DISCLAIMER: As much as it breaks my heart to admit it, I do not own anyone or anything connected to Vince McMahon and his awesomeness. I can only claim property rights of OC.
The flight to Orlando seemed to take forever. Claire was still confused and unsure of what had happened with Randy. Every time she thought she had figured him out, Randy changed the rules. Each day brought new rules and new challenges. If only she could figure out what Randy was after. She wasn't one hundred percent certain that Randy didn't have an ulterior motive for everything he did. It just didn't fit in with what the whole world knew of his personality. And that was the problem. There were two vastly different side of Randal Keith Orton. The tough, no-nonsense, total asshole Randy didn't jive at all with the caring, sensitive Randy. The only thing the two parts of Randy had in common was the intensity. Randy didn't do anything without that absolute level of intensity. That was the only consistency Claire could find after a sleepless night of trying to figure it all out. Forcing herself to get back to work, Claire opened her e-mail and scanned thru the mass of unimportant junk mail. Biting back a groan, Claire opened an e-mail from Stephanie:
Claire,
Attached is the new itinerary for the next 3 weeks. I've asked that a few dates be changed so that you will have time to meet with me. Next week you'll be in Hartford and I'd like for you to meet me in Stamford. Call me when you know what time you'll be available for a meeting. I'll let Rachelle know to keep my schedule open for you.
Stephanie
P.S. I'm expecting to be amazed by your rough draft. Don't let me down.
Closing her eyes, Claire prayed that the e-mail would magically disappear. This was the worst that could possibly happen. She had been summoned back to the home office. Stephanie was infamous for these power-play meetings. She only pulled this trick out of the hat when she was trying to make a point. Granted, Claire was nearly a week past her deadline but this was still a low blow. It didn't take a trip back to Stamford to figure out that Stephanie meant business. When Stephanie summoned you, you went, willingly or not. And Claire was definitely not willing. Only bad things would come of her trip back to Stamford. Claire was relieved beyond measure when the plane finally touched down in Orlando. She had sent Cody a text telling him their flight was on time. It took almost an hour to finally find him in the pedestrian traffic milling around. Cody took Claire's carry-on from her and lead her over to a couple of empty seats. The best way to find somebody in an airport that size was to find a place and stay there until the congestion eased a little. Claire collapsed into the chair with an unladylike grunt.
"Bad flight?" Cody asked as he sat next to Claire.
"The flight wasn't bad. I got bad news from the home office. I've been summoned."
Cody arched a brow, "For what? When do you have to go?"
Claire shrugged and leaned her head back against the chair, "Stephanie wants a meeting as soon as we get to Connecticut. I guess she's pissed I missed the first deadline."
"Ouch. What are you gonna do?"
Claire shook her head slowly, "Beats the hell out of me. I'm still praying for my Fairy Godmother to wave her magic wand."
Cody laughed and leaned his shoulder against Claire, "Anything I can do to help?"
"Any chance you have mob connections that will kidnap me?" Claire thought the idea had some merit. At least she'd have a damned good reason not to show up at Stephanie's forced dog-and-pony show. Cody's laugh made Claire smile a little, "Other than that, I'll have to figure something out."
Cody ruffled Claire's hair before he stood, "If there is something I can do, I will." It was the least he could do after he'd turned into a raving lunatic.
"I know you will, Code. I saw that Legacy is scheduled for a publicity stop while we're here. Mind if I tag along?" The new itinerary Stephanie e-mailed included a few scheduled stops with a variety of charities. At least she would have an opportunity to gather more information. Claire knew she had to make the most out of what little time she had left.
"Tag along where?" Randy's voice was so close to Claire's ear that she gave a startled shriek.
Cody stamped down the urge to tell Randy not to sneak up on Claire. It wasn't his place to tell anybody anything. Claire had made her decision. The least he could do was respect it.
"She wants to come to the Make-A-Wish breakfast. "
Claire looked between Randy and Cody, wondering if things had been settled between them. Apparently neither of them were holding a grudge. Randy's eyes moved over Claire, making her feel like a bug under a microscope. "Is that true?"
Claire opened her mouth and closed it, feeling like a fish out of water. Why the hell would she make up something so trivial? Once again, Claire was astonished by how quickly Randy's attitude changed. Claire could only nod in answer.
"Sounds like a plan."
