Well...due to some family drama, the party has been cancelled and I'm very upset about it. But hey, it means I have a little more time for writing I suppose...Which is good because typically summer means more time with the boyfriend, less time at the keyboard...That shouldn't kick in for a couple weeks though...Anyway...Here's the next chapter, as always Read, Enjoy, and keep the wonderful reviews coming peeps, you're the best!

Chapter 29...

Taylor rushed out of the bathroom, holding her towel tightly around herself, looking for her cell phone. She could hear it ringing but she didn't see it anywhere. As she moved closer to the bed, she saw a blinking light under the sheets and she sat down, pulling it out, "Hello?"

"Get dressed beautiful, we're going out tonight," she heard Chris's voice.

She laughed, "I know we are. We're already late for Cory's dinner."

"We're not going," Chris said. "I have a different plan. A plan that involves miniature golf."

"Mini-golf?" she smirked. "And what about the dinner party?"

"I've already talked to Cory," Chris said. "She understands that our second date is more important."

"Is that what this is?" she laughed.

"Absolutely," he said.

"I'm not really familiar with these things," she said. "Are they always the very next night?"

She could practically hear Chris's charming little grin, "Only if the man is very interested."

"Well I certainly hope he is," she laughed.

"Trust me...he is," Chris confirmed. "Now get ready."

-----------------------------------

"Dawnie, I'm not gonna have any of these left if you keep going like this," Cory returned to her best friend and her sister carrying a tray of toasted ravioli.

"They're good," Dawn shrugged, picking up another one as Cory sat the tray down.

"Obviously," Cory laughed.

"Where's Regina?" Jessica looked around the sitting room where everyone was waiting for the food to be ready.

"Talking to Randy," Cory nodded toward them. "Which, I must say, is incredibly frightening for some reason."

"So what does she think of John?" Dawn asked, picking up another piece of ravioli.

"She doesn't think much of him," Cory sighed. "I think I need a shot, anyone else?"

"Not me," Dawn shook her head.

"I don't need one and neither do you," Jessica put an arm around her shoulders. "I swear, no one can turn you into a mess the way Regina can."

"I am not a mess," Cory defended herself.

Both women gave her a look.

"Okay maybe a little," Cory shrugged. "Can we talk about something other than my being a mess, please?"

"Those two are getting along well," Jessica smirked, looking over at one of the couches where Glenn and Jacinda were sitting very closely and talking.

"They've been attached at the hip since they got here," Cory said.

"Really?" Dawn looked surprised.

Cory nodded, "They showed up at the same time. I don't know if they rode together but I think so."

"This is kind of weird," Dawn laughed as she watched them. "It's been a long time since I've seen Glenn interested in someone."

"I think it's cute," Cory said.

"Me too," Dawn added.

"It is," Jessica said. "It's about time Glenn got some."

"Let's not assume he's gonna get some," Cory laughed. "It's probably just innocent flirting."

Just then, Jacinda laughed loudly at something Glenn said and placed her hand on his leg.

Cory laughed, "Or maybe he is gonna get some."

-----------------------------------

15 Minutes Later...

"If the appetizers were any indication, this dinner is gonna be great," Randy said, taking his seat at the table.

"That's very sweet," Regina smiled at him. "I'm sure Cory's glad you're enjoying yourself."

John rolled his eyes. Regina had been in Randy's face all night smiling and telling him how great he was, as if he needed to hear that from someone else. She was obviously campaigning for him to be next in line for her sister. And Randy didn't seem to be objecting.

"Aren't you supposed to be flirting with Portia?" John whispered to his friend. "I thought you were going after her."

"That didn't work out too well," Randy shrugged.

John gave him a look.

"Relax, I'm not trying to take Cory away from you," Randy smirked.

"You wouldn't be taking-"

"Okay everyone, here's the first course," Cory came out carrying a large tray that carried quite a few small bowls of soup.

She put a bowl in front of Hunter, then Jessica.

