Chapter 53: The Past Returns
*Author's Note: A continuation from the ending of the last chapter, when Cody comes back into the picture and wants to talk to Katharyn, just for old times' sake. The reason why I've decided to bring Cody back temporarily because this story has mainly just been fluff since the infamous Drew McIntyre incident more than ten chapter ago, and so I've thought about giving Cody a 'special guest appearance' just for this chapter (and for two seconds at the last chapter). Don't worry, there won't be any bad blood between John and Cody at the Hall of Fame after-party, although there is something of John's past that has returned as well…you pretty much got it all figured out if you follow WWE*
Thank you to everyone who's reviewed, story alerted or favorited this story!
April 2nd, 2011: Hall of Fame After-Party
Katharyn's POV
"Kathie, Cody's looking at you," whispered Eve.
I turned my head there and saw Cody chatting with Melina, although it looked more like Melina was trying to flirt with Cody. However, instead of looking at Melina, Cody's eyes were locked onto me. My heart jumped slightly when my eyes met his and I quickly glanced away.
"Girlie, do you think Cody still has feelings for you?" asked Nattie, when she too noticed that Cody was staring at me as well.
"I think he still does," said Mickie, "I recall once when I came over to see how he was doing, and he was watching all of your matches on his iPad. He told me to leave him alone when I tried asking him what he was watching."
"I agree with Mickie," replied Katie, "the poor boy must still be nursing his wounds from his breakup with you."
"Are you still mad at him for cheating on you that night, girlie?" asked Nattie.
"Of course not," I replied, "yes, I will admit I was furious at Cody for doing that to me, but I would never stay that mad at someone for a long time. I've completely moved on and it doesn't bother me anymore."
"I think you should tell that to Cody, my dear," suggested Maryse, "speaking of which, Kathie, turn around."
I turned around and nearly jumped in shock. Standing before me, dressed in a button-down dress shirt and black slacks, his scent of cologne faint and subtle, and his pale blue eyes swirling with sadness and heartbreak, was the man whom I'd never thought I'd see face to face again. Standing before me was the man who was my first love until he cheated on me that night almost a year ago.
Standing before me was Cody Rhodes.
"Katharyn?" he asked softly, his voice stuttering nervously, "can we talk? Please?"
I was speechless. My heart was thumping at a cheetah's pace. The girls' jaws all dropped in shock. I wasn't angry with him anymore, but what did Cody wish to speak to me about?
"Sure," I replied, after a long silence. Cody nodded briefly at the other Divas, letting them know he was going to borrow me for a couple of minutes. They got his message and left us by ourselves. Cody placed his hand on my cheek, but I stopped him so that John, who was not too far away from where we were, wouldn't get the wrong idea. "Cody, not here," I said softly, lowering his hand from my face.
"I understand," he replied, leading me over to an area by the other side of the room where there were very few people. I looked back and saw John watching me with a concerned expression on his face. "I'll be back; I love you," I mouthed to him.
"I love you too," John mouthed back to me silently, still looking rather worried.
As Cody led me over to the slightly emptier area on the other side of the room, questions of confusion buzzed through my mind. What was going on? What did Cody want to talk to me about? Why did he wish to take me somewhere a little more private before beginning the conversation?
"Katharyn…hey…" greeted Cody.
"Hey," I replied back curtly.
A long, awkward pause followed; it was the awkward pause between two former lovers at their first meeting after their breakup.
"Katharyn…" Cody managed to find his voice back, "you look…absolutely…beautiful tonight…" He examined my body up and down and then glanced back up at me with a soft smile.
"Thank you," I replied. Cody slowly reached down and took one of my hands in between his. I looked up into his piercing pale blue eyes and they were swirling with love and fondness.
"Kathie, I know you never want to speak to me again…" began Cody, but he drifted off, lost for words.
"No, Cody, it's fine," I insisted, "go on."
