Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who is reading, reviewing, adding to favorites, or following this story you guys are the best! Your support is inspiring!
Disclaimer: I own no part of the WWE or any music that is mentioned within in this chapter. I am just a fan-girl visiting this playground for a little bit.
Chapter 11
(Mercedes P.O.V)
(April 23rd, 2013)
Sometimes you just have to wake up slowly. Yawn, stretch a little, and don't open your eyes till you're sure you're ready to face the world at large. It's definitely a step by step process. Following last night – this morning it was a damned hard process. Rolling over onto my stomach, I clutched my pillow a little tighter. I felt the sleepy smile creeping across my face as I thought about John. Last night might not have been planned but it couldn't have possibly worked out any better. The look on John's face when he first saw me in that dress was incredible. The memory alone was enough to make me blush. Dancing with him – feeling his arms around me gave me a sense of safety that I've never felt with any man before ever. A sense of safety that my mind refused to let me analyze too much. John Cena was an addiction waiting to happen. An addiction I couldn't afford – not now. No friendship was the only way this could work. A girl could never have too many friends right? I think John Cena and I could make the best of friends. It would all work out in the end; it had too.
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(John's P.O.V.)
God Bless Mack and his driving! Anyone who tells you that the man is not a saint is obviously lying to you. He can drop or rearrange his schedule on a dime; and does at the drop of hat for me on a regular basis. I know it was after two a.m. when I finally made it back to the bus. I know he drove all night to move this big ol' beast down the road to our next stop. Regardless of how rough today would be – there isn't much if anything in this world that I would have traded last for.
Stretching out on the bed, I pulled the old quilt around me. Closing my eyes, my mind filled with Mercedes. The sight of her in that damned little black dress fried my senses. That body – that dress; I swear last night she gave new meaning to looks good enough to eat. Taking a deep breath I could swear I still smelled her perfume. Holding her in my arms as we danced was intoxicating. Never has dancing with a woman felt more primal more intense. The innocent blush of her cheeks – the innocence radiating in her eyes should have made me feel like a lecherous bastard. Instead all I felt was the overwhelming desire to take her; to replace that innocence with a hot heated desire that only I could satisfy. Rolling over I flopped onto my back. If I didn't want to spend the morning handling a massive erection alone I needed to change my thoughts quick and in a hurry.
When I said I needed to change my thoughts – I didn't mean that I wanted to see Paul's very real very sour looking face floating through my mind; definitely the mental equivalent of a cold shower. Scrubbing my hands down my face I wondered once more why the fuck he had to choose me to "watch" over Mercedes. Although he wasn't specific, I'm pretty sure that "watch over" didn't include wanting desperately to make her my new play-mate. Maybe Mercedes was right – maybe the friend-zone is where we both belong.
Sighing in frustration my mind continued to wander. The whole evening had been amazing. I knew the moment I asked Mercedes and K.C. out Mercedes had her reservations. I don't know if it was going out with me or with the group that worried her more. After yesterday, no matter how much I didn't like I had to accept that she and Orton were friends. There was definitely some bond there – a strong one if last night were any indication. Sure the first few minutes – maybe a half hour were rocky. Mercedes was a little quiet at first, but then she started to open up. I see Mercedes and Celeste becoming very fast friends. Watching them giggle like school girls last night had been a blast. I don't how much times passed since Randy and Mercedes last hung out, but I know that last night they more than made up for it. Hell Mercedes even danced with Stephen once twice and actually made him look good. While seeing them on the dance floor got a little under my skin; I couldn't help but admire her skills. Anyone who can make Ste, look good on the dance floor definitely has mad skills.
With a couple of hours before I actually to be up and motivated I decided to spend the morning being a lazy shit – something I don't get to enjoy often enough these days. Rolling over, I snatched my phone from the bedside and texted Mercedes. My fingers hovering over the tiny keyboard I debated what to say. "Hey baby-girl U awake? Thanks 4 last night"
Tossing the phone onto the bed, I made my way to the bathroom. If she was awake, I figured she would text back – five minutes later when the phone rang I was a little surprised. Settling onto the bed I answered "Hello"
"Good Mornin' John," came the sleepy little reply. A reply I might add that I wanted to see up close and in person. There's a country (yes I listen to a little country – don't act so surprised) say's something about "give me that girl with a sleepy little smile and head on my chest," or something like that. In any case that's what I wanted Mercedes giving me the sleepy little smile I could hear in voice while her head rested comfortably across my bare chest.
