"Oh wonderful." Skyler muttered to herself. She braced herself for what she knew was coming.
"What the hell is going on here?" Vince demanded to know, glaring at Kane, who was still standing next to Skyler.
"Skyler, you care to explain all this to me?" Vince asked, sounding as if he were ready to punish a small child.
"I'm really not in the mood for this right now." Skyler told her uncle. "I'm not having the best of nights, and all I want to do is go to bed."
She turned her back to her uncle, walking towards the car. Shane grabbed her arm, spinning her back around. Skyler could feel her temper reaching it's boiling point, and clenched her teeth together to keep from saying something she knew she would end up regretting.
"Why in the hell is your shirt ripped?" Shane asked in confusion as he looked down at her. His face suddenly changed as he turned his head looking at Kane. He made a move for the larger man, but Skyler jumped in front of him.
"Shane, STOP! It's not what it looks like." Skyler stated, looking from Vince back to Shane. "You should be thanking Kane!" She proceeded to tell them what just happened, leaving both men speechless.
Seeing she had a moment to speak her mind, she took it, standing up to her uncle for the first time in her life.
"It's time you both realize I am not a little girl anymore. I am more than capable of making my own decisions, including who I go out with and who I don't. I like Kane. I enjoy being with him, and as long as he wants to, I am going to continue spending time with him...with OR without your 'permission'." Skyler stated, having had enough of being treated like a child.
She smiled up at Kane when he moved behind her, placing a hand on her waist, letting her know he was there for her.
Vince opened his mouth to say something but Skyler cut him off.
"And don't give me the 'After all I've done for you line'. I know all you have done for me and I am truly grateful. I am not doing this to deceive you or betray you by any means. I am doing this because it is still my life and I want to be happy. Just back off a little bit and let me make my own decisions and not be giving the guilt treatment for it. Please, Uncle Vince." Skyler pleaded, her eyes begging her uncle to understand. She held her breath waiting for what he had to say.
***
Taker drove Jaden back to the office so she could pick up her car. She was very quite during the drive, thinking about Skyler and her boss. When they pulled up next to her car, she immediately noticed her boss's car sitting in the parking space next to hers.
"This is just what I need." she muttered before turning to look at Taker. "I'm sorry about this. Thank you for tonight. Despite all this, I really did have a good time." she said smiling at him before climbing out of the car to meet her boss who was walking towards her.
Jaden took a deep breath, waiting for her boss to start. She knew what was coming, and although she didn't want to loose her job, she had to admit to herself she'd had a wonderful time with Taker, and was still glad she had decided to go.
"Jaden. We need to talk." Her boss said in a stern deep voice.
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Chapter Twenty Six
"I know what you're going to say, Dr. Johnson." Jaden started, then after taking a deep breath, she continued. "You have told me time and time again not to get personally involved with my patients."
"That's right, and by the looks of it, you have chosen not to follow the rules of this hospital Therefor I have no choice but to…" He was cut off before he could finish.
"No, wait!" Jaden said urgently. "This is the first and last time that I intended to see him on a personal basis. From now on, my relationship with him will be nothing more than professional." It almost killed Jaden to say that, but she did not go through years of schooling only to lose a job that she loved because of a man. She had to think of the future. What if things didn't work out for her and Taker. Then she would have lost her job for nothing.
"Alright, Jaden. You seem sincere. You are one of the best and I would hate to not have you working with us anymore. Just remember, you may be one of the best, but you can also be replaced. I'll be keeping an eye on you. You only have one more chance. Don't waste it." With that said, Dr. Johnson told good night and then went back to his car and left.
******
Vince stood there trying desperately to think of one good reason why Skyler should not date Kane. He could not think of any. He knew Kane was a good man. He was honest, and hard working. He also knew that Kane would never do anything to intentionally hurt his niece. Sighing, Vince looked over at both Skyler and Kane.
"Alright. You may see him." Vince stated reluctantly. "But if you ever hurt her in anyway, I will personally see to it that your life is a living hell." Vince said the last part, looking directly into Kane's eyes.
