Disclaimer: As always I own nothing associated with WWE. I own nothing more than my OC's and the story line. All mention of music and or fictional characters do not belong to me but rather to their respected artists. Any mention of "Ashley" is used with permission of Taker Always-Thanks again girl!

Special Thanks / Author's Note:(1) The scene between Mercedes, Mark "Undertaker" Calaway, Ashley and her father appears courtesy of Taker Always. Thank you for allowing me the joy of borrowing your words.

Chapter 19

(Mercedes P.O.V.)

John and I talked for nearly an hour. We laughed about the Incredible Hulk. I told him all about my childhood obsession with comic books. From there we jumped to favorite childhood cartoons. I told him all about the time spent at my grandparents place; how Uncle Paul would make two big bowls of Capt' Crunch cereal and watch Saturday morning cartoons in the middle of the living room floor with me. He talked to me about being the second oldest of five boys. I admired his mom already – the only woman in a house with six men.

After a time, I grew strangely quiet, as my mind drifted. "What is it Mercedes?" he questioned.

"It's nothing really – just me lost in a memory I suppose."

"Well" he quipped "I hope it's a good memory – maybe of me?"

I giggled just a little, wondering if he knew how much his statement sounded like a question to me. "Yeah John, it's a good memory."

"A memory you want to share?"

I thought about it hard. Did I really want to share what I was thinking with him? Was I ready to trust him that much? While the butterflies spinning in my gut would probably have me sit still and mute; my heart wanted to trust him. "I was thinking about the other night behind the bar – you know me and you alone."

"Mercedes" he began almost warningly.

"I don't regret it John. That's not what I was going to say!"

"Oh?" he questioned automatically.

"Yeah Oh" I smiled! "I was thinking…" damn why did this have to be so hard for me to say? "

"Go on…" he encouraged.

"It's just that…Oh God…I wish I had the words to say this better." I groaned.

"Trust me baby-girl…I'm listening – just spit it out." He encouraged me softly gently.

"That night…I've never felt anything like that before." I had to push on; I needed to get all of this out before he said anything. "John…I loved Jake. He was my first…well my first everything really, but he never made me feel like that."

"Feel like what?" John whispered soft with heartbreaking gentleness.

"He could never make me come apart like that. I've never felt anything so intense in my life."

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(John P.O.V)

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My body reacted immediately. I groaned aloud in near pain at her mere words. I needed to choose my words carefully, but my mind was spinning. She spoke first; I could hear the hot blush in her words. "John…I've never…I've never had an or…"

I cut off her groaning as I ran my hand across my face. "Stop Mercedes – just stop; you couldn't have told me this face to face? You had to wait till I was halfway across the country?" I asked with half groan half laughter coating my words.

She giggled at me – she actually giggled at me. I wasn't even there with her and yet I knew the sexy hot blush that was painting her cheeks. I could imagine the way her chest rose and fell with nerves. In my mind I could see her as clearly as if she were standing in the same room right in front of me.

"I couldn't John…I didn't have the guts to tell you face to face; not enough courage I guess."

"Oh I don't know Cedes; I think you have more courage than most. It just took the right time – right man to bring it to the surface."

"What are you saying John? Are you the right man?" Her words were completely clear and just as unsure.

How did I answer her? Just in the short time we had known each other – she was growing changing. She'd found a way to be honest with me about her past and her family; yet I continued to hide a big piece of my life from her. Was I the right man for her? Could I be better with her than I was with Liz, some of the divas, Annalise, or the others? I'd been asking all of these questions and more almost from the moment we met; I still didn't have any damned answers. What I did know for certain was the very next time she had an orgasm; she would be completely wrapped around me, just the two of us, completely naked, and alone in my bed.

"I don't know about right baby-girl, but I do know that the next time you come apart like that; I want you naked, alone in my bed, with your body wrapped so tight around mine you don't know where you end and I begin.

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(Mercedes P.O.V.)