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
(Friday April 26th, 2013)
For the most part this week has just flown by. The whole birthday surprise for John was a complete success. I had a blast with Celeste that morning – giggling and talking like high-school girls over breakfast. I was finally figuring out my new role and responsibilities with the company. I was meeting and becoming more comfortable with not only the talent but the folks behind the scenes as well. I had talked / texted with Celeste more than once this week. She is one hysterical woman. I swear she has a Simpsons quote for anything life throws at you. Of course John and I talked as well. He could be so funny when he wanted to be. Every now and then he would text me random a thought about whatever he was doing at that particular moment. Then Wednesday night he called just out of the blue. Although I didn't say it too him – it was like he knew I'd had a nightmare and needed to talk. All things considered I couldn't have asked for a better week; then I woke up this morning and got out of bed. My alarm went off and six. I was supposed to meet Uncle Paul and Aunt Stephanie at seven-thirty. I was up in plenty of time, showered, dressed, hair, and what little make-up I wear, everything was done. Finding my favorite pair of heels – I was ready to go. Standing in the door way about to walk out – I turned to grab my purse. That's when I heard it; nothing more than a simple snap-crack sound. The right heel of my best pair of black heels just snapped off. Startling me, I tripped ungraciously, I might add, into the door frame. Cursing, I righted myself, kicked off the offending shoes, and rubbed my upper arm where I had just banged into the door frame. Thankfully, I still managed to get out the door and meet my aunt and uncle on time.
I had been working in the office the last couple of days. I typically enjoyed my time in the office. Paul's staff was the best. They really welcomed me onboard. Today however, the team leader for our current project called in sick. Which normally with a team of six wouldn't be a big deal; we would muddle through. Today though I swear there must be a full moon or some damn thing. Everything I touched immediately full apart and went straight to shit.
To make matters worse I was supposed to meet Celeste for lunch here at the offices about noon. She was working on a WWE magazine photo shoot about half an hour away. About eleven-thirty we got a text from her saying that she was stuck at the shoot and wouldn't make it for lunch. Calmly I collected my phone, purse, and jacket. Making my way to the elevators, I rode down to the lobby. Hitting the sidewalk I had no idea where I was going. I just knew I needed some fresh air. Realizing I was more hungry than I thought I headed to the corner deli. A chicken salad sandwich on rye sounded really good at the moment.
As I stood in line waiting to order, I noticed a young girl with her mom two or three ahead of me in line. Both of them were wearing John Cena breast cancer awareness t-shirts. I couldn't help but smile. Digging my phone out of my pocket, I texted John. "Only 1130 and already is a crap day." My phone chimed just as I placing my order. If he wasn't busy – John always answered my texts, even if just to say he got it. It's just the way he is – I guess you could say that I've come to expect it. What didn't expect was a pic message of John with his tongue sticking out and eyes crossed; caption reading simply "Smile." You know what – I smiled.
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(John's P.O.V.)
About twelve-thirty we finally broke for lunch. I was working the set of a new Gillette commercial. Some of the crew and me were planning on going over to a little grill around the corner for lunch. Heading out to my rental truck, I caught up with a girl from the crew. "Hey Jess," I called out "Can I get you to do me a quick favor?" Jess and I had worked together on the last commercial. I knew she was a sweetheart – a sweetheart who wouldn't rib me too much.
"Sure John what's up?" She replied with her usually bubbly grin.
Handing her my phone, I asked her to snap a picture of me. As she lined up her shot, I decided on my pose. Raising both arms, I struck the classic "muscle-man – make a muscle" pose. I scowled just as she snapped the photo – hoping that I looked fierce.
Accepting the phone from Jess' outstretched hand I smiled at the sweet but knowing twinkle in her eyes. Without a clever caption in mind – I simply clicked send.
