Read Online The Bachelor’s Surrender by Janelle Denison - Free Book Online
Authors: Janelle Denison
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far, equally incensed at her for making him feel , he lifted his mouth from hers and took a step back, away from her alluring body, her bewitching stare.
She leaned against the refrigerator, her hands pressed to the sides as if for support. Her breathing was just as ragged as his own, her lips wet and swollen, her blue eyes dazed and smoky with desire.
So much for scaring her off, he thought irritably.
And then, as he watched, an intuitive, womanly smile flirted around the corners of her mouth until it fully developed. “The only thing you proved is that you’re an incredible kisser,” she said with husky assurance, “and a man who needs a little tenderness and understanding.”
Anger swept through him once more, and he narrowed his gaze on her, holding fast to mockery. “And you think you’re that person?”
She didn’t answer his question, but he didn’t need a verbal response to validate the astute patience and feminine wisdom glimmering in her eyes—a keen knowledge that shook him to the core, especially after what had just transpired between them.
“Don’t fool yourself, Lauren,” he replied with a forced calm he was far from experiencing. “I’m not a man you can depend on, and I don’t offer commitments and promises in exchange for a little tenderness and understanding. Save it for the foster kids you work with, because they need it more than I do.”
Before he said or did something else he regretted, Rafe left the kitchen, and Lauren, and returned to his bedroom alone.
Sleep was a long time coming.
Chapter Four
W arm streams of sunshine filtered through the bedroom window, touching Lauren’s face, gently beckoning her to awaken. She resisted, indulging in the languor infusing her limbs, and the wonderful dreams wisping through her mind—visions of a man with dark hair, striking gray eyes, and the ability to make her body and soul come alive with a kiss . . .
The image faded, and as much as she struggled to hold on to it, reality insisted on rudely intruding, forcing her to awaken. Opening her eyes, she stretched lazily, then reached for the watch she’d put on the night stand the night before. She was shocked to discover it was after 11 am Wyoming time. Usually her internal alarm clock woke her at six her time, and she was dressed and ready to face the day by seven. Then again, she usually slept restfully, whereas last night she’d tossed and turned until the early hours of the morning, compliments of one moody, temperamental cowboy.
Never had a man totally consumed her thoughts, her dreams. Then again, no other man had ever awakened such deep desires as Rafe had with such an emotional, needy embrace—one she herself found both scary and exhilarating.
Unfortunately, he refused to acknowledge the same awesome need, choosing instead to cling to whatever dark demons drove him. His gruff, intimidating act didn’t fool her—she’d tasted the raw hunger in his kiss, had witnessed the torment in his eyes, and knew he’d struggled to fight the awareness between them, the craving for a deeper union, and most especially the tenderness and care she’d offered.
Stubborn, cantankerous man!
Sighing softly and admitting temporary defeat, she lay back down on the mattress and listened for any sounds in the house. Hearing none, she surmised both Chad and Rafe had awakened hours ago and were most likely out on the ranch somewhere. And since she’d nearly slept half the day away, she needed to get up and join them—despite her host’s attempt to keep his distance from her. First and foremost, she had a client to chaperone, and she was determined to ensure Chad had a good time during his vacation.
Half an hour later, after changing into a pair of jeans and a ribbed t-shirt, and eating a quick breakfast of orange juice and a bran muffin, she ventured outside.
The beautiful Saturday morning was unlike anything California had to offer. Where she was used to dingy smog polluting the air, the
She leaned against the refrigerator, her hands pressed to the sides as if for support. Her breathing was just as ragged as his own, her lips wet and swollen, her blue eyes dazed and smoky with desire.
So much for scaring her off, he thought irritably.
And then, as he watched, an intuitive, womanly smile flirted around the corners of her mouth until it fully developed. “The only thing you proved is that you’re an incredible kisser,” she said with husky assurance, “and a man who needs a little tenderness and understanding.”
Anger swept through him once more, and he narrowed his gaze on her, holding fast to mockery. “And you think you’re that person?”
She didn’t answer his question, but he didn’t need a verbal response to validate the astute patience and feminine wisdom glimmering in her eyes—a keen knowledge that shook him to the core, especially after what had just transpired between them.
“Don’t fool yourself, Lauren,” he replied with a forced calm he was far from experiencing. “I’m not a man you can depend on, and I don’t offer commitments and promises in exchange for a little tenderness and understanding. Save it for the foster kids you work with, because they need it more than I do.”
Before he said or did something else he regretted, Rafe left the kitchen, and Lauren, and returned to his bedroom alone.
Sleep was a long time coming.
Chapter Four
W arm streams of sunshine filtered through the bedroom window, touching Lauren’s face, gently beckoning her to awaken. She resisted, indulging in the languor infusing her limbs, and the wonderful dreams wisping through her mind—visions of a man with dark hair, striking gray eyes, and the ability to make her body and soul come alive with a kiss . . .
The image faded, and as much as she struggled to hold on to it, reality insisted on rudely intruding, forcing her to awaken. Opening her eyes, she stretched lazily, then reached for the watch she’d put on the night stand the night before. She was shocked to discover it was after 11 am Wyoming time. Usually her internal alarm clock woke her at six her time, and she was dressed and ready to face the day by seven. Then again, she usually slept restfully, whereas last night she’d tossed and turned until the early hours of the morning, compliments of one moody, temperamental cowboy.
Never had a man totally consumed her thoughts, her dreams. Then again, no other man had ever awakened such deep desires as Rafe had with such an emotional, needy embrace—one she herself found both scary and exhilarating.
Unfortunately, he refused to acknowledge the same awesome need, choosing instead to cling to whatever dark demons drove him. His gruff, intimidating act didn’t fool her—she’d tasted the raw hunger in his kiss, had witnessed the torment in his eyes, and knew he’d struggled to fight the awareness between them, the craving for a deeper union, and most especially the tenderness and care she’d offered.
Stubborn, cantankerous man!
Sighing softly and admitting temporary defeat, she lay back down on the mattress and listened for any sounds in the house. Hearing none, she surmised both Chad and Rafe had awakened hours ago and were most likely out on the ranch somewhere. And since she’d nearly slept half the day away, she needed to get up and join them—despite her host’s attempt to keep his distance from her. First and foremost, she had a client to chaperone, and she was determined to ensure Chad had a good time during his vacation.
Half an hour later, after changing into a pair of jeans and a ribbed t-shirt, and eating a quick breakfast of orange juice and a bran muffin, she ventured outside.
The beautiful Saturday morning was unlike anything California had to offer. Where she was used to dingy smog polluting the air, the
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