“No candy for you, buddy. Give me a few minutes to get some coffee and I’ll make you some breakfast.”
Cody slid out from under her and stood, scratching the stubble along his jawline that was scruffier than usual first thing in the morning. “I got it. What do you usually eat? A T-bone steak? Beef burrito? Maybe lasagna?”
Ollie giggled. “No, silly. Eggs and toast.”
“Oh, that’s easy.” Cody stretched his arms one more time, and when he dropped them to his sides, he looped one arm casually around Ollie’s neck and steered him toward the kitchen. “How about you feed Bailey while I let her outside? Then your mom can take her time getting ready for the day.”
“Mom doesn’t need time. She’s always pretty.”
“Yeah, she is.” Cody glanced over his shoulder and shot her a wink before opening the back door to let out a very excited Bailey. “You can scoop her food from that big container by her dish. Then she’ll be ready to eat as soon as she comes inside.”
“You sure you two are okay without me?” she asked.
Cody peered into the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of eggs. “We’re fine. Go on and do what you need to do.”
Katherine waited a beat to make sure Ollie didn’t make a mess then made a beeline for Cody’s bedroom. She closed the door and drew in a deep breath, but it did nothing to calm her frantically beating heart.
She’d spent the night with Cody. Wrapped in his arms. And Ollie had found them. She rubbed the heel of her hand over her tightening chest as she tried to come to terms with the sharp turn her life had taken.
But it wasn’t a bad turn. She’d hoped Ollie would get along with Cody, and he’d been more upset he hadn’t gotten chocolatethan by seeing her with another man. Of course, at only seven, maybe he didn’t understand exactly what he’d walked in on.
Which was what?
The most amazing night’s sleep she’d had since Theo died.
She squeezed her eyes shut and pinched the bridge of her nose. So much for taking things slow, but she hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Hell, the way his touch made her feel as he’d rubbed her neck, it was a miracle nothing more had happened.
Oh boy, she’d wanted it to.
But after a long couple of days and the comfort Cody provided, she hadn’t stayed awake much after the movie started.
A grin spread on her mouth. She’d spent the night with Cody Hogan. Teenage Katherine would have been shocked as hell, but the young girl she used to be was an idiot to overlook such an amazing person.
She wouldn’t make that mistake twice.
She still wanted to take things slow, but with Ollie seeming so happy to be around Cody and things progressing in such a natural way, maybe she could move along quicker than a snail’s pace. She knew more than most that time was a luxury and she didn’t want to waste any of it.
Huffing out a sigh, she crossed over the plush carpet to the bathroom. Decisions didn’t have to be made today, or even tomorrow. Once things calmed down and she was no longer afraid for her life, she could really dissect her feelings—figure out what was best for her and Ollie.
The large showerhead in the middle of the shower caught her attention. The mom part of her brain told her to rush along, grab what was closest and get out to help in the kitchen. The other part told her Ollie was taken care of and enjoying the attention from Cody and Bailey. She could take a few extra minutes to take a hot shower and put herself together.
Decision made, she tested the water, ensuring it was warm enough to boil her skin before shedding her clothes and stepping inside. She let the forceful drops hit the back of her neck and beat away the stiffness Cody had worked so hard to diminish the night before. Steam engulfed her, opening her pores and filling her lungs.
If time was a luxury, then a hot, uninterrupted shower was a downright miracle. Being a single parent the last year had taken so much of her—had changed the entire structure of her life. Since the day Ollie was born, she’d had a partner. A strong, wonderful man who doted on their son. Who made sure she had enough rest and was taking care of herself and not just Ollie.
But now it was all about Ollie. Her wants and needs simmered on the backburner, nearly turning cold with neglect. Even if her family had stepped up, it wasn’t the same. Everyone focused their attention on Ollie—as they should—but she’d let parts of herself slip further and further away.
She’d have to fix that once the craziness of being hunted like prey ended. Life could go back to normal, and she could see how Cody would fit in her world. If it was as effortless and easy as the past few days—even with the chaos surrounding her—it wouldn’t take much to open that door and let him in.
If that’s what he wanted.
A little weight lifted from her shoulders, and she shut off the water. She stepped onto the cozy rug and dried off with the cotton towel hanging by the shower. She wiped the steam off the mirror with her hand and stared at her reflection. There wasn’t enough time to dry and style her hair, but she could apply a touch of makeup and put on something that made her feel more like an attractive woman than a homeless lady.
When she was done, she tossed her towel into the hamper in the bathroom then padded out barefoot to the kitchen. She’d woven her long hair into a braid that hung over one shoulder andpicked a long-sleeved blue t-shirt that hugged her just right. Not to mention leggings that tucked and lifted in a way that made her forget her pregnancy stretch marks.
She walked in on Cody and Ollie sitting at the table, flicking a folded-up piece of paper at each other.
“Touchdown!” Ollie scored and lifted his arms in the air. “Best breakfast ever.”
