AN: This is a repost of Finding Love Unexpectedly. I have reread, edited and added some to the story. Tweaking it if you will.

I disclaim.

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Chapter One: First Impressions

"Beautiful isn't she?" Vic asked as he saw his friend staring at the stunning brunette.

"Who is she, Vic?"

They both watched her as she was working out. "Her name is Meaghan and she's been coming here for a few months. Don't know much else. She moved into the new development near the old saw mill, learned that much from her gym application. Very friendly and sweet, just doesn't divulge much about herself." Vic said as he leaned on the counter.

"I need to meet her." John replied with an air of determination

"When she's finished she always sits in the sauna for about 10 minutes. Go in there." Vic encouraged.

How long is this guy going to stare at me? Why doesn't he just say hello? Do I have to do everything? Meaghanfinished her reps and headed for the locker room. "Hey Vic, who's your friend?"

"Hey, Meaghan. This is John. John, Meaghan." He said smirking.

She extended her hand, "Nice to meet you, John."

"It's definitely nice to meet you." John said, holding her hand a little longer. You have the most beautiful hazel eyes I have ever seen. I can't take my eyes off you and I don't want too.

"So I guess I'll see you around, John?" She said demurely.

"I travel a lot, but when I'm back in town I can be found here." I sound like an idiot. "I'm on my way to the sauna, want to join me?" Stalker. Don't be a stalker.

"I was on my way there too, I'll meet you there." He is so hot and nice smile too. The dimples are sexy.

John went to the sauna, arriving first and prepping the steam. He had contemplated wearing the usual sauna attire, nothing, but decided to wear his boxers. Good thing he wore the ones that didn't look like boxers; he wore his black silk pair. He had yet to do laundry, his lucky day. John lay down on the bench and thought of things he could talk about with her. Meaghan walked in wrapped in her own towel. "Sorry for the delay, I had to take a phone call from the office." Wow. His body is amazing. Don't stare. Holy hell I'm in trouble. Don't stare. "So what do you do that requires a lot of travel?" Meaghan removed her towel to reveal a very small bikini and lay on the bench next to him. She too had thought of what clothing was appropriate and was glad she had her bikini in her bag.

Finally a woman who has no clue who I am. "Um, I'm a wrestler." He studied her body without being too obvious. She was a petite girl, couldn't weight more than 100 pounds soaking wet, toned, graceful, a body you wanted to explore and a face that could break a man. And my day just keeps getting better. Meaghan looked at him still not knowing who he was. "A professional wrestler."

Meaghan chuckles, "Shut up. Are you serious?"

"For the WWE." He replied trying to not sound defensive.

"I haven't watched wrestling since I was in middle school. Oh, no offense, I'm sorry." She replied realizing she probably insulted him.

"That's ok. It's actually nice to meet someone who doesn't know who I am." Insert sexy smirk here.

Meaghan smiles demurely. "I guess I'll have to start watching then."

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Over the next year things gradually progressed from casual phone calls and seeing eachother at the gym to meeting for lunches and dinners to spending all of his days off together when he got back to town. They began speaking everyday and as often as possible over the phone getting to know one another, many times for hours, building a friendship and an unbreakable bond. He became an invaluable asset to her life and vice versa.

"Hey, baby girl, how's your day?" John asked grateful to talk to her and not her voicemail. He hated when they missed eachother's calls.

"It's so nice to hear your voice, are you on your way home?" Meaghan sat back in her chair at the office smiling at the sound of his voice.

"I am on a flight to Boston. I have until Sunday off. Where are you?" John said trying to sound calm and not reveal his childlike excitement.

"I'm at the office. Will I see you while you're here?" She immediately stood for no apparent reason. She always saw him, but there was still the nervousness that he would say no.

"I land in an hour, meet me at the airport? Please?" Hoping she would jump to see him. She normally did meet him at the airport but this time, he was ready to tell her he wanted more. He was coming home for that reason.

"I'll meet you at baggage claim in an hour." They smiled and ended the call; both dying to see eachother. Meaghan told her assistant to cancel and reschedule her appointments for the rest of the week, wishing on a star she'd spend it with John. She made a few more calls and hurried out the door. Why is it so hard to tell him how I feel? Because you don't want to be rejected that's why. He has five days off, please let something happen. They had grown so close over the past year but she still kept parts of her life hidden from him. She didn't want to do that anymore. She wanted to tell him everything. Meaghan just hoped she had the courage.

