Chapter 14

The hot sun beat down from the clear blue sky above. Stephanie lifted her hand and wiped at her damp brow as her feet continued to pound heavily against the dirt track road. The air felt sticky and humid despite the early hour of the morning and her body was already covered in a thin sheen of perspiration. She could feel her red vest top cling tightly to her skin. She'd only been running a matter of minutes but the heat made it feel like hours. Her legs were heavy and her chest felt quite tight. It was tempting just to turn around and crawl back under the sheets. There was at least another hour before they had to get up for breakfast but she knew lying in bed was pointless. She wouldn't get any sleep. All night she had been restless, tossing and turning constantly until she'd finally given up trying and had tiptoed out to the balcony. She'd sat there for the better part of an hour watching as the sun rose, covering everywhere it touched in a hue of oranges and pinks.

Stephanie side stepped a broken bottle as she followed the track to the right. Her laboured breathing echoed along the deserted road. Her mind began to drift as she continued to run and her lips tugged upwards into a small smile as she thought about Paul. He had been sleeping like a baby when she had reluctantly left the hotel room. His body had been sprawled across the mattress and his face buried in the pillows. She had sat beside him for a while content just to watch him. She had allowed her fingers to run through his hair and her lips had brushed against his warm cheek. Stephanie just couldn't help herself. She felt the constant need to touch him. It was like he was a drug to her, something she constantly craved. Last night she had proved that when she had practically thrown herself at him.

Stephanie sighed softly as she passed by a small stream. The water sparkled in the sunlight. She could see the hotel as it towered above the trees in the distance. She wondered if Paul was awake yet. Maybe he would be relieved to find her not there in the room with him. God knows, things were going to feel awkward between them. How couldn't they be after last night? It was probably the reason why she was out here running instead of being in bed with Paul. She knew she was putting off the inevitable but she was slightly embarrassed to face him. Despite things definitely progressing between them, they hadn't actually had sex. Of course, Paul had been more than sweet when he had stopped things reassuring her he did want it to happen. He just didn't want to rush things and spoil what was happening between them. She had wanted to scream and ask him exactly what that was but instead she had agreed and had lain in his arms trying not to feel frustrated. She wanted Paul. She had wanted him so much her body had literally ached for him. It was the reason she hadn't slept. Being in such close proximity to him didn't help her longing. The feel of his hot skin next to hers only reminded her of what she wanted. Paul obviously didn't feel the same though and she couldn't pretend to herself that didn't hurt. It did. It hurt a lot probably because once again, he had enforced her fear, her deep rooted fear that he still cared for Andrea. She could bet he would have no hesitation in sleeping with that bitch. Then again, Andrea seemed the type that would make sure she always got what she wanted.

That was another one of her deep rooted fears. Andrea could snap her fingers at any time and Paul might very well go back to her. That meant she was nothing to him, not that she was really sure she was something to begin with.

Stephanie felt her legs throb as she ran up the small hill. Her chest was burning. She knew she'd pushed herself way too hard. She always did when she had something on her mind. A car rumbled past as she made her way back onto the main road. She didn't allow herself to think any more as she returned to the hotel.

When she got there the lobby was empty. She smiled at the young girl on the reception desk She adjusted her messy ponytail as she tried to catch her breath. Her body felt like lead as she made her way up the staircase. Her hand gripped the brass railing. She could hear a baby screaming from the corridor to her left.

"Good morning!"

The hearty greeting startled Stephanie causing her to jump slightly. She looked up to see Patricia at the top of the landing. Her kind face wore a soft expression. She smiled at her shyly as she approached her. "Good morning."

"Have you been running? Paul never told me you ran."

Stephanie licked her dry lips as she nodded her head.

"Then again, that boy hardly tells me anything. I usually have to interrogate him to pry it out of him." chuckled Patricia. "I take it he's still in bed?"

Stephanie smiled, nodding. "At least he was when I left."

"That doesn't surprise me. Then again, he works that hard his body probably needs the rest." She patted Stephanie on the shoulder as she passed by her on the landing. "I'm heading to breakfast, dear. I'll see you when you come down."

Stephanie smiled softly and made her way towards the room. Her footsteps slowed as she approached their door. She felt her blood pound in her ears. The sound of children's footsteps carried down the hallway. She slowly lifted her hand to knock but hesitated slightly then mentally chastised herself. She was an adult for Gods sakes. She could surely handle this like one. She let out a calming breath as her knuckles rapped lightly against the wood. She'd forgotten her key. She hoped Paul was up. It had only been two days but already she had learned he was a heavy sleeper. If he was still in bed, she was in for a long wait.

