Page 16 of One Southern Summer

Maribelle would never stand for that.

How could he catch a few minutes alone with Avery before he left? He was down to his last few sips of coffee when the grandfather clock in the living room chimed eight o’clock.

Really. It’s time to go.He couldn’t stall any longer. Cole drained his coffee then pushed back his chair and stood. “Thank you so much for supper. Everything was fantastic and it’s great to see you all again.”

He intentionally let his gaze glide around the room, careful not to land on Avery.

“C’mon, Addison, I’ll start your bath while your mama says goodnight to Mr. Cole.” Harper stood and plucked Addison from her chair before the little girl protested.

Bless Harper. He made a mental note to buy her coffee next time he saw her in town. Avery’s thin brows arched but she didn’t argue, either. “Sounds good.” She stood, skirted the end of the table and followed Cole toward the front door.

“Don’t be a stranger now,” Greer called after him.

“Wait, wait don’t go.” Addison’s bare feet slapped against the hardwood floor and Cole turned around as she ran toward him. “Bye-bye, Mr. Cole.” She squeezed his legs and he didn’t even care that she smeared vanilla ice cream on his pants.

Avery pressed her fingertips to her mouth.

“Nice to meet you, sweet girl.” Cole patted her head. “Sleep tight.”

She turned and skipped away. “I’m comin’, Aunt Harper.”

Avery wrinkled her nose. “Sorry about your pants.”

Cole shrugged. “No worries. She’s adorable.”

He headed for the door, his thoughts waging war. Did he ask for her decision? Establish a firm deadline?

“So about your job offer.”

Cole stilled, his hand resting on the doorknob.

“I have a couple questions.”

His pulse quickened and he turned to face her. “Yes?”

Avery tapped one fingertip against her chin and her other arm was draped across her torso. “Flexible hours, I’m assuming?”

“Of course.”

“You recognize I’ve never tackled a project of this magnitude? And that I don’t plan to stay in Camellia long-term?”

He waited for her to keep talking, his breath held.

“But I feel like I’m supposed to say yes.”

Inside he was all fist bumps and high fives. Outwardly, he downplayed his enthusiasm. “Great. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll give you a call when we’re ready to schedule our first meeting.”

He turned to leave.

“Cole.” The sound of his name on her lips still had the power to take him down. He swallowed against the dryness in his mouth. “Yes?”

“It’s good to see you again. Thanks for coming by.”

If hearts did backflips, his just executed a gold medal– worthy performance. “It’s good to see you too, Avery.”

He slipped out and pulled the door shut then paused on the porch. Despite his excitement over Avery’s decision, guilt gnawed at him. Maybe he should tell Avery that Nana’s generous contribution was the driving force behind his offer. Except then Avery would change her mind, and he couldn’t stand the thought of wrecking their fragile bond.

Sometimes it was better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

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