by Rona Jameson
“I don’t understand you.” She turned her attention to where she walked. “You ignore me at school and now all of a sudden you want to be best buddies. Why?”
Unfortunately, she was correct with the first part, but totally wrong with the latter. “I don’t want to be best buddies. I want to be best friends, which means more.”
“Friends with benefits while we’re in Ireland is what you’re saying, right?” She glanced out of the corner of her eye.
“You are totally wrong. I want you Jenna. Not on the side. I want you totally under me.” I pulled her to a stop. “I like you. A lot. You tangle me up inside and until the driver started losing control of the bus, I hadn’t realized how much. You just need to realize that I don’t have any ulterior motives.” Continuing to walk again, I added, “Once you’ve accepted that, then I’m going to rock your world, babe.”
She opened and closed her mouth; opened it again before deciding to keep quiet, deep in thought.
While she continued in her silence, I enjoyed the colored Christmas lights lining the small street. They led to the village square where a ten-foot Christmas tree stood tall and proud. “Cormac told me that each year the children from the school make decorations for the tree. They are then sold in the toy shop in the village. The money’s used to purchase presents for sick children in the local hospital who don’t get to spend Christmas at home.”
“That’s a wonderful tradition to have. We need to purchase some for the tree.” Her face lit up and it caught me by surprise as she continued, “Do you know where the shop is?”
“I do, but first, I think we should have a hot chocolate or hot apple cider.” Her hand squeezed my arm, propelling me forward. Daringly, I took advantage and quickly kissed her on the cheek, delighted at her gasp, which I ignored. “I’m fairly sure we’re heading in the correct direction for the shop with the decorations.”
There was silence and then she added, “Considering there is only one road through the village, I’m guessing you’re right.”
Good! She’d decided to carry on without yelling at me for sneaking a kiss, which I hadn’t done before. Maybe I was growing on her. I was confident I was. While she went silent again, I spotted the shop we needed. Its window was the brightest one. The snow started to fall again as I moved us toward it.
Decorated with a Victorian Christmas scene in the window, a train slowly chugged through the village. A few children had their noses pressed up to the window, but the one thing that delighted me the most was Jenna’s response. She gasped with delight and laughed. Her eyes sparkled as she turned.
“This is the best.” She laughed and danced to join the children.
I moved to the side so I could get a better view of her and leaned against a wooden post.
She said something to a child beside her and the little boy started giggling as Jenna spoke to his mother.
Her eye caught mine and she raised a hand, hesitated, and then waved me over to her. She smiled, chewing on her bottom lip, and waited. My walk was slow and when I reached her, I had to touch. She took my breath away. To her surprise, I slid my hands beneath the bottom of her jacket to touch skin. Jenna shivered and gave me a hesitant hug before she pulled away.
“This is the most amazing window display. Can we go inside?”
“We can.” I laughed. “We’re going to purchase a couple of decorations for the tree.” I smiled and led her inside the warm store.
Jenna looked slightly unsure, but then she moved in front of me. Her hands pressed against my chest as she raised up on tiptoes. Her eyes held mine as she kissed my cheek. “You’re full of surprises, Dylan McKenzie.”
“I’m glad you think so.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “Let’s choose our decorations.”
“I love Christmas and was looking forward to spending it with my uncle and family.” Jenna admitted, quietly. “It’s been a few years since I visited, and I hate letting them down.” Not meeting my gaze, she moved to the Christmas section of the store. I, of course, followed and smiled when she held a pink ballerina in her hand. “This one.”
“You like ballet, huh?” I picked up the nutcracker and held it up next to Jenna’s decoration. “And I’m not such a bad companion to spend Christmas with. Then afterwards when we can leave this village, we’ll go and visit your family and my Dad’s friend, who I believe are one and the same.”
“You knew?”
“Not until after the crash. I spotted his name on the notification screen on your phone. It made sense. I knew his niece from the States was also spending Christmas and I’m ashamed to admit that I never gave it another thought.” I shrugged. “I’m really happy it’s you Jenna. I mean that.”
“I believe you do.”
Clearing my throat, I got us back on track, “You were saying about ballet.”
“I wasn’t, but I’ll humor you.” She smiled. “I’m not really a fan of ballet, but I do love the Nutcracker. I’d usually go every December in New York. I decided to travel to Ireland instead.”
“Then I’m lucky you decided to skip it this year.” I moved in and surrounded all her senses. “I’m so damn happy to have you here with me.”
Between us, my heart pounded, and Jenna’s face reddened while her breath stilled. “I don’t think you should be so close to me…in a public place.”
“Why’s that then?” I nuzzled into her neck and smiled when I felt her shiver. Nibbling on her lobe, I gave her bottom a quick squeeze and backed away. My smile widened when I saw the stunned look on her face. “Come on. Let’s pay and then go outside. I need to cool off.”
She muttered something under her breath about not being the only one to cool off. I hid my amusement while paying for the ornaments. She was so distracted that she hadn’t even realized I’d paid until she stopped me outside.
“You make me forget.” She tugged her jacket down and added, “I don’t like it.”
“Liar.” I laughed as she walked off toward the tree in a huff.
