Powerless
by Elsie Silver
Published by Bloom Books
Book 3 in the Chestnut Springs Series
Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.
But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.
To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.
The man I’ve loved in secret for years.
So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.
But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.
Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.
Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.
But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.
Genre
Triggers
Vehicular death, Loss of sibling, Trauma and guilt from death, child abuse (not depicted), child abandonment (not depicted), missing military family member (while on tour), cheating (not by MC)
Since being introduced to Jasper in Flawless, I've been intrigued with his character.
Broody and silent.
Super hot hockey player.
Adopted into the family by Beau (one of the brother's) because he was living in a car at 15.
Childhood best friends to lovers, with all the pining and tension that comes along with that?
Yes, please.
I really enjoyed Powerless. I didn't love it as much as I loved Heartless, but I still really enjoyed it.
While it covers a short span of time, so much happens. There is so much tension and chemistry between these two, you can't help but keep turning the pages to see when they finally fall into each other.
No matter how late it is, and you have work in the morning. :)
Blend in the chapters where they both remember pivotal moments - together, and apart - that make them who they are today, it adds so much to the story. More depth to these character's, and their unlikely bond.
It's not just two people finally getting their chance, despite everything (and everyone) against them.
It's two people healing something broken inside themselves.
It's two people, among those they both love, helping one another through the toughest times, and stepping up they way family should.
Powerless was a great addition to the Chestnut Spring's series. It led into the next book perfectly, and has be salivating to read as soon as I can.
The truth is we only have control over a finite number of things in life. The rest is a fucking crap shoot. - Kandi Steiner
My brain knows it’s stupid, because if he’s friends with Beau, he must be at least fifteen.
But I can’t stop myself.
I look anyway.
What I don’t realize is that I’ll be fighting the urge to stare at Jasper Gervais for years to come.
She hurled words at me that should hurt. But I just hurt for her. Because my biological dad is an asshole. But the man who really raised me? Harvey Eaton? He’s the best of the best. He showed me love, and I can identify it just fine.
Plus, I remember how Sloane looks at a man when she really wants him. And she isn’t looking at her fiancé the way she used to look at me.
I’m more pleased about that than I should be.
The roof is still dark, but it’s no longer quiet. A girl I barely know monologues about her life, and I just listen. She talks so much that even my demons can’t compete.
Tonight and every summer night after, she sits with me. I don’t invite her. She’s just there.
And sitting with her is peaceful . . .
Jasper: “You sure?”
A small, fragile flame of hope flickers inside of me.
Jasper: “What if your family doesn’t want me there?”
He just scoffs.
Beau: “I guarantee my family doesn’t want you living here.”
I’m sure if I even glance at her, I’ll break down, so I crack open the stupid Buddyz Best Beer and take a long pull.
Jasper: “This tastes like shit.”
She drinks, and from my periphery, I see her nod.
Sloane: “Matches the day. Shit is the theme.”
I grunt my agreement.
Jasper: “You’re not wrong.”
Sloane: “Do you think what’s inside of these is really all that different? Like, I usually pay $50 for a tube the same size. Do you think they just slap different labels on them in the same factory and then laugh at the rich people who pay more for the same shit?”
His lips twitch as he watches me closely.
Jasper: “I love the way your brain works, Sunny.”
Sloane: “I’m serious! This is five dollars, Jas. That is a ninety percent discount!”
Jasper: “Well, you can’t fault that fancy private school education.”
I snort and wag my head.
Sloane: “I’m testing it. This could be life changing.”
Jasper: “Mm-hmm.”
He sounds like he doesn’t believe me.
Sloane: “Jas. Have you seen this translucent skin? The nice blue vein that runs under my right eye? Concealer is my best friend.”
Jasper: “I thought I was your best friend.”
The statement is so simple and yet it winds me. I turn back to the wall of alarmingly affordable concealer and scoff.
Sloane: “You can both be. It’s mutually beneficial really. You don’t want to see me too often without concealer.”
Jasper: “You always look good to me. Concealer, no concealer. Fancy dress, Harvey’s sweat suit. Smooth hair”
—his hand waves over me with a low chuckle—
Jasper: “whatever this is. It doesn’t matter. You’re you.”
I swallow and try my best not to melt onto the floor into a squishy pile of mush.
Sloane: “That’s probably what you tell all the girls, Gervais.”
