Cody chuckles. “I’ve got you.”
“You weren’t scared?”
“I mean, it’s not ideal timing with the wedding coming up, but if we get caught, we get caught.”
“Jace would have a fit,” I say. “That’s not the way I want him or McKenna to hear about us.”
“Yeah. Town grapevine spreading that I’m stealing away with you down a dark road curled up in a truck bed at night …”
“Why, Cody Lawson!” I say in mock shock. “You hussy!”
We laugh and I cling to him. He tugs me close.
“Let’s just stay here forever,” I suggest, snuggling into his shoulder.
“I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon,” he says.
We’re quiet for a while. My fingers toy with the hairs on his forearm and he rubs his hand down my arm. The stars fill the darkness overhead. From this vantage point, Cody’s profile looks like it’s etched into the night sky—a gorgeous silhouette. I release a contented sigh.
My phone buzzes. I glance at Cody and then pull my cell out of my pocket.
“McKenna,” I tell him, sitting up to read her message.
McKenna: Thanks for coming out today. I feel like we barely got time together.
Carli: It was good to be there. And, yes. It’s been too long.
McKenna: What are you up to? Can you come over?
I flash Cody her message. His lips thin.
I type a response, delete it, type again.
Carli: I’m kind of worn out from work and everything. Can I take a rain check?
I show my answer to Cody and he nods once.
“I hate lying to her,” I say. “I never thought it would come so easily to me.”
“I know. It’s not ideal having to cover up all the time.” His face softens. “Are you worn out from work and all your responsibilities on the farm?”
I don’t know what that has to do with lying to McKenna, but I answer him. “Yes. Not in a way that makes me regret taking the job, but yeah. I’m giving my all everywhere—the farm, the office ... Starting a new job has taken a lot out of me—just the learning curve alone is a lot.”
“So, you’re not lying to McKenna,” he says. “You’re worn out.”
“I am lying to her, though.”
“I know. But you might not have said yes to her even if you were alone in your cabin tonight. You are worn out.”
“I came out with you.”
“I’m cuter,” he says with a smile.
“You really are,” I say, leaning in to cup his jaw and place a soft kiss on his lips.
My cell buzzes again.
McKenna: We need girl time soon—just the two of us.
