TITLE: Imagine

E-MAIL: ShaneMcMahonsGrl@hotmail.com

RATING: Well, since it’s me, you can pretty safely bet that it’ll be NC-17
CONTENT: Sporadic use of adult language
CATEGORY: Adult
SPOILERS: None
SUMMARY: You all know I can’t live without writer created characters. <Grin> This lucky gal gets herself caught in a little ol’ love triangle. Only this triangle is a little more one sided.  You’ll see when you read. The story starts before Backlash and will most likely end just after.

DISCLAIMER: Uhm, well, I'm not any of these people, I do not own any of
these people, with the exception of Kaitlin. The song at the end of the story is called “Imagine” and is sung by Jane French. NBC and Passions own it, not me.

DISTRIBUTION: My page and fanfiction.net. Anyone else, please ask first and tell me where it is. Thanks.

 

~~

 

“Aren’t you ready yet?” Kurt Angle stood in the center of his locker room, looking at his girlfriend/manager in frustration. “My match is next.”

 

“I’m well aware of when your match is, Kurt,” Kaitlin Martin answered, as she pulled on her six-inch heels. Kaitlin was no stranger to wrestling or to the World Wrestling Federation, since her older brother, Andrew, better known as Test, had gotten her the job in the company in the first place.

 

“Well hurry up,” Kurt huffed before walking out of the room, mumbling something about Olympic Heroes and gold medals.

 

Kaitlin rolled her eyes and stood up. She had been Kurt’s manager for a year now, but she had been his girlfriend for all of six months. She thought she was in love with him, but at times, she just wasn’t sure. Kurt didn’t treat her the way most guys treat their girlfriends. He never abused her or did anything that would warrant her being afraid of him, but he just wasn’t nice. He was domineering, almost. He wanted what he wanted when he wanted it. That included Kaitlin’s services in the bedroom. Taking a breath, she walked out of the room and found Kurt standing just outside the door looking very impatient. “Ready.”

 

“It’s about time. Let’s go.”

~~

 

“Katie? You okay?” Chris Benoit approached her cautiously. He had just been in a match with Kurt during Raw that evening and, like the script dictated, he had won. He had come to know and actually like Kaitlin in the last few months, despite his initial animosity towards her. She was a sweet girl, even if she was a little young to be toyed with, which was obviously what Kurt was doing with her.

 

“Hmmm?” she muttered, looking up. “What? Oh, hi Chris. What’s up?”

 

“I asked if you were okay. You’re awfully quiet tonight. Even for you.”

 

Kaitlin grinned. “I’m fine. Just a little tired, I guess. Homesick too.”

 

Chris nodded. “It seems never ending, doesn’t it? The days on the road.”

 

“Sometimes it does,” Kaitlin answered just as Kurt sauntered up to them. The Olympic hero was a little more then tipsy on the beer he had been consuming at the hotel bar.

 

“What’s goin’ on here, guys?” He slurred.

 

“Nothing, Kurt. Chris just came over to say hi,” she told him as she stood up and tried to take his arm. “Why don’t we go upstairs now? I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

 

“What are you talking about?” He responded, pulling his arm away. “I’m fine.”

 

“Angle, she’s right. You’re drunk. Go upstairs and sleep it off.”

 

“Who asked you, Benoit?”

 

“Come on Kurt, let’s go upstairs,” Kaitlin said, trying again. “You can have another drink up there if you want.”

 

Kurt considered this for a second before answering her. He hadn’t liked the fact that Benoit was trying to cozy up to his woman. If they went upstairs, he knew that Benoit wouldn’t be with them and Kurt liked that. A lot. Finally he nodded. “Okay, let’s go. Nighty-night, Benny.”

 

Kaitlin began walking Kurt towards the elevator, looking back at Chris with a sad look. “I’m sorry,” she mouthed as Chris watched, shaking his head.

 

~~

 

The next afternoon, when Kurt left to take his daily workout, Kaitlin headed to Benoit’s locker room and knocked softly on the door. “Chris? It’s Kait. You in there?”

 

There was no response, but the door opened, seconds later. “Hey Kait. What’s up?”

 

“Can I come in for a sec?”

 

Benoit hesitated for a minute. Looking around, he nodded. “Sure. Come on in.” Kaitlin walked in as Benoit closed the door behind them. “Have a seat,” he said, clearing some things off of the couch. “What’s up?”

 

“I wanted to apologize to you.”

 

“Apologize? For what?”

 

“For Kurt. He acted like a complete ass last night. I’m sorry.”

 

“Katie, you don’t have to apologize for him. You aren’t responsible for his behavior.”

 

“I know.  I just  . . .” Her voice trailed off.

 

“Just what?” He prompted.

 

“I just feel bad. You didn’t deserve it. You were just trying to back me up.”

 

“And I’d do it again.”

 

Kaitlin smiled. “Thanks . . .you know, for a rabid wolverine, you’re just a big softie.”

 

Benoit laughed. “Damn. I blew my cover. I must kill you now.”

 

“As long as it’s not death by the cross face, I’m fine with it,” she answered with a laugh. It never occurred to her, even at this moment that Benoit did something that Kurt never could. He made her laugh. What’s more, he made her feel happy and whenever he was around she always felt safe. Not that she noticed on a conscious level. Not yet anyway. “Anyway, I’d better go get ready. We can’t keep King Kurt waiting, now can we?”

 

“Of course not,” he answered as he opened the door for her. “I’ll talk to you later, I guess.”

 

She nodded. “Bye.”

 

“Bye.”

 

~~

 

"No, Kaitlin."

 

"Why not, Kurt? Everyone else is going to be there." Kaitlin looked exasperated as she sat at the edge of the bed in the hotel room she shared with Kurt. "Can't you let what goes on in the ring stay there?"

 

"One has nothing to do with the other. I don't like Benoit. I've never made any secret of that. We're not going and that's final."

 

"Oh no, Kurt. Maybe =you= aren't going, but =I= am. If you won't take me, then I'll go with Andrew."

 

"You can do whatever you please, Kait," he answered, snidely, waving towards the door. "I won't stop you. I just don't get why you can't back me up."

 

"Because you're being ridiculous. Everything that Chris has done has been scripted. Yet you act like it's personal."

 

"It's =always= personal, Kait. That's how you become the best."

 

"But at what expense?"

 

"What?"

 

Kaitlin shook her head. "Nothing. Look, I promised Andrew I'd work out with him today. I'm gonna be late so I have to go."

 

"Okay. Do I get a kiss goodbye?"

 

Kaitlin nodded and walked over to Kurt, planting a small kiss on his lips. Kissing him didn't even feel the same anymore. Nothing did between them. As she kissed him she felt his arms lock around her waist. "Kurt. I can't. I gotta go."

 

Kurt sighed. "All right. But later on, it's you and me."

 

"Okay . . .bye."

 

"Bye."

 

~~

 

"Katie? Katie? Earth calling Katie, come in please." Andrew chanted, trying to get his younger sister's attention.

 

"Hmmm?"

 

"Where were you just now?"

 

"No where. Why?"

 

"Because you were definitely not here." He paused. "Something's bothering you and I want to know what it is."

 

"Andrew," she began. "There's nothing - -"

 

"Don't you dare. I'm your brother and I know you like a book. Now, what's wrong with you?"

 

"It's nothing, really," she answered, deliberately ignoring the evil eye her brother was giving her. She sighed. "Okay, okay. You know about Benoit's barbecue that he invited everyone to, right?"

