Author's notes: Morning y'all. I thought I'd update a little earlier than usual, as I'm gonna be busy over the next few days. I hope eveyone likes the chapter.

Thanks as always to Gin, for being a great beta and to Kaz, for her input and advice every night on MSN.

In addition, thanks for the reviews from ImissPadfoot, foolishangel87, xA-Mee, chainganggrl21, punkydiva17, veracruzortongal, coldh0pe, bluegirl1255, MissPhilippinesSuperStar, missfxckingwhatever, sweetcandyfun and Disco Inferno1. I really appreciate all your comments.


Chapter Twenty-nine: All or nothing.

Sam and John stepped up to the door of Forty-two Chestnut drive as Marlie and Patty pulled away in the car.

The blonde slipped her new key into the lock and opened the door wide to let them both in.

It felt so good to be walking into her first own home and, even better, that John was the first official guest there.

"Well, what do you think?" asked the diva as she led the wrestler into the living room.

Cena looked around, thankful there were no curtains and that it was still light so that he could take everything in.

"It looks amazing, Sam. It'll be fantastic once it's all decorated and furnished," he replied.

The blonde beamed. "Thanks, I'm so glad you like it. So do you want the grand tour now?"

The brown haired man nodded, so the woman began to show him around.

Cena commented as Sam took him from room to room of her new house.

"The master bedroom is huge," he noted. "You'll be able to get a nice cosy bed in there."

"Yeah," agreed Sam. "It's just a shame I'll have no one to share it with."

"I'm sure I can arrange something," teased the wrestler.

"I'll hold you to that on the cold winter's nights," the blonde replied facetiously.

Finally, after looking around the guesthouse too, the two wrestlers ended up in the garden.

"So, that's my new house," announced Sam.

"And an awesome house it is too. I hope you're very happy here," wished John.

"Thanks, well what do you wanna do now? It's still pretty early," asked the blonde.

"I dunno," shrugged the WWE Champion. "Are there any shops close by? Maybe we could get a few beers and chill out here for a while?"

"Sounds like a great idea. There's a store just up the road. Do you wanna take a walk up there and see what they have?" asked the diva.

"Yeah, why not?" answered the man, as they headed for the French doors.

John and Sam walked up the street to the store and took a look round.

They brought a six-pack of beers, some chips and a big bar of chocolate before heading back to the woman's house.

They walked back through the house and out onto the back yard.

With their beverages and snacks, the two wrestlers plonked themselves down on the grass.

John pulled out a bottle opener from his key chain and opened two bottles of beer, handing one to Sam, as she opened the bag of chips.

"Cheers," she said, taking the drink and passing him the snacks.

The blonde took a swig of her beverage and lay back on the grass, the brown haired man lying down besides her a few seconds later.

"It's been a good day, hasn't it?" he mused aloud.

"Yeah, it has. Thanks for taking me and my family to lunch," she replied.

"You're welcome, I had a great time," said Cena.

"You know, I've missed hanging out with you," confessed Sam.

The WWE Champion inched closer to the blonde.

"Me too. We shouldn't have let stupid things come between us," he admitted.

Sam let her head fall onto John's shoulder.

"Yeah, but we did," she sighed.

"I know, and I regret that more than anything else in life. You don't know how sorry I am about hurting you and what you thought I said to Nitro," admitted the wrestler.

The blonde let out a deep breath.

"I...I know you are and I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have blown up at you and I should have let you explain," she sighed.

"It doesn't matter now. I just wish we could go back to how things were, you know. Start again," John said.

Sam remained silent, taking everything in. He'd apologized, but did he really mean it and was what he'd said to Nitro true?

Slowly, John moved closer to Sam and leant in towards her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

His hand caressed her cheek and her own met his.

Heat and electricity crackled between the two of them.

Looking into Sam's eyes, John's mouth met hers.

Their lips brushed and Sam could feel her heart melting.

Slowly, the embrace became more passionate and John's tongue entered the woman's mouth, making her swoon.

As the kiss continued, it became more heated and passionate until Sam was tugging at John's shirt.

The woman removed the clothing and let her hands work over the wrestler's toned chest as he gently removed the top she was wearing.

John let out a deep breath at the sight of Sam's almost naked chest, covered teasingly in a see through lace bra.

Hungrily he began to kiss and bite at her neck, causing chills to run through the blonde's body.

Sam's head span as she was been given the thing she desired most in the world.

Her breathing became faster as John playfully tugged on her hair.

