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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

"Sweetheart..." Jay spun around to give Blaine a cold glare. How dare he talk to her in that way - she was dating his brother! Or at least, she still hoped she was. Before she could give him some words on her opinion, Shane came in and caught the tail end of it. Oh how she wished she could just camouflage herself into the recliner and become invisible. But to her surprise, Shane just marched into his room, not even bothering to say anything.

She stiffened, wondering if he really didn't care anymore. Maybe he was done with her completely. Blaine could be wrong. He wasn't exactly known for being an expert on relationships either. Her face still glazed over, it only took a minute before she stood up and left the room. Blaine could do what he wanted, but she wasn't going to let him make things worse for her. She walked quietly to Shane's room and tapped on the doorframe to announce her presence. "Blaine was just messing around Shane. You know I'm not interested in him,"

[/b] she sighed, wondering if Shane really did know much of anything anymore. She wanted to walk up to him and hug him and make everything better. If only she could erase everything and start over fresh. If only... But the world was filled with if only's, and more often than not there was no way to undo the wrong done. You could only pick up the pieces and try to put them back together as best as possible.
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 300[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

He stood in silence in his room for a couple of moments. Blaine was still sitting on the sofa, rubbing his chin. Even if he still looked relaxed, he was a little worried. Crossing Shane about Jay was dangerous, and Blaine had just done it. It might even amount to the worst fight they'd ever have, but it would have to be pretty bad to get that title. Jay soon left, and Blaine hoped that something she did cooled Shane off and maybe he endured Shane's silence instead of his fist.

Shane turned at the soft tap, knowing Blaine wouldn't be quite so careful to make sure his presence was known. "I know." Shane replied softly. "No woman in her right mind would be interested in him." He smiled a little, hoping she took it as more of a compliment than an insult to Blaine. Blaine needed to find the right girl, who'd make sure he knew the rules of their relationship. Shane walked close to Jay, invading her space. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, blue eyes meeting hers. He thought, but didn't say out loud, that this was why he wanted her to have his ring on her finger. He wanted to stake his claim on her. Sure, they both knew where they stood, but Shane wanted to make sure guys like Blaine didn't think she was an open target. Not like Jay would put up with it, but he'd like a little deterrent.

She was beautiful. She didn't wear makeup and she didn't dress up much, but it gave her a natural beauty that let her personality shine through. It gave hear an earthiness that fit in with Shane's lifestyle. As much as she had hurt him, being this close made it hard to resist her. One hand cradled her jaw, and he slowly brought his lips to hers, allowing her time to duck out. Her father would be here soon, and Blaine was bound to walk in at an inopportune moment, but Shane wanted to taste her. It might not make the night behind them any better, but it would show her he was ready to try to move on, even if it would take time for him to heal.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

Jayden laughed at Shane's comment about his brother. "I don't know Shane. It seems to me plenty of women are interested in him...and that's the problem."

[/b] She smiled, as if to reassure Shane that she wasn't one of them.

It surprised her when he began moving closer to her, it made her pulse race. It was clear he was going to kiss her, and rather than pulling away, she felt herself giving in. It was not a long kiss, but it was tender and spoke volumes about what lie ahead. She got butterflies in her stomach and as he pulled away, she kept her eyes closed, savoring it. Shane still loved her! He wasn't giving up on her yet! She was excited to see he was finally coming around, but she tried to play it casual.

At last, she took a step back and opened her eyes, her baby blues locking onto Shane's. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept well. Then again, she knew she probably didn't look much better. Despite his obvious fatigue and a hint of tension still left in his demeanor, he was still an attractive guy. He had that hint of rugged strength of a man who knew how to do hard labor, a trait she valued in men. He was the real deal - not some guy like Blaine who was just out to impress the ladies. She almost leaned in to kiss him again, but was rudely interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Jay groaned as she heard Blaine answering the door. "That's probably my dad,"[/b] Jay said regretfully. Talk about awful timing.