 

Andrew nodded. "Yeah . . ."

 

"Well, I want to go. But Kurt doesn't."

 

"And . . .?"

 

"And, he's making it sound like I'd be betraying him if I went without him."

 

"What? Katie, that's complete bullshit. If you want to go, you go. We're all going to be there and you deserve to have fun too."

 

"You really think that?"

 

"Of course I do. Kurt just takes everything too damn personally.  You know what, you're going to that party, even if it means I have to drag you there myself."

 

Kaitlin laughed. "Ahhh, idle threats, some thing's just never change. Thank goodness."

 

Andrew rolled his eyes as he grabbed his sister, and put a noogie on her. "Here's something that ought to remind you of old times."

 

"When I get out of this headlock you are a dead man, Andrew Martin!"

 

"Oh, I am so scared. Kait, I hate to tell you this, but you couldn't hurt a fly."

 

"Bite me."

 

"Oh, uh, no thank you. Ew."

 

~~

 

A few days later, on a beautiful and warm Wednesday morning, Kaitlin stood in her hotel room, putting her hair into a french braid. It was the day of Chris Benoit’s barbecue, and despite the fact that Kurt was now giving her the silent treatment, banging around the room until his stormed out to go work out, Kaitlin was in a good mood and really looking forward to it. Being on the road so much, she along with the entire WWF roster barely had time to rest. Being in Canada and going to the barbecue was going to provide some much-needed relief.

 

"Katie?" Andrew called out as he knocked on the door. "Can I come in?"

 

Kaitlin went to the door and opened it for her brother. "Hey Andrew, come on in."

 

"Thanks. Well, well, well, looking good, little sister. You trying to impress someone?"

 

"What?" She asked, looking down at herself. "A pair of denim shorts and a crop top. How is that trying to impress someone?"

 

Andrew shrugged. "I don't know. I was just busting your chops."

 

Kaitlin rolled her eyes. "And you do it well."

 

"Why thank you. So, you ready?"

 

"And willing."

 

"Good. Let's go."

 

~~

 

"Andrew, Kaitlin, I'm glad you guys made it," Benoit greeted, taking his role of host to heart. "I got the booze over there and I'm going to fire up the grill in a few minutes."

 

"Thanks for the invite, man," Andrew greeted. "I hope you bought a lot of food because I’m starved."

 

Kaitlin rolled her eyes. "I told him to eat before we got here, but he said - - "

 

"And turn down free food? Never!"

 

Benoit laughed. Kaitlin grinned as she watched the exchange. In a way she felt almost bad for the people at home who never get to see the light, jovial side of Chris Benoit on television or at the house shows. "Hey Chris, tell me you don't have one of those aprons that says 'Don't Touch the Chef's Buns'."

 

"Please, Katie. I think you know me better then that." He paused and grinned. "My apron says 'Kiss the Cook'."

 

"And that's just =so= much better."

 

"Well, if you don't like it, you don't have to stay here," he teased.

 

"I like it. I like it. I may not eat as much as my brother, but I'm hungry too."

 

"Well, I can't make a pretty girl starve. Why don't you grab yourself a drink and go mingle."

 

Kaitlin nodded. "Sounds good. Let me know if you need help, okay?"

 

"I will . . .oh, hey, Katie?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Kurt didn't come with you?"

 

"No. It's a bone of contention with us, actually. But, I don't want to talk about it or even think about it. I'm here to have fun and that's what I'm going to do."

 

Benoit was about to respond when Trish walked over to the two of them. "My my, such serious expressions. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but this is supposed to be a happy event, isn't it?"

 

"Yes, Trish, it is," Benoit responded.

 

"Good. Now, I'm going to take little miss Kaitlin over here, and introduce her to a wine cooler," she said, taking Kaitlin's hand. "Say goodbye, Kaitlin."

 

Kaitlin grinned. "Goodbye, Kaitlin."

 

"I promise to return her to you later."

 

Benoit grinned. "I don't own Katie. She can go where ever she pleases."

 

"Good answer," Trish answered. "Come on Kait, Jeff's threatening to dye his hair pink with green polka dots. We've =got= to stop him."

 

"Ooh, sounds serious, let's go."

 

Benoit watched Kaitlin and Trish leave with a grin. The thought of Jeff Hardy with pink hair and green polka dots was too much, even for him. Taking a long swig of beer, he turned and headed toward the kitchen, to get all the food ready to cook.

 

~~

 

“Katie, I have to go,” Andrew said as he approached his sister who was sitting with Trish, Amy, Nora and Stephanie.

 

“Already?” She asked, checking her watch. “It’s so early.”

 

“I know, but I just got paged.”

 

“I guess I have to go too, then.”

 

“No you don’t,” a voice said, from behind her. Turning around, she saw Benoit standing there, apron on, with a beer in one hand and a metal spatula in the other. “I’d me more then happy to give you a lift back to the hotel if you want to stay.”

 

“Really? That wouldn’t be a problem.”

 

“Not in the least. I wouldn’t have offered if it was.”

 

Kaitlin grinned and looked up at her brother. “Is that all right with you?”

 

He nodded. “Stay and have a good time. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

“Bye, Andrew.”

 

“Bye.”

 

~~

 

“All right guys, food is ready!” Benoit called out, from his station at the grill. Not surprisingly, all the men dropped what they were doing and headed straight for the food.

 

Kaitlin grinned and rolled her eyes. “It’s so sad, really.”

 

“What is?” Stephanie asked.

 

“Men. They live up to their stereotypes every day and they don’t even realize it.”

 

“Don’t realize it or don’t care?” Trish asked with a laugh.

 

“Probably both,” Amy answered. “So, how long do you think we ought to wait before attempting to get food?”

 

“At least 15 minutes,” Stephanie answered. “Especially with Austin and Albert leading the pack.”

 

Kaitlin was about to respond, when her cell phone rang. “Excuse me guys.” Standing up, she answered the phone, moving away from the group. “Hello?”

 

“It’s Kurt. Are you still at Benoit’s?”

 

“Yeah. He just announced that the food is ready, but us ladies are hanging back ‘til the men are done with their feeding frenzy.”

 

“Oh.” Apparently he didn’t find her joke to be funny. “Well, listen, I’m going out tonight with some of the guys I met in ’96. I doubt I’ll be back tonight, since we don’t see each other that often.”

 

“You’re not coming home at all?”

 

“I don’t think so. But I’ll be back in the early afternoon tomorrow. Have fun at the barbecue.”

 

“I will. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Kaitlin answered, trying not to cry.

 

“Right. Bye,” he said as he hung up.

 

“Kurt! I - -“ her voice trailed off as she heard the dial tone. “Love you.” Turning off her cell phone she sat down with a heavy sigh.

 

“Kait? Are you all right?” Nora asked, walking up to her.

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “That was Kurt. He’s not coming home tonight.”

 

“What?” Nora looked shocked. “Where’s he going? Everyone is here.”

 

“Out with some people he met during the Olympics, I guess. He said that he was meeting guys he met in ’96.”

 

“And he’s staying out all night?” She asked, her eyebrow raised.

 

“Looks that way to me.”

 

“Kait . . .” Nora leaned over and gave her a hug. “You can stay in my hotel room with me tonight if you want. So you don’t have to be alone.”

 

“Thanks, Nora. I appreciate it. I’ll let you know later.”

 

“Okay. Oh, Stephanie and Amy are signaling us. I guess that means we can get our food now.”

