Page 36 of Wildly Yours
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I wake up with the blanket pulled over my head, and a throb in my ankle. A quick glance around the room and I see it's the middle of the night. I swallow another ibuprofen for the pain, and then grab my crutches to get to the bathroom.
When I glance in the mirror I see pillow creases on my face, and salty streaks on my cheeks. That's when I remember I cried myself to sleep after Cody left.
I don't know how to do this with him. I don't know how to move past what he did. My body yearns for him—his forest scent, his soft kisses, his strong arms. But my heart is screaming at me to run. And my head is reminding me that I don't have all the information. I don't know what he wants. I could feel the pressure building in his pants when he was pressed against me last night, but that doesn't mean he wants what I want. That much I know for sure.
I clean myself up and then pull off my clothes and slip into my bed naked, except for the bandages that are wrapped around my ankle. The sheets are soft and cool against my skin, the gentle touch reminding me of the first and only night Cody and I were together. We'd been close for so many years, and been through so much together, I thought taking our relationship to the next level was only natural. I couldn't imagine us becoming anything else.
And then he broke me. He disappeared for two weeks, and when he got back he ended us on a phone call. Why should I believe he won't do that again?
Despite the torrent of thoughts swirling around, I fall back to sleep quickly. When I wake up, it's because there's a knock on my door. I glance at the clock and see I overslept, but it's still too early for someone to be on my stoop. I hop to my closet and pull out a robe, then hobble to the door to see who it is. When I peek through the peephole my heart skips a beat.
Cody is standing on my front stoop with a bag and a grin. The sight of him here makes me wobbly. I want to open the door and leap into his arms, but my heart is sending out warning signals. Red alert!
I open the door, because how can I turn away from him? He was my beacon when my sister moved away, leaving me alone with the increasingly isolating and irrational behavior of my parents. He was the only man I've ever truly craved. Not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually.
"How are you feeling this morning?"
"Depends on what's in the bag. I was still sleeping when you rudely decided to show up unannounced."
"Okay, so you definitely need coffee. I brought breakfast."
I follow him into the kitchen where he watches me ease into a chair before grabbing another one to raise my foot. Then he unwraps my bandage to check for swelling and bruising.
"Looks pretty good. How does it feel?"
"I think I'll survive. What did you bring for breakfast?"
"Your favorite. Cinnamon rolls that are still warm, yogurt, and a variety of fruit."
"How'd you get the cinnamon rolls?"
"As a regular visitor when the store opens, I have it on good authority that the baked goods are delivered shortly after seven every morning."
"I guess being the town hermit has its advantages."
"About that."
"About what? Where's the coffee you just promised me? I'm feeling a little salty this morning."
Cody pulls out the coffee and filters and gets a pot going. I see him working over something in his mind. When he's plated up the food, he places it in front of me with a napkin and a grin that could wound a less formidable woman.
"I've been thinking. After our conversation yesterday I want to show you that I am going to try to change. So I want to come into town more. Spend time with people more. My folks are having a family dinner this Sunday. Everyone is going to be there. I was wondering if you want to come with me?"
Political-me knows I should go to thank Callie for helping me with Blake. We have always gotten along, but that was a real solid she did for me. Girl gang-me would love to hang out with Cody's two future sisters in law, because I have been thinking too—that I need to open up to my friends more. But it's themethat is helplessly smitten with Cody who really wants to say yes. Who wants to walk in on his arm. To be wrapped up in the Barone embrace. To be part of that family once again. To feel the warmth of his affection again.
"Okay."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. On one condition."
Chapter Twenty: Cody
If it were anyone else, I may not have agreed to do this. I pull my truck into the parking lot of the professional building that sits on the outskirts of Port Stratton, and find a spot in the shade. Living in the mountains has its advantages, including not having to deal with unseasonably hot weather like they do in the lowlands.
I'm early, which isn't helping my nerves. I feel like a squirrel on speed. My jaw is tight, my pulse is racing, and I'm fidgeting with all the crap in my console. I hop out and decide to do a couple of laps around the building to burn off some energy, but before I can round the building I see her pull into the lot.
