The Undertaker's Embrace

by Takersbeloved

Dory thinks she's the luckiest girl in the world when she wins front row ringside tickets to the WWE's Raw show . . .has her luck changed for the better when she meets the man of her dreams? (orig. posted on another forum)

1. Default Chapter

There will be real names used, sexual content, real life situations, etc. I'd really appreciate any feedback from anyone. Criticism welcome -- all comments help in one way or another. Thanks. Hope you enjoy!

"We had the greatest seats! Can you believe how close we were? Oh man, I could feel the heat from Kane's pyros melting me where I stood. That was sooo great!"

I was fairly skipping along in my enthusiasm. I'd won tickets to the WWF off the radio two days ago and I hadn't touched down to Earth since. Those tickets were first row ringside—it didn't get any better! I'd dragged my friend Vicki with me to see the show. She wasn't all that enthusiastic about wrestling but she'd agreed to go and stare at half naked guys for three and a half hours. She's a good friend, despite the fact that her main entertainment of the night was grumbling to me.

"Yeah, great. I think all the smoke from the fireworks has fogged up my contacts. What I wouldn't give to be able to pop these suckers out right now."

Vicki was walking in a weaving line beside me while rubbing her eyes. I grabbed her arm to keep her from getting real personal with a parking meter as we made our way slowly to the parking lot with all the other die hard wrestling fans who'd stayed until the very end of the show. Vicki had wanted to leave about twenty minutes ago but I'd made her wait. We were one of the last two out of the arena. I'd waited until the guys had come back out to start cleaning up and dismantling the ring before I'd let Vicki drag me out of the arena. I'd been hoping against hope to catch a glimpse of the Undertaker or HHH, my two favorite wrestlers. No such luck. Figures.

"There's my car over there." Vicki pointed to her little blue Honda that sat under one of the lights and I nodded. "You sure you don't want me to drive you to where you parked?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. I'll be fine. It's just over there by that back entrance. I'd parked over there earlier hoping to get a glimpse of some of the wrestlers as they came in but I must've missed them or they went in another way. I didn't get to see anybody."

Vicki gave a vague nod of her head and waved. I was already forgotten as her mind was already settled in her comfortable bed at home. Smiling slightly I headed for my own car. It was a small Chevrolet Cavalier two door. It was only a year or two old, a good little car I thought as I stuck my key in the door and heard the lock click. Opening the door I glanced back one last time and waved at Vicki as she pulled out of the lot before turning to get in my car.

"Damn it, don't tell me that's what I think it is." I leaned over a little further and looked at the back tire. Damn me if it wasn't flat. I jerked my head up, hoping to catch Vicki before she got away and was just in time to watch her car turn the corner and disappear. Shit! I looked around the deserted parking lot, trying to decide what to do. Changing the tire myself was completely out of the question. Even if I knew how, which I didn't, I'd took out my spare tire last week to fit all those boxes in my trunk when I'd moved.

Hearing something behind me I cautiously turned my head, dreading to see who it might be. I'm stuck in a deserted parking lot with nothing to defend myself oh yeah I'm a smart woman. I'd like to smack myself for telling Vicki to go on and leave. I took a deep breath and turned around letting it out in a whoosh when I didn't see anyone.

"Come on Dory, get a hold of yourself. All those scary movies weren't as good for you as you thought. You're seeing Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger behind every light pole. Get a grip." Turning back around I leaned down for a closer look at my tire, as if looking at it hard enough was going to magically fix it. Instead of my flat tire, my eyes were drawn to a pair of dirty sneakers. I knew I'd heard something. I should have trusted my instincts and gotten in my car and locked both doors.

"You got a problem baby?" The voice sneered from above my head. I straightened quickly and put as much space as possible between us. He was a pretty good size man, standing at least a head taller than my own five foot three and outweighing me by at least a hundred pounds. This night was going from great to bottoming out in 2.5 seconds. Just my luck.

"No, I've got no problems. None. In fact, I'm leaving right now. Thanks for asking." I took a step towards my car door, which unfortunately he was standing in front of. He didn't budge. Somehow I'd known he wouldn't. I wasn't going any closer and I doubted very seriously if I could make it to the passenger side before he did. We were at a standoff. Maybe I was being paranoid. Maybe he was just a Good Samaritan in ragged jeans and a dirty T- shirt. Yeah right.

"I think you do have a problem, baby. Looks like you've got a flat tire there. Now I could fix that for you—for a price." He gave a scratchy laugh, the amusement never reaching his eyes.

I looked from his leering face to my flat tire and back again, trying to decide which one was more annoying at this point in time. He took a step closer to me and the decision was made. He was definitely the most annoying. I took two steps back, trying to think of a plan, one that had a chance in hell of working.

"Uh, that's ok. I've called someone and they're on their way right now. Should be here any minute now but thanks for the offer."

"I'll just bet you did. I think we both know ain't nobody going to show up here at this time of night. Just those wrestling freaks and even they've gone by now. It's just you and me baby." He took a couple of steps towards me, his hands reaching out for my arm.

I took a stumbling step back, evading his grasping hands and slammed hard into something that didn't give. Shit, I'd just backed into the wall—or a parked car knowing my luck. How the hell was I going to get out of this? I felt behind me, trying to decide which way to go to get around the obstacle blocking the path behind me—I wasn't going any closer to the one in front of me if I could help it. I looked up to keep an eye on him and noticed he'd stopped advancing on me. In fact, he'd backed off a couple of steps. Stopping for a deep breath and to wonder at my luck finally beginning to turn I nearly jumped out of my skin when a deep voice rumbled from directly behind me. The vibration was directly against my back. I gave a humiliating little squeak and jerked around to face this new threat, at last understanding why the Good Samaritan jerk was backing off when I found myself staring into a cloth covered chest. My eyes roamed slowly upward along an impossibly broad chest leading into a face that was lost in the shadows. He was at least a foot taller than me and weighed at least a good hundred pounds more and that was just a guess from what wasn't in the shadows. Geez, I've gone from bad to worse.

"Sweetheart, I was worried when you called and said you had some car trouble. I hope you don't have any other problems." He gave a menacing look at the other man and took a step closer to me.

I had my mouth open to object to the endearment when he reached out a long arm and wrapped it around my waist, cushioning me against his side. My mind went blank as that voice sent shivers dancing down my spine. It was him. I couldn't get a good enough look at his face to be absolutely sure but I'd know that voice. I was too stunned to say anything or try to put any space between us. I just stood there with my mouth dropped open in astonishment.

My mind finally focused on the situation when the Good Samaritan jerk tripped over his own feet trying to back away from a situation that had grown out of his control. I felt the man at my side take a step forward and followed involuntarily, I was still attached to his side by his long arm. I would have laughed if I hadn't been afraid it would come out sounding half hysterical. Instead I just watched in silence as the jerk made his stumbling way across the parking lot, casting anxious looks over his shoulder every few feet to be sure he wasn't being followed.

I was jerked back to my own situation by the deep voice talking to me again.

