Chapter Eighteen
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Cody’s alarm jarred him awake from a very deep sleep. He had no memory of Becky leaving, but recalled how good it had been to drift away next to her. She’d fit perfectly in his arms, and her body against his had been nothing short of divine. Quickly getting himself together, he grabbed his bag, strode across the field, and knocked on the back door. It was opened by Becky, her blue eyes sparkling and wearing a happy smile.
“What is that incredible smell?” he asked, a delicious aroma stirring his appetite.
“One of Dad’s specialities, have you ever had rice flour waffles?”
“I can’t say I have,” he replied as they entered the kitchen.
“You’ll love them. They’re super light, and they don’t leave you feeling stuffed.”
“Morning, Cody,” David said, looking up from the stove. “Help yourself. There’s a blueberry compote and some maple syrup. Did you sleep well?”
“Thanks, yes, very. It’s so quiet here, like my ranch. Wow, they look great,” Cody remarked, eyeing the stack of golden waffles piled high on a plate in the center of the table.
“I hope you like them. They’re a favorite at the diner,” David remarked. “Speaking of which I have to get moving soon. Monday is the only day I don’t serve breakfast, but I still have to get over there and prepare everything for lunch.”
“Do you mind if I’m a bit late this morning?” Becky asked, sitting down. “I want to see Cody off.”
“No problem, sweetheart. What time is your flight, Cody?”
He was about to answer when a knock at the door broke into their conversation.
“I’ll get it,” Becky declared, jumping from the table.
“I’m scheduled to leave at ten, but it’s a private jet so it doesn’t matter if I’m late,” Cody replied.
“That helps,” David grinned, adding, “I wonder who’s at the door. I can’t imagine who would come visiting this early.”
A moment later, Becky reappeared, and walked slowly toward the table.
“Who was it?” her father asked.
“There was no-one there.”
“That’s weird,” David said with a frown. “Probably just some kids. I’d better make a move. I think you have enough waffles there to keep you busy, but if you do get through them, Becky can throw some more batter in the waffle iron. You’ll be surprised how light they are. I’ll be back in a few minutes to say goodbye.”
“Thanks again for this incredible breakfast.”
“My pleasure,” David smiled, and ambled out of the kitchen.
Cody stared across at Becky. Her face was ashen. It was obvious there had been someone at the door who had upset her.
“Okay, Becky, tell me what happened.”
“It was Roy,” she sighed, flicking her eyes up.
“I thought he’d been arrested.”
“He was. I guess he must have been released.”
“What did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything. He was already walking away when I opened the door. He left me a note. He wants me to meet him.”
“It’s not up to me to tell you what to do,” Cody said gravely, “but I think it would be a really bad idea.”
“Probably, though I was thinking, I might be able to make him see sense.”
“Did you forget you promised me you wouldn’t be alone with him?”
She paused, then nodded her head.
“You’re right, I won’t go.”
“Good, and make sure you tell your dad about this when you go into work.”
“Aye, aye, Captain, but I’m starving. Let’s eat.”
Cody consumed waffle after waffle, marveling at their lightness and flavor, but Roy’s invitation was at the back of his mind, and Cody was convinced the scorned young man would return. He was just finishing his last cup of coffee when his phone jangled in his pocket; it was Sam.
“How’s the country,” Sam asked, “and that talented girl of yours?”
“Fantastic and fantastic,” Cash replied. “What about things on your end?”
“Marilyn is under control, you don’t have to worry.”
“That’s a relief. Are you still coming in on Thursday?”
“I’m not sure, I’ll keep you posted. Call me when you’re on the plane and ready to leave. I know how the charms of a sexy young woman might cause a delay.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be on that plane,” Cash chuckled, “but I’ll call you anyway.”
Becky had been clearing the plates from the table, and as Cody dropped the phone back in his pocket, her father walked in.
“Cody, it’s been a true pleasure to meet you, and I’m really looking forward to Dallas,” he said enthusiastically. “I can’t thank you enough for arranging that meeting with your manager for my little girl here.”
“I didn’t do anything except show him the video. She’s a star waiting to shine. I just had a thought. You should have my number just in case you need to reach me. Becky has it, but you should too.”
