Well hello there! I'm back with another chapter! And the longest one yet! What?! Like always, I wanna give a shout out to my girls JustCherry73, wwechristina and GoldenGirl1920 for your continued love and support! I love you ladies so much!

I don't own anyone affiliated with the WWE. I only own Maddie, Jessica and the storyline.

Enjoy!

AJ POV

I can't wipe the smile that's made it's way onto my face after having my third encounter with the newest resident of Gainesville and woman that's already stolen my attention. Maddie is something else and I can't seem to get her off my mind, no matter how hard I try. When we shook hands, the electricity that flowed through my veins was a high I don't think I'll ever be able to get use to. The second our hands touched I felt the shock from the contact our skin made, but I couldn't tell if Maddie felt the same. If she did feel it, she gave no indication that she had.

Hopping into my truck, I make my way back home, thinking about what I can do to get closer to Maddie. If fate wants to put us together, I'm not going to stop it from happening, but I'm also not going to try and force my way in to her life. But by god, do I want her in my life. In any way that I can have her. In any way that fate lets me have her.

The second I turn onto my driveway though, the smile that was plastered on my face instantly disappears when I see the one car I never wanted to see ever again. She has got some nerve showing up to my house after all the shit she put me through. Hell, we've been broken up for months now. "You have got to be fucking kidding me," I snarl out, slamming the door behind me as I leave the confines of my truck.

"AJ," Jessica said the second she saw me and I shake my head at her.

"Don't you AJ me. What the fuck are you doing here? You're not welcome to MY home anymore! Not after what you did to me!" I snap at her and her demeanor changed instantly when I didn't greet her the way she wanted. I don't know what she was expecting me to do when I saw her. If she thought I would have been happy to see her, she's out of her goddamn mind.

"Oh my god, it was one time, AJ! One time! And I said I was sorry," Jessica replies with an eye roll and my body stiffens at her disregarding the fact that she even hurt me to begin with. It's like I never meant anything to her at all in the 6 years we were together.

"One time is all it takes, Jessica! And with my best friend! You sure seemed sorry; yeah right. What the hell do you want? I don't want you here, so make it quick," I snap and stomp my way up the two wooden steps attached to the front porch. Jessica goes to follow me up the steps, but I hold my hand out and she stops short, looking up at me with a petulant look on her face. "Ohh no, you're staying right there; you are not coming into my house. And don't look at me like that, you look like a spoiled brat. Oh wait…you are!" I yell and her face morphs into one of annoyance.

"Ya see! That is why I did what I did!" She yells back and I straighten my back, looking at her in disbelief and what just came out of her mouth. "You treated me like trash AJ!"

"Now hold up just a minute! I never treated you like trash and you know it! It was you who treated me horribly towards the end and for no reason!" I retaliate, "I treated you like you were the only woman on this planet…and how do you repay me? By sleeping with my best friend…IN OUR BED!" I scream, my face heating up as I try to control the anger churning inside of me.

"Fuck you, AJ! I don't even know why I came here in the first place! I was going to try and see if we could work things out, but forget it now!" Jessica cries out and I snort at her comment.

"Work things out?! Are you out of your fucking mind?! We've been separated for almost 6 months and NOW you come back to see if you can rectify what YOU did? That's golden coming from you. You really do define the meaning of a stupid blonde, because that's what you are. Especially right now!" I retort angrily and Jessica comes stomping up the steps and stands directly in front of me, rearing her hand back to slap me and before her hand can make contact with my face, I grab her wrist, stopping her momentum.

The look in my eyes are murderous and she has the decency to look terrified, but the thing is, is I'd never hit her. The 6 years we were together I never laid a hand on her, but for her to think she can get away with trying to slap me because I called her out on her bullshit, she's got another thing coming. "You get the fuck off my porch, now and leave this property. If you come here again, I'll make sure you're arrested for trespassing," I ground out and release my hold on her.

"You wouldn't dare," she snarls out.

"You wanna bet? You know I will, too. Now get the fuck off of my property," I growl and watch as Jessica walks back to her fancy BMW that her daddy bought for her. I roll my eyes at that thought and turn to go into the house as the devils spawn screeches out of my driveway, leaving a trail of dust in her wake.

Maddie POV

For the rest of the day, the smile on my face won't go away as I can't seem to get AJ off my mind. Susie has had an amused smile on her face, but she says nothing about it. As the day winds down to an end, I say my goodbyes to Susie and leave the store exhausted, just wanting to go home and relax for the night, but as fate would have it…that doesn't happen. When I get to the truck, I discover that one of the tires are flat. I must have run over a nail or something and just didn't feel it. Great. Just great. "You have got to be fucking kidding me right now. Why?!" I cry out and stamp my foot in frustration.

