Close to you

Chapter 9

A few days later, I woke up feeling drained from the long week. I take a quick shower and decide to spend the day lounging in my night wear and catch up on some reading. The last few weeks of moving, working and running around have finally caught up to me. I just need to spend the day relaxing with no time agenda. I close the hotel curtains and slide back under the covers with only the table light on to finish the last section of Braving the Wilderness. By the time I reach the last page of the book my neck is stiff from reading. 

I place my book down on the table and get out of bed to stretch. My phone buzzes on the table and a text appears.

“Hey. It’s Cody.” 

“Hey.” I text back.

“What are your plans for the day?” He responds quickly.

“I’ve just been lounging around reading.” I keep it simple.

Bubbles appear immediately. “Want to get some fresh air?” 

“Depends on the plan.” I send with a shoulder shrugging emoji.

“Want to go to the beach?” He asks.

“Yeah!” I type trying to decide how much excitement is too much. 

“I’ll meet you by the pier at about 6.” He sends, then immediately adds. “Can’t wait to see you.”

I spend the rest of the afternoon putting away laundry and cleaning up before I head down to meet Cody. 

The beach is nearly deserted as I walk towards Cody standing near the water. The distant music playing creates a perfect harmony with the sound of the waves crashing into the bank. The sky is orange as it starts to set in the horizon. Cody finds a spot on the sand where we both sit. He moves closer to me until our arms touch. We sit in silence for a few minutes enjoying the calm presence of the beach.

“Hey, thanks for coming with me.” He says softly. “I usually come down here to clear my head. I’m glad you joined me though.”

“I’ll be here anytime you ask.” I say, meaning every word.

I look over at him. He has his hands laying on his knees while he looks off into the distance. Who is he? I think to myself. At first sight, he appears to be your average muscle jock. He has a tight, thick bod and a killer smile which I’m sure helps him get all the ladies. But as I sit here I see a soft side, even sweet. A side whose eyes are filled with pain and loss and the need for something more. It’s intimidating sitting here alone with him without the chaos of the world around. I lean into him, placing my chin on his shoulder rubbing the nape of his neck with my fingers. His pulse quickens under my gentle touch. He looks down at me with those fiery blue eyes and his fingers find their way into mine. We sit this way until the sun has vanished and there is nothing but the night sky above. The way he looks at me makes me feel so comfortable, so sexy and admired. I snuggle into him tighter trying to hold onto this moment forever.

“Do you want to walk down the pier with me?” He whispers into my ear.

“I’d love to.” I say, gazing back at him.

He never releases our fingers as we make our way to the pier. He holds on tightly as if he is afraid of letting go.

“So, tell me everything there is to know about you.” He interrupts my thoughts.

“Everything, huh?” I laugh and he nods. “I grew up here with my older sister, Emily and my parents. While I was in high school, my sister moved to Oklahoma City. During that same time, my parent’s relationship started struggling because of poor choices I was making. So when I graduated I decided to go to college in Oklahoma and live with my sister and her husband, Matt. I’ve had two serious relationships before; Luke who I dated for the summer in high school and Dylan who I met at the bar I worked at in OKC. What about you?” 

“There isn’t much to tell. I have always lived here. Jordan and I got an apartment together about two years ago. Friends from the playground. My parents live in Malibu. I don’t have any siblings. I’ve had a few relationships but nothing noteworthy. They don’t usually seem to work out so I basically just date around.” He explains. 

“Yeah. Me and Rose have been best friends since high school. We were pretty much inseparable. We both hated the idea of me moving away but I needed a change and my parents needed space. We kept in touch but distance takes a toll on any relationship. I was surprised though by how close her and Jordan are. She hasn’t mentioned him at all.” I say, surprised. 

“They have been hanging out on and off since she started working at The Brig. I’m not sure why they are exclusive because I never see either one of them with anyone else.” Cody informs me.

“I guess she just isn’t ready for the commitment yet.” I guess. “I wonder what time it is?”

“It’s almost midnight.” Cody says looking down at the time.

“I should probably head back to the hotel.” I hesitate. A frown forms on Cody’s face. “Would you like to come back with me?” 

His eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning. 

“Come on Cody, my car is just up the road.” I grab his hand.