"What do you mean? I can't leave now. She's just about to get off the plane."
Her heart leaped forward, colliding against the walls of her chest. Lyssa knew that voice all too well. She'd been hearing it in her mind since the moment she drove away from the Silverado Ranch without Otis. Without Cody.
"I'm sorry, sir, but dogs aren't allowed in the airport."
People were looking around her, passing her as they walked off the plane and into the arms of loved ones. Someone bumped her arm with a piece of luggage as they tried to get by and she stumbled forward.
Cody had made her feel beautiful in every way by just being himself. Tears sprang to her eyes. She didn't think she could bear seeing his eyes when she didn't live up to the beautiful picture he'd painted of her for himself.
The officer was standing in front of Cody, hands like baseball mitts propped on his hips. Otis caught sight of her and, giving a little yelp of glee, began wagging his tail. He was seated to Cody's right. And he didn't have on the proper leash!
Damn it, that man was infuriating. Hadn't Cody listened to one word she'd taught him?
"If you don't leave, I'm going to have to impound the dog."
Fire seared through Lyssa and quickly turned to rage.
"This is a guide dog," Cody was saying. "They're supposed to be allowed in all public places."
"That's right, Officer," Lyssa said, coming up beside him. "Aside from the fact that this gentleman does not fully appreciate the training that has gone into making this dog the professional he is, he is indeed a working dog."
Cody stared at her and her pulse pounded in her head. He had a black pirate-like patch over one eye. The other was looking straight at her. The eye she could see was a mixture of blue and green. She could finally see it. And it was truly amazing.
She cleared her throat, trying to push her feelings of longing aside and get to the matter of importance. "Where's his leash?" she asked Cody harshly.
"I have it with me. I just... didn't need it."
"And who are you?" the officer asked Lyssa.
"I'm this dog's trainer." She turned to Cody. "This airport is like a maze. Why on earth would you ..."
He was smiling at her, big and bright and goofy and she knew in an instant it was because he could see her. He could really see her.
"It worked, Lys."
Tears clung to her eyelashes and blurred her vision. "I know," she whispered, her bottom lip trembling.
"Yeah," he said. He took a step forward but was stopped by the officer's hand.
"You still need to take this dog out of here."
Anger surged through her. "I just told you that Otis is a trained guide dog. He's allowed anywhere his handler is allowed. Mr. Gentry is his handler."
"He may own the dog, but he's not blind."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I'm not blind either. He's been the one leading the dog instead of the other way around. Now either you get a proper leash on him or he's going to be removed."
"I have an extra leash in my bag," Lyssa said.
"Thank you."
The officer stayed while Lyssa rummaged through her suitcase, found the leash, and handed it to Cody. When Cody was through putting it on, the officer walked away.
"Of all the nerve," Lyssa said, her insides burning.
"I know, some people just don't understand the law," Cody said. "I think a strong letter to—
"No, I mean you! How could you bring Otis in here like this without his proper leash on? Are you trying to ruin my dog!"
"He's my dog. Well, technically my father's dog, but we've sort of come to an agreement on that. Besides, how else would I have known it was you? I couldn't very well go up to everyone coming through the gate and ask if I could sculpt them."
Lyssa started to laugh and just like that, all the anger she wanted to feel evaporated. "That would go over real swell with Officer Know-it-All."
His lips lifted in a sexy grin. "I don't think I'll ever forget the sound of that laugh, though. But just in case, I called the school and talked to your boss. She said you were coming in today. I figured Otis would let me know it was you as soon as he saw you. And he did."
Reaching his hand up to her face, Cody brushed his knuckles across Lyssa's cheek.
"I can't believe I went this long without seeing this," he whispered, his finger stroking her lips.
"Don't do that," she said, stepping back. Her cheeks grew warm and her head became so dizzy she had to catch her breath.
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Oh, now that's a good reason."
Tilting her head to one side, she said, "We're in public."
"So what?"
"People are watching us."
He smiled devilishly. "I don't see anyone watching us. I only see you. And I like very, very much what I see."
