AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She pressed her lips tight. He had her there. “I handled things badly tonight because I had plans and didn’t want to change them because of her. I won’t make the same mistake twice. I hope she’ll understand I didn’t do it out of malice.”
Cody eyed her, not really buying it.
She kept her expression apologetic, hoping he’d give her the benefit of the doubt, even if she didn’t deserve it. “Did it ever occurto you that I’m looking out for you, too, by being hesitant to accept her at face value?”
He planted his hands on the counter on either side of him and leaned back, the muscles in his forearms cording. “I don’t need you to protect me.”
“You’re my friend.” More than that, really, but saying that to him felt like a big step, and her stomach knotted and the words wouldn’t come, so she said something close to what she wished she could say. “You’re one of the most important people in my life.” That got her a warm smile. “Of course I want you to always be happy.”
“Thank you, Nat. I appreciate it. So cut your sister some slack. Show her the girl I know, and you’ll be friends with her, too.”
Natalie cringed. How could he still think of her as just a girl?
She’d have to prove she’d grown up.
“I’ll speak to Summer in the morning. Hopefully, we can put this behind us.” And if Summer didn’t want to do that, well, she’d look like the bad guy.
All Natalie had to do was get along with Summer for a few weeks. Then Summer would go back to Texas and everything would be normal again.
She’d have to endure birthdays and holidays when Summer visited, but Summer would always be just passing through on her way back to her life in Texas.
If Cody didn’t see that now, he would in time.
Cody might be fascinated with Summer now, but that would wane when time and distance kept them apart.
And Natalie was here and always by his side.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Summer woke up early, refreshed and feeling like herself. No headache. No lingering fatigue. She remained angry about Natalie’s behavior, but she’d deal with that later.
After getting ready for the day and grabbing a light breakfast and some much-needed coffee, she sent off the final email to her grandfather about the proposal she’d been working on, then picked up her cell phone and called him. Even on Saturday he got up early, so she had no doubt he’d seen the email come in.
“Hello, Ladybug. How are you this morning?”
She appreciated so much that he didn’t dive into the work he’d wanted her to finish yesterday but couldn’t because of her migraine. “Better.”
“What does that mean?” he asked, concerned.
“One of my headaches turned into a full-blown migraine yesterday. I didn’t have my meds, so I ended up in the hospital last night.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“What could you do? You’re in Texas.” She briefly explained what happened with Cody finding her and taking her to see his buddy at the hospital. “The meds worked. Everything is fine now.”
“And the doctor there gave you a prescription so this won’t happen again while you’re gone?” He didn’t put any censure into his words, just concern for her.
“Yes, Pappy. It’s a mistake I won’t soon forget.”
“You’re not telling me something. What is it?” he demanded to know. “I thought things were going well with Nate.”
“They are. I just wish everyone was happy I’m here.” She didn’t have to hide her disappointment with him.
“Who’s not happy about you being there? Nate’s wife?”
“Miranda is very nice. Haley is everything I ever wanted in a sister. But Natalie... she’s a tough one.”
“People don’t always get along.”
