Chapter 13
Leah fidgeted in her driver’s seat. Why did she agree to hang out with Seth? She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea, but when he mentioned an outdoor theater that played classic films, it hooked her. She rubbed her forehead. What if he wanted another chance with her?
Could she risk her heart again with him, knowing how things ended the last time? Did he really change? As a sea disturbed by opposing winds, the memory made her tap her fingers together. What was she to think?
Then again, not all her memories of him were bad. Their first kiss made her swoon and his declaration of love caused lightness in her limbs. Could they get those times back with the promise of more? Did things like this happen twice in a lifetime?
Her gaze flicked upward. She swallowed to relieve her dry mouth. So far, Seth desired friendship, at least that’s what he said. Could that change? Leah’s body jerked when her phone buzzed in her purse. She read the message from Seth. Speak of the devil.
7:13 PM… Seth: Running late. Had 2 help my dad
7:15 PM… Leah: We can reschedule
7:18 PM… Seth: No I sent reinforcements LOL
She raised an eyebrow, but when a familiar truck parked backwards next to her, she angled her body to look out the window to see him. As soon as Cole stepped down from his truck, Leah adjusted her cross-body purse and stepped out to meet him. Did her hair raise at the nape? Was that a flutter inside her chest?
Leah swallowed the lump in her throat, carefully masking her feelings. “Is this overtime to sneak more pictures of me?”
Cole offered a bemused smile “No, I think you’re stalking me. I came to watch a good old-fashioned classic movie.”
Cocking her head, she wagged her phone in front of him. “Seth sent you to babysit me, as usual.”
Eyes fixed on her he drew closer. “You didn’t mind the times before.”
“The last time you ‘babysat,’ we hit Mr. Wilkinson’s car.”
“I was teaching you how to parallel park. Who knew you had such a heavy foot on the gas pedal?”
The corner of her mouth perked up. “I‘ll let that slide, since I have yet to see the finished photos.”
Cole placed a hand over his chest. “I would never use Photoshop against you.”
She liked his sense of humor. “I’ll be nice. Thank you for coming.”
“You’re welcome. What’s playing tonight?”
“Wuthering Heights.”
“I suspect you’ve read the book.”
She beamed. “Yes, and it was awesome, so don’t make fun.”
“I would never. We can sit in the back of the truck.”
She followed him to his pickup. He pulled out a small paper bag from the passenger seat and walked back to her side. Her eyes lit up noticing the logo.
She squealed. “Chocolate muffins?”
Cole winked in response. He then helped her climb to sit in the back. Leah’s stomach knotted with his hands at her small waist, though she stole furtive glances at his face. Her body went still for a moment, feeling the electricity of his faint touch. Once he sat beside her, she reached inside the paper bag for a chocolate muffin.
Leah took a bite. She swallowed with satisfaction. “I probably shouldn’t be eating this.”
“Pilates getting to you?”
“Our instructor is challenging. Yesterday, we did butterfly abs.”
“Do I even want to know how you do that?”
“You don’t. Trust me.”
“I’ll take your word for it. Any more things you’ve tackled on your list?”
Leah avoided his gaze. “Even if it is, how do you know I have a list?”
Cole nudged her shoulder. “You’re too organized not to have one. You’re still the same girl who used tabs in her notebooks taking notes in class.”
She froze for a moment and her eyes widened. How did he remember that stuff? She couldn’t fathom it.
“Did I say something wrong?” Cole asked.
“No… I hate you’re right.”
His eyes flickered. “I won’t let it go to my head.”
Leah’s eyes narrowed at him, but her upturned lips gave her away. “Yeah, right?”
They faced forward as the opening credits for Wuthering Heights showed on the screen. Leah shivered, feeling the temperature drop. While the summer hadn’t arrived, the news predicted a chillier night. After finishing her muffin, she rubbed her forearms. She didn’t consider it would feel this crisp outside. She froze when strong arms enveloped her with a plaid blanket.
