Heart Song Anthology by Carolyn Faulkner (summer reads txt) 📗

you didn’t finish your shift today? I came out to see you, and Reed said you tore out of the place as soon as he walked in the door. As far as I know, leaving before your shift is over requires my okay.”

“I did not wish to speak to you, Cody. You were rude to me when I came to you. I was hurting and you told me to get back to work. I didn’t feel like working, so I left as soon as I was sure the kitchen was covered.”

“As your boss, that is unacceptable, and I’m going to see to it you regret it. As the man who loves you, I find it unacceptable that you ran out without talking to me, and I am going to spank you for that.”

“No, you aren’t!” I told him, ready to argue. “I’ve put in so many extra hours covering for Reed that you wouldn’t dare raise a stink with me for leaving an hour early one day! Besides, it is your own fault that I left. You could have told me right then that Tabitha was wrong and that you weren’t really seeing Alyssa again. I was devastated, Cody.”

“Did you tell me that? Did you ask me about the call? Or, did you come into my office spoiling for a fight before you had your facts straight? You could have asked me nicely, young lady, but instead, you judged me guilty and started throwing words at me, then wondered why I didn’t want to have the discussion at work.”

He was right. I put my arms around myself, seeking comfort. “I’m sorry,” I offered the apology. “I should have controlled my temper.” I looked at him, tears spilling from my eyes. “I judged you based on someone else; that wasn’t fair. I’m sorry.” When he said nothing, I managed to whisper, “I’ll understand if you want to leave and you want me to find another job.”

“I am not leaving, and I am not about to let you quit work. I know of another way to discipline my woman.”

I didn’t want to hear that either. I just wanted to cry. “Not tonight, Cody. I need to be alone so that I can think.”

“The last thing you need is to be alone right now,” he said with conviction. “Come here,” he ordered in a gruff tone, taking my hand and pulling me into his arms and hugging me. His kindness was my undoing. I gave in to the misery that had been bubbling inside of me since Tabitha mentioned Princess Alyssa and cried my heart out.

Cody picked me up and carried me to the sofa where he held me on his lap and simply let me cry. He waited until I quieted before he asked, “Why would you think that I would ever want to get back with Alyssa when I am with you, honey?”

“She is everything I’m not.”

“What do you mean by that?” His hand strayed lower and patted the curve of my hip.

“She’s tall, thin, graceful, beautiful, and she has straight, long, naturally blonde hair, and big, blue eyes.”

“And she’s ugly inside. You forgot that. I don’t like her hair; I love your red curls. I love your curves, especially the curves that are meant to be spanked when you are naughty. You look lovely to me, and best of all, you are beautiful inside. Do you have any idea of how many hours you’ve filled in for Reed since his wife was diagnosed? You’ve helped me be able to keep him on, Jenny, and you’ve worked those extra hours for free, insisting I put the money on his check because they need it so much. Could you even imagine Alyssa doing that?” He swatted me and I felt it.

“It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the only way I can help. I also get to be with you,” I reminded him.

“You would do it even if that wasn’t an incentive, Jenny. You have a big heart.” He swatted me again. “Now then, tell me who you were comparing me to and why. I don’t like learning that I’ve hurt you emotionally, no matter how unintentional it was.”

“It’s an old hurt, Cody. Clear back in high school,” I was forced to admit, fearing that he would find me foolish.

“I have a couple of those myself,” he told me, giving me a hug. “Share, kiddo.”

I giggled. “You always make me feel better and I haven’t even shared the story with you yet.”

He smiled, but patted my posterior, warning me to talk.

“This kid in my English class was super cute, and he was a star basketball player. I tutored him so he could pass English, and we got to be good friends. He asked me to the prom, and I was on cloud nine. Mom and I went shopping for the perfect dress and shoes and purse to match. I was so excited, and then I was in the girls’ room one day when a group of really popular girls came in and started talking about my date asking one of their group to the prom. I was sure it was some mistake, and I came out, and while I was washing my hands, I told them that Tom had asked me to the dance. They started laughing and one of the girls said, ‘Why would he take you to the prom when he can take Ellen? She’s pretty, and you are a redheaded fat cow!’ I went to Tom and demanded an explanation and he said he had his image to uphold. He took Ellen and I stayed home and cried all night. It felt like I was in high school all over again today, Cody. I felt as though I wasn’t good enough, and I was hurt. I know we aren’t kids, and it was wrong of me to think you are like Tom. I’m truly sorry and I hope you will accept my apology.”

“I wish you would have come