When Brandy woke up, she couldn't help but to smile at the feeling of Mark's arms around her. After Mark had shown her some videos of his wrestling, introducing her to what he did for a living, they ending up talking for hours, until they both fell asleep. Brandy did not mind one bit waking up next to him. He was such a kind and caring individual, with a gentle, loving soul. Despite the "tough guy" persona he showed with others, she knew in reality he was the exact opposite.

Getting up onto her elbow, she gazed down at him as he slept. It was hard to believe that such an intimidating guy could look so downright adorable when he slept. This thought made her grin. She brushed the tendrils that had fallen in his face back, and softly ran her hand down his cheek. He had remarkably smooth skin. She brushed her fingertips down the bridge of his nose, traced the outline of his sensuous lips, and moved further down to run her fingers through his goatee. He really was a very handsome man. She ran a finger along the arches of his eyebrows, and then along his strong jaw line.

"What are you doing?" he suddenly mumbled, slowly opening his eyes and looking up at her.

She smiled sheepishly, her cheeks growing red. "I was just watching you sleep."

"Oh really? Is that all?" he asked, reaching up and covering her hand, which was still on his cheek. He grinned when she blushed even redder.

Avoiding the last thing he said, she commented, "You know, you're really cute when you're asleep."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Cute, huh?"

"Yes, I happen to think you look adorable when you're sleeping." Mark couldn't help but to laugh. "What? Why are you laughing at me?"

"I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at your comment."

"Why do you find it funny?"

"Because no one has called me cute or adorable since I was about six."

"Well then they must not have seen you sleep, because you are both when you sleep."

"My ex-wife never once said anything like that to me," Mark said, and suddenly quiet, the atmosphere quickly turning somber.

"I'm sorry for bringing up a sore subject."

"No, it's okay."

Brandy hesitated for a second, and then asked, "Do you mind if I ask you something about you ex?"

"Not at all."

"Are you sure?"

"Brandy, if I were not willing to discuss my ex-wife, I would say so. You can ask about her."

Brandy hesitated, before asking, "What made your marriage end?"

Mark sighed, pulling himself up and leaned back against the headboard. "It was just a mixture of things. Most of it was me being away so often for my job, and her reason for wanting to be with me changing."

Brandy sat up and frowned. "Change? How so?"

"Well, at the beginning of our marriage, I was just getting started in the business, so I know back then that she was in it for love, as was I. Once I began growing more popular, and my paycheck started getting bigger, though, it was obvious she began caring more about possessions than our relationship. It was her who decided to call it quits. I wanted to try and make it work, but apparently she didn't."

"I'm so sorry," Brandy murmured, running a hand along his shoulder as she scooted closer to him.

He gave her a small smile. "Hell, it isn't your fault. Don't be sorry."

"I just hate hearing about people who do that. If you want money that badly, then go out and get a job, you know? Don't fuck with someone's emotions like that."

"Well she wasn't like that at the beginning-"

"Yeah, but if she didn't "love" you anymore, then she shouldn't have stayed in the relationship just for your money. She should have broke it off right away, even though that's a pathetic excuse to get a divorce."

"Why is it pathetic?"

"Because when you get married, you're supposed to devote yourself to them. Marriage is supposed to last for life, not just a couple of years. People toss marriage around like it's nothing these days. They have no respect for it. In my mind, the only acceptable times when you should end it is if abuse is involved, or your spouse is being unfaithful."

"She was being unfaithful, though. She was cheating on me with her supposed best friend," Mark replied.

"She cheated on you too?" Brandy asked, and Mark nodded. "What a bitch."

"Yeah, well, what can you do? It's in the past, and all I can really do is move on," he replied.

Mark went to get up, when Brandy suddenly held onto him. "Don't go yet. Stay here with me," she said. He moved back over by her, and was brought back when she wrapped his arm around her and snuggled close to him.

"Why do you want me to stay in here with you?" he asked.

She looked up at him. "Is my company appalling you or something?"

"No. Just wondering, that's all."

"Because I like being around you, and I don't feel like getting up just yet," she replied simply, resting her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest. A warm smile crossed Mark's face when she said this, and he tightened his arm around her as he covered her hand with his.

"How you feeling this morning?" he asked, softly stroking her fingers with his thumb.

"Good, thanks for asking," she replied. "I could use some fresh air, though."

Mark thought for a minute. "Why don't we spend the day in the woods? It's supposed to be really nice out today."

"That would be great!" Brandy replied excitedly.

Mark chuckled. "If we're going to do that, though, we need to get up and going," he replied, and she reluctantly got up, helping him up as well.

