Page 12 of Don't Look Back

I roll my eyes, but drop onto the swing. Clearly, I'm not going to win this fight.

Colton settles onto the spot next to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. He brings the blanket with him, making sure to keep both of us warm in this little cocoon.

“Why are you shirtless anyway?” I peer up at him.

“Spit up happens, Leslie. I'm not afraid of it, but I don’t enjoy wearing it. So, I'm making Tucker wash my shirt.”

“Why didn’t you ask him for one of his shirts to wear?”

“Because I don’t care about being shirtless. I like this body and I work hard to make it look like this. Plus, I don’t get to show it off nearly as much as I’d like to.” He smirks.

“Doesn’t Tucker care?”

“Are you asking if he’s jealous?” His smirk widens even more.

“No, but I'm sure he doesn’t want Skylar seeing you half naked.”

“Eh, he doesn’t care. Skylar’s seen me completely naked so many times over the years. This isn't even going to phase her.” He rubs his chest and I happily follow the movement.

I settle back into the swing and try to relax while Colt gently glides us back and forth. His arm is still draped over my shoulder, hugging me against his side, but I don’t try to get away from him.

I feel safe right now. I know he’ll protect me from whatever danger might come my way. This is probably the most relaxed I’ve been since I met Jimmy.

“Talk to me, Les. What’s going on?” He strokes his fingers up and down my arm, relaxing me even more.

“Can you drop it? For tonight at least? I just want to pretend none of this is happening. Ok?” I peer up at him.

“For tonight. But we both know I'm not letting it go. Correct?”

“Yeah, I know.” I sigh, staring out at the bright stars filling the black sky.

“I'm always available to talk to, just so you know.” He pulls me even closer until my head is resting against his chest and he kisses the top of my head.

I’ve never felt so loved and protected as I do right now, but this won't last. Some other woman is going to snag his attention and I’ll be left all alone again.

“Are you falling asleep on me, sweetheart?” Colt peers down at me.

“No, but this is the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time,” I say softly.

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, my cheeks heat with embarrassment. I sound so desperate. So clingy.

“Good. I have to admit, I'm enjoying this too.” He chuckles quietly.

The door swings open a few minutes later and Skylar steps out onto the porch. She smiles when she sees me and her face lights up with amusement.

“I was wondering where you went, Colt. Why are you guys out here?”

“Eh, I wanted a little alone time with this beautiful woman.” Colt winks at me, letting me know he isn't going to tell Sky what’s going on.

“Ok, well, dinneris ready.”

“Awesome. We’ll be right in.” Colt nods his head, holding me in place until Skylar disappears inside.

We both stand and Colt tugs me into his arms, wrapping the blanket around both of us. He watches me carefully for a few moments.

“You can trust me, Les. I'm a good friend and a great listener. You just need to let me in.”

My mind drifts to what it would be like to let someone completely in. Sure, Ollie knows my past and has helped me work through that, but I haven’t told him everything that’s happened over the years. He doesn’t know how it still plagues me today.

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