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.
Seven days, four hours and 32 minutes later
Everything you need to know about Randal Keith Orton can be summarized in three words: Intense, focused, and determined. He was not the kind of man that sat back and waited for the world to throw him a bone. He knew what he wanted and when he wanted something, he reached out and grabbed it both hands. It was that kind of attitude that put him on the road to Stamford. He couldn't stand being away from Claire for another minute. As soon as the show in Newark ended, Randy hit the interstate. If he didn't run into heavy traffic he would be in Stamford before 3 AM. Glancing into the passenger seat, Randy looked at Cody. The kid was out cold. He'd fallen asleep not long after they left New Jersey. For once he was glad Cody could sleep through anything. The last thing he wanted was to have to listen to Cody natter on about nothing in particular. He was simply too focused on the road in front of him to entertain anyone. Ted, as well, had decided to make use of their downtime. He was curled up in the back seat watching a movie. Hell, Randy wasn't even sure what Ted was watching. As long as it kept him quiet, he didn't care.
The last 50 miles of their journey seemed unending. The interstate was practically deserted, Randy continued to switch radio stations as he looked for something to keep him awake. Finally he settled on a hard rock station that was broadcasting Nights with Alice Cooper. He reached for the GPS and pulled up the menu. With a few touches he brought up Claire's address and hit Set Destination. Finding her apartment complex was easier than he thought it would be. It was less than four miles off the interstate. He pulled into a parking space and killed the engine. The silence wrapped around him as he stared up at the darkened buildings. He scanned the apartment numbers until he found the one he was looking for. Third one on the left, second floor, Apartment 209.
Randy slowly made his way up the sidewalk as he pulled his cell from his pocket. He hit Claire's number on the speed dial and waited for the call to connect. He took the stairs two at a time. He smiled as he leaned against the railing, "Wake up sleepyhead."
Claire's voice was soft and husky, "What time is it?"
"Quarter to three." Randy said softly. His kept his voice low to make sure Claire couldn't hear him standing outside her door.
"How did it go tonight?"
"Not bad. I'm ready to crash."
"Where are you spending the night?" Randy heard something that sounded like a lamp being turned on. Glancing into the darkened windows he could see a milky light had been switched on.
"Depends." Randy stepped away from the railing and moved to stand in front of the door.
"What do you mean, depends?"
"It depends on whether or not you open the door." Randy laughed as Claire made a soft sound of disbelief.
"Where are you?"
"Open the damn door and find out." Randy smiled to himself as he heard the line disconnect. He thought he heard the sound of running and then the door flew open.
Claire stood in the darkened entry way as she stared up at him in disbelief. Her phone was still clutched in her hand. Randy couldn't help but laugh at the disbelief shining in her face.
Without a word she launched herself, grabbing him around the shoulders as she plastered herself to him. He took the impact with a soft grunt, her momentum causing him to take a step back. Kisses rained down on him, landing where ever her lips could reach. He hugged her close, breathing in the scent of her sleep warmed skin.
"Looks like somebody missed me." Randy said softly as he leaned down enough to let her greet him properly. Her hands brushed across his short hair as she kissed him. With a low growl he crushed her to him. He kissed her thoroughly, tasting every part of her. She was even sweeter than he remembered. And it had been way too long. With a soft sound, Randy pulled away. No sense in giving the neighbors a show they didn't have to pay for.
Claire took a step away from Randy as she looked him over from head to toe. God, he was just delicious. The white T-shirt clung to him, emphasizing the width of his shoulders even more. Dark jeans hugged his hips. Suddenly Claire felt a familiar rush of heat. Unconsciously she pulled the robe closed. Randy watched the subtle movement with a great deal of interest. As soon as he was able he was going to undo that robe and get to know her all over again.
"What are you doing here?" Claire asked as she stepped back in the apartment. She motioned for Randy to follow.
"I can find a hotel if that's what you want." Randy teased. He saw the flare of heat in her eyes as she shot him an annoyed glance.
"I thought you were going to New York." Claire closed the door and turned to face Randy.
"Tomorrow. Tonight, I'm here." Randy reached for her again, pulling her against him. He held her, feeling her slight weight pressing into him from shoulder to hip. For the first time in days he felt all of the tension leaving him. The weariness remained but for the first time in a long time he felt as if he could breathe.
After a short while, Claire asked, "Where's Cody and Ted? Did you leave them in Jersey?"
Randy laughed, a short bark of pleasure, "They're in the car."
Claire made a disapproving sound then looked up at him, "You're not going to let them sleep in the car, are you?" It was statement more than a question.
"I can if you want me to." Randy's grip tightened ever so slightly. Claire knew exactly what Randy was hinting at.
Biting back a smile she stepped away from him, "Go get them. I'll get the guest room ready."
Randy stole a quick kiss, "Yes, ma'am."
