Kimber was woken up bright and early that Monday morning to the sounds of someone knocking at her door. Groaning, she opened her eyes and rolled onto her side.
5:30am.
"Seriously?" she muttered in disbelief.
"Come on, Kember." a familiar voice called from the other side of the door, "Rise and shine."
She let out a growl before pausing, rolling her eyes. Good God, she was even starting to sound like him now.
Grunting, she clambered out of bed and padded over to the door. She threw it open and blurrily glared up at the man standing before her.
How can he look so good so early in the morning? she asked herself, half disgusted, half turned on.
Sheamus was leaning against the doorframe, ankles crossed, arms crossed, and a wide grin on his lips. He was dressed in dark denim, gray, zip-up knit sweater and matching gray, long sleeved t-shirt. Perched on his head was a gray soft cap.
He took in her wild, unkempt dark brown waves, black tank top, pink and black plaid pajama bottoms and tiny bare feet and his smile deepened. He wanted nothing more than to say screw it to the interviews, take her back to her nice, soft bed and crawl in with her.
"Ugh." she greeted him as she turned and padded back into the room.
Chuckling, the Irishman followed after her, shutting the door firmly closed behind him. He took a seat in a chair and watched with a smirk as she began to gather her clothes and makeup bag.
"Kember?" he called out, innocently.
She eyed him suspiciously. He was up to something, she could tell.
"Ya look real cute in the mornin', lass." his grin grew but his tone was sincere.
Kimber ducked her head as she felt a blush warm her cheeks. Darn him. Gorgeous, chipper and charming first thing in the morning. It wasn't fair.
"Flatterer." she found herself smiling as she took her things and went into the bathroom.
She exited twenty-five minutes later, dressed in a pair of boot cut khakis, lace trimmed brown camisole and smart, fitted, caramel colored blazer. Her hair was now sleek and smooth, pulled back in a ponytail.
"I just need to put on my boots and we can go." she informed him as she took a seat on her unmade bed and grabbed her brown ankle boots.
She leaned over to put them on, her breasts straining against the camisole. Sheamus' eyes locked on that enticing swell of flesh that peeked out over her top and unconsciously he licked his lips.
He had to turn away and close his eyes as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He could feel his body start to betray him and he willed it to behave.
She made too tempting a picture with her soft skin and the unmade bed beneath her. It was taking his mind to places he shouldn't go. Not when she was still skittish around him. Not to mention the fact that they had to leave shortly.
"So what's on the agenda for this morning?" Kimber asked as she finished with her boots and sat up.
She began to frown in confusion as she took in his appearance. He looked a little flushed. Not too mention his eyes were closed, as though he were in pain.
"Sheamus?" she asked in concern.
His eyes flew open and he suddenly rose from the chair, giving her his back. He started to chuckle and adjusted his cap, all the while painfully trying to get control of his body.
Yer like a bleedin' teenager, he growled silently to himself, One peek of her flesh and suddenly yer about to flah. Have some self control, fella.
"Ah, uh, Ah have two radio interviews." he cleared his suddenly hoarse throat and told her, finally turning when he thought he was decent, "And an interview with a local mornin' show."
He began to grin, "Then, if yer good, Ah'll take you to breakfast before we hit the gym."
"Breakfast and the gym." Kimber replied, eyebrows arching with feint amazement, "My, you really do know how to spoil a girl."
"You have no idea, angel." he couldn't help but grin at her and Kimber found herself blushing again.
He led her out of the room and they made their way down to the lobby.
Once they got there they found Joel and a suit by the name of Martin Dale, a PR rep from the WWE, waiting for them.
They climbed into the waiting SUV, Dale driving and Joel in the passenger seat and Sheamus and Kimber in the back.
"Why don't we do a short early morning interview." Kimber suggested.
"Sounds all right to me." Sheamus nodded.
"Okay, let me just get set up." Joel stated as he turned back around in his seat and started to get the camera ready.
While he did that Sheamus slipped his hand onto the seat between them. His pinky finger extended, the Irishman brushing it across the top of Kimber's hand.
The reporter's eyes widened slightly and she peeked at him from out the corner of her eye. He was looking out the window and would have appeared innocent if it weren't for the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.
She felt her cheeks start to warm again and she looked away. Her own pinky came out and brushed against his.
