by Tonya Kappes
“Let me in. I’m outside your door.” Cole demanded more than asking.
“Why are you here? Hayes is in bed.”
“Open the door. I will be quiet.”
Without hesitation, Liz got up and threw on her robe. He was standing at the door dressed in faded jeans, a University of Kentucky sweatshirt, a baseball cap pulled down over his eyes, and cowboy boots. This was a really cute look.
She had to fight the overwhelming urge to be close to him.
“Are you incognito?” She asked, and pushed up the bill so she could see his eyes. The smoldering flame in his eyes told her everything.
“I needed to see you.” She watched the words fall from his lips.
She looked into his eyes.
He had fallen for her, just as hard as she had for him.
Without realizing it, he had picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. They made love until dawn without saying a word or ever thinking about what they were getting themselves into.
THIRTEEN
“The best smell in the world is that man that you love.”
~Jennifer Aniston
Cole’s scent lingered in her room long after he’d left. Liz picked up the pillow and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath. She didn’t care when she was going to see him again. His scent was overwhelming her senses, her emotions. They were two people who needed to be loved. They needed each other, even if it was just for a few hours.
Liz smiled when the phone rang. She could feel that Cole was on the other end of the line.
“Hello, beautiful.” Cole’s voice was low and smooth.
“Why did you run off so soon?” she asked in a slow silvery voice.
“I don’t want you to have to worry about Hayes getting up.” There was a pause, “I don’t want to have to explain why the dog trainer was in his mom’s bed. I just wanted to thank you for last night.”
“Tramp?” Hayes yelled down the hall, bringing her back to reality.
Suddenly she felt conflicted. It was as if she was living two separate lives.
“Tramp!” Hayes yelled louder.
“I hear Hayes, so I’ll call you later.” Cole assured her before he hung up.
Liz dreamily went about her morning ritual. Rushing Hayes out the door was one of her specialties.
“Mornin’!” Kerry Ann filled up Liz’s coffee cup after she sat down at The Fatted Pig.
“Good morning. Mamie off today?” Liz looked around the diner.
If Kerry Ann was there, it was a sure sign that Mamie or someone else had taken the day off.
“Yep. She’s attending the chamber meeting about that eminent domain case.” Kerry Ann pushed her glasses up her nose. “Being nosy if you ask me.”
Liz laughed, amused by Kerry Ann’s frankness. Or maybe deep down, she was feeling good because she’d just slept with Cole.
“Did you get your hair done?” Kerry Ann narrowed her eyes. Liz shook her head. “Well, something’s different about you.”
“Nope. Have you seen Jenna?” She looked around, but didn’t see her.
There was something different inside her, and she felt it. She wondered if the old saying was true, love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place?
Her soul was alive. There was a deep connection between her and Cole that she couldn’t begin to even figure out.
“I haven’t seen her all mornin’.” Kerry Ann took the pen out from behind her ear. “We got some gravy and homemade biscuits right out of the oven.”
“Sounds great.” Liz checked her cell to see if Jenna had called. It was so unlike her to be late.
She slipped it back in her purse. Jenna hadn’t called.
Liz watched the faces of the other customers in The Fatted Pig, and the holiday crowd walking along the snow covered sidewalk of Main Street. There wasn’t any room in front of the waterfall.
She smiled, remembering all the times she’d stood there, and how much money she’d spent throwing pennies into the falls, hoping her dreams would come true.
Maybe they are. She grinned.
The waterfall was what she fell in love with when she first came to Grandberry Falls.
Mesmerizing.
She’d come to Grandberry Falls to buy a rare table she’d found on Craigslist that was perfect for the foyer of the house in Cincinnati. She’d left Grandberry Falls with more than a table. She walked away with an instant love of the town.
Now that same table was sitting in the office of The Mole Hole Interiors.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” Jenna sighed, putting the benefit folders on the table.
There was something sad in Jenna’s eyes. But Liz was afraid to ask, for fear it was about Cole.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, once Jenna got situated.
“It’s the anniversary of the crash.” Jenna’s lips began to tremble. “Celia Briggs from The Ladybug Florist put together a beautiful floral spray for the tombstone. So I got Samantha to school and went to visit Dan.”
“I am so sorry, Jenna. I couldn’t imagine losing my husband to a drunk driver.” She clasped her hands over Jenna’s. “I bet the flowers are beautiful. Celia does a great job.”
Jenna ran her hands through her hair. “Stupid coffee.” She looked up with a blotchy face. “We were out of coffee. I’d forgotten to get it from Benton’s IGA the day before.”
“He sounds like he was one in a million.” Liz didn’t like seeing her friend in pain.
“He is. . .was.” Jenna looked to the ceiling as if she was looking up to heaven. “I should’ve told you all about it before now. It’s important that you know the details.”
Jenna’s phone rang. She answered, spoke briefly, and hung up.
Liz’s heart was hurting. She couldn’t imagine how Jenna must be feeling.
“We need to talk about it later when there aren’t so many people around.” Jenna clearly didn’t want to talk about it now. “Besides, I’d look silly crying in a coffee shop.”