Randy was secretly glad Claire wanted to spend the day with them. After things had ended so awkwardly between them, he wasn't sure what to do next. That was something he was not used to. Rarely did anyone, especially a member of the fairer sex, leave him confused. It wasn't a feeling in particularly liked but he'd learn to deal with it. He had to. If he was ever going to get Claire to trust him, he had to play it safe. He had spent most of last night awake, trying to decide what his next move would be. If Claire were like most women, he would have gone to her room and seduced her. No questions asked, he could have gotten Claire to do anything he wanted. So why hadn't he? If it were that easy, why the hell had he spent a sleepless night looking out over a darkened city? The problem with his plan to seduce and conquer Claire lay in the fact that he knew it wouldn't work. Claire was much too intelligent and practical to fall for his usual tactics. Sure, she'd be impressed if he flashed a lot of cash and tried to bribe her. He could send her flowers and expensive gifts in hopes she would feel obligated. But he respected her too much to reduce her to the same love-em-and-leave-em mentality. Randy knew one thing for certain, if he wanted Claire to come to him willingly, he'd have to work for it.
Later that afternoon
Claire smiled in satisfaction as she saved the last chapter she had finished. She was pretty impressed with herself. It had take 6 hours and 47 minutes to finally get everything written and granted, it wasn't nearly enough, but at least she could say she had gotten a true start. The thought of having to see Stephanie in a few days still made her nauseated but she could rest a little easier now that she had something to show when Steph. Now she wasn't going up to Connecticut empty-handed. It was a small victory, but a victory none the less. Sitting back in her chair, Claire heaved a sigh of relief. Now that she had finished what she could, she had no idea what to do. Leaning back in her chair, Claire looked outside. Sunset was painting the sky in shades of orange and red. Claire thought under certain circumstances the sunset would be romantic. She wondered if Randy liked to watch sunsets. The sound of her cellphone ringing brought Claire's attention back to the present. She answered without checking the Caller ID, "How much longer are you going to keep yourself locked in your room?"
Claire felt herself blushing. Apparently all it took was thinking about Randy to make him appear,"As a matter of fact, I just saved the last chapter. "
"Want to go with me to the show?"
As tired as she was, Claire really wasn't looking forward to spending any more time alone, "Sounds great."
"I'll come pick you up."
Claire felt a moment of panic. The last time Randy had come to her room, things had quickly gotten out of hand, "I'll just meet you down in the lobby."
"Suit yourself." Claire looked at her phone as the call disconnected. Randy's manners could definitely use some work.
Randy was waiting for Claire by the elevators in the lobby. Claire shook her head slowly as she looked him over. He was standing with his back to her. She couldn't stop herself from noticing how well the dark jeans hugged the curve of his ass. And what a magnificent ass it was. She took a second to collect herself before Randy caught her ogling his man-parts, "Where are the boys?"
"They already left. Ted wanted to get there early. Guess that means it's just you and me." Randy was curious why Claire wanted to know where his back-ups were. Maybe she was scared to be alone with him. After the other night, he couldn't blame her. She knew exactly where things stood between them.
Claire arched a brow as she looked at Randy again, "Why does that make me nervous?"
Randy laughed low in the back of his throat as he walked her to the car, "That's a good question; why are you nervous?"
Claire swallowed hard and tried to get herself under control, "I'm not nervous."
Randy stopped beside the car and pulled Claire against him. He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck before opening the door for her, "Don't lie to me, Claire, you're not good at it."
Claire shut her eyes tightly as Randy crossed in front of the car and slid into the driver's seat. In less than five minutes she had gone from feeling better about their situation to feeling out of control. The emotional roller coaster was starting to wear on her nerves. She never knew what to expect. Claire forced herself to stay calm as Randy drove. Just being alone with him made her heart flutter. A few minutes later, Randy pulled into a parking lot of the arena. He opened Claire's door and held out a hand to her. Without a word, Randy lead the way into the building. Claire followed him to the dressing room. Ted and Cody were nowhere in sight. Randy set his duffel bag down on the floor and turned to look at Claire. He hated the confusion he saw etched on her face. He wondered what she was thinking. Randy sighed softly and crossed the room to stand next to Claire. Taking her hands in his, Randy looked down into Claire's dark blue eyes, "I'm sorry."
Claire's eyes focused sharply on Randy, "For what?"
"Making you nervous. I know I do and I really don't mean to."
Claire pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes as she studied Randy's face. He was devilishly handsome, even with the seriousness in his blue eyes, "I don't even know why you do."