Jasper: “Nah, Sunny. You’re my only girl.”
Sloane: “Booty short, bikini cut, or thong? Or does your rule of everything looks good on me apply here too?”
I blurt out in an attempt at making this less awkward than it is in my head right now.
I fail. Things are officially not less awkward. Jasper makes a low groaning noise and avoids eye contact.
Jasper: “It applies,”
Harvey: How’s the hand?
Jasper: How do you know?
Harvey: I’m old. Not deaf.
Jasper: It’s fine. I’m fine.
Harvey: No, you’re not. None of us are. But you know what will make you feel better?
Jasper: What’s that?
Harvey: Fixing my wall. There’s spackling and a putty knife outside your door.
Cade: “Did you get dressed in the dark?”
Cade snipes at me. Harvey barks out a laugh, and I glance down at myself, realizing I grabbed a neon pink shirt with a yellow energy drink logo on it, black and white stripes on the arms. It truly is atrocious, but it was dark last night. I think it was promotional. I’m positive I’ve never worn it before. And it really does clash with the pair of army green joggers I’m wearing.
My lips quirk.
Jasper: “Listen, the day I take fashion advice from someone as old as you, who barely leaves this ranch, is the day I die.”
I see Cade’s cheek twitch. Picking on each other is our comfort zone. And damn, it feels good. The days have slowly bled into a depressed normalcy. We’ve had one awkward family dinner. Harvey didn’t make any blow job jokes, and Beau wasn’t there to lighten the mood. It feels like everyone is just going through the motions. Waiting to hear something is the worst.
I go straight for the coffee maker, pour myself a mug, and take a seat at the table with the two other men.
Cade: “I think you’re just so used to everyone fawning over you that you don’t know when you look like a fucking clown anymore.”
Jasper: “Adorable coming from the guy who wears his jeans at least two sizes too small.”
I give Cade a big, cheesy grin, loving the feel of something that isn’t just sad.
Cade: “Willa likes them tight.”
I quirk a brow.
Jasper: “How long does it take her to peel them off of you? My money is on at least five minutes.”
Cade: “Bring your timer. You can watch next time, could probably teach your dumb ass a thing or two.”
Harvey’s head whips between us, an amused smile on his lips.
Jasper: “I’ll be sure to give you some notice so you can get your Viagra down in time, old boy.”
Harvey: “Oh, nah.”
Harvey waves a hand dismissively.
Harvey: “The Eatons are a virile bunch. Even I don’t need those.”
Cade: “Jesus Christ.”
Cade’s head drops, and his eyes stare into his coffee cup like he’s scrying for answers on how to make his dad stop saying inappropriate things.
Jasper: “You got someone special on the receiving end of all that virility, Harv?”
Harvey: “A few someones. Hard to pick just one, ya know? Why choose?”
He smiles back at me maniacally.
Jasper: “Make sure you wrap it up,”
is my casual response. After the death of his wife so long ago, I’m happy he has some company.
Harvey grins.
Harvey: “Talk to Cade about that. Not me.”
Cade groans and tips his head back, now staring at the ceiling.
Cade: “I should have stayed at my house.”
Willa: Sloane, can you confirm Jasper is okay? The guys are worried about him but don’t know how to talk to him about their feelings. They’ve requested we ask instead. It’s like a game of telephone over here.
Summer: We’re all texting. It’s nothing like a game of telephone.
Sloane: He’s sad. He’ll be okay.
Willa: You should bang him.
Summer: Wils, that can’t always be your advice.
Willa: Why not? It’s solid advice. Worked out for you.
Summer: She just fled her wedding.
Willa: Yeah, but that fucking guy sucked. Jasper has that hot, tortured vibe going for him.
Sloane: He’s sad. Not horny, Willa. \
Willa: He can be both. Turn that frown upside down, baby girl!
Sloane: “Do you think about me?”
I blurt, watching him still the minute those words leap from my lips.
Sloane: “When we go weeks or months without talking or seeing each other . . . do you think about me?”
Jasper: “Why?”
His voice is cool and even, giving nothing away. I twist at my ring nervously and sigh.
Sloane: “I don’t know. Here. With you.”
I gesture between us.
Sloane: “I keep forgetting about everything else in my life. Everyone else. But when we’re apart I constantly come back to y—you know what? Never mind. Just ignore me.”
