by Laura Burton
I bit my lip and admitted, “I’ve missed you, too.”
“You ready for a party?” Shane reached out his hand, placing his palm faceup to me. I put my hand in his, and he gave mine a soft squeeze.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I swallowed, moistening my dry mouth.
“It’ll be fun. I promise.”
I smiled, knowing that Shane hadn’t steered me wrong so far.
“Don’t leave me somewhere and forget about me,” I said in a joking tone, but I was serious. I didn’t know anyone other than Shane at this party. I didn’t want him to ditch me. It was a date, after all.
“Abs.” Shane tilted my chin with his knuckles. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
I liked the sound of that.
“Let’s go.”
My insides went crazy, a combination of nervous energy and anticipation forcing me to the edge of my seat as Shane drove us the short distance to the party.
What could possibly go wrong, right?
-Chapter 16-
The party was crazy. People stood outside drinking. Inside, the place was packed with people either playing video games or dancing to the loud music blaring from the speakers, and the kitchen was crammed with a large group of people gathered around the drinks and snacks.
Shane nodded and gave some people a bro hug, but as promised, he didn’t let go of my hand. I was fine with that. As expected, I hadn’t seen a single person I knew. Sure, I recognized a lot of them, but no one I really knew on a personal level. I really did hang in different circles.
Shane circled the place like he knew it. He’d probably attended these kinds of parties a lot of times. He led me down some stairs that led into a big kind of man cave. The basement was nearly as crowded, filled with people that were dancing to the music, a couple of guys playing a game of pool off to the side.
“You ready to dance?”
I shook my head in the negative. I was still taking all of this in.
“We came to dance, Abs.” Shane pulled me closer, letting go of my hand and putting both of his on my hips. The heat of his touch seeped through the fabric of my dress.
“I know.” I breathed into his neck. Knots formed in my middle. I was sure the prospect of dancing in public was the main cause of it. But Shane’s hands on me, heating my skin, played a big part in it as well.
“Don’t overthink it.” Shane’s breath made the hairs on my neck stand on end and goose bumps erupt over the lengths of my arms.
“That’s easy for you to say.” I glanced up at him through my eyelashes. “You’re good at this type of stuff.”
“What type of stuff is that?” Shane gave me his most charming smile, and I clutched his shirt, glad he had a firm hold on my waist.
“You know exactly what I mean.” I grinned, rolling my eyes.
“You mean this?” Shane pulled me even closer, plastering my body to his. He started swaying to the loud beat.
“Relax.” Shane released one hand from my hip and ran it up my arm, leaving a trail of heat where he passed. He brought his hand up to my neck, threading his fingers in my hair. My eyes closed of their own accord, enjoying his ministrations.
“Feel the beat,” he instructed. All I could feel or focus on was his touch, his heat, and the way my heart beat almost out of my chest.
“Just let go.” He brought his hand back to my hip and started moving me in tune with his own movements. I did as he instructed and let him lead. The first thing they teach you in ballroom is that if you have a good partner, just let him lead. I did that. I wrapped both of my hands around Shane and interlocked my grip around his neck. I let my body sway to the beat and move in sync with him.
Shane’s face broke out in a broad smile, and his hold on me tightened even more. “You’re doing great.”
My eyes searched his, and I realized in that moment that I was in love with Shane. Deeply, utterly, completely. This was nothing like what I had felt for Chris. That was a shadow of this.
Shane brought his face closer, the tip of his nose brushing my cheek. The touch sent a shiver down my spine.
“Abs,” he whispered, moving his face to rub against mine.
I leaned into his touch, my eyes closing. It was strange to feel so close to him and share such an intimate moment in a place that was so packed with people. I guess everyone was so preoccupied with their own conversations and dancing, they weren’t paying attention to us.
