Page 13 of His to Unwrap

Cooper chooses that moment to lope off the porch and greet his new visitor. His head comes up to her waist, and he lays it against her hip, gazing at her adoringly. Yeah. Me too, buddy.

I sigh and take the Layered Love box from her. She must have stopped by Harmony’s bakery to get these on the way here. “Thanks.”

“Harmony and I made them yesterday when she came to Amanda’s. It was fun, because we also tried to figure out Sasha’s mocha recipe.”

Madison made these for me? I heard she’s a chef so I bet they’re pretty good.

When I don’t reply, she chatters on. “You know Sasha’s peppermint mochas? Amanda says there’s an unofficial contest to figure out the recipe. Whoever does will get their very own mug. It’s silly, but Amanda really wants to win. We didn’t figure it out yet.”

I set the box of cupcakes on the railing, away from my dog who will eat anything, and turn back to try to send her on her way.

Madison’s gaze is on my chest.

I look down and remember that I’d taken off the flannel. I hadn’t intended to spend a bunch of time outside today, so I didn’t put an undershirt on this morning.

Her breathing picks up, evident in the little puffs of white when she exhales. My dick reacts, pushing hard against my fly.

No. Not happening. I’m not letting this woman get stuck in a snowstorm because we’re attracted to each other. I grab my flannel and shrug it on.

“You better go, Madison. The weather’s turning.”

Her eyes snap up, meeting mine. The beautiful blue-green cools and her lips firm. She turns and stomps back to the vehicle and opens the trunk.

I take a few steps after her, wondering what she’s doing.

She appears again, this time with two large boxes in her arms and a plastic bag hanging at her elbow. What the hell?

I stride forward and meet her half way, taking the boxes from her.

Madison stomps toward the cabin and puts the plastic bag by my front door. She turns and glares at me. “Fine. You don’t have to kick me off your property. I’m going. Enjoy your cupcakes.”

Marching back toward her car, she stops only long enough to pet Coop and give him some scratches behind the ears. “You have a cute dog.”

I’m still standing by my front porch, holding the boxes, completely dumbfounded by this visit.

Madison gives me one more long, lingering look. “Goodbye, Ezra.”

The depth of sadness, of disappointment and confusion layered in her last words penetrate the fog in my brain as her little car pulls away and disappears down my drive.

Coop whines and looks at me accusingly.

Goddammit, now I’m being judged by my dog. “She isn’t safe up here right now, buddy. I had to send her away.”

He grunts and lies down, looking longingly after her. And pointedly ignoring me.

Shaking my head in frustration, I take the boxes in the house and set them on the dining table. They’re from the hardware store in town. I open the first box and feel a punch to my gut. The second box is the same. I return to the porch and grab the plastic bag she brought and the cupcakes. Coop still isn’t acknowledging me.

Back inside, I discover that the bag contains garland, lights, and ribbon to go with the two boxes of Christmas decorations she bought for my tree. The box from Layered Love? A dozen of my favorite cupcakes, baked by Madison and Harmony.

The table shakes under my fist when I slam it against the wood. It doesn’t help, so I hit it again. Pain shoots up my palm into my wrist, making me feel marginally better. I shouldn’t have been such an asshole.

Madison baked for me, bought me fucking Christmas decorations, and then drove all the way up here even though it was beginning to snow. I should have been nicer. I was just worried about her safety, and… afraid I’d have a second episode with her here.

They’re less frequent now, but stress brings them out. No man wants to be viewed like an invalid, especially by the woman he cares about. And I care about Madison.

I grab my keys, jacket, and my go bag in case we get stuck, then head out. “Come on, Coop. Let’s make sure she gets back safely.” My dog perks up and runs for the truck, tail wagging madly. I open the back door for him, and once he’s settled, toss my bag in, and follow Madison.

The snow is falling much heavier than I anticipated. I thought we’d have a few more hours before it came down this thick. My chest gets tight, thinking of my angel in that underpowered little SUV trying to navigate the winding mountain roads. Shit.

---