The Cruiserweight

by L. Anne Carrington

  They came together, her muscles milking his cock, and semen shot into her. Brett pulled her down to him, sucking her breasts and prolonging her sensations. He felt as if his entire body was alight with desire.

  Afterward, they lay beside each other, quiet for several moments before he spoke again. “Was this your original plan for saying goodbye before going home?” he asked, kissing her thighs, stomach, breasts, neck, and lips.

  Karen gave him a coy look. “Maybe. I wish I could stay with you like this a little longer.”

  “Do you have a ride to the airport?”

  “I was going to call a cab.”

  “Like hell. I’ll drive you.”

  “That’s very sweet, but you don’t have to go through the trouble.”

  “It’s the least I can do after you gave me a parting treat I won’t forget anytime soon.” He got up. “We better get moving if you’re going to be on time. Traffic’s a bitch this time of the morning.”

  She gave him a quick kiss and went to get her clothes. “I’ll give you a call or a text after I land.” If you thought today was great, wait until I show up in Chicago.

  CHAPTER 19

  “Welcome back to hell,” Eddie greeted Karen when he picked her up at Pittsburgh International Airport. “What was spending your days off in L.A. like?”

  “It was nice, but I’m glad to be back home, at least for another week.”

  Eddie‘s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Another week?”

  “Yeah, I’m going to Chicago for the Dragonfly show, remember?”

  “Oh, right, the week you wanted to have off before Brett sent you those plane tickets to come out to see him in SCE.”

  “The original plan has changed. Mr. Sullivan’s sending me on a paid assignment to cover the show. By the way, Brett doesn’t know I’m coming.”

  “I’m sure he won’t have any objections to seeing you again.”

  She smiled, remembering the last few days they were together. Brett’s match, sightseeing, dinner dates, and unexpected, yet incredible sex. “I hope not. Anything new at the office while I was gone?”

  “Nope. Just the usual slave camp duties of meeting deadlines and listening to Sullivan scream. Oh, and Lou’s going to be out for a few days. Something about his colon or some shit. You and Pheebs may be sent out on some extra assignments outside your usual stuff, so be prepared.”

  “Not a problem. I’ve always welcomed a challenge.”

  “I forgot to mention your great tan.”

  “Thanks. It will be gone in a few days, so I may as well enjoy the extra color. I was thinking of dropping into the office later to get some work done.”

  “Are you nuts? Sullivan will throw you out on your ass. The personal days you took aren’t up until tomorrow.”

  “So I’ll grab some work and take it home. I’ve had writer’s block for a few weeks, so working on the novel is futile, at least for now.”

  “How about just going home and taking a nap?”

  “Because I won’t sleep well tonight, and I’m not tired anyway. Come on, Grumpy, take me back to the office so I can get some stuff out of my desk.”

  “If you insist.” I can’t believe Karen wants to go straight to work after returning from such an awesome place. Is there a time that woman isn’t thinking about some kind of project?

  *****

  “Kerrigan, good to see you again,” Gil Preston greeted Brett with a firm handshake at a meeting to sign an official contract with Squared Circle Express. “Ready to face off with Shima at Dragonfly next week? Graham‘s been saying great things about you.”

  “Looking forward to it, Gil.”

  “I had Lynda finish up the details on your contract. Want to have a last look over to make sure everything’s okay before you sign on the dotted line?”

  “Wouldn’t hurt.” Brett read each detail of the document handed to him. He was happy to discover specific matters he had previously addressed were written into the contract. “Do you have a pen or should I sign this in blood?”

  “I think this pen would do a much better job.” He liked Brett’s overall attitude, sense of humor, and outspokenness. What Preston hadn’t told him was that Sobeck didn’t mind sharing; in fact, he advised SCE to offer Brett their own non-exclusive deal. He would bring great publicity to both them and Dragonfly. Preston agreed, contacting the young cruiserweight and making an offer.

  Even if Preston omitted that Sobeck recommended Brett with confidence, he sensed that Brett picked up on the fact anyway. He was smart, quick, and athletic. They were traits Preston had encountered in few other wrestlers.

  Brett signed the contract with enthusiasm before handing it back. “See you at the next show,” he said, rising from the chair.

  “Looking forward to it. Consider this your official welcome to the Squared Circle Express roster.”

  CHAPTER 20

  “Looks like Sullivan and I aren’t the only ones who have good taste in independent wrestling,” Karen said when she arrived early the following Sunday evening where Dragonfly USA was holding their show. She’d guessed so many people lined up was not only because of the Labor Day weekend, but also that Dragonfly was developing a stellar reputation among federations and fans alike. “This is going to make a fantastic story.”

  She wasn’t the only out-of-towner present. A couple flew in from Canada to see Brent Dillard’s final Dragonfly appearance, and another group of fans from Arizona chipped in money to attend. As part of her assignment, Karen interviewed each of them. Fan stories are always fascinating, especially when they’re from another state or even a different country.

  The doors opened and security staff admitted premier ticket holders and members of the media first. Though she had the perk of being part of a pre-show meet and greet, Karen bypassed it and headed to the small press area.