 

Kaitlin grinned. “It’s about time. Let’s go. I’m starved.”

 

“Me too.”

 

~~

 

Several hours later, the barbecue had broken up and Kaitlin was inside, helping Benoit clean up the massive mess they had all managed to make. “I had such a great time today, Chris. Thank you so much.”

 

Chris turned around from where he was stacking dishes in the dishwasher and smiled at her. “You’re welcome.” He paused and turned serious. “Can I say something to you? It might come out wrong, but I don’t mean it in a bad way, like I’m trying to tell you how to live your life.”

 

“What is it, Chris?”

 

Chris sighed as she shut the door to the dishwasher and started it up. “Why don’t we go sit in the living room? It’s more comfortable in there.”

 

Kaitlin nodded. “I know I shouldn’t, but I’m going to have another wine cooler.”

 

“You can get drunk if you want. I’m trust worthy.”

 

Kaitlin laughed. “It’s not you. It’s tomorrow morning I’m worried about.”

 

“One or two more won’t hurt you. You didn’t drink that much today.”

 

“How do you know?”

“I saw.”

 

“You were watching me?”

 

Benoit had to force himself not to blush. “Not just you. I was the host so I was keeping an eye on the whole party.”

 

“Ah, okay,” Kaitlin, answered as she made herself comfortable on the large white leather couch. “You’ve got a really nice place, Chris.”

 

“Thank you.” His ex girlfriend had helped him pick it out, but he didn’t feel it necessary to share that tidbit with his guest. All he could think about was the look on her face when she told him what Kurt had said on the phone. The bastard had such a great thing going and he was deliberately blowing it. Benoit wanted to really put a hurting on him whenever they were in the ring together, but he didn’t. He cared about Kaitlin too much to do that to her.

 

“So, what was it that you wanted to say to me?” Kaitlin asked, breaking his concentration.

 

“What?”

 

“When we were in the kitchen. You said you had something you wanted to say to me. What was it?”

 

“Oh. It was . . .Nothing.”

 

“Chris, don’t lie to me. What was it?”

 

“Well, I . . .” he sighed. “I guess I just don’t like knowing that you’re always so miserable. Today was the first time in a long, long, time I saw you really smile. And Kaitlin, you have a beautiful smile.”

 

Kaitlin blushed at the compliment. “Thank you. But, I’m not always miserable.” Chris didn’t answer he just looked at her. “All right.” Kaitlin sighed. “I am miserable. I don’t know what happened.”

 

“I do.”

 

“What?”

“He’s taken you for granted. He knows that no matter what he does, you’ll be there waiting for him.”

 

“Well, I - I love him.”

 

“Do you Katie? Do you really?”

 

“What? Chris, what are you trying to do? Why do you want me to leave Kurt so badly?”

 

Because I’m in love with you! He wanted to shout, but he didn’t. “I don’t. Not unless it’s what you want.”

 

“I don’t know what the hell I want anymore,” she said, as the tears she had been holding back overflowed, cascading down her cheeks. “I’m not even sure I love him anymore. He hurts me all the time, Chris.”

 

“Physically?”

 

Kaitlin was quick to shake her head. “No. He’s just not nice anymore. I know it sound stupid, but that’s the only way I can think to describe it.”

 

Without thinking, Benoit took her in his arms and held her. The bastard was going to pay for putting her through this hell that was for sure. It was bad enough that he had to deal with being in love with this woman, but he didn’t have to sit back and let her suffer. “Katie, stay here tonight.”

 

“I can’t Chris, I - -“

 

“I don’t mean with me, in my bed. I mean just stay here. I don’t want you to be alone when you’re upset like this. Kurt won’t be home tonight anyway, you said so yourself.”

 

“I don’t want to be a burden.”

 

“Katie, look at me.” Kaitlin looked up at him, her blonde hair framing her face. “I’m not Kurt. You will never be a burden to me. Understand that?” She nodded. “Good. Now, let’s put on a movie and get your mind off things, okay?”

 

“Okay. Thanks Chris.”

 

Benoit smiled. “No need to thank me.”

 

~~

 

Later that night, Kaitlin lay on the cot that Benoit had set up for her in the living room. She was trying to sleep, but was having a hard time. All she could think about was Kurt and how badly he had been treating her lately. Did he love her at all? Did he ever love her? The questions were haunting her as she finally fell asleep.

 

~~

 

It was after hours of tossing and turning, or what seemed like hours anyway, that Benoit decided to get up and go make some coffee. It wouldn’t help him sleep, but it would be a way to pass the time at least. He entered the kitchen quietly, careful not to wake up Kaitlin, who was in the next room.

 

As he sat at the table, staring into space, he heard a strange sound. Listening intently, he realized that the sound was coming from the living room. It was Kaitlin and he quickly realized she was crying. Without thinking, he got up and practically ran into the living room. “Katie? Katie, wake up,” he practically pleaded, as he gently shook her shoulder.

 

“Kurt . . .no . . .please . . .” Kaitlin mumbled in her sleep, still not completely awake.

 

Just the sound of his name was enough to make Benoit’s blood boil. She was having a nightmare about that arrogant prick. As she began to wake up, he gently sat her up and put his arms around her, letting her lean her head against his bare chest. “I’m here, Katie. Relax. You’re all right. I promise.”

 

“Chris? What - - did I wake you?”

 

He shook his head. “No. I was sitting in the kitchen and I heard you crying.”

 

“You did?”

 

He nodded. “Are you all right?”

 

“I think so . . .but could you stay here for a few minutes?”

 

“Of course.” He looked down at her as he held her tight. He just sat there for a minute as she clung to him. Without thinking, he leaned down and brought his lips to hers, kissing her softly.

 

Kaitlin was a little stunned at first, but quickly overtaken by a way of chemistry sweeping through her body as she returned the kiss. After a minute, she pulled away. “Chris. No. Stop. We can’t.” She paused and straightened out her shirt. “We can’t. No matter what my problems are with Kurt, I’m still with Kurt.”

 

“But why, Katie? He doesn’t care about you. Not like I do.” That much at least was in the open now. “You felt something just now. I felt your body responding to mine. You can’t stay that it didn’t.”

 

Kaitlin began to cry again, softly. “I’m confused. Chris, I love him.”

 

“Are you sure about that?” He was fighting for his life now, or at least that’s how it felt. “Or are you just confusing good sex with love? Because if you are, then you have to remember that good sex is just that. Good sex. It’s not love, it’s not feelings, and it won’t always be good.”

 

Kaitlin just looked at him. “I - I have no answers for you right now. I just need time to think.”

 

Benoit took both of her hands in his and looked deep into her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. You know now how I feel about you. I just want you to be happy. If you think that you can be happy with Kurt, then by all means, stay with him. But if you even have the slightest doubt that he can make you happy, you owe it to yourself to get out of there. I’ll be here, as your friend anytime you need me.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Benoit stood up and brushed his hand against her cheek. “You’re welcome. Try to get some sleep.”

 

Kaitlin nodded and lay back down. “Night.”

 

~~

 

Several nights later, Kaitlin lay in bed, watching Kurt sleep. They were both still naked after making love. The entire time, Benoit’s words kept ringing in her head. She was starting to think he was right. What she and Kurt did was physically satisfying, certainly, but there was no love behind it. At least not in a gut wrenching way that made you tremble before the first touch. And, as usual, he had fallen asleep almost as soon as it was over. “Kurt, what’s happened to us?” she whispered as she wiped away a stray tear. Leaning over, she kissed his lips once softly before turning over and going to sleep.