I'd managed to catch a late flight Saturday evening into St. Louis. It was well after 2a.m. when I finally checked into my hotel room. Utterly exhausted, I quickly slipped into "borrowed" red Cena t-shirt and fell into bed. I didn't have to meet Uncle Paul at the arena until much later that evening. So I was looking forward to simply sleeping in. Sleeping in is exactly what I did, I don't think I managed to crawl out of bed until after noon on Sunday.

By four o'clock I was at the arena – assisting with all the last minute administrative details before the show. Live shows – especially pay-per-views were always so much fun. Every superstar and diva always gave one hundred percent of themselves every night every show, but pay-per-views always felt like they dug a little deeper – gave a little more.

By eight the show had started. I usually spent the bulk of any show working in whatever was doubling as the office that night. Tonight was different, both my uncle and John were facing opponents that scared the living hell out of me. I hated the idea of John face Ryback (a man who was all too comfortable believing his own hype.) And with Uncle Paul facing Brock Lesnar in a cage match; well let's just say I was a little more concerned than usual about this pay-per-view. I'd traded text with John off and on all afternoon. I knew where his head was. Except for work related crap, Uncle Paul and I hadn't talked much all day. I wondered if he was Aunt Stephanie. Looking around the desk, I tried to get back to work, but simply could not concentrate. Getting up from my desk, I headed off backstage. Please don't misunderstand, I know that all of the outcomes are pre-determined but that doesn't mean that accidents don't happen. I simply didn't want anyone getting hurt. I can't explain the how or the why of it I simply know that I was worried.

Walking down the main corridor, I saw Mark in the distance. Approaching them quickly "'Taker, have you seen Unc– um, H?" I asked, trying to look around Mark.

Mark nodded and pointed over his shoulder. "You just missed him. He was headed towards the gym."

I was almost relieved. I should have known that Uncle Paul would go to the gym right before a big match. Looking around, I noticed the beautiful young woman standing with 'Taker. She had the most interesting eyes; a very deep expressive chocolate brown. She had such an expressive face and eyes, so full of life and emotion.

"Cedes, let me introduce you to Ashley and her dad, Ben." 'Taker's words cut off my trailing thoughts. "Ashley, Ben, this is H's new admin assistant, Mercedes. We all call her Cedes."

So this was the infamous Ashley. The friend in St. Louis that John just adored. It was really nice to finally put a face with the name.

"It's nice to meet you, Mercedes." Ben replied, shaking her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too."

I turned as Ashley extended her hand "It's a pleasure to meet you, Cedes."

"It's very much a pleasure to meet the person who makes the best ham sandwiches in the state of Missouri." I teased.

Ashley blushed and laughed. "You had a ham sandwich?"

I nodded. "I could only eat about half of it, but John insisted I at least try it. I'm very glad I did. It was delicious."

"Thanks!" Ashley replied a bright smile painting her lovely features.

As we stood chatting a few minutes more I thought to myself if first impressions were anything to go by – then I could see why John simply adored this woman. She seemed so genuine – down to earth maybe is a better way to describe her. I only hoped that whatever was going on between her and 'Taker worked out for the best. I may not know him as well as John did, but I knew enough to know that he deserved some happiness in his life. Saying our good-byes, I headed for the arena's make shift gym.

I stood in the doorway watching my uncle work out for a long time. It felt good to just hang-out so to speak with the family. The gym was quiet except for the sound of my uncle as he jumped rope in front of the long row of mirrors. It's funny how quickly I was reminded of his early days in this business. He was always so certain that he would make it in this business. With all the setbacks and disappointments he didn't stop believing in himself. Looking at him today, working at the cooperate level, able to help the new guys coming him that are just like he was; I am so very proud to call this man family.

After a while, he finally took a break; told me he couldn't where himself out before facing Brock. So we sat in the gym together watching all of the in ring action on a large wall mounted monitor. Ring action always moves very quickly – more so at a pay-per-view. All too soon I was glancing at the clock on the wall groaning inside. It was a mere twenty minutes before John's match against Ryback. I wanted to be at the gorilla position when he arrived. I needed to see him before he headed out to the ring. I needed a way to leave the gym – a way that didn't draw unwanted family attention. I was ever so grateful a few minutes later when my aunt Stephanie entered the room. If anyone could distract my uncle it was his beautiful wife. I waited a few minutes longer until I was certain that I wouldn't be missed too much before making my exit. Hugging Uncle Paul, I told him to be careful inside that cage with Brock. He casually asked where I was headed off to. I brushed my leaving off to work left undone in the office and hurried out the door. As I pulling the door closed behind me I heard my uncle speak. "Cena should be heading to the gorilla position right about now. How much you want to beat that's where our niece is headed?"

