Nurse to Forever Mom

by Susan Carlisle

  “Of sorts. We need to talk.”

  “Why?” She pushed at her hair.

  “I want to tell you I’m sorry.”

  She looked away. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

  “You’re wrong. Do you mind if I come in? Or you could come out here.” For a second, he feared she was going to say no to either option. For some reason he needed her to understand how he’d been feeling.

  “I’m not really dressed for company.”

  He could tell she had her hair up on top of her head in a messy arrangement. She wore a long T-shirt and shorts. “I think you look fine.” Too fine, really. Even in that outfit he wanted her. He stuffed his hands into his pockets.

  “I’ll come out.” She pushed the door just wide enough for her to exit and stood on the porch.

  “Why don’t we sit on the steps?” He’d figured this might be hard but had had no idea she’d be so standoffish. Why was he putting this much effort into their relationship or friendship or whatever it was? He’d had enough emotional upheaval in his life without adding more. “Look, on second thoughts, just forget it. I’ll leave you alone. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” He turned to head down the steps.

  She grabbed his arm. “Don’t go.”

  He sank to the porch, his feet on the first step and his elbows on his knees. Stacey sat beside him but not too close. Neither of them said anything for a while.

  “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings the other morning.” Her slight hiss didn’t miss his attention. “I want you to know it isn’t about you. It’s about me.” She shifted beside him, but he didn’t look at her. Instead he focused on a knot in the board between his feet.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Come on. You know exactly what I mean. This thing between us.” He waved his hand between them.

  Her voice went higher as she said, “There’s nothing between us.”

  Cody sighed but tried again. “Sure there is. I feel it. I know you feel it too. I’ve seen the way you look at me. How you react when I touch you. The other morning at my house I could see the excitement in your eyes when you thought I was about to kiss you. I know why you are putting up a wall between us. I get it, but I don’t like it.”

  Stacey hopped up and was almost to the door before he could make a move. He stood, preparing to leave. He’d gotten his answer.

  “I can’t do this,” she muttered.

  “Do what?” Were they even talking about the same thing?

  “I’m not staying on the island. I know you’re looking for more than that. I can’t give it. It’s not fair to you. I won’t hurt you or the girls.”

  “I’m not looking for more than what you can give. What I do know is that I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve been right—”

  He gave her a pleading look. He wanted her to understand. “I mean you being yourself. You making me laugh. You being around. You teasing me.”

  “I don’t do that.”

  He glared at her. “Yeah, you do.”

  He took a deep breath, choosing his next words with care. “Look, I like you, Stacey. It’s been a long time since I could say that about any woman. And I’m guessing by your actions up until this past week that you liked me too. That alone makes you special. I know we work together and that can complicate things but I want you like I’ve not wanted anyone in a very long time. Can’t we just explore what’s between us? Enjoy each other for the time we have left?”

  Had he completely lost his mind? Was he that lonely? This was nothing like what he’d promised himself. He’d vowed to protect himself, and his girls, by not getting too involved with the wrong woman. But his vow be damned. He wanted to get to know Stacey better, far better.

  He gestured with both hands to emphasize his next words. “I know it’s crazy, with you having just a week left, but I can’t help myself. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before you leave. Can’t we do that?”

  Stacey turned to face him, watching him, judging him. She took a step toward him. Her voice was steady with no hint of indecision or hesitation when she said, “I’d like that.”

  Relief washed through him. “Good. I know this is short notice and I apologize, but the Founder’s Day weekend is almost over and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me and get some dinner?”

  A slow smile formed on her lips. “That sounds like fun. What about Jean and Lizzy?”

  “They left this morning for Maine with their grandparents for a few days. So it’ll just be the two of us. Is that okay?” Would she want the buffer of the girls between them?

  “More than okay. Give me a few minutes to get dressed.”

  Cody swung on the porch swing while he waited, pleased with himself. His powers of persuasion were so refined should he consider going into politics?

  Stacey didn’t keep him waiting long. Her hair was still up on her head but she wore an exotic-looking dress that he guessed she’d gotten during her travels. It caressed her curves and flowed around her legs. A bright beaded bracelet circled one wrist. Sandals protected her feet and she carried a sweater.

  He offered her his hand. She took it. His heart soared.

  She smiled sweetly. “I’m ready.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  STACEY COULDN’T BELIEVE how quickly she had changed her mind about spending time with Cody. All it had taken was for him to show up at her door and all of her firm resolve had crumbled. It hadn’t taken her even a minute to decide she wanted her short time on Maple Island filled with wonderful memories of him. She could have those, and take them to Ethiopia or wherever she went for the rest of her life.

  The past week had been miserable. Avoiding Cody outside work had been doubly difficult because her common sense had constantly been at war with her undeniable desire to be with him. She had never felt lonelier in her life. Despite living on a beautiful island during springtime, she wasn’t enjoying it. Even the opening celebrations of Founder’s Day Weekend had been spoiled because she’d been so wary of running into Cody.

