Chapter 11 “Hey...I think you’re going the wrong way,” he said. She turned to look at him and he instantly knew she was in no joking mood. “What’s wrong?” he asked her. “My car died,” she said. “Are you sure?” he asked. She gave him a look and he had to laugh. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s take a look.” She handed him the keys and he tried to start it. After several tries he looked up at her. “You’re right..it’s dead.” I hope you don’t take this the wrong way,’ she said...”but you are no help at all.” He quickly pulled a cell phone from his pocket. “That’s what you think,” he said. He quickly dialed a number. “Hi Mike, it’s Shane. No it’s not my car this time,’ he said with a laugh. “It’s a friends car.’ He smiled at her when he said this. “Yeah, it’s in the downstairs parking garage.” She handed him her registration card and he gave the mechanic her car’s make and model, as well as the license plate number. “Twenty minutes? That’s fine. Thanks.” He clicked off his phone. “Is that help enough?” he asked. “I take it back,” she said, returning his smile. He noticed that she was shivering. “Come on,” he said, taking her hand. He led her to his car. Quickly, he unlocked the door and let her in. He rushed to the driver’s side and climbed in. He started the engine abd turned up the heat. Within minutes she was feeling better. “I’m sorry to be such a bother,” she said. “I’m sure you have better things to do.” He laughed softly. “Contrary to popular belief..I am not a party animal. My big plans for the evening consisted of dinner and watching basketball on TV.” “Well that’s still better than sitting here waiting for a tow truck with me.” He turned to her and smiled. “The tow truck I could do without..but being here with you? That’s not so bad.” He smiled warmly at her and she felt a flutter in her stomach. “So tell me,” he began, “are you and Andrew...an item?” She shook her head slowly. “Nope. We really only went out a couple of times. It just didn’t work out.” He nodded silently. “You and Marissa make a nice couple,” she offered. “You sound like her mother,” he laughed. “Marissa and I have known each other for years. We’ve never been anything more than friends...unfortunately her mother just can’t seem to come to grips with that.” She was trying to make sense of what he had just said, when the tow truck pulled into the garage. “Ah, help at last,” he said. She got out of the car and followed him over to where her car was parked. “This guy is a real life saver,” Shane said. “Yeah, but his timing stinks,” she thought. Chapter 12 She stood and watched while the two men tried in vain to get her car started. Mike turned to her. “I’m sorry...it’s your alternator. We’ll have to tow it.” “If it was a horse we could just shoot it,” she said. Shane laughed out loud. “Well go ahead,’ she said. “You might as well take it.” She sighed softly as she watched her car disappear into the night. “The perfect end to the perfect week,” she thought. “I need to find a phone book.” “Why?” asked Shane. “Well if I’m going to get home tonight, I’ll need to call a taxi.” “Don’t be silly,” he said. “I’ll drive you.” “I can’t ask you to do that,” she said. “I’ve taken up enough of your time tonight.” “It’s not a good idea to argue with the boss,” he teased. “You’re right,” she agreed. “Besides I’m too tired to fight with you.’ She got into his car and gave him directions to her apartment. He found a parking space right in front. “I’ve lived here for three years and I’ve never gotten this space,’ she said. “It’s that McMahon clout,” he said. She laughed softly. “Listen,” she began. “Why don’t you come upstairs. I can get you something to eat. I feel like I at least owe you that much.” “You don’t owe me anything,’ he said. “I was glad to help.” “I’d still like to do it for you,’ she said. “You can even watch the basketball game.” “Ok, you talked me into it,” he said. She took his jacket when they got inside. “The TV is right in there,’ she said. “Can I get you something to drink?” “A soda would be fine.” “Coming right up,” she said, disappearing into the kitchen. She leaned her hands on the counter. “I can’t believe that Shane McMahon is sitting in my living room,” she thought. She got a soda from the refrigerator, fumbling with the pop top. She took a deep breath and brought it out to him. “Would burgers be ok?” she asked. “I don’t want you going to any trouble,’ he said. “I told you it’s no trouble. They’ll be ready in a few minutes.” She carried his food into him. “Who’s winning?” The Knicks,” he said sourly. “I guess you’re not a fan,” she said. “Nope..I’m a Celtics man. Do you follow basketball?” “Now and then,” she replied. “Who do you like?” She glanced up, smiling apologetically. “Not the Knicks?” he moaned. “I grew up in New Jersey,” she said. “That’s Knick’s country.” “I suppose I’ll have to forgive you then,” he said, taking a bite of his food.” They finished their food, watching the game and good naturedly teasing one another. When the game was over, he sat back and stretched. Glancing down at his watch, he stood up. