AN- Language in this one is a little worse than usual, but not much. Things
are starting to get tense now, and I hope you like the little cliffhanger.
I couldn't help it. *grin* Also, the lyrics are Shania Twain's "From This
Moment On." I just remembered this from last chapter, in case anyone was
wondering, the villian in "Beowulf" is Grendel, a fire drake.
~~~~~
It was the night before her birthday, and Danielle had a plan ready and waiting for action. She had put time and money into it- she still couldn't believe that she had thought of such a great idea. It made her smile all day, even though she hadn't talked to Shane since the night with Sean. She'd barely even seen him.
No one knew what she had planned. Danielle felt like it would be better if kept a secret. She didn't want to risk anyone- especially Shane- finding out, and someone could also get the wrong idea. A dinner to get him to forgive me, nothing more, Danielle thought. I hope this works.
Everything was ready, and she walked through the hotel hallway nervously. She was staring at the floor, going over her thoughts as she twisted the blindfold in her hands. She was determined to make this a surprise. Arriving at his door, she took a deep calming breath and knocked.
She could hear slow footsteps, and the door opened. She met his dark eyes and gave him a smile. "Hi Shane, can I bother you?"
He glanced at his watch silently, and her smile faded. He looked so put- together and in control- it never matched the anger in his eyes. "I'm busy," he said briskly, cold like ice.
"But, it's very important!" Danielle blurted. "And I promise it's nothing bad!" His eyebrows lowered, and she looked at him desperately. "Please? If you don't want to, you can leave- but just let me show you something first!"
Shane sighed and gave her a contemplating stare. "You've got ten minutes." Danielle grinned and looked relieved, and he put one hand under her chin- ever bit the intimidator. Their eyes met, and his were narrowed. "Not a second more, and this better not be a joke or anything I'll hate."
She shook her head and held the blindfold out to him. "I know you won't hate it." He looked at the black fabric in her hands suspiciously, and she couldn't stop a grin. "It's a surprise, so you have to put it on."
Rolling his eyes, he let her tie the cloth around his head. He tried to ignore the chills that went up his spine when she had to slide her fingers through his hair. "Is it really necessary to blindfold me already? How far are we going?" He could hear her chuckle softly, and he almost tripped over a table in the hall. Luckily, he hit it with one foot and stumbled around it, embarrassing himself and blushing when she laughed.
"That's why I blindfolded you," Danielle teased, grabbing his hand and pulling him into an elevator. She pressed the button for the main floor, and he stood by the wall. "We're not going very far- we don't even have to leave the hotel."
"Good to know," he replied softly. The elevator stopped and she led him out, and they had only walked a few steps before he heard her locking a door behind them. "Are you locking me in a closet?"
"A closet?" she repeated in shock, "I'm not mad at you, Shane." Leading him a few steps, she guided him into a chair. "Just a second, you can almost take the blindfold off. Well, maybe more like a few minutes, but it's getting close..."
Shane nodded and relaxed in his seat, trying to guess what she had planned. He could smell something- faintly, but it was there- but it smelled like something was burning. Not a good sign. "Now?" he asked hopefully- his curiosity was peaked.
"No, I've got to get changed first." His eyebrows raised and he fought back a laugh while she sighed. "Don't even say a word. I'll be back in a sec, and don't peek!"
Turning his head toward the sound of her voice, he nodded. "Sure." He could hear footsteps as she left, and he listened to them until they faded to nothing. "Anyone else around?" he called, sure that someone could hear him. No one answered, and his voice echoed. This room must be huge, he contemplated yelling to see just how big but decided against it. She'll be back soon, and then maybe I can take this damn thing off my eyes.
Why don't you take it off yourself? Has she got you beaten completely? He sighed and slouched in his seat. Great, he thought. I'm not only talking to myself- I'm being a prick too.
"You miss me?" Shane jerked his head at the sound of her voice, he hadn't heard her come back. She moved in front of him, and he could feel her hands resting on his shoulders.
