Mistletoe Bachelors (16 page)

When had he become interested in someone else’s career?
She studied his expression.
Genuine interest lay behind his gaze. “
Women’s World
is fantastic. I’m mostly editing.” She
didn’t tell him he’d been responsible for securing her first writing assignment.

“But your passion is writing.” He bit into his chicken.

Madison almost dropped her fork
.
He
had
been paying attention. “Yes, and I haven’t
abandoned that.” She refused to tell him about the manuscript she was working on. There was no
way he’d remember that. She’d only started writing it in their last few months together.

“Did you ever finish the book you were writing?”

Madison’s mouth fell open. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Cole watching the
interaction. A frown clouded his blue eyes. She didn’t know what to say. “Um…how do you
remember that?”

Kurt’s dark eyes burrowed into her own. He leaned closer and whispered. “I remember
everything about you, Madi.”

 

* * * *

Cole sat back in his chair as the waiter took his plate. The scene across the table from him
made his blood boil. He clenched his silk napkin in his fist and forced himself to look away. The
dirt bag was worse than he’d thought. Pretending to be interested in Madison’s career and
turning on the charm. He could see why the man was successful in persuading women to trust
him. He was a master manipulator. Madison had to know that by now, didn’t she?

Her laughter caught his attention, and he turned to see them stand. Madison shook her head,
but Kurt ignored her protests, dragging her onto her feet. The sight of her in the red dress took
his breath away once again, and he frowned as he saw Kurt lead her out onto the dance floor.

She shot him a helpless glance and shrugged as they disappeared into the sea of couples on
the floor. A musical rendition of
I’ll be Home for Christmas
played from the speakers in the
corner of the room, and Cole sighed as he slumped in his chair and loosened his tie.

“Want to dance?” A young woman to his right asked, leaning closer to him.

He’d noticed her watching him throughout dinner. This situation was awkward enough. He
didn’t need to ward off any advances of his own. He shook his head. “Uh…no thanks. I’m not
much of a dancer.”

“It’ll get you closer.” The woman nodded toward the dance floor.

Closer?
Cole cocked his head to the side and gave the woman a puzzled look. “I’m not sure
what you mean.”
“To keep an eye on your girl.” The woman smiled and stood. She came toward him, hand
outstretched.
“Oh, I’m sure she can take care of herself.” He glanced toward the floor where he could see
the open back of Madison’s dress. She’d said so herself. The last time he’d interfered, it had
backfired in a way he hadn’t planned. It was best to stay out of it. Madison was too smart to fall
for her ex-husband’s lies. He hoped.
The woman laughed and placed her hands on her slender hips. She studied the dancing
couple. “I wouldn’t be too sure.” She gestured toward Madison and Kurt, as Kurt’s hands slid
lower on the small of Madison’s back.
Cole let out a deep breath. “Okay, let’s go.” He followed the woman out onto the dance
floor, positioning himself close enough to watch them.
“I heard Madison say, you’re a photographer?” The woman wrapped her arms around his
neck, and her hips swayed to the music.
Cole nodded, his gaze on Madison. He couldn’t hear what she was saying, but her face was
flushed, and she’d placed her hands against Kurt’s chest, keeping a distance between them.
“I’m thinking about getting new photos taken in the spring for my portfolio…”
The woman’s voice faded in the background, as he watched Kurt draw Madison closer to his
chest. His hands moved further down her back. Anger cursed through him.
Why wasn’t she
stopping him?
“What do you think?” The woman looked up at him.
Cole frowned. “Huh?” He stopped rotating.
The woman laughed. “About a photo shoot?” She gripped his shoulders, forcing him to turn
with the music.
“Oh, yeah sure. I’ll give you a business card.” From the corner of his eye, he saw Madison
and Kurt stop dancing. Madison had turned, and her back was pressed against her ex-husband.
Kurt had a firm grip on her shoulder, and one arm squeezed around her waist. Madison struggled
against his hold. Her eyes searched the room frantic, and she wiggled to free herself.
Okay, that’s
enough.
“Excuse me. I’m sorry…” Cole freed himself from the woman’s embrace and made his
way across the dance floor.
A look of relief spread across Madison’s face as he approached, but she held a hand out in
protest of his help.
He ignored it. “Let her go.” He glared at Kurt.
A smug smile spread across the other man’s features. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“From where I was standing it appeared the lady does not want to continue dancing with
you, let her go.” Cole took Madison’s arm.
Kurt released her. “Fine. She’s all yours.” His arms fell away from Madison, and she
stumbled toward Cole.
She shot him a grateful look.
“Are you done? Can we get out of here?” He stared into her teary eyes.
Madison looked between the two men. “What about the assignment?” She bit her bottom lip
and clenched her lips together.
“You have to be kidding.” Cole shook his head. “Do what you want Madison. I’m out of
here.” He held his hands up in defeat. If she wanted to stay and spend more time with this jerk,
there was nothing more he could do about it, but he’d be damned if he was going to watch.

