Page 26 of Cody (Maine Silver Foxes)

A lina

I stood back and watched Max finish installing the pastry counter he’d built for me, hands on my hips, a smile on my face from ear to ear.

I could barely contain my excitement. This was it.

After today, my coffee shop would be ready for opening day.

I took a deep breath and released it slowly, letting my gaze take in the cloth-covered tables and chairs, the bar table and stools against the window, the stylish room divider in the back corner where it offered privacy to a romantic couple, or someone wanting to read or use the computer in quiet.

A matching space was directly across from it in the other corner.

The chic yet rustic ambiance that fit within our small country town had a warm and welcoming vibe that encouraged customers to linger a while instead of grabbing a cup of coffee and rushing out.

Good coffee from all over the world, local homemade pastries, and breakfast sandwiches would keep them coming back.

I’d gone out of my way to make sure that I didn’t carry the same products that the local bakery did.

Shelving on the wall behind the register was loaded with items for purchase—high-end coffees and teas, coffee cups and matching coasters, travel mugs, and coffee liqueurs.

Specialty coffee makers like French press and espresso machines lined the very top of the shelf, right next to the coffee grinders, cold brew, and the old-fashioned percolators. I also had a few fancy tea kettles.

The shop was already inundated with the rich aroma of coffee, which was much better than the paint smell that had lingered after Crissy, Sarah, and I had painted.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The scent of coffee was one of my favorite smells.

I smiled at the thought of opening day. One week away.

“All done.” I opened my eyes to find Max standing before me. “You got plans tonight?”

“No, why?”

He shrugged and grinned. “Thought you might like to get a drink with me at the American Legion Hall. Maybe do a little dancing.”

I studied him for a minute, wondering what was behind his invite.

Max had turned out to be a good friend, so I didn’t think he was asking me out on a date.

I didn’t talk to him about Cody, but I suspected that his military friends knew something had gone on between us.

I knew all about the bro code between some men.

It was common knowledge that Cody didn’t mind sharing his girlfriends, but for some reason I was excluded from this pass.

Tomorrow was the Fourth of July. The garden party mom had wanted to host had been put off, thanks to the flu she’d caught from her last visit to the doctor’s office.

Thank goodness we hadn’t extended any invites before that.

She’d been holed up in her room for the last four days, only letting me talk to her through the door.

She was stubborn, allowing me to take her things like meds, tissues, and fluids, but I had to leave everything on a cart right outside her door.

“Mom’s sick, but she won’t let me near her, hence the reason I’m here now. I guess a few more hours away isn’t going to hurt. But let me call her first.”

“Okay. I’ll take my tools out while you do that. We can go from here, unless you want to go home and change or something.”

I glanced down at my t-shirt and jeans and then ran my hands through my loose hair. “I’m guessing I’ll look like everyone else there.” I smiled and dug out my phone. “Unless you think I need an evening gown.”

Max laughed on his way to where his tools were. “Some women dress up, but they’re usually on the prowl for dick.”

That definitely wouldn’t be me, not while I still had Cody on the brain. “I’m good then.” I scrolled to my mom on my phone and hit her number. She picked up almost immediately.

“Hello?”

She sounded as if I’d just woken her up. “Oh God, Mom, sorry if I woke you. Are you okay?”

“That’s okay, dear. I managed to get a shower, and it wore me out.”

I frowned. “You shouldn’t get a shower when I’m not home,” I scolded lightly. “You’re weak. What if you’d fallen?”

Her light laughter came over the phone. “Well, I didn’t fall. And I’m feeling stronger. The shower helped.” There was a brief hesitation. “We could probably still have the garden party tomorrow.”

I rolled my eyes. I knew she was kidding but decided to give her a taste of her own medicine. “Okay! Great! I’m going to the hall with Max for a drink and will make an announcement. It’ll spread like wildfire.”

“Don’t you dare!” she said with alarm. “You know I’m only kidding, right?”

She sounded so worried that I felt bad for teasing her. “Yes, Mom, I know. I’m calling to see if you need me to come home first.”

“No, I’m fine. Ready for nap number five. You go out and enjoy yourself.”

She did sound much better.

Max smiled at me as he walked past with his toolbox. Something about the look on his face made me suspicious, and a little worried. I followed him with my eyes as he pushed the door open and stepped outside. Was he up to something?

Mom and I said goodbye and I headed for the bathroom next to my office to try and do something with my hair.

I kept a small bag of personal items in the cabinet beneath the sink for situations just like this when I went out straight after work.

As I ran a brush through my hair, I made a mental note to bring a change of clothes to keep in my office.

I grabbed a clip and arranged my hair in a messy bun, leaving a few tendrils down around my face and neck for that casual, sexy look. Then I washed my face, added a little foundation, blush, and lip gloss, and sprayed a light mist of perfume over me.

I met Max at his truck. I knew where the legion hall was located.

I’d been there many times when I was growing up and Dad, who’d been in the air force, had taken us there.

Max and I exchanged small talk as he drove, but for the most part he focused on the road and I let my mind drift to the man who monopolized my thoughts lately.

