by Daria White
Seth’s eyes narrowed. “When was the last time you told her no?”
Cole raised his hands in a surrendered gesture. “Point taken.”
“I won’t be long. Unless… you want to help Dad with his project.”
Cole drew in his bottom lip between his teeth. Seth’s handyman skills superseded his. The last time he used a hammer to help his dad, his father had ended up in the emergency room. He had missed the nail and hit his father’s hand.
Seth continued, “Besides, you two can hang out like old times.” He stood and grabbed some cash from his wallet, setting it on the bar top for Brady.
“Seth—”
His brother cut him off. “I’ll owe you one.”
Cole grunted. “Fine.”
Seth marched out the door as Cole finished the last of his drink. His phone later buzzed with a text from Seth the address to the outdoor movie theater. He rubbed his hands together. His stomach knotted. A no-win situation.
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 someth
ing 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.
Chapter 14
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.”