This chapter is rather lengthy, and I hope you like it! Please, if you read it, review it! It's all I ask! One comment every time you read a chapter will help so much! I've checked my traffic, and there's SO many people reading this without reviewing! I don't usually go on about it but I'm really happy with this story so far, and I want to hear peoples honest opinions on it!
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"Are we ready to hit the road?", Randy spoke up, distracting me from a little day dream. I turned to look up at him and smiled. I nodded, and a grin grew on his face. Randy slid a hand down my back, resting on my waist and he pulled me closer to his side as we started to walk out to the parking lot.
"Y'know, I still don't agree with the fact I should look like complete crap on our first date", I groaned as we exited the arena. I heard Randy sigh before he responded.
"Am I going to have to argue with you? Jenna, you make everything look great. Those gym pants and vest you were wearing this morning? Let's just say if I'd have been standing away from the check-in desk at the front of the hotel, you'd have seen just how excited I got", Randy winked. I blushed and giggled then slapped him on the arm.
"You're such a goof", I grinned as I approached a black car parked on its own.
Randy clicked the button on his keys, and before I could even reach for the car door he'd already pulled it open.
"Thankyou", I smiled in appreciation. I felt a vibration in my pocket as I climbed into the passenger seat, and whilst Randy made his way round to the drivers side, I checked it. 1 New Message - Teddy. I automatically clicked read.
'Jen, have a gd nite w/ orton. We need 2 tlk x'. My smile faded at the latter message. 'We need 2 tlk', in my mind, is another way of saying 'I don't approve'. I sighed into the seat as Randy climbed in and turned on the engine.
"Ted knows", I shrugged. In my mind, all I could think about was the shouting match I'd have with Ted later on.
"And.. what did he say?", Randys eyebrows furrowed as he reversed out of the parking space.
"He told me to have a good night, and that "we need to talk"", I groaned using finger quotes. Randy didn't say anything, instead we drove back to the hotel in silence. The atmosphere wasn't awkward. I guess we both kind of knew it would come to this at some point as we couldn't sneak around forever. I just wasn't expecting him to find out so soon.
We pulled up outside the hotel soon after, but the mood was still stale.
"You know we could dwell on the fact Ted might go absolutely crazy, or we could enjoy the night like we'd planned and hope for the best?", Randy stopped me in my tracks, just before we entered the hotel. He pulled me into a tight embrace, the smell of his cologne driving my senses insane.
"You're right!", I smiled up at him.
"So, are we going to go and have a good time or are you going to go worry about this all night?", Randy comforted me as we both stood at the top of the stairs.
"I think we better go get some food before I deteriorate", I joked, and Randy laughed.
The hotel restaurant was packed out that night, but Randy insisted on still getting the best seat in the house.
"With all the things that have been going on in the past 24 hours, it's nice to be able to just sit down, and actually have a chance to talk", Randy handed the waiter his menu, after ordering a steak dinner and a bottle of their finest wine. I just opted for the lasagne and fries.
"You mean, the amount of times you've practically tried to sleep with me but realised it just can't happen?", I stared him directly in the eye.
"Are you issuing a challenge?", Randy's tone of voice changed dramatically. It was still husky, and enough to make me melt.
"Hey, I didn't say anything about a challenge. Maybe you were just taking it out of context?", I winked at him as he poured the wine the waiter had brought over.
"Or maybe you just want me so bad that everything you say is just covering it up?", Randy sat back in the seat, arrogance written across his face. The kind that said, 'Look at me, I know I'm good looking but I want you to tell me so that I don't seem so cocky'.
"I don't know. There's just something about you that I like. I'm yet to figure out what it is", I propped my head up with my hand, leaning over the table. It was true. There was a few things I liked about Randy, but there was something that stood out more than all, but I just couldn't put my finger on it.
We talked over dinner for the next hour and a half and surprisingly, I'd learnt more about Randy than I thought I would ever know. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and went AWOL which resulted in him being tried and convicted then he spent 30 days in a military prison. His father and uncle were both professional wrestlers, and his brother was also in training.
"So, am I walking you to your room, or do you want to save the hassle of Ted and just hop into bed with me?", He suggested, as we walked into the lobby. I'd have 5 glasses of wine and was feeling a little light headed.
"Randy!", I shot him a stern look as I stopped walking,"It's our first date. It's refreshing to know the only thing that's on your mind is sleeping with me..".
"Hey, I never said we had to do anything. I'm offering you a stress free zone and a comfy bed..", Randy shrugged. Maybe it was me who was taking it out of context this time.
"I think it's best that I go back to my room. Ted will worry, and no doubt ring your neck if he finds out I stayed in your room", I groaned. Randy didn't fight my answer, but instead just accompanied me to the door of my room, making sure he had a hand on me at all times. I didn't want him to feel like I didn't appreciate the thought, but deep down I knew he had other things in mind. And I couldn't deny that I wanted it, but I'd known the guy 24 hours and I didn't want to ruin Ted's social life if it was to get out.
