Close to you

Chapter 7

The car ride back to their house is filled with tension. I am thankful for the music that was already playing in the car otherwise there would be nothing but silence. The windows are down but the street is fairly empty and the breeze is completely still as we drive. I rub my hands across my legs trying to think of something to say. Cody fidgets in the passenger seat as he moves his hat off his head then places back down.

“It’s the next left.” Cody points, finally breaking the silence. 

“Cody. I’m sorry for everything that happened the other night.. And day. I didn’t mean to let things get that far.” I blurt out.

“Turn left.” His tone is cold. “We already talked about this. It was my fault for not leaving. I didn’t mean to make you feel embarrassed or ashamed. I should have left when you woke me up.” 

“No, I told you to stay. I wasn’t ashamed of it happening. I was more ashamed of myself for letting it happen so soon.” I tried to explain.

“Yeah, but it was too soon. It made you uncomfortable and that was never my intention.” Cody says softly as he stares out the window.

“It might have been too soon but I was never uncomfortable. I wanted you to stay. Honestly, I struggled that whole day keeping you out of my thoughts. I felt more comfortable with you then I have with anyone else before.” I spit out without realizing it.

I feel blush cover my cheeks as Cody stares at me in shock.

“I just meant you didn’t make me uncomfortable. Ok? Now can we please just move past this?” I blurted out trying to correct my word vomit.

“Yeah, we can move past it.” Cody smiles, then places his hand over mine. “By the way, I wanted to stay too.”

We pull into the parking garage and head up to Cody’s apartment. Rose and Jordan haven’t made it back yet which surprises me considering they left before us. Cody opens the door letting us both into his apartment. For this place only having two guys living here, I’m shocked with how clean and tidy their apartment is. The apartment has a completely open floor plan with wall length windows across one side. Out the windows you can see over the city to the beach. The open kitchen and living room space glows from the city lights. There are a few lights hanging over the island that separates the kitchen and living area. You can see doors off both sides of the main room.

“Each side of the apartment has a master bedroom. This side is Jordan’s. Mine is on the other side of the apartment.” Cody explains as he walks into the kitchen. “Feel free to make yourself at home. I’m sure Rose and Jordan will be here any time. Do you want something to drink?”

“I’ll just take water, if you don’t mind.” I say, putting my purse down on the chair in the living area. “So, I know Jordan works at The Brig. What is it that you do?”

“I do some acting and modeling. But I am invested in a few small businesses.” Cody hands me a bottle of water.

“Wow. That is pretty impressive.” I compliment. 

“What about you? I know you are getting ready to start working with Jordan but is there anything else you like to do?” Cody takes a seat on the chair across from me.

“I write in my free time. I was an English major. I always enjoyed working at the bars or clubs because there are always so many stories to learn each night.” I will try to explain. 

The front door opens and Jordan teases, “I hope you two are clothed.” 

“We picked up stuff to make cookies.” Rose claps as she walks in. “Callie, come help me bake.” 

I chuckle. “Of course, I will help.” Cody watches me as I walk into the kitchen to help Rose.

Within the twenty minutes it took us to prep the cookies Rose managed to spill the flour all over the kitchen island. Jordan came to her rescue by trying to help her clean up the mess. I can’t seem to control my laughter at how cute and equally ridiculous they both are. Every time Cody makes his way into the kitchen his hand lightly grazes me. First it was my hand as he reached for the towel I was holding. Then he just barely placed his hand on my back as he went around me to refill his drink. When he reached to wipe the flour off my cheek a jolt of electricity shot straight through me. He froze too as if he felt the same thing. The whole room around us stood silent while we stayed gazing into each other’s eyes. That was until Rose bumped into me causing me to trip into Cody. He caught me in his arms. My chest pressed against his thick torso and his arms placed on my hips. There was already so much s****l tension between us without even touching but this was something different. This was something more. 

“Cookies are done.” Rose cheers.

“I’m going to have to take mine to go.” I inform everyone as I notice the time on the clock. 

“I’ll wrap up your cookies.” Rose frowns. “I can walk you down.” Cody suggests.

“Thanks everyone. I had a great evening.”

“Come back soon.” Jordan says as I walk out the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks for having me over. I had a really great time.” I tell Cody as we walk up to my car. 

“Yeah. It was a great night.” Cody responds. 

“Well, I’ll see you sometime soon I’m sure.” I say unlocking my car door. 

“Callie.” Cody shyly says. “Can I kiss you goodnight?” 

“Yes.” I breathe.

Cody leans over, brushes my hair from across my face and presses his lips against mine. His lips are so soft yet he presses them firmly against mine. I place my hand on the nape of his neck running my fingers through the base of his hair. His tongue barely caresses mine. When he finally pulls away his lips are pink from our passionate embrace.

I place my hand on his chest. “Goodnight, Cody.” I whisper.