Page 8 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

“Just make sure that you and Mike are here tomorrow. I can’t guarantee Cole’s safety past then.”

“There’s the Noelle I know and love,” she gushes. “I’m sure he’ll be the perfect gentleman.”

“Hah!”

I look over at the house and see a curtain fall back into place but I don’t miss the hand that was holding it. My heart gives a small jump.

“Be nice,” Mel chuckles. “And remember to bake some cookies!”

“I’ll do my best, but no promises.” I can hear Mel giggle. “On the being nice that is. The cookies are easy.”

Chapter Four

Cole

As soon as Noelle’seyes met mine, an electric shock runs down my body. I throw the curtain from my hand.

“Just great, Cole.” I rub my hand up and down my face. “Now you look like a stalker.”

I all but run to the kitchen, open the refrigerator door and stare at the food. I try to look like I’m busy, but that’s silly because she just saw me standing at the window watching her.

As soon as I pulled the curtain back I knew it was a mistake. Noelle would not be happy with me intruding on her privacy. But once my eyes landed on her, I was powerless to pull them away. Her pacing, drawnlips and cheeks stained with a charming hint of pink made it pretty clear that she was not a happy camper.

My lips moved into a slight smirk as there was no doubt she was giving Mel an earful because of my being here. A tiny inkling of guilt nagged at me for asking Mike and Mel to lie, but I was afraid if she knew she wouldn’t come.

Based on the chilly reception I received after her surprise wore off, she probably wouldn’t have.

I had no doubt she’d be miffed, not just at me but at both Mike and Mel. Why wouldn’t she be after the last time we saw each other? It gives me hope to know that she still has strong feelings about it.

I blow out a breath and close the door. Staring at food isn’t going to help settle my mind. Yes I love to cook, but eating is the last thing I want to do right now.

I head into the living room, grateful that Noelle hasn’t returned yet, and move toward the fireplace. I know how much she loves a roaring fireplace. We used to sit for hours in front of the fire, talking, playing games, or basking in the flames' coziness.

I reach for three logs from the pile I brought in earlier. I strategically place them on the grate before grabbing two more and placing them on top of the three.I add kindle in between the logs, filling the spaces, before adding one more log on top of the pile.

The door opens and a rush of cold air moves across my back, blowing out the match. I wait for the door to close and then grab another match out of the box, strike it and light the kindling closest to me before tossing it on the pile.

The fire begins to spread as all the kindling catches.

I hear Noelle as she hangs her coat and removes her boots, but I don’t look in her direction. Instead, I head back to the kitchen and open the refrigerator again.

I know I said I wasn’t hungry, but with Noelle in the same space, the cabin suddenly feels small. Moving to the kitchen seems like the only way to create some space, and looking busy is probably a good option.

“Are you waiting for the food to put itself in your hand?”

I jump at the sound of Noelle’s voice.

Can things get any worse?

“Actually, yes.” I try to joke as I look over my shoulder, only to have my eyes collide with her steely gaze. I swallow past the knot suddenly lodged in my throat. “I’ve found that if I stand here long enough, the food will eventually come to me.”

Did I actually just say that? Apparently thingscanget worse.

She rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised she doesn’t break something before she walks away. I hear a bedroom door close and let out a groan.

I stare at the place where she stood before rubbing my eyes. I close the refrigerator door, move back to the living room and sigh, throwing myself on the couch.

I watch as the flames slowly spread out and surround the logs. Regardless of the heat, I still feel a chill.

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