“Wait a sec,” the assistant said.
“Huh?” She pointed to herself and looked around. “Are you talking to me?”
He nodded and gestured for her to come closer. “What size feet do you have?”
“I’m sorry?” Madison was afraid of where this question was leading.
“The… size… of… your… feet. What is it?”
She hesitated. “Um…”
The assistant bent and grabbed her foot.
“Hey!” She pulled her foot away from him. “Six, six and a half, if I’m wearing boots.” Cole had returned and watched the scene with a grin.
Madison glared at him. What did he find so amusing?
“Fantastic. Hurry, come with me.” The assistant tugged on the corner of her sleeve, dragging her in the direction of the wardrobe tent.
“Oh, no way.” Like hell this was happening. “There’s a misunderstanding. I’m here as a journalist from Women’s World Quarterly. I’m not a model.” Madison planted her feet and yanked her arm away.
The assistant rolled his eyes and tapped his foot on the ground.
“You could be one,” Cole whispered, sneaking up on her.
“I’m not.” Her eyes narrowed as she hissed at him. Turning to the executives she forced a smile, and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” She could hear Damian now. He would be furious about her modeling for another magazine campaign. The idea was ridiculous. She refused to do it. She folded her arms across her chest and shook her head.
“Madison, could I talk to you for a moment?” Nathan pulled her aside.
“We don’t have time for this,” the assistant whined.
“One second.” Nathan held up one finger. “Madison, since you’re not on the payroll as a model, this wouldn’t be considered a conflict of interest with Women’s World, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He lowered his voice.
“That’s a big part of it, but also I have no idea how to model. I wouldn’t have the slightest…” She gave a nervous laugh.
“Also, I’m not sure if you know this, but the models get to keep whatever they wear here today. The same rule will apply for you.” Nathan cut her off mid protest, tempting her.
Madison struggled with the idea. She wasn’t here to be showcased in a magazine wearing Gucci. She was a professional journalist. On the other hand, she had been eyeing his new collection for months, and Samantha would love a Nathan Harper purse for Christmas. She would never hear the end of it, if she refused. Dammit, she was going to do it. She sighed. “Fine, I’ll do it.” This assignment would be the death of her.
“Great, thank you.” Nathan looked relieved as he kissed her hand. “She’s all yours,” he called to the assistant.
“Wonderful.” The assistant rolled his eyes as he led Madison to the tent. He handed her several pairs of shoes to try on and nodded in approval when they fit. The matching purses were spectacular, and the price tag would be the equivalent to a month’s salary for her. Next he handed her a red velvet gown and reached to unzip her coat.
She slapped his hand away. “I’ve got it.”
“Fine, whatever. Just be quick, and then wait here Mary.”
“It’s Madison.”
“What is?” He looked confused.
“My name.” Madison removed her coat.
“Not today. I’ve already told the photographer your name is Mary. So today you are Mary.” He stormed off.
Sighing, she gathered the dress and her accessories and disappeared behind a dressing screen. Thankful for the little space heater, she undressed and slipped into the gown as fast as she could. She groaned at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The dress was tight, revealing every curve. With the way she’d been eating so far on this trip, it surprised her that it fit at all.
A makeup artist poked her head around the side of the dressing screen. “Erik asked me to touch up your makeup. Is that okay?” The young woman smiled.
Did she have a choice? “Of course. Is there a way to make me look less terrified?” Madison stood still as the woman applied a pressed powder to her crimson cheeks. They could apply layers of makeup, and she still wouldn’t look like these other women.
“Ah, you’ll be fine once you’re out there.” The woman applied bright red lipstick to Madison’s full lips. “Done.” She smiled with approval and disappeared.
Madison checked her reflection. Wow, what had she used on her face? She touched her forehead in amazement. Every last line was smooth, and her skin tone looked flawless. She had to get the name of that concealer.
