Finding Faith (Return of the Dragons)

An oomph sound came just as Carlie’s words were cut off. She knew exactly what she’d been about to say, and she had no doubts that Cody did, as well. The burn in her cheeks flamed hotter, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to look him in the eye again.

Thank God for whatever dragon shut Carlie up before she could finish—but still, the damage had been done.

She was going to kill her. Slowly. With much torture and pain before she put her out of her misery.

Cody cleared his throat. “She’s right, you know. Not about all of it,” he added hastily as her eyes darted incredulously to him. “I just mean, you should come with me. It’ll be fun. No pressure, Olivia. Just a fun night out at the movies.”

Still unable to really look at him, she focused on where her hand was slowly picking at a loose thread on her jeans. Her mind raced as she thought through options, scenarios, anything that could go wrong—and everything that could go right.

Was she really contemplating this?

Why not? her dragon asked. I already told you he’s not dangerous to you, and that you can trust him. And you can’t tell me you haven’t felt that for yourself. The only thing holding you back is you. Take a leap of faith.

Her throat constricted tightly. Take a leap of faith. When was the last time she’d done that? Even before she was kidnapped, she lived a boring, predictable life, content to repeat her days over and over. She never got out and tried to live.

And even with everything that had happened, she still wanted to try. The thought that she could have lived out her entire existence without really experiencing life was a sobering one, and a tight ball of emotion built in her chest.

In that moment, she realized that more than anything, she wanted to find her faith again. Faith in herself, her instincts… in other people.

Of all things she lost with the kidnapping, that might be the quality she missed the most. She’d always been optimistic, always saw the good in people until they showed her differently—and always had faith that everything would work out.

And she desperately needed that faith right now.

In a split second, her decision was made. Turning to Cody, she met his eyes, willing the rest of her blush away. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”

Panic instantly tightened her chest, making it difficult to breathe. She fought for air, but when he gave her a brilliant smile in return, she gave up.

There was no way she was getting air into her starving lungs while he was doing that.

Oxygen was overrated, anyway.

“Great! We’ll have a good time. I haven’t been to the drive-in in ages, but I remember always having fun when I went.”

His crooked half smile was doing things to her insides she didn’t know how to process, so she looked away, trying to get her bearings long enough to speak. “I’ve never been to a drive-in,” she admitted. “The closest I might have come was my dad hanging a sheet in the garage and using an old projector.”

His dark eyes turned soft as he regarded her. “That sounds like a lot of fun, too.”

Nodding, she slid a glance to the open window, wondering if Fiona was among the dragons listening. “Yeah, it was. My sister and I always had a blast. Movie nights were the highlight of our week back then.”

He studied her closely, and she could see his curiosity. He wanted to know more about her life back then, wanted to know just how sad she was now because he knew her dad was no longer with them, and how much that sadness affected her life.

To her immense relief, he didn’t voice any of the things he wanted to ask. She didn’t know if she’d be able to answer any of the questions burning in his intense eyes if he did.

“I can’t promise it will be like it was then,” he replied softly, still searching her face for answers to his unasked questions. “But I can promise we’ll have a good time. You won’t regret it.”

She really hoped not. “I’m sure we will. Thanks for inviting me.”

Honestly, she wasn’t sure of any such thing. But she hoped. Oh, how she hoped.

“My pleasure. I can pick you up at six, if that works for you?”

“That’s perfect,” she replied, hoping her smile was calm and not nervous.

“Do you have any other questions about the renovation costs?”

Glancing down at her phone that had gone dark, she shook her head. “No, it’s all self-explanatory. I’ll call if I have any questions. Hopefully, we’ll come to a decision before I see you tomorrow.”

With a nod and that half smile that made her insides flip over, he stood, turning to glance back down at her. “Call or text me if you need anything, or even just want to talk. I mean that. I’ll always answer, and I’ll always be willing to chat if that’s what you need.”