"Thank you, Uncle Vince!" Skyler exclaimed as she walked over and hugged him. Then she walked back to Kane, putting her arms around his waist as they watched Vince and Shane leave. As soon as they were gone, Kane pulled Skyler fully into his arms. He gently tilted her head up until she was looking into his eyes. What she saw there left her breathless. Skyler tipped her head back and closed her eyes, waiting anxiously for his kiss.
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Chapter Twenty Seven
Jaden took a deep breath and turned to face Taker, who she heard get out of the car. She knew what she had to do even though it was the last thing she really wanted to do, but her job had depended.
She looked up at him. "Before I say what I have to, I just want you to know that I had a really great time with you. That is why I can't see you again outside the office."
Jaden saw his confused look and went ahead before he had a chance so speak. "It is against office policy to get involved with patients, and you are my patient. And even though I am attracted to you and would like to get to know you better, our relationship is strictly professional. I love my job and I won't loose it…for anyone."
***
Skyler was shocked at how soft and gentle Kane's kiss was. She moaned softly, pressing closer to him, and then he deepened the kiss. He pulled back, looking down at her. Skyler slowly opened her eyes, gazing up at him, feeling a little dazed. Kane framed her face with his hands, then captured her lips in another kiss.
Skyler shivered with delight when she felt his tongue trace around her lips. She opened her mouth in a silent invitation, which he gladly accepted. When the kiss finally ended, they were both a little breathless.
Skyler glanced down at her watch, surprised at how late it was, yet not wanting the night to end.
"I better get you back before Vince changes his mind." Kane teased, laughing when she playfully punched his arm. Before long, they were on their way back to the hotel. Skyler couldn't wait to get to her room and call Jaden to see how her night with Taker went.
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Chapter Twenty Eight
Jaden looked up at Taker, holding her breath as she waited for his response. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke.
"Well, okay." Taker said softly, his voice filled with disappointment. "I can understand why you have to do this. But it's not going to be easy, Jaden."
"I know…" Jaden whispered, gazing up into his beautiful green eyes. She opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped when she suddenly found herself in Taker's arms.
The next thing Jaden became aware of was Taker lowering his head and then his lips gently touching hers. Jaden moaned softly as the kiss deepened, then very reluctantly she pulled away, knowing she could not let this happen.
Jaden looked up at Taker with wide eyes, not able to believe the effect this man had on her. She was unable to even speak and was completely breathless from his touch. If Taker hadn't still had an arm around her waist, Jaden knew she would have been on the ground.
Jaden's eyes grew even larger, her heart racing as Taker leaned forward and again claimed her lips. It took everything she had in her to pull back from Taker, knowing if she didn't do it now, she would not be able to.
"Taker, please…I can't do this…" Jaden was barely able to choke the words out. Turning away, she quickly walked over to her truck and got in. She looked at him one more time as she started the engine and backed out of her parking space.
Taker didn't say anything. He just stared after her with an easy smile on his face. Even though Jaden wasn't even out of the parking lot yet, Taker already missed her, and he could hardly wait to see her again tomorrow.
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Chapter Twenty Nine
Kane walked Skyler to her room, giving her a kiss good night before turning to go to his own room. Although she really didn't want him to leave, she knew she would be seeing him in the morning when they all left for St. Louis.
Skyler let herself into the room and after taking a nice hot shower, she climbed in bed, reaching for the phone.
She dialed Jaden's number, which she had gotten earlier in the evening. Jaden picked up on the fourth ring.
"Hello?"
"Jaden, its Sky. I didn't wake you did I?"
"Oh no, just got home actually. How did things go after we left? Are you okay?" Jaden asked, concerned for her friend.
"Oh, I am fine. After you left, Uncle Vince saw Kane and me together. He was upset at first, but I set him straight. AND to top it off, I got his permission to date Kane." Skyler said happily.
"That's so great! I liked Kane, he seems like a really great guy. Not to mention sexy." Jaden laughed.
"Sexy as hell...just like his brother." Skyler agreed. "So, what happened with you and Taker?"
Jaden sighed. "I really like him; more than I care to admit. But we can have nothing more than a professional relationship, and I told him that."
"Why?" Skyler asked confused.
"My boss was at the bar tonight, and when I got back to my truck, he was waiting for me and almost fired me on the spot. I swore never to see Taker out side the office again, so he agreed to let me stay. But he's going to be keeping a close eye on me. That's what happens when you go against the rules." Jades said, sounding really depressed.