 

She wasn’t asleep very long when she began to dream. It wasn’t one of her usual dreams, the dreams that involved her and Kurt. This one was different. It was intense. It was hot. And, it was about her and Chris Benoit . . .

 

The room was beautiful, in and of itself. It was done in white marble and gold from the ceiling to the floor. The candles spread around the room added a soft glow, creating the ambience of romance. The large bed was made with silver satin sheets and a large white comforter. And next to it was a silver bucket filled with ice and champagne. This was clearly a room meant for lovers. Kaitlin looked around her in awe. No one had ever done anything like this for her before. She was simply stunned. “I hope you like everything,” Benoit said, from just behind her.

 

Jumping a little at the unexpected sound, Kaitlin tightened her robe around her as she turned to face him. “It’s so beautiful. But you didn’t have to do this for me.”

 

“I know. But you deserve it.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Kaitlin,” he began, looking straight into her eyes, “I love you.”

 

“I love you too, Chris,” she answered as he pulled her closer and kissed her. It was soft at first and then harder and with more passion. This was something he had been waiting a long time for and now that he had the opportunity to be with her, he was going to show her, prove to her, that they belonged together and that he and not Kurt could make her happy.  Pulling away slightly, he looked at her for a second, drinking in every inch of her as his hands moved to untie her robe. Out of pure instinct, she moved to stop him. "Don't. I won't hurt you."

 

Kaitlin nodded. "I know." Fighting her resistance, she let him untie the robe and remove it from her body. She stood there, in a white satin nightgown that hugged her body in the right places.

 

"God, you are so beautiful," Benoit muttered, for the moment, breathless. Kaitlin blushed a delicate pink as Benoit moved closer to her, picking her up and kissing her as he walked them both towards the bed. When they reached the bed, he laid her down gently, never breaking the kiss. He broke the kiss after another minute, he moved away from her, long enough to drop his robe and join her on the bed. "Katie, I can wait, if you want to stop."

 

"I don't want to stop." It was barely audible, but he heard it.

 

Leaning over, he began to kiss her again as he began to peel the nightgown from her body. Once she was completely naked, he began to explore her body, getting to know her most intimate spots. He was memorizing everything about her, wanting to know what drove her crazy.  Moments later, he too was naked and he moved gently on top of her, entering her slowly, causing both of them to moan softly.

 

Kaitlin's body moved involuntarily in her sleep as her dream progressed. The things that Benoit was doing to her in her dream felt so real. For the moment, she was suspended between the dream world and the real world. Her dream progressed and as it did her rate of breathing sped up. It was definitely the most intense and erotic dream she had ever had. As her climax hit in her dream, Kaitlin let out a moan in her sleep. "Oh God, Chris . . .yes!"

 

That woke Kurt up. "Chris?!" He shook Kaitlin to wake her up. "Chris? What about Chris?!"

 

"What? Kurt, it's 4:00 in the morning. What are you yelling about?" Kaitlin asked, honestly half asleep, but knowing full well what he meant.

 

"You called Chris's name. It's Benoit, isn't it?"

 

"What? Kurt, don't be ridiculous. I don't remember calling out anyone's name. I was having a dream, but I don't remember about what."

 

"I don't believe you."

 

"Kurt. Come on. I really don't remember what I was dreaming about. I'm sorry if I upset you."

 

Kurt sat there for a moment, just watching her, deciding whether or not he believed her. Finally, he nodded. "Okay. Maybe I over reacted. I'm sorry. Good night." He leaned over and kissed her quickly.

 

"Night, Kurt," she whispered as she turned away from him again, trying to slow down her racing heart. It had been an incredible dream and she was beginning to wonder if she could keep running from her feelings for him.

 

~~

 

The next few days, leading up to Backlash were torturous for both Kaitlin and Benoit. Kaitlin went out of her way to avoid him because of all the guilt she felt. Not over the kiss they had shared at his house, but because of the erotic dreams she had been having, almost nightly. Benoit knew none of that however, and assumed she was avoiding him because she had decided to stay with Kurt. 

 

The night of Backlash however, changed everything, for all concerned and it all started with Trish Stratus seeing Kurt hovered in a corner with an obvious WWF groupie. Normally, she wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but as she looked again, she realized that the fan wasn’t asking for an autograph. Kurt was all over her. Trish sighed as she watched them. This was at least the third time she had seen something like this. She knew about what had happened between Kaitlin and Benoit, as well as Kaitlin’s dreams and she had assured her that dreaming was not cheating.  But what Kurt was doing . . .that was definitely cheating. Trish turned around and headed towards the locker room to tell Kaitlin what she had seen. But before she could, she ran into Test. “Trish? You all right?”

 

“Yeah. I’m fine. But Kurt’s not.”

 

“What?” Test looked at her, obviously confused.

 

“I don’t know how to say this, especially since Kaitlin’s your sister . . .”

 

“Did he do something to her?” Test demanded, his hands involuntarily clenching into fists. Trish nodded. “What did he do?”

 

“He’s just around that corner with a ring rat.”

 

“He what?!”

 

“And it’s not the first time I’ve seen him do something like this.”

 

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

 

Trish shrugged. “I called him on it once before and he promised me that he wouldn’t do it again. He said that he loved Kait and that he had just gone a little crazy. I saw no reason to hurt her unnecessarily. But now - -“

 

“I’ll kill him.” He interrupted, seething at the fact that in a matter of moments his baby sister was going to be hurt.

 

“Andrew, no. Don’t. What happens to him now is up to Kaitlin, not you. But you should be the one to go and tell her.”

 

“Do you think she’ll believe me, Trish?”

 

Trish shrugged. “I don’t know. But, I think she suspects something to begin with. Go tell her.”

 

He nodded. “I will. Just give me a little time to figure out how to tell her.”

 

“Do it soon.”

 

Andrew nodded as he turned and walked away.

 

~~

 

“Excuse me?” Kaitlin said, staring at Kurt in disbelief. “Repeat that for me.”

 

“I said you’re staying back here tonight when I go out to have my match with Benoit.” He stopped his warm ups and looked at her dead on. “This is between me and him and you are not to get involved.”

 

“Kurt, how the hell am I supposed to be in your corner and be your manager if you constantly try to keep me away from the ring?”

 

“I don’t constantly try to do anything. Tonight you’re staying back here. End of discussion.”

 

“You know what Kurt? I’ve had just about enough of your treating me like a five-year-old. Either knock it off and I mean now or you’ll have to find yourself a new manager.”

 

“Is that a threat? Are you threatening me?” He demanded.

 

“Take it any way you’d like, Mr. Olympic Gold,” she practically spat out as she headed out of the locker room, slamming the door behind her.

 

~~

 

Not long after, Kaitlin stood by a monitor, backstage watching the match between Kurt and Chris Benoit. As she watched, it began to occur to her that she was silently rooting for Chris, not Kurt to win. She was so absorbed in the match that she didn’t hear anyone approach her and jumped when Test said her name. “Oh God. You scared the hell out of me.”

 

Test laughed. “I can tell. Sorry about that, Sis.” She nodded and watched as his smile disappeared and he turned serious. “Katie, I have to tell you something.”

 

“What’s wrong?” She asked, fighting back the wave of panic she felt coming on.

 

“It’s nothing hugely bad. And it’s not our family.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“It’s Kurt.”

