Page 43 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

He gives me a mock glare. “I will have you know that working in a firehouse has improved my cooking skills immensely.”

“Well, if the stew was any indication of that, then I’m in for a treat.” I give him a grin and start scooping some scrambled eggs onto my plate, then grab a few pieces of bacon. I take a bite, and my eyebrows shoot to my hairline. “Mmmmm. This is perfectly cooked.”

Cole fills a mug with coffee and hands it to me with a smug look. “I’m glad you approve.”

He fills his plate with eggs and bacon while I add milk and sugar to my coffee before taking a sip.

“You added cinnamon.” I’m surprised he remembers.

“You still love it, right?”

“Still love it.” I hold eye contact for a moment, feeling grateful for a man who knows me and cares about what I like. I give him one last smile before digging in.

During breakfast, Cole told me about some of his earlier cooking experiences at the firehouse.

“I was so bad the guys threatened to kick me out of the kitchen permanently,” I can’t help but laugh at the image he’s painting. “But Mike wouldn’t have any ofthat. He told them that they would just have to help me learn.”

“I would have to say that you were successful in that achievement!” He flips his gaze to mine, and my stomach swoops at his smile.

“It was either that or have Mike kill me,” I almost spit out my coffee at how seriously he says that statement. “He made it seem like he was on my side in front of everyone, but behind closed doors, he put me through a cooking boot camp. It was worse than when he had me in training for the Tough Mudder.”

Cole shudders at the memory, and I burst out laughing.

I raise my cup to my lips, and just as Cole gets up, I reach out to grab his hand. “Where are you going?”

He gives me a smile that has my insides melting like butter, making me grateful to still be sitting down. He leans in and gives me the gentlest kiss. “First, I’m going to put my dish in the sink, and then I’m going to head outside and shovel the driveway. Last, I’ll dig out my truck and Belle.”

I watch him walk over to the sink to place his mug and dish in before returning to me.

“Mike sent a text letting me know they would be heading up around 9.”

I am ecstatic at the thought of seeing my best friend for the first time since her wedding.

“Excited?” Cole’s eyes lovingly rove my face.

“So excited,” A wide grin stretches my face, and I get up to bring my dishes to the sink. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen Mel and Mike.”

“They’re excited to see you too. Or should I say,” he grins, and his eyes fill with a teasing glint, “your cookies.”

“Hey!” I scrunch my nose and scowl at him.

“I’m teasing! I know Mel is dying to see you.” He grabs my waist from behind and gently squeezes me, just as I put my dishes on top of his in the sink.

“When you went shopping, did you get everything I needed to make them?” I ask, facing him and resting my hands on his chest.

Cole chuckles. “As if Mel was going to let me miss any of the ingredients for the recipe. I think there may have been a threat to my life if I did.”

“Sounds like Mel,” I chuckle. “I’ll wash the dishes and head outside to help you.”

“You don’t have to do that. It’s cold out.”

“I know I don’t,” I gently push against his stomach. “But I want to.”

“Do you have any winter gear here?” Concern lines his face. “There’s at least a foot of snow, higher in some other spots because of the drifts.”

“Mel should have everything I need to be warm. I’ll give her a call and see.”

He shrugs and kisses me on my forehead. “If you insist.”

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