"Let me help," Randy got up, walking over to her and grabbing two bowls.

"Thanks Randy," she smiled.

"No problem," he gave her a little smirk before putting bowls in front of Joe and Regina. John wasn't sure what was up with the kiss ass act Randy was putting on but he didn't like it at all.

"What a gentleman," Regina smiled.

"It's nothing, really," Randy insisted.

John got up, walking over to Cory and guiding her back to her seat. She gave him a confused look and he smiled at her, "You've been in the kitchen all day. You sit. Let me and Randy handle this."

"Okay," she said, still looking puzzled. "Thanks."

"This smells amazing," Portia leaned over her bowl.

"It is amazing," Dawn piped up. She'd started eating the second her bowl was put down.

When they finished, John and Randy took their seats and John shot a glare at his friend.

"Sorry, I was just trying to be helpful," Randy whispered.

"Well back off a little," John said.

Randy nodded.

Everyone loved Cory's soup and made conversation as they ate, most of it having to do with Wrestlemania which was only weeks away.

John felt as if he was being watched and looked up to see Regina looking at him.

He smiled at her, waiting for her next insult.

"So John..What do you want to do when you're done wrestling?" she asked. "Do you want to get into business or would your homies not like that?"

Cory got up quickly, "I think I forgot something in the kitchen."

She excused herself and John smiled at Regina, "I cant see myself in any other business...And quite a few of my homies, as you put it, are at this table so if you wanna know what they think, feel free to ask them."

"What about when you grow older and out of shape?" Regina asks.

"I'll wrestle til I cant anymore," John shrugged.

Regina looked disapproving, "That's not a terribly healthy attitude."

"Quite a few people in this business share that same attitude Regina," Mark said in a tone that shut even Regina up. John was impressed.

Cory came back into the dining room looking a bit apprehensive.

"Come eat babe, your food's getting cold," he said, patting her chair. He gave her a reassuring smile and she breathed a sigh of relief, walking over and sitting beside him.

"Cory, did I tell you that mother signed with Bravo?" Regina asked.

Cory looked confused, "To do what exactly?"

"I'm sure she told you about the pitch," Regina said.

"Probably but I may not have been listening," Cory said. "What pitch?"

"They came to her with the idea of a reality show based around her agency, it's talent, and her and her private life," Regina explained. "It's going to be called The Management."

"Oh sweet Jesus," Cory shook her head. "Is that really necessary?"

"It sounds like a good thing," Portia said.

"You don't know my mother," Cory said. "She was bad enough now she's gonna have cameras following her..God help us all."

-----------------------------------

"I cant believe you got us in trouble," Taylor laughed as they walked toward the car. While attempting to get a hole in one, Chris hit the ball too hard and sent it through a window.

"It's not my fault they have weak building materials," Chris shrugged.

"Oh yeah, blame it on the building materials," she laughed.

"Well, where do you wanna eat?" Chris asked, taking her hand in his as they walked. "Now that I've vandalized some property."

"I don't know but we better figure it out soon because I'm starving," she laughed.

"So am I," he said.

"I saw a Burger King right before we got here," she shrugged. "We could go there."

"You wanna go to Burger King?" he smirked.

"It's close, it's fast, and I'm hungry," she explained.

"I like a woman who knows what she wants," he laughed as they reached the car. Taylor smiled as he leaned forward and kissed her lips gently. She didn't have much time to enjoy it because her cell started ringing in her purse. She sighed, giving him an apologetic look before pulling it out and answering it, "Hello?"

"Is..is this Taylor?" came a shaky inquiry.

"Yes, who's this?" Taylor asked.

"This is Lorraine Johnson...Viveca's mother," she said, sniffing. "We talked before."

"Right, I remember," Taylor nodded. "Is everything alright ma'am?"

"Viveca gave me your number, she said to call you if I needed something," Lorraine explained.

Taylor wasn't aware of that but it didn't surprise her, "That's fine..what can I do for you?"

