Kimber shuffled out of her bedroom the next day, her eyes staring out over her apartment pensively. She was back in Denver; back home.
Except, for some reason, it didn't feel like home.
Being with Sheamus, that was home. Being with her friends and co-workers, that was home. Being out on the road, that was home.
Right now, being back at her apartment. . .it felt more like a layover than anything.
She didn't know what to do.
Everyone kept telling her to take some time for herself. To take a step back and collect her bearings before figuring out what to do next. But she was at a loss, unsure of what to do next.
She took a seat on her couch, leaning back against the cushions and closing her eyes. She knew what she wanted to do. But that was no longer an option for her.
She had a list of things to do, mundane errands to run, but the truth was she just couldn't find the motivation to start it.
The last thing she wanted to do was give into self pity and hole up in her bedroom, but she could feel the dark pull of it. It would have been so easy to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over her head, and stay there. Sleep and forget everything around her. Hibernate.
Hide away.
A frown crossed her lips. That's what it really was. Hiding out. Hiding away from the world and reality.
She had done that for six long months after her attack. She had almost gave in completely to despair. Become a shell of her former self. Given up on life.
The thought of doing so again frightened her. Frightened her and made her angry.
She wasn't a victim. She wasn't one to roll over and die.
She had lost her dream job, yes, but people lost their jobs every day. There was still so much for her to be thankful for. She still had the love and support of her wonderful family. Amazing friends who had always been there for her whenever she had needed them.
A smile began to form on her lips.
Not to mention the love of an extraordinary man. A man who was warm and giving, charming and funny, protective and made her feel safer than she had ever felt in her life.
The fact that he was absolutely beautiful with a body to die for didn't hurt, either.
Her thoughts stayed with Sheamus for a few more minutes. He was never one to roll over and give up. Even when he lost he would just pick himself up and continue on. Keep fighting. That was who he was. One of the best parts of him.
He was a fighter and if there was one thing he had inspired in her, was to fight.
She took a deep breath, resolve beginning to flow through her body. With a renewed sense of self-preservation she rose to her feet and made her way back into her bedroom. The day wasn't getting any longer and there were plenty of things to do. She needed to get dressed and get started.
She emerged from the bathroom a good thirty minutes later, now dressed and purse in hand. As she walked into the living room to retrieve her shoes she heard the landline phone begin to ring.
Thinking it was probably Cass or her parents she hurried over to pick it up. Her eyes instinctively flew to the caller ID, though, stopping her in her tracks. The name listed on it caused her heart to race, her hand in mid reach for the phone to shake slightly.
It couldn't be.
Swallowing, she answered, her tone slightly shaky with nerves, "Hello."
"Kimberlynn Gentry?" came the slightly Southern voice of the one and only Dixie Carter, owner of Impact Wrestling.
"This is she." the former reporter still couldn't believe it.
"Kimberlynn," the wrestling owner greeted her warmly, "I'm so glad I was able to catch you at home. I apologize for the unexpectedness of my call, but I just couldn't sit idly by when I heard you had parted ways with the WWE."
Kimber flinched at her words. She knew that the Impact owner meant no disrespect, but the wounds were still too fresh.
"First, I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with your commentary on SmackDown." Dixie went on, launching into what was clearly a presentation, "I thought you brought a fresh prospective to the table. One that I believe has been sorely lacking for a long time."
"I appreciate that." the former reporter sincerely told her.
"I'm sure you've probably figured out why I called," Dixie told her with a small laugh, "So I'll get right to the point. I would love for you to come aboard and be a commentator here at Impact Wrestling. After your ninety-day-no-television clause has ended, of course.
"I think you would fit perfectly with Impact's style." the owner went on, "And I'd like you to know that you would have free reign over what you say. We at Impact don't like to pigeon hold our commentators."
Kimber slowly sank into a nearby chair. Impact Wrestling wanted to hire her to be a commentator for them? She was absolutely floored.
"I. . ." she looked around the apartment in shock, "Honestly, I don't know what to say."
"Please consider it." Dixie implored her, "Kimberlynn, you have a lot of talent and it would be a shame to waste it."
"Thank you, Ms. Carter." Kimber's mind was racing, "That means a lot to me."
She would be lying to herself if she didn't admit she was flattered over the praise. And the idea of getting to be an announcer, to fulfill her dream, was everything she had ever wanted.
