Page 12 of The Grump I Got Stuck With

“You said you didn’t know how to work the appliances,” Madison pointed out.

“I said I wasn’t an expert,” I clarified. “But I do have some idea of how to use them. And you certainly can’t be trusted with them alone.”

She huffed, shaking her head, and the end of her ponytail brushed my bare skin. Only then did I realize how close we were actually standing. All she had to do was tip forward and she’d be leaning against my chest, those puckered pink lips pressed to my sternum. Those curling blonde eyelashes fluttering against my pecs. A flash of heat rippled through me. I fought it off, watching as her green eyes tracked up my body.

Her hand twitched, almost like she meant to brush her fingers across my abs, then she curled her hand back with the speed of a viper.

“What is it?” I asked.

“You’re dripping all over the place.”

“I could hear the alarm from the shower. I didn’t exactly have time to dry off,” I muttered before turning on my heel and marching out of the kitchen. Ten minutes later, I was back, clad in jeans and a jumper.

“I will man the hob,” I said the moment Madison opened her mouth to try to give me orders.

She frowned. “Why do you get to be in charge of the stove?”

“Man discovered fire. It’s the natural order of things.”

“Are you sure you want that to be your answer?”

I smirked, a bit pleased at riling her up after she set off the smoke alarm.

She shook her head, but I detected the tiniest of smiles before she said, “You also discovered mullets and socks with sandals, so that’s not saying much.” She dipped a piece of bread into the egg mixture, then dropped the soggy mess into the hot pan. It sizzled. “Don’t let it burn.”

“My attention to detail is flawless.”

“If that was true, you’d have noticed the hole in your sweater.”

I glanced down, running my hand over my jumper. There was no hole.

“Made you look,” Madison quipped. “Now focus on your task. We only have a finite amount of bread.”

I flipped the toast, revealing a nice golden-brown color. “Ha!” I said. It had turned out better than I’d expected. “Apparently the trick is to ignore the woman yattering in your ear.”

She bristled next to me, then a dangerous grin tugged at her lips. “Just for that, I’m going to add a few extra ingredients to your eggs.”

“Don’t you dare.” I narrowed my eyes, watching her every move as she dipped the next pieces of bread, my skin prickling at her smug expression.

“It’s Christmas!” a voice cried, drawing my attention.

Kenna raced into the kitchen, still in her pajamas. As always, I couldn’t help but smile at her. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”

“Princess, you’re here!” she announced, clearly thrilled to be reunited with that tiny terror. I tried not to be miffed that she’d run right to the dog for a hug instead of into my waiting arms. She giggled as Princess licked her chin. I couldn’t help noticing Madison smile at her from across the island. She had a gorgeous, sunshiney smile, not that I’d ever tell her.

Not that it mattered.

When Kenna was done being greeted by Princess, she climbed onto a stool next to Madison. “Is this breakfast? Aren’t we going to Uncle Weston’s?”

“We’re snowed in,” I told her.

“How do you feel about french toast?” Madison asked as she plopped the next piece of bread into the frying pan. I kept the spatula at the ready.

“I love it!” Kenna said.

I wasn’t sure that was true, but she seemed delighted by both the food and the reunion with Princess. Which was a relief, honestly. I’d worried that not being able to go to Weston’s would spoil the morning for her since she adored spending time with Aisling, Weston’s adopted daughter.

“Daddy!” Kenna cried suddenly, looking alarmed as she stared down at the piece of ruined toast from earlier. “Santa brought you coal!” Her little face contorted, fat tears welling in her eyes. “Were you bad?”