Trouble Walks In (14 page)

She was definitely avoiding him.

“Ronan?”

His mother's hand curled around his and broke the spell.

“Yeah.” Ronan let out a short laugh and shook his head. “Sorry, Mom. What were you saying?”

“Just that I'm confident you'll figure it out.” She followed his gaze to look at Maddy, and then a knowing smile covered her face before she turned back to him. “Sometimes the answers are simpler than we imagine, and are right in front of us the whole time.”

“What do you mean?”

“I
mean
, don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Life is hard enough.” She patted his cheek quickly. “Be honest and open with your feelings, Ronan. The truth is the fastest way to get a solution.”

Looking into his mother's earnest green eyes, the knot of concern and stress in his chest started to loosen. She always had a knack for making him feel better and putting life in perspective.

“Can all moms do that?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. “Make it okay with a few words?”

“Yup,” she said brightly. “You get that superpower when you have your first baby.”

“Mother of mine?” Finn asked as he and his twin brother, Dillon, flanked her and offered their arms. “Dillon and I have been told that we'll be walking you down the aisle.”

“Then let's get a move on.” She gave Ronan a knowing look. “No point in wasting time.”

While everyone was getting their instructions about where to go and what to do, Ronan kept his eyes on Maddy. Minister Wallin went over the order of the ceremony step by step, but Ronan barely heard a word. He stood by Gavin's side at the altar and waited until it was time to walk down the aisle with Maddy. At that point he'd have a captive audience.

After what felt like forever, he finally had his chance.

“Ms. Morgan?” He stepped into the aisle and offered her his arm. “It seems I'm your escort for the next twenty-four hours. You know. The whole ‘best man and maid of honor thing.'”

“Really?” Maddy's eyebrows rose, and she kept her voice to a whisper. “Well, I hope that won't be too torturous for you. I hear that a few available young women are attending the wedding. As best man, you should have your pick.”

“Is that so?” Ronan placed his hand over hers as it rested on his arm. He leaned closer and purposely slowed his pace. “Can I stake my claim now, or is it customary to wait until the reception?”

A look of confusion flickered over her beautiful face, and she gave him an icy glare. Maddy squared her shoulders, and that determined chin tilted upward in a gesture of defiance. Holy cow. He had been kidding, but she was serious. Maddy thought that he was interested in chasing other women?

“Don't ask me.” She lifted one shoulder. “You can do whatever you like. I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to try your charms on the ladies. And don't worry—I won't get in the way or give anyone the wrong impression about our
relationship
.”

She tried to pull her arm away when they reached the end of the aisle, but he held her hand in place. Her body tensed and she shot him a look, but Ronan escorted her to the back of the vestibule by the coats. Nobody seemed to notice, since everyone was still listening to the minister as he gave the final recap.

Ronan inched his way backward into the corner and pulled Maddy with him.

“Let go,” she said in a harsh whisper.

“No.”

“Ronan,” Maddy warned, “we're supposed to be listening to the minister's instructions.”

“We walk down the aisle together. Smile for the camera, and get in the limo.
We
aren't the show tomorrow. Jordan and Gavin are.” Ronan kept his voice quiet so only she would hear. “I think I can handle the gig. It's clear.”

The minister glanced at the two of them briefly but continued speaking to the group gathered at the back of the church. She was right. They probably should go stand with everyone else and listen, but this was more important at the moment.

“But something else
isn't
clear, Mads.”

Her body stilled against his, and he leaned close so that he could whisper in her ear. Ronan curled his fingers around hers, still resting on his arm, and he tightened his grip, afraid she'd run away.

“When I dropped you off at the inn the other night, I wanted to kiss you.”

Maddy turned her face toward him slightly, and her warm breath, minty and sweet, puffed across his chest. He could feel her body tense and pull almost imperceptibly closer to his. He had a sinking suspicion she was holding her breath. Ronan licked his lower lip and fought to keep his voice quiet and calm, in spite of the way he was spinning inside.

“Then why didn't you?” Her voice wavered.

“Because I wouldn't have stopped with a kiss.”

A soft sigh, a tantalizing sound laced with pleasure, escaped her lips. Her lashes lifted and those blue eyes danced before meeting his. Ronan cupped her cheek with his free hand and brushed his thumb over her lower lip, his gaze flicking there briefly.

“You'd had a few drinks,” he whispered.

“Ronan, I wasn't drunk,” she said quietly. “I was totally—”

“When I take you to bed, Mads, and please understand, I have every
single
intention of doing that, I don't want there to be any excuses about why it shouldn't have happened. No morning-after loopholes or simple ways to explain it away.”

Maddy's cheeks flushed, and her eyes widened with every passing word.

