A/N: So the Hall of Fame ceremony was good, Mania was great (save for Taker's streak broken) Raw was great (save for Warrior's passing the day after) and so was SmackDown (just the ending). The Shield absolutely killed it this week (the masks, my GOSH), and if you haven't seen Roman's promo on Main Event, go find it!
Loving the feedback as usual. Thank you to those reading and reviewing and favoriting. Shout out to justkimmy, wwefanatic365, Ctinaisfashion, DeeMarie426, nikki1335, ChelleLew, Tammy, Alexis Black-Reigns and i-r-i-s!
From across the Grill's backroom, Amber watched with amusement as Sasha grinned at her phone, as she had done all through her lunch break. "So how's the sexy new boyfriend, Miss Cougar?" she inquired.
Without looking up, Sasha stabbed her finger in the brunette's direction. "I am not a Cougar."
"What do you call having a younger boyfriend?"
"Joe is not my boyfriend either. We've only gone on a couple of dates, that's it. It's nothing serious yet."
"I wish I had a boy toy of my own," Amber pouted. "Guys my age are getting stale. Can you teach me how to be a Cougar, Sash?"
"I'm not a Cougar," Sasha insisted, fighting the urge to smack the younger woman upside the head when she walked past. And how on earth does one teach someone how to be a Cougar?
"But you are. You fit the exact mold; a hot momma getting it on with a sexy boy toy. Embrace it. What's the big deal anyway? I mean, Joe's not a minor. You're both adults. Does the age difference really matter? So what if he was what, sixteen when you were his age?"
"Nineteen, actually. And thanks, that makes me feel so much better." She hated thinking about how far apart their ages were. Joe had already said it didn't bother him, but it wasn't that easy for her. Though she'd since established she was comfortable around him, she couldn't help but be worried about other people's perceptions. There was already enough stereotypes from society as it was, and it was the main reason she was reluctant to take things further with Joe. Though she wanted to. Very much.
"Okay, I'm sorry, I'll drop it now," said Amber. "I'm being cranky because Ian and I broke up."
Sasha's demeanor softened. "I'm sorry. What happened?"
Amber shrugged, thrusting her hands in her apron pockets. "Nothing important. It was for the best." Her reply was flippant. "Boys my age are stupid. Like I said, I think I need an older guy or a younger one."
"Well, you're what, twenty-four? Try dating a boy eight years younger than you and see how that goes. I dare you, even."
A sly grin spread across Amber's pretty face. "So you are dating Joe?"
"I told you it hasn't gone that far."
"Yet. It will soon. I can tell he likes you a lot. Wish I was the one hittin' that, but if it can't be me I guess you're an alright alternative," she sighed dramatically, and Sasha rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Thanks," she said, looking down at her phone when it vibrated.
Comin to get u after work. C u soon. x
The X at the end of the text message spread a smile over her face. It still baffled her that a guy like Joe Anoa'i was interested in plain old her. That he was still communicating with her, even after what she was sure had been a warning shot from T.K. He was either crazy, or stubborn, or both, and deep down it flattered her. Suddenly the end of her shift couldn't come fast enough.
Luckily the time elapsed quickly enough. As she went to the back to hang up her apron, she caught a glimpse of Joe walking through the door, saying hi to some people he knew. Amber waved her fingers at him when he approached the bar. "Hi, Joe."
"Hey, what's up, Amber. Where's Sasha?"
"Here!"
They both turned at the sound of Sasha's voice as she walked back out with her handbag slung over her shoulder, and Amber shook her head. "So he was coming over. No wonder you were smiling so much," the brunette teased.
"Shut up." She exchanged goodbye kisses with her workmate and grinned when Joe presented her with a small bouquet of white roses. "Aw, are those for me? They're beautiful. Thank you," she gushed, kissing him on the cheek.
They drove to her place first as she needed to get changed. As they pulled up in front of the building, Sasha bit her lip, about to do something she'd never done before. "Do you wanna come up?" she asked.
