by Daria White
“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
7:46 PM… Leah: Goodnight
Leah set her phone on her nightstand to charge it. She reclined on her bed, tucking her hands underneath her cheek. You’re taking a break. She told herself.
Chapter 9
The bell on Leah’s front door chimed. They had agreed he would pick her up at her boutique and they would ride to the park together and then finish the formal shots at his studio. Leah adjusted her strapless dress and slipped her feet into her heeled wedges. She kept her makeup natural for the outdoor photos but would try a smoky look for the formal wear. She threaded a hand through her loose curls, loving her honey blonde highlights.
“Leah?” Cole called out.
She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “I’m here. I’m ready.” She grabbed her purse and strolled to the front of the store. She found Cole standing with his arms crossed over his chest. Leah let out a shaky breath. “Are you ready?”
He met her gaze. “You look great.”
She smiled. “Thank you. I was going for a natural look for the park.” She massaged the back of her neck, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth.
Cole drew closer. “It will be fine. You’ll have fun.”
“Okay.”
He extended a hand, and she took it. Her heart skittered as his strong hand clasped hers. He led her out the door, but Leah released his hand to lock up the store. She refrained from taking his hand again.
Displaying his chivalry, Cole opened the passenger door for her. Leah secured her seatbelt, hearing the buckle clink. He joined her inside, pulled out of his parking space, and headed for the park.
Leah wrung her hands together. She couldn’t deny the sensation when their hands touched. She and Cole were friends. She was finally starting to move on with her life. She loved her salsa lessons, her new hair, and looked forward to riding a horse.
“I like your hair,” Cole complimented.
“Thank you.”
“What brought that on? Wanted something different?”
“Something like that.”
“Looks great on you.”
“You still look the same.” She gave him a once over. “Are you trying to grow a beard?”
Cole rubbed his chin. “Maybe.”
Leah liked the stubble on his face. He had matured into a handsome man. “What I want to know is… how is this going to go? Remember, I’m not a model.”
“I’ll talk you through it. Be yourself.”
Upon arrival at the park, Leah gazed outside the window. Sunlight streamed through the tree branches. Exiting the truck, her eyes scanned the mature trees and meandering paths. She spotted a gazebo in the distance, benches, and a pond with geese nibbling at the grass along the edge.
She wrapped her arms around herself and listened to the birds’ chirps while waiting for Cole. He met her at the front of his truck and pointed toward a large tree. Leah strolled to the oak tree and whirled around to face him. Cole took out his camera.
Leah put her hands on her hips. The hem of her sundress floated as she looked into the distance. Her hair danced in the wind.
“Stay like that,” Cole said.
She couldn’t imagine how her expression looked as he took the photo. It was surreal.
“Okay, now relax and smile.”
Leah shook out her hands.
“Naturally smile,” he joked.
“Okay.” She ended up forcing a smile. She smoothed down the front of her dress to relax, yet her hands fidgeted.
“Relax, Leah.” His tone sounded peaceful.
Leah rolled her shoulders. Taking in a deep breath, she caught a whiff the flowering trees. “Okay.”
“Think about… our senior trip.”
Leah giggled. She and her senior class took a road trip to Austin, Texas. They had toured the Alamo and took silly photos in front of the historical landmark. Leah remembered the day as if it had only happened yesterday. She and Cole had fun touring the city along with her other classmates. He snapped so many photos; they had enough for the yearbook.
“There you go.” Cole snapped another picture. “Now pivot towards the tree. Hands on the trunk.”
Leah followed his directions. “Like this?” She placed her hands on the tree bark.
“Perfect.” He snapped a few more photos. “How about the park bench?”
She took a seat on the wooden bench. The sun warmed her face, but the mist from the fountain because of the breeze added relief. She then draped her hair over one shoulder.
“Hands on either side of you. Tilt your head.” His jaw muscles clenched as if he were in deep concentration.
Leah followed his instructions. Her hands on either side of her, she tilted her head. Cole backed away from her as he took the photos. Then he drew closer and took her hand in his.
“One hand on your shoulder,” he said.
The brush of their hands sent a warm, fuzzy feeling through Leah. She kept her hand on her shoulder as Cole squatted down for the shot. A few more pictures and he was ready for her to change. Leah made a quick trip to the ladies’ room to change into her white t-shirt, yellow blazer, and sky-blue skinny jeans. She strutted back to Cole in her wedge sandals to find him sitting on the bench scrolling through the photos.
