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“You once told me not to put you on a pedestal, I’m going to say the same.” She too was afraid she would fall.
“Then we’ll agree to be less than perfect.” He took another bite of his sandwich.
“That I can certainly agree to.”
When they were finished Cody asked, “Would you like to stay and listen to the band or I can offer you the view of the sunset from the point near the lighthouse?”
“I’d love to see the sunset.” For the day to start off so depressingly, with her sitting alone in her cottage, it was fast turning into a perfect one.
Hand in hand they walked to his car. Dusk crept in as they rode along the windy road toward the lighthouse. Just before they got there Cody turned off on a smaller road that led toward the beach. Across the water was the Boston Harbor. Lights were blinking on in the buildings.
Cody pulled the car to a stop and turned off the engine. He didn’t say anything but took hold of her hand. In silence they watched the play of colors in the western sky. The blend of red, orange and yellow melding into black became the backdrop of their view of Boston.
Stacey had never seen anything more beautiful or been in a more romantic setting. “Wow, you sure know how to show a girl a good time.”
He laughed. “You do have a way with words. Would you like to stay a while longer or for me to take you home?”
“Truthfully?” Could she really tell him what she would like to do?
“Yes.”
“I’d like to sit on your porch, look at the stars and listen to the waves.”
“That we can do.” He sounded pleased with her request. “How about a hot drink to go with the view?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
He started the car, turned around and headed up the road. “You know, if we’re not careful we’ll do everything there is to do on this island on our first date.”
“Maybe we can think of something new.” She had a few ideas already.
The drive to Cody’s wasn’t far but he didn’t hurry. A light burned over his front door, welcoming them as they entered and walked to the kitchen.
“You go on out and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get us something warm to drink.” Cody put a kettle on the burner.
Stacey pulled on her sweater before she chose the cushioned settee, sat and slipped off her sandals, tucking her feet under her. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and listened to the ocean. Every day should be like this. Since coming to Maple Island, it seemed as if she had stopped running and had started taking time to appreciate the smaller things in life. Many of those Cody had introduced her to.
For years she’d been living six months here, three months there, and another nine months to a year elsewhere. She’d forgotten what it was like to stay in one place any length of time. As if she had ever known. Even as a child she’d moved often. She didn’t know how to stay in one place. This sensation of belonging was surely just temporary. She would soon get restless and be ready to move on. Why did she even think she would be happy settling down?
Soon the kitchen light went out and Cody joined her. “Don’t panic. I turned the lights off so we could see the stars better.”
“I’m not going to panic.” After her erratic actions of late she wasn’t surprised he’d believed she might overreact. “I wondered if you were trying to be Mr. Romance.”
He handed her a mug and took a seat in a chair nearby.
Was he afraid to crowd her? She wanted him close.
“I can be that with or without the lights on.” His deep, rich voice was made more so under the blanket of darkness.
“I like a man with confidence.” She enjoyed teasing him. He was far too serious.
“Did you ever doubt it?”
Stacey could only make out his silhouette but she clearly heard the inflection in his voice. It mattered to him what she thought.
“No.” She hadn’t. How could she? Her body hummed with excitement whenever he was near. Like now. She felt the power of his male magnetism continually.
They quietly sipped their drinks. Stacey had never had a relationship with a man in which she was content to just share time with him. It was calming. They remained there while the stars slowly disappeared behind clouds.
“It will rain tonight. But no storm like the other night.” Cody’s voice came out of the darkness, his hand taking hers and giving it a squeeze.
“It’s a good thing the Founder’s Day Weekend is over.” Her voice sounded soft and relaxed.
“It is.” They were talking about nothing significant yet she enjoyed the moment. There was contentment, a feeling of rightness that filled her just being around Cody.
