B.A.K.E.: Belladonna's Arousing Kissable Extravaganza

by Crumpton, Teresa

  “It’s about fucking time you two got out here. I was about to come find you.”

  It really hasn’t been that long since she told us to get our asses out here. Maybe ten minutes at most. That said, something important must have been discussed between Trey and Wes, because those two don’t fuck around when it comes to Nessa and her planning and organizing. I think we're all a little afraid of her with all those extra hormones floating around in her body right now. The guys make their way toward us. They seem fine. Wes gives me that mischievous grin I love so much, and winks at me.

  “Let’s do this,” Wes announces, coming up behind me and smacking my ass. Fucker!

  When all I can see are bright flashes of light when I close my eyes, Nessa declares we’re finally done with pictures.

  “Calla, do you want to unlock the doors?” she asks, and as I take a step toward the door, I stumble.

  “Are you okay?” Wes whispers in my ear.

  “I can’t see straight after all the damn camera flashes. Will you walk with me to open the doors?”

  “Of course, Beautiful. Come on, let’s welcome our guests in.” He takes my hand and guides me to the door as we walk next to each other.

  With a flick of the lock, I unlock the door and pull it open, seeing, for the first time, our invitees who’ve been waiting to celebrate with us.

  “Aunt Calla, can I greet everyone with you and Uncle Wes?” Ella asks asks, running over to the doors as Uncle Chris steps forward, our first guest of the night.

  “My dear, even I think that would be an excellent idea,” Uncle Chris gushes as he picks her up and starts to pass her to Wes when she asks him, “Have I seen you before?”

  “It’s possible, but if you’re here as often as I think you are,” he lowers his voice but he’s close enough that I hear him say, “You probably know me as The Grimm Reaper.”

  Ella’s open-mouthed, surprised look is priceless, which has Uncle Chris grinning, as I’m absolutely sure he planned to shock her by admitting that. He kisses Ella’s cheek then mine before moving down the line my boys have made in order to greet our special guests for Belladonna’s very first New Year’s Eve party.

  At some point, I lose track of time, and how many people have arrived, until I hear one of two smartasses––aka Wes’s brothers––comment, “Is this practice for when he finally pops the question?”

  Focusing on Noah, I’m about to say something when my brother smacks him on the back of his head. “One, that’s not fucking true, and two,” Ben stares at Wes as he utters his next words, “He’d better fucking ask me for my sister’s hand before he asks Calla anything. I’m still not happy he went behind my back to date her, let alone move in with her. Any further steps need to be done right.”

  Ella, still in Wes’s arms, looks back and forth between Ben and Wes. “Ben, you owe me twenty dollars,” she announces, breaking the tension.

  Fucking love this girl.

  “When it’s time to ask, I promise I will talk to you first,” Wes adds, and he fights back a smile, shaking his head at Ella’s antics.

  Ella holds out her hand, palm up, and waits for Ben to pass over the cash. “This is highway robbery,” Ben grumbles.

  “No, it’s what happens when you have a smart seven-year-old around a bunch of chefs who curse like sailors. We’re pretty much paying for her college education, and she’s only been in our lives for five months. Be glad it’s only a twenty you owe her,” Wes says, smirking before adding to Ella, “You can rob Sam and Noah blind too. By the end of the night, you’ll probably end up with two hundred bucks from them alone.”

  “Fucker, that’s just wrong. We’re family. You’re not supposed to take money from us,” Sam replies, as Ella holds her hand in his direction, and he shakes his head, pulling his wallet out and passing over the money.

  “You think two hundred?” Noah nods at Wes.

  “Yep.” Wes seems very sure of himself.

  “I’ll make a deal with you, Ella. If I give you two hundred dollars now, I don’t have to pay you anymore for the rest of the night, and I won’t ask for a refund even if I don’t curse that much. What do you say, do we have a deal?” Noah asks.

  Ella looks at Wes, then at me, then back at Noah, and finally, at Forest, Trey, and Adam. All of us give her a slight nod in agreement. She thinks about it for another minute before turning her hand and offering it to Noah to shake.

  “Deal!” she agrees, and Noah takes her little hand in his and shakes before passing her cash and following Ben and Sam.

  Ben, Sam, and Noah move down the line, shaking hands and chatting with Forest, Trey, and Adam. Rex, Jax, C.J., and Teagan are the last to enter, and as soon as Ella sees Jax, she’s out of Wes’s arms like a shot and hugging on her.

  “Ladies and gentlemen!” The sound of Nessa’s voice has everyone turning toward the bar. “Now that everyone has arrived, on behalf of Calla and the Belladonna family, we’d like to thank you for joining us this New Year’s Eve. As most of you know, Calla has been making a lot of changes here at Belladonna, and tonight is just one of the ways we wanted to say, ‘thank you,’ to our family, friends, and loyal guests for being so supportive––and in some cases, guinea pigs––during the last few months as we’ve worked to make Belladonna into the family member she was always meant to be. With that said, I’ll turn it over to Calla to say a word or two,” Nessa adds, smirking at me.

