October

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Stephanie lay huddled beneath the blanket in one of the beds in the hotel room, her teeth chattering with how very cold she felt. It wasn't exactly that cool in the room, however. The brunette knew the chill she felt was coming from within.

"Do you want an extra blanket?" Sean asked softly, then, before she could answer, he grabbed one off of the bed he was using, hurriedly placing it over her.

"Thanks..." The General Manager hugged herself under the pair of covers, wishing she could feel normal again. But then, she hadn't quite felt like herself ever since getting into the relationship with Paul. Come to think of it, the only time she truly felt like Stephanie McMahon - the real Stephanie McMahon - was when she was with O'Haire.

She turned slightly, gazing up at him with her big blue eyes.

"Sean? Would you... lay here with me...? Please?"

The tall, dark-haired man eyed her for a beat, then nodded. Although it probably wasn't the best of ideas at the moment, there was no way he could deny her request. In a moment, he was nestled in the bed beside her, underneath the two blankets. He didn't fail to notice how good the feel of her was as her body touched his.

Stephanie moved closer to O'Haire, her arms moving so that they clasped around his neck. Because of this, she was now even closer to him, her full breasts pressing up against his chest. Her soft brown hair was just tickling his cheek as well, and he could detect the fragrance of her shampoo - definitely Pantene...

Sean closed his eyes as he allowed his arms to encircle the brunette's waist. God, but she felt so incredibly good in his arms - as though she belonged there, and nowhere else.

And damn it - he was falling in love with a woman who was engaged to marry another man. The wedding was only a week away, and she'd gone to him for help... He was so screwed...

He continued to hold tightly to Stephanie, a contented sigh building up within him, when he suddenly felt her body tense just a bit. And then, she was gazing directly into his eyes, her face barely inches from his.

Sean held his breath, his gaze softening, and he wondered what it would be like to kiss her...

"Sean?" The brunette's tone was soft and gentle, yet somehow pleading. Before he could respond verbally or otherwise, she went on. "Would you..." Stephanie paused, her eyes squeezing shut for a brief beat as the emotion nearly overwhelmed her. "Whether or not it comes down to me having to walk down the aisle on October 25th, would you please help me? Would you please get me out of having to-" She stopped speaking abruptly, unable to conclude by saying, "-marry Paul." The mere thought was too much for her to bear.

O'Haire stared deeply into her blue depths, his heart thumping faster at their closeness, at the way she was looking at him. She wanted him to be her protector, and he wanted more than anything to play that role - even if it meant somehow putting himself at risk. Or, in this case, more likely his job - at risk.

"I'll do it, Steph..." he replied, one of his hands raising to her face. He allowed his fingers to caress over the smooth, flawless skin of her cheek. "I don't know what yet, but I'll think of something to prevent the marriage from taking place."

Stephanie closed her eyes at the sensation of Sean's hand caressing her, his touch light and loving. She felt as though she were losing herself with him. If only she could garner up the nerve to tell him how she really felt...

Instead, she held her tongue and allowed herself to be held. Thankfully, the chill she'd been feeling was now gone. The blankets, but most especially Sean's body, had warmed her.
 
 
 
 

Part 8

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