Page 28 of Hostile for the Holidays

“Shit. I’m sorry.” I reach out for a stack of napkins, trying to mop up the water.

Jasper reaches over me to help, but it doesn’t help, because it only reminds my body of how delicious it feels to have his pressed to mine.

“I got it,” I snap.

“Just trying to help.”

“Well, you’re not,” I hiss, trying to put extra venom into my response. It’s my only defense mechanism at this point. “It’s my mess and I can clean it up myself.” I’m clearly referring to the spilt water, not what’s happening between my thighs.

Just then, Cady Cosgrove, a classmate of ours, approaches us.

“I can’t believe it.” She giggles. “Stella St. James and Jasper Jensen. Together. And you’re not being forced like that community service mandate after the chemistry lab fiasco.”

“Ha ha. Yeah, that was hilarious.” I laugh extra loud, hoping it will cover up all the uncomfortable feelings I’m having.

Jasper and I had the same top grade in chemistry class, and we were determined to outdo the other by finishing the extra credit lab assignment Mrs. Vlasky gave us, but we got in a fight and nearly burned down the chemistry lab. It earned us after-school community service, and we had to clean the lab while our classmate, Leena Basu, ended up completing the extra credit and getting the top grade.

A small group of high school classmates and old friends join our group and we move to a high-top table near the bar, so we can set our drinks on it.

“We’ve seen all the articles and media about your company, Jensen,” Scott Symes says, “but tell us what you’ve been up to since we saw you last.”

I might have been tempted to sneak off, but the second Jasper starts talking about his company and the virtual reality program they’ve built for education purposes in schools, I’m captivated.

The program sounds great, but it’s also how passionate Jasper is when he talks about it. Several people ask him questions about the technology and that’s when he really geeks out. But instead of being turned off, I find myself leaning in to hear more.

The way his eyes light as he talks, the curve of his mouth is not only sweet, but kind of sexy. And before long, I’m staring at his lips again.

The group quiets and I lift my eyes to Jasper’s to find him staring back at me, a playful smile on his lips.

“I could go on for hours, but the real excitement is Stella’s promotion to Creative Director at East & Ivy.” He pulls me in close, pressing his lips to my temple and from the stirring in my core, it’s clear I’m going to have to do laundry soon or I’m going to run out of clean underwear.

I give Jasper a small smile. I need to play the part after all. “Thanks, Jass.”

“That’s so amazing.” Cady beams at me. “I love East & Ivy.”

“Thank you.” I carefully lift my espresso martini in a cheers motion.

“You two are Cedar Hollow’s ultimate power couple.” Rex, an old cross-country teammate of ours, tips his head toward Jasper. “Congrats, man.”

“How do you two do the long-distance thing?” That’s Daniel, who just joined the group with Tom and Sadie.

Of course he’s the dissenter here. We’ll just have to make some story up about video chats and planned weekends to visit each other.

“I’m moving to New York next month,” Jasper announces right as I take a sip of my espresso martini and I end up spraying it out of my mouth.

“Jesus, Stellie.” Sadie wipes at her face. “What the heck?”

“Sorry, it went down the wrong pipe.”

“No, it sprayed out of your mouth.”

“Anyways, Jasper is moving to New York?” Cady’s eyes light up. “For Stella? That’s so romantic.”

“For business,” Jasper corrects. “And for Stella.”

The group continues their conversation, the discussion moving to Sadie and Tom’s wedding.

“Excuse me a moment.” I pick up my martini and move away from Jasper.

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