“Better?” Cole asked.
Leah tucked a curl of her hair behind her ear. “I think so.” She faced the screen, grateful that Cole broke their embrace. With heat curling down her spine, she wouldn’t need the blanket for much longer.
He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “How long has it been since you’ve seen this movie?”
“Two years.” Her breath caught with him so close. When she caught a whiff of his woodsy cologne, she swallowed, and focused her gaze as the film played. She crossed her ankles in front of her but then noticed Cole rubbing his hands together.
Her mouth twitched. “You’re cold?”
“I guess more than what I thought. I usually keep a light jacket, but I must have forgotten.”
Leah opened the blanket and scooted closer to him. “Come on, I can share.”
He raised his eyebrows, but a slow grin built on his lips. “Is this a trap?”
Her mouth fell open. “No, Cole.”
Hands clenching briefly, then releasing, he maneuvered closer to her. The warmth in Leah’s chest spread, and she heard Cole clear his own throat. Still, she focused her eyes on the movie. What did they talk about now? They hadn’t been this close since they danced. Her lips parted into a grin.
“What is it?” Cole asked.
“I was thinking.”
“About?”
She dismissed his response with a wave. “It’s silly, but the time we were dancing at your studio. You surprised me.”
“With my smooth moves?”
“Don’t push it. You need more of the blanket?”
“No, I’m good.”
What did she do with these new feelings? Should she act on them? Then she spotted Cole rubbing his forehead. His expression slid into a frown.
“You look worried. What’s wrong?” She angled her body toward him.
“A lot going on. It’s not a big deal.”
“Cole?”
When he tilted his head toward her, she couldn’t look away. His eyes caressed hers. Even as the movie played in the background, Leah watched Cole’s eyes brim with warmth. The wind picked up then, whistling in her ears. She threaded her fingers through her hair to tame it, but then he reached out and tucked an unruly strand behind her ear. Goosebumps raised across her skin.
His eyes lingered, and she stared back, as motionless as a plumb line. Why couldn’t she move? No jokes came to mind to diffuse the mood. Her mind swayed idly like a water lily on a lake. Did he feel something for her? Would it be wise to ask? No, they were friends. She studied in high school with this same Cole. There couldn’t be more than friendship.
“Cole, I—”
“There you are,” a baritone voice interrupted.
Leah jerked her head, only to find—Seth. “Hey,” she greeted. The mood between her and Cole vanished as a vapor before the sun. “Everything alright?”
Seth spread his arms. “Everything’s great. Glad I could make it.” He then took the liberty to help her down from Cole’s truck. Leah’s hands rested on his shoulders as Seth steadied her to her feet. When he hugged her, she embraced him back. As soon as they broke apart, she pivoted to face Cole. He folded the blanket they’d shared and stepped down from the back of his pickup.
“I see I didn’t miss the movie,” Seth commented.
“There’s about forty-five minutes left.” Leah bit at her bottom lip.
Seth adjusted the lapels of his jacket. His eyes fixed on her. “I did this for you. You know I’m not into these old movies, right?”
“I remember, but I appreciate the gesture.”
Seth faced his brother and extended his hand. “Thanks for helping me out.”
Was Cole forcing a smile? “Not a problem. You two have a good night.”
“Cole, you can stay. The movie’s not even—”
He shook his head. “No, I have some work to finish at my studio.”
Leah sighed. “Thanks for hanging out with me.”
His expression softened. “No problem, Leah. I’ll get back with you when the photos are done.”
Cole didn’t stick around for further conversation. He slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and pulled his truck off the lot.
“Want a snack?” Seth asked.
Leah rubbed her forearms. “Yeah, sure.”
“Be right back.”
She scratched at her temple. She breathed like a sea at rest, but she couldn’t deny the pull to run after Cole. She saw the blaze in his eyes as he stared at her. What surprised her more was her own reaction. She wrung her sweaty palms together. It wasn’t as if they’d kissed. His eyes fixed on hers made her heart skitter.