Impact was starting to come into their own. Granted, they weren't on the same scale as the WWE, but that's not to say they wouldn't get there someday.
She owed the WWE, and especially Vince, nothing. Not after he so cruelly and callously fired her. It was perfectly within her rights to find work elsewhere. If that elsewhere happened to be their competition, well that wasn't her problem.
But still, the idea of going to work for their competitors just left an awful taste in her mouth. She couldn't shake the feeling that if she accepted the job she would be a traitor.
"Ms. Carter," she took a deep breath, hoping she was doing the right thing, "While I appreciate the offer-and I do, more than you'll ever know-I just can't accept. Right now I think it would best for me to take a step back and take some time to figure out what it is I want to do."
"I understand." she could hear the disappointment in the other woman's voice, "But just know that the offer still stands. If you ever wish to come to Impact please don't hesitate to call me. Like I said, we would love to have you aboard."
"Thank you." Kimber told her, "That means a lot to me."
She bid her goodbye and hung up the phone. The former reporter let out a sigh, fingers nervously locking and unlocking in front of her. Had she made a mistake? Should she have taken Dixie up on the offer?
But even as she wondered, her answer was clear. No. She couldn't have done it. She knew that her heart wouldn't have been in it.
The only place she had ever wanted to be an announcer was in the WWE. And maybe she was being stubborn, but if she couldn't be an announcer there then she wouldn't be an announcer anywhere.
She blinked, coming out of her thoughts. Now wasn't the time to dwell. She had things to do.
Rising, she slipped on her shoes, grabbed her bag, and made her way out of the apartment.
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Sheamus prowled the halls of the arena Raw was taking place in that night. He was a man on a mission.
He had spoken to Kimber every day for a week and each time it had gotten harder and harder to say goodbye to her. He wanted her with him. There. Now.
She had told him about her job offer with Impact. While he had been happy that she was getting the recognition she deserved, he had been relieved when she told him she had turned the offer down.
Maybe he was a selfish bastard, but he wanted them together in the same company.
He continued on, his eyes landing on the closed office door where Triple H was holding court that night. He sent a sharp rap against it and waited.
Almost immediately he heard the call of, "Come in, Sheamus."
The Irishman's brows knit. How did he know who was there?
As he stepped inside he found the Executive Officer at his desk, smiling wryly as the redheaded man entered.
"I figured you'd be here sooner or later." Triple H clarified, "And, no offense, but you have a distinctive knock."
"Does Kember have her job back or not, fella?" he got right to the business at hand, shoving aside the pleasantries.
He could tell by the way Triple H cringed slightly that the answer would be something he didn't want to hear. He turned away, muttering curses in Gaelic under his breath as he did so.
He scrubbed his hands over his face as he fought to get control of his raging emotions.
"I tried." Triple H told him, "Honestly I did. But Vince couldn't be swayed. I tried telling him how much the WWE Universe loves her, how much they loved having her on commentary, but he just wouldn't hear of it. He's still pissed off that it wasn't his brilliant idea to put her out there."
"This is ridiculous!" Sheamus muttered, eyes constricted, "That's it. Ah'm done playin' it yer way. Ah'm gettin' on the phone wit' him and demandin' he bring her back."
"And how do you think that's going to end for you, fella?" the Executive Officer replied sarcastically, "I'll tell you what'll happen. You'll be sent to NXT faster than you can say 'Top of the mornin'', that's what. Goodbye rematch with Big Show. Goodbye title shot. Hell, you won't even get a chance at Ryder's Internet Championship. Do you want that?"
Sheamus glared at him but refused to speak. The truth was, there was a large part of him that didn't care. Let Vince do his worst, he'd deal with it.
"What would Kimber say to this?" Triple H hit below the belt with that crack, but it successfully did the job.
Sheamus turned away, raking his hands through his wild hair. He let out a sigh as they fell to his sides. He could just imagine how hurt and disappointed she would be. Not to mention how guilty she'd feel.
"If it makes you feel any better," the Executive Officer went on, "Steph is a big supporter of Kimber's. She's going to keep working on Vince. If anyone can get him to crack, it'll be her."
"All right." Sheamus nodded, but didn't turn to face the other man, "All right. Keep me posted."
