Season's Schemings (Cyclones Christmas, #1)

by Katie Bailey

“So we meet again, Maddie.” I nod in her direction. “And you’re scrubbing your hands again. Please tell me you didn’t commit a murder.” She hops from foot to foot before turning off the faucet and grabbing a hand towel. “Well. Not technically.” “That’s an ominous response if I ever heard one, Maddie. Is that short for Madison? I want to get it right for the police report.”

He gives me a wink. “I left you one of my jerseys to wear.” “I dunno… I was thinking of repping number 35 tonight. Joining the Dallas Cooper fan club.” All of a sudden, Seb’s hands are on my waist and he’s jerking me towards him. “I’m a jealous man, Madelyn,” he whispers in my ear. “So you’ll be wearing my name tonight, or nobody’s.”

“And if you feel like killing someone, I’m not above stabbing Adam’s gingerbread man with a toothpick.” “Excuse me?” Seb raises a brow at me. “Didn’t you say you have a tradition where you make gingerbread people in everyone’s likeness for Christmas? One cookie per person?” Wow. I mentioned that once, weeks ago. This guy listens. “Uh-huh,” I reply. “Well, I’m bringing a new tradition.” Seb shoots me a cheeky grin. “Voodoo cookies for anyone who upsets my wife.”

I look pointedly at the little three-inch ornament in Adam’s fist. “Nope, that’s definitely Adam’s pickle.”

“Thank you,” I cry into his chest, any embarrassment at my display being drowned by gratitude. His hand tightens on the back of my neck, holding me ever closer. Somewhere in the far, far distance, Dot applauds. “Now, THEY would get a sign that says ‘Live, Laugh, Love.’”

“I am going to be entirely unsurprised if I turn on the TV one day, and you’re on that show about people who fall in love with their cars.” “Edna’s a van, not a car. And that would then make two of us in the family who’ve been embarrassed on national television.” I glare at him and he relents. “Too soon?”