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Still, she’d watch and see what happened over the next few weeks.
Chapter Thirty
Summer slowed her run to a jog, then walked when Cody stopped up ahead of her. She didn’t mind that he ran faster than she did and left her behind. She liked that he did his thing and got his workout in without worrying about whether she could keep up. It wasn’t a competition, but something they enjoyed doing together, even if they ran their own miles at their own pace. His speed made her try harder most mornings, and she’d improved her mile time. But she wondered why he’d suddenly stopped.
“Did you get a cramp?”
He shook his head and took a couple of deep breaths, trying to lower his heart rate, just like her. “I hoped we could talk before I have to leave for work.”
His words didn’t make her worry. They made her feel like he missed her.
“It feels like we haven’t gotten more than a moment here or there to really spend any time alone together since last Saturday.”
Cody’s gaze filled with remorse. “I wanted to spend last weekend with you, but things got hectic with Natalie twisting her ankle, Haley and you spending Sunday together at the movies and out shopping.” Cody sighed out his frustration, because there was more that kept them apart.
Brooke had fallen ill with a bad cold and Cody had stepped in to take care of Alex and keep him occupied while Brooke rested. Natalie had been all too happy to help out, too, while also playing up her injury.
Summer didn’t mind that the two of them worked together to keep Alex occupied. It’s what family did. But it felt a little contrived when Natalie suggested that Summer take Haley to see the movie she was dying to see. Summer couldn’t turn down her little sister. She and Cody had both shared a look of disappointment that she wouldn’t be the one with him and Alex on Sunday.
And once the workweek started, Cody was at the office early and home at dinnertime where everyone came together, leaving them little time alone because Cody seemed determined to make sure she spent time with the family. She appreciated it. But it also felt like they were becoming good friends while the passion they sparked with those few kisses they’d shared flamed out.
She loved the shopping trip with Miranda and the girls during the week. Cody had been so happy and surprised by her gift.
But again, they’d kept their affection for each other to simple words and longing-filled looks.
Tonight was the charity benefit. She couldn’t wait to attend with Cody and her family. Mostly, she hoped tonight would be the start of a very good weekend with her and Cody growing even closer and reigniting the flame between them.
“I don’t know what’s been happening lately,” Cody confessed. “Every time I think I’m going to have you all to myself, someone else is with you or wants your attention.” He raked his fingers through his sweaty golden hair. “It’s getting really hard not to show how infuriating it is to wait my turn.”
She gaped at him. “I had no idea you felt that way.”
“I get that you want to get to know all of them. I think it’s great that you’re teaching Nate and Haley how to play chess, thatyou and Nate sometimes take a walk and talk about the years you missed together, that you help Miranda cook dinner most nights. Natalie even asked for help with her math final. You and Brooke have started having coffee in the morning together while I get ready for work.”
She’d tried to find ways to spend time alone with each of them as well as together in hopes of building the bonds between them faster. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel like I’ve left you out.”
“That’s just it, you don’t. We have our morning runs together. We talk at dinner. I love it when we share the office at night when we’re both trying to get something done.”
“But that’s not the same as the dinner dates that never happened.”
“Life got in the way. I get that. But what I don’t like is that every time I even get close to you, someone interrupts. I don’t know if it’s Nate trying to keep us apart, your sisters, the universe, or what. All I know is that I can’t take it anymore.” He stepped close, cupped her face, and kissed her like he needed it to breathe again.
She felt every bit of his frustration and hunger and matched it with her own until the kiss turned into an embrace.
Cody broke the kiss and stared down at her, his blue-gray eyes filled with determination. “If we didn’t have the charity thing tonight, I’d steal you away and take you somewhere we can be alone.”
Summer loved that idea, but didn’t get a chance to say that to him when she spotted her sisters coming across the expansive yard at the back of the house, Haley with a wide lead. “Looks like we have company.”
Cody sighed.
She understood his frustration. She wanted to finish this conversation and reassure him. “I’m sorry I haven’t made it clear that you have my full attention. I don’t have a lot of experience with relationships. I’m sorry if I haven’t given you what you need.”
“It’s not that.” He raked his fingers through his hair again. “I’ve been trying to give you the time you need with our family. That’s important. It’s why you’re here. It’s just...” Cody sighed again. “I am well aware of everyone in the house watching us. It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong, even though I know this isn’t.”
She was starting to understand. “I feel like we’ve both been cautious about any public displays of affection.” She caught herself all the time reaching for him or wanting to kiss him and stopped herself so no one else was uncomfortable.
“If feels like we’re hiding how we feel about each other. And we’re doing it so well, we haven’t been able to express ourselves even to each other.”
“Our relationship affects others.”