Sheamus looked over at her, his grin deepening. He caught her eye and the pair shared a long, steady gaze.
"All ready." Joel announced and the two quickly pulled away.
He raised the camera and Kimber cleared her throat, "Some fans might think that the life of a professional wrestler begins as soon as they walks into the arena and ends the second he or she leaves. But they would be surprised to find that's far from the case. Sheamus, tell us what a normal day for you is like."
"Normal?" he repeated with a grin, "Ah'm not sure you can use the word 'normal' and this life in the same sentence, Kember.
"My day, at least on Monday, usually begins wit' me getting up at the crack of dawn and headin' out to do media." Sheamus nodded towards Dale, "Isn' that right, Dale?"
"Yes, sir." Dale's friendly voice could be heard from off screen.
"And what is 'media'?" Kimber inquired, "For those in our audience who might not be familiar."
"Usually it's interviews." Sheamus explained, "Radio, television, newspapers. That sort of thing. This mornin' Ah'm doin' a couple of radio interviews followed by a mornin' show."
"And after that?"
"My favorite part." Sheamus winked at the camera, "Ah get to eat. Then it's time to hit the gym."
He leaned in close and quipped, "Big Show can' lift himself, ya know."
Kimber couldn't help but smirk at that.
She bowed her head for a second before going on, "How do you feel about having to go out to promote yourself and the WWE? Some Superstars see it as a hassle. They feel their time could be better spent, say, in the gym or even focusing on their own personal projects. Do you sometimes wish you didn't have to do so much?"
"No." Sheamus shook his head, "No, Ah had an idea of what Ah was gettin' into when Ah got into the business. And Ah wouldn' have done it if Ah didn' want to deal with every aspect of it.
"Ah get tired some days, sure. And Ah'd be lyin' if Ah said Ah wouldn' want to take a day off for meself.
"But that's the business we're in. It's long. It's hard. You don' get a day off like most people. And if you can' handle that, then this isn' the business for ya.
"Ah love being a wrestler. Ah love what Ah do." he went on, his words impassioned, "And for all the long days on the road, all the press and stuff, there are a lot of good things about it."
"Like the B.A. Star program?" Kimber prompted with a smile.
Sheamus began to grin, "Exactly. The B.A. Star program is somethin' that's after me own heart. And bein' able to be a WWE Superstar has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of it."
"I think we go it." Kimber announced with a smile.
"Me, too." Joel grinned and turned back around to fiddle with the camera.
"Sorry for talkin' yer ear off." Sheamus smirked at the reporter.
"Not at all." Kimber replied, heartfelt, "I love hearing you speak about the business. You're so passionate. It's awe-inspiring, really."
He leaned in close and murmured in her ear, "It's not just the business Ah'm passionate about, Kember."
She quickly turned to find him watching her, his expression unwavering. She felt her stomach clench at his look and her eyes fell to her lap. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly going dry.
Oh, she had no doubt he was passionate inside and outside of the ring. She just worried that she'd never be able to join him in that passion. Or reach it.
She wanted to. If her dreams, her feelings, were any indication she wanted to so much. She just wasn't sure that could ever be a reality. Not for her. Possibly never again.
His hand reached out and squeezed hers and her eyes once again returned to his face. He offered a wink and a hint of a grin. He was so infectious that she found herself smiling.
As soon as the words were out of his mouth he had wished he could take them back. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable. It had been just a little joke. Teasing on his part.
Well, partially joking and teasing. He'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit there was some meaning in what he had said.
It was at that moment that he knew. He was going to be the man to make her come alive again. He was going to be the man to take away her fears and bring out the passion he knew was locked away inside of her. He wanted her. All of her.
Because he couldn't let her go. She meant too much to him.
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Kimber stood on the other side of the DJ booth with a smile on her lips. She couldn't help herself.
Sheamus was being interviewed by a radio morning crew and he was holding court like a pro. She honestly couldn't feel prouder.
"So, Sheamus," one of the DJs, a man in who appeared to be in his early forties and wearing glasses, asked, "What's the story with the cap?"
"Oh, me cap." Sheamus chuckled as he reached up and touched the soft cap on his head, "Well, Ah'll be honest wit' ya, fella. Ah just didn' feel like fixin' me hair this mornin'."
