Jack.
Disappointment runs through me, but I cough as though that’ll fix it, refusing to acknowledge what it means. “Come in.”
Jack opens the door and smiles when he finds me in bed. “If you’re not jet-lagged, I’m going to make popcorn and watch a movie. Want to join me?”
“I’d love to. I’ll be down in a minute.”
“Great.” His smile widens and yep…it’s adorable. He has golden retriever energy but doesn’t come across as loyal and caring as that. After exchanging letters for eight years, I’m still trying to work him out.
By the time I drag myself out of bed and make it downstairs, Jack hasLove Actuallypaused on the opening airport scene, and my stomach knots. I’m really not feeling Christmas this year, and while it’s not something I can easily ignore, I wasn’t expecting to be constantly hit in the face with it. The beach was perfect. There were no signs of Christmas. Just an open space full of gorgeous people.
“Christmas, huh?” I force a happiness I don’t feel, and Jack instantly believes it.
“Hell, yeah. Gotta get into the spirit.”
“What aboutDie Hard?”That I can do.
“Die Hard? That’s not a Christmas movie.”
“What?” My jaw drops as my question echoes from behind me.
“Sometimes I worry about you, bro.” Mason’s deep voice filters through the air, and my head involuntarily twists toward the sound. “Die Hardis definitely a Christmas movie,” he agrees with me.
“Maybe.” Jack shrugs, clearly still annoyed at Mason from whatever was said earlier.
“So…”
“I’m not feeling it.” He shrugs again.
Mason opens his mouth to speak but I cut in. “What about something different then? Something non-Christmassy.”
“Something non-Christmassy at Christmas time?”
“Yep.”
Jack frowns in confusion, and I’d laugh if I wasn’t about to give in and watchLove Actually. “It’s—”
“Two against one, little bro. We’re watchingDie Hard.” Mason jumps over the arm of the couch opposite us and lands on the cushion, making himself comfortable.
“I thought you were going out?” Jack snaps, his gaze briefly flashing my way as his eyes widen toward his brother. If he’s trying to signal something to Mason, he doesn’t get it, because he simply shrugs, pointing to the TV.
“My plans changed and I want some Bruce Willis.”
Without another word, Jack goes back to their movie home page and sure enough,Die Hardis listed under Christmas movies. He scoffs as he presses play, but I don’t watch the screen. Instead, my curious gaze lands on Mason.Was that for me? Or did he do it to piss off his brother?He’s not even watching; he’s got his face buried in his phone.
A few seconds pass and I’m about to force myself to pay attention when his head lifts and our eyes lock. He shoots me a wink, and my breath catches as he turns to face the TV, the smallest of smiles playing on his lips.
He did it for me.And I’m not sure I like how good that makes me feel.
CHAPTER NINE
Mason
Of course being nice would come back and bite me in the ass. I should have walked away thirty minutes ago, but my stupid ego forced me to see it through. To pretend I’m enjoying the movie I desperately wanted to watch, acting as though I’m completely oblivious to the giggles and flirting coming from the opposite couch.
The movie ends and I jump up so fast you’d think the couch was on fire. But it’s not fast enough.
Jack pulls Jenna to her feet, laughing richly as he whispers in her ear.
