“Celeste… she’s the one that got me thinking about publishing my book.”
“How’s that?”
“I wrote a few chapters, and it slipped in our conversation one day when I stopped by the diner for lunch. I told her I wasn’t sure, but she said she would be the first to read it when I finished it.” His brother hung his head.
“That’s nice of her.”
“It was. She’s sweet.”
“So, you have noticed her?”
Seth’s eyebrows furrowed. “Sure I did, but that means nothing.”
“True.” Cole ate a French fry.
“I don’t know about anything happening—”
“Seth?” a female voice interrupted.
Both brothers angled their bodies to face Celeste, who stood only a few inches away from Seth. Despite her biting her lower lip and scraping a hand through her hair, she rolled her shoulders back.
“Yes?” Seth replied.
“This is way out of my comfort zone, and I know this is not the right time, but I’m taking a risk.” She took a calming breath. “I like you. I always have. Whether you like me, I wanted to be honest and tell you the truth.”
If only he was as bold.
Seth cleared his throat. “I… don’t know what to say. You kind of… caught me off guard.”
Celeste’s eyes shimmered with affection for him. “I know this was as random as it gets, but I wanted you to know.”
Seth rubbed his chin. “You think we… can talk?”
Celeste beamed. “I’d like that.”
Cole checked his watch. “Well, I need to get going.” He stood upright and left a tip for the bartender. He didn’t say another word, but tiptoed around them and sauntered out the door.
He pulled out his phone again, calling Leah. Nothing. He tried once more as soon as he settled in the driver’s seat of his truck. Should he give up? He cranked the engine and headed to her house. How angry was she? Sure, he could have picked up the phone, but her ex-boyfriend calling unexpectedly rattled him. He wouldn’t repeat his mistakes. Whoever loved him for him, he would cling tight to those people no matter what.
Thankfully, there was little traffic to Leah’s house. Traffic jams in Piedmont Valley, rare. Cole pulled into her driveway only to have his heart sink. Her car wasn’t there. He blew out his cheeks.
Did he wait too late? Why did he run when all he wanted was to hold her? The first sign of adversity and he bolted like lightning.
The next time they talked, he would lay his cards on the table. He would never again rob her of her own choice. If she chose him, he would respect her decision either way. Was that real love, letting a person go? What if her happiness meant giving up his own?
Cole gripped the steering wheel. The only thing that would calm his nerves was his deserted barn. Cranking the engine once more, he pulled out of Leah’s driveway. The hum of the engine kept him company as he drove in silence.
Chapter 27
Leah helped clear the plates from Gemma’s dining room table. “I’m glad the spring festival is still on. Too bad about all the damage to the center.”
Gemma collected the glasses. “I know. From what I hear, we got a donation for the repairs.”
“Any idea who?”
“They said the person wanted to remain anonymous, but if I know April, that won’t be for long.” Gemma winked.
The corners of Leah’s mouth turned up. “You’re right.”