The DJs, along with Kimber, laughed at that. Sheamus offered a cheeky grin.
"Okay, so tonight," the other DJ, mid-twenties with a ponytail, interjected, "What's going on with Raw tonight?"
"Tonight at the Nutter Center it'll be meself." Sheamus informed them, "John Cena, Ryback, CM Punk-Punk and Ryback are gonna fight for the WWE Title. Kane and Daniel Bryan'll be there."
"What about Big Show?" the older DJ couldn't help but ask with a slight smile.
The chill coming off of the Celtic Warrior instantly evaporated that smirk. But then Sheamus began to chuckle and the DJ breathed a big sigh of relief.
"Yeah," the Irishman confirmed, "Show'll be there."
"I have to say," the other DJ spoke up, "Last night was crazy. I marked out so hard when you started beating Big Show with those chair shots. But I think he had it coming! He never should have interfered in your match with Del Rio."
"Well if Big Show wanted to get my attention he succeeded." Sheamus slowly began to smirk, "
The DJs thanked him and went to a commercial break. Sheamus rose and shook their hands, thanking them for the invite.
He stepped out of the booth and found Kimber waiting for him.
"What are ya smiling about, lass?" he asked as he approached her.
"You." she told him, "I know these interviews aren't your favorite thing, but you really are great at them. You were a pro in there."
"Yeah that's me, a pro." Sheamus chuckled as he led her from the studio, "Come on. We still got two more stops to make before Ah get to feed ya."
Kimber's stomach growled in answer and she gasped, her eyes widening and her cheeks reddening. Sheamus threw back his head and laughed.
"Hungry, angel?" he asked with a grin.
"No." she began to giggle and the pair headed off.
It was only a short car ride and they were at the next location. Kimber, Joel and Dale stayed outside of the booth and watched on as Sheamus greeted the male and female DJs before taking a seat in one of the chairs.
The short commercial break ended and the male DJ jumped back on the mic, "Once again, good morning and how the heck are you Dayton? Today Sheila and myself are lucky enough to have WWE Superstar, Sheamus, in the booth with us. Sheamus, how the heck are you, fella?"
"Ah'm doin' good, Tommy, thanks." the wrestler answered with a grin.
"Now, ladies," Sheila jumped in, "You can't see this but let me just confirm that Sheamus is looking oh-so-fine this morning. Sheamus, I love the cap."
"Ah'm getting a lot of compliments on me cap." the Celtic Warrior chuckled.
"So, Sheamus, let's get right to it." Tommy replied, "Last night at Survivor Series. You and the Big Show. What happened?"
"Ah, Big Show." Sheamus shook his head, "He decided to interfere in my match with Alberto Del Rio and Ah had to teach him a lesson."
"So does that mean it's over between you two?" Sheila asked.
"Not even close." Sheamus grinned, "See he still has me World Heavyweight title and Ah need to get it back."
"Besides, I don't think he's going to be too happy with you considering you beat him with a steel chair." Tommy joked.
Sheamus grinned, clearly not bothered, "He knows where to find me. Ah'm not runnin'. Ah'm not goin' anywhere."
Kimber began to frown. She knew Sheamus was unafraid. Heck, he was one of those people who would go running towards an angry giant, consequences be damned.
But she was frightened. She didn't know how far this would go but she knew that by the end of it, it would be bad. She just prayed that he was left standing at the end.
"We'll be back with more from Sheamus after this song by OneRepublic." Tommy stated as he punched a few buttons, "Here's Feel Again."
The music started up and the DJ lowered the volume. He and Sheila talked animatedly with Sheamus, who smiled and answered.
He caught Kimber's eye and winked, causing her to grin. She looked over to find Joel filming him.
"The guy's a natural." he stated, eye glued to his viewfinder.
"That he is." Kimber agreed.
The song soon ended and Tommy came back on the mic, "That was OneRepublic with Feel Again. We're still here with WWE Superstar, Sheamus."
He leaned forward, inquiring, "Before the break you were talking about the Big Show. If you do get a rematch with him-"
"When, fella." Sheamus informed him, "After what happened between us at Survivor Series Ah will get a rematch wit' him."
"Okay," Tommy nodded, thoughtful, "Say you get the rematch and, if by chance, he's able to knock you out again, then what?"
