Page 13 of Don't Look Back

Skylar knows I was abused by my ex, but that’s it. She knows I moved to get away from him, but nothing else.

“I don’t know if I can do that,” I whisper.

“I understand.” His tone is full of sadness and that kills me. I don’t want him to think it has anything to do with him, but what am I supposed to say?

Colton releases me from his arms and takes two steps back. He watches me for a moment before spinning around and reaching for the door handle.

“Colt, wait.” I grab his forearm and spin him to face me. I take a deep breath and try to collect my thoughts.

“You’re not even living. You don’t let anyone in and you’re not building any relationships. You might not realize it, but he’s still controlling your life so much. He’s still able to keep you withdrawn from others and stuck in a house all alone. Stop giving him this control over your life, Zoey. Start living. Make friends. Date. Do something that would piss the fucker off and start living your damn life.”

Ollie’s words from earlier play over and over again in my head. He’s right. I can't keep everyone at a distance or I’ll never live life the way I want to. I want a supportive group of friends like what Skylar has. People who will love me and will be there for me no matter what.

“Please… don’t give up on me. I just need time. I’m not used to letting people in.”

“Why?” He searches my eyes, looking for something he won’t find. I’m so used to hiding behind a mask, even if I didn’t want to, I’m not sure I could turn it off.

I drop my gaze to his chest. I don’t know how to be this vulnerable with another person. “Because for a very long time, I couldn’t trust anyone enough to let them in.”

He grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger, lifting until I’m forced to meet his gorgeous green eyes.

“Do you trust me, sweetheart?” He slides his hand until he’s cupping my cheek again and softly grazes the pad of his thumb over my skin.

“Sadly,” I whisper.

“Why is that sad?” He tilts his head to the side and examines me.

“Because I’m not sure I should. I barely know you.” I lift one shoulder into a pathetic shrug.

“Well, that sounds like we need to become best friends.” The grin that spreads across his face is so adorable. “C’mon, sweetheart, let’s go in for dinner before Riley comes to find us and starts yelling at me.” He rolls his eyes and holds his hand out to me. I take it without a second thought and follow him inside.

Chapter 9

Colton

Leslie takes the seat across from me at the table and tries to avoid my gaze.

Two can play at this game, sweetheart.

I’ll stop at nothing to become her best friend and figure out what’s going on with her. I no longer need to be here for Tucker. At least not as much as I have been over the years. He has Skylar back and the two of them are doing really well. They’re making me realize how much I truly want to find a wife to settle down with.

Maybe Leslie would be interested to fill that position.

The thought runs through my head, but I shake it away. That’s crazy. She doesn’t even want to talk to me, there’s no way she’d let me in that much.

“Please… don’t give up on me. I just need time. I’m not used to letting people in.”

The vulnerability in her eyes when she said that, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It was the first time I saw behind the carefully constructed mask Leslie wears on a daily basis.

“So, are you coming, Uncle Colt?” Riley plants her little hands on her hips and glares at me from her spot next to Leslie.

“Coming where?” I frown, realizing I was daydreaming about Leslie instead of listening to my niece.

“To Christmas dinner! Gosh! Do you ever listen?”

She lets out the most dramatic sigh and I slowly turn my head to Sky, giving her areallylook.

“What?” She asks innocently.

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