Without hesitation, he slipped an arm around her waist and guided her toward the elevators. She sneaked a quick glance at him as they walked. Cole was sweet, sexy, and very much a gentleman. Just how easy would it be for her to fall for a guy like him?
* * * *
Amber sat between Cole and Jason and watched as Lexi and Logan slow danced. Lexi peered up at the big man in a way that spoke volumes about their relationship. He held her close, looking down at her with adoration in his gaze.
Amber sighed as envy pulled at her heart. What she wouldn’t give to have a relationship like that. Sadness immediately followed when reality settled over her. Falling into anything close to what Lexi and Logan shared simply wasn’t in the cards for Amber. Her past made her damaged goods that no man would want. Best to keep her life simple and her goals focused on something tangible…like her career.
Cole slid from his seat and stood with his hand extended. “Dance with me?”
Amber turned her attention from Lexi and Logan to Cole. Slowly she shook her head. “I can’t dance.”
Cole arched a brow. “I don’t believe that for a second. Besides, all you really have to do is stand in place and sway. Everyone can do that.”
She stared at him for a moment before finally caving to his request. What harm could come from dancing? She placed her hand in his and allowed him to guide them to the dance floor.
Once there, he pulled her against him, his hands coming to rest around her waist. At first she wasn’t quite sure what to do with her hands but eventually slid them around his neck. He smiled at her. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“I am,” she said as she stared up at him. He had the greenest eyes she’d ever seen in a man. The color of fresh-cut grass in the spring, they held a happiness she could only ever hope to find.
“Me too,” he replied. “I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward when I say this, but I’m really enjoying your company.”
What in the hell was so forward about that statement? “Thank you.” His compliment slid through her, filling her with a confidence she hadn’t felt before. Never could she remember anyone ever saying something so sweet.
He sighed, and the happy glow in his eyes turned slightly more serious. “Please don’t be mad at me for what I’m about to do.”
She knit her brows, but before she could ask what he meant, he lowered his head and brushed the softest kiss across her lips.
She jerked at the contact but didn’t pull away. The right thing to do would be to tell him to stop, but a sudden need tugged at her heart. Despite her best effort to stay focused on her career, she couldn’t deny the connection slowly pulling them together. Maybe, deep down, she didn’t really want to deny him. It had been so long since she’d felt this stirring about anyone, so long since she’d allowed anyone into her heart. He tugged her closer until one hand held her head in place and the other remained wrapped around her waist as his lips continued to tease and tantalize, beseeching her for more.
Her mind reeled as her body responded in a way she’d never expected. Heat pooled low in her belly, as if a fire now burned there, growing hotter beneath his touch. Her skin was sensitive under his grip, and before she could stop herself, she parted her lips, giving him the access he desired.
He overwhelmed her until she couldn’t move, couldn’t think about anything but Cole and what he was doing.
When he finally pulled back, he looked down at her with… Was that regret in his eyes? “I’m sorry. I was way out of line, but I’ve wanted to do that since I met you yesterday.”
She blinked while his befuddled apology slowly pierced the newly formed layer of lust. He’d wanted to kiss her since they met? The thrill of knowing this gorgeous, sexy man found her attractive dueled with her need to keep him on the other side of the invisible wall she’d erected. When she finally managed to find her voice, she smiled at him. As much as she wanted to ask him to kiss her again, she didn’t. Everything in her life suddenly seemed to be moving at light speed, and she just needed something to slow down a little. “I really didn’t mind, but if it’s okay with you, let’s slow down whatever this thing is brewing between us and get to know each other first, okay?”
That happy glow returned to his eyes, and he nodded. “Agreed.”
* * * *
Cole stared off into space, his hand still stirring the coffee he’d gotten ten minutes earlier. Working in the EUW certainly had its perks, and most days he enjoyed watching those perks strut around in their ring gear. Still, he’d never experienced quite the feeling he got the moment he’d set eyes on Amber. That sensation had only intensified when he’d kissed her on the dance floor the other night. Her eager response, combined with the innocence in her eyes, left him wanting her in a way he’d never imagined. Every instinct told him she was the one; she was his soul mate. That thought left him aroused and nervous at the same time. What if he moved too quickly with her and scared her off? He’d had no business kissing her so soon, but he couldn’t help himself. Fear that she’d find someone else before he’d had a chance to prove himself drove him to move quickly. She drew him to her like a light did to a moth. A week later he still hadn’t been able to shake that feeling of attraction, and he kinda liked it.
True, she was the typical long-legged blonde, but there was something more about her than just the stereotype. She held an innocent quality that pulled at his protective nature. Was this what Logan had felt when he first set eyes on Lexi? More important, what in the hell was Cole going to do about it?
“Earth to Cole.” Logan waved his hand in front of Cole’s face, breaking the spell.
“Uh? What? I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening.”
“Obviously,” Logan replied. “Where is your head?”
“Which one?” Jason smirked.
Logan rolled his eyes at their partner. “Funny.” He turned his attention back to Cole. “So what’s got you bugged?”
Cole leaned back in his seat and looked at his friend. If someone as big and manly as Logan could go all gooey over a woman, then maybe it was all right if he did too. “Amber,” he replied.
