11. Chapter Eleven
Chapter Eleven
D ecember 20 th – Christmas Party at Brooke’s home…
Cody tried to tamp down his excitement by sucking in a deep breath and letting it out as he pulled on his dress shirt and called out, “I’ve been waiting to see you,” as his bedroom door opened.
He really tried not to show his disappointment when Kristi walked in.
Her bright smile dimmed and he knew she knew he was expecting Brooke.
He tried to cover. “You’re early. And you look amazing.” She did. The gold strapless dress made her skin glow and her blue eyes stand out.
Her gaze swept over him, landing on his chest where it was exposed between the two sides of his unbuttoned shirt.
“You keep looking at me like that, and I’ll have to do something about it.” He went to her and kissed her cheek, not wanting to mess up her lipstick.
She stepped back and eyed him. “Who were you expecting to walk through your bedroom door?”
Like she didn’t know. But he wasn’t going to play this jealous game. Not tonight when they were expecting a houseful of guests.
“You.” He started buttoning his shirt.
She raised a golden brow. “Brooke’s home, right?”
“Yes. She arrived the day before yesterday.” He kept his voice neutral.
Kristi narrowed her eyes. “How is she?”
“Good. I think. I haven’t gotten a chance to really catch up with her. I’ve been working to clear my desk before the holidays and she spent time with Susanne, riding her horse, and catching up with everyone on the ranch.” His anticipation grew until it felt like a need he could barely contain. He missed her so much.
“I bet you’re excited to spend time with her tonight.”
He couldn’t lie. “I am.”
“Even though you promised we’d stick together and greet all the guests as the couple who are throwing this party. Right?”
The holiday party was a big deal in their social circle. People were busy this time of year. Getting everyone who RSVP’d together here tonight was a sign of just how well everyone respected and liked him and how far he’d come in his career and standing in the community.
Cody could write off the summer picnic as everyone just being nice after his father died. But for them all to show up again tonight spoke to the fact that they considered him important and part of their social circle.
And Kristi wanted to be with him in that.
So does Brooke. She made the summer picnic a success.
Yes, but he couldn’t take advantage of her feelings for him. Not when his life would hold her back from exploring all the opportunities available to her.
Cody hooked one arm around her waist and drew her close. “As promised, I’ll be a gracious host with you by my side.”
Even though Susanne had done most of the work setting up the party with him, Kristi had asked if they would entertain their family, friends, and colleagues as a couple. He didn’t see why not. They’d been dating for almost a year. Everyone knew they were together, but this would somehow show them how devoted they were to each other in her mind.
Like they didn’t already know.
Kristi sometimes obsessed about what others thought about her. She especially wanted her parents’ approval. Since they were coming, he guessed she wanted them to see her in the role of his partner.
Okay. Fine. He didn’t see the need to put on a show. They’d do what they always did at work functions and dinners and be each other’s support. They’d become good at that over the last few months. Especially when they had dinner with her folks, who always seemed to have a few extra guests at their table. CEOs, the mayor, council members, judges. Kirk surrounded himself with influential people and introduced Cody to a lot of them. Connection. Kirk was all about making them and using them.
Cody sometimes felt like Kirk used those dinners to make sure Cody was keeping his daughter happy.
And Cody wondered if her insistence on being seen together tonight as a united front had anything to do with the fact that she’d been dropping hints about them getting married the last few weeks. She never seemed secure enough in what they had to just be in it with him. She was always looking toward getting to the next milestone in their relationship. First date. First time they had sex. Six-month anniversary. First big holiday together. Hosting a party together. Their one-year anniversary coming up. Marriage. A family.
He was in no hurry.
She was anxious to have it all.
Kristi handed him his tie. “And what about Brooke?”
He tucked in his shirt. “I’m happy she’s home. I can’t wait to hear about school and talk to her about the plans for the businesses she’s opening next year.”
Kristi folded her arms. “I’m sure she can manage that on her own.”
“She can, but I control her trust fund, so I need to know how much money she needs, when, and for what.”
Kristi let loose her arms and her hands slapped against her thighs. “She’s months away from being twenty-one. Just let her handle it.” She was getting worked up over nothing.
“It’s a big project. I want to be sure no one takes advantage of her.”
Kristi huffed. “Is this how it’s going to be tonight and while she’s home on break? You’re going to spend all your time with her instead of me?”
“What? No. I just haven’t seen her in months and I want a chance to connect with her.”
Kristi’s blue eyes turned glacial. “Right. Like the texts you guys send each other aren’t enough?”
“It’s not the same as a real conversation.” He draped his red tie over his neck, pulled his collar over it, wound the tie into a knot, and pulled it up to his neck, all while Kristi eyed him. “Look, I know you’re nervous about the party. It’s going to be a big crowd. A few of Brooke’s friends will be here with their parents, so she’ll be occupied while you and I tend to our guests. At some point, I’ll have a moment to talk to Brooke. It’s not like I’m going to spend the whole night with her.”
Kristi’s shoulders and face softened. “You’re right. It’s just…”
“What?” Didn’t she trust him?
“You’ve mentioned her a lot over the last few months. You always seem to find the time to worry about her, think about her.”
He smirked as he pulled on his suit jacket. “Do you want to know the truth?”
“Always.”
“Brooke has been unusually quiet these last few months and it makes me nervous.”
“Because you think she’s pulling away?”
Yes. “Because I worry that something is wrong and she’s not telling me. I’m responsible for her. I promised my dad I would always look out for her. And yes, I admit, I care about her. I miss her.”
“Tonight is about you and me and our relationship and what it’s grown into, and I don’t want anything to ruin our night, including Brooke distracting you like she always does because she desperately wants your attention.”
He closed the distance, put his hands on her bare shoulders, planted a kiss on her forehead, then looked her in the eyes. “I’m all yours. I promise.”