He could tell she had her hair up on top of her head in a messy arrangement. She wore a long T-shirt and shorts. “I think you look fine.” Too fine, really. Even in that outfit he wanted her. He stuffed his hands into his pockets.
“I’ll come out.” She pushed the door just wide enough for her to exit and stood on the porch.
“Why don’t we sit on the steps?” He’d figured this might be hard but had had no idea she’d be so standoffish. Why was he putting this much effort into their relationship or friendship or whatever it was? He’d had enough emotional upheaval in his life without adding more. “Look, on second thoughts, just forget it. I’ll leave you alone. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” He turned to head down the steps.
She grabbed his arm. “Don’t go.”
He sank to the porch, his feet on the first step and his elbows on his knees. Stacey sat beside him but not too close. Neither of them said anything for a while.
“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings the other morning.” Her slight hiss didn’t miss his attention. “I want you to know it isn’t about you. It’s about me.” She shifted beside him, but he didn’t look at her. Instead he focused on a knot in the board between his feet.
“What do you mean?”
“Come on. You know exactly what I mean. This thing between us.” He waved his hand between them.
Her voice went higher as she said, “There’s nothing between us.”
Cody sighed but tried again. “Sure there is. I feel it. I know you feel it too. I’ve seen the way you look at me. How you react when I touch you. The other morning at my house I could see the excitement in your eyes when you thought I was about to kiss you. I know why you are putting up a wall between us. I get it, but I don’t like it.”
Stacey hopped up and was almost to the door before he could make a move. He stood, preparing to leave. He’d gotten his answer.
“I can’t do this,” she muttered.
“Do what?” Were they even talking about the same thing?
“I’m not staying on the island. I know you’re looking for more than that. I can’t give it. It’s not fair to you. I won’t hurt you or the girls.”
“I’m not looking for more than what you can give. What I do know is that I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been right—”
He gave her a pleading look. He wanted her to understand. “I mean you being yourself. You making me laugh. You being around. You teasing me.”
“I don’t do that.”
He glared at her. “Yeah, you do.”
He took a deep breath, choosing his next words with care. “Look, I like you, Stacey. It’s been a long time since I could say that about any woman. And I’m guessing by your actions up until this past week that you liked me too. That alone makes you special. I know we work together and that can complicate things but I want you like I’ve not wanted anyone in a very long time. Can’t we just explore what’s between us? Enjoy each other for the time we have left?”
Had he completely lost his mind? Was he that lonely? This was nothing like what he’d promised himself. He’d vowed to protect himself, and his girls, by not getting too involved with the wrong woman. But his vow be damned. He wanted to get to know Stacey better, far better.
He gestured with both hands to emphasize his next words. “I know it’s crazy, with you having just a week left, but I can’t help myself. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before you leave. Can’t we do that?”
Stacey turned to face him, watching him, judging him. She took a step toward him. Her voice was steady with no hint of indecision or hesitation when she said, “I’d like that.”
Relief washed through him. “Good. I know this is short notice and I apologize, but the Founder’s Day weekend is almost over and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me and get some dinner?”
A slow smile formed on her lips. “That sounds like fun. What about Jean and Lizzy?”
“They left this morning for Maine with their grandparents for a few days. So it’ll just be the two of us. Is that okay?” Would she want the buffer of the girls between them?
“More than okay. Give me a few minutes to get dressed.”
Cody swung on the porch swing while he waited, pleased with himself. His powers of persuasion were so refined should he consider going into politics?
Stacey didn’t keep him waiting long. Her hair was still up on her head but she wore an exotic-looking dress that he guessed she’d gotten during her travels. It caressed her curves and flowed around her legs. A bright beaded bracelet circled one wrist. Sandals protected her feet and she carried a sweater.