Page 112 of I Got You

Shane makes his way back up to my mouth, and what started out slow and patient quickly turns to intense need. “Shane,” I whisper against his lips.

He pulls back just slightly as out of breath as I am. I press my forehead into his cheek, needing him to pull back but not wanting him to pull away. I cradle his face with my hands, keeping him close to me.

“Shane,” I whisper again, kissing his cheek and needing him to understand, but I don’t have the words.

“I know. I know.” He whispers as if he understands. He presses a soft kiss to my lips and rolls onto his back, putting distance between us that leaves me feeling cold and confused.

I don’t want to go back, but I’m not ready to jump that far forward without more. I want it all. I love Shane, but for us to be intimate, I need to be loved in return. It’s the only way.

This is so much more than an act of passion to me. It’s the two of us coming together. No longer separate, but one. That doesn’t leave any room for questions of love and devotion or wondering if he’ll ever let me see what’s under the surface. I need him to trust me enough to let me see everything he keeps hidden.

I take a slow breath and let it out, wishing I didn’t feel so suddenly alone. I try to roll over, but before I can, Shane’s strong arms come around me pulling me close once again, only this time he settles me next to him. I rest my head on his chest as he holds me tight, one hand spread across my back and the other linked with mine across his stomach.

I nuzzle into his neck, needing to feel close to him and trying really hard to just let this thing between us naturally unfold. I want to know what he’s thinking and feeling, but I also know he probably needs some time to process what just happened. I decide to savor the moment and see what tomorrow brings. Today has enough worries of its own.

Laying next to him, my body and mind relax for the first time today. That’s how I fall asleep. Tucked into Shane, safe and warm and the absolute only place I ever want to be.

Chapter 43

SHANE

So, I guess we’re just going to pretend that nothing happened. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or thoroughly annoyed, but either way, now that I’ve tasted Maggie’s lips, there’s no reverting back. I watch her limp around the kitchen, acting like it’s just another ordinary day, but there’s nothing ordinary about it.

Walking in last night and seeing her lying in my t-shirt was just the tip of the iceberg. Everything that followed only made it all that much harder to hold back. Just holding her last night took every ounce of willpower I had and then some. The moment she said my name, I knew. I knew what she was asking of me, demanding, and she had every right. I just don’t know how or if I can give her what she wants and deserves.

Teddy’s spoon clangs against the floor as Liv stumbles into the kitchen and crawls up on my lap.

“You’re home,” she says sleepily, curling up between my arms.

“So, do we get to go to Miami if you make it to the Championship?” Teddy asks with a mouthful.

“You guys have school, so unfortunately, probably not,” Maggie answers.

“But that’s not fair. We have to be there,” Garrett protests. “Shane and Cole need us in the stands.”

Maggie’s eyes flick to mine and then away. “One game at a time. Right now, you need to hurry so you don’t miss the bus.”

They hustle out of the kitchen and up the stairs to brush their teeth as Hank breezes through, grabbing a Pop-Tart. “I’m getting a ride with Sadie after school. Then we’re working on a presentation.”

“I expect a text if things change, Hank,” Maggie warns, and he’s gone. “Liv, you ready for some breakfast?”

I sit here waiting for her to tease me or make some smart-mouth comment, but no. There’s none of that this morning, and I hate it. I want to see that little flicker in her eye, her smirk, and the feistiness that lives inside her.

I want to get her off her ankle, set her on the counter, and pick up where we left off last night. Until Gwen gets here, I’ll have to settle for being patient. Then, I’m going to find out what we’re going to do about it because ignoring it or trying to forget isn’t an option.

My phone buzzes on the counter in front of me.

GREG CARTER: Tell your wife it was nice chatting, but she'll regret it if she sends anyone else sniffing around. I don’t make idle threats.

I look up, and Maggie’s back is to me. My stomach hits the floor. Did she talk to him? When? The thought of him getting anywhere near her or even just calling her sends anger surging through me.

I hear the front door open, and Gwen strolls in, but I’m having trouble thinking about anything other than Greg talking to Maggie. Why didn’t she tell me?

“Alright. I have to get going so I have time to snail my way into the gym,” Maggie says, gathering her things.

“Good game this weekend,” Gwen says, pulling me from my thoughts. “Congrats on the win.”

“Thanks,” I say, needing to catch Maggie before she’s out the door.

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