Too bad she couldn’t make him see that they could work together, too.
Chapter Ten
Cody couldn’t believe it was almost Christmas. Where had the time gone? Why did it feel like an eternity since he’d seen Brooke? Oh yeah, because she’d been gone for months and practically radio silent.
You’ve been too busy to call her, too, so…
What was she doing?
What was she thinking?
Was she even coming home for the holidays?
Of course she is.You’re being an idiot.
Susanne had already told him she’d be here.
Still, his uncontrollable thoughts made him doubt.
This was her senior year. She was busy, studying and making her last year count by focusing on what she needed to do before she returned home for good. Of course she was taking advantage of everything school had to offer, including being with her friends and making connections that could potentially be as beneficial to her future as her stellar grades.
And he couldn’t blame her for the lack of communication. He hadn’t been much better. After getting the position on the children’s hospital board, he’d barely had time to breathe between the hours he worked on projects for the board, taking care of his clients’ legal troubles, the ranch, and dating Kristi. Not that seeing her felt like a job. Well, okay, sometimes it did because she could be as demanding as his clients.
Actually, that wasn’t fair. There just weren’t enough hours in the day for him to be everything to everyone.
He didn’t want to think about Kristi right now. Things were…strained. Was that the right word? He wasn’t sure. She constantly praised him for being such a great lawyer, for working so hard to ensure the children’s hospital met the needs of its patients and staff, and for how good he made her feel when they were together.
He felt like he spent most of his time apologizing to her for being late for a date, missing a date, not having enough time to give to her, always rushing, never taking his time when they were together. He liked being with her when she was in an understanding mood. But when she wasn’t…it felt like all her wants—for him to be more attentive, available, understanding of her needs—were just another item on his long-as-fuck to-do list.
He needed a vacation but didn’t have the time to take one.
The bright spot had remained his interactions with Brooke. Though they were few and far between, she still found a way to make him smile.
Like when he’d sent her a text about her request…
CODY: I’ve gone over your detailed and thorough business plans and will approve the funds for your project. I’ll get started on thecontracts. Once they’re ready, I’ll send them for your review and signature before I present them to Mrs. Walters and Mr. Scott.
BROOKE: Thank you for the prompt response, Mr. Jansen. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter.
The professional response had made him frown and wonder what the fuck was going on with her.
But then she sent another text.
BROOKE: Now take the stick out of your uptight lawyer ass and remember that we’re friends and you can say I’m fucking brilliant and the project is a go.
He laughed so loud in his office, his assistant came in to see what was going on. And for the life of him, he couldn’t remember doing that in a long while. When had his life gotten so serious?
CODY: You’re more than brilliant. Never forget that.
BROOKE: Can I get that on a plaque I can mount on my wall? Cody Jansen thinks I’m brilliant!
Before he could think better of it, he sent…
CODY: I think my life is dull without you in it.
BROOKE: I’m the gift that keeps on giving.
BROOKE: Now tell me what’s wrong?
