Page 20 of Montana Born

The quiet of the coffee shop beckoned and she adjusted her laptop strap. Since the weather was perfect to sit outside and work, she scanned the front of the business where several small tables were set up.

After Sundays like today, when she took the time to read over emails and prepare for any upcoming projects, it made going to the office on Monday easier.

She spotted an empty table next to a man reading a book with a black Labrador on the ground next to his chair.

The closer she walked, the tighter her stomach. Was it Sullivan Cole? The man wore sunglasses and his dark hair gleamed in the sun. Not wanting to go any nearer than necessary, she couldn’t get a good look without being obvious.

He’d not lifted his head. Instead, he read the book and every once in a while petted his dog.

If it was Sully, she’d prefer not to deal with whatever awkwardness it would bring. Although after he’d apologized for his actions, it would still be strange to face him, especially now that she knew about Gary’s text.

The annoying butterflies fluttered and her breath caught when the man smiled at the dog and broke off a piece of bagel for it.

It was Sully.

“Crud,” Elle mumbled, lowering her head and walking past. She’d order a latte and find a place inside because if she left, it meant walking past him again. Once inside she could wait him out. And watch him through the window.

“Elle?” His deep voice washed over her and, in that instant, she knew for sure. Sullivan Cole mattered to her.

Swallowing, she stopped and turned to him.

“Oh hey.”

Sully wasn’t sure how to proceed. When she turned to him and their eyes met, it was all he could do not to reach for her. “Working today?”

Before replying her hand went across her body to her laptop bag strap. “Yes. You?”

“Nope. I don’t work on Sundays.” He motioned to the table. “Would you like to join Buddy and me?”

It was an awkward moment of silence as Elle looked toward the dog who watched them. “He’s cute.”

“I think so.”

“I don’t know. I’ll be reading and working on email and won’t be much company. Maybe some other time.”

“Sit down, relax. Tell me what you want and I’ll get it. My treat.” He took her elbow and guided her to the table. “We don’t have to talk.”

There was no way in God’s creation he’d allow this opportunity to pass. For weeks, he’d been racking his brain to come up with a way to see her. No matter how hard he tried to not think about Elle, she constantly popped up in his thoughts.

Although seeming unsure, she lowered to the chair. Immediately, Buddy leaned over and proceeded to lick her hand, his large body shaking and tail wagging furiously.

Elle’s laugh made Sully smile. He’d have to reward Buddy later for breaking the ice.

“Be still, Buddy,” he commanded. With obvious reluctance, his dog obediently relaxed onto the ground, seeming happy when Elle continued to scratch behind his ears.

“He’s so well trained. I could use you with my cousins,” she said. Then seeming to realize her implication of them becoming friends, she swallowed visibly.

“What can I order for you?” Sully asked with a nonchalance he didn’t feel.

“Latte, with a shot of vanilla please.”

Elle looked down to Buddy who’d lowered his large head to between his paws. If only she could be as relaxed. Here she was, waiting on Sullivan Cole to bring her coffee and all she could think of was how to run to her car and leave. Now that she accepted feeling more than attraction for the man, it would be hard to not act nervous around him. His actions were disconcerting. If anything, she expected resentment. Instead he was cordial, very friendly and seemed genuinely glad to see her.

After all, she’d not accepted his apology and, for all intents and purposes, their last parting had been less than amicable. Way less then friendly.

When he reappeared and held open the door for two women who giggled with overly bright enthusiasm, Elle let out a long sigh.

He placed the latte on the table and looked to her bag, which she’d placed in the empty chair. “You’re not working.”