“Mamie told me you were back in town.” Kerry Ann was always louder than anyone else in the diner.
Liz looked to see who Kerry Ann was talking to. It was a man holding a to-go bag.
She would have known that body anywhere.
Cole.
Her heart sank.
Seeing him in public was going to be harder than she’d thought. She moved to the chair next to Jenna, not only to console Jenna, but to conveniently move out of Cole’s line of sight. He wouldn’t have a clear visual of her from there.
There was no way she could look Jenna in the eye knowing she’d betrayed her best friend. Plus, she wasn’t good at concealing her emotions. Cole and Jenna would both be able to see right through her.
“I am going to go clean up my mascara.” Jenna got up from the table.
Thank God. Jenna didn’t notice Cole as she walked past him. It was obvious he’d noticed her by the way he strained his neck looking in the direction from which she’d come.
When they made eye contact, it was like making love. The connection was so strong. A smile as big as the Grand Canyon spread across his face.
“Fancy seeing you here.” He held up the to-go bag up.
The electricity was still strong breaking between them. Her mind burned with the memory of them making love.
“Best coffee in town. With the best customers too.” He said.
She recalled the ecstasy of being held against his body by those strong hands.
“I didn’t know they let riffraff in here.” Jenna chimed in glaring at Cole.
Cole didn’t say a word. He just turned and left.
“Of all days to run into Cole Michaels. Now my day is completely ruined.” Jenna slammed her purse down, spilling its contents onto the table.
“What is your deal?” Liz whispered while helping Jenna gather her things. “Can’t you be nice to him? I know you’re sad and that you’ve lost the love of your life, but. . .”
Jenna gritted her teeth. “You want me to be nice to
him? I can’t. He comes back into town and has to hit on you, my best friend? And you are falling for him! Maybe I misjudged you. Maybe your judge of character isn’t what I thought it was!”
Jenna gathered her belongs, and stood up to leave. Liz stood up too.
The entire diner was watching.
“Jenna.” Hazel Greenlee walked in the door and ran into her daughter. “What’s wrong?”
“Cole.. Mom…Cole.” Jenna ran out the door.
“Come on, Liz.” Hazel wrapped her arms around Liz and turned her back to the table. She signaled for Kerry Ann to bring them some coffee.
Kerry Ann filled the mugs and left Hazel and Liz alone.
“Tell me, Hazel.” Liz begged. “What is she hiding from me?”
“Honey, it’s her story to tell.” Hazel’s bangles jingled as she patted Liz’s hand. “They both have the right to feel the way they do. And when the time comes, they will tell you why they hate each other.”
“The time is now.” Liz jumped up.
The time is right now.
FOURTEEN
“Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever.”
~Author Unknown
Cole’s truck was parked underneath a big old pine tree that stood between the cabin and clinic. She knew that in order to get the truth, she needed to keep her distance. If she let her guard down, she’d fall right back into his arms.
The smell of the smoke coming from the chimney was so welcoming. It lifted her spirit.
Remember why you are here, she tried to convince herself. With each knock, her heart rate accelerated.
He opened the door.
Stay cool.
His Henley shirt fit him perfectly, and it made it more difficult knowing what was under it.
“Come in.” Cole opened the door wider.
His expression definitely wasn’t welcoming. Nor did he seem surprised that she was there.
She began to wonder what it really was she wanted from him.
“That’s okay. I just really need to know what is going on.” She searched his eyes for something she already knew. The answer was hidden deep down—somewhere she didn’t want to explore.
“Nothing, Liz. Please come in.” He stepped aside to make room. “I just made some fresh coffee to go with my carry out.”
She walked in.
She could hear him take a deep breath when she walked by. His scent sent chills down her spine.
“I can only stay for a bit.” The fresh brewed coffee added to the coziness. “I’ll take a cup since my last cup was interrupted.”
Liz moved around his kitchen like she belonged there. She glided with ease and grace, pouring two cups of coffee. She liked the way she fit—it felt natural.
It was his home.
Sadness crossed her face at the thought of not having him in her life.
“What are you thinking?” Liz sat the cup in front of Cole on the table. “I can see it in your eyes. You look sad.”
“I know that you aren’t going to be in my life for very long and it makes me sad.” He said.
“Tell me Cole.” Liz squatted in between his legs. Looking up, she scanned his eyes and ran her hands through his salt and pepper hair. “I want to know what is going on. You and Jenna mean so much to me.” She pleaded with him.
Gingerly, their lips met. “I have to get Hayes from school.”
“I will be over tonight.”
With the expectation that she was going find out the truth, it was easier for her to walk away from him at that moment.
FIFTEEN
“True friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.”
~Author Unknown
She felt like a teenager sneaking her boyfriend into the house every night. Being apart was almost more painful than the secret he was keeping from her. There was never a conversation about their relationship during daylight hours. They avoided each other in the community, keeping their relationship a secret.
He was pushing it by staying later and later each morning in her bed.
