Love Me or What? (Free/Shane)

[ISSALYN!]

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

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After a year of informal "lessons" with Shane, Jayden was becoming a pretty confident rider. Shane had even bought her her own saddle, which was just starting to get broken in. As she rode along the narrow trail behind Shane, the saddle squeaked in tune with Willy's stride. Jay reached down and patted the mare on the neck. The two had grown to be close friends, and Jay could now walk, trot, and even canter the mare with ease.

Today they were on a mission to ride off Shane's property and onto some of the less popular trails at the lake. One of their favorite spots was a little cliffy area that looked out over the lake. They could spend hours there, sitting under the trees and spying on the lake-goes. The horses would stand and munch grass as long as they could, and occasionally a dog or two came along with them. Today though, it was just Shane and Jay and their two horses, packed down with some saddlebags. Jay wasn't quite sure what they contained, but when Shane was up to something, she knew better than to ask.

Instead, she just played along, whistling as she rode. From her seat atop Willy, she had a fine view of the back side of Shane, but she'd gotten so used to his finely chiseled body she rarely took notice anymore. "Are we there yet?,"

[/b] she asked jokingly. She knew the trail as well as he did by now, and knew they were still at least 10 minutes from their destination. "You aren't going to tie me up and throw me in the lake, are you? If you want to get rid of me I'm sure there are easier ways."[/b]

Teasing was just a natural part of their relationship, and something that probably wouldn't change anytime soon. It helped Jay not to worry about serious things, such as where the relationship was headed. It also made her quit worrying and be herself. She was never really concerned with her image, but since she started seriously dating Shane, she sometimes saw the eye-rolling by his admirers. He could have had his pick of almost anyone, yet he was dating her. She'd tried learning to care more about her appearance, which had resulted in occasionally wearing some makeup, and purchasing a few shirts that weren't plain. As it was, today she was just in her riding jeans and a grey halter top. Nothing fancy, but it was just the two of them and she didn't see any sense in fussing about her attire when she was just going to ride a horse anyway.
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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 550[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Nadda[/b]

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The ring was burning a hole in his saddlebag. It was the only thing he could think of, and yet he would have to survive at least a dinner before he pulled it out and asked his big question. Today he was glad he was in front so that Jay couldn't see the nervousness clearly written on his face. He'd have to think up a solution fast because they weren't far from their destination. Somehow he'd have to gain control of his face so that this would come as a complete surprise. He didn't want her asking halfway through the meal what was wrong. It wouldn't bode well.

A whiny voice floated up to him, and he had to smile. "Don't make me take the long way." he threatened, chuckling. Perfect. Their teasing would help ease his tension and get him to relax."Nahhh, I've thought about this particular problem. I think that slowly poisoning you would be the most foolproof way, though throwing you into the lake would certainly be a much faster way to do it." He fell silent, as if contemplating his options, though his face was plastered with the smile he usually tried to hide. His voice might have been deadpan, but she knew him well enough to know he was either smiling or suppressing a smile.

They had gotten to know each other so well. For Jay's first apprehension about starting a relationship, she had certainly done well being in one. Sure they had their rocky places, but they trusted each other. Shane honestly couldn't imagine going back to a life without her. Putting all his focus into the ranch didn't seem as rewarding as before. Despite his love for his Paints, they too had taken the backseat. He knew when he asked his brother to watch a mare foaling because he had a date with Jay that his priorities had changed. It was time to make that clear to her.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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Jay didn't have to be riding beside Shane to know she could make him smile. He could make her smile too, and the grin she got as he taunted her back was proof of that. She laughed easily, a sound that often interjected it's way into their lives. The idea that "they" had a life was sort of startling and new to Jay, but she was beginning to get used to it. So far, Shane was probably the longest and most serious relationship she'd ever had. Her dad had even begun jokingly asking her when she was moving out. Of course, Shane would probably have found room for her at the ranch months ago, but she wouldn't leave her father living alone.

She grew silent and her face grew more serious looking as their ride continued. She wasn't really lost in deep thoughts or anything, but rather just sort of sitting back and enjoying the silence of the ride. The rhythmic creak, creak, creak of her saddle marked their ascent up a hill, and then their private lookout spot came into view. She squeezed Willy into a canter, and called out to Shane as she moved past him. "Bet I can beat you!"

