Page 22 of The Singer and the Silent Type

“The texts were from George,” I explained. “We agreed that you needed a heavier car, to get more traction on these rough back roads, especially when it rains. I test drove three of them, and was going to ask for your opinion, but this one was by far in the best shape, and safest. And I’ve noticed that a few of your dresses are blue, so I know you like the color.”

Lifting her hand, I kissed the back of it. “Your safety is everything to me, angel. This is the project I really had to get done today.”

Lorena stared at the car, then at me, back and forth a few times before bursting into tears again. But this time she was grinning, and slightly bouncing up and down. I silently prayed that this was a good sign.

Chapter Eleven

~ Lorena ~

I thought I was going to explode. This whole day had been too much to take. He wanted me to train him to be my boyfriend, and tell him what I wanted from him? He loved me? And he bought me a car?

Falling into his arms in tears, I murmured, “Thank you. Thank you, Cody.”

“No, angel, don’t cry. Shh.”

Rocking in his arms, I took a deep breath as he held me close, forcing myself to calm down. “I’m a complete ass.”

“Shh,” he murmured, snuggling me into his wide, warm chest. “I should have thought to leave a note. I’m so sorry. That must have put you in a bad state even before you saw those bits of messages. I can’t stand that you thought I’d really left.”

“You left a note on the door the day before so I wouldn’t walk out into the construction,” I said softly.

I looked up to see him looking horrified. “Dammit, you’re right. But I’m used to construction sites. I’ve...well, I’ve never stayed over at a woman’s home before. I’m so sorry, baby. I’ll never leave without a note again.”

“But, a car? What...why?”

“I know you work nights, and I won’t always be able to stay so late when I have an early morning job.”

“Oh, I’d never expect you to!” I exclaimed. “I get a ride with my coworkers. It’s fine.”

Cody shook his head. “Yeah, that’s fine. Until the day comes when everyone is busy, or you’re not quite sure if they had a couple of drinks on their shift. Things happen. That’s why I was talking with George yesterday. He said he had some cars that sounded like they’d be great for you, so I rushed down to test them first thing, before he’d even sent me the details.”

“Oh, wow. Thanks,” I said softly, not quite believing it. “But I really can’t put that much on credit.”

“Lorena, I bought it for you as a gift,” he said, giving me the most adorable, shy smile. “You have to be okay with it, so that I won’t worry about you getting home safely every single night.” Rocking me gently in his arms again, he murmured, “Honestly, you’ll be doing me a big favor. Imagine me tossing and turning, unable to sleep because I’m picturing you stranded.”

“Then you’re going to have to remember your phone,” I said, “so that I can send you messages that I’m home safe.”

“I’ve never forgotten it before,” he said sheepishly. “I was standing by the bed, watching you sleep for a moment, thinking about what it would be like to wake up beside you every single morning.”

Wow. For a guy who had been so quiet up until the other night, he certainly knew what to say to make a girl’s heart light up. I kissed him hard, holding him so tight it surprised me. His arms tightened around me, as we completely forgot where we were for a moment, his tongue against mine, the two of us breathing as one.

Then I jumped. “Oh! I have to get back to work.”

“Yes, I’m sorry, baby. Go.”

I rushed back inside, doing a quick sweep of all of my tables before Iris came over to where I was opening a fresh bottle of wine. “You say the word, and I’ll toss him out myself,” she said.

I laughed too loudly, still twitching with relief. “It was all a big misunderstanding.”

“You sure?”

Nodding, I whispered, “He bought me a car. So now I can work any shift you like.”

“Did he, now?” she smiled widely, looking over to where Cody had just sat down in his usual spot. Iris strolled over, which actually made him look a bit nervous.

“I heard you’re taking good care of our girl after all,” she said with a grin. “You keep doing that, and keep your arse out of the ladies room, and your first beer’s on me.”

“Absolutely, ma’am. Dark stout, thank you kindly .”

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