"Kathie, I want to apologize for everything I've done to you in the past," said Cody, "I want to apologize for the way things ended terribly between us almost eight months ago."
"But you already apologized, Cody."
"That didn't count," said Cody. He began stroking my cheek with his knuckles, "that was the worst time to try and ask for your forgiveness, Kathie. I figured that I at least give you some time before making a formal apology, and tonight I finally got to see you again. I wanted to see you again so I could apologize the proper way, not the shitty way that I screwed up on after you left me. But I was scared to face you because I always thought you were still mad at me for what I did that night."
"Cody, I forgave you a long time ago," I assured him, "there's no need for you to apologize once more."
"You still mad at me?"
"Of course not," I replied gently, "although you broke my heart eight months ago, Cody, I would never stay mad at you for that long. And I do forgive you for what you did to me that night."
Cody smiled and leaned in to kiss my forehead, but I backed away before his lips could contact my skin. "No," I protested, "Cody, we can't."
"Katharyn," faltered Cody, "what's wrong?"
"Cody, I may have forgiven you for what you did to me that night, but things cannot change back to the way they were before," I explained, lowering his hand from my cheek, "after we broke up, I moved on. I moved on with my personal life and I moved on to someone else."
"Is it John? Hennigan?" asked Cody uncertainly. I nodded in response. Cody let out a sigh in defeat, gently closing his eyes, "what's he like to you?"
"John has been nothing but sweet, loving, and completely amazing to me, and he loves me as though I were his one and only," I replied, "and I love him the same way in return."
Cody finally opened his eyes and I had to admit I felt a little bit guilty for saying that. He looked like he was going to cry. There was another long pause.
"Katharyn…I know you're dating John, but I need to tell you something very, very important," stammered Cody. He gently placed his hand on my forearm and looked me in the eyes with so much depth and sorrow. "I'm aware that you moved on a long time ago and I understand that you and John are in a loving relationship, but please, I need you to hear what I'm about to tell you." Cody released his hand from my forearm and grasped both of my hands in between his.
"I'm still in love with you, Kathie," professed Cody, pouring out every single bit of his heart and soul in his confession, "I still love you the way I did when we dated; I still love you the way I always did; I still love you like I always have, Kathie, I won't deny it. I miss you every single day ever since we broke up. Every single time I see your face, whether it's on TV or the Internet, I think of all the moments we share together and I break down into tears. Every time I talk to or hang out with a girl, I always picture you being her. Every single time I see you and John together on TV, I keep thinking of the night I made the worst mistake of my life and made myself lose you. Every single day, I regret breaking your heart and I regret everything I did that hurt you."
"I miss you, Kathie. I miss your smile, I miss your laughter, I miss your presence; I miss everything about you. Every single thing about you. I miss spending every minute of my life with you, taking you out on walks, bringing you out for dinner, helping you train for your matches, and kissing you like there's no tomorrow. Every morning, I miss waking up next to you in my bed, and every night, I miss holding you in my arms and whispering words of love into your ear as you fall asleep. Kathie, I would give up everything I have just to be able to be with you again. Please, Kathie," begged Cody, "Please give us another chance."
"Cody, I can't," I replied, "I told you, I can't. I love John so much, and I can't just leave him like that."
"But what about us?" asked Cody.
"The romance we had together is now in the past, Cody," I answered. It was difficult to find my words because I wanted to tell Cody the truth, but at the same time I didn't want to hurt him. "What remains in the past, stays in the past, and that includes our relationship. We dated, Cody, and yes, you were amazing to me. But I've moved on since our breakup and I am in a very happy and loving relationship with another man. This relationship is something I can't afford to lose."
"So…so you mean…we can never see each other again?" croaked Cody, restraining to hold back his tears.
"Cody, I don't mean that," I protested gently, "just because we can never be together as a couple again, doesn't mean we can't still be friends. I think you're a really great person, Cody, and I honestly wouldn't mind staying in touch with you as friends. I don't want there to be any more bad blood between us. I'd still like us to stay as just friends and nothing more."
