Kimber stood back and watched on as Sheamus got ready. It was almost time for SmackDown to begin and she and Joel were in the Celtic Warrior's locker room, filming him as he prepared.
The former World Heavyweight Champion was sitting on the floor, lacing up his boots. As he did so he looked over at her and grinned, giving her a wink.
Kimber bowed her head and smiled. She thought back to that morning and she felt her cheeks begin to redden and her stomach clench. She could still feel his hand touching her, bringing . . .she couldn't even describe the feelings he had brought out in her.
She just knew that she wanted to experience it again.
"I think we got it." Joel announced as Sheamus finished lacing up his boots and rose to his feet.
Kimber blinked, coming out of her thoughts. She sight reluctantly as she realized what was next for her.
"I better get going." she stated almost hesitantly as she walked over to the door.
"Where are ya goin', lass?" Sheamus asked, eyes narrowed in confusion.
"I need to go down to the ring for an interview." Kimber clarified, but didn't give any more information than that.
The Irishman picked up on it instantly.
"Who's the interview wit'?" he asked warily.
Fingers knotted in front of her, Kimber murmured, "Big Show."
Sheamus closed his eyes and counted to ten. Then he counted to twenty.
He opened them and glared at her. Nope, still angry.
"Why did ya wait till just now to tell me that?" he demanded.
"I just found out about it a few minutes ago, myself." the reporter objected, hands raised in front of her in mock surrender.
"Ah don' like it." Sheamus announced.
"Well I'm not too crazy about it, myself." Kimber shrugged, "But there's nothing I can do about it. I have to go."
"No, ya don'." he wouldn't let up, "Let Josh do it. Let Striker do it."
"Sheamus, no." Kimber argued, "I have to do it."
"Why?" the Celtic Warrior demanded, "Why does it have to be you?"
"Because it's my job." Kimber reminded him.
He began to smile coldly, "Kember Gentry, Ace Reporter."
"I'm just going to. . .yeah." Joel muttered as he slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kimber snapped, "What are you saying?"
At the moment he didn't say anything. Too angry to speak, he simply began to pace the room.
Kimber felt her own temper flaring and she stormed over to him, grabbing his arm. He stopped and wheeled around on her, glaring down at her. She met his angry gaze with one of her own, not backing down.
"This is my job, Sheamus." she stated evenly, "And it means as much to me as yours does to you. And if I have to go interview Big Show, because it's my job, then I'll do it."
When he still didn't say anything she threw up her hands in frustration and stomped over to the door.
"Wait!" he sighed, eyes closing as he tried to get a handle on his mood.
She turned and looked on as he bowed his head, rubbing the back of his neck. She could see he was struggling to control his temper and she felt her own dissipate, if only a little.
He opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on her, "Ah just don' like the idea of you puttin' yerself at risk."
She could hear the concern in his voice and the rest of her angry instantly left her.
She walked over to him and took his hand, "I know you don't like it. Like I said, I don't, either. But this is something I have to do. Look, if it looks like things are about to go south I'll leave the ring. Immediately. I promise."
She raised his hand and brushed it against her cheek, "Please try not to worry."
He stared down at her and felt his gut clench. How could they have become so connected in such a short amount of time. It should have been scary but the fact was it had been the easiest thing in the world to happen.
"The second it looks like he's goin' to try somethin'," he stated firmly, "Ah'm comin' down there."
"Okay." Kimber relented, knowing when to pick and choose her battles.
She turned and started to walk off when he took hold of her hand and tugged her back towards him.
"What-" she started to say before he lifted her up into his arms and ravaged her mouth with his own.
He couldn't help himself. Couldn't stop himself, really. His anger and the depths of his feelings for her were too much for him to contain. He had to kiss her. Her only hoped he didn't scare her off.
Of course, if the way she was gripping his hair and returning his kiss, fervor-for-fervor, were an indication, she was more than okay with what was happening.
It ended all too soon as he pulled back but kept his forehead pressed against her own. Their harsh breathing was the only sounds to be heard over the otherwise silent room. He could feel her shaking and he was pretty sure he was doing a little of that himself.