"Can I take the blindfold off yet?" he said, giving her a hopeful grin... even though he couldn't actually see her. His bad mood had slowly faded away, and he nodded to her.
Danielle's fingers grasped the fabric, untying it and taking it away. Their eyes met, his blinking from the sudden light, and she smiled. "I suppose I can. Take a look around, your ten minutes are almost up," she replied, turned and walking to another table, grabbing two trays off it.
His eyes followed her for a moment, and then did a quick sweep around the room. They were in the main dining hall, all alone, with lamps lit everywhere. He could hear music from somewhere around him, playing softly. The table in front of him was set, and she brought over an entire meal. Looking at her, he couldn't stop a grin.
She was wearing a long dress- rare for her- that was a deep blue which moved with her. Simple black heels and her hair hanging loose around her shoulders, only one word came to his mind: breathless. He found his breath after a few moments though, but she looked so beautiful...
His eyes were drawn to hers, and he smiled up in shock. "This is... quite a surprise, Dani. Why are you going through all of this trouble for me?"
"I wanted to apologize... for, well, you know what." She shrugged- was that a blush on her cheeks?- and sat across from him. The table was small, and he leaned his elbows onto it and watched her.
"You didn't have to do this," he said softly. "I would have forgiven you."
"Eventually, but I didn't want to wait that long." She fidgeted in her seat and looked at the meal in front of them. "So, are we going to eat or what? I didn't rent this room just to chat."
Shane laughed and he couldn't draw his eyes from hers- but he didn't mind. "Sounds good," he replied, grabbing the bottle of champagne and grinning. "You're having water."
She rolled her eyes but smiled back, and he reached over the table and gently touched her cheek. "You look absolutely beautiful." Danielle shrugged it off, but he could see that she liked the compliment. He started pouring the drinks for them, and her plan made the last night of hell worth it.
~~~~~
"What do you want for your birthday?"
Danielle's eyes flicked up at his sudden question. There had been a silence between them- relaxing and peaceful, not tense- after they had been eating the dinner. She hadn't made it, but it was definitely better this way. Now Shane was looking at her with those inquisitive brown eyes, mouth twitching in a half smile.
"I don't really know if I want anything," she began softly. "I know I don't want a party- if that's what you're thinking." He grinned and picked up a glass, twirling it in his hand as he looked at her. He seemed so deep in thought, and Danielle met his eyes curiously. "What are you thinking?"
He sat the glass down and smoothly slid his chair away from their small table. "I'm thinking..." he started, standing up. He walked over to the small stereo a few tables away and turned up the volume, still not finishing his thought. Listening for a second, he decided on the song and was back to the table in a few long strides. Standing in front of her, he offered his hand. "I'm thinking... do you want to dance?'
She grinned and teasingly gave him a once over. he was one of those people who could look so put-together, no matter what he was wearing or what he was doing. "Well... I suppose so. There aren't any other worthy men around right now."
He laughed and grabbed her hand. "Don't be so humble," he teased, pulling her into his arms and guiding her away from the table. Her simple heels clicked on the wooden floorboards as he lead her to the spacious dance floor.
The lights were dim and the music was soft, and Danielle couldn't believe the nervous lump that was forming in her throat. Shane had immediately pulled her closer to him and rested one hand against her lower back. He held her one hand out as they danced, and he smiled when she rested her head on his shoulder and lay her free hand on his upper arm.
His shirt was made of something soft and simple, and Danielle didn't mind the feel of it against her light skin. She could feel the warmth of his body around her, and his cologne was vivid in her mind. Two strong arms against her- he was more fit than she'd realized- and she could feel every rise and fall of his chest. Not that she was complaining, it had been a while since someone had held her so gently, and she had missed it.
She could feel his heart race, even though he was trying to keep it under control. Danielle was so warm and inviting against him, and he loved the sensation of her smooth dress against his hand. Her thick hand tumbled down his chest, and he could smell a faint hint of peaches. Her hand was still in his, so much smaller but still strong, and her entire body moved with him slowly. This was making him forget the last night even more.
From this moment, life has begun.
From this moment, you are the one.