The older woman took a shaky breath and there was a long pause.

"My husband..he...he passed away today," Lorraine explained. "Most of the funeral arrangements were already made...The service is Wednesday morning..I..I need you to tell Viveca."

-----------------------------------

"Okay, who wants more wine?" Cory asked, walking back into the dining room with a new bottle. She laughed a little as a few hands went up around the table. One that wasn't raised caught her eye as well. "D, you haven't had any all night. You love wine."

Dawn's expression could almost be described as nervous as she looked up from her plate. She forced a smile, "I know but...I'm just not in the mood for any tonight."

"You sure?" Cory asked.

Dawn nodded quickly before turning her attention back to her food. Something was definitely wrong but Cory would ask her about it once dinner was over and they could have a little privacy. She started making her way around the table, pouring wine for Hunter, Jessica, Jacinda, and Glenn. She set it down on the table when she was done and made her way back to her seat beside John. It was strange, this dinner had been quite an emotional rollercoaster. When she was interacting with her friends, especially John, she was having a great time. But Regina would usually come in with some comment that would make her anxious and in need of a drink again. And most of her snarky comments were directed at John. Fortunately, dinner was nearly over. Dessert was ready to be brought out and she'd already made the cookies and cream shots.

"You okay?"

She was startled out of her thoughts by John.

She looked over at him and nodded, "Yeah I'm good."

"Good," he smiled. "You know, you did a great job with this dinner..I haven't had food this good in a long time."

She had noticed that every plate put in front of him had disappeared in record time. She smiled, "Thank you. I'm glad everyone liked it."

John ate the last piece of his steak, closing his eyes as if he was in heaven, "Seriously...I'll pay you to cook for me again."

"I might be persuaded for the right price," she smirked.

He laughed, wiping his mouth off with a napkin.

"Listen, I have to thank you again for doing this for me," she said in a hushed tone. Everyone else was talking so she was pretty sure Regina wouldn't hear her. "I cant tell you how much I appreciate you not telling Gina what a bitch she is."

"I can handle her," John laughed. "People like her are fun to mess with. Besides, we're actually friends now, right?"

"I guess," she laughed. Impulsively, she kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks again."

He smiled at her, seemingly unsure of what to say.

"So," Regina interrupted the moment. She had that look in her eye.

Here we go again...

"Exercise Physiology," she tapped her finger on her chin. "Isn't that just a fancy way to say you read books on how to work out?"

That was it. Cory was done. She got up as calmly as she could manage and trained her eyes on her sister, "Regina, can I see you in the kitchen for a moment, please?"

She walked away, not bothering to wait for a response.

-----------------------------------

John watched as Cory walked away. Regina sighed, standing up and setting her napkin down beside her plate.

"Excuse us," she smiled at everyone before following her younger sibling.

John didn't know about everyone else but he was damn curious to hear what was about to go down. It was certainly going to be more interesting than awkward conversation at the dinner table while everyone waited for them to come back. He looked around but everyone else seemed to be content to stay at the table. He shrugged, standing up. If no one else had the balls to go eavesdrop, he was gonna have to do it himself.

-----------------------------------

Regina prepared herself for one of Cory's outbursts when they entered the kitchen. Her younger sister turned to face her, looking thoroughly irritated.

"Well..." Regina waited.

"What is your problem?" Cory asked.

"Dear, I don't have a problem," Regina said. "I'm just looking out for you."

"Looking out for me?" Cory asked. "By insulting John every chance you get."

"I'm not insulting him...I'm just..pointing out his shortcomings," Regina shrugged.

"You don't even know him Gina," Cory shook her head. "How would you know his shortcomings? If anyone is qualified to discuss his shortcomings it's me..not you."

"You're not a teenager anymore Cory," Regina said. "You're at a point in your life where when you date someone, you need to consider whether or not they would fit into the family."

Cory stared at her as if she'd lost her mind, "What?"

