Page 40 of Hostile for the Holidays

He did give his best effort, though, so I offer a handshake like a good sport.

“Good try, Jasper.”

“That’s pretty impressive, Stell.”

“I know.” I smirk, loving that not only did I win, but my stomach is aflutter with anticipation for kissing Jasper again.

We say our goodbyes to the rest of the group and Sandy makes me promise to come back again.

We’re walking through the hallway of the charity’s business center when Jasper pulls me through a side door and into a small room.

“What are we doing here?” I ask, glancing around at what appears to be a meeting room. There’s a small table with four chairs taking up most of the space and a picture on the wall of a group that must be volunteers or workers of the Toys for Tiny Hearts charity.

Jasper gives my wrist a gentle tug to pull me toward him.

“I’ve got to pay up. Give you your kiss.”

Jasper presses my back against the door, then turns the lock with a click.

“Do you still want it, Stella?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.

Of course I want the kiss, it’s what I asked for, but the way Jasper is intently studying my face, it feels like he’s asking me about something completely different.

I swallow thickly, then nod. “Yes.”

Slowly, Jasper lowers to his knees, never taking his eyes off mine.

“What—” I start to form the question but Jasper on his knees staring up at me turns my thoughts to mush. His hands hold my waist, lifting my cropped sweater until his lips have access to my stomach.

“I want to kiss you, Stella.” He presses a kiss against the button of my jeans before dropping his mouth lower against the denim at my center. “Right here.”

My head falls against the door, a whoosh of air leaving my lungs.

“Jasper.”

My voice is breathy and needy. It’s a sound I’d never expected to display in front of this man. Yet, here we are. And with so much about my visit home and the low-key holiday my family is having being a disappointment, I wonder if the one thing I need right now is pleasure. In whatever form I can have it. And Jasper’s tongue is offering to do the job.

“Look at me, Stella.”

Years ago, at the height of our rivalry, I would have told him to fuck off. Now? Hearing the command in his voice is thrilling.

I tilt my chin down, meeting his eyes again.

“Do you want it?” His thumb brushes up the seam of my jeans and my body lights with lust and desire. “Will you let me?”

Seeing Jasper Jensen on his knees for me; there’s never been a better sight.

The ache in my core is unbearable. My center is slick with need. Arousal for this man that I didn’t even like three days ago, but there’s also this new thing. Something I’m not sure how to label. A tenderness I’ve never known from him. A vulnerability in his eyes that I’ve never seen when we were at each other’s throats, too busy puffing up our chests to outdo each other. I’m not sure how to describe what I’m feeling.

I’m sure as hell not ready to address any of it, but I am ready to see if Jasper can make me come.

Opening my mouth to speak, I stop short. Letting Jasper touch me like this will change everything. My brain is compiling a list of reasons this isn’t a good idea.

This might be a joke to him. A trick up his sleeve. To play with me. To tease me. Then, leave me worked up and desperate for him.

Maybe he’s trying to get my guard down, then he’ll really hit me where it hurts.

But where would it hurt? He already knows that other than fake dating him, I have no romantic connections, and I’m really fucking sad that my family isn’t celebrating Christmas this year because Sadie’s wedding is taking priority. There’s not much insecurity left to uncover.

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