Her voice was quiet and solemn, and he knew she was speaking from experience. Even if he hadn’t been able to tell from her words that she had intimate knowledge of that struggle, he still would have known.
It was in her eyes when he glanced at her, in her posture, in her voice. And despite all those clues, he thought he would have known anyway.
As much as he wanted to know how she knew what that felt like, what she’d experienced to get to that place, he refused to pry. It still wasn’t the time, and he couldn’t help hoping she would open up to him on her own eventually.
The turn to her driveway was coming up far too soon, so he tried to casually change the subject as best he could. He had a feeling she didn’t want him pursuing her statement—that it was something she hadn’t even meant to say in the first place.
“Did you go to college? What do you do for a living—or what did you do before you came here to start over?”
He’d thought he was steering the conversation to a neutral subject, but when she stiffened slightly, he knew he didn’t succeed. What about those questions could elicit that reaction?
It wasn’t extreme, but it was there, and he noticed it.
And he wanted more than anything to soothe her tension away. Hold her, comfort her, tell her she’d always be safe with him.
One day, he promised himself. One day.
Chapter 8
Olivia
Swallowing hard, Olivia clenched her hands, glad they were out of Cody’s line of vision, as she gazed out the window.
Why did that question bother her so much? It was innocent. Innocuous. And relevant to the conversation, since she’d been asking him about his construction company.
It actually bothered her more than what she said a few moments ago, about people changing. She wasn’t sure where that came from. It was one hundred percent true, but it was a truth she kept close to her chest.
If she was going to spill it to anyone, why him? A stranger who could ask too many questions, questions she wasn’t yet ready to answer.
Only he didn’t. He digested what she said in thoughtful silence, and then changed the subject to something she was more comfortable with.
Comfortable being a relative term, of course.
Slanting a glance at him, she gazed at his strong profile as he drove. He really was a gorgeous man. Her eyes slid to his muscular forearms and capable hands, gripping the steering wheel so competently, and she found herself squirming in her seat as slow heat built in her middle.
She was getting used to the effect he had on her, but she wasn’t quite ready to truly admit she felt it—much less act on it. In an effort to turn her mind away from the turmoil he always created in her thoughts and emotions, she focused back on their conversation.
And immediately wished she hadn’t.
The uneasiness in her gut intensified, but she was truly puzzled over her reaction. No matter what angle she looked at it at, she couldn’t figure it out.
Because it’s part of your old life, and you still haven’t let it go yet. You talk about how you have, you tell yourself you have, you try your hardest to convince yourself and everyone around you. But you haven’t. Her dragon paused, letting that sink in for a moment before speaking again. I can’t for the life of me figure out why, though. Your life was about as boring as watching paint dry. I think I was losing brain cells just watching you live that life.
Olivia stifled a laugh, not wanting Cody to hear it and think she was stranger than he already did. But trust her dragon to say something off the wall that made her laugh after such a heavy topic.
The intense, almost crippling, emotions that had nearly overwhelmed her had been pushed to the backburner. They hadn’t gone away by any means, but at the moment, she barely felt them.
Her dragon was a miracle worker.
That and Cody always had a calming effect on her. Even when she’d been spiraling a moment ago at his question, there was a part of her that had latched onto the inexplicable way he made her feel grounded and centered—even when he was sending her hormones into a tailspin.
Between the two of them, she felt more like her old self than she’d felt in seven months. That was why she’d been able to relax so much during this drive.
And it had been the most amazing feeling ever.
But it was a dangerous. So dangerous. Whatever magic Cody was weaving around her couldn’t possibly last. Beyond the renovation, they had no reason to see each other. This ride was just a fluke.
He’d randomly been passing by when she was having some trouble, and he offered to help. That was all this was.
So why did that leave her feeling disappointed?
Ignoring her conflicting emotions, she glanced over at him as she finally answered his question. “I went to community college. Stayed home and everything. I wanted to help Dad around the house, and Fiona needed some guidance too. Not that I did very well in that department,” she responded wryly, a small smile warring with her sadness and guilt over her sister. “After I graduated, I got a job as a receptionist at a medical clinic. Some good that degree did me.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Degrees have a way of doing that these days. What did you major in?”
Her smile turned wry. “Literature. Guess I never really had a shot at having a career in that field. I just love books and stories, so it felt natural.”
He shot her an encouraging glance just before he pulled into the driveway. “I won’t pretend to know anything about possible jobs that go with that, but I feel like if anyone could find a job that uses that degree, it would be you. So don’t give up. Things that seem impossible can become reality when you least expect it, as long as you don’t let go of your faith.”
Time seemed to stop for an endless moment as the last words he spoke resonated inside her very soul.
Things that seem impossible can become reality when you least expect it, as long as you don’t let go of your faith.
There wasn’t anything else he could have said that could hit a chord so deep inside her. The words were heartfelt, inspirational—and gave her so much damned hope.