"Will do, buddy." Triple H promised him.
Without another word the Irishman left the office. As he stalked back up the corridor he felt his anger threatening to erupt. He couldn't believe this was happening.
And that there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He could feel the helplessness welling up inside of him and it only fueled his rage. He hated that feeling. Hated it more than he could say. It was the same kind of feeling he used to get when he was being bully as a child and he promised himself he would never feel that way again.
But what could he do? Vince was determined to stick to his guns, stubborn areshole that he was.
He believed that Triple H and Stephanie would do all they could to help Kimber, but for him that wasn't enough. He couldn't wait. He had to do something now.
As he made his way back to the main corridor of the venue he spotted John and AJ up ahead. The pair, who had been smiling and talking to one another, noticed him and instantly sobered. Sheamus nodded towards his locker room and they instantly followed after him.
He was just about to reach it when he spied Layla and Kaitlyn coming from the other direction. The two Divas locked eyes with him and promptly joined him when he motioned for them to do so.
Once all five were in the locker room Sheamus closed the door and leaned against it, inhaling.
"So what's going on?" John got right to the point.
"Ah just talked to Hunter." the Celtic Warrior announced, his tone making it clear what the end result was before he even said it, "Vince has refused to hire Kember back."
That was met with groans and protests from the others.
"This is so unfair!" AJ snapped.
"I can't believe this." Layla threw up her hands in disgust, "I can't believe he's acting this way all because she didn't get his approval first."
"And it's not even like she went out there and screwed up." Kaitlyn added, "She was actually good."
"That's probably why he's so bent out of shape." AJ interjected, "Because she was so good and he wasn't the one to discover her. You know how he is."
"Unfortunately, they have a point." John arched an eyebrow at Sheamus, "Vince hates it when someone gets over without his help."
"Ah know." the Irishman nodded, "Triple H said he and Stephanie were gonna keep workin' on him. But that could take weeks or months. We need to do somethin' now."
"We're all ears." John stated, "What do you have in mind?"
"Yeah." Layla agreed, "What do you need us to do?"
"It's gonna have to take more than just us." Sheamus began to grin, the expression sly, "We need as many people as we can get for this to make an impact. . ."
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Kimber watched as the Florida countryside came up to meet the plane. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the knowledge that she was going to be with him again. Soon.
A week and a half. She hadn't seen him in a week and a half and it felt as though it had been years.
She opened her eyes, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach and she wanted to laugh at herself. Why was she so nervous? This was Sheamus.
But even as she thought that, she knew she had already answered herself. Because it was Sheamus. Because he meant that much to her.
Her nerves seemed to go up tenfold when the plane landed and she began to make her way off and towards the terminal.
As she walked through the tunnel and towards the airport her heart began to pound against her ribs. She could see Sheamus up ahead, looking so handsome that he practically took her breath away. He was donning jeans, a blue button down, sleeved rolled up over his impressive forearms, black vest and black soft cap completely the look.
In his hand was a small sign that said 'Gentry' and Kimber couldn't help but giggle at that.
The moment she emerged from the tunnel his eyes landed on her, the blue depths darkening. He felt lust begin to stir in his gut and it was all he could do not to ravage her right then and there.
She was wearing a pair of khakis and simple auburn blouse, hair in a ponytail, but she could have been standing before him naked for how much she was turning him on at that moment.
A week and a half. He had been without her for a week and a half. It had been torture, pure and simple. It had left him feeling angry and frustrated and unfortunately those emotions had been taken out on his opponents in the ring.
He tossed the sign over his shoulder without a backwards glance and advanced on her. She hurried to meet him and soon they were back again in each other's arms, holding tightly onto one another.
"I missed you." she whispered in his ear as he lifted her up into his arms.
"Jaysus , Ah missed you." he muttered, face buried in the crook of her neck, his arms tightening deliciously tight around her.
They held one another for several more moments, enjoying the feel of each other, before he reluctantly sat her down. Hand firmly in his own, he hurried her through the airport to collect her bags and head back to his place. He needed her. Now.
On the drive back she slid across the seat, lips trailing over his neck. She couldn't get enough of kissing him. Tasting his skin. She wanted him so much. A week and a half had been much too long.
