The Rematch (Wrestling Diaries #2) Read online

  Wrestling Diaries Part Two:

  The Rematch

  Copyright © 2016 by Sarah Bale

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design by Book Genesis / bookgenesis.wordpress.com

  Book edited by Jodi Thompson

  First Printing: May 2016

  ASIN- B01F8BN3J0

  November 17

  “Are you trying to get me drunk,” I asked with a giggle.

  In all honesty I felt lightheaded, but that didn’t stop me from taking the shot.

  Denver leaned forward. “Maybe I’m hoping I won’t have to sleep alone tonight.”

  “I’m not a rat.”

  My words echoed the same thing I’d told Mesquite. I wasn’t a ring rat – someone whose goal was to sleep with multiple wrestlers. And since Mesquite was back with his fiancée… I frowned.

  Denver brushed my hair from my face. “And I’m not looking for sex, Jamie. I just want to cuddle.” He stood. “Come on. It’s too cold for you to catch a cab and I’ve got a king size bed.”

  He held out his hand and I stared at it. Mesquite hadn’t tried to contact me at all in the last month. That chapter seemed to be over – was I ready to start a new one? I looked up into Denver’s chestnut eyes, put my hand in his and stood. Time to see what this new chapter had in store for me.

  November 18

  I woke up today with a headache from hell. At least I was alone in the bed. That much I was thankful for. Denver snored from the floor and I rolled over to look down at him. True to his words he hadn’t pressured me for sex. Instead, we cuddled and talked. Around two, he called room service and had a bottle of wine delivered.

  We finished the bottle and I was uncertain what would happen next. He grabbed a pillow from the bed and tossed it onto the floor.

  “My back’s been bothering me and these hotel beds are too soft,” he explained.

  “So… you’re sleeping on the floor?”

  “Yeah, unless you have something else in mind?” When I didn’t answer he chuckled. “No worries, Jamie. The floor is fine. Goodnight.”

  Not feeling pressured to do something was a relief. While I knew my relationship with Mesquite was over I didn’t necessarily want to jump into another one with Denver. I liked him as a friend, but I wasn’t sure if my feelings went further than that. Plus, I was still so hurt because of fucking Mesquite.

  “Why so serious?”

  Blinking, I focused on Denver, who gazed up at me.

  “Just thinking.”

  “Ah. That can be dangerous.”

  “I know.”

  He sat up. “Jamie, I want to be clear about something. I know you’re not over Mesquite.”

  Was he a mind reader? I tried to protest, but he cut me off.

  “No, don’t deny it. I can see it all over your face. But I also know you deserve to be happy. And I think I can make you happy - if you’ll let me try.”

  “I just don’t know, Denver. I value the friendship we have. What if we ruin it by trying to make it something it’s not?”

  He shook his head. “That won’t happen. We’ll take it slow.”

  “What about LaTonya?”

  They’d once dated and I didn’t want to make things awkward or cause drama.

  “Talk to her and see what she thinks. You might be surprised.”

  I must be crazy for even considering his offer.

  I asked, “And Mesquite?”

  “What about him?”

  “Come on Denver…”

  He stood and sat next to me on the bed.

  “I’m serious, Jamie. I know you’re not over him, but I also want to see where this goes. I feel alive when I’m around you and I haven’t had that in a while.”

  He didn’t make me feel the same way, though. When I was around him I had a good time, but that was it. Was it even fair to give him hope when I felt like this? Didn’t we both deserve more – like fireworks or something?

  “I just don’t know how wise this is. For either one of us.”

  “But you’ll at least think about it?”

  I nodded and he leaned forward. I feared he was going to kiss me on the lips. Instead, he kissed the top of my head.

  “I’m going to shower before heading to the arena. Are you going to stick around?”

  Uh, I was pretty sure staying would be a bad idea. Knowing Denver he’d walk out of the bathroom completely naked. I wasn’t ready for that.

  “No. I’m going to go back to my hotel to change. LaTonya and I are going shopping today.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you later, then.”

  When I heard the shower running I hopped out of the bed. I must be crazy to even consider his offer, but I also knew I needed to move on. I found my things and left quickly.

  Thankfully I didn’t run into anyone that I knew. Explaining why I was leaving so early would’ve been so uncomfortable. Plus, people weren’t dumb. They’d put two and two together.

  Why do you even care what people think? Even my inner voice thought I was pathetic.

  At my hotel I showered and texted LaTonya.

  Me: Still want to go shopping?

  LaTonya: Yes. I’ll meet you at your hotel in twenty.

  Twenty minutes later on the dot there was a knock on my door. Opening it, I found LaTonya smiling at me.

  “Jamie, I’m seriously so glad you’re here. I’ve really missed you.”

  I stepped aside so she could enter the room.

  “You might not say that after I tell you what happened last night.”