They applied to more than just using her degree. And it didn’t even feel like they were meant for that at all. It felt like they were meant for her current situation.
As much as she wanted to do as he said, there was just one problem with that—she’d have to find her faith first.
Because she couldn’t lose something she didn’t even have to begin with.
But oh, his words made her want to try harder to find it.
“Olivia?”
Startled out of her thoughts, she glanced over at him, wondering what her expression looked like. Stunned, sad, and determined, all at the same time, she was guessing. Based on his fleeting expression, it was definitely a combination of those things.
Cody cocked an eyebrow, and she realized that at some point during her introspection, they’d arrived at her house. She should have felt relieved that she was home and could escape to somewhere she felt comfortable—but to her surprise, she felt comfortable right where she was at.
With him.
“Sorry,” she replied quickly, realizing he was waiting on a reply. Still reeling from her revelation, she swallowed hard and tried to act normal—well, as normal as she could be, which around him, wasn’t very much. “I got lost in thought. I’ll get my water and let you go so you can start your Friday night.”
“Wait.” Quickly reaching out, he lightly grabbed her arm, sending that same bolt of awareness skating up her skin that was beginning to feel familiar. “I don’t have plans, and I emailed you the estimates. If you want, we can sit on the porch and go over them. That way I’m right here to answer any questions you might have.”
If someone had told her a week ago—hell, four days ago—that she would be so eager, so suddenly ready and willing, to spend time with a man, she would have thought they lost their minds.
This wasn’t any man, though. It was Cody—and for so
me reason she hadn’t yet figured out, that made all the difference.
Thankful he hadn’t suggested going inside—since the others had no warning of his arrival, and it probably wouldn’t go over well—she nodded. “That sounds good to me.”
His half smile slowly stretched full, showing his dimples and stealing her breath. Not wasting any time, he got out of the truck and grabbed all four of gallons of water before she could protest.
Brow furrowing, she followed him slowly, wondering how he was carrying them so effortlessly. Yeah, she’d done it, but she knew why she could—her enhanced shifter strength. How was he able to do it? Was it because maybe he really was a shifter too?
Angling her head slightly, she stared at his bulging biceps. Then again, this man had muscles for days. And she’d bet anything they were hard won from his construction work, not excessive time spent in the gym.
He could probably carry something a lot heavier than the water, without ever breaking a sweat.
Placing the jugs on the porch, he turned and sat next to them on the steps, his gaze falling on her. Feeling self-conscious with his chocolate brown eyes fixed solely on her, she quickened her step until she reached him, easing down to sit beside him.
She wracked her brain for something to say, but then realized she didn’t need to work to find a topic of discussion. After all, the renovation was the reason he was still here to begin with.
Wasn’t it?
Slanting a glance at him, she wondered if maybe there was more to it. Maybe Carlie, Paisley, and her dragon were all right. Because surely he didn’t go this far out of his way for all of his customers, did he?
Inhaling deeply, she dug her phone out of her pocket and pulled up her email. After clicking on his message, she skimmed the text before downloading the attachment. Skipping over the costs for each individual charge, she read the estimate totals, her eyes widening as she saw the figures.
“I know they seem like a lot,” Cody said softly, making her realize he’d leaned in close to see the screen with her. His breath caressed her ear, and she fought back a shiver, trying to focus on what he was saying. “But with the work needing to be done, even the most basic reno is going to be on the costly side.”
Eyes still roving over the screen, she nodded, using one hand to hook her hair behind her ear. “I assumed that was the case, but those numbers still surprised me. I guess I got too used to HGTV prices,” she said wryly, shooting him a smile she hoped was more amused than strained.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I can imagine. If I only had a nickel for every time someone said something along those lines. I’m no Chip Gaines but I keep my prices as reasonable as I can. And all of my crews do quality work. I pride myself on that.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do,” she replied quickly. “I didn’t mean to imply differently. I was just surprised by the totals and tried to make a bad joke to cover it up.”
“It wasn’t a bad joke, per se. I just understand the costs can seem exorbitant if you’re not used to it, or you don’t work in the industry.” Pausing, his brow furrowed as he looked off into the distance for a long moment before turning back to her. “We offer a payment plan. Just a small amount down, and minimal, easy payments after that.”
Olivia studied his warm, dark brown eyes, finding nothing but kindness in their depths. Her heart swelled impossibly large, so big it felt like it was going to explode in her chest.
She had a feeling Aaron’s had no such payment plan—which meant he’d noticed her reaction and wanted to help her out in some way. No doubt because he saw how badly the house needed fixed, and now the panic and dismay in her eyes.
He saw too much, really.
That fact sent a frisson of uneasiness down her spine, but despite that, she felt her heart softening just a tiny bit more toward him.
“I truly appreciate that, but we don’t need a payment plan. Even if we go with the full reno, we can make it work. It means a lot that you offered, though.”
