BARBEQUE STAINS ON A WHITE T-SHIRT {Shane}

[free3]

Darn. He only got a little bit of a glare, not one of the full fledged ones Benny the bartender got. Nor did he get whacked by the menu, which he thought was only a logical progression from her glares. Once again, he was proven faulty in his estimation of the female race. Not that he had had many chances, but time and time again they foiled whatever theory he was formulating in his head about them. Which didn't help him much at all.

Think? What else is there to know? he asked, eyes twinkling. Most women, and she didn't seem to be an exception, had layer upon layer. He knew he was just getting started with her. In his head, he thought them like onions, because sometimes they got prickly when you tried to peel back a layer. Of course, this was something he had never told them and never would, considering it would get his head bitten off. He was smarter than that.

Benny started to talk, but was silenced by another one of Jay's glares. Shane looked at them in a new light. Had they had a fling? It was hard to know with such little information, knowing Benny's mouth was being carefully guarded by Jay. But that would explain the lack of glares in his direction, and the multitude of glares in Benny's. He doubted Jay would tell him anything, and he wasn't around enough to be comfortable asking Benny about her.

Ah, I see now. You just wanted me to get the dessert so you could steal it, but not have to order it yourself. I'm catching onto you, Jay. he told her playfully, knowing he probably was striking closer to home than he normally would. It helped that his mom had done something similar, and only smiled at him gleefully when he didn't get more than half his dessert. He had wised up to her schemes, and sat away from her if he wanted his entire dessert. Jay's innocent smile concreted his theory.

Then her question popped out of nowhere. Truce? he asked, chuckling. I wasn't aware we were at war. Well, maybe that was half of the reason she was asking for a truce. Maybe it was going so far over his head she had no option but to cease fire. Sure, we can call a truce. In all honesty, he was saying it to be safe, unsure of what she would do if he didn't accede to her truce. Of course, he would still tease her, but he guessed he'd be more careful about it in the future.

[ISSALYN!]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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Jayden was beginning to enjoy Shane's good nature. She breathed a silent sigh of relief that he hadn't seemed to notice the interchange between herself and Benny. If he had, he hadn't made a big deal about it. Which was how it should be. The past was the past, mistakes were mistakes, and none of it was a big deal anymore. She and Benny were friends and nothing more. And that was the honest truth.

She smiled and shrugged nonchalantly at his remark. Let him think what he wanted. In all honesty, she wasn't that starving, but she could never turn down a good brownie and would have no trouble finishing it by herself if by some chance he didn't like it.

His comment about her offer of truce made her laugh. "No, no, we aren't at war. But I think we were both being a little hard on each other, wouldn't you agree?"

[/b] She gave him another dazzling smile and drummed her fingers on the table while she anxiously awaited their dessert. It was a bad habit of hers she'd never been able to break. Apparently, some people found it really annoying, and realizing she was doing it, she quickly clasped her hands together to prevent it entirely. She saw a waitress coming out with a brownie, and looked at her watch. It was nearing 4:00pm, so she assumed the waitress had just arrived for the evening shift.

The waitress sat down the dessert in the middle of the table. It looked delicious, and was complete with two spoons. Jay grabbed one spoon and waved it at the food. "I guess you better get it before I steal it all, huh?"[/b] With that, she dug her spoon in and pulled back a bite of brownie heaped with ice cream and hot fudge. Way too big of a bite for any ordinary girl to take, but she shoved the whole thing in her mouth, and for once managed not to drop any. Despite taking a huge bite, she managed to chew delicately, and swallowed before she began to speak. "So, Shane. Tell me more about yourself. You mentioned that your brother lives on the ranch with you. Is there, uh, anyone else around?"[/b] So much for subtly. She was sure anyone with an ounce of imagination would know what she was hinting at. It was like being hit head on by a freight train.
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

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COMPLETE

[/b] with 500[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
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[free3]

Eh, another so-so response. He was drawing blank after blank with her. He'd never figure her out. Maybe that was part of the charm. Never let a guy actually have a hint about what you're thinking. That's what all their mothers taught them, most likely. They just left the guys out of it to make dating all the more entertaining. Of course.