“Popcorn?” Seth offered. “I also brought you something to drink.”
Leah lifted her chin, attempting to look confident. “Yes, thank you.”
She grabbed a handful, though the salty treat did nothing for her dry mouth. Her nerve endings stirred and tingled as they settled in the back of his truck. Tucking in her upper lip, she weighed her options, but her pros and cons list only made her chest tighten. She was off the market and still somewhat fragile from her breakup. New feelings for another man were out of the question.
Could she get involved with Cole? She had to forget it. It was absurd to fathom it. He saw her as a friend and the thought of him seeing her as more made her lightheaded. Then again, what would happen if he did? She stuffed her mouth with more popcorn.
“You sure you’re okay?” Seth asked, sounding concerned.
“I’m fine.”
Her eyes focused on the screen, watching the stars Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier wrestle with their own unconventional love for each other. Leah’s eyes bugged at the irony.
“I hope you didn’t mind Cole hanging out with you.”
She ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach. “I didn’t.”
“I think he’s worried though.”
Leah cocked her head toward Seth. “Worried?”
“I know you two were close in high school.” Seth said. “He was always protective of you, especially from me.”
She gave a half shrug. “That was Cole.”
“For a second there, I thought he had a thing for you.”
Leah coughed to dislodge a popcorn kernel. Seth patted her back.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his forehead furrowed.
Leah pressed a hand to her chest. Inhaling deeply, her body relaxed. She took a sip of her raspberry lemonade. She breathed, “I’m okay. You were saying.”
“It’s nice that he cares about you.”
“It is. So, what made you think of this place?”
“I read about it online. They’re known for playing the old classics, so I thought you would enjoy it.”
“Thanks for thinking of me.” She nudged his shoulder.
“I’ve been thinking about you a lot.”
Her head jerked toward him. “You have?”
“Thinking about how things used to be. With us hanging out, it’s all coming back to me. I could have done things differently.”
Overwhelmed with frazzled emotions, she clasped his hand. “We both could have. I should have given you the chance to explain.”
Seth released a heavy sigh. “Do you think we could have made it? If we really tried?”
She asked herself the same question. It resonated in her mind like echoes from a hidden lyre. What if he had stayed? Could she have handled a long-distance relationship so young?
“You did the right thing,” she said.
His eyebrows raised. “I never thought I would hear you say that.”
“I never thought I would,” she joked.
“You never cease to amaze me.”
Her body relaxed. “I’m glad you could come. It’s been fun.”
With that, she and Seth watched the rest of the film in silence. By the time the ending credits rolled, Leah retrieved her keys from her cross-body purse. Seth strolled beside her, escorting her to her car. She paused for a second and twirled to look up at him.
“Thank you for tonight. I know this is not your thing.”
Seth looked at the ground at first, but then let his gaze drift to her face. “You’re welcome. It wasn’t bad. Can I get the movie in color?”
Leah laughed. “No, at least not that movie.”
“Did you like the ending?”
“Not really, but it’s a movie.”
Seth folded his arms across his muscular chest. “I was thinking, what if Cathy had been honest with herself? Maybe she could have ended up with Heathcliff.”
Leah tilted her head to the side. “I always wondered if they would have been happy if she didn’t let status dictate everything. Then again, they lived in that time. We see it somewhat now in our generation, depending on the country, but society is a little…” She stopped mid-sentence, stunned at his spellbound look on her face. “Seth?”
He blinked, as if to interrupt his trance. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. I forgot how much you loved this. Your whole face changed.”
The corners of her mouth curled upwards. “I guess I got carried away.”
“It was beautiful… like you.” His gaze lingered over her.
“Thank you.” Leah unglued her eyes off him. “I need to go, so I’ll talk to you later.”
“Sure thing.”
As Leah drove home in silence, her expression slid into a frown. Worry winded its way around her like a jointed reptile. How would she handle all of this?