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
I guess it was about two-thirty – maybe three o'clock when I left Paul's office headed to the break room. I needed some chocolate in the worst way. Standing in front of the snack machine I cursed when I realized they were all of Snickers bars. Deciding on a Hershey bar, I had just bent over to retrieve my candy from the machine when my phone beeped. Stuffing my change back into my pocket, I opened my candy bar, before checking my phone. It was a video message from John. Turning up the sound on my phone I opened his message. I don't know about you guys, but for me, seeing John Cena sitting in his SUV singing along to Ozzy Osborne's CrazyTrain is just chuck full of laugh out loud sexy goodness.
Finally about quarter till five I was ready to go. I'd finished everything I could at the office for one day. I was more than ready to go home, slip into a really hot bubble bath, put on my jammies grab a bite to eat, and hit the sack early tonight. I was almost certain that Aunt Stephanie mentioned her and Uncle Paul had plans to take the girls out to dinner tonight. What a wonderful night to have the place all to myself. I loved my aunt and uncle endlessly. Spending time with their girls gave me such happiness at the same time it made me wish for a place of mine. A place I could fill with the same happiness.
Walking across the parking garage my phone beeped once more. Nearly certain it was John a smile was already creeping across my face. Unlocking my truck I slid in behind the wheel with a grateful sigh that the day was over. Open my latest text message I giggled. There was a photo of John doing what I can only describe as a very bad Undertaker impersonation. It looked as though he was trying to roll his eye back in his head; with of course his tongue hanging out. The message simply read "its five o'clock somewhere." I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I think I smiled all the way home. That dear sweet man had taken a really shitty day and managed to make it a little better. It had been a damn long time since a man outside of family had done something – anything just to make me smile.
I pulled in the driveway just in time to catch Aunt Steph packing the girls into her SUV; said she and the girls were meeting Uncle Paul over to her parents place. Although I wasn't 'technically' related to "Uncle Vince and Aunt Linda" I loved going over to their house. The couple you saw on TV was far removed from the couple you saw playing with their grandchildren. As much as I enjoyed time at their place; well tonight I just wanted the house all to myself. Giving the girls and Aunt Steph a big hug; they promised to give "Uncle Vince and Aunt Linda" my love. I raced inside the house. I couldn't decide which I wanted more something to eat or a hot bath. I decided on the bath. Forty-five minutes later dressed in lavender capris and matching tank-top (covered in hello kitty) I made my way downstairs to the kitchen. Rummaging in the fridge, I found some left over beef stew from last night. Popping the stew in the microwave, I buttered a couple of pieces of bread, and made a glass of ice cold Coca-Cola. It was nearing eight o'clock when I finished eating, part of me thought of heading to the living room. Stretching out on the sofa watching an old movie sounded pretty good. As I turned and headed back upstairs to my bedroom; watching an old movie stretched out on my bed sounded like a better idea.
Turning back the covers, I curled up on the bed. Flipping on the TV I channel surfed until I found an old Marilyn Monroe movie on TMC. I think I honestly saw, probably, the first thirty minutes of the movie before my eyes began to feel too damned heavy to keep open any longer. Switching off the TV, I sighed making myself comfortable. Reaching to turn off the bedside light, the sight of my cell phone made me smile. Scrolling through my text, I found John's earlier video message. I couldn't help I listened to it again. His expression was adorable. I watched as he cranked up the radio, gently drumming against the steering wheel before singing along. "All aboard! Ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaa! Crazy, but that's how it goes. Millions of people living as foes, Maybe it's not too late to learn how to love- And forget how to hate" I laughed as he quit singing and begin to hum his bopping in tune with the music before picking up the lyrics once more. "I'm going off the rails on a crazy train! I'm going off the rails on a crazy train!" "Crazy train" I mumbled with a giggle, a damned fine way to sum up my day. I listened to the little thirty second / minute long video twice more before sending a reply. With a big grin on my face, I snapped a quick picture of myself. "Thanks for making a lousy day – so much better Sweet dreams sweet pea!" Laying the phone on the night-stand, I switch off the light – quickly dozing off.
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
(April 29th, 2013 about two hours before Raw goes live)
I was wandering backstage looking for Paul when I ran into John. "Hey sweet pea!" I called out as I ran to catch up with him. "Where you off to?" I asked as I fell into step beside him. He smiled, just short of cocky, as he dropped his arm around my shoulders.
"Well hello pretty lady! As a matter of fact, I was off to find you." He replied with a quiet happy confidence.