Maybe a little? he replied to her, not intending to be hard on her, if she had seen it that way. He'd have to remind himself to be a little more obvious next time so that she could tell he was just teasing or messing around. She was tapping her fingers on the table, a noticeable habit, but one he chose to ignore. He could tune out a lot of noise, especially when lost in thought. Unfortunately, he was all too aware of what she did; it came with the attraction. She looked toward the bar, and sure enough from the doors beside it had emerged a waitress with a brownie.

When she plunked it down on the table, he had to admit it looked good. The only thing he was afraid of was it being too chocolatey for him. Women had this built in desire for chocolate that most guys just lacked. While he enjoyed the stuff, he couldn't handle as much of it as most women could. Yes, I must eat fast to thwart your plan. he replied with a chuckle. He grabbed a spoon and scooped a bit, complete with brownie, ice cream, and a little of the fudge. It turned out to be quite the delight. While the fudge was a bit much for him, he happily ate bites of ice cream and brownie. He was a bit more delicate with the dessert than Jay was, although he was amazed at the feat of getting such a large bite into her mouth without making a huge mess of it.

He just had to laugh at her question. It was, obvious, to say the least, what she was asking, and she had managed to be so tactful and abstract before now. He quickly recovered. Yes. And he purposely took another bite. His eyes twinkled at her while he chewed, obviously making her wait for the explanation behind the answer. Besides, everyone knew it was rude to talk with your mouth full. It's me, him, and we also employ a couple ranch hands, that's not including the animals themselves. As answer to the not-so-hidden question, both my brother and I are single. I'm not sure if he's looking, but I am. And my Paints would hurt you if they knew you were taking my attention from them, and if they had a mean bone in their bodies. He hoped he had given her enough of the answer she wanted that she wouldn't take his head off for delaying her her answer.

[jaydenmitchell]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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Jayden watched the handsome man eat, much more delicately than herself, and almost felt like she should be ashamed. 'Almost' never did anything though, so really she brushed it off and got over it. He began to answer her question between bites of food, the look on his face telling her he knew full and well what she had failed to hint at.

His 'Yes' made her suck in her breath and frown slightly. Darn, she knew it had been too good to be true. A guy like him didn't come along very often. Of course he was already taken. What was she thinking, teasing a perfect stranger. Ah, but perfect he was. From the wind tousled hair to the trace of stubble on his face, to the way you could just make out muscles earned by hard work beneath his shirt. She realized she was staring at him, and chided herself. Geez Jay, he's taken, get over it. She forced herself to quit staring at him and instead waited while he chewed, hoping he'd fill in his answer a bit.

She wasn't disappointed. But his answer startled her. Wait, that lousy man! Her eyes blazed as she realized he'd probably intentionally led her thoughts astray. Jayden dropped her spoon on the table with a clatter and crossed her arms across her chest, giving him a very thwarting glare. "Shane Parker, did you just intentionally give me a half false answer? How, how dare you!"

[/b] Her face turned red and she felt like an idiot. He'd probably seen the frown when he'd said 'Yes', and had known that meant she liked him, at least a little. It had been awhile since she'd truly been interested in a man, and she was a little rusty on the whole relationship thing. Actually, it was kind of hard to be rusty if you'd never been good at it in the first place. Cracking jokes she could handle. Flirting and the like, not so much.

Jay didn't know why she was getting so emotional over him, but she was all the same. She felt tears come to the corners of her eyes. Whether they were of embarrassment once again, anger, or even sadness, she wasn't sure. "Here I thought you were different, but you're not. You're just a typical man!"[/b] She tried to calm herself and somehow looking at his face she realized he hadn't been trying to hurt her. He'd just been continuing the teasing that had been going on the whole time. She sighed, and looked up at him again. "Well, I guess it's obvious how I feel. Now, can you please tell me where you stand? If I'm just wasting my time and yours I'll be happy to walk out that door right now,"[/b] she said as she pointed to the door. He was so confusing, she couldn't decide if he was interested in her or not, and at the moment she just really needed a very clear answer. She didn't think she could stick around if he didn't feel the slightest bit interested in her too. Sure, he'd said he was looking, but he didn't say he thought he'd found anyone yet.
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

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COMPLETE

[/b] with 650[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
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[free3]

At her slight frown when he gave her the answer she didn't want, he knew she had to be interested. He felt slightly bad that she immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion, but it only made it better in the end. Her stare made him wonder if she was the kind of girl to try to get even married men, but when she lowered her eyes, he felt like she had just been taking one last look.

