Baby, It's Cold Outside Read online

  She took slow, deliberate steps toward the wall, knowing he was watching her every move. Jade pressed her hands against the wall, feeling the coolness of the drywall permeate into her wrists and forearms. The rest of her body was on fire with anticipation of Ben’s hands making contact with her bare skin.

  “Just hold still and it will be over before you know it.” His breath tickled her ear lobe.

  She hoped it wouldn’t.

  She parted her legs, raised her butt slightly, and prepared for bliss.

  Ben started at her shoulders, dragging his fingers along her skin. She closed her eyes. He fingered her collarbone before moving both hands down over her chest. They were big and made her breasts look tiny as they covered each one. He squeezed and she creamed some more.

  “These feel potentially deadly.” He used that same husky voice again. “And what are these little weapons?” He pulled on her nipples, turning them into hard buds. She was sure she felt a heartbeat in each one.

  “I think someone likes this.” He kissed her neck while pushing his hands over her belly, passing her navel, which tickled her.

  She looked down. His hands were mere inches from her pubic hair. He moved them around her hips until they came to rest on her butt. He smacked the left cheek.

  “That’s for being a naughty girl and squeezing my balls.”

  She smiled and hoped he didn’t see her do it.

  No man had spanked her before. Just how much she’d actually enjoyed it, shocked her.

  Jade sucked in her breath when his hand went between her crack. One, it was cold. Two, it had taken her by surprise.

  “I think this is where I might find something very dangerous.”

  His finger traced her folds, making her cream, and her juices slid down her legs.

  “Someone is very, very excited about this search, which makes me think you’re hiding something.”

  He’d whispered into her other ear this time.

  Jade wiggled and fidgeted as he nudged at her entrance. He kissed her neck, sliding his finger through her slickness. He plunged deep within her pussy.

  She rested her forehead against the wall, feeling his finger delve farther.

  “You find anything?” she asked.

  Her own voice was husky now. Her legs shook, wondering if he would finger-fuck her.

  “I’m still searching,” he said.

  He began to pump her.

  Shit, he was good. Jade made a fist and pounded the wall as he moved his finger, faster…deeper. She shifted her legs, digging her toes into the carpeting, preparing for what was on the horizon.

  But then he stopped.

  “I think you’re a bad girl. I think you wanted me to do this to you.”

  She turned around. God, he was so cute, but right now she wanted to slap him. She’d been so close to having an orgasm.

  “If you want to come you’re going to have to do it for yourself.”

  Had she heard right? Now she’d gone from a dream to a nightmare.

  “Forget it,” she said, trying to push by him so she could leave.

  He grabbed her arm. “What…you never masturbate? Never used a vibrator?”

  She knew she was blushing. Of course she did, but what business was it of his?

  “Well, do you or not?”

  “Yes, but I don’t need to right now.”

  “Oh, I think you do.”

  He was right. Shit, he was so damn right. He’d worked her up. She needed release. If he wouldn’t give it to her… She’d never done it in front of anyone before. Ben McGinley was hardly an audience, but all the same, someone would be watching her.

  Jade glanced at him. Okay, if he wanted her to pleasure herself, it would be on one condition.

  “I’ll do it, but as I’m…well, you know, I want you to take off your clothes.”

  He grinned.

  “Not happy at feeling what I’ve got to offer? You want to see it, too?”

  “Just to prove that you’re housing something bigger than a pinkie in those pants.”

  “Deal. But I want you to put on a little bit of a show for me. Not just a rub of your clit and you’re done sort of thing.”

  I’ll give you a show, all right.

  “I think we have ourselves a deal. How about you start, just to get me in the mood?”

  Without wasting a second, he edged up his sweater from his belly and lifted it over his shoulders and arms.

