“Yeah, but you got a text.”
“Which was intended for both of us.”
“I don’t like it. We have something between us.” It was hard putting the hunger for her that now plagued him into words without sounding like a wuss. Not being near her was making him cranky.
“She knows the connection is deeper now and I think she feels it just as much as you do. I’m confident of it. That’s why I’m not letting the distance she’s put between us stop me from reminding her she needs us in her life.”
If Leah felt anything like he did, then he couldn’t imagine how she could purposely stay away.
“I’ve been thinking of something I could do, like you, but I’m drawing a blank.”
“You need to work on that,” James said with a chuckle.
“You’re a big help.”
They joined the group, which included Charity Connors and her daughter, Justine, Summer Webster and Margot Redman, the new optometrist in town, Jessica Bright, and Emma Rivers. The owner of Violet’s Emporium was there, as well as Lucy Owen and Maizy Welsh, and Hank Stinson’s wife, Veronica. Several other faces he recognized but was unable to put names with them. Of the women he didn’t recognize, a few smiled at him and James and gave them the once-over as they walked up. He could see the light of interest in their eyes but didn’t return the feeling.
A reflection from the glass doors swept across the wall and he turned and sighed as relief flooded him. James chuckled and said, “See? She came and she brought her sister with her.”
A pouty little voice whispered in his head that he should stay right where he was and let her come to him but he ignored it and went to her. She smiled as he and James both drew near, and judging by the way her soft lower lip stuck between her teeth before she licked it, she wanted to kiss him almost as much as he wanted to kiss her. James beat him to the punch and hugged her and then kissed her forehead before greeting Presley Ann. He flicked Vincent a glance over her head that said to be cool.
He could be cool. He could totally do that. “Hey, Leah,” he murmured and gave her a gentle hug. “How was your day?”
“It was good,” Leah said. “You remember my sister, Presley Ann?”
“Yes, of course. I’m glad you both came.”
Presley Ann gave them a shy sort of wave and then shook their hands when they offered them and said, “I’m here because I want to learn but I won’t actually be participating in the…maneuvers, if that’s okay?” She caressed the slight bulge in her abdomen.
Vincent said, “That’s not a problem at all. The instructors are all available if you have questions and I’m sure they could show you how to defend yourself without risk to your baby. Pregnant women need these classes as much as anyone, and any of us would be happy to carefully walk you through the steps.”
Presley Ann listened to him with a serious expression and said, “I learn best by doing. Maybe that would be good, if it wouldn’t slow down learning for everyone else. I don’t want to get in the way and I’m not dressed for this kind of activity anyway.” She looked around, seeming to assess everyone else in their active wear.
Vincent patted her shoulder and said, “Don’t worry about that. We’ll make sure Hank knows that you’re willing. You can listen and observe for now.”
He noticed the frown that flashed on Leah’s face before her features relaxed and she said, “We’re going to go say hello to everyone.” Presley Ann didn’t look all that excited about the idea.
“Okay,” he said, unable to grin as she walked away with Presley Ann. Even though he could see the tense set of Leah’s shoulders, he still enjoyed the slight sway of her ass in her yoga pants. The way she had her formfitting T-shirt tugged down to cover most of it didn’t detract at all. His hands itched to caress the swell of her hips.
“Down, boy,” James said with a chuckle as they greeted Charity and the other ladies they knew well with hugs. Quietly, he said, “Things seem stilted between her and her sister.”
“Yeah.” He watched as Presley Ann detached herself from her sister and walked over to the bleachers and took a seat. It was obvious she was interested in self-defense but she seemed uncomfortable in the gathering. He would’ve gone over and sat down with her to chat further about the class but Hank chose that moment to call for their attention, so he and James joined him.
Hank and the other men who were helping with the class were all members of law enforcement in one branch or another. Hank started out with demonstrating techniques for discouraging potential attackers and how they could keep themselves from being exposed to dangerous situations. After answering questions, Hank invited a volunteer from the group and Leah raised her hand.