"You were – how come? OH! Before I forget, I saw you on TV this morning. The smile you gave that little boy this morning was amazing. You should be really proud of the work you do with Make-a-Wish." I asked warm curiosity lacing my words.
I didn't mean to giggle – honest but the sight of John Cena with just a hint of blush painting his cheeks was too much. "Why Mr. Cena," I smiled "are you blushing?"
"No...No of course not" he declared quickly.
"Of course not…not you!" I replied with a quiet sarcasm filling my words. "Listen," I continued letting him off the hook for the moment – anyway. "I heard a rumor that said you might be giving a little backstage tour before the show starts; any truth to that?"
"Yeah I'm giving three Make-a-Wish kids and their folks a little tour around back here before the show starts. Later on the boys and their moms are joining me on stage for a little presentation."
Drawing to a stop I turned facing him, resting my hand across his chest, I drew his eyes to mine. "I mean it John! The smiles and memories you give all of these kids is an amazing thing." Almost instantly his entire expression changed. It was equal parts appreciation, kindness, and something almost intangible that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
"Coming from you pretty lady – that means a lot!" He whispered before leaning in and kissing my cheek "Thank-you"
Now I was the one blushing "You're most welcome." I replied before we started walking once more. "Hey, when you take your tour later – bring the boys by my office ok?"
"Yeah of course" He replied without any hesitation.
About half an hour later, John stopped by my office with three of the sweetest young men I've met and their moms. John quickly introduced me to his new friends. Collecting the three small WWE duffel bags from behind the desk I handed one to each boy. "I hope you guys don't mind, but I thought maybe you might like a few things to remember your time here with us." The look on the boy's faces was well with it. The surprise on John's face was even better.
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(John's P.O.V.)
I enjoyed going live with on Monday night RAW, tonight though I was just as glad when the show went off the air. Exiting back through the gorilla position I was surprised to find Mercedes waiting for me. "I thought you would already be headed down the highways and byways with H."
"Yeah" she smirked "you know how he can be – you can hear his tires squealing out of the lot the minute Raw goes off the air. He got tied up talking with some of the crew backstage – since he's my ride…well here I am."
"Well I for one am glad you're still here. Listen I was thinking – you hungry?" I asked the beginnings of a plan coming together.
"Sure," Mercedes answered quickly "I could eat. Why what are you thinking?"
"I've got an old friend who runs a little bar and grill about fifteen – twenty minutes from here. Kris makes the best burgers and fries you will ever have. I thought maybe we could go and grab a burger and some fries – whattya think?"
"Mmmmm I really could go for a nice hot burger with cheese. But Paul is my ride – I got to be a tomorrow night's Smack-down taping."
"No worries, I'm headed to Smack-down myself you can ride with me. I got just a couple of loose ends to tie up here in the arena before we go. Why don't you go grab your bag – Mack's down at the bus; head over there and I'll meet you there in just a few."
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
I watched John as he sprinted off down the hall – absently wondering about his loose ends. I shook my head clearing my thoughts before heading in the opposite direction to find Uncle Paul. A few minutes later, I'd spoke with my uncle, collected my bag, and was headed to the bus. I don't know what reaction I expected from Uncle Paul, but his calm "Ok – have fun and be careful wasn't it." Usually he's as protective as an old Papa bear when it comes to me. Since I've been working with him and the WWE he has become very relaxed about my hanging out with John. All things considered he knows John better way better than I do. I'm sure that there is years of trust built up there. Me not looking for anything serious – coupled with trust in John; I'm sure Uncle Paul knows he has nothing to worry about.
I could see Mack just inside the bus door. I knocked hoping to catch his attention. Opening the door wide he smiled taking in me and my hot pink suitcase. "Ms. Mercedes what a pleasant surprise. If you're looking for John he hasn't made it back yet."
"I know Mack. I just left John a few minutes ago. He and I are going to hang out for a bit this evening. He asked me to meet him here – if that's ok with you." I smiled.
"Ok with me? Ms. Mercedes that is more than ok with me." Moving away from the door he gestured for me to come inside. "It is always nice to have a beautiful face on board. John is a good man, but he surely isn't much to look at – if you know what I mean." I couldn't help the sweet child-like charm painting the older man's face set me to giggling.
