The love I Never Knew about

3

Sasha sat alone at the hotel's restaurant, helping herself to some bacon, hash browns, and a bit of sunny side up. Breakfast was always the best part of her day, and there was something about hotel breakfast buffets that instantly put her in a good mood. The restaurant was quiet, and she got to catch up on some light reading. Though she portrayed a cool and confident character on screen, off screen, she was mostly a dork at heart and everyone backstage knew that about her.

Sipping her coffee, she felt someone approach her as she looked up to find the Man himself

Morning, Boss," he took a seat in front of her, placing a large plate of pancakes, bacon, sausages, and scrambled eggs on the table. "How you feeling?"

Better," she smiled at him, taking a sip of her coffee again. "Thanks for last night. That was really fun."

Seth chuckled. "You girls barely even glanced at the TV. Some kind of movie night that was," he playfully rolled his eyes. Taking a sip of his own coffee, "What's your sched today?" he asked.

Um, nothing much. I'm heading to the gym after this—with Charlotte if she wakes up from her hangover," she laughed. "Then I've got UpUpDownDown with Bayley—we're doing a rematch of Mortal Kombat," she grinned.

Ha," Seth lit up. "That should be fun to watch. I'll come with. Do you get to do her makeup again when she loses?"

"I love that you automatically assumed I'd beat her ass again," she beamed.

Team Boss all the way, remember?" he winked at her. She laughed and made a face.

They ate their breakfast heartily, keeping the conversation light and friendly. Once in a while, Seth glanced at her while she was eating. She did seem better compared to last night, and that was a huge relief. He hated seeing her so down and broken. He didn't know why, but he always felt protective of her—maybe because she was six years younger and there was still a lot for her to go through. He wanted to make sure she knew he was always there.

What time are you headed to the gym?"

Sasha looked at the time on her phone. "Actually, 30 minutes ago."

Charlotte's a lost cause. Come on."

......

Dressed in pink and purple printed leggings and a black tank top, Sasha made her way to the treadmill to warm up for a few minutes, while Seth went straight for the bench press, giving his back and arms a little stretch before starting. After a few rounds of doing their own thing on different stations, they met at the mats for core workouts.

Seth stood above Sasha while she laid down on a mat, hands grasping the back of his ankles as she slowly raised her legs up before he pushed them down with force, all while she tried to fight it back. After a few reps, they switched places, before doing a couple more exercises.

When they finished with gym, they parted ways—Sasha saying she was going to take a shower before kicking Bayley's ass at Mortal Combat later in Xavier's room.

See you later, Banks," he went in for a half hug, but kissed the top of her head instead.

....

COME ON!" Bayley growled. "What the hell!" she punched the buttons on her controller as Sasha pummeled her character and laughed. Sasha knew Sub-Zero's moves better than anybody, and Bayley's Liu Kang couldn't do anything about it.

2 out of 3, baby!" Sasha exclaimed, adjusting her glasses and standing up to raise both her arms in the air.

Seth found it endearing, chuckling to the side with Sami, Kevin, Cesaro, Xavier, and Big E.

Banks, you're unstoppable!" Xavier laughed, watching as Bayley bowed her head in defeat.

That's right, I'm the baddest," she taunted them, doing her signature Boss moves and making them laugh all the more.

Care to take on another opponent?" Xavier raised an eyebrow, challenging her.

Bring it. I will take down anyone!

Xavier smirked and glanced at the rest of the guys before nodding his head towards Seth. Seth smiled—an evil gleam in his eyes. "We'll see about that, Banks," the Madden Champ stepped forward. "You haven't gone against me yet."

Sasha rolled her eyes, refusing to show that she was a bit intimidated. Bayley was a piece of cake, but there was a reason Seth was Madden champion. They chose their characters—her picking Sub-Zero as usual while he went for Johnny Cage.

Let's go, Sasha!" Bayley cheered, clapping her hands on her shoulders and giving her a firm shake. "Beat Rollins' ass!"

Wait a minute, what's at stake here?" Sasha pressed the Pause button. "There needs to be a stipulation."

Really, Sash? You're that confident, huh?" Seth looked so smug; she fought the urge to kiss him on the lips just to shut him up. No, that definitely was not a good idea.

Sasha thought about it, before making up her mind. "If I win, you get to buy me coffee for the rest of the year."

Psh, that's it?" Seth cocked an eyebrow. "Fine, you're on. But if I win," he flexed his muscles a little, "You're travelling with me for the rest of the year AND get to be my CrossFit buddy. Every town, every city—if I need a partner, no questions asked. You're there."

Ahihihihihi!" Bayley giggled, and Seth fought the urge to push her off the bed. The rest of the guys laughed, giving Seth an approved look. That was a pretty good stipulation.

Seriously?" Sasha made a face. It wasn't that she didn't like CrossFit—she just knew how addicted Seth was, and that he'd milk every opportunity to visit a CrossFit center everywhere they went. That sounded exhausting. "Whatever," Sasha shrugged, hitting the Play button. "Game on."

Though Sasha proved to be quite the challenge, even winning 1 out of 3 matches, in the end, it was Seth who scored the victory. "Ha-ha-ha! What did I tell ya, Banks?"

Whatever, Seth," Sasha stood up, and jokingly kicked his shin. "Bayley, come on. Let's get out of here," she called out to her best friend

Not so fast, Sash," he grabbed her wrist gently. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at 8," he grinned. The Boss tried to hide the smile creeping up, so she rolled her eyes instead. "Sure, Rollins. Whatever."