[/b]

Her long blonde hair streamed out behind her as she cantered along. She probably should have thought better beforehand and put it up into a ponytail, but with any luck it wouldn't get too tangled from the wind. Finally, a few minutes later she sat down her in seat and felt Willy relax into a stop. Jay turned around her in saddle and stuck her tongue out at Shane. "I told you I'd win! You better give it up, cowboy!"[/b] She laughed again as she dismounted and quickly began unsaddling the chestnut sabino. Shane cared a lot about his animals and wasn't the sort of guy to make them stand around saddled for hours with no reason.

She dropped the saddle bags carefully to the ground, still unsure of what they contained, and then led Willy over to a tree. She took off his bridle and then tied his lead rope around the tree, with enough free rope the horse could graze. Then the blonde turned back to Shane with sparkling eyes. "So, are you ever going to tell me what we're having for dinner? I'm starving!"[/b] As if to assure him she wasn't lying, she reached down and rubbed her stomach and put on a face of mock starvation and then pretended to wilt to the ground.
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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 (FREE)[/b]!
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They fell silent for the rest of the ride, the minutes passing in comfortable silence. He tuned into her movements when she made an unfamiliar creak, and then she was cantering past him. Her words drifted back to him as a challenge, but he chose the moment to watch her ride. He could still remember the first time he took her riding. She had tentatively ridden Willy like the horse might break, but now she rode with confidence. He nudged his horse to a canter, keeping up with her but not trying to pass her. If she wanted to race, she’d have to get her horse galloping before Shane would take it as a stab to his cowboy honor that she beat him. He far more enjoyed the view from behind.

Her hair was falling in disarray when she signaled Willy to stop. He rolled his eyes at her comment. “Do you really think you’d win if I’d been trying? I let you win, wanna-be-cowgirl. Give me enough time and you might be able to beat me in a full out race.” Sam had automatically slowed when Willy stopped, so Shane rode a little past the pair and dismounted, untacking with just as much ease as Jayden. Sam was already grazing as Shane put down the saddle and switched out his bridle for a halter and tied him to a tree near Willy, but not too close. He grabbed his saddle bags as well, careful to remain nonchalant.

He had to laugh as she complained about dinner, ‘wilting’ to the ground. He set down the bags, walking over to stand over her. He crossed his arms, clearly amused. “If you’re this far gone, I don’t think food is going to help you.” Her hair was splayed on the ground, picking up some grass and dirt to mix with tangles from the wind. He waited a minute more, and then relented. “If you must know, poor dying girl, it’s barbeque.” He moved over to the food, pulling out a thin blanket to spread over the ground. He pulled out pulled pork, green beans, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and sweet potato casserole in neat containers. He then pulled out two paper plates and two plastic cups. “Your food awaits, my queen.” His eyes sparkled at her, but he began to open containers and use his fork to scoop food on his plate.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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"Barbeque?,"

[/b] Jay practically screamed as she sat up. "I can't wait to try this!"[/b] She moved over to the blanket Shane had set up and eyed the food he was laying out approvingly. "You may have earned yourself a spot back in my good graces, even if you did get just get beat by a girl."[/b]

It was only a minute before everything was laid out before her and he announced that it was time to eat. She giggled faintly, and then, never shy about eating, began digging into the containers of food earnestly. "Mmm this all looks so good! Are you trying to double my weight before we ride back? I have to say, Willy might not be too happy if you do."[/b] Finally satisfied with a plate full of a little of everything, she sat back and started eating.

To say her table manners had vastly improved over the past year would be a lie. She'd gotten a little better, but was still more interested in the food than where dribbles of sauce landed. It only took one bite of pulled pork before she had sauce running down her chin, and she hastily dabbed at it with a napkin just before it ran off onto her shirt. She finished chewing and swallowed, at least remembering not to talk with her mouth full. "This is perfect Shane, really. It kind of reminds me of the night we met."[/b] She started laughing then, remembering that awkward first night at B Q Bar. In some ways it seemed like just yesterday they'd met, but in others she felt like she'd known Shane an eternity.