  With the air cleared between them it was like they were truly friends. They said little on the ride but there was nothing uncomfortable about the silence. It was as if they were both determined to make the time they had left positive.

  The sun shone brightly and the sky was blue as they walked into the festival. She looked forward to really experiencing it. Today she planned to soak it all in. Being with Cody made it even better.

  Stacey stopped for a second to tie her sweater around her waist. “Wow, there’re a lot of people here today as well.”

  “With more hours of daylight, people are making the most of the event. It has been a good year. It helps when the weather is nice.” Cody looked around with a smile. “There’s a band tonight and many folks will stay late for that.”

  He took her hand but gave her a quick, questioning glance as if asking for permission. Stacey squeezed it, and he gently tightened his grip. As they moved from tent to tent he didn’t let go of it. More than one person spoke to him as they strolled along. With each one he introduced her right after returning their greeting.

  They were busy looking at handmade weathervanes when someone called, “Cody.”

  They both looked around to see Dr. Rafael Valdez, who was pushing a stroller, and Summer Ryan coming their way.

  Stacey knew them from the clinic. From what she understood, Rafael was a relatively new addition to the staff, only having arrived on the island a few months ago.

  “Hi, there.” Cody offered his hand and the two men shook.

  “You two enjoying the festival?” Summer asked her and Cody.

  “Yes, we are.” Stacey smiled at Cody, who returned it. She looked into the stroller. “Who do you have with you? I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  “This is my daughter, Gracie.” Pride filled Rafael’s voice.

/>   “Hi, there,” Stacey said to the girl.

  “We’re just going for a bite to eat. Want to join us?” Rafael asked.

  “Thanks, but we have a few more tents to visit. Maybe another time,” Cody said.

  “Then we’ll see you tomorrow.” Rafael waved over his shoulder as he and Summer moved on, Gracie preceding them in her shaded stroller.

  Stacey watched them leave. “They make a nice couple.”

  “Rafael is a topnotch addition to the staff.” Cody turned to her. “I hope you don’t mind me not accepting their offer. I wanted it to be just us tonight.”

  Stacey’s heart did a pitter-pat. “I like that plan.”

  They continued walking while looking at the arts and crafts.

  He tugged gently on her hand. “I’m getting hungry. How about you?”

  “Starving.”

  Cody steered her toward the food court. “Good. How does a lobster po’boy sound?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never had one.”

  “It’s lobster meat on a bun. I think you’ll like it. Willing to give it a try?”

  Stacey was confident she would give anything he asked a try. “Sure.”

  A few minutes later they had their sandwiches and drinks. Luckily, they found an empty table among those set up near the food trucks.

  “Goodness, this is so big. I don’t know if I can get my mouth around it.” Despite what she’d just said, Stacey opened wide, managing it with little trouble.

  “Doesn’t look like you’re having a problem to me.” Cody chuckled.

  Stacey glared at him. “And to think I thought you had no sense of humor when I first met you.”

  “Maybe you bring that out in me.”

  She liked that idea. Cody should smile often. She loved his smile. “I’m glad I can be of some help.”

  “That’s all you’ve been since you arrived. Help with my patients, help in the OR, help with the girls, and the list could go on.”

  “You once told me not to put you on a pedestal, I’m going to say the same.” She too was afraid she would fall.

  “Then we’ll agree to be less than perfect.” He took another bite of his sandwich.

  “That I can certainly agree to.”

  When they were finished Cody asked, “Would you like to stay and listen to the band or I can offer you the view of the sunset from the point near the lighthouse?”

  “I’d love to see the sunset.” For the day to start off so depressingly, with her sitting alone in her cottage, it was fast turning into a perfect one.

  Hand in hand they walked to his car. Dusk crept in as they rode along the windy road toward the lighthouse. Just before they got there Cody turned off on a smaller road that led toward the beach. Across the water was the Boston Harbor. Lights were blinking on in the buildings.

  Cody pulled the car to a stop and turned off the engine. He didn’t say anything but took hold of her hand. In silence they watched the play of colors in the western sky. The blend of red, orange and yellow melding into black became the backdrop of their view of Boston.

  Stacey had never seen anything more beautiful or been in a more romantic setting. “Wow, you sure know how to show a girl a good time.”

  He laughed. “You do have a way with words. Would you like to stay a while longer or for me to take you home?”

  “Truthfully?” Could she really tell him what she would like to do?

  “Yes.”

  “I’d like to sit on your porch, look at the stars and listen to the waves.”

  “That we can do.” He sounded pleased with her request. “How about a hot drink to go with the view?”

  “Sounds wonderful.”

  He started the car, turned around and headed up the road. “You know, if we’re not careful we’ll do everything there is to do on this island on our first date.”

  “Maybe we can think of something new.” She had a few ideas already.

  The drive to Cody’s wasn’t far but he didn’t hurry. A light burned over his front door, welcoming them as they entered and walked to the kitchen.