She grabbed a thick blanket and stood in the covered waiting area with the professional models as they each took their place in front of various backdrops. The photographer gave them little direction. They moved from one pose to another, holding each one, and then gliding into the next one with grace and ease. What was she thinking? She couldn’t do that. Not even something remotely close to that. Her chest hurt. Was it too late to back out?
Cole and Nathan watched from the sidelines, and Cole smiled at her when he noticed her standing in the entryway of the sheltered area. He waved and gave a thumbs up sign.
Great. She was going to make a fool out of herself in front of everyone on the set, and he had a front row seat. Why had she agreed to this? She looked around her for an escape. No one guarded the back entry of the tent.
“Mary, you’re up.” The assistant poked his head inside the tent.
Too late.
Madison removed the warm blanket from around her shoulders, and stepped out from the shelter of the tent. Goose bumps covered the surface of her skin, and the cold wind whipped through the thin fabric of the dress. How had the others stopped themselves from shivering with chattering teeth as they posed in this frigid air?
Cole’s gaze never left her as she stood in front of the first camera. He took in the tight, low cut dress, bare thighs exposed through the slit and delicate thin ankles before returning to meet her eyes. She flushed despite the cold. She remembered his promise the night before about kissing her, and his eyes revealed he wanted to do just that. Right now. Panic crept up the back of her neck. Maybe this wasn’t worth the free shoes after all.
“Okay Mary, let’s get started.” The photographer poised, ready to shoot.
Madison sighed. Please God, let me get through this.
The minutes passed like seconds until the photographer announced they were done. That was it? That wasn’t so bad. She rushed back inside the sheltered area and changed out of the gown and back into her coat and dress boots. She shivered as she hung the gown on a hanger and handed it to the wardrobe assistant.
“You did great.” The young girl smiled. “Thank you.” Madison appreciated the lie. The photographer had taken at least fifty different shots, hopefully he’d be able to find enough to fill page three.
Cole waited outside the tent when she emerged. “You were incredible.” He stood in front of her and pulled her scarf tighter around her neck.
“I was freezing.” She laughed, and her teeth chattered. She didn’t think she would ever feel warm again.
“I couldn’t tell. You were great. Maybe you could model for me sometime.” He lowered his voice as he towered over her. In her heeled boots, he still stood a good two inches taller.
Madison’s pulse raced faster than it had moments before in front of the camera. “That will never happen.” She forced herself to look up at him.
“There you go saying never again.” He grinned.
“That was great!” Nathan complimented as he reached them. “You helped us out of a tight spot today.” He gave her a big hug. “As promised.” He handed her a bag full of the samples she’d modeled. “Enjoy.”
“Thank you. Those shoes are incredible.” Madison shivered again.
Cole rubbed her arms. “We should get you back to the Hummer. You are freezing.”
“Yes please, go on ahead.” Nathan tossed Cole the keys to the vehicle. “We are about to wrap it up for today. I’l
l be with you two in a few moments.”
Madison didn’t pull away when Cole wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her through the park toward the Hummer. It’s just for warmth.
“You know, it did look like you were having fun, once your nervousness subsided.” Cole helped her back into the Hummer and turned on the heater and seat warmer.
“I did.” Madison placed her hands in front of the blast of hot air coming from the vents. “I hope Damian doesn’t find out. Do not tell him.” She pointed a finger at him.
“My lips are sealed, but it will cost you.” His eyes gleamed with mischief.
Madison’s narrowed.
“Fine, I won’t tell him.” Cole said with a laugh.
Nathan opened the driver side door and climbed into the Hummer. “But we have those Giants tickets for tonight’s game.” His cell phone rested on one shoulder. “No—of course, you’re right—I’ll be there.” He shut the phone and sighed. He turned in his seat to face Madison. “Unfortunately there has been a slight change of plans for tonight. Becca’s niece is singing in her school play, and she’s forcing me to go.” He faked a smile. “I won’t be able to go to the football game tonight.” He put the Hummer in reverse and backed out of the parking stall.
“That’s too bad. I was looking forward to it.” Cole pouted in the backseat. Madison shot him a look.