"You need to consider if the men you date are marriage material now," Regina said. "And he is certainly not."

"Once again, you don't know him," Cory said defensively.

"Look around you Corinne," Regina gestured around them. "Think of where you come from...Think of our family...He would not fit in."

"What about Joe?" Cory challenged. "He grew up bouncing around foster homes in Nebraska...He didn't grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth and you're marrying him, aren't you?"

Regina sighed, rolling her eyes, "Cory, Joseph is different."

"Different?" Cory stared. "They seemed to be getting along famously out there. I think he and John had a lot in common."

"Joseph is like a lump of clay," Regina said. "I am molding him into the man he needs to be. He's learning to be more ambitious, to use his talents to make more money and gain more respect and power than he ever would have without my guidance."

-----------------------------------

Cory shook her head, growing more frustrated with her sister by the second. She really didn't seem to realize the way she sounded...or she didn't care. It was more likely the latter.

"John is just so...content to be where he is," Regina shrugged, making a face.

"And what is wrong with where he is Gina?" Cory asked, feeling her face get hot. "He is intelligent and funny and great at what he does. He is one of the hardest working people I have ever met."

Jesus Christ...am I talking about John Cena?

"Sweetheart...you need someone who is going to..to direct you," Regina gave her an expression that was probably meant to be concerned and loving but just irritated Cory even more. "You need someone who will guide you the way I guide Joseph."

"Guide me to what?" Cory asked angrily. "Where the hell do I need to go?"

"Cory, you are dangerously close to having a fit," Regina sighed, rubbing her forehead.

Cory felt her eyes narrow. She hated being told how she was feeling and whenever they argued, Gina was always trying to keep her from having one of her so called fits.

"I am not having a fit," she argued. "I just don't understand why you have such a problem with John."

I'm allowed to have a problem with him because I know him...Damn it.

"I didn't realize you were so in love," Regina shook her head.

Cory would have been less offended if she'd just been slapped across the face, "I am not in love with that man."

"You're defending him like you are," Regina accused.

"I'm not! I don't appreciate you making judgments about him when you don't know him. That is all."

Regina rolled her eyes again.

"He's a nice guy Gina," Cory said. "He was there for me when I got hurt...He sat in my hospital room and watched TV with me all night long. He even went out and got me candy when I wanted it."

Cory laughed, remembering how John went out and bought her a bag of Sour Patch kids and some Twizzlers when she'd been at the hospital.

"That's sweet, really it is," Regina said. "But I still don't think he's right for you."

Cory rolled her eyes, wanting to yell at her sister. She found that thoroughly confusing because she didn't think John was right for her either. But she had different reasons. Good, valid reasons like the fact that he was a big jerk ass who drove her nuts 99.9999 percent of their time together. Regina didn't like him because he wasn't like her or their brothers...he wasn't a pompous ass in a business suit. At the thought of business suit, she felt her eyebrow shoot up and she glared at her sister.

"I get it...I get it now, I don't know why it didn't hit me before," she glared.

"What?"

"This is about you wanting me with someone who is going to direct me to be more like you..right?" Cory asked. "You don't like my career, you don't like my hair, my tattoos..you don't like anything about the way I live and you're afraid for me to be with him because he just might actually think I'm fine the way I am."

Regina sighed but didn't argue. Cory smiled bitterly, knowing she'd hit the nail on the head. This was all about her sister not accepting who she was.

"Well you know what Gina, John may be an asshole sometimes," Cory said. "He may never say the right thing and he may piss me off like no one I have ever met...but I would rather spend every single day with him than spend another minute dealing with you."

With that, Cory turned, walking to the sliding glass doors and yanking one open, walking outside to get some fresh air.

-----------------------------------

John stood a few feet away from the entrance to the kitchen, staring. He knew he was gonna see a hell of an argument but they'd managed to surprise him. Well..Cory had. She actually defended him to someone. He was fairly certain she'd never done that in the entire time they'd known each other. She actually called him a good person. Not an asshole or a jerk or...actually she had called him an asshole but still...she defended him to her sister.