He had a wicked thought of throwing her over his shoulder and walking out of the arena with her, SmackDown taping be damned. But he knew she'd never go for that and after what had just happened he was in a mood to fight now anyway.
"So was this our first fight?" she asked, her voice breathless.
He chuckled before leaning up to plant a kiss on her forehead.
"Ah think so." he stated as he pulled back and grinned at her.
She returned the expression, eyes bright and cheeks flushed.
He reluctantly lowered her to the ground and took a step back, scrubbing his hand over his face.
"I liked making up." she told him with a sweet smile.
"Oh, angel." he assured her, his voice low and rough, "We haven' even begun to make up yet."
Kimber swallowed, curious about what he had in mind. She again flashed back to their morning together and anticipation welled up inside her. She wanted more of that. Maybe even push things a little farther.
She couldn't believe how much she had come out of her shell in such little time. She was like a blossom, opening at his touch.
"Ah'm sorry for the crack." he told her, "Ah know how important yer job is to you."
"Thank you." she appreciated that.
She gave him one last smile and left the locker room.
As she made her way down to ringside she felt her nerves begin to rise. She didn't want to in the ring with Big Show anymore than Sheamus wanted her to be in the ring with Big Show. She had actually thought about asking Matt or Josh to take over for her but had quickly vetoed the idea. She could do this. She wasn't going to let anyone or thing get in her way.
As soon as she stepped out onto the stage and began to make her way down the ramp the crowd began to cheer her. A few of them even chanted her name. Clearly they had seen what had happened on Raw and wanted to show her their support.
She found herself smiling, taken by their encouragement. As she reached the ring she found Josh waiting for her. He grinned and took her hand, helping up the steps and into the ring.
As he handed her the mic he leaned in and questioned, "Are you okay to do this?"
Kimber nodded, sure, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."
He gave her a pat on the back and started to exit the ring. He had just gotten onto the apron when Big Show's music hit.
Kimber looked up to the entrance with a frown. She knew that somewhere back there Sheamus was watching and waiting and that made her feel a little better. She just hoped there wasn't a need for him to come down.
Big Show was grinning as he made his way down to ringside. He slipped into the ring with ease and sauntered over to Kimber. She noticed that there were a few bruises marking his body from chair shots he had received at Survivor Series, not to mention from the brawl he had had with Sheamus the night before.
The reporter tried to appear nonchalant, but inside she shaking.
I'm not going to let him get to me, she told herself over and over again, I'm not going to let him get to me.
As the music died out Kimber jumped right in, "Big Show, everyone is buzzing about what you did to Sheamus at Survivor Series."
"And what did I do to Sheamus, Kimber?" the massive wrestler asked with a smirk.
"You interfered in his match with Alberto Del Rio." the reporter accused, "Why?"
"Why?" Show repeated with a grin/sneer, "Why do you think?
"For the past month that ignorant, pasty, Irish immigrant has been getting in my business." Big Show stated, "So I thought it was time I got into his."
"Which culminated in Sheamus hitting you with a steel chair thirty-one times." Kimber interjected, "Was it worth it, Big Show? And what happens now? You have to realize that Sheamus isn't going to let up on you now."
Big Show fixed his full attention on her, his features twisting into something darker, "Was it worth it? And you want to know what happens now?"
Kimber felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise. An immense feeling of dread welled up inside of her.
She started to take a step back when he reached out and wrapped his massive hand around her wrist, yanking her back to his side. Even though Kimber knew it was futile to try, she still struggled against him.
Show grinned down at her, "Like I said, Sheamus has been getting into my business. Now, I'm going to get into his. You and he are pretty close, aren't ya, angel?"
"Big Show. . ." Kimber continued to struggle, tears beginning to prick her eyes, "Big Show, please, don't."
Suddenly the Celtic Warrior came racing down to ring side, sliding into the ring. As Show released her Sheamus got to his feet and charged at the other man. They began to plow each other with blow after blow, the crowd cheering them on.
Kimber managed to slip out of the ring. She looked up at the fight in alarm.