Blue eyes sparkling in reminiscence, she continued eating her food, keeping mostly silent. She was wondering what else he had in store for the night, but didn't ask. She knew Shane liked giving her surprises, and she didn't want to spoil his fun.
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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 400[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Nadda[/b]

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Her enthusiasm was catching, and he was so glad that he could bring that much joy to her just by picking a meal that she liked. He hoped tonight would be memorable, and that certainly had to start with her favorite meal. He could have taken her out to a fancy restaurant, but they had tried that. Here they could be themselves and relax, instead of trying to be formal to fit the surroundings. If he did say so himself, it was the perfect place to propose. They were comfortable here, and it was their own special little retreat. This would only make it more special.

He rolled his eyes. "At least give yourself some credit. I let, mind you, let, a beautiful woman waltz in front of me for awhile." His grin turned slightly wicked. "The view is better from the back." He started eating before she did, and his amusement didn't fade. He could still remember the way they met. Only this time, Jay didn't let the sauce get to her shirt. And this time she was focused on him instead of a football game. Not that he thought football was worthless, but he liked it this way much better.

He nodded when she mentioned how they met, his thoughts traveling along that line as well, prompted by her quick save of her shirt. He let her remember, as he had, as they quietly finished their food. His nervousness jumped easily back to the surface, but he tamped it down by putting the lids back on containers when he was finished with his food. He patted the blanket, inviting her to relax. He finished packing the food, slipping the ring into the pocket away from her. He sat down beside her, watching the sun as it started to set. He liked to watch sunrises and sunsets, although sunsets were far easier to share. Waking Jay up before the crack of dawn was something he hadn't tried, and he didn't exactly plan on it. But an evening with dinner and a sunset was perfectly feasible.

He let the silence settle in for a moment more, heart beating wildly as he supposedly studied the clouds. What if she said no? He should wait. He couldn't do this now. Maybe he would take her to a fancy restaurant where he couldn't back out. But even there he could back out. He had decided to do it tonight, he couldn't let himself chicken out. He reached a shaky hand to his pocket. He took a deep breath, steadying his voice. "Jay, I've been thinking. We've only known each other for a year, and yet I feel like we've known each other forever. I can no longer imagine my life without you. I love you." He could hear himself, and he almost cringed. He sounded like a sentimental, emotional guy. But this was really how he felt, and he had to tell her. He shifted so that he was on one knee, facing her. With trembling hands, he pulled out the ring box. "Jayden Mitchell, will you marry me?" His heart was pounding so hard in his ears that he was sure he wouldn't be able to hear her answer.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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They finished their dinner and Jayden patted her hand on her stomach, acting like he had indeed made her twice her original weight. However, the food was exceptionally good and he knew her weak spot was barbeque. She thought it was rather sweet of him to think of little things like that, even if it did result in her acting more like a male than a female. He should be used to that by now anyway.

She sat back and watched the sun beginning to set, her mind wondering what he had planned next. They'd been on a lot of interesting dates, and a lot of trail rides and walks around his ranch. He never failed to surprise her though, and one date was never quite like the next. As they sat there, she noticed him seeming a little tense, but she didn't say anything. If something was bothering him, he'd let her know when he was ready. If it was problems with the ranch, it wasn't really her business anyway.

She was caught totally unprepared when he began his speech. She felt a knot form in her throat and wondered if this was what it felt like to suffocate. She wanted to shake her head or start coughing, but didn't want to be impolite, so she just attempted to smile. As his words continued, it finally dawned on her where he was going with all this. Oh no, she thought. What do I do?

Her hands felt heavy and shaky and as he got down on one knee in front of her she briefly felt like she might be sick. Her face went pale, yet a smile formed on her face. It was all so sweet of him, and she couldn't believe he was doing this for her. She knew what he'd said, yet it didn't quite register as she sat there staring blankly at his face. A thousand thoughts went through her mind. Was she ready for this? Did she even want to take things to that level. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, and then she realized what that might look like to him. "No! I mean, not no. Oh geez, just give me a second,"

[/b] she forced out as tears began to form in her eyes. Who are you? Jayden Mitchell didn't cry. Not in front of a man, let alone this man.