Opening the tailgate, I hop up and make myself comfortable because I'm going to have to wait for a tow truck to come pick me up, take my truck to the shop and put a new tire on. Pulling out my phone, I look up the nearest auto shop and call them. Lucky for me, they are opened later than usual. "Luke's auto shop, this is Karl," I am greeted with and I go into my spiel about how I have a flat tire and am told that someone will be to me in less than 30 minutes. I thank them and go on my social media since I have nothing better to do while I wait. Not even 15 minutes later, I hear the roaring engine of the tow truck and look at it in happiness because it means I'll be able to go home soon.

Hopping off the tailgate, I smile as I go to greet the person only to learn that my savior is none other than…"Maddie. We need to stop running into each other like this. Are you sure you didn't put that hole in your tire just to get me here," AJ teases, wearing a baseball cap, regretfully hiding his gorgeous mane of hair and that grin that has me biting my bottom lip.

"Cocky much?" I lightly shove him when he makes it over to me and it earns me a laugh that has my heart in a frenzy. "I moved here yesterday, how in the hell would I have known you worked at the auto repair shop?" I retort playfully.

"Shit. Good point. Just pretend this didn't happen, yeah?" AJ replied sheepishly with a small elbow nudge that I can't help but give back. "Someone is feisty…I like it," he adds and I shake my head with a smile.

"Hey, I'm just giving back what you gave to me and I guess I can be nice and forget that it was you who wasn't overly excited to see me," I tease him and AJ's eyes widen as his cheeks burn a bright shade of red, which leads me to believe I hit the nail right on the head.

"So what if I was excited to see your pretty face again. But you can't act like you aren't happy to see me, too," AJ fires back in a friendly manner and it's my turn to blush. "Aha! So you are!" He gloats and I turn an even brighter shade of red.

"Just shut up and change my tire, will ya!" I retort with an eye roll, but I make sure he knows it's meant to be friendly in nature and not by annoyance. I'm not gonna lie though, I am loving the fact that he is acting the way he is towards me and not making me feel awkward.

"Alright, alright! You win!" AJ exclaims with a laugh, holding his hands up in surrender and I grin triumphantly at him. "Keep that up and you won't like the results," he adds, his tone telling me he isn't joking, but there is nothing telling me that he'd do anything bad.

I laugh at his idle threat, "oh really? And what do you plan on doing?" I challenge and I can see mirth dancing in his blue eyes. "Okay, never mind; I can see it in your eyes," I back down immediately.

"You're lucky you're cute," AJ replied with a smirk and my jaw drops at his admission, but he doesn't acknowledge it, instead, he goes about his business changing my tire for me.

As he is bent over using the carjack to lift the truck up a little, I take a chance to admire his backside. And holy shit if his jeans aren't tight and don't hug his ass and thighs the right way. I have to rub my thighs together to rid myself of that feeling and naughty thoughts I just let myself have about him. 10 minutes later, AJ has a new tire on my truck and all 4 wheels back on the pavement.

"Alright, she's all finished," AJ announced, standing up and wiping his hands on the rag he was holding. He looks up at me with a smile that has my stomach forming a fit of butterflies.

"You seriously are a lifesaver…thank you AJ," I said and go to grab my purse from the cab of the truck so I can pay him. "How much do I owe you?" I ask him, pulling out the checkbook from my wallet and he shakes his head, causing me to give him a strange look.

"Don't worry about it; this one is on me," he tells me and my jaw drops as I shake my head back and forth.

"No, no way. I'm paying for this. How much?" I argue, my eyes reflecting that I'm not taking no for an answer.

AJ closes the distance between us and tosses the rag into the mess of tools in the bed of the tow truck. My heart rate picks up as he gets closer and my body momentarily stiffens. "How about this. You owe nothing for the new tire, instead you let me take you out sometime," he drops on me and I am stunned into silence.

"W–what?" I ask, blinking rapidly, not comprehending what he just said to me.

"I said…let me take you out sometime. I really would like to get to know you better. As friends of course, unless…" he teases, letting the sentence hang and a terrified look crosses my face. "Shit, I'm just joking! But I was being serious about the friends part. I really do wanna get to know you better, Maddie. So will you…let me take you out?" AJ asks and the voice inside my head is telling me yes, while the logical part of me that has been use to being single for so long is telling me to tell him no. However, that nagging voice wins.

I nod my head at AJ and a large smile suddenly graces his handsome face at my answer, "okay fine, yes. You can take me out, but just as friends," I reply, but in my head I'm wanting it to be more than just friends.

