Chapter 5

Bottle of cold water in hand, Roman sauntered toward the staging area. With any luck he'd find Lexi there, probably slaving away over the last minute details that kept every show running smooth. In all the years he'd been in this business, he'd never seen anyone quite as passionate, thorough, and dedicated to their job as she. Did she even realize how special she was for having those qualities? She was so humble, so reserved when it came to receiving praise.

He smiled slightly at the idea of being on the receiving end of her love. At five foot five inches she was one of the shorter divas on the roster, but still managed to pack a huge punch. Just how much pent-up passion bubbled inside that tight little frame?

Knowing, at least some of the cause for Lexi's skittish nature, he'd decided to take it slow with winning her heart. From the amount of progress he'd made with her over the last month it appeared being patient seemed to be working. Right now he'd drop off the water bottle, check to see if she needed any help, then head off to meet Dean, Seth and reps from the creative team for their strategy session.

Lost in his thoughts, he turned the corner and spotted her struggling with two large boxes. It took only a moment before he broke into a run. "Lexi, wait." Just as she was about to lose her grip, he reached her. "Here, let me." He tossed the bottle into the empty chair then reached for the boxes. His fingers closed over hers and his body jolted at the shock.

For several long moments they remained connected, the boxes their only barrier. "Um...I have them," he said when he finally managed to find his voice. She released her grip and he immediately felt the loss of her touch.

"Thank you," she murmured. "You can just set them on the floor over by the wall. I'll get someone else to take them where they're supposed to go."

After placing the boxes where she instructed he turned to face her. Her face flushed with heat and she raked a shaky hand through her spiral locks. "Thank you again for helping."

"Anytime," offered as he shoved his hands into his pockets before he did something he'd later regret. "You should have called for help instead of trying to move those heavy boxes yourself."

"I shouldn't have needed to move them at all," she replied and he noted the irritation in her voice. "You know what's in those boxes?" She pointed to the stack.

"No."

"Programs. Some idiot thought it would be a good idea to place the delivery of tonight's programs smack in the middle of my work area."

Roman did his best to hide his grin. While he found her extremely cute when riled, he didn't think she'd appreciate his observation. The last thing he wanted was to end up on the receiving end of her ire.

"Of course, if my assistant was here like she should be, this wouldn't have happened." She shook her head. "God forbid Jackie actually does anything that's asked of her, or anything that remotely resembles real work. I don't even know where she is right now."

Roman angled his thumb toward the hall. "She's in catering."

"What?" Lexi's eyes widened and anger flared behind those beautiful green irises.

"I stopped by catering to pick up your water. She was in there talking with some of the wrestlers."

"Really?" In a matter of seconds Roman found himself rushing to catch up with her as she stormed past him toward the cafeteria.

Anger radiated off her and washed over him in waves. "What are you going to do?"

"What I want to do I can't, because I don't have the authority, so I'll just kick her lazy ass instead."

The last thing he'd wanted was for her to end up in trouble for placing her hands on a staff member. He rushed in front of her and stopped, blocking her path. Her gaze slowly lifted to his face and he swore she actually snarled at him. "Get out of my way, Roman."

"I think you need to take a minute to calm down."

"I don't want to calm down," she shot back. "I've spent the last month doing all the work and stressing myself out while she cozies up with the mid-carders and avoids doing her work as much as possible. Emma might have put up with her insubordination, but I won't. I don't have the time or the patience."

She started to push past him and he grabbed her by the arms. That now familiar zing of electricity shot through him, but he did his best to ignore it. This wasn't the time or place to be dealing with his attraction to her.

"Let go," she did snarl this time.

"I will, just as soon as you promise not to lay a hand on her."

"Sorry." She shook her head. "I can't do that."

"Then I'm not letting go."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why do you care if I hurt her? You got a thing for Jackie?"

Her verbal jab sent him reeling quicker than any dropkick and he tightened his grip on her. "No," he growled as his temper fought to break free. "If I haven't made it obvious enough over this last month, then let me make it unequivocal right now. I've got a thing for you and I don't want to see that gorgeous ass of yours fired for attacking a non-wrestler."

Right before him, he watched as the anger drain from her and she let out a sigh. "I'm sorry," she finally replied. "I'm just so fed up. Between working the on-camera storyline, running backstage and trying to keep up on my training, I'm exhausted. I didn't mean to be so nasty to you."

He grinned and slid an arm around her. "That's okay, but I'll only forgive you if you agree to take a break and have a cup of coffee with me."

Amusement tipped her lips. "That's blackmail."

He smirked. "Blackmail is such a harsh word. I prefer to think of it as an agreement."

"An agreement, huh?" Now she did give him a full on a smile and it warmed him all the way to his toes. "You think you're slick don't you?"

"I don't think. I know. Now how about that coffee?"