Six
Jenna
Dylan was getting to me. Who was I kidding? He’d gotten to me long before this trip. Now, though, I couldn’t get the feel of him out of my head. His erection had pulsed with a life of its own against me.
I may have denied it to Dylan, but, to myself, I knew his presence was doing things to me. The way he looked at me— his reaction—was all because of me. I hadn’t known what to do or how I should react. I’d sensed his embarrassment when he’d admitted that, but it hadn’t stopped him. It was as he left that I realized I needed to stop thinking I didn’t fit with him when he’s making me believe I did. Although I wasn’t sure I’d get over my shyness, I decided I wanted to be wanted by him. I needed to forget that my heart would end up broken once we got back to Boston. He’d be with his friends and I’d be with mine. As long as I told myself not to fall in love with him, I’d be okay. I really would.
His hand taking mine brought me out of my woolgathering as I turned and smiled, it seemed to ease the worry I saw on his brow. “We need to hang the ornaments,” he whispered, leading me toward the tree.
He handed me the ballerina so, walking forward, I hung her on a branch. She twirled in the wind as I stood back and admired her.
Dylan stepped forward and my heart tingled with excitement watching him.
For now, he was mine.
It touched my heart in more ways than one to be here with him at the village tree. What a wonderful idea it was too. Making something fun and festive as a fundraiser for the hospital.
Dylan stood behind me and wrapped an arm around my neck, the other around my waist. He pressed in close against my body and sighed. “We fit Jenna,” he whispered. “Don’t think too hard because I can guarantee you won’t come up with the correct answer.”
“You’re always so confident,” I mumbled.
“I’m not as confident as you think, at least with you.” He pulled off a glove and hesitated before he took hold of a chunk of my hair and rubbed it between his fi
ngers and thumb. “So soft,” he said, distracted. “I’ve wanted to slide my fingers through this hair for a while now. I’ve imagined a lot more too.” He cleared his throat and his meaning became clear in my mind.
My cheeks felt like they were on fire so there was no way I planned on lifting my face to his right now. Before he could ask me anything else, I turned and curled into him, needing him distracted. The feel of being in his arms, in this way, was a memory I’d take with me no matter what happened between us.
“What are you thinking?” Dylan asked and placed a kiss to my forehead.
“About the fact that you might actually be right.”
“Me, right?!” he laughed.
“Yes.” I moved and poked him in the belly with my finger.
Tugging me into his arms, he squeezed me close. “Stop poking me before I end up poking you with something that will embarrass you.”
“Why don’t we change the subject?” I quickly suggested before my embarrassment took over.
“For now,” he agreed.
He was so comfortable that if we weren’t standing, I’d be asleep. I decided to answer his original question. “I was thinking about how happy I am right now. None of this was expected but being here like this with you is nice.” I swallowed hard and buried my face in his neck, not willing to voice what worried me.
Dylan squeezed me hard before letting go and taking my hand. “Hot chocolate.” He smiled. “It’s the best, and homemade from real chocolate—or so Cormac informed me.”
“I think someone has a sweet tooth.”
“Chocolate isn’t the only thing I crave, Jenna.”
Goose bumps shot down my spine at the way he said my name, his meaning sinking into my brain.
Embarrassment crept onto my face and Dylan softly smiled. He turned toward the tree and the lights, and I was thankful for the moment to pull myself together. The man got under my skin and I wasn’t certain I knew what I wanted where he was concerned.
You know that’s a lie, Jenna!
My conscious was a pain in the butt.
I’d wanted Dylan McKenzie from the moment I’d laid eyes on him. I’d been annoyed and embarrassed that first time, but then my eyes would always find him in a crowd. Somehow, I’d know he was close. Didn’t make any sense.
Dylan turned his attention back onto me, so I looped my scarf around my neck and smiled. He blinked and a smile slipped onto his face as he wheeled me in, giving me a sweet kiss before whispering, “Are you having a good time, Jenna?”
Daringly, I slid my hands into the neck of his jacket feeling the heat there. “More fun than I’ve ever had.” Leaning in, I gave him a brief kiss before nibbling along his jaw to his earlobe and discovered he was sensitive there, so I took the opportunity and teased him with a slight bite.
Dylan shuddered and groaned. “You’re teasing me, Jenna. I won’t be responsible for how I react if you carry on.” Stepping back, he took my hand and dragged me away from the tree and the shelter into the biting cold.
As the snow started up again, I admitted, “The snow reminds me of Boston, although the view is different,” while admiring the view of the houses covered in snow and lights on in the windows. It offered a warm glow that felt nice.
“It is different. It seems quieter. Fresher.” He squeezed my hand. “Hot chocolate,” he muttered clearing his throat.
“Oh, with pink marshmallows and chocolate shavings?”
“Your wish is my command,” he drawled as we walked hand-in-hand toward the small café across the square.
His comment tickled me, which he knew as he was watching me from the corner of his eye. The man was fun to be with. Something which I wasn’t used to. Outside of Jason, I’d always been a loner. I didn’t want to go back to that.
“It looks festive,” Dylan commented, opening the door into the café. “My mom would love this.”