Seconds later an endless amount of security hit the ring and struggled to break those two up. They eventually managed to get them into separate corners and then Booker T's music hit.
"Stop!" the SmackDown GM ordered as he stepped out onto the stage and began to make his way down to ringside, "Stop right now! Sheamus, Big Show, either one of you guys throw one more punch and I'll suspend the both of you."
Sheamus glared across the ring at the other man, breathing heavily. Show regarded him darkly but didn't make another move towards him.
"Sheamus," Booker T called out to the irate Irishman, "Sheamus, you've got to stop. After Survivor Series-that thing just totally broke down. You hit Big Show at least thirty times with that steel chair, man. He's banged up. He's bruised up right now."
"You saw what he did, Book, he deserved it." Sheamus contested, "So what is this now? Pity for the Big Show, is that what it is?"
"What about that parking lot brawl last night?" Booker challenged, "Look, Sheamus, before you do something you're gonna regret for the rest of your life-Look, tonight, I cannot let you compete."
The Celtic Warrior stared at the GM in irritation, "What?! You can' do that to me!"
Kimber looked over at him with concern. She couldn't believe Booker would do this.
Big Show began to laugh at the news. Couldn't have happened to a nicer fella.
"I cannot let you compete tonight." Booker went on, unrelenting, "But I'll tell you what. Survivor Series Big Show came in and interrupted your match with Albert Del Rio. Because of that, you deserve a rematch.
"So I'll tell you what. For the World Heavyweight Championship at TLC," Booker announced, "Chairs match."
At the announcement the fans cheered and a wide grin slowly came to Sheamus' face. He clearly loved the idea of that. Big Show appeared nonchalant, as though he had steel chair matches every day.
Kimber looked back and forth between the two men and shook her head. She turned and promptly headed towards the back.
Sheamus watched her go and, sending a parting glare to the Big Show, followed after her.
"Kember!" he called out as they made their way through the backstage area.
She drew to a stop and turned, waiting for him. He approached her, studying her. She tried to appear unaffected by what the GM had said, but Sheamus knew better.
"So do ya want to talk about it?" he inquired.
"I want," she replied as she started walking again, "To get Joel. I want to interview you and get your thoughts on Booker T's decision."
Sheamus growled as she hurried off to find her cameraman. He began to pace the length of the hallway, scrubbing a hand over his face.
Why was it always like pulling teeth with that one? She had to be the most stubborn, closed-off woman he had ever met.
Kimber returned a short time later, Joel in tow. He had the camera already rolling as they approached.
"Sheamus, what are your thoughts on Booker T's decision to have you and the Big Show compete in a chairs match at TLC?"
"Ya want to know how Ah feel?" he questioned, an evil grin slowly coming to his lips, "Ah feel great, lass. Ah can' wait to get in there, with the Big Show, with a steel chair, and get me title back."
"We're clear." Joel announced, lowering his camera, "Thanks, Sheamus. Have a good night."
"I better go, too." Kimber murmured and started to head off.
"No ya don'." Sheamus took her hand and led her into a deserted hallway.
He gently turned her around and cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. He studied her for a few seconds, trying to read her.
"Talk to me, Kember." he gently ordered her, "Don' go shuttin' down on me now. Not after what we did this mornin'."
Kimber felt her cheeks redden as she remembered back on their amazing morning together. What they had done. . .what she had felt. . .
"If this is goin' to happen," he went on, catching her eye, "We need to be honest wit' each other. Open up to me now."
"I can't." she found herself murmuring.
He turned away and sighed in irritation.
"Why not?" he demanded.
He couldn't understand it. How could she pull away from him now after what they had experienced?
Then it dawned on him. Maybe that was why she was doing it. Because of where they were heading.
She had to know it was eventually going to lead to him taking her to bed. That had to scare her. Maybe she felt like she had to pull back as a means to protect herself.
"I. . ." Kimber closed her eyes, she couldn't look at him as she said this next part, "I don't want you to worry about my feelings. Not when you have to face Show in a chairs match. The last thing you need to be thinking about is how I feel."
She let out a shaky sigh and tentatively wrapped her arms around him, holding him close to her.