"That was...intense."

He turned, seeing that Joe wasn't far behind him.

"You hear the whole thing?" John asked.

Joe nodded, "I apologize for the way Regina talked about you."

John shrugged, "I'm not too concerned with it to tell you the truth."

"I wouldn't be either," Joe said, his jaw looking a little tense. He was probably thinking about that 'lump of clay' thing Regina said about him. Now that would probably have bothered John some.

"You guys need a minute?" John asked.

Joe nodded, "I don't think we'll be coming back to dinner...Tell everyone I said goodnight."

John nodded. Joe took a few steps then turned, looking at John again, "Look...Cory obviously cares about you a lot. And she's not trying to change you...You should hang on to her."

John nodded, not wanting to ruin the moment and clarify the situation. Now wasn't really the time. He was tempted to go after Cory but she seemed like she needed a few minutes to herself. Instead, as Joe went into the kitchen, John turned and walked back toward the dinner. When he got to the dining room, everyone was finishing up their dinner and talking.

"Guys," he sighed. "I think we're gonna have to wrap this up."

-----------------------------------

20 Minutes Later...

"Well that was..interesting," Jacinda said as she and Glenn walked to her door.

"Interesting is a word for it" he smiled back. He made a mental note to thank Cory a thousand times for hiring this woman. She was...perfect.

"I should probably go inside," she smiled. "I'm supposed to be up early in the morning...Cory has a busy day tomorrow."

"I wont keep you any longer," he smiled. "Thank you for the wonderful company."

She smiled, "Anytime."

"Goodnight," he offered a quick wave as she opened the door to her room.

She smiled over her shoulder at him, "Goodnight."

He turned, walking down the hall, telling himself not to turn back around and stare at her.

"Glenn?"

Surprised, he turned back around to see her leaning out her doorway, "I don't have to be up that early...you wanna come in?"

He smiled, walking back toward her, "I'd love to."

-----------------------------------

"Are you sure you don't need me to stay and talk to Cory?" Dawn asked, concerned as she and John stood in the foyer. She was worried. Cory had come back into the house but she went upstairs without saying a word to anyone. Mark went up and tried to talk to her before he left but he said she wasn't in the mood. Dawn knew that she could get her friend to talk if she tried.

"D, you're not feeling well, you need to go get some rest," John gave her an easy smile, putting an arm around her shoulders. "I'll take care of Cory."

Dawn didn't really care that she wasn't feeling well at that very moment but she knew there wasn't any point in arguing. As much as Cory was like her little sister, John could be like a little brother sometimes and if he thought she needed to go rest, he wasn't about to let her go try to fix things with Cory.

"Tell her to call me later," she pointed at him, making sure he knew she meant business. "And if she doesn't, I'm calling you."

"I'll handle it," John smiled, gently guiding her to the door. "Come on, I'll walk you to the car."

"I can get to the car on my own," Dawn said. "Just go talk to Cory, please."

"You sure?" John asked.

Dawn nodded, she was still feeling a little nauseous but she could make it.

"Alright," John gave her a quick hug. "I'll see you tomorrow D."

Dawn walked out of the house, closing the heavy door behind her. She was surprised to see that her car wasn't the only one left in the circle drive.

"Need an escort to your car darlin'?"

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes when she heard the voice behind her.

"I thought you went back to the hotel," she said, listening as his footsteps approached.

"I thought about it...then I decided to wait for you."

She opened her eyes to see him standing in front of her, "Why?"

"Because I thought maybe if I cornered you, I could get you to talk to me," he said.

"About what?" she asked, deciding to play dumb.

"You know what," he gave her a look.

She looked down at her feet, seeing that her plan wasn't going to work.