Her hand lifted to knock again when she heard the door click open. She took a step back feeling her stomach churn nervously. Her nerves didn't stop her heart from flipping when Paul's face appeared in the crack in the doorway. A slow, sexy smile crossed his face. Stephanie's manicured fingers twisted together.

"I forgot my key." she explained.

"So I see." he said.

His brown eyes travelled slowly along the length of her body. Stephanie swallowed thickly and shifted uncomfortably. She could see through the space that he wore only his jeans. The top button was undone. Droplets of water ran down his smooth tanned skin. His wet hair hung around his shoulders.

"So, are you going to let me in?" she asked.

"That depends."

"On what?"

"On you and whether you'll admit the reason why you are out there in the first place."

Stephanie couldn't help the smile that traced her lips. She felt her awkwardness slowly begin to slip away. Paul was teasing her by replaying what she had done to him last night. His brown eyes were twinkling at her mischievously. He didn't seem to be embarrassed or the least bit uncomfortable. Maybe she had been fretting over nothing all morning. Maybe there was no reason to feel awkward around him. After all, it wasn't like he had totally rejected her. He was just being careful. Maybe she should respect that instead of thinking it was about him not wanting her.

"So are you going to confess or are you planning to stay out there all morning?"

A door banged loudly down the corridor. Stephanie unclasped her hands and gestured towards her running gear. "I went for a run. I would have thought it was obvious."

Paul opened the door a little wider. His bare shoulder leant against the doorframe as he crossed his thick arms in front of him. "I don't know. You could just be wearing those tight skimpy clothes to tease all the residents."

Stephanie felt herself blush. He was staring at her intently. "I'm a hot and sticky mess, Paul. I'm anything but appealing right now."

"Oh I have to disagree." He paused for a second. A soft smile traced his lips. Stephanie tried not to let her eyes drift to the drop of water that trickled towards the waist of his jeans. "In fact, if Pimple Boy could see you now, he'd probably explode with excitement." he snickered.

Stephanie shook her head and couldn't help but laugh. She took a couple of steps towards the door.

"Nuh-uh-uh!" said Paul as he straightened up. His hands fell to his sides. "Where do you think you are going?"

Stephanie narrowed her eyes. "In the room."

"I don't think so." replied Paul, grinning.

"I've told you the truth. That means you let me in." she replied placing her hands on her hips.

"Not before you give me something first."

"And what would that be?"

"This." Paul stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss on her mouth.

As he stepped back, Stephanie felt the colour flush to her cheeks. She bit down on her lip and tilted her head, shyly.

"Now you can come in." he said, winking at her. He smiled as he stepped aside to let her past. However, his smile slowly faded as the door clicked shut behind him. His big hand pushed back his wet hair as he admitted to himself had been worried. He honestly thought he had fucked up last night and when he had woken this morning to an empty space beside him, it had only confirmed his fears. At one point, he'd even thought Stephanie was gone and had planned to race after her when he spotted her nightdress on the back of the chair and realised her belongings were still there. When he had eventually calmed down, he remembered her briefly mentioning a run. But still, the worry had lingered until he'd heard the knock at the door. He had been so relieved to see her which was why he had kissed her. He'd wanted to the second he saw her standing there. God, he cared about her a lot. He knew that. He couldn't bear the thought that he had hurt her somehow. Stephanie was important to him, probably more important than he allowed himself to believe. He was scared to admit just how much she meant to him. The wall he'd built around his heart after Andrea wouldn't allow him to. But that wall was in danger of crumbling which was why he had felt the need to protect himself last night. He was over Andrea. He knew he was. He just wasn't over the pain her betrayal had caused. Paul wasn't sure he could put himself out there. He wasn't prepared to fall in love and get hurt like that again. That was why he had to be honest with Stephanie. He had thought about it all morning. He was going to explain and hope she understood. He prayed she would. Despite all his uncertainties, he knew he didn't want to lose her. He couldn't.

"I'm going to take a shower if that's okay." said Stephanie as she pulled out her ponytail. Her fingers ruffled through her hair and it fell in soft waves around her shoulders.

