Page 16 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

“And it shifted,” he says calmly, then continues to eat. “We’ll most likely be getting the brunt of it and can expect at least a foot and a half.”

He glances over at me and must see the worry I’m feeling reflected in my eyes. But he misreads it as fear of the storm rather than fear of being snowed in with him.

“Don’t worry, bug.” My eyes harden at his nickname for me and he immediately recognizes his mistake. “Sorry. Don’t worry, Noelle. We have plenty of gas for the generator and more than enough wood in case we lose power. Mel had me shop for an army so we won’t run out of food anytime soon.”

His comforting tone causes my frozen heart to crack a smidge, and I immediately look down at my stew. I move my spoon back and forth in my bowl, trying to distract myself from the comfort that fills my body at having someone try to make me feel safe.

When was the last time that someone tried to take care of me? Gran? Definitely not Dean.

When Cole and I were together, he always ensured that I felt safe, and here he is doing it again. The stew, preparing for the storm and the nurturing tone of his voice.

A lump forms in my throat, and tears sting the back of my eyes. I’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas in this cabin since I started my twenty-two hundred mile trip here. Decorating the tree, a roaring fire and freshly baked cookies. Time spent with friends filled with laughter and love filling the cabin.

The last time I had a Christmas like that was ten years ago.

“I love him,” Gran whispers in my ear, giving me a loud kiss on the cheek and squeezing my shoulders. “He’s the perfect man for you, and my dear, he is head over heels in love with you.”

“I know.” I can see Cole in the living room putting the star on the tree, and my heart smiles. I lean into Gran’s hug. “I’m so glad that you’re finally getting to meet him. The time we’ve got to spend with you has been so special. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, sweetie, or should I say ‘Bug’.” Gran’s eyes gleam as she grins at me.

“I knowit’s the corniest, but I love it.” She laughs with me.

“It’s adorable.” A wide smile crosses her face. “Especially because of ‘Belle’.”

Her laughter rings out as she walks over to Cole to critique the star's position. It’s a bit more to the right than Gran likes, and she’s going to make him fix it.

A smile breaks across my face as I put the cookies in the oven and set the timer, then head over to the two people I love most in the world.

I look up at Cole’s strong profile and feel the ice around my heart thaw just a bit more.

“Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.” I pick up my bowl and cup, and put them in the sink. I should clean up since he cooked, but the truth is I’m in a panic, and if I don’t get away from him, I might start to hyperventilate.

A blizzard means that Mel and Mike won’t be here tomorrow. It means I’ll be alone with Cole for another thirty-six hours, at least. Every moment I spend with him reminds me of all the things I loved about him, of how much it hurt when I let him go.

How devastated I was when he told me to move on. My stomach is in knots. I grab my phone, put my coat and boots on and head out the door.

A gust of wind blows my hair and burns my face as I step outside, dialing Mel’s number.

Snowed in at Christmastime would be perfect, if it was anybody but Cole.

Chapter Eight

Cole

I hear the frontdoor close and know that Mel will most likely get an earful. Whether it’s because of the weather or something else is anyone’s guess.

Overall, dinner was a successful ice breaker, if the glances I felt from Noelle meant anything. But we’re not out of the deep end yet.

It took every ounce of control to keep my eyes on my food and my mouth full. A few times I felt the side of my face heat, and I knew Noelle was watching me.

I had to bite my tongue to keep the words I’ve longed to say for the past six years from tumbling out. I wanted to apologize for being a complete fool and throwing us away, but I could sense it wasn’t the time.

And Mel’s words kept ringing in my head:If you push, she will shut you out faster than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition.

A smile splits my face, and I shake my head as I get up from the table, bringing my bowl and cup to the sink. I turn on the water, rinse all the dishes, and place them in the dishwasher.

Noelle is struggling. I can see the conflicted emotions hidden behind the anger she uses as a shield whenever her gaze meets mine. She’s vulnerable and confused. I want nothing more than to wrap my arms around her, pull her close and absorb all the uncertainty oozing from her.

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