Page 98 of I Got You

“She’s dancing with Danny Z, huh? And you’re good with that?”

They don’t know Maggie and they don’t know how much she needs to do this. How much she deserves to have this.

“She’s going to be great,” I say. “She deserves this.”

Sean leans forward, resting his hands on his knees. “You know you’re awfully cool about this for a guy who’s way more wrapped up in her than you’ll ever admit. I wouldn’t want my girl anywhere near Danny Z or any other guy.”

“Maggie and Danny are over. This is strictly business,” I say, knowing it’s true but still not liking any part of her being near him. I don’t like him, but more than anything, I don’t like how he disrespected and hurt Maggie.

“Just be careful, Shane. I know how hard it is to let someone in. Don’t be so set on protecting yourself that you push her away and miss out on what could be,” Sean warns softly.

I’m not missing anything. I see exactly what’s in front of me. The problem is that what I can give Maggie is nothing compared to everything she should have. And I want her to have it all. The question is, will I be able to give her up so she can someday have just that?

Chapter 35

MAGGIE

I lay in the middle of the hard studio floor, and I'm unsure I’ll be able to move tomorrow. My ankle hurts pretty damn bad, but so does everything else.

“You alright, down there?” Danny asks from his perch against the wall. This guy. Pretty much the same guy I danced with years ago, I just look at him in a whole different light.

His baby face and lean muscular build. His light brown hair is held back with a band, and he has enough charm to win over a prude. It’s all the same.

“I don’t know. I might have to tell Shane I’ll be sleeping here tonight.” He laughs. “I knew I was out of shape, but this is depressing.”

We’ve been dancing for the last four hours, and I’m done. The only thing keeping me from saying I’m not doing the show right now is that it will be amazing. Danny came prepared, already having choreographed most of our dances, but I put my spin on them. It’s reminded me of what a good team we are.

Danny stands over me, holding out his hand. “Come on. Laying still is only going to make it worse. You’ve got to keep moving before all your muscles lock up.”

I let him help me up and check my phone. It’s getting late, and I’m supposed to meet the guys for dinner. Shane was nervous about me working with Danny today, but I tried again this morning to reassure him that everything would be okay.

I didn’t know what to expect from Shane last night when I plopped down on his lap. There wasn’t anywhere to sit, and we sleep together every night. It seemed like the natural thing to do, but then I wasn’t sure. I was surprised when he not only didn’t seem to mind but tucked me in closer to him. His large hand wrapped around my hip was definitely giving me more than a friend vibe. But ever since our almost kiss in the bathroom and his confession at Thanksgiving, we’ve both been pretty careful not to cross any lines.

Last night, I took a risk. A risk I’ve wanted to take just to see what would happen, but pushing for something that is only physical will only get me hurt.

Pulling my phone from my bag, I see I have a few missed calls from an unknown number and a text from Shane.

SHANE: When will you get here?

ME: Are those big boys picking on you?

SHANE: No, there’s a bachelorette party that won’t leave us alone.

ME: Get up and move. Go somewhere else.

SHANE: We’re waiting for you.

ME: I'm tired. I smell. And I’m not sure I can move more than an inch a minute.

SHANE: I don’t care. Get your butt here.

ME: Fine, but I warned you. You may have to carry me.

SHANE: Hurry up before I lose my shit.

I limp over to shut down the sound equipment. “I’ve got to go. I’m meeting Shane and his brothers for dinner.”

“It sounds like you’re happy,” Danny says softly like he’s surprised, and I kind of want to punch him.

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