Afraid to hear any more I was tempted to simply walk away as fast as I could. Instead I stood and like an idiot listened a moment or two longer. "So what if she is?" My aunt questioned with her familiar strong but loving tone. "I think it's great that she and John have built a friendship together, it may be just what she needs."

"Just what she needs my ass," came my uncle's quick sharp reply. "I don't know what's going on between her and John, but I would beat my last dollar that friendship is the last damned thing on his mind!"

I couldn't listen anymore. My aunt and uncle had saved my life more times than I care to remember, but this time he was wrong. I didn't know where this damned crazy train with John was going; all I knew was I wasn't getting off not for him or anyone else. That's all there was to it. I quickly made my way towards the gorilla position. Something inside me screamed that I just needed to see John before his match. I don't know why to wish him luck maybe; I honestly don't know.

Approaching the entrance I realized I was seconds too late. I arrived just into time to hear his music hit and watch him walk through the curtain without a backwards glance. All I could do now was sit and wait for his match to be over. Finding a monitor, I settled atop an old storage trunk and began watching. John Cena in the ring was a sight to see. Tossing his t-shirt into the crowd, there was no doubt that he lived for these moments. He was an entertainer. Love him or hate him it didn't matter; he was going to give them the best damned show he could. I quickly found myself caught up in the match. My thoughts completely wrapped around John and Skip (Ryback) down in the ring. I didn't notice the little group who had joined me huddled around the monitor. Soon Kaitlyn joined me, sitting on the edge of the trunk. The match seemed to drag on forever. In the very back of my mind I was beginning to wonder if it would ever end. As they approached the stage, I grew more anxious for the match to end quickly. Sure the rational side of me knew that this is what they had trained for. I knew they had read through it all – with countless rehearsals. All of that didn't mean crap to me now. I had a bad feeling about this. I wanted it to end. I wanted my John back here with me safe and sound.

"Ok" my inner voice screamed. "My John, interesting choice of words; care to examine that further?" Did I mention that my inner voice can be a bloody damned demon when she wants to be; a demon with piss poor timing? Well she can be and it's annoying.

As John prepared for the A.A. I nearly screamed when Skip countered and they both went sailing through the LED panel behind them. Unable to sit still, I stood watching as the med staff fitted him with a collar and rolled up onto a backboard. I had to see what was going on. I felt Kaitlyn squeeze my hand as I took off towards the backstage area. I felt my stomach drop through the floor at the sight of John laying there on floor as they strapped him to a board. He was so still – saying nothing. I knew I needed to stay out the way, but I strained to see what was going on. I nearly jumped out of my skin when Stephanie took hold of my hand. Pulling me back away from the scene, "I know you're worried – but he is good hands. The med team know what they're doing – their trained for this."

I knew she was right, but that didn't mean I had to like it. She and I followed John and the med crew to the waiting ambulance. I watched anxiously as they began to load him inside. I was determined that I would be the one going with him and nothing would change that. My relief was instantaneous, the minute I heard John arguing with the med team and officials. He didn't want to go to the hospital. "Wait…What?" my mind screamed "He doesn't want to go to the hospital? He must have really bumped his head harder than I thought. There was no way he wasn't going to the hospital and that's all there is to that." I thought defiantly. I watched as he unstrapped himself from the back board and with assistance made his way to the trainer's office. Following quickly behind, I let myself into the trainer's office – locking the door behind me. I stood leaning against the door watching John as he lay on the exam table eyes closed.

"John" I began with extreme patience as if I were talking with a small child. "You need go to the hospital.

"Cedes, baby-girl I'm fine. I don't need a hospital. I'll meet with the trainer and everything will be fine."