Right beside you is where I belong.
From this moment on.
From this moment, I have been blessed.
I live only for your happiness.
And for your love, I'd give my last breath.
From this moment on.
Shane had been beyond furious when he'd gotten back to his room that night. Sean, that damn arrogant man, had gotten drunk with Dani. He knew it was going to happen, Sean was bragging all day about the fun time partying him and Dani were going to have. It burned Shane inside when Dani had come back to her room with that beer bottle.
He could've understood if she had been doing something important and had missed his surprise. She didn't know he was planning anything, and he wouldn't have gotten mad at her. Not if it hadn't been Sean, and not if she wasn't drinking. But, she was, and it made him tremble with rage when he thought of what Sean might have done. If he had laid one hand on Dani, Shane wouldn't be held responsible for what he'd do.
One thing was for sure, he would do anything to keep her safe and happy. He'd do anything or give anything for her period. Sometimes he didn't know if she really understood that, or any of it. We aren't just friends, and we can never be just that. Doesn't she realize it?
I give my hand to you with all my heart.
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start.
You and I will never be apart.
My dreams came true, because of you.
From this moment, as long as I live.
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn't give.
From this moment on.
Danielle sighed softly and turned her head on his shoulder so she could look at him. He was looking at something behind her, or else he was just staring off into space. Either way, his features were relaxed and she was close enough to see some stubble on his chin. She smiled, he looked so much happier and more casual than before. I guess he liked my idea, she thought, and everything's going so well.
"Dani... enjoying the view?" She came back into focus and met his amused gaze. Shane smiled and let her hand drop from his. He trailed his fingertips up her arm and over her collar bone, stopping his fingers under her chin. She blinked slowly and forgot his question, and he gently caressed her chin.
The song came to a slow end, and they were bathed in silence. Shane held her close and they kept dancing- he hoped they'd never stop, but the peace was shattered by the start of the next song. Loud rock notes cut through the air, and he frowned. One of Dani's burnt CD's, he thought dryly. Just my luck. Hearing the loud music brought Danielle back to the present and she stepped away from Shane.
"Ready for dessert? I actually made it!" she said excitedly, turning and walking back toward their table.
He grinned, enjoying the double meaning he could find in her words. Especially in his current state of mind. "What is it?" he asked, following her to the table and glancing over her shoulder. She picked up a tray with a cloth covering it, and he inhaled deeply. "Smells good."
His face was alongside hers, and Danielle realized that the lump hadn't left her throat. She could feel his breath on her face, stirring her hair, and she picked up the tray and stepped away quickly. She didn't expect him to move too, and they ran into each other when she turned around. She looked up, and he helped her to steady the dessert in her hands.
"I've got it," she said softly, and Shane slid his hands up her arms. He leaned in closer, holding the tray between their bodies, and bent to give her a soft kiss on the lips. He smiled and kissed her with a little more pressure, tilting her mouth toward his with a free hand.
He started placing short kisses over her lips, but she drew away with a deep exhale. "Shane," she said, eyes dark. "This isn't supposed to be a date..."
Chuckling, he gave her another kiss and tugged on her full lower lip with gentle teeth. He pulled back and grinned at the restrained look over her features. "Don't fool yourself, Dani. Are you going to tell me that you don't consider a romantic dinner, close dancing, all alone with me, a date?"
Danielle didn't reply, and he gave her a another kiss, teasing her with a flick of his tongue. He heard her inhale sharply, but she didn't move to stop him so he took advantage of her partially open mouth. He groaned softly, deep in his throat, and wrapped his arms around her back snugly. Her body was pulled against his, and the sharp pain of the tray in his stomach made him pull back slightly. Danielle took advantage and stepped away from him.
She looked at him with tortured eyes and shakily set the tray onto the table. "I... I think you need to calm down a little bit, Shane," she said, not meeting his eyes.
He nodded and sighed. "If you think that's best," he replied. "How about that desert? I'm still not sure if you can cook." He grinned, and she visibly relaxed. It hurt when she did that- did she not enjoy kissing him?