The trembling of her lip betrayed any kind of control she thought she had. She wanted so much to wrap her arms around Cody and tell him just how much she'd missed him.
"Why did you come here, Cody?"
He sighed. "Because much as I hate to say it, I'm giving Otis back to the school. You're right. I don't need him now and it wouldn't be fair to deny what he has to give to someone else. And because . .. seeing you again is the only thing I've been thinking about since you so rudely left me that Dear John letter on your pillow. Which, by the way, was not a very nice thing to do."
"I wasn't rude. I told you I was leaving."
"And you damned well knew I wasn't going to wait for Dr. Curtis to take off those bandages so you went ahead and left before morning. Just like a coward."
"I am not a coward."
"Thing is, I can't figure out why. I've done nothing but miss you since that day." He swallowed. "I tried to stay away and give you time. I don't know what it is you think you needed or what you hoped I'd figure out, but I'm here to tell you I've been nothing but a bear without you. I think even Otis can't stand me some days."
Lyssa glanced down at Otis, who was obediently sitting next to Cody. On the wrong side.
"You're going to ruin my dog if you don't treat him right." She took the leash from Cody's hands and led him to the left side. "Let's get out of here."
As they started to walk, Cody took her suitcase with one hand and draped his other arm around her shoulder. For the first time in weeks, the connection they'd made at the ranch was joined again and Lyssa wondered how she'd survived these last few weeks without him.
"You have a very funny name," Cody said after a time.
"Excuse me?"
"McElhannon. What kind of name is that anyway?"
"Why does this matter?"
"Because names are important. You have to fit your name. I spend a lot of time thinking of the perfect names for my horses."
She stopped walking and glared at him. "So you're comparing me to your horse now?"
"No, I'd never do that. I just don't think McElhannon suits you."
She propped her hand on her hip. "Oh, really?"
"Now for example, take Gentry. That's a fine name. Easy on the tongue, easy to spell, easy to—
"I've lived with the name McElhannon all my life and it's suited me just fine, thank you very much. Why are we having this ridiculous conversation in the middle of the airport?"
"I think it's important. I think you should change your name, Lyssa."
She flung her hands in the air with frustration, nerves frayed, her mind jumping between confusion, elation at seeing Cody, and frustration. If Cody didn't kiss her, and quick, she thought she'd lose her mind completely. "And I think you're insane."
He took her by the hand this time and began walking again. Leading her through the crowded airport, ignoring her rant, he went on. "I think Alyssandra Orchid Gentry sounds a lot better than Alyssandra Orchid McElhannon. Yeah, it has a nice ring to it. Don't you think?"
"No, I do not think—" She yanked her hand out of his and stopped short as the words sunk in.
He looked at her, his exposed eye shining so brightly filled with emotion as he gazed at her. "Yeah, Lyssa Gentry. I think that sounds real nice. I could get real used to saying that name."
He dropped the luggage he'd been holding and drew her into his arms before she could utter another idiotic word of protest.
"Why, Cody? I'm nothing like the girls you've dated before."
"I know," he said, smiling. "You're difficult, argumentative, opinionated, stubborn."
"You don't have to keep a running list of my faults. You could at least give me the decency—"
He stifled her protests with a kiss and she seemed to melt in his arms.
"You gentle me, Lyssa," he said quietly when he pulled back to look at her. "I've been a raging engine, spitting out grease and fumes my whole life. But when I'm with you something inside me quiets down. I don't think I can live without that. I don't really want to live without that again."
She opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it, clamping her teeth over her trembling bottom lip.
He kissed her lightly on the lips, then drew back and stared into her eyes as if he couldn't get his fill. It was there. That same spark of light that she'd envied her sister for. Cody felt it for her. Lyssa knew that without a doubt.
"Tell me what you're so afraid of, Lys."
She looked away. It was like he was looking into her soul when he gazed at her that way.
"I'm not afraid of anything."
"Don't give me that." He came closer, just inches from her and whispered, "I told you you didn't have to lock those fears away from me. They don't matter."
