3. Chapter Three
Chapter Three
F uck!
What the hell just happened?
Cody tried to rein in his…what the hell was he feeling?
Rage at his friend for pulling Brooke into his lap.
Possessiveness because he’d wanted to keep her in his.
Fucking lust for getting hard as her lush ass brushed against his dick before he moved her.
Regret that he’d had to let her go.
Brad was lucky he’d hit him in the arm and not the face. He still wanted to pound the shit out of him for calling Brooke beautiful, making her smile.
And what the fuck was with her saying she could do worse than Brad? Did she like Brad? Did she want to date him? Fuck him?
What the hell was going on?
It felt like his world turned upside down all of a sudden.
“Honey, there you are! I’ve been looking for you.” Kristi hooked her arm through his and snuggled up to his side with a wide grin and bright, happy eyes.
Guilt hit him all at once, even though he hadn’t really done anything.
Except get jealous over your best friend paying attention to Brooke.
He wasn’t jealous. He was protective.
Yeah. Right.
Fuck.
“Smile. My dad is watching us.”
Cody plastered on a smile.
Kirk started in their direction.
“You need to seriously get over whatever happened with Brooke and Brad and you turning into the overprotective big brother.”
“You saw that?”
Kristi eyed him. “It’s not hard to miss the way she looks at you. But she’s your stepsister and you need to shut that down. People notice. It’s…not right.”
“There’s no blood between us. We weren’t raised together. I was grown when she and Susanne moved in. They had a hard life before they came to the ranch.”
Susanne had taken a job as the new cook and housekeeper for him and his father. She’d arrived with next to nothing and a spindly little girl, so painfully shy and quiet, Brooke had trouble making friends at the fourth new school she’d attended in her short life. Cody saw how much she liked the ranch and the horses, and he’d made a point to try to help her fit in. Maybe she got a little carried away by his attention and didn’t see the reality of their situation the way he did, but it wasn’t his fault she’d been lovestruck.
Just like his dad, who fell head over heels for Brooke’s mom, Susanne. The normally stoic, hard man had melted like butter every time Susanne came into a room. Cody had never seen his father’s cold eyes soften with what could only be described as love like they did when he looked at her. After his wife walked out on him, Cody understood why he’d hardened his heart, even if Cody had been hurt by it as a child. He couldn’t remember his father ever being soft or kind to anyone if a rough demand got him what he wanted faster. Susanne changed him. And Cody.
In his last years, his father had seemed happy for the first time in his life. He’d been different. Cody might not have wanted a stepmother and stepsister, but he’d thank Susanne every day for giving his father the best years of his life.
He’d even told Cody he was proud of him at his law school graduation. For the first time, Cody felt connected to his dad, like he’d finally measured up. It had made a huge difference in his life. And when his father passed away of a heart attack only two years ago, he was able to say goodbye to the man without regrets. Susanne had taught a tough old goat how to love, and he’d loved them all well before they’d lost him.
His father, who in the past would have looked at a little girl as useless on a ranch, took a shine to Brooke and taught her everything he knew about ranching. He’d treated her like his own, and Brooke tried so hard to earn his praise and pride. Her own father had abandoned her and Susanne years before, leaving them with nothing but a lot of hard days ahead of them. Until they’d come to the ranch and found two men who understood what they’d been through. They all healed each other by taking care of each other.
His father found love, and Cody found the best friend he’d ever have.
“The people here…they can make or break a career. Stay focused on what and who is important right now.”
Cody didn’t like what Kristi implied, but he didn’t get a chance to say anything as Kirk arrived at Kristi’s side and held out his hand to Cody.
“It’s good to see you again.”
Cody took his hand, shifting gears back to being in control, and gave Kristi’s father a firm handshake. “Thank you for coming. I hope you’re enjoying the party.”
Kirk scanned the crowd. “Harland would be proud you’re carrying on tradition.”
“The credit goes to Brooke. She organized everything.”
Kristi pressed her lips tight and eyed him.
Kirk acknowledged his statement with a nod. “Kristi told me Brooke is home for the summer.”
“She’ll head back to school in mid-August to finish her senior year.” One more year of college, then she’d move back home for good. She’d be where she belonged.
With me.
That’s not what he meant.
You sure?
He was losing his mind.
She’d be home. Things would go back to the way they used to be.
Is that what you really want?
“Then what?” Kristi asked, probably because she thought he and Brooke were too close to each other.
“She’s studying business. She wants to help run the ranch and take some of the weight off my shoulders. She’s smart. Driven. Knows what she wants and goes after it.”
“That’s for sure,” Kristi said under her breath.
Cody knew exactly how Kristi felt about Brooke. They would probably never be friends. It would make things easier if they got along. He tried to stay neutral but sometimes he wished they liked each other. Of course, the last thing he needed was for them to gang up on him.
To keep him from commenting, Kristi prompted her father. “Daddy, tell him why you wanted to talk to him.”
Kirk gave his daughter an indulgent look. “So impatient.”
She beamed. “I’m excited.”
Kirk focused on him. “Kristi tells me things between you two have been really good these last many months. Her mother and I like seeing our girl happy.”
