Page 19 of Cabin Fever

I almost kissed her neck. I stood and sucked in the cool Olivia-free air. But as I gazed down at her rounded eyes with pupils so dilated I could dive inside and nipples ready to slice me in two, I found it even harder to resist touching her.

I had to get away. It took a moment for the message to get to my legs, but I managed to step away from Olivia and head back toward the bathroom.

"Is that your idea of flirting? Get half-naked and tease me with your sheep talk?"

I stopped at the doorway and turned. Olivia, with her hair in disarray and my old flannel shirt snug around her chest, was seared into my brain. I wanted to tease her into oblivion but knew that gave her the power.

My father's warning rung in my ears. "People will use any means necessary to control you, even sex."

"Maybe you're used to men teasing you, Olivia, but I would never do that. And as for your idea that I'm some puritanical nutter because I don't tolerate bad language, understand that language is an art form. Words convey meaning and can be used as weapons. My father raised me here, all alone, but it didn't stop him from teaching me about the beauty of books or different languages and how we use our bodies to express ourselves, even animals."

"I didn't mean—"

I wasn't about to let her launch into whatever sad excuse she had for her poor language skills. "And foul words used with the right body language can destroy lives."

It could take the people you love the most away forever.

I heard her footsteps as she moved toward me, but I kept going until I was in the bathroom and had the door locked.

She knocked, but I ignored it.

"Carter, please. I am sorry. I'm not used to being around such a passionate person. Actually, that's not true . . . Most of the men I know are passionate about one thing—money. You aren't like them and sometimes it's hard for me to realize that."

I stared at my reflection. Was that a compliment or an insult?

"I'm trying my best. I'd be happy to try to make breakfast tomorrow."

"No!" I yelled.

She tried making tea three days ago. Luckily, I had a fire extinguisher hanging on the wall in the kitchen.

"Then what do you want from me?"

I want you naked, on your knees, with those sweet lips sucking my dick like I'm your last meal.

"Nothing. In fact, don't worry about helping with the farm. You're my guest, I shouldn't trouble you with work."

"But I don't mind—"

"Olivia. You are my guest. Once I find the spark plugs, I'll take you back to The Lodge. Then you can go home, and I can get back to being a farmer."

I turned my head and stared at the door. When I didn't hear a response, I leaned my ear closer. The only thing I heard was her footsteps walk away and the door to the bedroom close.

She should be happy about that. No more cleaning up poop or getting up early. It's what I wanted too, at least, I thought that's what I wanted. I wouldn't be interrupted by Olivia as I worked.

Then why did I feel worse than I did when I found out she was from DC?

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