"But couldn't you get a job somewhere else?" Skyler suggested.
"I've thought about that, and no. I love my job, I really do."
"Are you sure you can stay away from Taker?" Skyler asked, having seen the way the two looked at each other all during dinner.
"No, but I don't have a choice."
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Chapter Thirty
"Maybe you do have a choice, Jade." Skyler said, and Jaden could tell by the tone of her voice that she was up to something.
"What are you up to, Sky?" Jaden asked, remembering some of the schemes that Skyler had come up with while they were in school.
"Think about it, Jaden. Once Taker is done with his physical therapy, he'll no longer be your patient, right?" Skyler asked.
"Well, yes. But his rehab could take anywhere from 6 months to a year. It wouldn't be fair to make Taker wait like that. I'm not so sure I would be able to wait that long either." Jaden told her, sighing deeply. She could still taste Taker on her lips and every time she closed her eyes, all she saw was him…his gorgeous face, his sexy body, and those intriguing green eyes. Jaden was pretty sure that once she was able to fall asleep that night, it would be Taker that she would be seeing in her dreams as well.
"Alright, Jade…here's the deal. I happen to know that Uncle Vince is looking for a doctor such as yourself to travel with the company. Your pay would be good, you'd get excellent benefits, you'd still be doing the job you love, AND you'd get to be with Taker." Skyler said, knowing in the long run, Jaden would never be able to resist her offer.
"Sky, I don't know…" Jaden trailed off. She had only been in Houston a little under a year and the thought of uprooting herself again now that she had just finally gotten settled didn't much appeal to her. But the thought of being with Taker all the time did…
"Well, you think about it. I have to get going for now. Our flight leaves early tomorrow morning so I really need to get some sleep. I'll give you a call tomorrow night, okay? Skyler said, and after both girls said good night, they hung up. Skyler snuggled down in her bed thinking about Kane, while Jaden wondered how the hell she was going to get through the day tomorrow with Taker being so close to her again.
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Chapter Thirty One
Jaden arrived at her office earlier that usual since she didn't get any sleep. She had spent the entire night tossing and turning. She looked at her schedule for the day, seeing Taker was due in a little over two hours. Jaden only hoped she would be able to get through this session without making a complete fool of herself.
****
Skyler met her uncle in the lobby early the next morning, feeling like she hadn't gotten any sleep. She followed her family out to the limo that was waiting to take them to the airport. She was just getting into the limo when she saw Kane walking out of the hotel with a group of other wrestlers, also headed to the airport.
Kane looked up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. He smiled at her causing butterflies in her stomach. She smiled back before sitting down and closing the door. She only hoped she got to see him at the airport or on the plane.
Once in the limo, Skyler turned to her uncle. "Uncle Vince?"
Vince looked at his niece with a smile. Although he wasn't happy with her seeing Kane, he could tell she was truly happy. He was only trying to look out for her best interest, but after staying awake most of the night thinking, he came to realize she was right. She was old enough to make her own decisions, and he needed to stop treating her like a child.
"Yes, Sky?" Vince answered, smiling lovingly at his favorite niece who was more like a daughter to him.
"Were you still looking for a doctor to travel with the WWF?" she asked, crossing her fingers.
"Well, yes, but we haven't found anyone yet. Why?" Vince asked, having a feeling his niece was up to something.
"I was just thinking about Jaden…she's a wonderful doctor, and I'm sure the guys would be glad to have a physical therapist around. It was just a thought." Skyler said, ready to jump for joy when Vince nodded.
"You know, that's not such a bad idea. Do you think she would mind if I called and talked with her about it?" Vince asked.
"I don't think she would mind at all!" Skyler answered, writing down Jaden's number and handing it to her uncle.
Vince remembered Skyler talking about Jaden when she was younger and they were best of friends. He had never met her, but had talked with her a couple times on the phone when Skyler was visiting and Jaden would call. He didn't have any doubts that she was an excellent doctor. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of her getting the job.
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Chapter Thirty Two
Jaden's head snapped up from the charts that she had been updating when she heard a knock on her door.
