As usual, we disclaim. Enjoy... tis a long one!
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Lilian woke up slowly, enjoying the feeling of Dwayne's arms wrapped around her. Automatically, her hand went to her throat, relieved that it felt somewhat better than what it had felt like the day before.
Wiggling slightly, she moved out of Dwayne's arms, glad that she didn't wake him. She walked to the bathroom reaching in and turning the water on as she glanced at her CD player that was built into her wall.
It was something that everyone who set foot into her apartment teased her about, but Lilian loved to sing in the shower. So the CD player was a necessity for her. Sighing, she flipped open the cover, putting in one of her favorite CD's to listen to while she took her shower.
Meanwhile, Dwayne woke up just moments after she had the bathroom door shut. He smiled to himself and stood up. After making the bed, he pulled a t-shirt on and walked to the kitchen to make breakfast.
In the shower, Lilian let the hot water massage her back and work out its magic on her tense muscles. As the next song began to play, she smiled and without thinking, began to sing.
"You're love is like a tidal wave spinnin' over my head. Drownin' me in your promises better left unsaid. You're the right kinda sinner to release my inner fantasies. The invincible winner and you know that you were born to be!"
Her fingers immediately found her mouth. She ripped the shower curtain away, grabbing one of the plush towels hanging on the rack and went running to find Dwayne.
"Dwayne!" she called excitedly, running into her bedroom. "Where the hell are you?" she asked to herself when she saw the bed was made and he was nowhere to be seen.
She ran into the kitchen, spotting him by the refrigerator. "Dwayne!" she said happily, running to him and launching all of her 110 pounds into his chest before wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Whoa, there Mama," Dwayne said with a laugh, managing to balance her and the carton of eggs in his hand at the same time, wrapping his free arm across her back. "Why are you so happy?"
"It's back, D! It's back!" she cried happily, smiling up at him.
"Uh… Lil, dear, did you lose your mind or something?" Dwayne asked playfully, not understanding what she was talking about.
"No!" she exclaimed. "Listen!"
She got down quickly and started to sing more of the song from the shower. "You're a heartbreaker! Dream maker! Love taker! Don't you miss around with me!"
A wide grin quickly spread across his lips. He quickly put the eggs down and swept her back into his arms. "Your voice is back!"
She returned the hug and had an equally wide smile on her face. "I know! Oh God," she said breathlessly.
He put her down, still smiling. And then they both made the mental note that she was dripping wet and was only being covered by a towel that barely came down to her knees.
"Um… wow," Dwayne managed to say first, his eyes shooting briefly over her slender body before meeting her eyes. Lilian subconsciously reached up, tightening the towel around her body and making sure the towel was secure with her uninjured right hand.
"This is awkward," Lilian said with an embarrassed laugh, stepping back from Dwayne. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize…"
"It's okay, Lil," Dwayne said with a laugh of his own. "I guess this gives new meaning to the phrase making you wet…"
"Don't even go there!" Lilian exclaimed, happily reaching up to touch her throat. "I can't believe this! I am so happy!"
Instinctively, she reached up, placing her hand behind his neck and pulling her to him, kissing him gently on the lips. Dwayne slowly closed his eyes and kissed her back softly. Lilian let her tongue run over his lower lip and there was no hesitation on his end this time.
She pulled away before things got too heated. "Sorry," she murmured.
"It's fine," he said softly, waiting for his head to stop spinning.
"I just got excited," she explained. He nodded. "I guess now I don't have to go back to see Dr. Andrews," she added hopefully.
He laughed. "Don't think so, we still need to get you checked out just to make sure."
"Aw, I guess you win," Lilian said happily, flashing her trademark grin at him, her green eyes shining with relief. "Though I am so happy you could suggest I have a Jello wrestling match with Viscera on the next pay per view and I would probably go along with it."
"Okay, Lil, that's just gross," Dwayne said with a grin, kissing her forehead. "You go finish your shower and I'll finish making breakfast while I try to get the image of Viscera covered in Jello out of my head."
"Okay," Lilian said happily, standing on her toes to kiss him again. "I'll be back in a few."
Dwayne watched her go, shaking his head. That girl sure was a spitfire…
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Later that afternoon, after Lilian's visit with Dr. Andrews, the pair headed out to get some lunch. The doctor was pleased to see Lilian's voice had returned, but advised her to take it easy and rest her voice as much as possible before returning back to work the next week.
"So Lilian, now that your voice is back," Dwayne asked in pure TV Show Host fashion, "What are you going to do next?"
Lilian laughed and put down her sandwich. "I'm going to Disney World!"