Sheamus inhaled deeply, fighting to keep his eyes on the traffic and not accidentally plow them into a bus. Everything in him was screaming for him to pull the SUV over and have his wicked way with her right there by the side of the road. Especially when her tongue came out to lave at his flesh, causing a growl to erupt from deep within his chest.
But the desire to take her in his own bed proved to be too great and he continued on back to his house. Though the effort to do so nearly killed him.
They reached his house after what seemed like hours, her bags forgotten as they rushed inside.
Kimber stepped deeper into the foyer, turning to watch him anxiously as he closed the front door and leaned back against it. For several moments he simply stood there and watched her, studying ever inch of her and adding it to memory.
The former reporter felt her breathing grow shallower as he began to slowly stalk towards her. The look on his face, so intense, so aroused, brought a familiar ache between her thighs and her body began to tremble.
"Do you want another tour of my house?" he asked, voice low and rough with passion.
Kimber offered a hint of a smile and murmured, "I'd love a tour of your bedroom."
"Oh Ah think that can be arranged." Sheamus chuckled before swooping in and throwing her over his shoulder.
Kimber squealed and began to giggle as her boyfriend briskly made his way up the stairs and towards his bedroom. He entered, kicking the door closed behind him.
The former reporter barely gave the room a second look as he removed her from his shoulder and she slid down the length of his body. The Celtic Warrior hissed at the friction, his hands clasping her hips and pulling her flush against him.
Kimber shivered, her breathing shaky, as she felt his arousal pressing against her belly. She looked up at him with desire and love and reached out, clasping his cheek. He turned his head slightly, pressing kisses against her palm.
"Yer so beautiful." the Irishman murmured as his eyes traced every inch of her face.
Kimber didn't speak. She simply pulled him down to her for a frenzied kiss. Breath mingled, tongues stroked. They endlessly fed from one another's lips.
Soon he had her in his arms, carrying her over to his bed. He gently laid her in the center before following her down, his body resting above her own. He held himself up on his forearms, hands holding her head in place as he continued to dominate her mouth.
He couldn't get enough of tasting her but he wanted more. His lips left hers to trail along her jaw, moving down to her neck. He licked along her pulse point before nipping at the point where neck and shoulder met.
Kimber whimpered and turned her head, planting kisses against his temple. She buried her fingers in his spiky hair, holding him to her. As he continued to lave and caress her neck his hands reached down, undoing the buttons on her shirt.
Soon he was sitting up, pulling her up with him. He had her shirt off in moments, tossing it over the side of the bed before grasping her by the hips and raising her up on her knees. His lips locked onto the flesh of her breasts that spilled over the cups of her bra, loving it with tongue and teeth. His arms came around and soon he had her bra undone, the garment joining the shirt on the floor.
When his mouth closed over one taunt peak Kimber let out a gasp. As he began to suckle the tip she started to moan. She felt Sheamus hand close around her other breast, fingers kneading the flesh and it sent a shot straight to the apex between her thighs.
His mouth claimed the other breast just when she thought she would go mad. He laid her back on the bed and began to make his way down her stomach, licking and tasting at her flesh.
While he devoured it he made short work of her pants and underwear. Soon she laid before him, completely bare.
Sheamus leaned back and looked at her, taking in every inch of her. He would never get tried of staring at her. Never. He now understood why people spent hours studying the great works of art. But he'd be hard pressed to ever find any piece of art that could rival her beauty.
Kimber regarded him with lust filled eyes. She felt another tremor race through her body as his eyes landed on the curls that hid her sex and he licked his lips.
"Ah want to taste you." it wasn't a request.
He moved off of the bed, bringing her down to the foot. Draping her thighs across his broad shoulders, large hands gripping them, he forwent the seduction and buried his mouth against her center.
Kimber was arching off the bed in moments, neck tilted back and eyes slamming shut. Moans worked there way from her throat as he devoured her, lapping at her juices.
"Sheamus." she breathed, her voice gaining in volume, "Sheamus. Sheamus!"
He nipped at her sensitive bud before tracing it with his tongue. He continued to alternate the actions, again and again until the pressure began to build within her and her body began to shiver.
Then she felt herself shatter, fireworks going off behind her eyes as her orgasm hit her hard. A moan was ripped from her lips, echoing over the bedroom.
As she began to come down she felt him crawling up the bed, helping her make her way back to the head. When she finally opened her eyes she found him above her, staring down at her with a grin, clearly proud of himself.