Randy felt a wave of shame wash over him at Claire's softly-spoken words. He knew sometimes he could be too intense, but that was just who he was. He didn't know how to be anything else.
"I don't understand any of this." Claire made a small motion, indicating she was referring to the two of them.
Randy leaned his head slightly toward her, "What's so hard to understand?"
Claire sighed deeply and pulled slightly away from Randy. She didn't have a clue how to answer him. The answer was far too complicated. "You. Me. Us. Not that there really is an 'us'. I mean, what do you want? What's your game? You could have any woman you want."
Randy shook his head slowly. So they were back to that, huh? She just couldn't leave well enough alone. Once again she was digging for a deeper meaning when the truth had already been given to her, "You're right, I can have any woman I want. And you're the one I want."
Claire forced herself to look at Randy. She wanted to see his reaction, to find out if he could look her in the eye and tell her the truth, "Why?"
Randy took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. God, this would be so much easier if she didn't want to yap him to death about the same damned thing. Why couldn't she just just accept the fact that he wanted her? Why did she always want to know more? Forcing himself to remain calm, Randy opened his eyes to look at her, "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I'm being honest?"
"Are you?" Claire wanted to take the words back as soon as she'd said them.
Randy nodded slightly, "I may be a hell of a lot of things, Claire, but I'm not a liar. I want you because you are the most incredible, intelligent, beautiful woman I'v met in a long time. I want you because you're sweet and sassy at the same time. I want you because you make me feel..."
Claire fought back a shiver as Randy's words moved over her like a caress. She knew he was being honest, she could feel it in her bones, "Feel what?"
Randy pulled Claire toward him, closing the small distance separating them, and pressed his lips to hers. How could he possibly tell her all the things she made him feel? He'd have to spend the rest of his life trying to find the words. It was much easier to just show her. Randy's kissed trailed from her lips down the column of her throat, "You make me feel alive."
There! He'd said it. Maybe now she'd believe him. Alive was the only word he could think of to encompass how Claire made him feel. When he was with Claire he felt something he hadn't felt in years. The deep, dark hole of his past didn't exist. He wasn't running from a past he couldn't do anything about. He was just a man in love with the woman of his dreams. If only he could find a way to make Claire understand.
Claire was shocked by how quickly the atmosphere in the room changed. Suddenly unable to breathe, Claire took a few steps away from Randy. She couldn't think when she was close enough to feel his warmth or breathe in the scent of his skin. Randy took two giant steps toward her and wrapped his arms around her again. Claire bit back a moan as she felt Randy's hand sliding down her back. He slowly trailed a line of kisses down her neck, stopping just above the starched collar of her blouse. Claire's soft moan of pleasure turned into a shriek of surprise as Randy lifted her from her feet. He wrapped one arm around her waist as he pulled her up the length of his body. Claire squeaked as Randy's other hand slid over the curve of her ass and down her thigh. He pulled her leg over his hip and settled his growing erection against her heat. Claire clung tightly to Randy's shoulders as he crossed the room in a few quick strides. He didn't stop until they reached the waist-high counter on the opposite wall. Randy settled Claire on the edge of the counter but didn't back away. He stepped into the vee created by her slightly parted thighs. The nibbling kisses along her neck continued as Randy's hand stroked over the denim skirt she wore.
"Let's make a deal, Claire." Randy's voice was a soft purr in her ear. His voice was like midnight velvet as it wrapped around her. God, she could listen to him talk forever. It didn't matter what he said, as long as he kept talking in that silky tone.
"What kind of deal?" Claire surprised she didn't sound as breathless as she felt.
"I'll give you what you want if you give me what I want." Randy's lips lightly skimmed over hers. Claire whimpered softly, hating him for not kissing her.
"What do you want?"
Randy's answer was unmistakable. He claimed her lips in a heated kiss. His tongue darted between her parted lips. He felt a surge of male pride as Claire moaned softly, her tongue meeting his. His Claire was definitely no shrinking violet. She met him stroke for stroke, touch for touch. Sliding his hand along her hip, Randy groaned as his fingers reached the hem of her skirt. Her skin was heavenly soft, almost more than a man could stand. With one hand, Randy continued stroking the line of Claire's hip. His touch distracted her long enough for his fingers to find the fabric-covered buttons of her blouse. He quickly slid the first one free, then the second. Claire gasped in surprise as cool air slithered over her skin as Randy freed the last button. Slowly parting the two halves, Randy stared in wonder at Claire's creamy skin. In all the times he had imagined them like this, he had never imagined she should be this perfect. Her breasts were full for her small frame. His eyes took in the sight of her pebbled points pressing against the soft flesh-tone bra made his mouth water. He couldn't wait to taste her.
