Page 132 of I Got You

“I got it.”

He pushes open his door, and I’m not ready to get out yet. I sit there waiting for him to pull me out like he pushes me out of bed in the morning. He opens my door, and I turn to climb out, but he leans in, stopping me.

He uses his finger to tip my chin up. “Firefly, you’ve got this. I’m so sorry I’m not going to be there, but you’re going to do this, and you’re going to be amazing.”

I lean my head on his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re so confident.”

“Maggie, I’ve seen what you can do and exactly what you’re made of.” He kisses my cheek and reaches around to hug me. “You have no idea how much I want to go with you, but you don’t need me.”

“Don’t say things like that,” I whine, hugging him back.

I finally pull myself up and away, shifting to climb out. “Call me if anything happens.”

“I will.”

“I can’t wait to hear what you find out in Ohio.” I try to smile, but it’s pathetic.

Shane nods. “You’ll be the first to know.”

“Even before Rob?” I push my nose in the air, faking confidence and sass.

“Even before Rob.”

“Ok.” I take a step away, trying to pull myself up. Shane stares at me, his almost green eyes intense. “I’ll see you in a few days. Good luck.” I take another step back, and his arms reach out to snatch me back.

“Where are you going?” he growls.

“Uh…to catch my flight.”

“Wrong answer,” he says. “That goodbye sucked.”

“Oh yeah, well….” He cuts me off with his lips. His hands find my hair, holding me so close while he kisses me goodbye. Not the forever kind. It’s much more like the don’t forget this kind, and it has my stomach picking itself back up off my pelvic floor.

His lips move over mine, soft and slow, but need and desire are alive and real. He kisses me thoroughly before resting his forehead on mine.

“Well, you’re right,” I say, a little breathless, the skin surrounding my mouth burning from his stubble. It’s like a branding I’ll take with me. “That was much better.”

His mouth curves upward into a slight smile, and when they're few and far between, it’s my absolute favorite sight. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

“A few days.” I push up, give him another quick kiss, and walk away. Hope. I have hope, and I have to trust that everything is going to be just fine. This is all going to work out exactly as it’s supposed to. If Shane and I are meant to be, he’ll see it too, and Ohio, well, we’ll figure that out together.

Chapter 53

SHANE

I watch Maggie step through the sliding doors and disappear. I want to run after her, buy a ticket, and not let her do this alone. I want to support her and not let her doubt consume her.

She’s been to every home game, in the stands wearing my jersey, giving me the encouragement and support I’ve never had. I want to be that for her, but I also know the opportunity at Ohio State is important. I hate this. The timing, the conflicting feelings swirling within me, and the fear I saw in Maggie’s eyes.

I don’t want her to feel afraid or like she can’t do this. I know she can. I can’t be in two places at once, and she told me to go. She wants me to see what Ohio has to offer.

I pound my fist on the steering wheel, feeling like I’m letting her down and making a huge mistake.

I dial Mark, needing to ensure he’ll be there to pick her up at the airport. At least I know he’ll get her to her hotel safely and be sure she eats something before things get crazy in the morning.

“What up, bro,” Mark answers.

“You sure you’ll be at the airport to pick Maggie up? No flaking out.”

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