  This was going to be easier than she’d thought. Just looking at his very in-shape belly and chest made her want to touch herself. She ran her hands down over her breasts and belly, surprised how good it felt. She pushed her index finger down through her pubic hair and parted her legs. He kicked off his cowboy boots as she found her clit. She circled it a few times, gave a loud moan just to add to the show, and then turned her back toward him. She wiggled her ass and leaned over to look at him through her parted legs.

  He gave a distinct swallow as she rubbed her clit back and forth. Jade hoped he was enjoying the view. Judging by the sudden bulge in his jeans, he most certainly was.

  She wiggled her ass some more as he unbuckled his belt and pulled down his fly.

  Jade stood up and walked over to the other side of the room, where she put her leg up on a side table before sliding a finger through her folds.

  His pants were now off and sitting on the floor. He walked closer to her, not taking his eyes off her crotch as she tantalizingly slipped her finger into her entrance and then pulled it out. Ben pulled his boxer shorts down his legs.

  Jade swallowed, almost coughed. She’d only joked about his dick being the size of a pinkie. She knew it wasn’t, but she wasn’t expecting to see something as big and beautiful as what she saw sitting up close to his belly.

  Shit, she wanted to taste it, and suck it…

  She knew she’d taken him by surprise when she went to her knees, put her hands on his hips, and licked the length of his cock. She’d heard him draw in his breath.

  Ben ran his hands through her hair, touching her scalp and making her whole body tingle. Her lips went around the very tip of him. Slowly, she let him slip deep within her mouth.

  He groaned.

  “Hey, you’re supposed to be touching yourself,” he said.

  As she sucked and licked, she put her hand between her legs and pumped herself, hoping for his sake that when she came, she didn’t bite into his shaft.

  Ben pushed his hips toward her and fidgeted with his legs. His fingertips ran over her scalp some more as she pounded her finger inside her. She’d never sucked a guy’s cock and finger-fucked herself at the same time. The combo drove her crazy.

  Jade dug her knees into the carpet as she felt herself on the edge of bliss. She hoped she’d make him come big time, but she couldn’t hold on any longer. His cock slipped out of her mouth as she fell back onto the floor, plunged two fingers into her pussy and climaxed.

  Ben now lay at her side, touching her breasts as he kissed her neck.

  “I have condoms in my purse,” she whispered.

  Ben didn’t say anything, but got up, went to her bag, and pulled out a foil package. She stood up, wondering if there was a bed they could use upstairs as she didn’t relish doing it on the floor. However, without warning, Ben had already sheathed himself and had her pinned against the wall. He pulled her left leg upwards, rested it over his hip, and then slowly eased his cock inside her.

  They kissed as they fucked, her back hitting the wall every other thrust. Jade guessed she’d be black and blue, her pussy sore, but it would be worth it. She bit his lip, dragging her teeth over the sensitive inner skin of his mouth as he drove harder and harder until she saw lights, flashes of stars, and then darkness. She came, he came, and now they were standing there in total darkness.

  “You hit the light switch with your back?” he asked her.

  She held onto him, his cock still buried deep inside.

  “Nope. I think the power’s out.”

  He pulle
d out of her.

  “Stay here while I go check. Maybe John Hansen decided to spend the holidays at home after all.”

  Shit, if he only knew the truth.

  She felt her way over to what she believed was the couch but stumbled over Ben’s boots, sending her spilling to the floor. The door opened and she looked up, squinting as she did so. A flashlight shone in her face.

  “Yep, the power’s out and looks like a huge snowstorm’s moved in while we’ve been… having fun.”

  “So we can’t get out of here, or what?”

  “Baby, it’s cold outside, so I don’t think you want to go out there right now. And the rate the snow’s falling, we’re going nowhere. Looks like we’re spending Christmas together.”

  Chapter Three

  This wasn’t quite how Ben had planned spending Christmas Eve. By now he’d thought he’d have John Hansen corned, his ass hauled back to the county jail, and then he’d simply head home.