“Good idea,” David said, pulling out his phone, “and you should have mine. I remember carrying around a piece of paper and a pencil everywhere I went. Now it’s all about a phone in your pocket. When do you think you’ll be at the diner?” he asked as they exchanged the information.
“In about half an hour, I’ll come over right after Cody leaves.”
“Okay, sweetheart, I’ll see you there.”
“Finally alone,” Cody murmured as David left and she moved back to the table.
“Finally, but only for twenty minutes, it’s not enough time.”
“It’s better than no time at all. Get your butt over here,” he ordered, pushing his chair back. “Do you think your father could manage without you for a week?”
“Why?” she asked, sitting on his lap and gazing into his impossible-to-resist hazel eyes.
“I’d like to take you to my ranch. It’s not far from Dallas.”
“That would be amazing. We have two part-time waitresses. Maybe they could fill in for me. I’d love to come.”
He suddenly imagined her naked on his bed writhing through an orgasm.
“Cody?”
“Sorry,” he apologized softly. “I was just thinking how badly I want to be with you.”
“I would love that too, more than I can say.”
Diving his mouth to her neck, he briefly kissed the hollow of her throat before traveling his lips to her chest. As she closed her eyes and moaned, he began fondling her breasts through the thin T-shirt, then abruptly shifting her off his lap, he stood up, clutched a handful of hair, and tugged back her head.
“I can’t stand it,” he growled, then fervently pressed his lips against hers, slipping his tongue between her teeth as he devoured her lips with pent-up passion. “Damn,” he breathed, breaking away and wrapping her up in his arms, his stiffening cock urgently pressing against his jeans. “I must have you naked and beside me in a big bed.”
“Yes, please,” she mumbled breathlessly. “I want to be with you so badly.”
“Sadly, you have clothes on, there’s no bed in this kitchen, and I have to start for the airport.”
“I know.”
“You’d better sit down or I’ll never get out of here,” he sighed, gently pushing away and into a chair.
“Good grief, Cody, the next few days are going to be the longest ever.”
“No kidding, but it will be worth the wait,” he promised, taking a seat across from her. “Becky, I hate to spoil the mood, but about Roy, I’m very concerned about him. If you haven’t been together since high school, why does he keep bothering you?”
“I don’t know,” she said, dropping her gaze to the table.
“Whatever it is that keeps him coming around, you need help straightening it out. Is there someone besides your father you can talk to?”
“Maybe Auntie Joan,” she replied thoughtfully. “That hadn’t occurred to me until just now.”
“You need to deal with this. When can you talk to her?”
“I’ll call her after you leave, and you’re right Cody, it’s getting ridiculous.”
Though he sensed there was more to the story, and he wanted to know what it was, he sensed Becky was uncomfortable talking about it, and he didn’t have time to get it out of her.
“I have to get moving,” he declared, glancing at his watch. “Someone will be here to pick up the bus around midday. It’s locked, but I’ve left the keys on top of the front right tire if you want to go back inside before they arrive.”
“Maybe I will. It was heaven lying next to you last night. It probably sounds silly, but I’d like to look at that bed again.”
“That doesn’t sound silly at all,” he replied with a soft smile, then rising to his feet, he took her hand and pulled her up. ”Don’t worry, I predict many heavenly nights.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so,” he said firmly, “and I also know something’s bothering you. Why won’t you tell me what it is? Is it Roy? You don’t have to tell me all the details, but...”
“No—maybe—yes, sorry,” she stammered. “I’ll tell you later, I promise, when we have more time.”
“Whatever you’re worried about, don’t be. Everything will work itself out, and, Becky, you can tell me anything. I won’t judge you. Come on, walk me out to the car.”
Moving through the house and out the front door, they hugged and kissed next to the Mustang, then grudgingly broke apart, but as Cody settled behind the wheel, he discovered a pie box on the passenger seat.
“So you won’t starve on the plane,” she declared with a happy smile.
“It may not last that long,” he retorted with a wink. “I’ll see you again before you know it.”
Rolling away from the curb, wishing she was sitting next to him holding the pink box, he accelerated down the street. As he drove through the small town, it occurred to him to switch on the radio and tune in a country station. It was her forte, and he wanted to become familiar with the latest hits. Turning onto the main road towards the airfield, a broad smile crossed his face. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so elated.