When Sparks Fly (Pine Ridge Romance Book 2)

by Holly Stevenson

  He gave her a half smile. “Hey.”

  “Hey,” she replied, setting her phone on her lap. “Are you going out to eat?”

  He nodded. “There’s a Mexican restaurant in town that Sam wants to try—Casa Melinda, I think it’s called?”

  Leah blinked. “That’s where Bonnie and I are headed, too. She and Sam must have talked to each other.”

  Mitch shifted. “Must have,” he said, his smile slipping slightly.

  Leah bit the inside of her cheek. Did he not want her there? “Bonnie and I can go somewhere else if you and Sam want to do your own thing,” she offered.

  “No, it’s great.” He shook his head and met her eyes. “It makes sense for us to go together so we can share a ride.”

  “Yep.” Leah twisted her hands in her lap, wishing Bonnie would appear. Something about Mitch always unsettled her. Maybe it was the fact that he seemed uncomfortable around her—or maybe it was the distracting way his blue eyes contrasted so nicely with his dark hair.

  Mitch’s phone buzzed and he looked at the screen, his eyebrows bunching together.

  “Is everything okay?” Leah asked.

  “Sam can’t come. I guess he’s not feeling well.” He glanced at her and straightened his shoulders. “Maybe I should just—”

  Leah’s phone rang before he could finish the statement. She checked the screen. “Hold that thought—it’s Bonnie. I’ll see if she’s almost here.” She took the call, turning slightly away from Mitch to answer. “Hey, we’re in the lobby, are you almost ready?”

  “I’m so sorry, honey, but Allie called and needs to talk. Her boyfriend just broke up with her, so she’s pretty down. Why don’t you go on ahead with Sam and Mitch?”

  “I guess Sam isn’t feeling well, so it’s just me and Mitch.” Her heart gave a nervous flutter. She hazarded a glance at Mitch and found him studying her, his features tight. There was a pause on the other line.

  “Well, the two of you can find the restaurant just fine, I’m sure. Do you want me to send you a link to the address?”

  “Don’t worry about it, I’m sure we can manage. Tell Allie I’m thinking of her, all right?”

  “I will. Have fun.”

  There was an unmistakable smile in Bonnie’s voice before she ended the call, arousing Leah’s suspicions that she and Sam schemed this whole situation up. Leah lowered her phone and turned to Mitch. “Bonnie can’t make it either.” She lifted a shoulder, her heart beating a rapid staccato that it made it hard to breathe. “It looks like it’s just us . . . do you still want to go?”

  Mitch leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He wore a nice t-shirt and dark jeans, and she couldn’t help but notice his toned biceps that were normally hidden beneath his pilot jacket.

  He raised an eyebrow. “I guess I’m game, if you are.” He held her gaze.

  Leah hesitated for a fraction of a second. Part of her hoped he’d decline, still unsure why he seemed so uncomfortable around her. But the bigger part of her was relieved. Maybe getting to know each other would help clear the awkwardness between them.

  “I’m in too.” She clutched her purse and stood. “I’m always in the mood for Mexican food.”

  “Me too,” Mitch agreed, standing as well. She caught the spicy, masculine scent of his cologne. Ugh, why was she noticing? It made this feel a lot more like a date than two co-workers going out to dinner. She needed to get outside and clear her head. “I’ll order an Uber,” she offered, reaching for her phone.

  “I actually already ordered one on my way down.” He held up his screen. “I didn’t know how long it would take in Houston, but it looks like the driver just pulled up out front.”

  “Oh.” Leah was surprised by his thoughtfulness. “Thanks.”

  He nodded and they made their way to the entrance. It was one of those rotating doors, and they laughed a little as they had to time it just right. Another group entered the space with them, causing Leah to bump into Mitch’s back. A zing shot through her at the contact and she blushed.

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized, her face growing hot.

  “No worries.” He smiled at her over his shoulder.

  He had such a nice smile. She wished she would quit noticing.

