Page 43 of Cody

“You too. Take care.” Sam walked away.

Cody walked around the store for a few minutes and grinned when he saw the toys for dogs. After removing one from a hook, he strolled to the counter to place his order.

Chapter Five

Addison walked in the door, set her purse on the counter, then fed Lolli before heading for her bedroom to change clothes. It had been a hectic day, and she was exhausted.

After changing into lounge pants and a spaghetti strapped T-shirt, she walked back to the kitchen to find something to eat. Her stomach growled as she opened the freezer door and stared at the frozen food. With a sigh, she removed a microwave dinner, and read the directions.

When her doorbell rang, she frowned. Who in the world? No one ever just stopped by, and she couldn’t figure out who it could be unless it was someone selling something. Lolli started barking, and Addison walked to the door. She pulled the sheer curtain back on the sidelight, to see Cody on the porch.

“Oh, boy.” She looked down at her clothes and wondered if she should change. There was nothing between her and the material of her shirt or pants. Shrugging, she opened the door.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi. What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to drop this off. I saw it and thought of your dog.” He handed her a stuffed toy Corgi, then removed his hat.

“Oh, that’s so cute. Come inside.” Addison took the toy from him and turned to look at Lolli. “Look what Cody got you.” She gave it to her dog, and she ran to her dog bed to chew on it. “That was so sweet of you.”

He shrugged. “I saw it when I was at the Feed Store today.”

“You were in town today?”

“Yes, but I didn’t stop in because I thought you’d be too busy.”

“I would have made time to say hello.”

When he grinned, she swore her heart skipped a beat.

“I’ll do that the next time.”

“Okay. Did you go there to look at the corkboard?”

“Yes, and pick up some feed. Sam helped me with the names.”

“Sam’s a great guy. Not to mention, gorgeous.”

“Hey, isn’t he married?”

Addison laughed. “Yeah, so?”

He shook his head. “I’m sure his wife would love to hear that.”

“Oh, Tess is wonderful. She knows he loves her, but she also knows the women around these parts call him the sexy sheriff, which he hates.”

“Can’t blame him there.”

“So, who did you find?”

“Levi Thomas.”

“I know Levi. He’s a good man.”

“I hope so. He’s coming to the ranch. I’ll see how it goes and hope he’s a good fit for the ranch.”

“I do too. Would you like something to drink?”