Above the Fold

by Rachel Scott McDaniel

  “You dumped your punch on me.” She snapped.

  “Because you caught your hair on fire.” He laughed. “I solemnly swear to be your rescuer every time you twirl a sparkler like a baton.”

  Her eyes dulled, and the corners of her mouth pulled into a grimace. “I don’t view it with the same humor as you.”

  The hurt in her tone bruised him. “Elissa, it was an accident. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

  She scoffed. “You have no idea.”

  He leaned close, his shoulder brushing hers. “Then tell me.”

  “You were there, Cole.” Her eyes blazed layers of fire. “My hair had to be cut. Everyone made fun of me. Shadyside Slob all over again. And you added to the shame by giving me a nickname forever reminding me of my infernal clumsiness.”

  “Spark?”

  She nodded.

  His chest caved. He’d hurt her. “How come you’re just now telling me?”

  “Because.”

  So many unknowns hinged from that one word. Her closed-in posture and averted stare announced she wouldn’t give any more clues to the mystery.

  But she should know … “The name Spark wasn’t from then.”

  His words snapped her stiff, the napkin she held falling to her lap. “Of course it was. You hadn’t called me that until after the incident.”

  “Only because it gave me the freedom to do so. I admit I allowed you to believe the nickname stemmed from that, and I’m sorry for the deception. My pride was too thick back then. But the reality was, I’d been calling you that for years … in here.” He tapped his temple. “Since the moment at Howe Springs, you were my spark of hope. Still are.”

  The full force of her gaze penetrated his, stretching into his heart and wafting the embers of longing into a blaze. He had to convince this girl he was in it for the long run. And maybe he should start with the words she needed most to hear. “Elissa, the day when I left—”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Parker?” A reedy feminine voice floated over his shoulder.

  He twisted on his seat.

  Irene Harper stood an arm’s length away, complete with a burgeoning smile. “I believe you were expecting me.”

  Elissa bristled beside him, and the sizzling moment between them extinguished.

  CHAPTER 17

  Irene’s gleeful grin narrowed to a sardonic smirk. Elissa cut a glance to the napkin dispenser, catching her warbled reflection in the shiny metal. Pitiful. Messy. Why hadn’t she escaped to the powder room when she had the chance? She frowned. Because her heart had had its way. She had wanted to show support for Cole, while all along the man had been waiting for Irene.

  Played for a fool once again.

  “Miss Harper, how are you this morning?” Cole nodded, and Irene acknowledged his words with a flutter of her long lashes. “Forgive my confusion, but I was supposed to be—”

  “Elissa, something about you today reminds me of when we were in high school.” Irene eyed her hat, her words so syrupy-sweet Elissa was surprised she didn’t choke on them. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

  “Allow me.” Cole perused Elissa, his eyes hitching for a second on her mouth. “It’s the radiance. She has this youthful glow, making it hard for me to peel my eyes from her.”

  Elissa stood, her foot smacking the stool’s side. “Are you mocking me?”

  The smirk fell from his face. “Never.”

  Thoughts scattered like a thousand puzzle pieces in her mind. Cole’d protected her against Kendrew when they’d been younger, but chose to have a coffee date with Irene now? Surging heat replaced the stinging chill that had overwhelmed her moments ago. Adam might have devised the Shadyside Slob title, but Irene had broadcasted it more than anyone, making Elissa dread walking to school. Hadn’t Cole known that as well? Had Elissa not cried on his shoulder? Again and again.

  “I need to get back.” To real life. To guarding her heart. “To the office. One of us should probably work today.” She aimed a cold stare at Cole, and his forehead rippled. Why the man was confused, she had no clue. And at this point, she didn’t care.

  “Nice seeing you.” Irene didn’t have the courtesy to glance at Elissa, but slipped between her and Cole, claiming the stool Elissa had vacated.

  “Good day, Irene.” With a smile as painted as Irene’s eyebrows, she spun toward the exit. A large hand caught her wrist. “Do you need something, Mr. Parker?”

  “You.”

  A muffled gasp sounded from Irene’s direction.