The silence that stretches between us is thick, alive and sparking with the heat and reality of my almost-confession. A heat that suffuses my entire body when he finally responds with,
Jasper: “Every fucking day, Sunny.”
Jasper: “No. It’s in the car. And it’s one of my favorite things.”
Sloane: “You’re full of shit, Gervais.”
I flop back, crossing my arms, trying not to pout but failing. His eyes meet mine again and stare just a beat too long.
Jasper: “No. I’m not.”
This time it’s my hands that fly up, right as warmth blooms on my cheeks.
Sloane: “Okay. I guess I’ll keep things fair and give up. I don’t know.”
This time when he talks, he doesn’t look at me. He stares at the smooth road like there’s something remarkably interesting there. He swallows, and I watch the column of his throat work beneath the stubble.
Jasper: “It’s your eyes.”
I go very, very still.
Sloane: “My eyes?”
I repeat stupidly. I heard him clearly. I just didn’t expect that to be his answer. Not even close.
He shrugs like it’s nothing.
Jasper: “Yeah. A robin’s egg is more accurate. Remember when we were walking to the river that one time and the shell fell out of the tree in front of us? You were so excited about there being baby birds, and I remember picking it up and looking at you, thinking that it matched almost perfectly.”
I nod and twist my hands on the wheel, resisting the urge to reach out and touch her, to tell her how proud I am of her. To tell her she could be mine instead. Because I told her I’d listen, and she doesn’t need me complicating her already complicated feelings. And she definitely doesn’t need my stamp of approval on them.
That’s not how feelings work—they just are, no matter what anyone else thinks of them.
Jasper: Why are you taking so long in there?
Sloane: Giving myself a drunk pep talk.
Jasper: What is that?
Sloane: It’s where I splash water on my face and stare at myself in the mirror. Then I tell me to pull my shit together and be cool.
Jasper: You’re talking to yourself in the women’s bathroom to be . . . cool?
Sloane: Exactly.
Jasper: Sunny. Be less cool. Come save me. The waitress keeps trying to talk to me.
Sloane: So talk to her.
Jasper: I don’t like talking to people.
Sloane: You talk to me.
Jasper: You’re not people.
Sloane: Lmao. What am I then?
Jasper: My person.
It doesn’t matter that my love for him is pathetic and tragically unrequited.
It just is. The sky is blue. The grass is green. And I’ve loved Jasper Gervais from the first day I laid eyes on him.
Jasper: “Sunny, you’re cut off, and all melons are going to remain in the produce section.”
Sloane: “They were big, Jas. And so round.”
I hold my hands up in front of me and mimic squeezing a set of breasts.
Sloane: “I’m a little jealous if I’m being honest. I’d kill for melons like that. Do you know which grocer carries them? I’d pay good money.”
He covers me in my coat and slings his over his arm before tossing cash on the table. Then I’m tucked up against him again and we’re walking out into the dark, frosty night.
Jasper: “You’re perfect the way you are, Sloane. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Usually I’d preen and overthink that sentence, but right now I just giggle.
Sloane: “Are you saying my melons are nice?”
I press my chest out and cup them.
Jasper: “You’re gonna get me in trouble one of these days,”
Sloane: “Would you sign my melons if I wanted you to?”
Jasper: “I need to get you some water.”
Sloane: “Don’t be such a stick in the mud, Gervais. Answer the question!”
Jasper: “I don’t know, Sloane.”
His breath puffs out in front of him as we walk the short path back to our hotel room.
Jasper: “It’s hard to imagine you ever asking me to do that because you know me so well. Really proved you understand how much I hate that shit by shooting from the hip like a total nut.”
My head whirls, and I lean on his sturdy form.
Sloane: “Or!”
I hold one finger up triumphantly.
Sloane: “Shooting from the tits!”
Jasper: “Lord, help me,”
Harvey: You kids got somewhere safe to spend the night?
Jasper: Yeah. Hotel in Rose Hill.
Harvey: Two rooms or one? ;)
Jasper: Don’t be weird. One room, two beds.
Harvey: I’m not weird. You’re the one with a crush on your cousin.
Jasper: She’s not my cousin.
Harvey: Ha! But you didn’t deny the crush.
Sloane: Send help.
Summer: Help with what? Are you guys okay?
Sloane: I’m so hungover. I want to die.
