Mistletoe Bachelors (14 page)

Cole stood and fought to keep his balance on the icy snow. His toes ached in the skates a
half size too small, and his ankles felt weak as he walked through the tall snow banks bordering
the ice’s edge.
Why did people put themselves through this torture
? The balls of his feet were
already seizing in muscle spasms. He stopped at the ice and watched as a group of school aged
kids whizzed past. He frowned.
Show offs
.

He placed one foot on the ice and his leg stretched out in front of him. He teetered to keep
his balance.
Forget, this
. Skating wasn’t his thing.
He heard Madison laugh and turned his attention to where she skated alongside Rod’s doctor
friend. His eyes narrowed
. Okay, focus.
He could do this. It couldn’t be that hard. Eight year olds
were doing it.
He stepped out onto the ice. The ice surface felt like glass, and his arms flailed as he
struggled to keep his footing. He took a deep breath. Madison and Chris had stopped skating and
watched him from across the ice. He waved. “Whoa.” He spun around and gripped the light pole
on the bank. Waving was not a good idea. He steadied himself against the pole and straightened.
He turned and lifting one foot after another made his way toward Madison
. Hey, this wasn’t so
bad.
He was staying on his feet at least.
Madison met him halfway. “How are you doing there? Or should I say,
what
are you
doing?” She placed her hands on her hips and came to a stop in front of him.
“Skating.” Cole studied his ice skates. Every muscle in his body tightened as he struggled to
maintain his balance as the other skaters zoomed past him.
“That’s not skating.” Madison shook her head and giggled.
“It’s how we skate where I come from.” Cole lifted a foot and took another step.
“Florida?” Madison laughed.
“That’s right, Florida.” Cole grinned. “Now stop laughing and show me how to do this.”
“Okay, stop moving.” Madison stood behind him and placed her hands on the back of his
hips. “On the count of three, gently glide your right leg across the ice,
without
lifting your skate
off the ice.”
He did as she instructed, and within a few minutes, he was gliding across the ice. He
continued to struggle to keep his balance, but as Madison took his hand to skate next to him, his
confidence grew, and the two were soon skating in the rotation with the other skaters.
“So, who was that guy I saw you skating with?” His tone was nonchalant.
“One of Rod’s high school friends, Chris. He’s a pediatrician in New Jersey.” Madison
repeated the few facts she’d learned in their short skate together.
“Was he flirting with you?” Cole grinned, a slight note of jealousy in his voice.
“Yes, I believe he was. He asked me to dinner.” Madison brushed her long hair over one
shoulder. She turned to look at him. “Why? Are you jealous?”
“Yes.” His honesty earned him a look of shock. He glided to a stop in front of her. “I was
insanely jealous, watching the two of you skate. You, looking amazing in that red scarf with your
dark hair blowing in the wind behind you. Your sexy hips swaying with each glide. I had to be
near you again. That’s why I put on these ridiculous skates that are too small, so I could flirt with
you and hopefully do a better job than that guy.” He nodded in the direction where Chris skated
alone.
Madison’s breath caught in her throat. “Skating certainly isn’t your thing. Maybe you should
try something else.”
Cole brushed her hair away from her cheeks and wrapped his arms around her waist,
drawing her into his chest. “That won’t be a problem.”
“Cole—people are watching.” Madison placed her hands against his chest.
Cole’s grip on her waist tightened as he lowered his lips to hers. “So, let them think we’re
practicing for the Christmas play, Mrs. Cratchet,” he whispered against her lips.

Madison lay awake, staring at the stucco ceiling of her room at the bed and breakfast. She’d
tried reading, writing her article on the bachelors, watching the evening news, but thoughts of
Cole, so close in the next room distracted her. She heard him get out of bed, and his footsteps
echoed across the room. She suspected he couldn’t sleep either. She fought the temptation to go
see him. After the passionate kiss they’d shared on the lake, she wasn’t sure she could trust
herself alone with Cole.

Her cell phone on the nightstand indicated a new text message. She opened the phone and
read.
Are you asleep?
Madison smiled.
No, I don’t seem to be tired.
She hit
send
and waited for his reply.
Me neither…I can’t stop thinking about you
.
She hadn’t been able to force him from her mind all evening.
I’m having a similar problem
.
What do you think we should do about it?
Madison hesitated. She could think of a few things. However, none of which she was
entirely ready for.
I’m open to suggestions
. Her fingers flew over the keys. She bit her fingernail.
Was she?
The reply was instantaneous.
Sleepover?
Madison sat straighter on the bed.
Was she ready for this?
Her feelings for Cole were
growing stronger by the day. With each thoughtful or caring gesture, he convinced her he was
someone she could trust. His eyes revealed the depth of his emotions, and his lips melted her
resolve. A sleepover could be dangerous.
Were they moving too fast?

