Page 74 of Hostile for the Holidays

But then I remember all the guests were shuttled here from the parking lot down the mountain. Even if I can borrow someone’s car, I’ll need to ride the shuttle first. And there’s the small issue of the cognac I’ve been drinking and the fact that I shouldn’t be driving anywhere.

“One minute until the new year,” the DJ announces.

My heart races at the announcement. I’m stuck. There’s no way to make it to Jasper.

I pull my phone out to call him. Even if I can’t see him, maybe I can talk to him. Maybe I can make things right before the new year.

His line rings and rings, but he doesn’t pick up.

Defeated, I shove my phone into my clutch.

As the countdown draws closer to midnight, the sound of the crowd chanting is drowned out by the whooshing in my ears. My throat tightens and fresh tears brim at my lash line. All I want is to see Jasper. To kiss him at midnight and tell him I love him.

Five…

I let the tears fall. There’s no point in holding them in anymore.

Four…

I start moving toward the exit. I can’t be here right now. I need fresh air.

Three…

Just as I’m about to reach the door, a firm hand grips my elbow and in the next second I’m spinning in my heels. Around, around, until two steady hands grip my waist, catching me as the momentum threatens to spin me past my destination.

Two…

Standing in front of me, in jeans and a wool coat with a dusting of snow in his hair, looking handsome as hell, is Jasper.

One…

I open my mouth to speak, but my words are swallowed by Jasper’s demanding mouth on mine. My hands find purchase in his thick locks which are damp from the snow. My whole body sighs with relief and then I hold on for dear life as Jasper and I work out all the emotions of the last twenty years in this one kiss.

When our mouths finally release each other, I’m breathless and weak in the knees. It’s a good thing Jasper is holding me up.

“You came.” My hands slide inside his coat to feel his warmth.

He shakes his head. “I tried to do what you asked but I couldn’t stay away, Stella. You said it was bad luck to start the year with someone you hate, well I couldn’t stand the thought of starting the new year without the person I love.”

He brushes his thumb against my wet cheek. “I love you,Stella. Even if you can’t move on from the past and trust that my feelings are genuine, I need you to know that I’m sincere.”

My hand covers his, holding it to my face, and the sound that comes out is half-sob, half-laugh.

“Don’t cry, Sparky.” He says it with so much affection, I think I’m going to melt into a puddle.

“They’re happy tears.” I shake my head, laughing again. “I’m happy you’re here and that you still love me.”

He shakes his head, a low chuckle releasing from his chest. “It’s been one day.”

“I know, but those snowballs were pretty hard.” Against his sweater, I rub my hand over his chest where I pelted him, then drop my lips there for an apologetic kiss. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too.” His lips are on mine again and I could easily get lost in his taste.

But then I remember, I haven’t even told him the most important part. I part our lips to lock my eyes on his.

“I don’t hate you, Jasper. I don’t think I ever did and that was the most startling realization. It’s why I ran, because it was scary to find out that I’m in love with my nemesis.”

His hazel eyes widen like he can’t quite believe what he’s hearing.

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