Doc responds, smiling warmly. First, I notice how his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles. Second, his accent… Good God, he's Australian. Homina, homina. "Yankee's been talking about his sister for days now." "He's biased," I tell him, shaking his hand—a hand with long fingers. Ungh. Plus, he's not wearing a ring. Score. "He thinks I'm awesome because we're related." Doc chuckles; I still want to lick his jaw and have his babies. I smile up at him from under my lashes. How about an Australian kiss? "All right, I'm gonna hit the showers," Jazz decides. "Bella, meet you outside in a bit?" Those were the words, but what he really meant to say was, "Stop shitting where I eat." 4. An hour or so later, about fifteen of us are gathered in a pub near Westfield Park. I may or may not have made sure to end up in the same booth as one Edward Cullen—sitting right next to him, too. He smells so good. Just saying. "First round's on me, guys," Jazz announces, standing up. "The limit is eighteen here, not twenty-one, so feel free, sis." He winks. He just wanted to get my age out in the open, not that I understand why. Everyone already knows Jasper's age, and they also know I'm his little sister. Asshole. I shoot him a playful scowl and say, "I'll have a Newcastle." "A Stella," Doc says. "Cheers, mate." As soon as Jasper's gone, the three guys sitting across from me are quick to start up conversation. I learn that Michael Newton is from Manchester, Paul Lahote is from Lyon, and Caius Schmidt is from Hamburg. They're all defenders for Chelsea. I also learn that they're good at mistaking tits for eyes…seeing as they stare at my chest when they speak to me. But it's a common thing. I was blessed with a good rack. In attempt to include Doc in the conversation, I ask, "So, where are you from? What's your story?" "Melbourne," he replies, which comes out "Mellben". I stifle my smile. "After I got my undergrad there, I moved to London to study sports medicine at the uni, and I never looked back." Impressive. "My dad's American, though," he adds. "I spent quite a few summers in Chicago when I was a little shit." Unfortunately, my brother comes back with our drinks, but there's a silver lining with him showing up. 'Cause when he slides into the booth, Doc scoots closer to me to make room for Jazz. That's all very fine by me. 5. At around eight o'clock, half the people have cleared out to go home to their families, but a few remain. Namely, Edward—who told me to call him Edward or Eddie, as opposed to Doc. I picked Edward. Jasper, Paul, Michael, Felix—the first goalie—Eric, another midfielder, and Jacob—who is one of Chelsea's personal trainers—stayed behind as well. We're all sitting in the same one booth now, as crammed as it is. Since there's no practice over the weekend, Jazz and the others let the drinks flow. Despite the fact that we're all sitting so close together, we're still divided in two groups, and I think age is the reason. The younger guys: Jasper, Paul, Michael, and Eric talk about the clubs here in London, and they brag about conquests. Meanwhile, Edward, Felix, and Jacob—all of whom are over thirty—sit a bit quieter and talk about other stuff. Felix mentions that this will most likely be his last season, and Edward grins and says something about Felix wanting to spend more time with his "ankle biters". Kids, I presume. "Yeah, and when are you gonna settle down, Doc?" Felix retorts. Edward shrugs and rests his arm on the back of the booth, conveniently right behind me. I doubt it has anything to do with me, though, 'cause he hasn't paid me much attention at all. "When the right woman comes along." "She's taking forever," Jacob quips. "Too right!" Edward agrees, chuckling, and clinks his beer glass with Jacob's. "But unlike you, I won't settle for a fuckin' gold digga'." "Ouch." Jacob pretends to be hurt, although you can see the humor in his eyes. Both Felix and Edward laugh. I don't understand, but Edward notices my confused expression and leans close to explain. "Jakey here collects wives." With a grin in Jacob's direction, he asks, "What number are ya on now, mate?" "Two," he huffs, but Felix smirks and holds up four fingers behind Jacob's back. I giggle like the tipsy teenage girl I am. And the arm Edward had on the backrest ends up around my shoulders. Well, well. 6. Jasper throws an oblivious Edward a quick glare when he notices the arm around me, but I silence my brother with a glare of my own. Jazz knows very well that he has no right to dictate over me and, truth be told, I don't believe Edward's really that interested. It's more that he's a happy drunk than a horny bastard. He's simply jovial and friendly. A part of me even thinks that Edward's not aware of the arm he has around me. He's still chatting it up with Jacob and Felix; his touch is casual and, like I said, friendly. "Another round?" Jacob asks the group. Jazz, Eric, Michael, and Paul nod and rattle off their orders, but Felix shakes his head. "I'm off, fellas. Time to go home." And I ask for another Newcastle before Edward goes for a Carlton Draught. After we've said our goodbyes to Felix, Edward proudly tells me that Hank—the owner of the pub—makes sure to always keep a few Australian beers on hand…just for Edward. "That's…awesome," I reply, not really knowing what else to say. But it's clear that the man loves his beer. I decide to tease him. "Does he keep Vegemite for you, too?" He narrows his eyes at me. "Are you taking the piss, love?" Yeah, my eyes bug out. "Taking the wh-what?" I splutter. Apparently, that earns me a chuckle and an eye roll. "You havin' a laugh at my expense?" he clarifies. Oh. Taking the…um, right. Someone hand over a dictionary, please. And, love? Man, if only they didn't use "love" here for pretty much anything between a pile of dog shit and a million bucks… "Wouldn't dream of it, mate," I shoot back with a flirty smile. He grins. "Feisty. I like it." 7. "So, tell me about yourself, Bella," Edward murmurs, and I suddenly feel his fingers begin to draw circles on my skin. "From what Jasper's said, I know that you're his cheeky little sister, and that you're always attached to your camera." I laugh quietly and sip my beer. "Well, that's obviously wrong since I don't have it right now. Wouldn't you agree?" I don't feel the need to mention that my Nikon is safely tucked into my bag. "All kidding aside, I love photography." He hums. "Anything in particular you like to photograph?" You? Preferably naked? I clear my throat. "Not really. If something catches my eye, I'll take a shot." I shrug a little. "Back in high school, I did an exhibit where soccer was my theme." He smirks. "You know, here in Europe we just call it football. What you yankees call football…" He shakes his head, laughing through his nose. "I mean, you use your hands the majority of the time!" "Hey! I didn't name the game," I say defensively and smack his chest playfully. "But enough of that." 'Cause I want to know stuff about him, too. "It's your turn—tell me about yourself." I grin. "All I know is that you're a physiotherapist." He nods. "I've got a Master's in sports physiology. I'm also a massage therapist, and I've worked for Chelsea for about eight years now." Oh, sweet Jesus. A massage therapist? I bet those hands of his can cure cancer. "And you like walks on the beach and stargazing?" I wink and turn my body a bit more in his direction.