Halie Middleton hung up her coat and placed her purse inside her locker. She looked in the mirror mounted on the inside of the locker. She pulled her rich, auburn hair into a ponytail and started to sort out her medical supplies for after the wrestling. She always had one or two of the guys come in complaining of pulled muscles and bruises and such.

Every once in a while, there was a serious accident in the ring. Her mind drifted back to when Triple H had been brought back to the makeshift exam room. His face had been white and he was sweating like crazy. He was biting his lip to keep from moaning at the intensity of pain he was dealing with. He had torn the quadriceps muscle from the bone in his left leg. His injury had been devastating, but it was repairable. Triple H had been gone for eight months with surgery and therapy. He had come back bigger and better than ever.

When Halie had seen him in the ring the night of his return, she knew that she loved Hunter Helmsley with her whole heart. At that time though, he was going through a brutal breakup with Stephanie, his wife.

Now, here she was a year later. No closer to being Hunter’s one and only. She was, in fact, in the middle of a relationship with Spike Dudley. His real name was Matt Hyson. Halie truly cared about Matt, but her heart belonged to an unreachable man. She sighed deeply as she stacked a pile of ace bandages on the counter.

“Hey, sweetheart! How’s it going?”

“Hi, Matt.” Halie said with a smile to the smaller than average wrestler. He was still taller than her by a good six inches. “Everything’s great. I’m just finishing up with my supplies.” She turned as the wrestler pulled her into his arms. He nuzzled his face in her neck and hugged her close.

“I love you, Halie.” Matt whispered pressing his lips to hers lovingly.

“I love you, too, Matt.” Halie answered with a softness that only came when she spoke to Matt. “Who are you wrestling tonight?” she asked enjoying the feel of his arms around her.

“Um, well, I, uh...” He hemmed and hawed not wanting to answer Halie’s question.

“Matt?” Halie said looking up reprovingly into his dark eyes.

“I’m wrestling Paul Wight.” Matt said looking down at the floor shamefacedly.

“Oh, Matt!” Halie exclaimed. She pulled away and went and sat down on the exam table.

“It’ll be all right, Halie, Paul and I have gone over the match and everything should be ok.” Matt said pulling Halie from the exam table into his arms. He kissed her deeply and passionately. Halie’s head fell back as Matt trailed kisses down her jaw to her neck.

“Doc! Hey, Doc!” Halie jerked up almost breaking Matt’s nose.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Halie whispered annoyed at the unseen voice calling and interrupting their private moment.

“It’s all right, sweetheart. I need to get to the ring anyways. Mark and Devon asked me to meet them there. I’ll see ya later.” Matt said with a grin kissing Halie on the lips and leaving as the door opened letting in, of all people, Triple H.

Halie groaned as Hunter’s sharp eyes took in Halie’s disheveled appearance. She quickly brushed back stray hair and turned to the wrestler.

“Did you need something, Hunter?”

“Looks like you and little Spike were spooning.” Hunter said with a knowing grin. “What do you want with a little punk like that, sweetheart?” Hunter asked towering over her five foot, four inch frame with his muscular six foot, four inch frame.

“It’s really none of your business.” Halie answered hotly turning to straighten things that were already straight.

“Honey, you need a real man.” Hunter purred in his deep voice. Halie almost melted at his intimate words.

“You mean a man like you?” She turned with a cynical look on her pretty face.

“You could do worse.” He shrugged.

“I don’t know. Matt is a pretty hot kisser.” Halie said her arms crossed over her chest. “Think you can do any better?” Halie couldn’t believe the words that had just spilled from her mouth. She bit her lip somehow knowing Hunter would show her exactly what kind of kisser he was.

With a sexy grin, Hunter locked the door and stepped towards her. Halie wanted to move away for Matt’s sake. She loved him and he deserved loyalty and fidelity from her. He deserved...he deserved...

Halie’s mind went blank as Hunter enfolded her in his massive arms and proceeded to kiss her thoroughly and passionately.

As the kiss deepened, Halie finally pulled away. “Hunter, no, please.” Halie whispered. She turned away and put the exam table between them.

“What’s the matter, Halie? Did I make you want me too much?” Hunter said hoarsely not letting on how much their kiss had affected him.

