Free Giving Chase by Lauren Dane

a lovely early spring day but at the last minute, I decided that I’d skip the walk and go back home.
    When I let myself back into the apartment, I saw that Jane Marie and Charles were on the couch.”
    Her eyes blurred, lost in the memory. “They were having sex. Her perfect pleated skirt up around her waist and his slacks on the floor. I just stood there for a moment, not understanding at all, you know? My mind just wasn’t registering what the hell was happening. Anyway, I stood there until I felt sick and then I quietly and slowly backed out of the room like I was never there.
    “I confronted him later about it and he told me that he’d never imagined that a girl like me would have a stunning sister like that and what did I expect? I never said anything to anyone else about it. It was a good lesson for me about things. And you know? I was a fool to ever pretend that any Chase brother would think I was worth more than a few amusing dates and maybe a quick fuck.” She hugged her arms around herself.
    “My god, Maggie. What a bitch your sister is! What a calculating bastard your professor was.” He moved toward her but she backed up.
    -59-

    Lauren Dane
    “I have to go. Please don’t say anything, I’ve never told that story to another soul.” She spun on her heel and stalked back inside to the table.
    Still refusing to look in Shane’s direction, she grabbed her coat and purse, plead sick and pretty much dashed out the door.
    Kyle started to follow her out but Shane came up behind him, grabbing his arm. “What is going on?”
    Shaking Shane off Kyle glared at him. “It’s none of your business, Shane.” But it was too late, as Maggie sped out of the parking lot.

    Shane showed up after school on the next Wednesday. “Hey, Maggie, you have time for dinner?” he asked smiling.
    Maggie looked at him, dumbstruck. Fine, if he wanted a casual thing she’d give it a try but there was no way she’d be some last minute drop in date. “Hi, Shane. No, I’m sorry, I have plans. Perhaps another time,” she said casually.
    “Oh. How about tomorrow night then?”
    “Fine. Pick me up at seven.” Keeping a smile on her face, she walked past him to her car.
    She didn’t have plans of course so she stopped by the bank and asked Dee to have dinner with her.
    “Honey, what do you think you’re doing?” Dee asked as they munched on pizza at Maggie’s house.
    “What do you mean?”
    Dee made a disapproving sound and frowned. “Margaret Wright, being dishonest is not who you are. Don’t lie to me and don’t lie to yourself. I know you and Liv think I’m some silly virgin but I know enough to see you’re in over your head with Shane Chase.”
    “What do you mean!” Maggie challenged. The truth stung.
    -60-

    Giving Chase
    “Oh, don’t be stupid! Honey, you are more than good enough for him.
    He’s the one who isn’t good enough for you. You know what I mean. You are not the kind of woman who can do a casual affair. It’s not part of your make up. I’m not talking down about women who can do it. But I’ve known you your whole life—you’re not one of them. Your heart and head are too connected. You’re only going to end up hurt because Shane Chase cannot give you what you want and deserve. Listen, it’s still early, I can tell you like him but it’s not that deep yet. But this is a dead end street. Shane Chase is a dead end man. You cannot save him.” The eyes she turned to Dee made Dee’s heart ache. “I’m fine, Dee. I can handle it, I promise.”
    Dee sighed and squeezed her hand. “You know where to find me when you need me.”

    Shane knocked on her door precisely at seven and looked delicious as usual. He looked up and back down her body, with a slow sexy smile.
    “You look gorgeous, Maggie.” He bent down and stole a quick kiss.
    “Ready?”
    “Sure.”
    They went to The Sands, just a normal small town diner. She felt so comfortable with him. He was attentive and charming but neither