  “You go on out and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get us something warm to drink.” Cody put a kettle on the burner.

  Stacey pulled on her sweater before she chose the cushioned settee, sat and slipped off her sandals, tucking her feet under her. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and listened to the ocean. Every day should be like this. Since coming to Maple Island, it seemed as if she had stopped running and had started taking time to appreciate the smaller things in life. Many of those Cody had introduced her to.

  For years she’d been living six months here, three months there, and another nine months to a year elsewhere. She’d forgotten what it was like to stay in one place any length of time. As if she had ever known. Even as a child she’d moved often. She didn’t know how to stay in one place. This sensation of belonging was surely just temporary. She would soon get restless and be ready to move on. Why did she even think she would be happy settling down?

  Soon the kitchen light went out and Cody joined her. “Don’t panic. I turned the lights off so we could see the stars better.”

  “I’m not going to panic.” After her erratic actions of late she wasn’t surprised he’d believed she might overreact. “I wondered if you were trying to be Mr. Romance.”

  He handed her a mug and took a seat in a chair nearby.

  Was he afraid to crowd her? She wanted him close.

  “I can be that with or without the lights on.” His deep, rich voice was made more so under the blanket of darkness.

  “I like a man with confidence.” She enjoyed teasing him. He was far too serious.

  “Did you ever doubt it?”

  Stacey could only make out his silhouette but she clearly heard the inflection in his voice. It mattered to him what she thought.

  “No.” She hadn’t. How could she? Her body hummed with excitement whenever he was near. Like now. She felt the power of his male magnetism continually.

  They quietly sipped their drinks. Stacey had never had a relationship with a man in which she was content to just share time with him. It was calming. They remained there while the stars slowly disappeared behind clouds.

  “It will rain tonight. But no storm like the other night.” Cody’s voice came out of the darkness, his hand taking hers and giving it a squeeze.

  “It’s a good thing the Founder’s Day Weekend is over.” Her voice sounded soft and relaxed.

  “It is.” They were talking about nothing significant yet she enjoyed the moment. There was contentment, a feeling of rightness that filled her just being around Cody.

  A few minutes went by and the air between them simmered with awareness.

  Would he make a move? He’d said he was interested but acted as if he was unsure about asking her for more. Stacey stood, searching for her shoes with her toes. “I’d better go.”

  “Please don’t.” There was a note of urgency in the statement as he stood. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

  She stepped closer to him. “What took you so long to ask? A girl might think she isn’t as irresistible as you led her to believe.” She grabbed his shirt, pulled him to her and gave him a kiss she hoped he would remember.

  Cody crushed her against him, taking control of the kiss. His lips sauntered across hers as his hands roamed her back before wandering over her cheek to kiss her neck then returning to her mouth. Teasing the seam of her lips with his tongue, he asked for entrance. She gave it and his passion set her on fire. Her hands pulled his head closer as she returned his ardor with a twirl of her tongue. Cody groaned and brought her hips against his, making his desire thickly obvious.

  Heat pooled between her legs. Desire had her blood hot and humming. She needed Cody more than anything else in the world.

  * * *

>   Cody had been waiting for an invitation, any invitation, just some indication Stacey wanted to stay. He’d gotten his answer.

  He’d purposely chosen to sit in a chair across from the settee to avoid the temptation to pressure her. He enjoyed her company, the peace of just being with her. If that was all she’d offer him then he would accept that. Stacey had brought him back to life. Still, the drive, the desire to touch her had his fingers twitching. There was electricity in the air whenever they were together. Waiting had been agony. He now planned to enjoy every pleasure she offered, for as long as he could.

  Stacey’s arms circled his neck and she returned his kiss with all the hunger he’d imagined during sleepless nights. His tongue ran along the seam of her lips and she opened like a bloom waiting for sunshine. Her eager greeting turned the kiss into a heated tango.

  His pulse pounded in his ears while blood, hot and pulsing, ran to his manhood, making it thick and tall. Her fingers tunneled through his hair in provocative exploration as if she’d been dreaming of touching it. He cradled her butt, pulling her against him. Those curves he’d admired were now in his hands. His fingers traveled up along them until they framed her breasts.

  Cody cupped one, lifting it. Full and firm, the only thing wrong with her breasts was that they were still covered. His thumb brushed her nipple and he was rewarded with it standing to sharp attention.

  Stacey moaned and wriggled against him.

  His length throbbed, begging to have her. If they didn’t slow down he would take her on the bare boards of his porch. Stacey deserved better than that. Their first time should be less hectic and far more tender. Reluctantly, he dragged his mouth from hers. “Wooh, woman, you’ve got me hotter than a firecracker.”

  She gave him an enticing grin. “I like the sound of that.”

  Cody let out a low pained chuckle. His mouth gently met hers. Stacey’s hands cupped his face and held him there as she deepened the kiss. Her tongue teased his as her hands moved to his shoulders. She kneaded them as she pressed harder against his aching manhood. How like Stacey to let him know exactly what she wanted.