"I'm gonna take a quick shower, and then I'll meet you downstairs," she informed him.

"Okay," he replied, and headed across the hall to his own room. Shutting and locking her door, Brandy made her bed before getting together an outfit consisting of ripped jeans, a white long sleeve Jack Daniels shirt, and her old boots. She laid them out across the bed, slid Mark's shirt off over her head, and folded it neatly before placing it next to her clothes. She headed into the bathroom and slid her panties off, putting them in the dirty clothes hamper before getting into the shower. She turned the water on, groaning when the warm water sprayed down onto her.

As Brandy took her shower, she found her mind wandering to Mark. What was it about him that she was so attracted to? She wasn't normally drawn to his type. She preferred smaller guys who were only a few inches taller than her, and didn't normally care for the long hair look. On Mark, though, she found it all highly alluring. She assumed it was because of the fact he had been there for her in her time of need. When she needed someone to lean on, he was right there beside her. This mixed with the way he was protective over her, made Brandy feel a connection to him. Some of these feelings she was getting, though, were new. She knew she was falling for him, but never before had she felt was she was feeling now toward him. She considered Tom to be her first serious relationship, and her feelings for him had been nowhere near as strong as they were with Mark. There was no way he would feel the same way, though. Why would he want someone like her? With Mark being well known, and clearly not lacking in the looks department, he could have any woman he wanted. Hell, he probably thought of her more as a sister than anything else. Suddenly feeling somewhat defeated, she quickly finished her shower and got out, drying off and changing into her clothes. Heading back into the bathroom, she blow-dried her hair and pulled it up into a messy bun before heading downstairs.

"Mark, I could have put together the food," she said when she found him in the kitchen getting things out for their lunch.

He looked back at her. "Don't worry about it. Just tell me what you want to eat, and I'll get it together. You haven't got the chance to look around yet, so go do that while I do this. I need to make a call as well, so take your time."

"You sure?"

"I'm positive. What were you wanting?" he asked, opening the refrigerator.

Brandy walked over to where he was, and got out the things she wanted. She then handed them to him, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before heading off to explore the house. The whole time Mark got their food together, he had a crooked grin on his face just from that small kiss.

Brandy immediately fell in love with his house as she looked around. It wasn't big, but it was very cozy, which is what she loved most in a house. She was a bit surprised by this, expecting him to have a more extravagant style of living. Then again, Mark didn't seem like an extravagant guy, so having a more humble lifestyle seemed to fit him perfectly.

A large grin covered Brandy's face when she found a decent size book collection in the study Mark had on the first floor. One of her biggest passions was reading, so this was terrific. She briefly glanced through the books, seeing he had a large collection of mystery and horror novels, which was her favorite genre. She then discovered a second guest room, the main bathroom, and in the basement were the laundry room and a workout room. She was instantly intrigued by the workout room. It had everything one could imagine for exercising, which is what made her immediately fall in love with it. She was definitely going to have to come by this room again.

"Hey Brandy! Where are you?" she could hear Mark calling from upstairs.

"I'm downstairs!" she called back up to him, heading up the stairs. "Your workout room is amazing, Mark," she said when she met back up with him.

"Oh you saw that, did you?" he asked.

"Yeah, I did. It's incredible. I love your book collection in your study as well. You have an amazing variety."

"Well thank you," he replied, and extended his arm to her. "You ready?"

"I sure am," she replied, linking her arm with his, and the two of them made their way outside. "You weren't kidding. It is gorgeous out here today," Brandy commented.

"The weather is prefect, yes. You know, I bet you would love the pond, if you wanted to head down there."

"That would be amazing," Brandy replied, and they started heading into the woods.

)))))

"Oh god, Mark! It's beautiful!" Brandy gushed when they finally got to the pond.

"This is a big reason why I bought the house. I love the view," Mark said, leading her over to a small dock by the pond.

"I don't blame you. I could stay down here all day," she replied, and helped Mark spread out the small blanket they brought along.

Once they were seated, and had gotten out their food, Mark asked, "So have you given any thought as to where you'd like to find a job at?"

Brandy took a drink of her soda and sat it back down. "I'm not sure. I read in the paper that Sears is hiring. That seems like a decent place to work. I was also thinking about the doctor's clinic. I hear they need help in their filing room. I'm mainly worried about being sure to find something which will provide benefits, you know?"

"Both seem like a great start. Although, why you don't come work with me, I'll never know," Mark commented casually.

"Because the fans already have your lovely face to look at," she explained with a smug grin.

