Page 13 of The Great Maple Mistake (Love in Maplewood #8)

I absolutely love that he’s not assuming gender.

“Well, the first thing I notice about someone is their eyes.” I slip a fry into my mouth and smile at him.

“I’m a sucker for beautiful blue eyes.” That makes his heart rate quicken.

I know because I can see the vein pulsing in his neck.

Damn, that’s really sexy. “But I’m attracted sexually and romantically to men.

I love a square jaw and a broad chest. Buff arms are always a yes.

” I let my gaze roam over his very muscular, very manly chest. “I usually go for guys who are bigger than me, though at five feet, eight inches, that’s not all that difficult.

” I hold his gaze. “But most importantly, they need to be kind. And I don’t mean a doormat.

They need to have empathy and be able to see things from someone else’s point of view, especially if that person is different from them.

” Knowing full well that this describes everything I’ve heard about and experienced while being around Cody, I’m not worried that I’m setting an impossible expectation.

“After that, it’s all a bonus.” I eat the last bite of my burger and shove the remaining fries in Cody’s direction.

“So what about you? What do you look for in a person?”

He reaches for a fry. “Definitely kindness. And an upbeat personality. I like people who look at the positives of a situation. Not that they ignore the negatives, but that isn’t where they focus.

You know?” I nod because I do know. He means a glass-half-full person, and I like to think that describes me.

“But I also appreciate someone who can see the negatives or, well, not necessarily the worst in people, but—” He shrugs one shoulder.

“Look, I know I’m probably too quick to think the best of people.

That’s not a bad thing. But it burned me in the past. I think I need someone who can see that other side of people, and point it out, because that’s not where my brain goes. ”

“I think that’s a wonderful way to be, though.” I put my hand over his. “It’s very kind.”

“Some would call it na?ve.”

I get the impression some have called him na?ve. And maybe he is, but I don’t think so. “Some would be wrong, at least in your case. You’ve just said you’re aware that people take advantage of your good opinion. That’s not something a na?ve person would say.”

“No, but maybe a fool?”

“Absolutely not!” I lace our fingers together and look Cody in the eyes.

“You are a gentle soul. And just because you think the best of everyone doesn’t make you gullible.

It makes you…” I try to choose the right words, knowing it’s vitally important right now.

“It makes you incredibly rare and precious. We need more people who think the best of others.”

He ducks his head, but I see the smile. “Thanks, Alex. That’s very kind of you to say.”

“You’re welcome.” I squeeze his hand and try to figure out how to get him back on topic. Because it hasn’t escaped my notice that he’s avoided describing who he’s attracted to, physically. “So you’re into nice but cautious people.” He nods. “ Any nice but cautious people?”

Much to my frustration, he only nods. “Yeah.”

“That’s… rather vague.”

“Yeah, but see, I don’t have a type. Not a physical one.”

Okay, that’s not truly realistic. Everyone has a type, don’t they? “How’s that work?”

He shrugs. “I’m pansexual. I’m attracted to a person. Who they are, not what they look like.”

I could smack myself. Of course that makes perfect sense now.

My heart beats faster. “So, I know it doesn’t matter how you identify, and I hope you aren’t offended by my asking this, but I’m curious.

And I get that curiosity doesn’t entitle me to an answer, so I won’t be offended if you tell me it’s none of my business.

” God, I’m being such an ass by asking, but yup, I’m doing it anyway. “Have you dated more than one gender?”

My question is phrased awkwardly, but thankfully he gets what I’m asking. “Yeah. Parts don’t matter to me. It’s the personal connection with the individual that matters. Physically, it’s all attractive to me.”

Before I can reply, Bethany reappears. “Looks like you both enjoyed your dinners.” She pulls out her order pad.

“Can I get you any dessert? I’d suggest Red’s famous Maple Custard Pie, but with your allergy, that’s a no.

” Cody’s nostrils flare, but that’s the only sign of his frustration.

“We have non-maple basics like chocolate cake, or brownies with vanilla ice cream, and apple pie, which you can get with ice cream too.” She shrugs.

“I guess you could get any of our desserts with a side of ice cream.”

When Bethany looks at me, I shake my head and pat my belly. “None for me. I’m full right now.”

“Me either.” Cody gives her a brilliant smile. “And I’d like the check, please.”

She rips the receipt off of her pad and hands it to him with a flourish. “No problem. Here you go.”

I scramble to reach it. “Cody, no. At least let me split it with you.”

He winks at Bethany, who giggles and spins away, heading off to her other tables.

Then he turns that thousand-watt smile on me.

“I asked you out. I pay.” When I reach again for the check, he furrows his brows and hits me with the saddest, pleading look.

Goddamnit, how am I supposed to say no to that?

“Fine!” I throw up my hands in defeat. “You can pay tonight. But I get the next one.”

This time, his smile is blinding. “Deal. Because that means you’ll go out with me again.”

I snort. “Like there was ever any doubt.” I shove his shoulder. “Charmer. And that smile… You’re a damned menace. You know that?” He laughs as he pulls out his wallet and counts out the cash. “Will you at least let me leave the tip?”

“Nope.” He tucks the bills under his water glass and slides out of the booth. I scramble behind him, and when we’re both standing, he takes my hand and leads me out of the diner to a chorus of whistles and hoots from the Rocktogenarians.