He started down at her in disbelief. He began to stroke her hair and wondered how he could have been so wrong about her.
"I just want you to be safe." she murmured against his chest.
He pulled back and shook his head, smiling tenderly, "Well you feel like gettin' out of here? Since Ah have the night off and all."
Kimber began to smile and she nodded, "Sounds like a great idea."
.
.
.
.
.
They made their way back to his hotel room a short time later. Kimber looked around his room, her eyes falling on the bed.
His bed. . .
She turned around to find him leaning against the door, watching her with a intense gaze. Just the way he was looking at her made her shiver.
"Hi." she murmured as she took a step towards him.
"Hi." his voice was like velvet, soft and smooth.
He eased off the door and began to approach her. The closer he drew to her the more Kimber's anticipation was beginning to build. She wondered how far she would be able to take things. She sincerely hoped it was farther than this morning.
Ever since he had touched her she had fantasized about what it would be like to feel that warm, amazing mouth on her breast. The need to experience it was almost too much for her to bear.
He was almost to her, his hand reaching out to stroke her cheek, when her cell phone went off. Sheamus came to a stop and groaned, scrubbing a hand over his face.
"Ignore it." he stated as he lowered his hand and sent her a searing gaze.
"Let me just turn it off." Kimber stated with a slight smile as she dug into her purse and pulled it out.
She looked at the phone and her eyes lit up, the reporter turning to him and announcing, "It's my mom."
Sheamus sighed in regret. He wanted to continue. Did he want to continue! But it was family and that made it important in his book.
"Better get it." he exhaled and made his way over to the bed.
He leaned back against the headboard, feet propped up and ankles crossed as he watched her answer the phone. A smile instantly tugged at his lips as he watched the way her eyes shone with happiness as she spoke to her mother.
"Mom, hi!" Kimber gushed, "What's going on? Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, sweetie." her mother's warm voice filled her ear, "I was just wondering if you were going to be able to make it for Thanksgiving."
"Oh." Kimber's eyes flickered to Sheamus' face, the Irishman's brows knitting in silent question, "I would love to, Mom. But I'm working. I don't think I'll be able to make it for Thanksgiving."
"We get Thursday, Friday and Saturday off." the Celtic Warrior reminded her, "Ah don' see why you can' go see yer relations."
Kimber placed her hand over the mouthpiece and shrugged, "But our week together isn't over yet. That's not fair to the fans who wanted to watch a weeks worth of episodes of you."
"Ah don' want you to miss out on seeing yer family on account of me." Sheamus was adamant, "Family is important, Kember."
She looked absolutely torn on what to do. It was true that she loved her family and wanted to see them. Very much. They meant to the world to her.
But so did he.
And then she got an idea. She just hoped he would be on board with it.
She removed her hand from the phone and replied, "Can you hang on a second, Mom?"
"Sure, sweetheart."
She covered the phone again and asked him tentatively, "You wouldn't. . .I mean, you wouldn't mind if. . ."
He stood up and crossed over to her, curious, "Wouldn' mind what?"
"Well," she hedged, uncertain on how he'd take her request, "I don't know if you celebrate Thanksgiving or not-"
"Ah always celebrate getting to eat a big meal." he slowly began to grin as he realized where she was going.
Her smile came easier and she asked, "Would you like to come home with me for Thanksgiving?"
She quickly added, "It'll just be me, my mom and dad, brother, Derek, his wife, Mary, and their son, Dylan. If you don't want to, though, I completely understand and-"
He reached out and placed a finger against her lips, smirking, "Ah'd love to come home wit' you for Thanksgiving and meet yer relations."
She beamed behind his finger and uncovered the phone, "Mom, it looks like I can make it home after all."
"Wonderful!"
"Yeah." Kimber agreed, "Oh, and if it's not too much trouble, I'm bringing home a friend."
Sheamus' eyebrows quirked up at that. Friend was it?
"Great, sweetheart." her mother replied enthusiastically, "Is it Josh?"
"Uh, no." Kimber explained, "It's not Josh. It's actually my friend, Sheamus."