"Are you ok? He didn't hurt you? I could still catch him . . . "

I kinda smiled at the implied threat and shook my head. "No, I'm fine. He . . .uh . . .he was just being a nuisance." I moved to turn around and look at my rescuer and could have sworn that his arm tightened around me before sliding off. I'm sure it was just my overactive imagination. Geez he was tall in person. I've watched him on TV for years and a friend of mine had even gotten his autograph for me once but to be this close. . . . I just stood there and stared at him stupidly. I tried frantically to get my mind to work as he stepped a bit closer and I could finally see his face in the light cast from one of the security lamps outside the building.

"Not to use his line but it does look like you have some car trouble. If you've got the spare and a jack I'll fix it for you."

His eyes held a kindness I hadn't expected for some reason. They were the lightest shade of green and seemed to smile at me in the darkness, offering me reassurance. 'Um, no thanks. I mean that I don't have a spare or a jack either for that matter. See I was moving last weekend and I took those things out to make room for the boxes and I never put them back in. Nothing I regret more now." I broke off, realizing that I'd started rambling and was definitely telling him more than he cared to know.

There was a slight smile curving his lips, he didn't really look that annoyed but I just stood there silently for a minute, waiting to see what he was going to do next. Instead of saying anything, he just turned away from me. For a minute I thought he was just going to leave me there until I noticed someone behind him. Oh my god I thought as I saw who was behind him. Nothing like making a fool of yourself in front of an audience Dory. I could feel the heat working its way up my neck and heating my cheeks.

"I think everything'll be alright from here on out Glen. I'll catch you tomorrow morning."

That voice was the stuff of dreams, mine especially. Talk about my dream of being rescued by a white knight coming true—well a knight anyway, scratch the white part. I watched as the other man nodded and gave me a small smile before turning to walk away. I never would have known him if he hadn't been called by name. He was always wearing a mask and his voice was always so distorted I'd never have recognized it either. "Later, Mark." With just those two words and a friendly wave he was gone and I was alone with the WWF's Undertaker.

My heart was beating a mile a minute, thumping so hard against my chest that I was sure he could hear it. He stood there for a minute more before turning back to me. For the longest time he just stood there and stared at me but there was nothing suggestive in his stare, he wasn't leering like the Good Samaritan jerk had done earlier. His eyes traveled slowly over me as I stood there in my jeans and favorite Undertaker sweatshirt—I thought I saw a smile curve his lips when he saw my shirt but it was gone so quickly I wasn't sure. I shifted from one foot to the other and waited impatiently for him to raise his gaze back to mine. I regretted my impatience as soon as his gaze was honed in on mine once again. I grew light headed and saw spots for a minute and was afraid I was having some kind of panic attack until I took a deep breath and realized I'd just forgotten to breathe. How stupid! I finally get to meet him and all he's going to remember about me is that I grew light headed and passed out on him. What an impression to make. I needed to say something, anything to break this silence. It was unnerving and I half believed he was doing it intentionally. That annoyed me enough that at least I didn't stutter when I spoke.

"Hi. I really appreciate your help with the creep but I've got my cell phone with me and I'm sure I can find someone to come and pick me up. I wouldn't want to keep you from anything."

He still didn't say anything, just stood there looking at me. My eyes skipped everywhere before finally landing on his broad chest. Those eyes of his did something to me and I needed to be able to think straight right now. I'd already made a big enough idiot of myself for one night. His deep voice finally broke the tense silence that had fallen between us.

"I doubt you'll be able to reach anyone this time of night. If you trust me I'll give you a ride and you can get your car in the morning. At least you wouldn't have to worry your family by calling this late at night—unless there's a husband or boyfriend waiting for you?"

The question hung in the air for long moments before I finally answered. "No, no husband or boyfriend. Just my family that'll be worried but I'll check in with them once I get home if you really don't mind giving me a ride?" This was really stupid I knew even as I said it. Getting in a car with someone I didn't know—and I don't think watching him for years on TV counted as "knowing"—was stupid but I couldn't resist. This was my one and only chance to actually talk to the Undertaker and I wasn't going to pass it up just because common sense said it was the thing to do.

"No, there's no problem. My bike is right over here to the side. Come on."

While my mind was still hung up on riding his bike with him, he reached down and picked up my bag where I'd dropped it earlier when the Good Samaritan jerk had approached and started towards the corner of the building. Hmm, manners—I liked that in a man. As I followed slightly behind him and studied his broad shoulders I had to admit that there was more than manners to admire about this man. In about ten steps he was at his bike while it took me about twenty steps to cover the same ground. I finally caught up to him and watched in silence as his long fingers secured my bag in one of the saddlebags on his bike. Before I could think of something to say besides blurting out how much I love to watch him wrestle he'd swung one long leather clad leg over his bike and was revving the motor. I waited patiently for him to raise the kickstand and then took a deep breath when he looked back over at me and motioned for me to mount the bike behind him.

My palms were so sweaty I wiped them on the seat of my jeans before taking my seat. I had to stand on tiptoe to even swing my leg over the bike. I was just praying that I wouldn't kick him trying to get my short little leg that high. I finally settled behind him on the seat and hit another snag immediately—where to put my hands? Wrapping my arms around his waist seemed a little forward so I rested them lightly at his waist before jerking them back to rest on my own thighs. I didn't know I'd have to make such hard decisions when I'd accepted this ride. I tipped my head back to look at the stars and take a deep breath and almost fell off the bike when I felt him lean back and grab my hands, wrapping them around his waist until my breasts were cushioned tight against his back with my hands clasped above his belt buckle. Well, there was one decision made. Now if I could only convince my lungs to function again.

"Ok?" his deep voice rumbled through me again as he turned his head and asked.

I shook my head before I realized he couldn't see me and mumbled, "Yes, fine."

I could hear the laughter in his voice when he said, "Wouldn't want you to fall off now would we? Hold on tight, darlin'."

The engine sounded loud as we roared out of the now deserted parking lot, drowning out anything I might have said. My arms tightened around him as we took the curve out of the parking lot with only the slightest of pauses. I could feel his chest shaking against my hands and knew he was laughing at me but I let it go. He could laugh all he wanted to as long as I didn't fall off. I had a tight enough grip now that if I went then so would he. We'd only gone a couple of blocks before I realized he had no idea where I lived. So where were we going? Oh, shit—I should have listened to my common sense. Damn, now I'm stuck on the back of a bike going who knows where!

Panicking slightly I straightened away from him as far as I could go which wasn't far—there wasn't a lot of room between his back and the end of the seat. I was racking my brain to think of a way out of this mess when I felt his hand tighten on my own, pulling me back up against him. I looked up, just noticing that we were sitting still and saw that we were in the parking lot of one of the bars in town. Without the constant wind in my ears and jack hammering of my heart maybe I can think of a way out of this mess. I looked over at the door of the bar and saw the familiar crooked sign over the doorway—it was one of my favorite bars. Some friends and I usually meet there once a week or so and have a few drinks and dance, talk, just unwind after a week at work.

He cut the bike's engine and I felt him shifting in the seat, turning to face me over his right shoulder. I couldn't read the look in his eyes, it was hesitant, almost questioning but I dismissed that as foolishness—he was in charge of the situation—at least for now.

"I know this is kinda weird but would you like to go in and have a beer or something?"