I couldn’t keep Cody off my mind and often shamelessly relived that night at his cabin.

Everything had been perfect. We were good together.

But he was so blind to the possibilities of what we could have. Too stubborn to give in a little.

I supposed one could have said the same thing about me, but after spending a night in his bed, feeling worshiped by every kiss, every touch, I could never be with him in the kind of relationship that he wanted.

I couldn’t share a man that I had feelings for.

I missed Cody like crazy, but if I hadn’t said what I had that next morning, I would have been the one hurt.

I tried not to think about him with another woman.

Did he treat them the same way he had treated me?

He’d made me feel special, and it had been easy to fall into the thought of us together, like a normal couple, an exclusive couple.

The image of him kissing, touching, fucking someone else crushed me.

I was hurting now, and I fought back the tears that rose to the surface every time I let my mind go there.

As much as I wanted Cody, I just couldn’t be with a man who wasn’t monogamous.

I had to be good enough for the man to want me and only me.

Damn. I turned my head and stared at the passing scenery to pull myself together.

I knew there was a good possibility that I would see Cody tonight.

It had been a week of hell not hearing from him and wondering what he was doing.

I’d kept myself busy at the store and with taking care of Mom, but every moment I had to myself, thoughts about him had wreaked havoc with my mental state.

I wanted him to call. To come over. I looked for him when I was on the road, always wondering what he was doing and who he was with.

It wasn’t healthy. I was torturing myself, and I hated it.

Crissy and Sarah had picked up on my inner turmoil right away, and I’d found myself opening up to them.

They’d listened to my woes, and I’d listened to theirs.

The day when we were supposed to be hanging artwork and setting the tables up had turned into a girls’ day of sitting around on the floor, talking, eating, and doing a little crying.

When it was over, we’d all felt better and had agreed that it had been just what we’d all needed.

We’d become better friends because of it.

It didn’t take us long to reach the hall.

There was nothing unusual about the parking lot being full, and I could hear the sound of music and laughter as Max parked his truck.

I didn’t look around; I didn’t want to know if Cody was there.

I didn’t want to be one of those women who secretly stalked a person who they were fixated on but who didn’t return their feelings.

Something suddenly occurred to me as Max pulled the key from his ignition. I turned to him. “Max, do you have someone in your life?”

He chuckled. “I have a lot of someone’s in my life.”

I gave him a mock glare. “You know what I mean.”

We exited the truck, and he walked around to my side. “I’m working on it, and that’s all I’m going to say on the subject.” He winked.

Hmm, interesting. Max would be a good catch for someone.

He was handsome, kind, reliable, and easy-going.

Then my mind drifted to Lincoln, wondering if he was involved with anyone.

Men their age were usually settled down with families by now.

Maybe their years serving their country had taken precedence.

We entered the building, and I was glad to see that it wasn’t clouded with cigarette and cigar smoke.

It would have been back in the day when members were allowed to smoke inside.

Now the atmosphere was clear, and the only smells were of perfume and cologne.

The overhead fans kept the air circulating so it wasn’t overpowering.

My gaze took everything in, and yes, I was looking for Cody, while dreading seeing him at the same time.

The bar was full of old-timers who were laughing more than drinking, sharing stories of good times.

Several couples were clinging to one another on the dance floor, moving slowly to the music that was filtering through the speakers.

Tables were full, and more than one person greeted us as Max led us through the room to the dance floor.

“I feel like dancing,” he explained, turning to face me when we reached the planked square designated for dancing. He didn’t give me a choice; he took my hand in his and pulled me close to his body.

I frowned, but didn’t protest, a little uncomfortable at how close we were.

I hoped that Max wasn’t about to ruin our friendship by making a move I’d have to shoot down, because I really liked him as a friend.

I glanced up at him with worry. He met my eyes with warm amusement.

Nope. There was no desire staring down at me.

Just a smile I’d say was a little on the cocky side.

I decided to ignore the warning vibes I was receiving and said, “I love this song.” It was “The Lady in Red” by Chris De Burgh.

“It’s a good song to slow dance to,” Max acknowledged, looking at something over my shoulder. “A song for lovers.” His eyes returned to mine.

That was it! Max was up to something, and I was afraid.

I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but I needed to remind him that we were friends and going to stay that way.

“Max—” That was as far as I got, because all of a sudden and without warning, Max was kissing me.

I stiffened with shock, unable to move, until his hand slid down to my bottom and gave it a squeeze.

I pushed away as much as his arms would allow. “What the hell, Max! What—”

“Shh.”

Had he just shushed me? “What are you doing?”

His gaze was focused on something behind me. “Trying to open someone’s eyes up to the fact that you’re the best thing that’s happened to him.”

I frowned. “What?”

“Oh, shit. This is going to hurt,” he muttered beneath his breath, his eyes dropping down to mine.

I started to turn to see what he was looking at as he gently pushed me aside. I barely had time to acknowledge Cody stepping into view before he pulled back his arm and punched Max square in the face. The force sent Max slamming into the wall.

“Cody!” I stared at him in disbelief. “What... are... you... doing?”

I barely had time to notice the smirk on Max’s face before Cody grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the hall.