Ch 13

Stacy opened her eyes blinking a few times from the blinding warm sunlight. As the sleepiness crept away she felt the incredible warmth of being in Mark's arms. Her gaze went to his huge arm tightly around her waist and her own fingers intertwined with his.

"What am I doing? This is wrong," she thought closing her eyes again knowing she should get up but it felt too good being with Mark like this. "I'm getting too close to Mark and that isn't good," she softly sighed making Mark stir. He slightly stiffened realizing he had slept cuddled up with her.

"Damn she is going to be pissed," he thought trying not to move afraid he would wake her up. He stayed still cherishing the minutes of holding her till she finally moved turning over to face him.

"Good morning Mark," she softly said blushing. "So I guess I lost the bet."

"Good morning, I think we both fell asleep so we can cook breakfast together. Is that ok?" he asked searching her eyes looking for a sign of anger. He saw only confusion and sadness.

"That's fine. I'll meet you in the kitchen," she slowly got up giving him one last quick look before going into the house. Mark laid there for a few minutes deep in thought missing the feel of her being near and knowing it was wrong to have all the thoughts running through his mind. He got up just in time to see her come into the kitchen with a very sad look on her pretty face. He watched her rub her face then start making the coffee intently like she was trying to not deal with something. He opened the door not surprised when she didn't turn to look at him.

"What do you want for breakfast? I have plenty of eggs or can make pancakes," her tone was different as she spoke.

"Stacy, stop please talk to me," Mark placed his hands over hers stopping her from dumping the coffee in the maker.

"About what?"

"Don't play that game with me," Mark gently turned her around making her look into his eyes. "I know when something is troubling you. I also know it isn't the stuff with Adam getting to you right now so spill it."

"I…," she tried to find the words unable to as his caring green eyes bore into her and she felt her heart flutter. She closed her eyes shaking her head feeling his fingers slide along her arms resting on her wrists.

"Stacy, please seeing you like this is …," he hesitated then threw caution to the wind, "tearing me up inside."

"I'm sorry Mark, I can't …," she went to pull away from him afraid of letting her emotions take control reminding herself she was a married woman and he was still married to her sister.

"Yes you can," he wouldn't let her go. He pulled her against him holding her close. She fought for a minute then broke down burying her face in his chest crying wrapping her arms around him. "Shh darling, I'm here you can say anything to me."

"Really I'm not so sure about that," she murmured into his chest.

"Why don't you just say it and stop torturing yourself."

"Fine, I'm having a problem dealing with what I felt when I woke up this morning in your arms," she whispered looking up into his eyes.

"What did you feel?"

"I felt happy and liked being in your arms. Honestly I really enjoy being with you. I'm just always comfortable with you," she hung her head. "This is terrible you are married to my sister. I'm married to Adam and I'm developing feelings for you more than friendship. I'm so sorry you must think I'm crazy for feeling like this."

"No, I don't," he reached out gently cupping her chin. "I feel the same way. I cherish being close to you. I love the time we spend together. I always have but recently I've been feeling different and trying to fight it not wanting to ruin our friendship."

"Oh Mark, what are we going to do? This isn't right," she searched his eyes.

"How do you know that? We know me and Stephanie weren't meant to be so maybe you and Adam aren't either."

"We are still both married. We can't be doing this," she tried to protest begging her heart to stop beating happily under his touch.

"I can't walk away from you. It will be hard as hell but if we can only be friends than so be it I need you in my life," he caressed her cheek kissing her forehead. "Please Stacy don't say we have to end this. I need you."

"I need you too. Please just hold me right now. We will figure this out later," she said resting her head against his chest not wanting to talk anymore just needing to feel the comfort of being with him. He didn't say another word just held her close hoping they could find a way to be together.

The rest of the day Stacy helped Mark move his things into her home. They laughed and talked neither worrying about the consequences of what was happening between them just enjoying being together. After all his things were moved Mark reluctantly left Stacy to go give the keys to the house to Vince or Linda and let them know he was completely moved out. He walked down the path slowly when he heard Adam's voice.

"Vince, is there anyway to move up the date of my title run," Adam was pacing around Vince on the deck.

"No there isn't. Why are you so inpatient?" Vince asked sounding annoyed.

"Well what if Stacy became pregnant it would be easier for me to do my title run soon then I could take time off when the baby is born," Adam said making Vince drop his drink.

"Is Stacy pregnant?"

"No sir, not yet but we are talking about trying," Adam answered.

"I tell you what we will deal with that issue when it happens. For now your title run stays the same," Vince cleaned up his drink getting another.

"Good evening Vince and Adam," Mark greeted them as he stepped onto the deck.

"Hi Mark, how are you doing?" Vince rose shaking his hand as Adam nodded hello.

"I'm ok. I moved out of the house. Here are the keys. I figured you can pass them on to Stephanie."

"Of course, I'm sorry again for what my daughter has done. I wish there was a way to mend things," Vince patted Mark's shoulder.

"It's all for the best, we will both be better off."

"I just hope you know your job is secure. I need you in my company and the divorce will not change that," Vince said not planning to lose one of his biggest draws because of his daughter's cheating ways.

"I'm not leaving the WWE," Mark firmly said.

"Good, would you like to stay for a drink?" Vince asked motioning for Mark to sit down.

"Some other time, I'm tired I just wanted to drop off the key. I'll see you guys later," Mark went to leave then turned looking at Adam. "Adam, thanks again for letting me stay at your home."

"Hey no problem at all, you can stay as long as you like. Do me a favor and let Stacy know I'll give her a call tonight when I get to New York City," Adam said taking Mark by surprise.

"You're not going to come see her before you leave again," Mark asked.

"I wasn't even supposed to be back yet. I cut my radio interview short flew here to talk to Vince now I have to race to the city for promotional work. She is used to me doing things like this. I better go now. Vince, thanks again for your time. Mark, have a good night," Adam shook their hands hurrying on his way.

"That is fucked up. He doesn't even have a moment for his wife," Mark spoke without thinking.

"I agree that boy is career obsessed and I'm not blind I know he is all about kissing my ass. There are time I wonder why is truly married my daughter," Vince spoke openly trusting Mark. "That comment stays between you and me."

"I'm not one to gossip," Mark stared Vince down.

"Good, I have to run to I'm late for dinner with my wife. Let Stacy know I'll be calling her later," Vince checked his watch giving Mark a wave. "I'll see you at work," Vince opened the door stopping suddenly when he saw Adam had left a bag behind. "Do you mind taking this with you and giving it to Stacy? It's Adam's."

"Sure no problem, see you later Vince," Mark took the bag heading back on the path to Stacy's house. His mind was all over the place as he tried to think of the best way to stay in Stacy's life without complicating it more and giving her more problems.