by Sarah Bale
“I’m fine.”
He was silent for a moment and then said, “I saw Denver before he left for the tour. He said to tell you he’s sorry for everything.”
Ouch. Why couldn’t he tell me this himself? And now he was gone – no telling when he’d be back.
Mesquite went on, “I told him he should call you-”
“It’s fine. I don’t want to force him to talk to me.”
“But I think it would help-”
I cut him off again. “When are you coming to Dallas? I start physical therapy in a few weeks and don’t want to be distracted.”
I was lying. I wanted him there, but I didn’t know how to say it.
“Jamie, I’m not going to push you. You tell me when you want me to be in Dallas and I’ll be there.”
I never wanted him to leave in the first place!
“Or, if you want to come to Florida then that’s even better. You tell me what you want.”
I was getting angry and I wasn’t sure why.
“I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
I ended the call and turned my phone off just to be safe. Ugh. Why were men so irritating? And why was I so angry? Mesquite hadn’t done anything and I was being a bitch.
February 5
Mesquite must’ve taken the hint because he didn’t text me today. And I didn’t text him. And I hated it.
February 8
I sent him a text message and he replied right away. But I still didn’t tell him how much I needed him.
Fuck.
February 13
“Come on, Jamie. Squeeze ten more times. You’re almost there.”
My teeth gritted to the point I thought they were going to break and I squeezed the stupid rubber ball in my hand. I’d finally convinced the doctor to take the stupid cast off and now had to go to physical therapy three times per week. Luckily my wrist was healing, though it was still tender, and I could now wear a soft cast.
“And that’s ten. Good job.”
I didn’t reply. I’d only say something sour because that’s how I felt all of the time. I knew it was helping, but I hated every minute of it.
I got into my car and checked my voicemail. LaTonya, bless her heart, had left me another message.
“It’s me again. Just wanted to see how are doing.” There was a pause. “Jamie – you need to talk to Mesquite. He’s hurting.”
She was the only person who didn’t bring out the bitch inside me, so I called her back.
“Hey,” she greeted.
“Hi.”
“I’m not going to beat around the bush here – you need to talk to him, Jamie. He’s miserable. He said he doesn’t know what to do to help you. He even talked to one of the guys who was in a car wreck to see if they’d felt the same way afterward.”
Wow. That was sweet of him - and it made me feel like an asshole.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I admitted. “He’s done nothing, but I keep taking my anger out on him.”
“I’m sure part of it is that you haven’t talked to Denver.”
I sighed. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“He’s coming home in a few days. I told him if he doesn’t see you then I’m going to kick his ass.”
I laughed. “You’re a true friend.”
“I mean it, Jamie. He’s being a coward by not talking to you. I think it will help you heal.”
We chatted for a few more minutes before getting off the phone. She was right – for whatever reason I needed to talk to Denver.
February 14
Mesquite sent me a three-dozen roses as well as giant stuffed animal for Valentine’s Day. I called him, but he must have been busy so I left him a message.
“Thank you, Angel Eyes. I promise I’m getting better and will be back to normal soon.”
I prayed it was true.
February 15
Denver called me today to ask if he could see me tomorrow. I told him yes. God, why am I so nervous?
February 16
When Denver knocked on the door I almost didn’t answer. I could see him through the peephole and froze. Finally, I unlocked it and opened the door. He looked so sad staring back at me. Without thinking I threw my arms around his neck.
“It wasn’t your fault.”
He hugged me back and said, “It was.”
I replied, “No, it wasn’t.”
I pulled him inside and closed the door. We went to the living room and sat on the couch.
“Denver, there was no way you could have known she was going to follow us.”
“You said it yourself – I made it easy for her to find us by putting our location on the net.”
“I was only joking when I said that. I didn’t think any one would really try to find us!”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “She kept asking to see me at the police station so I thought ‘why the hell not’ and went to see what she had to say. Do you want to know why she did it?”
Did I? I nodded.
“She said she ran into the car because you had it too good – you’d been with Mesquite and then with me and that was too much. She wanted to hurt you because of me.”
I shook my head. “That’s what she’s saying, Denver, but that doesn’t make it true. She’s insane and obsessed with you. She only saw me as a threat.”
And she probably would have still run into his car. If it hadn’t been me it would have been something else that set her off.
He sighed. “The thing that kills me is that I couldn’t protect you. I said all those things to you about wondering if you’d chosen the right person and then I couldn’t even get you back to the fucking hotel.”
Emotion made his accent thick and I reached out to touch his hand.
“Look at me. I don’t blame you, Denver. If that woman had been in love with Mesquite then the same thing would have happened with him. It wasn’t your fault.”
He didn’t believe me, but in time he would. I’d just have to remind him that he’d done everything he could have to protect me.
It was my turn to confess, though.
“It really hurt that you left the hospital before I was awake.”