“I love this.” No sooner had I spoken than a woman came dashing over to us.
“You’re the American couple, I’ve been hearing about? I’m Annie” she gushed. “Please sit. What can I get you?” She fussed around us and her rosy cheeks made me smile. “Oh, wait! I know what I can get you. Hot chocolate. It’s homemade and the best this side of the Atlantic.”
She disappeared and I met Dylan’s amused gaze. “I like her.” I grinned and giggled. “At least she got our drinks right.”
Dylan rolled his eyes. “Cormac told her what we’d be in for.” He smiled. “Then again I bet everyone comes in out of the cold, snowy weather for hot chocolate.”
“Hmm.” I intertwined my fingers with Dylan’s on the table, noticing how much larger his hands were to mine. “So, you and Jaxon are cousins, huh?”
“We are.” He grinned. “But don’t go looking at him.”
“You know I haven’t been looking at him. Besides, his eyes have firmly been on Poppy Green since she’d arrived at school.” Dylan’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “You didn’t know?”
“No.” He shook his head. “He’s into the visiting Prof? How did I not know this?”
“I’m observant, plus, I may have been watching him a bit closer than I usually do because of you,” I admitted. “You were always with him. His gaze was always on Poppy.” I shrugged. “I’m a girl, we notice these things.”
“Wow.” He dragged a hand across his face. “I didn’t see that one. I did see my cousin, Paige and Seth though, so I’m not totally clueless.”
“I heard you wanted Seth away from Paige.” I raised a brow.
“Hmm, well, that was true. He loved her. It was good in the end.” Dylan sighed. “I do have a sister. Madison. She’s married to Derek, who is the father of Tanner, who is married to my cousin, Charlotte.” He laughed. “My family is complicated, but we’re all close, which has it good and not so good times.”
“I bet. Why not so good?”
“The girls used to spy on us boys, and that’s all I’m saying on the matter.”
“With girls? I bet your cousins probably learnt a thing or two about boys on those occasions.”
“Maybe.” He cleared his throat, and asked, “What about you? Any siblings?”
“Nope. I’m an only child, and my uncle already likes you because of your dad, so I’d say you have nothing to worry about when we finally get to Ahascragh.”
“Good to know.”
“Here you go. Two hot chocolates with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate buttons.” Annie placed the drinks on the table in beautiful glass cups.
“They look delicious.” I leaned in and sipped from the filled glass before lifting it to my mouth because the slightest movement would have it sloshing all over the table. Annie hovered, a smile beaming across her face. “Good as it looks.”
“I second that. It’s really thick and creamy. Thank you,” Dylan told the excited woman.
“I told you.” She twirled and trotted off to serve another customer.
“You have cream, um—” Dylan whispered, indicating I had it all over my lips. He laughed. “I’ll get it.” Leaning forward, he very slowly, while holding my gaze, trailed a finger along my upper lip.
His gaze dipped and heated as he watched. I stuck the tip of my tongue out and licked the tip of his finger. He groaned and moved in the chair. “You,” he breathed heavily, “are driving me crazy.” I bit the tip of his finger and laughed.
“It’s funny really. Until I met you, I was boring and never teased anyone or joked around.” I sighed, wishing I was more carefree. “I just wanted to study and get good grades. Good grades had been drilled into me since I was little. No boys. Just studying. Being alone gets lonely.”
Dylan frowned and took my hand. “What about Jason? He’s never far from your side.”
I smiled softly. “Jason has been my friend for a long time. Since we were kids.”
“He likes you.” Dylan frowned. “He really likes you, Jenna.”
I blinked a few times, and replied, “You sound jealous.”
&nbs
p; “I am.”
“Really?” I perked up.
“It’s nothing to be happy about.”
Laughing, I brought his hand to mine and kissed his open palm. “I like that you’re jealous, but you don’t need to be. Jason is only a friend.”
“Who wants more than friendship. I’m a guy. I know these things.”
“I know,” I admitted. “He’s been hinting for a few years. We have a long history of friendship, Dylan. It isn’t easy letting him down. Unfortunately, I don’t feel about him the way I think he does about me.” I added, softly, “Or the way I feel about you.”
“That’s good. At least, I think it is.”
“Most definitely.” I paused. “I’m not lonely right now.”
“You have a lot of time to make up for.” He wiggled his brows, his breath becoming heavy. “I’m not who others make out I am, Jenna. If I wasn’t interested in more, then I wouldn’t be here with you.” He blushed. “It’s you I want to be with. Now and back in the States. I think we should forget about everything else and just concentrate on the two of us. Get to know each other. I want you to trust me not to hurt you, but you have to promise to not hurt me.”
I searched his eyes and found nothing but truth as I let out a nervous breath. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”
“That’s good. Like, really good!”
I huffed out a surprised laugh. “Or confident.”
He shook his head. “I’ve told you before, I’m not that confident around you. You mean something to me. It’s been building for months. Although, I wouldn’t wish the crash on anyone, there is part of me that’s glad it happened. It brought us together.”
“Dylan?” I snapped.
He stared at me in surprise.
“Take me back to our room and get me hot and sweaty.”
