CHAPTER NINETEEN
I decided to skip my dream of giving into temptation, becoming Jasper’s live-in dream girl after one long, overnight date, and retreated instead to my fortress of protection. I’d like to say my tendency toward withdrawal was based solely on the fact I didn’t want to wear out my welcome, but my motives were more chickenshit.
Jasper deserved so much better than damaged goods. Sure, he was left with war wounds of his own, but at least his could be seen. Mine were hiding under the surface, taking me by surprise when I least expected it.
Fuck.
How long was I going to pay for that night?
From Jasper’s perspective, a return to my rural refuge was par for the course, simply part of dating protocol. Sure, he said he would like me to stay with him longer than one night, nothing