He looked guilty and I hated that I made him feel that way.
“I know why you didn’t want to be there, but it still hurt. You’re one of my best friends and I wanted you to be there. I guess I was scared that you meant it when you said we couldn’t be friends.”
He shook his head. “I was an arse for saying that to you. You’re one of my best friends, too, and I shouldn’t have stayed away. Can you forgive me?”
“Only if you can forgive yourself.”
“You drive a hard deal,” he said as he threw his arm around my shoulder.
“I know.”
“I’ll do it, but you have to do something for me.”
“What’s that?”
“Go see Mesquite. He needs his head in the game with two big pay-per-views coming up and you’re the only thing he can think about. Give the guy a break.”
I laughed, but he was right. It was time to let Mesquite know how I felt.
“Deal.”
“That’s my girl. And maybe I’ll even get to witness the main event.”
“Main event?”
“Yeah, the main event of your relationship with Mesquite.”
I laughed. I’d never thought of it in that way. It’d be fitting.
I replied, “Stranger things have happened.”
I began to form a plan in my mind. It was time to go get my man.
February 28
With a lot of maneuvering I was able to avoid Mesquite in person until I was ready to put my plan in action. I talked to him every day on the phone, though, so he knew I was okay.
“I love you,” he said.
I laughed. “I love you, too. Now hang up so I can go to bed.”
What he didn’t know was I had to get up early in the morning so I could catch my flight to Little Rock, where he was.
&
nbsp; “I’ll hang up when you do.”
He made me so damn happy.
I said, “I’m hanging up now. Good night.”
I ended the call with a smile. Tomorrow was going to be epic.
March 1
The plane ride to Little Rock was a short one and I was glad that spring was in the air. LaTonya was waiting for me at the airport. And her engagement ring was huge, just as she’d said. After I gushed over it, we got down to business.
“You are my hero,” she said when I told her my plan.
“I just hope it works out.”
She grinned. “It will.”
I stayed in her room until it was time to go to the arena. She’d secured us front row seats. The arena was packed following the hype of the last pay-per-view. I couldn’t believe it’d been almost a year since I’d met Mesquite.
I was surprised when Denver’s music hit and the crowd cheered. He stood on the ramp and talked about how he was going to be the next big thing, which the fans loved.
LaTonya said, “I had no idea he was back. Wonder how long he’ll be around?”
I shrugged and watched the next match. It was insane how nervous I was to see Mesquite. It felt like the first time I’d been to a show. When his music cued I jumped to my feet. He worked the stage and then came running to the ring. The bell rang as Mesquite slid into the squared circle.
My eyes raked his body up and down. Our time apart had been good to him. He could still break any woman’s heart with one earth-shattering smile. And I still loved how he affected me.
I turned from the barricade. I was only at the event to execute the first part of my plan – Okay, who was I kidding? I’d missed it. I’d missed the live shows where the air was electric. I’d missed seeing my friends. And I’d missed seeing Mesquite in his element.
The show was almost over and I didn’t want him to catch me for a hug after his match. He was a heel right now, but he’d break character for me as he always had. Plus, he’d seen me and now the game was on so it was better if I got the hell out of the arena. I left and walked the short distance to the hotel.
Denver sat in the bar and winked when I walked in.
“Some things never change.”
I laughed. “You’re right.”
I ordered a drink and sat with him while I waited for Mesquite.
Denver said, “Did I tell you I got a role in a movie?”
He quickly filled me in on the details of the action flick he was set to star in, which meant the company had some kind of faith in him even if he wasn’t the champion
“That’s great, Denver! When do you start filming?”
“Production starts in a few months. They cast one of the female wrestlers, too. I’m not sure how that’ll work out, though.”
“What makes you hesitant?”
He nodded his head to the left. “She’s over there. I think she’s too prissy for the part.”
I looked in the direction and gasped. She was stunning.
“Denver, are you freaking nuts? She’s perfect.”
He looked at her and I noticed his ears turned a light shade of pink. He liked her! I grinned, but didn’t point this out to my friend. He’d find out in time how he felt about her.
I took a large sip of my drink when Mesquite entered the bar. I felt his presence before I saw him. He looked delicious even with the towel thrown over his head. He must’ve skipped dying off after his shower because his white shirt clung to every muscle in his chest. With each step that he took I became more aroused.
Denver cleared his throat and said, “I’m going to get another drink. Not sure I want to stick around for this.”
I chuckled as he left. Coward.
Mesquite came and stood in front of me.
“Still checking me out, I see,” he said as he flexed his pec muscles.
I rolled my eyes. “In your dreams.”
He grinned. “I could make it a reality, though.”
My heart fluttered. He always knew how to get me going. I started to take another drink when he reached out and took it from me, downing it in one gulp.
“I’m tired of drinking. You should escort me to my room.”
Someone was feeling frisky.
