“No, but I think I may need to…”
“What?” Her friend’s right eyebrow shot up.
“Maybe I need to slow down. There’s really no rush, right?”
“No, but don’t do that because you’re hurt. You’re too good of a person to close yourself off.”
“Not closing myself off. I’m wondering if I need to take a step back. You know, reevaluate some things in my life before I get back out there.”
Gemma smiled. “Where’s this coming from?”
“I talked to my mom. She got me thinking and I’m wondering what the rush is. I can take a break. Why can’t I enjoy my life how it is right now? I’m going to do it.”
Gemma frowned.
Leah furrowed her eyebrows. “What? Why the long face?”
“I hate this happened to you.”
Leah gave a half-smile. “I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.”
“I know you didn’t. I want you to know I’m here for you, no matter what.”
Joy swelled up in Leah’s heart. “Thanks.”
Chapter 6
Cole entered Leah’s boutique, hearing the tinkling of a bell above him. As he examined the store, he clutched the small paper bag in his hand, careful not to crush the chocolate muffin inside. He’d taken a walk through town before his meeting with Leah, and Adele’s Baked Goods was his last stop before Leah’s store.
He noticed the pictures on the bakery’s walls, the smiling framed faces scattered about, bringing back memories of his childhood. Cole even took in the sight of his photo with his graduating class. He and Leah were sitting next to each other, smiling in their royal blue caps and gowns. Life seemed simple then, but as he continued to peruse her store, he was proud. They both had careers they loved.
“Welcome to Morris Style. Can I help you?” a female voice asked him with a smile.
Cole noticed the blonde’s nametag, so he figured she was an employee of Leah’s. “I’m here to see Leah Morris,” he said, returning her smile.
“I’ll let her know you’re here.”
He then spotted Leah on the other side of the store tending to a customer. She appeared relaxed but confident as she conducted her business, having grown from the girl he knew in high school. Leah back then was much more reserved and shy, but what he saw was a gorgeous businesswoman.
Cole watched as the blonde whispered something in her ear and Leah immediately looked in his direction. The moment their eyes met, her face brightened.
He gazed at her as she made her way to him, his insides tightening with anticipation. She seemed to float as she walked. Her glossy hair was half up in a ponytail in loose spiral curls, a few locks draping over her shoulder. Cole drew in his bottom lip between his teeth.
“Hey, you’re early.”
“If you’re on time, you’re late.” Then he held up the small brown paper bag, purposely turning it for her to see the logo on the front.
Leah’s mouth curved into a smile. “Is that one of Miss. Adele’s famous chocolate chip muffins?”
“I remembered you couldn’t get enough of these in high school. So, I thought I’d bring you one.”
He couldn’t resist buying it for her after stopping by the bakery on the way. It brought back so many memories of the treats they used to share, from the chocolate chip muffins to the moist pieces of vanilla cake. He figured Leah would appreciate the gesture, and he was certain her weakness for sweets hadn’t changed.
She reached for the bag, but Cole pulled back.
He had a condition. “Only if you split it with me.”
Leah laughed. “I only did that in high school to be nice.”