Kissing Santa, A Clover Park Novella (Clover Park, Book 4) Contemporary Romance (The Clover Park Series) (13 page)

“Oh, Rico,” she breathed. “Enough talking. Get naked. Now!”

“That’s my line,” he said on a laugh. He lifted her off his lap and stood. “Just remember you wanted bad boy,” he reminded her as he peeled off her sweatshirt.

She threw her arms around him. “I do, I really do.”

And then his hands were everywhere as his mouth pressed hard on hers, demanding entry, and she opened for him. His tongue thrust inside, and she lost herself in his taste, in the rough stubble scraping her as his warm lips devoured her. Her bra sprang open, then it was off, and before she had time to pull his shirt off, her pants hit the floor. His hand thrust between her legs, pressing against her dampness, and she gasped. He ripped the panties off in one quick pull, and her eyes flew open.

She was completely naked, and he was still fully dressed.

“Get those damn clothes off now,” she growled.

“You want this?” he asked, peeling off his shirt.

Her mouth went dry as she took in the full effect of a half-naked Rico. He
was
like that unicorn. She didn’t know such beautiful muscular men existed in real life. She ran a hand over one warm pec and down his rippling abs. He pulled a condom from his pocket and dropped his pants and briefs. She forgave his obvious plans for their night in light of his obvious, thick, hard desire. She gulped.

“And this?” he asked. She goggled over his colossal erection as it stretched the condom.

“Yes,” she breathed.

Then he grabbed her, turned, and pinned her back against the wall. And there was nothing but him, his musky scent, his skin burning into hers, his mouth pressing into her. He slid his hands under her bottom, lifted her, and then with one hard thrust he was inside, stretching her, making her ache. She panted.

“Wrap your legs around me, baby,” he crooned into her ear.

She did. But then he surprised her by carrying her like that off to the bedroom. “I thought I was getting the wall banging,” she said, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Rico groaned and tightened his hold on her. “The wall’s too hard for you. I want silk against your skin.”

Then they were in the bedroom, and he shoved the cover aside. He released her to lay her down gently on silk sheets. She ran her hands along the sheets. She’d never known a guy who had silk on his bed. “You have silk sheets?”

He rose up over her, settling between her legs. “I like softness too.”

He kissed her tenderly, then moved along her cheek, nuzzling into her neck.

“This doesn’t feel like bad boy,” she pouted.

He stilled.

Maybe she shouldn’t have said that. But she’d gotten so excited that she was finally going to get the bad-boy experience. Even better, the bad boy with a tender heart, the perfect combination.

He lifted his head to gaze into her eyes, a smile playing over his lips. Then he cradled her face with one hand. “This is what a bad boy feels like when he’s fallen in love.”

Her heart squeezed. She felt that love soul deep. She smiled up at him. “I think I’m falling for you too.”

“You think?”

“I might need a bad boy to sway me.”

He dipped his head and nipped her bottom lip, and her hopes soared—bad boy was back. He pulled back long enough to yank her down, away from the headboard, then grabbed her leg, lifting it and setting it over his shoulder.

“Bad boys like a woman who goes along for the ride,” he told her with a hot look that had her throbbing in anticipation. He lifted her other leg and set it over his shoulder.

“You talk too much,” she said, goading him on.

“I talk too—woman!” He grabbed her hips and drove into her, hard and fast, so she could barely catch her breath. The position forced her wide open, and she threw her head back in surrender as hot waves of pleasure drenched her, making her clutch at his back, her nails scraping, wild for him as the thrusts rubbed against some pleasure spot on the inside that made her crazy. Her moans seemed to drive him on as he pumped harder and faster.

“Touch yourself,” he growled.

She did without hesitation, too far gone for any inhibitions with this man. He watched her, his eyes dilated with desire, as she pleasured herself while he thrust deep and hard inside her. She panted, eyes wide open on her very own sex god, already on the brink.

“Come for me,” he commanded.

At the words, she came violently, the room going out of focus as pleasure crashed over her. And then he was pounding into her for what felt like a never-ending pleasure ride as her insides coiled and tightened again. With a guttural groan, he reached his own climax, and she took in every last shuddering thrust until her body clamped down as she broke in a rush, crying out his name.

