Free Ask Me to Stay (Honky Tonk Angels #4) by Ciana Stone

boutique and he came by. He was headed for his new office. We just talked. I swear, it was nothing.”
    Callie jumped up. “I think I’ll go get something to drink and let you talk.”
    “You don’t have to leave,” Cody said.
    Callie looked at Hannah. “Yeah, I need to take a break anyway. Excuse me.”
    As Callie hurried from the room, Cody eyed her sister for a moment, then perched on the edge of the desk. “Okay, what the hell, girl?”
    “I told you. It was nothing.”
    “That’s not what I mean. Why are you getting so worked up? I don’t care if you talked to him. It’s not like I’m dating him or anything. But it’s becoming pretty clear. You do have a thing for him.”
    “I do not.”
    “Oh, yes you do.”
    “No, I don’t. I mean I think he’s nice and—”
    “You’re not seriously going to sit there and lie to my face, are you?”
    Hannah’s eyes welled up with tears. “Cody, I swear I’d never try—”
    “It’s okay, Hannah.”
    “What?”
    “It’s okay. I like Cooper, but you and I both know I’m not right for him and hell, he’s not right for me. If I had to guess, I’d say he likes the same sort of things you like – dressing up, going somewhere fancy – and you know I don’t give a hoot in hell about that.”
    “But—”
    “But nothing. If you like him, go for it.”
    “Cody I—I am kind of attracted to him. And he likes Broadway shows and five star restaurants and he dresses so well and—”
    “I get it. And I’m cool with it.”
    “Are you sure? I mean, you’re not just saying it because you feel sorry for me because I’m becoming an old maid?”
    “Watch it, girl. You’re younger than I am and I’m nowhere near an old maid. And no, you know me better than that. Like I said, I like him but he’s not for me. You want a man that’s refined and cultured and one who will take you to all the nice places you dream of. That’s not what I want.”
    “Then what do you want?”
    Cody didn’t have to think about it. She’d always known what she wanted in a man. “I want a man who will be my friend. I want a man who’s a little rough around the edges and doesn’t give two shakes about fashion or trends and says what he thinks. I want someone who is okay with the fact that I’m not sophisticated and have a bad temper. I want a man who knows what a hard day’s work is all about and has the strength and muscle that comes from those long days. I want a man who can put me in my place when I need it and one who can take it when I put him in his place. I want a man who will walk through fire for me and one who never questions that I’ll do the same.”
    “Wow.” Hannah leaned back in her chair. “I never realized.”
    “Realized what?”
    “You want what mom has.”
    “Hell yes, I do.”
    “So do I.”
    “Just in different packages,” Cody said and smiled. “And I want you to find what you want, Hannah. I want you to be happy. So, if Cooper lights a fire in you, go for it.”
    “Well, he did ask if I wanted to have coffee.”
    “Like I said, go for it.”
    “And what about you? I mean, now that Wes is interested in Lily…”
    Cody slid off the desk. “Well, who knows? Mr. Right might walk through the door any day now.”
    Hannah chuckled. “And of course, you’ll know him the moment you see him.”
    “You know it.”
    “You don’t really believe that.”
    “Oh, but I do. I’ll know him.”
    “Sounds romantic but not realistic. But wouldn’t that be something? I mean, what if it really did happen? What if the one walked into the bar? What if you did take one look at him and know ? What would you do?”
    “Say hallelujah?”
    “That’s kind of tame.”
    “Body slam him and put a lip lock on him that will curl his toes?”
    “Now that’s my sister.” Hannah smiled and hugged Cody. “Thank you.”
    “For what?”
    “For loving me?”
    Cody hugged her back. “Girl, I don’t know how not to. Now, let’s get cracking. I’m hoping tonight