I must have looked at him like he was an idiot because he continued before I could answer.

"I know you stood your ground pretty good with that guy earlier but I just thought you might like to have a drink, relax a little before going home to an empty house. It's fine if you'd rather I take you home."

He looked at me with the question in his eyes, a light was there, a message going straight to my heart saying this was an opportunity I couldn't, shouldn't pass up. I mean, really, how often do you get a chance to go out with someone you drool over on TV? I looked at him closely, wanting to make sure there were no ulterior motives hiding in his eyes where I could see. He looked sincere, so I nodded and leaned back far enough for him to slide off the bike. Before I knew what he was doing he'd reached over and wrapped an arm around my waist, lifting me off the bike and setting me gently on my feet beside him. His arm lingered for a minute before he let me go completely. This time I'm sure it was not my imagination. He stood really still, staring at me for the longest time before saying anything.

"I've got a favor to ask. Please don't take this the wrong way—but would you mind changing shirts?"

"What?" I took a step back away from him, wondering what in the hell was going on.

He reached into one of the saddlebags on his bike and pulled out a plain black T-shirt and held it out to me. I just stood there and looked from him to the T-shirt, wondering what in the world I'd done to deserve this night.

"It's clean. I always carry an extra set of clothes with me just in case my luggage gets lost. I just hadn't had a chance to drop it off at the hotel yet. Before those thoughts I see flickering across your face take a good hold let me explain. While my merchandise has never looked better—"he flicked a hand at my shirt and gave me a small smile"—that is a very good picture of me and I'd rather not spend the night signing autographs. I'd rather talk to you. If you put the T-shirt on it'll at least hide my picture. Maybe if we sit in the back there won't be anybody there who'll recognize me. . . "

I reached out hesitantly for the T-shirt, knowing it wasn't the smartest thing but going to do it anyway. I tugged at the shirt when he held onto it for a minute and he let it go with a smile. I pulled it over my sweatshirt and stared down ruefully as it hit my knees. What a fashion statement I was making. I looked like a dwarf or a little girl playing dress up. I gave a self-deprecating smile and looked up at him where he was standing, watching me with those hypnotic green eyes. I held my arms out to the side and did a little twirl, laughing at myself.

"What a fashion statement huh?"

"Well . . .most women wouldn't want to hear this .. . but I think you look adorable."

I stood there, speechless for a minute, and stared into his eyes. He was right about one thing—most women want to be beautiful, gorgeous—not adorable, but I could see he was serious. I tugged at the shirt self- consciously and looked down at the ground before raising my gaze back to his. "Thanks, I think. It is a little big isn't it?"

He gave a little laugh, "Not on me it isn't." He looked at me for a few more minutes before saying, "If you took off the sweatshirt you could tuck the T-shirt in—I think I've got a light jacket you can have if you want. I think you look cute, but if you'd feel better fixing it that's fine too."

I debated for all of five minutes before making up my mind. I was on what you might call a date with the Undertaker and had a chance to wear his shirt and jacket—why was I even thinking of saying no? That and I didn't appreciate the fact that he looked gorgeous and I looked like a dwarf.

"Ok, give me a minute and I'll have everything arranged. The T-shirt is big enough that I'll just slip my shirt off under it. Try not to laugh too hard at me now. This was your idea remember?"

He held up both hands in surrender and took a step back, even though he had a smile still lingering on his face. He rarely smiled when he was on TV and each one of his smiles tonight had taken my breath away. It was shocking the way the smile softened his face, made him seem so much more approachable. I watched him as I wiggled and squirmed my way out of my sweatshirt. He glanced at me occasionally, smiling at my progress, and kept a careful scrutiny of the parking lot. No more Good Samaritan jerks were going to bother us tonight, not on his watch.

I was finally able to wiggle both arms out of my sweatshirt and then pull it over my head. There was so much room in the T-shirt I had plenty of room to maneuver. I held the sweatshirt out to him, careful not to let our fingers brush. I still wasn't over the shock of being cushioned up against him during the ride; I didn't need any repeat shocks to my system just yet. He took the shirt without saying a word and turned to put it in the saddlebag with my bag. I shivered as the cool air hit my bare arms, quickly tucking the over large shirt into the waistband of my jeans. By the time he turned back around I was ready. He held out a finger with his leather jacket hooked on it. The jacket was going to swallow me too but it would be warm and I could take it off when we got inside. I shivered one more time before quickly reaching for the jacket. Instead of letting me have it he walked around behind me and held it for me while I slipped my arms through the sleeves.

"Thanks, uhh . . .what should I call you? Undertaker or American Bad Ass doesn't seem to suit the situation does it?" I said with a laugh.

"Call me Mark. And you are. . . . ?" His deep voice rumbled through the dark, a question coloring his tone. His left eyebrow was raised, almost an imitation of The Rock.

"Dory, my name is Dory. Thanks for the shirt and the jacket . . .Mark."

He nodded, the light from the parking lot glinting in his auburn hair. "Ready now?"

"Let's go." I started towards the entrance to the bar, feeling his presence close beside me. The warmth from his body burned through the leather jacket and I could still smell his scent embedded in the leather. I shivered once, but not from the cold.

Climbing the four steps to the bar's entrance I felt his hand against the small of my back, a simple courtesy, but one I felt all the way through my body. Just that single touch set off little heat waves. God I did need that drink.

We stood in line for a few minutes; the bar was popular, especially on a Saturday night. He didn't say anything and I racked my brain for something to say but came up blank. He was going to think I was an idiot. For ten minutes we stood in line, the silence stretching between us. The other couples in line talked and joked, some were even holding hands or kissing. We stood there silently. I could feel his eyes on me occasionally but I kept my gaze trained on the entrance, counting couples until we got to the door. We were finally standing at the door, the bouncer looked up and grinned.

"Hey Dory, what's up? I haven't seen anybody else come through tonight. You supposed to be meeting them or something?"

I looked up at Dave and grinned. He was the regular bouncer at the bar who'd turned into a good friend. I'd even went out with him a couple of times but there'd been no spark, no passion—for either of us. "Hey, Dave. No I'm not meeting anyone here. A . . .a friend and I just stopped in for a drink." I gave a quick glance at the Undertaker. . .at Mark . . .and found him staring steadily at Dave. Wondering what was going on, I gave a shrug and reached over to give Dave a hug. "I'm glad to see you. It's nice to see those stitches didn't mar that pretty face of yours."

Dave reacted just like I'd known he would. With a laugh he scooped me up in his arms for a long hug, before laughingly sitting me on my feet. "You should know by now that a little bar fight isn't going to get the best of me. Us pretty boys are pretty tough after all."

I laughed and shoved the jacket's over long sleeve up so I could reach into my pocket for the cover charge and felt Dave's hand cover mine. I heard a growl to my left and looked over at Mark to see him glaring at us.

Dave finally looked over at Mark before glancing back at me, a question in his eyes. I shrugged my shoulders and took a little step to my left, putting myself between Mark and Dave. Dave finally backed away, lowering his hand from mine. "Sugar, you know your money's no good with me. Go on in and have a good time. Holler if you need me." He gave a little wave of his hand and a small smile before turning his attention to the couple behind us who'd started to argue before they even got through the door.