“But of course, family comes first.”
“That doesn’t mean you two can’t go. The seats are incredible, someone should enjoy them.” Nathan reached into his pocket and produced the tickets. He handed them to Cole.
“Oh no, we couldn’t accept…” Madison stopped as Cole kicked the back of her seat.
“Shh…These are great seats, Madison.”
“Really I don’t mind.” Nathan laughed. “We all make sacrifices in love, don’t we?”
Madison could see many sacrifices in Nathan’s future, but she bit her tongue. She hoped she was wrong and wished him and Becca a lifetime of happiness. Or six months, whichever came first. “Okay, if you’re sure.” Madison could see a big smile emerge on Cole’s face through the side view mirror. She shook her head. The man was a big child.
“I am.” Nathan pulled the Hummer in front of the hotel.
“It was a pleasure getting to know you,” Madison said.
Cole opened the passenger side door and helped her climb down from the vehicle.
“The pleasure was mine.” Nathan waved. “Merry Christmas. I’ll be looking forward to reading the article.”
Madison and Cole said goodbye to bachelor number two and headed inside the hotel.
“So, I’ll meet you back here in the lobby at six thirty?” Cole hit the button for the elevator. He waved the football tickets in the air.
“You know, I think I’ll pass on the game. All I want is a hot bath.” It wasn’t a lie. The late night, early morning, and slight hangover had exhausted her. She also couldn’t wait to call Samantha. Her friend would be shocked to hear what she’d done.
“I could skip the game for a hot bath.” Cole shrugged and leaned against the wall inside the elevator.
Madison stabbed the button for the third floor and glared at him. “I meant alone.”
“Look Madison, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a persistent man, and if you don’t agree to go to the game with me, I’ll find another way to see you tonight.” The elevator stopped on their floor. He held the doors open, blocking her escape.
She hesitated. He wasn’t kidding. How dangerous could a football game be? If he was like most men, he wouldn’t even acknowledge her once the game started. Much better than any alternative plans. She sighed and shot him an annoyed look. A bath would have to wait.
“Fine.” Madison shoved past him out into the hallway. “But just the game, then straight back here to the hotel. I mean it, Cole.” She pointed a finger at him.
“Can’t wait to get me back to the hotel huh?” He paused outside her room door.
“Cole.” She shoved the key card into the lock.
“Okay, I promise. Just the game, nothing more.” He gave her a Scout’s honor sign.
Madison rolled her eyes and pushed her hotel room door open. She doubted he’d ever been a boy scout.
* * * * Two hours later, Madison and Cole arrived at Metlife Stadium among a sell out crowd. The Giants were playing the Kansas City Chiefs, and the rivalry was intense.
“Have you ever been to an NFL game before?” Cole handed their tickets to a woman
sporting a New York Giant’s jersey behind a thin glass panel.
“No.” Madison shook her head.
“You’re in for a treat.” Cole took her hand and led her through the large crowd of people to
their sideline seats.
Madison wiggled her hand free once they’d reached their seats and sat as far away from him
as possible in the cold plastic chair.
Cole looked away and smiled. The woman was terrified of her feelings for him. The walls
protecting her heart were coming down, but it was a slow process. He was patient. Little by little
he would break through as she learned to trust him. The details about her divorce were vague.
One thing he knew for sure, the guy was an idiot for hurting her and letting her go. Once she was
in his arms, he wouldn’t be making that mistake. The intensity of his feelings for her normally
would have sent him running. He hadn’t allowed himself to fall this hard for a woman in years,
but this was different. She was different, special. He had to convince her to give him a chance. By halftime, Madison’s voice was hoarse, and her cheeks were flushed with excitement. “Can I get you a drink?” Cole asked.
“Yes, please. Wow. I didn’t realize how exciting a live football game could be.” She
laughed. “My voice sounds terrible. Great first impression for bachelor number three in the
morning.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” He stood. “Be right back.”