"You got it…just friends. I'll let you set the day and time and I'll come pick you up," he tells me and I raise my eyebrow at him.

"And how do you plan on doing that? You don't know where I live nor do I have any way of contacting you," I retort, placing my purse back into the cab of the truck before putting my attention back onto him.

"Well…just a thought. Maybe we could exchange phone numbers and go from there?" AJ requests and I provide him with a quizzical look that he in turn gives me an adorable smile that I can't help but give in to.

"Just as long as you promise to keep my number to yourself," I reply and AJ places his hand over his heart with a genuine look on his face.

"You have my word that I won't. Besides, I'm not that kind of person. I was raised better than that," AJ replies. Without thought because somehow I know he is telling the truth, I agree and give him my phone number before once again thanking him for changing my tire and we part ways. "Have a good night, beautiful," he says and those damn butterflies make their presence known once more.

"Good night, AJ. Thank you again for the tire," I say in parting and I can feel he's watching me as he makes sure I get into the truck safely before getting into the tow truck.

AJ POV

I watch Maddie as she gets into her truck, driving away and I can't help all the thoughts running through my head as I watch her leave. If only she knew the impact she's already had on me. Like how I can't get her off of my mind. Her beauty. Not to mention her gorgeous brown eyes. Her teasing, but also her shyness. Her smile is already engrained in my memory and it's something I never wanna forget.

"I'm in deep trouble," I said to myself quietly as I got into the truck and drove back to the shop in silence. Readjusting the cap on my head, I sigh and walk back into the shop. Both Karl and Luke look up at me with raised eyebrows and confused looks on their faces.

"Hey, you alright, man? Did something happen?" Luke asked, becoming alert and gets to his feet, but I raise a hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Yeah, I'm good. It's just–you remember that girl I was tellin' you about earlier?" I said, looking at both my friends. I know if anybody is going to listen and not judge me, it's going to be these two.

"Yeah, we remember. Her name was Maddie…right?" Karl asked and I nod my head, a smile growing on my face at just hearing her name. "You like her, don't you?" He adds, not a single ounce of teasing in his tone.

"I do. Is that a bad thing considering I just finally got over Jess?" I asked, sitting on the only workbench in the garage. I removed my cap and ran my fingers through my unkempt hair before putting it on backwards, looking over at Karl and Luke, perturbed.

"Naw. She was a bitch and you deserve better than what she did to you. It looks and sounds like Maddie is a good distraction for you," Luke inputs and I shake my head.

"Maddie's not just a distraction, Luke. I really like her; I wanna be with her and I know that sounds crazy since I just met her yesterday, but there is something about her. She felt it, too. There is this attraction…connection between us that neither of us can explain. We just know it's there."

Both guys furrow their brows at me and look at each other before turning their attention back onto me. "You're serious…" Luke said and I nodded my head, my eyes showing that I was in fact 100% serious.

"As a heart attack man. I can't get her off my mind. I just–I hope she doesn't look at me like I'm a criminal or somethin' if and when she finds out about what I've done in the past," I say worried and stand up as I begin to pace. I know I'm overthinking everything and that I shouldn't, but I can't help but worry. I know this girl is special and I know I can't let her get away.

"Whoa, chill bro, " Karl said and continues, "you don't know that. If and when she finds out, I'm sure she'll be understanding and if she's not, then she's not worth it. You deserve to have someone who accepts YOU for YOU. Flaw's and all, Jones. Beside, you're thinking way too far into the future. Get to know her first and let her get to know you; the real you," I'm told and I stop in my tracks, nodding my head as I silently agree to what Karl said.

"Yeah, you're right. She already has seen the real me. She even already agreed to let me take her out…but just as friends. Which I'm alright with. I'll be gettin' to spend time with her and that's what I want," I explain and they look at me like I've lost my goddamn mind. Maybe I have. But I'll gladly accept that fact if it means I get to be close to Maddie. "Don't look at me like that, guys. When you're in my place, you'll know what I'm talkin' about. I'm gonna head out now, unless there is anythin' else you need me to do before leavin'."

"No, dude. Just go. We're almost done here. Besides, your head is way too far up in the clouds anyways. We'll see you tomorrow," Luke said, dismissing me and I nod my head once before saying my goodbyes and leave.

I'm too lazy and tired to cook tonight, so I take a quick shower before popping a frozen dinner into the microwave, debating if I should text Maddie or not. I don't want to seem eager or desperate to talk to her, but let's face it…I am.

AJ: Hey beautiful, I hope you made it home safely?

