Jingle Balls

by Waltz, Vanessa

  And he must be a mind reader, because that’s exactly what he does.

  Ronan kisses me once, so soft I barely register the graze of his mouth across mine. Then his arm wraps my waist, and he deepens the kiss. I cling to his neck, my body responding in ways I never knew. It’s exciting. Euphoric.

  Ronan drags me onto his lap, our bodies molding together as though we’ve wanted this our whole lives. His hands slide up my back, two pads of heat.

  What would it be like to be held naked?

  I bury my fingers in his thick hair, mussing his perfect wave. Our lips crash as the background disappears. We might as well be on a sofa at home, with all the privacy we need. But we aren’t alone. We’re in a bar, packed with dozens of people.

  Ronan seems to come to that same realization. He pauses, mouth parted and eyes closed to half-slits as though under a spell. His erratic pulse throbs against my fingers.

  I might be two beats away from my heart bursting. Shockwaves roll through my body held tight by Ronan. "I didn’t expect that."

  "Sweet Jesus, neither did I. Now I’ll never leave you alone."

  Ronan kisses me, his lips hard and insistent. I open to him as he feeds an ache I never knew I had. Before this night ends, I’ll want more and not having it will be torture.

  I sweep my tongue over Ronan’s bottom lip before nipping him.

  He responds with a feral growl. "Gigi."

  "Sorry." My face burns. "I’m acting like a horny teenager."

  "I should’ve kissed you years ago."

  The regret pounds through his voice, and it cuts through me. The look he gives me strikes my core and resonates sadness.

  I expected this date to be painfully awkward, filled with boring conversation and zero chemistry. I didn’t anticipate to have my heartstrings tugged all night. But then Ronan kissed me, and I liked it so much I’ve climbed onto his goddamn lap. And now that I’m wrapped in his arms, I have no desire to leave.

  No, I’ve let this go way too far. I was supposed to let him down easy, not start a make-out session that has left us both panting for more.

  "N-now what?"

  "I have a few things in mind. Most of them involve ripping off your clothes though, and I’m trying to be a good boy."

  "What if I don’t want you to be?"

  Ronan’s eyes widen before a smile breaks through his shock. "Well, it’s about damn time."

  "Kiss me again."

  Ronan cradles my chin, lips melting into mine as the hottest sensation zips up and down my spine. He gives me butterflies everywhere. I’ve never had a kiss do this to me.

  We break apart, breathing hard. Ronan sucks in his bottom lip as though savoring the taste of me. "Gigi, you are—" he pauses, face whitening. "Oh no."

  Alarmed, I whirl. "What?"

  A depressed-looking Lance in rumpled blue plaid stomps up the stairs, gripping his drink. I slide off Ronan’s lap as he spots us, jaw agape.

  "Fucking Lance." His hand curls around my shoulder. "We’re obviously on a date, but here he comes anyway. Rude bastard."

  Lance flashes us a rosy-cheeked grin. "Hey, man!"

  An unsmiling Ronan nods his head. "Sup."

  "How are you guys doing?" Lance boozily sinks into the chair opposite the loveseat, apparently unaware he’s crashing our date. "Been so long since I heard from you. Now I understand why."

  Lance winks at Ronan, who doesn’t look pleased.

  "Dude—"

  "Hey, want to see a movie or something? That new Marvel movie looks sick."

  "We’re on a date." Ronan’s glare adds a silent, Get lost.

  "Bullshit."

  "All right. Time to go." Ronan leans into me, whispering. "Sorry. He’s an ass."

  Dizzy by the sudden rush of warmth, I take Ronan’s hand. Lance’s narrowed gaze follows us. "Oh, so now you’re too good for me?"

  Ronan exchanges a bewildered look with me. "Gigi and I have plans."

  "Yeah, like what? You were going to wow her with your trophy collection before banging her or after?"

  Ronan seizes Lance’s collar and slams him against the wall. "If you weren’t a drunk waste of space right now, I’d fucking punch you."

  "Do it! I bet it’ll score you even more points." Lance swats his hand away, readjusting his clothes. "Don’t touch me!"

  Bar patrons gawk at the scene. I’m surprised, too. Ronan defending me from another man feels alien.

  I take his hand. "Let’s just go."

