He chuckled. “I promise. Back in a few.” He headed toward his friends, noting that Brooke had just gone through the French doors into his study. He didn’t dare look back to see if Kristi was watching to see if he joined her there.
He wasn’t sneaking around. He was just trying to spare Kristi’s feelings. She didn’t need to be jealous of Brooke.
Are you sure?
Yes.Because maybe his feelings for Brooke were a little mixed up right now, but he’d get his head on straight and things would go back to the way they’d always been.
Right?
Fuck!
He said hi to his buddies and shot the shit for a moment before excusing himself and heading into the house through the living room French doors, then made his way into his study, where he found Brooke waiting for him, looking too tempting in that tight-as-hell denim skirt.
I’m in so much trouble.
Chapter Four
Brooke was waiting in Cody’s office, wondering why he’d asked her to meet him alone.
Did something happen with Kristi? Did they have a fight? Break up?
She couldn’t be that lucky.
She paced in front of his desk, wondering if Cody was thinking about him pulling her into his lap. It wasn’t the first time she’d done it over the years. When she was younger, she’d climb into his lap all the time to talk and be close to him. At some point, he’d told her she was too big and she’d transitioned to sitting by his side, as close as she could get to him. He didn’t mind. He never minded.
Until today.
No. She wasn’t going to make a big deal about it.
He’d been annoyed at Brad for flirting. If that’s even what he’d been doing.
She’d known him forever. Brad was just trying to get a rise out of Cody.
“What’s that face for?” Cody asked walking into the study and closing the door behind him.
“It’s just my face. What did you want to see me about?”
“First, I’m sorry I haven’t done the whole welcome speech you wanted to do.”
She waved that away. “People seem to be having fun. The caterers are serving dinner now. The fireworks show is sure to cap off the night with a bang.” She gave him a cheeky grin. “We can say something in between to thank everyone for coming.”
He leaned back against the front of his desk as she stood in front of him. “You really outdid yourself on the party. I know I wasn’t excited about having it, but…”
“Go on, say it.” She smirked.
He mock glared and grinned at the same time. “You were right.” The words came out with a reluctant but amused sound.
She chuckled. “There it is.”
He hooked his arm around her neck and pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the forehead. “Don’t gloat.”
She grinned up at him, her hands on his chest. “Don’t ruin my moment.”
He squeezed her tight, then let her loose and grinned so big she knew something was coming.
“What is it? Is this about whatever Kristi set up with her father?” She hoped it was something good.
“He offered me a seat on the board of directors of the new children’s hospital.”