They both laughed and quickly finished lunch before heading over to Central Park. They started to walk along the paved path, their hands brushing ever so often until Lilian finally grabbed his, lacing their fingers together.
Dwayne tensed slightly, though not enough for Lilian to notice. He relaxed, pushing the nagging voice about his impending divorce to the back of his head.
"Look, Dwayne, it's the Central Park Zoo," Lilian pointed out with a small grin, nudging him in the ribs.
"Aw, do you want to see the monkeys?" Dwayne asked playfully.
"Why do I want to see the monkeys when there is one walking right next to me?" Lilian asked, giggling when Dwayne grabbed her around the waist.
"You're gonna pay for that one, Garcia," Dwayne threatened, lifting her easily over his shoulder.
"Put me down you big ape!" Lilian yelled, smacking his back with her hand.
"Oh, so now I'm an ape?"
"Yes! So put me down!"
She screamed slightly and then he lowered her down where she fell.
"Oh my God, Lilian...I am sorry!" He dropped down quickly to help her back up.
But she was laughing. "Oh, thanks!" she said in between giggles.
He couldn't help but smile. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to drop you like that. You were just squirming and wiggling everywhere."
She accepted his hand and stood up. "Are you comparing me to a worm, D? That hurts." She pouted and crossed her arms.
"A very sexy worm," Dwayne replied, but even he knew that was lame.
"But a worm? God, Dwayne. Let me compare you to… a, um…"
"Tiger?"
"No, they're cute."
"And I'm not?"
"Hmm," Lilian said, stroking her chin as she pretended to contemplate this.
"God, woman, you wound me," Dwayne said with a shake of his head, wrapping his arm across Lilian's shoulders. She lay her head on his shoulder, allowing him to guide her though the park.
"Well D," she began, "I don't know if I'd ever say you were cute. I say little puppies and babies are cute, and you're definitely not a baby." She looked up at him, grinning, and winked.
"Oh, I get it now - so I'm just flat out sexy."
You're damn right, she mentally thought. Instead, she snorted. "Sure, you just keep telling yourself that."
"Fine then! I'll just keep what I think about you to myself." He turned his head and kept his eyes straight on the path.
"Hey! That's not fair," she protested.
"La la la… I can't hear you," Dwayne teased in a sing song voice, wincing slightly when Lilian's hand came up and smacked him in the chest. "Gosh, Lil, you're going to leave bruises all over my sexy body. And I can think of some people who won't like that."
"Like who?" Lilian challenged.
"Oh, Maria, Trish, and Stephanie," Dwayne replied, laughing at the shocked look on her face. "All the women on the roster. You know they're all hot for me."
"God, you are so arrogant sometimes," Lilian muttered with a shake of her head. "But seriously," she started, only to have her eyes widen. "D, look," she exclaimed, pointing.
Across the park a little ways was a carriage being pulled by two horses, both pitch black. Lilian knew from living in New York City that someone had to call the company who ran the carriages in order for a ride. She remembered seeing a lot of happy girls with their boyfriends, fiancés or husbands climbing into the carriage.
"Okay, are you going to move off the sidewalk or what? Those horses are going to run us over."
He smiled. "They'll stop."
"No they won't!"
But they did stop a few feet in front of them. "Did you two want a ride?" the person driving the horses asked with a sly grin.
"Can we?" Lilian asked eagerly, earning a smile from the man.
"Sure! Hop on."
"Ladies first," Dwayne gestured with a smile.
Lilian looked up hesitantly, bringing her gaze back down to Dwayne's injured foot. "Um… as much as I appreciate the gentlemanly offer, it would probably be easier for you to get in first," she pointed out. "Besides, then you can help me up cause my legs are so damn short."
Once inside the carriage, he wrapped an arm around her, drawing her in closer.
Lilian turned to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Did you really do this for me?"
He scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself, Garcia." Then he grinned. "Yes, I did. Do you like it?"
She grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, D. This is so sweet." They sat together, Lilian laying her head against his shoulder, scooting closer to him. "God, D. Central Park is beautiful. But while being pulled by horses it's simply amazing."
"You're pretty amazing yourself, Lil," Dwayne said softly, using his finger to tilt her chin upwards. Lilian closed her eyes and within a few seconds, his lips met hers in a gentle kiss.
"D…" Lilian said softly, shivering when he gently bit down on her lower lip. "What exactly are we?"
Dwayne hesitated for a moment, pulling back from the little blonde. "What do you mean, Lil?" he asked softly, lacing his fingers through hers. "Talk to me."
"I… I just don't know, D. I like you. A lot. But…"
"But what?"