Cody was silent. "Baby, I don't want to be single for the rest of my life," he muttered, "and after you, there'll be no other girl waiting for me."
"I know you'll find her, Cody," I whispered, "I know you'll find someone."
"But that someone isn't you, baby," said Cody.
"I assure you that someone will make you just as happy as you were when we were together," I advised him.
Cody finally looked up, smiling at me softly, his blue eyes twinkling once again. I returned with a small assuring smile.
"So it's a truce?" asked Cody, stretching out his hand.
"Truce," I replied, nodding. I grasped his large hand and shook it in agreement.
John's POV
"I've always admired you from when I started watching wrestling, Michaels," I said to Shawn Michaels, the newest Hall of Famer of 2011. I was having a chat with him along with Jack, Randy, and Evan, "and now you're a Hall of Famer just like good ol' JR."
"Well I kinda expected to get called back for a particular reason after Calaway retired me last year at 'Mania," chuckled Shawn, "after all, I have been working in this company for half of my life."
"Didn't you come back for an ambassador job?" asked Evan, "Cena just told me yesterday about it."
"It's great to still be able to work with the company I'd known for over 20 years," said Shawn, "but I will admit I do miss getting in the ring, especially with Hunter."
"I remember watching all the segments of DX when I was training back in Oklahoma," reminisced Jack, "I was a huge fan of you guys when I was younger. I still have all my DX DVDs in my house back home."
"Although I don't exactly appreciate the way Hunter called my character gay in that Rated RKO segment back in 2006," said Randy, pretending to be offended.
"You should wear those chaps more often, Orton; they look pretty slick on you," laughed Shawn. We all burst out laughing at Shawn's comment while Randy smacked himself on the forehead in embarrassment. I glanced over at Katharyn, who was not too far away from where we were standing, chatting with the Divas. I couldn't get enough of looking at her in that sexy little dress she picked out at the store. She definitely wore it well.
"What'cha looking at over there, Hennigan?" Evan asked curiously, interrupting the naughty fantasies involving Katharyn and that dress that were beginning to stir up in my head.
"He's checking out his girl, of course," said Randy, "of course it's completely understandable since she blew the other girls out of the water with that hot dress she's wearing."
I was breathless by just watching my beautiful goddess with her friends. She was absolutely breathtaking. My heart melted when she turned her head towards me and her blue green eyes, glowing underneath the chandelier lights of the ballroom, sparkled at me.
"She's the belle of the ball, John," said Shawn, nodding his head in approval, as he was one of Katharyn's mentors when she was still training and acted as a father figure to her on RAW, "I remember when she was sixteen and just starting out with FCW. And look what a lovely young lady's she's grown up into."
"I'm jealous, Hennigan," said Jack, "Katharyn is quite a stunner, especially since she's sexier than usual tonight in that dress. Seriously, man. I bet every single guy checking her out is dying to be in your position."
Inside, I silently howled in triumph, because I knew I was going to be the one taking that dress off of my love as soon as we get back from the after party.
"Dude, crazy screamer bitch at 11 o'clock," whispered Evan.
I glanced away from Katharyn, something that was quite a difficult task, and saw my ex, Melina, striking up a conversation with (much to my shock) none other than Katharyn's ex-boyfriend, Cody Rhodes, although it looked more like Melina was throwing herself at him while Rhodes seemed uninterested. His eyes were locked onto something else, or rather, someone else.
His eyes were fixed towards the direction of where Katharyn was hanging out with the Divas.
I didn't like how Rhodes tore Katharyn's heart into two by sleeping with another woman, but other than that I didn't have anything against him. I wondered if he was simply checking her out in her dress; it was not my surprise that almost every single male in the room had taken a look at Katharyn at least once.
"Well this is interesting," said Shawn, noticing we were all looking over at where Melina was making a fool of herself with Cody, "she's trying to woo young Rhodes over there. Wonder where's Batista?"