He returned a few moments later with their drinks and took his seat next to her as the
Cheerleaders started their halftime routine, wearing cute Santa suits, and performing to the music
of Jingle Bell Rock. Contrary to the eyes of every other man in the stadium, Cole couldn’t take
his eyes off of Madison.
“What?” Madison took a sip of her cold beer and toyed with the plastic lid of the cup. “The
cheerleaders are that way.” She gave a nervous laugh.
“I was thinking about how incredibly beautiful you are. And how your eyes light up when
you let your guard down long enough to enjoy life.” He stared at her hands and fought the urge
to reach out to touch them. He didn’t want to chance ruining the evening they were having by
being too forward. Scott’s advice rang in his mind. “Sometimes it’s like you try hard not to let
anyone see the real you, and it’s a shame because you are wonderful.”
Madison swallowed “I’m…careful,” she said after a moment.
A commotion behind them caught their attention. The Giant’s mascot approached their
section, throwing t-shirts out into the stands.
“Hey over here!” Cole stood in the stands to get the mascot’s attention.
The mascot turned and threw a t-shirt their way.
Cole caught it in one hand and handed it to Madison. “A souvenir from your first football
game.”
She unfolded the shirt and held it against her body. The fabric reached her knees. She
laughed.
“Okay, so you can use it for a nightgown.” Cole took a sip of his beer.
“Hey you two. Look up at the screen,” a kid sitting behind Cole said.
Madison looked and gasped at her smiling face on the big screen. The smile faded. “What is
that? Why are we on the screen?” Panic crept into
her voice.
Cole’s smile spread from ear to ear. Finally another opportunity to kiss her. This was
perfect. How could she blame this one on him? “Well little lady, it looks like I’ll be getting that
kiss after all.” He turned in his seat to face her, setting his beer on the floor next to his feet. “Cole, no.” Madison held up her hands and backed away.
The crowd chanted, “Kiss, kiss, kiss!”
“Sorry Madison. This is beyond my control.” His mischievous grin reached his blue eyes as
he leaned toward her.
“Come on, you two. Kiss already,” the little boy behind them urged.
“What do you say, Madison? Can we give the fans what they want?” Cole reached forward
and cupped her face between his strong hands, closing the gap between them until his lips were
inches from hers.
“Oops.” Cole heard the boy gasp before he felt the first drop of soda hit the top of his head.
He jumped back as the little boy’s soda spilled down the front of his shirt. Dammit! He grabbed
for a napkin.
Madison laughed and handed him her napkin. “Can you admit now, this kiss is not meant to
be?” She sat back in her seat and watched him clean up the liquid.
Forget that. Meant to be or not, he was getting that kiss. “Don’t be so sure about that.” He
grabbed her and drew her toward him. He placed her arms around his neck, and his hands
gripped her ribs. Before she could escape his grasp, his lips met hers. The kiss was forceful,
deep, full of longing, and he didn’t release her until he heard the satisfactory moan escape her
pretty lips. Better, much better.
Chapter Six
A cool New York breeze rustled the last of the fall leaves beneath her feet as Madison returned from the corner café a few blocks from the hotel the following morning. Last night’s beer and late night hadn’t been the best idea. The coffee in the hotel room wasn’t strong enough. Bachelor number three spent his holiday seasons on the ski slopes in Whistler, British Columbia, and Madison dreaded the trip. Their flight was at nine o’clock, and she was meeting Cole in the hotel lobby at seven to drive to the airport. She hadn’t slept a wink. Replaying their kiss over and over behind her closed lids, she’d tossed and turned. The kiss had been unexpected, and she’d been defenseless to prevent it. It had been so long since a man had made her feel the way Cole did with a simple look. His touch stirred a longing in her she’d forgotten existed and his kiss… She couldn’t let that happen again. One broken heart in her lifetime was more than enough. Cole Harris was sexy, kind, talented, but trouble. Lots of trouble. She groaned. She couldn’t afford any more trouble, despite how bad she might crave it.
Mistletoe Bachelors Page 7
