Uncontrollable Bachelor (Bachelor Tower Series), стр. 25

“It’s too late for us to turn back now and head to a hotel. But we can leave first thing in the morning.” I felt like an ass. Shannon should be swept off her feet and be romanced. The closest thing I’d done in that sense was bring a bottle of wine. There’s not enough alcohol in the world to make this place seem like a romantic getaway.

Maybe that was a good thing. I didn’t want Shannon falling in love with me again. When this was all over and Prince Dumb Fuck was no longer a threat, I needed to focus on my own needs. Problem was, anytime I was near Shannon or even thought of her, the blood rushed to my cock, overruling all logic.

In her sweet-as-ever tone, Shannon said, “Jace, it’s really not that bad. A little cleaning tomorrow and this place will be fine.”

Always optimistic. But me? I call it like I see it: a fucking dump. “Was it water or vodka in that bottle?” I teased. My body reacted to her cute giggle and I wanted to clear off that kitchen table and fuck her right there. But I had to stay in control – sex wasn’t happening tonight. Hell, maybe not ever again after bringing her to this shithole. Maybe that was a good thing, since I could barely control myself now. In a serious tone I added, “We can sleep in the truck tonight.”

“With all the gear you brought, I don’t think we’ll be very comfortable. But you have clean linen. If you go empty the truck, I’ll tidy up a place to sleep tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take care of the rest.”

“You really think you’ll be able to sleep in here?” Most women would be freaked out thinking of creepy crawlies hiding in unswept corners and dark crannies. It didn’t seem to bother Shannon in the least.

“All I need to do tonight is take care of the bed. Besides, all this fresh country air makes me tired. I could probably sleep in a tree if I had to.”

“Might be cleaner,” I half joked.

With a quirky grin she added, “I like to sleep naked and that bark is a bit rough on my backside.”

She rubbed her hands over her ass. I’d kiss it better. “You could always sit on me,” I said.

Shannon shook her head. “Didn’t you hear me say I was tired? Because you know what happens if I sit on you, especially naked.”

I fucking did. The way she slid up and down onto my cock while her breasts slapped together just inches from my face drove me fucking wild. Great. Now I’m fucking horny and she’s tired. Can this day get any worse?

Since I didn’t provide one of my usual snappy retorts, Shannon suggested, “Before that sun is gone, let’s get moving. Why don’t you grab the stuff from the truck while I use the bathroom?” I watched as she looked around. “Where is it?”

I had solar panels to generate electricity, but indoor plumbing was a different story. I never imagined myself bringing another person here, never mind a woman, so it wasn’t a necessity back then. “You might want to reconsider your comment about staying here.”

“Why?”

“Your choice of bathrooms is any tree.” Her eyes widened, and I added with a grin, “I did, however, bring toilet paper.”

Shannon burst out laughing. “Good thinking. Poison ivy on your ass really sucks. And don’t ask me how I know, either. Let’s just say some of the countries I’ve been to make this place look like a palace.”

I hate thinking of her in those types of environments. She deserved to be pampered, cherished, and loved. I’m a prick to bring her to a place like this. I wanted her to be angry, to demand I bring her back immediately. But she didn’t, and it reminded me of why I had fallen in love with her back then. She might have grown up in a rich family, but she was the most down-to-earth person I knew. It only made her sexier.

“I’ll be right back. I’d say make yourself at home, but…”

Shannon walked over to me, reached a hand up and placed it on my cheek. “Jace, it might sound crazy, but this is…perfect. Reminds me of when we were...first together.”

“You mean when I was so broke this was considered a date night.” I hated thinking of what I lacked back then. Ralph had been right. I wasn’t good enough for Shannon back then. I’m not sure I am even now.

Sadness filled her eyes, and when she spoke her voice sounded choked. “No. It was when I…was happy.”

Looking down at her, I was filled with regret all over again. She wasn’t the only one who’d been happy then. It was the only time in my life that I’d ever felt…loved and wanted. I never had to be anyone but myself with her. Placing my hand over hers, I said, “I was, too.” But I didn’t want to give her hope that we could have it again. Things had changed. I had changed. I dropped my hand from hers. “But we were young, and the reality of life hadn’t set in yet.”

“I know, but I still see that man when I look in your eyes, Jace.”

“I think you see what you want to see.” I stepped away, putting a little distance between us. “I’ll get the stuff from the truck.”

Leaving her standing there was an asshole move. She might as well learn that’s who I was now. The guy she had once loved didn’t exist.

It didn’t take me long to grab all the bags and boxes from the truck. I stacked them inside the doorway. Shannon was still standing there as though she had no idea where to start. When she turned to me she asked, “How about running water?”

“I have that. Let me check the rain barrels and then I’ll go grab firewood.” Before I left her again,