He simply smirked in return. Growing serious, he asked, "Honestly, though, how is everything so far? Are you comfortable here? Is there anything you're wanting, or needing?"

"Mark, everything is perfect. I absolutely love your house, and there isn't a single thing I need that I don't already have."

"Are you sure? If there is, you know all you have to do is ask."

Brandy laughed. "Mark, I'm positive! You've spoiled me enough as it is. I already have more than enough. Thank you for the concern, though."

"Well if there is something you need, just let me know."

"I promise I will," Brandy replied, and started putting her things away. Once they finished getting all their things together, they laid back on the blanket, gazing up at the clear blue sky. Brandy nudged against Mark's arm, and snuggled against him. Mark wrapped his arm around her, holding her to him. He was used to the fact that she enjoyed cuddling up to him. Typically, he would be uncomfortable, and far from okay with this, but for some reason he enjoyed being this close to Brandy. As much as he hated to admit it, he was falling for her, and to be honest the idea scared him senseless. The feelings he had once had for his ex-wife were nowhere near how he felt for Brandy. She was everything he could ever want in a woman, but he knew she would never think of him in that manner. Hell, why would she want someone like him? He didn't deserve her. "What are you thinking about?" she suddenly asked, bringing him out of this thoughts.

He looked down, and found her looking up at him with big eyes. "Just stuff, nothing important, really," he replied, tightening his arm around her.

"Like what?"

"You wouldn't be interested."

"How do you know?"

"It's kind of personal, Brandy."

"Oh, sorry," she said in a soft voice, looking back down.

"I didn't mean to snap. I would just rather not tell you what I was thinking about." She looked back up at him, a sly grin on her face. "Get your head out of the gutter, Miss Daniels," he added, making her laugh.

"I knew you didn't mean it like that."

Mark was silent for a few seconds, arguing with himself if he should tell her or not. Finally, he asked her, "Do you really want to know what I was thinking?"

"No, you don't have to tell me."

"I want to."

"Oh, okay then. What were you thinking about?" she asked. Mark hesitated for a second, and then tilted her chin up, softly pressing his lips to hers.

Once he pulled away, he saw the shocked look on her face. "I really like you, Brandy, and not just as a friend. I'm not fully sure what I feel anymore, but I do know I care deeply for you." When she remained silent, Mark began to grow nervous. He knew he shouldn't have done that. Now she was probably scared of him. "It's okay if you don't-" he started to say, when she suddenly kissed him. When she ended it, it was Mark's turn to be surprised.

"You don't have anything to worry about, Mark, I like you too. I never did anything about it, though, because I figured you wouldn't like me that way."

"You thought I wouldn't fall for YOU?" he asked, dumbfounded. She nodded. Mark sat up, and helped her up as well. "What made you think that?"

Brandy looked down. "Why would you want me, when you can have any girl out there? I figured you would prefer the model type, which I am far from being."

Mark had her look up at him. "Brandy, what would ever put a thought like that in your head?" She shrugged, a mixture of fear and sadness in her eyes. "You are by far the most amazing person I have ever met, and at this moment right now you are the only person I could imagine being in my life. I'm crazy about you, Brandy. I didn't feel anywhere near this intense over my ex-wife, and to be honest I'm not used to these feelings. In fact, they scare me a bit, but at the same time I don't want it to go away."

Brandy's heart swelled when she heard him say this. So the feelings were mutual after all. "I feel the exact same way about you, Mark. I considered Tom to be my first serious relationship, but the feelings I had for him were nowhere near as strong as what I feel for you."

Mark smiled warmly at her. "Are you willing to give this a try?"

Brandy hesitated for a second. "As much as I want to, Mark, I'm not sure I can get into another relationship this soon after what happened."

"We can take things as slow as you want. I'm telling you right now that I would never EVER hurt you the way Tom did. My parents taught me better than that. From what you've told me, he sounds like an asshole who doesn't deserve someone as amazing as you. If you still don't want this after what I just said, then that's fine. I don't want to pressure you into this."

She gave him a small smile. "I do want this, Mark, I really do. As long as we can take this as slow as possible…then I'm willing to give it a try."

Mark smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "I'm willing to go as slow as you need to. We can take things day by day. All that matters to me is that I say you're my girl."

She smiled at him. "I like the idea of being your girl," Brandy commented, snuggling close to him.

Mark gently grasped her chin and gave her a gentle kiss, wrapping an arm around her as they gazed out over the water. Both of them suddenly felt as if everything were right in the world, as long as they had each other.