"I can't cook much," she said, getting the tray and sitting it on their table. "But, enough to survive." Shane laughed and sat down, and she felt more calm and collected now.
A million thoughts had raced through her mind when Shane had kissed her. His lips were so gentle, and she could feel the desire in his every movement. Her own controlled reaction surprised her. She had wanted to give in and let those kisses evolve to so much more, but the only responsible part of her mind screamed against it.
he had been o forward, it surprised her when he had so bluntly kissed her and pulled her to him. Damn, how she wanted to stop being herself and give in to temptation. Even if she knew what would inevitably happen. Shane wasn't smart if he became serious with her, he knew very well that she wouldn't- no, she couldn't- commit. It would kill him too, and Danielle didn't want to be responsible for doing that.
They started to eat dessert, it was something she'd made that resembled pudding but smelled like strawberries. Nonetheless, it tasted delicious, and he was surprised. He looked up at her often, but she never met his gaze. Shane sighed, she's holding back from me, and Danielle looked up at him finally.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly, watching him inquisitively. He shook his head and she rolled her eyes. "Like I believe that."
His eyes shot up and he nodded. "Okay, ummm, why did that bother you?" She looked away from him and he frowned. "Danielle," he said. "Why won't you let me kiss you? Is this one of those things that go on inside Dani's mind that no one understands?"
She looked at him and pursed her lips. "No need to be such an ass, Shane. Just because you're not getting what you want-"
"Forget it," he interrupted her. He could tell she was getting angry, and the last thing he wanted was to ruin a good evening with some stupid fight. "That was a low blow."
Silence settled over them, and she nervously poked at her food. "It's just better for the both of us," she said softly. He looked at her, confused, and she sighed. "It's better for us... if there is no 'us.' It wouldn't work out."
"How do you know that for sure?" he replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "You don't know what can and can't happen between us, especially if we never try."
"I've been through this before," she said quickly, chewing her lip in frustration and meeting his leveled gaze. "It was the same with me and Sean."
"Of course," Shane snapped. "Sean, the great Val Venis."
She fell silent and looked at the floor. "I think we'd better say goodnight."
"You don't want to discuss this?" She shook her head and he cursed under his breath. "We never discuss it, Dani. Maybe that's the problem. If we could just be honest with each other, maybe this wouldn't always happen. I mean, we're friends, then we're more, then you don't like me all of a sudden, and we're barely friends again."
"If I was honest, do you want to know what would happen?!" She met his eyes and continued in a low voice- there was no hope for a peaceful night now. "We'd sleep together, Shane. Have the best fucking night ever- with each other." He caught her eyes, and her mouth was pulled tight. "And then you'd say you loved me. I'd leave- we both know I would- and it would hurt you. I don't want to do that to you. I'm a bitch sometimes and I know it, but I won't hurt my best friend."
He didn't say a word. He could easily deny everything she had said, but he didn't want to argue anymore. He'd rather not get his answers right now. She was looking at him, and he met her eyes again briefly. Her features were torn, agonized but angry, and he stood up abruptly. He gave her one last look before he left. "Goodnight Dani."
Danielle watched him leave without moving, breathing, or saying a word. She couldn't do anything but watch Shane and hold back tears. She hated crying, she never wanted to let anyone see her cry.
She couldn't remember being that blunt with Shane before, and she had said a lot to him over the years. It was best, she told herself, better to let him know the truth than to let him think there was going to be something between us. She sniffled loudly and stood up, starting to clear the dishes.
~~~~~
Shane walked down the hotel corridor silently, briskly, going over every word Dani and him had spoken. Her sharp reality rang in his ears. It wasn't true, he wouldn't let it happen. He didn't know if it would ever start. Sometimes he just wanted to shake sense into Dani, let her know what really would happen. He wouldn't sleep with her- no matter how much he wanted to- and he wouldn't say he loved her until she was ready. How could he make her see that?
Not noticing anything or anyone, Shane almost ran into someone. He looked up and was about to apologize when he met familiar eyes.
"Where's the fire, McMahon?"