 

Kaitlin stared him dead on. She didn’t look surprised that he had something to tell her about him. “What about him?”

 

“Trish says . . .”his voice trailed off. “She says that she saw him making out with a female fan.”

 

Instead of exploding like he thought she would, she was strangely calm. “Oh, he did, did he?” It wasn’t a question of whether or not Trish was lying. She knew she wasn’t. “Well, well, well. Devoted to me, huh?”

 

“Katie? You ok?”

 

Kaitlin didn’t answer him. Instead she looked at the monitor once more then headed out towards the ring.

 

~~

 

“This is quite a match up we have going on here,” JR commented. “Rightfully Benoit should have one point because Kurt did tap out.”

 

“Right. But the rules specifically state that submissions must be made in the ring only,” Paul answered back.

 

JR was about to respond when he got a glimpse of Kaitlin heading down the ring. “What’s Kaitlin Martin doing out here? I thought Kurt told her to stay in the back.”

 

“I don’t know, JR, but I have a feeling we’re about to find out.”

 

As Kaitlin made her way down the ring, her eyes locked on Kurt, both men stopped what they were doing. Benoit looked from her to Kurt and back to her, hoping that she wasn’t out there to help Kurt. Not that it would surprise him, but from the look on her face, it wouldn’t be just another day at the office. Whatever she was about to do had a lot of meaning behind it. “She’s getting into the ring, Paul and - - I can’t quite describe the look on her face. But she does look pretty damn serious.”

 

“What are you doing out here?” Kurt demanded as she stood in front of him, deathly silent. “I told you to stay in the back.”

 

Kaitlin looked at him again, almost unseeing. She was seething inside with anger and hurt but she refused to come out here screaming like a banshee. Instead, she took one step closer and slapped him across the face. Hard. “Whoa! That wasn’t expected!” Paul shouted. “Hey Kaitlin, wrong guy! That’s Kurt! Not Benoit!”

 

“What the fuck was that for?!” Kurt practically screamed at her, rubbing his cheek as Benoit looked on in shock. Once again, Kaitlin didn’t answer him. She looked at him again, then at Benoit and back to Kurt.

 

“Want to play games with me, Kurt? We’ll play games.” And with that, she proceeded to low blow him, causing a collective gasp from the crowd.

 

“OH MY GOD!” Paul screamed. “SHE LOW BLOWED HIM! WHAT DID SHE DO TO MY OLYMPIC HERO?!”

 

“I don’t know what’s going on, but it looks to me as if Kaitlin has officially turned against he man she supposedly manages.” He paused. “But then again, I guess she doesn’t manage him anymore.”

 

As Kurt lay prone on the mat, Kaitlin walked over to Benoit. “Katie?” He questioned.

 

“Kill him.” With that, she turned around and walked out of the ring. Kurt was up on his feet again relatively quickly and was enraged to see his girlfriend, or rather ex girlfriend in the corner of his archenemy.

 

The match continued into overtime where Benoit was declared the winner. Kaitlin climbed back into the ring and held up his hand in victory as his music blared through the arena.

 

~~

 

“Kaitlin!” Kurt roared as he went from room to her room looking for. “Kaitlin, where ever you are get the hell out here now!”

 

“Yo, Kurt, why don’t you cool down a bit before you pop a blood vessel,” Hunter commented, deliberately standing in his way.

 

“Don’t tell me to cool down!” Kurt was livid. “That little bitch set me up and when I get my hands on her - -“

 

“You’ll what?” Andrew challenged from just behind him, where he stood with Chris Benoit and Kaitlin.

 

“You little bitch,” he spat at her, narrowing his eyes. “How long have you two had this plan? Huh?”

 

He began to advance on her, but Andrew stepped in front of her before he could. “You take one more step near my sister and I’ll put a hurting on you so bad that the low blow she gave you earlier will feel like you were hit with a pillow.”

 

“No you won’t, Andrew,” Kaitlin answered, stepping from behind him. “I’m a big girl and I can handle this myself.” She paused and looked Kurt straight in the eyes. “Number one, Chris had nothing to do with this. Even though I hated it, I was going to obey you and stay in the back tonight. But during your match, I received some rather interesting information about you that lead to my turning on you, on screen and off.”

 

“Oh yeah? And what might that be?”

 

“I found out what I suspected all along. You’re a liar and a cheat. So, how many girls have you been with while you were supposedly so devoted to me, hmm?” Kaitlin was strangely calm.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“Cut the crap, Kurt. Trish saw you.”

 

His face paled. He knew he had been caught. “Kait, I’m sorry. I - -“

 

Kaitlin held up her hand. “Stop. I don’t want to hear it. I don’t care what came over you. It’s over. Both personally and professional.” She paused and looked from Andrew to Chris. “Come on guys, let’s get out of here.”

 

The two men nodded and the three turned and headed out of the building. As they were walking, they heard Kurt shout, “This isn’t over! No one walks out on me, Kaitlin! No one!”

 

“Yeah, well I just did,” she mumbled.

 

~~

 

The next night, as Raw kicked off, Kurt’s music hit the arena and the Olympic Hero came to the ring, once again solo. As usual the crowd was taunting him, calling him every name in the book. But Kurt heard none of it. He had come out to the ring for one purpose and one purpose only. To call Benoit out. If he thought he could just waltz in and take his manager and girlfriend away from him without a fight, he had another thing coming. “Chris Benoit,” he began. “You must really think I’m stupid. I bet that you think that now that Kaitlin’s no longer my manager, that she’ll be yours. Well I’m here to tell you that you are wrong. If you want Kaitlin for your manager, you’re going to have to get through me first.”

 

Just then, Chris Benoit’s music hit and not only Chris Benoit, but Kaitlin as well emerged at the top of the ramp. “Kurt Angle, you are so full of hot air. Do you ever shut up?” He paused as the audience reacted favorably to his comments. “If you’ll notice, Kaitlin is standing beside me tonight, not you. She is no longer your manger and no longer your girlfriend. She’s a free agent and she can do anything she likes. However, if you want your match, you’ll get it.”

 

“You’re damn right I will,” Kurt practically growled from the ring.

 

“But you won’t get it tonight. Vince gave both me and Kaitlin the night off tonight.” He paused as Kaitlin nodded, with an expression that rivaled anything Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley did. “So you’ll get your match, but you’ll get it on Smackdown.” With that, Benoit’s music hit again and the two of them quickly exited to the backstage area.

 

“Wow, what a way to kick off Raw!” Paul exclaimed. “Two men fighting over the same woman with a match already set for Smackdown!”

 

“I don’t know how I feel about all of this truthfully,” JR responded. “Some things just don’t belong in the ring. But, this feud obviously has to come to some kind of a conclusion and I guess we’ll find out what it is, this Thursday, on Smackdown.”

 

~~

Later that night, Kaitlin went to Stephanie’s hotel room and knocked softly on the door. “Stephanie?” She called out. “It’s Kait. Are you in there?”

Stephanie opened the door after a minute. “Kait? You all right?”

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “No. I need to talk to you about Smackdown.”

 

“Come on in,” she responded as she stepped aside for Kaitlin to enter the room. “What’s up?”

 

“I don’t want this match between Kurt and Chris to happen.” She paused. “At least not over me.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Kaitlin sat there for a second and took a deep breath. “I just spoke to Vince and he said that as long as it’s all right with you, and with Chris, I could manage him.”