  “I need you to stay.” Cole released Elissa and stood, giving her his seat. “I believe Miss Harper was about to tell me why she is here and not Dr. Sheffield.”

  Dr. Sheffield? The man whose charity Mr. Shelby had donated to? Was this for the memorial article Cole had mentioned last night? Air crept back into her lungs as the pieces came together. Cole had come for information and not a rendezvous with Miss Sultry.

  Irene angled toward Cole, excluding Elissa. “He had a last-minute emergency and charged me to deliver this.” She pulled an envelope from her plum overcoat. “He said it has all the details you need.”

  “Much obliged.” Cole tucked the envelope into the inside pocket of his jacket. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to return to work.” He ignored Irene’s jaw-dropping expression and clasped Elissa’s hand, helping her to her feet. “Nice seeing you.” He threw Irene’s parting words to Elissa right back at her and kept his glare on the door without even a peek her way. Oh, she could kiss Cole for that. He squeezed her hand, and out they went.

  Cole shed his jacket and draped it over his chair’s back. Elissa paced the small span of floor behind their stations, her fingers clutching Dr. Sheffield’s correspondence, her face pinched as if in deep concentration.

  “During his final meeting with me, Dan announced that he’d withdrawn his charity funding on the grounds that his interests had changed.” She rolled her eyes and tossed the letter onto his desk.

  “I don’t know why you keep reading it.” Cole plucked the pencil from behind his ear and pointed it at her. “This one’s yours.” He’d made a habit of stealing her pencils, paper, and hopefully her heart soon. Though he didn’t really want to steal that—he’d rather her freely offer it.

  “Seriously, Cole.” She snatched the pencil from his hand. “Dr. Sheffield all but spelled it out, didn’t he? Mr. Shelby withdrew his funding because of a new interest. In other words, a new flame?”

  “Think Miss Kerns had something to do with it?”

  She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Of course. That’s what gold diggers do.”

  “Gold digger, huh?” Cole steepled his fingertips under his chin, concealing his smirk. “Isn’t the term a bit judgmental?” Though Shelby’s former secretary wasn’t high on the morality list, she was low on the suspect one. No motive. Why kill the man who wanted to share his millions with her?

  “Cole, think. Mr. Shelby is in his late fifties. How old did Miss Kerns look?”

  “Mid-twenties.”

  “There you have it. What would a woman want with a man thirty years older than her?” She strutted over to her chair and sat down as if resting her case.

  The newsroom had grown quiet since the editorials were downstairs being inked by the monster. He glanced at Kendrew’s empty chair. The man had rushed through his work and left early. Smart move, considering Cole had some choice words begging to be released.

  He fought against a scowl and forced his attention back on the task at hand. Cole had gained enough information from Dr. Sheffield’s letter to craft a nice piece about Shelby. The man had contributed thousands to charity over the years. Supported the construction of the medical center which now serviced the community. Maybe the news would pad his character for when the facts about his affair leaked. Which hopefully, they wouldn’t. “You know what all this means, don’t you?”

  Elissa raised a brow. “What? That men shouldn’t be allowed to have pretty secretaries?”

  “Nice theory, but no.” He
smirked. “It means not only do Mrs. Shelby and her son have a motive against Shelby, but so does Dr. Sheffield. Shelby stopped the money flow. It’s rumored the doc had plans to add another wing onto the center.” Which meant Cole should probably inform Sterling. Later. “How about we break for lunch?”

  “Hmm?” Elissa’s pencil went limp in her hand. “Now?”

  “Can’t get a Drake’s sandwich past three, sweetheart. And it’s”—he checked his watch— “five until two. I remember how much you loved their creamed chicken sandwich.” Cole’s stomach begged for a yes. “Maybe after that, a quick detour to the incline.”

  “On the Duquesne?”

  “I have to remedy a past regret. Remember? You wanted to go up on Coal’s Hill, and I said it was a silly idea.” Those words had been born from hurt, which at the time, Elissa couldn’t have understood. If he was going to be a permanent fixture in Pittsburgh, he needed to face his demons. The major one being traveling in the cable car which scaled Mount Washington.

