He and Jay had decided to just hang out, as they had the entire day off.  Since it was late summer and still hot, they went to the beach with Matt and Jeff Hardy.

While Jay and Jeff were swimming, Adam and Matt took the opportunity to talk privately.

"So, I hear you and Amy are finally an item," Matt said with a warm smile.

Adam grinned and nodded.  "Yeah, she's so great...she's the best thing to happen to me in a long time."

"You see, man?  I told you she would come to you when she was ready," Matt's southern accent drawled.

Adam looked at his friend, his expression turning serious.  "Hey, Matt?"

"Yeah?"

"You knew all about Amy's past with that Gary person, right?"

"Yes, I did - Jeff and I both.  Why?"

Adam shook his head.  "No reason, I'm just curious.  But...I was thinking...what if this guy suddenly tries to come after Amy?"  He knew it was irrational thinking, since he knew nothing had happened in the five years since Amy had broken away, but Adam was paranoid.  He loved her so much and fiercely wanted to protect her.

"You'll never have to worry about that happening," Matt assured him.

"I know...I know I'm just being paranoid," Adam said as he lifted his dark sunglasses from his eyes.

"It's not that," Matt said.  "Gary Stevens committed suicide two years ago."

As Adam stared at his friend in surprise, Matt continued.  "Amy heard about it from her mom.  The guy had been with another girl for awhile and still lived in her hometown.  It was all over the local news.  Amy said she could finally sleep at night without having those awful nightmares she always had.  She was so afraid this guy would come after her someday.  She was even scared to be signed to the WWF for awhile because anybody can find out where we are when we tour."

Adam gazed out at the horizon, silently studying the beautiful point where sky met ocean.  His heart swelled with love for Amy as he thought about her and of all she'd endured.  He'd always admired her, but now it was tenfold.  She was such a strong person.  Adam thought it amazing that she'd managed to keep her infectious personality throughout the entire horrible ordeal.

"Adam?" Matt called.  "You okay?"

"Yeah," he replied, his reverie broken.  "I was just thinking."

"About Amy," Matt stated.  He smiled.  "You love her, don't you?"

"Yes, I really do," Adam said, his eyes shining, a tiny smile on his lips.  "She is such an amazing person."

"I'm happy for the two of you.  I think you're good for each other."

"I've already told her I love her," Adam revealed.  "I just wish she'd say it back."

"She does love you, Adam," Matt said confidently.  "Like I told you before, I know her so well.  She's like the sister Jeff and I never had.  I know she loves you.  Don't worry - she'll say it - and again, when she's good and ready."

Adam turned his eyes back toward the horizon, blinking at the sunshine, hoping that, once again, Matt was right.

*

Later, back at the hotel...

"Guess what?" Jay said excitedly.  He was beaming, and Adam knew that whatever he was about to tell him, it was something really great.

"What?"

"I just heard that you and I are going to be put back together as a tag team," Jay announced.

Adam's face brightened.  "Really?"

"Yeah - word has it that Stephanie McMahon came up with the idea.  Think about it - E&C reunited!"

"Where did you hear this?" Adam asked.

"Chris just told me - he was talking to Paul.  Apparently, Steph had a meeting with Vince earlier today about some ideas - and putting Edge and Christian back together was one of them."

"Alright!" Adam exclaimed, laughing.  He and Jay high-fived each other, mimicking one of their vintage E&C trademarks.

"There's more," Jay said.  "We're due for the tag team championships for an eighth title reign, and there's one other thing, which I think will be your favorite..."

Before Adam could ask, and before Jay could continue, Stephanie McMahon suddenly approached them where they were standing in the hall.

"Aha!  The woman of the hour," Jay said good-naturedly with a smile.

Stephanie smiled and him, glancing from Jay to Adam as she spoke.  "Hello, guys...I'd like to call a little meeting to discuss what we're going to be doing with you two, starting the next SmackDown taping."

"Sure," Adam said.

"Great," Steph replied.  "Why don't we go downstairs, to the lounge?"

Adam, Jay and Stephanie all took an elevator together to the lounge area of the hotel.  As they made their way inside, Steph stood over some cozy armchairs in one corner and gestured for the guys to sit.  They obliged, and she seated herself across from them.