"I believe that's the very last thing on her mind, Michaels," said Jack, "I already feel bad for Rhodes; he's put up with a lot of different kinds of women, but tonight he's got to put up with her."
From what I heard from Mike over on RAW, Melina is infamously known as Monday Night's resident slut, and gossip about which guys she slept with are all over the Divas locker room. She isn't popular in the guys' locker rooms either. "She's just desperate for some action in the bedroom," Mike told me over the phone after I got drafted to Smackdown in 2009, "that walking STD's slept with more than half of the guys in the locker room, although I do believe Dave Batista is one of her more regular customers."
I don't think I want to know how many guys that woman's slept with, thank you very much. I do know she was skanking around with several other strangers when she was with me back in 2005.
"If I were where Rhodes is right now, I'd give her an RKO and then punt her so she'll never talk again," joked Randy.
"I guess I'm not the only one who doesn't like her at all," I muttered silently.
"Dude, nobody likes her," said Jack, "we all just put up with her, even the Divas. Not even Jillian likes her that much, and Melina calls Jillian her best friend."
"I caught her trying to suck up to Cena the other day and he threatened to slap her if she didn't shut up about all the enhancements she got to her face," said Evan.
"Can we not talk about that damned woman?" I demanded, "I hate it whenever you guys bring her up. I tell you it's a nightmare just listening to stuff about her, so can you guys all shut up?"
"One last thing about her, Hennigan," said Jack, "looks like Rhodes got sick of her failed attempts to charm him, and now he's making a beeline for your girl."
I immediately turned back towards Katharyn. I saw Maryse (I thought Katharyn hated her guts?) say something to Katharyn and she turned around, surprised to find Rhodes standing close behind her. He appeared to want to talk to her about something, because the other Divas left them alone and moved somewhere else.
"What's going on?" asked Randy, "Katharyn's talking to Rhodes? He better not hurt him." He glowered at Rhodes angrily.
"I'm wondering the same thing Randy, but I don't think he's going to do anything to her," I replied. I knew Randy had been protective of Katharyn since she first arrived in the WWE and still remained the same way even after her move to Smackdown.
I continued to watch Katharyn, and now she was following Rhodes to the other side of the room where there were fewer people. I saw her turn her head towards me and she mouthed, "I'll be back; I love you." Even she looked confused at what was going on.
"I love you too," I mouthed back to her, but I was still concerned at what Rhodes was doing with Katharyn.
While the other guys continued their conversation, I still kept my attention to Cody and Katharyn on the other side of the room. I assumed Cody still had feelings for Katharyn, as I watched him stroke her cheek, caress her hand in between his, and other affectionate gestures. I had the sudden urge to kick him in the head when Rhodes leaned in to kiss Katharyn on the forehead, but was able to breathe again when Katharyn backed away before Rhodes could make contact with his lips.
I was still very curious to know what Rhodes was talking to Katharyn about. From what I could make out, his eyes were filled with sorrow and he looked like he was going to cry.
"Hennigan? What's Rhodes doing with your girl?" asked Randy inquisitively.
"I have a feeling he still likes her, Randy," I said, feeling a slight lump in my throat. I silently prayed Katharyn would not give into Rhodes's heartfelt confession and decide to go back with him.
"I highly doubt Katharyn will get back together with Cody, John," said Evan, "she loves you so much, I highly doubt it'll happen."
"Evan's right," agreed Jack, "besides, the chances of Katharyn and Rhodes getting back together are equal to the odds of Hornswoggle winning the WWE Championship, and Vince isn't crazy enough to ensure it will happen."
"Still, I'm worried about Katharyn," I admitted, noticing she looked rather flustered.