“How do they look?” She wrung her hands together and then brushed her side bang away from her face. She had put her hair in a high ponytail, grateful that she felt cooler. Cole’s eyes sparkled as he met her eyes. Her heart leaped.
“So far, these look good,” he said.
She pointed to his camera. “Can I see?”
He turned to shield it away from her. “Not yet. You’ll see them soon enough.” He gave her a once over, with a smile reaching his eyes. “I like this outfit too. It’s fun
but classy at the same time.”
Leah diverted her gaze to the birds splashing in the nearby birdbath. “Thank you… where do you want me to stand?”
Cole scratched his head. “How about we take it back to the tree? There’s also a gazebo further down.”
Leah agreed and moseyed back to her original spot. This time, Cole had her lean against the tree with her hands behind her back. At the gazebo, he kept her laughing as he snapped the photos, and she relaxed even more. Finally, Cole said they had enough of the park photos, and they headed back to his studio.
Leah laced her fingers back and forth. She couldn’t wrap her mind around this new feeling she had around Cole.
“Are you okay?” he asked. He pulled his truck back in front of his studio.
Leah reached for her cellphone. “I’m fine.”
“It hasn’t been too bad has it? You’re a natural in front of the camera.”
“Thank you, but I’ll stick to my day job.”
He laughed along with her and opened the truck door for her. Once inside his studio, Leah studied the room while she set her bag on the chaise lounge chair. Scattered black and white photos decorated the walls. A Kodak camera? Only Cole would keep such a memento.
“I like this place, Cole,” she complimented, pirouetting to survey the place. “Your pictures are amazing. This place has you written all over it.”
“I like it too.”
“I still can’t believe you’re home.”
Cole stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I can’t either, but I knew it was time.”
****
Cole stared as Leah roamed his studio. She practically beamed and warmth flooded through him when they were at the park. He loved her hair, especially in the high ponytail. He even took a few silly photos to loosen her up. Leah glowed in front of the camera, and he was enjoying the time they were spending together. His hand had tingled when he took her hand leaving her store.
“I should probably change,” she said. She walked over and grabbed her bag.
Cole pointed her into the direction of his dressing rooms. “You’re not getting restless, are you?”
“A little, but I’m starting a Pilates class soon. I hear regular exercise helps with energy.”
“Pilates? Trying something new again?”
“Why not? You only live once. What about you? Did you have fun traveling in Europe?”
“I did, and it was a sight. I’ll never forget it.”
“I’m glad you’re home, Cole.”
Heat coursed through his veins. “Me too. I… I missed you, Leah.”
Her eyes sparkled, showing she approved of his comment. “I missed you too. You were a great friend.”
He felt his face fall but recovered quickly. “We should… we should get a move on the formal shots. I’ll wait for you to get ready.”
Leah headed for the dressing room, leaving Cole alone. She had said “friend.” Could he be her friend still? Were the flutters in his stomach a figment of his imagination? In the park, he had longed to brush her hair behind her ears. He ignored the tingling in his hands urging him to touch her.
“I think I’m ready,” her sweet voice said.
Cole stared at Leah’s black cocktail dress. A simple gold chain necklace fit within the V-neck, and her black platform pumps completed her look. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. Her eye makeup was smoky, bringing that much more definition to her eyes.
Cole’s breath caught in his throat. “You look…”
Leah spread her arms wide. “Are the flowy belle sleeves too much?”
“No… I meant you look… incredible.” He drew closer, and she raised her chin to meet his gaze. Cole gave in and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
Leah gasped. Her pupils dilated. “Thank you. Well… where should I stand now?”
Cole cleared his throat. Instead of answering, he took her hand and led her to his collapsible backdrop. He made sure Leah didn’t stumble over the extension cords but had her stand in the center of the gray pine backdrop. He watched Leah fiddle with her stud earring and rested his hands on her shoulders.
“Breathe. You’re already halfway through. It’s been fun. Right?”
“It has. I have a lot on my mind.”
Cole slid his hands down her arms and stepped away. He positioned himself behind his camera. He eyed Leah standing with her hands on her hips. “This time one hand on your hip.”
Leah complied. “You’re good at this. I appreciate your help.”
“Anything for you,” he said.
He directed her through her poses. Leah beamed. They occasionally reminisced and laughed at old times as teens. By the time he took the final shot, Leah looked restless. He gave her the okay sign, signifying they finished. Leah stepped out of her heels and plopped on his lounge chair.
“I have a new respect for models.” She stretched out her legs and crossed her ankles. “That was no joke.”
Cole laughed. “It is more work than what people think.” He slid over to where she sat, and to his surprise, she scooted over for him to fit next to her. “I didn’t tire you too much did I?”