Then he had said the rest of his answer, and she immediately got mad. He had to laugh, and he definitely couldn't deny doing it. While he had just been messing around, the serious side of him told him that her reactions showed already a degree of attraction, that she did indeed like him. He was secretly satisfied, so he just smiled at her.

But when her eyes started getting watery, he immediately dropped the smile and leaned forward. He hadn't meant for it to go that far, she obviously cared more than he thought. Her words stung; he didn't pride himself in being just like men who used women or the like. He didn't want her to think he was like that. And in that moment, he realized how much he did like her. It mattered what she thought of him, and for most people, that wasn't an issue for him. Sure, he worked hard to earn respect, but that respect was earned by doing what he did, and doing it well, not trying to please everybody.

He was startled at her words. Was he being that unclear? He didn't typically hang out with women, nor did he tease them like he was doing her. But, he guessed, she didn't know that. He grabbed the hand she had pointed to the door with. Jay, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you would take that 'Yes' so far, and if I had I never would have done it, okay? He made sure she was looking him in the eye, and he made sure he didn't shutter his feelings away from them. I like you Jay, I wouldn't intentionally hurt you. He began rubbing her hand with a calloused thumb, trying his hardest to get his point across. Then he let a hint of a smile show. And you aren't getting out of that door unless you tell me you'll give me second chances when I put my foot, or multiple feet, in my mouth. I promise, Jay, I'm not trying to hurt you, and if you'll still have me, I'm in for the long haul.

[jaydenmitchell]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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Her entire body went tense as he grabbed her hand. Her heart jumped and a knot formed in her throat. He spoke to her, so sweetly, and she couldn't help but forgive him for what she'd been so angry about just moments before. Get a grip Jay, he's already proven he's not like other men. It wasn't like she really had a track record or anything. It was more her lack of experience or interest that made her mind jump to conclusions so quickly.

As he finished talking her mind was cluttered with whirling thoughts. She politely removed her hand from his, and clasped them in her lap, staring hard at the table. His words scared her a little bit. 'The long haul'? No, no that wasn't what she wanted. Okay, maybe a tiny piece of her heart had lept as she'd gotten to know him briefly. There was some small part of her that would like to settle down someday. But no, still no. She didn't do the whole long-term relationship thing. Heck, she usually didn't do the whole relationship thing period.

She looked back up at him, and blushed faintly. "Sorry, I tend to overreact sometimes."

[/b] She laughed softly, trying to suppress the fears that were nagging inside of her. "Look Shane. I gotta be honest with you. I don't exactly do the whole long-term relationship thing. So...if that's what you're thinking this will be...just understand that it's not. If you want to just be friends, I'd love to."[/b] She wondered what he would think of her now. She realized her words might make it sound like she didn't care about him at all. As funny as it was to be falling for a guy after sharing one dessert, she was, and she needed him to know she wasn't just leading him on.

Jay cleared her throat and looked at him again, giving him a smile as she found his eyes. "I've just met you, and I already feel like I've known you forever. There's something there..."[/b], her voice trailed off as she tried to come up with just the right words. "I'm not trying to push you away. But please don't let yourself fall for me without realizing in the end we will probably just be friends. I'd honestly rather have you as a friend, than have a fling that leaves us hating each other in the end."[/b] Not that she hated any of the few men she'd dated briefly in her life, but still, it could happen. It broke her heart to think that she might not get to explore even that short-term relationship, but she knew ending it now would be less painful for both of them.
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

[/size][/font][/b][/center]

COMPLETE

[/b] with 580[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
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[free3]

As soon as she took her hand from his, he felt a loss. She had done it politely, gently, but still. He could almost feel her drawing away, and after what they had just gone through, he wondered what he had said that was wrong. What had he done to make her feel like she couldn't be open, couldn't mess around? She was staring at the table, forming her thoughts before she spoke. He smiled at her first comment, but concern still made its way to the forefront.

Then she started the 'let's be friends' routine, and he honestly was confused and disappointed. From what she had just said about leaving and making it very clear where he stood, she seemed to be muddying up the waters a little herself. He had to admit, he wanted something lasting. That was what he was looking for. It sounded like she wasn't looking for that, similar to his brother. For her having kept up his hopes, showing him she was interested, this was... a creative? way to tell him she wasn't looking. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but he couldn't help the feeling of loss, and they had only known each other for all the time it took to eat a meal.