"Sheamus." her mother sounded thoughtful, "That names sounds familiar but I can't seem to place it. Do I know him?"
"Well, actually, he's one of the wrestlers." Kimber informed her.
"Oh."
There was something in the way she said that one word that made the reporter instantly nervous. She just hoped that her mother didn't have second thoughts about okaying the visit.
"Well, I can't wait to see you and meet your friend, Sheamus." her mother went on, her tone once again cheerful, "Call us later with your flight details."
"I will." Kimber promised, "My love to you and Daddy."
"I love you, too, sweetie. Goodbye."
Kimber hung up the phone and turned, finding the Irishman looking at her with an arched eyebrow.
"'Friend'?" he repeated with a slow smirk, "Is that all Ah am to ya, angel?"
Kimber found herself grinning as she eased up to him, "Oh, I don't know. I think you're pretty friendly."
His hands found their way to her waist and he pulled her closer. She came up on tip toe and tilted her head back, looking up at him with a charming smile.
"Ah can be pretty friendly right now." he murmured, "If you want."
Oh she wanted all right.
He started to lift her high into his arms when her phone went off again. This time he growled as he sat her on her feet and Kimber couldn't help but giggle.
"Sorry." she apologized as she hurried to answer it.
"If it's yer Da tell 'em Ah said 'hello' and to please get off the phone so's that Ah can kiss his daughter." Sheamus sighed as he once again took a seat on his bed.
Laughing, Kimber answered the phone.
She listened for a few moments before her smile faded away, concern taking it's place. At her expression the Irishman instantly stood and went to her side.
"Kember?" he asked in worry.
She held a hand up and listened for a few more moments before answering, "Okay. Okay, I understand. I'll be right there."
She hung up and turned to him, disappointed.
"Is everything all right?" he asked.
"That was Kaitlyn." Kimber sighed, "Layla was in a match with Eve and that witch knocked her off the apron after it was over. They think she might have broken her ankle when she hit the ground.
"Kaitlyn wanted to know if I could go to the emergency room and stay with her, then help her get back to the hotel." Kimber sighed, "I'm sorry, but I have to go. She's become a really good friend of mine-"
"No, Ah understand." Sheamus told her, "You go to her. Just call me and let me know how she's doin'."
"I will." the reporter gave him one last, regretful look before kissing his cheek and leaving the room.
Sheamus slumped onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling. While he was sorry Layla had been hurt, he couldn't help but be annoyed by her timing.
His mind went back to her phone call and worry began to pool in his stomach.
He was actually going to meet her family.
He scrubbed a hand over his face and sighed. This was a huge step.
Kimber had played it off like it was no big deal, but to him it was. A very big deal. Family was everything to him and more than anything he wanted to make a good impression on them.
He couldn't help but wonder who they were and what they were like. If they were anything like Kimber he was sure he'd like them instantly.
What if they weren't up to meeting a big, redheaded Irishman who liked to fight? What if they didn't like him?
.
.
.
.
.
Wednesday afternoon found Sheamus at a signing at a local auto show. Fans were lined up almost out the door to get a chance to talk to the Superstar, along with getting an autograph and picture.
Kimber was hanging back with Joel, taking it all in with a bright smile. She was so proud of him. The way he treated each and every fan as though they were something special. The way he talked to everyone, trying to making their experience as personable as possible. It was such a sight to behold.
A little boy, about eight or nine, approached the table. He had red, spiky hair, a red beard and was wearing one of Sheamus' 'Brogue Kick Hooligan' t-shirts. The moment the Celtic Warrior saw him he threw back his head and laughed.
"Class!" he stated as he stood up and shook the young boy's hand, "How are ya, fella? Ah love yer hair! Ah wish Ah could get mine to look that good."
The boy beamed with pride, his day clearly made, "Thanks, Sheamus."
Sheamus signed an autograph for him, took a picture, and told him goodbye.
"You were really great with him." Kimber stated as she approached the table.
"Ah, well, he was a great lad." Sheamus grinned up at her.