You should be ashamed of yourself, Claire. How can you let him do this in a crowded building? Anybody can walk in here! Do you really want to be caught with your legs around Randy and your goodies on display for the whole world? Claire forcefully shut the door on that nagging little voice in her head. She was sick and tired of listening to the bullshit Jiminy Cricket advice. For the first time in her life, she was going to do what felt right, not what she thought was right. Sometimes there was a huge difference between the two. Claire squirmed as Randy's fingers moved from the inside of her knee to higher ground. He paused at the seam of her tightly clenched thighs. Randy broke their kiss long enough to look Claire in the eyes. He wanted to make sure there were no doubts. He wanted her to want this as much as he did. When he looked into her dark blue eyes, all he saw were the flames of desire. She definitely wanted this, too. Randy watched the flicker of nervousness cross her features as his fingers moved higher along her thigh. Biting back a curse, he continued stroking her as she started to relax by slow degrees. Claire forced herself to take a deep breath and relax. She was scared but knew Randy wouldn't do anything she didn't want him to. He had already proven himself to be a respectable, considerate partner. Randy bit back a groan as his fingertips finally brushed against her panties. He could feel Claire's heat through the thin material separating them. It took all of his strength not to rip them from her. Instead, he slowly pulled the thin sides down. Don't do this, Claire. Claire only knew of one way to make that little voice shut up. Placing her hands on the counter, Claire lifted her hips enough for Randy to slide the material further down her thighs. Randy growled in approval as the thin scrap of lace and silk appeared in his hand. Claire blushed as Randy tucked them into the pocket of his jeans.
Claire reached for Randy, pulling him closer. Her hands traced over Randy's shoulders as she tried to bring him flush against her. Randy shook his head as he took a step back. He wanted to take in the sight of her. His heart pounding in his chest, Randy's gaze slowly moved over her. Claire was sexy as hell with her lips rosy from his kisses. He could stare at her forever. But desire was a powerful motivator. He moved close once again, his fingers returning to Claire's warmth. He wanted to make her feel so good; as loved and cherished as she was. Randy held his breath, his fingers coming to rest against the softest petals of her flesh. So hot Randy thought as her carefully explored her warmth. Claire whimpered as Randy's fingertips brushed against her most intimate flesh. Never had she felt anything so erotic as his blunt fingers moving over her wetness. His caress brought a delicious torture. Stars exploded behind her closed eyes as Randy continued stroking. She was torn between begging him to stop and demanding he take her. All she knew was that she couldn't bear not to have his touch. She wanted more and more. Randy pulled Claire against him as his fingers delved deeply into her wet heat. In all the times he had been with a woman, he'd never been so deeply affected. Claire's silky heat was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. Her soft whimpers were driving him insane. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself inside her and bring them both to ecstasy. Instinct guided Randy, telling him exactly how Claire wanted to be touched. She was so damned responsive, so willing to let him set their pace. He wanted her more than he'd ever wanted anyone. Randy bit back a growl of satisfaction as he felt the first waves of Claire's orgasm washing over her. He held her close as she found her pleasure. He never wanted it to end.
Claire collapsed weakly against Randy. Never had she felt anything so intense. Her muscles quivered with the same consistency of jello. It took all of her strength to hold onto him. Embarrassed, Claire buried her face against the column of Randy's neck. How in hell was she supposed to face him now? She'd never even dreamed she would do anything so deliciously wicked. Part of her was secretly glad she had finally given in and allowed herself these few stolen moments. Who knew if they'd ever have the opportunity again? Randy hid a smile of pure male satisfaction by burying his face in Claire's hair. He just couldn't believe how sensuous his little Claire was. He was relieved to finally make progress in their relationship but now he was starving for more. He knew he wasn't going to quit until he'd given them exactly what they both wanted.
"I can't believe we just did that." Claire's words were muffled against the skin of his neck.
Randy laughed softly, "I'm glad we just did that."
Claire groaned softly and pulled back enough to look in Randy's sparkling eyes, "You're pretty proud of yourself there, Orton."
