Page 14 of The Great Maple Mistake (Love in Maplewood #8)

Alex

Once we’re outside, Cody strolls toward the park at the center of town.

His palm feels rough against mine, but his grip is firm, and having that contact is as comforting as it is electric.

The sun has gone down behind the buildings, giving everything a warm glow, and we take our time walking the few blocks between Red’s and the park.

There are still quite a few people around.

Some are cutting through the park to the business side of the square, some are heading away from town, and others are strolling hand in hand like Cody and I are.

We’re not in any particular hurry, and we don’t have any destination in mind.

Though Cody steers us toward the gazebo, so maybe he does have a plan.

The gazebo is one of those classic eight-sided wooden structures, painted white, with intricate latticework at the top and a dark-shingled, round roof.

There are benches inside, and we take a seat, quietly at first, watching the people move around as the last of the light fades and the stars begin to come out.

It’s incredibly romantic, and as darkness falls and the number of people around continues to dwindle, it’s as if we’re in our own little space, hidden away from everyone else.

“This is one of my favorite places in town. It has been since I was a kid. Especially this time of year when the view during the day is so pretty, with all the flowers and green grass. And at night, it’s almost like a secret hiding place. ”

Cody bumps my shoulder. “You weren’t scared as a kid? Being here in the dark?”

“Nah. I almost always had someone else with me—my parents, Luke, or Finn. And there wasn’t anything to be afraid of.”

He chuckles. “Not even the dark?”

I shake my head, though I’m not sure he can see it in the dim light. “Nope. I knew Mabel wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”

“Mabel?”

I turn sideways on the bench so I’m facing him. “The town’s mysterious resident. I guess you’d call her a cryptid, but that always seemed rude. To me, she’s just Mabel.”

Cody laughs. “Wait, the town has a cryptid? Why haven’t I heard about this?”

I shrug. “Probably because it’s old news to most residents. And she’s not dangerous. Every now and then, she might eat a few of the vegetables out of someone’s backyard garden, but that’s about the worst of it. She mostly hangs out in the woods.”

“Come on. Really?”

“Yup. I even saw her once.”

Cody nudges my leg. “You’re teasing me. Right? Get the new guy to believe the town has Bigfoot living in the woods?”

I shake my head. “Nope. She’s real. Hangs out at Zeke’s compound every evening.

Well, I suppose it’s Drake’s compound now.

And she visits Finn’s parents’ back yard.

Has for years. Charlie saw her there just a month or so ago.

That’s where I saw her too, when I was twelve.

Interesting that he’s not much older than I was when I saw her.

” I wonder if she’s less worried about being around younger residents.

“Anyway, people leave food out for her, and it’s gone in the morning.

Could it be raccoons or other nocturnal animals eating it?

” I nod. “Yeah. Might be. Except we don’t have a raccoon problem or anything like that.

We don’t really even have a rodent issue in town.

Some people say that’s because of Mabel.

” Cody cocks his head to the side, squinting at me, obviously trying to decide if I’m pulling his leg.

“Look, I got a picture of her. It’s at home, but I’ll show you later. ”

“You just happened to have a camera? Were you waiting for her?”

“No. Actually, I’d spent the night at Finn’s house. Summer break had just started, and I wanted to try out my new Canon EOS 350D my parents gave me for my birthday.”

Completely focusing on the wrong part of the story, Cody excitedly interrupts me. “Wait. Your birthday’s in June?”

I nod. “The sixth.”

His smile is so white I can see his teeth even in the dark. “Mine’s the twelfth.”

That stops me. “June twelfth? Really?”

He nods excitedly. “Geminis for the win.” He squeezes my knee, which tickles, and I shout-laugh as I grab his hand. Grinning, he lets go and turns his palm up, lacing his fingers with mine. “That’s why we get along. We understand each other.”

“We do.” Well, so far. The air between us crackles with a good kind of tension, and very slowly, probably so I can avoid it if I want to, Cody leans toward me, his gaze dropping to my lips and back up to my eyes. Without hesitation, I lean in too. Because hell yes, please.

His mouth brushes against mine, so lightly I’m not actually sure it happened. He’s so close that I feel his breath tease over my lips, sending tingles down my spine. “Is this okay?”