"John Felix Anthony Cena you listen to me!" I demanded giving him my best most serious evil eye. "You just feel I don't know how many damned feet and landed on God knows what. You need to go to the hospital just to make sure that you're ok and that there is nothing internally wrong."

Taking my hand he pulled me in nice and close. Wrapping his arms around my waist he smiled "Baby girl, I know my body pretty damned well. I assure you that I don't need to go to any damned old hospital."

He could stand here assuring me all night; I wasn't giving in until he was examined by a proper doctor. Time for plan B I thought with a smirk. Sliding my hands up his shoulders, I quietly wrapped my arms around him. Whispering in his ear, I pleaded, "Please John….go to the hospital."

I felt his body tense against mine. I didn't need to read minds to know where his thoughts were going. As awful as it may sound I was willing to use every advantage I add at this point. He smiled soft and brief. "I promise you Cedes, I'm fine. I don't need a doctor – honest."

Slowly gently I began to nibble at this ear. With barest whisper I spoke "If you go, I promise to be your private nurse."

I nearly laughed out loud when I felt his body grow even tenser. The low growl that escaped him was nearly my undoing; pushing every advantage just like I said. "My own private nurse," he mused.

I kissed the side of his neck once then twice before nibbling at his ear once more. "Yes John," I sighed breathlessly "your own private nurse – maybe even a sponge bath or two if you're a very good boy."

I knew the minute the temptation was too much for him. He sighed "Okay Mercedes – Okay you win I'll go to the hospital on two conditions. One you have to go with me!"

"Of course" I interrupted "Of course I'll go with you!"

"And two" he continued as if I'd never interrupted "I want you wearing nothing but my t-shirt when you give me that sponge bath."

I couldn't help, I lost it, I giggled.

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(John P.O.V.)

I hate hospitals! The smell, the hurry up to wait, the feeling, all of it I really hate hospitals. But here I was nearly two hours later sitting in emergency examination room six waiting for the results of my x-rays. X-rays I was certain were going to show nothing but the usual bumps and bruises. My only consolation the beautiful woman sitting at my bedside currently playing with my fingers. Wiggling my fingers, I smiled when she looked up "penny for your thoughts?"

"I'm not sure there worth that much," she replied with a sigh.

"I tell you mine – if you tell me yours – deal?" I asked with a cheesy grin.

"I already know your thoughts Mr. Cena. You're thinking about that damned sponge bath I promised you."

"Mercedes" I began with my most mortally wounded voice "I will have you know that I do think about other things besides your hands all over my body."

"Yeah ok – so you weren't thinking about the sponge bath. What were you thinking then" she challenged?

She's right I didn't have a good answer for that one. Not an answer I was prepared to share in any case. Thankfully I spared having to answer at all when the hospital door silently opened and a nurse came in. With my chart in her hand, I didn't first pay her much attention my focus still on Mercedes. "John?" the nurse questioned. Her voice so familiar I looked up. "Carmen?" I asked in genuine surprise.

Glancing through my chart, she commented "Are you ever going to learn to stop picking on guys bigger than you?"

"Hey this wasn't my fault!" I answered with a childish laugh.

Squeezing Mercedes hand I smiled "Mercedes this is Carmen Mathis an old friend of mine. Carmen this is Mercedes."

I watched the two women exchange pleasantries. As I watched I noted the physical differences between the two. Carmen was a short, petite, fiery red head with a personality to match. Mercedes was a tall, curvy, brunette, with a sweet, soft if somewhat stubborn personality. Carmen and I spent several months being each-others play thing; while I had yet to "play" with Mercedes. A year ago – hell even several months ago, if you had asked me if I wanted to hook up with Carmen again I would have said yes. Looking at her now I felt nothing. Sure we had a good time together, but that was the past. She was my past – Mercedes was definitely my future. Snapping from my musings, I was instantly aware of the tension in the room. Carmen was doing her best to make Mercedes uncomfortable. Mercedes stood from the stool beside my bed. "I'll give you two a minute to catch up." Despite my protest that it wasn't necessary for her to leave she quietly slipped from the room.