Shane leaned in, closing the distance between us and pressed his lips to mine. The party continued on around us, but everything froze. His warm lips touched mine, the beat of the music reverberating through my whole body, making me pulse with a beat that only matched Shane’s. Although I wanted to stay here, get lost in this moment, I felt myself pull back.
Shane’s brows pulled together.
“What are you doing?” I hated myself for spoiling my first, real kiss, but I didn’t want him to pull back and apologize to me. I didn’t want him to regret this. I didn’t think my heart could take it.
“I thought that was obvious.” Shane’s eyes sparkled as he pulled me closer.
“But last time…” I stammered. I swallowed, giving myself a minute to find the right words. “You were sorry you almost kissed me. I don’t understand.”
“Abs.” Shane tilted my chin up to meet my gaze. “I didn’t want to hurt you. Or take advantage of you. Or mess around with you if you were still into Chris. But I don’t care about Chris anymore. I want this.”
Shane studied me for a second. He must have read the same want on me, because he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine. At first, the connection was like a tiny spark. Like two crackles of lightning connecting and creating a small flash of light. But as he pulled me in and threaded his fingers through my hair, I clutched his shirt and held on for dear life. His tongue dipped out and licked my bottom lip, and my mouth opened up in both shock and invitation. When our tongues met, a new and rhythmic dance commenced. Shane took the lead, and I yielded completely, more than happy to let him take me through the steps. They were new and invigorating and left me breathless and wanting for more. He pulled back and studied me. He must have read my stunned and speechless state as a good sign, because he pulled me back and gave me a another spin on his personal dance floor; I was fine to stay there all night.
“Abby?!” Our moment was interrupted by a voice I recognized through the haze of the music and my personal tutorial.
I pulled back and my cheeks heated. “What are you doing here?”
In all the time we’d been friends, I’d never known Chris to attend a frat party.
“Evie’s brother invited us.” His brows were pulled together as his eyes shifted from Shane to me.
“Hi, Evie.” I ignored the embarrassment coloring my skin and tried to look calm and collected.
“Hi.” She smiled nervously.
“So this is who you were telling me about?” Chris’s voice rose as he spoke to me, completely ignoring Shane.
“Chris, this is Shane.” I avoided his comment and tried to introduce Shane.
“I know who he is.” Chris kept his eyes on me and continued to ignore Shane.
“Don’t be a brat.” I tried to keep my voice in check, but I was pissed that Chris had interrupted my first proper kiss and was being an idiot about it.
“What about you? I can’t believe you’re at a frat party. And with him.” Chris pointed to Shane but still refused to acknowledge him.
“Stop it.” My words came out clipped.
“No, Abby. You could date any guy if you wanted to. But him? The one guy you always said you’d never date, even if he was the last guy on earth? The campus player? This guy? What is wrong with you?” Chris’s outburst had caused people to stop and stare. But I didn’t care.
“What is wrong with you?” I shot back. “For four years, you didn’t even see me. Now, I finally decide to move on, to put you out of my mind, and you’re here to mess that up? Why can’t you be happy for me?”
“For such a smart guy, you really are stupid.” I shook my head.
I turned around to reach out to Shane, but he wasn’t there.
“Shane?” I called out. “Shane?”
“Abby?” Chris started, but I cut him off.
“Not now.”
I needed to find Shane.
I ran outside but couldn’t find him. His car was gone. It wasn’t like him to just leave me. I tried calling him, but after one ring it went straight to voice mail. What was going on?
I walked back inside, hoping to find something that would give me a clue to what had just happened. Nothing.
I pulled out my phone and rang Haley. She was there in five minutes to pick me up.
“I don’t understand,” I cried the moment I got into her car. “Why would he leave me here?”
“Run me through it again,” Haley instructed, as she drove us home. I told her all about Chris interrupting our kiss. How he had told me to date anyone but Shane.
“How long did Shane stick around?” Haley questioned.
“I don’t know. I didn’t see when he left.” I wiped my eyes.
“So he might have hung around to hear Chris sharing your thoughts of him, but not to hear you defending them?” Haley flinched.
