Bachelor’s Return by Clarissa Yip Read Free Book Online

She had to care. If only she’d admit that their one night together was more than a one-night stand, he’d throw his pride down and grovel at her feet. But she wouldn’t.
    “I’m not.” She pushed at him again. “I need to go change for the rehearsal dinner.”
    His hand rose and cupped her cheek. “Why are you so stubborn?”
    “James, let me go.”
    He ignored her and brushed his lips against hers only intending to taste her. He groaned when she started to kiss him back. “Mel…”
    Before he knew it, the brat had jerked her knee up toward his crotch and he jumped back before she could do any serious damage.
    “Save your damn kisses for Ellie!” Melissa got into her car before he could catch her. He watched her reverse out of the driveway and drive off.
    He stared down the road even after the car had disappeared.
    Hell, he needed a new game plan.

    The wedding rehearsal took forever.
    Liv was turning into Bridezilla at the last minute. The bridesmaids were having a hard time walking down the aisle at the speed the bride wanted, the guys were too busy joking around to pay attention, and the pastor was rushing everyone to get moving. Her best friend had gone from calm and excited to irritated and controlling in a matter of seconds. Melissa wasn’t going to argue. Even after Liv rearranged for her to pair up with James, because Alan’s friend looked too short standing next to Melissa. She’d just have to deal.
    They all waited in the back for the piano music to start. Melissa stood with her hand tucked into the crease of James’ arm. She tried to ignore the flex of his muscles underneath her palm and focused on the pastor for his cue. Dressed in a dark suit, James drew the attention of all the females in the room, and Melissa should have been used it by now, but she couldn’t help the pangs of jealousy beating in her heart at the sight of him. She wished he was ugly and short.
    “You can’t avoid me forever,” James murmured.
    Melissa continued to stare straight ahead.
    “Mel, don’t be a brat.”
    Her eyes jerked to his face. She saw the spark of amusement in his gaze. “Don’t call me that.”
    “But you are a brat. You’re my brat.”
    His words came as a caress. Heat rushed over her. After she’d left him in the driveway of his mom’s house, she’d pulled over and finally let the tears spill. Seeing James holding another woman hurt. It was worse than a blade gutting her heart.
    She didn’t know what she wanted anymore. Sleeping with him had been a mistake, but a mistake she’d never regret. Now their relationship was never going to go back to normal. What if he lost all respect for her and started seeing her as another conquest?
    Pretending that nothing went on between them was slowly eating her away. If she hadn’t witnessed his arms around another woman, she may have been able to continue her facade, but he wasn’t willing to let the matter drop. When she said it was just sex, she’d been lying, and he knew it. She wanted him more than anything. Could she continue to ignore the situation? Would it be wrong to give in and deal with the pain after he returned to the city?
    “Just leave me alone,” she said softly. The ache in her chest wouldn’t go away. Even if James wanted anything with her, it’d be out of responsibility and guilt. She didn’t want any of it.
    “I’m coming over tonight.”
    “No, you’re not.”
    The music started and the first couple started their walk.
    “I am, and you’re not going to fight me. We’re going to talk this out.”
    Eyes trained on the couple ahead, she allowed James to lead her.
    “There’s nothing to talk about. I don’t think Ellie would like you coming over.” She refused to look at him.
    “If you weren’t so stubborn, it’d make it easy on the both of us. Are you jealous?” His voice held a steel thread.
    “Why would I be? I’m used to seeing you with other women. I think I’ve heard all your sordid stories.” She stumbled