Seth wanted more with her. She couldn’t deny his firm eye contact or his rapt attention. Speaking with a soft tone, his words washed over her. Leah pressed her lips together.
Joy blossomed within Leah as she sat among the golden retriever puppies at Piedmont Valley’s animal shelter. She cuddled one pup in her arms, grateful that she took the day off to enjoy herself. The small pups climbed over her lap while others reached out their tiny paws. She cradled the one in her arms but made room for the other pup that barked. She reached out for him and held him to her chest. She laughed at his tongue licking her jaw.
“You’re a friendly one, aren’t you?” Her hand stroked his golden fur. His deep brown eyes melted her heart.
“He seems taken with you.”
Leah raised her chin to Holly, one employee of the town’s animal shelter. “He seems sweet.”
Holly rubbed her forearms. “You know, they all could use a home. If you think—”
“Oh no. I’m way too busy for a pet. I came for a visit. It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”
Holly nodded. “I understand, but for what it’s worth, I think you’ve stolen his heart.” She walked away to attend to another patron.
Leah let out a deep breath. The puppy climbed up her chest, and she giggled at his efforts to scale her back. She held him out an arm’s length to face her. “I can’t take you home.”
The puppy tilted his head as if it understood.
Leah continued. “You don’t understand. I’m not a pet person. I even have fake plants because I can’t stand to see the real ones wilt.” She sat him down in front of her. “I know you need a home, but there are others coming. I’m sure they’d love to take you.
She sighed. Her shoulders drooped. “I’m having a conversation with a dog.” Another puppy tugged the hem of her shirt. Leah laughed and picked him up. He rested in her lap. “You’re all relentless, aren’t you? I don’t have room for you all.”
“I see you made a new friend.”
Her head jerked around to see Tyler. She touched a hand to her chest. “I didn’t see you there. What are you doing here?”
He jabbed a thumb to Holly. “Holly’s engaged to my best friend, Josh. I love animals, so I come in from time to time. I haven’t seen you at the coffee shop. Everything okay?”
Anxiety swirled through her. “I hope you don’t think I was ignoring you. I meant to stop by, but I’ve been so busy—”
“Don’t worry about it, Leah. I know you have a lot going on with your business. I know the difficulties of entrepreneurship.” He waggled his eyebrows.
She laughed. “Thank you for understanding.” She stroked the puppy’s back as it reclined in her lap.
Tyler inched forward. “He seems to like you.”
She got a warm, fuzzy feeling. “He’s starting to grow on me too.” She tilted her head at Tyler. “You have any pets?”
“I adopted one of these little guys last week. If you choose one, maybe we can set up a play date?”
“I have to be honest with you.” She let out a deep breath.
Tyler stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Too soon, huh?”
“You’re a great guy, but I don’t think I see you that way.”
He made a spot to sit beside her. When a puppy climbed onto his lap, Tyler patted its back. “I know that look. It’s been a while since someone has turned me down.” His smile gave him away.
Leah gave half a smile. “I’m sorry. I should have said something before.”
“I don’t know what it is about you, Leah. I know we’ve been friends for years, but you seem happier. There’s a new light in your eyes.”
The compliment warmed her from within. “I didn’t think you saw me like that.”
Tyler shrugged his shoulders. “People change.” He faced her. A smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll be more than happy to be your friend.”
Leah’s eyes gleamed. “Me too.”
He pointed among the puppies. “So, are you going to take one of these guys home? I think that puppy is in love with you.”
The puppy wagged its tail in her lap. His pink tongue hung from its mouth as it panted happily.
Leah folded her hands in her lap. “Why do you have to be so cute?”
The puppy barked. Tyler laughed aloud.
****
Leah plopped on her couch. Her hands numb from toting shopping bags from the pet store. She stretched out on her sofa, longing for a hot bath in her claw-foot tub, ready to close her eyes. A bark jerked her eyes back open, and already by instinct, she reached her hand over the edge of the couch. She looked at her new addition to her household. How did I fall for this puppy?
