Page 37 of Jasper

“And…” she sputtered. What did he mean,and?

He laughed, still right in her personal space. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I think you’re sexier.”

She could feel her face heat with embarrassment. “I…”

“Shh,” he whispered, his lips skimming along her jawline. “She’s watching.”

“Who?” The feel of his lips on her bare skin erased all rational thought. All she could focus on was the sensation. Little sparks of electricity followed along in their wake as he made his way up her jaw to tug her lobe between his teeth.

“The cougar you just made us run from.”

“I…what?” She blinked, trying to make sense of what he said.

He laughed and pulled back. “Come on, pretty girl. Let’s go find some whipped cream for later.”

He did not…Sloane glanced over her shoulder to see Mrs. Nosy Pants fanning herself.

Jasper only laughed harder when she turned back to face him, beet red. “You…”

He pushed the shopping cart along, his fingers finding hers and tugging. “Got to give the old ladies a show every now and then.”

“You’re terrible.”

He grinned cheekily. “You love me.”

“I do not.”

He gasped like she’d struck him. “Baby…you wound me.”

She shook her head and started walking, pushing the cart, but he still had her fingers and easily tugged her back, bringing her right up against his chest.

“Tell me you love me. I’m not letting you go until you do.”

She looked around and saw everyone staring, making her embarrassment that much worse. He was going to pay for this later. She’d cook dinner and make him eat it.

He looked down at her expectantly, and she shook her head.

His eyes danced with devilry.

He started to sing along with Mariah Carey over the store speakers as she sangAll I Want for Christmas.

Right in the middle of the bread aisle.

He sang off-key.

But everyone in the store had a smile on their face, and a reluctant laugh bubbled up when he twirled her out and brought her back. He was crazy.

“Say it,” he demanded loudly.

“Fine. I love you.”

He grinned and swooped in, kissing her right there in the store.

She didn’t hear the sighs from the women.

She didn’t hear the whooping and hollering from the men.

She didn’t hear the laughter or any of the comments from the bystanders.