They’d slowly angled their bodies toward each other, until their knees were nearly touching. She could feel his heat seeping into her, warming her in places she hadn’t thought would ever be warm again.
It truly baffled her that someone she hadn’t known long—and a man, at that—could make that happen, but she couldn’t focus on that right now. Cody had her full attention, and she watched as his gaze roamed over her face before coming back to her eyes.
As he searched her gaze, a gentle wind blew, dislodging a strand of her hair. It fluttered in front of her face, finally getting stuck to the Chapstick on her lips, and she lifted a hand to brush it away.
Only before she could fix it, he was already there. So gently that it nearly brought tears to her eyes, he lightly grasped the strand and pulled it away from her lips, tucking it behind her ear. Breath catching, her heart knocked against her ribs as he lingered for just a moment.
She could tell her eyes were wide as he searched her gaze, but with what? Surprise? Attraction? Captivation?
Probably a mixture of all of them, along with a small dose of fear. Because with every passing moment, she fell deeper and deeper into his spell. She was beginning—just barely—to get used to how she felt when she was around him, to wanting to spend time with him.
But that didn’t change how conflicted she felt. Was he really as good as he seemed? Or was he just that good at hiding who he really was? Was she making a huge mistake by letting herself spend any time at all with him?
Or was the mistake trying to keep her distance?
She didn’t know. She only knew that the pull she had toward him was so strong, she didn’t think she could fight it.
Wasn’t even sure she wanted to keep trying, if she were being honest.
He finally let his hand drop, but he continued to search her eyes. For what, she didn’t know. What she did know was she wouldn’t be able to breathe normally while he was doing it.
“Come out with me tomorrow night,” he said suddenly, his smooth voice deeper and rougher than usual, and laced with persuasion she found hard to resist.
Her lips parted as she stared at him, completely stunned. Had she just heard him correctly?
And did this mean her friends and dragon really were right? For a brief moment when he fixed her hair, she wondered, but she dismissed it as her imagination running wild—something she was extraordinarily good at.
But now…
“What?” she asked faintly, so softly she wondered if he’d even be able to hear her.
The corner of his mouth turned up in that half smile that made her weak in the knees. “You heard me. Come out with me. We have an old drive-in theater here. It’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays, and it plays old classics. It’ll be fun.”
Her heart leapt as butterflies erupted in her belly. Ignoring for a moment the fact that he just freakin’ asked her out, she narrowed her eyes, letting her suspicion show. “And just what do you mean by classics? Because Die Hard or Rocky are not true classics, just so you know.”
Throwing his head back, he laughed, the sound lighting up her body and leaving a faint tingle in its wake, all the way down to her toes. “Nothing like that. I’m talking Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, types of movies.”
Biting her lip, she gazed at him for a long moment, completely torn. She was surprised by just how much she wanted to, but there was so much holding her back, so many reasons she shouldn’t.
So many complicated as fuck reasons.
But despite all that, she was still torn. She wanted to go, but… Could she really put her trust in a man? A man who was essentially a stranger, even though it felt like she’d known him forever?
“I don’t know…” she replied, still unsure.
“Bitch, you better go!”
Jumping as Carlie’s voice came loudly out of a window she hadn’t realized was open, a blush immediately stained her cheeks as she glanced in that direction. She heard Cody chuckle, but she couldn’t bring herself to even look in his directi
on.
“I’m serious, Liv! Go out, have some fun for once, maybe get lai—”
An oomph sound came just as Carlie’s words were cut off. She knew exactly what she’d been about to say, and she had no doubts that Cody did, as well. The burn in her cheeks flamed hotter, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to look him in the eye again.
Thank God for whatever dragon shut Carlie up before she could finish—but still, the damage had been done.
She was going to kill her. Slowly. With much torture and pain before she put her out of her misery.
Cody cleared his throat. “She’s right, you know. Not about all of it,” he added hastily as her eyes darted incredulously to him. “I just mean, you should come with me. It’ll be fun. No pressure, Olivia. Just a fun night out at the movies.”
Still unable to really look at him, she focused on where her hand was slowly picking at a loose thread on her jeans. Her mind raced as she thought through options, scenarios, anything that could go wrong—and everything that could go right.
Was she really contemplating this?
Why not? her dragon asked. I already told you he’s not dangerous to you, and that you can trust him. And you can’t tell me you haven’t felt that for yourself. The only thing holding you back is you. Take a leap of faith.
Her throat constricted tightly. Take a leap of faith. When was the last time she’d done that? Even before she was kidnapped, she lived a boring, predictable life, content to repeat her days over and over. She never got out and tried to live.
And even with everything that had happened, she still wanted to try. The thought that she could have lived out her entire existence without really experiencing life was a sobering one, and a tight ball of emotion built in her chest.
Finding Faith (Return 0f The Dragons Book 1) Page 9