Her pained expression broke him.
“No, they need you. Go.” She hurried out the door.
Seth looked behind him and then back at his brother. “What happened?”
Cole had to stop her. He had to explain. Unfortunately, April caught his arm.
“There you are,” she said. “We want pictures for the newspaper. Where’s your award?”
“April, give me a minute,” Cole said, breaking contact with her.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
Cole didn’t respond but diverted his eyes back to Leah. She was in the backseat of a car—a Toyota Camry to be exact. Leah was catching a ride with Mrs. Hartley who apparently was leaving early. He couldn’t let her get away. He loved her too. He loved her since high school but never had the courage to say. Time had changed him and he wouldn’t keep his heart locked away.
“Leah, wait! Leah!” Despite his efforts, he came up short. He barely touched the trunk of the car, only to let her slip through his fingers. Why didn’t he say it back?
“Cole!” Seth shouted.
He leaned forward resting his hands on his knees catching his breath. The tires scattered dust causing Cole to cough.
“I told April to wait for you inside,” his brother said. “Now what happened?”
He dug into his pocket for his keys. “I have to go after her.”
His brother patted his back. “Come back inside for a moment. April will not let up until you do.”
“I have to talk to Leah.”
“She’s not leaving town. I promise you that. I don’t know what happened, but she probably needs a minute. Come back inside.” He gave his brother a side hug walking back with him toward the barn.
Cole’s stomach hardened.
Chapter 29
Cole gripped the steering wheel of his pickup truck. Looking back and forth from the speedometer and the open road, he focused on what he would say to Leah. I love you too. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve been in love with you since high school.
It all sounded good in his head, but would the words come out right when he saw her? Why did his brain turn to mush when she smiled? Passion took hold of him when they kissed. Completely mind numbing, he lost his sense of reality. How did she take him out of his world? How did she make it that much better?
Pulling into her driveway, he dashed out of his car and knocked on her door. To his surprise, a young blonde answered.
“Can I help you?” She asked cuddling Leah’s puppy. The woman’s eyes sparkled.
“I’m assuming Leah’s not home,” Cole said.
“No, but I’m Chloe, her dog walker and sitter. Can I take a message?” Then Chloe’s eyes focused on his truck. “I thought she left with you for the festival.”
“She did, but she left. I’m trying to find her.” Cole then reached out and petted Chip. “It’s nice to meet you Chloe. I’m sorry you couldn’t make the festival.”
“No problem. I have a paper due after spring break, so I needed the study time. Was it like this when you were in college?”
“From what I remember, yes.” He checked his watch. “You have no idea where she could be?”
Chloe shrugged her shoulders. “I wish I could help you. Maybe to a place that makes her happy.”
Cole nodded, and with that, Chloe closed the door. He paced back to his truck. Where was Leah? Then his eyes bugged. A place that made her happy. He dashed for his truck, barely giving the engine time to settle after he cranked it. He pulled out of her driveway, not wasting another minute.
****