She stood up, gulping air, and began pacing back and forth on the blanket, not looking at Shane. Finally, she sat back down. "Shane...I love you too. You know that. But..."[/b] Jay sighed, worry creeping into her blue eyes. "I don't know. I'm not really marriage material. I mean things are going well so far, and I don't want to turn your life into a train wreck. Please don't be upset?"[/b] She pleaded with him, feeling terrible because she knew this had to be hurting him. She just didn't know what else to do. Then she sighed again. "Look, I'm not saying no. This is just all really sudden for me and I think maybe we should talk about things. I mean, geez Shane, I don't even know...do you want kids? You want me to move out to the ranch? What about my dad? What about my, uh, job? What about your brother? Do we even want the same things?"[/b]

She rambled on, thinking of everything in her life that would have to change if she got married. Would they fight about what to have for breakfast every morning? Would he be upset with her inability to keep a steady job? They knew each other pretty well, but there were still a lot of things they didn't know, and living together, and being married, would put so mush more stress on the line. They'd have to learn how to manage their finances together...or would he just think that was his job and expect her to keep her nose out of it?

She started crying then, really crying, breaking down into hopeless sobs. Get ahold of yourself Jay!, she screamed at herself. She tried to force herself to quit crying. She knew she must really look like a fool now. The Jay Shane knew wouldn't break down crying about something this silly. But maybe that just proved there was a lot more to her than he did know.
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\\I CAN'T HELP IT, I'M A WILDFLOWER//

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COMPLETE

[/b] with 800[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
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His hopeful gaze fell when she shook her head. A smile had formed on her face, but she was still trying to process what he had said. A rock settled at the pit of his stomach, his nervousness turning into dread. He had rushed it. He had projected what he wanted onto her, and now he had lost her forever. She stood up, and he fingered the box, folding his legs so that he was sitting indian style. He had expected a yes. Been afraid of a no, but expected a yes. He slowly forced himself to put the ring box back in his pocket, running his fingers through his hair as he attempted to compose himself. This was not the end of the world.

He looked down as she sat back down, knowing she wouldn't be able to handle the weight of the disappointment on his face. He let her speak, her words hanging extra weight on the pit in his stomach. She fell silent, but when she started to cry, he jerked his gaze up. "Oh Jay." He pulled her into his arms, holding her and rubbing her back as she cried. "Jay, it's okay. I told you when we started this relationship that we would take it a day at a time." He had to stop or he'd start crying too. He took a deep breath, focusing on holding her and not on what answer she had given him. "Jay, you're beautiful. Not one day has gone by that I didn't think of you. You are marriage material to me. You may not think so, but I do. We can answer these questions. I know I'm asking you to take a leap of faith. But isn't this just like when I asked you to go out with me? We don't have to get married next week. We have time to work this out." He abruptly stopped, realizing he was pleading with her. She had enough on her mind, let alone what he was trying to push her into.

It hurt. It really did. He thought they were ready, and Jay wasn't. Honestly, he needed some time alone to come to grips with what had happened. But he had inadvertently pushed Jay to the breaking point, and she needed him more than he needed to get away. He pressed a kiss into her hair, attempting to set aside his hurt and disappointment to assure her that he was still here for her. He loved her and wanted her to be happy. If he had only known he would push her to this he would have waited to ask. As much as he wanted her to marry him, he wanted her to be happy. And right now, she was definitely not happy.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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Jay finally quit crying as Shane comforted her, and then the guilt kicked in. She was still sniffling a bit, but had mostly composed herself. She dared to look into his eyes. "Oh Shane. I feel like such a baby. I'm sorry. I'm sure this wasn't what you expected."

[/b] She laughed nervously, picturing in her head what might have happened if she'd said yes. He'd probably have wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. He would have grinned from ear to ear and she would have melted a little inside knowing she had made him so happy.

Why was she so hesitant when she cared so much about him? She wanted him to be happy, and even more so wanted to be able to contribute to his happiness. But, she was also afraid that getting engaged would ultimately be the destruction of happiness for both of them. Something would go wrong and they'd break up, leaving them both hurt and miserable. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug, something both of them probably needed. "Shane, I'd love to marry you and know I'd be waking up next to you everyday for the rest of my life. But I also don't want to take things to that level only to have them come crashing down."[/b]

Her heart fluttered when she realized that she really did want to be with him everyday...for the rest of her life. The time she spent with him was what she looked forward to most. Maybe she should just say yes and make him happy. She had just overreacted about it all and felt terrible. But the fact that she had freaked out told her conscience that some things still needed to be worked out before she'd really, truly be okay with it. As Shane said, they'd taken everything one day at a time and nothing had gone wrong so far. It was only looking so far ahead into the future that scared her.
"speech"[/b]
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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 400[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
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Her sobs subsided, but he didn't stop holding her. Having her in his arms was probably the thing that was holding him together. At least here he could pretend like she hadn't said no. Here he could pretend this was the only place in the world. He closed his eyes "Shhhh." He quieted her apology, not exactly ready to accept it. He wouldn't consciously hold it against her, but she had wounded him deeply. Logically, he knew all the reasons why she hesitated. She didn't feel like she was datable or marriageable. He thought she had gotten to the point where she was accepting the fact that he wanted to be with her. That he would risk his heart with her.