The woman dug her nails into his naked back, lavishing heated kisses across his chest.

Slowly, their lips met again and they were locked in a fierce embrace.

As the kiss deepened and the man's tongue caressed the inside of her mouth, John pulled at the zipper of Sam's pants.

However, she stopped him and broke the kiss.

Pulling herself upright, Sam spoke. "I'm sorry," she said.

"For what? I thought we'd sorted everything," protested the wrestler.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do this," she sighed.

"It's ok, I understand if you need some more time," he reassured.

"Well, it isn't just that. It's...I...well, I just don't trust that you won't hurt me again," the blonde murmured.

"I'd never hurt you, Sam, I promise," insisted the brown haired man.

The diva sighed. "I'd like to believe that, I really would. However, I can't take that risk."

John pulled on his shirt and let out a deep breath. "So, now what?" he asked.

Sam put her top back on and shrugged. "Honestly? I don't know."

"I can't go back to just being friends," admitted the wrestler. "Trying to pretend there's nothing between us was killing me."

The woman nodded. "Me too. However, I cannot do this. Not now. I'm not ready to let you in if I can't trust you," she confessed.

"And I can't go on pretending. I'm sorry, Sam, but it's all or nothing for me," insisted John.

"Then I'm sorry too, John, because it's going to have to be nothing. I can't risk getting hurt again," Sam said with a sigh.

The WWE Champion looked completely crushed. "Ok, I understand," he lied. "Well, I guess I better be going then."

Sam nodded and they both stood up and walked back towards the house.

Without saying another word to each other, Cena left and Sam remained at her new house alone.

The wrestler walked to the top of the street with a heavy heart and called a cab to take him back to the hotel.

The blonde flopped down on the doorstep and tears began to fall down her cheeks.

Her heart ached and all she wanted to do was crawl into a hole and forget everything.

The next morning, Sam awoke feeling miserable. The blonde should have been happy--she had a beautiful new house and, in a week's time, she'd be Women's Champion. However, she wasn't. None of it mattered without John in her life.

Did I make the right choice by telling him I couldn't be with him? She pondered.

Deciding that she was sick of spending her whole life debating this question, the diva vowed to start over.

If John couldn't handle only being friends, that was his problem. Therefore, from now on, they were merely business acquaintances.

The woman dressed, packed for the show and then went down to grab some breakfast before she had to go meet with the interior designers.

After John had left the previous night, all Sam had wanted to do was forget everything and sleep if off. Therefore, she locked up her uninhabited house and returned to her aunt's for a good night's rest.

Entering the kitchen, she found it empty and a note waiting for her.

Sam,

You were still asleep so we didn't wake you; however, Patty and I have left for work already.

Good luck with the interior designers this morning; we hope it goes real well.

I'll check in on them during the week and let you know how they're getting along.

Will you call me tonight after your show? Just to let me know everything with the house is all right and that you got to South Carolina safely?

See you on Thursday, when we move,

Love always,

Mama and Patty xxxx

Sam folded up the letter and smiled. It was good to know everything else was going so well, even if her love life wasn't.

After a quick breakfast of toast and coffee, the diva ordered a cab to take her to Chestnut Drive, asking it to return an hour later to take her to the airport.

While she waited for the cab, the blonde called Mike to see if he and Alison wanted to meet up at the airport. The Intercontinental Champion and his girlfriend agreed and arranged to meet their friend at twelve O'clock.

The cab arrived and Sam rode in it over to her new property. Shortly afterwards, Julian Green, the head interior designer arrived.

The flamboyant man in his late thirties, who Sam suspected to be gay, welcomed his new client warmly.

The two people entered the house and went to sit in the backyard.

Julian went through Sam's requests, confirming that everything was still how the woman wanted it. Then he explained the process to her and his predicted date of completion.

The interior designer hoped they'd have all the work finished by Wednesday night, the paint work being done first, so that it had time to dry before Sam and Marlie moved in on Thursday.

Sam thanked Julian for his services, giving him a spare set of keys to the property, before her cab arrived and she was on the road again.

The diva reached the airport at just before twelve and, after handing in her luggage, headed to the boarding area to find Mike and Alison.

The couple were already waiting for the blonde and greeted her with hugs and a warm smile.

As they waited for their plane to arrive, Sam informed them about what had happened with Cena yesterday.

"I think you did the right thing, Sam," said Mike as she finished speaking. "He can't just demand you forgive him and start dating."