“So you can forget about me chasing any other women at the wedding—or any place else, for that matter. Unless you tell me to get lost and get the hell out of your life, you're stuck with me.” He pressed his lips to the warm skin of her forehead and murmured, “I was trying to be a good guy, to dispel my hound dog image, but I still ended up making you think I'm a jerk.”

“Well, you
are
kind of a jerk,” Tristan said flatly.

Ronan, who had been completely absorbed in his own little world with Maddy, looked up to find the vestibule almost totally empty. The group was gone, and only Tristan remained. Maddy laughed, the light and playful sound floating around him and tugging at his heart. Ronan pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.

“Oh man.” She elbowed Ronan and turned to the coatrack. “Some maid of honor I am…too busy canoodling with the best man to help the bride.”

“Canoodling?” Tristan was the middle kid and loved to stir the pot. He flashed a sly grin at Maddy. “That's what that was?”

“Tristan,” Ronan said in a warning tone. He gave him a playful shove toward the door. “Thanks for the heads-up. We'll be right behind you.”

“I have my motorcycle outside and an extra helmet.” Tristan pulled on his well-worn leather bomber jacket. “You need a ride to the restaurant, Maddy?”

“Sorry, Tristan.” She gave him the side eye. “It's a little too cold out for my taste.”

“Don't knock it until you try it.” He winked and zipped up his coat. “See you kids at Luca's.”

“
Bye
, Tristan.”

Ronan shot his brother a look, but the man just laughed as he went outside.

“While my truck isn't as cool as Tristan's Harley, I can offer you a warmer ride.”

Ronan extended his hand, which she accepted with a smile.

“Great, because Jordan drove me here in her car. So it's either you or that Harley.”

Ronan pushed the heavy wooden door open with his shoulder and held it for her. “No more excuses, right?” she said as she brushed past him.

“Right.” Ronan nodded and trotted down the steps with her hand in his. “None.”

“Good.” Maddy's grin grew, and she let out a slow, sexy sigh. “Because tonight, we aren't stopping with a kiss.”

Ronan groaned and his heart thundered in his chest as the heat of her palm seeped into his. It was going to be a long dinner.

Maddy made it through her toast at the rehearsal dinner without crying and considered that a small victory. Even so, she still couldn't completely escape the tears. Seeing Jordan and Gavin together—finally, after all these years—was exquisite. They barely took their eyes off each other, and if they did, it was to tend to Lily and Gracie. Though Maddy had to admit that sitting next to Ronan at the table was more distracting than she'd expected it to be.

His leg would brush hers from time to time, and at various points, he draped his arm over the back of her chair in an easy, familiar gesture. Once in a while, he shot her a sly glance or a cheeky wink full of seductive promise. It felt like they had a dirty, naughty secret just between the two of them, which got her pulse racing.

Ronan's three brothers were at their table, along with Bill, a firefighter in Gavin's squad, and they certainly kept the conversation lively. Maddy hardly noticed she was the only woman at the table because they treated her like one of the boys. Except for Ronan, whose hand had drifted under the tablecloth and was currently curled over her knee.

Maddy stilled while she sipped her wine, though she was careful not give anything away to the others at the table. Not even when he slowly but surely pushed the hem of her skirt up and wrapped his hand around her inner thigh. His thumb brushed over her skin with slow, tantalizing strokes, giving her a taste of what was surely to come.

Ronan tightened his grip before leaning over and whispering, “Do you have any idea how much I want you?”

His long, strong fingers bore down a bit harder into the soft part of her thigh, and his breath tickled hot over her neck, heightening her arousal. Maddy settled her wineglass on the table before gathering up her small evening bag and scooting her chair back.

All of the men at the table stood when she did, and the sight was almost comical.

“If you'll excuse me, gentlemen.” Maddy gave them all a small smile. “I'm going to check in with our bride and groom before calling it a night.”

Maddy went over to see Jordan, hoping that Ronan would get the hint and follow her. Jordan was snuggled up next to Gavin, who had Gracie on his lap. Lily was chattering away with Carolyn and Charles, as usual.

“Hey, girl.” Maddy kissed her friend's cheek. “You ready for tomorrow?”

“Are you kidding?” Jordan asked with a huge smile. “I've been ready since the day I met him.”

“I have a Christmas special present for Mama and Daddy Gavin,” Gracie chimed in. “It's a surprise. I asked Santa to bring it.”

“Is that so? Your Uncle Ronan is a big fan of surprises too,” Maddy said, her eyebrows lifting in response. “But he doesn't give hints. How about you? Any hints?”

“Nope.” Gracie giggled. “I didn't even tell Lily or nuffin'!”

“Or anything,” Jordan corrected her daughter.

“Or anyfing,” the little girl exclaimed.

“I bet they'll love it no matter what it is, Gracie.”

