Only You

by Deborah Grace Stanley

  When Cole didn’t move or speak, she smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand. He winced, but turned and squinted against the bright sunshine pouring through the front windows of the diner. A picnic.

  “You been talkin’ to Miss Estelee?”

  “No. Why?”

  Miss Estelee had said something about a picnic when he’d been trimming her bushes earlier. It’s a wonder he remembered anything the woman had said. She’d called him at the crack of dawn, insisting that he trim her boxwoods. She could have mentioned it when he was there yesterday instead of waking him up at an indecent hour insisting that he come to her house first thing.

  Dixie snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Hello? Anybody home in there?”

  “Sorry. Miss Estelee was saying something earlier about a picnic out by the angel monument. I didn’t quite follow.” It wasn’t unusual for Miss Estelee to go on about things, but this morning, she’d been really worked up, telling him some story about an old love and picnics in the Town Square.

  “Sounds like a stellar idea to me. I’ll pack some things up. You get yourself awake.”

  Dixie disappeared into the back. Cole leaned forward and tried to roll some of the kinks out of his neck. A picnic with Josie might be just the thing. She was probably hunched over her computer and wouldn’t eat if he didn’t take her out. And a picnic in the middle of town would sure test the waters of how she felt about being seen in public with him. Still, was he ready to risk that? Was it too soon?

  Dixie dropped a heavy bag in front of him then turned to fill large paper cups with ice and sweet tea.

  “I don’t know, Dix. What if she says ‘no’?” He raked a hand through his hair. He hadn’t pulled it back this morning, hadn’t shaved. He’d been working outside at Miss Estelee’s—

  “Life’s full of risks. No guts, no glory and all that. Besides, I’ve never known you to be the kind of man that backs away from a challenge.”

  She put the cups of tea in a bag and set them next to the other. Cole stared blankly at the food.

  Dixie pushed the bags closer to him. “Come on. You’re burnin’ daylight. Do you want someone else to whisk her away for lunch while you sit here starin’ at the food?”

  That got his attention. Dixie knew everything about everybody. She must have heard something. “You know somethin’ I don’t?”

  “I heard Martin McKay’s been sniffin’ around her. I even heard he took her to some fancy place up in Knoxville for dinner right after she got back in town.”

  “Come on. Josie Lee and Martin McKay? He’s not her type.”

  Dixie leveled him another one of those looks. “He’s exactly her type. Cultured, educated, rich . . . ”

  “From the right side of town,” Cole finished.

  “There is that, if that kind of thing concerns you.”

  His spine stiffened. “Never concerned me before.”

  She wiped her hands on her apron and said in that matter-of-fact, direct way of hers, “You might want to give it a little thought before you go puttin’ your heart on the line. Some folks in town might not take kindly to the two of you seein’ each other.”

  “I never really cared what folks think, either.”

  “What about Josie?”

  “I can’t speak for her.”

  “That about brings us full circle. You gonna sit here and wonder, or you gonna do something about it?”

  Cole stood, pulled some bills out of his pocket, and dropped them on the counter. “Guess I’d best be gettin’ over to the library.”

  Dixie smiled. “Now you’re talkin’.”

  *

  All morning, Josie struggled to keep her mind on her work. However, thoughts of Cole stole her concentration. These feelings she was developing for him surprised her, no doubt about it. Who’d have thought she’d ever go for a man like Cole Craig.

  “Psst. Josie.”

  She turned to find Cole peering in her window. Her heart did a funny little flip at the sight of him. Today, he wore a navy T-shirt with his jeans. Dark stubble shadowed his face and his hair swung loose around his shoulders. She decided she liked him like this. He had a wild, untamed look, even though the hint of curl in his hair softened him a bit.

  Hurrying over to the cracked window, she pushed it open. “You know, we do have a front door.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, but that would be too easy. Good thing these boxwoods haven’t been trimmed in awhile or else this would be like usin’ the front door, what with everybody passin’ by this time of day.”

  “I was about to speak to the maintenance guy about pruning them.”