"Really? You honestly don't think I've made a huge mistake?" questioned the blonde.

"I know he made you happy, but he was putting too much pressure on you," insisted the black haired man.

Alison however felt differently.

"Oh no, what are you doing, Sam?" she exclaimed. "You two belong together. It doesn't matter what happened in the past. What matters is that John's sorry and he wants to be with you."

"But, Ali, I don't trust him. How on earth can we make a relationship work without trust? I was quite happy to be his friend and see where it went. He's the one who didn't," protested the diva.

"Yeah, because he wants you and he can't stand being without you," replied the P.A.

"Or, he's only after one thing and, as nothing else has worked, tried to use emotional blackmail," suggested Mike.

Sam scowled, beginning to get annoyed with her friends' advice. "Can we just drop it please? I'm so sick of this. For weeks, Cena has been dominating my thoughts and actions. He made his choice and now it's done with."

The woman's friends agreed and changed the subject, talking about the new house and their weekend until the plane arrived.

Mike and Alison informed them that they'd had a wonderful weekend with the man's parents and that they'd welcomed the P.A into their family with open arms.

The diva was thrilled for the couple and it warmed her heart to see their relationship blossoming.

As they boarded the plane to South Carolina, Sam noted that Cena wasn't on it and assumed that the WWE Champion had gotten an earlier flight.

When they arrived in the next state, the three people collected their cases from the carousel and then headed straight for the hotel.

After freshening up, the friends went down to meet Cheryl for lunch.

Sam mentioned nothing about Cena to the red head, deciding that ship was dead and buried. Instead, she remained quiet and was happy to listen as the Women's Champion informed them that she and Dave had had a great weekend, shopping for their holiday the coming week.

Finally, after having a light nap and a shower, the four people made their way to the arena for that night's 'Raw'.

Spirits were high in the venue as it was the last live show before 'Summerslam'.

Rhodes informed the wrestlers that Sam and Cena would be in a mixed tag match against Cheryl and Triple H and that Mike would be in a triple threat against Randy Orton and Carlito.

As Sam was heading back to the locker room after her meeting with the booker, she ran into Cena.

Seeing how it was the WWE Champion that wanted either a relationship or nothing, Sam decided to be petty and act professionally.

The blonde smiled politely and spoke. "Has Dusty told you about our match? We're up last against Triple H and Cheryl."

The brown haired man nodded. "Yeah, he did. Nevertheless, thanks for letting me know too. I'll catch you later." With that and nothing more, he walked off.

Sam returned to the women's only area, feeling a little sad and awkward.

What the diva didn't see was what happened when Cena left her.

Just as the Alison was returning to her office, the WWE Champion cornered her.

"Alison, can I have a word please?" he begged.

"Alright, but make it quick. I'm real busy," replied the mousey haired woman.

"Ok, thanks," said the man. "Well, it's about Sam. Is she still mad at me? Because… well..." he trailed off.

Alison smiled knowingly. "Sam told me about what happened yesterday. She still wants to be your friend but doesn't trust you enough for anything more," the woman said.

The brown haired man sighed. "Yeah, she told me she felt like that, but she doesn't understand the full story, none of you do. What she heard Nitro and I saying was a misunderstanding," he insisted.

Alison raised a questioning eyebrow. "How so? She seemed pretty certain."

"I was actually telling Johnny how much I liked her, all that other stuff was just us guys messing about," replied the man.

"Yeah, but that doesn't change what happened afterwards, you still kissed Rebecca," protested the P.A.

Cena hung his head in shame and embarrassment. "I know… but...well even that was...I was just so mad because she didn't want me. However, it made me realize, well, I'm in love with her," he blurted out.

"Oh my god!" squealed the woman. "You're actually in love with her? Then why didn't you just tell her that?"

"I was going to, but then she heard me talking to Nitro. And well, my pride got hurt, you know what guys are like," shrugged the WWE Champion.

"Yeah, stupid," replied the mousey haired woman. "Why don't you tell her now?" she pressed.

"I want to, I really do. It's killing me, seeing her every day and not being with her. However, she won't listen to me. She said she just wants to be friends and every time I mention what happened she goes all cold on me," replied the wrestler.

"Yeah, because you hurt her real bad. You do know she was starting to fall in love with you, right?" questioned Alison.

Cena's eyes widened. "I... I didn't realize. I just thought when she stormed off that she didn't care about me," he replied.