"Come in." She called and smiled when she saw her receptionist step through the door.
"Your 10:15 appointment is here, Dr. Copeland."
"Thanks, Kari. I'll be out for him in just a few minutes." Jaden answered, watching Kari nod and then turn and leave.
Jaden rested her head in her hands, taking a couple of deep breaths to calm her racing heart, knowing that it was Taker that was her next appointment. She got up with a sigh, silently begging God to give her the strength to get through this.
Jaden's breath caught in her throat when she stepped out into the waiting area and saw Taker. He had on a well fitting pair of black jeans, a black T-shirt, and he had his long hair pulled back into a braid. Taker's back was to her and she wasn't able to stop her eyes from wandering over his backside.
Jaden shook her head slightly, bringing herself back to reality. Some how she found her voice.
"I'm ready for you now, Taker." She stated, trying like hell to keep this professional.
Taker turned around, slowly removing his sunglasses to reveal his stunning green eyes. A slight smile crossed his lips as he looked at her and then started in her direction.
Jaden and Taker had just gotten into her office when her phone rang.
"Excuse me." Jaden said to Taker as she turned to answer the call.
"Dr. Jaden Copeland." She said after bringing the receiver up to her ear.
"Dr. Copeland, this is Vince McMahon….."
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Chapter Thirty Three
"Mr. McMahon. This is a surprise." Jaden said, forgetting all about her conversation with Skyler. She turned to Taker giving him a questioning look. Taker just shrugged, figuring Vince was calling to check up on his injury.
"What can I do for you Mr. McMahon?" Jaden asked.
"Well, I just had the most enlightening conversation with my niece. As you know, we are in the process of looking for a doctor to travel with us on the road. The men love their jobs, but as I am sure you are well aware of, there are injuries that go along with it. Taker has said nothing but wonderful things about you, therefore, I am calling to see if you are interested in the job." Vince said, trying to ignore Skyler who was so excited she could hardly stay in her seat.
Jaden was in shock. For a moment she couldn't find her voice. "Uh, I don't know what to say Mr. McMahon…"
Vince told her what her job would consist of, hours, benefits, how often she would be off and what her salary would be. When he told her the figure, Jaden's mouth fell open, and was speechless. Vince was worried at the silence he heard on the other end.
"Of course that is negotiable, Jaden." Vince said.
"I must say," Jaden said after finding her voice. "The opportunity sounds wonderful. Almost too good to be true."
"I can guarantee you, the job is you're if you want it." Vince said. "I have to be going now, but I will call you again in a day or two to see if you have made a decision. I truly hope you decide to work for us, and look forward to speaking with you soon."
After saying their good byes, Jaden hung up the phone, and turned to face Taker, still in shock.
_____________________
Chapter Thirty Four
"Well? What did she say? Skyler asked her uncle, barely able to contain her excitement.
Vince smiled down at his niece, so glad that Skyler had suggested Jaden. "She was shocked, I think." Vince replied, knowing that wasn't the answer Skyler was looking for.
"What else?" Skyler exclaimed, looking over at her uncle in anticipation. "Did she say yes, no, maybe…Is she thinking about it?" Skyler demanded to know.
"Well, If I were to bet on it, I say she most likely will be with the company by the end of the week. Next week at the latest." Vince said, covering his ears and laughing, when Skyler let out a delighted squeal.
******
"Jaden, what?" Taker asked curiously, seeing the shocked look on her face as a result of her conversation with Mr. McMahon.
"He just offered me a job…." Jaden trailed off, still unable to believe the conversation she'd just had.
Taker nodded, remembering that Vince had mentioned something about looking for a doctor to travel with the WWF a while back.
"Are you going to accept?" Taker asked with a smile.
"Well, I'm not sure, but most likely." Jaden answered, not missing the look that entered Taker's eyes.
"Does that mean that this relationship is no longer "strictly professional" and I can finally give the kiss I've been dying to give you since I woke up this morning?" Taker asked as he stood and started towards her.
Jaden laughed, looking up into his eyes. "Let's get to work on that knee and believe me, by the end of the session, you may not want to kiss me anymore."
"I doubt that…" Taker replied in a deep, husky voice that made Jaden think very seriously about the job that Vince had offered her.
