Page 21 of Cody

“Is that what happened with you and Mia?”

“Hell, no,” he was quick to say. “The attraction was instant between us, and we acted on it almost as fast.” He turned slightly towards me using the long-handled spatula like a conductor’s baton as he talked. “We knew of each other when we were kids, but didn’t travel in the same circle. I’m slightly older than her. During those years we’d see each other occasionally, in passing or from a distance, never exchanging anything more than a wave of acknowledgement. Then I married Sheila, and Mia got married and moved away.”

I’d heard bits of their history before, but this was the first time King had gone into detail.

“That first day, after I chased her ass down in the woods and realized who she was, I was hooked. We were both single, and there was nothing to stop us once we realized how we felt.”

I took another sip of my beer, and my gaze once again sought out Alina. She was really getting along with Max. King followed the direction I was looking. I should have remembered that he never missed anything. Exhaling loudly, I met the knowing smirk twitching on his bearded face.

“You interested in Alina?” He glanced down at the meat in front of him and turned a couple of thighs.

“Yeah, man. But after what’s happened between me and Evelyn, I’m not sure it’s smart to pursue anything with her.” I wasn’t about to admit that there was something unexplainable between us that I wasn’t comfortable with. “Alina doesn’t seem like my usual type.”

Even though she tried to convince me that she was,I thought to myself.

King snorted. “Look, Brother, I know you’re not into permanent relationships, but when they work, there are perks.”

I gave him the “yeah sure” look complete with a raised brow.

After he was done laughing, he said, “On both sides. You’re both giving up certain freedoms, but you learn to compromise. I like sharing my life with Mia, and knowing she’ll be home waiting for me when I get there. She’s the best damn thing that’s ever happened for me, next to the birth of Scarlet, my grandchildren, and the new baby.”

As I let King’s words sink in, I glanced over at Alina and saw that for the first time, she was looking back at me. Damn, I wanted that woman. Wanted her beneath me, up against the wall, over my bike. So what was stopping me from making my move? It wouldn’t go anywhere unless I wanted it to, which I didn’t. And if what she said was true, she wouldn’t want it to either. It would be just sex between us. No strings. A non-exclusive arrangement.

The come-hither smile that spread across her beautiful face coupled with a sassy wink sealed her fate.

Chapter 11

Alina

I looked over at Cody several times as he and King were talking. I was trying not to be conspicuous, but I was sure Max was aware that he didn’t have my full attention. He was a nice man, handsome with his strawberry blond hair tied back, blue eyes, and a ruggedness that made him look natural against the towering trees that surrounded us. He looked like he belonged in the woods.

I could tell that he had a nice, robust build beneath the flannel shirt he was wearing. His facial features were sharp and strong, with high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and prominent brow ridge. He had a thick, well-groomed beard that was the same color as his hair, with just a hint of rust in it.

“Got some burgers and chicken done for anyone who wants it!” King shouted out for everyone to hear.

“Come on, Alina.”

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