  Her brows squished together. “I can’t recall. But you were right. It’s silly to go up there without a specific reason.”

  “Then I should word it this way. I have a specific reason why I want to take you there. What do you say?” He almost threw a Spark in there but refrained. He’d tread carefully with that name. “We had our lives threatened last night, so I think today we can enjoy a break.”

  Her lashes lowered. “I haven’t started my article yet.” Frustration lined her tone. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea. You’re not trying to distract me, are you?”

  “Don’t be so cynical.” He pushed off her desk. “I haven’t started mine either. Don’t even have a lead.” Because he didn’t care if he won. Securing the headline once had been his ambition, but he’d discovered how empty it left him. Success had been a fickle comrade.

  Her lips twisted. “I shouldn’t.”

  “You wouldn’t reduce me to begging, would you?”

  “I might.”

  “Yesterday you put a dent in my ego by saving my life—for which, by the way, I endured a torrential ribbing from Sterling—and today you make me grovel?”

  Her fingertips pressed against a growing smirk.

  “Believe me, I’ll do it.” He stepped behind her chair. “Grab your coat and let’s go.”

  “I—I don’t think …” The panic returned, tightening her mouth and bunching the skin at the corner of her eyes. “Now’s not a good time. I really need to start this article. Maybe tomorrow?”

  “Please?” He reached over, skimming her arm, and snagged his pen which he’d left on her desk earlier. His gaze roamed the graceful curve of her neck. How easy it would be to press a kiss there. He swallowed and straightened. “A sandwich, the incline, and my undivided attention. What’s your hesitation?”

  Her gaze hooked his, and a smile lit her eyes. “Well, since you put it that way.”

  If the floor disintegrated beneath his feet, he’d never know. He floated on the hope of her words.

  CHAPTER 18

  Elissa clutched the world’s messiest sandwich. As if the huge helping of creamed chicken, cheese, tomato, and onions weren’t enough, the short-order cook had shoved French-fried potatoes in the mix. The sides of her mouth ached at the notion of fitting that thing in for a bite, but her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

  “Hey there, Miss Tillman.” Howard Drake waved from behind the soda fountain. “Sammy told me you were here.” He jerked the draft arm, filled a glass with cola, and handed the drink to a waiting customer. “Not your usual company.” Smiling, he nodded toward Cole.

  Cole’s brow raised slightly, and he bit off a hunk of his sandwich.

  “No, not today.” She captured the tomato before it slid out of the sandwich and shoved it back with her pinky. “But the event with that group happens again a week from tomorrow.” And hopefully, she could rally more people to come. Attendance had been pretty low.

  “Sounds great. Enjoy your lunch.” He shot another grin and returned to the kitchen.

  “Thank you.” She raised her sandwich to her mouth, ready to conquer it.

  “‘Usual company’?” Cole popped a potato in his mouth and reached for his Coke. “How do I get an invitation to that party?”

  “You become female.”

  He choked on his drink, and Elissa’s suppressed chortles ripped free.

  “If it’s all the same to you, I’ll sit that one out.” Cole wiped the side of his smiling mouth with a napkin. “I take it you come here for women’s meetings?”

  “I’m the chapter leader for Allegheny County.” Laughter erupted from a group of factory workers at a table across the room. Her mother would frown at the display, but Elissa smiled. “We support each other. Discuss our hardships. The goal is to make the city aware of its injustice toward women.”

  “You amaze me.” The deep resonance of his tone made her insides hum.

  She stirred her drink with her straw. “Those women are amazing. Some work at the hospital. Others in factories. They work identical jobs as men but are paid reduced wages. I’m thankful for my position at the Review because at least Father respects me enough to pay me competitively.” But for how long? Father hadn’t mentioned the loans recently. Did that signify finances were improving? Or was he delaying the inevitable?

  “I can see your influence.” He eyed the single yellow rose in the small glass vase in front of the napkin dispenser.