I turned to Mark saying, "Come on. Let's find us a table, ok?"

Instead of answering he reached out a long arm and pushed the sleeve of his jacket up until he could reach my hand. Lacing his fingers through mine he finally nodded and motioned for me to lead the way. I tried to ignore the warm rush of feeling jumping from his palm to mine, rushing through the rest of my body. Pushing my way through the crowd toward the bar was a full time job. The place was extremely crowded and loud. Music blared from the speakers in the corners and the laughter and conversations from the other people made it hard to even hear myself think. I was finally close enough to the bar to catch the bar tender's attention. "Hey, Steve. How's it going tonight?"

Steve smiled and answered, "Pretty good Dory. Busy as usual. The whole crew here tonight?"

I shook my head quickly and felt a tug on my hand. I leaned over to Mark, "What do you want?"

He looked at me for a long minute before answering. "A beer's fine. Get whatever you want, it's on me."

I nodded and turned back to Steve. "Two Bud Lights Steve." I stood there quietly and watched at Steve reached below the bar and withdrew two long necks and twisted the caps off before sitting them on the bar in front of me.

"There you go Dory."

A large, leather clad hand reached from behind me handing the cash to Steve. Before I could reach for my drink Mark had grasped both bottles and turned back to me. "Let's find a table and talk a little."

I nodded my agreement and looked around, trying to spot an empty table but couldn't see over the heads of the crowd. We stood there for a minute before I felt a tug on my hand and was being led quickly through the crowd. I couldn't see where we were going, merely the broad back in front of me. I just followed blindly. Quicker than I would have thought possible we were settled in a dark booth in the corner. I shrugged out of the leather jacket as Mark settled into the seat in front of me. I carefully laid the jacket beside me, breathing in the scent one last time before turning to face the man in front of me. His long legs had a problem fitting comfortably under the table, he had to stretch them out to my side brushing my own legs occasionally to find a comfortable spot.

"Do you mind?"

"No, you're fine. I don't have that problem myself. Must be annoying sometimes."

"It has its advantages," he said as his leg brushed against mine once again.

I looked at him quickly before reaching out for my beer, feeling the coolness of the bottle seep into my hot palms. I took a drink and felt it slide down my throat, hitting my empty stomach. There's nothing better than the first taste of a cold beer.

Mark looked at the woman across from him, wondering what in the hell had come over him outside. Ever since he'd seen her he'd been acting strangely, acting possessive of someone he'd just met. It wasn't like him, not like him at all. But damned if he could help it.

"So you come here a lot do you?" He wanted to bite his tongue as soon as the question came out but decided to let the question stand. It had really bothered him when that guy at the door had touched her. He'd wanted to put his fist in that guy's face for touching what was his—the only problem was she wasn't his, at least not yet.

He watched closely as she slowly raised her head and met his eyes. He was surprised, not many people would face him head on after he'd asked a question in that tone. She was either brave or stupid—and he'd bet anything she wasn't stupid.

"Yeah, I do."

Mark let his gaze rest on her for a minute before reaching casually for his own beer, taking a long swallow, trying to decide where he wanted this conversation to go. She didn't elaborate on her answer, just met him stare for stare as if daring him to say something. He let out a breath slowly, wondering what the hell was wrong with him tonight. His match had gone wrong from the moment his bike wouldn't start to the very end when he'd jobbed to Booker T. His night had gone down hill until he'd seen her in the parking lot. He should have just run the punk off and let her call someone. This wasn't going like he'd wanted. Running a weary hand through his hair he looked back at her and said, "Look, this isn't going like I planned. I wanted to sit down and talk to you for a while, get to know you."

She just looked at him through those dark blue eyes, never blinking. She was more than willing to give him enough rope to hang himself. It was going to take more than a few kind words to get back in her good graces. "Look, I'm sorry about how I acted back there. I don't usually act that way. It's been a bad day and well, to tell the truth there's just something about you that I like. A lot. I didn't like seeing that guy all over you."

He sat back in the booth, having apologized as much as he was going to. She had to give a little too. He didn't know why this was so important to him, hell he'd just met her. She was almost a complete stranger. But he held his breath all the same to see what was coming next.

I looked at him sitting across from me wearing such a serious look and took another drink to give myself a few minutes to think. This wasn't going exactly like I'd wanted either, truth be told. I'd always thought I'd hate a possessive man, that had even been one of the problems dating Dave but with Mark it was different. Maybe it was my fascination with him from TV or something but his possessive attitude didn't really bother me. It was more his tone of voice when he'd started asking the questions that had raised my hackles. But he'd been man enough to apologize. . .

"Yes, some friends and I do like to come here quite a bit. We usually have a couple of drinks and talk, just relax after a stressful week of work."

I looked at him for a few more minutes, silently debating with myself before continuing.

"Dave, the bouncer at the door, and I dated a few times. There was no spark between us so we decided to become good friends instead. That's all we are—friends. I'm sure you have more than your fair share of female fans."

I winced as I heard that last part. That's right Dory, charm him with sarcasm. Damn, I wish I'd kept my mouth shut on that last remark. Why'd I have to go and say that for? This was a hell of a deep conversation to be having with someone you just met.

He gave a quiet laugh and I looked over to see him smiling at me. I've never seen the man smile as much as he had tonight. At least I'm adorable and amusing—that's something.

"Yeah I guess I do at that. There's nothing personal about it though you know? All those people—they don't know me, they know the character I play on TV and think that's me. I don't go around the house spitting tobacco juice and threatening people who come into my yard."

He looked over at her to see if she understood what he was saying. So many times he'd met people who couldn't get past the persona and he'd ended up just wasting his time trying to make them understand the difference between the Undertaker and Mark. Hell, half the time he didn't even try anymore. She had a very serious look on her face, her long brown hair trailing over one should of his shirt. The short sleeve shirt reached to the elbows she was resting on the table as she leaned toward him, intent on what he was saying.

"I think I understand what you're saying. Everyone does that to some extent. We all have different aspects of ourselves that are at the forefront depending on who we're with and where we are. We act completely differently at work than we would at home or out with friends. I know it's not to the same extent that you all deal with but I think I understand where you're coming from."

I looked at him sitting there and saw the shock that came over his face as I talked. I'd been rambling again, geez the man was going to think I was an idiot. "Umm, sorry about that. Probably more than you wanted to know about my idea on the subject huh?"

He just looked at me and shook his head no, taking another drink of his beer. I looked at his big hand wrapped completely around the bottle and thought again of how it had felt wrapped around mine. I took a nervous gulp of my own beer and nearly choked. "I . . .uh . . .tend to ramble when I get nervous. You've probably noticed that though."

He didn't answer for the longest time. He stared at me with those intense green eyes, never taking his eyes from mine. If my shirt had buttons I'd have been checking to make sure they were all closed, instead I cleared my throat nervously and searched for something to say, anything to get him talking instead of staring at me.

"Do I make you nervous Dory?"

"What?"

A small smile curled his lips and he leaned towards me across the table. I caught myself leaning towards him too, as if he was about to impart a great secret.

"I said do I make you nervous?"

