Mistletoe Bachelors Read Free Page A

York’s finest bachelors on their holiday
traditions…” She explained, rolling her eyes. As if women cared about how five of the most
arrogant, unattainable men in New York would be spending their holidays. Okay, maybe some
women cared. She didn’t .
“So, you have to interview him.” Samantha shrugged. “Twenty minutes alone with him
won’t kill you. In fact, I’d spend twenty minutes alone with him any day.”
Madison shot her an annoyed look.
“What? He’s hot.”
Madison shook her head. “Anyway, that’s not it. He’s traveling with me to photograph the
bachelors.”
“Madison, forgive me for saying this, but there are far worse fates in life than to have to
travel with a gorgeous, successful man during one of the most romantic times of year. You’re
overreacting.” Samantha sat back in her chair and relaxed.
“You haven’t heard the worst part yet.” Madison rested her head on her arm on the table.
Samantha reached across and picked up her forehead, forcing her friend to look at her.
“Well, what is it? And if you say you have an unlimited expense account, I’m out of here.”
“Kurt.” Madison dropped her head back against the table with a thud.
“Your ex-husband? What does he have to do with—oh no!” Samantha clasped a hand over
her mouth.
Madison nodded in confirmation.
“You have to interview him?”
Madison nodded again.
“Oh, Madison.” Samantha pushed the drinks in Madison’s direction as she listened.
“I know—ironic, isn’t it? I finally land the assignment I’ve been asking for, and it turns out
to be the assignment from hell. I don’t enjoy the Christmas season or spending time in
Manhattan, and I’m definitely not excited about seeing Kurt again.” She shuddered. Even the
sound of her ex-husband’s name made her cringe.
“Why did you accept the assignment?” Samantha looked at her with concern.
“How could I refuse? I have begged Damian for a writing assignment for months.” She shook
her head. “I had to accept. Besides, it wasn’t as if I had a choice. You should have seen the two
of them.” Madison’s tone grew angry. “They planned the entire itinerary without once consulting
me.” It wasn’t the exact truth. They had asked her input, but she’d been too stunned by the whole
thing to do more than nod in agreement.
“When do you start?” Samantha flagged the waiter for their bill.
“We,
Cole
and
I,
leave
first
thing tomorrow
morning on
the
seven
o’clock
ferry to
Manhattan.” Madison looked distressed, holding her head in her hands. On such short notice, she
hadn’t even had time to process the whole thing yet.
“Seven o’clock ferry? Ouch, that’s early.” Samantha said, looking at the empty glasses in
front of her friend.
Madison followed her gaze. She wasn’t a morning person, add a hangover, and she would
feel awful. Why had she drank so much? This wasn’t her usual way of dealing with her stress.
She should have gone to their usual yoga class. Though she suspected no amount of deep
breathing would help ease the tension seeping through her neck and shoulders.
“Let’s get you some coffee and get you home. I have a feeling tomorrow morning will be
here faster than you’re going to like.”
* * * *
    The sound of Jingle Bell Rock filled Madison’s room early the next morning.
She opened one sleepy eye and peered at the alarm clock on the bedside table. “Five thirty?
Are you kidding me?” She groaned, burying her head under the pillow. Why hadn’t she insisted
on a later ferry to Manhattan? They weren’t interviewing the first bachelor until the following
day. She frowned. Of course, Cole Harris had suggested the extra day for preparation. She
remembered he’d mentioned something about picking up supplies from his studio in the city.
“Hmph.” She fumbled with the alarm clock until she found the off button and slammed it twice.
    The smell of coffee filled her room. Coffee ? Had she set the maker last night? She sat