"Thank you, for tonight! It was lovely", I stood in front of the door, talking in a quieter tone than I had been. Randy cupped my chin in his hand, stroking my cheek as he did so. My eyes fell to the floor as Randy stared at me intently.
"I had the greatest time", He spoke slow, licking his lips.
"I'm gl-", As I began to speak, Randy cut me off. His lips were pushed against me, begging for mine to work in unison with his. Instead of being reluctant, I kissed him back, his hand still cupping my chin. I got so lost in kissing him, and feeling him, that I forgot we were out on the floor.
"Ahem!", A cough interrupted our make out session. I turned my head to see who it was and I was met with a grin.
"Mike, hey", Randy smiled at his friend. They exchanged handshakes, then Mike returned to wrapping his arm around the girl I had only just noticed was there. She was around the same height as me with brown hair. Blonde highlights ran throughout, and the light showed a little bit of a red tint to her hair.
"You guys seem.. cozy..", Mike hinted, looking between the two of us with a grin etched on his face. He was dressed in a pair of sweats and a vest, and the sweat on his brow told me he'd just got back from a workout.
"Uhm.. ok?", Randy furrowed his eyebrows, trying to act taken back by mike's comment.
"You know what? It's none of my business what you guys do. I have someone I want you both to meet though", Mike smiled as he pulled the girl a little bit closer to him,"This is Ashley! Ash, this is Randy and Jenna!".
"It's nice to meet you", I stuck my hand out for her to shake. She accepted it almost instantly and gave me a little smile in appreciation.
"It's nice to finally meet a girl. Mike has been only introducing me to guys all week, and it's too bad that I have to go home tomorrow", Ashley sighed.
"Oh, where are you from?", I asked, intrigued.
"Wisconsin", She answered, then turned her attention to the guys.
"You ready to go back to the room?", Mike winked at Ashley who burst into a fit of laughter.
"Well, you guys be careful. I know Mike's been known to have his fair share of STD's", Randy joked as Mike smacked him on the arm.
"Says the lady killer himself. I'd watch him Jenna!", Mike winked as he and Ashley walked away, hand in hand.
"Shut up Mike!", I shot back. I saw him throw his head back in laughter, then he threw a hand in the air, waving goodbye to me and Randy.
"Now, I still think you should come spend the night in my room..", Randy slid his head under my arm and down to the small of my back so he could pull me closer, "You can keep me warm..".
"Randy, it's almost summer! We're in great weather.. besides, what have you done the past nights which I haven't spent with you?", I raised an eyebrow.
"I've spent them being lonely and cold, and wishing I had a beautiful blonde to snuggle upto and kiss whilst I fall asleep", Randy planted a kiss on my lips, and kept his face close as he cupped my jaw in both his hands.
"Although that does sound very tempting, and I'm flattered, but I just think maybe we're moving a little fast", I really didn't. It was an entire lie. I mean, sure we'd known each other 24 hours, and the only reason I didn't run back to his room with him was because of Ted but it didn't stop me fighting the urge to ravish him.
"Your loss", Randy spoke, his voice deep and sultry,"But you know where I am if you get lonely". He planted a kiss on my lips one last time before starting off down the hall. I watched him as he walked, a little bit of swagger in his step. When he reached the elevator, he winked before getting in. As soon as he was gone, I sighed against the wall, wondering what the hell I was thinking. It was as if, when Randy was around, all dignity left my body. It was as if I didn't care that what I was doing could be seen as wrong in so many peoples eyes, I just wanted him there and then and I had to put up my defences to fight against pouncing on him. It didn't help that in that suit he looked extra good, and the cologne he was wearing must have contained a sort of aphrodisiac. I regained my composure, and slotted the card key into the door. The lights were off, and there was no noise whatsoever. The little bit of light that creeped through the door with me bounced off the far bed, and I could see Ted's outline through the sheets. Before I could disturb him, I quickly shut the door and tiptoed my way across to my bed. As soon as I reached for the bed, I planted myself down. Trying to find the switch for the lamp, I knocked over the deodorant I had used earlier and the metal of the can collided with the glass of the bedside table. I cringed and groaned as the clattering noise filled the room. Flicking on the lamp, I turned to see if I'd woke Ted. His eyes were flickering open, and inside I felt myself sink. My heart started to pound faster, and I just couldn't wait to get to sleep.
"How was your night?", ted's voice was croaky and he looked exhausted.
"It was really good. I had alot of fun", I smiled half-heartedly as I bent over my suitcase to retrieve some pyjamas.
"I wish you'd have told me, Jen", Ted sighed into the pillow.
"Well, I didn't know how you'd react to your cousin going on a date with your best friend..", I tried to make it sound like I was asking him a question, but from the lack of response from Ted, I realised that he didn't quite catch it. I pulled the pyjamas from the suitcase plus the make up removal wipes and my toothbrush and headed to the bathroom to change. Hopefully Ted would be asleep when I returned and we could leave it at that. I put on my pyjamas, removed my make up as best I could with the cheap make up remover wipes I had, and then brushed my teeth. I knew I'd regret not washing my face properly in the morning, but at the time, I just couldn't be bothered. Exiting the en suite, I flicked the light off.