  Cole shook his head. “Not a good move. Fred would wind up butchering them. I’d do it for you, but I’m havin’ too much fun.” His smile was wide and unrepentant.

  Josie pushed the window open wider and sat on the sill. “Well, are you coming in?” After another long morning at the computer, she liked the idea of sitting knee to knee with Cole on her window sill and chatting for a bit.

  “Nope.”

  “No?”

  “Nope. You’re comin’ out.” He held up a hand and waited for her to take it.

  “I couldn’t—”

  “Sure you can. Just swing your legs over, and I’ll lift you down.”

  “But—”

  “No ‘buts.’ I’m taking you to lunch.”

  “I’d planned on working through lunch.”

  “I got Dixie’s chicken salad sandwiches. Your favorite.”

  Josie’s stomach grumbled. “That’s not playing fair.”

  “I never played fair in my life. Why should I start now?” He wiggled his fingers. “Come on.”

  She chewed on her lower lip, considering. He took her hand and gave it a tug. “Ah!” She tumbled out of the window, nothing but air separating her from the ground. But Cole caught and pressed her against his solid chest. She flailed until her arms were secure around his neck.

  “Shh. I got you,” he said close to her ear.

  He did indeed. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensations coursing through her body. He had the broadest shoulders and strongest arms. The kind that made a woman feel small and petite, secure and safe. Not that she needed any of those things. But if she did, he’d certainly be the one to—

  He set her on her feet and stepped back. Apparently, he’d been totally unaffected by the contact.

  “There ya go. I thought we could head out to the Town Square and picnic by the angel monument.” He picked up a blanket and a couple of bags that had been partially concealed by an overgrown bush.

  “Okay,” Josie agreed, but wondered how she would explain re-entering the library when she was supposed to be in her office working.

  His smile was nothing short of brilliant. She smiled, too. Past the Courthouse with its clock chiming noon, past the First Presbyterian Church, even past the bank, and all the way to the Town Square. Was it her, or was the sun brighter today? The sky bluer? The robin’s song more lyrical? Josie frowned. The Town Square, more crowded with people?

  “Here we are.” Cole spread out a soft, red plaid blanket on the grassy spot behind the tall angel monument that had stood in the Town Square for more than a hundred years. He set the bags he’d been carrying down, then took her hand and said, “Hope you’re hungry.”

  She turned to see Reverend Strong watching them as he passed by, his curiosity clearly evident on his face. She blushed. Josie pulled her hand away. Cole didn’t miss a beat.

  “Afternoon, Preacher,” he said. “Fine day for a picnic, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Harumph.” The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Angel Ridge had to clear his throat before he spoke. Josie noticed that he wore his usual dark suit and clerical collar. “Indeed it is.” He nodded to her and said, “Dr. Allen, Cole. Good day,” before continuing down the brick sidewalk.

  Josie’s blush deepened. “Pastor Strong.”

  “I hope you’re hungry.” Cole dropped to one knee and tried to pull her down b
eside him, but Josie resisted. “Something wrong?” He squinted into the sunshine as he looked up at her.

  She looked around at all the people milling about, then lowered herself beside him. “Maybe we should have picked a less busy place for a picnic,” she whispered.

  “Well, I can’t say the thought didn’t cross my mind. But I figured you might think it improper if I took you somewhere…” he paused, and then added, “more secluded.”

  The timbre of his voice dipped to a soft bass on that last word. He was probably right. Any more time alone with the compelling Cole Craig, and it’d be hard telling what she’d do. She should be working. She’d decided last night she couldn’t afford any distractions right now. The handsome, sexy-as-sin man sitting so close beside her was beyond a distraction. And yet, here she was.

  “Cole, we are adults.” Josie laughed to cover her mixed emotions.

  He leaned in so that his face was only inches from hers. “So, you do want to be alone with me?” He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a lingering caress along her knuckles.

  “Oh…” she breathed just before her heart tripped into double time.

  “How’s that chicken salad?” Dixie Ferguson asked.

  Startled, Josie sat back on her heels.

