Chapter 21

Leah clutched her pencil. She sketched out a mermaid silhouette for April’s dress, drawing dots and lines to the sketch to indicate the beading and seams. April informed her she would be wearing her hair up, so Leah included it in her drawing to give herself an even better visual.

She licked her lips as she worked, grateful to be thinking about something other than Cole. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him? They hadn’t talked since she spotted him at Mack’s BBQ, and it was probably a good idea. Was it though? She missed him. She missed him even more than when they parted ways for college.

Was he thinking of her? Leah refocused on her drawing, switching from pencil to ink so she could harden her lines. Once she finished outlining, she dragged her eraser over her paper to remove the initial tracing. She couldn’t wait to select the materials. It was her favorite part outside of making the pattern. While the work did take time, April would love the result.

Then her eyes drooped as she sat at her desk. Perhaps a walk would help. Fresh air was always a good way to recharge. She closed her large notebook and grabbed her purse and phone. Giving Amber a signal, her store manager understood her boss was taking a break.

Leah inhaled deeply once she exited her store. From there, she paced down the sidewalk. Then the library caught her eye. Before she could change course to go inside, her phone rang in her purse. Sighing slightly, she answered. She hoped that Amber could handle the growing traffic, at least giving a few minutes to re-energize herself.

“Hello?” She answered her phone.

“For the record,” Leah’s father replied. “I’m not checking up on you, but your mother insisted I call since she doesn’t want to bug you.”

A smile broke through on Leah’s face. “I’m fine and sorry I didn’t stay that long after dinner on Sunday.”

“No need to apologize, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Dad.” She raised her chin as she looked up at the library. “I’m taking a quick break.”

“I’m proud of you, but if you’re at the library, that’s not a break.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Dad, I—” Then his chuckle filled her ears. “You and your jokes.”

“My little bookworm could never resist the library.”

“Fine, Dad. I’ll cut back on the reading.”

“Kidding. Take your break, and I’ll tell your mother I did my part and called you,” he said.

“She really has you checking up on me?”

“You know your mother. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, Dad.”

Stifling her grin, she hung up. Once inside the library, she paced up and down the aisles. She passed the children’s section with picture books on the shelves and beanbag chairs on the floor. Finally, approaching the classic section, Leah searched for another one of her favorites. If only a woodsy cologne didn’t tickle her nose. Her eyes then searched for the source. Was he there?

****

While brushing his fingers against the pages of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Cole listened to the quiet flip as he turned the page. The classics had been keeping him company for the last couple of days. Seth had barely talked to him, so he gave his older brother space. Leah, however, still embedded his thoughts.

After leaving his parents’ house abruptly, he went to sleep off his annoyance. Craig seemed like a nice guy, but his “older brother” and “hometown hero” comments struck a nerve. Cole’s jaw clenched, but he answered as best he could.

Today, he stood inside Piedmont Valley’s library. Sturdy bookshelves surrounded him, lining the walls, marching across the floor, and curling around reading nooks and study areas. Senior citizens sat flipping through newspapers in cozy chairs, while other patrons used the computers for research and web surfing.

Though his brother didn’t hint his need to move out, Cole wanted a place of his own. Now he settled into a routine at work, his next task included finding a place to call home. Thankfully, Jeremy was a real estate agent, so he would give his friend a call soon. Once he got a better idea of what he wanted, he would set up a meeting.

Cole’s nostrils filled with the smell of crisp paper, along with the scent of pencil shavings. He lost count of the times he found Leah here, her head buried in a book. He even caught her sitting on the bleachers on the football field, a book in her hand engrossed in a story. He would kid that she never had fun, but she never took offense. In their friendship, he found a haven.

He could share everything with her. He never pictured his best friend being a woman. While other friends came and went, Leah remained constant. Time didn’t even tear them apart. The corners of Cole’s mouth quirked up.

“What’s funny?” a sweet voice asked.

He pivoted to find Leah smiling up at him. Her lashes were like fans upon her cheeks. Her rich and vibrant voice, like the middle notes of a cello, echoed in his ears. Cole clutched his book in hand. “Not much. Just checking to see what this book’s about.”

She reached over, clasping his book between her thumb and forefinger. “The Scarlet Pimpernel?” Her eyebrows shot up, and she released her grip. “Nice choice.”

“What did you pick?” He gestured to the book she held in her hands.

“Emma.”

“They made a movie on that one, right?”

Leah covered her mouth, though her giggle slipped out. “Yes, but I prefer the book instead.”

Cole swallowed. “How are you?”

“I’m great. How are you?”

“Better now you’re here.”

“Are you okay? You left the restaurant pretty quickly.” She threaded her fingers through her hair.

“Yeah, my mother called. She needed me to help with some baking.”

Leah’s lips tightened as if to hide a laugh.

“What? I can cook.”

