The Many Musings of Shane McInerney

Shane is an incredibly complex character and I often find myself trying to get inside her head. I wanted to try to write a series of one shots, all from Shane's perspective, that focus on key moments that she has experienced with Oliver. I've never tried anything like this before, so please review and let me know if you like it.

I don't any of these characters, they belong to the wonderfully talented Martha Williamson

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CHAPTER 1: The Dance (For Christmas)

Shane walked into the Postal Ball and immediately took in her surroundings, surprised at how magnificent everything looked. She never attended the ball in DC when she lived there, so she was excited at the prospect of getting all dressed up and dancing the night away. She spotted Oliver and Norman from across the room and she couldn't help but smile at the look on Norman's face as he caught site of Rita. His jaw was agape and his eyes were about ready to pop right out of his head. "Mission accomplished." Shane thought slyly to herself. Hopefully he would finally work up the courage to ask Rita out on a date. Or at the very least, ask her to dance. She could see Oliver looking at her out of the corner of her eye, however she refused to turn her head to meet his gaze for fear that his ogling would make her blush. As Rita began her descent to meet their friends, Shane also caught the eye of another gentleman whom she had promised a dance to.

Jordan politely took her hand in his as she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. They moved together to the flow of the music, but their steps were out of sync. She instantly noted Jordan's inexperience, so she offered to show him a few of the moves she had learned with Oliver. They laughed together as he clumsily tried not to step on her feet. Jordan was kind and handsome and she had to admit that she was actually enjoying his company. It's not that she was interested in him, it was just nice to be in the presence of an available man that she could freely flirt with if she pleased. He had asked her about her dislike of Christmas and she rebuffed him, hoping he would get the hint and not press further. That was one can of worms she was not ready to open.

The next thing she knew, Oliver was there tapping on Jordan's shoulder and requesting to cut in. Shane could hardly believe the look of disdain that Oliver had etched across his handsome face. If looks could kill Jordan would surely be dead at her feet in the blink of an eye. Shane introduced the two gentleman to each other and Oliver snubbed Jordan's attempts at being friendly.

As soon as Jordan stepped aside and walked away, Oliver extended his hand to Shane and began guiding her through their familiar routine. The irritated look he was giving her bore straight into her soul as he started sprouting complete and utter nonsense. He's angry with her for dancing with another man. What right does he have to dictate who she can and can't dance with? He's going on and on, basically staking claim as her one and only dance partner as if he was the sole proprietor of her moves. How dare he treat her as though he owned her! He was the one that ended their partnership because he wanted to save his newly earned skills for his absentee wife. She was single and lonely and deserved to have a man hold her and look at her the way Oliver did when he thought she wasn't looking.

She bites back with each opposition he throws her way, getting angrier with each attempt he makes to plead his case. Oliver glares at her with a drive and determination that she has never seen in him before, which flatters her fragile heart. This possessive side of him is both insulting and exhilarating and she can't stop the knots from forming in her stomach. "Dip." He commands, maneuvering her into the sensual pose as he supports her in his arms. Their promenade has become a battle of wits and she fears that she's losing.

Shane was seeing a side of Oliver that she had never experienced before and could only describe it as unadulterated jealousy. Was he resentful that another man had held her close, swaying their hips together to the classical melody? Did he think of her as his and did the thought of her with another man drive him to insanity? She momentarily let her mind wander into uncharted territory. She met Oliver step for step and wondered what it would be like to be loved by this man. His passion is like nothing she has ever witnessed before and the way he is looking at her makes her feel like a surge of electricity is igniting her very soul. She is helpless in his arms and that exasperates her further. This unavailable man has complete control of her body and senses and all she wants to do is scream at him and kiss him, not caring which one she does first.

The realization that she can never dance with another man again strikes her like a ton of bricks. No one will ever measure up to Oliver, he has tainted her for all others. The music is coming to an end but their dance is just beginning. Shane can no longer speak as she stares into his piercing blue eyes, noting the satisfied grin across his face. He knows that he has made his point and there's no question who she belongs to. Oliver has most certainly won this battle, but Shane intends to win the war.

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Should I continue?