“I am dating Matt. I love him very much. Please leave, Hunter.” Halie said softly.

“I’ll be around, sweetheart.” He turned and left the room closing the door quietly behind him. Halie locked the door and slid to the floor. She pulled her knees up to her chest and cried her heart out knowing she was going to have to break up with Matt now. He had been such a stable, loving part of her world. It would be unfair to keep him tied to her when she loved someone else.

After the show was over, Matt came to the “hospital room”. He suggested they get something to eat before going on to the hotel. Halie agreed. She needed to tell him before she lost her nerve.

They ended up in a small diner not far from the hotel. It was clean and neat and had excellent food. After they had ordered their dinners, Matt turned to Halie and smiled.

“I want to talk to you for a minute, Halie, about our future together.” Oh no! Halie’s mind screamed. “Halie, I want you to marry me. Will you be my wife?”

“Oh, Matt! I can’t!” Halie cried.

“Why not?” Matt was completely stunned.

“I-I love someone else.” Halie whispered lowering her eyes to the table.

“When did this happen?” Matt said, his voice filled with hurt and pain.

“I have been in love with him for a long time. I had hoped to forget him, but it hasn’t happened. I can’t keep living like this, Matt. You are so sweet and such a dear.” Halie leaned over and kissed him gently on the mouth. Her lips lingered for a moment then she pulled away and got up and left.

Halie walked to the hotel and went up to her room. She collapsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep. Halie awoke to a loud pounding on her door.

Slowly, Halie pulled herself up and realized she had slept in her clothes. She got up and went to the door. She opened it and found Hunter standing outside.

She turned to go sit on the sofa. Hunter followed her into the room. Halie watched as he sat down next to her.

“I heard you broke up with Matt last night.” Hunter said quietly.

“Yes, I did, and I don’t know if it wasn’t the stupidest thing I have ever done in my life.” She stated sadly.

“Why did you break up, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I told him I loved another man. You see, he asked me to marry him last night. I couldn’t do that. I wasn’t ready to marry him. I didn’t just stop loving him, Hunter. I still love him, but not the way he loves me.” Halie said brushing the hair back from her face.

“I know he was quite upset.” Hunter paused. “Who’s the other guy, Halie?” He asked pointedly.

Halie stared hard at him for a moment debating on what to tell him. Finally, she leaned over and kissed him full on the mouth every emotion she had ever felt for him flowing through her kiss. It was all or nothing. Either way, she would know now how he felt about her.

Hunter was stunned for a moment. The intensity of her kiss left him paralyzed. At last, he leaned into the kiss and began returning it. His hands came up and clasped her arms pulling her off balance. She fell forward on to his chest. Her arms slid around his neck and his arms slid around her waist.

When the kiss broke, Halie was stunned by the passion that Hunter had kissed her with. “Um, I need to get a shower.” Halie said hesitantly as she got up.

“Halie.” She stopped and turned to look at Hunter. “May I take you out to dinner tonight?”

“I’d like that.” She answered. She watched as Hunter got up and left closing the door quietly behind him. She hummed as she went into the bathroom to take a shower.

When Halie walked into the arena, the reception from the other women was less than hospitable. In fact, it was downright chilly. She supposed she should have expected it, but it was still very hurtful. She went to her hospital room and stayed there most of the night. The wrestlers that came in were cordial and respectful.

Finally, the night was over. After putting things away, Halie sat on the sofa exhausted. She was just about to get up and go meet Hunter when her door slammed open. In came Mark Lomonica (Bubba Dudley) and Devon Hughes (D-Von Dudley). Matt was standing in the doorway. There was a hard expression on his face as if he were there to do something distasteful.

The door closed and locked behind the three men. Halie was afraid of what they were going to do. Matt walked over to where she was still sitting on the sofa.

He grabbed her chin with one hand and kissed her roughly. Halie struggled but was held down by Mark and Devon. She didn’t understand what was going on.

Matt turned to Mark and Devon and said one word. “Leave.” They both backed out the door. Matt turned back to Halie and she tried to plead with him. He just stared at her with a look of hatred on his face.