  Bitch.

  She knows I hate speaking to a room this big. Clearing my throat, everyone turns to face me by the door, and I take a deep breath.

  Two words––that’s all they get.

  “Dinner is served!”

  Fuck––that was three.

  And with those three little words, the wait staff move around the room, trays full of our special New Year’s Eve food choices and the drink menu. Even though our guests have the option of sitting down to eat, no one does. They all remain standing, mingling with each other and our staff.

  “Way to go, Gorgeous. This was an amazing idea,” Wes congratulates me before kissing me breathless.

  Chapter 10

  Teagan

  I can’t believe the night’s almost over. This is the first New Year’s Eve that I haven’t been in a club, whether that be working...or getting worked over. These last few months have been just what I’ve needed. And I never would’ve imagined having friends like these.

  Fuck, I was such a bitch the first time Calla “met” me. Thank fuck she’s the forgiving type.

  I chuckle to myself.

  “What’s so funny, Sexy?” That silky voice is like kryptonite to my nether regions.

  How I’ve managed to stay out of his bed, I still haven’t a clue. But thankfully, I have. I glance over my shoulder up at him.

  “I was just thinking about the first time I met Calla, though ‘met’ really isn’t the right word. I was yelling at my brother as he was undoubtedly trying to hit on her,” I explain, answering his question.

  “I think you two bonded over the three wise men. Or was it a four horsemen?” Rex muses, his arm brushing against mine.

  “If I remember right, it was a three wise men and a shot of tequila. She’s a woman after my own heart,” I reply, resting my free hand over my heart and fluttering my lashes dramatically at him.

  “I’ve noticed.”

  I watch as Rex finishes his drink and passes the empty glass to one of the servers as he walks by. Wes steps up next to us and passes another glass to Rex. From the look of it, it’s a whiskey straight.

  What I wouldn’t give for one of those.

  Downing the last bit of my blackberry thyme concoction, I shift and start to move when Rex takes the glass out of my hand. He hands it off to another server I hadn’t noticed walking around us.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Teagan, I think Calla has the bartender making you something special,” Wes informs me, peering around Rex to look at me.

  “Cool. Thanks.”
>
  “Anytime. You know that.” He nods slightly in my direction before starting his next topic of conversation. “What ever happened to the chick you were talking to? Not sub enough, or was it something else?” Wes asks pointedly.

  Rex glances at me then back at Wes, and I'm not sure what the expression is on his face, but it makes Wes chuckle. I can only hope it answered the question. Hell, I’ve been curious about the chick, as well. Good thing it’s Wes busting his balls about her and not me, or Rex might get the wrong idea.

  Sub?...Interesting.

  So, if Rex is in the lifestyle, does that mean Wes and Calla are too? I wouldn’t have pegged Calla as a sub, but I can see where she could be. Although, it does explain that Zoe chick from the night Rex and I had just been talking about. In fact, learning this little gem of information sheds quite a bit of light on many conversations I’ve had with Rex...and his actions.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” I hear Calla say as she comes up behind me. “Drink this with me.” She passes a shot glass full of amber liquid to me.

  Yep, a woman after my own heart.

  We clink glasses and toss back the shot. It burns on the way down my throat. Normally when she comes into The Escape, we do a shot of tequila or whiskey. We haven't done a three wise men since that first night at the club. And after this shot, I’m thankful she doesn’t have a four horsemen with her too. Holding in a cough, I place my empty glass in her outstretched hand. Another drink is handed over, though this time it’s just Coke.

  “Thanks,” I say before taking a gulp.

  “No problem. I figured we needed to get that in before the staff starts passing out the bubbly. When I grabbed the shot from the bar, they were just starting to pop the corks.”

  “Good plan. But I might need to find one of Forest’s desserts to have with the champagne. You need anything?” I ask her.

  “Actually, I know where to find the cheesecake...and the cake shots. Follow me,” Calla replies.

  We take a few steps before we’re stopped by Wes. “Will you bring me one too, Lovely?” he requests.

  Leaning in, she kisses him before nodding and responding, “Yes, of course,” with a huge smile on her face.

  Weaving through the dining room, Calla leads me into the kitchen where we spot Forest, Ella, and Jax having a little dessert. Well, Jax and Forest are having a little dessert. It looks like Ella is trying to shove a whole cake shot into her mouth. As her cheeks puff out, I can’t contain my laughter.

  “Yep, that’s my perfect little lady. You’d never know at this moment that I actually do make sure she uses her manners, would you?” Forest clarifies.

  “If I didn’t know y’all, no, I wouldn’t,” I agree. “But I do know y’all, so I’m guessing there was a dare thrown out before we walked in.” Both Forest and Jax chuckle.

  “Damn! You do know us too well. I think we need to get you out from behind the bar more often,” Calla quips as we move toward the group and grab a couple of desserts.