She waved away his comment. “I don’t think so.”

“I’ve come a long way from a grilled cheese sandwich.” His voice slightly raised in defense.

Leah pressed a finger to her lips. “Not too loud. We’re in a library.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “You started it.”

She extended her hand to his. “Okay, truce. You can cook, and I’m sorry for saying otherwise.”

He took hold of her hand, loving the touch of her smooth fingers. “Truce. What have you been up to lately?”

Leah slipped her hand from his and backed up to where she leaned against the bookshelf. “Why? You missed me again?”

He drew closer. “Would it bother you if I did?”

She shook her head. “No, it wouldn’t.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you after the wedding. There’s a lot—”

“I know, Cole. I’ve been busy too.”

“I wanted… I wanted to ask if…”

She lowered her head for a moment. “Are you referring to what almost happened at Holly and Josh’s wedding?” She then lifted her chin.

Cole’s heart thudded inside his chest. “I don’t want to pressure you. I know you’ve had a lot going on. You have things you want to do on your own.”

Her smile grew. “I do.”

“And…”

“And what?”

“I don’t want to hurt my brother.”

Leah rubbed her head. “I’ve been meaning to talk to him. I’ve been trying to sort things out.” Her gaze met his once more. “I don’t know what to do with what I’m feeling, Cole.”

He raised his hand to cup her cheek. “Me neither.” Then his hand ran down her arm. To his surprise, she touched her hand to his face.

“I like this beard on you.”

“It’s not quite how I want it to look yet,” he said. Did his knees shake as she touched him?

“I like it anyway.”

He winked. “Then I’ll keep it.”

“For me?” She touched a hand to her chest, fluttering her lashes.

Cole held back a laugh. “Keep it up and we’re getting kicked out of the library.”

“It won’t be the first time Mrs. Hartley kicked us out for laughing too loud.”

He leaned closer, pressing his forehead against hers. The sound of her giggle filled his ears. It was the best sound he ever heard.

“What are we doing, Cole?” Leah turned her head away from him.

“Leah… you… I mean.” His thoughts wouldn’t line up. Every time he tried to align one, it tumbled down like building blocks, scattering the rest.

“I have to be honest with you,” she said.

Meeting her gaze, he listened. Every one of his skin cells tingled. Did she have any idea the effect she had over him? Thinking about it gave him palpitations.

“I need to sort things out first.” She looked up at him, her eyes beaming. “But I want you to know, I don’t regret what almost happened at the wedding.”

He brushed his hand across her cheek. “I don’t either.”

She clasped his hand. Her eyes shimmered with affection. Cole brought her hand to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. The heat from her hand burned his skin, but he still clutched it to his. How did she make him feel alive? Her beauty broke on him like a rare flower. His heart thudded in his chest. Why couldn’t he put his feelings into words?

He drew closer, only a breath away from her lips. It would be so easy to kiss her. He’d been dreaming of it since high school. He couldn’t miss the opportunity—not now. Cole felt—was that a phone ringing? He jerked back, releasing her hand, and then dug into his pocket.

Leah’s mouth twisted into a grin. “No cellphones.”

Cole checked his cell, but it wasn’t his phone. He raised an eyebrow. “I think that’s you.”

Leah ducked her head and rummaged through her purse. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Where is my phone?”

He whispered, “Looks like you’re going to get kicked out of the library.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, but her smirk gave her away. “Not helping.” She finally pulled out her cell, only to furrow her eyebrows.

“You’re not going to answer?”

“I don’t recognize the number. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.”

He clutched her hand yet again, lacing her fingers with his. “Can I see you tomorrow?”

Leah drew her bottom lip between her teeth. “What do you have in mind?”

“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” he admitted.

Her eyes fixed on his face. “Now I’m curious.”

“Will you?”

“Okay.”

To his surprise, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Cole stood still as a statue, but she lingered, her breath tickling his ear. Feeling the desire percolate between them, he angled his mouth toward hers. When their lips met, an electrical jolt went through his body. His spirits soared like two doves with silvery wings, and reality hit him like the soft light on an autumnal day.

Had he known since high school? When did his walls collapse, letting her into his heart? He never had to prove anything to her. She never compared him to others. To her, he was Cole Parsons. As the catalyst, she brought him to his career choice. When everyone else doubted him, Leah didn’t waver.

He brought his hand down to envelop her waist. In that moment, the world around him vanished like a pipedream. All that mattered was Leah. His mind murmured her name repeatedly like a harp among the trees. He loved having her in his embrace.

Her sweet mouth incomparable to any dessert he ever tasted. He savored the sensation, not wanting the moment to end. He brought his hand back to her neck, feeling her pulse flutter like a dove. If only time could freeze.

He loved her. He couldn’t pinpoint the moment or understand what took him so long to admit it, but Leah Morris carried his heart. Right here and now he could hold her forever. She belonged with him. Did she know that?

