“Okay cool. Goodnight, Leah.”
“Goodnight, Cole.” She sat her phone on her nightstand and held Chip.
It made little sense. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Yet, Leah’s heart skittered. Liking Cole replayed in her mind like a melody. She couldn’t even choose a movie to watch for the evening, so she settled into bed after placing Chip in his doggy bed. She clasped the surrounding covers. Even if her feelings were real, did he feel the same way? Leah’s eyes drooped. She could resume her thoughts tomorrow.
****
Cole laced his fingers together behind his head on his brother’s couch. He jolted upright at the sound of the backdoor opening. Seth was back.
“You look tired,” Seth pointed out. “Long night at the studio again?”
Cole rubbed at his eyes. “Yeah, I finally finished Leah’s photos.”
Seth said, “You missed it at Mack’s tonight, little brother. The guys asked about you.”
“I’ll go next time.”
“Can’t be all work all the time.”
Cole chuckled. “Says the guy who used to do three-a-day practices back in the day.”
“That was when I was training. I don’t need to do that anymore.” Seth’s shoulders sagged.
“Do you still think about what would have happened if you didn’t get hurt?”
His brother stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would even get through
physical therapy. That was the worst pain ever.”
“But you got through it. We’re Parsons men, remember?”
“Right.” Seth crossed the floor to the kitchen. Cole rose to his feet, massaging the back of his neck. “Want something to drink?”
“I’m okay. I need to go to bed. I have a long day tomorrow. Did I tell you I was booked for a wedding here in town?”
His brother raised an eyebrow. “Cool, but the only person I know getting married in town is—”
“Holly from the animal shelter. She and her fiancé Josh hired me. They want engagement photos and pictures for the day.”
His brother high-fived him. “You’re cleaning up, little brother.”
He frowned. “Trying to.”
Seth gave him a knowing look. “Just because Dad doesn’t say it, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care.”
Cole shrugged half-heartedly.
“Mom says that’s his way.”
“He was happy to say you made him proud though.” Cole scratched his head. His nostrils flared. “They drafted you in the NFL. You put this town on the map. He was proud to be the father of Seth Parsons.”
Seth glared at him. “It wasn’t easy convincing him though. He didn’t want me to go, but once he got used to the idea, he came around.” His expression softened. “Give him time.”
Shame washed over Cole. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go off like that. This is between me and Dad.”
Seth walked over and patted his shoulder. “He’s a character.”
“You got that right.”