I gave a nervous nod of my head before even realizing what I was doing. I cursed myself when I realized what I'd told him. That stupid honest streak of mine had always gotten me in trouble. Why the hell would he want to know that? Why would he even have to ask? Every time I turned around I was making some kind of fool of myself because all I could think of was him.

"Remind me to tell you something later Dory," he said as he stood up, towering over me.

I released my death grip on my half finished beer and reached for his jacket. "What do you want to tell me?" I scooted out of the booth, thinking we were leaving.

"Later, I'll tell you later. Right now I want you to dance with me."

"Dance?" I asked stupidly, staring at his bare outstretched hand. During our conversation he'd taken his gloves off and laid them on the table. I'd been so distracted by our conversation that I hadn't even noticed.

"Dance with me."

I hesitated for a minute more before I let go of his jacket and scooted across the cracked vinyl seat, laying my hand in his. Oh this was going to be a big mistake. Just standing close to him caused little tingles of heat to go up and down my spine. What was it going to do to me to be held against him?

His hand tightened around mine as if he read my mind, knew I was already having second thoughts, and led the way to the tiny little dance in the corner of the bar. We found a little corner away from the blare of the speakers and he turned around to face me. I held my breath, knowing what was coming but still unprepared for the way it made me feel. Clasping my hand in his and settling one hand on my waist we began to slow dance. He was so tall that my hand rested on his bicep instead of his shoulder, my head barely reaching his chin but there was no awkwardness to our embrace. We quickly settled into a slow rhythm like we'd danced together just like this a million times before. My eyes slowly closed as I reveled in the sensations of being held in his arms. A dream come true, except this was so much better. This wasn't just some character I drooled over on TV, this was a man.

We swayed together for what felt like hours before I finally noticed the absolute silence surrounding us and realized we'd still been dancing but the song had ended. I pulled back, a little embarrassed, but Mark held tight to my hand, refusing to let go. Another slow song began and he closed what little distance there had been between us. He wiggled his hand free of mine and slid it down to rest at my waist. My hand just hung there for a minute, I didn't know where to put it. I felt his chest shaking slightly and I looked up to see him looking down at me, laughter lurking in his beautiful green eyes. It invited me to laugh with him, to share the joke even at my own expense. I smiled and settled both of my hands at his waist. Truth be known I would have liked to have wrapped them around his neck but that would have been a stretch and would have called for me to lean into him for my balance. I wasn't sure it would be safe to be that close. I tightened my grip on his waist, looping my thumbs through his belt loops and laid my head on his chest. He'd been the one to pull me this close, I couldn't resist that hard chest any longer. If I'd been asked at that exact moment I'd have sworn my feet weren't even touching the ground. We moved together without thought, feelings rioting through me

What was going on? I'd accepted this outing thinking to get an autograph or two and something to talk about at work the next day. I mean, meeting the Undertaker live and in person, what more could a girl want? I'd watched him on TV for years, followed his career, his change of gimmicks and never once had I really thought I'd meet him, that'd I'd be dancing in his arms. Infatuation, a crush on someone you see on TV was one thing—but this felt like something completely different. This felt like something real.

I jerked my head up from its comfortable resting place, taking a minute to catch my breath and looked up into his gaze. Those impossibly green eyes looked down into mine, full of something I couldn't, wouldn't name. Unhooking my thumbs I took a step back and quit dancing. After a moment he let his hands drop from my waist, taking a step back to look down at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing's wrong. Maybe we should sit back down."

I turned and started towards our table, knowing he was behind me by the way my nerves stood on end. I walked in between the fighting couple before I knew where I was. The crowd was so thick and loud I hadn't even realized they were fighting until the woman shoved me hard and I landed up against her boyfriend. His arms came around me automatically, catching me against a broad chest. I tried to move but the arms tightened and I automatically looked behind me for Mark, looking for rescue. I found him about six feet behind me, it was hard to miss someone that tall with that gorgeous hair. He was having his own problems though. Four women had surrounded him, all talking to him at the same time. He was looking down at them, saying something. One had short red hair and she reached out to lay a small white hand on his chest. I felt emotion clog my throat and I had to blink a few times before I could see straight. What the hell was wrong with me now? I watched the little tramp take a step closer to him, watched as his lips moved in answer to something she'd said and realized that I wanted to rip her little red headed heart out. She was touching him and all I could think was—that's mine. She was touching what belonged to me. The thought no sooner crossed my mind than Mark looked up, his eyes searching the crowd before him until his eyes honed in on me. I could tell when he finally noticed the arms around me. A frown crossed his face and he stiffened slightly before shrugging off all four women, even the red head who made one last ditch grab for his arm, and headed in my direction, shoving people aside with no thought to courtesy.

I dropped my eyes from Mark and shoved against the arms that were squeezing me too tight. "Let me go. Let go right now." I tried wedging my elbow down to where I could get a good blow in to his ribs but his arms were wrapped around me too tight, it was getting hard to breath. I fought down panic, knowing Mark was closing in. "If you don't let me go your little spat with your girlfriend over there is going to be the least of your worries. I guarantee it." I glared over my shoulder at him.

"Hey sweetie, why don't I just trade Darla for you? She wants to be an uptight little bitch, we'll just let her go and you and me can get acquainted."

"I don't think so." I jerked against him again. "Why don't you just let me go and then you and Darla can make up and go home?"

I looked over at Darla and saw that she was even more pissed now than when she'd shoved me at her boyfriend.

"Ronnie, let the little bitch go. Right now." She took a step towards me and I saw her clench her fist. That's just great. Her boyfriend was holding my arms and she was getting ready to pop someone—and I just bet I was at the top of her list for some reason. I couldn't imagine why. I looked back over my shoulder and saw that Mark was almost upon us but I doubted he was going to be in time. I looked back over at Darla, watching as the anger built on her face the longer Ronnie held onto me. She took a step closer and I knew it was coming. I gave another futile shove at Ronnie's tight hold, knowing it wouldn't budge, feeling like a sitting duck. Maybe I'd get lucky and she'd deck Ronnie instead. I saw her fist draw back and was preparing to duck as much as possible but got distracted when I saw Dave making his way through the crowd towards us with a concerned look on his face.

Unexpectedly I felt the pain explode from the left side of my face and radiate out to every inch, every nerve in my body. Looking at Dave I hadn't managed to duck at all and Darla had good aim. I sagged against Ronnie's hold and was almost grateful he was holding onto me. Damned if I'd want to give Darla the satisfaction of hitting the floor. I swallowed tightly and after a groggy minute I looked up to see her looking at me in satisfaction, a smug smile on her face. I hadn't done a damned thing to this woman to deserve that. Payback was definitely going to be a bitch.

"Maybe you'll want to let her go now Ronnie. Your pale little bitch's face ain't so pretty all puffy like that. I'm sure the bruise will at least give her some color though." She gave a snicker at her own joke and I finally felt Ronnie loosen his hold. He turned me around to get a look at my face and I saw the smile cross his lips, the laughter in his eyes.

"Ahh, Darla, sweetie you know I'd never cheat on you. I was just joking around with her."

"The joke wasn't funny."