 

Stephanie sat on the edge of her bed as she listened. “I don’t mind. Are you sure this is what you want though? Do you really want to be his manager or are you trying to get back at Kurt?”

 

“I want to be his manager,” she looked positive. “Steph, I’ve had feelings for him for months now. I didn’t act on them because I was trying to save what I had with Kurt. But after what happened last night . . .I can’t even look at him anymore.”

 

Stephanie nodded. “Trish told me. I’m sorry that the two of you had to end the way you did. You guys were really a great couple. In the beginning, anyway.”

 

“Aren’t all couples great in the beginning?”

 

Stephanie sighed. “I suppose they are. Well, like I said, it’s fine with me if you want to manage Chris. Just clear it with him first. If he agrees, then tomorrow night, you and I will cut a promo together at the beginning of the show. If Chris still wants to wrestle Kurt, which he might, he can. You can be in his corner or stay in the back, that’s up to you.”

 

Kaitlin nodded. “Thanks, Steph. I appreciate it.”

 

~~

 

Later on that night, Kaitlin lay in bed, thinking about what Stephanie had told her. She hadn’t gone to see Chris because she felt it was too late to bother him. But, as she lay there, she felt a nagging feeling deep inside her. She really wanted to see him. In fact, it almost felt like she =had= to see him.

 

Sitting up, she turned on the lamp next to the bed and reached for the shorts and tee shirt she had changed out of only hours earlier. She wasn’t sure where she was going just yet, but she knew that she couldn’t stay in the room. The walls felt as though they were closing in on her and she needed space to breathe.

 

As she wandered around the hotel, her thoughts inevitably floated back to Chris. She cared about him. That much she already knew. What she wasn’t sure of was how much she cared about him. Granted, she probably should have, given the erotic nature of her dreams that were still plaguing her night after night, but she wasn’t sure. No, maybe not. She knew how she felt but she was too scared to admit it. Too scared of being hurt again and no one could blame her for feeling the way she did.

 

A few hours later she was ready to back to her room, when she instinctively took a turn that lead her right to Chris’s door. She stood there, staring for a second, almost afraid to knock. Finally, she took a deep breath, raised her hand and knocked.

 

After a second or two, the door opened and there stood Chris Benoit, in only a pair of sweats, looking somewhat bewildered by her visit to him. “Katie?”

 

“I don’t know how I got here. I was just thinking about you and I - -“ her voice trailed off.

 

“Come on in.”

 

Kaitlin hesitated for only a second before she walked in to his hotel room and sat down on one of the rooms’ two chairs. “I’m sorry it’s so late.”

 

“It’s all right. I was just watching some bad television,” he answered as he picked up the remote and clicked off the television. “Are you all right?”

 

“I – I’m really not sure.”

 

Chris sat down next to her. “Talk to me. Has Kurt done or said anything to you?”

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “No. He won’t waste any time on me. He’s over it by now, I’m sure.” Chris didn’t answer, just sat there, waiting for her to go on. “I need to ask you something.”

 

“Okay, go ahead.”

 

“I spoke to Vince and Stephanie earlier today and they told me that if you okayed it, that they’d be fine with it.”

 

“Fine with what?”

 

“Me managing you. If you want.”

 

Chris sat there, silent for a second. “You want to be my manager? Are you sure?”

 

She nodded. “I’m positive. I want to continue to manage, I was good at it and this has nothing to do with Kurt or getting back at him. This is what I want.” She paused. “But the question is, is that what you want?”

 

“I’d love for you to be my manager. I just want you to be absolutely sure. Katie, my feelings for you haven’t changed,” he was going to be honest with her, he owed her that much. “And I’m not going to try to get you to feel something you might not feel. Or, if you do feel it, I’m not going to rush you into anything. I just want you to know where things stand, before you make any decisions.”

 

Kaitlin looked down before answering him. She knew how she felt about him, yet she couldn’t bring herself to tell him. “Thank you for being honest with me,” she said, finally. “I appreciate it and it doesn’t change anything. I still want to be your manager.”

 

Chris looked at her and smiled. “Then it’s done.”

 

She returned the smile and sighed again. “Now, there’s just one more thing.”

 

“What’s that?”

 

“The match you’re supposed to have with Kurt tomorrow, over me. I don’t want it to happen.”

 

“Well, now that you’ve made the decision to become my manager, the match won’t be over you.” He paused. “But Katie, we are going to have a match. Kurt and I have issues that need to be resolved and the only way to do that is in the ring. Besides, someone has to stand up for your honor. He humiliated you and now in return, I’m going to humiliate him.”

 

“Chris . . .”

 

He held up his hand. “Katie, my mind’s made up. I care about you and from now on, I’m going to do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy. If you’ll let me.”

 

Kaitlin nodded, with tears in her eyes. “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome. Now, is there anything else?”

 

Kaitlin smiled through her tears. “Yeah, I’m starving. Can we order room service?”

 

~~

The rest of the night was a lot less heavy for both Chris and Kaitlin. Unconsciously, they had made the transition from friends to couple. There was plenty of time to take all the steps necessary to break down the wall of friendship, but neither was in any hurry. Chris knew Kaitlin was still healing from her time with Kurt and he was content to know that her feelings for him hadn’t changed since the night he kissed her. “Kait, as much fun as I’m having, it is four in the morning and you really do need to get some sleep.”

 

Kaitlin nodded with a sigh. “I don’t want to face an empty room. Even at four in the morning.” She looked at Chris for a second then continued. “Would it be too much if - - could you - - “ she paused as she felt herself stammering over her request. “Chris, could you just hold me? Just for tonight?”

 

She looked so scared and so vulnerable that his heart immediately went out to her. “Kaitlin, I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated to her again. “I’ll be here whenever you need me. Even if you just need someone to hold you at night.” He stood up and held out his hand to her. “Let’s go to sleep.”

 

“Thank you,” she whispered as she stood up, taking his hand and let him lead her towards the bed.

 

~~

 

The following day, Kaitlin and Stephanie went over what he was going to say at the Smackdown taping later that night. “Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?” Steph asked her, once again as they both sat getting their hair and make up done. “You don’t have to. You can just come out with Chris tonight and the point will be made.”

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “No. I feel like I have to do this. To once and for all end things with Kurt.” She paused. “I’m falling in love with Chris already. It’s weird.”

 

“What is?”

 

“I’m not scared. I thought I would be, but I’m not.” She paused. “I’m enjoying it.”

 

Stephanie grinned. “You’re supposed to be enjoying it. That’s the way these things tend to work.”

 

Kaitlin laughed. “I know.” She paused. “Anyway, I want to cut that promo tonight. For myself if nothing else.”

 

“Okay. I figured that. I just wanted to be sure,” she commented as she stood up and checked her appearance in the mirror one last time. “I have to meet my dad in a few minutes. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay. Bye Steph.”

 

~~

 

Two hours later, the fireworks kicked off and Smackdown began. Kaitlin paced nervously back and forth just behind the curtain as she and Stephanie waited for their cue. “Don’t worry, Kait. You’ll be fine.” Kaitlin nodded as Stephanie’s music hit. “Ready?” she nodded again. “Let’s go.” The two women headed out to the ramp and slowly made their way to the ring. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began. “If I may have your undivided attention, Kaitlin Martin has an announcement to make that will surely be of interest to all of you.”