Claire smiled as she watched Randy leave. Although she hadn't expected Randy to do something like this, she really should have. He was endlessly full of surprises. Once Randy had a idea, he was not going to let it go. He was going to follow through all the way to the end. She moved down the hall to the guest room. She quickly tossed the mountain of extra pillows onto the floor and turned down the sheets. Turning on the beside lamp, Claire turned to survey the room. Everything was exactly where it was supposed to be. An odd thought struck her, this was the first time in the three years she'd lived in the apartment that anyone had stayed overnight. How odd was it that suddenly her little apartment was at capacity? With a smile Claire left the room and went back into the living room. Ted was carefully placing their suitcases in living room. Cody was already curled up into a ball on the couch.
"I guess you get to take the bed." Claire said softly. She moved to the hall closet and pulled out a pillow and an extra blanket. She moved to the couch and gently draped the blanket over a now snoring Cody. Setting the pillow next to him, she stood back and smiled. He looked so young, so innocent. It was hard to believe that he was all man.
"Are you sure you don't mind us barging in?" Ted asked softly. He was the eternal southern gentleman. He never wanted anyone to go out of their way to do anything for him. He was a man that took pride in doing things for himself.
"Don't be silly. Of course you can stay." Claire said. She watched as the door opened and Randy came in with his duffel bag and suitcase. He set them down just inside the doorway and turned to lock the door.
"If you can tell me where the guest room is ..." Ted said quietly. He didn't miss that the fact that the minute Randy came into the room, the atmosphere changed. It was like the air became electrified. He covered a smile with a fake yawn.
"Down the hall, first door on the left. Bathroom is across the hall."
Ted nodded in thanks. He picked up the smaller of his suitcases and quietly left the room.
Claire tucked the blanket around Cody one last time then moved into the kitchen. She grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge. Before she closed the refrigerator door, a strong arm wrapped around her from behind. She sighed as Randy pulled her against his warmth.
"I missed you." Randy's voice was low and soft. Claire realized how much she'd missed having him talk to her this way. It was one of the most intimate parts of their relationship.
"I'm glad you're here."
"You're not mad?" Randy asked softly. He turned Claire to face him.
She shook her head slightly as she looked up at him. "Why would I be mad?"
Randy shrugged one broad shoulder as he reached for one of the water bottles she clutched against her chest. Claire shivered as Randy's knuckles brushed against the smooth skin peeking out of her robe. "'Cause I wanted to surprise you."
Claire smiled faintly, "If I wasn't so glad to see you, I probably would be."
Randy winked at her as he slowly opened the bottle. He downed half of it then quickly screwed the cap back on. His gaze moved over the small kitchen, noticing how incredibly tidy everything was. It was evident that Claire was totally OCD about nearly every single aspect of her life. He turned back toward the living room with a smile. He held a hand out to Claire. She crossed the kitchen and took his hand.
"Now for the most important question." Randy said.
Claire did not miss the mischievous glint in his eyes, "Oh? What's that?"
"Which way is the bedroom?"
Leading the way down the hall, Claire tried not to laugh. Randy was in the best mood she'd ever seen him in. It was kinda cute. Nervously, Claire stepped inside her bedroom. Randy stopped just inside the doorway. He looked around in silence. What he saw made him itch. He felt like he had walked into the center of a cupcake. Varying shades of pink were everywhere. From the light pink sheets to the rose colored throw pillows, everything screamed that it was a woman's domain. Randy bit back as smile as he realized how absolutely ridiculous he looked among all the fluffiness. We're going to have to work on this Randy thought as he closed the door, effectively sealing them in together.
Claire perched on the edge of the bed and watched Randy undress. He kicked off his sneakers then pulled his shirt over his head. He dropped it onto the floor and quickly unbuckled his belt. Before she could even blink, Randy shed his jeans. Just watching him undress was enough to make her flushed. She stared at him, standing nearly naked in her bedroom. How many times had she dreamed of this? Too many to count. Now that he was here, she wasn't sure what to do. She knew what she wanted to happen. Asking for it was another matter entirely.
Randy stood still a moment longer, letting Claire get an eyeful. He could feel her gaze moving over him as surely as if she were touching him. He smiled faintly as he crossed the room. He crawled up the center of the bed and flopped heavily onto his back. Her room may look like a cupcake but her bed was marshmallow soft. Randy sighed as he sank deeper into the mattress. He propped a pillow under his head then held an arm out to Claire. Without a word she lay beside him, her body curling around his. She smiled as she realized she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound soothed her as nothing else would. That soft sound reassured her that Randy was exactly where he was supposed to be. He was with her.
That was all that mattered.
Reaching out with an unsteady hand, Claire slowly drew her fingertips over his stomach. Randy made a soft sound in the back of his throat. His hand captured hers, splaying her palm over his heart. "Just let me hold you."
Surprised, Claire flicked a glance at him, "Are you sure?"
Randy smiled as he stole a quick kiss, "Is there something wrong with a man wanting to hold his woman?"
Claire couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. She liked the sound of that. His woman. There was just something so fitting, so right about that statement. With a soft sigh Claire rested her cheek on his chest. They fell asleep wrapped in each others arms, Randy's heartbeat steady in her ear. The last thought Claire had before drifting to sleep was that all was finally right in her world.
***A/N – It's that time again, my lovelies! Please review!***
