Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 12
“I didn’t know that was you in the taxi. I thought you’d be in --”
“My father’s limo?” He nodded and I added, “Then I guess you really have forgotten who I am.” Part of that saddened me.
“I’m glad I was wrong.” He reached out and took my hand in his.
“Excuse me?” I said, my eyes widening at the sudden touch.
“It’s easier to maneuver through the crowd and not get separated this way,” he explained.
My body didn’t care why, it was just enjoying his strong hand holding mine again. I couldn’t even imagine what would happen when I saw him licking his ice cream cone. Damn my libido!
I’m a doctor. I know this quickened heart and rising temperature are just a physical reaction. Maybe my hormones are off? I should have bloodwork done. But if my hormones are messed up, shouldn’t I be having this reaction to other men, too? Only Jace could get me wet just by holding my hand.
With a sigh, I reluctantly followed his lead as he wove us in and out of the crowd until we came to a shop that sold a variety of sweets, including ice cream. This had sounded like a safe choice. Now I was second-guessing myself.
I should’ve just canceled, never mind changing the theme of the date.
“What do you feel like?” he asked.
Tasting you. “How about death by chocolate? And make it a double scoop, please.”
Jace smiled. “I see you haven’t lost your love of chocolate.”
“At least there’s one thing that didn’t change.”
“The night is young. Who knows? Maybe I’ll find more,” he said.
God, I hope not. Resisting him wasn’t just going to be difficult, it was going to be impossible. I’d only be in Boston for another few weeks. No matter what happened between us, it would be short-lived. Why bother starting something that we both know won’t last?
He handed me my waffle cone and said, “Let’s take this across the street and eat at the park.”
“Okay.” Once again, he took my hand and led the way. Even when we were alone in the park, he didn’t let go. I forced myself to think about the ice cream. The sweet chocolate wasn’t enough of a distraction. As we walked by a trash can, I tossed the remaining cone inside.
“Never saw you throw ice cream away before,” he teased.
“Not as hungry as I thought.”
He raised a brow. “Is that all it is?” he asked, tossing his away, too.
I wanted to clear the air, so I might as well do it now. “Why did you call today?”
“Because I wanted to see you again,” he replied.
“I mean why now? All these years I haven’t heard from you. Why now?” Was it just because it was convenient?
“Are you saying that you wish I hadn’t?”
“I’m not sure,” I answered, as honestly as I could. “It’s hard to see you and not think about…the past.”
“It wasn’t all bad.”
“No, but what was bad…really hurt.” More than I want to admit.
“You mean when I broke it off,” he said.
“Without any reason,” I added. “And I still don’t know why.” I had stopped wondering what I had done long ago, but now I needed to know all over again.
“Shannon, I wasn’t the same man back then.”
“I can see that. I’m not the same person either. But it left me feeling as though I did something…wrong. Like I wasn’t good enough for you,” I admitted. It had nothing to do with money or status for me. It left me feeling like my giving my whole heart wasn’t enough for Jace.
He lifted his hand and stroked my cheek. “Shannon, you were perfect then, just like now. It was me and still is. I was never good enough for you.”
“Because you didnon’t have money? That never mattered to me.” Men had wanted me because of my father’s money. Jace was the opposite. “I’m not rich. My father is. I volunteer my time as a doctor. The pay sucks, but it is rewarding.”
“And you have just proved my point. You will always be something I’m not,” he said. “And someone I want.” His voice was so husky, filled with need.
As I looked into his eyes the heat rushed between my legs. I want you, too.
He stepped closer and pulled me into his arms. I could feel his muscles tense through his suit. My hands slipped under his jacket and up his chest. My legs trembled and I leaned into him to support myself. “Jace,” I breathed, my voice barely a whisper. It almost sounded as though I was begging him to kiss me. Jace eagerly obliged, his lips crashing against mine, the hunger enveloping us both.
His tongue traced my lips and I opened to him. Jace tasted like strawberries and cream and I nipped his bottom lip and moaned into his mouth. My stomach pressed against him and I could feel the bulge harden.
God, I need more.
I felt a jolt and Jace pulled away. A man passing by must’ve bumped into Jace hard enough that he practically knocked us over. I might have been a bit dazed from our embrace, but I could tell Jace was pissed at the guy. He looked like he wanted to beat the crap out of him. Why? It was an accident.
Reaching up I touched his cheek, encouraging Jace to focus his attention back on me. But when he did, the passion that had been in his eyes had vanished.
Damn. The pulsing between my legs wasn’t a dull ache any longer. It was almost uncomfortable. I hadn’t forgotten what Jace likes and I knew I could easily bring him back to where we were. But that interruption was probably for the best.
Pulling away from Jace, I looked in the stranger’s direction. He turned, looking right at me over his shoulder. A chill ran through me. Where do