* * * *

Madison watched Cole’s disappearing figure make its way through the crowded dance floor.
She fought the urge to follow him. If he wanted to leave, he could leave, but this assignment was
important to her. She’d made it this far, and the night was almost over. She forced a deep breath
and forced herself to face Kurt. “What was that?” Anger made her cheeks flush.

“I’m sorry, I got carried away.” He moved closer and pulled her back into his embrace as a
new slow song started. “We have a history together. Do you think it’s been easy for me without
you, these past three years? I loved you. I still love you.”

Madison broke free of his tight hold on her. She rubbed her forehead.
This was too much
.
The champagne made her head feel light, and she swayed as she took a step backward. “I’m
going to go.”

“No problem. Let me grab our coats…”

She held a hand out to stop him. “No, you shouldn’t leave. This is your party. I’ll grab a taxi
back to the hotel and meet you tomorrow.” The idea didn’t appeal to her, especially the idea of
sitting in a courtroom all day. Apparently Kurt’s Christmas traditions were no different from his
everyday life. He was certainly the work-a-holic among the group. Maybe she’d have time to
write her article to keep from falling asleep during the legal proceedings.

“No way. It’s late. I’m not letting you leave alone.” He took her hand, ignoring her protests
and made their way to coat check. He handed their coat check stubs to the young man sitting
behind the counter.

“Really I’m fine.” She was used to doing everything alone. Catching a taxi at nine o’clock
was not a big deal. She took her coat from the coat checker. “Thank you.”
Kurt handed the young man a large tip and helped Madison slide into her coat. “Forget it
Madi.” He tossed his own overcoat over his arm and wrapped his scarf around his neck. “Let’s
go. My car and driver are waiting out front.”
His car and driver?
An image of
Mr. Big
from
Sex and the City
flashed in her mind.
How
had she not have been put off by his pretentiousness before? Had she been that gullible?
His
money had never impressed her. It had been his charm and gentle persuasion that had captivated
her. She knew better this time.
He hit the button for the elevator, and Madison slid her hands into her leather gloves.
“What’s going on between you and Cole? A little office romance?”
He’d know about that wouldn’t he?
She bit her tongue. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She
looked away and watched the numbers light up.
“Let’s hope he’s not the fool I was.” Kurt opened the door on the Main floor of the office
building and ushered her outside.
Madison remained silent as she slid into the backseat of the black limo.
Kurt slid in next to her. “The
Roosevelt Hotel,
please.”
Madison stared through the tinted windows, watching the bustling New York streets whiz by
as they drove the few blocks to the hotel.
Kurt touched her hand on the seat. “You know, it really is great to see you.”
The car pulled up in front of the hotel.
Madison moved her hand and unclasped her seatbelt. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you at the
courthouse tomorrow.” Her hand searched for the door. She had to get away from Kurt and his
piercing dark eyes. Something about him entrapped her
.
She didn’t love him, and the truth about
who he was made her ill, yet her pulse raced when his hand touched her cheek. She wiggled the
handle, desperate to escape the confines of the car. The door was locked.
Kurt moved closer, resting his arm across her shoulders. He leaned toward her, and his lips
brushed against her neck.
Stop it
. She didn’t like the way her body reacted to his touch, his kiss. Her stomach turned
and anxiety crept into her chest. She pushed him away and tapped on the glass for the driver.
“Can you unlock the door, please?”
The door clicked open. She opened the door.
Kurt grabbed her arm. “Why don’t I come upstairs with you?” He stroked her arm. “I’m sure
I can give you better material to write about than that photographer.” He smirked.
The sight of his smug look infuriated her. She tugged her arm free and seconds later her
hand made contact with the side of his face.
That felt good
. She smiled.
Assignment complete.

Chapter Ten

Madison climbed the icy stairs to Samantha’s front door. She rested the stack of presents
against her hip and rang the doorbell. A glance at her watch revealed it was before nine, but she
suspected her friend would be up. With three young boys, sleeping in on a Saturday morning was
a rarity.

“Madison? What are you doing here? You weren’t due back until the twenty-second.”
Samantha swung the front door open in surprise. She wrapped her robe tighter around her body
and squinted as the early morning sun reflected on the snowy front yard.