A look of surprise crossed his handsome face. "Are you sure?" he asked carefully.
"Yeah. I can't leave you out here, can I?" She understood his reaction to her offer. She never invited any guy into her home, but she was comfortable enough to make an exception with Joe. Plus this area wasn't the safest of places, in the day or nighttime.
Joe seemed to hesitate, as though waiting for her to change her mind. When he realized she wasn't going to, he nodded and followed her lead. As they ascended the stairs Sasha could sense him looking around. This place was just a slight upgrade above the Projects, entirely different from what he must be used to. On the third flight of stairs, they walked to the end of the hallway, and Sasha unlocked the door and pushed it open. "Make yourself comfortable," she told Joe, placing the roses in a makeshift vase. "There's not much, but help yourself to whatever you can find in the fridge. I'll be out ASAP."
Watching her disappear into what had to be her bedroom, he walked around the small apartment for a couple of minutes. Heading to the kitchen, he opened up the fridge and saw it was virtually empty. Somewhat chastened by the discovery, he shut it back and searched for a clean glass to get some water. He wandered back into the living room area, taking in the photographs mounted on the walls, all of T.K., Mia and Sasha at varying ages, all with smiling and happy faces. It strongly reminded him of his family back in Pensacola.
"Ready." He turned at the sound of Sasha's voice, smiling as he took in her outfit. He was certain she was tired of hearing how nice she looked, but he told her again anyway, feeling that familiar thrill when she shyly looked away like always. He enjoyed giving her compliments just for her reactions.
The sky outside was greying, as though it was going to rain, but it seemed harmless. Joe and Sasha took a stroll in the Square, their movements leisurely as they sipped on Starbucks Frappucinos. "I never got to apologize about whatever Tyson said to you," Sasha said when they settled down on a park bench. "I'm sure he tried to warn you away or something. He's very…protective."
"And he's got every right to be, you're his mother," said Joe. "I'm still pretty protective of mine."
"Yeah. He's never really trusted his gender and with good reason. Most guys see him and once they realize who he is to me, they abruptly disappear, want nothing to do with him or me. Either that or he scares them off himself with his acid tongue."
"I guess it's great I'm not most guys, right?" Joe grinned. "I don't mind getting to know your kids, Sasha. I know I can't exactly force T.K. to like me either, but hopefully we can be civil at some point." He cast her a meaningful look, and Sasha could only stare back at him. Statements like that made her affection for him grow.
"If you don't mind my asking, the kids…where's their dad?" Seeing the look on her face, Joe added hastily, "I know it's none of my business-"
Sasha shook her head. "It's okay. Their fathers are out of the picture."
"Fathers?" he repeated, treading lightly.
"Fathers. With an S," she confirmed, looking down at her feet. "T.K.'s father left while I was pregnant. I broke up with Mia's dad a couple of months before she was born. I've been on my own since." She didn't quite know why she was telling him so much. The age gap was one thing. That she was a single mother with two children from two different men was another. She'd spent a better part of her life being looked down upon as a result. Every time she opened up to Joe she worried that he'd start to look differently at her, wondered which of her revelations would scare him away. She didn't mean to feel so negative all the time, but it was fact. There weren't many accepting or understanding people in the world, so the fact that Joe was still here wanting to know more about her was as baffling as it was heart-warming.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Silence fell between them for a few moments. "When I was a kid, I felt like we were living in a single-parent home," Joe began, catching the mother-of-two's attention. "My dad was hardly ever around. For months on end we didn't see him because he was traveling so much, wrestling all around the world. Mom ran the house in his absence. She was dad and mom to my sisters, my brother and me for a long time. I know it's not the same because my parents are still together, but I kinda understand. It ain't easy. It sure as hell wasn't easy for my mom, but she never complained."
"Your mother sounds like a strong woman."
"She is. And so are you." The Samoan kissed her hand and smiled.