"Well ya have to remember it took two of the fella's knockout punches to put me away." Sheamus reminded him, "And Ah'm not about to let him do that again."
"And if he does?" Tommy pressed, "What then?"
"Then he better try a third." Sheamus stated, serious, "Because so long as there's breath left in my body, Ah'm goin' to keep comin' at him."
"This man is a beast." Sheila was practically purring, "I like it!"
Sheamus looked over, his eyes going to Kimber. The reporter was looking down at the ground thoughtfully, a small frown on her lips.
He caught her eye and gave her a smile and a wink. Her frown faded away, to be replaced with a smile and Sheamus felt better. He hated seeing her so worried.
"Sheamus," Sheila spoke up, "I couldn't help but notice you have a camera crew following you around. What's that about?"
"Ah, ya caught 'em." the Irishman chuckled, "Yeah, that's Kember and her cameraman, Joel. They have a show on the WWE's YouTube channel, WWEFanNation, called One Week With. . .Every week they follow a different Superstar or Diva and film what they do. This week they unfortunately got stuck with me."
Kimber laughed along with the DJs.
"Now I've seen Kimber on SmackDown and Raw." Tommy stated, "She's a backstage reporter, right?"
"Yeah." Sheamus murmured, a smile on his lips, his blue eyes soft.
"Why don't we get her in here." Sheila waved for Kimber to enter.
Kimber's eyes widened and she pointed at herself. They couldn't serious.
Sheamus leaned back in his seat and chuckled, enjoying her embarrassment.
"Come on in here, Kember." he waved her in, "Come say hi."
Kimber looked at Joel with an arched eyebrow. He was grinning at her. Clearly he wasn't going to help her out.
Heart pounding, she walked into the booth and over to Sheamus. He placed a hand on her back and rubbed it reassuringly. He could feel her shaking.
"Hi." she greeted them with a nervous laugh.
"Hi, Kimber." Tommy greeted her, "So Sheamus tells us your stuck with him for a week."
"Well, it's a tough job but somebody has to do it." she quipped.
They laughed and Sheila replied knowingly, "I don't know. I think I'd like getting to spend all my time with these big, strong, handsome men. Especially the handsome guy in our booth right now."
Kimber giggled, "Eh, he's okay."
Sheamus turned to her with and feinted hurt, "Yer breakin' me heart now, Kember."
Kimber and the DJs laughed.
"So who's been the toughest interview you've ever had." Tommy asked.
"Big Show." the reporter replied without hesitation, "He gave me a very hard time."
She looked over at Sheamus and couldn't help but beam, "But luckily Sheamus was there to help me out."
"All in a day's work." the Irishman winked, "Besides, any excuse Ah can get to mix it up wit' Show Ah'll take it."
"So I take it Sheamus has been your easiest interview?" Sheila grinned.
"I don't know." Kimber looked over at the redheaded man, "He definitely doesn't make it easy for me. He teases me quite a bit."
"Yer such an easy target, lass." Sheamus looked absolutely boyish, "Naw, she's a great interviewer. She's tough and she's always askin' great questions."
"Now, I don't mean to put you on the spot here, Kimber." Tommy replied good-naturedly, "But you look a little nervous being in here."
Kimber ducked her head as she felt her face begin to redden.
"I prefer to be the one asking the questions." she joked.
Sheila studied both wrestler and reporter for a few seconds. A Cheshire grin began to curve her lips.
She leaned into her mic, "Now, listeners, you can't see this but take it from me. Just looking at these two together, they look like a great couple."
Now it was Sheamus' turn to turn red and Kimber's eyes widened. They laughed nervously and looked at one another almost shyly.
Sheila picked up on their hesitance and she leaned in, studying them closely, "Are you two an item?"
"I-" Kimber began as Sheamus started, "We're not-"
They looked at one another and began to laugh, this time a little more easily.
"I'm just shadowing Sheamus for the week." Kimber stated, half truth, half lie, "Just for the show."
"But we are friends, though." Sheamus added, looking at Kimber with affection.
"He's right." Kimber agreed.
"Too bad." Sheila sighed, "Because you two look so cute together."
She turned her attention to Kimber and asked, "So, are you single, Kimber?"
"I. . ." Kimber's hands began to fidget in front of her, "I'm not seeing anyone."
"What about you, Sheamus?" the female DJ would not relent.