“Maybe.” Tears pooled in my eyes.
“Oh, Abby. Call him,” Haley instructed.
“I’ve tried. He’s not picking up.” Hopelessness laced my words.
“What are we going to do?” Haley glanced my way.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, hiccupping.
I tried calling fifteen more times. That many calls maybe bordered on stalkerish behavior, but I didn’t care. I needed to speak to Shane. I texted him a couple of times asking him to call me. Sadly, he didn’t share the same feelings. All I got on the other end was his voice mail. And no answers to my texts.
Every single time.
-Chapter 17-
Thursday passed in a blur. For the first time ever, I skipped classes. I couldn’t bring myself to get dressed and face anyone. Even Haley’s attempts to lure me out of bed with ice cream and orange chicken takeout didn’t entice me to move from my position under the covers. I kept my phone clutched in my hands and waited. Hoping for a sign from Shane. Anything. But so far, nothing came.
“Knock, knock.” Haley knocked on my door and entered. “How are you holding up?”
“Go away,” I grumbled, plunking my pillow over my head.
“There’s someone to see you.” She added cheer to her voice, and hope filled my chest.
“Shane?” My voice almost cracked on the letters of his name.
“Sorry, no. But, please. I think you’ll want to hear this.” She got up and walked out of my room. The door closed, and I heard some whispered voices in the hallway before the door opened again.
“Hi.”
My mattress sank as a weight settled on the edge.
“Go away.” I kept the pillow on my head.
I felt hands work to release my hold on the pillow and pull it away.
“I mean it. Go away.” I turned onto my stomach, hiding from the light that stung my eyes now that the pillow was gone.
“What is going on? You never skip class.”
“Yeah, I never go to frat parties, either,” I spat.
“True. And you usually don’t kiss guys like Shane Davis. Or any guys, for that matter.”
“You are a real brat, you know that, right?” I took one of the stuffed animals from my side and flung it at Chris’s head.
“I’ve been told that a few times already in the last twenty-four hours.” Chris’s lips twitched.
“You should pay attention. It’s true.” I was still really annoyed with him, but it was hard to stay angry with Chris.
“Talk to me.” Chris stretched out on the bed and opened his arm, inviting me into his embrace. I settled into his hold, resting my head on his chest like I’d done at least a hundred times in the years we’d been friends.
“I’m in love with Shane,” I cried, wiping at the moisture spilling over.
“I figured, when I saw you sucking his face last night.”
I pinched his chest, hard. He was a real brat.
“Hey, that hurts.”
“Good.” I grinned through my tears. “It’s supposed to.”
“So, why Shane?” He rubbed my back.
“Because I was wrong about him. He’s kind, loving, a great friend.” I listed all of his redeeming qualities.
“So Abigail Henderson was presumptuous and judged him incorrectly?” Chris’s voice held laughter.
“Yes,” I answered curtly.
“You don’t say.” Chris laughed.
“Oh, and he’s really hot. That too.” I laughed, and Chris joined in.
We sat there for a few minutes, Chris still holding me, my arm across his chest.
“What was it that you said last night? About me? Us?” Chris’s voice came out strangled.
I sat up and ran my hands over my face. Finally, I faced him.
“Chris, I liked you. For a very long time, I was convinced I loved you. I thought that if we got together, it would be perfect. Shane was actually helping me. You know. To get you to notice me. But somewhere along the line, I fell in love with him. And now.” I exhaled. “I think I’ve screwed it all up.”
“You’re my best friend. I love you.”
“I know, I love you, too.” I smiled.
“You and I were always meant to be best friends.” Chris squeezed me.
“I think I love Shane,” I admitted.
“I know, Abby. I could see that last night. I can see it in your eyes now.”
“I don’t know what to do. He won’t return my calls. Answer my texts.” My eyes filled again.
“Abby, I saw Shane earlier. When I came over here. Sitting on a bench. He looked miserable.”