I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“If you won’t escort me then I will just have to carry you…”
I hadn’t expected that.
“You wouldn’t dare-”
He bent so we were almost nose-to-nose. “Oh, but I would, baby. I’ve missed you.”
I jumped to my feet, knowing he was serious. “I’ll walk, thanks.”
As we walked to the elevators a few fans stopped him, congratulating him on retaining the belt. He was polite to them, but kept one hand on my lower back the entire time. I was pleased that I didn’t feel any fear around the fans. They weren’t all bad. When the last one had gotten their autograph we stepped onto the elevator.
Because of LaTonya I already knew what floor Mesquite was staying on and I pushed the button. He suddenly pulled me into his arms, covering my mouth with his. Oh how sweet he tasted! My mouth opened, inviting him to deepen the kiss and he was willing to oblige.
As we kissed, he turned so that my back was against the wall. His hand slipped under my shirt and I moaned.
“Like that?” he asked with a wicked grin.
I pulled him closer and replied, “Payback’s a bitch.”
“I look forward to it.”
The elevator dinged as we reached the top floor. Mesquite practically carried me to his room, which caused me to giggle. My heart pounded from excitement as we entered the room. I’d missed him so much.
“Take off your shirt,” he commanded as he tossed his own shirt to the side.
I grinned and pulled my shirt off and then kicked my shoes from my feet.
“Take your jeans off,” he said as he walked toward me.
“If you want them off, take them off,” I challenged.
He closed the distance between us and captured my mouth with his own. His hands were everywhere and I’d never felt so loved before. I wasn’t surprised when my bra came off. He’d always been a breast man.
Cupping my breasts he said, “Oh, the things I’m going to do to these ladies.”
My nipples hardened at his words. He’d always been so good with his mouth. He dropped to his knees and unbuttoned my pants. As he lowered them he grinned up at me.
“I see I’m not the only one who didn’t wear underwear tonight.”
I stepped from my jeans and said, “Oh yeah? Prove it.”
He stood and kicked his shorts off. Oh – my sexy Mesquite. He dropped back to his knees and nudged my legs apart. Slowly, he slid a finger into my aching folds. I moaned and held onto the wall for support. He replaced his finger with his mouth and I swear I felt like I was floating. Higher and higher I went until I was gasping in pleasure.
Just before I came he stopped and led me to the bed. I knew what was next and I’d missed it so damn much. When I was comfortable he positioned himself over me before entering me in a slow, deliciously good thrust. We both moaned and I was glad he felt the same way.
He began to move, taking his time. I wanted more though and encouraged him to give me what I needed. His pace increased until we were both chasing our breath.
Sweat beaded on his brow and he said, “Look at me.”
I met his gaze and saw how much he loved me.
“This is you and me,” he said into my ear. “You. And. Me.”
Each word brought me closer to my orgasm and I said, “I love you, Mesquite.”
With those words I climaxed until I saw nothing but white. His body shook as he came and we held onto each other, riding wave after wave of pleasure. When I could finally see again I grinned up at him.
“Wow.”
“Ditto.” He kissed me and said, “I hope this means you’re ready to talk.”
“I’m so sorry I pushed you away. I was so angry after the accident and I don’
t know why.”
He brushed the hair from my face. “I know, baby. I know.”
I bit my lip and said, “I… I’d like to start traveling with you, if you want me to. I know you’re getting to the busiest time of your year, but I don’t want to spend another minute without you.”
He grinned. “You have some good timing, you know that?”
“What do you mean?”
He walked over to his luggage and dug around. Finally, he held up a key.
“What’s that?”
“It’s the key to my bus. It’s finally finished.”
I remembered how much he’d liked Richmond’s bus. It was the most convenient way for a wrestler of his status to travel, so it made sense that he’d ordered one.
He said, “LaTonya helped me pick out some of the amenities she thought you’d like.”
I smiled at him. “So- we’re really going to do this?”
He nodded. “I love you, Jamie, and I don’t want to miss another minute with you.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“And I love you, Angel Eyes.”
We kissed again. There was no telling what tomorrow would bring, but with him by my side I knew everything would work out.
The End.
Also Available From Sarah Bale:
The Contender
The Rematch
And available soon…
Virgin Wars
** Read the entire first chapter below**
Virgin Wars
Chapter One
“They are going to kill me,” I muttered as I maneuvered my car through traffic.
Thursday night meant pizza night and I headed across town to meet my three best friends at our favorite pizza place. I hated running late, which is something that rarely happened unless I was on deadline. And boy, was I on deadline. Luckily I found an open spot and parked without having to walk several blocks to the restaurant.
Inside, I slid into the booth and noticed my friend, Amy Murphy, pushed her salad around the plate with a disgusted look on her face. Uh oh. She must be on another diet, but I thought better than to mention my observation. No telling what made her decide she needed to lose weight this time.