"I'm not dating anyone." Sheamus stated.
It was true. He wouldn't call what he and Kimber were 'dating'. It ran much deeper.
"Well I think you two should keep your options open." Sheila winked at them, "But just remember, ladies. The man said he was single."
It wasn't long until the interview drew to a close. After Sheamus took some photos and signed some autographs he, Kimber and Joel headed out.
"Ah, um, Ah'm sorry about that." Sheamus rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled weakly, "Ah'm sorry she put you on the spot like that."
Kimber shrugged good-naturedly, "It's all right. You don't have to apologize."
She bumped him with her arm and murmured, "She just happened to have good eyes, is all."
He looked down to find her beaming unabashedly. Chuckling, he slung an arm over her shoulder and led her out of the studio.
They climbed into the SUV and headed for the television studio. While they rode Kimber glanced over at Sheamus. He was leaning back in his seat, cap slung low over his eyes. He looked tired.
Just the sight of him caused her pride for him to go up another notch. He worked so hard in and out of the ring. He didn't get near the accolades that he should have.
She had the strongest urge to curl up against him, shut her eyes and join him in rest. But this wasn't the time or place. It was unfortunate, too, because he made almost too tempting a picture there.
They reached the station some twenty minutes later and climbed out. Unfortunately Joel wasn't permitted to film but he joined Kimber and Dale as they walked with Sheamus into the studio.
The moment they entered a tall, leggy blonde came slithering up to the wrestler, extending her hand.
"Sheamus, hello." she greeted him, her voice dripping honey, "I'm Ana Dawson, the host of Wake Up, Dayton."
"Hello, Ms. Dawson." Sheamus replied respectfully.
"Oh please, call me 'Ana'." the blonde grinned at him.
Kimber arched an eyebrow. She understood the woman's attraction. Who wouldn't be drawn to the gorgeous Irishman. But she didn't exactly like it.
Ana linked her arm through Sheamus' and led him onto the set. The Irishman looked over his shoulder at the reporter and gave her a wide eyed look, a wide grin dancing on his lips. Kimber couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle at his antics.
They took their seats and a makeup artist hurriedly rushed over, touching up the blonde. Sheamus got settled in his chair, his hands lightly drumming on the arm rests.
It was soon time to begin the show. Ana beamed into the camera lenses.
"Walk up, Dayton!" she chirped happily, "I'm Ana Dawson and today I have a very special guest. All the way from the WWE it's Superstar, Sheamus."
She turned, her perfectly styled hair flipping over one shoulder, "Good morning, Sheamus and welcome to the show."
"Thanks, Ana." he grinned, "Thanks for havin' me."
She leaned against the armrest closest to the Irishman, elbow on it and chin in hand as she regarded him thoughtfully, "Sheamus, why wrestling?"
Kimber turned her head and covered her mouth as she snorted. Was the woman serious? Who did she think she was? Barbara Walters?
Sheamus grinned, "Why not? Ah like to fight. The WWE is the place to do it."
"But isn't it too violent?" Ana inquired.
Sheamus chuckled, "Ah don't mind the violence, lass."
Ana straightened and beamed, "I just love your accent! Where exactly are you from?"
"Dublin, Ireland," the Celtic Warrior answered.
"And did you get your start there?"
"Ah actually got me start in a place called the Monster Factory in New Jersey-"
"The Monster Factory!" Ana shivered, "Ooh, sounds scary."
Kimber rolled her eyes.
"The only thing scary about it was the trainers." Sheamus joked good-naturedly, "Unfortunately Ah wasn't there long before Ah hurt my neck. Ah went back to Ireland and ended up at a place called Irish Whip Wrestling a few years later."
"And now you're back here and in the WWE." Ana replied, "And doing quite well for yourself. Let's take a quick look at one of your recent matches."
The monitor between their chairs instantly turned on, Sheamus' recent match against Cesaro playing.
Kimber couldn't help but flinch as she watched. She knew he was okay, but still seeing the way he and Cesaro had taken it to one another made her uneasy.
Sheamus glanced towards her, noting how troubled she looked. She caught his eye and offered a slight smile, one he easily returned.
The clip ended and Ana looked over at the redheaded man in wonder.
"Wow." she gushed, "You're just so strong! That was amazing!"