Willa: Nice. Shame spiral. Did you bang him?
Sloane: No. We gave each other facials and passed out awkwardly.
Willa: High five. I love it when Cade gives me a facial.
Summer: Good god.
Sloane: That is . . . not what I meant.
Harvey: How’s my boy?
Sloane: Good. Fine.
Harvey: And how are you?
Sloane: Hungover.
Harvey: He driving you to drink?
Sloane: Pretty much.
Jasper: “Sunny, you’re gonna make me lose my mind.”
Sloane: “Good,”
I murmur against his mouth.
Sloane: “We’ll be insane together. I’m so tired of doing it alone.”
Jasper: “But this isn’t the time or place. It’s not safe. And you are too fucking precious to take chances with.”
Fuck my safety. If I died riding Jasper Gervais in the driver’s seat of this truck, I might be fine with that. What a way to go. Out with a bang, so to speak.
Sloane: “When is the time and place?”
I breathe out instead.
He ghosts a kiss over my damp, puffy lips and guides my ear to his mouth.
Jasper: “When I say so,”
Jasper: Bad roads. Brake issues. Spending the night in a town called Blisswater Springs.
Harvey: Do you win a prize for using as few words as possible? You guys okay? Can you elaborate?
Jasper: I’ll call you from the hotel. We’re all good. Safe. You don’t need to worry.
Harvey: Come on. Give me something. One bed or two?
Jasper: Talk to you later.
Jasper: “You heard from your dad?”
I ask as the doors slide shut.
Sloane: “No. I mean, well, yes. He’s messaged. And called. And emailed. But frankly, I’m not a fan of his tone, so I’m ignoring him too. At least until he asks me how I am or if I’m safe rather than just demanding I come back.”
Jasper: “Fair.”
I hear her teeth clank together over the soft elevator music.
Sloane: “Come to think of it, I’m kind of done with men in general right now.”
One hand waves up and down in my direction.
Sloane: “The whole lot of you.”
Jasper: “Also fair.”
Jasper: “Times have changed, Sloane. I’m not scared anymore. You’re not my fucking friend. You’re just mine.”
Everyone in my life has treated me like the tiny ballerina inside a jewelry box. Nice to look at and cute to listen to when you’re in the mood, but easily shut away when you have something else to do.
I want to deny it, tell him he’s crazy and out to lunch. That we’re friends and I don’t want to ruin our relationship.
The truth is, though, I want to ruin it. Badly.
My brain might be in bitch mode, but my heart? My heart is in slut mode.
Sloane: “Seriously, get fucked, Gervais. Go snuggle with your secrets, you exhausting, broody asshole. I’m not leaving this mattress. I’m putting my foot down.”
I peek at him over my shoulder, and he gives me a little smirk.
Jasper: “There she is.”
Sloane: “Yes,”
I huff, turning away and hearing the mattress creak.
Sloane: “Here I am.”
Jasper: “See, Sloane? You can wear someone else’s ring, but we both know you’ve always been mine.”
Sloane: “Well, at least you’re consistent with being terrible at talking about your feelings.”
She turns over in a huff, muttering,
Sloane: “Boys are so fucking dumb. Thanks for the orgasm.”
Jasper: “It was a good one, wasn’t it?”
She doesn’t need to confirm it. I know it was. I felt it too.
I’m met with a few seconds of silence and then a frustrated, “Ugh,” before she hunkers down and gives me the silent treatment.
Summer: I can’t stop crying. I’m so relieved. We’re sending hugs back to you.
Willa: I’ll hug Cade for you if you bang Jasper for me.
Sloane: When I bang Jasper, I’m banging him for myself.
Summer: Ooooooo!
Willa: Possessive. I like it.
Willa: Wait. Did you say WHEN?!
I assume the flight of stairs leads to a bedroom. Or bedrooms? I’m not sure because it doesn’t seem like there’s enough space for more than one.
But no one even asked us about that. So either there are definitely two beds or my cousin and her friends are playing matchmaker in the fucking Love Shack.
Sloane: “Oh my god, Jasper! Fucking say something!”
Jasper: “I feel like I could crumble under the weight of not wanting to disappoint you. I’m paralyzed by my fear of losing you.”
Sloane: “You’re never going to lose me,”
I whisper back, itching to rush forward and touch him but wanting to give him space. I don’t want to corner him or smother him.