  They stepped out of the rotating door to find the Uber car waiting for them. Mitch opened the door for Leah. Yet another gesture she tried not to read too much into. This wasn’t a date. It wasn’t. The butterflies in her stomach were probably only hunger pangs in disguise. She forced the blush to cool from her cheeks as Mitch slid onto the seat next to her and confirmed the address with the driver.

  She turned to him with an arched brow. “Look at you all prepared with the address and everything.”

  He shrugged. “I was an Eagle Scout.”

  She smiled. “Somehow, I can picture that. And I’m guessing you got your aviation merit badge?”

  He nodded. “My dad is a pilot too. He owns a Cessna 180, so I had an ‘in’ on that merit badge.”

  “You grew up flying?” She found herself wanting to know more, maybe discover some clue to unravel the mystery that was Mitch Harrison.

  “Yep. Some of my earliest memories include hanging out at the airport with my dad. It wasn’t hard to catch his enthusiasm for the hobby.” His face softened. “You know how most little boys say they want to be a firefighter or policeman when they grow up?”

  Leah nodded.

  “Well, for me it was being a pilot. I would draw pictures of airplanes and help my dad work on his airplane and fly with him almost every chance I got.”

  “It sounds like he’s been a great role model for you. Do you have any siblings?”

  His smile deepened. “Yeah, I have a younger brother. He didn’t come into the picture until I was ten, but that didn’t matter. I was thrilled to have a brother.”

  “Is he as passionate about airplanes as you are?”

  “Not really. He’ll go flying with me or Dad, but he’s not into airplanes as much as I was. He likes to skateboard, and he’s really good at tennis. It seems like my mom is always driving him around to one match or another.”

  “That’s awesome.” Leah liked the way Mitch’s eyes lit up a little when he talked about his family.

  “What about you? Any siblings?”

  Her stomach did the little pinch-thing it did when asked this question. She’d often longed for a brother or sister. Someone to share things with, and someone who understood what it felt like to be slowly losing her mom. “Nope. I’m an only child.”

  Mitch looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but their arrival at the restaurant halted the conversation. She felt bad that that he’d paid for their ride, and it already seemed too much like a date. “I’ll get the ride on the way back,” she insisted with a look that meant she wouldn’t allow an argument.

  “Okay.” He gave her a lopsided smile that she felt all the way to her fingertips.

  Leah cleared her throat and hurried out of the car before he could get her door. She needed fresh air. Distance from the close quarters of the backseat. The Houston air was slightly muggier than she would have liked, but at least she couldn’t smell Mitch’s amazing cologne. Maybe she was lonely. Maybe that’s why she seemed hyper-aware of him today.

  Yes, that had to be it.

  She thought of the text she’d received from Dan this morning, asking her out. Maybe it was time to rejoin that scene and give dating a try again. Not for a relationship, of course. But a friendly get-together would be nice. She glanced at Mitch as he made his way toward her, his broad, muscular shoulders stretching beautifully beneath his t-shirt. She blinked, finding it hard to think of anyone else when Mitch Harrison was around.

  Chapter Eight

  “Y un limonada, por favor,” Mitch said, earning a smile from the waitress as he handed the menu back to her. When he caught Leah staring, he realized he’d ordered in Spanish without thinking.

  “You speak Spanish?” she asked after the waitress left. Her deep
brown eyes were curious, and Mitch found himself staring back. He could get lost in those eyes.

  He shifted. “Just a little. I had a good friend growing up who was the only English speaker in his house, so I picked up some things. The rest I learned in school.”

  “That’s impressive. Do you know any other languages?” She leaned forward, and her long blonde hair tumbled down one shoulder.

  Mitch swallowed. He should have stayed at the hotel. Could she hear the way she made his heart pound? “I know sign language too,” he admitted, hoping it didn’t sound like bragging.

  Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”

  He nodded. “Lucas, my younger brother—” He looked down, adjusting the fork at his place setting. “—was born deaf.”

