So. I noticed it's been awhile since I updated this story. Or at least, it seems like it to me. But then, If I recall, I didn't get a whole lot of reviews last chapter. I still want to hear what people thought of chapter 9 because I'm still not completely convinced I like it…………..

Anyways! I hope everyone enjoys this, and I apologize for (momentarily) forgetting about this story. I've been so wrapped up in "Camoflage" lately that this story slipped my mind…Oh, and my Self Assigned Honor Society Songfic Challenge has been keeping me busy too. Lol.

Reviews would be amazing, but I'm not begging this time. ;)

Disclaimer: I own only the plot.

Chapter 10

She intended to leave. She really did. In fact, Caitlyn managed to turn from him and take a few small steps toward the door. The instant her mind flashed back to Shane's face, though, her steps stopped.

"Cait?" his whisper came after a moment of her stillness.

Before she had time to think about, or even realize, what she was doing, Caitlyn had spun on her heel and quickly resumed her place in front of Shane. Only when she felt herself blush did she gather the courage to slip her arms around his waist beneath his shirt.

He was warm, her mind registered. His skin was warm against her arms, bringing an unfamiliar comfort that ran through her, enabling her to manage relaxing. When Caitlyn realized what she had done, her first reaction was to pull away but Shane's hands on her back kept her where she was.

Caitlyn looked up into Shane's eyes tentatively, unable to distract her mind from her fingers sliding over his back, trying to memorize the feeling of his hot skin under her fingertips.

"I thought you were leaving?" Shane's soft voice reached her ears. No words would pass her lips, though.

Heart hammering in her chest, Caitlyn tore her eyes from his face and instead stared at his neck a minute. She took a moment to second guess herself, but quickly brushed the thoughts away.

"I thought I was, too." She whispered, kissing Shane's collar bone and hearing him gasp in surprise. Opposed to what she expected of herself, his reaction didn't discourage her, but her hands moved to rest on Shane's sides as her thumbs ran circles over his smooth skin.

"Please, Caitlyn," Shane whispered, kissing her neck tenderly as he spoke, "You have to believe that my feelings for you are real."

Head spinning at his words, Caitlyn found no response, but knew she at least halfway believe him. Whether it was wishful thinking or not, only time could determine. She only hoped her doubts would be proved wrong.

She kissed his chest, feeling him tense as she brushed her lips upward against his skin until she reached his jaw, "I think I do." Caitlyn whispered, "But I can't help but worry." She admitted, feeling him pull her tighter against him.

"Just trust me." He murmured, eyes shining when Caitlyn managed to meet his eyes. Unable to force a smile at the intensity on his face, she only concentrated on breathing as his lips pressed against hers feverishly.

Caitlyn lost nearly all thought process in the next few moments, aware of Shane's strong arms around her and her tight grip on him not loosening. It was as if all her bottled up emotions were released at once, and a feeling of relief spread through her.

"What will your mom say?" Caitlyn broke their kiss, looking up at Shane from where she lay since they had fallen onto the bed. His bed was comfortable- the fact was registered in the back of her mind.

"I don't care." Shane brushed his nose against hers with a smile, "We can keep it a secret for now, if you want." One of his hands brushed against her cheek and she couldn't keep back a smile.

"That might be a good idea." She nodded, one hand pressing against his back as the other went to tangle in his hair and bring his face to hers again. Shane obliged, having no objection to being close to her again and kissed her fiercely.

Caitlyn yawned, instinctively burying her face in the warmth next to her. The sound of distant voices and music made her blink slowly and stare a moment at the ceiling fan that spun slowly above her. Caitlyn pushed herself to sit up on her elbows and run a hand through her hair. Mind blurred from tiredness, she blinked slowly.

A hand settled gently on her shoulder and everything suddenly hit and she grinned, rolling on to her side to look down at Shane, "The party is still going." she murmured, stifling a yawn in the process.

"Mhm." He sighed, closing his eyes.

"I should really get home." She whispered, glancing at the clock and seeing it was almost one. So about twenty minutes of laying next to Shane contentedly didn't give her any extra energy at all, it would seem. Shane groaned, making her half smile as she sat up and fiddled nervously with the hem of her shirt.

"Caitlyn?" his soft voice broke the silence as he sat up also, looking almost asleep with very messy hair. Turning her eyes on him, Caitlyn couldn't help but bite her tongue in anxiety, "You're beautiful."

Her lips parted slightly in a silent gasp at his affectionate words, but no sound could pass her lips as her face heated up. The feeling of his fingertips trailing down her cheek made her smile.

"Goodnight, Shane." She whispered softly, leaning into his touch willingly.

"Go out the back door so Mom doesn't see you," he instructed, fighting back a yawn, "I think she'd have a problem with the fact that we were both missing at the same time."

"Anything you say." She smiled shyly at him, feeling her heart pace quicken for a moment when his lips brushed against hers.

"I like the sound of that." he murmured with a chuckle.

"I'm sure you do." Caitlyn laughed quietly, pressing a hand against his chest a moment, enjoying the comfortingly warm skin a moment before standing and finger-brushing her hair.

"Drive safely." Shane spoke sternly, watching her carefully until she reached the door and turned to glance at him once more.

"I will." Caitlyn replied, feeling awkward as she waved briefly to him before slipping soundlessly from his room and practically floating the rest of the night.

I trust that if people really did like this chapter, I won't have to ask for reviews because they'll just WANT to review and tell me what they thought…….Now, watch me get 0. Lol!

…Wow, that would be depressing…

(If you have the guts to say something nasty, you should have the guts to NOT review anonymous. This happened recently, and it's ridiculous to think someone can talk so rudely and NOT identify themselves…how immature… But I laughed.)