  “I’m sure it’s as good as it always is, Dix,” Cole said, shooting her a look that could wound.

  Dixie nodded. Josie thought she saw her wink, but decided she must have imagined it. Dixie didn’t slow her hurried pace as she crossed the Town Square carrying a large box. “Glad to hear it,” she called out, then continued down Main Street toward Ferguson’s.

  The bag with a Ferguson’s Diner logo on the front rustled as Cole reached in to get the food. “There’s pickle wedges and fruit salad, too.” He handed Josie a thick sandwich wrapped in wax paper. “What’s the matter, Josie Lee? You look a little flustered.”

  Her hand fluttered in the vicinity of the collar of her white, cotton dress shirt. Jeez, it was warm.

  “Why don’t you take off that suit coat and relax,” he suggested before offering her a paper cup filled with iced tea.

  Relax? She looked around. That would be difficult—no impossible—with half the population of Angel Ridge bearing down on them.

  “You’re not embarrassed to be seen with me are you?”

  Josie turned to Cole then. He had a look of vulnerability on his face that surprised her, and pulled at her heart. “Cole, no,” she said immediately, squeezing his hand as she spoke. Then amended, “Well, it is a little embarrassing, but not for the reasons you’re thinking.”

  “What reasons, then?” he asked.

  He still had that look on his face. Josie removed her jacket with his help, set it aside, and then tried to make herself more comfortable. “Cole,” she began, “this is our first,” she paused searching for the right word, “public outing together. I mean, I know we went to the diner last night, but we were all alone except for Dixie. Here, I just feel like everyone’s staring. Like they’re curious about what we’re doing. It’s a small town.”

  A rakish smile pulled at the corner of Cole’s mouth, making him look devilishly handsome despite his fair, angelic features. “Are you worried about your reputation?”

  She toyed with the cuff of her sleeve and laughed. “Should I be?”

  He leaned forward and touched her knee. The intense look in his eyes, combined with his touch, nearly undid her.

  “If you give me the opportunity, we could sure find out,” he said softly.

  “Cole! I got that new level in that you ordered.” Mr. DeFoe from the hardware stood by their picnic blanket, smiling down at them as if he hadn’t just interrupted a sensually charged moment.

  Cole’s frustration was telling in the way a muscle ticked in his jaw. Josie had to admit, she felt a little relieved by the interruption. She undid a button on her blouse and fanned herself with the fabric.

  “Thanks, Mr. DeFoe,” Cole said, but didn’t stop looking at her as he spoke. “I’ll come by later and pick it up.”

  “Fine lookin’ level. I’ve had it out playing with it all mornin’. Yep, it’s as true as true can be.”

  Cole just smiled as he ran his fingertips around her kneecap. “Glad to hear it. See you later today, then.”

  “Oh!” The short and stocky man took a step back, as if he just realized he had interrupted something. “Yes, well, maybe you can have a look at those shelves in the back of my store when you come by. They could use some shoring up.”

  Cole sighed. “Be glad to.”

  “Well, then. Ahem. Yes—Miss Josie.” The older man nodded at Josie.

  She brushed Cole’s hand away from her knee. “Mr. DeFoe.”

  When the man finally moved on, Josie and Cole laughed. Glad that the atmosphere was slightly less charged, she unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite. “Mmm . . . there is nothing better than Dixie’s chicken salad.” She sipped her tea. “Except for maybe her iced tea.” The ultra sweet amber liquid tasted like nectar.

  He bit into his sandwich as well. “Dixie’s the best cook around, that’s for sure.”

  After they had both eaten most of their sandwiches, Cole said, “You know, Miss Estelee agreed that the angel monument was just the spot for us to have a picnic,” Cole said.

  Surprised, Josie asked, “You and Miss Estelee discussed our having lunch together?”

  “Well, you see, she called me this mornin’ and insisted I come by and trim her boxwoods. Let’s just say she was in a talkative mood today. She actually suggested that I bring you here.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Said that she used to sit on that park bench over there with her only love.”

  “I didn’t know she ever married,” Josie said, a little breathless.

