Page 37 of One Southern Summer

Oh, boy. She was babbling.

Cole sipped his water. “Wow, you’ve had quite a day. How are you feeling about Pax coming back to Camellia?”

“Afraid. Irritated. Stressed.” She pulled at a loose thread on the cuff of her denim shorts. “I’d kind of gotten used to doing life without him. But as much as I hate to admit it, he does have a right to see his children. I don’t think Hayes is going to be thrilled, but...they should see each other.”

“If anybody knows what it’s like to not have a dad around, it’s you.” Cole’s gaze found hers in the semidarkness. “I admire your willingness to foster a relationship between your children and their father.”

“Well, I’m not exactly willing, but there’s no legal reason why he can’t. And if I say no, then I have to get my attorney involved because he’ll make an issue of it, and that’s just going to be expensive.”

“It still sounds complicated.”

“Very complicated. On the bright side, if I can hire reliable childcare and Pax and his family are willing to be involved with the kids as much as they say they are, then you and I will be free to focus on Imari’s Place. Right?”

“Right.” He looked down at his water and turned the tumbler in a slow circle. What was he thinking about? He’d come in here all contrite and apologetic, and not that he wasn’t sincere, but there was something more behind that expression of his, something she couldn’t quite pinpoint.

Was he interested in something more substantive than friendship? Heat scorched her skin for even thinking it. Of course he wasn’t.

And if she flirted or teased or boldly initiated a kiss—a real kiss—she’d likely destroy this partnership they’d forged. And she wasn’t willing to risk it.

“It’s getting late.” He pushed to his feet and gathered their cups and bowls. “I need to go.”

“I’ll walk you out.” She followed him into the kitchen. Conflicting emotions picked teams and squared off like students in an elementary game of dodgeball. She allowed her gaze to track Cole’s every move as Team You’ll Be Sorry lobbed the first truth bomb.

You’ll be sorry if you ruin this friendship.

She leaned against the doorframe and tried not to sigh appreciatively as he tucked the utensils in the dishwasher then rinsed the bowls and added them to the lower rack.

Not to be deterred, Team Romance lobbed a compelling argument.Every healthy romantic relationship starts with a solid foundation of friendship.

Team You’ll Be Sorry came back for a second round.But a healthy relationship requires honesty and you’re not being honest.

Ouch. Her optimistic romantic side retreated to lick its wounds.

Cole put their tumblers in the top rack, closed the dishwasher and faced her.

“Thanks again for stopping by and bringing my favorite dessert,” she said. “That was really thoughtful.”

His tight smile didn’t carry the same warmth it had only a few minutes ago. “You’re welcome. Let’s talk soon. We need to schedule another meeting.”

“Of course.”

She followed him to the front door. Cole slowed long enough to turn the knob then step outside. “Have a great night,” he called over his shoulder then strode toward his car.

“You too.” She closed the door then leaned against it. What had gotten into her? She pressed her palms to her flushed cheeks. A romantic relationship with Cole wasn’t something she’d ever thought about. Well, maybe once back in the day.

But notnow.

Besides, he didn’t exactly answer her question about his status. Maybe he was in a committed relationship. A burning sensation filled her chest. She pressed her hand against her sternum, as if capable of squeezing the unfortunate emotion out.

Why did she even care? A relationship with Cole was not an option. He would be a wonderful husband for someone. Just not for her.

Chapter Seven

“The answer’s no.” Cole held up his palm to silence Hemby before he even got started. He’d seen that telltale look before in his best friend’s eyes, and it always spelled trouble.

“C’mon, man.” Hemby reached for his glass of sweet tea. “You haven’t heard my proposal yet.”

“I don’t need another proposal.” Cole squeezed ketchup into a hollow spot in his basket of fries. “I’m swamped.”

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