Page 42 of Holiday Hostilities

I told Dallas he was insane.

And this is what I tellmyselfnow as I watch Aaron’s Adam’s apple move in the strong column of his throat, making me swallow the lump in my own.

I need to remember that this is the same Aaron who climbed through my bedroom window one night in high school while he and Jake were trying to avoid getting caught coming back froma party. I let my guard down with him, almost let him kiss me (or maybe I almost kissed him, which is mortifying) before he walked away without a second thought.

Shame on me if you fool me twice…

“I should go,” I blurt.

“Oh, okay.” Aaron’s handsome face is unreadable. “I’ll give you a ride.”

“No, no. I’ll get an Uber or something.”

“At this hour? Absolutely not.” He gives me a smirk. “Come on, Liv, it’s the least I can do. I insist.”

There's a note of finality in his tone that makes me nod instead of argue, and I can suddenly see why they made Aaron captain. In so many ways, this isn’t the cocky, smirky boy I knew years ago. This is a commanding man who speaks withauthority.

But then, his grin turns roguish. “Don’t want some creep abducting you, do I? Jake would never forgive me.”

Instead of making one of my usual acidic retorts to such a dumbass statement, I have to laugh. “Okay, Aaron. Take me home.”

“Your car looks fast,” I tell Aaron somewhat idiotically as I buckle my seatbelt. The leather seat is butter-soft and cool to the touch.

I’ve never been alone with Aaron in a car before, and this, coupled with the general whiplash I’m feeling thanks to his earlier statement, makes me feel the need to say something.

Apparently, a useless observation is the best I could come up with. But in all honesty, I’m impressed. The sleek, sports class Mercedes is unlike any other car I’ve seen. I mean, the thinglooks like it’s from the year 2050 and probably cost him more than what I make annually.

Twice annually.

“I love this car.” Aaron runs a hand almost affectionately over the steering wheel. I’m momentarily mesmerized by his big, callused fingers moving delicately over the expensive leather.

For a moment, I idly wish thatIwas that steering wheel. Let myself imagine how it would feel for those hands to be moving over me with such assuredness, such confidence.

Sudden heat blossoms in my lower belly and I give my head a shake, horrified by my body’s visceral reaction to my mind’s very, very inappropriate and uncalled-for thoughts. Aaron is the last person on earth I should be fantasizing about.

What is wrong with me?

“I didn’t think you loved anything but yourself,” I say archly, but I’m sure my cheeks are twin scarlet beacons that give away the ridiculous fantasy I was just having about him touching me.

That freaking loaded, sizzling moment in his kitchen has clearly sent my head spinning. I need to go home and sleep off whateverthisis.

Aaron looks over, his mouth pulling at the corners like he’s somehow sussed me out. “I make the odd exception.”

“Let me guess. The other exception being hockey?”

“Yes,” he says lightly as he backs out of the garage. “But people over things, always. I love my mom. My nonna. My team.”

“Women,” I supply drily.

His smile turns into a full-on grin. “I do love women.”

“Were you in love with the woman who named a cockroach after you?” The question leaves my lips before I can think it, and I mentally reprimand myself. When I brought this up earlier, it obviously bothered him, and while I normally wouldn’t careabout being insensitive towards him, I find myself wanting to go easy on him right now.

“No.” His tone is still light, but his smile fixes in place and his stubbled jaw tenses. “I didn’t even know her.”

“I thought you two were almost engaged.” My voice is gentler this time. When I saw the news about the failed engagement, I assumed it was bogus—I’ve never seen nor heard of Aaron getting serious with anyone. I can’t help but wonder if there is a bigger story here.

“You keeping tabs on my dating life, Lil Griz?” he asks cockily, brow arched.

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