John waited for his luggage but all he could think about was seeing her and spending time with her. He repeatedly looked to the entrance anxious for her arrival. It didn't take long for the fans to find him. How do they know his schedule? How do they know where he'll be and when? Of course if it wasn't for the fans he'd be out of a job. John obliged the group and signed autographs and posed for photos. Meaghan walked in and immediately knew where he was by the large crowd gathering near baggage claim. As if he could feel her, he looked up and their eyes met instantly. Smiles flooded their faces and they had a hard time not running to one another. John hurriedly finished the autographs and pictures while she hung back, knowing not to interfere with his public persona. She had to smile watching the excitement on the kid's faces, some teenage girls even cried. She found this baffling since she knew him as just John Cena, the guy from a small town in northern Massachusetts.

Digging in her purse, she pulled out a pen and small notebook and joined the group. She waited until the end and walked up to John. "Can I have your autograph too, Mr. Cena?" John grabbed her and hugged her tight.

"You are a beautiful sight for sore eyes, baby girl." John whispered, closing his eyes as he held her close drinking in the smell of her perfume. They stood there clinging to each other with all their feelings bottled up inside; each wishing to say what was in their heart. I have to tell her how I feel this weekend.

"So are you." Regretfully pulling apart, John gathered his luggage and they headed to her car.

"Do you have plans while you're on a mini vacation?" Meaghan asked as they approached her car.

"I was hoping to spend as much time with you for as long as you'll have me." He smiled and winked at her eliciting that smile he loved so much. "I do need to get back to West Newbury to see the folks at some point. Will you come with me?" He asked hopefully. In the past year, she had never met his family. She knew his cousin Marc and his wife, but had never met anyone else he was close too.

"I cleared my schedule hoping to…spend…time…with you." Meaghan said softly as she found the pavement easier to look at than John who was loading his bags in the car. He stopped when she spoke the words he longed to hear; encouraged by her actions that she meant what he felt. He took a deep breath and turned to face her; they looked into each other's eyes knowing at that moment how the other felt. It was finally clear this would be more than a friendship. Time stood still as he slowly moved closer to her. Meaghan reached out and placed her hands lightly on John's hips, her breath ragged. Bending his head toward her, he showered her with tender kisses trying to convey exactly how his heart felt.

He tried to control the shaking of his body. Never before had a woman had this profound of an effect on him. They'd cuddled on her couch watching movies, quick kisses hello and goodbye, hugs all the time, but to finally feel her full soft lips on his own drove him to a place he'd never been. With one last embrace, they got in the car and headed to her condo in the city. Smiling and holding hands, both scared and hopeful. This was the first day of the rest of their lives.

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John and Meaghan spent the evening doing what they always do, chatting. They sat on her couch in the living room talking and laughing like they always had the past year; stealing little kisses here and there. Around midnight they decided to head upstairs to bed; John staying in her guest room. He wanted so much more and figured a year of self imposed celibacy, a year of being with her every chance he got, gave him the opportunity to take advantage of their first night as a new couple and sleep with her. Too bad his morals got in the way. He found he just couldn't expect that from her, nor did he want too.

Meaghan was a lady and should be treated as such. He had to smile to himself thinking she's prim and proper by day and more than likely a hellcat by night. Little did the other know neither could sleep; they both lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Daydreaming of a life with John, Meaghan decides to head to the kitchen for a snack. She needed a break from her thoughts because she was heading down the path of what ifs. They had just decided that night to be an exclusive couple, she didn't need to burst her own bubble so soon. She felt she knew the ins and outs of John Cena, she felt she knew how he'd be as a boyfriend and/ or husband.

On several occasions he'd had to protect her from over zealous men. He had shown her he would fight for her safety, defend her honor and treat her like a lady. She had to admit she liked it. He didn't show jealousy or rage, just a man defending a woman. He warded off men who tried to be a little too aggressive with her in bars or clubs; keeping his arm around her and watched her as she went to the bar or bathroom. Meaghan didn't know that he had actually needed to get physical a few times to a few questionable people.

Daydreaming of a life with Meaghan, John gets up to head down for a sandwich. He thought of all the times he'd been out in public with her and how she handled herself around his fans. How he handled himself around her admirers. He walked in to see her bent over in front of the freezer wearing only a tank top and boy shorts. Oh my god, look at that body, she never fails to entice me. He stood there staring at her legs, her ass, her tummy. The way her breasts looked from the side. He'd seen the same body in a bathing suit, but now that he knew she officially belong to him, everything had changed. He had blocked his vision to her wiles before today and now it was as if he was looking at her for the first time. "Can't sleep either?"