The woman shook her head. "You broke her heart. She was distraught, she actually contemplated quitting over it all," she informed.

The WWE Champion blew out a deep breath. "Oh my god. I've messed this up so bad. There's gotta be some way I can fix this and tell her how sorry I am?"

"Maybe there is," smiled the P.A. "If I could just get the CCTV footage of yours and Nitro's conversation from the hotel in Miami, well then she'd have to believe you," she suggested.

"You'd really do that for me?" questioned the brown haired man.

"Yeah, I would. You guys were great together and I wanna see you work this out," replied Alison.

"Alison Crest, you're amazing," said the wrestler, as he embraced the woman. "Thank you so much, this means a hell of a lot to me."

"It's no problem. I just wanna see my friend happy and I know despite everything, you'd do that," she said.

"I will, I promise. If you can get her to see how I really fell, I'll never hurt her again," said Cena.

"Alright. Give me a few days and I'll get onto it," said the P.A with a smile.

Alison and Cena parted ways. The P.A hoping to play cupid for her friend and the WWE Champion hoping the other woman would be able to sort everything out for him.

The remainder of the night went off without a hitch, which was surprising considering how close 'Summerslam' was.

Mike beat Randy Orton to win the triple threat, coming out on top before Sunday's pay per view.

The Intercontinental Champion was booked to retain his title in his hometown before the management started with a new big storyline in the coming months.

The mixed tag between Cena and Sam verses Triple H and Cheryl ended in a double D.Q, when the two men both were disqualified for not being able to keep their tempers in check.

Neither side could keep a cool head with two big titles on the line in just six days time.

'Raw' went off air with the heels holding their titles aloft before they passionately kissed.

Sam was a little taken aback by the heat from Cena. Considering that just twenty-four hours before he had said he couldn't handle being just friends, he now seemed to be giving the diva all he had.

As the WWE Champion pulled his manager into a kiss, he pressed his body hard against hers and pulled gently on her long locks.

The woman swooned as his tongue entered her mouth and his actions became fiercer.

What Sam didn't know however was that after Cena had spoken to Alison, he'd vowed to himself that he'd stop at nothing to win the woman over and make her his.

After the show, Sam, Mike, Alison and Cheryl headed for the hotel bar.

The place was very crowded and everyone was obviously in high spirits with 'Summerslam' so close.

The blonde caught Cena's eye as she entered the room. The WWE Champion gave the woman a look of pure desire and, even from across the room, the blonde could feel the sexual tension between the two of them.

Sam had to physically stop herself from running at him and ripping his clothes off.

During the course of the night, as the diva chatted happily with her friends, the glances continued.

The WWE Champion's eyes burned hungrily with wanting and Sam returned every look with equal passion.

On more than one occasion, Sam could have sworn that the brown haired man was going to come over to her; however, he didn't.

Finally, at half eleven, the woman decided to call it a night. After an evening full of lustful glances and her thoughts turning carnal, what Sam really needed was a cold shower.

As she reached the elevator, Sam felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Alison grinning at her.

"I saw the way you and John have been looking at each other all night," she informed.

The diva blushed and giggled. "Ok, so I wanna jump on him and rip his clothes off. However, that doesn't change anything. He wants a relationship or nothing. And I can't date him until I'm one hundred percent sure what he said to Nitro wasn't true," she replied.

"Fair point. Just remember not to give up too soon. You never know what could be around the corner," the P.A cryptically said.

"Alison, what are you talking about?" questioned Sam. "Do you know something I don't?"

"No, of course not," lied the mousy haired woman. "But there's always hope."

The blonde merely shrugged, a little perplexed by her friend's words. "Ok, what ever you say. Well, I'm gonna head to bed now. I'll catch you tomorrow for breakfast," she said.

"Ok, honey," returned Alison, embracing the other woman. "Sleep well."

"You too," called Sam as she stepped into the lift.

On her way back to the bar, unseen my Mike and Cheryl, Alison stopped off at Cena's table.

"I've just spoken to Sam," she whispered.

"And?" asked the wrestler.

"She still wants you. Just give it a few days and let me get the video sorted. I'm sure after she sees it, everything will work out," replied the P.A.

"Thank you, Alison. You don't know how much this means to me," said Cena.

"You're very welcome," returned Alison, before she went back to her own table.

Sam climbed into bed feeling happy but confused.

If he'd just give me some time, I know I'll be able to trust him again and everything will work out, she thought as she fell to sleep.