Sheamus shrugged and laughed, embarrassed, "It was a good match."
The interviewer again leaned forward, a lazy smile playing on her lips, "So, Sheamus, is there a special lass in your life?"
Before he could answer she trailed her index finger up and down his arm, "I imagine a man as handsome as yourself must have to fight the ladies off with a stick."
Kimber glared at the blonde. Could the woman be more obvious?
Sheamus rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head, "All of my time right now is focused on getting me World Heavyweight title back from the Big Show."
"And we wish you the very best of luck." Ana pulled back and beamed at the camera, "So, Sheamus, tell us about your show tonight."
Sheamus cleared his throat, grateful for the change in subject, "Tonight Ah'll be at Raw at the Nutter Center. It'll be meself, John Cena, CM Punk and Ryback in match. Kane and Daniel Bryan'll be there. Everybody should come and check it out. It'll be a great show."
"I know I'll be there." Ana said pointedly.
"Great. Great." Sheamus nodded, "You'll have a great time."
"And we're at commercial." the stage manager spoke up.
Ana and Sheamus rose from their chairs, the blonde extending her hand. Sheamus shook it but as he let go he noticed that she still had a hold of him.
"That's some grip ya got there, Ana." he winked at her, "Maybe you should consider being a wrestler, yerself."
Ana laughed throatily, "Is that an invitation, Sheamus?"
The Irishman felt his cheeks redden. He liked a woman who knew what she wanted but a woman desperately throwing herself at a man was always a turn off to him.
"I was hoping that maybe you and I could have a drink after the show." Ana leaned in closer and smirked, "And, if you liked, maybe I could make you breakfast."
"Ah, uh," Sheamus laughed and removed his hand from hers, "That's a nice offer but Ah'm afraid Ah'm gonna have to say no. But thanks anyway."
He turned from the startled blonde and made his way over to Kimber. She was staring at the interviewer in annoyance and Sheamus just grinned.
"So what did you think?" he teasingly asked as he approached.
"Oh, you're hilarious." Kimber rolled her eyes and wheeled around, starting to walk away.
She had only gone a couple of steps, though, when she felt his large arm slip across her shoulders and pull her tightly back to his side. She crossed her arms and glared up at him. He looked unabashedly pleased.
"Don' be jealous." he told her, his tone smooth and low and, unfortunately, making her toes curl, "She didn' even rate a second look."
"Are you sure?" she asked, fighting hard not to smile, "She was awfully pretty. And clearly. . .interested."
"She was all right." Sheamus shrugged, "But all of that was just makeup and fancy lightin'."
He leaned in closer, his blue eyes practically smoldering, and murmured, "Ah prefer a woman with natural beauty."
Kimber felt a blush warm her cheeks and her heart fluttered.
"But she was interested." she sighed nonchalantly, "You could have just said a word and she'd be yours."
He snorted, "And any other man, Ah suppose."
His hold on her tightened as he stated quietly, "A little aggression is sexy in a woman, sure. But Ah've always found a lady wit' a bit of class to be a bigger turn on."
Their gazes locked as he added meaningfully, "Besides, my tastes run more towards small brunettes wit' a little determination and who look cute when they're jealous."
He grinned and continued to lead her through the studio, "Now let's go get somethin' to eat. Ah'm starved."
Kimber walked with him, unable to keep the goofy grin off of her face. The man had too much charm for his own good.
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After breakfast Sheamus and Kimber found themselves at a local gym. Kimber and Joel had gotten some great footage of the Irishman lifting. Now, while he was finishing up his intense work out, she was taking advantage of the opportunity and spending some time on the treadmill with her iPod.
She closed her eyes and let the music wash over her, her pace quickening to the beat.
"Where there is desire, there is gonna be a flame. Where there is a flame, someone's bound to get burned." Pink sang in her ears, "But just because it burns doesn't mean you're gonna die. You've gotta get up and try try try. Gotta get up and try try try."
Kimber opened her eyes and let out a sigh. Leave it to Pink to hit the nail on the head.
She continued on, enjoying the feeling of strain and burn in her legs and thighs. For some people it might have been choir but for her it felt good. It let her know that she was actually making some headway.
Suddenly Natalya, Rosa and Alicia stopped in front of her. The three women picked up some weights and began to work out. It was all Kimber could do not to roll her eyes at them.