“So do I,” Cody agreed. What else could he say? He and Kristi got on well. They enjoyed each other’s company. The sex had been better in the beginning but was still good. They’d settled into a sort of routine. One Kristi didn’t always appreciate or like because his busy schedule dictated when he could see her. But what guy wouldn’t want to be with someone who went out of their way to accommodate them? He liked that Kristi made allowances for him with minimal grumbling when plans had to change last minute because he was stuck in court or needed to be at the ranch for some emergency.
“And are you looking toward the future?” Kirk sipped his bourbon and eyed him.
“I feel like I’m in the thick of building what I want that future to look like.” It probably wasn’t the answer Kristi and Kirk wanted, but it was the truth and they could make of it what they would, because he was with Kristi, even if he hadn’t put a lot of thought into their future. She was convenient, available to him when he wanted to see her, and he simply didn’t have the time to contemplate where things were going to end up when he was content enough with right now. His thoughts didn’t flatter Kristi. She was considerate, smart, helpful, and affectionate. He appreciated her easy manner, especially when he was in a mood.
Kristi hugged him tighter and stared up at him with excitement. “You work really hard. And while I love the time we spend together, I wish you’d enjoy life a bit more.” That was her nice way of saying she wanted him to spend less time at work and more with her.
“Young men on the rise don’t have the luxury of leisure time, darling.” Kirk gave Cody an approving nod for focusing on work. “You two will have plenty of time together in the years to come.”
Cody wouldn’t touch that statement with a ten-foot pole. While he didn’t have a lot of long-term relationships under his belt, he knew he and Kristi needed a lot more time to see if this thing could go the distance.
Kristi blushed and nodded at her father. “Cody and I are solid. I’m excited to see his plans come to fruition in the near future. He’s working hard and winning his cases.” Her eyes shone with pride.
So supportive. He rewarded her with a soft kiss. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Kirk nodded again, like he’d come to some decision. “As you know, I have a lot of connections in this state. An opportunity has come up that I think you’d be perfect for”—he pointed his bourbon glass at Cody—“and would make your rising star shine a bit brighter.”
Anticipation and excitement fluttered in his gut. “I’m open to hearing about it.” Though cautious, because he wondered if whatever Kirk had in mind came with conditions and strings attached.
“Governor Harris, as you know, is extremely excited about the new children’s hospital that opened several months ago. He and I, and others, including your father, were instrumental in pulling the funding together for the project. Of course, the governor ran on a platform that included helping children, especially in getting the healthcare those most vulnerable need.”
“My father would have been proud to see the new hospital open. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and how it’s impacted the community. The previous clinic wasn’t able to keep up with the demand for care. Families had to drive into the city to get the services they needed.”
“Exactly why it was so necessary. And to make sure the hospital is run well and thrives for years to come, we as board members take our job very seriously.” Kirk sipped his drink again, letting it hang there that he was on the board, which gave him clout and power.
Cody wondered what any of this had to do with him. “Lives are on the line, along with jobs. And having community support means people care about the hospital, the patients, and those supporting and running it.”
Kirk grinned. “I knew you’d see the big picture. That’s why I spoke to the governor about who we should tap to fill the upcoming vacant board member seat. While he doesn’t serve on the board because of his political position, he’s still very active with the board members who do. Since he and I were longtime friends with your father, and you and I have an even more personal connection with you seeing my daughter, I recommended that the upcoming vacant seat on the board should go to you.”
Cody gasped at Kirk’s offer. “I’m…” Speechless. “Intrigued. And honored.” He’d never thought about taking on a board position. He’d been too focused on building his reputation as a lawyer. But being a part of something his father had invested his time and resources into would be so rewarding. He’d do his father proud watching over the hospital, its patients and staff, making sure it ran smoothly and provided everything the community needed.
“You’d make a great addition to the team with your legal expertise. The pro bono work you do for children hasn’t gone unnoticed.” Kirk looked from him to Kristi, letting Cody know Kristi had filled him in on his extracurricular work.
He didn’t talk about the work he did for a legal aid foundation. He was a criminal attorney. Sometimes kids got into trouble and needed someone to see that they deserved a second chance. Most of the kids he helped came from low-income households with parents who were struggling to get by. Kids did desperate things when life felt dire and hunger was a way of life. He tried to turn things around for the kids he helped before they ended up in gangs and as career criminals.
Kirk went on. “I’ll put your name forward to the board. With Governor Harris backing my recommendation, too, you’ll be a sure win for the seat.”
Overwhelmed, he said, “I’ll need more details about the job.” He didn’t want to put Kirk on the spot in the middle of the barbecue, but he needed specifics before he got too caught up and agreed without knowing exactly what he was getting into.
“Well, my daughter won’t thank me for adding a few more hours and responsibilities to your plate, but I think you’re up for the challenge.”
“Of course he is. And he can always cut back on his hours at the ranch,” Kristi interjected.
Cody kept his attention on Kirk, not wanting to upset Kristi by reminding her yet again that he enjoyed being on the ranch, outdoors, doing manual labor. It grounded him.