"Damn straight." Randy brushed his lips against Claire's in a gentle sweep. Claire's fingers dug into the soft cotton of the shirt he wore as she returned his kiss. Randy couldn't ignore Claire's soft whimper. He would give everything he had to finish what they had started. But he sure as hell didn't want their first time to be with an audience. He was willing to wait until he had a soft bed to lay her in and all the time in the world. Forcing himself back under control, Randy took a step back from Claire. Once again he had to admire the sight of her. He wanted to keep the picture of her, just like his, burned into his memory. Randy held out his hands to Claire; she placed her hands in his as he helped her down from the counter. Pulling her close for another kiss, Randy wrapped his arms around her. He didn't want to let her go. The heavy knocking on the door made Randy's head snap in that direction. I'll kill 'em! Whoever it is, I'll kill 'em. Randy thought as he stalked to the door. He swung it open, lips parting to tell off whoever had invaded their tender afterglow.
Mark Calaway stood in the doorway, glaring at Randy. He really wasn't in the mood to have to deal with the asshole but it was a necessity. It had taken him nearly half-an-hour to find anyone who could say for sure they had seen Claire. He had something important to discuss with her. After much thinking and careful consideration, he finally knew how to deal with Jake.
"What do you want?" Randy fought the urge to slam the door in Mark's face. The fact that it would only upset Claire kept him from doing just that.
"I need to talk to Claire." Mark's gaze once again moved across the room to Claire. He watched as she nervously ran a hand over the skirt she wore. Mark arched a brow at Claire, curious if he had interrupted something. He sure as hell hoped he had. If he had walked in on Randy putting his hands on Claire, he had no idea what he would have done.
Claire moved to the door, glancing at Mark as she came to stand next to Randy.
"Beat it, Orton. This is private." Mark's gaze flicked to Randy before returning to Claire.
Randy opened his mouth to tell Mark to go straight to hell but Claire shook her head slowly at him. If she trusted Mark, the least he could do was give them two minutes of privacy. 'Taker was insane if he thought Randy would leave them alone after what he'd just shared with Claire. Randy moved across the room and sat down hard on the couch. His arms crossed over his chest as he glared at Mark.
Claire looked back at Randy and nervously tucked stray hair behind her ear. She knew by the look on Mark's face that he was not a happy man,
Mark looked down at Claire, taking in the flush covering her skin. Once again, he wondered if he had, in fact, interrupted something. "Jake's going into a Number-One Contender match for the Heavyweight Title." Mark's words hit Claire like a ton of bricks. That was one hell of a reward for his recent bad behavior. All Claire could do was nod.
"He's going to throw it." No sense in not taking the bull by the horns. There wasn't any easy way to tell her what his decision was. He'd thought about it long and hard. There were a million ways to make Jake unhappy. But there was only one way to really make the bastard miserable.
"No way." Claire jumped at Randy's voice so close to her ear. Once again, she'd never heard him move across the room.
Mark took a deep breath and fought down the urge to knock Orton on his ass. Apparently the guy didn't quite understand what the word 'alone' meant. Mark forced his gaze to stay locked on Claire. Her fingers worried with the button on her blouse. It was then Mark noticed the buttons didn't line up exactly the right way. Motherfucker! Mark thought. He had, in fact, interrupted something. Forcing himself to take a deep breath, Mark vowed he would have a man-to-man chat with the Viper. "He doesn't know it yet, but he will."
Randy nodded once, thinking how appropriate Jake's punishment was. Nothing in the world meant more to a WWE superstar than a shot at the title. Having to throw a match was a nightmare. Nobody wanted to be known as the asshole who threw a title match. God only knew when the Powers That Be would decide to give them another one. Randy couldn't think of a better punishment.
"When will you tell him?" Claire wanted to make sure she was long gone before that bomb was dropped.
"The match is scheduled for the end of this week. It'll have to be soon."
Claire nodded in understanding, "Thank you. I appreciate you taking care of this."
Mark nodded and looked down into Claire's eyes, "That's what I'm here for." Mark's eyes locked with Randy's, "If anybody hurts you, I'll make sure they pay." Mark held Randy's gaze a moment longer, making sure the message was received. He wanted there to be no doubt that he knew the score. All it would take was one wrong move and Mark would gladly hand Randy his head on a silver fucking platter.
*** A/N – Your patience has been rewarded (at least a little bit!! *L*). Please review! ****
