Page 29 of Meet Me on Lilac Lane

Was she attracted to Cody? He was attractive, sure. But was she romantically drawn to him? She thought about their picnic, the way he remembered she liked avocado on a sandwich, his quiet words about her guilt, his coaxing her to be her best self. Not to mention the spark of emotion she’d had when he was playing with the kids.

Sure, she appreciated him, but attraction? That couldn’t be it.

“He’s like a brother to me. Or maybe a cousin.” She stood and moved a stack of papers to the far corner of the room.

Evie laughed. “So, you feel the same way about him as you feel about Bash? I doubt it.”

Um. Okay. “Well, when you put it that way.” Mia thought again about the sparkle in his eye. “Sure, I can appreciate his many qualities. But, really, we’re just friends.”

Evie sighed. “Fine. But as your big sister, promise me you’ll think about getting out there again. If not Cody, then someone.”

She made a noncommittal noise and hung up the phone before taking in the papers spread out in front of her. If anything, they were a bigger disaster than before.

She heard a rustle at the door, and then it opened. Through the dining room entryway, she glimpsed Cody duck through, Finn on his shoulders. They both belted out the lyrics to “Baby Shark.” Cody caught her eye, and she put her finger to her mouth.

“Maggie. Nap.” She mouthed. Hopefully he could read lips. Cody swung Finn down and shushed him. She watched as Cody helped Finn remove his shoes before toeing off his own. Then they both came through the living room and into the dining room.

“What happened in here?” Cody tucked a hand into his pocket. She caught the scent of wood shavings and fresh air.

Resisting the urge to clutch her head in despair like an old-time movie heroine, Mia waved at the papers. “Oh, these? Just a little light afternoon reading.” Her attempt at nonchalance fell flat as her throat tightened.

“Is this something for your job?”

She nodded. “Can you believe we have over a hundred applications for the housing initiative?”

“Wow! That’s amazing. Congratulations.” His eyes opened wide. Sincere.

Something loosened in her chest when he didn’t tease her. “I’m not sure if it’s congratulations orGood Luck Charlie.”

“Your work paid off big time. That’s definitely congratulations territory.”

She couldn’t help but shoot him a wink. “I’d say it was your face that paid off big time. An even half mention you specifically in their paperwork.”

His face turned red. “You can’t be serious.”

“Wait, are you blushing?” She plucked a paper from one of the stacks, began to read aloud. “‘Your island is pretty and would be a great place for me to launch my pottery business. Especially if Cody is around to inspire me.’” Goodness the man was turning an even brighter red. She found another one. “‘A friend forwarded your video to me saying I would appreciate the attractions on Jonathon Island. She was right!’”

Cody rubbed at the back of his neck. “Maybe she means the kids?”

Oh, she liked making him uncomfortable. “This one will prove it to you. ‘Is Cody single? If not, does he have a brother?’”

“It doesn’t say that.” Cody snatched the paper out of her hand. She laughed at his growl as his eyes found the sentence she’d read.

“C’mon, Code. You have to know you’re bachelor-of-the-month material. No wonder these girls are interested.” An itchy sensation began in her chest. What if one of these women came to the island and fell for Cody for real?

Finn tugged on her hand. “Can I watch a show?”

“Sure, bud.”

She got Finn settled in front of the TV, his favorite program turned low. “Just one, Finn, and then it’s quiet reading time.” He didn’t even look up at her as the opening music began.

She stood in the doorway of the dining room and surveyed the paper tornado. A long sigh from the bottom of her feet burst out of her.

“Mia.” Cody’s voice was pitched low. “Let me help.”

“What? No. You’ve already done too much for me.”

“Untrue. Nothing will ever be enough.”

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