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay this late.” “It isn’t late,’ she said. “That’s true. If you want to know the truth, this is the first night I’ll get home before midnight.” “You work too hard,” she said. “Like father, like son,” he said with a laugh. She walked with him to the door. “”Thanks for dinner,” he said. “You’re a very good cook.” “It was my pleasure,’ she said. “Thanks for helping with my car.” He opened the door and stepped into the hall. “I just thought of something....how are you going to get to work tomorrow?” She laughed softly. “I have no idea. I suppose a day off is out of the question?” “I need at least one person there who knows what to do,’ he said. “I guess I could call Angela.” “Don’t bother,’ he said. “I’ll just swing by and pick you up.” “I can’t ask you to do that.” “You didn’t ask....I offered.” “I’ll see you at eight.” She watched as he walked off down the hall.Closing the door softly, she leaned her back against it, smiling at the thought of seeing him again in the morning. She turned off the lights and headed for her bedroom, even though she knew she probably wouldn’t be getting much sleep. Chapter 13 She agonized over what to wear. “This is ridiculous,” she thought. “It’s not like he’ll even notice.” She just finished spraying on some perfume when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to his smiling face. “Good morning,” he said, cheerfully. “Hi, come on in. I won’t be a minute. There’s coffee in the kitchen,” she called over her shoulder. He was pouring a cup when she rushed into the kitchen, putting on her earrings. “I’m sorry,” she said. “We’re going to be late, aren’t we?” “I won’t tell the boss, if you won’t,” he teased. She walked across the kitchen to get a cup for herself. Shane couldn’t help but watch. “You look very nice today,’ he said. She turned in surprise. “Thanks. You think they’ll have my car ready today?” “Probably,” he said. “Mike is pretty reliable. If it isn’t, you can count on me.” “Oh no..you’ve done way too much for me already. I wouldn’t think of imposing.” “You’re arguing again,” he said. She smiled at his attempt to sound stern. As they drove to work, he told her the story of how WWf.com came about. “My dad isn’t exactly what you’d call computer literate,’ he said with a grin. “It took some doing..but we dragged him kicking and screaming into the computer age.” “He must be happy with it now,’ she observed. “I’m not even sure he looks at it,’ he said, laughing softly. “But I’m happy with it...and right now that’s all that matters.” They walked into the office together, laughing at a story he had just told her. Judi and Angela were hanging up their coats. When they haerd the two of them, they stopped and stared. “Am I reallly seeing that?” asked Angela. “Something tells me that she won’t be writing any letters of resignation today,” added Judi. As soon as Emma was seated at her esk, her two friends were at her side. “Ok, spill it,” said Judi. “Spill what?” asked Emma. “Don’t make us hurt you,” Angela said, leaning over her desk. “There’s nothing to tell really. Shane drove me to work this morning.” “Drove you to work?” they said in unison. “Shhhh,” said Emma. “He’ll hear you.” They glanced quickly at Shane’s door. “Ok, for now,” said Judi. “But we’ll be back her at break time..and you better have some details to share.” The two women walked to their desks, pausing to look back at Emma, who was trying to look innocent. At ten o’clock on the nose they were back at her desk. “Let’s go,’ said Judi. “You have some explaining to do.’ They walked quickly to the break room. “Can I at least get some coffee?” she asked. “Only if you hurry,” said Angela. She filled her cup and sat with her friends. “Well?” said Judi, “start talking.” Emma filled them in on the details from the night before. “You see, I told you he was a nice guy,” said Angela. “He really is,” Emma said quietly. “But that still doesn’t change anything. He only helped me with my car.’ “I don’t know,” said Judi.”Not many guys would go out of their way like he did.” “I suppose not,’ said Emma. She was lost in thought when Shane stuck his head in the door. “There you are. Mike just called. Your car is ready. Why don’t you let me take you out to lunch and then I’ll drive you over there?” She looked up at him speechless. Angela kicked her under the table. “Oh..sure..that would be fine,’ she said. “I’ll see you at noon then.” He gave her a quick smiled and headed back to his office. Judi and Angela looked at her closely. “Still think he’s just being nice?” asked Judi. But Emma was still staring at the spot Shane had just been standing in. Chapter 14 He took her to a small restaurant a few blocks from work. “I hope you don’t mind..I know I should have asked