“Amber?” Logan knit his brow. “What about her?”
“It’s been a week, and I can’t stop thinking about her.” Cole shook his head.
Jason threw his hands in the air. “Oh, that’s just great.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Cole countered.
“You know, it’s one thing to scratch an itch, Cole, but getting tangled with a woman is just bad news.”
“Hey,” Logan protested. “Are you saying Lexi is trouble?”
Jason shook his head. “Of course not. Lexi is badass and cool as hell. Besides, I’ve never seen you so happy.”
The frown Logan wore smoothed out at Jason’s statement. “Still, there’s a big difference between Lexi and this Amber chick,” Jason continued.
“Which is?” Cole asked, not sure he liked where his friend was going.
“As I said, Lexi is badass. She’s got a great personality and a confidence that allows her to fit with us perfectly. She’s not afraid to piss people off, even Logan.” Jason slid a grin in Logan’s direction. “Sometimes I think she even does it on purpose just to get under his skin.”
Cole gave a slow nod and motioned for Jason to continue.
“Well, not that I want to burst your bubble or anything, but while I agree that this Amber chick is beautiful, she’s also a mouse.”
Cole frowned. “What?” He glanced at Logan, who only shrugged at Jason’s statement. “What do you mean ‘a mouse’?”
“Oh come on. You’ve seen her over this past week. She’s about as innocent as they come and awestruck by the magnitude of this place.”
Why did Jason’s tone make it sound like her being those things was bad? What exactly was wrong with her being innocent? “Meaning?”
“Meaning I wouldn’t want you to get too hung up on this girl, ’cause I don’t think she has what it takes to run with the big dogs.
I’d hate to see you get your heart broken when they send her back down to the progressive ranks or release her outright.”
Chapter Three
Freshly showered and ready to head back to the hotel for a little downtime, Amber stepped from the women’s locker room. So far her first two weeks in the EUW was a huge roller-coaster ride that had yet to slow down. She’d met stars she only dreamed of knowing and had sparred with legends like Lexi Blackwell and Brooklyn. She’d lost her very first match against Alicia Fox and her subsequent match against Fiona. Then while taping a promo for her new story line, Kiera Diamond had landed a knee drop that nearly broke a rib. She was still sore and bruised, but like Lexi said, it was all part of the business.
A smile tipped her lips as she thought about Lexi. A friendship seemed to be blooming with the superstar and was growing deeper with every passing day. She had to give Mark credit. He’d certainly hooked her up with the right people. Already, Lexi acted like the big sister she’d never had, guiding her, watching over her, laughing with her.
Then there was Cole, Logan, and Jason. The men carried a presence about them that easily made most of the roster nervous, yet each man had a tender side she doubted anyone ever really got to see.
Earlier in the week Jason had cracked jokes with her when she was feeling in over her head and ready to quit. He’d propped up her courage and reminded her of why she was here.
Logan seemed to have extended his protective shield around her, keeping undesirables like Sean at bay, giving her the chance to focus on what mattered most. Maybe that was due to Lexi’s influence, but no matter what the reason, she’d happily accept his brotherly concern.
Finally, her thoughts turned to Cole, and she smiled. The man carried a sweetness she’d never encountered, until now. From her first night in the hotel, he’d made sure to check in on her every night before bed, just to make sure she was okay.
Together, they’d made her feel welcome and wanted. For the first time since she began wrestling, she finally felt as if she belonged. Even though she’d made friends in the progressive ranks, she never quite experienced the closeness or trust that seemed to be building between her and the tight-knit group. To have something like that when she never had it before created a new and strange feeling of happiness that made her smile.
Amber turned the corner and collided with another person. Confusion reigned for a moment before she recognized the other person. Remembering what Lexi had said about the man, she took a quick step back and reached for the wall in an attempt to keep her balance.
“Oh, Amber.” Sean reached for her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.”
She took another step back, staying just out of his reach. “It’s okay. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“No.” He shook his head. “It’s my fault. I should have paid closer attention to where I was going.” He stepped toward her, his hand extended. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She took yet another small step back and shot him a tiny smile. “I’m sure. Thank you for being concerned, but I really need to get going.” She quickly picked up her bag and started past him.
“What’s the hurry?” Sean snagged her by the wrist. Almost immediately an uncomfortable sensation slithered through her as his grip tightened to the point of pain. He smiled, and this time it seemed sinister. “I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself the other day.”
Fear filled her as long-dormant memories slowly surfaced and threatened to pull her back under with them. She glanced around, hoping someone would see them and step in. Hope disappeared with the realization that no one seemed to be around. It appeared she’d have no such luck this time.
* * * *
Lexi glanced at her watch. “I don’t know what’s taking Amber so long. She said she’d only be a few minutes.”
“I have to say,” Jason began, “what a cute, smart, sweet girl she is. I wasn’t sure about her to begin with, but she’s really starting to grow on me.”
“She better not grow on you too much,” Cole warned. Jason might be one of his best friends, but he wasn’t above reminding his pal how he felt about Amber. For reasons that made absolutely no sense to him, just hearing Jason joke about liking Amber set Cole on edge.
