Read Online The Land of Rabbits (Long Shot Love Duet #1) by Aven Jayce - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Aven Jayce
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Five
GRACE
BLADES OF FRESH-CUT GRASS stick to my feet as I slog through the yard behind the pool. My pinky toe breaks free from my sandal and I twist my ankle on a pinecone while making my way toward the woods. I should’ve asked Quinn to be more specific. We’re in the Adirondack Mountains for fuck’s sake. Miles and miles of trees and brush, and he wants me to meet him back here? Where?
I gaze upward at tall pines silhouetted by the moon, then back down toward the darkness of the forest. A mosquito bites my ankle while a second one buzzes near my ear. Dumb fuckers. I swat them away and unroll the cuffs of my jeans to cover my flesh. With my hoodie pulled over my head, I start my hike, looking for any sign of him.
My cell’s flashlight app has a bright enough beam to keep me from tripping over any sticks or rocks, but it’s not helpful for seeing at a distance. I can’t scan the woods with it or use the damn thing for what it’s intended for... to call him. I don’t even know if he has a cell. I haven’t seen any of the workers here with one, which seems unusual.
A dead branch breaks under my foot and the mosquitos have called out their entire clan to swarm my head. Bet they’re after my sweet honey-scented skin.
“Quinn?” I whisper, checking the time on my cell.
2:05 a.m.
The temperature’s lower amid the trees, producing a cold, sticky moisture in the air. My hands and feet are chilly and decaying leaves have hitched a ride alongside the blades of grass. Soon my feet will resemble a squirrel’s nest.
“Quinn,” I say louder.
“Phweeeet,” he whistles.
I tilt the light, seeing a dark figure ahead. He waves for me to follow, weaving in and out of trees before disappearing from sight.
After getting scratches on my hands from the underbrush, and slipping on the vegetation covered in condensation, I manage to find my way to a clearing. The figure waits in front of small barn, sliding a double door open when I approach.
My cell rises in his direction, revealing a handsome smile as he holds up two bottles of beer. He uses his foot to open the door further then motions to join him inside.
I brush my feet free of debris while standing in the doorway. The building’s obviously used for storage, full of garden equipment—lawn mowers, rakes, and shovels—and upon further inspection, a bedroom.
An army-style steel cot is alongside the back wall. It’s about the size of a twin bed and reminds me of the uncomfortable furniture in my freshman dorm room. A stack of books is next to it and a cardboard box is being used as a nightstand.
“Is this where you sleep?”
He puts the bottles on a workbench and takes off his shirt, turning his back for a moment. The red marks from the hose are still noticeable and make my heart ache. I’m sure his skin’s sore. And why isn’t he talking?
“You’re quiet.” I walk closer and place my hand on his forearm, experiencing a strange shift in time.
Life feels like it’s decelerating into half-speed. His turn is measured. An unhurried hand reaches to cradle my jaw, causing my lips to separate as I’m consumed by the desire in his eyes.
Conquered.
He leans in, his mouth barely touching mine... playing... flirting... it’s so affectionate.
I rest my hands on his chest, feeling his tense muscles. We breathe deeper... louder... until my head starts to spin in expectation. A kiss. I want a kiss.
His tongue grazes the outline of my lips, ending the curved path with a nibble and a tug. Such disciplined caresses cause my insides to melt. Shit, and that grin on his face. What a tease.
“Fuck.” I take a step back and place my cell on the workbench. “That was the best non-kiss ever.”
“I wanna show you something special.” He drinks while lighting a candle, acting nonchalant.
“Answer my question first. Do you sleep here?”
“Most of the time, unless it’s too cold. Employees have beds in the basement and can stay in the suites when guests
GRACE
BLADES OF FRESH-CUT GRASS stick to my feet as I slog through the yard behind the pool. My pinky toe breaks free from my sandal and I twist my ankle on a pinecone while making my way toward the woods. I should’ve asked Quinn to be more specific. We’re in the Adirondack Mountains for fuck’s sake. Miles and miles of trees and brush, and he wants me to meet him back here? Where?
I gaze upward at tall pines silhouetted by the moon, then back down toward the darkness of the forest. A mosquito bites my ankle while a second one buzzes near my ear. Dumb fuckers. I swat them away and unroll the cuffs of my jeans to cover my flesh. With my hoodie pulled over my head, I start my hike, looking for any sign of him.
My cell’s flashlight app has a bright enough beam to keep me from tripping over any sticks or rocks, but it’s not helpful for seeing at a distance. I can’t scan the woods with it or use the damn thing for what it’s intended for... to call him. I don’t even know if he has a cell. I haven’t seen any of the workers here with one, which seems unusual.
A dead branch breaks under my foot and the mosquitos have called out their entire clan to swarm my head. Bet they’re after my sweet honey-scented skin.
“Quinn?” I whisper, checking the time on my cell.
2:05 a.m.
The temperature’s lower amid the trees, producing a cold, sticky moisture in the air. My hands and feet are chilly and decaying leaves have hitched a ride alongside the blades of grass. Soon my feet will resemble a squirrel’s nest.
“Quinn,” I say louder.
“Phweeeet,” he whistles.
I tilt the light, seeing a dark figure ahead. He waves for me to follow, weaving in and out of trees before disappearing from sight.
After getting scratches on my hands from the underbrush, and slipping on the vegetation covered in condensation, I manage to find my way to a clearing. The figure waits in front of small barn, sliding a double door open when I approach.
My cell rises in his direction, revealing a handsome smile as he holds up two bottles of beer. He uses his foot to open the door further then motions to join him inside.
I brush my feet free of debris while standing in the doorway. The building’s obviously used for storage, full of garden equipment—lawn mowers, rakes, and shovels—and upon further inspection, a bedroom.
An army-style steel cot is alongside the back wall. It’s about the size of a twin bed and reminds me of the uncomfortable furniture in my freshman dorm room. A stack of books is next to it and a cardboard box is being used as a nightstand.
“Is this where you sleep?”
He puts the bottles on a workbench and takes off his shirt, turning his back for a moment. The red marks from the hose are still noticeable and make my heart ache. I’m sure his skin’s sore. And why isn’t he talking?
“You’re quiet.” I walk closer and place my hand on his forearm, experiencing a strange shift in time.
Life feels like it’s decelerating into half-speed. His turn is measured. An unhurried hand reaches to cradle my jaw, causing my lips to separate as I’m consumed by the desire in his eyes.
Conquered.
He leans in, his mouth barely touching mine... playing... flirting... it’s so affectionate.
I rest my hands on his chest, feeling his tense muscles. We breathe deeper... louder... until my head starts to spin in expectation. A kiss. I want a kiss.
His tongue grazes the outline of my lips, ending the curved path with a nibble and a tug. Such disciplined caresses cause my insides to melt. Shit, and that grin on his face. What a tease.
“Fuck.” I take a step back and place my cell on the workbench. “That was the best non-kiss ever.”
“I wanna show you something special.” He drinks while lighting a candle, acting nonchalant.
“Answer my question first. Do you sleep here?”
“Most of the time, unless it’s too cold. Employees have beds in the basement and can stay in the suites when guests
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