“Are you gonna have Christmas wif us, Aunt Maddy? Uncle Ronan said you might.” Gracie's gap-toothed grin widened. “Don't worry. Santa will know how to find you 'cause he knows everyfing.”

“Yeah, Maddy?” Gavin asked, a knowing smile on his face. “Will you be having Christmas with us?”

Maddy let out a small laugh and shrugged at the same moment she caught Carolyn McGuire's knowing gaze. It was plain to see which of his parents Ronan took after. He had his mother's eyes and, it would seem, her inquisitive nature.

“Oh, yes,” Carolyn exclaimed. “I do hope you'll be joining us for the holiday. Ronan tells us that you were planning on going back to the city, but I simply won't hear of it. You must stay! The guest room on the third floor is quite private and even has its own bathroom.”

“Thank you so much, Mrs. McGuire, but—”

“Ah-ah,” she scolded playfully. “It's Carolyn, and I really won't take no for an answer.”

“She's not lying,” Charles McGuire chimed in. “My wife is persistent, like a dog with a bone.”

“Hush, now,” Carolyn said, elbowing her husband.

“Tunnel vision,” Maddy murmured.

“I see you've heard of it.” Carolyn brightened and pointed over to the table with her sons. “They all suffer from it, but Ronan most of all.”

Maddy looked over her shoulder and was met by Ronan's handsome smile. He had obviously been watching the whole exchange and probably had heard it all too. She narrowed her gaze and shot him a playful look.

“He has a good dose of it,” she said quietly. “That's for sure.”

All of them were grinning at her in one way or another by the time she turned back to the table, and she obviously wasn't going to be allowed to go without giving them her answer. What
did
she have to go back to? An empty apartment and a closed office weren't exactly the most festive of locations.

That old real estate adage flickered through her mind—
location, location, location
.

“So whaddya say, Mads?” Ronan's deep voice rolled over her as he sidled in and slipped his arm around her waist. “Christmas with the McGuires?”

“And,” Jordan interjected, “it's supposed to be a white Christmas this year. They're calling for snow, but hopefully not until
after
the wedding.”

“A white wedding and a white Christmas? How can a girl say no to that?” Maddy sucked in a deep breath and took the leap. “Absolutely. I'd love to but only if Carolyn lets me contribute to dinner. I make a mean apple pie.”

“Perfect!” Carolyn clapped her hands together before casting a loving look at her husband. “This might be the best holiday yet. All of my boys are home; we have a new daughter and two instant grandchildren! Now if I could only figure out how to get the rest of you to move back to town, I'd be all set.”

“They could always use an experienced cop like Ronan in the Old Brookfield police department,” Gavin said with a sly smile.

“Bowser is an NYPD K-9.” Ronan held Maddy a bit closer. “But who knows? Maybe after he retires, I'll relocate.”

“Now, don't you tease your old mother with an idea like that unless you mean it,” Carolyn interjected.

“Maybe, Mom.” Ronan peered at Maddy and winked. “The future is the big unknown.”

“Well, I can't have Christmas dinner be the big unknown,” Carolyn said with a laugh. “While I have you all here, let me make sure I know who's bringing what.”

As everyone started chatting about what they would contribute, Ronan whispered into Maddy's ear again. “What's it gonna take to get you out of here and have you all to myself?”

“I thought you'd never ask,” she murmured.

After saying a quick good night and giving them all kisses, Maddy assured Jordan that she'd be at the cottage on time first thing tomorrow to help everyone get ready. Best of all, no one made suggestive comments or implied anything when she and Ronan left together. Part of her had expected comments, but to her relief, if anyone suspected what the two of them were up to, they didn't say it out loud. Thank goodness for that. Despite her bravado earlier, Maddy had devolved into one big bundle of nerves.

Even as they left together, she was still trying to figure out this thing between her and Ronan. And all of her feelings about it. Everyone at that table had known and loved Rick, and she'd been part of
MaddyandRick
to all of them for the better part of a decade. She knew it was silly to feel like she was betraying him somehow, but that didn't make the thought any less real.

There was no doubt about it. Maddy was ready to take it to the next level with Ronan, physically and otherwise. But she hadn't
been
with anyone other than Rick for more than a decade. All of a sudden, that bravado she'd felt back at the table was gone, and all she had left were apprehension and anticipation. What if she wasn't what Ronan was expecting? Or what if she freaked out in the middle of it?

They got in the car and Ronan pulled out of the parking lot, but he turned left, instead of right toward the inn.

“Where are we going? If you're planning an adventure, don't try using GPS. I tried using mine the other day and it got me totally lost. The damn thing is all screwy. Technology and I aren't friends lately.”

“No GPS needed for what I have in mind,” he said quietly. “I know the way.”

“Ronan?” Maddy set her small purse next to her on the edge of the seat. “You look like the cat that ate the canary… What's going on?”