"Now, guys," she began, "I have come up with the idea of reuniting Edge and Christian - the greatest tag team in WWF history!"  She smiled and pantomimed writing in the air.

"Awesome!" Adam said.

"It's going to be just like the old days," Stephanie promised.  "Actually, it'll be even better...you two are going to get some more tag team title reigns under your belts - no pun intended."

"Wow, this is fantastic," Jay said.  "We really appreciate this, Stephanie...thanks."

"I have another idea in mind as well...One I think you'll like a lot," she added, looking meaningfully at Adam.

Adam glanced at her quizzically, then at Jay, who wore a big grin on his face, and then turned back to Stephanie.

"Lita is going to turn heel on the Hardy Boyz and go with you guys."

Adam nearly did a double take, but he knew he'd heard correctly.  "Really?"

"Oh, yeah," Steph said, nodding.  "At first, my dad didn't like that part of the plan, but I got him to change his mind."

Adam tiny smile evolved into a wide grin.  "I love it!  Me and Amy working together, but as a team instead of as enemies...thanks, Steph!"

"It's my pleasure," Stephanie said.  "My father should be calling you guys for a meeting soon enough to discuss all the nitty-gritty details.  We've got big plans for you at SummerSlam."

"Great!" Jay said.

"Excuse me, guys...I have another meeting," Steph said, rising from her seat.  Adam and Jay both stood up for her to leave.

"Wait," Adam suddenly exclaimed.  When Stephanie turned back to face him, he asked, "Does Amy know about this?  Have you talked to her yet?"

"No, I haven't...she's still on that divas photoshoot, isn't she?"  She grinned at Adam knowingly.  "Why don't you tell her?" she suggested.  "Knowing Amy, I know she'll love the ideas as much as you do, and knowing how crazy she is about you, she'll probably enjoy hearing about them from you a lot more than if I tell her."  Stephanie winked at Adam playfully, then waved at him and Jay.  "See you guys later."

When the boss' daughter was gone, Jay nudged Adam with his elbow.  "I agree with Miss McMahon - Amy'll enjoy hearing all the great news from you a lot more."  Mimicking Stephanie, he winked before chuckling heartily.  "You lucky devil, you...you're in for some terrific night."

Adam smiled.  He was looking forward to the upcoming new storyline - he and Jay would be working together as a cohesive unit again, but this time, Amy would be thrown in the mix as well.  The future was looking so bright, they'd need to wear their trademark E&C goofy shades.

*

Amy was exhausted as she entered the hotel at just a little after eleven.  She had a duffel bag over one shoulder, within a variety of bikinis and some of her trademark fishnet tops she wore to the ring.

She yawned as she took the stairs to the second floor to Adam's and her room.  She let herself in with her card key and dropped her bag by the door.

Amy flipped the switch beside the door to turn on the overhead light.  She was disappointed that Adam wasn't around, because after the long, strenuous day she'd had, the only thing she wanted now was him.  She sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, putting her hands over her eyes.

When she moved her hands away, she nearly jumped in surprise.  Adam was standing over her, two wine glasses in one hand, a bottle in the other, and a huge grin on his handsome face.

"Adam!" Amy cried.  "I didn't even hear you coming!  You startled me!"  She laughed.

"Sorry about that," he said, placing the glasses and bottle on the bedside table.  He came close to her, reaching his hands out to her.

Amy grabbed his hands and allowed him to pull her up from the bed.  As she gazed deeply up into his eyes, she asked, "Were you here all the time?"

"Yeah...I was hiding in the bathroom with a bucket of champagne."  He leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips.  "I've got some news for you, Ames..."

"What is it?"  Amy reached up and ran her fingers through his silky blond hair as she gazed fondly into his beautiful face.

Adam chuckled softly.  "I'll give you a little hint...let's just say that it totally reeks of awesomeness!"

Amy smiled.  "You and Jay are going to be a tag team again!"

"Bingo!"  Adam laughed.  "But that's only part of it...Baby, they're going to have you turn against the Hardyz and join us!"

"Really?  Are you serious?"

"Uh huh...Jay and I had a meeting with Stephanie McMahon this afternoon, and she told us the plan."