“I hope not. I have a long day tomorrow. Plus, I’m going horseback riding.”
He furrowed his eyebrows. “What? Since when?”
Leah covered her mouth as if she said too much. “Never mind.”
“I’m guessing this is something different again? Leah, what’s up?”
Leah’s hand fell from her mouth. “Can you still keep a secret?”
“Always.”
Leah exhaled. “Okay… I’m kind of taking a break… from dating. I guess you can call it a hiatus.”
Cole eyed her. “What brought this on?”
She rubbed her forehead. “I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”
“We’re friends. Remember?”
Leah draped her hair over her shoulder. “I… I think I need time to myself. So, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I’m even taking salsa lessons.”
“Salsa?”
She folded her arms over her chest. “I’m serious. This is important to me. I want the happily ever after, but… I want to work on me first.”
“I can respect that. So salsa lessons, Pilates, your hair, and horseback riding?”
“Crazy, huh?”
“No, I’m proud of you. A lot of us don’t take the time to get to know ourselves before we get into a relationship. You need to know what you truly want.”
Leah’s eyes gleamed. “Exactly.”
He extended his hand. “Show me what you’ve learned so far señorita.”
She laughed. “I’m not that good. I only know the basics.”
He stood to his feet. “Then show me the basics.”
She slipped him a curious glance but took his hand and stood to her feet. Cole led her to the middle of the floor, and Leah showed him the neutral position. Soon the couple was dancing back and forth, but Cole caught Leah off guard when he spun her around him. When he dipped her to one side and the other, Leah gasped. He brought her back to his chest.
She breathed. “Where did you learn that?”
“I may have traveled some in Spain.”
“Still full of surprises, huh?”
He winked. “A few.”
Leah barely reached Cole’s shoulder, but he didn’t mind her being shorter than he was. She then brought her hands to rest on his chest. Electricity sparked when their eyes met, but then she backed away. Cole released his grip on her waist.
Leah tugged at the flowy sleeves of her dress. “I should change and head home. I’m pretty tired.”
He frowned. “I’ll… I’ll let you know when the photos are done.”
She grabbed her shoes. “I can’t wait to see them. Thank you again.” Leah hustled for the dressing room. She shut the door behind her leaving Cole alone.
Chapter 10
Leah took in the open pastures with tracks worn into them. Long dirt roads, wind
ing creeks, dusty grounds, and wildflowers surrounded the space. Noticing the rows of fences, round bales of hay, and the grazing livestock, she wrung her hands together.
Then she turned and eyed the Quarter Horse Buckskin. Was she taking this hiatus too far? She didn’t need to learn how to ride. She’d been to Lee’s Dude Ranch before but always stayed in the background to feed the chickens and the cows. Mounting a horse was a different story. Still, she wanted to be brave. It wasn’t so much riding the horse but facing a fear of hers. She didn’t want to cower, even with something as simple as riding a horse.
Lee’s son, Will, held the reins out to her, encouraging Leah to get familiar with the mare, stating that her name was Molly. Leah stiffened, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her booted feet planted on the hard-packed ground beneath her. With her arms dangling at her sides, she gawked at the horse.
Second thoughts plagued her mind. What if the horse bucked? What if all of this was a bad idea? Despite the thudding in her chest, she wanted to try.
“If you relax, Molly will too,” Will’s deep voice pointed out. “She’s friendly.” He adjusted the cowboy hat at his brow.
Leah met his crystal blue eyes. “I feel really… small.”
Will petted Molly. She neighed in response, causing Leah to jerk. She drooped her shoulders and leaned back on one foot. Her breathing steadied, though her palms remained sweaty. She pressed her lips together and accepted the reins from Will.
“Try backing up, she’ll follow you,” Will said.
Leah did and her eyes widened as Molly followed. Her mouth curved into a smile at the horse’s response. She then reached out her shaky hand to pet the side of Molly’s face.
Will grinned. “Try it again.”
Leah took a few steps back. Molly instinctively followed once more, her hooves clopping. “Wow, good girl.” She petted the horse again, only to feel the soft nuzzle of the horse’s lips to her face. Leah’s heart melted.
“You can walk her around. You don’t have to ride her yet if you don’t want to,” Will suggested.
Leah agreed. “I’ll walk her for now. I want to get used to her first.” She pivoted and walked in the opposite direction, being careful not to jerk the reins as Will had directed her earlier. Molly even nudged her shoulder at one time, and Leah’s grin grew wide as she connected with the horse.