"Ah love to hear me name on yer lips, angel." he admitted, voice rough with passion.
She grabbed him, yanking him down for a kiss and tasting herself on said lips. It was the best aphrodisiac she could have had.
Kimber sat up, pulling on his arm to get him to sit up, as well. She wanted him naked, she wanted to look upon his glorious body again.
She grabbed a hold of his vest, quickly undoing the buttons. Soon his shirt followed. With heady eyes she yanked the garments off of his massive shoulders and down his powerful arms. The second the fabrics left his body he pulled her back to him, arms crushing her to his chest as his mouth ravaged hers.
Eventually Sheamus fell back onto the bed, Kimber across his chest. She left the warmth of his lips to trail open mouthed kisses down his neck and over his chest. As her tongue snaked out to curl around his nipple the Celtic Warrior rumbled deep in his chest, fingers flexing against her hips. She continued to love his pecks before ghosting kisses down each one of his perfect abs.
As she reached his belt buckle she slowly looked up at him. Their gazes locked and held for several moments. With a smirk, her eyes trailed back down to wash over his erection as it pressed against his jeans.
Sheamus grit his teeth as his length seemed to harden even more, pushing painfully against the confining denim.
Kimber licked her lips, a sexier sight the Irishman had never seen before, and she began to undo his belt. He all but breathed a sigh of relief as she unbuttoned his jeans and yanked down the zipper. The former reporter took hold of the denim and underwear beneath and pulled them over his hips and down his thick legs. Sheamus helped her and soon his clothes joined hers on the floor.
As Kimber righted herself her eyes landed on his impressive body. He was so beautiful. The realization of it always hit her, as though she were only seeing him for the first time. She knew she would never get tried of looking at him.
Her gaze traveled to his length, standing tall and rigid away from his body, the head already glistening. At the sight of it something came over her.
Tentatively she reached out and stroked it with her hand. She felt him hiss and her eyes instantly darted to his face. He was watching her intently, lids hooded, concentration etched in his features.
She turned back to his erection and involuntarily licked her lips. At that moment, more than anything, she wanted to taste him. She had never done it before, in fact the idea of doing so had never appealed to her. But she wanted to with him. She wanted to love every inch of him.
Her gaze, shy, returned to his again and again as she leaned over, taking him in her hands. She looked up at him through her lashes and she reached out and swirled her tongue around the tip.
Sheamus grunted, the sound turning to a groan as her hot mouth closed around his hard length. Instantly his hands found their way to her hair, holding her in place as she began to alternate between licking up and down his erection and taking it fully into her mouth.
Again and again her lips closed around him, sucking, taking him deeper into the hot contours of her mouth.
Sheamus began to feel a tightening in his gut. The way she was working him, coupled with the fact that it had been so long since they had been together, he knew it wouldn't be long now.
"Kember." he ground out, giving her hair a tug to pull her back, "Kember, stop, angel."
But she didn't. She continued her ministrations. She wanted to give him the same pleasure he had given her.
"Kember." he repeated, hands moving to her underarms.
He tugged again and she released him with an almost pop. As he pulled her back up his body she stared at him with equal parts confusion and uncertainty.
"Did I. . ." she glanced down at his chest, cheeks beginning to redden, "Did I do it wrong? I-I'm sorry, I've never done it before."
She felt his hand cup her chin, forcing her face up so that she could meet his eyes. The expression he was giving her was one so tender and yet filled with so much passion.
"Ya did it perfectly." he told her, tone deep, "Too perfect. Ah wasn't goin' to last much longer if you kept that up."
"And that's bad?" her innocence beguiled him.
"It is if Ah want to come inside you." he stated, earning him a shy duck of the head and a smile from his girlfriend.
He reached over to his bedside table, picking up the condom wrapper. He had it opened and his length sheathed in seconds. He started to reach for her, to have her straddle across his hips when she pulled away.
Before he could ask she planted a kiss on his lips and moved to his side on the bed. She laid down and looked up at him, her green depths filled with love and trust.
"I want you." she whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I want all of you. Make love to me, Sheamus."
Sheamus paused, surprised by her words, and he asked hesitantly, "You sure?"