"So is she like your WWE baby-sitter or something?" Carmen asked with a girlish giggle.

"Mercedes is more than a 'baby-sitter.'" I replied with more than a hint of annoyance.

"Don't be so defensive John. I didn't mean anything by it – honest" Carmen replied with a hint of genuine apology. Taking the stool that Mercedes had just left, Carmen spoke "I've missed you John. I missed us. We were so good together and then one day you were just gone. I don't know what happened – what went wrong."

Oh boy this was awkward. "Carmen" I began gently "there never was an us. We spent some time together having fun. We were each-others play-things for a while, but it ended. That's all it was."

"You were more than just a play-mate to me John."

"It doesn't matter now Carmen. I'm involved with someone and she is becoming very special to me." I shot back surprised at the honesty in my words.

"I see" said Carmen standing from the stool. Replacing my chart at the end of the bed she smiled. "It was good to see you again John – Good luck!" With that she turned and headed towards the door. Seconds later I heard muted voices just outside my door but I could not make out the words.

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(Mercedes P.O.V.)

I didn't like the idea of giving John and his 'friend' any privacy; there was something about the way she looked at him that set me on edge. The truth was I had to trust John. Whatever this was I had to trust him to be honest and truthful with me. I couldn't let my jealous insecurities over ride that. So I did the mature adult thing; I left them alone with a few minutes to talk. I approached his room, just as Carmen was exiting. Stopping me just outside his door, Carmen smiled "So your John's new play-mate?"

"Excuse me?" I questioned. Unwilling to show too much confusion over her strange choice of words.

"No…No" she smirked "Excuse me….I didn't realize just how deep your claws were sunk into him. It's funny though…you having such a hold on him when I would bet my next paycheck that you've never been inside his play room."

"I don't think mine and John's personal life is any of your business." I stated matter of factly; her words rattling me a little more than I cared to admit.

"It's ok Mercedes….really not everyone is cut out for the play-room. I'm sure John will completely understand when you tell him that it's not for you."

Turning towards the nurses' station, Carmen made her way away from John's room. Slowly I opened the door and went back inside. Resuming my seat beside his bed, I once more absently toyed with his fingers. The silence was deafening. I didn't know what to say. That woman – Carmen left me with more questions than answers; questions I did not want or need. If I were honest I felt a certain degree of insecurity returning as well. I began once more wondering what the hell John saw in me. I hated that. This was not the woman I wanted to be. I wanted to be a strong whole woman, a woman who had found her place in this world. I couldn't go back – I wouldn't.

Squeezing my hand, John asked "Talk to me Mercedes. What's going on in inside that head of yours?"

Taking a deep breath for courage that I certainly didn't feel I pushed forward. "What's the play room John?"

Judging by the look on his face – if we hadn't been sitting in a hospital already I certainly would have suggested it. I don't know if he was more speechless or shocked. "Damn Carmen" he muttered almost under his breath.

"Tell me John" I implored. "What's the play-room?"

Sitting up a little straighter in bed he took both of my hands in his. "Come home to Florida with me." He wasn't asking – it was more like half plea half demand.

"Go home to Florida with you? John what are you talking about? What does that have to do with this play room thing?"

"After this" he gestured animatedly around the room, "H is going to keep from Raw for sure on Monday night. The rest of my week is pretty clear. So what do you say come home to Florida with me?"

"John this is crazy? Why won't you answer the question?" I asked growing a little flustered and more confused.

"Say yes Mercedes – just say yes. I promise you I will explain everything – just say yes!"

What choice did I have? I mean really how could I say no? "Yes John!"

Author's Note: (2) Special thank you to everyone who has reviewed, read, followed, or added this story to their favorites list. Special thanks goes to Taker Always, awesomeone21, my time is now, Lady Isadorra, therealchamps, and LatinaWWEFan. You guys make my whole day with your kind words, reviews, suggestions, thoughts, and comments. You guys are truly the best – you simply ROCK!

Author's Note (3) What's waiting for John and Mercedes in Florida? Will John answer Mercedes questions about the infamous play-room? Will things finally move to the next level for are little lovebirds? Ummm all these questions and more – next time I promise