Page 12 of Hostile for the Holidays

“What do you mean? This is normal.”

“The rental car showing up to you instead of having to be shuttled out to the middle of nowhere to pick up your car is a bit bougie.”

“No, having a driver would have been bougie.” I smile. “I like to indulge in a few nice things.”

Stella rolls her eyes at me. “A few nice things? You’re a walking advertisement for GQ man of the year.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Please don’t.”

“Do you have a thing against successful people in general or is it my success that annoys you?”

“Do I really need to answer that?”

“You’re one to talk. Creative Director at East & Ivy. Now, that’s impressive.”

“Stalker,” she murmurs.

“It seems like you’re feeling better. How’s your stomach?”

“I’m fine. I don’t need your concern. I’m in tiptop shape. Back to my fighting weight. A worthy opponent once again.”

I flash her a soft grin.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

She buckles her seatbelt and I pull away from the airport.

“What—” I begin but Stella quickly shushes me.

“Let’s play the quiet game. See who can keep unnecessary chatter to themselves the longest.”

“Come on, Stell. We’ve got so much to catch up on. Like Daniel, for instance. What’s the deal with that guy and why did you tell him I’m your boyfriend?”

Her face pinches with annoyance. “You’re so fucking nosy, Jasper.” But she’s got no escape route now, so I push her on it.

“Nosy? I’m trying to understand why you’d tell this guy we’re dating.” And how I can use this development to my advantage.

She throws her arms up.

“Fine. Daniel and I hooked up. It was a mistake. One that I’m clearly still paying for because even though I’ve told him I’m not interested, he thought he would show up here and we’d fallmadly in love over the holidays. Or at least hook up again. So, yeah, when I saw you, I pretended you were my boyfriend so he’d back off.”

Logically I know Stella has a personal life that I’m not involved in, but hearing about it and seeing a guy firsthand that she has been involved with only makes these feelings I have for her stronger. This situation with Daniel, while I hate that it makes Stella uncomfortable, is the perfect opportunity to show Stella how much I care about her.

“Do you need help, Stella?” I ask, giving her a quick glance before turning my eyes back to the road. “All you have to do is say the word.”

She’s quiet for a moment, arms crossed over her chest in defiance.

“And what will it cost me, Jasper?”

Nothing. I’d do anything for you.

My answer forms easily. After all, it’s been circulating in my brain for years. But Stella doesn’t know that, so I take a moment to think about her question.

“You need a boyfriend for the holidays.” I brainstorm out loud.

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