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“But something, right?”
She sighed. “I was thinking about Stuart.” She sat up and looked at him. “When you kissed my head, it just reminded me that he never did things like that. He rarely kissed me. He wasn’t romantic at all. He never let his emotions control him. Even when his father died, he didn’t cry. He held himself in check. I don’t think that’s healthy for anyone, but that was him.”
“It’s how he grew up.”
“Yes. His parents never showed affection to him or each other. So, I suppose since that’s how he saw them interact, he did the same thing. I tried to get him to open up and show some feelings, but it didn’t help. Don’t get me wrong, I loved him, but it wasn’t much of a marriage. You’d think when he’d come home on leave, he’d show how happy he was to be home and with me, but he was more excited about going back.” She shrugged.
“I’m sorry. My parents have a great relationship. My dad is always touching my mom in some way and kissing her anytime he walks past her. I’ve always thought that was the kind of marriage I wanted.”
“I did too. My parents are the same way, but Stuart didn’t grow up in an environment like that.”
“Well, I’ll just have to show you what you’ve been missing, won’t I?”
“I won’t know how to act,” she said, and laughed.
Cody grinned. “You’ll get used to it. I believe in wining and dining a woman.”
“I’d like that.” She yawned. “I’d better go. I want to relax this evening since I have to work tomorrow.”
“Okay. Let me walk you out.” He got to his feet, helped her up, and held her hand while leading her to the kitchen, then out the door.
It was still hot outside, but the sun was beginning to set. She looked toward the mountains.
“I had a good time today.” She held the jar up. “Thank you for this. I’m hoping it helps.”
“It will, but you’re probably going to be a little sore, even using that.”
He stared into her eyes, then leaned down and kissed her lips.
“You could stay,” he murmured.
“I’d love to, but I have to know you better, Cody.”
“All right. How about we go out Tuesday night for dinner after you finish work for the day?”
“We close at six every evening except Saturdays. It would have to be a late dinner.”
“I can bring a pizza instead. I want to see you, Addison.”
“That sounds good. I know I’ll be too tired to go home, and then go out. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, ma’am. You have long hours at the pharmacy.”
“We open at eight, close at six, so it makes a long day for sure. When I get home, I don’t want to have to go back out. I’m sorry.”
“No reason to be sorry, darlin’. I’ll bring a pizza around seven.”
“That sounds perfect.” She walked down the steps of the porch, and he followed her. She was startled when he opened the door for her. She smiled.
“I love that you have manners.”
He shrugged. “It’s the way I was raised. Get in before I try to talk you into staying.”
She got into the car and looked at him.
“I’ll see you Tuesday evening.”
“Yes, you will.” He leaned down into the car, and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her deeply, then he straightened, closed the door, and nodded.