Then she started again. She admitted, there was something there. He couldn't help the small frown that made its way to his face. Frustration was an ugly thing. She liked him, he liked her. They had made that clear. Then she told him she just wanted to be friends, but that she knew they had something together. It took all his willpower to just sit there as she talked, and not yell at her. He forced himself to pay attention, despite the fact he figured they were done. After this meal of hope and attraction, he knew he wouldn't be able to just turn his feelings off and be her friend. It wasn't that simple. Maybe if she had told him outright she wasn't looking, he wouldn't have begun to look at her the way he had. They could have been friends, but he had confessed, out loud, that he had feelings for her. They couldn't just take a huge step back and start over, even as much as she wanted them to. He wouldn't be able to do it. If she did push, he could be her friend. But he would always be closed to her. Always have part of him hidden. She wouldn't be able to stand him.

Jay, it's too late. He forced himself to be gentle. I've told you how I feel, there is no going back unless I close part of myself off to you, and I wouldn't be the same. I wouldn't be the guy you've found here, just hanging out. I would be closed, careful what I say around you. I'm sorry, but I can't just go back. Either we take it day by day and find out what happens, or I walk out this door and you never see me again. He looked away, wondering if he had it in him to walk away. She was nice, beautiful, spunky. He wouldn't be able to forget her. He looked her way again, trying to muster up a smile for her. She couldn't decide to try it with him just because he guilt tripped her into it, it would never work. She would resent him for tying her down, and they definitely would end up hating him. He wondered if she would allow him a kiss goodbye, just a taste of what he wouldn't be able to have. He doubted it, but if it came to that, he would ask.

[jaydenmitchell]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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The expression on his face when she finished talking told him everything she needed to know. She'd screwed up, big time. Hadn't he been the one who started this whole thing? At first, she hadn't even been flirting, just teasing him the way she would anyone. But then it changed along the way and she'd realized he was something more. Not many guys could banter back and forth with her the way he had, and she supposed she'd let it get a little flirtious. And now it was over. She'd really messed it up and hurt the one man she cared about. Wait, what? I can't actually care about him, I just met him! But she had to admit that she did care. In her own Jay way of course, but the feelings were rooted and admittedly growing stronger already.

As he talked, a shadow of hope flickered before her. He was a little annoyed with her, she could tell that. But he wasn't completely saying he was done with her. Maybe she hadn't ruined it...at least not completely. But could she commit to something when she knew good and well in a week or two when it started to get serious...with expectations she wasn't ready to fill, she'd go running the other way? But that was the only choice he was giving her. Either agree to give it a try or lose him completely.

She sighed audibly and then brought her eyes up to his own, searching for an answer. She realized she didn't need an answer from him. What he wanted was clear. She was the one who needed to figure things out. Trying to make peace, she started to speak. "Shane, you don't know me. I wish, I really do, that I was different. But I'm not."

[/b] She turned away from him then, not wanting to watch the pain that she knew she was causing him. Why did life have to be so difficult? Couldn't anything ever be easy?

Jay pictured how happy Shane would be with his eyes filled with love...for someone else. Never her, it couldn't be her. He deserved better. But such thoughts made jealously rise up in her throat. No. Even if it failed horribly, like she excepted...she had to give him a better chance. She was terrified of the idea and she already knew it would be a struggle for her to overcome, but if anyone was ever the right man to take a chance with, it was Shane.

Blonde hair fell softly against her shoulders as she turned her head back to gaze at hime. "I guess...I'd be stupid not to give it a try. I, I can't let you go without at least trying. If it doesn't workout, well..."[/b], she laughed softly, "at least I can say I didn't chicken out. Besides, you are kind of cute. All the other girls will be jealous."[/b] She grinned at him, her teasing expression back in place. She hoped he would understand. She hoped he wouldn't be hurt too badly in the end...but she'd warned him fair and square.
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

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COMPLETE

[/b] with 640[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
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[free3]

She sighed, and he felt all the more that he was backing her into a corner. He had tried to be truthful, tried to tell her exactly what would happen. The way she said it made him think, ironically, that he'd be hurt either way. He had more hope than that, hope that they could make it work. Sure, they were two different people. Every marriage was like that. Two different people who chose to make it work. It didn't just happen, it was a choice. But they would take it a day at a time, just like he had told her. He wasn't prone to rushing things, and he hoped that was enough of a difference between him and whoever else she had dated that made her feel this way.