I looked up as that deep voice slithered into the conversation, relief in my eyes. I felt myself shudder with relief, not relishing being a sitting duck for another punch, not liking it one bit that I couldn't breath without being surrounded by Ronnie.

"Mark . . ."

His green eyes met mine for an instant, his gaze drawn to the left side of my face, assessing the damage with a slight wince of his own before turning to look at Ronnie. The rage that clouded his eyes was almost scary.

"Your smartest move right this minute is to let her go. Now if you want to keep those arms."

Ronnie immediately let his arms slip from around my waist. I stumbled a bit before Mark reached out and laid his arm around my shoulders, giving me time to catch my balance. Damn, Darla had a hell of a punch. I reached hesitantly for my face but Mark caught my fingers before I could touch it. It must look bad then if he didn't even want me to feel it. His fingers tightened around mine and he drew me tight against his side.

"You're lucky I don't hit women." He directed this at Darla, who quickly lost her smirk. She took a step closer to Ronnie, who'd been trying to back away into the crowd but there was nowhere to go. He'd caused enough of a scene that there was a circle of onlookers surrounding us, watching, waiting to see what was going to happen next.

He took a step closer to Ronnie, looking down at him. Ronnie was about two inches taller than me but had muscles like he went to the gym regularly, at least it had felt like it when he'd held onto me. But when Mark walked up to him Ronnie looked like a little kid, a scared little kid.

"You there is no exception for. If you ever, I mean ever, touch her again, if you even think of touching her I will make you sorry you were born. Do. . . you . . . understand?"

Ronnie nodded quickly, knowing it was the only way to save his own hide. He reached out to grab Darla by the wrist, ready to make their escape.

"Wait just a minute."

I straightened away from Mark and even without looking I could feel his eyes on me, wondering what was going on now. Instead of meeting his eyes I looked over the crowd, searching quickly for Dave. I found him about four feet away and knew that I'd have to do this quick before Dave arrived. He had to push his way through all the gawkers so that gave me a few minutes extra time. He knew me well enough to know what was coming. He met my eyes for just a second and he was already shaking his head when I turned away from him.

"Hey Darla, I've got a little something for you."

She looked over at me and this time there was no smug look on her face, in fact, she looked a little nervous. "Umm, sorry about that. . . uh little tap there. No hard feelings ok?"

I looked her up and down, making her sweat for just a minute, but well aware that Dave was closing in quick. I gave her a wicked smile, "No Darla, no hard feelings at all. Hope you agree." She nodded once before I drew back and popped her right in the mouth. Ronnie's reflexes left a lot to be desired as he stood motionless, watching as Darla's butt hit the floor with a hard thump and the shocked look on his face made me smile even wider.

I felt an arm go around me and I looked up to see Mark looking down at me. For a minute I was afraid he was going to be mad but I should have known better. He gave me a small smile and hugged me close to his side again just as Dave arrived on the scene.

Dave quickly took a step between us, holding out each of his hands to try to keep the peace. I stood silently by Mark as Ronnie finished helping Darla to her feet, stepping as far away from us as possible. There really was no need. I'd done what I wanted to do—like I always say, payback is a bitch.

Dave looked over at me and I could see the twinkle in his eyes even as he was shaking his head. "I knew what was coming when you started looking for me in the crowd."

I just shrugged and smiled, leaning against Mark as the crowd pushed in to listen to what was happening.

"That bitch hit me!"

Darla's screeching voice broke through the tense silence that had fallen. I winced slightly at the tone, my head was starting to ache from where she'd hit me. My left eye felt swollen too, obscuring what little vision I had in the muted darkness of the bar.

Dave waved a hand at her, stopping her as she opened her mouth to let loose with another slam against me. "Please be quiet, ma'm. Sir, please stay where you are."

The last was said to Mark, who'd taken a step forward at the bitch remark even though I'd just stood there. I laid a hand on his chest and whispered, "Let Dave handle it. Everything's fine now."

We all stood there silently, it was the quietest I'd ever head the bar. Finally Dave looked over at Darla and Ronnie, "You two started arguing and bickering before you even came inside tonight. I saw you fighting, shoving each other on the dance floor. I was already on my way over here when Dory walked between you." Dave looked over at Ronnie and his voice became hard, "Ronnie you shouldn't have touched Dory. You and Darla come in here all the time and try this shit. I'm tired of it. I'm going to have a little talk with John and this is the last time you'll be in his bar. You'll not be welcome here again. People come here to have a good time and a few drinks, not to listen to you two scream at each other all night."

"B-b-but . . . "

"Shut up, Ronnie. You two need to get your things and get out."

"I'm going to make that bitch pay for touching me. She busted my lip." Darla fingered said lip gingerly, wiping away the blood that was on her chin as she glared venomously at me. "I'm going to file assault charges against you!"

I opened my mouth but Dave beat me to it.

"There are fifty people here who witnessed what you and Ronnie did. If anyone has the right to file charges, it's Dory. You didn't get assaulted Darla, you got what you deserved. Now do like I said and get out, both of you." Dave waved a hand at Ronnie and Darla and glared at them until they'd turned and made their way to the door where one of the other bouncers was waiting on them to make sure they left. Dave turned around and faced us where we still stood, a wry look on his face.

"Dory, Dory, Dory what am I going to do with you?"

I looked back at him for a minute before giving him a small smile, "You're probably going to kick us out too?"

"Ahh, Dory you know me so well." He gave a little shrug before continuing. "It's the bar's policy to remove all customers who. . . how can I put this . . .who use physical violence?"

"She was defending herself."

Mark had remained silent as long as possible. Dory had assured him that she was merely friends with the bouncer but they looked entirely too close standing there. He tightened his arm around Dory and noticed that Dave looked down at his arm encircling her before he looked away.

"Actually the violence was past." Dave shot Dory a look filled with laughter. "Dory was being herself and getting even."

Mark took a deep breath but before he could say a word Dory inserted herself between the two of them. I looked at her but swallowed what I'd been going to say. I wasn't going to argue with Dave and make an even bigger ass out of myself. I'd shown her how jealous I could be before, no sense in repeating the offense.

"Come on Mark, let's go. Don't worry about it Dave. I knew we'd get thrown out as soon as I hit her. But hey, it was worth it to see her lip all puffed out like that don't you think?"

I laughed as Dave just shook his head while Mark kept sending unreadable glances between the two of us. I reached out for his hand and began to pull him behind me as I made my way towards our table. It seemed like a lifetime since we'd left it. I let go of Mark's hand and reached for my beer, taking one last drink before setting it on the table and reaching for Mark's jacket. Before I could shrug it on his hands were covering mine and he took it away from me. Holding the jacket in his hands he just watched me as I turned my back and shrugged into the jacket as he held it. His hands went to the collar and gently tugged my hair free, smoothing it down my back. I shivered from the heat of his touch and stepped quickly away, hoping he hadn't noticed the hitch in my breathing.

I'd only taken a couple of steps before he reached out his hand for mine, shoving his jacket sleeve up until he could lace his fingers with mine once again. The warmth of his palm against mine distracted me from everything but him, even the pain in my right hand dulled to a mild throb when I was so focused on him.