Sure enough, her father's husky voice floated through the house as Blaine welcomed him inside. She quickly turned and left Shane's room, not wanting to give anyone the wrong impression. She walked back in to greet her dad, face flushed but a smile on her face. "Morning Daddy,"[/b] she spoke in a teasing tone. "Have you had a look at the car yet? I didn't really check it out yet. I figured we'd probably get it done faster at the shop."[/b] She shrugged and tossed him the keys, relinquishing control of the matter of the disagreeable car. Her dad nodded at her. "Yep, I'm sure I'll have 'er fixed in no time sweetie, don't you worry one bit." Then he turned to Shane and offered him a handshake. "Mornin' Shane. How's the ranch treatin' ya these days?" Her father's eyes twinkled as he spoke, generally a happy man. He could be downright possessive of his daughter, but over the year he'd come to accept that Shane was a good man and would treat Jayden right.
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 550[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

She was sweet, and Shane felt a large measure of relief that she didn't pull away. After last night, he wouldn't have blamed her if she did, even if it would have dug the wound a little deeper. He didn't kiss her long, pulling away to look at her face. He clasped his hands together behind her back, smiling as she kept her eyes closed. When his brother could do this to a woman, he would have found the right one. It wasn't a kiss of passion, although Shane knew that lay beneath the surface, but they took their time. Even when they didn't have it, they took their time. She opened her eyes, and Shane smiled tenderly at her. He had needed this. This was reconciliation, even if she wasn't wearing his ring. He would just have to wait longer than he expected.

Just as she started to come close again, the doorbell rang. Her groan mixed with his soft sigh. "Probably." At least they hadn't been interrupted by Blaine walking in on them. That wouldn't have gone well. Shane released her as she turned and walked out, but he stayed for a moment more. He needed a little bit of time to compose himself. Jay's voice started at the door, and Shane reluctantly left the safe haven of his room. He came up behind her, settling his left hand on her waist and whispering into her right ear. "Continue that thought later?" He grinned at her, even if she couldn't see it, and then looked up at her dad.

Shane reached out with his right hand to shake Mr. Mitchell's hand, not moving his other hand from Jay's waist. "Oh, we're doing pretty well. Got a couple of births coming up that have the potential to be dicey, but we take it one day at a time." He included Blaine in his comment, although Blaine had caught the possessive arm around Jay and the way that he was indirectly ignored. All was not well, but it wasn't exactly easy to tell. Shane wasn't worked up, but he was definitely holding a grudge. Blaine excused himself, retreating into the living room where he was relatively safe.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

"Sounds like a plan," Jay's dad said as he nodded to Shane. Then, he turned to address Jay. "I'll just go on out and get 'er hooked up to the tow. Let you know what I'm done." Then he turned and went back outside to work on getting Jay's car hooked up and ready to tow.

His disappearance left Shane and Jay alone once again, and Jay felt her nerves creeping up. She'd heard what Shane had whispered in her ear, but hadn't been able to answer him in front of her dad. She turned back around and met his gaze, her blue eyes searching into Shane's. She gave him a crooked smile and tapped him on the bicep. "So, are we calling a truce?"

[/b] She reached out a hand to shake his, a playful grin spreading across her cheeks.

Jay wasn't sure if she should take the conversation further or not. Eventually they needed to talk about things and work it all out in finer details, but maybe it wasn't time yet. She was never good at the relationship thing, and serious conversations were one key part of that. Typically, she just fled when things got serious or uncomfortable for her. She wasn't sure why, but something kept her feet firmly planted in front of Shane. She didn't want to run away, not entirely. Maybe run away until she got her feelings sorted out, but she knew without a doubt she'd want to come back eventually. Shane just had that kind of draw on her. She sighed, chiding herself for overreacting the night before. It was clear they both wanted to be together - long term. While the thought scared her immensely, there was no denying she had feelings for Shane and couldn't picture her life without him.

But marriage? She shook her head, turning to look at Shane again. Before she started getting all emotional and nervous again, she had to do something to change her train of thought. Jay stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Shane's neck, and lay her head against his shoulder. She snuggled against him, taking in the masculine scents that clung to him - largely the smell of horses and the outdoors. She liked it. It somehow made him seem more manly...more real. If there was anything she wanted, it was someone who was real. Someone who knew who they were and what they stood for.
"speech"[/b]
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 475[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

Jay didn't react in front of her dad, but it wasn't long until he left to go hook up Jay's car. He let his arm drop as she turned to face him, grinning. "Sure, truce." He shook her hand, holding it a beat longer than necessary before dropping it. "But we're never going to that spot near the lake again, okay?" His voice was teasing, but beneath his smile was a dread of having to face that area. He had been trying to make it memorable, and he certainly had. Just not in the way he had been trying.

