Disclaimer: As much as I might wish otherwise, I do not own John Cena or anyone related to Vince McMahon and the WWE

Abby had avoided Casey's phone calls for the last 24 hours. She was still furious over the way Casey had behaved Friday night. Casey had one hell of a nerve. First she invited John then she turned into a total witch? It just didn't make sense. Couldn't the twit just make up her mind? Abby was sitting on the couch, watching Animal Planet when her phone rang. She ignored the thing as it continue it's merry tune. Casey. Again. She glared at the phone until it once again fell silent. Sooner or later Casey would get the hint and realize just how pissed she was.

Abby pushed a stray curl out of her eyes and turned her phone off. She was unsure exactly why she was so mad. Best-friend or not, Casey had stepped over the line. The road to hell truly was paved with good intentions. Casey hadn't meant any harm with her invitation. At least Abby hoped that she didn't. Casey wanted her to be happy, she just had one hell of a screwy way of showing it.

The same problem kept winding its way thru Abby's brain. What would have happened if Casey HADN'T chosen that moment to return to their table? How far would have things gone?

How far would he have let things go? How far would she? Abby kept asking herself why had Casey chosen THAT particular moment to decide it was time to leave? It was only a kiss. Granted, it was one hell of a kiss but it wasn't like they were making out. Damn it! Yes, she had wanted to but she usually wasn't the PDA type. Too bad she'd never find out.

The chiming of the doorbell startled Abby from her thoughts. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Who would be ringing her doorbell at 6 o'clock on a Sunday evening? Abby pulled herself from the couch and padded over to the door. She peeked thru the sheer curtain on the window.

Shit! She'd know those broad shoulders even if she were wearing a blind fold!! John stood on the other side of the door, his back to her. Abby groaned and glanced down at herself. She was wearing loose cotton shorts and one of her old t-shirts. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail. Hardly the way she wanted to be seen by anyone – much less John. Abby groaned slightly and considered not answering the door. Instead she pulled her hair free and ran her fingers thru the unruly mess. She tried to tame the mass as best as she could before slowly opening the door.

John turned to face her. So this was the real Abby. He couldn't help but smile as he took in the baggy t-shirt and shorts. Even when she was relaxing at home she was pretty damned attractive. He could imagine coming home from the road and finding Abby waiting for him, just like this. Abby stood just inside the door, looking him over with a wary look in her eyes.

"I tried to call you but your phone goes straight to voice mail." John tried to peek around Abby to make sure she was alone.

"I turned it off." No point in not being honest.

John arched a brow. "I hope it's not me you don't want to talk to." John smiled hopefully, his dimples flashing. Abby returned his smile and shook her head.

"No. Not at all." Abby stepped back and motioned for John to enter.

"Anybody I know?" John asked gently. He hoped like hell it wasn't whatever had been bothering her before. He had a sudden flashback of finding her sitting beside the pool.

Abby snorted softly. "Unless your name is Casey you have nothing to worry about."

John laughed at that. Apparently Abby was still miffed about the other night. "Actually, I came because I have something for you."

Abby sat on the edge of the couch, slightly confused. "You already gave me the report from Dr. Newberg."

"Nothing like that. I wanted to give you this." John reached into the cargo pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small black box. Silently, he handed it to her. Abby's eyes widened in surprise. Surely he didn't buy her something? Abby couldn't believe it.

"Happy Birthday." John smiled and sat beside her.

Stunned, Abby turned to look at him. "You shouldn't have. I really can't take this."

"You haven't even opened it yet." John nudged her with his shoulder and motioned for her to open it.

Abby drew her finger along the top of box. Unsure, she looked back at him. John nodded and she took the lid off and set it aside. Inside the box was a mound of fluffy white cotton. She pulled the cotton out and gasped. A mix of awe and surprise filled her. Nestled inside the box was a gold charm bracelet. Abby pulled it from the box for a closer look. Abby couldn't believe what she saw. Attached to the bracelet was a single charm. On closer look, Abby realized it was a rose; a perfectly formed rose bud on the verge of bloom. Abby was speechless as she turned toward John, the bracelet in her hand.

John pulled the bracelet from her and gently took her wrist. He rested her wrist on his thigh as he gently pulled the bangle on and closed it. His finger drifted over her pulse as he drew away.

"Everybody needs a good luck charm."

Abby didn't know what to say. No one had ever given her something so beautiful. Maybe she could keep it after all. She really didn't want to hurt his feelings. He may have been a giant of a man but she had the feeling that John was sensitive.

"Thank you." God, that sounds so lame. Abby winced slightly as the words left her lips.

"I wanted to. It's my way of saying thank-you for everything you've done. If it wasn't for you, I don't know where I'd be."

Yep. She was right. He was the sensitive type. They sat there, in awkward silence. Abby wasn't sure where to go from here and John didn't want to ruin the moment by saying something incredibly stupid.

"I have dinner in the oven, if you want to stay." The last part was said so softly John had to strain to hear. They were starting to develop a pattern. For a moment he wondered if Abby thought he wasn't eating enough.

"You sure?" John turned hopeful eyes toward Abby. All she could do was nod.

"Dinner it is."

A/N : And this, dear readers, leaves Abby and John between a rock and a hard place. If you want to know what happens next, please REVIEW!!