Page 18 of Don't Look Back

“Colt, you’re bleeding.” I frown at his chest where there’s a small cut.

“Huh, I am.” He stares down at his irritated skin with surprise. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a scrape.”

“No. Let me clean it for you.”

I take his hand and lead him down the hall to my bedroom. I push on his chest until he takes a seat on the bottom of my bed. Then I find the first aid kit under the bathroom sink.

As soon as I have everything, I kneel on the ground in front of him and start pulling out supplies. I don’t want him to get an infection from dirt or bugs that might be living on the wood. Not after everything he’s done for me tonight.

No, I'm going to take care of this. I'm going to take care of him.

Chapter 11

Colton

I stare down at Leslie where she’s on her knees, sitting between my legs. She’s adorable the way she keeps rifling through the box, looking for first aid supplies to clean me up.

I'm not worried about the cut at all. I’ve done worse to myself in the past, but if she wants to take care of me, why would I tell her no?

She grabs a cotton ball and gently blots at my cut. There’s only a tiny bit of blood, but it’s enough to upset her. Her other hand is resting on my thigh and I don’t want to admit how good it feels to have her touching me, even if it isn't in a sexual way.

Though seeing her on her knees in front of me has my mind going in a completely different direction. Of her wrapping her lips around my-

“Colt? Are youok?”

I shake my head and refocus on Leslie. She’s blinking up at me with big, bright golden-brown eyes. There’s concern etched across her face, making her look so captivating.

“Yeah, I'm good.” I smile, but I know it doesn’t meet my eyes.

This woman has flipped my life on its axis tonight. Sure, I’ve been attracted to her for a while, but this is different. There’s this pull to her. This need to figure out what’s going on and protect her from whatever’s bothering her. I’ve felt it since she slipped up at school a few days ago.

“Are you sure?” She sits a little taller on her knees, bringing her almost eye level with me.

Before I can stop myself, I cup her cheek and lean in to kiss her. I don’t know why I can't stay away from her. Seeing her take care of me was more than I could handle. No one’s ever taken care of me before and I can't walk away from her now.

Right before my lips touch hers, Leslie turns away and tries to stand. Her forehead slams into my nose and pain ricochets through my face.

“Motherfucker,” I groan as I fall back onto her bed.

“Oh my gosh! Are you ok?” She’s hovering over me now, her brows pinched together as she stares at me.

“Exactly how many times have you assaulted me now?” I pinch the bridge of my nose and pray it doesn’t start to bleed. I couldn’t care less if it does, but I know it will upset Leslie and I don’t want that.

“I'm so sorry, Colt! I didn’t- I just-”

“Hey, it’s ok, sweetheart. I'm not mad at you.” I take her hand in mine, trying to reassure her. “But it did hurt like hell. Am I bleeding?”

“There’s a little tiny bit of blood.” She winces. “But nothing like the other day.”

“You must really hate me to be giving me so many bloody noses in one week.” I grin and this time it does reach my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “What can I do to make it up to you?”

“You can cuddle with me while we watch things blow up.”

“Ok. Let’s go.” She holds her hand out to me and I take it right away. She tries to pull me up, but I tug on her, making her fall on top of me. “Colt!”

“What? I had to get even somehow.” Looping my arms around her waist, I lean my head back and close my eyes. I could get used to this.

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