Page 30 of Don't Look Back

“Hey, Zoey Bear,” Maddox’s sweet voice floats through the line, making me smile.

“Hey, Maddie.”

“Ugh, I forgot I don’t like her. She calls me Maddie,” he groans.

“Oh shush, you love her. Stop being dramatic.” Mason brushes him off and refocuses on Colt. “Text me now. I want to give you some information and a picture so you know who you’re looking for.” Mason rattles off his number and a few seconds later he receives Colt’s text. “Perfect. How many cops do you have working for you?”

“It’s me and two other guys. We’re a small town.”

“That’s not a bad thing. I need you to bring your guys up to speed, but don’t tell them Zoey’s real identity or who Jimmy is. Keep everything vague. You’re looking forthis man because of domestic violence. He’ll most likely be armed and he’s definitely dangerous.”

They continue talking for a few more minutes, but I'm not listening. My mind is too busy thinking about Jimmy and all the things he’ll do if he finds me.

“C’mon, baby. Let’s get some hot chocolate and relax on the couch.”

Colt spins me around to face him as he takes my phone out of my hand and ends the call with Mason.

“Sorry, I was lost in thought.” I frown as I shake my head. I didn’t even realize Mason had hung up.

“It’s ok. We can talk about it, or we can just exist in our own little world for a while.”

“The second option sounds better.”

“Good. I think it sounds better too.” Colt lifts me into his arms and carries me out to the living room. He gently places me on the couch, then drops a kiss on my forehead. “Let me get the hot chocolate started. Do you want to watch something?”

“How do you feel aboutTed Lasso?” I grin.

“Umm, I love it.” His smile lights up his entire face as he moves into the kitchen. The open concept layout makes him visible even from the couch. “When is your cousin coming?”

“I think tomorrow.” I wince. “I completely forgot she was coming. Are you sure you don’t mind her staying with you?”

“Us, baby. She’s staying with us. My home is now your home and I want you to think of it like that.”

“Ok… Are you sure you’re ok with her staying withus?”

“I'm positive.”

Chapter 17

Colton

Settling back into the chair behind my desk, I let out a long sigh and run my fingers through my hair. I’ve been staring at this photo of Jimmy for the past hour, trying to figure out how I'm going to handle this.

I want to make sure to keep Leslie’s name out of any information I give my deputies, but I also want a closer eye kept on her.

“Hey, Colt. You wanted to see me?” Pecker stands in the doorway to my office with a soft smile on his face.

I like the guy. Hell, if I didn’t have Tucker, I’d probably make Pecker my new best friend. I make a mental note to invite Pecker to do things with Tucker and I. He’s new to town and doesn’t know a lot of people. He only moved here to help out his sister with his niece and nephew.

“Yeah, you can have a seat.” I motion to the chair across from me.

Pecker slowly lowers himself onto the plush leather and swallows hard. His face is paler than ever before. He probably thinks he’s in trouble. I should’ve made it clear this had nothing to do with his performance.

“You look like you’re seconds away from throwing up, Peck.” I chuckle and shake my head. It’s tempting to go along with it and act like there was a complaint about him, but I’d rather not clean up the mess if he really does vomit.

“Just rip off the Band-Aid and tell me what I'm in trouble for,” he says softly.

“You’re not in trouble at all.” I laugh even harder when his pale face turns bright red.

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