Meaghan jumped. "You scared the shit out of me." Looking at John's naked chest she noticed he was wearing only his boxers. Look away, look away, and don't stare. The realization of her attire dawns on her and she blushes. Too late now to run for a robe. They both stand there observing each other, silently; the sexual tension getting thicker and thicker. Meaghan clears her throat, "I couldn't sleep so I was getting some uh…ice cream, you?" She had seen his body countless times and had even had the pleasure of seeing his ass on numerous occasions, but somehow tonight was different. He seemed larger than life. Safe, secure, and yet erotically dangerous. His arms suddenly seemed bigger, his chest harder, his abs more defined.

"I came to raid the fridge too." He replied with a shaky prepubescent voice. They maneuvered around taking extra precautions not to touch; thus escalating the tension. John got out chocolate syrup and lay down in the middle of the kitchen on his side propping himself up on his elbow. She joined him lying on her tummy. They lay head to head forming an 'L' around the kitchen island. John poured syrup into the ice cream container and pulled out a heaping spoonful. He feeds Meaghan who takes half the spoonful trying not to laugh and John eats the rest. They continued like this, in a comfortable silence, until the ice cream was gone.

"So, why won't you tell me any details about yourself? We've known each other for a year and I barely know about your family, I know even less about your job, just that you have an assistant who constantly calls and you travel a lot. You know a lot about me, damn near everything. Are you a spy? Are you in the Witness Protection Program? Is this really your house?" John asked the questions jokingly. He trusted her completely and wanted her to trust him. He knew that's all it was, he needed to break down the barrier keeping him away from her heart.

"I own my own business. My Mom lives in Cincinnati, my father passed away when I was 7. I'm not a spy, I'm not in hiding and this is my house." She smirked and winked.

"These are things I already know. Tell me something I don't know about you." One smirk deserved another.

Meaghan laughed. "So when are you going to see your parents?" She quickly changed the subject and he let her. At some point this week, he would get her to open up. He would prove to her (again) that she could relax and let herself go with him. Meaghan got up and started cleaning the mess they'd made. Taking the hint, John helped her finish and they walked hand in hand upstairs. He kissed her tenderly goodnight for the 2nd time. Lingering on her lips to savor the way she tasted. They both fell asleep, separately, with contented smiles hoping and dreaming of what's to come.

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The next morning, John and Meaghan packed their bags and hit the road to stay at her house in Amesbury while visiting his friends and family. He noticed a frown on her face as they drove the 3 hours to West Newbury. "What's wrong, baby girl?" he asked as he reached to hold her hand.

"Do you think it's a little soon to meet your parents?" Meaghan asked nervously as she stared out the window. John chuckled at her anxiousness.

"If it were my choice you would have met them months ago. Everyone's going to love you." He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We've known eachother for a year, don't you think that's a long time before meeting the parents?" He smiled at her.

For the rest of the ride John's hand rested on her inner thigh while she answered phone calls and entered data in her blackberry. John's Mom called three times, his Dad once, excited to meet the girl John's been talking about for months. John's cousin and best friend, Marc called and two of John's four brothers called. Meaghan took numerous calls from her assistant and one from her housekeeper in Amesbury. They pulled into the driveway at John's parent's house to be met not only by his parents but his four brothers, girlfriends, and Marc, his wife and his sister and brother-in-law. Meaghan was still on the phone with her assistant trying to hang up. Her eyes grew wide as she saw everyone in the front yard. "Holy shit the whole town's here."

John laughed and got out of the car greeting everyone with hugs, handshakes and a kiss for his Mom. Meaghan slowly exited the car giving them a moment and to build her courage. She was still trying to hang up with her assistant as she walked around the car to greet the excited mob. About half of the group stood staring at her as if star struck, jaws hanging open. She finally got her assistant off the phone and John introduced her to his parents and brothers. His Mom, Carol, greeted her with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks and promptly pulled her away from the crows and started asking her question after question. John's father watched his son as he looked at Meaghan with nothing but love and adoration in his eyes. "You are completely in love with her."

"Is it that obvious?" John Sr laughed and patted his son on the back walking away to join his ex-wife and talk more to the woman who stole his son's heart. Instantly John was bombarded by the group that was star struck.

Marc's wife, Angie, grabbing John and shaking him. "John, do you know who she is? I can't believe it's really her!"

"You know her?" John then realized the looks on everyone's faces. "What am I missing?"

"Dude, that's Meaghan Mitchell. The Meaghan Mitchell." Marc claimed just as excited as the others. "Oh man, I can't believe I didn't put two and two together."

"I know her name and I still don't know what I'm missing." John had yet to put two and two together also.