Sean Morley grinned, and Shane narrowed his eyes. If he couldn't talk sense into Dani, 'talking' with Sean would be a good stress releaser.
~~~~~
It was the night before her birthday, and Danielle had a plan ready and waiting for action. She had put time and money into it- she still couldn't believe that she had thought of such a great idea. It made her smile all day, even though she hadn't talked to Shane since the night with Sean. She'd barely even seen him.
No one knew what she had planned. Danielle felt like it would be better if kept a secret. She didn't want to risk anyone- especially Shane- finding out, and someone could also get the wrong idea. A dinner to get him to forgive me, nothing more, Danielle thought. I hope this works.
Everything was ready, and she walked through the hotel hallway nervously. She was staring at the floor, going over her thoughts as she twisted the blindfold in her hands. She was determined to make this a surprise. Arriving at his door, she took a deep calming breath and knocked.
She could hear slow footsteps, and the door opened. She met his dark eyes and gave him a smile. "Hi Shane, can I bother you?"
He glanced at his watch silently, and her smile faded. He looked so put- together and in control- it never matched the anger in his eyes. "I'm busy," he said briskly, cold like ice.
"But, it's very important!" Danielle blurted. "And I promise it's nothing bad!" His eyebrows lowered, and she looked at him desperately. "Please? If you don't want to, you can leave- but just let me show you something first!"
Shane sighed and gave her a contemplating stare. "You've got ten minutes." Danielle grinned and looked relieved, and he put one hand under her chin- ever bit the intimidator. Their eyes met, and his were narrowed. "Not a second more, and this better not be a joke or anything I'll hate."
She shook her head and held the blindfold out to him. "I know you won't hate it." He looked at the black fabric in her hands suspiciously, and she couldn't stop a grin. "It's a surprise, so you have to put it on."
Rolling his eyes, he let her tie the cloth around his head. He tried to ignore the chills that went up his spine when she had to slide her fingers through his hair. "Is it really necessary to blindfold me already? How far are we going?" He could hear her chuckle softly, and he almost tripped over a table in the hall. Luckily, he hit it with one foot and stumbled around it, embarrassing himself and blushing when she laughed.
"That's why I blindfolded you," Danielle teased, grabbing his hand and pulling him into an elevator. She pressed the button for the main floor, and he stood by the wall. "We're not going very far- we don't even have to leave the hotel."
"Good to know," he replied softly. The elevator stopped and she led him out, and they had only walked a few steps before he heard her locking a door behind them. "Are you locking me in a closet?"
"A closet?" she repeated in shock, "I'm not mad at you, Shane." Leading him a few steps, she guided him into a chair. "Just a second, you can almost take the blindfold off. Well, maybe more like a few minutes, but it's getting close..."
Shane nodded and relaxed in his seat, trying to guess what she had planned. He could smell something- faintly, but it was there- but it smelled like something was burning. Not a good sign. "Now?" he asked hopefully- his curiosity was peaked.
"No, I've got to get changed first." His eyebrows raised and he fought back a laugh while she sighed. "Don't even say a word. I'll be back in a sec, and don't peek!"
Turning his head toward the sound of her voice, he nodded. "Sure." He could hear footsteps as she left, and he listened to them until they faded to nothing. "Anyone else around?" he called, sure that someone could hear him. No one answered, and his voice echoed. This room must be huge, he contemplated yelling to see just how big but decided against it. She'll be back soon, and then maybe I can take this damn thing off my eyes.
Why don't you take it off yourself? Has she got you beaten completely? He sighed and slouched in his seat. Great, he thought. I'm not only talking to myself- I'm being a prick too.
"You miss me?" Shane jerked his head at the sound of her voice, he hadn't heard her come back. She moved in front of him, and he could feel her hands resting on his shoulders.
"Can I take the blindfold off yet?" he said, giving her a hopeful grin... even though he couldn't actually see her. His bad mood had slowly faded away, and he nodded to her.