"How can you be sure this is what you really want, Cody? I'm so afraid you're going to wake up one day and find out that none of this is real."
"Marry me. It can't get any more real than that, Lys." He wrapped his strong arms around her waist, picked her up, and spun her around. "Say yes, Lys."
"You're such a fool!" she squealed, suddenly not caring how many people were watching.
Still holding her tight, he threw his head back and laughed. "I've been hearing that a lot lately."
Lyssa laughed as a tear spilled down her cheek. She couldn't remember a time when her heart felt so full she thought it would burst.
"How about we go see about changing that mouthful of a name of yours?"
"You are crazy."
"Crazy in love with you, Lys. Say it. I want to hear you say it."
She hooked her arms around his neck and looked at him as he looked right back at her. Really looked at her with love. "I love you, too, Cody Gentry. Even if you are a crazy fool. And I think Gentry is a beautiful name that I would be proud to share with you."
"You are so very beautiful, Lyssa," he said, brushing the pad of his thumb against her cheek. "But then, I've never needed my eyes to see that."
THE END
If you enjoyed The More I See, check out the other books in Lisa Mondello’s Texas Hearts series: Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting, Gypsy Hearts, and Leaving Liberty (soon to be released)
Survivors
Copyright ©1990 by Barbara Keiler
Cover Credit: Barbara Keiler
Waiting For You
Copyright © 2012
Cover credit: Patricia Ryan
Silken Threads
Copyright © 1999
Cover credit: Patricia Ryan
Texas Refuge
Copyright © 2012
Cover credit: Jessica Lewis
The More I See
Copyright © 2003
Cover credit: Melyssa Naujoks of Purple Girl Design
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Meet the Summit Authors
The Summit Authors are eight of today’s most successful, innovative independent authors. All of our members have written for top New York publishers and achieved national and international recognition. Our bestselling, award-winning novels include contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance, women’s fiction, and mysteries. To keep up with all of our latest books and exciting new projects, visit www.summitauthors.com
Judith Arnold is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of more than 90 novels, with more than 10 million copies of her books in print. Her writing has been called "enchantingly charming," "quietly lyrical," and, according to Publishers Weekly, "scrumptious."
Wendy Lindstrom is a RITA Award-winning author of "beautifully poignant, wonderfully emotional" historical romances. Romantic Times has dubbed her "one of romance's finest Americana writers," and readers rave about her enthralling characters and the riveting emotional power of her work.
Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author praised by readers and reviewers alike for her "smart, thrilling, sizzling" writing. Her 15 historical romances have been published internationally by three major New York publishers.
Patricia McLinn is a USA Today bestselling author of 30 "powerful, compelling" contemporary romances cherished by readers worldwide for their memorable characters, sensuality and emotional intensity. There are more than 4 million copies of her books in print.
Julie Ortolon is a USA Today bestselling author who has earned raves from Publishers Weekly and Booklist for her sparkling romantic comedies filled with passion and heart. Her novels regularly appear at the top of the ebook bestseller lists.
Patricia Ryan is a USA Today bestselling author and RITA Award-winner known for breaking boundaries with her "fresh, swift and sexy" page-turners that blend romance, history and suspense. Her 28 books have been published in more than 20 countries.
Kathryn Shay is a USA Today bestselling author and has more than 5 million copies in print of her 47 published novels. Her contemporary romances have been serialized in Cosmopolitan magazine and featured in The Wall Street Journal and People magazine.
Shelly Thacker is a USA Today bestselling-autor, RITA Award finalist and national bestseller who has earned lavish praise from Publishers Weekly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Detroit Free Press and The Oakland Press for her "innovative, addictive, erotic" historical romances.
If you enjoyed these stories, check out these other wonderful Wounded Heroes books:
Shades of Honor by Wendy Lindstrom
Lost and Found Groom by Patricia McLinn
The Games by Patricia McLinn
Hoops by Patricia McLinn
Match Made in Wyoming by Patricia McLinn
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The Sun and the Moon by Patricia Ryan
Hale’s Point Patricia Ryan
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Marriage of Convenience
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