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“Thank you so much,” Miss. Adele said. She spread her arms wide and embraced Cole.
“You’re welcome. I appreciate the business,” Cole replied. “I’ll let you know when the photos are ready.”
Victor loosened his tie. “Now I can get out of this getup.”
His wife giggled. “You looked very handsome.”
“Thank you, honey,” her husband replied. He extended his arm, and she looped hers through his.
Leah placed her purse on the chaise lounge.
“Leah?” Miss. Adele greeted.
She embraced her favorite baker. “Nice to see you both.” She gave Victor a once over. “You look very suave in your tie.”
He stroked his white goatee. “Thank you, Leah.” His glacial blue eyes gleamed.
Miss. Adele cocked her head toward her husband. “So, I had to nag you to wear a tie, but someone else mentions it and your chest puffs out?”
Victor cleared his throat. “We’ll see you around the bakery, Leah.” He turned his head to Cole. “Have a good one, Cole.” He took his wife’s hand and escorted her outside.
Leah giggled, still hearing their bantering in the background. She wrapped her arms around herself and turned around. Cole stood a few feet away from her.
She gestured her thumb toward the door. “They’re cute together. What were their photos for?”
“Fortieth anniversary.”
She inched closer. “That’s sweet. It’s nice to see love like that.”
“Yeah it is. So… you ready to see the pictures?”
Leah took a calming breath. “Yes.”
He extended his hand and winked at her. Her heart skittered, and she clasped it. His strong fingers laced between hers, fitting perfectly.
“So, all the photos are on this USB drive,” Cole said as he released his grip. He opened his laptop and loaded the images.
Leah settled in the chair next to him. Her lips parted as she glanced at the screen. Who was the confident woman staring back at her? Her smile was fearless. Her poise graceful. She pressed her lips together. When was the last time she looked in the mirror and loved what she saw? Joy overwhelmed her as her eyes welled up with tears.
“Leah? What’s wrong?” Cole put an arm over her shoulder.
She pressed both hands to her cheeks. “I’m not supposed to cry. It’s not you. They’re so… beautiful.”
“It’s you, Leah.”
His compliment washed over her, soft as the south wind. She turned her head to face him. His eyes glowed with tend
erness. They shared the same look at the movies. She froze, biting the inside of her cheek. If only they didn’t sit so close. If only his fingers didn’t stroke her arm. Was it hot suddenly? Every cell in her body came alive, and her chest rose and fell with deep breaths.
“Thank you,” she choked. Then she brought a hand to dab her eyes dry.
“You’re welcome. Are you okay now?” He smiled.
No, because I like you and I’m not ready to have feelings for anyone. Still, she forced a smile. “I’m okay.”
Cole released his embrace and scrolled through the pictures. Leah threaded her fingers through her hair and crossed her legs. She focused her eyes on the screen.
“What do you think?” he asked, sounding hopeful.