Jasper: “I almost did lose you.”
He takes a couple of steps forward, and I think he’s going to come to me. But he places the glass of water on the marble island before propping his hands there, like that island is the only thing keeping him from moving across the room toward me again.
As though he’s fighting to keep himself away from me.
Jasper: “On that mountain runaway lane. To your dad’s maneuvering. To him,”
he adds, eyes dropping to the ring on my finger, the one that clearly did not prevent me from crossing that line with Jasper at all.
Sloane: “Then fucking take me back already!
I plant a palm in the middle of her chest and press her down.
Jasper: “Lie still, Sloane. Let me enjoy myself.”
Sloane: “Fuck you, Jasper,”
she huffs and wiggles harder.
I chuckle and move my hand back around her neck.
Jasper: “You will be, Sunny. Just not until I say so.”
Jasper: “Is this uncomfortable? Sitting here?”
Uncomfortable? Is he kidding me? I don’t even know what comfort is anymore. All I can think about is coming with his hands on me.
Sloane: “No.”
Jasper: “Good.”
He licks his lips as he stares down at me, biting down on his bottom lip to stifle a grin.
Jasper: “Stay like that.”
And then he turns and . . . walks away.
I flip my head to watch him. Ready to snap at him.
Sloane: “What the—”
Jasper: “I was about to tell you I’ve never had sex without a condom, Sloane.”
He bends down and picks the bowl up off the floor.
Jasper: “I was about to tell you the only way you’d look prettier was with my cum in that tight little cunt.”
Sloane: “Jesus,”
I mutter, feeling a blush overtake my entire body.
He casually picks up a banana and puts it in the bowl, followed by a couple of apples that must be bruised to shit now.
Jasper: “But you had to make that snarky little remark. A jealous little dig. So now you can wait.”
Jasper: “I’ve spent a long time thinking I don’t deserve you,”
Bending further, his lips move to the top of my hand that’s still clasped over my knee.
Jasper: “That you’re too good for someone like me.”
Sloane: “Jasper.”
I reach out and cup his cheek with my hand, one leg hooking him back to me as he stands up straight. When he’s saying things like this I want to see his eyes. I don’t really give a fuck about following his orders.
There’s no reproach though. Instead, he tilts his head into my touch, and his big, warm body folds around mine.
Jasper: “I don’t think I suffer from that way of thinking anymore. Suddenly I don’t really care about deserving you when it’s so damn clear you belong to me and always have.”
Jasper: “You want me to fuck you, Sloane?”
Sloane: “Yesss,”
I hiss out. He lifts his thick cock up and slaps it back down lewdly on my wet core.
Jasper: “Ask politely.”
Sloane: “Jasper, it’s too much,”
I murmur, dropping my forehead against his chest.
He plants a kiss against my hair and pulls out, like he’s going to grant me some reprieve. His head drops beside my ear, and he whispers,
Jasper: “You can take it,”
right before driving back in.
Her fingers comb through the back of my hair.
Sloane: “It’s a shame that I’ve peaked at only twenty-eight. I’m sure every sexual experience will be downhill after that.”
Her eyes snap to mine and she searches my face.
Sloane: “Tell me what to do.”
Jasper: “Yeah?”
She bites her lip, trying to keep from beaming at me.
Sloane: “Yeah.”
Jasper: “Are you sore?”
Sloane: “Have you seen your dick?”
Jasper: “Answer the question, Sloane.”
She scoffs and rolls her eyes, looking all bratty as she does.
Sloane: “Yeah. I mean, I’m a bit sore—”
Jasper: “Good. Get up here and sit on my face.”
Sloane: “This isn’t fair!”
Sloane calls from the opposite side of the pond, warm breath puffing out in little clouds in front of her.
Sloane: “You guys have a literal NHL player on your team!”
Vaughn, Billie’s husband, hollers back from our end,
Vaughn: “To be fair, his team doesn’t belong in the NHL this year!”
Cole groans and rolls his eyes.
Griffin, Nadia’s husband, who I also recognize as a retired football player, punches him in the shoulder with a grumbled,
Griffin: “Dick.”
Vaughn: “Sorry, man.”
Vaughn chuckles.
Vaughn: “Lifelong Vancouver Titans fan. Nothing personal.”