"John, Katharyn loves you more than anything in the world, and I mean anything," assured Shawn, "that girl is like a daughter to me, and every time I saw you two together on TV, I could tell that romance was more than just an onscreen storyline. I saw the way she looked at you and boy, is she crazy about you. There's no doubt she'll stand by you no matter what, Hennigan. Believe me; I've known Katharyn ever since she started training in FCW."
After what felt like forever, Katharyn finally managed to break away from her conversation with Cody and immediately rushed towards me. As I kissed her temple and held her close in my arms, I noticed Rhodes was watching us with a dejected expression on his face. I couldn't help but feel bad for the poor guy. He must still care about Katharyn very much.
"Hey baby," I greeted Katharyn, kissing her on the forehead.
"Hey handsome," replied Katharyn, her eyes twinkling beautifully. She leaned up for another kiss, this time a quick peck on the lips.
"You okay?" I asked, cupping her cheeks.
"I'm fine," she assured me, placing her hands on top of mine and circling the back of my hands with her thumbs, "Cody just wanted to talk to me about something important."
"What did he say to you, love?" I asked softly.
"He still loves me the way he did when he and I were dating," confessed Katharyn, "he wanted to take me back because he misses me like crazy, but I turned him down." She bit her lip guiltily and looked away.
"Love? What's wrong?" I asked worriedly, pulling her in close and gently turning her head back towards me. I gazed into her eyes, wanting her to know how much I love and care about her. I was very concerned about her.
"John? Were you bothered at the fact that Cody and I were talking?" asked Katharyn nervously.
"A little," I admitted truthfully, "I was afraid he was going to do something to you that would make you upset."
"He didn't do anything that made me upset," verified Katharyn, "he just confessed that he still has feelings for me and wants to get back together with me. I said we could stay friends, but I told him I couldn't be his girlfriend again, because I love you."
Katharyn wrapped her arms around my neck and looked into my eyes, her twinkling blue ones so deep with love.
"John? Remember that night we shared our first kiss after the baseball game in San Francisco?" asked Katharyn, "that night you said to me, 'I'll never leave you'. And John, I will do the same in return. I will never leave you under any circumstances, not even if Cody is still in love with me. I will forever keep my promise and stay loyal to you for the rest of my life. I'll never stop loving you, John. I couldn't bear to leave you, so I said no to Cody."
Those few heart-warming words instantly made me melt. Never before had I ever been in love with such a breathtaking creature in my life. My love for Katharyn was as unadulterated as her love in return. God, I love her so much it made my chest ache.
I pulled Katharyn in close and whispered to her, "You truly are the most amazing woman I have ever met in my life, love", before brushing my lips against hers for a sweet, tender kiss.
"Is it alright if Cody and I stayed friends, though?" she asked me, still looking worried.
"Don't worry, love," I assured her, kissing her lightly on the lips, "I'm fine with you two being friends."
"Are you sure, though?" Katharyn asked worriedly, looking up at me as though she was afraid she did something wrong.
"Love, I'm not mad at you," I replied, "I know Cody was your ex and made you really upset last time, but I understand you still want to be friends with him. Thank you for telling me or else I could get the wrong idea and get upset at you for no reason."
Katharyn giggled adorably and cuddled up against me. She has absolutely no idea how sexy she is whenever she does these things to me, I thought.
"I just wanted to clarify with you beforehand," said Katharyn, "of course we can't let that happen."
"I'll never let anything terrible happen between us, love," I whispered, kissing her gently once again. I buried my face in her neck and nuzzled her smooth, tender skin, getting high on the light scent of roses emitting from her skin. Katharyn let out an adorable giggle as I kissed her neck.
"Oy, can you two go get a room please?" asked Jack, pretending to be not amused. Frankly I had to admit I didn't care if I was pouring out my affections to Katharyn in public. I liked it. She was just too irresistible.
"Gladly," I chuckled, struggling to fight the urge to swoop Katharyn into my arms and head straight for the bed of our hotel room.
