Page 32 of Stone's Promise

A relieved smile crossed my lips as I answered. “Hey, sweetie. How’s my big guy?”

“Hi, Mom!” His little voice chirped, bright and full of excitement. “Guess what?”

“What?” I grinned, leaning back in my seat.

“I got to see real horses at the Derby. And they run super fast.” His words tumbled out in a rush. “And I got to eat a big pretzel! And Dad got me a hat, but it’s too big.”

I laughed. “That all sounds so fun. I bet you had the best time.”

“I did.” He paused for a second, then his voice took on a different kind of excitement. “Hey, is Cody gonna be at Family Day?”

“Uh...yeah, he’ll be there.”

“Cool! He’s really strong, right?”

“He is.” I smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“I wanna see him punch something.” Oliver giggled. “But not a person. That’s bad.”

I laughed again. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe he’ll show you some cool moves.”

“That would besocool.” He yawned, the excitement in his voice softening. “I can’t wait to see you, Mom. Family Day is gonna be the best.”

“It sure is, sweetheart.” My chest ached with love for him. “I’ll see you so soon, okay? Sleep tight.”

“Night, Mom.”

I hung up, staring at my phone for a moment before setting it down in my lap. Oliver was excited to see Cody. The question was, how did Cody really feel about us?

I started the car, heading home with more questions than answers.

Later on that night, a knock at the door made me jump from the couch. I glanced at the clock. 10:17 PM. Who on earth...?

I set my book down and padded toward the front door in my simple cotton robe and matching nightie, my heart thumping a little. When I opened it, Cody stood there, looking tired yet determined.

I blinked in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I was in my head too much today. I think it’s because I hadn’t seen you.”

That admission sent a flutter through my chest, but I kept my expression neutral. I noticed his eyes skimming the outline of my body in the thin robe. I stepped aside to let him in. “Where’s Max?”

“Noshing on a rawhide in the truck. He’ll be ok for a while.”

I nodded, closing the door behind him. “Want some water? Or I think I have some sports drinks in the fridge.”

“Water’s good.”

I grabbed a bottle and handed it to him before settling on the couch. Cody took a sip, then joined me, his posture relaxed but his eyes still carrying unspoken words. I twiddled my fingers. If I was ever going to get rid of this tension, I needed to speak up. “I didn’t mean to throw you off at the gym,” I said softly, tucking my legs under me. “I just—”

“You didn’t. I just wasn’t expecting it.” He twisted the cap back onto the bottle and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve been thinking about you when I shouldn’t be.”

My stomach flipped. “Oh.”

His lips quirked, the hint of a smirk there. “Yeah. ‘Oh.’”

I swallowed, tracing a pattern on the couch cushion. “I pulled back because I didn’t want to pressure you. I know how important this fight is.”

Cody shifted, turning to face me more fully. “It is, but it doesn’t mean I want space from you. I thought that was what I needed a while ago, but I was wrong.” His gaze locked onto mine. “Em, I don’t want you to pull away.”

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