Page 26 of Stone's Promise

It growled, too. Loud enough for anyone within ten feet to hear. Max’s ears perked at the sound from where he rested on the floor beside the sectional. “Oops.” I gave a sheepish grin. “Guess my stomach is talking louder than I am.”

Cody gave my back a gentle pat before stepping away. “I’ll grab some silverware so we can eat. No way am I embarrassing myself trying to eat with chopsticks.”

I chuckled as he disappeared into the kitchen. Smiling, I moved toward the couch and sank onto the leather, stretchingout. The softness against my back was instantly relaxing, a contrast to the stiff chairs I was used to sitting in at work. Before I could get too comfortable, Max hopped up beside me, resting his head on my thigh like we’d been best friends forever.

I stroked his head, scratching behind his ears. “Cody’s a good guy,” I confided. “And you’re a good doggie, aren’t you?”

As if he understood me, Max made a pleased little noise.

Cody returned just in time to hear it. “Don’t spoil him. He already thinks he’s a person.”

At that, Max let out a dramatic sigh and hopped off the couch, heading down the hall toward his food and water, leaving Cody and me alone.

We ate in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound the occasional clink of a fork or the rustle of takeout containers.

“This is good,” I finally said, biting into a spring roll. “Especially the spring rolls.”

Cody nodded, chewing his food with satisfaction. “The pad see ew is perfect.”

I twirled my chopsticks in my fingers, glancing at him. “I promise I wasn’t trying to get you to invite me to your place.” My voice felt small, a little uncertain. “But I’m glad you did. I mean, it’s nice we don’t have cameras in our faces now.”

Cody laughed, the deep, warm sound easing some of my nervousness. “I know what you meant. I like spending time with you. I like it more when I don’t have to share you with the media.”

The words sent a flutter through me. Undeniable warmth settled low in my stomach, and it had nothing to do with the spiciness of the meal. I met his gaze, and for the first time all night, I found myself a little breathless.

I set my chopsticks down. “I want to be honest...”

“I should tell you...” he said at the exact same time.

We both paused, then laughed.

“Ladies first.” He gestured toward me, his eyes steady, waiting.

I took a sip of my cherry soda to buy myself a second. My fingers tightened around the can as I finally forced the words out. “I know this is a whole fake relationship we created to fool my ex and to generate publicity for Family Day... but I kind of like it.” My voice wavered. “Maybe a little too much.”

Cody tilted his head, studying me. “What do you mean?”

I bit my lip, then met his gaze. “I like it when you kiss me. I wish it was for real.”

“They are real.”

“Yeah, but the whole thing.” My face heated, and I instinctively lifted my hand to partially cover it. “Sorry.”

Cody reached out, gently uncovering my face with his fingers, his touch warm against my skin. “Why are you apologizing to me?”

Tears pricked at the edges of my eyes, and I tried to blink them away, but one slipped free. I hurried to wipe it, but Cody beat me to it, his thumb brushing the tear away before it could fall.

My throat tightened, but I pushed through. “It’s when you do little things like that to comfort me. Or when you encourage me, and you sound rough, but you’re actually kind and gentle. I like you, Cody.” My voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “You turn me on. For real.”

There were a few beats of quiet, his gaze unwavering, before he finally spoke. “I like you too, Em. For real.”

A surprised laugh bubbled out of me, half relieved, half overwhelmed. “How are you this sweet?”

Cody’s lips arranged in a small smile. “Most people wouldn’t use that word to describe me.”

“They don’t know the other sides of you. You actually listen.”

“I like listening to you.”

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