“Please, Matt. Don’t do something we are both going to regret! We had such a wonderful time together, don’t ruin it like this.” Halie was crying by this time.

As Matt brought his arm up to slap her, Halie closed her eyes and waited for the blow she knew was to come. It never did. Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked up at her former boyfriend.

Suddenly, Matt stopped. “I can’t believe I am doing this.” He murmured. Slowly, he dropped his arm and turned away from Halie. He leaned on the exam table breathing hard and hating himself.

After a moment, he turned to Halie with an apology. “I am so sorry, Halie. I wanted to marry you so much. Please forgive me.” He reached for her, but she shrank away from him.

Just then, the door slammed open again. This time it was Hunter. He was in a rage and his hands were bleeding.

“Hyson, you had better get out of here before I do a little pounding on your skinny, little body!” Hunter roared. Apparently, Mark and Devon had told Hunter what was going on or else he had beat it out of them.

Matt was gone within seconds. Halie sat crying on the sofa. She was so relieved. Hunter came over and pulled her carefully into his arms.

“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Halie nodded resting her head against his strong shoulder. “Did he-did he hurt you?”

“No, Hunter.” Halie whispered.

As Hunter brought up his hand to brush the hair from her face, Halie saw his hands.

“Oh dear! Your poor hands!” Halie exclaimed. She reached for a wet cloth and wiped off the drying blood.

“They’re all right. It’s mostly Mark and Devon’s blood.” He chuckled.

“Oh, Hunter! Thank you for rescuing me.” Halie murmured. She reached up and kissed him softly. “I was terrified.”

Hunter pulled her into his arms and held her close marveling at the fact that this woman who had been so untouchable just a few days before was now willingly in his arms.

“Come on, honey, let’s go get something to eat.” Hunter said planting a soft kiss on the top of her head.

“Do you…think it’s…safe?” Halie asked timidly. Hunter stared down at her for a long moment. This timidity was not like her at all.

“Halie, Matt was very upset. He almost did something very foolish. He still loves you enough that he will keep Devon and Mark away from you. Now, about the others who loved seeing you and Matt together…they’ll get over it.” Hunter said.

The next several weeks were horrendous. Halie kept getting dirty looks and snide and rude comments from people who were closest to Matt. Finally, she went to Vince and said she was quitting.

“What? Why are you quitting?” Vince asked stunned.

“Mr. McMahon, several weeks ago, I broke up with a member of your wrestling roster. Since then I have been treated like dirt. I have been made fun of and ridiculed because of this. I can’t take anymore.” Halie started crying. “I don’t feel I deserve this treatment.”

Vince stared at the young woman for a long moment. He came around the desk put his hand on her shoulder.

“Halie, take a leave of absence. Don’t quit. We need you here. You are a valuable member of my staff. I can’t afford to lose you.”

“All right, sir, and thank you.” Halie said softly wiping the tears away.

Halie was walking towards her office when she heard several of the divas talking…about her. She stopped to listen.

“I can’t believe she dumped poor Matt and then jumped right on Hunter. What a witch!” Said a voice that Halie recognized as Stacy Keibler.

Halie stepped into the room. She was so angry, she almost couldn’t speak. She did notice that Molly Holly, Trish Stratus and Ivory were all in the room. These were women she had respected for so long. How could they do this to her?

“How dare you! How dare you treat me like some kind of evil person!” Suddenly, Halie saw red and flew at Stacy. She knocked her to the ground and straddled her slapping and hitting and screaming.

Ivory turned and ran to find Hunter…quickly! The other women tried to pull Halie off of Stacy, but Halie just brushed them off of her as if they were flies.

Hunter came skidding into the room. He stared in amazement at his woman and almost grinned. He was happy to see that she was showing an emotion other than fear.

Halie suddenly felt a strong arm wrap around her waist and pull her off of Stacy. She struggled and screamed until she recognized Hunter’s voice. When his voice penetrated through her tirade, Halie went limp and slumped against Hunter’s hard body. She was suddenly weary and exhausted.

Hunter made sure Stacy was all right, then he pulled Halie from the room and to his dressing room.

He pushed her down on to the sofa, then went to get her a glass of water. Halie sat staring as if in a trance.

