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She drew in her bottom lip between her teeth. “I don’t know what to say.” She didn’t. Never in a million years did she think Craig looked at her more than a friend. Leah wasn’t a regular at his gym, but they saw each other around town. Craig was handsome. She took in the sight of him, noting a few days' growth of beard on his face. He ran a hand over his buzzed cut inky black hair.
“Look, Craig, I’m just getting out of a relationship.”
“Brian?”
She wrapped her arms around herself. “Is there anyone in Piedmont Valley that doesn’t know?”
“I don’t think so.”
“One joy of living in a small town,” she joked. Yet, she saw the hopefulness in Craig’s face. “I have to be honest, Craig. I don’t think I’m ready for a date.”
He bobbed his head. “I understand, and for the record, I’m sorry about how things ended with you and Brian.”
She gazed at him with focus. “Thank you.”
He ran his hand down his neck. “Would you be comfortable if we met up sometime?”
Leah tilted her head to the side. “I’ll think about it. Will that work for now?”
He grinned. “I’ll take that. No pressure here. I couldn’t go another day saying nothing to you. I wanted to ask you out for a while.”
She swallowed. “I didn’t know.”
“Let’s say you’ve made an impression on me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll be at Mack’s BBQ this Friday. It’s one of my places for my ‘cheat diet’ days. Meet me there if you’re available.” He pulled out his phone. “You won’t mind if I call you?”
Leah dictated her number to Craig. She didn’t mind getting to know him better. She could have guy friends without it turning into something more. She still couldn’t believe she’d hung out with Seth as if they were old friends. Her phone buzzed, and she saw Craig had texted her his contact info.
“I’ll see you then?” he asked, sounding optimistic.
“I’ll see you then.” She patted her midsection. “Hopefully, I won’t be too sore to eat. Joanna’s class is tough.”
“It’ll get easier. You’re here, so I know you’re strong.”
Leah clutched her umbrella and took a step backwards. “I’ll see you, Craig.”
“Bye, Leah,” he replied.
Seeing the steady rainfall, Leah raised her umbrella as she jogged to her car. Once inside, she rubbed her forehead. Craig asked her for a date. Tyler asked her out, and Seth asked to see her more often as friends. Cole… don’t get started on him.
Leah gripped her steering wheel. She pulled out of her parking spot and headed home. The windshield wipers moved robotically over the glass and when she pulled into her driveway, she darted for her front door. She hurried to shower and change.
As she styled her hair, her eyebrows squished together. It made little sense. Where was this attention coming from? Leah blew out her cheeks. Was it really a terrible thing? Nothing was wrong with the men in Piedmont Valley, and she found it flattering.
Yet, it confused her like credit card interest rates. Had something changed since Brian left? Her list had her taking risks. Leah never thought she could ride a horse, salsa dance, or even model for a photo shoot. It seemed daunting at first, but once she faced it, it was effortless.
Slipping her feet into her heels, Leah grabbed her umbrella, phone, and purse. She took her time as she marched to her car, being careful not to slip on the slick pavement. On her way to her boutique, Leah couldn’t keep her brainwaves from roaming.
Chapter 12
Grateful the rain stopped, Leah took a quick stroll downtown after closing her boutique for the evening. She walked on the wet sidewalks, the aroma of wet earth tickling her nose. When she came to her beloved fountain, Leah paused in front. Water gurgled like a river flowing and she again ran her fingers through its coolness. She hadn’t returned since she had made her wish.
Her mouth fell open as she gasped. Surely, nothing could come from a wish. She’d made it at the spur of the moment, so there was no way it would have come true. In her heartbroken state, she’d acted rashly. Leah tapped her foot on the pavement. She blew out her cheeks as she went back to her car. It was a silly wish; she chided herself as settled into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
After pulling into her driveway, she went inside as quickly as possible, kicking off her heels as soon as she was through the front door. Smooth hardwood floors met her bare feet, instantly draining the tension from her shoulders. Reveling in the feeling of being home, Leah then pulled out her phone and turned on her radio. Her hips swayed to jazz music as she undid her hair bun. She threaded her hand through her loose curls.