She stood their quietly for a moment, and Shane wasn't sure what to do. She seemed too thoughtful to be considering another kiss, and he wasn't going to force her to be close to him. Besides, her dad was outside. Blaine might be intimidated not to bother them, but Shane wasn't sure what Mr. Mitchell would do if he walked back in on his daughter kissing Shane. Maybe after they got engaged Jay's father would be more accepting, but Shane had gotten the vibe that he had better tread carefully. Thankfully, Mr. Mitchell didn't know about their huge fight. If Jay chose to tell him, Shane would probably fall out of any favor her father held him in.

Then she stepped closer, putting her arms around his neck and her head right above his heart. He settled his arms comfortably around her, resting his cheek on her head. She fit perfectly against him, and he just wished yet again that his ring was on her finger. He wanted this to be permanent, not just until her father was done loading up her car. He tightened his arms around her, not wanting to let her go. Her hair was soft against his cheek, and the embrace felt so good he didn't want it to stop. He didn't want to hide this from people. He wanted her to be his. He closed his eyes, shutting out the thoughts. She wasn't ready, and he was going to have to accept that. However, he felt he had squirted a bottle of toothpaste all over and he couldn't manage to stuff it all back inside.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

Jay sighed contentedly in Shane's arms. Everything felt so perfect, so right. They fit each other like they belonged together. Her heart seemed to know that already, but her brain just couldn't accept it. She still had this nagging fear that something bad would happen in the end. She didn't want to hurt Shane, and she didn't want to get hurt either. Though, given the current state of things, it looked like she was already in too deep to avoid feeling pain if things took a sharp turn off a cliff.

She nuzzled her forehead against Shane's chin, feeling his scratchy stubble against her own smooth skin. She titled her head back and stared into his cool eyes, searching. "Everything's gonna work out, isn't it?"

[/b] She frowned, inadvertently sticking out her bottom lip in a bit of a pout as she did so. "I didn't say no Shane,"[/b]she tried to give him a meek smile. "I think...I want to marry you. I just want to be sure first."[/b]

Her arms clasp tighter around his neck, as if she was afraid of losing him. This was a lot for her to take in, but she need to start being honest with herself. It wasn't fair to him for her to hang onto her past. One day at a time, right? Well, so far every day had been pretty near bliss, save a minor squabble or two. Suddenly, she pulled away and ran off to the kitchen. She opened a couple drawers, clanking things around for a minute.

When she returned, her arms were behind her back, hiding whatever she had gotten. "You know what they say Shane? There's a difference between a fight and a spat."[/b] Then she moved her arms to produce a black plastic spatula. "A spat can be reconciled with a spatula. A fight, cannot. I think this is most definitely a spat."[/b] With that, she reached out and smacked him theatrically on the hip. It made a sound as it it, but wasn't aimed at causing pain. Then she dangled the spatula teasingly in front of him. "What do you think?"[/b]
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 450[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

They stayed snuggled together for a good minute or two before she rubbed her forehead on his chin and then looked up at him. He smiled, taking a hand and running it through her hair under the guise of getting it away from her face. "Of course, Bluejay." he said softly. He hid the leap of glee his heart made at her words, kissing her nose. "Just let me know when you're sure, okay?" He, the guy, was supposed to somehow miraculously know. Having proven his instincts wrong, he was, let's say, extremely cautious of trying again. His fear of failure might have been pretty high before, but now it had doubled. He'd probably wait until she was practically holding out her hand for the ring before asking again.

Her arms tightened around him, and he ran his hands up and down her back, gently rubbing the tension. He wasn't going to let go. Even if she turned him down again, he would hold on with all his might. Suddenly she released him, practically running into the kitchen. Too much? She had decided she was hungry? He didn't follow her, but backed up to lean against the wall. He'd wait for her dad here, and direct him to the kitchen. It wouldn't bee too long before he was finished.

Jay came back, with a smile on her face and something behind her back. What exactly was she doing? His heart leaped to think that she had gone and found the ring box, but he knew that was safely tucked away in one of the drawers of his dresser. Then she started talking and pulled out a spatula. What in the world was she talking about? "Who is they?" he asked before he was ceremoniously smacked on the hip. He turned his head, looking at her sideways. "I think," he said slowly, "if I'm understanding this right, I would much rather spank you with my hands." He lunged forward, grabbing and tickling her ribs, leaving her with the spatula to defend herself.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

"Oh really now?",

[/b] Jay teased. She barely managed to get her words out before Shane was attacking her, tickling her. She started laughing uncontrollably. She waved the spatula around and managed to make contact once or twice, but it wasn't much use. He was much bigger and quicker than she was, and she was at a disadvantage.

