Chapter Eight
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.
Beep Beep 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.
Chapter Nine
Madison took a sip of her coffee. The hot liquid burned her mouth. She put the mug back on the table with a shaky hand and glanced around the café. Where was he? She checked her watch. 12:02. Two minutes late. She didn’t have all day to wait. She drummed her fingers against the wooden table and fought to control her frazzled nerves.
Her breath caught in her throat as she saw him rush down the sidewalk through the frosted window. Kurt Davidson was a man who could make a woman’s pulse race. At thirty-eight he was sexy in a distinguished, established sort of way. In his overcoat and navy scarf, he belonged on the pages of GQ magazine. Despite his infidelity splashed across page four of the business section in the New York Times, his law firm was still one of the most successful in the city, and she suspected his love life hadn’t suffered from the bad publicity. Why did women always think they could be the one to change a man? In hindsight, the writing had been on the wall. She’d chosen to ignore it.
The bell above the coffee house door chimed behind her, and she held her breath. “Madi, hi.”
She stiffened at his informal use of her nickname. How dare he call her Madi? She sighed
as her eyes met his. “Hello, Kurt.” He removed his coat and let his scarf hang around his broad shoulders over his crew neck tan sweater.
Dammit, he looked fantastic. Why couldn’t he have gotten old or haggard looking? Or fat?
“I thought a photographer was coming with you?” Kurt scanned the cafe.
The mention of Cole made Madison’s heart sink. The flight from Tuscumbia had been strained and awkward. They’d said little, and Cole had slept on the plane. Since they’d deboarded in New York she hadn’t heard from him, and she wasn’t sure if he intended to be there at all. A part of her wished he wouldn’t be. She wasn’t sure she could handle them both in the same place at the same time.
“He should be here later.” Madison lied. “If we have to, we’ll use the stock photos of you we have on file.” She wondered how Damian would react to Cole abandoning the assignment. Probably not well.
“I’m relieved we have some time alone.” Kurt toyed with the lid on her paper coffee cup.
Madison slapped his hand and moved the cup out of reach. She shot him an annoyed look.
“Madison, I’m sorry.” His eyes refused to meet hers as he studied his folded hands.
Madison stiffened. Sorry? Really? That’s it after three years of nothing. She’d avoided any attempt he’d made to contact her, never wanting to hear his excuses. She didn’t want to hear them now. This assignment was already complicated enough. Did other writers find themselves in situations like this one? Maybe that was how tragedies were written—or murder mysteries.
“Madison, I…”
“Kurt, don’t.�
� She shook her head and held a hand out for him to stop. “Let’s just think of this as an unfortunate coincidence and get through these few days as painlessly as possible. We’re both adults.” Madison folded her hands to keep them from shaking. Another few minutes and she could leave—at least for now. Being with him was harder than she’d anticipated.
Kurt’s eyes met hers. “Coincidence? Madison, I refused to do this interview with anyone else. When Damien called to arrange it, he was sending another woman from the office, but I insisted he send you.” Kurt leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table in front of him.
Madison blinked. His words didn’t register. He’d been responsible for her getting this assignment? This assignment had gone from bad to wonderful to a complete disaster in such a short period of time. Damien hadn’t intended to give her the assignment. She’d only been offered it to secure the interview with the fifth bachelor. She prayed it wasn’t true, but she suspected it was. That realization stung.
“I wanted a chance to see you before I left. I’m moving to Boston to open another law office. ” Kurt’s voice beamed with pride at the news.
She stared at him, a blank expression on her face. Was she supposed to care? She sipped her coffee, fighting to compose her rattled nerves.
He leaned across the table to touch her arm. “You have avoided any attempt I’ve made to contact you. I’ve missed you a great deal, Madison.”
The heat of his hand burned into her flesh, and an image of that hand caressing his receptionist flashed in her mind. She brushed his hand away and stood, gathering her coat. “Save your apologies, Kurt. They are about three years too late. Promise me we will not discuss anything that has to do with us or our past anymore. You’ve agreed to do this interview, I expect, you will go through with it?” She wasn’t sure. She waited.
Kurt cleared his throat and nodded. “Of course. I understand.”
Mistletoe Bachelors Page 12