A murmur rose up from the crowd and Sheamus and Kimber looked for a cause. Sheamus' smile instantly died and he felt anger begin to rise up in his chest. Kimber looked over at him in worry.
"Oh no." she breathed.
The Big Show had entered the building. Grinning hugely, he began to make his way through the crowd and towards the table. As he walked people began to pull out their cell phones and record the scene, waiting to see what would happen next.
"Good afternoon there, fella." Show greeted him.
"What are ya doin' here, Show?" Sheamus asked quietly, trying to keep a tight leash on his temper.
He didn't want to start something there. Not with all the kids around. But he was prepared to throw hands with the arsehole should the need arise.
Show came to a stop about ten feet from the table. He was still grinning slyly.
"Just thought I'd come to look at the cars." he announced as he searched the room, "Maybe get an autograph and a picture."
"If you want an autograph Ah'll be happy to sign yer face wit' me fist." Sheamus threatened.
"Ooh!" the crowd chorused, a few of them cheering and chanting Sheamus' man.
He paid them no heed, though, his attention fully on the large man before him.
"Please don't do this." Kimber spoke up, "Not here. Somebody could get hurt."
"Oh somebody is gonna get hurt, Kimber." Show nodded in Sheamus' direction, "Your boyfriend, to be exact."
"Ya want to take it outside?" Sheamus asked as he began to walk around the table.
"Sheamus, no!" Kimber stepped in front of him, hands on his chest, "Please don't do this. Not here. Wait until TLC. You can have your chance then."
He looked down at her pleading face, conflicted. He wasn't one to back down from a fight. But she did have a point. There was a time and place for everything and this wasn't the place for what he wanted to do to the Big Show.
He closed his eyes and inhaled. He hated the fact that he had to relent. Especially when everything in him was screaming for him to fight.
"Yer right." he opened his eyes and told her, not happy to admit it, "This isn't the place."
His gaze landed on the massive wrestler and constricted, "Yer time is comin', Show. But not here."
"I just wanted to tell you it's not too late to back out." Big Show informed him.
"Not a chance." Sheamus grinned, "Ah'll see ya at TLC."
"It's your funeral." Show snorted and walked away.
It wasn't until he was out of the room that Kimber allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. She and Sheamus looked at one another, sharing a long stead gaze. She knew what this had cost him but she couldn't have been more proud of him for doing the right thing.
She placed a hand on his chest and offered him a small smile. He returned it as he reached out and patted her hand.
"Sheamus-" she began but he cut her off.
"Ah know what yer gonna say, Kember." he told her quietly.
She leaned up, bringing her face close to his, and murmured with conviction, "Kick his ass at TLC."
The Celtic Warrior began to grin. That was his girl!
"Look at ya, you hooligan." he laughed jovially, patting her on the back.
She grinned and moved out of the way, allowing him to continue the signing.
"Okay, who's next?" he stated as he pulled away and returned to his seat.
Kimber walked back over to Joel, who was still rolling.
"I got all of it." the cameraman stated, eye still glued to the viewfinder, "It's gonna make a hell of a segment on the show."
"Great." Kimber retorted dryly.
A man, about twenty-five or so with long, dark brown hair and deep brown eyes, stepped up to the table and handed Sheamus a picture.
"Hey, fella." the Irishman greeted him warmly, "How are ya today?"
"Great, thanks." the guy stated.
Sheamus took the picture and began to sign it, "So who would you like me to make this out to?"
"Uh, Jackson." the man said, his gaze wandering over to where Kimber was talking with Joel.
"That's Kimberlynn Gentry, right?" he asked.
Something about his tone of voice caught Sheamus' attention. He finished signing the picture and studied the younger man carefully.
"Yeah." he muttered, pensive, "She's wit' me."
The man turned back to him in surprise and the wrestler clarified, "She's followin' me around for the week for her show."
Jackson once again fixed his gaze on her and sighed, "She's beautiful. Even more beautiful in person."
"Here ya go. Thanks for comin' out, fella." Sheamus stated as he handed the picture back.
The fan took it but didn't move aside. Instead he leaned over and asked quietly, "Is she seeing anyone?"
Yeah. Me. Sheamus wanted to tell him.
