Page 6 of Backwater Bachelor

“It might be a bit big, but at leats it’s dry.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking the clothes and heading to a corner for a semblance of privacy.

Changing into his robe feels like slipping into a warm hug, and I emerge from the corner, feeling much better. Danny has changed into dry clothes as well and is busy making something in the kitchen.

“Hot coffee?” he asks, holding up two mugs.

”As opposed to what?”

”Iced.” He frowns. ”Isn’t that what you fancy, city-folks drink?”

“Not me,” I smile, taking the offered mug and savoring the warmth that spreads through my hands.

We sit on a worn but comfortable couch, sipping our coffee and exchanging stories. The earlier awkwardness dissipates, replaced by a growing sense of urgency for us to get closer…get more intimate. I glance at Danny, his face softened by the dim light, and feel a twinge of something more than just gratitude.

“You’re not what I expected,” I say suddenly, surprising myself.

He raises an eyebrow, smiling. “What did you expect?”

I shrug, looking down at my mug. “I don’t know. Someone like…Shrek?”

He laughs, a warm, genuine sound. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” I reply, meeting his eyes. The connection between us crackles, like a live wire in the quiet room. And when he puts his arm around me, I don’t pull away but scoot closer.

Stranger danger! my mind shrieks, but I drown the thought. He’s been good to me and good men are hard to come by. That I know, for sure.

6.

Danny

So, this is what having a huge, damn crush feels like? Jane’s sitting next to me, wrapped in my old robe, sipping coffee and laughing at my stupid jokes as if she actually think I’m funny. I can’t help but feel a twinge of something deeper, something that makes me want to pull her closer.

Close enough to kiss her.

I glance at her, noting the way the dim light plays on her damp, blond hair and the curve of her smile. The thought of kissing her flits through my mind, but I push it aside. I don’t want to corner her. We’ve only just met, after all. Still, the urge to close the distance between us is almost overwhelming.

There’s a moment of awkward silence, and I clear my throat, searching for something to say. “If you want, you can take a shower. I’ve got hot water. Might help warm you up a bit more.”

Jane’s eyes light up, and she nods. “That sounds amazing, actually.”

“Sure thing,” I say, standing up. “I’ll find you something else to where in the meantime.”

”The robe’s fine. I love it…”

Yeah, but the lapels are too loose and every time she moves, I catch a hint of the curve of her breast. And a pale-pink nipple.

”No, no…,” I mutter, wincing when I grow harder than I’ve probably ever been in my life. ”I definitely need you to wear something else.”

She frowns in confusion, but then shrugs.

I rummage through my drawers, looking for something that might fit her. I settle on a pair of old but clean sweatpants and a soft, worn T-shirt. As I lay them out on the couch, I catch myself thinking about how much I like having her here, how much I don’t want her to leave.

The sound of the shower stops, and a moment later, Jane steps out, wrapped only in a towel. My heart squeezes in my chest. She’s stunning, her skin glowing from the warmth of the shower, her hair tumbling in loose waves around her shoulders. She catches my eye, and I see a hint of shyness in her expression that only makes her more endearing.

“I found this for you,” I manage to say, gesturing to the couch. “They’re clean, I promise.”

She smiles, a soft, grateful smile that makes my pulse quicken. “They look super-comfy.”

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