Page 69 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

But instead, he nods, expression pensive.

"I see," he says quietly. "And...does she know? Does Zoe know how you feel about her?"

“She knows.” I shake my head, angry gaze falling to the scratched-up floor. “I haven’t told her the true depth of my feelings, but she knows. She's chosen you. After she chased down the police car that brought me here, she told her brother she was going to stand by you, and I respect that."

Caleb is silent for a long moment, and the weight of his gaze on me. Finally, he speaks. “She chased down the police car?”

“Yeah.”

“What about her brother? I don’t get it. Were they here, Zoe and her brother?”

“He’s a cop. He chased her when she chased us.”

A frown flickers on Caleb. “Wish I could’ve seen that. She’s full of surprises, isn’t she?” When I say nothing, he asks for clarification, “She said she was standing by me?”

“He told her all about your bad news coverage.”

Caleb blinks, then drags tense fingers through his hair. “And she…?”

“She defended you.”

"Tom, I..." He paces. "I'm going to get you out of here.”

My jaw drops. "What?"

"I'm going to get you out of here," he repeats, voice firm. "The charges against you are going to be dropped.”

I stare at him, stunned. "But...why? I attacked you, Caleb. You don’t want to punish me for that? I saw it in your eyes — you have feelings for Zoe. This is your chance to keep me away from her.”

Caleb shakes his head. “Yes, and she stood by me. I don’t see why you should have to stay the weekend in this pit. You were acting out of love, out of a desire to protect the woman you care for. I understand that."

I open my mouth to protest, “If you free me, I’ll be helping her at your father’s event tomorrow.”

But Caleb raises a hand to silence me. "Listen to me, Tom. I know how you feel about Zoe. I've known as soon as I met you, even if she wasn’t aware of your feelings. And I..." He pauses, expression pained. "I want her to be happy, Tom. She won’t be happy tomorrow night if you’re locked up in here.”

I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. Caleb, the man who has won Zoe's loyalty, is willing to free me, the competition, to make her happy? It's almost too much to comprehend.

"Caleb, I..." I start, but he cuts me off.

"No, Tom. Don't say anything. I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for her.”

I nod, my throat tight. “Fine.”

Caleb nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Good." He turns to leave, then pauses. "Oh, and Tom?"

"Yes?"

“She’s mine. Got it?”

We’ll see about that.“Understood."

Caleb nods, turns and walks away, leaving me alone in my cell, mind reeling. I can hardly believe what just happened.

As the minutes tick by, I hear nothing at first. Finally, the sound of voices, the clang of the corridor door opening again, and then Caleb is back, a triumphant smile in his eyes, lips a thin line.

"It's done," he says. "The charges have been dropped. You're free to go."

“How did they even let you back here without a police officer?”

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