Page 16 of Don't Look Back

I pull into my driveway and take a deep breath. I can't believe I'm about to let Colton into my house. No one ever comes into my house. I keep everyone at a distance.

Is this a good idea? Is this going to make him think I'm welcoming him into my life? I can't do that. I need to keep him at a distance. It’s better if no one is close to me.

A knock on my window has me jumping in my seat. My hand flies to my chest as a shriek leaves my lips. I glance to the left to find Colton staring through my window. He tries to open my door, but it’s still locked.

“Unlock your door, Les.” He points down like I don’t know where the unlock button is. There’s a playful grin on his lips, lighting up his blue eyes.

Blowing out a long breath, I press the button as I turn off the ignition. There’s no way he’s going to leave now. I might as well go inside where I can at least get warm.

Colton tugs open my door and holds a hand out to me. When I don’t take it right away, he wiggles his fingers.

“C’mon, sweetheart, I don’t bite very often. Normally it’s only if someone asks me to.” He winks at me, making butterflies flip around inside my stomach.

I take his hand and climb out of the car. Colton moves his hand to my lower back and climbs the three steps to my front porch with me. I fumble with my keys as nervous energy flows through me. I haven’t been alone with a man in a long time. It makes me think of Jimmy and the first time we hung out.

He was so sweet and caring, yet he turned out to be an absolute monster. How can I trust my judgment with Colt when I thought Jimmy was a good man?

Colt waits patiently for me to open the door and as soon as we step through, he shuts and locks the thick wood behind us.

I busy myself taking off my coat and hanging it in the closet. Lining my shoes up on the mat next to the door. Anything to keep my attention away from Colton.

When I stand up straight, my eyes lock on his bare chest and I sigh.

“You’re still shirtless.”

“Damn, you’re good. We need a detective in Maple Springs, are you interested?” He flashes me a lopsided grin and winks at me.

“Shush. Do you want me to find you a shirt?”

“I hate to break it to ya, sweetheart, but I don’t think we wear the same size.”

“I have a few bigger t-shirts if you want one.”

Colt grips my biceps and ducks his head to meet my gaze. I always forget how tall he is.

“Leslie, I'm fine unless you’re uncomfortable with me being shirtless.”

“I don’t care… I'm just being weird. I'm not used to having anyone in my home.”

“Doesn’t Skylar come over sometimes?” He glances around my space.

“No. I always go to her.”

“What about Ollie?”

“Again, I go to him. Both of them have families and it’s easier for everyone if I'm the one that travels to them.”

“I guess that makes sense. I always go to Tuck’s house.”

He moves through the living room and takes a seat in the center of the couch, taking away my chance of leaving space between us. He drapes both arms along the back of the couch, showing off his muscular arms.

After grabbing a couple bottles of water and some popcorn, I settle onto the couch next to Colton. He instantly tugs me into his side.

“What do you want to watch?”

“I don’t care. You can decide. I told you, I’ll be asleep before we’re halfway done with the movie.” I blink up at him and wonder what it would be like if this were a normal night for me.

It sounds like a dream come true to have Colt holding me while we watch TV. For us to be cuddled up together and discussing our day. It would be so nice to have someone there for me every night. Someone to protect me and care about me. Someone I can lean on and know they’ll always be there for me.

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