Leah gave a faint smile. “I don’t see why we need a newspaper in this town. Everybody knows what’s going on, anyway.”
Tyler laughed. “That’s Piedmont Valley. I’m sorry it happened. Are you okay? Seriously?”
“Taking it one day at a time.”
Tyler drew closer. “I don’t want to sound forward, but I would love to buy you a cup of coffee sometime.”
Leah’s mouth fell open. “Oh… wow.”
“Only if you want to stop by the coffee shop,” he said.
Leah gave him a once-over. She rolled her shoulders. “Tyler, I don’t—”
“No pressure, Leah. To be honest, I enjoy hanging out with you.”
She slipped him a curious glance. “Well… as long as I can get my Mocha Frappuccino. I’m busy with my boutique, but I’ll do my best to stop by.”
“I like your hair. You look great, Leah.”
She tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I’m getting the feeling you’re flirting with me.” Nervousness twisted in her gut.
“Is it working?” A smile tugged at Tyler’s lips.
Leah shifted from one foot to the other. “Tyler, I’m flattered but—”
“I understand, Leah. Remember, no pressure.”
She exhaled. “Thank you.”
Tyler checked his wristwatch. “I better head home. I’ll see you around.”
“Sure.”
Tyler stepped back and waved goodbye. Leah returned the gesture and strolled into her house. Per routine, she stepped out of her heels and proceeded to her bedroom. That was unexpected. Leah tied her hair into a high ponytail and strolled to her closet.
As she selected her clothes for the photo shoot, she let her love of fashion and coordinating outfits silence the worry gnawing at her gut. The temperatures were still tepid outside, so she chose a strapless woven maxi in a floral motif. It fitted around her waist and its smocked bodice and would look great in the photos.
For her second choice for casual wear, Leah picked a yellow floral blazer. Her white t-shirt would match along with her fitted sky blue jeans. Though Leah’s stomach knotted, she packed her clothes in a small duffle bag. Shoes were next for her to pick out, but her buzzing phone interrupted her thinking. Leah retrieved her phone and grinned at the sight of Cole’s name.
7:26 PM… Cole: It’ll be fun don’t stress
Leah huddled in the corner of her closet. She typed her response.
7:29 PM… Leah: How did u know?
7:32 PM… Cole: I know u
7:34 PM… Leah: After all this time? LOL
She bit her bottom lip awaiting his response. Her phone vibrated.
7:38 PM… Cole: Some things u don’t forget
Leah moved to her bed and plopped onto the mattress clutching her phone. She pinched the bridge of her nose. She couldn’t look at him as anything more than a friend. They were only working together. She was doing this for her business, and for herself. Leah typed out her response.
7:43 PM… Leah: No u don’t. Gotta get some sleep so I’ll see u tomorrow
7:45 PM… Cole: Goodnight