She frowned and started to chew on her nail. "But...you're going through your divorce with Dany. I know it isn't messy or anything, it's just something you two have agreed upon. I know you'll still get to see Simone and...I don't know."
"Lil, I like you too, a lot. I really think I'm fal-"
"Okay you two, here we are," the driver interrupted.
Dwayne stood up. Both he and Lilian were disappointed, but got off the carriage merrily.
"Now what?" she asked, sliding her hands into her front jean pockets.
"I think that we should continue this conversation," Dwayne said softly, taking Lilian's hand from her pocket and guiding her to an empty bench.
With a sigh, Lilian sat uncomfortably, folding her arms defensively as Dwayne dropped next to her, stretching his foot out in front of him. "I see a vendor over there. Do you want a drink or something?" Lilian suddenly asked, standing up, only to have Dwayne easily grab her wrist to keep her from moving any farther.
"Lilian. Sit," he ordered gently.
With a frown, Lilian sat, folding her arms again. "I'm not a dog, you know."
Dwayne sighed, keeping his hand on her wrist. "Lily… of course you're not. But I don't want you running away at the prospect of us having a serious conversation."
She began to chew on her bottom lip and her eyes searched elsewhere. "Well...I don't think we should have a serious conversation in a public park," she said finally.
He placed his finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Then where would you like to go?"
She shrugged. "I don't know."
Dwayne nodded. "Okay, how about we go rent a movie and head back to your place and just see what happens?"
Lilian smiled slightly. "Alright, but I'm picking the movie."
They stood up and he chuckled softly. "No chick flicks."
By the time they arrived back at her apartment, both she and Dwayne were exhausted. He watched as Lilian put the DVD in the player, then turned hesitantly, standing nervously as she wrung her hands.
"Lil, come here," Dwayne said, lifting his legs up so they were resting on her ottoman. Lilian shuffled over, giving a gasp of surprise when Dwayne pulled her down into his lap. He easily moved her, placing his arms around her waist. Lilian shifted so she could wrap her arms around his neck, resting her legs on the couch.
"D… let me go," Lilian protested. "I'm gonna hurt you."
He chuckled, his breath tickling her ear. "Lily… I've had men four times your weight fall on me. I don't think you'll hurt me here."
"Okay, but if I do, it's your fault."
"Okay," he answered.
"I thought I said no chick flicks," Dwayne said halfway through the movie she rented, The Lake House.
Lilian shrugged and looked away mischievously. "Well, uhm...I really like Sandra Bullock. And Keanu Reeves is adorable."
"Oh here we go again. I'm going to have to go to therapy soon, you're damaging my self esteem."
"Shh," she said, focusing on the screen.
Lilian felt her cheeks turn red when Sandra Bullock's character finally professed her love for Keanu Reeves. Bad idea, she scolded mentally.
Hesitating, she glanced at Dwayne, not surprised to see an amused look on his face. "So why did you pick this movie?" he asked. "And don't tell me it's cause you like Keanu Reeves."
With a sigh, Lilian closed her eyes, resting her head against Dwayne's chest. "Dwayne…" she murmured, her words muffled by his shirt.
"What, Lil?" he asked softly, soothingly. "Just talk to me. We've known each other for close to seven years now."
"That's what I'm scared of. I don't want... I don't want a relationship to ruin our friendship," Lilian finally murmured, lifting her face to meet his intense gaze.
"It won't, Lily," Dwayne replied. "I promise I won't let that happen. I care way too much for you."
"But D, what about your divorce? It's not complete yet. And what about what people will think?"
He smiled and shook his head. "I don't care what people think."
"You will if it effects your movies. I don't want to be the reason your fame and everything goes
downhill. People are going to talk," she added solemnly.
"You won't effect my movies, Lil. And it isn't like we're going to go get married tomorrow. You know Dany loves you, so does Simone, so don't even think about bringing her into this," he said, knowing what was next to come out of her mouth.
Her eyes narrowed. "You're taking all my arguments away from me!" She laughed a little and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. "I just...I don't know. Maybe I should talk to Dany."
Dwayne shook his head, laughing slightly. "Oh, yeah I can see that. 'Dany, do you mind if I date your ex-husband?'" he asked in a high falsetto. "Then insert a long moment of silence."
Lilian laughed, slapping his chest. "I guess I won't be calling Dany anytime soon." She stopped laughing, quickly becoming solemn again. "You seem like you want this as much as I do."
"I do," Dwayne said softly. "Lilian, I've always liked you. Since the moment I first saw you."
"I know D.," she said slowly, closing her eyes briefly before murmuring the next words. "And I think I'm ready to take our friendship to the next level."