“The board meets once a month. Depending on what’s on the agenda, it could be anywhere from four to eight hours of work. We handle a lot of time-sensitive things via email and video conferences.” Kirk smirked. “And the pay is more than fair. The only thing is, I need your answer now. I want to put your name in before anyone else on the board submits someone else and it turns into a pissing match. But like I said, with the governor backing you, too, it’s a sure thing.”
Cody thought about how his father spent a great deal of his life giving back to others and helping those around him, including the opening of the hospital before his death. His father would want him to do this. And in this moment, he felt as close to his father as he had before his death.
He held his hand out to Kirk. “I’m in. Thank you for recommending me and having such faith in me to take on this task. I won’t let you down. I’d be proud to carry on what my father started in supporting the hospital and its workers and patients.”
Kirk pumped his hand then held on. “Not only did I do it because I respected your father and I see a lot of him in you, but hell, son, we’re practically family. In fact, I’d love for you to come to dinner next Sunday.”
Kristi beamed with joy. She’d been trying to get him to spend time with her parents at their family dinners for the last month.
“I’ll be there.” Cody barely had time to think about what he’d have to rearrange on his schedule at the ranch to make it happen when Governor Harris and his wife approached and Kirk called out, “Come meet our new board member.”
Governor Harris smacked Cody on the back. “Well, all right then, son. I knew you were smart and savvy enough to seize the opportunity. Your father always told me you had big plans beyond the ranch. He liked to dabble in this and that, as you well know. He was always looking out for the community. He had my back during my campaigns. Now, I get to repay the favor through you.” He held out his hand. “I hope this will be a long and prosperous friendship.”
Cody shook the governor’s hand. “Thank you.”
He received another smack on the back from Kirk. “Now you’re playing with the big boys.”
Governor Harris laughed and jabbed Cody in the ribs. “Watch yourself. This one always has something up his sleeve.”
Kirk smirked and shrugged like he didn’t know what the governor was talking about, but Cody knew what Kirk wanted. His daughter happy. And he thought that happiness came from Cody. They were together. But Cody now felt the tug of obligation where he used to simply be pleased to have her by his side. He tried to let it roll off him but the way Kirk looked from him to Kristi’s beaming face, their hands clasped together, then back at him, said everything about the situation and what it meant going forward.
Kirk wanted Cody to keep his daughter happy. In return, Kirk would support him for the seat on the board and any other things he could use to boost Cody’s standing in the community and in his career to ensure his daughter got the life Kirk felt she deserved.
Since everything aligned for Cody at the moment, he didn’t let the sense of obligation weigh too heavy on him. Right now, he thought about the good he could do on the hospital board.
He couldn’t wait to tell Brooke about it.
The party was in full swing. Most of the guests had already gotten their food and were spread out among the tables. Brooke and her friends were still out on the grass, most of them with plates of food and drinks. Brooke and Mindy Sue were talking while Mindy Sue’s boyfriend hovered nearby.
Cody said a quick goodbye and thank-you to Kirk and the governor, who were already in conversation with the Whites, who owned three car dealerships in the two nearby towns.
Kristi gripped his arm before he headed toward Brooke. “Where are you going?”
“To tell Brooke the great news.”
A flash of annoyance lit Kristi’s blue eyes. “You can tell her later. Let’s grab our plates and eat before we watch the fireworks together with my mom and dad.” That sounded nonnegotiable.
Cody bristled, but let it go. He didn’t want Kirk or the governor to see them bickering. Not now. Not right after Kirk had plainly made it clear he wanted Cody to keep Kristi happy.
She pulled him toward the buffet. “We can talk about you coming to Sunday dinner and figure out our schedules for next week and set up a couple of dates.”
He didn’t miss the implied order.
“I miss you, Cody. Now that you’re going to have even more to do, we’re going to have to work that much harder to spend time together so this works out.”
Did she mean their relationship or the board member seat her father offered him?
“Well, it sounds like we’ll be having Sunday dinner with your folks for the foreseeable future.”
Her smile lit up her whole face. “I knew this was what you wanted and would bring us closer together.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Slowly. With the sultry vibe that had been ever-present in the beginning of their relationship. “This is the start of something more for both of us. I always knew we were good together. Now, I feel like we’re really a couple. Partners. And that means so much.” She kissed him again, this time with a hint of the passion they’d had when they first got together. A promise for what was to come when all eyes weren’t on them. Because Cody could feel everyone staring. And when the kiss ended, he caught the satisfaction in Kirk’s eyes that matched the one coming from his daughter’s as she smiled at him, locked in his arms.
But there was someone else he wanted to share his good news with. He caught Brooke’s eye and tilted his head toward the house.
She nodded and started walking in from the grass to the patio.
Cody brushed a quick kiss on Kristi’s lips and held both her hands in his. “Get a plate and find us a seat and I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
“Where are you going?”
He spotted Brad and two of their friends standing on the patio. “I just want to say hi to my friends and use the restroom before I sit down to eat with you.”
She looked past him at Brad, John, and Juan. “Okay. But don’t get all involved talking about sports and horses or whatever.”
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.