Her phone beeped with another message.
Had he changed his mind? Had he taken her
silence as rejection?
She held her breath and opened it.
I only want to hold you, nothing more
.
Okay, come over
. Once the words disappeared into cyberspace, Madison ran to the bathroom
to brush her hair and wash her face. She glanced at her blue satin nightgown. She tugged at the
low-neck line and studied her reflecting in the mirror.
What was she doing?
They were
coworkers on a business trip. She knew it was a lie. They’d become much more over the past ten
days.
A soft knock on the door made her heart race. She tip toed to the door and opened it. Cole
stood on the other side wearing a pair of men’s grey pajama pants, tied at his waist. His bare
chest gleamed in the dim lighting in the hallway. Madison’s pulse quickened.
How was he was
still single?
Cole stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He took her into his muscular arms.
“Oh, Madison,” he whispered into her hair. He placed a trail of tiny kisses along her forehead
and cheeks. He touched the tender spot where her bruise from the dashboard was starting to fade
away. He kissed it gently.
Oh God, he smells good
. It had been a long time since Madison had experienced the
intensity of her body’s reaction from the fresh from the shower manly scent.
Maybe this wasn’t a
good idea.
Cole’s eyes, his touch and his kisses revealed he wanted to do much more than just
hold her.
Would she let it go further than that? Would he try?
Madison shuddered. “Cole…I…”
Cole silenced her with a soft kiss on her lips. “Shh…Let’s try to get some sleep.”
Madison gulped and nodded.
He took her hand and led her to the bed. He slipped under the covers and held them back for
her to climb in. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her into the curve of his body.
She rested her head on his chest and snuggled into his warmth.
How had she not realized
she’d missed the warm, safe, comforting feel of a man’s strong arms wrapped around her at
night?
She hadn’t let herself want it or need it. Kurt’s arms had felt like a safe place at one time
too. She pushed the thought from her mind. She refused to compare the two men.
Cole caressed her hair and traced his fingers the length of her bare arm.
She’d never be able to sleep with him doing that
.
Her heart raced, and sleep was the furthest
thing from her mind.
Cole’s fingers massaged her temples, relaxing her. Madison’s breath grew heavy, and her
body melted into the thick fleece sheets beneath her. Her eyes struggled to stay open, and she
gave up the fight.
“Madison?” Cole’s voice was low, whispering in her ear.
Was she dreaming his voice?
“Hm?”
“I told you you’d want to spend more time with me once you got to know me.” He chuckled.
A sleepy smile spread across her face as she snuggled closer to him. “You were right.” He
had
been right about that. For so long she’d fought to keep men away from her. Yet this week no
matter what she did, she found herself falling into Cole Harris’s arms whenever they were alone
and falling in love with him. Her body and her heart betrayed her any time she pushed him away.
Maybe it was time to stop pushing.