  Several minutes later, a man holding some photos sat down beside her. “You didn’t go to the meet and greet?” he asked.

  Karen shook her head. “I’m here to surprise someone after the show, and there wasn’t anyone backstage I haven’t interviewed.”

  “Too bad, they’re having some major stars here tonight.”

  “Yes, I came in from Pittsburgh. I’ve never been to a Dragonfly event and looking forward to this one.”

  “You’re in for a treat. This is the third one I’ve covered in the last two months.”

  “You must enjoy that part of your job.”

  “One can say that, plus I wouldn’t think of missing Brett Kerrigan in his debut against Shima.”

  “That’s the bout where I have a particular interest.”

  “It received a lot of attention, because tickets sales surged right after he and Shima were announced.”

  The exchange was interrupted when Karen caught some movement out of the corner of her eye. Oh no, Brett’s standing right outside of the locker room. I hope he didn’t see me sitting over here…

  “Hey!” the man beside her exclaimed once he saw who suddenly captured her attention. “That’s Kerrigan!” He got up. “I think I’ll see if he‘ll come over and say hello.”

  “No, that isn‘t necessary. He looks rather busy…”

  She decided to escape to the ladies’ room while the men were talking and was about out of the main seating area when a voice stopped her. “Karen!”

  So much for my planned surprise.

  “Brett…hi. I didn’t expect to see you before your match.”

  He pulled her into a hug and a deep kiss. “I‘ve missed you, baby.”

  “It’s been a week. The reason I’m here tonight is a working trip to cover the show.”

  “That or see a certain guy?”

  “Now that you mentioned it, a particular person also appeals to me.”

  Brett was enjoying the new game. “And who is he?”

  “Funny thing, his name slipped my mind.”

  “Such a shame. I bet he’s a good-looking guy, about so tall, with a nose that is a bit off-center and long,
blondish-brown, curly hair.”

  Karen began to laugh. “Yes, Brett, I came to see you too. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to talk since I got back to Pittsburgh. One of my co-workers has been on sick leave and we’ve been swamped at the paper.”

  “Know what you mean. I’ve been occupied with training, going through offers, and wrestling. It‘s a wonder I can find time to take a shit.”

  “But it’s good you’re keeping your name out there.”

  “Yeah, and I’ve been having fun since coming back to the independents. Where are you sitting?”

  “The press area, silly, where else?”

  “Go backstage instead. Show the goons back there your pass and say you’re a friend of mine.” He gave a sly wink and sneaked a pinch on her ass.

  Before she could respond, Brett pulled her close to him and crushed her lips with his. Stunned, she froze for a moment before giving in to the kiss and melted against his chest. Oh God, I hope no one’s looking. I’m here to do a story, not become part of one.

  When the kiss was broken, he smiled at her. "Enjoy the show, sweetheart. Let’s meet up later.”

  Karen was still flabbergasted from the kiss and scribbled on a slip of paper she dug from her bag. “Yeah…sure. Here’s my hotel and room number.”

  *****

  Once dressed for his match, Brett made a call on his cell phone to arrange a wonderful surprise for Karen. “Could something be done later tonight?” he asked Kevin, a party planner he knew from other shows.

  “No problem, man. I can get a very romantic dinner set up for two by the end of your show. Where‘s your girl staying?”

  Brett gave the name and room number of Karen’s hotel.

  “Oh, hell, I can do even better,” Kevin said. “That hotel has a wonderful garden out back with a view of the city.”

  “You’re a life saver, bro,“ Brett said. “Remember, not a word about this to anyone else. Just make sure everything is ready by ten thirty. If I don’t answer the phone when you‘re done, leave a message on my voice mail.”

  *****

  The match between Shima and Brett was more than Karen expected. An outstanding show of amazing talent between the two contenders, Brett was the aggressor for a large part of the contest. After the two men shook hands, Shima produced a white glove on and slapped Brett with it. He responded by pulling a black glove from his tights, whacking Shima across the face.

  Their opening actions amused her. What is this, a wrestling match or a duel?

  “Oooh’s” and “ahh’s”, along with shouts, chants, cheers, jeers, and claps, filled the room as two well-known contenders—the small, blond American cruiserweight and a swift, skilled legend of Dragonfly’s Japanese division—kept momentum going inside the ring, fans not missing a move the entire bout. A flurry of offensive moves from both men at a breakneck pace was also featured throughout the entire exhibition.

  Shima performed an extraordinary suicide plancha for the crowd, followed by elbows and cattle mutilation before he took a pot shot from Brett. Barely fazed, Shima recovered quickly enough to catch Brett in a triangle choke, after knocking him over with elbows He got the victory over Brett after hitting a high double knee stomp off the top rope.

  Karen expressed concern that Brett received the move to his face, but it was quickly replaced with relief when he stood up, unscathed, and shook hands with Shima.

  Backstage, he was dressed in street clothes and spoke with Karen and other members of the media. “It was an honor it was to work a singles match with a Japanese legend like Shima,” he said. “I’d also like to add that I’m based out of L.A. and have plenty of future work lined up. Yes, I’m doing some future shows for Dragonfly too.”