Paul nodded as he walked across to the bed. "Have you got a second first?" he asked as he sat down on the unmade crumpled covers. The mattress shifted underneath him. He patted the space beside him. "I want to talk to you."

Paul could see the wariness in Stephanie's blue eyes as she slowly walked towards him. Her hands rubbed nervously against her black running shorts. He smiled at her softly. "I won't bite, I promise."

A hint of a smile crossed Stephanie's lips as she sat down next to him. Her eyes glanced at his muscular thighs. She knew without even having to ask that this was about last night. She felt her earlier awkwardness return. Nothing Paul could say would change anything. He didn't want to sleep with her. She got that. She didn't need him to remind her although he obviously felt that he did. Now she got to relive the embarrassment of his rejection all over again. She heard Paul clear his throat. She tilted her head and looked up at him. His big brown eyes wore a gentle expression as he looked at her.

"About last night……."

Stephanie quickly shook her head as her hand reached across and rested on his thigh. She could feel the heat of his skin through the denim. His nose was wrinkled in confusion. "It's okay, Paul. Honestly. You don't have to explain yourself to me."

"But I think I do and I want you to listen. Please?"

She pressed her lips together and nodded her head. She was about to retract her hand when she felt Paul cover it with his. His palm felt warm and clammy. His damp hair was curling slightly at the ends. He smiled at her almost nervously as he shifted on the bed.

"I wanted you last night, Stephanie. Believe me, I did." He pressed his lips together. His brown eyes searched her face. "But I stopped things between us in large part because, well…."

His voice trailed off and Stephanie squeezed his hand reassuringly. One corner of his mouth tugged upwards into a small smile.

"Well because I guess I felt I needed to protect myself."

"Can I ask what you are protecting yourself from?" she asked softly as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

Paul's chest rose and fell as he let out a deep sigh. "From you."

"From me?"

"Yeah."

Stephanie chewed on the inside of her lip. She watched Paul closely as she thought about his answer. As she saw the flicker of fear in his deep brown eyes, she got it. This wasn't about her or not wanting her enough. Paul was scared. He was scared of her and what was happening here. She felt her heart skip a beat. Her tongue moistened her lips. If he was scared of her, it must mean this meant something to him. She meant something to him. If not, then why would he be reacting this way? He did care about her. He had admitted as much. But maybe his feelings ran deeper that she dared to believe. God, she hoped so. She hoped for it with all her heart.

Stephanie gripped his hand a little more tightly as her blue eyes looked into his. She didn't want to broach the subject but she had to. She needed to know even if she didn't like the answer. "Andrea really did a number on you, didn't she?"

Paul glanced away. His reaction spoke volumes to her.

"Do you still love her?"

Paul shook his head, his damp hair brushing across his shoulders. As his brown eyes connected with hers, she knew that she believed him.

"There was a small part of me that thought I did for a long time but now when I look at her, I know that part of my life is over. We're over. It's time to move on and put it all behind me." He paused for a second. He looked at her thoughtfully. "I guess that was my reason for coming here, you know. I needed some sort of closure on us and what we had."

"And did you find it?" asked Stephanie tentatively.

"I did." Paul smiled gently. His other hand reached out and took hold of hers. "Although I never imagined for one second I'd find you too."

Stephanie swallowed hard. She smiled at him shyly. Inside, her heart was pounding against her chest.

"Cards on the table, you gripped me that first night I met you." He smiled at her tenderly as his thumb rubbed across her knuckle. "I know I have feelings for you, Steph, feelings that I never ever expected. And I'd like to explore those feelings, I really would."

Stephanie smiled.

"I just need to take this thing slowly." He licked his lips and cleared his throat. "Only if you want there to be a thing, of course." he hastily added as his apprehensive brown eyes searched her face.

Stephanie nodded her head as she brushed her fingers through his, intertwining them as they rested on his leg. Paul was acting so sweet and shy. It was one of many things she found extremely cute about him. "I'd like that." Her blue eyes glinted at him. "Although I'm not entirely sure what a thing is." she teased.

A slow grin crept across Paul's face. "Me neither."

"Maybe we'll just take our time in finding that one out."

"That sounds good to me." Paul smiled at her as he shifted closer towards her on the bed, their knees brushing together. His brown eyes twinkled at her. His face wore an arrogant smirk. "Think you can resist ravaging me until then?"

