Page 16 of Talk Birdie to Me

He felt bad when he’d moved away for his first job in Florida, mostly because his dad had up and left within a year of Cody leaving. Crappy timing, but Cody had to live his own life.

“Does she know you’re planning to leave again?”

“Absolutely not. I’ll tell her when I get a new job. Not a minute sooner. No point dragging out her disappointment.”

“You don’t have to disappoint her.”

“If I stay here doing this same job the rest of my life, I’ll be disappointing me.”

“What about doing something different here?”

“I like what I do. Moving up the ranks here means less time with the animals. If I want something new and different, it’s gotta be a change of scenery, not a promotion.”

“Speaking of a change of scenery, have you seen the plans for the new herp area?”

“Not yet.”

“You should take a look at the map and plans.” Lauren stood and headed toward the door. “Could be something interesting for you to be part of.”

“The only plans I have are a date tonight.”

“I’m still rooting for Geena.”

“Why don’t you date her, then?”

“I’m off the market. You, my friend, are not. I think she could be good for you.”

Cody scoffed. “I don’t need anyone to change me.”

“I don’t mean to change you. Just… expand your possibilities.”

“Sounds like shrinking them to me.”

Lauren rolled her eyes and pulled the door open. “Have fun tonight.”

The keys were wedged deep in his front pocket, and Cody had to take one hand off his date’s backside to dig for it. He kept her close with his free hand as she ran both of hers up and down his chest.

He’d been pissed at himself for leaving his keys at work. He almost never did that. But he’d gone straight from the zoo with Lauren for their standard Mexican food and margaritas Friday night event. Since his car key was on his work keychain—so he would never forget his work ones at home—he didn’t notice he was missing the separate keychain with his apartment key and various others for his mom’s house until he left the bar with his date a few hours later.

Of course, he could have taken that as a sign to end their evening early. But Cody wasn’t into believing that any more than he’d believed that job rejection had been a sign. And he wasn’t keen on missing out on whatever came next with this woman.

And why shouldn’t he? Kayleigh was hot.

Really hot.

Aside from Geena, he’d been dating mostly men since he was back in town. But he couldn’t resist a night out with this woman after they matched on an app. She was tall and lean with soft muscles, like yoga or pilates muscles. Her thick auburn waves fell loosely over her shoulders.

More importantly, she was sober.

Mostly.

He didn’t take drunk dates back to his place. Mildly buzzed and eager to forget a shitty week as much as he was? Exactly his type.

Well, his random hookup type, at least.

Lately, that was the only thing he was interested in. Especially on a night when he wanted to forget all about the missed Phoenix opportunity and the nonresponse from the other zoos.

“Sorry,” he mumbled against her mouth before pulling away to look down at his work keys. He fumbled through the ring, looking for the right one, then turned to unlock the door.

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