Hunter sat the glass down on the table and squatted down in front of Halie. “Halie, are you all right?” Halie looked at him.

Suddenly, her vision cleared. “Oh, dear god! What have I done?”

“It’s ok, sweetheart. Vince informed me of your leave of absence and has allowed me to take one as well. Since I am in between titles, I can take as long as I need.”

“I need to apologize to Stacy.” Halie exclaimed.

“No, Halie. You need to get away from this place.”

Halie suddenly realized what Hunter had said as far as him taking a leave of absence. She couldn’t allow him to do that! Wrestling was his life!

“Hunter, don’t take any time off. You love your job. You may not be the champion, but you are the number one contender. We’ll travel together. I’ll go with you and we can stay at different hotels than the normal ones. Let’s make it an adventure. I’ll buy a ticket for each show or maybe Vince can give me a VIP pass to all the shows. I just want to be with you and you need to work. I know you, Hunter.” Halie said trying to anticipate all of his questions. “Besides, I want you to be Heavyweight Champion. You deserve it.” She reached out and clasped her hands around his neck. She leaned down and kissed him warmly and deeply. “I love you, Hunter Hearst Helmsley.”

“I love you, too, Halie Middleton.” He answered pushing Halie down on to the sofa.

********

“Oh! What a long trip!” Halie sighed dropping her purse on a chair and plopping down on to the bed. She rolled over to her side and propped her head on her hand as she watched Hunter stride into the room after tipping the bellboy. “Finally, your chance to take the title from The Undertaker.” She grinned up at him.

“I can’t even think about it right now.” Hunter groaned sprawling down on the bed next to Halie.

“I know, baby. Soon it will be all over and you will be the new champ.” Halie said tracing a slender finger over his unshaven jaw. She dropped a kiss on his lips and laid her head on his chest. She sighed contentedly as Hunter put his arm around her shoulders.

Halie fell asleep while listening to the steady thump thump of Hunter’s heart. She opened her eyes and saw the room was dark and Hunter gone. She sat up and realized that she must have slept for several hours.

She got up and turned on the lamp. On the nightstand. She looked down and saw a note with her name on it. She picked it up and opened it. It was from Hunter.

Sweetheart,

Shawn called and said that Vince had called a meeting at the arena tonight. I will be back as soon as possible.

By the way, you are absolutely beautiful when you sleep. I love you. We will have dinner when I get back.

With all my love,

Hunter

Halie decided to take a shower and get dressed for dinner with her man. She pulled out a summery sundress and a pair of heeled sandals. She skipped into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

Humming, Halie stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself. She pulled another towel from the rack and started drying her hair with it as she went into the other room.

Looking up, she gave a startled cry. Matt Hyson stood in front of her. “M-matt. H-how are you?” She asked holding her towel to her.

“I’m fine, Halie. How are you?”

“I’m ok.” She answered apprehensively.. “What do you want, Matt? I thought there was a meeting at the arena?”

“There was, but I skipped it.” He answered softly stepping closer to Halie.

“Please, Matt, you need to leave.” Halie said as the backs of her legs hit the bed. She sat down on the bed. “What do you want, Matt?”

“I want you, Halie. I love you and I miss you terribly. I need you in my life and my arms.” As he bent to kiss her, she screamed. Matt jerked up. He stared down at her, then growled. He slapped her leaving a hand mark on her cheek. Halie fell back on the bed stunned. Matt took advantage and kissed her hard. He stepped back, then left.

Hunter found Halie laying huddled on the bed crying.

“Halie? What’s wrong, honey?” Hunter asked sitting down next to her on the bed. His brown eyes filled with concern for his girl. When she lifted her head to look at him, he saw the red mark on her cheek. “Who did this?” He queried hoarsely and somewhat angrily. Halie just shook her head and tried to stop the tears.

“It was Matt. He came in while I was taking a shower and tried to kiss me. I screamed and he slapped me…hard.” Halie finally got out.

“Well, I won’t leave you alone again.” Hunter stated firmly trying to contain himself and his temper.

“I’m sorry, Hunter. I feel like I am a burden to you.” Halie said sitting up and wiping the tears from her face.