Every time before had been with her on top and in control. The fact that she was willing to let him take the lead meant more to him than he could say. She loved and trusted him completely. The thought made his heart swell.
"I'm sure." she reached over and began to tug at him, trying to get him to lay over her, "Make love to me, Sheamus."
He needed no further prompting as he rolled over, gathering her in his arms. The kiss he placed on her lips was both passionate and filled with devotion.
"If you need to stop, let me know." he assured her as he stroked her cheek, "Ah want it to feel good for you, Kember. Feel right."
"It will." she promised with a loving smile, "It'll be with you."
Another swift kiss and he gently slipped between her legs. She offered no hesitation, her thighs straddling his hips instantly.
Slowly, carefully, he began to ease into her. Kimber breathed against the pressure filling between her legs as she took him fully into her.
"All right?" he asked her.
She nodded, going so far as to offer a smile.
Hands braced on her hips he began to move within her, his strokes long and languid. Kimber sighed at the feel of him, her hands moving from his shoulders to his own hips. Her thighs squeezed him and he felt his tempo begin to increase. She joined him, their bodies moving together in perfect rhythm.
She felt so good, so tight around him. Her tight, wet sheath caused him to move deeper, his thrusts gaining in volume.
Kimber let out a moan, he was hitting all the right spots within her. But still, she could still feel him holding back. He was so afraid of hurting or frightening her and she needed to let him know that wasn't the case.
She leaned up, whispering in his ear, "All of you, Sheamus. Don't hold back. Love me."
His gaze locked with hers, teeth grit as his body worked with hers. He wanted to. He wanted to let go, lose control, and love her with every part of himself. But he was still so worried. . .
Kimber could sense his reluctance and she kissed him, fierce and urgent.
"Take me, my beautiful warrior." she breathed against his lips, "Take me."
That did it. Hearing those words was like cutting the bonds that held his control in check. With those bonds now gone Sheamus was now free to give all of himself to her. To love her like he had always wanted. With his whole heart and soul.
His thrusts grew stronger, harder, as he pounded into her. Kimber clung to him, moaning as the sensations began to build within her. His lips found hers, his tongue mimicking the actions of his body. He drank in her moans, groaning in approval at her reaction.
She met him, thrust for thrust, frenzied and out of control. He pushed her, pushed them both, harder and faster towards their peak. They climbed higher and higher. Just a few more moments and they would be there.
Kimber went first, her orgasm hitting her like a tidal wave, ripples of sensation washing over her again and again. It seemed to last for minutes, carrying her on a wave of euphoria.
Sheamus felt her tighten around him, milking him with her inner muscles and he, too, found his release. Head thrown back, a growl of triumph explode from him, he thrust a few more times before sinking onto his side, spent.
Breathing heavily, he looked up at the ceiling in wonder. He ran a shaky hand over his face, panting.
Jaysus, it had never been that good before. He had never felt so completely satisfied in his entire life.
He found himself grinning tiredly as Kimber came to his side, head pillowed on his chest and arm wrapped around his waist. He could feel her still trembling, aftershocks of her own release still moving through her, and he couldn't help the pride that burst from chest.
"You okay?" he asked hoarsely as his arms came around her, lips finding their place on the top of her head.
"Mmm." she practically purred, snuggling closer to him and pressing a kiss over his heart.
He chuckled, the sound making her body warm, "Ah take that as a 'yes'."
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Hand-in-hand, the pair made their way down the stairs and towards the kitchen a couple of hours later. Kimber was wrapped in a sheet and Sheamus was wearing only a pair of dark green, boxer briefs.
"Ah could eat a horse." the Irishman murmured with a sly grin and a wink to his girlfriend.
"Well we did work up quite the appetite." Kimber teased, giving his hand a squeeze.
He rumbled deep in his chest and turned, hoisting her up into his arms to plunder her mouth. Kimber whimpered against him, her hands burying in his hair to pull him closer to her.
His tongue surged forward, stroking and curling with her own. He continued to walk them forward, still locked in the heated kiss with her.
They had just entered the doorway to the kitchen when they heard the sounds of someone clearing their throat.
The pair quickly broke apart, turning to find an older woman in her mid-to late forties standing behind the kitchen island, staring at them. She had short, curly red hair and brown eyes that seemed to regard them knowingly. A secret smile also adorned her lips.