“So, don’t forget to go to the bakery and pick up the pies I ordered for you both to take back
to New York with you.” Rod called from his driver’s side window.
“We definitely won’t, thanks again.” Madison waved as she stepped onto the sidewalk
outside of the bed and breakfast. The Christmas play had been a success, and now that it was
over, so was their time in Tuscumbia. She’d stayed behind to help clean up and take down the
play sets after the performance and exhausted after the long day, she yawned as she ascended the
stairs.
Cole had disappeared once the play was over, claiming he had something to do. He’d asked
her to join him for a late dinner in his room when she returned. She unbuttoned her coat as she
made her way down the hallway to his room. She removed her coat and scarf and fluffed her hair
before knocking on the door.
Cole opened the door and took her hand, dragging her inside. He wrapped one arm around
her as he closed the door. “I’ve missed you.” His warm breath against her neck made her shiver.
She giggled and moved away from him. “It’s only been a few hours.”
“Too long.” He took her coat and ushered her into the room.
The sight in front of her took her breath away. A fresh cedar scented log burned in the wood
fireplace along the stonewall. Garland and holly were draped over the mantle, and white lights
hung in the window. Tiny tea light candles lit the room with a warm glow, and the distinct smell
of Chinese food filled the air around them. The wine glasses on the table were filled with red
wine. The view of the snow falling outside and the frost on the window enhanced the warm, cozy
atmosphere. Soft, piano music played from the alarm radio on the bedside table.
Madison’s stomach growled. “Wow, it smells wonderful in here.”
“The food just arrived, your timing was perfect. Shall we?” Cole held out a chair for her.
“I am hungry.” Madison sat and reached for her napkin. They hadn’t eaten since that
morning. It had been a busy day for both of them.
“Me too.” Cole nodded, taking a seat across from her. “So, how do you think the play
went?” He grinned as he opened the boxes of food.
“Good, I think. You were hilarious at the end when you forgot your lines and made up your
own.” Madison laughed. She spooned rice onto her plate.
Cole bit into a chicken ball. “I have to admit it was fun. I was terrified, but it wasn’t as bad
as I thought it would be.” He took a sip of his wine and sat back in his chair studying her.
“Why are you staring at me?” Madison wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Do I have sweet
and sour sauce on my face?” She licked her lips.
Cole shook his head. “I want to commit every inch of your face to memory. The way you
look when the lights hit your hair and eyes—my God Madison—you have no idea what you do
to me. I made a complete fool of myself in front of a whole town of people tonight, to see that
smile of yours and I’d do it—or anything else for that matter—all over again. Anything to make
you happy.” He took her hand in his.
Madison swallowed an unexpected lump in her throat. She didn’t trust herself to speak. She
smiled at the man who had not only restored her Christmas spirit, but had shown her she could
be happy again—in love again—with him.
“There is something else.” Cole leaned forward, and his hands tightened around hers. He
lowered his eyes to the table. “I want to talk to you about tomorrow.”
Tomorrow?
She gave him a puzzled look
“Meeting…the next bachelor.” His eyes met hers.
Madison’s face clouded.
Why was he bringing this up now?
They were having a great night.
Her confession of love died on her lips as she sat back in her chair and waited for him to
continue.
“I called Damien this morning, and I told him Kur…bachelor number five is your exhusband, and how unfair it was to expect you to spend three days with him.” Cole paused.
Madison studied the table. The plate of food swam before her teary eyes.
“He said he understood, and if we could find a replacement bachelor, he would consider the
article anyway.”
Madison’s mouth dropped, and she pulled her hand away.
Cole reached for it again and held it in his own. “I made a few phone calls, and I know a guy
on Staten Island who would be perfect. He’s a real estate…”
“Stop.” Madison interrupted. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She’d heard enough. “You
had no right to do that. If I had wanted Damien to know, I would have told him myself.” Her
tone remained even and steady. Inside, she was ready to collapse into tears. “Cole, I accepted this
writing assignment to further my career. I won’t let you ruin this for me.” She fought to control
her anger.
How could he have done this?
He hadn’t even discussed it with her first.
“Ruin this? Madison he’s your ex-husband who cheated on you. How can you look at him
again?” His words stung.
“Who are you to talk about my former relationship? Something you know nothing about.”
She yanked her hand free and stood. She folded her arms across her chest.
This couldn’t be
happening
. The last thing she wanted was to have this conversation with him. Kurt’s betrayal
made her feel foolish and naïve. She didn’t want Cole to see her that way.
“I
know he was sleeping
with a female co-worker behind your back and couldn’t be
bothered to be there for you on one of the most important nights of your life. When I saw you at
that awards dinner three years ago, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen,
and I thought your husband was a fool to not be by your side every moment.” Cole stood and
paced the floor. “Madison, please.” He knelt on the floor beside her chair. “Don’t do this. You
don’t have to.”
“Yes I do!” Madison pushed past him. “I need to do this to prove to myself I am over him.”
Hurt clouded Cole’s face.
Why had she said that? Was it true?
Did she need this to put Kurt and the past behind her
and move on? She wished Cole could understand why she had to finish the assignment. It was
more than the assignment. She needed to put an end to the numbness she’d felt for three years.
The feelings of betrayal and hurt she never wanted to feel again. She had to do this, confront
Kurt and her fears. “I don’t expect you to come along.” Madison picked up her sweater, and
headed toward the door. Her heart ached and tears threatened to pour.
“I’ll be damned if I’m letting you go there alone.” He stood in front of the door. “You need
someone to protect you from that man.”
Protect her?
Her eyes narrowed. “Is that what you think I need from you?” There was no
more fighting them. Tears ran down her cheeks.
“Madison I didn’t mean it that way.” Cole’s voice softened, and he wiped a tear.
She pulled away. This had gone too far. Her feelings for him,
their feelings for each other
had complicated the assignment. “You know, I think I may have made a terrible mistake letting
this relationship become more than just a professional one.” Her eyes met his, and she struggled
to compose herself.
“Don’t say that.” Cole’s eyes pleaded with her.
“Goodnight, Cole.” Madison stormed out.
The moment her room door closed behind her, a fresh batch of tears started down her
cheeks. She threw her sweater in a chair near the bed and kicked off her shoes. She couldn’t
believe him.
Calling her boss? Protect her?
She was a grown woman. She could take care of
herself. Anger mixed with hurt and sadness. She’d been so stupid to let him into her life and her
heart. Hadn’t she learned anything from her relationship and consequent divorce from Kurt? She
shook her head. That wasn’t fair. Cole was nothing like Kurt. He was kind, thoughtful, and loyal.
She sighed. He wanted to protect her. While, the thought infuriated her, she softened.
Cole’s door slammed down the hall.
She stiffened, prepared for another argument, but his footsteps echoed on the stairs instead.
When she heard the door of the bed and breakfast close, Madison moved to the window.
Her room was dark except for the light from the Christmas lights draped across the mantle
of the fireplace. He couldn’t see her. He walked down the sidewalk, head down against the
blowing snow. A block away he turned back.
She held her breath.
Had he changed his mind? Would he come to her? Did she want him
to?
Cole turned and stalked away.
Madison grabbed a blanket and sat on the window seat. She rested her head against the cold
pane of glass. She closed her eyes, wishing she’d never accepted this assignment. She’d finish it.
She had no other choice. Then she’d put this whole experience behind her, all of it, including
Cole Harris.