Danielle's fingers grasped the fabric, untying it and taking it away. Their eyes met, his blinking from the sudden light, and she smiled. "I suppose I can. Take a look around, your ten minutes are almost up," she replied, turned and walking to another table, grabbing two trays off it.
His eyes followed her for a moment, and then did a quick sweep around the room. They were in the main dining hall, all alone, with lamps lit everywhere. He could hear music from somewhere around him, playing softly. The table in front of him was set, and she brought over an entire meal. Looking at her, he couldn't stop a grin.
She was wearing a long dress- rare for her- that was a deep blue which moved with her. Simple black heels and her hair hanging loose around her shoulders, only one word came to his mind: breathless. He found his breath after a few moments though, but she looked so beautiful...
His eyes were drawn to hers, and he smiled up in shock. "This is... quite a surprise, Dani. Why are you going through all of this trouble for me?"
"I wanted to apologize... for, well, you know what." She shrugged- was that a blush on her cheeks?- and sat across from him. The table was small, and he leaned his elbows onto it and watched her.
"You didn't have to do this," he said softly. "I would have forgiven you."
"Eventually, but I didn't want to wait that long." She fidgeted in her seat and looked at the meal in front of them. "So, are we going to eat or what? I didn't rent this room just to chat."
Shane laughed and he couldn't draw his eyes from hers- but he didn't mind. "Sounds good," he replied, grabbing the bottle of champagne and grinning. "You're having water."
She rolled her eyes but smiled back, and he reached over the table and gently touched her cheek. "You look absolutely beautiful." Danielle shrugged it off, but he could see that she liked the compliment. He started pouring the drinks for them, and her plan made the last night of hell worth it.
~~~~~
"What do you want for your birthday?"
Danielle's eyes flicked up at his sudden question. There had been a silence between them- relaxing and peaceful, not tense- after they had been eating the dinner. She hadn't made it, but it was definitely better this way. Now Shane was looking at her with those inquisitive brown eyes, mouth twitching in a half smile.
"I don't really know if I want anything," she began softly. "I know I don't want a party- if that's what you're thinking." He grinned and picked up a glass, twirling it in his hand as he looked at her. He seemed so deep in thought, and Danielle met his eyes curiously. "What are you thinking?"
He sat the glass down and smoothly slid his chair away from their small table. "I'm thinking..." he started, standing up. He walked over to the small stereo a few tables away and turned up the volume, still not finishing his thought. Listening for a second, he decided on the song and was back to the table in a few long strides. Standing in front of her, he offered his hand. "I'm thinking... do you want to dance?'
She grinned and teasingly gave him a once over. he was one of those people who could look so put-together, no matter what he was wearing or what he was doing. "Well... I suppose so. There aren't any other worthy men around right now."
He laughed and grabbed her hand. "Don't be so humble," he teased, pulling her into his arms and guiding her away from the table. Her simple heels clicked on the wooden floorboards as he lead her to the spacious dance floor.
The lights were dim and the music was soft, and Danielle couldn't believe the nervous lump that was forming in her throat. Shane had immediately pulled her closer to him and rested one hand against her lower back. He held her one hand out as they danced, and he smiled when she rested her head on his shoulder and lay her free hand on his upper arm.
His shirt was made of something soft and simple, and Danielle didn't mind the feel of it against her light skin. She could feel the warmth of his body around her, and his cologne was vivid in her mind. Two strong arms against her- he was more fit than she'd realized- and she could feel every rise and fall of his chest. Not that she was complaining, it had been a while since someone had held her so gently, and she had missed it.
She could feel his heart race, even though he was trying to keep it under control. Danielle was so warm and inviting against him, and he loved the sensation of her smooth dress against his hand. Her thick hand tumbled down his chest, and he could smell a faint hint of peaches. Her hand was still in his, so much smaller but still strong, and her entire body moved with him slowly. This was making him forget the last night even more.
From this moment, life has begun.
From this moment, you are the one.
Right beside you is where I belong.
From this moment on.
From this moment, I have been blessed.
I live only for your happiness.
And for your love, I'd give my last breath.
From this moment on.