"John, do you mind if I chat a bit with the girls first before we leave?" Katharyn asked before I could make my move on her. She turned and whispered into my ear, putting an obvious hint of seduction into her low, sexy purr, "I'll be all yours for the rest of the night after that."
"I can't wait, love," I growled seductively, kissing her on the cheek before letting her go. Katharyn was so sweet and so lovely; I couldn't wipe off the smile on my face as I watched her hips sway sexily side to side as she walked towards her friends.
"You really love her, don't you, Hennigan?" asked Jack, who had joined me by my side, "you're incredibly lucky to have such a magnificent woman like Katharyn as your girl."
"I do feel really lucky, Jack," I replied, nodding, not taking my eyes off of Katharyn, who had turned towards me and blew a flirty kiss, "and yes, I do love her. I love her so much it drives me even crazier for her. She's my angel."
"Lover boy," muttered Jack jealously, "I wish I had that kind of relationship with my wife. But I've got a feeling she's been skanking around with other men ever since she did that stupid Playboy calendar shoot."
Katharyn's POV
I returned back to chat with Maryse, Nattie, and Eve, who were the only Divas remaining, as Jillian and Mickie left to meet the other new Hall of Famers. "He's still looking at you, girlie," giggled Nattie. I blushed, knowing I was going to be in a lot of trouble as soon as John and I got back to the hotel.
"You should try seducing him in French," suggested Maryse, "believe me, it works."
"I highly doubt he'll understand me, though," I giggled. I was fluent in three other languages besides English – French, Spanish, and Italian. Props to my mother, who's of mixed European race and is fluent in English, French, and Italian. The Spanish came from my dad, who's American and took Spanish as a second language.
"It doesn't matter if he can't understand, Katharyn," remarked Eve, "the only thing that matters is your French sounds sexy to his ears and turns him on."
"Oh shut up!" I exclaimed embarrassingly.
"It's true, mon cher," laughed Maryse.
"Well, well, well, look who we have here," came a familiar voice from nearby. Nattie, Eve, Maryse, and I turned to find one of the very last people I wanted to see at the moment – Melina. Oh great, what does she want now?
"What do you want, Melina?" demanded Eve. She was one of the several people who greatly disliked Melina. She told me once the reason why she dislikes her is because Melina called her a talentless and pathetic model after her Diva Search win.
"Stay out of my way, this business is between me and princess over here," sneered Melina, glowering in my direction.
"If you came here to talk trash to Katharyn about her relationship with John, then why don't you just go find someone who cares to listen," snapped Maryse.
"Ohhh, since when did you become Katharyn's best friend, Frenchie?" shot back Melina, "so you think you're so popular now, huh, Katharyn? Now Maryse is playing goody-goody with you! I suggest the three of you get the fuck out because this business is between her and I."
"Girlie, let me handle her," suggested Nattie, stepping in between Melina and I with her fists raised.
"Nattie, don't get involved," I protested, softly pushing her out of the way.
"That's right, Katharyn, get your stupid little bitchy friends out of our business," sneered Melina, "I'm not through with you yet. Just because you think you have everything you want, doesn't mean I'm going to let you rub it in my face."
"What are you talking about?" I demanded.
"I'm talking about how you used your fake, plastic looks to steal my man away from me, embarrass me at Bragging Rights, and win this year's Diva of the Year Slammy by wearing that cheap, tacky dress," snapped Melina, "do you really think I'm going to continue watching you get everything you don't deserve handed to you on a silver platter?"
"First of all, Melina, I did not steal John away from you," I corrected, "we fell in love and that's perfectly acceptable since he was not involved with anyone else at the time. Secondly, that match we had at Bragging Rights was scripted. In fact, every thing we were supposed to perform in that ring was supposed to be scripted. I didn't exactly appreciate the way you tried to rip my head off, by the way. And lastly, I didn't know if I was going to win the Slammy Award or not. It was decided by online voting. So if you have a problem with the results, then tell the fans, not me, because they were the ones who decided the victor."
