Page 47 of Hostile for the Holidays

My mom smiles. “Well, clearly you two have patched things up because you’re together now.”

My dad takes a drink of his beer. “I’m just happy I didn’t have to climb up on the roof. If Stella’s boyfriend wants to pay for light installation, I’m not going to turn it down. I’ve got a wedding to pay for.”

“I would have helped you hang the lights if we weren’t so busy with all this wedding stuff.” I can tell by Tom’s offering, he’s feeling a bit competitive with Jasper’s gift. He has nothing to worry about. Jasper’s not competing for boyfriend of the year because we’re not really together.

But it still makes me wonder why Jasper had the lights installed.

“I’m going to take a walk,” I announce, heading for the mudroom and my coat.

“Lainey and Alex are coming over later to put together the welcome bags, you want to help?” Sadie asks.

“Yeah, I’ll be back,” I toss over my shoulder before heading out the front door.

On the porch, I dust off a leaf-covered chair to sit on, then take out my phone. I pause a moment, staring across the street at the Jensens’ house. Then I type out a text to Jasper.

Why didn’t you tell me you had our lights installed?

He responds immediately.

I didn’t think it mattered.

Impulsively, I fire off a quick response.

It matters.

I stare at my text wondering how Jasper will interpret it.

What about him having our lights put up is bothering me? That he did it without asking? That it cost money? Or the fact that he’s my childhood nemesis and it feels like a power move?

It matters because it makes me wonder what is going on between us. I don’t have a fake dating manual but I’m certain having Christmas lights installed on your fake girlfriend’s house isn’t in it. Neither is receiving mind-blowing orgasms but those are non-returnable so there’s nothing I can do about it now.

Please tell me you’re not going to have them taken down.

I wouldn’t do that. I’m not mad you did it. I just don’t understand why.

Because I knew it would make you happy.

I stare at my phone screen, reading his text over and over.

He’s right. I was happy to see my childhood home all lit up. It was comforting and nostalgic, when most of my visit home has been the opposite. But the fact that Jasper knew it would make me happy is what is getting me.

This is very confusing. That’s never been a reason for you to do something.

It is now.

My mind wanders back to Jasper on his knees this afternoon. And in the car before that when he admitted all his sex dreams were about me. I don’t know how to feel about this development. I thought I was fine with him casually going down on me today but I’m starting to question his motives. And why he didn’t expect me to reciprocate. Because besides pulling his hair, Ididn’t even touch him. Things between Jasper and I have always been tit for tat. It feels unsettling to leave him at an advantage.

He knows what I taste like and how wet he can make me. And what I look like when I come.

Because I was horny, I let my guard down and gave Jasper ammunition. If or how he’ll use it is to be determined.

Or I can level the playing field.

I want to return the favor.

My parents already put up their Christmas lights.

That’s not the kind of favor I’m talking about.

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