Half an hour later, John and I were seated at small table in a relatively quiet corner of the bar. I had yet to meet Kris but if the décor was any indication he was certainly a man with eclectic tastes. The walls were covered with hundreds of various prints. From our vantage point I counted four different wrestler's images looking back at us. There were prints paying tribute to every field of sport; everything from wrestling, football, hell there were even pictures of pro-golfers lining the walls. Inter-mixed with the athletes were prints from every stage of Hollywood. The walls bore prints ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Channing Tatum.
We were both silent for several long moments as I took in the scenery around me. "So" I asked "How long have you known Kris?"
His smile was boyish and charming. It was almost as if I could feel the warmth of happy memories I watched flooding his face. "I met Kris when I was first starting out in the "minor leagues" so to speak. Kris befriended me almost instantly. She was like a little mother hen to me; always making sure that I had plenty to eat. A real stickler about making sure I took care of myself."
I was a little surprised when he mentioned Kris being a woman. I automatically assumed Kris was a man. Drawing my attention back to John I listened as he spoke. Looking around the room, he gestured at some of the framed prints hanging on the walls "Kris is true mother-hen in every sense of the word. She needs someone to look after. I don't care who you are; you find your way inside Kris' you definitely won't leave hungry."
A few minutes later a woman, I'm guessing near sixty maybe sixty-five approached our table carrying two the biggest orders of burgers and fries I have ever seen. She was a tall rather thick woman. She wore her long salt and pepper (heavier on the salt than pepper) in a long French braid that ended somewhere along the middle of her back. She was dressed in an old pair of heavily faded dark wash jeans and a deep red t-shirt bearing the name of the grill across the upper left. Even at her age, the boots she wore fairly screamed, "mess with me and mine and I have a place where they will never find the bodies." "Mickey said you were here. What's the matter John you forget how to find your way back to the kitchen to say hello to an old friend?"
Standing from the table, John laughed loud and infectious. "Shouldn't sneak up on folks Kris!" He exclaimed before wrapping the older woman in a relatively fierce bear hug. Returning the hug with a little fierceness of her own I heard her mumble "It's good to see ya kid! Who's your friend?"
Turning to the table, John smiled, all manly like and full of charm. "Mercedes this is Kris….the world's best maker of hamburgers. Kris this is Mercedes she just started working with the crew on Raw."
Kris stood and talked with for several minutes before someone in the kitchen began demanding her attention. With a small brief smile and weary shake of her head she excused herself. Heading towards the kitchen she turned and called out "Cena, you don't leave this grill without coming through that kitchen to say good-bye."
"Yes ma'am" he returned by way of response.
"Kris seems great and you were right about the food. This is the best damned burger I've had in a very long time." I told him in between shoveling bites in.
He simply laughed by way of agreement. As we finished are meal, I noticed John eyeing the pool table on the opposite side of the room. "Do you play?" he finally asked.
I chuckled, "I guess what I do could be considered playing, just not good play."
"You can't be that bad," he smirked "It's not that hard."
"Not that hard…Not that hard…" I mumbled with a girlish giggle. "Ok Mr. "it's not that hard" why don't you show me how it's done." I suggested as I stood from the table.
Standing to the left of the pool table, I choose a pool cue from the wall as John set about getting the table ready. I could see the wheels turning as he examined the table with a nearly critical eye. I knew he was "up to no good" so to speak. There were times, times like these, when I really wish I could just read his mind. I'll be damned if it wouldn't make my life that much easier.
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(John's P.O.V.)
Asking Mercedes to come to Kris' with me had been the best idea I've had in ages. Kris' place wasn't anything special to look at. I figure most people would probably call it a hole in the wall kind of dive. It's like I told her earlier, Kris had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known. She may not have much to offer, but if you've been with Kris for more than five minutes and you leave hungry – well that's your damned fault. Kris was good people – yup bringing Mercedes here with me tonight was a good decision. Speaking of good decisions, the look currently painting Mercedes face had me wondering if playing pool with her was a good decision. Sure she admitted that she probably wasn't very good. I honestly didn't care how good she was. Ever since we'd gone out for my birthday I'd been looking for a little one on one time with her. This was the perfect opportunity. As she stood at the wall choosing a pool cue, I found the rack and set about setting the table. I was thinking just a friendly game or two of pool before we headed out for the evening. When I turned and saw her watching me – something in her eyes set my mind to spinning. I began to see this game as special – as a challenge if you will. I watched her a second longer. She knew – she knew my wheels were turning. I expected to find her; I don't know a little leery I guess. Instead I found her look to be full of acceptance – as if she were up to any challenge and that I found sexier than hell. Walking around the table, I chose my cue before coming to stand right beside her on the left. Nudging her a little with my shoulder I asked "Tell me Mercedes as a kid or whatever you ever play twenty questions?"