Kimber felt a blush warm her cheeks and she quickly ducked her head, nervously trying to put some semblance of order back into her "sex" hair. Sheamus offered the woman an embarrassed smile, rubbing the back of his neck and clearing his throat.
"Um, Kember," he waved a hand towards the woman, "Ah'd like you to meet me housekeeper, Mrs. Poole. Mrs. Poole, this is Kember."
"Hello." Kimber dared to look up at her, "I-Mrs. Poole, I apologize. This-"
"Is perfectly fine." Mrs. Poole gave her a grin, "It's good to finally meet you, Kimber. It's seems you've got our dear Sheamus. . ."
She dared a look at her employer and finished with a deeper smile, "Quite charmed."
Sheamus laughed, face red. Kimber found herself growing a little more at ease and her smile came more naturally.
"The feeling is definitely mutual." she admitted softly and her boyfriend slipped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him.
"I take it you two are hungry." Mrs. Poole suggested with a wink, "Why don't I prepare supper."
"Thank you, Mrs. Poole." Sheamus took Kimber's hand and began to lead her out of the kitchen, "We'll just go, uh, get changed."
"It was nice to meet you." Kimber called after her.
"And you, as well, dear." Mrs. Poole's expression softened, "Sheamus has been alone for far too long."
Kimber wanted to question her about that but her boyfriend continued to lead her out of the room and back towards the stairs.
She turned back to Sheamus and questioned softly, "What did she mean by that?"
"It. . .it's nothin'." he shrugged and continued on, "Come on, Ah want to show you the shower next."
"Hey." her gentle voice reached his ears and he drew to a stop, turning back to her.
She was looking up at him lovingly, a tender smile on her lips, "Do you know just how extraordinary you are?"
He released her hand only to cup her face and yank her towards him for another soul searing kiss. He lifted her up into his arms and made his way back up to his room, intent on showing her just how much he loved her. . .
They eventually made their way back downstairs, showered and dressed. As they sat across from one another at the dining table, eating the wonderful stew that Mrs. Poole as kindly prepared for them, they snuck little looks and smiles at each other.
Sheamus clasped her knees with his own, giving her a wink as they ate. Kimber ducked her head and grinned.
"Ah want you to come to Phoenix wit' me for the Royal Rumble." he announced before taking a healthy bite of his stew.
Kimber paused, spoon halfway to her lips. She slowly lowered it back into her bowl, a frown marring her features.
"I'd like nothing more than to go and support you." she stated, hesitant, "But, Sheamus, if Vince sees me he'll have me removed from the building or arrested or who knows what."
"He can' do anything if yer a payin' fan." the redheaded man told her with a wink, "Hell, John did it for weeks after the Nexus got him fired."
"I. . ." she sighed and shook her head, "I don't know."
He reached across the table, clasping her hand in his own, "Ah want the woman Ah love there wit' me when Ah finally get me title back. Ah want you by my side, Kember."
She looked into his earnest blue eyes and knew that she could refuse him nothing. Her love for him was too strong.
"Okay." she murmured, giving his hand a squeeze, "I'll go."
He beamed at her. He would become World Heavyweight champion again and he would do it with her by his side.
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The US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona was electric. Everyone was all a buzz for the Royal Rumble.
As Kimber, with Cass in tow, made her way into the building her emotions were vastly different from the others. Her nerves were threatening to erupt. She was equal parts worried about Sheamus' match that night and the possibility that she could be caught in the building.
Cass noticed her friend's anxious behavior and gave her arm a friendly pat, "You're going to okay, okay? Like Sheamus said, they can't throw us out for being ticket holding fans."
"Right." but Kimber didn't sound all that convinced.
They made their way through the venue and towards the arena. Kimber just wanted to slip into her seat and keep her head down, just to be on the safe side.
"Just what are you doin' here, young lady?' called an authoritative female voice.
Kimber and Cass traded looks, both of their eyes widening.
They slowly turned around and the former reporter blinked in surprise. Slowly she began to smile.
"Siobhan! Mrs. O'Shaunessy!" she hurried over to greet Sheamus' sister and grandmother.
The pair, both donning Brogue Kick Hooligan t-shirts, the same as Kimber and Cass, grinned at the young women as they approached.
"It's so good to see you, Kember!" Siobhan reached out and gave the other woman a big hug.
