Page 36 of Between the Ropes

Finally, I reach the small office they’ve set up for me tonight, and I spend a few minutes unpacking, setting out the oils and lotions, and checking my schedule for the evening. My fingersitch to grab my phone, and I don’t fight it. I shoot off a quick text to Ryan, hoping he’s nearby.

Me:Hey, you here yet? I have a few minutes before my first appointment.

I stare at the screen for a beat, waiting for the bubbles to pop up with his reply, but nothing comes. The minutes seem to drag as I wait, an anxious knot forming in my stomach. The disappointment is creeping in, but I push it down. He’s probably busy—preparing for his match or caught up in something.Relax Natalie.

Before I can dwell on it too long, there’s a knock at the door, and Chrissy walks in, flashing me a bright smile, as she tosses her silky blonde hair over one shoulder.

“Hey, girl!” she greets, bouncing in with her usual energy.

“Hey, Chrissy,” I say, returning her smile, but my mind is still distracted. “How’s everything feeling? Pain levels?”

“No pain, just a little stiffness in my shoulders and lower back,” she replies, rolling her shoulders back. “I’m ready for you to work your magic.”

I nod, pushing my thoughts of Ryan aside as I focus on the task at hand. I start the massage, working on loosening the tightness in her muscles, letting my hands fall into the familiar rhythm. As I do, Chrissy talks, filling the quiet room with chatter about tonight’s match. I’m grateful for the distraction.

“I’ve got a big one tonight,” she says, a hint of excitement in her voice. “If I can nail this, I’m hoping to get a shot at the title match down the line. I’ve been working my way up, you know? I just need that one big break. This match is going to be the perfect way for me to showcase my skills.”

I smile at her enthusiasm. “Sounds like you’re on the right track.”

“Fingers crossed,” she sighs. “I’ve been busting my ass for this chance. I feel like it’s so close I can taste it.”

As I finish up the massage, I show Chrissy a few stretches she can do to loosen up before and after her match. She’s thanking me when the door swings open, and my breath catches.

Ryan steps into the room, and it’s like the air changes, thickening with his presence. His long, wet hair falls over his shoulders, droplets of water still clinging to the strands. He’s wearing a black t-shirt with his logo stretched taut across his broad chest, his muscles straining beneath the fabric. My heart stutters in my chest as I watch him, my body reacting to him instantly.

Chrissy’s smile widens, and she sashays over to him, her hips swaying exaggeratedly. She tosses her long hair over her shoulder, and I can practically see the playful gleam in her eyes as she runs her hands up his chest, palms flattening against him.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” she says, her voice taking on a sultry tone. “How about we grab a drink tonight? I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

My stomach twists uncomfortably, but before I can react, Ryan takes her hands in his, lifting them off his chest.

“I don’t think so,” he says, his voice low but firm.

And then, without another glance at Chrissy, he crosses the room, coming straight to me. I’m frozen, my eyes wide as I take in what just happened, my pulse hammering in my throat.

“Fuck, baby, you look good,” he murmurs, his voice deep and rough as his gaze sweeps over me.

Before I can respond, his hands are on my face, and his lips crash into mine in a kiss that’s all heat and fire, consuming me completely. My hands fly to his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as he pulls me closer, his tongue sliding against mine in a way that makes my knees weak. The world fades away, and all I can feel is him—his warmth, his power, the overwhelming presence of him.

When we finally pull apart, my heart is pounding in my chest, my body trembling against his. I barely register Chrissy standing there, her mouth hanging open in shock. She looks like a wounded cat, her pride clearly bruised, as she slinks out of the room, muttering something under her breath.

Ryan’s eyes are smoldering as he looks down at me, his thumb brushing over my cheek. “I’ve got a few things I need to take care of, but I had to see you first.” His voice is rough, his fingers still tracing my skin. “Stick around after the show. Let me take you to dinner.”

I nod, my voice caught in my throat as I try to process the whirlwind that just happened. “Yeah, okay.”

He grins, a cocky, possessive grin, and leans down to kiss me again, his lips claiming mine in a way that makes me melt. His hands travel down my sides, gripping me tightly before he finally pulls away, leaving me breathless.

“See you later, baby,” he murmurs, his fingers trailing over my skin one last time before he leaves the room.

For the rest of the night, I’m in a daze, going through the motions with my clients, but my thoughts are entirely consumed by Ryan. Every time I close my eyes, I can still feel the way his lips felt on mine, the way he touched me. It’s intoxicating and overwhelming all at once.

When it’s finally time for the main event, I find myself standing by one of the monitors in the hallway, watching as Ryan makes his entrance. The crowd loses their minds the moment his music hits, the arena erupting in chaos. My heart swells with pride as I watch him command the stage, every inch the superstar he is.

Ryan is facing Jason Bell tonight in a number one contender’s match, and it’s brutal. The two of them go at it for what feels like forever, each holding their own in a near-equal battle. But when Ryan gets Jason into a submission hold in the center of the ring,I know it’s over. Jason struggles, fighting to break free, but after what feels like an eternity, he taps.

Ryan holds on for just a moment longer, prolonging the pain until the ref forces him to let go. The moment the bell rings and his music hits again, the crowd erupts, chanting his name.

Pride swells in my chest as I watch him, my heart racing as the announcer declares him the winner, and the number one contender for the UXW Heavyweight Championship. He did it. He’s one step closer to his dream, one step closer to everything he’s been working for.

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