"You mean like where you think of something and I have twenty questions to guess what it is your thinking of." She asked curiously.
"Yeah something along those lines, but not quite. I was thinking that would we could maybe make this game a little more interesting."
I could tell that I definitely had her attention now. "Well Mr. Cena what exactly do you mean by more interesting?"
"Good question, Ms. Dean" I responded in kind. "A question asked and answered for every shot made. What do you say?"
I could see her wheels turning. I knew she was weighing out how many questions could likely end up answering. I could see her debating with herself wondering what the hell I was going to ask. Her silence was beginning to unease me just a little. "So" she began eyeing the table and me both with a critical almost teasing eye "If I make the shot then I get to ask you anything I want and you have to answer me?"
"Yup that's it, but if I make the shot then you have to answer me – fair enough?"
"What if I don't want to answer the question?" She asked a serious hesitance filling her voice.
"No worries baby-girl – will cross that bridge when we get there. What do you say want to play?"
I knew she wouldn't be able to resist the challenge. I could see it in her eyes. "You're on Mr. Cena. I hope you're ready. Please…" she gestured openly toward the table "you first."
This was going to be fun I thought to myself as I lined up my first shot. As I watched the ball slide easily into the corner pocket I thought about my first question. I smirked as it came too easily "Purple hello kitty pajamas really?"
She laughed as a second or two passed "You noticed that did you? Didn't think it would show in the picture I sent. Yes purple hello kitty – what's wrong with hello kitty?"
Examining the table for my next shot, I chuckled "did I say there was anything wrong with hello kitty?" I gave her long pony tail a gentle tug as I walked past her. "As it happens your pajamas have taught me a new respect for hello kitty."
"Yeah right Cena – take your shot already." She demanded with teasing annoyance. Standing beside her I lined up my next shot. Standing I glanced at her over my right shoulder – my next question already in mind. "Where did you get the dress you wore out the other night?"
"I borrowed it from Celeste. Ummm Cena you know that's two questions in a row about women's clothing is there something you want to tell me?" She teased.
My head snapped up taking in the gloriously fresh-faced expression covering her face. "Ha-Ha" I a mocked out loud "very funny!" I said as I stood beside her once more lining up my third shot.
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(Mercedes P.O.V.)
Since this was just a friendly game and since I wanted my turn at asking the question I knew I needed a plan. Suddenly the little devil that sometimes makes her residence on my left shoulder whispered in my ear. I waited until he had his shot all lined up. I knew from watching his previous two shots that this one was likely a no-brainer for him. I waited until that second right before he took his shot. Moving in very close, I trailed my fingers down of his ribs; whispering "don't miss big guy." He missed.
Turning to face me his smile nearly dark and unreadable "Looks like it's my turn" I laughed as sprinted to the other side of the table. I was nearly hopeless at pool, but I had questions too dammit. I would make this shot – I had too. No one was more surprised than me when I did indeed make my shot. "Go ME! Go ME!" I exclaimed as did a little happy dance at the end of the table. His laughter shot through me faster than lightening; knocking every thought from my head.
He laughed glancing at me from across the table. "And your question is?"
"Since were on the subject of clothing; how about…" I pondered tapping my chin as if I was in great debate. "Boxers or briefs?"
Instantly I knew the question caught him a little off guard. Off guard was good – John had put me a little off guard more than once since the night we met. Tonight was definitely his turn. I waited patiently for his answer.
"Boxers" he replied with great indifference.
