Seth’s gestures were sweet, and yet she couldn’t deny the passion igniting inside her with Cole around. Her lips twitched into a grin. Her thoughts centered on the facts revealing the truth.
She loved Cole. It shook her heart as the wind would a reed. If only her happiness didn’t mean the pain of another person. Guilt poured over her like a trembling flood. Sure, she could apologize, but she couldn’t turn off her feelings. While she shared memories with Seth, the promise of something new with Cole brewed inside her.
For the first time in a while, she wanted to try. Her fears, she could face head-on. Her journey to herself had proven what she was capable of all along. No longer would she hide behind her relationships. She would be loved for who she was and would refuse any man who would want her to conform to his life and plans without considering hers.
Seth didn’t fit completely into this category but… Brian did. Too many times, she’d given in, silenced herself, thinking she was “keeping the peace.” Yet, her voice in the relationship died. How did she let it go on for so long? Why wouldn’t she speak up? Although Brian wasn’t the enemy, he didn’t make her needs a priority.
Her excuse… at least she wasn’t alone. It wasn’t enough anymore. Singleness wasn’t a curse. In fact, since she had taken a break, she knew her heart much more now than ever before.
Back at the stables, she dismounted Molly and allowed the mare to nuzzle her face. Dust and dirt filled the air, and Leah choked on the dust that crept into her mouth. She unsaddled Molly after leading her back to her stall. She’d come a long way from someone who feared horses.
Giving Molly one final pat, Leah walked out of the stables. Waving goodbye to Will, she continued to her car, sliding into the driver’s seat. As soon as her phone buzzed, she answered Gemma’s call.
“Hey,” Leah greeted, cranking the engine.
“Where are you?” Gemma asked, sounding worried. “I thought you were stopping by the shop after lunch.”
Leah rubbed her face. “Sorry, Gem. It’s been…”
“Been what?”
“Seth knows about me and Cole.”
“That’s great you told him.” When nothing but silence followed, Gemma pressed, “Leah? Am I missing something?”
“Cole… surprised me last night with a picnic at his studio.”
“Aww… he was always my favorite.”
Leah broke into a grin. “Can we focus, please? I didn’t get a chance to tell Seth. Cole kissed me, and Seth saw us through the window.”
“Oh, no.”
“My thoughts exactly. I met him for lunch today and I forgot to tell you. He looked…”
“Hurt?”
“Disappointed.”
Gemma sighed. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know now. I wanted to explain, but he wouldn’t give me the chance.”
“Explain what?”
“That I didn’t mean to hurt him. I didn’t plan on any of this, Gem. I was finally okay with being by myself.”
“I know.”
“So why does it look as if I’ve complicated things even more?”
“How do you feel, Leah?”
Her bottom lip quivered. “I want to try with Cole.”
“Then go for it. Seth will understand. He of all people will understand. Give him time and then tell him what you’re feeling. He loves his brother, and if he still cares about you, he’ll want both of you to be happy.”
Would he? He wouldn’t hold a grudge against her and Cole. Leah thumbed her ear with her free hand. Perhaps Seth needed time to get used to the idea. However long he needed, she would respect his wishes.