“You are not a burden, sweetheart. I love you and care for you a great deal. It is my pleasure to be your knight in shining armor.” Hunter said pressing warm lips to hers.

“Well, it’s nice to know I have a knight in shining armor. I’ve never had one of those before.” Halie said with a glint in her eye. She reached up and kissed her man, then pressed him down into the bed. “Let me show you what I think of my knight in shining armor.” She said softly spreading gentle, nipping kisses all over his face.

“Oh yeah!’ Hunter murmured.

********

“Now, you grab his arm like this and flip him over your hip.” Hunter said showing Halie how to do a hip toss. “Think you can do that?” Halie nodded concentrating on what Hunter had told her about the hip toss. Hunter was surprised at how quick she picked up the submission moves. He was pleased and confident that she could defend herself if necessary.

“Okay, babe, it’s time for a break.” Hunter said placing his hand on her shoulder. The next thing he knew he was staring up at his girlfriend’s surprised face.

“Oh, Hunter! I am so sorry!” Halie exclaimed trying hard not to laugh. “You startled me and it was total reflex.”

Hunter sat up with a rueful grin. He quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her down on to his lap. He kissed her and hugged her. “Let’s get back to the hotel, so I can rest up for my match tomorrow.” He grinned.

Happily, the couple went back to their hotel room and relaxed and enjoyed the quiet of the evening. They woke up refreshed and filled with energy for the day to come.

Halie was a little nervous about meeting the people she had worked with. She had seen them only from a distance. She knew it could be a rough going,. But she would make it with Hunter by her side.

Hunter and Halie walked up to the entrance hand-in-hand. As they walked in, they were suddenly surprised by a coalition of divas and some of the male wrestlers as well. Halie noted quickly that Matt Hyson was not among them.

The group formed a barrier and wouldn’t let them pass.

“What’s going on, people?” Hunter said calmly as he stepped in front of Halie as if to protect her.

“Hunter, you may come through, but Halie is not welcome. She hurt one of our friends deeply and we don’t appreciate that at all.” Stacy Keibler said firmly. There was an uproar of affirmative nods and mumblings from those in the group.

“Wait a minute!” Said a voice from behind the group of wrestlers. The crowd parted and Matt stepped through. “I can’t believe you people are doing this!” He exclaimed.

Matt turned to Halie. “I apologize deeply for the other night, Halie. It was not well done of me and I understand if you can’t forgive me.” He turned back to the group. “Now, as for you all, I appreciate the loyalty you are showing me, but what about Halie? She has bandaged our broken limbs. She has wiped blood from our faces. She has been a comfort to us all. She has never complained about having to do any of it. Are you willing to throw that away? She not only has been a terrific doctor, but she has been a good friend…to all of us. Now, move it!”

The wrestlers stepped aside and allowed the couple to pass. Hunter and Halie hurried to Hunter’s dressing room.

Hunter closed the door behind them and turned to Halie. “Are you all right, Halie?”

“I’m fine. Really. What Matt did was…wonderful! It showed me that he still cares, but he is willing to let go.” She answered with a brilliant smile.

“You saw all of that?” Hunter said surprised.

“Oh, yes. We can now have a wonderful life without worries. I think I will come back from my hiatus. As long as you are on my side and Matt can stand to work with me, I have nothing to worry about.” She placed her arms around Hunter’s waist and leaned against him. He caressed her back with gentle hands.

“You are the greatest, Halie. You know that I love you, don’t you?”

“Just as I love you, sweetheart. Now, go get ready for your match. I am sure the Undertaker wants to go over a few moves. I know you can take him, Hunter.”

********

Later that evening, Halie sat in the front row and watched as Hunter came down and then the Undertaker. She watched a brilliant and tough match between two of the best wrestlers in the world. She screamed louder than anyone when Hunter was finally able to Pedigree the Undertaker and pin him for the three count.

She was pleased when Hunter went over to his opponent and shook his hand. He then raised it in triumph.

When Hunter jumped from the ring, he came over and pulled Halie over the barrier and into his arms.

He kissed her long and hard to the pleasure of the fans.

“Marry me, Halie.” He whispered in her ear.

“Oh yes, Hunter! I will!” Halie exclaimed as they walked up the ramp.

THE END