Behind the Ropes

Mariana

Mariana Sinclair has always been close to the world of professional wrestling. But being on the sidelines is very different from understanding what happens behind the curtain. When a college internship throws her into a last-minute scramble, every opportunity seems out of reach until Aiden Acosta steps in. With Aiden's help, Mariana lands a summer gig as a backstage interviewer, and he begins showing her the ins and outs of the wrestling world. What starts as a stressful situation quickly turns into what should be an exciting and stress-free summer. That is, until Mariana's ex sends her an invite to his wedding. Caught off guard and admittedly a little tipsy, Mariana RSVPs yes and adds a plus-one. Desperate to save face, she turns to Aiden, who agrees to play the part of her perfect boyfriend. Somewhere between the rehearsed smiles and stolen glances, the lines begin to blur.

Mariana promised herself she'd never cross that line with Aiden. But in wrestling, just like in life, you don't always get to choose which battles you lose.

Aiden

Aiden Acosta is the golden boy of professional wrestling, until his sister, Amaya, stepped into the spotlight. Now pushed to the background, Aiden is left questioning his place in the ring. Just as he's on the verge of leaving his boots in the ring, Mariana, his best friend and the girl he's been in love with for far too long, needs help. Aiden secures her an internship with EWC, giving him the chance to stay while showing her the ropes of the industry he knows like the back of his hand. For a while, everything feels easy. Natural. Safe. Until Mariana asks for one more favor. Now Aiden has to pretend to be a boyfriend to the person he wishes he could have. He tells himself it's just an act, that he won't cross that line, but every shared glance, every lingering touch, feels anything but fake.

Aiden is certain of one thing: his feelings are real. Mariana might feel it too, if only she'd let herself fall.