Finding Faith (Return of the Dragons)

They applied to more than just using her degree. And it didn’t even feel like they were meant for that at all. It felt like they were meant for her current situation.

As much as she wanted to do as he said, there was just one problem with that—she’d have to find her faith first.

Because she couldn’t lose something she didn’t even have to begin with.

But oh, his words made her want to try harder to find it.

“Olivia?”

Startled out of her thoughts, she glanced over at him, wondering what her expression looked like. Stunned, sad, and determined, all at the same time, she was guessing. Based on his fleeting expression, it was definitely a combination of those things.

Cody cocked an eyebrow, and she realized that at some point during her introspection, they’d arrived at her house. She should have felt relieved that she was home and could escape to somewhere she felt comfortable—but to her surprise, she felt comfortable right where she was at.

With him.

“Sorry,” she replied quickly, realizing he was waiting on a reply. Still reeling from her revelation, she swallowed hard and tried to act normal—well, as normal as she could be, which around him, wasn’t very much. “I got lost in thought. I’ll get my water and let you go so you can start your Friday night.”

“Wait.” Quickly reaching out, he lightly grabbed her arm, sending that same bolt of awareness skating up her skin that was beginning to feel familiar. “I don’t have plans, and I emailed you the estimates. If you want, we can sit on the porch and go over them. That way I’m right here to answer any questions you might have.”

If someone had told her a week ago—hell, four days ago—that she would be so eager, so suddenly ready and willing, to spend time with a man, she would have thought they lost their minds.

This wasn’t any man, though. It was Cody—and for so

me reason she hadn’t yet figured out, that made all the difference.

Thankful he hadn’t suggested going inside—since the others had no warning of his arrival, and it probably wouldn’t go over well—she nodded. “That sounds good to me.”

His half smile slowly stretched full, showing his dimples and stealing her breath. Not wasting any time, he got out of the truck and grabbed all four of gallons of water before she could protest.

Brow furrowing, she followed him slowly, wondering how he was carrying them so effortlessly. Yeah, she’d done it, but she knew why she could—her enhanced shifter strength. How was he able to do it? Was it because maybe he really was a shifter too?

Angling her head slightly, she stared at his bulging biceps. Then again, this man had muscles for days. And she’d bet anything they were hard won from his construction work, not excessive time spent in the gym.

He could probably carry something a lot heavier than the water, without ever breaking a sweat.

Placing the jugs on the porch, he turned and sat next to them on the steps, his gaze falling on her. Feeling self-conscious with his chocolate brown eyes fixed solely on her, she quickened her step until she reached him, easing down to sit beside him.

She wracked her brain for something to say, but then realized she didn’t need to work to find a topic of discussion. After all, the renovation was the reason he was still here to begin with.

Wasn’t it?

Slanting a glance at him, she wondered if maybe there was more to it. Maybe Carlie, Paisley, and her dragon were all right. Because surely he didn’t go this far out of his way for all of his customers, did he?

Inhaling deeply, she dug her phone out of her pocket and pulled up her email. After clicking on his message, she skimmed the text before downloading the attachment. Skipping over the costs for each individual charge, she read the estimate totals, her eyes widening as she saw the figures.

“I know they seem like a lot,” Cody said softly, making her realize he’d leaned in close to see the screen with her. His breath caressed her ear, and she fought back a shiver, trying to focus on what he was saying. “But with the work needing to be done, even the most basic reno is going to be on the costly side.”

Eyes still roving over the screen, she nodded, using one hand to hook her hair behind her ear. “I assumed that was the case, but those numbers still surprised me. I guess I got too used to HGTV prices,” she said wryly, shooting him a smile she hoped was more amused than strained.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I can imagine. If I only had a nickel for every time someone said something along those lines. I’m no Chip Gaines but I keep my prices as reasonable as I can. And all of my crews do quality work. I pride myself on that.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do,” she replied quickly. “I didn’t mean to imply differently. I was just surprised by the totals and tried to make a bad joke to cover it up.”

“It wasn’t a bad joke, per se. I just understand the costs can seem exorbitant if you’re not used to it, or you don’t work in the industry.” Pausing, his brow furrowed as he looked off into the distance for a long moment before turning back to her. “We offer a payment plan. Just a small amount down, and minimal, easy payments after that.”

Olivia studied his warm, dark brown eyes, finding nothing but kindness in their depths. Her heart swelled impossibly large, so big it felt like it was going to explode in her chest.

She had a feeling Aaron’s had no such payment plan—which meant he’d noticed her reaction and wanted to help her out in some way. No doubt because he saw how badly the house needed fixed, and now the panic and dismay in her eyes.