  There was no sense in dragging out my news. She needed to know, since she was my friend and Denver’s ex. And if she got angry with me then I’d rather know before we spent the day together.

  “Well, I can tell you didn’t sleep here,” she said as she pointed to my bed.

  “That is correct.”

  “Were you with Denver?”

  I nodded, afraid to see her reaction.

  “Hmmm.”

  “What does that mean?”

  She smiled. “I wondered when he’d ask you out. He did ask you out, right?”

  “LaTonya, I think you’d better start talking.”

  “He’s had a crush on you for a while. Obviously he didn’t mention it when you were with Mesquite. I’m glad he told you, though.”

  I had to ask. “But won’t it be weird if we date? Everyone will talk. And Mesquite--”

  “Mesquite won’t be back for at least three months, Jamie. By then you either won’t be with Denver and Mesquite’s opinion won’t matter or you will be so happy that you won’t care what Mesquite says.”

  Did everyone know I wasn’t over Mesquite? Jeez.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Honey, it boils down to one thing. Are you ready to date? If you’re not, then tell Denver. If you are, then see what happens.”

  “And you’re sure you’re okay with us possibly dating?”

  She laughed. “Honey that ship set sail a long time ago. Yes, I’m fine with you two dating. In fact, I approve. Now, get your purse. I’m ready to buy something that’ll rock Richmond’s world.”

  My best friend had some
good advice. Now… where did I go from here? I knew one thing – this time I’d take it slow. I wouldn’t get caught up in the fantasy again.

  November 24

  I left New York City without giving Denver an answer. I needed time to think, but he said he understood. Back in Texas I had a nice Thanksgiving with my family until one of my aunts began questioning me.

  “So Jamie, now that you’ve been promoted are you going to finally grow up?”

  I blinked at her, trying to decide if she was serious.

  “Sorry?”

  She pointed to the TV, though it was off, and questioned, “Are you going to stop chasing after those wrestlers?”

  Wrestlers sounded like ‘rasslers when she spoke it and I gritted my teeth in irritation.

  “Your mom told me that you weren’t going to the shows anymore and that was a relief to hear. I don’t even want to know how much money you’ve wasted with your childish hobby.”

  She’d been on this kick for years. She didn’t understand how an adult could go to wrestling events. When I tried explaining that I liked it, she laughed at me. Eventually I stopped trying to justify why I went. It really wasn’t any of her business.

  I couldn’t just sit there and take it today, though.

  “You do realize that I was dating one of the wrestlers, right?”

  Maybe that’d shut her up.

  “And where is he? I don’t see anyone next to you.”

  Ouch.

  My mom stepped in and said, “Stop giving Jamie a hard time. She’s not been herself since that wrestler dumped her.”

  Wow. Thanks Mom. I threw my napkin on my plate.

  Standing, I said, “I’d better be going.”

  My mom tried to stop me, but I shook my head.

  “No, mom. If I stay then I’ll say something awful.”

  And I’d mean whatever I said. Why did I put up with my aunt’s abuse every year? Nothing I did was ever good enough and she always had something negative to say about the choices I made.

  Outside, I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Denver. I called him back as I got into my car.

  “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “I didn’t think you celebrated.”

  He laughed. “It’s my first. I must say I’m impressed with the desserts. I’ve had at least four different pies.”

  “I’m glad one of us is having a good time. I just left my parent’s house where one of my aunts was being her rude self.”

  “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

  I gave him a brief rundown of my aunt and what had happened today. I mainly just needed to vent to someone who wasn’t in my family.

  “Damn. I’m sorry.”

  Sighing, I replied, “It’s okay. I feel better now that I’ve left and now that I’m talking to you.”

  “I’m glad I could help.” He paused and asked, “Think you’ll be at any shows anytime soon?”

  I didn’t want to admit that I had looked at the schedule to see if they would be close. That might make him think there was a chance.

  “Jamie?”

  “I’m here. I’m not sure.”

  He was quick in his reply, which made me wonder if he’d been thinking about it.

  “What if I come see you?”

  “Me?”

  “Yeah. I have an extra day off this week with the holiday and all that. I could fly out to see you before going to work.”

  Wow. That was nice of him to offer. Days off were few and far between for a wrestler.

  “That’d be great, Denver.”

  I meant it, too. We chatted a bit longer and he said he’d text me after he booked his flight. I still wasn’t sure where I wanted our relationship to go, but at least he didn’t make me feel rushed.

  November 26

  There are moments that stick out in your memory that you know are going to be important later on. I experienced a moment like that with Denver at the airport today. He was walking toward me and had a look on his face. In that instant I saw everything in his heart.

  How he felt about me.

  How beautiful I was to him.

  How much he desired me.

  It was a defining moment.

  A life altering moment.

