Page 60 of Meet Me on Lilac Lane

“It was just something I needed to do. It’s been a long time coming.” Hefting the screw gun in his hands, he lined up the hardware and drove it in.

“Wait, you haven’t been out there at all in two years?”

He bit back a sigh. “Nope. Just the ferry once or twice.” She didn’t need to know that those times he’d had to ride inside the cabin of the ship, not able to have the wind whip against his face.

“Then I’m proud of you for getting out there. A real hero.” Mia’s eyes shone. Were those tears?

He hadn’t felt like a hero. “You wouldn’t have been proud if you saw me.”

“I’m proud of you for reclaiming something you always loved.” Mia’s gaze moved back to the shelf she still held. “I look forward to hearing about the next time you go out.”

“Maybe you should come with me sometime.” Where did that come from? Nothing like inviting the girl you maybe kinda couldn’t get over to witness your breakdown.

“Maybe.” She lifted one shoulder, let it drop.

He drove in another screw, gave that side of the shelf a wiggle. It held steady.

“It felt weird being out there without Troy.” He moved to the other side of the shelf and put his hand next to Mia’s. “You can let go now.” She ducked under his arm as he finished securing that side.

“Being out on the water was his happy place. Fishing with you made him happy. You two were better together.” Mia crossed her arms. “Troy would be proud that you got back out there. Honestly, I haven’t been out on the water either. I used to love fishing, but now I come down with the shakes when I think about being in a boat.”

“Look, I’m not one to talk, but I think you also need to get back out there. You can’t let his death steal this from you too.” He turned to her, searching her eyes. Shoot. The tears were back.

“You’re right. I miss the water. And I don’t want to teach my children to be afraid of it. I don’t want them to be afraid of anything.” She dashed a hand over her cheeks.

“Mia, listen to me. You are the bravest person I know. You could never teach them to be afraid.” He chuckled. “Though, a little healthy fear might be good for Finn. He can take things too far sometimes. Seriously though, you’re a great mom.”

“Thank you.” She looked up at him, cheeks flushed. “Thank you for always encouraging me. For being there for me these last two years—almost our whole lives, really, and for seeing me when others didn’t. You’re so good to me.”

His mouth went dry at her gratitude. “Mia…” This was an opportunity—to affirm their friendship.

Or take the plunge.

Cody swallowed. “I don’t do those things because I’m kind. I do them because…”

“Because what?” Her right hand rose and rested on his bicep. Fire shot through his arm and into his heart.

His eyes flicked to her lips then back to her eyes. Her gaze was steady on him.

Here went nothing. He’d either sink…or swim. “Because I care about you.”

She inhaled sharply, tipping her head up and coming an inch closer. “I know. You’re a good friend.”

“No, Mia.” He closed the gap between them, hooking an arm around her waist. “Because I care about you. Not just as a friend. As a woman.” Cody lifted his hand and brushed his fingertips against the soft skin of Mia’s cheek. She shivered beneath his touch—and it was heady, the way she melted into him. “A beautiful woman.”

“Cody.” The ragged bent to her voice sent a flash of yearning through him.

His gaze took in the high color in her cheeks before dropping to her mouth. He looked back up to meet her eyes and she gave a slight nod.

He lowered his head and claimed her lips, soft and pressing. Her grip on his bicep tightened and she deepened their kiss. Fifteen years of longing poured out of his soul and into her embrace. He pulled her tighter, wrapping the other arm around her.

Being with Mia was coming home. He never wanted to let her go.

Cody rocked on his feet and knocked over the drill. The clatter shocked him, and he pulled away.

He breathed hard, a grin splitting his face. But Mia’s wide eyes and the way she put a hand to her mouth…

“Mia, I am so sorry. I mean, not sorry for kissing you, but for coming on too strong. Was that too much?” His heart thundered. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he was anything like Matt.

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