Free Bitten by the Alpha Wolf by R. E. Swanson Page B

were looking for. It's taken our mind off things.”
    “Ana looks better.”
    “She does,” Jenny agreed. “It's almost a shame we have to leave tomorrow.”
    “Yes,” said Bruce. “That is a shame.”
    Jenny sipped her coffee and when she put it down Bruce laid his hand over hers.
    “I've been thinking about that,” he said. “I've been thinking you might like to extend your stay a little.”
    “Oh, no,” said Jenny. “We couldn't.”
    “Well,” said Bruce, “you probably could. Those rooms are vacant. It’s getting to the end of the season. I'm not expecting anyone to need them now.”
    “That's really nice of you, Bruce,” said Jenny. “But, you know, we've budgeted for this holiday and now it's coming to an end and it's time to go.”
    “You don't have to pay anything more. This is not me, the guest house owner, speaking now. I'm asking you to stay because I want you to.”
    “That's just going to be hassle for you,” said Jenny. “Why would you want that?”
    “Why?” Bruce laughed. “Why do you think? Because I like you. You are very attractive and great company.” And then he leaned over the table. “Plus, we just had the most amazing sex ever and I think we owe it to each other to repeat the experience as often as we can before our bodies give out on us.”
    Jenny felt herself blush. “Bruce, it's been a great holiday. But a holiday thing is a holiday thing and I'm old enough to know that people can get hurt trying to make it into something it's not.”
    Bruce looked downcast. “It might be a holiday fling for you, but that's not how I think of it.”
    Jenny felt the familiar guilt build inside her. She’d slept with Bruce, and she’d slept with Razvan. “Bruce…I have to tell you…”
    He held up a hand. “I think I can guess.”
    “I don’t think you can,” said Jenny.
    “You and Razvan had sex,” he said matter-of-factly. “Is that what you wanted to tell me?”
    She sat back, shocked. “How did you…”
    “He didn’t tell me, if that’s what you’re asking. I just had a sense about it, that’s all.” He sipped his coffee. “Razvan and I both enjoy your company. It would be great to have you here. I know you love the place.”
    “I love the place. But come on, Bruce. We've only just met. I'm in a situation right now. Let's not get carried away,” Jenny said, but even as she said it, she couldn't help feeling excited. Maybe, just maybe, it could all be possible. But could he really be as cavalier about her one-night-stand with Razvan as he seemed?
    Bruce smiled his disarming smile. “What you say is all very sensible. But it's a possibility, that's all I'm saying. You might want to consider it, before passing it up.”
    Jenny nodded. Over the harbor wall, the fish had been unloaded and the boat was empty. The poor seagulls flapped around, but found nothing to scavenge. The fishermen had packed up and gone home and would not be back until the next day.
    “Maybe,” she said. “Maybe we could stay a few more days and see how it goes. But it all depends on Ana. It depends on how she feels. She probably wants to get back to her friends. If she doesn't want to stay, that's it. There's no point trying to persuade her.”
    “You can ask her now,” said Bruce, nodding towards the bridge. “Isn't that her on her way?”
    “How was your morning?” Jenny asked when Ana reached them.
    “Good,” she said, clambering onto a stool. “It was very interesting. There's a lot to see here for such a small town.”
    Jenny noticed that she had even caught the sun but decided against saying anything. “I was thinking,” she said, “about staying a little longer. Just a few more days.”
    “Sure,” said Ana. “Could I have a coffee?”
    *
    When they walked back up to the guest house, Jenny was full of turmoil. She hadn’t expected Ana to want to stay. Ana had been her excuse, so that Jenny could escape any potential conflict emerging from this really great, but really