 

Without saying anymore, she handed Kaitlin the microphone. “As all of you know, a match was made last Monday night on Raw. The match was supposed to be Kurt Angle versus Chris Benoit and the winner gets me as their manager.” She paused and looked around her. “That match isn’t going to happen; at least not with me as the trophy. I’m a woman with her own mind, her own feelings and believe or not a brain in her head. So Kurt Angle, get your ass out here now.”

 

Kaitlin stood in the center of the ring waiting as Kurt’s music suddenly hit. Seconds later, he appeared at the top of the ramp. “You called me out here, you got what you want now tell me what is the point of all this?”

 

“The point is,” she began as Kurt made his way into the ring. “That I’m no longer your manager and no match will make me become your manager again. Ever.”

 

“And I suppose you’re going to manage Chris Benoit now.”

 

“If he wants me to be his manager, yes, I will.”

 

“No you won’t.” He suddenly had a mean glint in his eye. “If you don’t want to manage me, that’s fine. But if I can’t have you, no one can.” With that he pushed her down the ground, flipped her onto her stomach and put her in the ankle lock. Kaitlin was crying out, screaming in pain as she tapped on the mat.

 

The next few minutes seemed like hours to Kaitlin as she heard Stephanie screaming, trying to pull Kurt off of her. After another minute, she felt Kurt release his grip on her and felt a referee and Stephanie help her to her feet. As she looked up, she saw Kurt and Chris going at it in the middle of the ring. Chris Benoit had saved her. Again.

 

~~

 

“Oh my God. Kaitlin are you all right?” Andrew asked as he paced around the room, watching the paramedics check out her ankle.

“I’m fine, Andrew. It just hurts a little but I’ll be fine.”

 

“I’ll kill him for this.”

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “No.”

 

“No?” Andrew looked at her in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you still feel loyal to him.”

 

“I don’t feel loyal to him,” Kaitlin responded. “I don’t feel anything towards him now, actually. But, I know that whatever payback he deserves, he’s going to get tonight from Chris.”

 

“I hope you’re right.”

 

“Trust me, Andrew. Chris is dying to get his revenge on Kurt.”

 

~~

 

The next morning, Kaitlin, along with the rest of the WWF Divas headed off to Jamaica for a Divas photo shoot. Chris and Kaitlin sat, hand in hand in the airport as they waited for her flight to be announced. “Thank you for the last night, Chris,” she said as she turned to look at him.

 

“Thank you? For what?”

 

She smiled. “Beating the hell out of Kurt. I’m not a vindictive person usually, but after he put me in the ankle lock - -“

 

“I know. I was watching from the monitor backstage and I knew he was up to something when he started inching towards you. The second he knocked you down to the mat I was on my way out. I’m just sorry it took me so long to get to you.”

 

“It seemed like forever while he was trying to break my ankle, but I think I knew you’d come out and help me.”

“I’d do anything for you, Katie.”

 

She was about to respond when her flight was announced. “I guess I should go,” she said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

 

Chris nodded. “I’ll be here to pick you up from the airport when you get back.”

 

Kaitlin nodded. “I’ll see you then.” She started to turn to leave when Chris stopped her. “What?” She asked.

 

He didn’t answer, just pulled her close and kissed her. Hard, on the lips, releasing all the passion he’d been holding back since the first time he kissed her at his house that night, weeks ago. “I just wanted to kiss you before you left.”

 

Kaitlin was breathless. “I’m . . . I’m glad that you did,” she responded as her flight was announced again. Leaning in, she quickly kissed him again before pulling away. “Now I really have to go.”

 

Chris nodded, smiling. “Go. I’ll see you in a few days.”

 

Kaitlin nodded and headed towards the boarding ramp. After showing her boarding pass, she turned around once more and looked at Chris. Smiling once more she turned and headed onto the plane.

 

~~

 

The next two days seemed endless to Chris as he waited for Kaitlin to come back from Jamaica. It amazed him that he missed her so badly in such a short period of time. After thinking about it for a while he decided to ask Vince for a few days off. He had to see her. Needed to be with her. He couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her for a minute longer. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door to Vince’s office and waited. “Come in,” he answered.

 

Chris opened the door and stepped inside the office, closing the door behind him. “Vince, thanks for seeing me, I know you’re schedule is hectic.”

 

“It’s not a problem,” Vince responded, taking off his glasses. “What do you need?”

 

“I need a few days off.”

“Okay . . .” Vince looked a little taken aback, but not exactly surprised at the request. “Any particular reason why?”

 

“I’m just feeling a little wiped out lately. I need a break. Just for a couple of days, to recharge the batteries.”

 

Vince nodded. “Okay, then you can have the rest of this week off. But I need you back in time for Raw on Monday night.”

 

Chris nodded. “Thanks Vince. I know it’s short notice, but I appreciate it.”

 

“No problem. You don’t ask for vacation time often. I can afford to give you a break once in awhile.” He watched as Chris headed to the door and opened it to leave. “Oh and Chris?”

 

Chris turned. “Yes?”

 

“I hear Jamaica is beautiful this time of year.”

 

Chris fought himself not to blush as he nodded. “See you on Monday,” he told him as he closed the door and walked away, whistling to himself.

 

~~

 

The next afternoon, Chris’s plane landed in Jamaica wear the weather was absolutely gorgeous. The sky was a brilliant blue and there were no clouds in the sky. As soon as he got to the hotel he knew the ladies were staying at, he checked in, changed into swim trunks and headed out on to the beach to find his ladylove.

 

After searching for a few minutes he finally found the area of the beach where they were set up for the shoot. He began heading towards them when Trish spotted him. Smiling she waved and headed towards Kaitlin who hadn’t noticed him yet because she was in the middle of getting her picture taken. “Hey Kait, you might want to look over in that direction,” she said pointing.

 

“What?” Kaitlin asked, looking splendid in a black knit bikini with a black sarong with large colorful flowers on it.

 

“Over there,” Trish repeated. “There’s someone over there that I think you want to see.”

 

Kaitlin looked at Trish then looked over in the direction she was pointing in. “Oh my God.” Her face lit up as she saw Chris standing there, watching her. Without thinking she ran towards him, throwing her arms around him when she reached him. “Chris! What are you doing here?” She asked excitedly as she pulled away to look at him.

 

“I missed you, so I told Vince that I needed a few days off.”

 

“You did?”

 

He nodded. “I wanted to see you.”

 

She put her arms around him again and kissed him softly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

 

As the newest couple in the WWF talked and kissed, Trish walked over to Lita and grinned at her. “Are they cute or what?”

 

Lita grinned. “Adorable. And it’s about time that she got away from Kurt. He was such an asshole to her. Chris is completely crazy about her.”

 

“And the feeling is very, very mutual.”

 

“Oh I know.” Lita commented with a sly grin.

 

~~

 

Several hours later, Chris paced back and forth in Kaitlin’s hotel room. Tonight was their first official date and they were going out for a romantic dinner. Chris had taken care of all the details before he left for Jamaica, but if Kaitlin didn’t hurry, they’d be late. “Katie? Are you almost done?”

 

Kaitlin giggled softly to herself. She could just picture the look on his face at that moment. “I’ll be out in a second, I promise.”

 

“Uhmmmmm, okay,” he muttered to himself as he began to pace again.

 

After a few more minutes, Kaitlin came out in a white cotton sundress that showed off her golden tan. “I’m sorry I took so long,” she said, to get his attention.

 

He turned around and was momentarily speechless. She looked incredible, aside from the dress, her hair was piled on her head, and tiny diamond sparkled in her ears and the white high-heeled sandals complimented the entire ensemble. “Wow. Katie . . .you look incredible.”