"Ah don' think it's any of my business." he said pointedly, hoping the guy with take the hint.
"Oh. Sure. Sure." Jackson slipped the photo into a folder and started to walk away, "Thanks again, Sheamus."
"Yeah." Sheamus all but growled before turning his attention to the next fan in line.
". . .So I think we should follow it up with an interview with Sheamus." Kimber was saying to Joel, "Get his take on what Big Show did."
"Sounds good." Joel agreed.
"Excuse me."
They turned, noticing a man with long brown hair standing behind them. He was staring intently at Kimber.
"Yes?" she asked with uncertainty, disliking the way he was looking at her.
"Kimberlynn Gentry." even the way he said her name made her feel uneasy.
"Yes. Hello." Kimber nodded, hoping he would go away.
"So, Kimber," Joel jumped in, trying to make the guy think they were in the middle of something, "I think we should get the shot-"
"You are so beautiful." the fan stated, taking a step closer.
"Thank you." Kimber murmured, trying to remain polite but not wanting to encourage him in any way, "That's very kind of you. If you'll excuse me, though, I just need to go over a few things with my cameraman."
As she started to turn away he reached out and grabbed a hold of her arm. Kimber instantly spun around, trying to yank free from his hold. The crazed look in his eyes frightened her more than his grip on her.
"Hang on a second." Jackson laughed nervously, "Just talk to me for a minute."
"Let me go!" she all but shrieked as she fought to free herself.
"Hey, I just want to talk to you!" the guy yelled, eyes flashing, "Can't you take a minute to spend a little time with a big fan of yours?"
"Let her go." Joel started to make a break for him when suddenly a large, pale hand got there first.
The hand grabbed a hold of the man's wrist and wrenched his hand free. He was spun around and came face-to-face with a very fearsome Sheamus.
"What's yer problem?" he asked in a low voice, "Can' you take 'no' for an answer?"
"I just wanted her to sign an autograph. Maybe take a picture." the man spat, trying to pull free, "It's the least she could do. Come on, man, she owes me!"
"She doesn' owe you shite." the Celtic Warrior growled as he shoved the man towards oncoming security, "Here, take him. Hold him until the police come."
"Police?!" the guy screamed, "What for? I didn't do anything to her."
"But Ah'm sure you would have, if you'd had the chance." Sheamus accused.
The security led the man away, Jackson protesting the entire way.
The wrestler turned back to Kimber, hands on her shoulders as he checked her over.
"You okay?" he questioned her gently.
Kimber nodded, although she was still shaken up over the encounter.
"Have you received any more letters?" Sheamus asked and she shook her head.
"No, no they go through the company now." she told him, "I was told that two more were sent. The cops looked into them but they haven't turned up any leads. In fact, they were mailed in Connecticut."
"That was smart of him." Sheamus replied grudgingly, "Sendin' ' em from the same state the WWE is based at."
"Crazy, not stupid." Kimber murmured, shivering involuntarily.
"Do you wonder if that was him?" the Irishman bobbed his head towards the direction security had taken Jackson, "Because if it was, Ah wish Ah would have gotten a few more minutes wit' him. Alone."
Kimber reached out and placed a hand on his arm, giving it a squeeze, "I don't. He didn't mention anything from the notes."
"He didn' have much time to." Sheamus reminded her.
Kimber shook her head, "No, I just don't think it was him. The man who sent this letters-he. . .there's something poetic about him. Something smooth, as crazy as that might sound. That guy? He was aggressive, pushy."
She rubbed her eyes, suddenly feeling very tired, "I don't know. I don't think I'm explaining it right."
He took in her weary expression and suggested, "Why don' Ah get you out of here."
"No." Kimber opened her eyes and shook her head, "No, I want to stay. You haven't finished with the signing yet."
"You sure?" he offered a charming smile, "Say the word and we'll leave."
"No, we should stay." Kimber wasn't about to let that creep run her off.
"Okay." the Celtic Warrior reluctantly left her side and returned to the table.
Kimber turned back to Joel and announced with a sigh, "Joel, lets get back to work."