They began to talk but thanks to the music the reporter couldn't hear what they were saying. Part of her didn't care, but the other part, the nosy part, was dying to know what they were going on about.
I'm not going to do it, she told herself, I'm just going to ignore them and keep working out. Knowing those three, whatever they have up their sleeves can't be good.
The song finished up. Before it went to a new one, though, Kimber heard the sound of her own name.
Ignore them, she told herself even as she nonchalantly turned off the iPod and listened in.
". . .she's just so talented." Natalya was saying, her words dripping with condescension, "I don't understand why she has to use Superstars to further her own career."
Kimber kept walking, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"And she seems so nice." Rosa added with feint kindness, "She's always so friendly backstage. I mean, she's really friendly with Sheamus."
"Speaking of Sheamus," Natalya grinned, "We've been talking and I really think we're going to get back together. I mean, our last conversation was just. . .wow. I've never had such an intense conversation in my life. And, girls, he even started to cry a little. It was so sweet."
"Aww, that's great!" Alicia gushed.
"You deserve it, dulzura." Rosa beamed, "You and Sheamus were always meant for one another."
Kimber couldn't help but snort. Were they actually playing the mean girls right now? She'd never even had to deal with this type of stuff when she was in high school.
"I heard him on the radio this morning." Natalya clucked her tongue and shook her head sadly, "Too bad Kimber had to butt in on the interview. I felt so bad for him. I mean, she seems like such a great girl. She doesn't need to call attention to herself."
Okay, that's it, Kimber thought with a sigh as she pulled the ear buds out of her ears and turned on the machine.
She climbed off the treadmill and, slipping her hands onto her hips, called out, "Okay, ladies. You got my attention, just like you wanted. So lets talk."
The trio turned around, fixing her with innocent expressions.
"Oh, hi, Kimber!" Natalya beamed at the other woman, "I didn't see you there."
"Yeah, I'm sure you didn't." Kimber wasn't buying it, "Look, Natalya, if you have something to say to me then just say it. You don't need to dance around."
The blonde looked over at her friends with wide eyes, "Whatever do you mean?"
"Don't tell me you were eavesdropping on our conversation!" Rosa gasped, "Kimber, I thought you were better than that."
"Really?" Kimber chuckled coldly, "You're actually going to stand there and act like you weren't trying to get my attention by saying catty things about me."
"Oh, we weren't being catty." Natalya flashed a kind smile, "Kimber, you have us all wrong. We were just trying to be helpful. It's just that we like you so much. And we'd hate to see you, ya know, lower yourself."
"'Lower myself'?" Kimber repeated, "And how, exactly, am I doing that?"
The women exchanged looks before Natalya went on, "Well, this morning in that interview-"
"You mean the interview Sheamus called her into?"
The four turned to find Layla, Kaitlyn and AJ approaching.
"I heard the interview, too, Natalya." AJ informed her, "And you could tell that Kimber didn't want to do it. Sheamus was the one who brought her in."
"And that's what you're really jealous about." Layla added, "Because your ex, the guy you cheated on, remember, has moved on and it's driving you crazy."
"Yes, I'm working with Sheamus." Kimber stated, "But I'm also his friend. And I'm going to keep being his friend no matter what you say or think. So either deal with it or don't. I really don't care. Because it's not going to chance anything."
The trio's innocent appearances turned dour and they turned on their heels, marching off.
Kimber walked over to the Divas and smiled, "Thanks for your help."
"No problem." Layla grinned at the other woman, "I'm just sick and tired of those three acting like queen bees."
"By the way," Kaitlyn added with a wink, "Great interview this morning with you and Sheamus."
Layla and AJ chuckled and Kimber felt herself beginning to blush.
"Oi." Sheamus stated as he walked over to them, "What was that all about with Natalya?"
"Nothing." Kimber quickly told him, "We had a little exchange of words but it's over now."
The Irishman didn't look all that convinced but he let the matter dropped. He knew that Natalya had a vindictive streak and he just hoped his ex would get over it and let the matter go.
He wasn't entirely convinced, though.
.
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.
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"So what are you thought going into your match with Kaitlyn tonight?" Kimber asked.
Raw was in full swing that night and Kimber was interviewing Alicia before her match.