"Don't try and outsmart me, Barbie doll," said Melina angrily. It really irked me whenever people called me 'Barbie doll'. It suited Kelly more than it suited me, by the way, "You're trying to make me look like an idiot, are you?"
"Is all this talk really just because you still like John?" I sighed frustratingly.
"Shut up!" shrieked Melina, raising her hand, and before I could blink once, I felt a sharp whack across my left cheek. "You know perfectly well that I deserve him more than you do!"
I was too stunned to respond, still clutching onto my left cheek. I could hear people around me gasping and I flushed a brilliant red. I hated having an audience watching me at the worst possible times, and this shouting match (well, Melina was doing most of the shouting) was one of those moments.
"Hey! Leave our girlie alone!" exclaimed Nattie, rushing to my side and glaring daggers at Melina.
"This has nothing to do with you, Nattie, so get your fat Canadian ass out of here," spat Melina.
"You dare slap Kathie and I'll give you a taste of your own medicine," threatened Nattie.
"Nattie, don't get involved," I breathed furiously. If my jaw wasn't sore from that huge slap Melina gave me, I would've lost my temper and punted John's crazy ex in the head like Randy's onscreen character would do to his opponent.
"I don't care, girlie, she bitch slapped you in front of all these people and I'm going to stand up for you even if you don't want me to," said Nattie stubbornly.
"Stay out of my fucking way, you fat whore," insulted Melina, shoving Nattie out of the way and charging straight towards me. I was still reeling from the slap, I didn't have time to retaliate and Melina shoved me roughly to the ground.
"Who's so tough now, huh, Barbie doll?" shrieked Melina, "what will John think when he sees you like this, you pathetic bitch?"
"I still think she's the most amazing woman I have ever met in my life."
Oh John, I sighed in relief, thank you for saving me.
The crowd gathered around us parted and John arrived at the scene in an instant. I felt Nattie part away and John rushed over to my side. He knelt down beside me to help me up whilst stroking my cheek at the same time. I glanced up at Melina and she looked as though she'd just seen a ghost.
"Leave us alone, Melina," John glared menacingly at his former girlfriend, his growl low and threatening. Melina was completely speechless. "I don't want you near either one of us ever again. You dare to try and hurt Katharyn? You'll have to get through me first. I mean it."
Those last three words filled with warning and resentment caused Melina to flinch slightly. I was relieved to see that she was completely lost for words. Melina slowly stepped away and then quickly fled the scene, concealing herself for the rest of the night.
John's POV
I was having a chat with Randy and the boys when I heard some words exchanged between two females nearby followed by a loud whack, which sounded like someone slapped another across the face. And indeed when our attention turned towards the commotion nearby, I suddenly felt as though I'd been shot through the stomach when I saw Katharyn clutching onto the side of her face and Melina glaring daggers at her with her hand raised.
I couldn't believe I had just witnessed Melina, my former girlfriend, threatening the love of my life by not only slapping her across the face, but shoving her to the ground in front of everyone and embarrassing her in front of several Hall of Famers around us. Not only was I furious at how my love had been humiliated in public, but I was outraged at how Melina behaved in such an immature, erratic manner, especially when there were a bunch of legends and Hall of Famers around. I always thought she was crazy, but never to the point where she goes out of control at such a formal event.
Much to my relief, after issuing a threat to never come near either Katharyn or I again, Melina disappeared, refusing to show her face for the rest of the night, much to my relief. I honestly couldn't stand her anymore. In fact, I couldn't believe I actually used to date someone so cynical and cruel like her.
As soon as Melina was gone, my attentions immediately turned to Katharyn. Our eyes met and my heart skipped a beat when her blue green eyes twinkled towards me. I caressed Katharyn's cheek and kissed her forehead, but not before looking around at everyone, motioning them to leave us alone. Good thing they got the message so Katharyn could feel less stressed than before without anyone watching us. I knew she was extremely uncomfortable being the center of attention in the most awkward times.