I hit send and take my food out of the microwave as I wait for Maddie's response. I get comfortable on the couch and pull the coffee table closer, turning on the tv. Flicking through the channels, I come across some old school TNA and leave it on that. Before I can take my first bite, my phone pings alerting me of a new text message and a smile comes to my face when I see it's Maddie.

Maddie: Allen…is that you? ; )

Maddie: I'm just kidding. I know it's you, handsome. I did make it home safely and I'm hoping you did as well?

I feel like a fucking school boy again with the butterflies that swarm around when his first crush smiles at him for the first time. I'm 35 for christ sake and here I am acting like a teenager. Lord am I in trouble when it comes to this woman.

AJ: Ahh, you've got jokes I see ; ) I can already tell we'll get on just fine. But yes, I did make it home safely. I'm glad to hear that you did, too. I know it's a quiet and safe town, but you can never be too careful.

Maddie: I appreciate your concern. But if it comes down to it, I know how to defend myself. I needed to learn how when I moved to Florida when I was younger…

The way she ended that text sounds like she has more to say, but it also sounds like she is debating if she actually wants to give me more information. Before I can reply, another text comes through and my blood boils at what I read.

Maddie: My first week there when I was walking home from my new job…I was attacked from behind and well…yeah.

Maddie: If it wasn't for the gentleman that came along and heard my cries for help, I don't know what would have happened to me. I've held pepper spray and learned to defend myself ever since.

I feel a deep growl grow in my chest at learning that not only was Maddie attacked, but she was almost raped. Don't ask me how I know…I just do with how she left her sentence hanging. I'd never bring it up to her, but if and when she's ready to actually tell me about it, I'm going to be there to listen and be there for her in any way she needs me.

AJ: Shit Maddie, sweetheart. I'm so sorry that happened.

I send the message and then cringe at what I put. Way to go, ya fucking idiot. I berate myself because god knows how often she's heard that and I couldn't say anything different.

AJ: Shit Mads…I didn't mean it like that. I can only imagine how often you've heard that.

I send it and her reply is almost instantaneous.

Maddie: Don't worry about it. Honestly. I'm use to it and you are right…I've heard it way too many times to count, but there is nothing to forgive.

Maddie: What are you up to tonight?

Maddie sends another text and I sigh in relief that she doesn't seem to be annoyed about it and the fact that she changed the subject. Asking about my night no less. I smile again knowing she's interested.

AJ: Nothing much. Just having dinner and watching some old TNA matches. How about you? What are you up to tonight?

Maddie: Just cooking dinner for me and my dad. Nothing special. Then we're going to sit down and watch a movie…don't know what yet. But did you say TNA?!

I chuckle at her response, but seeing her response to my watching TNA tells me that she is…no she couldn't be.

AJ: Haha, yes I did. You like wrestling?! I never would have pegged you to be a wrestling girl. I think I like you a little bit more now : ) And watcha makin'?

Maddie: Are you kidding?! I freaking LOVE wrestling. Have since I was a little girl. And do you now? I had no idea you liked me in the first place ;) And to answer your question…just baked ziti. It's my dad's favorite, so I figured I'd treat him to it.

Holy shit. This woman can cook. Never mind liking her a little bit more…I like her a hell of a lot more. Knowing a woman who can cook is a huge turn on for me. Jessica…forgive me, I think I just threw up a little in my throat at the thought of her…she never cooked. Never had any desire or want to. It was always me who had to.

AJ: Did you just say baked ziti? I love ziti; it's one of my favorite Italian dishes. And don't think I didn't catch that dig at me liking you. You knew it from the moment we ran into each other at Missy's. I know you saw it in my face when I looked at you.

I return back to eating as I watch a classic match between Sting and Abyss. After about 30 minutes, I realize that Maddie hasn't responded back and it makes me think that I went too far with my comment about liking her the moment we ran into each other. Now I wanna kick myself for it because I'm sure I no doubt just freaked her out with my comment. I debate with myself on if I should send another text apologizing for my forwardness, but before I can, a text from Maddie comes through.

Maddie: Hey, sorry for the delayed response. I got caught up in helping my dad with something and then dinner was ready. And believe me, I saw it in your eyes. Especially when you came into the store when Susie and I were talking.

AJ: Thank god I didn't scare you away. I know I was really forward and I apologize for that.

Maddie: No you didn't :P and no apology necessary.

AJ: Well I appreciate that, darlin'. But unless I was seein' things, I saw in your eyes that you were just as affected by me as I was you…

Five minutes later, Maddie's text comes through and I laugh with a shake of my head. I swear this girl is going to get me into big trouble. And I can't wait.

Maddie: Goodnight AJ. I'll see you sometime tomorrow ; )