I couldn’t think straight.
“It might take you a while to find somewhere else, because you can’t just move out into any old shithole.” The more I thought about it, the less I liked the idea of him moving out at all. “On second thought, maybe you should just stay, I’m sure—”
“Finn.”
“Yes.”
“You were right about us needing some space, so don’t second guess yourself just because you’re worried about me finding somewhere else to live. I can look after myself. I did it for a year in foreign countries where communicating was a bit tricky sometimes, so I think I can manage it in England. Besides, I think I might have somewhere lined up.”
I stared at him, mouth hanging open a little. “Already?” Daft as it might seem, I felt a little . . . hurt. “That was quick.”
He rolled his eyes. “The opportunity presented itself yesterday. I’m still considering it.”
“And where is this ‘opportunity’?”
“I’ll tell you when I’ve thought it through a bit more. Okay?”
I was in no hurry to find out. “Yeah, okay.”
He tugged me back the way we’d come. “Now we’ve got that all sorted, I believe you said we could pick up where we left off once my wrist was better.”
I looked pointedly at his cast. “It’s still broken.”
“But it’s better than it was. I can have sex now as long as I don’t use that arm for anything and don’t put any weight on it.”
That sounded way too precise. “Did you ask that when they put your cast on?”
He grinned. “Too right I did. They laughed at the hospital. Said a lot of people were too embarrassed to bring the subject up.”
“Not you though?”
“Nope. I’ve been thinking about getting you naked every night since you took my jeans off downstairs. Can’t get that image out of my head.”
I swallowed thickly. Now I couldn’t either. “Shall we go home?”
“Thought you’d never ask.”
The walk back was a brisk one, and I would’ve laughed if I wasn’t so intent on getting home. But the minute I unlocked the door, I knew we were shit out of luck.
“Arse.” I pointed at the grey converse discarded by the door. “They’re Cole’s.”
“Fuck.” Jasper groaned and rested against my back. “I forgot he was coming round. He’s early though.”
“Makes a change.” Trust him to be early for the one time I’d rather he be fashionably late. “Tonight then?”
“You’re going out with Christian, that’s why Cole’s come round.”
“God, I forgot.” And no way could I back out of our Christmas meal and drinks. “Tomorrow night?” I had to work up until noon on Christmas Eve, so the daytime was out.
Jasper laughed and shook his head. “’Fraid not. I’m going out with Cole and a few of his mates.”
For fuck's sake. Now that we’d made the conscious decision to be together, there was never any bloody time. And that was when we lived in the same house. What the hell would it be like when he moved out?
I must’ve looked as pissed off as I felt because Jasper leant in and kissed me, stopping all train of thought. “Christmas Eve,” he whispered. “Just us two for the whole night.”
Yeah. I liked the sound of that.
“It’s a date.”
His eyes sparkled with amusement. “The first of many, I hope.”
“Me too.”
“Have you two finished?” Cole called from the living room. “Me and Angus can’t take all the sweetness.”
“Oh fuck off,” I yelled as Jasper laughed. “And get out of my house.” I heard the TV go on as Cole predictably ignored me.
“Come on.” Jasper took me by the hand. “Let’s go be sweet where he can see us too.”
Cole groaned. “You two are the worst.”
I came home just after lunch on Christmas Eve to a sight I hadn’t expected: Jasper hugging his dad on the doorstep. When his dad passed me on the path with a quick hello, he looked far happier than the last time I’d seen him. Which didn’t take much, admittedly, but I was immediately curious as to what had gone on there.
“Hey.” Jasper’s gaze swept over me in a way that set my pulse racing.
I shook my head at him in mock disapproval. “You must be bloody freezing stood there.” He had his joggers on as usual and just a short-sleeved T-shirt.
“Well hurry up and get in so I can shut the door.” He grinned as I kicked the door closed behind me and pressed him up against the wall, careful not to jolt his wrist. “Alone at last,” I whispered, then kissed him.
God,