I tap my stick against the ice and offer him a smirk.
Jasper: “It’s alright. I get it. There’s no accounting for taste when someone is a Titans fan.”
Willa: Looping Violet in on this chat to get the full picture. What’s the over-under on sweet little Sloane and moody hockey boy hooking up before they get back to Chestnut Springs?
Summer: Why are you so invested in this?
Willa: No one deserves the last name Woodcock. He’d have to look like Henry Cavill and fuck like Peter North for me to overlook that.
Violet: Ew. Have you seen Peter North? So tanned. So greasy.
Willa: That’s why I said he’d have to look like Henry Cavill.
Summer: Hold, please. Googling Peter North.
Violet: Lmao. Careful.
Summer: Well, he does seem . . . talented. I’m not mad at it.
Willa: I’m only mad at Sloane for not responding.
Violet: Based on the way her and Jasper have been staring at each other, I think she might be busy.
Sloane: Y’all are a bunch of nosy, dirty bitches.
Summer: Where’s the lie?
Willa: Just tell us! On a scale of one to Peter North, how big is Jasper’s D?
Jasper: “Do they, Sloane? Do they matter? Does any of that seem like it matters in the face of what you and I have happening right now? In the face of eighteen years of friendship? In the face of wanting each other for so long? Is a single other person even a factor? Even a blip on the radar?”
Sloane: “No,”
I whisper instantly.
When he puts it like that, no.
No. No. No. No. No.
Sloane: “None of it matters.”
Jasper: “That’s right.”
His fingers trail over my lips.
Jasper: “The answer is no. None of that shit matters. Because we’re me and you. We’re us. Unlikely and inevitable all at once. We’re forever.”
Harvey: “Well, I’ll be . . .”
His head shakes. Beau snorts.
Jasper: “What?”
I ask, stepping away and crossing my arms over my chest. Because I’m not stupid. I know what they just saw.
Harvey’s grin is just a little too wide when he says,
Harvey: “Y’all went and made that kissing cousins saying a real-life thing.”
My eyes close and I take a deep breath. I’ve never had immunity from Harvey and his bad jokes, but I’ve always flown under the radar enough to not be his prime target. I momentarily wonder if this is how Cade feels.
Sloane gasps.
Sloane: “We’re not cousins!”
Beau elbows his dad, playing off of him like he always does.
Beau: “I think they might be doing more than kissing. Look how red she is.”
I glance up at the corner of the phone to see her face, and sure enough, Sloane’s doing her best tomato imitation.
Jasper: “We’re not cousins.”
I back her up but my lips twitch. We’re going to get this joke for a long-ass time, might as well roll with the punches.
Harvey: “I mean . . . sure. Not the type that’ll make a baby with a tail or something,”
Harvey starts in, gaining momentum the more we all react. He’s like an overgrown child.
Harvey: “But still cousin-y if you ask me.”
Jasper: “Literally no one asked you, Harv.”
Beau: "All you complainers will be happy to know that my days moonlighting as James Bond have ended.”
Sloane’s head nods in understanding. He doesn’t seem keen to disclose more, and I’m not one to push when someone wants to keep things under wraps, so I don’t. I default to our regular friendship.
Jasper: “Yeah, but Bond gets pussy.”
Beau barks out a laugh and I smile at the sound. Fuck, it’s good to see him, and hear him laugh.
Beau: “Dude, you’re hooking up with your cousin. Don’t even talk to me about that.”
Harvey: “Okay, we’re gonna give Cade and Willa a call next, so I’m gonna jump in here. You two lovebirds have fun. It’s about dang time you two figured it out. Jasper’s been creeping on ya from under the brim of that dang hat for years. So just be safe. Know that Grandpa Harvey will love the baby, tail and all.”
Jasper: “Harvey! Are you—”
Beau is laughing when Harvey cuts me off.
Harvey: “We love you two hooligans! Bye!”
Sloane: “Have you really been creeping on me from under that cap?”
I shrug and pull her head against my chest. In the same spot I always do—pressing her to my heart and dusting my lips over her hair.
Jasper: “I mean, Sunny . . . have you seen your ass?”
Cade: Want to come over for a delicious home-cooked meal tonight? Would love to see you!
Jasper: Why are you talking all weird like that?
Cade: Like what?
Jasper: Nevermind. I’ll ask Sloane.
