Page 37 of Don't Look Back

He lets out a little huff and frowns into the distance. As soon as Pecker and Sophia step on the deck, he attacks.

“Sophia, am I old?”

“Um…” She glances around, unsure of how to answer. “No? But also, kinda?”

“What does that even mean?” Pecker eyes her with amusement.

“Well, he’s notold,” she stresses the word. “Like he couldn’t be my dad, but he’s too old for me to date, so…”

“But would you date me?” Colt asks a little too eagerly.

“Uhhh… I thought you were dating Leslie.” Sophia looks to me with a frown. I shrug my shoulders, enjoying watching this conversation play out.

“I am,” Colt groans like this is simple and Sophia should understand. “But if I weren’t, would you date me?”

“Are you trying to figure out if I think you’re hot?” She tilts her head to the side and examines him like he’s a little puppy.

“Yes!”

“Sure. You’re hot for being older.”

“That doesn’t even sound convincing.” Colt drapes an arm over his eyes, being as dramatic as possible.

“Wait until you meet Maverick,” I mock whisper, making Colt fly forward in his seat so quickly, I almost topple off the swing.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“I hear a lot of the ladies like Tucker too.” Pecker wiggles his brows, helping me tease my boyfriend.

“Yeah, well, both of them are older than me! She’d hate them and tell them they were old!” Colt stands and paces the length of the deck. “What about Pecker?” He motions wildly to the man.

“What about him?” Sophia asks slowly.

“Is he old?”

She lets her gaze trail up and down his body. She takes her time making her decision. I’m not sure if it’s to ruffle Colt’s feathers even more, or if she’s picking her words carefully.

“Pecker isn't old,” shesays softly.

“So, is he hot?”

“Colton! You can't ask her that! Don’t answer him, Sophia.” I stand from the swing, taking the blanket with me. The sun faded behind the horizon long ago and I think it’s time for us to go inside.

“I’d like it if she answered him.” Peck raises his hand slowly.

“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” Sophia watches him carefully. She loves putting people on the spot and making them uncomfortable. I swear she learned it from her brother, Jax. That man loves to make people sweat.

“Uh… because you’re pretty?” Pecker fidgets under her gaze and runs a hand through his hair. He looks like he’s seconds away from bolting as his cheeks grow more and more red by the second.

“That’s very sweet of you to say.” Sophia beams up at him. “I think you could potentially be hot.”

“Potentially?” He asks with a furrowed brow.

“Well, I’d have to see you without a shirt on. I need to see what kind of abs and pecs you have. And do you have that drool worthy V that disappears into the waistband of your pants?” She fans herself with her hand and nibbles on her bottom lip.

Colt and Pecker reach for the hems of their shirts at the same time. My eyes widen and I'm not sure how this is going to turn out, but it probably won't be good.

“Keep your shirts on! I don’t need Uncle Wes calling me and demanding to know why his little girl is hanging out with shirtless men when she’s supposed to be with me!” I reach for both of them, trying my hardest to keep their shirts in place.

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