Tingle Bells Read online

  He looked around quizzically. Another bell rang. Its sound aroused him. Despite himself, he smiled. As practical jokes went, at least this one gave him a momentary pleasure. Hours of frustration to follow, but a brief smile first. He slammed the door shut.

  The bells rang again and again. Who—Ramon opened his door again.

  “I forgot to stuff your stocking.” He heard him before he saw him. But then Justin, looking amazing, ran around from the side of the house shaking a handful of bells while he waved a big Father Christmas stocking.

  “Justin.” Ramon wiped the paint from his hands on his raggedy sweatpants.

  “These have been selling like mad. I had to pull rank to get you a set.” He held out the bells. “I figure, considering how you helped save Christmas for us, the Clancys owe you a set. Actually, more than that.”

  Just seeing Justin there, Ramon felt speechless with joy and a cacophony of emotions he’d be hard-pressed to identify.

  Justin exhaled a large puff of air and clapped his hands together. “Well, I need to get back home. Big family celebration with Aunt Louise back in the fold.”

  Ah, yes. Home to the family. “How is everyone?”

  “We’re all fine,” Justin replied. “Though some of us wonder where you disappeared to the day Aunt Louise came back. But I figured the Clancys in full insanity were probably too much for you to handle after all. The rutabagas and broccoli.”

  What was Justin talking about? Ramon shook his head. “Justin, I’ve never been so jealous as when I saw your family together. Do you have any idea how lucky you are to belong to them and to have them belong to you?”

  Justin’s eyes flashed. “Lucky? I figured you thought more like you’d landed smack in the middle of the Curse of the Clancys. In the name of sanity, you decided to ride off into the sunset while the going was good.”

  Ramon laughed. “I chose to leave before I got thrown out for intruding where I didn’t belong. Not to mention, it seemed obvious you weren’t about to explain my presence there as anything other than professional help. My role there as a detective was over.”

  “Not belong? As thrilled as they all are with me for saving Christmas and beyond—the Tingle Bells are going to be a huge seller, ongoing—they’re all pissed that I haven’t brought you home. I made it clear you did way more to save Christmas than I did. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.” Justin looked hard at him. “Actually, I told them a lot more. As in exactly who you are to me, who we are together.”

  Warmth spread through Ramon. “How’d they take it?”

  Justin blinked a few times. “First of all, no surprise. Second of all, no problem. There wouldn’t have been even if Aunt Louise hadn’t done her prodigal act and told her full story. But I figure she opened things up for me—for us.”

  “Bless Aunt Louise. So she’s back with the family?”

  “The correct phrase is ‘Blessed be’. Yeah, she’s back permanently. I’ve never seen Aunt Claire so happy. Even Uncle Fred has a new snap in his step. Actually, I was hoping you could brace yourself to have Christmas dinner with us. I guarantee you, with Aunt Louise and Aunt Claire in charge of the food, it’s going to be bizarre. When I left, they were debating the exact recipe for parsnip and tangerine fantasy.”

  Ramon put his hand on Justin’s arm. “That’s the best invitation I’ve ever gotten.” He gestured to his ragged outfit. “But I need to change. And I don’t have gifts for—”

  “Don’t worry about gifts. Trust me, you’ve given us all the best one ever. And to think, what you’re getting in return is a set of Tingle Bells and honorary membership in the Clan Clancy.”

  “I accept.”

  “But don’t change yet, Ramon. I’ve always loved a man wearing blue paint smears. And,” he rang the bells, “I want to try out the practical application of these.”

  Tingle, tingle, tingle.

  About the Author

  Exploring the erotic side of romance keeps Mardi Ballou chained to her computer—and inspires some amazing research. Mardi’s a Jersey girl, now living in Northern California with her hero husband—the love of her life—who’s also her tech maven and first reader. Her days and nights are filled with books to read and write, chocolate, and the pursuit of romantic dreams. A Scorpio by birth and temperament, Mardi believes in living life with Passion, Intensity, and Lots of Laughs (this last from her moon in Sagittarius). Published in different genres under different names, Mardi is thrilled to be part of the Ellora’s Cave Team Romantica.

  Mardi welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

  Also by Mardi Ballou

  Down and Dirty anthology

  Nibbles ‘n’ Bits anthology

  Pantasia 1:Hook, Wine and Tinker

  Pantasia 2: For Pete’s Sake

  Pantasia 3: Forever On the Isle of Never

  Photo Finish

  Reunions Dangereuses

  Young Vampires in France

  Young Vampires In Love

  Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

  www.ellorascave.com