Finding Ronan's Heart (Vested Interest - ABC Corp 2)

“Beth,” I moaned. “You are so sweet.”

“More,” she replied. “Kiss me more.”

I was happy to comply, capturing her mouth with mine.

I knew right then there was no going back. I was all in. No matter her limited time, no matter her responsibilities, I wanted to be a part of them. Part of her life.

I kissed her until she was breathless. Until I was dizzy with desire and want. Until I knew I had to stop or I would drag her back to my car and have her in the back seat. Or the hood. I wasn’t picky. Neither was my cock. Hard as a rock, aching and pressed between us, he would take her any way he could.

And it was too soon for that. She deserved better.

I lowered her to her feet, cupping her face as I kissed her one last time. I drew back, already missing the feel of her mouth underneath mine.

I pressed light kisses to her cheeks, eyes, then the end of her nose. She opened her eyes, the dark eclipsed by her pupils, her expression one of soft protest. “You stopped.”

I wrapped her in my arms. “I had to, or I wouldn’t be responsible for what would happen next.”

“Oh.” She nestled closer. “I might not object.”

I shut my eyes. “Don’t tempt me, Beth. You deserve better. A fast fuck in the car isn’t my style, and I highly doubt it’s yours either.” Opening my eyes, I tilted up her chin and met her gaze. “I’m not in a hurry. We’ll get to know each other, and I promise you—” I lowered my head and kissed her again “—it’ll be worth the wait for us both.”

She sighed. “You’re right. Damn it, Ronan, you messed with my head.”

I stepped back, keeping one arm wrapped around her. “Come on, I’ll take you home. If I keep you out too late, Evan might smack me with one of his crutches.”

She chortled. “He might.”

In the car, I turned on the heater since it was getting cooler and glanced over at her. “I had a really good time tonight.”

“Me too.”

“Could I take you out for coffee after work on Thursday?”

“Oh, that’s cake night.”

“Cake night?”

“The night I bake the cakes at the diner.”

“You bake those cakes?”

“Yes. I get a cut on every slice they sell.”

I promptly decided I would call and order some cakes in the morning. The office would love it.

“I could help.”

She frowned. “Not much fun for you.”

“If you’re there, I’m good.”

“Really?” she asked, sounding unconvinced.

“Really.”

“Okay, then. I’d love the company.”

“Great.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I’m prepared for you, Ronan.”

I grinned.

She hadn’t seen anything yet.

Chapter Six

Beth

I knew he was in the diner before I saw him. Ever since Ronan had taken me home on Tuesday, he had been on my mind. He had kissed me again before I got out of his car. Then caught me on the steps for another kiss. His mouth was addictive, and his caresses left me longing for more. More of him. I had never felt that way about a man before now. Especially one I didn’t really know. Given how Carson had treated me, I should be more cautious, but Ronan seemed open and honest. He was caring and asked a lot of questions about Evan and Lucy. He wasn’t intimidated or daunted by their disabilities. He didn’t seem overly interested in their physical conditions, but rather the person. It was nice to talk about them, share stories about their lives.

I did, however, notice his lack of sharing about his own life. I assumed there was a story there and he would tell me when he was ready.

I turned from the table I was serving to meet Ronan’s bright-green gaze. He watched me intently, smiling as I drew close.

“Welcome to Nifty Fifty.”

He leaned back in the booth I had come to think of as his, with a grin.

“Do you need a menu?” I asked, trying not to get lost in his warm eyes.

“Are you on it? Because I’ll take the order to go,” he replied, leaning forward and tugging my hand from my chest. He lifted it to his mouth and kissed the inside of my wrist. “With whipped cream on the side.”

“What are you going to do with the whipped cream?” I asked breathlessly.

He chuckled. “Oh baby, if you only knew what I was thinking.”

I felt the flush of color on my cheeks. The rush of heat through my body. Regretfully, I pulled back my hand.

“Hello, Ronan.”

He leaned forward expectantly. I realized he was waiting for me to close the distance and kiss him. I quickly glanced around then pressed my mouth to his cheek. He caught me before I could pull back and kissed my mouth, flicking his tongue over my lips, then sitting back looking pleased.

“Hello, Beth.”

I rolled my eyes. “Did you have dinner, or are you eating?”