58

“Ugh! Get off me, big butt!”

The morning arguing ritual had started the moment they woke up. Slade got up early and Candy always slept in and his rustling around had woke her. With an irritated yawn, she tried pushing Slade off the bed to get him to stop moving around. When he finally slipped off, the tether pulled her with him. The tangled cord surrounded them, causing him to wiggle until he somehow ended up on top of her.

“Sit still. Damn it, Candy! Stop moving. You almost kicked me in the nuts!”

“You mean your vagina, you pussy? I have to pee! Hurry.”

Slade rolled his eyes as he unwound them. “There! Get up. How do you expect us to do this? I’m not watching you on the toilet.”

“Just stand on the outside of the restroom. The line will reach.” She pulled him to the next room, yanking the cord hard. “Dang it. It won’t reach far enough. Stick your arm in.”

Slade did as she requested, but already annoyed, he just sat there grunting. “Hurry it up. I have to go too.”

She came out to wash her hands. “Your turn. Do you need a tampon? You’re being so bitchy. I figured you were on the rag.”

“Do you ever shut up?” Slade growled.

Slade went to the restroom and Candy waited patiently, eventually flopping down on the tile floor, resting her head on the door frame. “What’s taking so long? Break it off. Let’s go.”

Slade laughed teasingly as she gagged from the odor that crept out of the room. “These things take time.” He waved his hand toward the crack in the door near her head, making things worse.

“Ew! Oh my gosh! What did you eat? Deep-fried asshole? You stink.” She started coughing, holding her breath. Candy tried grabbing for her cosmetic bag on the side of the sink to spray her perfume, but it was just out of reach. “Oh my gosh, hurry! I’m dying!”

Slade just laughed, coming out to wash his hands. “Get used to it, Sprinkles. We have two weeks of this.”

“Disgusting. Where is Sahara? I need to get dressed, showered, and away from you.”

He pulled the cord. “We can shower together. I’ll wash your back and you wash mine. Great bonding experience.” He slapped her butt as she got off the floor.

Candy smacked him on the back of the head. “I rather wash my coochie with sandpaper than let you shower with me.”

“Damn. Is your coochie that messed up that’s even an option?”

She scowled, saying, “Actually, after a night in bed with you, I might need to sandpaper my whole dang body to get the revolting feeling of your touch off me. For the record, everything is just fine down there.”

“Don’t be so dramatic. You loved having these big muscular arms around you. I felt you grinding on my junk this morning when I woke up. I know you want this,” he taunted with a flex of his chest.

Rolling her eyes she said, “You think way too highly of yourself.”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Thank God! The cavalry has arrived. I need to get away from you before I choke you with this cord.” Slade went to open the door.

“Feelings mutual, ass wipe. Sahara, unlock me. I need a shower.”

“Jeez. Calm down. There, you’re free. You both have thirty minutes each. Ten in the evening. Shower at the hotel or the stadium to save time. Your choice. Oh, and I have bad news too,” Sahara pointed out as she unlocked them.

“Spill it.” Slade rubbed his wrist.

“They’re starting the promotional stuff tonight. Davis is working this into the show somehow. Something about him challenging you to be together until Summer Mayhem as payback for Candy leaving Sam and the Corporate Alliance.”

Slade smirked as he shook his head. “Super nerd probably really had a crush on her.”

Candy snarled her nose. “Gross. He is such a butt kisser. He’s like Davis’s little puppy. So how will this work?”

“You’ll only have an hour until the promo with Davis, untethered. You still need to stay together, though. Also, you won’t have a match this week or next. Just promos to build for the big show. You’ll take a bump tonight from Steve while still attached, so be careful.”

“Great, that sounds safe,” Slade said sarcastically.

“They decided you must wear the cuffs on the show until the pay-per-view. Davis is going to allow you both to go to the gym and some ring time for training. That way Slade will be ready for his match in two weeks. You don’t have to stay cuffed then but must still be together. Gage agreed to help so Slade could spar with him in the ring during training. We have to go to the stadium when you’re done here. Candy, I thought we could work on some stuff together too. I need help with grappling if that’s okay.”

Slade paced around the hotel room, trying to figure it all out. He knew this could be his last chance. If he didn’t work it out, he may lose his job.

“Damn it. So, he’s really going through with this. Sahara, the cuffs are hurting her wrist. Can you find us some wristbands or wrapping? The fabric should protect her wrist from bruising.”

Sahara gave a half-smile, noticing Slade fussing over Candy’s welfare. She had suspected for some time he had a crush on her. “Sure, big boy. I’ll bring them to the show tonight. I brought you guys breakfast too.”

Candy grabbed her clothes. “I’m going to go shower. I need a minute alone.”

Slade went over to the bag Sahara brought in, smelling the aroma waft out as he opened the takeout bag. “This looks good. Thanks.”

Sahara sat down at the table across from him, waiting for the shower to turn on. A while later, she spoke up. “Slade, can we talk?”

“Sure. What’s up?” He opened his food, smelling it again. “Mmm. I’m starving.”

“Candy’s my best friend. I know her better than anyone here. Can you please try to work things out with her for real? And not just to keep your title and position in the company. I know she’s hurt that you don’t like her. She told me once she used to be a big fan of Retribution. This is important to her, and I think it bothers Candy that you make fun of her and fight so much. She thinks everyone here thinks she’s a joke because of the candy gimmick.”

“It’s not just about the title. I’m not that vain. I don’t want her to lose all she worked for. She mentioned that all last night, and it broke my heart for her. I never said I don’t like Candy. Sahara, I’m going to tell you something and I’ll kick your ass if you tell anyone this. Especially her.”

“Okay. I won’t tell anyone.”

Slade sat back, looking toward the restroom door to make sure Candy didn’t hear.

He let out a breath as he said, “I need to get this off my chest. I sort of... liked her… at first. When we met. I thought she was hot and really sweet. Jenna and I hadn’t broken up yet. I was joking with her a lot because I guess I was a little attracted to her. I didn’t want anyone to know because I didn’t want to upset Jenna. Candy got offended, thinking I was making fun of her. I was just joking around and being a flirt. I guess I’m not that great at it because she took it the wrong way. I tried to apologize, and she just kept flipping out. I said and did things I regret these past few months, and I know I can be a little insensitive sometimes. She’s just combative. We both have a pretty big superiority complex.”

“Well, what about now? Do you still like her?”

Slade looked at Sahara like she was crazy. “You’re kidding, right? She can’t stand me and I’m fairly sure we’re going to kill each by the time this is over.”

“Right. But you didn’t say no, did you?” Sahara smirked, leaning back. “Anyway, her little brother was bullied when he was in school. He was younger, and she used to protect him. She thinks you do it to be mean to her. I honestly think you’re secretly into each other and are too stubborn to admit it.”

The bathroom door opened. “Slade, your turn.”

Slade looked back at Sahara as she crossed her arms, smiling mischievously. Leaning toward her, he spoke in a low growl. “Well, you’re wrong.”

Slade grabbed his clothes and headed to the restroom, slamming the door.

“What is that about?” Candy grabbed her food.

Sahara just shrugged with a mischievous grin. “Oh, nothing.”