Shane had been beyond furious when he'd gotten back to his room that night. Sean, that damn arrogant man, had gotten drunk with Dani. He knew it was going to happen, Sean was bragging all day about the fun time partying him and Dani were going to have. It burned Shane inside when Dani had come back to her room with that beer bottle.
He could've understood if she had been doing something important and had missed his surprise. She didn't know he was planning anything, and he wouldn't have gotten mad at her. Not if it hadn't been Sean, and not if she wasn't drinking. But, she was, and it made him tremble with rage when he thought of what Sean might have done. If he had laid one hand on Dani, Shane wouldn't be held responsible for what he'd do.
One thing was for sure, he would do anything to keep her safe and happy. He'd do anything or give anything for her period. Sometimes he didn't know if she really understood that, or any of it. We aren't just friends, and we can never be just that. Doesn't she realize it?
I give my hand to you with all my heart.
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start.
You and I will never be apart.
My dreams came true, because of you.
From this moment, as long as I live.
I will love you, I promise you this.
There is nothing I wouldn't give.
From this moment on.
Danielle sighed softly and turned her head on his shoulder so she could look at him. He was looking at something behind her, or else he was just staring off into space. Either way, his features were relaxed and she was close enough to see some stubble on his chin. She smiled, he looked so much happier and more casual than before. I guess he liked my idea, she thought, and everything's going so well.
"Dani... enjoying the view?" She came back into focus and met his amused gaze. Shane smiled and let her hand drop from his. He trailed his fingertips up her arm and over her collar bone, stopping his fingers under her chin. She blinked slowly and forgot his question, and he gently caressed her chin.
The song came to a slow end, and they were bathed in silence. Shane held her close and they kept dancing- he hoped they'd never stop, but the peace was shattered by the start of the next song. Loud rock notes cut through the air, and he frowned. One of Dani's burnt CD's, he thought dryly. Just my luck. Hearing the loud music brought Danielle back to the present and she stepped away from Shane.
"Ready for dessert? I actually made it!" she said excitedly, turning and walking back toward their table.
He grinned, enjoying the double meaning he could find in her words. Especially in his current state of mind. "What is it?" he asked, following her to the table and glancing over her shoulder. She picked up a tray with a cloth covering it, and he inhaled deeply. "Smells good."
His face was alongside hers, and Danielle realized that the lump hadn't left her throat. She could feel his breath on her face, stirring her hair, and she picked up the tray and stepped away quickly. She didn't expect him to move too, and they ran into each other when she turned around. She looked up, and he helped her to steady the dessert in her hands.
"I've got it," she said softly, and Shane slid his hands up her arms. He leaned in closer, holding the tray between their bodies, and bent to give her a soft kiss on the lips. He smiled and kissed her with a little more pressure, tilting her mouth toward his with a free hand.
He started placing short kisses over her lips, but she drew away with a deep exhale. "Shane," she said, eyes dark. "This isn't supposed to be a date..."
Chuckling, he gave her another kiss and tugged on her full lower lip with gentle teeth. He pulled back and grinned at the restrained look over her features. "Don't fool yourself, Dani. Are you going to tell me that you don't consider a romantic dinner, close dancing, all alone with me, a date?"
Danielle didn't reply, and he gave her a another kiss, teasing her with a flick of his tongue. He heard her inhale sharply, but she didn't move to stop him so he took advantage of her partially open mouth. He groaned softly, deep in his throat, and wrapped his arms around her back snugly. Her body was pulled against his, and the sharp pain of the tray in his stomach made him pull back slightly. Danielle took advantage and stepped away from him.
She looked at him with tortured eyes and shakily set the tray onto the table. "I... I think you need to calm down a little bit, Shane," she said, not meeting his eyes.
He nodded and sighed. "If you think that's best," he replied. "How about that desert? I'm still not sure if you can cook." He grinned, and she visibly relaxed. It hurt when she did that- did she not enjoy kissing him?
"I can't cook much," she said, getting the tray and sitting it on their table. "But, enough to survive." Shane laughed and sat down, and she felt more calm and collected now.
