Page 83 of Fought and Freed

She nodded. “I’m glad you’re all right. We have an extra phone if you need it.”

He glanced up with a smile. “Thank you for offering, but I plan to get one tomorrow.”

“Do you need some money?” Maddy asked.

Cody cringed at her offer.

“No, I have a little bit. It’s enough to get a cheap phone.” Grant shifted and grimaced in pain. “If you wouldn’t mind writing down your number, though?”

“Sure, I’ll do it before you leave. Would you like to stay for dinner?” Maddy asked.

Grant’s eyes lit up. “If it’s okay with the guys. I’d love a home-cooked meal.”

Maddy glanced up at Cody.

He nodded and headed into the kitchen to finish dinner.

Grant found a comfortable position on the couch. “How was your trip to Pasadena?”

She sat beside him and showed him all the pictures she had on her phone.

Once dinner was ready, they moved to the dining room and ate the wonderful food Cody cooked.

Afterward, Jace cleaned up the dishes while Grant and she talked before everyone sat down and watched a movie.

When it ended, Grant glanced around. “Would one of you mind dropping me off at Pathways?”

“Sure, no problem.” Cody grabbed his keys, and Cody, Maddie, and Grant got into his truck.

Maddy twisted in her seat to give Grant a nervous look. “I’m starting school tomorrow. I’m not sure how busy I’ll be.”

He shrugged. “I understand. You have a life. I’ll be fine.”

“You still looking for a job?” Cody asked.

“I was planning to start on the first of the year.” He stared out the back window. “Now, I’ll have to wait until the bruises fade more.”

“I flip houses. It’s not glamorous, but it’s money, if you want to do some grunt work,” Cody offered.

“What would I have to do?” Grant looked at Cody through the rearview mirror.

“Painting, hanging drywall, peeling off old wallpaper,” Cody said dryly.

Grant winced. “Can you give me a few more days with my ribs?”

Cody nodded. “You can start next Monday. When you get your phone, call Maddy. She’ll give you my number.”

“Thanks, Cody. This means a lot,” Grant said.

Cody shrugged as he pulled up next to Pathways. “It’s no problem. Do a good job, and we’ll get along.”

“Thanks for dinner, the ride, and the job.” Grant opened the back door. “I’ll see you around, Maddy.”

“Take it easy, Grant,” she said, watching him leave.

Once he was safely in the house, Maddy leaned over and kissed Cody.

His eyebrows popped up. “What was that for?”

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