Dean had watched the backstage segment with him and Mackenzie over and over after going home that night. He hated that those tears were real and had been brought out because of him. He wanted her to look scared, but he didn't want her to actually be scared.
He walked into the arena with his mind set on the prize next day. One way or another, he would get her to go out with him at least once. All he needed was a few private moments with her for her to see he really wasn't the man that he portraited inside the ring.
He ate a loss to Dolph Ziggler in the main event and threw a tantrum in the ring afterwards. He tore the commentator table apart and threatened the people behind the desk. All as scripted. Security came rushing down to stop him from choking out Michael Cole. He pushed the first one away and then stomped up the ramp in anger.
"Great work," Hunter greeted him in gorilla.
"Thanks," Dean said.
He went to the locker room to shower and change. As he left the locker room he spotted Mackenzie walking further down the hall. She was off work too. He smiled to himself as he watched her ass. That was a nice view. He slowly increased his pace, catching her just as she opened the door and walked out of the arena.
"Have you tried that new Thai restaurant downtown?" He asked out of the blue.
"Not yet," she answered.
"I've been meaning to try it out, but I'm not sure if I even like Thai food. Do you like it?" He asked.
"Yes," she answered.
"Great," He grinned. "Then we'll check it out together."
He gently grabbed her arm and walked towards his car.
"No, please!" She begged.
"I'm not gonna hurt you," he let go of her arm. "My usual charm really doesn't work on you. I keep scaring you. I'm sorry. Let me do this the right way. Please, Mackenzie, come with me for some Thai food. That's all. I promise."
"I'm busy," she said.
"No, you're not. Please, don't lie to me. Give me one good reason not to go there with me, and not being hungry doesn't count either," he said.
"I'm... I'm..." She tried.
"That's what I thought," he laughed. "Come on. It's just food. I'll drive you home afterwards."
"No!" She snapped.
"Or I'll call a cab," he said. "Sorry, I didn't know your address was secret."
He found his car keys and unlocked his car. She still stood rooted on the spot when he turned to look at her again.
"Just food?" She asked.
"Maybe a soda too, but that's it," he answered.
"Okay, food. I can do food," she said.
It seemed more like she spoke to herself than him, as if she was trying to convince herself it was alright. He wondered what had made her this timid. Most women would jump on the opportunity of eating with him, but she wasn't one of them.
"Well, come on, catwoman," he said.
"Catwoman?" She asked.
"You're still a scaredy cat, but that doesn't sound as good as catwoman," he chuckled. "And you're too cute not to have some sort of nickname."
It took around 15 minutes, but she slowly relaxed around him down at the Thai restaurant. He did what he did best: talk. He talked her ear off, told her all about himself that he could think of while making sure to ask her a bunch of questions about her too. She slowly relaxed and started keeping eye contact with him for longer time.
"Sorry, but we're closing," a waiter said.
"Already?" Dean looked at his watch. "Wow, we've been here three hours. Time flies in good company."
He paid the bill, and they left the restaurant together.
"Do you want a ride home?" He asked.
"No, I'll walk," she answered.
"I'm not gonna let you walk home alone in the middle of the night. I'd be heartbroken if something happened to you," he said.
"I know the streets," she said.
"Hmm, what aren't you telling me?" He teased.
"Nothing," she shook her head. "I'll call a cab."
"I'm really not allowed to see where you live?" He asked.
She looked down for a moment, and he took her silence as it was meant. A big, fat no.
"Okay, fair enough. Can I take you out another time?" He asked.
"Dean, please," she looked up again. "I did as you wanted, and now I'm asking you again to please leave me alone."
"Nope!" He grinned. "But I'll make you a deal. The next 14 days you'll hang out with me. We'll talk at the arena, and we'll go out each night for a bite to eat. If you still want me to leave you alone after that, I will."
"Can I get that in writing?" She asked.
"Wow, you really think I'll break a promise?" He asked.
They looked at each other. She was the first one to put on a little smile. His own smile followed a second later.
"14 days," she said. "And then you'll leave me alone?"
"Pinky swear," he chuckled. "But only if you call a cab and don't walk home. I'll stay and wait until the cab arrives everyday."
"Deal," she said.