“You want me to pick you up for dinner tomorrow?” Roan asked.
The question startled her. “Um. Yeah. Sure.”
“Six?”
“I’ll be ready.”
“See you then.” Roan left, the door closing behind him with a soft click. Reese stood there for a beat. Roan Hayes had been about to kiss her. Was she setting herself up for yet another heartbreak? But she never could resist him. Some things never changed. No matter how hard she wished she was immune to him, it was just not so. And never would be.
9
ROAN
Christmas music played through his SUV’s speakers as Roan drove Cody home later that afternoon. It was nearly dark by the time they reached the edge of town. Street lamps and twinkling lights flickering on, making everything festive. Roan wondered what Cody’s foster home would look like in comparison. He had a feeling it would not be as charming as their little town.
“Thanks for the ride,” Cody said. “I sometimes walk, but it’s cold and dark.”
“No problem. That’s a long walk from the studio. Hit me up anytime.”
“Yeah. Okay. Thanks.”
“How long does it take you to walk home from town?” Roan asked.
“About forty minutes if I hustle.”
“Forty minutes in this weather?” Roan frowned. “Isn’t there anyone at home to pick you up?”
Cody laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “The Pattersons? No. They’re not really the ‘picking kids up’ type. More the ‘make sure we’re fed and clothed enough that the state doesn’t ask questions’ type.”
The casual way Cody said it brought a dull ache to Roan’s chest. Like it was just a fact of life, nothing unusual.
“How many kids are in the house?” Roan asked.
“Six right now. Used to be seven but one aged out last month. They’ll probably get another placement soon. They usually do.”
“That’s a lot of kids.”
“Yeah. It’s loud. And there’s never enough hot water. I’ve learned to shower fast. But it’s fine. Could be worse.”
Could be worse. Was the bar really set that low for this kid?
“Feel free to use the shower at the gym anytime,” Roan said.
“Really?”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks. I might do that. This is it here.” Cody pointed to a dirt driveway on the right.
Roan pulled into the driveway and put the SUV in park. From what he could see in his headlights, the house needed paint and the yard was overgrown despite winter killing most of the vegetation. A rusted swing set sat in the side yard, one swing broken and hanging by a single chain.
“You want me to walk you in?” Roan asked.
“Definitely not.”
“I’d like to meet your foster parents. Make sure they know you’ve got people checking on you.”
Cody’s expression flickered with surprise before settling back into his usual guarded neutrality. “Okay.”