  Smiling, she glanced around the quaint area. Every booth had been decorated with a flower. “That would be Mrs. Drake’s doing. She’s the owner’s wife and a dear friend of mine.” She inclined her head to his plate. “How’s it taste?” She took a nice-sized bite of her sandwich.

  “They don’t make food like this in New York.”

  Her jaw stilled mid-chew.

  He leaned on his elbows. “Don’t believe me?” The normal rasp of his voice softened. “I’ve missed a lot of things about Pittsburgh. I couldn’t forget it. No matter how hard I tried.”

  “Pittsburgh couldn’t forget you either.” She bit the inside of her cheek, hoping with all hopes she didn’t make a complete fool of herself. “But it’s a little cautious, having you back within its borders.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I can understand that.” He shoved the salt and pepper shakers aside and reached across the table, his hand beckoning hers. “I only want to know if I’m welcome, or if I should remain outside its perimeters. The heart of the city is important to me.”

  Her toes curled inside her shoes, and she wiped her hands with a napkin. Could she? The vault of her heart had been locked, and Cole seemed to be the only one with the combination. He knew which way to turn her feelings and push the pressures of her soul. Last time, he’d stripped that vault bare and ran off with the spoils. Could she trust him again? She stared at his hand, awaiting hers. Pressing her palms to her thighs, she inhaled a stabilizing breath. “I can’t answer you now.” The truth peeled from the swell of emotions. “But know I’m not as opposed as when you first arrived.”

  “Making progress. That’s all a guy can expect.” He flexed his fingers, reached for a fried potato, and grinned as he tossed it in his mouth.

  Elissa relaxed against the wooden seat. “I’m not sure I can eat anything else.” She’d made a meager dent in her meal, but she couldn’t tempt her fluttering stomach.

  “Ready to head to the incline?” Cole finished off his Angus beef sandwich and wiped his fingers with his napkin.

  She nodded but remained uncertain why this meant so much to him. To every other local, the incline offered only a safe means for those who lived on Mount Washington to get to downtown. One more sip of her Dr. Pepper and she was set. Cole offered his arm with a charming smirk, and she tucked her hand in the crook of his overcoat.

  “I’m glad you agreed to ride the incline.” He paused at the door and held her stare. “I have something to tell you. Words I’ve never spoken to anyone.”

  He’d said it.

 
Cole’s chest ached as if intending to explode, but he’d told Elissa he had a confession to share, and now he had to stick with his promise and spill all. His breath puffed before him in foggy clouds.

  God, I need your help.

  As they walked up the grated steps to the incline entrance, Elissa’s gaze scanned the bleak surroundings. Maybe this was a bad idea. A soot-crusted building at the base of a barren hill wasn’t the most ideal place to impress a lady. He curled his hand around the scuffed doorknob to the incline station and held the door for Elissa to enter. The modest passenger waiting area possessed a few wooden benches and a yellowed sign listing the operating hours.

  With a pat to Elissa’s hand, still nestled in the crook of his arm, they approached the counter.

  “Afternoon, folks.” The attendant gave a hearty smile and adjusted his cap. “Round trip is five cents, sir.”

  Cole fished his pocket for a dime. “I’m paying for the lady as well.” He turned and acknowledged Elissa with a smile, but she didn’t notice, so preoccupied was she with digging around her purse. “Elissa, I got this. I asked you on this date, remember?”

  She blushed and gave a small nod.

  He handed the coin to the middle-aged man behind the counter.

  “Taking the lady on the incline as a date, huh?” His thick-rimmed spectacles didn’t conceal the laughter in his eyes. “I have to say this is a first.” He dropped the change into the metal register.

  “When the woman is tough to please, you have to think outside the box, my friend.” Cole tapped the side of his temple.

  “I think a dime fare is letting you off easy, Mr. Parker.” Playfulness traced Elissa’s smirk. “Next time should be at The Regent.”

  The most expensive restaurant this side of the Ohio River. Cole laughed, and his heart warmed at the delight in her eyes. “Since you just agreed to a second date, I’d be happy to foot the bill.” He slid his arm around her. “Do you think your pops can give me a raise?”