Oh, it’s so much more than okay. “Yes.” That’s all I manage before his lips are pressing against mine with his hands cupping my face.

Moaning, I move closer, every nerve in my body tingling.

My hand rests on his deliciously muscular thigh and the other caresses his rock-hard pec as I part my lips, deepening the mind-blowing, body-melting kiss.

Cody’s tongue teases along mine, making me shiver.

And goddamn, it lights me up like a Maplewood winter festival.

His fingers slide into my hair, his strong hand gently cradling my head as he controls the kiss perfectly.

It’s goddamn erotic. My whole body is thrumming with need, quickly overriding my good sense.

God, I want more of this. I’m so turned on.

I could easily crawl into his lap right here and grind against him.

Cody has other ideas. He brings our kiss to an end, and I chase after his lips, desperate for more.

He smiles against my mouth, his warm breath sending shivers along my skin.

“You’re an amazing kisser.” Yeah. He’s one to talk.

“I’ve wanted to do that for weeks. Really kiss you. Taste your mouth.”

I stifle a whimper because oh my god, he’s been into me for weeks. “Anytime. You can kiss me absolutely anytime you want. My lips are your lips.” I’m babbling. Mostly because that kiss short-circuited my brain.

He laughs, brushing his lips against mine again. “Good to know.” His hand drifts down my neck and over my chest, moving lower. “Is this okay?”

Oh, how I love that he’s asked. Consent is so damned sexy. His hand stalls at my hip, waiting for my answer. And I’m dying to say yes. To let him touch me wherever he wants. But I don’t. Leaning back, I shake my head as my spatial awareness comes back online. “Not yet. I’m sorry.”

He sits back, a little wide-eyed, but drops his hands to mine and squeezes them. “No need to apologize. That’s why I asked.”

I rush to explain. “I want to. I want to feel your hands all over me. And your lips, everywhere.” We need to talk first, and in the middle of the park, in the center of town, isn’t where I want to have that conversation. “This really isn’t the best place for a heavy make out session.”

The reality of where we are finally seems to register, and he ducks his head. “Shit. Yeah. I’m sorry.”

“Hey.” I slip my fingers under his chin and tilt his face up until he’s looking me in the eyes. “No need to apologize.” I wink at him. “I almost forgot where we were too. That was some kiss.”

His grin is back, and it makes my heart a thousand times lighter. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I brush my thumb across his bottom lip. “My whole body is still tingling.”

He brings one of my hands to his lips, brushing the lightest of kisses across my palm, making me ache for more. So much more. “Mine is too. And I’d love to do that again. A lot.” He glances around. “Maybe somewhere a bit more private next time.”

“Definitely. Are you busy tomorrow night?” Both Luke and Dad will be out of the house. I could invite him over for dinner. Then after, we could watch movies and make out on the couch.

Cody groans. “Unfortunately, yes. Tomorrow morning starts my twenty-four hours on. But I’m off the day after, if that works for you.”

I’m not sure what Luke or Dad have planned for Sunday, but they’re usually home. “I think Luke and my dad will be around. How about your place?”

Luke’s eyes flare, like he’s just getting what I’m suggesting. He shakes his head. “Aunt Viv will be there. We usually do Sunday dinner when I’m off. But you could join us, if you want.”

It sounds like a tamer evening than I’d hoped for, but that’s really on par for how things in my life go.

Cody’s such a sweetie. And really, we’re in no rush.

Plus, he and I have things we need to talk about.

The truth is, we still barely know each other.

So a little more time before we start anything too physical is actually a great idea. “Thanks. I’d love to.”

“Good. But you should know something.”

Cody leans in and brushes his lips against mine again, testing my resolve. I raise an eyebrow at him. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He caresses the tip of my nose with his.

“I think you’re sweet.” He kisses me softly.

“And funny.” He kisses me again. “And so freaking smart.” At the third kiss I try to chase his lips, but he pulls back just enough that he’s out of reach.

“And I really want us to get to know each other.” He leans closer again.

“And once we do”—his voice gets quiet and growly—“then I’m going to kiss every inch of you until you’re a quivering, shaking mess and begging me to let you come. ”

A full-body shiver runs through me as this gentle puppy of a man shows me that he has some bite to him. And I love it.