  "Yeah." After an eternity, Ronan tears his gaze from Lance. His movements thick with rage, he tugs me toward the stairs.

  Bewildered, I follow him into the blistering cold, pulled relentlessly forward.

  "Ronan!" I catch his arm, and he wheels around. "Slow down."

  The ferocity lining his jaw softens. "I’m sorry about that. I’m not sure what his problem is."

  "He’s jealous." It’s not hard to figure out why. "You’ve got it all. A blossoming career. Fame. Girls and glory."

  "Enough about me." Ronan walks me to his car, thumbs hooked in his jeans. "Christ. Everything was going so well until he showed up."

  "He’d have to do a lot worse to ruin our date. I’ll probably never forget that kiss."

  Did I just say that?

  Ronan pushes himself off the car, hands sweeping inside my coat to take my waist and pin me against the door. "I’m ready to get you alone."

  I can’t believe I’m doing this.

  Liquid courage—that’s all this is. But Ronan’s touch is nothing like the alcohol spider-webbing warmth across my body. It’s an attraction so strong, it makes my former engagement a joke.

  No one’s home. "We could hang out at my house."

  "And I had a whole evening planned. I thought you wanted me to wine and dine you."

  "You thought wrong."

  Eyes blazing, Ronan opens the passenger side door. We drive the home in tense, happy silence. My insides knot. I wipe my palms on my jeans over and over, anticipating the moment we’re alone.

  Are we really doing this?

  Before long, we arrive at my mom’s. Ronan parks in his driveway. The engine cuts. His stare warms my cheeks.

  He follows me to my house. "Wait."

  He grabs my arm, pulling me into his chest. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

  "I can’t think of anything I want more."

  "I’d be fine hanging out, right? We don’t have to—"

  "Ronan, I know. Can we do this, already?"

  He smiles, a heart-stopping grin that dials my desire to eleven. Then his lips crash into mine. It’s like I’ve never kissed him before, or perhaps I’m still recovering from shock. He really wants me. He’s not letting me breathe. It’s as though he’s unleashing years of pent-up craving in one kiss.

  And I want him too. My fingers glide up his stubbled chin, stroking his cheeks, and his thick mane. It’s so surprising—this wave of passion for a man I hate.

  A porch light flares. The door opens. "Gigi? Is that you?"

  We spring apart, Ronan breathing heavily in the darkness. A wildness in his expression tells me he’s likely to throw me over his shoulder, mother be damned.

  I palm his chest. "Sorry. Gotta go."

  He closes his mouth and nods tightly.

  Mom’s voice rings out again. "Is that Ronan?"

  Ronan

  Gigi’s texts await when I step out of the shower.

  Gigi: Sorry about last night. Didn’t want to get into it with Mom.

  Gigi: Thanks for the drink

  My excitement fizzles like a tail end of a firework.

  Thanks for the drink? That’s something you write when you blow off someone.

  Gigi can’t mean to break things off before they’ve even started.

  What about that kiss?

  My mouth tingles with the memory. If her mother hadn’t interrupted us, I would’ve had her. Finally.

  Something’s wrong. Everything went amazingly, despite her mom showing up out of the blue, bu
t Gigi isn’t begging me for a second date. No, she’s dropping me like a hot potato.

  What did I do?

  Well, if she thinks I’ll accept two lines of text and move on, she’s sorely mistaken. I won’t let this go.

  I dress quickly and bypass a smirking Liam. "Be back later."

  I disappear before Mom interrogates me, and march across the lawn, making it only two feet before Gigi’s mother, Elena, pops out the front door.

  "Good morning!"

  "Hello, Ronan," she says stiffly.

  Fuck, she must’ve seen the kiss. "Is Gigi inside?"

  "She’s at the farmer’s market. If you hurry, you might catch her."

  "Will do."

  I smile, ignoring Elena’s suspicion as I jog to my Audi. I whisk downtown. Parking is a nightmare, because the market takes over several streets. People swarm the sidewalks, carrying bouquets of flowers, pints of honey, and produce.