No, Jay, you don't know me. he said quietly. The argument about my ranch, weren't we able to settle that without causing World War 3? We take it a day at a time and take what gets thrown at us. Then he just quieted, knowing it was her choice, and hers alone. He had made clear his position, as clear as he could make it. He would be hurt either way, surprisingly so, because they just clicked. He was amazed at how quickly a bond had sprung up between them, but it had, and he couldn't deny that. He just dearly hoped she would agree to just give them a try. That's all he asked.

He felt hope bloom in his chest once more with her words, although he did feel a check with how reserved she was being about it. She had given him very clear warnings, and even now was telling him she 'could say she didn't chicken out.' They weren't very encouraging words. But like he had told her, they would take it a day at a time. He smiled as she switched back to the easy teasing they had done over the meal. He put a wounded look on his face. Just... a little bit cute? He tried to make his voice crack, or at least be a little higher, but he just ended up making himself cough afterwards, which he did while laughing at himself.

He did manage to sober up some. Jay, thank you for being willing to give us a shot. We'll take it as slow as we need to. He sent her his most dazzling smile, the smile that could at least dazzle his faithful dogs. He had no idea how it would work for women, but he guessed he was going to find out. It was an honest smile, he couldn't really do charming well. Or at least, no one had been interested, and this was why he didn't think himself charming. He wondered if Jay knew she could melt hearts. It was an interesting question, especially if he could melt hearts and didn't know it. He wondered if their relationship would get far enough for him to pose these rather unusual questions to her.

[jaydenmitchell]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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At his teasing response she arched her eyebrows and shrugged, a playful look on her face. He wasn't fishing any more of a compliment than that out of her - at least not yet. She found herself laughing before she could help it. Apparently it was contagious. Whatever the cause, it sure helped lighten the mood and make her forget they'd just been having an...argument of sorts. A misunderstanding. That was a better way of putting it.

Then his laughter and smiles subsided and he took on a more serious tone, to let her know he meant his words. She nodded as she answered him. "How could I not give you a shot? I have a feeling this kind of chemistry doesn't come up that often. It's one of those once in a lifetime, fate type things. I mean, think about it, we both showed up here on the same day at the same time."

[/b] She watched his face break into a compassionate smile. It was incredibly sweet, and only made his rugged charm have an even more playful, boyish appeal. He wasn't trying to be cocky or strut his looks, he was just smiling at her from his soul. She smiled in return, slightly unsure about what to do next.

She didn't know how to flirt, not really. So that wasn't an option. She'd heard about this thing girls did with their eyelashes, but she had no idea how to do that either. Instead she found herself getting lost in his eyes, sitting there smiling dumbly back at him. She reached up and brushed a curly blonde lock off her face and tucked it behind her ear. It was then that she remembered the stain on her t-shirt and realized they'd been sitting there for an awful long time. People had started filtering in slowly, and she knew they'd appreciate giving the table to a paying customer soon.

Jayden looked at Shane again. Where did they go from here? Did they just leave, and set a later date to meet again? Exchange numbers? Or was the 'date' of sorts not even over yet? She bit her bottom lip as she found herself reminded of why she didn't do relationships. They just didn't come naturally to her. Deciding it was better to let him lead the way than to make a fool of herself, she spoke again. "It looks like the dinner rush is starting, they might appreciate us freeing up this table soon. Um, do you want to..."[/b], she laughed nervously. "Okay, okay, I give up. I told you I'm not good at this. So you tell me...where do we go from here?"[/b] Her smile waned slightly as she gave him a questing, but more serious look. She was trying to act mature, not like the childish tomboy she usually was.
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

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COMPLETE

[/b] with 570[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
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[free3]

At his question, she just shrugged, raising her eyebrows. If she thought more, she wasn't about to tell him. He planned to whisper in her ear when they left that she was beautiful, even if he wasn't very cute. It should at least help smooth the compliment over, keeping it in their teasing that she seemed to accept, at least better than the serious stuff.

Well, it has only happened once in my lifetime. he replied. And I'm looking right at the girl who brought it out in me. Have you met her? She's amazing. He kept grinning at her, eyes twinkling. He was quite interested in how she took that, wondering if she would get embarrassed or react in turn. He had been tempted to keep those two sentences a little separated, but the last time he did that she nearly broke down. He wasn't going to do that to her, or himself.