Except the time Hayes had spent the night with a friend. They made love all morning and it was heaven. Endlessly they talked about what they wanted to do with their lives. Cole was content being a local veterinarian and working as an obedience trainer. Liz told him she wanted The Mole Hole to grow, when what she truly wanted was him and Hayes under one roof—in her life openly.
It was nice having that little secret love affair. The idea of Cole sharing her bed every night became a welcome feeling that she had been longing for.
The next few weeks before winter break she spent working and, picking Hayes up from school and obedience class on Monday nights. Besides a few emails about the benefit, which was rapidly approaching, Jenna and Liz didn’t see each other. Liz hadn’t wanted to risk any confrontations. She’d accepted that there was a secret, but didn’t force the issue. Hazel was right. They’d tell her when the time was right.
Liz was amazing by all the planning you could do over the Internet. She had called some of her close friends from Cincinnati and secured a couple of free trips, jewelry, free car lease for a year, furs, and some free dinners for the auction at the benefit.
It looked like the New Year’s Eve Casino night was going to be a big hit. It was the talk of the town.
Liz dialed Jenna to confirm a few last minute details. She was relieved when Jenna’s answering machine picked up.
“Jenna, it’s Liz. I wanted to let you know that Hayes has gone to his dad’s house this week end and we should tie up the loose ends on the benefit.” Before she could finish, Jenna jumped on the line.
“Hold on…hold on.” Jenna fumbled with the answering machine on the other end.
Liz loved that Jenna used her old manual answering machine.
“It’s entertaining to hear the person on the other end.” Jenna would say to justify why she hadn’t upgraded from the ancient device.
Truth be told, Jenna’s husband had gotten the old machine and his voice was still on the outgoing message. It was the only recording that she has of his voice and she refused to change it.
“Sometimes I hit replay over and over just to hear his voice.” Jenna admitted one long night at The Thirsty Turtle.
Half the time it didn’t even work. Liz had left countless messages over the past six months, and Jenna claimed she never got them.
“Sorry, I was in the shower.” She was out of breath. “Sounds good to me. I think we are doing great on the auction items. The caterer is ready and we just need to pick up the casino tables. Why don’t I come over and we’ll finish up?”
“Great. I will make some coffee and put a few cookies in the oven. Say about an hour?” Liz really wanted to get this New Year’s bash over with and put it behind her.
Plus after the benefit, she’d demand more answers from Jenna.
“Let’s say two hours. I need to put some laundry in and wrap a couple of Christmas gifts. I can’t believe that Christmas is next week and the benefit is the week after that.” She sounded excited, which was a great relief to hear. “Are you ready for Christmas?”
“I am. My family is going to come here this year. Hayes wants to stay home.” The previous year, Hayes still felt like Cincinnati was his home, so they stayed at Liz’s parents.
“Good.” Jenna confirmed, “I’ll see you in a couple hours.”
Looking at her watch, Liz realized she needed to take Tramp for a quick walk. If she didn’t, he would be all over Jenna.
He was responding to more and more commands. The last obedience class had been torture, but it was paying off. She tried hard in class. She didn’t want Cole to see her as a slacker. Plus if she didn’t concentrate, she’d be focused on Cole. He was already a big distraction in her life.
She noticed he tried not to make eye contact with her during class. They laughed within the walls of intimacy about their little secret.
“Not bad.” Liz walked
down the snowy sidewalk, proud of not being dragged through the snow.
She was even able to take in the picturesque historical houses in her neighborhood that were all beautifully decorated for the holidays. The untouched snow on the tree branches gave a soft glow to the already beautiful neighborhood.
Each house was blanketed in white powder as though it had been perfectly placed there. Silence hung in the air.
Most houses had a candle in each window, while a few had a giant blow-up snowman for their little ones’ enjoyment. Liz had gotten to know her neighbors through Tramp. They had all enjoyed watching Tramp drag her up and down the street.
But not on that day. He was starting to become the dog she knew he could be.
As they approached her house, she glanced up at her house to see why Tramp’s ears had perked up.
“What are you doing here?” She smiled at Cole’s gorgeous face as he stood on her porch. She raised her eyebrows. “Nice surprise.”
“I wanted to make sure that you were okay since Hayes is not here.” He followed Liz inside like he belonged there.
“I am good. I have a lot of work to keep me busy.” He looked at her the same way he did before they made love. “I am getting ready to make …”
“Love?” Cole walked over and moved his mouth over hers, devouring it’s softness.
“No, make cookies.” She squeezed in before he could claim her lips again.
“Cole, seriously, Jenna will be here in an hour and I don’t want you anywhere near this place.” She tried to unwrap his arms from around her.
“Don’t leave on my account.” Jenna stoned face at the back door.
Immediately Cole dropped his arms and darted for the front door while Jenna turned to go out the back. Liz stood still trying to decide who to go after. The best friend that had taken her in when she knew no one? Or the first man that she had been attracted to since she’d been divorced.
“Jenna! Jenna!” She ran out the back door.
She knew that her best friend needed her more.
She turned the corner as Jenna and Cole almost ran smack-dab into each other. If they would’ve collided their bodies would have exploded like TNT.