  I walk toward dozens of white tents, searching for Gigi among the sea of colorful beanies and winter hats. I look for her at the mini-donut vendor, stomach growling at the fried, sugary scent. I pass the cheese artisans and Gnome Pottery, weaving in between two big Labradors to get to the produce section. My eyes rake the tables filled with lettuce, broccoli, and kale, finding a giant tub stocked to the brim with chestnuts. Gigi is bent over it, shoveling the brown lumps into a paper bag.

  "Hey."

  Gigi’s shocked gaze crashes into mine. She’s all bundled up, her hair twisted into an elegant braid that loops around her neck. A white scarf peeks from her Columbia jacket, and I imagine stripping her, kissing her skin.

  Last night there was more than lust stirring in my cock. It was stronger than that—like a secret crush that makes your heart ache.

  "Did I do something wrong?"

  "No, of course not! Why would you think that?"

  "Those texts you sent me."

  "Sorry, I wasn’t trying to be rude." Gigi’s cheeks burn brighter as I approach. The chestnuts rattle as she rolls the paper bag. "It’s—my mom’s home."

  "So?"

  "I don’t want to deal with her endless questions if we’re…dating."

  This isn’t adding up. "Are you afraid to admit you like me?"

  Gigi softens. "Yes, but it’s not what you think. I-I only broke my engagement a short while ago. If I tell her I was going on dates with you, she’ll freak and ask a million questions."

  "Who says anyone has to know?" I cup her cheek, marveling at the softness of her skin. "Pay for your nuts and come with me."

  "Fine." Gigi pays the cashier, and then returns to my side. "Now what?"

  I take her hand. "Now I bring you somewhere to finish what I planned yesterday."

  "Where? Mom’s at my house, and yours has the same problem."

  "Oh, Gigi. How do you think I got laid as a teenager?"

  "Ronan, I’m not sure about this. I want you but…I’m scared." She raises a trembling finger to my chest, her eyes begging me for—what? "This was so unexpected."

  "I didn’t plan to want you this badly, but it happened. I don’t see how ignoring our feelings helps."

  Gigi nods, steeling herself. "You’re right."

  "Of course I am." I take her to my car, her fingers linked within mine. "You’re safe with me, Gigi. We won’t do anything you don’t want."

  Gigi smiles to herself as she slides into the passenger seat. "If I had to make a list of things I don’t want from you, it’d be pretty damn short."

  Hot. "Good to know."

  And though I’d love to interrogate her to find out her preferences, I’d much rather explore her body and learn on my own. A quick, ten-minute drive takes us from Danville to a pine-choked forest. I park in a long deserted campsite and cut the engine.

  Gigi chews her lip, staring at our surroundings. She’s nervous and I don’t blame her. I haven’t had sex in a car since high school. Hell, I could’ve gotten us a hotel room, but I it would’ve probably been a step too far for Gigi.

  Her gaze swings my way. "This is crazy."

  "What is?"

  "Everything between you and me." Gigi touches my hand, linking her fingers with mine.

  "Maybe we should’ve seen this coming, hating each other as much as we did."

  Gigi leans forward to kiss me, but the seatbelt cuts into her stomach. She laughs, unbuckling it. Then I bury my hands in her hair, her sweet scent wrapped around me like a cloud of desire. I’m hazy—drunk with her presence. In between kisses, we break out into euphoric laughter, my shock and happiness mirrored on Gigi’s face.

  This is crazy. Kissing and holding Gigi is like coming home after an exhausting trip. She’s amazing. I can’t believe how giddy I am in this moment.

  I recline my seat, moving to the backseat. Gigi unwraps her scarf, releasing a shuddering breath. She slips from her jacket, and squeezes between the seats. She stumbles, squealing. I catch her, pulling her onto my lap.

  Perfect.

  "You shouldn’t feel this good," she whispers. "Ronan."

  "Embrace it. Stay with me."

  I guide her palms to my pecs because I need her to touch me. Gigi’s hands are a thousand times more soothing than any masseuse. The pain in my ankle becomes a distant memory. I’m distracted by her sexy curves pressing against my body. Her neck tips backward, as though inviting my caress. I start there, tasting her skin. Gigi arches into my mouth. I nip her, careful to not leave marks.

  When my lips find her lips, I’ve unbuttoned her shirt. My hand slips beneath her underwire as we kiss. She wraps her arms around my head, moaning. It’s so soft. I feel it at the back of my throat.