  Not that there was anyone waiting there for him. His parents were both dead. His only sister was now living across the pond with her British husband. Ben’s wife had ditched him for another man three years ago…almost to the day. Yeah, that had been a Christmas gift he wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

  This Christmas he’d given her permission to take their five-year-old son to Aspen with her and her new husband…not even the same guy she’d run off with. He’d believed he was doing the right thing. Well, it might have been the right thing for his ex, but not for Ben. Two days ago while he’d been shopping, he’d seen a boy his son’s age, sitting on Santa’s lap. It was at that very moment that he’d realized how much he’d miss picking up his little guy on Christmas day and driving him to his place, where they’d open gifts, eat too many cookies, and generally act silly.

  Last-minute regret was one of the reasons he’d chosen to work this holiday. Still, it wasn’t worth dwelling on what might have been. He’d just remind himself that next Christmas, things would be different.

  Ben searched through the cupboard, momentarily focusing the light on Jade, who was searching the contents on a shelf above the range. She’d grabbed his shirt, put it on, and now stood on tip-toe. The hem rose slightly, revealing that she hadn’t bothered to put her lace panties back on. Not that he minded one tiny bit.

  “Find any candles yet?” her voice shook him out of the erotic fantasy he was absorbed in.

  “No, but I’m still looking,” said Ben, opening up another cupboard.

  “There are a few cans of stew, plus a couple of cans of potatoes,” said Jade.

  He turned around and focused the flashlight on her face. She put her hand over her eyes. Yeah, definitely the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

  “Any idea how we can heat those two items?” he said.

  “Over a candle,” she said.

  They both laughed.

  “Anything in the fridge?” asked Ben.

  “Just some expensive-looking champagne and some beer.”

  “Then things aren’t as bad as they seem. And, looky here, I’ve found us some tea lights and matches.”

  He took them down from the shelf and set them on the countertop. He lit six of them, casting the kitchen in a subdued light.

  “So what do you think about the stew and potatoes?” asked Jade, holding both cans up to him.

  “I guess beggars can’t be choosers. I think they’ll both taste just fine with that champagne.”

  “Okay, all I have to do is find a can opener, some plates and flatware, and we’re all set. It’s beginning to get cold in here. I don’t suppose you saw any firewood outside?”

  “Let me go check while you make our dinner.”

  Ben pulled on his jacket and headed outside with the flashlight. Luckily the falling snow was making it light outside, so after a few minutes of searching, he spotted a good supply of wood propped up against a shed.

  He went back inside and searched for a box to carry it in and loaded it up. He took it inside where Jade was pouring the stew into bowls.

  “Why don’t I try and get a fire started in the living room fireplace, and we can eat by it. It should help keep us warm.”

  He’d always had a knack for getting kindle started and a fire roaring, even with damp firewood. He stepped back to see the first of the flames flying up from the logs.

  He threw some pillows down on the floor as Jade carried in the bowls of food. She handed them to him and then returned to the kitchen for the champagne and two glasses, setting them down on the coffee table.

  Both of them got comfy on the cushions. The flicker of the fire made her hair shine. Her eyes looked so gorgeous that he almost wanted to lean over and kiss her.

  “Eat your stew before it gets cold,” she said.

  Grabbing a spoon, he laughed. At least he wasn’t alone this Christmas.

  Funny how things work out.

  “So tell me about yourself,” said Jade before she took a mouthful of stew.

  “What do you want to know?” He took a sip of the champagne, realizing that Hansen had very good taste in alcohol.

  “Are you from Montana?”

  “Wyoming, actually.Laramie.”

  “You like being a U.S. Marshal?”

  “Yeah, most days.”

  “You like catching bad guys?”

  “Of course…searching them is the best part of my job.” He smiled.

  She playfully nudged his foot with hers.

  “Guess we both had fun with that,” she said.

  He took a mouthful of the stew. Even cold food was great when you were in good company.

