Page 44 of Don't Look Back

“It’s a surprise.”

A few minutes later, he pulls down a long dirt road and parks the truck in front of rows and rows of Christmas trees. He kills the engine and hops out of the truck. A few seconds later, he’s opening my door and spinning me to face him. He steps between my legs, resting his big hands on my bare thighs.

“You told Riley you don’t decorate for Christmas and you pretend it’s just another day. I want you to decorate with me, Zoey. I want a real Christmas with you. Do you want to help me pick out the tree?”

I blink back tears and nod my head. I’m not sure if it’s the use of my real name or how sweet he is. I’ve never met a man as observant and caring as Colt. I don’t know what I did to deserve him, but I'm glad I did it.

“Good, because Mr. Graverson is keeping this place open late for us.”

He holds out his hand and I take it without a second thought. He leads me down one row of trees after another, letting me pick out what I think is the perfect tree.

“Is this one too tall?” I motion to the massive tree in front of us.

“Nah, I think it will fit perfectly.”

Colt crawls under the tree and begins sawing at the trunk. A few teenagers who are working here, grab the tree and help steady it as it starts to sway. As soon as Colt has it cut, they carry it off to wrap it so it’s easier to transport.

“Thank you for being so amazing,” I whisper as I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips against his.

As soon as our lips meet, Colt angles his head to the side and slowly runs his tongue across my bottom lip. I open my mouth and groan as his tongue slips in and rubs along mine. I haven’t been kissed like this is far too long. Hell, I’ve never been kissed by anyone like this. I feel everyounce of love and affection he has towards me. The care and attention he showers me with on a daily basis.

One of the teens clears his throat and the other chuckles. I’m sure we look like a bunch of teenagers making out, but I don’t have it in me to care.

“Sorry, boys. When the lady wants a kiss, you have to show her some fireworks.” Colt grins as he takes my hand again and leads me over to the truck. He shuts me in the cab and cranks up the heat to keep me warm while he loads the tree in the bed with the help of the guys.

This might be the best date I’ve ever been on. And to make it even better, I couldn’t have picked a better man to be with.

Chapter 25

Colton

After almost an hour of struggling, the tree is finally sitting firmly in the tree stand. I lift the hem of my shirt and swipe at my forehead.

“Dang, I didn’t think that would be so difficult.”

“Well, if you had let me help you, it would’ve been a wee bit easier.” Leslie’s hands are on her hips and a smirk is settled on her lips.

“You can help put the lights and ornaments on.” I sweep her into my arms and kiss her. “I want you to have the perfect Christmas this year, babe.”

“I think it’s going to be the best Christmas ever,” she whispers.

“I'm going to make us some hot chocolate, then we can start decorating. There are a bunch of boxes in the spare room full of ornaments and lights.” I press a soft kiss to her temple, then disappear into the kitchen.

With two cups of hot chocolate in hand, I move back towards the tree. Leslie already has three boxes open and is sifting through its contents.

“You have some beautiful ornaments.” Leslie lifts her chin enough to stare at me through her lashes. A soft smile tugs on the corner of her lips. She looks so stunning right now.

I quickly place the mugs on the coffee table and grab my phone. I snap a phone of her and grin down at the screen. “Hey, Les?”

“Yeah?” She peeks up at me the same way she just was and I snap another photo of her.

“I just wanted a picture of you. You’re gorgeous and I need this as my background.”

“That’s not fair. I don’t have a picture of you as my background.” She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout.

“Do you want the shirt on or off?” I wink at her, holding onto the hem of my shirt.

“As much as I’d like the shirt off, I do work at an elementary school.” She giggles. “Let’s decorate this tree, then you can strip and let me take photos of you.”

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