Waving a quick good bye to Dave I took a deep breath of the cool night air as we walked outside. It felt good to be able to smell the fresh air and to get away from the crowd. Hell, who was I kidding? It felt good to be walking beside Mark. He slowed his pace to match mine as we walked through the parking lot towards his bike. It was sad to think that my date with him was almost over but all good things must come to an end. Besides, it's not like it was a real date or anything. What had I been thinking—that we'd fall in love at first sight and have some kind of relationship? I gave a sigh and admitted, if only to myself, that the thought had crossed my mind more than once.

"You want to give me some directions to your house?" Mark spoke in a quiet voice, having decided not to mention the incident inside if she didn't. He was sure her hand was hurting now as well as her head. She'd really laid one on that Darla woman he thought with a small smile. Woman was gutsy, he'd give her that, especially since she'd been outweighed by a good forty or fifty pounds.

I looked up as he broke the silence, wondering if he was upset about getting kicked out of the bar. I debated on whether or not to mention it and decided I had nothing to lose.

"Umm . . .about what happened in there . . .well, I'm sorry I got us kicked out."

Mark looked down at her where she walked beside him, trying to read her face but she refused to look up at him. "Are you trying to say you're sorry you hit that woman?"

"No!" I realized that had come out a little more forceful than I'd intended and so I repeated a little softer, "No, that's not what I meant. I'm just sorry that I ruined our evening. You probably wanted some peace and quiet and here I go and get in a fight. I'm sorry you had to be involved and that we had to leave. But I'm not sorry about hitting her. That woman got what she deserved."

Mark smiled to himself at the vehemence of Dory's last words. "So you did hit her to get even?"

I stumbled at the question and felt Mark's fingers tighten on mine, helping me keep my balance. "Well, uh. . . kinda . . .well, yes I did. She hit me because she was mad at her boyfriend. She got what she deserved. Besides, she started it." I quit talking when I realized how childish I sounded. I looked over at him but instead of looking annoyed like I thought he'd be, he had a smile playing on his lips.

He nodded his head slightly, still smiling. "That's what I thought. And you're right—she did deserve it."

I gave the hand closed around mine a little squeeze, glad to see that he had a sense of humor about the situation. "My house is pretty close by, only about ten minutes away. Umm, come out of the parking lot, take a right and go to the end of the intersection. Once there we'll go left and follow that road for about a mile and a half. My house will be the yellow one on the right hand side you can barely see from the road. There'll be lot of tall trees and no other house around. Pretty hard to miss."

"Sounds like a nice place to live. Not big on neighbors huh?"

"No, not really. I want to be able to step out my front door and not have fifteen pairs of eyes staring back at me. I like the peace and quiet. My mom always said I could live like a hermit and it wouldn't bother me. She's right."

I looked up and saw that he was looking at me intently, his eyes serious and his mouth had a hard look to it but before I could ask him what was going through his mind we were at his bike and he let go of my hand. I watched silently as he swung a leg over the seat and lifted the kickstand. The engine roared to life, drowning out the possibility of conversation. He turned around and looked at me, motioning me to once again mount the bike behind him. This time I knew what to expect and settled quickly into the seat, wrapping my arms around him. He reached down, pulling my arms a little tighter around him. He was careful not to press on my sore knuckles, instead he briefly rubbed his thumb over the raw skin, almost a caress before reaching up and wrapping his large hands around the handlebars. In only seconds we were roaring out of the parking lot.

I'd known what was coming, known I'd have to touch him again but I'd thought I'd be able to control the emotions rioting through me. But I was once again snuggled tight against his back with my thighs cradling his and my emotions were out of control. I'd known this man for a matter of hours and yet I felt so safe, so secure—so happy with him that I never wanted it to end.

With a small sigh I laid my aching head on his broad back, snuggling into his warmth as the cool night air blew by us as we raced into the night. We rode slowly through town but once we made the last turn onto my road he opened the bike up, roaring through the night with a blur of speed. I trusted him completely, knowing deep inside that he'd never do anything to hurt me, to put me in danger. I'd just met the man and I already trusted him with my life. And I was very afraid my heart was already more his than mine.

Opening my eyes I saw that we were already very close to my driveway. I sat up a little straighter and peered around his shoulder, seeing my drive up ahead I reached up and gave him a pat on the chest motioning with my hand that my drive was right up ahead. I saw him nod his head slightly and we slowed down just barely to take the turn. Involuntarily I tightened my arms around him and squeezed my eyes shut and I could feel his chest shaking with laughter. Deciding my best bet was to just ignore him for the moment I closed my eyes and put my head back on his broad back for the ride down my long driveway, getting lost in my own thoughts once again and savoring the warmth of him seeping through his shirt to me.

"Darlin' if this isn't your house I think we should move along."

I jerked my head up and looked around, awareness coming to me like a slow moving fog. We were sitting in my driveway, the porch light casting a slight haze of light out into the darkness. I quickly shoved myself away from his broad back wondering how long we'd been sitting there. I'd been so lost in my own thought I didn't remember pulling up to the house, but it seemed as though it had been a few minutes since I'd heard the bike's engine. Geez, what a perfect ending to the night. I can officially call it "How many ways can Dory humiliate herself?" I'd have to take my shoes off to count that high.

"Yeah this is it. Sorry I . . .uh . . . I wasn't paying attention."

I'd started to climb off the bike but he'd put his hands on my thighs to stop me. He easily swung his leg over the bike and stood to the side, just looking at me for a minute. I met his gaze, knowing this would be the last time I'd have the chance to look into the hypnotic green eyes and determined not to waste a second of it. He reached out one gloved hand slowly, smoothing down my hair, which probably looked a mess after our wild ride in the night. Wrapping one long strand around his finger he gave it a gentle tug before releasing it and wrapping his hands around my waist, lifting me off the bike and sitting me gently in front of him.

"Umm . . do you want to come in for some coffee or something before you go?" I knew it was a stupid question but I simply wasn't ready for the night to end just yet.

He simply looked at me before shaking his head, "No, I don't think so. It's late and I'd better let you get some rest and put something on that eye."

He gently brushed his thumb over my swollen cheek before turning back to his bike, reaching into the saddlebag for my stuff. "Keys?"

He handed me my bag and waited patiently while I dug through it for my house key. I finally found it and held it up so he could see. He gave a brief smile when he saw that my key ring was his Undertaker symbol. Reaching out he took the keys from me and reached out his other hand for mine, starting towards the porch. I didn't know what he was doing but I wasn't going to object. He'd said he didn't want to come in but he didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave either.

We climbed the porch steps together before coming to a stop before the door. I stopped and waited, thinking he was going to unlock the door but instead I heard a soft thud and realized he'd dropped my stuff on the porch. With a little tug he'd pulled me in front of him, leaning me back against the wooden door, blocking out the porch light with his broad chest. All I could see was him, all I could feel and smell was him. My breath gave a little hitch as I looked up and saw his head bending towards mine. My eyes closed involuntarily as my heart sped up. The blood was rushing through my system, shivers running down my spine and he'd barely touched me. His lips brushed mine, briefly, once, twice before pulling back. My eyes flickered open wondering where he was. He was staring down at me, a strange smile on his face.