  “Excuse me!” Nessa’s voice comes loud and clear through the speakers.

  “That’s our cue to get back out to the dining room,” Calla informs everyone. “Nessa’s about to start the countdown.”

  Ella quickly finishes her bite, and Forest picks her up from the table. “Let’s go, Baby Girl. If Aunt Nessa doesn’t see us on the floor, she’ll hunt us down and kick my ass.” Forest turns to us. “Y’all coming?”

  “Now that I have these,” Calla holds up the two desserts, “Let’s head back.”

  “I’m right behind you,” I tell her, grabbing two of the desserts myself.

  We scurry out of the kitchen, weaving our way back to where we’d left Wes and Rex. It seems as if most of the Belladonna crew are also making their way to that spot.

  "The champagne is coming around now," Nessa announces as she glances at her watch. "Please quickly take a glass...we only have about ten minutes until midnight!"

  Damn. How am I going to duck out?

  Having no desire to watch everyone kiss, I fall behind as the servers hastily move around the room. Thankfully, Calla doesn’t notice. As one of the wait staff passes, I take the offered flute, place one of the desert shots onto his tray, and slide through the crowd in the opposite direction.

  This is the only midnight kiss I need!

  Before I can get far enough away, I hear the countdown begin.

  “Here we go! Ten...nine...eight…” The countdown continues, with Nessa leading.

  Shit!

  I scan the room one last time, my attention focusing on Rex and his friends as I continue my attempted escape.

  Why do I have to be so damn attracted to him? I ask myself as I divert my focus and try to move further away from the Belladonna group.

  “Happy New Year!” Nessa screams before Frank Sinatra’s voice replaces hers as Auld Lang Syne plays.

  “Teagan!” yells an all too familiar voice from behind me.

  I stop, and his hands wrap around my arms, turning me to face him.

  He doesn’t give me a chance to prepare before his lips are pressing into mine. Hell, his kiss is scorching...and like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I open my lips to him before I realize what I’m doing, and with that small opportunity, his tongue dives into my mouth.

  I swear I can feel him groan as the kiss lingers.

  When we both pull back, catching our breaths, Rex leans in and whispers, "Happy New Year, Sexy," before stealing another kiss. I'm not sure if he's just that fast––and that good––or if I subconsciously allow it. This time, he nips at my lips when I don’t open to him automatically.

  A moan slips from my throat, and I know I’m a goner. As the kiss slowly comes to an end, and Rex moves to step away, he places another lingering kiss on my cheek.

  “We’ll talk soon,” he promises.

  And with that, he disappears into the rowdy crowd.

  Playlist

  Demons by Imagine Dragons

  Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton

  It Takes Two by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

  Twist and Shout by The Beatles

  Nobody But Me by Michael Buble

  Dear Future Husband by Meghan Trainor

  Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

  I’m Alive by Kenny Chesney (ft. Dave Matthews)

  Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon

  Havana by Camila Cabello (ft.Young Thug)

  Lean On by Major Lazer (ft. MØ & DJ Snake)

  Celebration by Kool and The Gang

  Auld Lang Syne by Frank Sinatra

  Ring in the New Year with a kiss!

  Kiss Me Like You Miss Me by Felicia Fox

  A Kiss to Remember by Geri Glenn

  First Last Kiss by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  Covered by a Kiss by Lisa B. Kamps

  Kissing Gabe by Mayra Statham

  Kiss My Glass by Melanie Codina

  Just a Kiss by Shantel Tessier

  31 Kisses by Sonya Jesus

  B.A.K.E. Belladonna’s Arousing Kissing Extravaganza by Teresa Crumpton

  Lost in His Kiss by Tracie Douglas

  Kissing the Bad Boy by Winter Travers

  Find All of the New Year’s Eve Kisses Collaboration Books Here: http://bit.ly/2QWDITa

  About the Author

  Teresa Crumpton is a hybrid: she grew up in the Midwest and the American South. She writes dark supernatural thrillers and contemporary romance. She loves classic horror movies and Shakespeare. She never thought she'd turn her passion for writing into a career, but here she is!

  When Teresa isn't writing, you can find her at book signings or traveling the world with the perfect man for her. She's living the dream and keeping a promise she made to her father before he passed.

  Stay Connected:

  Website

  Acknowledgments

  Lucas, love, what can I say? You’re my rock. I couldn’t do this without you.

  Annessa, thanks for keeping me sane. Thanks for listening to me when I need to vent. />
  My editor needs a BIG thank you. Love ya Steph!

  Kristen, thanks for all the advice and drinks!

  L. Woods PR, and specifically, Veronica, thanks for everything you do, day in and day out, to help me keep my shit together.

  Mayra, thanks again for letting me join the party. It was a lot of fun.

  Also by Teresa Crumpton

  One of the Boys Series

  Donut Leave Me

  Calla’s Kitchen

  Bearded Dessert

  B.A.K.E.

  Foster House Legacy Series

  Her Legacy

  Bloodties