 

Kaitlin blushed slightly. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she answered, as she looked him up and down. He was wearing black slacks, a tight dark green shirt and black dress shoes.

 

“Thank you. Now, are you ready?”

 

She grinned. “And willing.”

 

~~

 

The restaurant was beautiful. Kaitlin was in awe of it as she and Chris walked in. Because it was right on the ocean, they were taken through the main dining room to a veranda that overlooked the beach. The stars were out and the whole setting was just perfect. The waiter seated them quickly, gave them menus and then discreetly slipped away. “How did you ever find this place?” She asked as she opened the menu.

 

“I asked around. Some of the guys have come here with their wives or girlfriends and they all recommended it.”

 

“I can see why,” she commented, looking around. “It’s beautiful.”

“I agree,” he answered, looking straight at her.

 

Kaitlin didn’t notice at first, she just nodded. After a second, she felt his eyes on her and looked at him. “What?”

 

“Nothing,” he responded with a grin. “I’m starved. Let’s decide what to eat.”

 

“Okay.”

 

~~

 

The evening sped by quickly as both Kaitlin and Chris left the pressures of the WWF behind for the moment and just enjoyed each other. After dinner they headed down to the beach where they went for a long, slow walk. After awhile, the cool ocean breeze began to make Kaitlin cold and instinctively she hugged her arms to her chest. “You cold?”

 

“A little,” she answered. “I’ll be all right.”

 

Chris put a powerful arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. “Better?” Kaitlin looked up at him and nodded. “Good. Do you want to keep going or do you want to go back?”

 

“I can go a little further.”

 

“Okay.”

 

~~

 

An hour later they headed back to the car, Kaitlin’s cheeks still pink from the cold ocean air. “In case I forget, thank you for tonight.”

 

Chris smiled back at her as he unlocked the door of the car and opened it for her. “You’re welcome.” He closed the door behind her and got in on his side. “Ready to go?” Kaitlin nodded and the two drove back to the hotel. The whole way, he looked like he had something he wanted to say to her, but every time he opened his mouth to say it, he quickly changed his mind.

 

When they pulled into the parking lot, her curiosity got the best of her and she turned to him. “Chris, what was it that you wanted to say to me?”

 

“What?”

 

“This whole way home, you looked like you had to say something to me. I’m just wondering what it was.”

 

Chris sighed. “Well, I guess I was just wondering where we are. I mean, what are we? Are we good friends are we more then that? What are we?”

 

“What do you want to be?” She asked, almost hesitantly.

 

“What do I want to be?” He paused and leaned his head back against the seat. “I want to be with you. I want to know that you’re mine. I want to know that you’re with me and no one else.”

 

“We can do that,” she answered as she took his hand. “I’m absolutely crazy about you and I want to be with you and only you.”

 

Kaitlin smiled as she saw his body visibly relax. “Good. Now, let’s go inside.”

 

~~

 

When they got to her door, Chris took both of Kaitlin’s hands in his own. “I had fun tonight. I haven’t really been on a date in a long time and you made it comfortable for me. Thank you.”

 

“I had a great time too. I forgot what it was like to go out on a date and enjoy myself.” She paused and grinned. “Thank you for making that possible for me.”

 

“I’d do just about anything for you,” he answered as he pulled her close and kissed her hard. After a second he pulled away. “Night.”

 

“Chris?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

She turned for a second and unlocked her hotel room door. “I don’t want you to leave.”

 

Chris stood there for a second, surprised by what she said. “Katie, are you sure? I mean I can wait. I don’t want you to rush into anything and regret it later.”

 

Kaitlin shook her head. “I won’t regret anything. Please, stay with me tonight.”

 

Chris didn’t answer her for a long moment. Finally, he nodded and silently led her into the room, closing the door behind them.

 

~~

 

When they got into the room, Chris took complete control. He was very slow and methodical, wanting to make sure that everything was perfect. He wanted to gently erase any memory she had of Kurt when it came to the bedroom. He was going to prove to her that they were made to be together and what she had with Kurt was nothing. He pulled her close to him, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the lips, softly at first then a little harder.

 

After a moment, he picked her up and walked into the bedroom and gently laid her on the bed. “Katie, one last time, are you sure this is what you want?”

 

She nodded and began to kiss him again as he moved his hands down her body, gently moving his hand under the skirt of her dress. A smile came to his face as he heard a soft moan escape from her lips. He broke the kiss and leaned down, his lips playing over her neck as he began to remove the thin material from her body. Kaitlin moaned again as her body began responding to his. She wanted him and she wanted him now. “Chris . . .” it was more of a moan then an actual word.

 

Chris didn’t answer her as he moved and removed her sundress completely. He smiled down at her as she moved her hands to the waistband of his pants, gently tugging at his shirt. After several minutes, they lay side by side, both completely naked, for the first time. Their clothes were lying in a discarded heap on the floor.

 

Wordlessly, he gently positioned himself on top of her, kissing her as he went. “Katie, you are so beautiful.” He was almost afraid to enter her, but he wanted her too much to stop now. Without another word, he entered her slowly, relishing every moment as he heard her moan.

 

Kaitlin’s hands seemed to take on a life of their own as they moved all over his hard, lean body. The sensations Chris was creating for her were nothing like she had ever known. The things he was doing to her body with each thrust, Kurt couldn’t even dream of. Suddenly, she felt his lips engulf a nipple and begin to suck gently. She let out a soft gasp. It may have only been their first time together, but he certainly knew, purely by instinct what to do to make her go crazy. “Chris, oh . . .”

 

“You’re amazing,” was the labored response as he began to speed up, a soft moan escaping from his lips. He loved the way she felt and quickly realized she was becoming a drug to him, something that he couldn’t and wouldn’t live with out.

 

Kaitlin wrapped her legs around his waist and arched her back, wanting to feel him deeper inside her as she felt her orgasm slowly building. “Chris, Oh God . . .” she murmured as her body moved involuntarily with each thrust from him. In what seemed like a matter of moments, she was trembling, ready to explode. “I’m gonna - - “ it was all she could manage to get out before she moaned again.

 

It was another minute before they both climaxed together, each and every part of them as one being. When it was over, Chris lay on top of her for a moment, breathing hard, both their bodies glistening with sweat.

 

Sliding off of her gently, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. “You are simply amazing,” he told her, still breathing hard.

 

“I am?”

He nodded. “You’re beautiful. You’re incredible and I love you.”

 

She looked at him as she felt the tears spring into her eyes. How stupid was she to resist her feelings for him for so long. Looking at him in the eyes, she gently put a hand on his cheek and let it rest there. “I love you, too.”

 

Chris just smiled as he brought her to him and kissed her again, knowing that he’d never again have to let her go.

 

~~

I imagine, your lips on mine,
and it takes my breath away.
I imagine, what it would feel like to be the one,
in your arms and in your dreams.
They say we come from two completely different worlds,
but anyone can see that they're wrong.
When I'm with you I feel blessed, safe and precious,
to know you is a gift from above.
Imagine if we fell in love.

 

I imagine, your hand on mine,
and I'm filled with butterflies.
I imagine, what it would sound like to hear you say,
that you'll love me until you die.
You saved my life in more ways than you will ever know,
when I see you I feel like I am home.
When I'm with you I feel peace, I am complete,
to know you is a gift from above.
Imagine if we fell in love.

 

~~

THE END