Beards and Holly (Magnolia Point)

Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

Holly

“ D are,” he says.

I take a heavy gulp of my beer. It’s my third one of the night, and it’s got me feeling brave.

“I’ll be right back,” I say with a smile.

Running up to my bedroom closet, I grab the costume hanging there then head back down, laughing the whole way. I catch the attention of Gizmo, who comes over to see what I’m carrying.

Jenson instantly cracks up into full belly laughs I’ve never seen from him. As a matter of fact, it’s the first genuine joy I’ve ever seen from him. Gone is the cocky demeanor. All that’s left is vulnerable Jenson with no cares in the world. It’s as if his heart grows in size as I pass over the green costume. He takes it from my hands, seeming to be just as excited to wear it as I am to see him in it, but that can’t be true. My stoic neighbor does arrogant well, but never carefree. This side of him is almost intoxicating.

“You’re on,” he says then makes his way to my guest bathroom.

He changes quickly, coming out and striking a very Jim Carrey as the Grinch pose, and now, it’s my turn to belly laugh.

“Does this make my butt look big?” he asks in a funny voice, turning to wiggle his fluffy butt at me.

Tears spring to my eyes, and I’m rendered speechless as I crack up.

“It’s giving Emily in Paris ,” he says, striking another pose with his hand on his hip.

Then another as he struts and says, “See how I walk. Very mindful. Very demure. I’m not like other girls. I’m presentable, very cutesy.”

At this point, I’m toppling over, holding my stomach, laughing so hard it hurts. Meanwhile, Gizmo freaks out and barks at him.

Jenson scoffs. “That’s it. I’m leaving.” He turns and stomps back to the bathroom, leaving the two of us to find our bearings. By the time he returns, I’ve wiped away my tears and grabbed two more cold beers and settled on the couch. Gizmo is snuggled up by my feet and has decided it’s his bedtime. The hour is late, and I’m sure Jenson will want to head home.

“Alright, truth or dare, Jolly Holly,” he announces, coming to sit next to me on the couch. Very close to me on the couch. So close his leg brushes up against me as he leans down to pet his sleeping puppy.

I roll my eyes but find myself pleased he’s obviously staying. Not only that, but his playful vulnerability is, too. It makes me wonder if he’ll let me get to know him. This version of him isn’t the snarky guy, who grumbles at my holiday decor and anything I say or do, for that matter. I like this version so much better.

“Truth.”

“Oh, come on. Live a little. You scared of a dare or something? I’ll take it easy on you.”

Something in his grin dares me to be bold.

“Fine, dare,” I whisper, leaning in despite myself. I’ve repeatedly told myself to stay away from this man, and yet, at the moment, all I can think about is him kissing me. We’re so close I can smell the light smell of beer on his breath along with a bit of mint. Did he use my mouthwash? Is he going to kiss me? My mind reels as his smile turns wicked.

Tension rises in the dim light of my living room, and heat radiates between us. I wonder if he feels it, too.

“I dare you to get naked,” he says, with glee in his eyes.

My eyes widen in shock.

“And streak around your house.”

Okay, that’s not as bad or maybe as good as I thought it was going to be. Did I want him to say something else? No, hooking up with my neighbor would be a terrible idea.

“Admit I win, and you don’t have to do it,” he says, arrogance in his tone, grating my nerves and giving me the courage to stand.

Without a word, I strip on my way to the front door, tossing my sweater at him before I duck out. The look of utter shock and pure lust in his eyes makes this all worth it.

Outside, the cool air bites at my skin, but the late night hides my naked body in the shadows. A thrill zips up my spine, and I realize I haven’t done anything this daring since my teen years.

Once upon a time, I was exciting. I did crazy things like this all the time. Where did I lose myself? I wonder as I make my lap around the front porch. This part is the riskiest, but spotting Jenson in staring in shock and admiration at me through my window makes it all worth it.

Bursting through my door, I casually grab my clothes. I won’t shy away from his eyes, though anxiety threatens me. Truth be told, I want him to see me. Something about tonight is making me feel like a different person. It’s reckless maybe, but it feels so damn good. So unlike the person I’ve been the last few years.

“Now, if the cops show up and take me in for that, your ass is bailing me out,” I tease, still catching my breath.

Jenson just stands there, staring.

“What?” I ask, slipping on my sweater then wiggling into my pants, leaving my thong on the floor to grab later.

“I just never thought you’d do that. I think I’ve misjudged you,” he admits, a dumb look on his face.

“What kind of girl do you think I am?”

“A goodie good girl,” he says.

“Oh, I’m a very good girl, Jenson. Just not a perfect girl.” I step closer invading his space where he sits on the couch, stopping just before his open legs.

A fire burns in his eyes, and his jaw clenches. Is he nervous?

“Truth or dare?” I ask, looking down at him.

“Truth,” he says, but there’s dare in his dark eyes.

“Do you want to kiss me?”

“Fuck, yes, but it’s against the rules,” he mutters with no hesitation and more than a little disappointment.

He’s right. I’m the one who said no faking kissing in the fake dating agreement.

“Truth or dare, Holly?”

“Truth.”

“Do you want to more than kiss me? No strings attached, just one night of fun and nothing more?”

I’m no stranger to a one-night stand, but I have to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his family, knowing he doesn’t want more. Can I handle that? He’s my neighbor, and I’ll have to see him again. Fire like I’ve never felt burns low at my center, and I know even if this doesn’t work out the night together would be more thrilling than racing outside naked. Just imaging the things this giant, bearded man could do to me has me nodding yes to something I never thought I would do.

“Say it,” he orders, and that familiar thrill of excitement runs up my spine.

“I dare you to take me, Jenson.”

In one quick motion, he leans up, takes me by my waist and pulls me onto his lap. I fall comfortably, tucking my knees on each side of his hips. Our breaths pant against each other as he waits for me to kiss him. I love that he still won’t break my rule, but I tease him, anyway, skimming my mouth across his lips. His growl is different now. This time, it sounds hungry not annoyed. He wants me. I feel his growing need pressing on my clit through my thin leggings.

“Truth or dare, Holly.”

“Dare,” I say with a wicked grin as I rub my nose playfully against his. My hips grinding down on his erection.

“I fucking dare you to kiss me, damn it.”

His ordered words are like kerosene to my fire, and I erupt in an instant. Our lips sear together, and his tongue invades my mouth on a mission to taste me.

He moans, and I grind on him harder. Jensen’s hands creep up my back and into my hair, taking control of the kiss. My mouth opens wider, and soon, he’s thrusting up into me, making me see stars. I maul him like a hungry animal, unable to get close enough. More. I need so much more.

Tearing at his clothes, I work off his shirt, then he pulls mine over my head. He rolls me over to lie on the couch, his large frame eclipsing me in his safe aura. This man radiates protective musicality, and I’m dripping wet from it.

Under him, I let myself melt. I give myself permission to enjoy tonight for what it is and to make the best of it. Maybe, it’s just an itch and after tonight the tension between us will be gone. Maybe when the sex is over, I won’t want it anymore and we can just go back to being estranged neighbors. Whatever the case might be, whatever the what ifs, at this moment, I don’t care about anything other than the naked man hovering over me with admiration in his eyes. This is our moment. For better or worse.