Jason grinned. “I’d love to say she was, just to fuck with you, but sadly, no, she’s not growing on me in that way.”
“No, Jason’s attention is focused elsewhere,” Logan added. “But I know what you mean about Amber. She’s kinda like having a little sister around.”
“Exactly,” Jason agreed. “If we can get her to come out of her shell a little, she might just fit with us after all.”
“Speaking of getting her.” Cole pushed off the bench where he’d been sitting. “I’m just going to go check on her.”
“She said she’d only be a few minutes,” Lexi repeated.
“That’s okay. I’ll just make sure she doesn’t need any help,” Cole replied. For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he had a sudden uneasy feeling.
“Right, help.” Jason laughed. “If you two aren’t back in ten minutes, we’ll know she’s getting all the help she needs, and we’ll head on back to the hotel without you.”
Ignoring Jason’s not so subtle implication, Cole walked out of catering and down the hall. The guys could think what they wanted. They would anyway. Right now the only thing that mattered was getting rid of this nagging sensation that something was wrong.
Cole turned the corner toward the Vixens’ locker room and stopped at the sight before him. Amber stood with her back against the wall, Sean Sable in front of her, his hands on either side of her head, pinning her in place. His face was dangerously close to hers, his lips moving as if he was speaking to her in low tones.
Instant anger coursed through Cole’s veins, and he stalked toward them. For months the Vixen wrestlers had been complaining about Sean’s perverted comments and leering stares. Unfortunately, without solid proof of harassment, management could do little to curb him. That hadn’t stopped Cole and the others from taking the necessary steps to protect the ladies. They’d warned the jackass to keep his distance. Maybe it was time somebody taught him a real lesson in listening. “Get away from her,” Cole nearly growled.
Sean didn’t move. Instead he turned his attention on Cole and sneered. “Get lost, Collins. This is no concern of yours.”
Cole’s curled his fingers into a fist. Like hell this wasn’t his concern. Amber was his girl. No way in hell was he going to let Sean anywhere near her. “I said get away from her,” Cole repeated.
Sean chuckled. “I don’t see the rest of your goon squad around. Do you honestly think you can beat me on your own?”
Cole narrowed his gaze. “You know what? You’re right.” He turned as if he was leaving, took a few steps, then turned back toward them and took off at a run. Aiming low, he speared Sable in the side, taking him down. Sean hit the floor with a thud and let out a howl.
Cole scrambled on top of him and began pounding on Sean. With each impact his fists made against Sean’s flesh, a need to punish, to finally serve the weasel the justice he deserved, flowed through Cole. For months, Sean managed to harass the Vixen wrestlers while avoiding the watchful eye of management. Time after time he’d acted as if he were above reproach. Well no more. It was time someone made Sean pay, especially since he’d put his hands on Amber.
“Cole, no!” Amber yelled, but he was too far gone to listen to her plea. The bastard had put his hands on her, and now he must suffer for that offense. Her footsteps echoed in Cole’s ears, and then they were gone. He’d find her later and make things right. At that moment he had only one goal.
Sean struggled to fight back, but with each retaliatory punch, Cole’s anger grew. Every time he thought about Sean touching Amber and what could have happened if he hadn’t gone looking for her, his anger raged again.
“Cole, stop!” Logan’s voice came from somewhere behind him; then he felt large hands pulling him away.
“Let go of me,” Cole shouted as he kicked out.
Jason moved in to help, and within seconds, Cole stared into the faces of his partners as they held him against the wall. Concern was etched deep into Logan’s face and amusement in Jason’s. “Amber wasn’t kidding when she said you were beating up Sean.”
“That bastard had Amber cornered,” Cole managed to explain as he struggled to catch his breath.
“Understood,” Logan replied, his voice calm. “But that doesn’t mean you can kill him.”
“No matter how much he might deserve it.” Jason smirked.
Cole glanced over to where Lexi knelt next to Sean, who lay on his side, unconscious. She pressed a finger to his neck. “He’s alive, but I’m not sure how badly he’s injured.”
“We’ll stay with Cole,” Logan replied. “Lexi, go find Dr. Martin or the paramedics. Amber, find Mark.” He looked back at Cole. “Let’s hope you haven’t ended your career trying to protect her.”
Chapter Four
Cole waited for the paramedics to wheel Sean away; then he turned to Mark. The legend looked tired and very, very worried. Mark leveled his attention on Cole. “Okay, explain to me what happened again.”
“He had Amber pinned against the wall,” Cole replied. “She looked frightened, and it pissed me off. I told Sean to let go of her, but he wouldn’t listen. He pretty much told me to buzz off. I don’t know what came over me.” He looked to where Amber stood with Lexi. “All I could think about was protecting her, and I lost it.”
She met his stare, appreciation and…was that fear he saw on her face?
Mark turned to Amber. “Did Sean actually harm you, Amber?”
Even as she shook her head, she rubbed her wrist with her other hand. “I don’t think so.”
Apparently Cole hadn’t been the only one to notice. Mark closed the distance between them and touched her arm. “If he didn’t hurt you, then why are you rubbing your wrist?”
On the Ropes 2: Insidious Obsession Page 2