They stayed like that for a moment while she shuddered from aftershocks as he throbbed within her. He released her legs and crashed down onto the bed next to her.

He took her hand. “Was I too rough?”

She grinned. “I liked it. Next time I want werewolf style.”

He groaned. She looked over. His eyes were closed, and he was smiling. “You’re gonna kill me. You’re really gonna kill me.”

“The doc said it was just love,” she teased.

He opened his eyes and drilled her with them. “You think that’s funny?”

She bit back a smile. “Maybe a little.”

He grabbed her and hauled her on top of him. She let out a squeal of surprise. He kissed her tenderly. “You won’t be laughing when I’m done with you.”

She smiled cheekily. “I certainly hope not.”

He stroked her hair behind her ear. “I love you so damn hard.”

“I love you too. Kiss me, my romantic hero.”

He did, and it was with real, true love.

Epilogue

Rico brought Samantha to the O’Hare Christmas Eve party, feeling like he’d won the fucking lottery. Samantha was perfect for him. First off, she was a Knicks fan, she liked beer as well as wine, and she liked to shake it up in the bedroom. He smiled to himself thinking of their recent billionaire-into-light-bondage adventure. She was beautiful, smart, artistic, loving, the perfect future mother of his children.

To think they never would’ve found each other if not for their crazy mothers and that matchmaking Maggie. He felt like getting down on his knees and kissing their feet in gratitude.

Maybe not that far. But he did hope to give his mother the wedding and grandkids she’d prayed for. He squeezed Samantha’s hand and gave her a quick kiss before he rang the bell. After this, they’d be heading to her parents’ house.

Trav opened the door, wearing the Santa hat with mistletoe hanging off the pom-pom. “Ah, you’re under the mistletoe,” he told Samantha as he leaned toward her.

Rico’s hand slammed into Trav’s chest. “Don’t even think about it.”

Trav laughed and made kissy noises at Rico. Samantha giggled.

They stepped inside, and the Chihuahua ran by, mistletoe headband in his mouth. Probably going to destroy that offender of his dignity. Rico breathed in the scent of pine and hot chocolate and cinnamon. Maggie came up to them in her Santa hat with two more in hand. Actually everyone was wearing Santa hats. Christmas Eve tradition.

She plopped one on his head and one on Samantha’s. “Merry Christmas, you little lovebirds!” she exclaimed. “I can tell you did the deed, you’re glowing.”

Samantha turned bright red. Rico laughed.

This time instead of the chipmunks, Julio Iglesias crooned Christmas carols—Jorge must have picked the music—as everyone sat around the cozy living room with a cheerful fire. There was eggnog, mulled cider, and hot chocolate with peppermint sticks sticking out of it. All his favorite people were here, his second family—Maggie and Jorge, Trav and Daisy, Ryan and Liz, Shane and Rachel. Trav’s son, Bryce, sat on the floor, banging the hell out of a toy drum.

“Our little drummer boy,” Daisy said with a smile.

Rachel handed Rico a wrapped gift. “Don’t open it until you get home,” she said with a wink. “It’s that one we talked about.”

It was in the shape of a book. He felt himself flush. It was one thing for Samantha to know he read romance novels, but he sure as hell didn’t want that getting around to anyone else.

“Thanks,” he managed. He left to quickly slip it into the inside pocket of his jacket, out of sight.

When he returned, the party was moving to the dining room for appetizers. He always did eat well when Shane was around. The food was gourmet—baked artichoke dip, Caesar salad on garlic toast, shrimp with spicy dip, sugar and cinnamon spiced nuts, fried risotto balls with toasted pistachios, cheese tarts. Shane explained what each dish was before they started to help themselves. Rachel stayed in the far corner of the room, sucking on a peppermint stick.

After everyone settled at the table with their food, Shane joined Rachel across the room.

“We have an announcement,” Shane said.

“I’m pregnant!” Rachel exclaimed.

Everyone clapped and congratulated the happy couple even though not one of them was surprised.

“When are you due, honey?” Maggie asked.

“August seventh,” Rachel said.

“Liz,” Ryan prompted.

“Now’s not a good time,” Liz said, smoothing her hair back over her ears. “Congratulations, guys, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks,” Rachel and Shane said in unison. Shane leaned over and kissed her.