  The button-up falls down Gigi’s shoulders. I rip it all the way off, sliding over her skin to find her bra clasp. It unsnaps. Her tits tumble free. For a moment, I appreciate the sight of her topless. She steals the air from the car, her hands gliding up her curves to hide herself.

  I move them away, meeting her apprehensive gaze. "I love your breasts. Never cover them."

  Gigi fists my hair, an electric current passing from her fiery gaze into me. Heat spider webs where her body touches mine. She kisses me hard. Another swell of desire tightens my already uncomfortable jeans.

  I get my fill of her form, breaking from her lips to pay attention to the rest. She pants, nails digging into me. I kiss each breast, tongue lapping at her nipples. She heaves a sigh. "Ronan."

  So that’s her sweet spot. Good.

  My other hand unbuttons her jeans. The tight fabric snags over her curves. I yank them over her knees and down to her ankles. Her silky, black panties follow her pants, and then she’s blissfully naked.

  I wedge her thighs apart, teasing. My finger barely strokes her pussy, and she clings to my shoulders. Her tits mash against my chest. Gigi’s kisses are frenzied with need. She releases my hair, slipping under my sweater.

  My jeans hurt. I shift my rock-hard cock, toying with her soaked pussy. Denying her is against my nature, but my gut tells me to wait, that she’ll taste a thousand times sweeter when she’s begging for me.

  My fingers glide up her thighs. They part her and ease inside. She gasps into my mouth.

  "That’s it. Relax."

  Gigi obeys my command, a sigh shuddering from her bee-stung lips. "God, Ronan."

  I could listen to her sigh my name all day. My cock twitches. Her breath hitches higher as I hook my fingers, her hips gyrating against my movements. She’s driving me wild, this woman. I can’t get enough of her puffed lips. I want to wake up with her naked in my arms, exactly like this. And I absolutely need to be inside her.

  She claws at my sweater, turning into a she-devil, but I refuse to let go. I won’t stop until her amber pools widen, and she clenches around me. I slide out of her, rubbing her swollen nub. She chants my name. I kiss her begging lips and my tongue along hers. She widens for me, opening her legs, her mouth eager with insatiable need.

  "Ronan. Don’t stop. Jesus. Don’t stop."

  Music to my ears.

  A
second finger joins the first, pumping inside her until I’ve brought her to the brink. Her gasps hitch higher, loud moans filling the car. She flings out her hand, smearing the fogged window. Ecstasy screws her beautiful mouth as her hips crash into my hand. She clenches. Once. Twice.

  Then she dissolves into a deliciously contented sigh, face buried in the crook of my neck. Shaking, she kisses my throat.

  I slide from her thighs and Gigi lifts her head, eyes shining with unbridled lust. "I need you again."

  She grabs my cock, fisting it through my pants. She tears it from my jeans. I want to let her play with me, but if I do I won’t be able to say no, and I have to stop. I won’t be a selfish prick. Gigi deserves better. I’m not that guy anymore.

  So I tuck myself behind my zipper.

  Confusion knits her brows together. "What’s the matter?"

  "Nothing."

  "Then why are you—?"

  I grasp her chin, kissing her softly. God, it feels so right. "When I fuck you, I don’t want it to be on the backseat of my car. You deserve way better, and you’re going to get it."

  Gigi releases a frustrated grunt, hand rolling over my bulge.

  "If you keep touching me, I won’t be able to stop myself." I’m already trembling from the effort of not throwing her against the window and taking her.

  "Ronan," she says after a few beats of silence. "What does this mean?"

  I’m not sure how to answer that question. My blood’s never run this hot for a woman, but there’s no way I’m going to tell her that. No, it’s better to keep that nugget to myself.

  "It means I’m not done with you, Good Girl. Brace yourself."

  Gigi

  "Since when are you and Ronan friends?"

  I frown between sips of my peppermint chai latte. "What are you talking about?"

  Mom’s manicured fingers tap her ceramic mug. "I saw you the other night. You were kissing—"

  "You saw a hug, Mom."

  She frowns. "I know what I saw."

  "We hung out once, that’s it."

  Mom stares at me, lips so thin they might disappear. "You kissed him, Gigi."

  "What does it matter?"