"I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what's going on with you," he stepped closer to her. "You've had me worried outta my mind and you wont even tell Cory what's wrong with you...I was thinking about it again this morning and I think I figured it out...I don't know why the hell it took me so long, maybe I'm losing brain cells in the ring or maybe I'm gettin' old, I don't know but...the throwing up..the looser clothes you've been wearing lately..turning down a glass of wine tonight...Darlin', are you-"

"No," she cut him off. She made sure to keep her voice calm and quiet even though inwardly, she was shaking like a leaf, "I'm not pregnant."

He gave her a skeptical look, "You sure about that Dawn?"

She shook her head, "I can see why you'd think so but..I'm not."

"But-"

"Mark, if I was I would tell you," she said, running a hand through her hair. "I thought I was at first...but I took a test and I'm not. It's just some sort of virus. It'll pass."

"Then why are you being so secretive?" Mark asked. "Why-"

"Mark," she put up a hand, knowing that if she didn't get away from him soon she was going to break down. She was starting to feel sick to her stomach and this time it wasn't because of the baby. She was lying to him and she hated it. "I just wanna go back to the hotel and lay down..Can we talk about this later?"

"I'd say yes but I don't believe you'll talk to me," Mark said, obviously frustrated. "What is going on?"

"Nothing," she said, seeing that she wasn't going to get much cooperation from him. If she was going to get away, she'd just have to leave, not wait for permission.

"But-"

"Goodnight Mark," she stopped him, turning and walking toward her car. She was grateful that she turned her back when she did as tears welled in her eyes, one spilling over and running down her cheeks. She quickly fished the keys to her rental out of her purse and practically ran to it, hoping he wasn't watching but knowing that he was. Once she was inside the car, she looked into the rear-view mirror, her heart breaking as she watched him sit down on the steps, looking almost as upset as she felt. She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take.

-----------------------------------

John sighed, reaching for the doorknob. He'd stayed at the door to make sure Dawn got to the car okay and ended up overhearing she and Mark's entire conversation. He opened the door, seeing that Mark was still sitting on the steps, staring out at nothing in particular. They weren't exactly best friends forever but he and Mark had always gotten along well and he figured the other man could definitely use someone to talk to.

"Hey," he walked out, sitting beside him.

Mark continued staring off into space and John wasn't sure if he was being ignored or not. They sat in silence for a while longer and Mark sighed deeply, looking down at his hands.

"You know she loves you, right?" John asked.

This time Mark seemed to hear him. He looked over at him and shook his head, "I don't know anymore."

"She does, trust me," John insisted.

Mark shrugged, "Never in my life have I been so lost on what to do...I'm supposed to be the wise one. The one who tells you kids what to do with your lives."

"You're not 200 years old Mark," John laughed. "Even if you were, you're allowed to be confused. It happens to the best of us."

Mark rubbed his forehead, "You know something...I was kind of hoping...nevermind."

"Nah, what?" John encouraged him to continue.

Mark was quiet. His gaze drifted up to the night sky.

"You were hoping..." John gestured for him to go on.

Mark took a deep breath, "I was hoping that maybe she was pregnant...Last time..I messed everything up and a part of me thought that we were getting a second chance.."

John felt for his friend. He'd only been in love once...or at least he thought he was at the time. It was when he was in college and when things went wrong it tore him up. He realized in the end that they were better off apart but for Mark...Dawn was the one and he couldn't imagine what it felt like to think you were losing or had lost the one..

"Maybe you should tell her that," John suggested. "Tell her what you were hoping for."

"Wouldn't do any good," Mark shook his head. "She's not pregnant."

"So you shouldn't tell her how you feel just because she's not pregnant?" John asked. "If I know anything about women it's that they always wanna know what you're feeling."

"Dawn knows I love her," Mark said.

"Doesn't mean she doesn't need to hear you say it," John said. "You want her back..right?"

Mark looked thoughtful. John didn't realize that he was going to catch him off guard with that question.

After a long silence Mark nodded, "Yeah...I do."

"Well you're not gonna get her back without putting yourself out there," John shrugged.

"She doesn't want me back," Mark shook his head.

