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They came together every night desperate for each other, but something felt off. Maybe it was him. He admired how hard she worked, that getting the deal done and doing it right mattered to her. He appreciated that when they were together, she was there. Present.
And maybe that was it.
When they weren’t together, it felt like he was out of sight, out of mind.
He didn’t like feeling that way.
Natalie followed him over to his side of the house. “I thought maybe you and I could catch up on our series. It’s been a while. A whole new season came out.”
“Sorry. Can’t. I’ve got Alex tonight.” He dropped his briefcase in the office, noting that Summer had taken all her files and stuff with her. The room still smelled like her, but there was nothing else there.
“Is Brooke going out with David again?”
“Yes.” They made a point to get together at least three times a week. Somehow they managed to do that with their busy schedules and having to think about Alex’s needs, too.
Cody headed for the stairs.
“What’s wrong?” Natalie blocked his path in the hallway.
“Long day.” He hoped that got her out of his way. He needed to change into clothes that could withstand a boat battle with Alex at bath time.
“She hasn’t even been gone a whole day and you’re upset.”
“I just miss her.”
“You better get used to it, because this is how it’s going to be. Probably worse, because it won’t be just a day here or there, but all the time.”
“We have a plan to be together.”
“Uh-huh. Until you’re needed here while she’s needed there.”
“Nat.” He sighed out his frustration.
“Why her when you could be with someone who’s here, who wants to be with you all the time, who doesn’t put something else first?”
“That’s not what she’s doing.”
“Isn’t it? Her grandfather beckons, and off she goes.”
His frustration skyrocketed. “It’s not like that.”
“How long before it’s easier for her to just give in to him and do what he wants because you’re so understanding and patient?”
He tried to rein in his temper. “I get that you’re looking out for me. I appreciate it. But this is between Summer and me.”
“She’s going to break your heart. I can already see it happening. You deserve so much more. You deserve someone who is here for you always.”
“Is everything all right?” Brooke asked, coming down the stairs with Alex.
“Fine,” he automatically answered, though the word came out clipped and sharp.
Natalie shook her head at him. “Making excuses for her doesn’t change the reality of what’s happening.” Natalie pressed her lips tight. “I want you to be happy.”
He’d never been as happy as he’d been these past few weeks with Summer.
But he couldn’t deny that what they’d had here was about to drastically change.
Did that mean it would change the way either of them felt? He didn’t think so.