Dwayne smiled, resting his forehead against hers. "Lily, I just want you to know that this makes me so happy. If my movie career were to die right now, I wouldn't care. Because you're the only one that matters to me."
Lilian giggled. "Since when did you become a hopeless romantic?"
He faked a sniffle. "Are you...are you trying to say I'm cheesy?"
"Extremely," she answered without hesitation. "No, I'm just kidding, D. I really -"
Her phone rang. Clenching her jaw, she leaned over him to reach for the phone on the table. "Hello?"
"Lilian!" Vince McMahon's voice boomed. "How are you feeling?"
She sat up, picking at invisible lent on her couch. "I'm doing a lot better today. My voice is finally back and my throat isn't as sore." She looked over at Dwayne and mouthed, 'Sorry, it's Vince.'
Dwayne nodded, leaning back against the couch, watching as Lilian spoke to her boss. "Well, that's good," he heard Vince say. "I know I told you to take all the time you need, but do you have any idea when you may be back?"
"Well…" Lilian said, glancing down at Dwayne. "Dr. Andrews said I can go back as soon as I want. I was going to call you-" she began, glaring playfully at Dwayne when his hand found its way underneath her shirt.
"Oh, good," Vince cut her off, relief in his voice. "Can you be back Monday?"
"Sure," Lilian said, slightly flattered. "Can I ask why so soon?"
"Well, it's just that Todd isn't doing too well. He announced the Intercontinental championship as the cruiserweight championship. And the crowd booed him out of the arena ," Vince told her, choosing to ignore the fact that Lilian burst out laughing at this. "So, can you be back Monday?" he pressed, the desperation almost evident in his voice.
Her head jerked around as she felt his fingers undo the clasp on her bra. She tried to tell him to stop, but an odd, guttural sound was the only thing that came out.
"What?" Vince asked.
"I...yeah, of course, I'll be there Monday."
"Great! I don't think we'll be doing much more with Vis and Charlie though. They might have a match here and there, but you'll only have to look put out and cheer on the other person," Vince rambled.
Lilian nodded, wanting desperately for this conversation to be over. "That sounds good, Vince. If you come up with something though, just let me know - I'm sure it'll be great."
"Okay," Vince agreed. "Oh!" Lilian nearly groaned, her back hitching as Dwayne kissed the hollow of her throat.
"What?" Lilian asked, the word coming out sounding somewhat strangled as she shifted off of Dwayne's lap, placing her knees on either side of his legs.
"I just wanted to tell you that since the surgery was somewhat related to your career in the WWE, we'll take care of everything. So if you get any bills, just forward them to headquarters. Okay?" Vince told her.
"Okay." The word came out more like a squeak. "I appreciate it," Lilian rushed, her voice rising slightly when Dwayne's hands found their way to her back.
"Okay, Lilian," Vince answered, confusion evident in his voice. "See you Monday."
"See you Monday." With that she hung up, glaring down at Dwayne playfully.
"That was not very nice," she chided.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I don't know what came over me, honestly."
"I could've lost my job! What if...no. I don't even want to think about it right now."
"But what if what, Lil?" he pressed, his lips spreading into a grin. "What if my hands, oh, I don't know, slipped?"
"Yes, what if they slipped? Then we'd both be in trouble." She went to move off his lap, but his hands found her thighs and held her there. "So now you're holding me hostage?" Lilian asked with a giggle.
"No… holding someone against their will is illegal," Dwayne teased.
"Oh, that's it," Lilian said playfully, her fingers finding the hem of Dwayne's shirt. "You know, paybacks are a bitch."
"How so?" Dwayne asked, lifting his arms so Lilian could pull his shirt over his head, watching as she tossed the material to the side.
"Well, I'll wait till you're on the phone with Stephen Spielberg or someone and you'll see," Lilian threatened, bending down so she could kiss his neck.
"Lily," he breathed, closing his eyes at the sensation of her lips against his neck. "Are you sure you want this?"
She sat up, leaving her hands on his bare chest. She kept her eyes locked on his as her hands slid down to unbuckle his belt.
"I don't know, are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm just asking you now," he said, his voice thick and rich. "Because I'm not stopping this time. I don't think I'll be able to stop."
"Okay then." Lilian pulled the belt out of the loops in his jeans and threw it somewhere by his shirt. "Then there isn't a problem."
"Wait, Lil," Dwayne said huskily, easily standing. Lilian wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, Dwayne clasping his hands across her lower back. "If we're gonna do this, I want to do it right," he explained, seeing the confused look on her face.
He carried her to the bedroom, laying her gently on the bed. "Are you ready now?" Lilian asked softly, smiling up at Dwayne as he positioned himself over her.
"You bet."
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End Chapter 6