"Love, are you alright?" I asked worriedly, helping her stand up from where she fell.
"I'm fine," trembled Katharyn. I checked the spot where Melina slapped her to see if she had split her lip and sighed in relief when I realized she was fine. No blood; just a visibly red mark across her left cheek.
"Did she hurt you?" I asked her. I honestly couldn't stop asking her questions because I was so concerned about her.
"No, she didn't," replied Katharyn softly, reaching to caress my cheek with her fingers. I gently grabbed them and kissed them and Katharyn smiled heartwarmingly. I couldn't help but grin back in return. Leading her over to a corner, I held her in my arms and kissed the spot where she was slapped a few times with just the lightest touch to ease the pain.
"Should we head back early?" I whispered in her ear, my arms still wrapped around her amazing body, her head leaning against my chest. Katharyn let out a yawn that sounded more like the gentle mewling of a kitten. I instantly melted at her sweet and adorable innocence.
"I take that as a yes?" I chuckled, grinning widely at her. Katharyn nodded shyly and buried her face in my chest. Katharyn and I bid goodnight to the other attendees before departing the convention center with the two Slammies we won for the night.
When we got back to the hotel, as I slipped off my dress shirt and unbuckled my belt, I watched Katharyn sitting by the dressing table, taking off her jewelry and taking out the pins that held up her elegant hairstyle, her goddess-like locks of hair falling out of its style and cascading gracefully down her back. I walked up slowly behind her and rested my hands on her shoulders.
"We don't have to make love tonight if you don't want to, baby," I whispered in her ear, massaging her shoulders and neck with the mildest pressure.
"Maybe tomorrow," insisted Katharyn, leaning her head against my body, "I've had quite a lot for one night."
Katharyn turned her head to look at me and smiled so damn sweetly it made my chest ache. However, the way her eyes flickered from its neutral blue green to that gorgeous sparkling crystal blue gave away something else.
"However, I still kept the promise of letting you take off my dress as soon as we got back from the after party," she purred enticingly.
Oh, my pleasure, baby, I thought, silently cheering like a schoolboy. I reached for the zip of her dress, which was located on the small of her back, and slowly, so painfully slowly, unzipped the dress from behind. I ran my hands up and down her bare back in amazement, anxiously waiting for those full, buxom breasts and the twin globes of her delectable bottom to bare themselves to me.
Katharyn stepped away from the dresser, holding onto the dress from her front, her back still facing me, and giving me the most seductive smirk, gesturing for me to shove the dress off of her. Within a heartbeat, I gave in to her temptations, and pushed the dress off of her shoulders, the silk and chiffon material pooling at her feet. I smirked as I drank in the sight of Katharyn in nothing but a white lace thong. I wrapped my arms around her naked waist and pulled her against my bare chest, and we continued to undress each other. True to Katharyn's suggestion, we didn't go any further, but instead the two of us, stark naked under the covers, just cuddled together in the bed, refusing to break eye contact with each other.
My love was watching me, her beautiful blue eyes wide and gleaming and filled with so much affection and care. The way she stroked my abs as she gazed into my eyes just took my breath away. We just lay there on the bed, exchanging words of love to one another.
"Thank you so much for standing up for me, John," cooed Katharyn, "you are perhaps the bravest and definitely the sweetest man I have ever met in my life. I don't think anyone would stand up for me like that, especially to their ex."
"I'll protect you from anything that tries to hurt you, love," I replied, planting a few gentle kisses on her face.
"Oh John," sighed Katharyn, as I buried my face in her neck and began to suck on the most tender spot, "I absolutely love being in your arms like this."
"I wish we could stay this way forever, love," I whispered in her ear, "I love you so much, Katharyn. I can't sleep unless I hold you in my arms and kiss you goodnight."
"Then kiss me goodnight," giggled Katharyn.
"My pleasure, baby," I chuckled, sealing the night with a passionate kiss.
