Hostile for the Holidays

17. Jasper

SEVENTEEN

JASPER

I stare at my computer screen and will myself to focus on the memo for next year’s company goals and key performance indicators, but memories of two nights ago with Stella have me in a chokehold.

It was one thing for her to let me taste her at the warehouse, but when she dropped to her knees for me and sucked my cock to the back of her throat, I realized that if I wasn’t already in love with her before, I am now. It’s been two days since she played Pictionary with my family then gave me the hottest blow job I’ve ever had. She’s been busy with appointments for Sadie’s wedding, and I’m dying to see her at my family’s Christmas Eve party tonight.

The doorbell rings and I move to stand, but then I hear Juniper yell, “I got it.”

I’m assuming it’s one of her friends, but then she appears in the doorway, and I do a double-take when I see my best friend, Liam, following closely behind her.

“Bro, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I ask, standing to greet him with warm hug.

“Wasn’t sure of my plans until this morning when I got on the plane. I hope the invitation still stands or it’s going to get a bit uncomfortable.”

“Of course it stands. I’m just surprised you showed.”

“You said tonight was going to be a rager and you know I can’t resist a good party.”

“It’s got nothing on Elton’s party,” I tease, knowing full well Liam has invitations to many celebrity parties in London this week, “but we’ll try to show you a good time.

“You remember my sister, Juniper.” I motion to where she’s leaning against the doorway watching us.

Liam gives her a quick nod and a smile. “Of course, I remember June Bug.”

Behind him, her face scrunches at the nickname that I’ve affectionately used for years, but she recently told me to stop.

“She’s opening a bookstore soon.”

“A romance bookstore,” Juniper speaks up. “I just signed the lease for the space last week.”

Liam nods at Juni. “Congratulations. It must be in the Jensen blood to be an entrepreneur.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, but I told her I’m shit with the business side of things, and she should talk to you.”

“It’s fine.” Juniper throws out a dismissive wave. “I’m sure you’ve got a million other things to do.”

“Never too busy for Jas’s little sis. Let’s find some time to chat tonight.”

My mom walks into the living room and gasps with excitement at Liam’s appearance. “Oh, wow. You flew all the way from London for our Christmas Eve party? We’re so honored.”

“I didn’t make it home to London. I was in Vancouver visiting another friend, then thought I’d stop here.”

“We’re very excited to have you.” My mom hugs Liam. “We’ll put you in the basement guest room.”

“I got a room at the Snowshoe Inn. I didn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense. You’ll stay with us.”

My mom takes his coat and moves toward the closet, when the doorbell rings again.

“Oh, that must be Stella,” she says, hanging up Liam’s coat.

I check my phone for the time and to see if I have any missed texts from Stella. “I didn’t know she was coming over now,” I say, following my mom to the front door.

“She’s coming over to help me wrap a few gifts.” My mom turns to Liam. “Stella is an excellent gift wrapper. She used to volunteer at the outlet mall every holiday season for their free gift wrap program.”

Liam nods in understanding.

I smile at the memory. I used to take gifts to Stella to wrap. Mainly so I had a reason to talk to her but also to challenge her superb wrapping skills with oddly-shaped boxes. Some of the items weren’t even presents, but stuff we had around the house.

“Merry Christmas Eve.” My mom greets Stella with a warm embrace.

“Merry Christmas Eve!” Stella greets her with equal enthusiasm.

Stella’s wearing black leggings with an oversized cream sweater with a red scarf wrapped around her neck. My mom takes Stella’s coat and I hover nearby while Stella removes her lace-up snow boots with faux fur trim.

“Hi.” A grin springs across her face.

“Hi.” I pull her in close, one hand affectionately cupping her ass, before brushing my lips against hers. She melts against me and it’s the most satisfying feeling. Where we were playing at being a couple before, and failing, after the day at Toys for Tiny Hearts something has shifted between us and I’m soaking in every moment.

“So this is the famous Stella.” A wolfish grin slides onto Liam’s face as he extends his hand to her. “Liam Hargrove.”

“Liam’s my friend and business partner at Jensen Innovations,” I fill in for Stella.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she says, taking his hand. “And why am I famous?”

“You’re the woman that has finally taken this bachelor off the market.”

Stella’s mouth twitches. “Well Jasper has been begging me to go out with him, and he finally wore me down.”

Liam chuckles. “That sounds right. I’ve always known him to go after what he wants.”

“It’s the sweetest thing that they’re dating now. They used to be rivals in school and downright mean to each other, but if you ask me, all that fighting was foreplay.”

“Mom,” I groan. I can typically brush off my mom’s antics, but right now, this isn’t the conversation I want to be having in front of Stella. “Please don’t say foreplay.”

“I used to tell Jasper, it was only a matter of time before Stella returned his feelings.”

For her part, Stella doesn’t let on. She wraps her arms around my waist and adoringly looks into my eyes.

“It was only a matter of time before we found each other, right, Snowflake?”

I wrap my arms around her and kiss the top of her head. “That’s right, Sparky.”