Her arms slipped around him, and he took a deep breath. The sadness wasn't abating, even though he knew the answer wasn't a no. The fact remained that he had proposed, and she hadn't said yes. Instead of crying, he was holding her. Instead of crying later, he'd punch something. Or go running. Or choose some other method of running himself to the ground to the point where he was so exhausted that he couldn't think. Right now, he was holding it together for her. He'd hold it together on the ride home for his horse. But if his brother got in his way, Shane wouldn't hesitate to throw the first punch.

His hand gently caught her chin, turning her head to face his. "We'll just talk, okay? We'll figure out our plans when we do choose to take our relationship to the next level. There is no other girl I'd rather risk my heart on." His words were soft, hopeful. He loved her. Despite his hurt, he wanted this to work out. He was proving to her that no matter what she did to him, he was going to try to make it better. His brother might get a few more scars in the process, but Shane wasn't about to let her know about that.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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Jay had to fight with herself not to just brush Shane off and walk away. She was so torn and mixed up she didn't know what she wanted. On one hand she just wanted to fall into his arms and never leave, but on the other she just wanted out of his sight. Looking up at the sky, she saw that it was starting to get a little darker and knew that the path back to the ranch, and the house, wouldn't be easy to navigate too late.

When she finally felt a little more in control, she spoke. "Look Shane, we should probably head back before it gets too dark. We can talk once we make back safe and sound."

[/b] She gave him a weak smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling. This serious stuff really wasn't her style and she just wanted everything to work out.

Turning around, she went and grabbed Willy and started tacking the mare back up, preparing for the ride home. "Sorry girl, looks like your snack time is over,"[/b] she said she she scratched the chestnut on the withers. It was only a couple minutes before she had the horse tacked up again, now that she was adept at doing it all on her own. Without turning to check on Shane, she mounted up, forcing the tears threatening to return to her eyes. Why did she want to cry? Everything was going to be fine. This wouldn't change things for them.

She laughed then, realizing how silly that was. Of course it would change things for them. It would change everything, absolutely everything, if they didn't come to a resolution. But she fell silent as she walked Willy in a circle through the clearing, warming the mare up before they would begin the ride back at the ranch. Finally, she turned to find Shane, and dared to speak again. "Wanna lead the way?"[/b]
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[/b] with 375[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
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She stayed silent, slowly gaining her control back. He nodded when she mentioned getting back, and his emotional exhaustion prodded him to want to get rid of her as quickly as possible. It wasn't that he didn't love her, but right now, he needed to be alone. "I think we've had enough serious stuff for the night, don't you?" He managed a smile, trying to slip back into the easy bantering they had kept up. He didn't want to dismiss all that had happened, but neither of them were ready right now to talk through things. She was too fragile; he was too wounded.

He released her, getting up himself and walking over to Sam. He deftly tacked the horse up, losing himself in the mindless task of packing up their things and saddling Sam. She was already up on Willy when Shane mounted, and he nodded. "Sure." The ride back was filled with silence, and this only concreted his decision to send her home without a discussion. Neither of them needed it; they just needed time to heal or to come to terms with the question he had raised. Shane forced himself to relax in the saddle, having to consciously relax each muscle before his body would obey. He was wound tight, and he didn't want his tension to pass to his mount.

They arrived at the ranch safely, and Shane noted that Blaine had probably gone out. The house was dark, as was the barn. He rode up to the entrance of the barn and dismounted. He tied Sam to the hitching post out front and reached for Willy. "I'll untack her; you can head on home." He hoped he wasn't seeing what he wanted to again, but he was pretty sure they both needed to regroup. He gave her a smile. "I'll call you." It was their standing joke that he typically said that, but Jay would get tired of waiting and call him first. He took the mare into the barn, untacking her efficiently but not with his normal speed. He then started on Sam, making sure each horse had plenty of affection for their services.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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There was no denying that the ride back was awkward. A thick silence hung between them, as both were absorbed in their thoughts. Jay wondered if Shane was mad at her, or just shocked because things hadn't gone like he planned. She felt bad about it all, but knew even if she hadn't had a meltdown, her answer would have been the same.