She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her thighs. Her new dog wagged its tail.
“You like the name, Chip?”
He barked again in response.
She picked him up and cuddled him to her side.
“This won’t be easy. I have a business to run.” She patted his head. “I can take you back.”
Chip’s pink tongue licked her fingers. Leah laughed.
“I guess you like it here already, huh?”
Her phone caught her attention when it buzzed. Leah placed Chip on the rug and read a text from Seth.
7:33 PM… Seth: Had fun last night
Her lips curled into a smile.
7:35 PM… Leah: Me too
She waited for another reply, but received none. Leah strolled to her tub, leaving Chip in the living room with his new bone chew toy. Though he followed her to the bathroom, she nudged him outside for her privacy. Engulfed by hot water, her body relaxed. Jazz played faintly in the background, and she enjoyed the sweat on her forehead from the steam.
Her lavender wash tickled her nostrils, but upon hearing the whimpers of Chip and his little paws at the door, Leah ended her personal spa session. After stepping out the tub, she tied her plush cotton robe around her waist, and walked only to stop spotting Chip reclining in front of the door. She scratched behind his ears and then stood upright to walk to her bed. Where was her copy of Wuthering Heights again?
Leah pivoted at the sound of her phone ringing. Perhaps Seth had called wanting to talk. Worry snaked through her. When she spotted Cole’s name, her heart leaped.
“It’s not a bad time is it?” he asked.
“Not at all. What’s up?”
“Your photos are done.”
Her body froze in place. “They are?”
“Leah?”
She sat on her bed. “Yes?”
“They’re great. I wouldn’t tell you that if it wasn’t true. Besides, you get to pick the ones you like best to send to your designer.”
Leah blew out her cheeks. “Okay. I trust you.”
“There you go. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
She crossed her legs. “I don’t think that’s an accurate statement since last time—”
“High school doesn’t count. In my professional opinion, you look amazing, and it will make a huge difference on your site.”
Leah’s mood lifted. “Okay, I can’t wait. When can I see them?”
“Monday is good for me. Late afternoon?”
“That’ll work. I can stop by your studio.”
“I won’t have any chocolate muffins, so don’t ask.”
She smirked. “I won’t. I’m going to have to skip a few days with the sweets.” She glanced at the ceiling. “It’s not fair. Why does the bad stuff taste so good?”
“Conspiracy I think.”
She covered her mouth to stifle her laugh. “Sounds about right.”
“If it’s any consolation, I’m cutting back too. My mom’s cooking will catch up with me if I’m not careful.”
“I think moderation is best for both of us.”
“Are you offering to be my accountability partner or something?”
Her mouth twisted into a grin. “No, but if you need some encouragement now and then, I’m here.”
“I’ll take that too. I’m not keeping you from anything am I?”
Leah kneaded her shoulder as Chip pawed her foot through her slipper. She reached down and picked him up. “No, I was thinking of watching a movie.” Chip barked.
“Was that a bark?” he asked sounding intrigued.
Chip crawled over her lap. “Maybe.”
“Leah?”
“I may have gotten a puppy?”
He choked. “What?”
“Before you say anything else, I’ve never had a problem with dogs. Growing up without them, I never thought much about having one.”
“And now you are?”
Happiness coursed through her as Chip reclined in her lap. “This puppy was too cute, Cole. I only stopped by the animal shelter since I haven’t been in a while, and they had these golden retriever puppies and I—”
“You fell for those big puppy eyes. Didn’t you?”
She pulled her lips in. “Maybe.”
“Oh, Leah. Don’t you see that’s how they get you? One look and it’s over.”
She scratched behind Chip’s ears. “You’re right.”
“You own a dog? That’s definitely interesting.”
“Make fun of me all you want.”
