Page 13 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

His arm slides up and out, but he doesn’t talk to me, smile at me or even look at me. We’re like two strangers. It’s exactly what I want.

So why does my heart feel like it’s breaking…again?

Chapter Six

Cole

I longingly watch Noelle’sback as she walks into her room and closes the door. The lingering scent of citrus and lavender that has always been distinctly hers tortures me.

Letting her pass without saying a single word is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Being so close, and yet so far, is complete agony. I lift my hand to my chest and move it in a circle. It’s so tight I’m struggling to breathe.

I know Mel’s advice is sound. But dang, this is gonna be hard. I run a hand through my hair and head back into the kitchen to finish the stew I started beforeMike called.

Cooking is exactly what I need to get my focus off of what I can’t control at the moment. It’s one of the ways we decompress at the firehouse. It’s a great way to soothe nerves that are always on alert waiting for the next call.

Plus, I heard Noelle’s stomach—I think the entire mountain did—so I know she’s starving. Maybe I can lure her out of the room with food.

She has to come out and eat at some point. I’m gonna do my best to make that happen sooner rather than later.

I put the burner on low, then place the Dutch oven over the flame. I add a bit of oil and let it heat up to sear the beef. When the Dutch oven is hot enough, I put in half of the beef as it sizzles and spread it out.

My stomach growls as the flavorful scent hits my nose. While the beef sears, I continue to chop up the celery, carrots and onions. I grab a bowl, add water and fill it with the potatoes, saving them for later.

Once all the beef in this batch is done, I put it on a plate and then replace it with the second batch.

I let the beef cool for a minute before popping a cube in my mouth.

“Mmmmm.” I can’t stop myself from moaning as the beef all but melts on my tongue. I grab a secondpiece. This time I make sure that my voice carries. “Mmm mmm mmm. Sooo good.”

Not sure if this behavior would be Mel-approved or not, but I know Noelle is hungry. More importantly, I know shelovesstew.

Odds are my voice won’t get her out here, but I can pretty much guarantee the aromatic scent of stew will. The big question is how long will I have to wait.

“Hey! If you eat all the carrots, we won’t have any left for the stew.” Noelle smacks my hand away from the cutting board, her voice filled with humor. “You’re like a child.”

“I’m starving is what I am. You told me not to eat anything and we’d make stew. What you didn’t tell me is the amount of prep work that goes into making it.” I lean in and kiss her cheek while at the same time reaching my hand out to grab another carrot and toss it in my mouth.

Then I proceed to chew loudly, as she rolls her eyes at me.

“That’s it. I’m giving you a job.” She pushes the potatoes in front of me. “Rinse these off well and then cube them.”

“Cubes?” I ask. “Why not squares?”

“Because cube is what Gran always says.” The mock glare she gives me has me smiling like a fool. I can’t stop myself from gently turning her chin to me and placing my lips on her soft pink ones. I pick up the half dozen potatoes and bring them to the sink.

“Seriously though, why not square?” I look back over my shoulder and admire her soft profile.

“Cube is a cooking term and it means to cut them into small,evensquares.” A slight smirk crosses her lips as she says the last word.

“So, I was right! Itisa square!” I let out a chuckle and give her a smug grin. “I will happily square these potatoes for you.”

She lifts her shining eyes up to me and throws a huge smile my way, leaving me struggling to stay upright. “Just cut them, please.”

“Your wish is my command, my lady.” I bow.

The sound of her laughter from that day rings in my ears as the sweet memory fills me, leaving an ache in my chest.

I add the second batch of seared beef to the first on the plate, moving on to the vegetables. I lift the cutting board and push the celery, onions and carrots into the Dutch oven. I season with just a little bit of pepper and salt before adding tomato paste and garlic.

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