  “I’m sorry.” Her features tightened with pity.

  Mitch blew out a breath. “He deals with it well. But I do wish he’d get out a little more. He’s a senior in high school, and he spends most of his weekends at home. I just don’t want him to feel like this disability defines him. He has so much to offer.”

  Leah’s eyes softened. “There’s no doubt about it. And he’s lucky to have such a caring older brother.”

  He leaned back in his seat. “Nah. I’m pretty sure I’m the lucky one.” She smiled, and there was a momentary pause in the conversation. Mitch was about to say more when she spoke again.

  “My mom has Alzheimer’s.”

  He blinked a few times, completely caught off guard. “Oh man. That’s awful. I’m really sorry,” he managed, his mind spinning with questions and the implication of what this would mean for Leah. Especially as an only child. “How long ago was she diagnosed?”

  She squinted and looked away. “About a year and a half ago. In the beginning, it wasn’t too bad. She would repeat herself, forget things. My grandma had dementia too, so the warning signs were there, but I refused to acknowledge them. Then when my mom’s memory started to get worse, that’s when I knew—I just felt in my gut—that something was wrong.” She looked down at her hands. “She was only forty-six when the symptoms started coming on. It’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s. It’s not very common.”

  His heart stung. Leah’s face was impassive, but he could see from the crease between her brows just how much this impacted her life. From what he knew of Alzheimer’s, there was no cure. And it was terminal. “How is your dad handling it?” he asked gently.

  “He’s never been a part of the picture.” Her sad smile showed that it was okay he asked, but he still felt like an idiot.

  “I’m sorry,” he repeated, knowing there was nothing else to say.

  “It’s okay.” She straightened, forcing her smile bigger. “I didn’t mean to drop something so heavy. I just wanted you know that I get it. Nothing is worse than having someone you love struggle.”

  He nodded, but Leah’s situation seemed so much worse. If she was an only child, and her one family member had a terminal disease—an illness that would eventually prevent her from recognizing Leah—who would be there for her? He didn’t want to pry or stick his foot in his mouth again, but he had to get more information. “Who takes care of her while you travel?”

  “My friend Olivia. She’s been a lifesaver, and my mom adores her. So far, it’s been working out well, but as the disease worsens, I’ll have to come up with another solution. It’s already almost too much for one person.” Her brows wrinkled again.

  Without thinking, Mitch reached out and touched her arm. A jolt coursed through him at the contact. He drew his hand back and cleared his throat. “That’s a lot for anyone to deal with. I’m glad you have a friend to help.”

  She smiled, though it was slightly stiffer than before. “Yes, I have some close friends who are there for me no matter what. I couldn’t do it without them.”

  This was good news, but her change in expression wasn’t lost on him. Why had he made things awkward by touching her? “That’s awesome,” he said, grasping for something to say that would ease back to neutral territory.

  She leaned forward and grabbed a tortilla chip, dipping it in salsa. “So enough of the heavy,” she said, giving him a playful smile, “let’s hear more about First Officer Park.”

  “Who?”

  She arched a brow. “Candice Park. That pilot Sam was teasing you about.”

  “Oh.” His stomach twisted. This was not the neutral topic he’d been hoping for. The restaurant seemed to get hotter and he pulled at the collar of his t-shirt. “There’s really nothing to talk about.” He reached for a chip to give himself time to collect his thoughts. Maybe if he stuffed his face with food, she would change the subject.

  “Oh, come on. I promise not to tell anyone.” She rested her chin on her hand. “It seems like there’s a story there.”

  Mitch finished his chip and took a drink of water, pretending his flushed face was from the food. “Man, that salsa has some kick to it.”

  She nodded, but her eyes brimmed with amusement, clearly calling his bluff.

  He shifted. That teasing look spiked his blood pressure. Why did she care about Candice, anyway? It wasn’t like she was jealous. He set the glass down, deciding two could play at this game. “What about you and Dan?” he asked, hating the words even as he said them. But no way was he about to expound on his non-existent feelings for Candice Park.