  A moment that broke my heart.

  I wasn’t over Mesquite, but how did I tell Denver?

  The smiled faded from his face.

  “Hey… don’t look at me like that, Jamie. I’m here as your friend. Nothing else.” He threw his arm over my shoulder. “Let’s have some fun.”

  And in that moment I think I fell in love with him a little bit.

  November 27

  I cried after I dropped off Denver at the airport. Just before he got out of the car he leaned over and kissed me. It wasn’t earth shattering, but it held a sweet promise of our new relationship.

  “Let me know where you’re going this week and maybe we can work something out.”

  I traveled more with my new job, but usually didn’t know where I was going until the last minute.

  “I will,” I promised.

  He got out of the car and my eyes filled with tears. I drove off before he had the chance to turn and see me.

  Our short time together was wonderful. He made everything seem brighter. It wasn’t until he made me laugh until I cried that I realized how depressed I’d been over Mesquite. But not anymore. Now I felt alive. And it was all thanks to Denver.

  I sent him a text.

  Me: <3

  Denver: <3 <3 <3

  It was silly, but I wiped away the tears and found myself smiling the rest of the way home.

  December 2

  Strong arms wrapped around me from behind and I knew who it was without looking. Denver leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.

  “Jamie. I’ve missed you.”

  My name sounded so sexy with his British accent. I voiced my thought and he nipped my earlobe with his teeth, sending goosebumps across my skin. I shooed him away, but he didn’t budge. Instead he held me closer… and I liked it.

  “If you like the way your name sounds coming from my mouth just wait until I talk dirty to you,” he said into my ear.

  This time I laughed. “Denver, you agreed…”

  I couldn’t help but shiver again, though.

  “I know. I know. We’re ‘just friends’ or some bullshit like that.” He sighed dramatically. “Just once I’d like to meet a girl who didn’t friend-zone me.”

  I knew he was mostly kidding.

  “I said I’d go on a date with you--”

  “Sweet Jamie - I’m not naïve. I know where we stand. But, since you did agree to a date I’m going to make sure we have a hell of a time.” He glanced at his phone and asked, “Are you ready to go? I don’t want to get fined.”

  It was strange how one minute I could be fine and then suddenly be reminded of Mesquite. Denver had been fined before because Mesquite was a slow driver and they used to travel together. I shoved the thought away and smiled at Denver. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed.

  “I’m ready when you are.”

  We walked outside and I cursed myself for not bringing a coat. I’d thought my leather jacket would be warm enough, but I was wrong. Denver stopped walking and took off his coat. He draped it over my shoulders and winked at me. Oh, he was giving this his best shot.

  “What are we going to say if anyone asks what we’re doing together?”

  Denver shrugged. “What does it matter what people say?”

  I had recently broken up with one of the top stars. People were going to talk. And call me names. And say horrible things about Denver, who didn’t deserve it. Rubbing my forehead I wondered if I had made a mistake by coming.

  We reached the rental car and Denver opened the door for me.

  “LaTonya is here. She’ll give you backup if you need any.”

  I hadn’t known she was coming, but I was relieved. She’d have my back without a doubt and probably some advice since she’d been in the sam
e situation before.

  We arrived to the arena with a few minutes to spare. Denver left me the keys in case I needed to leave, which let me know he was worried that people were going to talk, too.

  Inside, he took me to the common area where craft services were set up. Thank god LaTonya was sitting at a table. She waved me over and I noticed some of the talent whispering to each other. Probably about me. Great.

  Denver kissed me on the cheek and said into my ear, “You’ve got this.”

  He slapped me on the butt before leaving. I strolled across the room to the table my friend was at and avoided making eye contact with anyone else.

  “This is so awkward,” I groaned as I sat.

  She pushed a diet soda toward me and replied, “We can always go to Richmond’s bus if you want. He’s out doing a press tour today.”

  “Do you think people are talking about me?”

  Her eyebrow lifted. “Girl. It doesn’t matter what people are talking about. The only thing you need to be concerned about is yourself.”

  She had a point.

  “You’re right.”

  “I know I am. Now drink up. I want to check out the mall before the show tonight.”

  Moments like this made me appreciated having a best friend who understood what I was going through.

  December 3

  I should have known he’d call. I mean… really. Was I that naïve? Apparently I was. The number was unknown, so I didn’t answer and sent the call to voicemail. The air left my lungs in a rush when listened to the message and heard his voice. In that split second I longed for him.

  That feeling was quickly replaced by anger, though, when I hear what he had to say.

  “Jamie, what in the hell is going on? I’ve been getting calls that you and Denver are together. Is this some kind of joke? I didn’t peg you as the petty type.”

  Petty? What had I done that was petty? I tried to call the number back, but got an automated response.

  Denver came from the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Fucking Mesquite called.”