With one last peck to her mouth, a silly grin danced on his lips. He broke away for a second to catch his breath. Then his lips brushed up against her ear.

Leah ran her fingers down his cheek, letting out a shaky breath. “I guess that was a long time coming.”

“Too long.” He blinked, his brain fuzzy. Losing his sense of awareness, he inhaled. Putting an arm around her shoulder, he leaned in to kiss her again, but the clearing of a throat had them both jerking their heads toward the noise.

Mrs. Hartley stood tapping her foot on the carpeted floor. Her spectacles hung from her long nose, while her coal eyes narrowed. “Have you two found what you’re looking for?”

Cole backed away from Leah, straightening the lapels of his shirt. “Yes, Mrs. Hartley. Thank you.”

Leah held up her book. “I did, thank you.”

Mrs. Hartley folded her arms across her chest. “Well, I’ll see you both at church on Sunday.” With that, she left them alone in the aisle.

He let out a deep breath, while Leah covered her mouth as if to stifle a laugh. “Not funny.”

“I felt like I was in high school all over again. Getting caught for something.”

Even when she teased him, he loved it. He snatched her book from her hands holding it over his head. She reached for it, only to fail since his tall height was in his favor.

“Cole?” Her eyes narrowed, but her eyes beamed.

He paced backwards, refusing to return her book. “You almost got me in trouble. Apologize.”

She touched a hand to her chest. “Me? You don’t live next door to her. I’m the one that has to deal with that later.”

“Mrs. Hartley is a sweetheart.”

Leah gave a nervous laugh. “Cole?”

He didn’t respond but continued to back up. It wasn’t until a tumbling sound startled him, that his body twirled around. He knocked over a book display and gained the stares of a few patrons. Just great. Cole scurried to the floor to retrieve the books. Leah rushed beside him to help, handing him a book as he did his best to restock them.

“We’re definitely getting kicked out.” He bit his lower lip.

“Hurry.” Leah’s hands passed him more paperbacks.

“Why don’t you two just check out your books?”

Cole and Leah both froze and then raised their heads. Mrs. Hartley stood over them with her arms again folded across her chest.

****

“Breathe, Gemma. Breathe,” Leah repeated to her friend.

“You kissed Cole?”

Leah plopped on her bed, hearing the playful growls of Chip with his chew toy. “He kissed me.”

“When? Back up and start from the beginning.”

Leah clutched her cell as her free hand rubbed her forehead. Was that a rustling noise she heard? “I was at the library. He was there, and before I knew it—”

“Wow. I can’t believe it! I’m so happy for you,” Gemma shrieked.

“No, it only complicates things with, Seth.”

“You haven’t talked to him yet?”

“I’ve been meaning to, but between me designing a new wedding dress for April and my website taking off, I—”

“Wait, a minute. Your website? The new photos worked?”

Leah bobbed her head. “It did, and even foot traffic has increased at my store.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

Her friend asked, “So, what are you going to do?”

“I need to talk to Seth. I don’t want to lead him on.”

“Did he really want to get back together?”

“I think he wanted another chance, but I… don’t feel the same way. I thought I would because of our history, but he’s turned out to be a good friend.”

“Funny how the roles reversed. There was a time when Cole was only your friend.”

Leah’s hands tingled. She could still feel his touch. She face-palmed herself, grateful the bookshelf kept her from falling when he kissed her. Her knees turned to water. His embrace invigorated her like a sea breeze. Her heart hammered in her chest when his arm snaked around her waist.

He left a trail of goosebumps behind when his hand grazed her neck. She didn’t plan to kiss his cheek, but on impulse, her lips met his face, his stubble tickling her lips. Then, he closed the gap, his mouth caressing hers. Leah’s heart nearly stopped.

She tilted her head to give him better access. How long did they kiss? She didn’t remember. Her fingers grazed the back of his neck, inhaling the woodsy cologne she loved so much. His kisses were tender, as they danced over her lips. Her brain turned to mush.

“Leah, are you there?” Gemma asked.

Leah blinked, feeling the warmth spread through her. “I’m here.” She cleared her throat.

“You and Cole. That’s definitely unexpected.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say he was cute as if you wanted something to happen?”

“I did, but that doesn’t mean I thought it would happen.”

Leah rubbed the back of her neck. “I can’t blame you. I didn’t either.” Her stomach knotted. “I’m a little nervous, Gem. This is new for me and Cole.”

“It’ll be fine. You two have been friends for a long time, so you can trust each other.”

Leah sighed. “You’re right.”

“You’ve changed, Leah. You’re a lot braver than what you give yourself credit for, so enjoy yourself. If you think it’s worth it, go for it.”

“I guess my dating hiatus is out the window.”

“It served its purpose, right?”

Leah took a cleansing breath.