Cade: Are you guys banging yet?
Jasper: Jesus, Willa. Give Cade his phone back.
Sloane: “You have played better since you and I . . .”
I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively, and his fingers pulse on my ass.
Jasper: “You trying to take credit for our wins?”
Sloane: “It’s science, Gervais. You can’t argue with it. You were sucking and now you’re not. Your winning streak is going to break records at this rate. My pussy is good luck. The kingmaker. No . . .”
I hold a hand up.
Sloane: “The Stanley Cup Maker.”
Jasper gives me a flat expression.
Jasper: “I’m not calling your pussy The Stanley Cup Maker, Sunny.”
Theo: “Easy, Tink,”
the man says good-naturedly but a little teasing.
Theo: “You’re gonna pop a blood vessel stomping around like that.”
Winter: “Tink?”
she shouts, pulling up about six feet from him, not at all affected by his good looks.
He waves a hand over her casually.
Theo: “Yeah. You’ve got this whole angry little Tinkerbell vibe happening. I dig it.”
His eyes rake over her body appreciatively but not lewdly.
Winter: “You’re fucking nuts, you know that? You drive like an asshole behind me for a solid ten minutes, and now you follow me here? To . . . to . . . check me out and compare me to a Disney pixie?”
The woman continues reaming him out, her doll-like features twisted in a furious mask.
Winter: “That was dangerous. You could kill someone.”
My head whips between them as they volley back and forth.
Theo: “I think she’s actually a fairy. And for the record, driving twenty below the speed limit is also dangerous and could kill someone. Mostly me. From boredom,”
he quips, leaning a hip against the truck and crossing his arms over his chest, not looking the least bit concerned.
Winter: “It’s dark and snowy! I don’t know the area. There could be wildlife! Driving slowly is safe so long as a back-forty hillbilly isn’t riding my ass in his small-dick truck, flashing his high beams at me.”
Jasper’s body shakes with laughter, and I toss a hand over my mouth to cover the snort-laugh that’s ready to burst out.
Sloane: “Who is she? I think I love her.”
Jasper: “That’s Summer’s older sister, Winter.”
My eyes shift back to the interaction near the front door. We’re obscured by Jasper’s SUV but still have a good vantage point for the unusual, but superior, holiday entertainment.
Sloane: “Ohh. That Winter?”
Jasper: “Yeah. That Winter.”
The man’s dark brows shoot up on his forehead, and I can tell he’s trying not to laugh.
Theo: “I hear that if you want your ass ridden, a small dick is the way to go. So maybe I’m your guy.”
Beau: Dad just told me you paid four times face value for a front row ticket to see Sloane dance. They pay y’all too much to run around on ice wearing sharp blades.
Jasper: It’s an investment.
Beau: In what?
Jasper: Us.
Beau: Oh, dude. You’re so far gone.
Jasper: You’re such a dork.
Beau: Only you would have waited this long. I almost feel bad she had to fall for someone as slow to process as you. Do they give Olympic medals for patience? You could give her yours.
Jasper: You know what her dickhead of a dad said to me.
Beau: Yeah. But that was then. That guy ain’t shit now. You’re Jasper fucking Gervais. Olympic gold medalist. Future Stanley Cup Champion. Sports Illustrated cover model material. Cousin fucker.
Jasper: I am really glad you’re alive. But I also hate you.
Beau: Hate you too, bro. <3
Summer: Not touching any of that with a ten-foot pole. Also, Sloane might be dead. She’s just lying on the floor of my gym staring at the ceiling.
Willa: Sloane. Pick up your phone. Death isn’t an option. You’re too young and hot. And I still haven’t found out how big Jasper’s dick is.
Sloane: Why don’t you just ask him?
Summer: Lmao. Yeah, Wils. Just drop him a casual line.
Willa: You’re alive! He’s so tall! His hands are so BIG. Please confirm the size.
Sloane: His feet are big too.
Willa: Hi. It’s Willa.
Jasper: Hi, Willa. It’s Jasper.
Willa: I was going to message you and ask how big your dick is, but I don’t think Cade would love that.
Jasper: I wonder why.
Willa: Instead, I thought I would tell you that now is your chance to prove how big your dick is.
Jasper: Thanks for the advice.
Willa: That wasn’t advice. It was motivation.
