Page 33 of Hostile for the Holidays

But just like his science fair project our sophomore year when he built a wind-powered cell phone charger out of a clock radio, he’d delivered. I’m certain he’s at home basking in the glory of having implanted an unforgettable kiss that will torture me until the end of my days.

And then he’d told me how amazing he thinks I am. Can you believe this guy? What the fuck is his problem?

“All right, Stellie. Let’s get out of here.” Sadie links her arm in mine then guides me out to her car. After Jasper’s and my explosive kiss, Tom took it upon himself to be Daniel’s wingman tonight. I really hope Daniel finds someone new to project his feelings onto. It would take the pressure off Jasper’s and my fake relationship. Then Jasper and I wouldn’t need to be spending so much time together. And he wouldn’t be required to kiss me under the mistletoe.

Sadie guides me to her car and tucks me into the passenger seat.

I really should put my phone away, but I’m unhinged and horny and just tipsy enough to send Jasper a text.

That kiss wasn’t remarkable but I’m willing to give you a second chance.

He replies right away.

Our rule has always been no do-overs.

I made up that rule, so I’m allowed to change it.

I don’t know, Stella. Changing the rules feels dangerous.

Now I’m annoyed. He used my full name in a text situation. That’s an extra word he had to type out. Not to mention it stounds like he’s scolding me. Also, I hate that I offered to change things between us and he pretty much threw it in my face.

It’s a short drive home from The Merry Moose, but I stew over Jasper’s text the whole way. Once we’re home, I slam the car door and Sadie gives me a disapproving look.

“Chill. It’s a car.”

“Not your car.”

“Sorry. I’m just annoyed with Jasper. It’s like he shouldn’t kiss me like that and then not offer to do it again. It’s rude and it’s just like him to be playing with me.”

“Yeah, your hot, wealthy boyfriend who offered to take you home is a real jerk.”

“Hey, I wanted to stay and hang out with you. Besides, there’s no way I could have left with him after that kiss. It would have meant he won.”

“Won what, Stellie?” she asks.

I open my mouth to answer her question, but I pause when I come up empty. It’s not a debate or a cross-country race, there’s no class honors or student council position to vie for, which makes this situation between Jasper and me feel unsettling. Thirteen-year-old me would have had all the answers, but I don’t know how to navigate the adult version of us.

“I’m not sure,” I half mumble, “but it’s always something with Jasper.”

Sadie’s face breaks into a Cheshire cat smile.

“What?” I ask.

She clears her throat and nods behind me.

I turn to find Jasper standing at the end of our driveway still dressed in the black jeans and holiday sweater I picked out for him earlier. That stupid fucking sweater. I’m going to make him wear one every day to fend off all the other women he could possibly want to kiss. I’m greedy like that. Don’t tell Santa.

Behind me, I hear the front door click shut and glance back to see Sadie has gone inside.

“You didn’t have to lie. You could say the kiss was phenomenal and you wanted to do it again.”

“I didn’t lie,” I insist, but we both know my pants are on fire.

“You said it wasn’t remarkable.” His lips twitch, a confident smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

“I mean what is remarkable anyway?” I tease. “Extraordinary. Amazing. Notable.” I throw up my hands. “They’re just words.”

He turns to leave, hands tucked into his pockets, obnoxiously nonchalant.

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