Free Off Limits by Kelly Jamieson

to find Brenda in the kitchen but it was Jenna.
    My feet halted in the doorway and I watched her for a few seconds. She wore a pair of red, black, and white flannel pajama bottoms and a red tank top that hugged her slendershape. A red plush Santa hat perched on her dark head. Christ, she was so fucking adorable.
    I walked in. “Merry Christmas.”
    She turned. The front of her tank top said, “I do naughty nicely.”
Fuck.
I swallowed a groan, remembering a very naughty Jenna. Then I looked at her face and a frown snapped my eyebrows together.
    Her eyes were pink and puffy, her cheeks pale, and the smile she sent mewas halfhearted.
    “Hey, what’s wrong?” Christ, did I need to ask? Clearly that fuckwit Jon had done something else to piss her off. How the fuck was I supposed to keep my mouth shut?
    “Nothing.”
    “You look…” I stopped. “You sure you’re okay?”
    “Yeah, I’m fine. Want some coffee?”
    “Hell yeah.”
    She reached for a bright red mug sitting on the counter. “I bought these for Mom for Christmas last year.We should use them.” She poured coffee into the mug, then pushed it and a carton of cream toward me, knowing I liked my coffee well whitened.
    I eyed the Santa cap. “Nice hat.”
    “Thanks.” She touched the white fur brim and gave an impish smile.
    I felt a magnetic force pulling me toward her. Had. To. Resist. Must not grab her and ravish her on the kitchen counter.
    I gulped coffee, wincing asit burned my mouth. “No one else is awake yet?”
    “I heard some noise so I think they’re rising.”
    “I came up with a great idea last night,” I began. Then the back door opened and closed. A draft of cold air swirled into the kitchen, followed by Connor.
    “Hey, guys.” He tugged off his gloves. “Merry Christmas.”
    “Merry Christmas.”
    Jenna regarded me over the rim of her red mug as she sipped hercoffee. “What great idea?”
    “Um, I’ll tell everyone a little later.”
    She tilted her head, obviously curious. Our eyes made a warm connection that once more pulled me toward her.
    “Ahem.” Connor tossed his jacket over a stool. “I’ll have some of that coffee.”
    “Help yourself.” Jenna smirked as she moved out of his way, holding her mug in both hands. I looked down at the red-and-white plush slipperson her feet. Cute.
    Steps thumped down the stairs and I recognized them as Gary’s. “Merry Christmas!” he boomed as he entered the kitchen. “Did you hear the reindeer on the roof last night?”
    “Dad!” Jenna protested, but we all laughed.
    Gary grinned. “What? You don’t believe Santa came? Come on.”
    “Damn, we didn’t leave milk and cookies for him.” Jenna climbed onto a stool and rested her elbowson the island.
    “The dude needs to drop a few pounds,” I said. “Probably just as well.”
    Soon everyone was crowded into the kitchen, including Christopher in a tiny red Santa outfit, a little hat like Jenna’s on his small head. Jenna jumped up to take him from Emily, getting a big smile from him.
    She held him up in front of her. “I’m your favorite aunt, aren’t I?”
    “You’re his only aunt,” Danielsaid drily.
    Jenna turned Christopher so he faced away from her, resting his diapered butt on one arm, her other arm around him. “Okay, let’s get going. I can’t wait for everyone to open your presents.”
    “Wait, what about Jon?” Brenda looked over her own mug of coffee.
    “Oh. Right.” Jenna paused and lowered her gaze, then appeared to take a big breath. “He’s not here, actually.”
    I frowned.
    “What?” Brenda moved toward Jenna. “Where is he?”
    “Um, probably back in New York by now.”
    Silence hung over the room. I looked at the others, everyone exchanging questioning glances. Jenna gave us all a tight smile and a shrug. “We talked last night. We agreed it would be best if he went home.”
    “Oh, honey.” Brenda laid a hand on Jenna’s arm. “Did you two break up?”

Chapter 7
    Jenna
    I’d