“Not if you were serious.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Cole cleared his throat. “If it was important to you, Leah, I’d never make fun of you. I know I joke around, but I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
Leah’s hand stilled. Her breath hitched. Butterflies filled her stomach. “I know you wouldn’t, Cole. Thank you.”
“Good. Well… I won’t keep you any longer. Five-thirty works for you, right?”
She avoided the heat curling down her spine. “That’s fine. I’ll see you then.”
“Okay cool. Goodnight, Leah.”
“Goodnight, Cole.” She sat her phone on her nightstand and held Chip.
It made little sense. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Yet, Leah’s heart skittered. Liking Cole replayed in her mind like a melody. She couldn’t even choose a movie to watch for the evening, so she settled into bed after placing Chip in his doggy bed. She clasped the surrounding covers. Even if her feelings were real, did he feel the same way? Leah’s eyes drooped. She could resume her thoughts tomorrow.
****
Cole laced his fingers together behind his head on his brother’s couch. He jolted upright at the sound of the backdoor opening. Seth was back.
“You look tired,” Seth pointed out. “Long night at the studio again?”
Cole rubbed at his eyes. “Yeah, I finally finished Leah’s photos.”
Seth said, “You missed it at Mack’s tonight, little brother. The guys asked about you.”
“I’ll go next time.”
“Can’t be all work all the time.”
Cole chuckled. “Says the guy who used to do three-a-day practices back in the day.”
“That was when I was training. I don’t need to do that anymore.” Seth’s shoulders sagged.
“Do you still think about what would have happened if you didn’t get hurt?”
His brother stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would even get through physical therapy. That was the worst pain ever.”
“But you got through it. We’re Parsons men, remember?”
“Right.” Seth crossed the floor to the kitchen. Cole rose to his feet, massaging the back of his neck. “Want something to drink?”
“I’m okay. I need to go to bed. I have a long day tomorrow. Did I tell you I was booked for a wedding here in town?”
His brother raised an eyebrow. “Cool, but the only person I know getting married in town is—”
“Holly from the animal shelter. She and her fiancé Josh hired me. They want engagement photos and pictures for the day.”
His brother high-fived him. “You’re cleaning up, little brother.”
He frowned. “Trying to.”
Seth gave him a knowing look. “Just because Dad doesn’t say it, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.”
Cole shrugged half-heartedly.
“Mom says that’s his way.”
“He was happy to say you made him proud though.” Cole scratched his head. His nostrils flared. “They drafted you in the NFL. You put this town on the map. He was proud to be the father of Seth Parsons.”
Seth glared at him. “It wasn’t easy convincing him though. He didn’t want me to go, but once he got used to the idea, he came around.” His expression softened. “Give him time.”
Shame washed over Cole. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go off like that. This is between me and Dad.”
Seth walked over and patted his shoulder. “He’s a character.”
“You got that right.”
“So, do you have a plus one?”
Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “A plus one? For what?”
“The wedding.”
“I’m not an actual guest, Seth. I’m photographing the wedding.”
“First, it’s Holly. I’m sure she’s invited everyone in town. Did you check the mail today?”
Cole’s eyes diverted to the mail pile on the kitchen island. He thumbed through the letters until he spotted an ivory-colored envelope. He and his brother’s name showed in scripted text. He sighed and held up the envelope. “We got an invitation.”
“I rest my case.” His brother smiled. “If I know Holly, it will be over the top.”
“Who will you bring as a date?
“I can’t go that weekend. I have some things to take care of. If not, I would ask Leah.”
Sure, he would. “Well, no one comes to mind, so I’ll probably fly solo.”
“Suit yourself.” Seth covered his mouth to stifle a yawn. “I’m going to turn in. Goodnight.”
Cole clasped the invitation in his hand. “Yeah, goodnight.” His brow furrowed, and his eyes glanced at the ceiling as if to seek answers from above. He returned the letter to the counter and walked to his room. He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. His attempts to leave things uncomplicated were failing.