A million thoughts had raced through her mind when Shane had kissed her. His lips were so gentle, and she could feel the desire in his every movement. Her own controlled reaction surprised her. She had wanted to give in and let those kisses evolve to so much more, but the only responsible part of her mind screamed against it.
he had been o forward, it surprised her when he had so bluntly kissed her and pulled her to him. Damn, how she wanted to stop being herself and give in to temptation. Even if she knew what would inevitably happen. Shane wasn't smart if he became serious with her, he knew very well that she wouldn't- no, she couldn't- commit. It would kill him too, and Danielle didn't want to be responsible for doing that.
They started to eat dessert, it was something she'd made that resembled pudding but smelled like strawberries. Nonetheless, it tasted delicious, and he was surprised. He looked up at her often, but she never met his gaze. Shane sighed, she's holding back from me, and Danielle looked up at him finally.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly, watching him inquisitively. He shook his head and she rolled her eyes. "Like I believe that."
His eyes shot up and he nodded. "Okay, ummm, why did that bother you?" She looked away from him and he frowned. "Danielle," he said. "Why won't you let me kiss you? Is this one of those things that go on inside Dani's mind that no one understands?"
She looked at him and pursed her lips. "No need to be such an ass, Shane. Just because you're not getting what you want-"
"Forget it," he interrupted her. He could tell she was getting angry, and the last thing he wanted was to ruin a good evening with some stupid fight. "That was a low blow."
Silence settled over them, and she nervously poked at her food. "It's just better for the both of us," she said softly. He looked at her, confused, and she sighed. "It's better for us... if there is no 'us.' It wouldn't work out."
"How do you know that for sure?" he replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "You don't know what can and can't happen between us, especially if we never try."
"I've been through this before," she said quickly, chewing her lip in frustration and meeting his leveled gaze. "It was the same with me and Sean."
"Of course," Shane snapped. "Sean, the great Val Venis."
She fell silent and looked at the floor. "I think we'd better say goodnight."
"You don't want to discuss this?" She shook her head and he cursed under his breath. "We never discuss it, Dani. Maybe that's the problem. If we could just be honest with each other, maybe this wouldn't always happen. I mean, we're friends, then we're more, then you don't like me all of a sudden, and we're barely friends again."
"If I was honest, do you want to know what would happen?!" She met his eyes and continued in a low voice- there was no hope for a peaceful night now. "We'd sleep together, Shane. Have the best fucking night ever- with each other." He caught her eyes, and her mouth was pulled tight. "And then you'd say you loved me. I'd leave- we both know I would- and it would hurt you. I don't want to do that to you. I'm a bitch sometimes and I know it, but I won't hurt my best friend."
He didn't say a word. He could easily deny everything she had said, but he didn't want to argue anymore. He'd rather not get his answers right now. She was looking at him, and he met her eyes again briefly. Her features were torn, agonized but angry, and he stood up abruptly. He gave her one last look before he left. "Goodnight Dani."
Danielle watched him leave without moving, breathing, or saying a word. She couldn't do anything but watch Shane and hold back tears. She hated crying, she never wanted to let anyone see her cry.
She couldn't remember being that blunt with Shane before, and she had said a lot to him over the years. It was best, she told herself, better to let him know the truth than to let him think there was going to be something between us. She sniffled loudly and stood up, starting to clear the dishes.
~~~~~
Shane walked down the hotel corridor silently, briskly, going over every word Dani and him had spoken. Her sharp reality rang in his ears. It wasn't true, he wouldn't let it happen. He didn't know if it would ever start. Sometimes he just wanted to shake sense into Dani, let her know what really would happen. He wouldn't sleep with her- no matter how much he wanted to- and he wouldn't say he loved her until she was ready. How could he make her see that?
Not noticing anything or anyone, Shane almost ran into someone. He looked up and was about to apologize when he met familiar eyes.
"Where's the fire, McMahon?"
Sean Morley grinned, and Shane narrowed his eyes. If he couldn't talk sense into Dani, 'talking' with Sean would be a good stress releaser.