“What? Where?” I shot out of bed and almost fell smack on my face. For the first time since last night, I felt a flicker of hope. Shane was close by. I needed to find him.
“Just outside of the coffee shop.” Chris shifted to the edge of the bed.
“Right.” I grabbed my chucks that were on the floor next to my bed and squeezed my feet in them as fast as I could, not bothering to tie the laces. I reached for my glasses and plopped them on my nose. Grabbing my phone, I made my way to the door.
“Abby?” Chris called out. “Don’t you need to, I don’t know, put something on other than that?” He pointed at me, motioning his hand up and down the length of me.
“No time,” I hollered over my shoulder. I couldn’t miss Shane. Every second counted. I was probably too late, but I needed to try. He still hadn’t returned any of my calls. Not the fifteen from last night, or any of the texts from yesterday and this morning. I wasn’t going to let my plaid pajama bottoms and my white tank top stop me from finding him. I had a bra on, so my bases were covered, so to speak. No real drama.
Racing across campus, I spotted the bench Chris was talking about. And someone that looked an awful lot like Shane was seated in that spot. I sped up, not willing to lose my window of opportunity.
Completely winded and slightly sweaty, I dropped down next to Shane and caught my breath.
“Do you know it’s the girl’s job to play hard to get in a relationship?” I breathed out, once I was sure I could get the sentence out without having to stop to gulp in air.
“You do know that your gender stereotyping leads to false expectations, and as a man I take offense to what you just stated.” Shane kept his face neutral, but I could tell by the sparkle in his eyes that he was fighting a grin from appearing on his face.
“Do you now?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Why don’t I, as the man in this relationship, have the right to play hard to get?” Shane shifted his torso toward me.
I blinked. “Do you mean it, Shane?” I questioned, emotio
n making my throat dry.
“Mean what, Abs?” His eyes stayed fixed on me.
I remembered the first time he had called me Abs. How I’d hated it. Now, I couldn’t imagine him not being here, calling me Abs, and riling me up in the best possible way.
“That what you and I have is a relationship?” I sat there, realizing that for the first time ever, I was seated in front of a guy. Just me. Plain Abby. And I was being honest about how I felt. No more hiding.
“Abs.” Shane grinned as he said my name. “What you and I have is most definitely a relationship.” He scooted closer. “How could you doubt me?” He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I hadn’t even bothered to check my reflection before I raced out of my apartment. Luckily, I’d at least brushed my teeth at some point before Chris had come around. I probably still looked like a real mess, though. I dipped my head down, but Shane wouldn’t have it.
“Don’t hide your face from me.” His eyes searched out mine.
“I’m a mess.” I swallowed.
“Not a mess.” Shane’s eyes stayed fixed on me.
“Why did you run off last night?” I suddenly remembered all my unanswered calls and texts.
“Did you really say all those things about me?” Shane questioned.
My brows pulled down in confusion.
“About me being the last guy on earth you’d ever date? About what a player you think I am?” His jaw tightened, and his shoulders dropped.
“Yes. I did.” I folded my hands in my lap. “But that was before.”
“Before?” Shane urged.
“Before I got to know you. The real you.”
“And now?”
“Now.” I swallowed. “Now, I know better.”
Shane released the breath he held.
“Now,” I paused, “now, I’ve seen a side of you that I don’t think many people get to see. At least, not completely. And I was wrong. So wrong.”
“Say that again, please?”
I caught Shane trying to hide his wide grin, but it was too late. I’d spotted it.
“I was wrong, Shane.” I paused to give him an extra moment to enjoy the admittance of my fault. By the smug look on his face, he enjoyed it way too much. “You are an amazing person,” I continued. His smile remained, but his attention zoned in on me. “And I love you. I’m in love with you.” I hadn’t ever told anyone that out loud, but it was the truth. I was deeply, madly, and completely in love with Shane Davis.