"The only thing I'm thinking about is how much I'm going to enjoy winning." Alicia announced, "Sure, Kaitlyn's tough. But I'm tougher. I know I'm gong to pin her in three seconds flat."
"Thank you, Alicia." Kimber replied automatically and started to walk away.
"Kimber?" the Diva called after her, causing her to stop in her tracks, "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Kimber sighed inwardly and turned around, eyebrow arched, "Yes, Alicia?"
Alicia approached her almost hesitantly, "Listen, I just wanted to apologize for what we said to you today at the gym. Honestly, we really didn't mean anything by it. Just a little good-natured teasing."
"Of course." Kimber replied dryly, "I'm sure that's all it was."
"And," the female wrestler went on with a smile, "I really respect you for standing up to us. It took a lot of guts."
"I appreciate that." Kimber told her, "Frankly, I'm willing to let bygones-be-bygones and move on."
"That's really nice of you." Alicia was practically beaming, "And, listen, a bunch of us are going out tonight. Why don't you join us?"
Kimber blinked, surprised by the invite. In fact, that was the last thing she would have expected.
Not that she would take her up on it. The truth was, she didn't trust those women as far as she could throw them.
"I appreciate the invitation." she replied, trying to choose her words carefully, "But I think I'm going to take a rain check. But thanks again."
If Alicia was surprised by her answer she didn't show it. Instead she just gave her a bright smile and nod.
Kimber bid the other woman goodbye and walked away.
She went a few feet when she heard the sounds of feet pounding on the cement floor. She wheeled around just in time to see some officials and security heading towards the parking garage. Curiosity got the better of her and she took off after them.
As soon as she entered the lot she came to a screeching halt, eyes widening in alarm.
Sheamus and Big Show were involved in a full on brawl right there in the lot!
The Irishman and the World's Largest Athlete were hammering one another with vicious blows. Sheamus ended up bulling Show into a white car parked a few feet away, the larger man slamming into it with unbelievable force.
As he went down to one knee the Celtic Warrior, bellowing, began to slam his fist into the other man's back again and again.
Show eventually staggered to his feet but Sheamus didn't let up. He continued to hit him as they made their way to the front of another vehicle.
The massive wrestler started to fight back and unexpectedly he grabbed a hold of Sheamus and threw him into the windshield of the car behind them.
"No!" Kimber shrieked in fear and took off for the fray, her mind screaming for her to go to the fallen man.
She was only able to go a few feet before one of the security guys grabbed her and held her back. Kimber tried to break free of his hold, but his grip was too tight. She had no choice but to stand by, shaking and feeling helpless, as she watched the scuffle.
Big Show was on his knees on the concrete, breathing heavily. Sheamus was still laid out on the hood of the car, the cracked windshield evident behind him.
He was looking up at the ceiling, his breath hissing between his grit teeth. Pain shot through his body, especially in his shoulder and back from where it had hit the glass.
He could hear a few of the officials asking him if he were all right. He would have laughed if he weren't in so much pain. Oh yeah. He was just fine. Thanks for asking.
Kimber looked back and forth between the two men. She was afraid they wouldn't get up. She was also afraid they would.
Big Show struggled to his feet and put his hoodie back on. He began to stagger away while Sheamus rose unsteadily on his knees.
Kimber wanted to go closer. She wanted to check him over and make sure he was all right.
She wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him tightly. God, he had scared her when he hit that shield!
Show walked around to the back of the car, leaning against it to either catch his breath, steady himself or both. As he did that Sheamus got to his feet and took off over the roof.
Kimber shook her head in disbelief, her hands flying to her mouth as the redheaded man launched himself off the trunk of the car and onto the larger man. He slammed him into another car before pounding on his back. Kimber's eyes widened when she discovered that that windshield was now cracked, as well.
Sheamus grabbed a hold of the back of Show's neck and slammed his head against the hood, the sound echoing over the lot. Bellowing, the Irishman did it twice more and the massive wrestler hit the ground with a 'thud'.
Not wasting any time, the redheaded man began to kick Big Show about his torso and side. Show turned to get away but that proved to be a huge mistake. It now gave Sheamus a new target. His deadly kicks were now leveled against the larger man's back.
As Big Show once again hit the ground Sheamus climbed on top of him, driving his fists again and again into the other man's face. . .