"John, honey, she's only the richest woman in New England." Angie spoke like a proud parent. "Mitchell as in Mitchell and Ness. She's also responsible for saving a lot of farms around here, personally paying off the farmer's bank loans and getting them new equipment. She donates a lot of her money. I can't believe you have no idea who she is." Angie looked at him with exasperation.

"Mitchell and Ness has been around forever. Are you sure she's one of those Mitchells?" He asked. "She said she owns a club."

"John," Angie continued, "she owns a few clubs, restaurants, boutiques; we all shop at her stores, even you. You've got quite a lady, John."

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John and Meaghan drove the short drive back to her home later that evening, riding in silence, holding hands. When they walked in John stopped in the doorway, taking in his surroundings. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked.

"Tell you what?" Meaghan knew what he meant and set her bag down on the steps trying to look busy.

"Why didn't you tell me who you are, who you really are?" John looked a little hurt.

"When we first met I didn't know if you knew who I was. I may not be a Hollywood celebrity, but people around New England know who I am. I wanted you to get to know me. Me, John." Meaghan continued with tears in her eyes. "I wanted you to know who I am outside the TV and newspaper reports, outside the money. I needed to know you didn't care about my bank account or who I can introduce you too." She started to walk away, wiping the tears from her cheeks and eyes. John reached for her stopping her.

"I'm glad you have all you do. I have the same fears. I'm always afraid a girl is only interested in my bank or who they can meet through me. I knew you were incredible before today and what I learned only deepened how I feel." John pulled her close placing his hands on her face. Looking into the eyes he wanted to gaze into for the rest of his life. He tenderly kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, each cheek, arriving at her lips hovering just far enough away to build the desire. Lips barely touching, he draws a desperate moan from her. John moves one hand behind her head gently guiding it back to expose her neck. Kissing the base of her neck they both moan, he drags his lips up her neck, nuzzling her ear. He whispered, "I love you…so much." He felt her shudder and more tears rolled down her cheeks. Meaghan placed her hands lightly on his chest, her fingers tightening and digging when the tension would build.

They looked into each other's eyes and kissed with a passionate force; expressing all the penned up emotion of the past months. Tongues dancing an intimate dance, tasting each other; hands caressing, grabbing, clinging to the other, desperate to freeze this moment. "I want to make love to you." At his words, Meaghan broke the kiss pushing John away. Both panting, they looked intently at each other. She backed up, her eyes never leaving John's. She licked her swollen lips, turned and walked up the stairs. When Meaghan reached the top, she looked at John signaling for him to follow. He took a deep breath relieved he wasn't being rejected. He followed her up the steps to her bedroom.

At the top he looked to his left into her bedroom to see her leaning against one of the four posters on her bed. She had an expression on her face that was a mixture of nervousness and love. Meaghan whispered, "I love you too." Her eyes instantly filled with tears. John walked to her having a hard time controlling his breathing, his body still slightly trembling, his emotions brimming to the top. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving her, protecting her, sheltering her, enjoying her. He kissed her lovingly waiting for her to soften and relax. When he felt her begin to melt, he slid his tongue into her mouth deepening the kiss.

John unbuttoned her shirt and kissed each piece of skin revealed as he removed her shirt. He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He continued to kiss her neck and shoulders as his hands moved to unbuckle her belt and remove her pants. John ran his hands down her thighs as he pushed her pants to the floor. His mouth resting on her lower back, he kissed and licked her as his hands followed the same path back up resting on her hips. Meaghan turned around pulling John to his feet.

She untucked his shirt and pulled it over his head, kissing his body each time she exposed his delicious skin. When she got to his neck, she nuzzled him and let her tongue and lips taste his chest, neck and throat. Meaghan felt John's body shiver under her touch. He looked around and remembered the fireplace and candles she had placed everywhere. He needed to break the spell before he exploded so he asked her for a lighter. As he started a fire, she began lighting the candles. He felt her eyes on him and turned to see her walking to him. John held out his hand and Meaghan walked into his embrace. He picked her up and placed her on his hips so she sat facing him, her legs wrapped around his waste.

He knelt down and leaned forward gently laying her in front of the fire. John lay between her legs, stroking her face and neck. "You are so beautiful and I am so in love with you." He placed soft kisses to her throat and shoulder as he spoke. "I've been waiting for this moment since the day we met; to lay with you, touch you, feel you, and make love to you." Meaghan couldn't believe this was finally happening and he was saying these things to her. The way he touched her and looked at her made all her inhibitions fall away. She didn't feel shy or insecure, for the first time in her life she felt beautiful. She knew she could trust John and believe him. They took their time and learned about each other intimately; enjoying the moments they were sharing.