"You don't know that," John said. "You guys are that couple."

"What couple?" Mark asked.

"You know..that couple that's just supposed to be together," John said. "Anything else would just be unnatural."

Mark looked over at him, "I highly doubt she sees it that way."

"You never know until you try," John shrugged. "You cant win a match without gettin' in the ring."

Mark sighed, "I guess I have a lot to think about..."

John nodded.

Mark looked over at him again but this time he didn't say anything.

"What?" John asked, feeling a little uneasy under the intimidating man's scrutinous gaze.

"When did you turn into Dr. Phil?" Mark smirked.

John laughed, shrugging, "I have my moments."

"Well I appreciate the talk," Mark stood up and John followed suit.

"Anytime," John shrugged. "Just don't tell anybody about this...I don't want everybody coming to me for advice now...I'll leave that to you."

Mark laughed, "This will stay between us."

"Good," John nodded.

"Now go check on Cory...she might be in need of some of that sage advice," Mark said.

"Or a punching bag," John laughed.

Mark nodded, "You're probably right. See ya later Cena."

"G'night man," John waved, walking toward the door.

-----------------------------------

Cory rested her chin in her hand, looking down at the marble beneath her elbow. She'd come down to clear away the dishes from dinner and once she was finished, she sat down at the island and downed a couple shots of vodka. She felt a little better but not much. She felt guilty for walking out on dinner the way she did but she couldn't help it. Regina had her fuming and though all of her friends were well aware of her temper, she didn't enjoy 'having a fit' as Gina would call it, in front of company. She heard footsteps coming toward the kitchen and she prayed for everyone's sake that it wasn't Gina coming to talk to her. Her prayers were answered...in a way..in the form of John.

"Need some help Princess?" he asked, walking in.

"I'm done cleaning," she answered.

"I was referring to this," he smirked, picking up the vodka bottle.

"Help yourself," she pushed the empty shot glass toward him.

He filled the glass and raised it to her before downing the shot. She still wasn't in a good mood but she couldn't help but smile at the face he made as he put the glass down.

"I just went up to your room looking for you," he said, leaning against the counter.

"I came down to straighten up," she shrugged.

"Everyone was worried about you," he said.

She shrugged, "I'm fine."

"Yeah you seem like you're in a great mood," he smirked.

She picked up the vodka, pouring herself another shot, and drinking it quickly.

"If it makes you feel any better..when I went to look for you, I could hear Joe and Regina yelling at each other. I don't think he took too kindly to some of the things she said during your argument."

"You heard it?" she looked up at him, surprised. She could feel a blush creep up her cheeks as she thought back to some of the things she said about him.

"Oh yeah," he nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "I heard the whole thing."

He walked over, taking another shot, "You know...I always knew you liked me...but until tonight, I didn't know just how much."

"Oh please," she laughed, rolling her eyes.

"Really, it's flattering," he flashed her a smile and she rolled her eyes, taking the vodka from him.

"I do not like you," she insisted, filling the shot glass again. "I would defend anyone to Gina."

"Probably," he nodded as she took her shot. "But I still thin you like me."

"That's because you're nuts," she said, giggling. She was definitely starting to get a buzz.

"If I'm nuts..and you want a piece of me...what does that say about you Princess?" he smirked, and she could see from the flush in his cheeks that he was feeling the effects of the liquor too. Though she'd had more shots of vodka, he had more to drink with dinner. They were probably neck and neck as far as intoxication went.

"Look...I did not get that upset about her insulting you," she said. "I mean, it was annoying but...I don't know...I try not to care but sometimes it hits me just how much Gina and my mother want me to change...It kinda hurts, you know?"

"I know," he nodded. "If it helps, even though you drive me crazy, I wouldn't have you any other way."

"Really?" she laughed.

"Well, that's thatsnot entirely true," he slurred a bit. "I'd see you naked much more often."

"More often than never?" she smirked.

"Much," he nodded.