where you’d like to go...but i really like the food here.” She smiled at his unecessary apology. “This is fine,” she said. “I happen to like this place.” They ordered their lunch and sat and talked about some new ideas he had for the site. “I’m trying to make this the best site out there,’ he told her. “I suppose everybody in the office hates me huh?” “Of course not,” she said quickly. He seemed surprised by her quick defense of him. “What I mean is,” she began, “ everybody I talk to loves working there.” “I’m glad to hear that,” he said, noticing her embarrassment. They finished their lunch and headed back to his car. He was just about to open her door when she dropped her sunglasses. They both stooped down to pick them up. When they stood, their faces were only inches apart. She was close enough to smell his after shave, close enough to see the flecks of gold in his dark brown eyes, close enough to....She quickly looked down, pretending to search for something in her purse. He leaned over and unlocked her door. They drove to the garage, sitting in an awkward silence. When he pulled into the garage, she quickly jumped from the car. She stood, waiting for her credit card slip, trying not to meet his gaze. He tried to hold a conversation with Mike, while trying not to steal glances in her direction. “Thanks for all your help,’ she said, opening her car door.”Any time,” he replied. “I’ll see you back at the office.” She pulled out of the parking lot, still envisioning his eyes. At the next traffic light, she stopped, grateful for the chance to clear her head. But once more, all she could see was his face, tantalizingly close to hers. The blaring of a horn behind her, shook her from her daydream. She looked up to see a green light. When she walked back into her office, she was met with the smiles of her two friends. “Must be nice to take a two hour lunch.” teased Judi. “That’s what happens when the boss likes you,’ said Angela. But Emma didn’t respond to either comment. She sat behind her desk and immediately looked for something to keep her mind occupied. She forced herself to keep her eyes down when he walked past her desk. He stopped at his office door to take a quick glance at her, before going in. When she heard the door close, she dropped her head in her hands and breathed a sigh of relief. “If i’m lucky, he never noticed my attraction to him,” she thought. “I don’t think I could bear the rejection.” Inside his office, he sat behind his desk, his thoughts on the woman sitting just a few feet away. “I can’t believe I never noticed how green her eyes are,’ he thought. Chapter 15 At the end of the day, she hurried to clear off her desk. In the course of one afternoon, she had gone from wishing she could be with Shane to trying everything she could to avoid him. She almost succeeded. She was just reaching for her coat, when she heard his office door open. “Through for the day?” he asked. She turned, giving him a small smile. “Yep, I’m done.” “Would you like to go for a drink?” She froze...her hand in mid air. “If you have other plans, I’ll understand,” he said. “No,” she said quickly. “I’d love to go for a drink.” “Great,” he said. “Let me get my jacket.” He stepped back into his office and she leaned her head against the wall. “What is wrong with you?” she thought. She looked up towards his door. “Well, he did ask me,” she thought. He came back out and glanced at her. “Something wrong?” he asked. “No, not at all...why?” “Well you look like you’re trying to come up with the answer to the world’s problems.” She laughed softly. “Nothing that simple,” she thought. They went to a small place near work. He ordered some wine and grabbed a basket of pretzels for them. “How’s the car?” “Oh just fine. Runs like new.” “It better or Mike will answer to me,” he said, giving her a wink. They talked about work for a while. He was amused by her descriptions of some of the people they worked with. She sat, fascinated by his sories about growing up in the world of wrestling. “For the longest time I thought everyone’s dad beat people up for a living,” he said. She laughed and laid her hand on his. As soon as her fingers touched his, she tried to pull her hand back. But Shane caught her. He held her hand gently, and looked up into her eyes. “If I’m out of line, please let me know,” he began. “But I’ve sensed a change between the two of us. Am I wrong?” She shook her head silently. “If I ask you something..wil you give me an honest answer.” “Of course,’ she said. “Did I imagine it....or was there an.....attraction....between us this afternoon?’ She paused, searching for the right words. “I can only speak for myself,” she said. “But.....yes, there was an attraction.” She could feel herself blushing as she lowered her eyes. She was scared to death to look up at him. Suddenly she felt his hand tighten around hers. “That’s good, “ he said softly. “I was afraid it was just me.” |