She sighed, but decided not to pester him, and finished the ride in complete and utter silence. Her hand occasionally moved down to scratch Willy's mane, as if to assure herself that she still had some connection to the world. It wasn't too long of a ride, but it felt like forever, despite the fact that they were rushing more than when they had come out. The squeak of her saddle went along in a faint melody, and she focused on blocking out all other sounds.

Finally the got back and Shane told her she could leave. Tears pricked at her eyes but she spun around before he could see. She didn't bother to answer him as she walked off, trying to force herself not to stomp. So he was rejecting her now? That was new. Well, she had just rejected him, but not in a way that said she didn't want to be around him at all. Men. They were so hard to understand sometimes, and that was why she usually failed at relationships.

One she was out of sigh of the barn, she broke into a jog, and found her way to her car. She opened the driver side door and collapsed into the seat, finally allowing the tears to come. She sat there for a couple minutes. Jay wondered if Shane might come after her to apologize, but mostly she just wanted to get her tears out of the way before she tried to drive. A couple minutes later, she sniffled and decided she was ready, and put the key into the ignition. She turned it, but the car didn't start. She punched the steering wheel, accidentally hitting the horn, and then tried it again. Still nothing. "Damn!,"

[/b] she cursed, leaning forward until her head rest on the top of the steering wheel. She bit her tongue to keep herself from crying again, and wiped her face with her arm. She'd have to go find Shane and ask him for a ride home, and she didn't want any evidence of her tears left on her face.
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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 450[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

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[FREE ♥]

Shane was leading Sam into the barn when a car horn blasted. The horse almost reared and nearly ran over Shane as he bolted into his stall, standing at the back with his head high and nostrils flared. While that kind of noise didn't typically have the power to bother his horses, it was dark and at night and they were used to dead silence. Shane rubbed his shoulder where the horse had knocked into him, and forced himself to calmly take off Sam's halter. He could already imagine marching around the house to yell at Blaine. His brother knew better than to randomly honk the horn. Not only could he have scared the horses, he could have startled the cattle into a stampede.

He put away the halter, and then began his march around the house to the driveway. His anger surfaced, multiplied by the rejection and hurt that he felt. He didn't jog, he just strode purposefully, his brow furrowing in a rage he let overpower him. It was easier than curling into a ball and crying. He rounded the corner already calling his brother's name. "BLAINE. You know better-" Shane stopped mid yell. He had assumed Blaine had honked at Jay on her way out or something, but Jay was still sitting in her car. The only car in the driveway. Shane massaged his forehead, letting the anger abate before he faced her.

He walked over to her door, opening it a little since she didn't have the car on to roll down the window. "Jay, please don't honk the horn. Sam nearly ran me over, and if the cattle were near, they could have spooked and run who knows where." His voice was tired, defeated. Instead of the anger to buoy him, he had nothing. Nothing was acting as a buffer between her and his emotions, and he didn't even notice her slightly reddened eyes. All he could think about was the danger she might have caused and his desire to be alone.

[ISSALYN!]

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

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Of course Jay didn't see Shane marching around the house, and was startled when he heard him start yelling at Blaine. She sat up quickly, glancing around to see if Blaine had just been witness to her breakdown. He wasn't anywhere she could see, which was confirmed when Shane walked over to her car and cracked open the door.

She glared at the steering wheel as she spoke. "I'm sorry Shane. I'll remember to think about that next time I throw a punch."

[/b] She clenched her teeth together and turned to look at him, eyes softening only slightly as she saw that he looked more discouraged than angry. "Look, my car won't start. I got a little mad and accidentally honked the horn. It won't happen again."[/b] How could it happen again if Shane ran her off and never asked her to come back again?

She tried to smile, but didn't get very far at making one. Instead it looked more like a grimace. Jay swung the door open and got out. Turning squarely to face Shane with a firm look in her eyes. "I have to ask if you can take me home. Then I'll be out of your hair. If that's too much to ask, I can just call my dad to come pick me up. But this thing clearly isn't going to start and I don't have the patience to try to fix it tonight."[/b] She stared at him, daring him to try to challenge her otherwise.
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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 325[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

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