  “How come you’re working Christmas Eve?” She sat her bowl of half-eaten stew on the table and grabbed the bottle of champagne to top up both their glasses.

  “I could ask you the same thing,” he said.

  “Holidays are for couples and I’m no longer part of one.”

  He reached across to take the glass from her. She’d looked sad when she told him that.

  “You break up with someone this year?”

  She nodded. “My boyfriend of three years. He decided he didn’t want a commitment.”

  “Yeah, I guess some people don’t.”

  He scooted back on the floor and rested his back on the couch.

  “How about you?”

  He looked at her. “I’m divorced.”

  “Seeing anyone?”

  “If I was I wouldn’t have done what we did just now.”

  That was the truth. No matter how attractive she was, how great her body, if he’d been seeing anyone he would have resisted her. It would have been tough, but Ben McGinley was not the cheating kind.

  “I like that answer,” she said.

  He was glad to hear that.

  “Do you have any children?” asked Jade.

  He didn’t mind her asking, but now that that topic had been raised, he missed his little guy more than ever.

  “Yeah, a five-year-old named Martin. He’s spending Christmas with my ex-wife and her new hubby.”

  “Sorry. I mean I wouldn’t have…”

  He raised his hand to her. “It’s fine. You want to see a photo of him?”

  “I’d love to.”

  He put the bowl down by his side and reached into his back pocket for his wallet. Ben opened it up to the photo of Martin that had been taken less than four weeks ago at Thanksgiving. He knew he was biased, but he was pretty sure he was the cutest kid on the planet.

  Ben passed his wallet over to Jade, who took it and instantly smiled.

  “He’s adorable. He looks exactly like you.”

  “Yeah, that’s what most people tell me.”

  “Do you have joint custody?”

  Ben nodded. “Yep. He gets to spend every other weekend with me, plus two full weeks in the summer. This last one we went to YellowstonePark. Oh, and I get Christmas afternoon with him too, except for this year.”

  She handed his wallet back. He looked at his son’s cheeky little face smiling back at him.
He hadn’t realized he was crying until a tear splashed onto Martin’s photo.

  He looked up at Jade. Shit, what must she think of a grown man crying like this?

  Chapter Four

  Jade leaned across and wiped away his tear with her index finger. It took a very special man to cry in front of a woman. Even more special when the tears were because of his child. She didn’t have to ask him if that was the reason, because it was obvious that the little boy’s photo had stirred up some sadness inside him.

  What she wouldn’t do to have a man like this in her life…not just for the sex, but the whole enchilada.

  Jade took a deep breath, hoping he didn’t mind her kissing him right now. Even if he did mind, she had to. She couldn’t help herself, because this was a man, a true man. She’d been looking for one of those all her life. Never thought she’d find him, never thought she’d recognize him, even if she was fortunate to meet him. And here he was, sitting in a firelight room with her eating cold stew, and on Christmas Eve, no less.

  The magic of Christmas.

  She leaned over and planted a kiss on his lips and then pulled away. They sat looking at one another without saying a word.

  “Sorry I’m not being much fun tonight,” Ben finally said.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. This is the most fun I’ve had since, oh, I can’t remember when,” said Jade. “You want some more stew?”

  Ben held up his hand. “I’m full.”

  “Me too.” By coincidence she gave a slight burp as the words came out of her mouth.

  They both laughed.

  “It’s a sign you’ve enjoyed your food,” said Ben.

  “I guess I did. I think I was starving more than anything. Here, I’ll take the bowls out to the kitchen.”

  He handed her his bowl and balanced the spoon inside it. She got up and walked to the kitchen, where the tea lights were slowly dying out. Outside, the snow was still falling. She’d never experienced a Christmas quite like this one. It would probably be her most memorable.

  Jade put the bowls into the sink and ran the water over them, not that she was in the mood for washing up or anything remotely domestic. The sex, the wine, and not to mention the company, had put her in a lethargic and very lazy state of mind.