Then they just locked gazes, sharing their souls in that one gaze. Her eyes were beautiful, a light hazel color. And when she wanted to, she let him see deep into them. At least, right now she let him look in and see how deep this 'chemistry' as she had put it, ran. When she broke his gaze and looked around, he had to blink a couple times to come back to reality, and in reality, they had been sitting at the table for quite awhile. His brother would tease him mercilessly about losing time for a girl. He smiled just thinking about it. His brother wouldn't understand until he met the girl meant for him.

He nodded as she spoke, knowing they probably could stay a little longer, but Benny would wise up and kick them out. Well, I can start by giving you my phone number and the address for the ranch, so that you can come hang out with me, seeing as that's where I spend all of my time. He grabbed a pen that had come with his receipt and a napkin, writing his information on it. He handed it to her with a flourish. Then you can get in touch with me or just show up, I'll be there. he said with a smile. And I ask you if you'll go out on an official date with me, say Saturday, at a restaurant where you have to dress up some to get in. He looked at her appreciatively. You'd look good in a dress, but I'm guessing you'll go more for a nice blouse and slacks. He smiled at her. I'll reform you yet.

[jaydenmitchell]

// I'M A WILDFLOWER\\
growin in the sunshine, soakin up the way of life i was raised in

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Though she knew his comment was referencing her, she put on a faux pouty face and said, "Sounds like a great girl. You'll have to make sure to introduce us sometime."

[/b] She flashed him an innocent smile just to complete the effect.

His response didn't really surprise her. She watched him write down his address and phone number, and then did the same with her own. "Uhh, did I mention I still live with my dad? Right, well...you can swing by the shop, but it probably isn't the best idea."[/b] She laughed then, talking bubbly. "Oh, I'm sure he'll like you, don't worry about that. But he probably won't leave either of us alone. He'll want to know everything about you first. And not because he's protective or anything, he's just really friendly and loves chit-chatting."[/b]

She took the piece of paper he gave her and made sure she didn't frown. So that was it? A number and an address? Hopefully he'd call her because she doubted she'd have the guts to pick up the phone and call him. But then he continued and she smiled. A fancy restaurant? She'd never been to one before, but she guessed everything was worth a try once. Apparently being around Shane as going to mean a lot of new "firsts" for her. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing. "Hey now. I actually do have a couple dresses thank you very much. I've come a long way since I was little...I don't mind dressing up now and then."[/b] She flashed him a bright grin and she giggled softly. Ugh, Jay, don't start with that stuff. She stopped abruptly but continued giving him one of her award-winning smiles. "By the way Shane, that's a yes,"[/b] she spoke as she got out of her seat and turned to head to the door. "So, you'll call me later?"[/b]
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runnin barefoot blooming in a summer shower, ponytail dancing
\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

[/size][/font][/b][/center]

COMPLETE

[/b] with 420[/b] words, just for SHANE[/b]!
[/color][/size][/center]

[free3]

He just chucked at her comment, having his answer. It would be rather hard introducing her to herself, although maybe one day he'd attempt to do just that. She seemed like the gal who would at least semi play along.

He chuckled. He was pretty sure she was close to his age, but still living with her dad. It matched with her slightly ADD approach to jobs, and the fact her father was probably lonely, Shane not having heard anything about her mother. Sounds like I'll have to meet him when we have someplace to be soon after I pick you up. Gives him enough time to meet me, but gives us the polite excuse to leave after a bit. Although, the meeting the parents thing really doesn't have to happen right away, you know. He grew reflective on that note, knowing he needed to tell her that both his real parents and adopted parents were gone. He figured he didn't want to darken the moment now, but would tell her eventually.

He accepted her information, trying his best to memorize it on the spot. He slid the napkin in his pocket, reminding himself to take it out before he washed the jeans. They were actually presentable, so he'd wear them a day or two more until they got dusty before he washed them. He chuckled with her as she defended herself, giving her the benefit of the doubt. Well, I look forward to seeing it on Saturday. He rose with her, giving her a smile. Of course I will. He placed his hand on the small of her back as he walked her to the door. He had to let her lead to her car, but as soon as she showed him which one it was, he opened the driver's side door for her. Call you soon, and see you Saturday, unless you show up sooner. he told her, closing the door as soon as she got in. He stepped back and waved as she pulled out, and then went to his truck with a smile. This day had certainly turned out to be different.