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“You and your daughter have a lot in common. You both think putting Cody on the spot will get you what you want because he’s such a good guy and he loves you and wants to make you happy. You’re asking him to choose between me and you, just like she did last night.”
That caught Miranda off guard. She seemed to realize she’d spoken without thinking things through.
“Well, I’m sorry,” Summer went on, “but I’m not willing to do that to him. No. I won’t leave. Cody and I have been making plans for when I have to go back to Texas, and I’m not changing them because you want to blame me for what Natalie did and make things easier on her by not having me standing by Cody’s side when she apologizes to him.”
“I’m trying to find a simple way to fix this, so that no one else gets hurt.”
“But it’s okay if I’m hurt by you asking me to leave.”
“I’m asking you to be the bigger person and give Natalie some space and time with Cody to fix things.”
“If I do that, then I’m hurting not just Cody, but Dad, too. I promised him I’d stay the six weeks. We’ve gotten so close.”
“Of course, he’ll miss you. So will Cody. But you’ll be back. I’m not saying forever. I’m just saying for right now.”
Summer shook her head. “No. I’m not ready to leave. Especially when things are the way they are between me and Natalie. I want to fix that just as much as I want her to fix things with Cody.”
The look on Miranda’s face spoke volumes. She didn’t believe that would happen.
Summer turned and walked away, feeling like all the ground she’d gained cultivating a relationship with Miranda meant nothing when her heart and dedication was with her girls and didn’t include Summer. Miranda would choose her family, even Cody and Brooke, over Summer.
She went back to the office with a heavy heart to work on the acquisition she hoped would be an answer to some of the issues she and Cody faced.
He called her two hours later, and she picked up on the first ring.
“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” she confessed. In between reading financial reports and market analyses, her mind kept going back to him.
“Same,” he said. “I’m outside. Want to go for a drive, get an early dinner, maybe make out on the beach?”
Yes, her heart shouted. “Only if you turn that maybe into a definitely.”
“I like the way you think.”
“Will there also be wine?” She could use a drink.
“Absolutely. Come and get me.”
She was already around the desk and headed for the front door. “Did you have a good day?”
“No. I wasn’t with you. Hurry up.”
She giggled because he had to see her rushing down the path to his car. “Impatient much?”
“You look amazing and I want to kiss you.”
She pulled open the car door as he leaned over to her side. She met him for that kiss. The second his lips pressed to hers, they both moaned in sheer pleasure and relief to be so close again.
He slipped his hand up to her cheek and into her hair. “I missed you.”
She slid into her seat. “Missed you more.”
Cody grinned, kissed her again, then put the car in gear, hit the gas, and they sped off down the driveway ready for a good time together.
Away from everyone else.
She knew that’s why he hadn’t come into the house.
“Cody.”