"And not lookin' quite so muddy." Granny couldn't help but add with a wink.
Kimber hugged Siobhan before Granny pulled her in for a surprisingly strong embrace.
"I didn't know you were going to be here." Kimber looked around as she asked, "Are your parents here? Or Deidre?"
"Afraid not." Siobhan explained, "Ma and Da couldn' get time away from work and Dei is on holiday with her boyfriend. Ya think seein' her brother regain his title would be more important to her, selfish-"
"Enough of that, miss." Granny cut her off, turning her attention back to Kimber and Cass.
"Cass, this is Sheamus' sister, Siobhan, and his grandmother." Kimber made the introductions, "Ladies, this is my best friend, Cassidy."
"Nice to meet ya." Siobhan gave the blonde's hand a firm shake.
"We were just getting' ready to go see Sheamus." Granny explained, "Come wit' us, dearie."
"Oh!" Kimber offered a weak laugh, "I, um, I don't think that's such a good idea. If anyone caught me backstage-"
"They'll have to go through me to throw ya out." Granny linked arms with the startled younger woman and began to drag her towards the backstage area, "Besides, my grandson would be very upset if you didn' go back there and wish him luck."
Kimber had no choice but the follow. Now she understood why Sheamus was so strong. Siobhan and Cass traded grins and fell into step behind them.
As the four made their way backstage the former reporter kept her head down, praying that nobody would spot her. The last thing she wanted to do was get thrown out!
The ladies continued on to a more secluded corridor and Kimber found herself instantly smiling as she spied Sheamus up ahead. He noticed the four's approach and he began to grin, hurrying over to them.
"Ah was afraid you wouldn' come." he admitted as he reached Kimber first, pulling her in for a big hug and heated kiss.
He had to admit, there had been a big part of him that thought she wouldn't be there. But to see her now, it only seemed to fuel the fire within him. He felt like he could do anything.
The young woman returned the embrace but reluctantly pulled back after a few moments because his sister and grandmother were there. She blushed as she turned to see the two women grinning at her.
"Come here, big brother!" Siobhan jumped up for her own hug.
Sheamus wrapped his arms around his younger sister and lifted her up for a large hug.
"Good to see ya." he told his sister affectionately as he sat her back down.
"Granny." he greeted his grandmother warmly, enveloping her in a hug, as well.
"There's me grandson." Granny announced proudly, "The next World Heavyweight champion!"
"That's right." Siobhan agreed.
Sheamus noticed Cass standing off to the side and he began to grin.
"Cassidy, thank you for comin' wit' Kember." he stated as he stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Put that thing away." Cass laughed as she shoved his hand away and reached over for a hug, "We're family now. This is what we do."
He embraced her, touched by the sentiment, "Thank ya, Cass."
"Hey, I'm just excited I get to see you and all your hunky friends." Cass gave him a wink as she pulled back.
Sheamus laughed before slipping his arm back around his girlfriend, "Speakin' of, why don' we go say 'hello' to a few of them now."
Kimber drew to a stop, her eyes widening as she looked up at him, "I can't. Sheamus, Vince is probably prowling the halls right now. If he sees me-"
"Vince has barricaded hisself in his office." the Irishman explained to her, "And he's not about to come out till show time. Come wit' me, Kember. Ah know the others are just dyin' to see ya."
Kimber looked at Cass and Siobhan and Granny hesitantly. They nodded or offered her smiles of encouragement.
She turned and looked up at her boyfriend. He appeared so determined, so sure. Seeing him that way made her almost start to believe.
"I. . ." she again looked at the women before turning back to him with a nod, "Okay. Okay, you guys have talked me into it. I just hope you're right."
The five turned to walk away but suddenly drew to a stop, alarmed. Triple H was standing a few ways up the hall, staring right at them. His expression was one of utter surprise.
But then his eyes began to narrow, his mouth a slash.
Kimber swallowed, her heart pounding. She knew, at that moment, that she was done for.
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I can't believe it. Only one more chapter to go. . .WOW! In hindsight it feels like this entire story has just flown by so fast!
So what will happen? Will Sheamus win the title back or will he say, "I quit"? Will Kimber get her job back? And if she doesn't, what will she do? Will she and Sheamus still be together at the end of this?
Find out next week. ;)