"Whatever," she giggled. "Like you could get me naked."

"I think I could," he moved closer to her.

"Uh uh Cena," she shook a finger at him. "I don think so."

"You don't?" he smirked, taking another step toward her.

She got down off of her stool, momentarily forgetting her buzz. She was reminded of it when she started stumbling. She was sure she would fall but instead she found herself pressed tightly against John Cena.

"What are you doing?" she looked up at him.

"Keeping you from falling on your ass," he laughed.

Neither of them moved for a few seconds and Cory became acutely aware of just how close they were when the effect she was having on him became...evident. His hand moved a little lower on her back and she realized that either the liquor had gotten to her more than she thought or she was more attracted to him than she ever knew because she was considering fulfilling his wish of seeing her naked. She looked up into his blue eyes and what she saw there was a sure signal that if she didn't move away soon, something was going to happen.

"You can let me go now," she said quietly.

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John heard her request but he didn't agree. Quite frankly, he wasn't quite sure he had to willpower to let her go, not with the way she felt against him. Knowing she had an incredible body was one thing but actually feeling it pressed against his..that was another. He wasn't sure if it was liquid or real courage that made him do it but he didn't care. He leaned down, kissing Cory before she could tell him to let her go again. He was expecting her to push him away and slap him but to his surprise, her lips parted, allowing his tongue to slide in, deepening the kiss. Feeling bold, he grabbed the bottom of her shirt, pulling it up. She surprised him once again when she allowed him to pull it off over her head. He dropped the shirt on the floor and knew the second he looked at her clad only in a bra and jeans that if he didn't stop himself now, he wasn't going to be able to. Fortunately he didn't need much time to think about it because after a few seconds of both of them breathing heavily, they were kissing again. He wasn't sure who started it that time but it wasn't important. Her arms went around his neck and he picked her up, wrapping her legs around him and walked blindly out of the kitchen. He was trying to have enough control not to just get down to business right up against the wall but the damn house was so big, he wasn't sure where to take her.

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Cory's head was spinning but she was pretty sure it wasn't from the booze anymore. This was a decidedly different kind of intoxication. If he was having this much of an effect on her with just kissing, she could only imagine what the sex was going to be like. She was hoping she didn't have to wait too much longer to find out. He ran his tongue over her bottom lip and then bit down on it. Cory was glad he was holding her up because at that moment, her legs would have melted beneath her. He pulled out of their kiss and breathlessly uttered one word, "Where?"

She looked around, trying desperately to focus. It was dark but she was pretty sure there was a guest room down the hall from where they were. Before she could tell him that, he started kissing her neck and she completely forgot that there was a question to be answered. The next minute or so was spent with both of them kissing, licking, and biting each others lips and necks. Cory discovered that John particularly enjoyed being bitten right where his neck and shoulder met. She didn't remember when it happened but she was back on her feet, pressed tightly between him and the wall and his shirt laying near her feet. Finally she remembered that they were looking for a room. She managed to make it out from between him and the wall without breaking their kiss. She had a hand on his belt and started walking backward down the hall toward where she prayed the guest room was. She undid his belt on the way, feeling him unbutton and unzip her jeans mere seconds later. She pushed her pants down while he pulled and she giggled for a second wondering who wanted them off more. They finally made it to the door of the guest room and he pushed it open roughly, guiding her inside the pitch black room.

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They both felt around on the wall for a light switch but gave up after a few seconds. John felt her pull his pants down, leaving him in his boxers and then she was kissing him again. He lost himself in her kiss for a few seconds but when his hands moved over her sides and he felt the sides of her panties, he knew he couldn't wait anymore. She was obviously thinking the same thing because she turned around and he could tell she was feeling around for something, probably the bed. He kissed the back of her neck, barely a half-step behind her. Then he heard her bump into something and make a quick squeaking noise. The next thing he knew, she was bending over in front of him. Apparently they'd found the bed...and they had quite a night ahead of them.

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