Amy's smile broadened.  "Oh, Adam, that's so cool!" she cried.  "So now I finally get to work with my favorite guy!"  She hugged him, and Adam held her tightly in his arms.  After a moment, he held her back and gazed down at her excitedly.

"All of this was Stephanie's idea, and she suggested I tell it all to you..."

"Remind me to thank her later," Amy said with a laugh.

"I was so surprised when she said you would be with us," Adam revealed.  "I've always wanted to have you in my corner, even way back when you were with Essa Rios."

"Yeah?"  She was intrigued, as he'd never admitted this before.

"Yeah...but the wait - including having you as my girlfriend - was well worth it," he said softly.  He put his arms around her and held her snugly against him.  Not for the first time, he thought it felt so natural and right to have her in his arms.  He caressed some strands of her long, straight red hair off her face as they gazed deeply into one another's eyes.  A moment later, he lowered his head and kissed her tenderly.

Amy kissed him back, and the kiss soon became more passionate.  I love you, she thought.  Oh, God, how I love you...She felt horrible that she still hadn't dredged up the courage to speak those words to him.

Adam lifted his hands from her waist as he probed her hot mouth with his tongue.  He slid his left hand up to one breast, his right directly under her chin, and he tipped her head slightly back.  He sought her nipple through the fabric of her baby tee and bra and stroked it lightly, lovingly.

Amy became breathless as Adam continued stroking her breast and kissing her. I love you, Adam Copeland...She'd never felt so strongly about another man before.  Her soft moan was barely audible.

Adam let out a sigh as he felt her hand suddenly between his legs, stroking his massive erection through his jeans.  Oh, God...He felt himself throb at her touch and longed to escape the confines of his jeans and briefs.  All day long, he'd been so anxious to make love to her.

Amy moved both her hands to Adam's and gripped them tightly as she backed up to the bed until she was sitting on the very edge of it.  Her hazel eyes met his emerald ones and she gently bit her lower lip in delicious anticipation, then turned her attention to the button and zipper of his jeans.  She briefly fondled him through his underwear before helping him out of the clothing.

Adam lifted his T-shirt over his head and tossed it aside before removing hers as well, followed by her bra.  Their eyes met again, and the emotion between them was so intense, Adam felt he could cry.

He let out a soft moan as Amy moved forward and took him into her soft, velvety mouth.  Her tongue ran circles around his huge erection as she took in his full length, and Adam felt like he was in heaven.  Oh, God...

After a few minutes, Adam pulled back and came to lie down beside Amy on the bed.  Side-by-side, they lay in one another's arms, and Adam slid his hands down to her firm buttocks.  They kissed passionately, and Amy gasped as she felt his hardness against her.

She pulled away after awhile, and Adam turned over onto his back as he gazed up at her.  Amy straddled him and moaned softly as she lowered herself onto his rock-hard erection.  Once he completely filled her, she rode him deeply with long, regular strides, all of her concentration focused on satisfying Adam and herself.

Adam gripped her waist and moved her faster up and down, adding his own upward thrusts to her motions.  He panted with the effort and delicious sensations.  "Ames..."  He gazed, mesmerized, up into her shining hazel eyes, feeling more in love with her than ever.

I love you...I love you, Amy thought as she held Adam's intense gaze.  Her orgasm approached, and she held onto the feeling, the intensity of it all the more great as they kept up the steady, unwavering, loving eye contact.  "Oh, God..." she moaned.  Her long red hair brushed against his cheeks.

Adam reached up and caressed the sides of her body, drawing her down to him closer.  He gently bit into the tattoo on her upper right arm as he came, moaning and calling out her name alternately.  "Amy...God, Amy...Amy!  Oh, God..."  He held her tightly against him as he released himself deep within her, his breathing fast and heavy.

Afterward, they lay in each other's arms, and Adam nuzzled one side of Amy's face.  Gazing deeply into her eyes, he smiled and whispered, "I love you..."

And I love you...She longed to say the words - ached to say them.  She bit her lip softly, moved slightly and pressed her face against his muscular, chisled chest.  As she felt Adam's hand reach for her own, she grasped him tightly and never wanted to let go.