  “Don’t believe she did, but she says if a fella wants to start things off right with a lady, he should take her to the angel monument early on.” He paused, then said, “You know, it was erected just before the Civil War to watch over and protect the town. Miss Estelee’s family commissioned a sculptor for the angel. My great-great grandfather made the brick pedestal he stands on.”

  “I had no idea.” He had her head swimming from his talk of only loves and beginnings. Why did things suddenly feel like they were spinning out of control?

  “Miss Estelee also puts in the flowers here every spring.”

  “She plants them herself?” Josie asked, surprised.

  “Nah. I set ’em out for her. She always chooses something red.”

  She smiled. “It must be her favorite color. I remember her wearing a new red dress to Christmas Eve services every year.”

  Josie glanced up at the angel monument. The warrior angel stood passive, holding a sword by its hilt, point down, a vigilant look on his handsome face. She suddenly realized that Cole bore a striking resemblance to the winged man the artist had immortalized in bronze.

  “Do you look like your great-great grandfather, Cole?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. Why?”

  She pointed up at the statue. “You look like the angel. I was just wondering if the sculptor maybe used your great-great grandfather as a model.”

  He laughed and stared up at the angel. “Who knows?”

  “Tell me something, Cole. Do you believe there are angels in Angel Ridge?”

  He grinned, “What? You wondering if they’ve appeared to every generation of Craigs since the town was founded?”

  “Well, yes,” she admitted.

  Cole took her hand and softly said, “I’m looking at the only angel I’ve ever seen in Angel Ridge.”

  The foot traffic seemed to die down. The tension between her and Cole was so thick, Josie found it difficult to breathe.

  “Maybe we should meet at one o’clock tomorrow,” he suggested, his voice husky.

  All of a sudden, she couldn’t focus on anything but Cole’s lips so close to hers. Josie nodded. “Maybe there’d be less people around later in the day.”

  He
grinned mischievously. “I thought I’d just take you to that clearing up in the tall pines. It’s nice and quiet up there.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it,” she admitted. Of course, she’d heard of it. It was kind of like Angel Ridge’s version of Lovers’ Lane. All couples went there to make out at least once in the course of their courtship.

  He touched her face. “I’d love to be the one to show it to you.”

  Without thinking, she leaned into his touch. She couldn’t deny that she’d like to find out what it would be like to be kissed. Really kissed. She was sure it would be nothing like the kisses she’s shared with the men she’d dated in the past. Those kisses had been nothing special. And she had to admit that being kissed by someone like Cole made the prospect much more exciting. She’d worry about the consequences later.

  He slowly leaned forward. This is it. It’s going to happen. He’s going to kiss me. But instead of her mouth, his lips brushed warmly across her cheek.

  She sighed, disappointed. Covering his hand with hers, she pressed it against her cheek. She’d like nothing better than to kiss him, but she was old-fashioned enough to want him to make the first move. Still, they needed more privacy than the Town Square provided.

  So, she suggested, “Maybe you could show me that clearing up in the tall pines . . . now.”

  Chapter Four

  Josie stared up at Cole. Desire had darkened her golden eyes to a beguiling shade of hot amber. He shifted. Taking Josie up to the lovers’ clearing would be a dream come true. But Josie wasn’t the kind of woman who did things on impulse. Not without regretting it later. Still, he didn’t want her to feel rejected.

  “What about work?” he asked. Maybe if he steered her attention back to business . . . .

  “I could call Teresa and tell her I’m taking the rest of the afternoon off,” she offered.

  She wasn’t helping at all. She turned her head and pressed her warm, soft lips against his palm. He wanted to kiss her so badly he couldn’t see straight. He grabbed a fist full of the blanket. The wool scratched his palm. Dear Lord. He needed a cold shower. Now.

  Josie looked up at him with a dreamy look in her eyes that he claimed all for his own. Energy seemed to crackle all around them. He inched forward, slowly. Their noses touched and they angled their heads in anticipation of the kiss. But just as his lips would have touched hers, a loud noise exploded inside his head. The earth vibrated beneath them.