"You're beautiful," he whispered before slowly closing in again. His lips briefly brushed my swollen cheek, gently as if in healing it, trying to take the pain away before settling on my lips. There was a hesitant quality to the kiss that I hadn't expected, as if he was learning what he wanted to know before continuing. Without thought I moved closer to him, my breasts straining to reach the warm comfort of his chest even as my arms reached up to encircle his neck.

His kiss was soft and gentle, tender and exploring. His mouth moved over mine and started small fires along every nerve ending. His tongue stroked in and I touched it with my own. Hearing a soft moan it startled me to realize that it was coming from me but I couldn't stop it. I tightened my arms around his neck, feeling his arms circling me, feeling the power of those arms as he lifted me closer to him. There was no beginning, no end to where I left off and he began. For that brief moment in time we were one.

The tone of the kiss abruptly changed; there were no more tentative forays, no more learning. His kiss changed, became possessive, demanding, hungry. I felt his tongue gently touching my lip, begging entrance once again. With a soft, helpless moan I opened my mouth to the invasion, savoring his strength and warmth. His arms tightened around me, crushing me with his bruising strength but the thought to protest never crossed my mind. I was right where I wanted to be. A shiver raced down my spine, feelings rioting through me too quickly to analyze. I couldn't think with his arms around me, with his mouth hot on mine.

His hand traveled slowly down my back, cupping my butt and pulling me closer to his melting heat. And all the while he kissed me, hot drugging kisses that made me burn with desire. A hot wave of emotion washed through me, leaving me hot and limp, needy. Mark lifted me a little closer, a little higher on his chest, my feet completely leaving the ground. I could feel his hardness, thick and rigid, against my stomach and knew he was just as affected as I was.

Before I was ready the pressure tapered off. His lips left mine, trailing hot, moist kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I arched my head back to give him better access, not yet ready to lose the heady sensations that rioted through me. His lips moved back up my neck, covering mine once again. A feather light brush of his lips nipping mine, once, twice. Soft little nibbles at the corners of my lips, gentle licks of his tongue to soothe the little bites, then a deepening pressure that sent little shivers across my neck and shoulders. His hands roamed under his jacket, caressing my back lightly. One tender kiss leading into another, so many that I lost count.

Finally needing air we broke apart, my head coming to rest on his chest, fitting just beneath his chin. I sucked in deep gulps of air, feeling as if I was drowning. His chest rose and fell heavily as he'd been running and I could hear his heart racing. His lips trailed hotly over my check and I could feel his hot breath in my ear.

"Dory, what you do to me. . . "

My arms tightened around his neck, the ache in my head and my raw knuckles forgotten as I leaned back and looked up into his hot green eyes. "Oh, Mark . . ."

His lips settled back on mine, no hesitation this time when his tongue demanded entrance. His arms tightened, pulling me even closer than I thought possible. I could feel his heart pounding against me, beating in a rhythm as hard as my own. My heart took up the beat, falling into rhythm with his, beating as one.

After long drugging moments I felt him leaning me back against the door, slowly breaking the kiss, nipping my bottom lip before soothing it with the soft glide of his tongue, once, twice before withdrawing completely. I breathed heavily, looking up into his eyes, wondering what was going through his mind, wondering why he'd stopped. He was looking down at me, his arms still wrapped securely around my waist as if he couldn't let go all at once. Slowly he reached up and gently ran his hand down the side of my face, pushing my hair behind my ear before bending and placing a gentle kiss against my forehead. His fresh, male scent enveloped my senses causing my heart to skip a beat with his nearness even as I tried to gain my breath.

The sound of my keys in the lock was a harsh intrusion in the quiet of the night. Before I knew what was going on he'd unlocked the door and pushed it wide open, leaning down to pick up my bag where he'd dropped it on the porch. He handed it to me and I reached out to take it with a shaking hand, wondering if he'd decided he wanted to come in after all.

"Will you be all right or do you want me to check the house for you before I go?"

His voice was harsh in the darkness, gravelly. He, too, was having a little trouble returning to normal after that kiss. Still trying to gain a semblance of control of the situation I just shook my head, not having found my voice yet.

He looked at me for minutes, maybe hours, before giving a brief nod of his head and turning back towards the steps. He walked a little stiffly, not the loose legged gait of earlier in the night. He was still aroused and it showed in every line of his body. Watching his broad back walk away from me finally helped me find my voice. "You're leaving?" I winced as I heard the complaint come out of my mouth but it was too late to take it back.

He turned around and looked at me again, this time a small smile crossed his lips, lips that were still moist from our kiss. "You're something special Dory, you know that?"

Taking a step away from the door I walked towards him, knowing he was walking out of my life. "Is that what you wanted to tell me earlier?"

For a minute he looked confused, his mind not concentrating on anything but controlling his body. His brow furrowed in thought before he finally remembered the scene at the bar when she'd admitted how nervous he made her.

"No, that wasn't what I was talking about then." A full-fledged grin broke across his face before he turned and made his way to his bike, swinging one long leg carefully over and settling in the seat.

I watched him through narrowed eyes, thinking that was all he was going to say, unable to think of anything to say, trying to recover from the affect that grin had on my senses. Suddenly he looked back at me where I stood leaning against the post of the porch rail and I could see that he was serious once again. I found that I missed the grin, missed the boyish quality it gave to his face.

"Well, what did you mean back there? What were you going to say?" I demanded, trying anything to halt his exit from my life.

"Aww, darlin', you really want to know that?"

I gave a brief nod of my head and watched in amazement as his face turned red. Even from this distance and in the hazy light I could see the blush as it worked its way up his neck. What in the world was he going to say? I took a step away from the post, coming closer to him in the driveway. Before I knew what I was doing I was standing right beside him, close enough to feel the warmth of his body once again. It was as if he had some kind of magnetic pull that I couldn't possibly resist.

He looked over at me, his gaze homing in intently on mine before his gaze dropped once again to my lips still swollen from his kisses. He leaned toward me and I closed my eyes, expecting any minute to feel the electric brush of his lips on mine. Instead his lips brushed my ear and his whisper caused shivers to run down my spine.

"You make me nervous, too, darlin'."

I took an involuntary step back, my eyes popping open to stare into his, looking for the joke, waiting to see the smile on his face to tell me he was kidding. Instead he was deadly serious, no smile on his lips, his eyes hot and intense on mine. I took another couple of steps back, almost scared of the feelings he caused in me. This was supposed to have been a fun night with a man I'd never see again but instead it had turned into something much more serious. At least on my part. Love at first sight wasn't what I'd thought it would be. I'd imagined a soft rosy feeling, peaceful and full of joy, security. Instead it scared the hell out of me. I backed away from him, not out of a physical fear but because deep inside I knew he could hurt me more than anyone else had ever had the power to. And I'd only known him for a few hours.

He gave me a brief, knowing look as I backed away from him. Raising a hand he gave me a little wave and before I knew it he was roaring down the driveway and out of my life forever.

I'd never before felt so alone. He was gone.

I turned around and started back for my house, the gravel crunching loudly under my heels now that I was alone. I sighed loudly even as I wondered what I had in the refrigerator to put on my eye. Now that he was gone the ache was back, both in my head and my hand, but especially in my heart.