Stephanie felt the heat rush to her cheeks. Paul snorted with laughter. She let go of his hand and lightly smacked his arm. "You know, for your information, you're not that hard to resist."

"Is that so?" asked Paul as he grabbed hold of her arm. He stared at her intently. "I think you're lying to me McMahon. Maybe if I kissed you, I would find out the truth." His face moved closer towards her. Stephanie could feel his warm breath on her skin.

"Maybe you would." Stephanie swallowed thickly. Her tongue wet her dry lips. "Although I should really go for a shower otherwise we're going to miss breakfast."

Paul looked at her for a second. His thick fingers trailed lightly up her arm. "You probably should." he replied as his mouth hovered over hers. Their lips had barely touched when the knock at the door interrupted them.

"Paul, Stephanie, are you in there?"

Paul rolled his eyes as he reluctantly pulled away. "No so you can go away now."

"Don't make me come in there and kick your ass, little brother."

Paul grinned at Stephanie and shook his head. "She's delusional. She couldn't take me."

"Yeah but she's also hormonal so my advice to you would be to open up and let her in."

"Good point." nodded Paul as he let go of her hand and stood up from the bed. He chuckled as the door vibrated with Lynn's continued pounding. "I'm coming, I'm coming." He pulled open the door. He smiled at his sister who stood glaring at him. "If that door came off the hinges, you were paying for it." Paul stood aside to let her pass.

"With the money you make? I don't think so." retorted Lynn as she waved at Stephanie who was rummaging in her bag. "And put a shirt on, will you? We all know you have muscles, Paul. You don't have to continually flaunt it."

Paul made a face at her as he placed his hand on her back, ushering her into the room. "Well maybe I did have a shirt on. It wasn't my fault Steph ripped the damn thing off me."

Lynn snorted as she reached up and playfully pinched his cheek. "In your dreams, little brother. In your dreams."

Paul pretended to chuckle as he ruffled her hair. "So pray tell why do I have the displeasure of your company before I've even eaten breakfast?"

"You have to take us shopping."

He sighed heavily as he wandered across to the bed and picked up a white sleeved shirt casually thrown across the bottom. "No, Lynn. I'll take you for a drive. Hell, I'll even treat you to an expensive three course lunch but for the love of God, don't make me go shopping." His lips pouted as he pushed his arms through the long sleeves.

Lynn shook her head as she looked over in Stephanie's direction. "Does he always moan like this when you want to go to the mall?"

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders as she draped her robe across her arm. "Pretty much."

"But Paul, you have to take us." Lynn pleaded to her brother. "Blame the bitch. It's her fault."

Paul frowned as his clumsy fingers fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. "Why is me having to take you shopping Andrea's fault?"

"Well it's because of her stupid fucking idea that we have to wear lace and tiaras tonight. Unfortunately for me, I left my array of diamonte headgear at home." replied Lynn sarcastically.

"And what do you know? I forgot to bring mine too." said Stephanie as she stood beside his sister.

Paul looked between the pair of them as he stuffed his shirt in his jeans. "Well I'm not going." He flicked his hair over his collar. His brown eyes settled on Stephanie. "You can take the car."

Lynn gasped as she nudged Stephanie playfully. "He's giving you his car! Holy shit! It must be love."

Paul scowled at his sister as he bent down and picked up his boots.

"In all the time he was with Andrea, she never got to drive."

"Shut up Lynn." he replied as he sat down on the bed and pulled on his shoes. "And don't think for one second you're getting behind that wheel." As he tugged on the leg of his jeans, he smiled at Stephanie. "Lynn here introduced my brand new Explorer to the wall outside my house. On the second day I had it nonetheless. She doesn't get to drive."

Stephanie laughed as she backed towards the bathroom. "I'm going to grab that shower."

"I'm going to head downstairs with Lynn" said Paul as he stood up from the bed. "I'll see you down there?"

Stephanie nodded her head as Lynn headed towards the door. She was about to head into the bathroom when she felt his arm on her shoulder. She turned around to face him. His lips brushed against hers ever so softly.

"Don't be long, okay?"

Stephanie slowly nodded. There was something in his brown eyes that she almost forgot to breathe. "Okay."

The door closed shut behind them. Stephanie's finger lifted lightly tracing her wet lip. It had been the briefest of moments but she swore she had seen it. Paul's eyes had betrayed him and told her what his heart couldn't. He was falling for her. Now all she had to do was be patient and wait for him to let her in.