  When the other reporters left, he turned his attention to Karen. “I’m going to be held up for a while longer. Is it okay to call you later?”

  “Of course. I want to start on my story so I can get it in to Mr. Sullivan before the weekend’s over. I’ll be awake for at least another few hours.”

  Brett gave her a quick kiss. “Looking forward to it, baby.”

  She watched him walk toward a group of men, presuming he’d been invited out to celebrate his first Dragonfly victory. Gathering her things, she made her way back to the hotel.

  CHAPTER 21

  Later that night, Karen emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her robe, when someone knocked at her door. “Who is it?”

  “Delivery for you, Miss Montgomery.”

  It’s after nine o’clock. Who would send something this time of night?

  Karen peered through the small peephole and saw a bellhop in the hallway holding a bouquet of flowers before she opened the door. “Just put them on the corner table.”

  She pulled out a card that accompanied an arrangement of pink and white roses. They were from Brett.

  Meet me in the lobby after you get these, the card read.

  She was perplexed by the note. “What is that man planning? Whatever it is, I have the feeling that wearing a bathrobe won’t be appropriate.”

  She went through her luggage, finding a pair of dark dress slacks and a white silk blouse. She headed to the lobby once she was ready and approached by a man she never saw before. “Karen Montgomery?”

  "Yes?"

  "I was told by Mr. Brett Kerrigan to take you to him..”

  "All right," she said, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake by trusting a stranger. She was ushered outside, and still a little nervous, inquired where they were going.

  "I was instructed not to reveal anything, ma‘am. Mr. Kerrigan said it was a surprise.”

  The man led her to a large park with a rose garden behind the hotel. Karen stepped onto a patio, seeing the deep blue murals of the sky dotted with twinkling stars. She shivered with anticipation in the warm evening breeze, entered a candlelit tent, and saw a picnic table covered with a tablecloth. She caught a whiff of Italian food in the air and saw a bottle of champagne chilling. The table was set for two, and Brett stood beside it, his features basked in the soft candlelight.

  She looked around the tent. "What’s all of this?”

  "I know you came to Chicago for business, but I wanted to give you an evening of pleasure.”

  "This is wonderful, but you didn’t need to do something so elaborate.”

  "At least have dinner. You haven’t eaten, have you?”

  “No, and I happen to be ravenous. What smells so good?“

  Brett pulled out a chair for her, thrilled he would be spending the evening with the woman he loved rather than holed up in yet another hotel room. "I got some lasagna and a couple of salads," he said unpacking a basket. "I threw this little party together with some help right after I saw you at the show. The guy who brought you down is Kevin, a friend of mine and responsible for setting up everything.”

  “Do you always have friends make arrangements for impromptu dates?”

  “Only when someone special visits from out of town. I would’ve done a little better, but this was kind of a last-minute plan.”

  “I think it’s more than enough.”

  He popped the champagne cork, filled two glasses, and handed one to her while he held the other in the air. “Let’s start with a toast to the most beautiful woman in my life.”

  “Now you’re being silly.” She clinked his glass with hers.

  Brett served their dinner with great ceremony, spreading out the entire contents of lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and cannoli, “Eat, and I don’t mean bird portions. I like my women to be well-fed and happy.”

  Karen took her time in enjoying the meal, keeping almost every bite in her mouth as long as possible, tasting and feeling each culinary delight on her palate. “I had everything ordered from one of the best restaurants in Chicago,” Brett said.

  They also had their share of champagne, finishing off the bottle, and she felt a little buzzed, more from his company than from the alcohol. He rose to clear empty dishes before he walked toward the tent‘s opening. “I’ll be right b
ack.”

  What‘s he doing? Karen’s curiosity got the best of her and she peeked outside the tent, seeing Brett head toward a thicket of bushes.

  An involuntary gasp escaped her lips when he unzipped his pants and peed a perfect arc into the bushes. “Brett Kerrigan!“ she cried, not believing the sight before her, “Get back here this instant!”

  He turned to her, grinning. “A little too much champagne. When a guy’s got to go, he’s got to go.”

  “You could’ve used the men’s room in the lobby.”

  “Bushes were closer.”

  “Some way to end a romantic evening.”

  “I didn’t plan the pissing part.” He returned to finish cleaning up the table.

  “I hope not! Let me help you pack that stuff.”

  “Nothing doing, dear. Kevin can do the rest while I walk you back to your room.”

  "Thanks. Everything was delicious.”

  Brett called Kevin before turning back to her. “Ready to head upstairs?“

  “Sure.”

  They walked in silence along the path which led back to the hotel and upstairs to her floor. Brett waited until Karen slid her key card and the door swung open. “Thank you for dinner. I had a great time, even though the ‘floor show’ was a bit unexpected."

  “I’ll try to plan something better next time.” He paused a moment. “Oh, hell, I can’t let tonight end with the vision of me taking a whiz in your mind.” he pulled her into a long, gentle kiss. When it was broken, Karen lay her head on his shoulder, looking up with a loving glance. He smiled and gave her a little wink. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

  “You know, it may be awhile before I feel like going to bed. Would you like to come in and watch a movie?”