Chapter 2 - Hang Dry

It was that brief moment that Nikki Bella froze. Looking into Dean's eyes she knew that all the time apart was leading to this very moment. She didn't want to be the first to move but she knew she had to be the one to give in this time.

She slowly sat back down pushing her dark brunette curls behind her ear before daring to look up once more at her former husband.

A sigh escaped her lips before she uttered

"I'm listening."

The Cincinnati Superstar took a deep breath before resuming his seat. He took some time to notice the grungy surroundings. It disgusted him that his ex-wife thought the same of him. It was true, he was rash man but he had changed. How much had he changed? He wasn't so sure but what he was clear of was the woman sitting right in front of him.

"Do not expect me to believe that you let a huge secret like our marriage-"

"-EX-Marriage" she corrected.

"Whatever!" he exclaimed as he leaved over the table.

"Don't expect me to believe that it was an accident Nicole"

He observed her manner towards him. Her arms were crossed at the chest but her dark oak eyes begged him to continue.

"You know what I think?" he asked her

"What?" she barely got out.

He leaned back into his seat.

"I think you were looking for a way out and last night's episode was your way of getting my attention"

Nikki's eyes fought back tears at his answer. She didn't want him to see how vulnerable she was feeling. How wrong everything around her felt. She had everything but the feeling of having lost it all still remained. She caught the concern in Dean's eyes. How could he care for her after so long? Why did he bother to keep up with a dumb reality show like Total Divas? It was all overwhelming for her. She just wanted to be saved.

"Maybe" is all she could admit before she jumped up and bolted for the exit.

"Fuck! Nicole!" he yelled after her.

He threw some cash down on the table before running after her.

He saw her slim figure rushing towards her car. He swiftly caught up to her catching her arm. He gently tugged her towards him.

"Dammit Nicole," he spoke softly.

She softly sobbed as he embraced her in his arms. The palms of her hands gently relaxed on his chest. He made the decision that he would be patient with her. They just stood in each other's company. His chin resting on the top of her head as he stroked her soft hair. Not a word spoken; just the wind's soft wisps and their slow breaths.

When she had calmed down. He felt the pressure of her hands pushing him away but not wanting to let her go he managed to tighten the gap between them.

They gazed into each other's eyes, the feeling so intense, so vivid. She couldn't control the strange butterflies that floated around in her belly. She couldn't even pinpoint a time where she remembered such a feeling. Before she could say anything, Dean had already covered her lips with his. A long, lingering, toe-curling kiss that pushed every thought out of her mind. Their tongues melted, as he thoroughly tasted every inch of her mouth. His hands took her face but he never broke away, he brought her closer to him, savouring every taste, treating her delicately. His tongue dancing lightly over hers then stroking warm and soft, her eyes still closed as he pulled away.

She was afraid of opening her eyes. Afraid that it was a dream but she felt the soft caress of his hand on her warm cheek and she opened her eyes to see a sadness in his cerulean eyes.

"I can't save you but I want you to know that I never quit loving you Nikki."

She nodded even though it crushed her. She sucked in a breath.

"I'm gonna go" her voice cracked.

"Nikki" he spoke trying to comfort her.

"I'm fine" she snapped.

Ultimately devastated and unable to stand in his presence Nikki hastily got back in her car. She never looked back at him; afraid of seeing the same disappointment she saw when they had first separated. She finally allowed her tears to stream down her face in hopes that they would finish by the time she reached John's hotel room.