She tried to wriggle away, unable to control her giggles. "Stop...stop...please...",[/b] she gasped out, clearly given in to the fate of being ticklish. Jay made a couple more swats with the spatula, and tried ducking down quickly, finally managing to free herself, if only for a moment, from Shane's grasp. She was panting from the laughter, and her hair was quite a mess now from putting up a fight. Her cheeks pink with the excitement of it.

Meanwhile, her dad had finally finished hooking up the car. He'd knocked quietly on the door, but getting no response, he'd let himself in, as it wasn't even shut all the way to begin with. He was a little startled at the couple, and cleared his throat to announce his presence. "Should I, uh, leave you two alone?", he asked with a raised eyebrow and a hint of a smirk. He could tell they were only having some fun, no harm done. Back when Jay was younger he'd done much the same thing to her. It was probably a good thing he hadn't heard Shane's comment earlier, or his thoughts may have gone in a different direction.

Jay, hearing her father, had stopped abruptly in her tracks and turned to face him, blushing deeply. "Sorry Dad, I didn't hear you come in,"[/b] she said with a pleading look that only works between fathers and their daughters. She knew with that look he could forgive her of almost anything, and despite being an adult, she still used it from time to time. Her dad chuckled and shrugged, as if to say it was no matter to him. His question still hung in the air, but Jay wasn't sure how to answer it. She turned back to glance at Shane, raising an eyebrow as well, as if to ask his thoughts on the matter. Her dad, seeing the look between them, offered again. "I can just tow it home by myself if Shane wants to bring you along later. Unless you'd really rather come now."[/b] He wondered why she'd called so early if she didn't want to come home yet, but figured it was really none of his business.
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 500[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

Jay had the distinct disadvantage in their fight. She was breathless with laughter, and although he had to laugh along, he wasn't consumed by it. He kept a pretty good hold on her, and she only managed to use the spatula a couple times, landing it harmlessly on his chest or shoulders. She told him to stop in between gasps for air and giggles, but he didn't. It was far too fun to see the smile on her face and her tousled hair and shirt as she did her best to get away. She managed to wiggle free, and he stared at her playfully, ready to lunge again.

However, Jay's dad cleared his throat. Shane threw a startled glance in his direction, but the man just seemed amused. Shane relaxed, comfortably crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall, none the worse for wear. Except for, of course, the smile that wouldn't leave his face. It was also fun to see the deep red creeping into Jay's face. As much as she tried to tell Shane she was her own person and her dad didn't own her, she probably felt like a teenager caught with her boyfriend right now. It wasn't far from the truth, plus maybe a decade. There were certainly disadvantages to having a girlfriend who still lived with her dad, but as a whole Shane didn't mind.

As Jay looked at him, he realized he was expected to answer her father's question. He contemplated telling Mr. Mitchell that that wasn't exactly a good idea, but he knew with that he'd send Jay's father into protective mode. Instead, he chose his words carefully. "Why don't you go ahead. Jay's probably wondering if she can win round two." Shane's smile was smug as it returned to Jay, daring her to try to contradict him. Her father had seen the end of round one, he knew who had won that one. As soon as Jay's dad left, Shane would tactfully suggest that Blaine go check on his cows. Or rather, probably just order.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

Jay rolled her eyes at Shane's comment, but felt glad that he was willing to let her stay awhile. She hadn't wanted to agree to stay without him accepting it, but that didn't mean she wasn't glad. Maybe things would settle into a more normal routine again and they could forget the disastrous night and move forward.

She started to make a comment about him being beat by a girl once in the past twenty-four hours, but quickly bit her tongue. No use bringing up any part of that excursion, even if it had been before the moment of misery. She flashed her father a reassuring smile and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks Daddy. Don't stress too much about the car, 'kay? I can always mess with it when I get home."

[/b] Her dad laughed and told her goodbye, and then walked out to his tow truck to head home.