“You look like you were sleeping.” Madison gave an apologetic look. “Did I come at a bad
time? I thought the boys woke early…”
“The boys spent the night at their grandparent’s house.” Samantha yawned.
“Oh, I’m sorry Sam. Go back to sleep. I’ll come back later.” Madison shifted the weight of
the presents in her arms.
Samantha shook her head. “No way, don’t be silly. Come on in. I’m dying to know what
happened.” She stood blocking the entrance.
“Why don’t you let her inside, so she can tell you?” Samantha’s husband, Mike appeared
behind her at the door. “Good morning, Madison. I hope one of those are for me.” He gestured to
the presents.
Samantha shot her husband a look. She stepped back and dragged Madison inside. “I’ll start
the coffee, and then I want to hear everything that happened.”
“Coffee would be wonderful.” She’d already consumed a pot that morning, but the caffeine
was a necessity. Sleep had eluded her the night before.
“Okay. Have a seat in the living room. I’ll be right back.” Samantha dashed into the kitchen.
Madison set the presents under the big Christmas tree in the living room and removed her
coat and gloves. She sat in her favorite plush armchair close to the fireplace and curled her legs
beneath her.
Samantha emerged with two steaming mugs of coffee and a plate of toasted bagels.
Great, carbs
. With the way she was eating, she’d be lucky to have anything fit in the New
Year. She sighed. The comfort food was too tempting to resist. She grabbed a bagel, as Samantha
set the tray on the coffee table.
“Now tell me everything that happened since we last spoke. I take it the Christmas party
didn’t go well.” Samantha helped herself to a cinnamon raisin bagel. She took a big bite and sat
in the corner of her sofa, tucking a fleece blanket around her bare legs. She gave her friend her
full attention.
Madison gave a wry smile. “Not at all.” She bit into her bagel. She recounted the events of
the night before. By the time she revealed, she’d ended the night by assaulting one of New
York’s top lawyers, she held the full attention of her best friend.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you did that. I mean, it was totally overdue, but I never
thought…” Samantha shook her head in disbelief. She stared at her friend with newfound
appreciation.
“I know.” A grin spread across Madison’s face. “It certainly felt good.”
“What are you planning to do about the assignment?” Samantha asked.
“I haven’t decided yet.” Madison drained the contents of her coffee cup. She’d finished
writing about bachelor number four that morning, but had no idea how to write about number
five. She couldn’t leave the article with four because the cover had already gone to the press
announcing the article with a
five
bachelors theme. Not to mention, Damien expected a finished
article. If she didn’t deliver the story he was expecting, she doubted he would give her another
writing assignment.
“If you need any help, I’m here.” Samantha patted her hand.
A commotion outside the front door caught their attention.
“The kids must be back. Mike’s mom and dad are going to Hawaii for Christmas and wanted
to do Christmas morning with the boys this weekend.” Samantha explained as they all entered
the house.
“Aunt Madison!” The boys exclaimed seeing their favorite aunt.
“Did you bring presents?” The youngest boy, David, tugged at the edge of her sweater.
“Yes, she did.” Mike joined them. He raised his eyebrows and clapped his hands.
Samantha rolled her eyes. “I don’t know who’s worse. The boys or Mike. Last week I
caught him snooping for gifts in our closet. He had Jacob,
our six year old
as a lookout.” She
shook her head and looked at her husband. The love she felt for him clear in her eyes.
Madison felt a tug at her heart. She wondered if she’d ever find the kind of relationship her
friends shared. She cleared her throat. “Okay, let’s open some presents.”
They all settled in around the Christmas tree, drinking eggnog and exchanging presents.
Samantha collected the discarded wrapping and bows. “By the way, Madison, why are we
doing this now? Aren’t you coming to Christmas day dinner?” She had the last two holidays, and
it had become a tradition.
“Actually, I’ve accepted my parent’s invitation to go see them in California after all. I think
the sun would do me good.” Madison helped David open his remote control car. She’d been
contemplating her options all morning and visiting her parents was the most logical one. It was
the only way she had any hope of forgetting about Cole. Well, maybe not forgetting about him,
but at least being far enough away from him she wouldn’t run into him during the holidays.
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. If I can finish this article, I’ll be going in to the office tomorrow
morning, and then my flight leaves at two o’clock.” Madison stood and stretched. She helped
Samantha clean up the wrapping paper. “I guess I should go.” She yawned and glanced at her
watch. It was almost lunchtime. If she had any hope of finishing the article, she’d better get to
work.
Arriving back at her apartment, the silence was louder than usual. Compared to Samantha’s
home filled with noise and laughter, a husband and children, Madison’s world was empty. She
gazed out her front window at the decorated trees in the yard. She should have at least gotten a
Christmas tree.
Okay, no more procrastinating
. She forced herself to sit at her computer desk.
She opened a new file and reread what she’d written of her article.
Not bad
. She sat back in her
chair and chewed the end of her pen.
How was she supposed to finish it?
She couldn’t write
about her experience with Kurt. It lacked the
feel good
theme she was aiming for.
Hmm
…
Damien had said if she could find a replacement bachelor for Kurt, he would still consider the
article.
Who could she write about?
She closed her eyes and rested her head against the chair. An
image of Cole’s sexy smile and gentle laugh appeared behind her closed lids. A smile spread
across Madison’s face, and she opened her eyes.
Cole. Of course
. He was the
perfect
bachelor,
and she knew him better than any of the others. He was a man so kind and caring any woman
could fall in love with him.
She had, after all
. She sat forward in her chair, and her fingers flew
across the keyboard.
Bachelor number five—Cole Harris.