Touched by his words, she squeezed his hand in gratitude. "You're sweet."
"Only stating facts, beautiful. Come on, let's get going."
They started walking again. On their way back to his car, rain began to fall in a light drizzle. Before they knew it the sky opened, and it was like a big bucket of water was being dumped over them. "Oh my God!" Sasha cried, horrified.
Joe pulled her by the hand. "Come on!" They raced to the nearest building, nearly slipping on the wet surface in their haste to take cover. Though they missed the brunt of the downpour, their hair and clothes were still soaked. "Okay, that was crazy," Sasha said, her words dissolving in a shiver as she looked out at the now-torrential, windy rain. By the looks of things they were going to be stuck here for a while.
Noticing her paling face and trembling frame, Joe took her by the arm and pulled her close to him. "Jeez, you're shaking," he commented, raising his voice to be heard over the roar of the pouring rain. "Let's try to get you warm, alright?" Hoping he wouldn't be smacked, he snuck his arms inside her jacket and linked them around her waist, sighing with relief when he felt her hands go through his own coat. He rubbed her back, trying to generate heat between them. Or so he told himself. "Better?"
"Yeah," she nodded, keeping her arms firmly around him. She looked up into his eyes and felt her heart begin to beat faster. It amazed her just how stunning he was.
Joe's grey gaze was soft, yet intense as it traveled along Sasha's face. Unable to help himself, he lifted his hand to cup her cheek, hearing her breath catch as he wiped away the rain water with his thumb. For a big man, his touch was pleasantly gentle. The narrow space they occupied brought their bodies even closer, if that was possible, and he was sure she could feel his own heart pounding rapidly in his chest. His tongue instinctively snaked out to moisten his lips, and he did not miss the way her darkened eyes trailed the action. He watched her closely, giving her time to push him away, to stop him. But she didn't. So he went for it.
Dipping his head, Joe gently brushed his lips across her own. On hearing the faint sigh that escaped her he did it again, a little more lingering this time. The feel of her fingers clenching his back and her lips instantly moving against his emboldened him. He slipped his tongue in to deepen the kiss and almost moaned out loud when Sasha reciprocated with equal passion, tilting her head for better access and cupping the back of his neck to keep him close. His large arms tightened around her, enjoying the smell of rain mingling with her familiar scent, her body ensconced in his, the sweet taste of her soft, moist lips as they explored each other's mouths.
Sasha now remembered why she'd been so torn about taking this step. She'd figured out that the brute physical strength and power he exuded would manifest itself in intimacy, that it would overpower every semblance of control she owned. That fear had come to light with just one kiss. The minute his mouth connected with hers and the wave of heat spread through her body, she knew she was in serious trouble. But right now she would welcome trouble with open arms if it meant he would keep kissing her like this. His taste was an appealing mix of Frappucino and man, and she doubted she'd tasted anything better.
Joe growled low in his throat before releasing her mouth. He heard her breath suck in as they broke contact, felt her breasts press against his chest, aware of her fingers tangled in the back of his hair. Their heavy breathing filled the small enclosure as they stared at each other. Goddamn, that was amazing. The Samoan man's head was spinning. He wanted more. He wanted Sasha in a way that made all logic disappear and his body tense with desire. But he had to rein his self-control back in before he did something he would regret and ruin everything before it could start.
"Wow." Sasha didn't recognize her own voice. Hell, she was surprised she could even speak. All she could do right now was lock eyes with Joe while grinning like a complete idiot.
Joe rested his forehead against hers. "I've wanted to do that since I first saw you." His thumb traced her kiss-swollen lips, feeling her warm breath brush over the digit. "And I think it was definitely worth the wait."
"I agree." Sasha leaned into him, her hands framing his face, and whispered, "More importantly, I don't mind you doing it again."
She didn't need to tell him twice. With a grin matching her own, he obliged her with another lingering kiss. Outside, the downpour continued, but neither minded. They weren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Finally, right?