Jayden turned her attention back to Shane, a mischievous grin spread across her lips. "Do you really think your luck will hold out again?",[/b] she teased as she wiggled the spatula at him again. She hadn't put it down yet, and decided to hang onto it in case she needed to put it to use again. "Seriously though, I hope I'm not getting in the way. If you're busy or something...",[/b] Jay trailed off, looking at him with an unreadable expression.
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 300[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - FAILSAUCE![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

He watched her hug her dad, giving a friendly wave as the man made his exit. He had been in love with Jay's mom at one point, and his exit showed that he understood them. They might not be as young as they used to be, but they certainly weren't old. Or at least, that's what he always told himself. He regarded Jay with amusement, her comment bringing a chuckle. "Jay, you are hopelessly ticklish. How could I not?" He was being cocky and he knew it, but his smile and his twinkling blue eyes invited whatever retaliation she could think of.

"You are definitely getting in the way." he told her, nodding. "I should probably be doing menial tasks, but you're far more fun to play with." He attempted a deadpan voice and a smile-less face, but he knew he probably didn't succeed. "Blaine, why don't you go check on the cows or something?" Shane raised his voice so that Blaine would be sure to hear, and they could hear Blaine shuffling around as he got up and went to the door, mumbling to himself. Blaine was still walking around on eggshells around Shane, so he'd go spend a couple hours working in the barn or sleeping in the air conditioned tack room to try to gain some favor.

Shane turned his gaze back to Jay once the back door had shut. "You were saying something about me not winning this round?" He raised an eyebrow, splaying his arms to his side, beckoning her closer. Either she'd try to tickle him, or she'd come up with a different ploy to render him helpless. Personally, he figured she'd come up with something else. Shane wasn't a typically ticklish guy, so she'd be committing suicide by trying to turn his attack on her.

[ISSALYN!]

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

[/size][/b][/color][/center]

Turning to be sure her father had left the premises, Jay turned back around and rolled her eyes at Shane. "Please,"

[/b] she drawled, "you ain't got nothin' on me Shane Parker. "[/b] She wagged her eyebrow at him tauntingly, using the time to decide what to do. She knew an attempt at tickling him would fail miserably. Try to jump on him and tackle him to the ground? No, that would just result in him getting to tickle her again as well. There had to be something better.

She sighed and put on her most apologetic expression. "I guess you leave me no choice,"[/b] Jay said quietly as she stepped closer to him, closing the gap between them. She was tall enough that she didn't even really have to tiptoe much to weave her fingers in his hair and pull his head to hers, leaving a faint tingle of a kiss. Then she leaned her head back and gave him a steady gaze. "Who did you say was going to win this round?"[/b]

Then she pulled his lips back to her own and kissed him again, this time longer and with intensity. It lingered for a few seconds before she slowly drew back again. Jay being Jay though - she couldn't handle things being too serious for too long. Instead of leaning in for more kissing, she removed her hands from Shane's hair, and firmly planted them against his chest, shoving him backward. Not too hard, but just hard enough. Then she laughed. "I win!"[/b] In her mind, there was no contest. Shane: 1, Jay: 1. It was a tied game now.
[/color][/size][/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

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 350[/b] words, just for SHANE (FREE)[/b]!
PS - Meet miss Jay![/b]

[/color][/size][/center]

[FREE ♥]

He just smiled at her attempt to intimidate him, but he wasn't fooled. She stood and contemplated for a moment. Then her voice got deceptively quiet and she advanced. She put her fingers in his hair, pulling him up from his position against the wall and down to her where she placed her lips on his for only a tantalizing second. She pulled away for a second, and he could feel his brain slipping. Yes, she had definitely figured out how to win this round.

Then she kissed him, letting her passion rise to the surface. His hold on his own quickly slipped until he was matching her intensity. One hand held her waist, the other slipped into her hair. As she pulled away, he wasn't able to control himself as he thumped back against the wall. His blue eyes held a hunger for her, and he was forced to close them and swallow. His heart was pounding wildly in his ears. He wasn't able to stop himself from taking a step forward and pulling her close again, kissing her with what little breath he had left. He held her tightly against him, but reluctantly broke away. She didn't need this. He didn't need this. It was especially dangerous with only the two of them in the house.

He laughed shakily, running a hand through his hair. His voice was husky as he spoke, avoiding her eyes. "Yeah, you won." He closed his eyes and swallowed again. He didn't want to make her think that he didn't want her, but he was never going to regain his cool with her still somewhere near. "Time for me to take you home?" It was still too dangerous to look into her eyes, one for scaring her with his intensity, and two just looking at her might push him over the edge again. He wanted control, needed it. But he really hoped she'd accept his ring much sooner than later.