Page 5 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

I let out a shaky breath and turn back to the tree, admiring the shape of it. It really is perfect.

Behind me I hear the door close. The tension in my shoulders has them almost up to my ears. I massage them a bit before rolling my neck back and forth.

I bring my hand to my chest and rub. I was prepared for Noelle to be cold and angry, but I wasn’t ready for the onslaught of feelings I felt for her to come rushing back so completely.

I was in a bad place when I saw her at Mike and Mel’s wedding. Watching her with Dean pushed me over the edge and broke something in me. I’ve had to live with the way I acted, and the outcome was my fault.

Letting her go was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. Although I’ve longed to see her again, knowing that she still hates me is almost as painful as the day I let her walk away. There’s a possibility that this will fail and I will lose her forever, but that’s not something I’m willing to contemplate.

I walk back to chop a bit more wood, hoping the physical activity will relieve some of the anxiety that is running through my body before I head into the house.

This has to work.

Chapter Three

Noelle

Completely caught off guard,with no warning, I’m still shaking from the emotions rushing through my body at seeing Cole for the first time in six years. His smile alone could melt an ice queen, not to mention the sparkle in his eyes that almost had my knees buckle from under me.

It should be illegal for a man to be that handsome. My cheeks flush as I remember how my eyes roamed over his six-foot frame, broad shoulders covered in a red flannel that fit him like a glove. How is it that he can affect me this way?

I fall onto my bed, rub my face, and growl. “I’m going tokillMel! I’m her best friend. I deserved a warning that he would be here!”

I throw a pillow over my head and scream. Frustration vibrates in every inch of my being.

I know why she didn’t mention it, but I’m still not happy about it. You see, Cole has been an off-limits topic since Mel and Mike’s wedding.

Cole and I introduced Mel and Mike, knowing they would hit it off. We were like four peas in a pod, and it wasn’t a surprise when they got engaged. Me being the maid of honor and Cole being the best man was expected. Except by then, Cole and I had broken up.

I grab my phone and open the door to listen for any noises indicating that Cole is inside. I hear a thud outside the kitchen and head to the window to find him chopping more wood.

I peek through the window. He lifts his arms over his head and brings the ax down. I can hear the crack of wood just as it flies off the base. Cole bends over to pick up the stray piece, putting him in direct sight of the window.

My breath catches as his gaze meets mine, and my face flushes…again. I freeze, feeling caught red-handed.I rip my gaze from his and whip my body around heading to the hallway.

I pull up Mel’s contact and hit call. I hear the first ring just as the front door closes with a thud and I hear boots stomping on the floor.

“Hey. Are you settled in yet?” Mel asks, sounding all innocent.

I’m gonna wring her neck.

“I’ll call you right back,” I snap and hang up.

My heart is pounding and my hands are sweaty as I head to the living room. I’m not looking up, and I find myself bumping into a hard chest.

“Woah, Bug.” Heat radiates where Cole’s hands are on my arms, steadying me. “Are you okay?”

I lift my eyes to his and glare at him. “Peachy. Just peachy.”

The corner of his lips lift and his eyes sparkle with humor, but he drops his hands from my arms and steps out of my way.

I squeeze my body as close to the wall as possible to ensure no accidental contact. But no matter how close to the wall I scooch, I can’t get away from the woodsy scent that is purely Cole. I breathe him in involuntarily and then let out a muffled groan, annoyed with my lack of self control.

I reach my coat, shove my feet into my boots, all the while listening to the man driving me crazy move around in the kitchen.

How is it that he’s so calm and collected,and I'm a mess?

I open Mel’s contact information and call her again. She answers just as I slam the door.

---