"How did it happen?", Ted spoke through closed eyes.
"When you introduced me to the guys yesterday, I kind of got talking to him whilst in the kitchen. We exchanged numbers and I bumped into him earlier on today and he asked me out. That's it", I explained as I pulled back the quilts.
"I don't want you to feel like we have to keep secrets Jen", Ted opened his eyes, "We've been practically best friends since you were born, and I don't want that to stop now that randy orton is in the picture".
"But, I didn't want you to be mad at me", I turned towards the door, facing away from Ted.
"Jen, you're 20 years old. I can't babysit you and tell you what to do.. I especially can't tell you what guys are right for you and who aren't. But Randy Orton is bad business in the romance department. I don't think there's ever been a relationship he's stayed in longer than a month", I felt my heart begin to sink into my chest as Ted spoke.
"Listen, Jenna, if you want to date Randy, you can. I'm not going to stand in your way. Just don't expect me to take a backseat when he's broke your heart", Ted groaned. I heard him sigh and then the ruffling of bed sheets.
"So you don't think I'm different from the other girls? I'm not special enough to be loved by randy orton?", A knot formed in my stomach, and I felt sick. Tears were forming in the corners of my eyes. This wasn't how I planned for this to go. I felt the bed rock a little and realised Ted had moved from his bed to the edge of mine.
"Jen", Ted spoke softly, "You're more special than all of those girls put together, that's why you need to know this. Randy Orton isn't special enough for you. I'm not telling you, you can't date him, I just want you to be careful". The tears that had formed trickled down my face and it didn't help that I was so tired. Ted pulled me up into a tight embrace with unbelievable ease, and I sobbed into his chest for reasons I didn't know. I guess it could have been the fact that my cousin had told me everything I really didn't want to believe. Maybe I was in denial about the fact randy was a player and I got so caught up in having him around that I didn't bother looking for the faults in this 'perfect' person.
"Hey, I think Cody's single.. and I think he's got the hots for you", Ted joked, trying to lighten the mood. It worked to an extent. I smiled through the tears.
"Cody's lovely but he's too nice", I couldn't date Cody. I mean, he was good looking and he was really sweet, but he didn't have the bad boy element that Randy had.
"You got that right! Why do you think Kristen loves him so much? He's always too nice!", Ted let out a little laugh, and I could feel his chest move underneath me.
"I don't know what to do now. I mean, if I go on another date with him I'll be constantly watching out for his player attitude, and if I don't, I'll regret not going and he'll text me and call and leave messages...", I sighed as I realised how much of a mess this could turn out to be. It could've been worse, though.
"Is he really that bad?", I asked Ted, with pleading eyes. He hesitated before replying.
"Well, we went to the UK in April, and there was a bunch of girls there, but he only wanted the one. He singled her out, got her number, and met up with her a few times in the space of the week that we were there. He slept with her repeatedly in that week, and they barely knew each other... but he didn't really care. He saw it as another notch on his belt of 'greatness', and he's continued to do it in every state we've been in since. I can't even begin to think how many girls he's been with since April, and I can't even begin to think of whether he's clean or not. I may be his best friend, but that doesn't stop him from being an ass", I listened to him intently as he explained.
"Well it's a good job we had this talk... I almost slept with him this morning", I finished wiping the tears away, and Ted sighed for the thousandth time that night.
"Almost?.. You know what? I don't want to know! It's not something I feel comfortable discussing..", Ted cringed,"But, how did you see him this morning? You went down to get some snacks and.. is that why you took so long?". I simply nodded.
"When I say keeping secrets, secrets like that are okay to keep as I'm your cousin, practically your older brother, and it's not something we should be discussing..", I laughed as Ted got freaked out at the thought of his best friend and cousin getting 'close',"I'm going to let you sleep though. We have to start on our journey to Missouri tomorrow", Ted informed me. I groaned remembering Missouri was where Randy grew up.
"A day in and already I've made a mess. How will I be able to cope with 8 weeks Teddy?", I asked him as he pulled the sheet up over my body.
"Easy, you've got me, and the rest of the guys who think you're great, and they all know what Randy's like, so you have no worries", Ted grinned,"Besides, tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the Diva's so you can spend some much needed girl time away from Orton".
"You are seriously the best, thankyou", I gave him a big hug goodnight before he moved to his own bed.
"Anything at all you want, ask. And don't be afraid to hold back on something if it's bothering you. 8 weeks on the road can and will take its toll and you can't keep feelings bottled up forever...", Ted smiled as he layed down on the bed, pulling the sheets over him,"goodnight jen".
"Goodnight Teddy", I responded, then flicked the lamp off. I needed to relax, and take my time with this decision. The wrong one could result in this being a very painful 8 weeks.