Willa: Also, you’ll never do better than her. I don’t care how famous you are.
Jasper: “I don’t know. You don’t just break us up. We’re . . . I dunno. We’re bigger than that.”
Harvey: “I mean, if y’all can overlook tail-babies, I’m not sure what could really keep you apart.”
I shake my head.
Jasper: “Dick.”
Harvey: "Not sure if anyone’s ever told you this, Jasper, but you’re hard to get a read on. You’re moody and temperamental. Closed off. A little insecure at heart.”
Jasper: “Okay. Yes, I’m getting it. This is great for my self-confidence. Please, keep going.”
I prop my elbows on my knees and drop my head.
Jasper: "I have a knack for fucking people’s lives up who love me and who I love back. It’s my specialty.”
Harvey: “That’s not true. You’re looking at it wrong. I love you and you’ve done nothing but make my life better.”
Harvey: "That girl has never left you behind, not for a moment. No matter how unlovable you’ve been, she’s loved you anyway. She’s loved you when you didn’t love her back and didn’t ask for shit. I think all she’s asking for is for you to love her back now. And you’re telling me you already do but are too chickenshit to tell her. She’s waited long enough, don’t you think?”
Harvey: "Anyone ever told you Sloane is the best you’ll ever get?”
Jasper: “She didn’t break up with me. And yes, Willa told me that today. You’re all very thoughtful. Thank you for that.”
Robert: “Did you just—”
Jasper: “Kick his fucking chair over?”
Jasper provides, cutting off my dad’s question.
Jasper: “Yes. Because you might be okay with him talking to your daughter that way, but I am not. Must have learned better manners in the trailer park.”
Sloane: “And Dad . . .”
I shake my head, laughter slowing.
Sloane: “I don’t even know. The things you’ve said to me in the last few months?”
I place a hand on Jasper’s.
Sloane: “The way you treat the people I love? I’d like to think I can find it in myself to forgive you, but I’ll have to do a little soul-searching to decide if that’s true or if that’s just me still being obedient. A little girl is supposed to love her dad, but he’s supposed to love her back. Protect her at all costs. And if these last months have taught me anything, it’s that you don’t love me the way I’ve loved you. I deserve better.”
Sterling: “Where’s the ring? I want it back.”
I circle my arm abruptly, tugging away from him right as Jasper steps in close, looking like he’s ready to murder Sterling for daring to put a hand on me.
Sloane: “I lost it.”
I laugh again and wonder what is wrong with me. Why I have to laugh at the most inappropriate times. Right now I am truly unhinged.
But it’s Jasper who really gets the last laugh when he leans in against my ex’s ear and says,
Jasper: “I fucked that ring right off her finger.”
Jasper: “I love you, Sloane Winthrop. I always have. I love you so damn hard I don’t even know what to do with it. You’re my person. And I think I’m yours too.”
Sloane: “You have always been my person. I love you so much.”
Sloane: Get your asses to the rink!
Willa: I’m not playing hockey.
Summer: Why?
Willa: It’s not safe. Hard ice. Sharp blades. A bunch of men trying to prove that they aren’t past their primes. Fuck that noise. I’m going to sit on my ass and cheer for Luke.
Winter: I think show jumping is probably more dangerous. Medically speaking.
Sloane: Winter, are you coming?
Winter: Can’t. I’m sick.
Willa: Yeah. Me too. I’m sick. cough cough
Summer: Well, you’re all boring. I’m on team Sloane! Merry Christmas! Let’s fucking goooo!
Sloane: “I’ve never been so nervous in my life.”
Harvey: “Never?”
His brow quirks. I suck my lips in into my mouth and shake my head quickly.
Sloane: “Never.”
Harvey: “I mean, if tail-babies can’t make you nervous, then I’d have thought a Stanley Cup game would be a piece of cake.”
Sloane: “Harvey, good lord.”
I drop my head into my hands on a laugh.
Sloane: “Is the tail-baby thing ever going to stop being funny to you?”
He shrugs and grins down at the ice.
Sloane: “Probably not.”
Harvey: “It’s a deed,”
Jasper: “I can see that.”
Harvey: “To your own quarter section. Over on the east side. Nice sunrises. I know you two like to sit on the roof talking until the sun comes up. Thought you’d build there eventually. Stay close. I don’t know. Give your tail-babies lots of space to roam.”
Comments