“Liz,” Ryan said sternly.

“No,” Liz said out of the side of her mouth. She smiled sunnily. “Everyone go back to eating.”

No one ate. Everyone stared at Liz. She rolled her eyes and shot Ryan a dark look. He grinned.

“Tell us,” Maggie said. “The suspense is killing me. You don’t want a death on your hands on Christmas Eve!”

Liz shook her head. “Okay, okay! After much thought and soul searching, Ryan and I have decided to start a family.”

Everyone clapped and congratulated the happy couple.

“Liz,” Ryan warned. “I’m gonna say it if you won’t.”

Her hands fluttered in the air. “Okay, fine! I’m pregnant too!”

Maggie whooped. “Thank you, Santa!”

Everyone laughed. Ryan wrapped an arm around Liz and kissed her cheek.

“Wait, when are you due?” Rachel asked.

“I planned it around the school year so I wouldn’t have to leave my class,” Liz said. She was a third grade teacher at Clover Park Elementary. “I’m due June twenty-second.”

“Tell them what you didn’t plan, sweetheart,” Ryan said.

“Twins!” Liz exclaimed. She shook her head. “I am in for it.”

“Mazel tov!” Rachel exclaimed. Liz jumped up, and they hugged each other.

Rico’s throat felt tight. He took Samantha’s hand and squeezed. Everyone was downright merry as they talked and laughed and ate, full of promise for the future. It moved Rico. He wanted that for him and Samantha too. Soon.

After they finished eating, everyone went back to the living room, chatting and laughing. Rico pulled over a couple of chairs and sat by the glowing Christmas tree with Samantha, wanting her to himself.

“I have to warn you,” he said. “My mother’s flying up to meet you over New Year’s.”

Samantha smiled, and his heart squeezed. “Perfect. My mother can give her my dowry.”

His eyes widened. “You have a dowry?”

“Apparently.”

“Then we should definitely marry.” And right then, right there, filled with love for her, and surrounded by the friends that he loved, Rico went down on one knee. Because when it was right, it was right. Even if they had just met weeks ago. It was
destino
.

“Rico, what are you doing?” Samantha exclaimed. But then her eyes welled up, and he knew she was his.

Conversation stopped. The only sound was the soft Christmas music and Bryce playing his drum.

“Hush, Bryce,” Maggie said. “Here, play with this.”

The room went quiet. All eyes were on him.

He took her hand in his. “Samantha, I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She jumped up. “Yes!”

Everyone cheered. Tears stung his eyes, but they were the happy kind. He stood and kissed her smiling lips; then he wrapped her tight in his arms. This was the kind of love that lasted. This was their very own happy-ever-after. And he couldn’t have picked a better woman if he’d tried.

Which he hadn’t.
Thanks, Ma!

~THE END~

Thanks for reading
Kissing Santa
. I hope you enjoyed it! If you did…

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You’ve just read book #4 in the Clover Park series. The books in the series are
The Opposite of Wild
(Ryan and Liz),
Daisy Does It All
(Trav and Daisy
)
,
Bad Taste in Men
(Shane and Rachel), and
Kissing Santa
(Rico and Samantha). I hope you enjoy them all!

If you’d like a sneak peek at my new Clover Park spinoff series, The Clover Park STUDS Series, please turn the page.

Stud Unleashed: The Prequel
Excerpt

The Clover Park STUDS series, Book #1, Novella

Author’s Note:

The Clover Park STUDS series centers around three geeks—Barry, Dave, and Will—who unleash into studs with the love of the right woman. It’s like
The Big Bang Theory
, but hawt.

Stud Unleashed: The Prequel

Computer genius and frozen yogurt store owner, Barry Furnukle, hasn't had a girlfriend in fifteen months, two weeks, and three days. Not that he's counting. And even though his new beautiful neighbor, Amber Lewis, is way out of his league and has a beefy, tattooed boyfriend, he can't help but wish she'd notice him. After Barry sees Amber's boyfriend with another woman, he knows she deserves so much better-a guy who will treat her right. But how will he prove he's more than just the nice guy next door?

Barry smiled and took a sip of his coffee as he sat for the first time at Amber’s kitchen table. Her cell vibrated on the counter. She jumped up to check it.