“I'm taking you back to the inn, as promised.” Ronan laid his hand on her knee again. “But we're gonna go the long way.”

A shuddering sigh escaped her lips as he inched his hand higher up her inner thigh. Opting for no stockings had been a good choice; maybe she'd even done it in the subconscious hope that he would do exactly what he was doing.

“Open your legs for me,” he rasped.

Maddy licked her lower lip and did as he requested, laying her head on the headrest. It was wanton and erotic to have him touch her this way while driving through the dark streets of their hometown. While the likelihood of anyone seeing what was going on was small, the risk remained—and that was part of the turn-on.

“Wider, baby. Don't hide from me.”

She obliged and parted her legs as far as the car would allow. The skirt of her dress drifted higher as Ronan's hand disappeared beneath. Her breathing quickened as his talented fingers brushed the edge of her panties before rushing over the heat of her sex. She let out a gasp when he applied pressure to her most sensitive spot. Her hands flew to the edge of her seat as her body arched and zings of pleasure shimmied beneath her skin.

“That's it, Mads,” Ronan said. His deep voice, quiet and powerful, filled the car and surrounded her completely. “I want you to let go. Just close your eyes and feel me. Don't think. Don't try to control it. All you have to do…is feel.”

She'd closed herself off for so long, too afraid to feel anything because grief had been her most recent bedfellow. Grief, pain, and emptiness, an ache so great she believed it could have swallowed her whole. Until Ronan McGuire had come back into her life. He would never let anything hurt her. The man was born to protect those he cared for. With Ronan's hands on her body and his seductive words in her heart, she finally felt safe enough to let go.

Maddy shuddered and her eyes fluttered closed as Ronan found the top edge of her thong and slid his hand beneath. He cupped her sex but didn't move further. Was he teasing her? No way. She'd waited long enough and needed more.

She tilted her hips, urging him to do what he
knew
she wanted.

As though reading her mind, Ronan slid one finger between her slick folds, rubbing slow, tantalizing strokes over her. She moaned and allowed herself to fall into the sweet waves of pleasure that built higher with every stroke. The orgasm coiled deep and began to crest, but when he pressed two fingers deep inside her, adding pressure to exactly the right spot, she came apart. The bright climax racked her body in spasm after spasm, and Maddy shouted his name before the final wave of ecstasy washed over her.

Limp and bone-meltingly satisfied, Maddy fought to catch her breath. Ronan withdrew his hand and carefully pulled her skirt back to the tops of her knees. Maddy let out a shaky laugh and finally opened her eyes. Ronan had a satisfied, almost smug smile on his face and both hands on the wheel as he hit the blinker and turned the corner.

“That,” she said through huffing breaths, “was unexpected.”

“Like I said,” Ronan murmured, “I enjoy surprising you.”

Her face heated with embarrassment as the glow of pleasure faded and the lights of the Old Brookfield Inn came into view. She made quick work of closing her coat and went to check her makeup in the mirror on the visor. She flipped the plastic cover open but stilled when she saw her reflection. The woman there was vaguely familiar, and someone she hadn't seen in far too long. Color filled her cheeks, and her eyes glittered with the undeniable glow of satisfied lust.

She looked
alive
for the first time in months.

Ronan got out of the car and opened her door for her. Maddy took his hand and rose to her feet on unsteady legs. Her entire body was still humming from the carnal dalliance in the car, and based on the cheeky twinkle in Ronan's eye, he was fully aware of the effect he'd had on her.

“M'lady.” He offered her his arm as he closed the car door before walking her to the steps. “This is where I leave you. For tonight, anyway.”

“You're kidding.” She wasn't angry, but she was taken aback. “You're not coming up?”

“Not tonight.” Ronan cradled her face with both hands and rasped his thumb over her cheek. “Like I said, I want to take this slow. You and me. One step at a time. Besides, there's no need to rush it. Not only do we have the wedding, but we'll have Christmas too.”

Maddy opened her mouth to respond, but he silenced her with a deep, slow kiss. She sighed into his mouth and linked her arms around his neck as his tongue swept along hers possessively. Ronan's embrace tightened, and the intensity of the kiss grew as her blood burned hot.

Take it slow? Every time he touched her, all she could think about was going faster, moving forward, running headlong into whatever came next. The consequences be damned!

He tilted her head and slowed the pace of the kiss until finally breaking it off.

“I'll see you at the church tomorrow.” Ronan gently pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. “And be sure you save me a dance—or ten. I am your date.”

Breathless and with her heart spinning, Maddy shivered as Ronan drove away. She didn't know how long she stood there, but it was at least until the red taillights of his truck vanished in the distance. She was so caught up in the moment that until she snapped out of it, she didn't even notice that snow had begun to fall.