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Chapter Thirty Five
Skyler was a bundle of joy when she got off the plane. Vince couldn't help but laugh at her excitement.
"Will you calm down?" Vince laughed. "You are going to get us kicked out of the airport!"
"Can you get kicked out of an airport?" Skyler asked, grinning.
"I don't know, if not, you could be the first." Vince said over his shoulder as he headed towards the baggage claim. Skyler just laughed to herself as she and Stephanie followed him.
The baggage area was jammed packed with people. Skyler decided to stand back away from the people, her uncle and cousin having told her and Stephanie they would get their bags.
"Now that we are alone, tell me what is going on with you and Kane." Stephanie demanded to know, her eyes shinning with excitement.
Just hearing his name made Skyler break out into a radiant smile. "I really like him. I mean, I've always liked him, but it was more his character. Now that I have gotten to know him, I REALLY like him. He has to be one of the nicest, sexiest, most wonderful men I have ever met." She answered grinning from ear to ear. "I can't wait to see him again."
"I don't think you will have to wait long." Stephanie said, looking behind Skyler, grinning.
"What are you looking…" Skyler cut herself off as she turned around, her eyes meet Kane's who was standing a few feet away, smiling at her. Her heart began pounding as she walked towards him.
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Chapter Thirty Six
Skyler walked slowly up to Kane, her heart racing as she stepped up to him.
"Hey. I missed you." Kane said in a voice so soft and so deep that Kristin about dropped to her knees.
"I missed you too." Skyler said softly as Kane reached out his hand and gently touched her cheek.
Kane leaned forward, his lips barely brushing against hers, then he pulled back, looking deep into her eyes.
"I have a couple of free hours before the show tonight…." Kane started but was cut off.
"I'd love to spend them with you." Skyler exclaimed, hugging him tight but broke it when she saw Shane staring at Kane and herself. "Well, I guess we'll have to save that for later." Skyler told Kane, not knowing how she would be able to wait to see him again.
Hey, did I tell you that Uncle Vince called Jaden and offered her a job with the WWF?" Skyler asked, changing the subject.
"Really? What did she say?" Kane asked and then added, "Man, I bet Taker is happy about that." Kane smiled, knowing of the way Taker felt for Jaden, and that she wasn't allowed to see Taker outside of the office being that he was one of her patients.
"Well, from what my uncle said, she sounds very interested. He wanted to give her a few days to think about it though. And yes, I'm sure Taker is very happy about that." Skyler answered, smiling up at Kane.
"That's great!" Kane said sincerely and then glanced down at his watch with a frown. "I have to run now, but I'll get a hold of you once everything is settled at the hotel and stuff." Kane hugged her tight, softly kissing her good-bye. "I'll see you later…" Then he turned and left, leaving Skyler counting the minutes until she saw him again.
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Chapter Thirty Seven
After the therapy session, Taker and Jaden were in her office going over a couple things he was to do at night to help his knee.
"If you have any questions, just give me a call, okay?" Jaden said, scribbling down her home number for him, hoping he would call not only if he had any problems or questions.
"I'll do that." Taker replied with a smile. The session had been hard and long, and his knee was killing him. He stood up to leave and Jaden stood up also, ready to walk him out. She had just walked past him when he grabbed her arm gently, spinner her around.
He looked down into her eyes, then slowly lowered his head until their lips were inches away from each other.
"I told you I wouldn't forget this." He said in a deep husky voice.
Jaden couldn't stop the little moan that escaped her lips, and it was her who closed the distance, pressing her lips to his. She opened her mouth, pressing herself closer to him when she felt his tongue slide in, becoming entwined with hers.. Jaden sighed and wrapped her arms around him as he did her, each holding the other as close as they could.
Taker pulled back reluctantly, knowing if he didn't he would take things farther, but also knowing it wasn't the time or the place. He looked into her eyes reading the disappointment there. He ran his finger down her cheek, tracing her lips.
"I'll call you later." He said softly, causing her legs to go weak. She nodded in response, unable to speak. She watched him as he turned and walked out the door, knowing she couldn't wait to get home and sit by the phone.
After he left, she sat down at her desk, thinking about the job offer. After a few minutes, she turned to her computer and started typing her resignation.