"A little to the left, that's the spot." Wade mumbled as he tilted his head back.
"You feel so tense, something wrong? Is it work?" Grace asked as she worked her hands around his back and shoulders.
"We don't discuss work, you know that." He chastised. She subtly rolled her eyes and trailed her hands down his sides.
"Then maybe we should skip the masquerade ball, you need to rest." Grace said. It was another work event that she wanted no part of, one of the many cons of dating a wrestler. A two month break had just been established, but they still had functions to attend.
"Nice try, Gracie. The boss personally invited me. We're going." He turned around and softly pinned her down by the hips.
"You don't even like anyone from work." She pouted.
"Which is why I'm gonna love having you all to myself for the next two months, so you can suck it up for one night." He said, his palms still resting on her hips.
"Fine, but I won't like it."
"So, what do ya think?" Grace asked as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"I think it's a winner." Danielle said as she tightened the corset of the wine-colored gown.
"Yeah?" Grace smiled.
"And you need to get a white tux, with a black handkerchief, got it?" Grace and Danielle turned to the obnoxious voice at the front of the boutique.
"Got it." Randy absently responded to the blonde hanging on his arm.
"Randy's going to the ball?" Grace asked.
"Yeah, everyone is. Guess that's his date. Yikes." Danielle cringed. "Stay put, I'm gonna find you the perfect mask." Danielle said.
"Maybe black, with gold trim? Or white, what about white?" Grace called out as she looked down and smoothed the ripples on the front of the gown. "Or maybe- ah!" She jumped, nearly falling off the stool she was standing on. Randy stood behind her, his eyes fixed on her in the mirror, she was too shaken to turn around.
"I'm sorry, someone has to say it…you look beautiful in that gown." He didn't give her a chance to respond before he walked away.
"Tha- thank you." She stammered, still not turning around, even though he was gone.
"I got it! Black with maroon glitter, ya like?" Danielle bounced up behind her.
"Um, yeah. Looks great."
"You ok? You look a little flushed." Danielle noted when she handed her the mask.
"Yeah." Grace put the mask to her face, "Never better."
"You're awful quiet." Wade looked down at Grace.
"Huh? Oh, just focusing." She met his eyes briefly before going back to doing his tie.
"It'll be a good night, I promise." He said.
"Mmm-hmm." She smiled and nodded. "All set. You look great." She said. He smiled and held out his arm for her to take.
"Wow, this place is really nice." Grace looked around at the seemingly mile-high ceiling of the ballroom.
"I could get used to this." Danielle said.
"Of course you could." Grace teased.
"You don't mind if I steal Danielle for a bit, do you?" Heath asked.
"Of course not. Have you seen Wade?" Grace asked.
"Yeah he was just getting a drink." Heath said before he pulled Danielle onto the dance floor. She looked around, but then felt a tap on her shoulder.
"There you are, I've been looking all over for you." Grace said. He nodded and took her hand and walked to the center of the floor. The music was slow, but intense. He kept their bodies close, his hand inching lower and lower down her back. She couldn't remember the last time he touched her like that. She rested her head on his chest, letting him guide their movements. The lights were dimming and he pulled away.
"What is it?" She asked. She went to touch his mask but he grabbed her hand and walked off the floor.
"Babe, where are we going?" She asked, but he didn't answer. "Wade, this is silly." She said as they walked down a dark hallway. "I can hardly see." She was always a little afraid of the dark. He opened the door to what was apparently the coat closet and pulled her in.
"Wade I-" He interrupted her with a kiss. Tingles were running up her legs, she let out a soft moan against his mouth.
"Whew, I think I need another drink, let's go." Danielle took Heath's hand and turned to the bar.
"You didn't happen to see where Grace ran off, did you?" Wade asked.
"You mean she's not with you?" Heath asked.
"No. I haven't seen her since we got here." Wade said. He looked at Danielle and Heath before scanning the room. Something was off, very off.