  “Are you intentionally avoiding my question?”

  “Are you always this curious?”

  She swished the straw around in her glass of ice water. “I was just being sociable. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” She looked up, pausing to hold his gaze. “That blush said it all.”

  Mitch’s heart stuttered. If she only knew. If she had any idea what she did to him. Those gorgeous, teasing brown eyes were going to be his downfall. But he had to play it cool. He folded his arms and leaned back. “And you don’t have to tell me about Dan,” he countered, though he desperately did want information if there was any to be had.

  She studied a spot on the table, her mouth opening as if she was about to say more, but the waitress interrupted, carrying his lemonade and Leah’s soda.

  “Gracias,” Leah said to the waitress, giving Mitch a quick side-eye.

  The woman nodded at her before asking Mitch in Spanish if there was anything else he wanted.

  He glanced at Leah, a slow smile forming on his lips. “Si,” he answered the waitress, his eyes still holding Leah’s as he continued in Spanish, “But I can’t have her.”

  The waitress laughed, looking between the two of them before giving him a knowing wink and walking away.

  “What were you saying?” Leah demanded. “Were you talking about me?”

  “I guess you’ll just have to brush up on your Spanish.”

  “Mitch Harrison, you are far too secretive,” she said, tossing her hair back over her shoulder.

  He laughed and held up his hands. “I’m not allowed to keep secrets? You still haven’t answered my question about Dan.”

  “And you avoided my question about Candice.”

  “Touché.”

  They stared at each other for a long moment. Mitch’s heart hammered as the air between them thickened with expectancy . . . and something like desire. His mouth went dry as her eyes searched his. He didn’t dare breathe.

  Her phone rang from inside her purse, breaking the spell between them. She blinked a few times before fishing her phone out. “Sorry. It might be Olivia.”

  He nodded in understanding before leaning back in his seat, his heart still beating fast. Leah glanced at the screen and gave him an apologetic look.

  “It’s her. I’ll be right back.” She stood and walked away to take the call.

  Mitch watched her go for a moment before blowing out a long breath. He ran a hand along the back of his neck. What was he doing? Getting his hopes up with Heartbreak Hunter was not a good idea. And getting to know her better was only making things worse. She captivated him completely.

  But even as internal sirens
blared, he brushed them aside. He’d spent the last few months trying to ignore Leah and that hadn’t worked. Maybe it was reckless, but even if nothing more than friendship came of spending time with her, it would be better than no relationship with her at all.

  At least that was how he justified it to his heart. Deep down he knew that if all that came of this was friendship, it wouldn’t be enough. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

  Not nearly enough.

  Chapter Nine

  Leah stared out of her hotel window at the lights of Houston below. The city buzzed with life, and a pang of unexpected loneliness shot through her. Ever since Mitch had wished her a good night in the hotel lobby, she’d felt an inexplicable sense of restlessness. Normally, she didn’t mind being alone. She enjoyed having a nice hotel room to herself to relax and unwind in after a long day of work, but she’d been reluctant to say goodbye to Mitch—even sort of wishing he would want to stay in the lobby and chat for a while. What was up with her?

  Maybe it was the call from Olivia letting her know that her mom was doing well. It was easier to relax when she knew things were fine back home. But something told her there was more to this restlessness. She turned from the window with a sigh, reaching for the novel on her nightstand when her phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket, her stomach dropping when she saw that it was Dan. She’d never responded to his date invitation text this morning. How could she have forgotten again?

  She quickly took the call. “Hi, Dan.”

  “Hey, Leah. I hope I’m calling at a good time?”

  “Yes, it’s great. I’m sorry I haven’t replied to your text yet. It’s been a busy day.” She bit her thumbnail.

  “No worries. I figured you were flying around somewhere.” She heard the smile in his voice before he continued, “I would have waited for your reply, but my company is offering some tickets for an exclusive showing of the new Star Wars movie, and I wondered if you’d like to go?”