Our game played on. He definitely had the upper hand – he was averaging two questions to my one. He asked if I had any brothers or sisters. I told him about my much younger baby sister Christina. I asked about his brothers. He told me stories about growing up in house with four brothers (Steve, Dan, Matt and Sean). He asked my favorite color – it's pink by the way? I asked his – by the way it's blue. He asked the first serious question of the night; how I came to be working for the WWE as a road admin? At first I wasn't sure how to answer. I wanted to be honest but I didn't want to open up and say – oh by the way HHH is my uncle. Thinking quickly I gave him a much more watered down version of the truth. I told him that the opportunity came at a time in my life when I really needed it – so I took a chance. He seemed – I don't know satisfied with the answer – at least he didn't push for more.
His next question kind of took me by surprise "What are you Mercedes twenty-six twenty-seven?"
Why did my age matter "I'll be twenty-seven in June – why?"
He was thoughtful for a long minute than two before finally answered "I'm just curious…you're a beautiful woman. Surely somewhere there's a man out there wishing you weren't on the road so much."
I laughed hoping the laughter covered just uncomfortable the question actually made me. "No I giggled…no boyfriend or husband waiting for back home for me."
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(John's P.O.V.)
I was nearly ten years older than her. Was age a factor? Is that why she seemed so oblivious to this 'energy' between us? If that was the issue how did I convince her it didn't matter? Pushing all questions of age from my mind – I concentrated on watching her play. She played decent enough pool I guess. Although I would be a damned liar if I denied how much I was enjoying the slight advantage I had. As I watched her lining up her next shot my thoughts wandered to the shot she "helped" me miss. I watched her – studied her was probably more accurate. With any other woman I would have sworn it was planned – calculated flirting if you will. Was this all part of an act? I nearly laughed out loud. That sounded paranoid even to me. Guess she wasn't the only one whose past was leaving them a little screwed-up. No this woman may be a lot of things but this wasn't an act. She truly had no clue just how beautiful she was; or what just being in the same room with her did to me. Damned woman was playing with fire and she had no idea just how hot it was about to get.
We continued to play. I learned she loved all music; but her two favorite artists were Tim McGraw and Kid Rock. I learned that she loved to read and even did a little writing of her own. She learned that I wrote my very first song when I was like seven years old. I also told her that I wanted to continue acting – maybe even do something more dramatic than I had in the past.
Stepping to the table, I lined up my next shot. Catching sight of her from the corner of my eye I had to know what she was thinking. I missed my next shot. If she realized that I missed on purpose she never let it show.
She took her next shot very seriously – walking around the table checking every angle. I nearly groaned out loud when she decided her next shot brought her to stand right in front of me. Sliding in right behind her I whispered "like this" as I wrapped myself around her. She made the shot.
There was no happy dance this time. Her body went so still in my arms; the gentle rise and fall of her chest the only noticeable movement. 'Dammit' how could she just stand there so still; and not be affected at least half as much as I was. Backing up I gave her – her space before I went and did something we would most likely both regret.
Glad she had yet to turn around and face me; I forced a smile into my voice. "Your turn baby-girl – What's your question?" For several long beats it was deathly quiet before she calmly turned to face me. The twinkle in her eyes giving nothing away. "What are you thinking right now?"
"Excuse me?" I asked certain that I had heard her wrong.
"You heard me," she replied quickly and calmly "Tell me Cena what are you thinking right now?"
Just how the bloody hell was I supposed to answer that. "Don't ask questions if you're not prepared for the answers."
WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA WWE CENA
(Mercedes' P.O.V.)
"Don't ask if I'm not prepared for the answer. Ummm that's very sound advice Mr. Cena – very sound. Yet I'm thinking I'm prepared. So tell me, what are you thinking about right now."
"Ok – just remember you said you were prepared." I watched his every movement as he slowly closed the short distance between us. He stood so close. I watched as he deliberately placed his hands on hips – his fingers wrapping in the belt loops of my jeans. Tugging me even closer, he leaned in nice and tight before whispering in my ear. "Right now…I'm thinking about how very much I want to take that sweet soft mouth of yours in a long hard wet kiss."
Ok – he was right I wasn't prepared!
Author's Note: Without any doubt this has been one of the most fun chapters I have ever written. I also have to say that at nearly 6800+ words it's definitely one of my longest chapters – if not the longest. I owe a huge special thank you to Taker Always for inspiring this chapter – more than she could ever imagine. So please if you're reading – good, bad, or indifferent leave it in the box below. As always thanks for all of the kinds words – you guys ROCK ! xoxoxoxox OZ