Page 45 of Don't Look Back

“That sounds like a great plan.”

“You make it really easy to l-” The words die on her tongue and have my brows furrowing together.

“I make it really easy to what?” I try to meet her eyes, but Leslie turns her attention to anything but me.

“To live with,” she murmurs.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s what you were about to say.” I place my forefinger under her chin and slowly lift until she’s forced to meet my gaze. “Wanna try again?”

“No, I don’t.” She drops her head against my chest.

“Then how about I admit some things to you...” I rub my hand up and down her back. I know how she feels, even if she doesn’t want to voice it. It’s clear as day and I feel the same way.

“Ok,” she whispers, hugging me a little tighter.

“I think this is the first time I’ve enjoyed decorating my tree since I started living by myself.”

“Why?” She peeks up at me, but I pretend I'm not paying attention. Instead, I focus on the lights filling the living room with colors.

“Because I hate being alone. I thought about offering to move in with Tuck after Riley was born, but he neededWillow more than he needed me. I spent as much time over there as I could though.”

“I hate how you’ve been alone for so long.”

“I don’t. If I wasn’t alone, I wouldn’t have you in my arms right now… Which brings me to my next confession.” I let out a long breath and pray this doesn’t come across wrong.

“What is it?” The hesitation in her voice breaks my heart. I think she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“I hate Jimmy for what he did to you and is still doing to you, but without him, you wouldn’t be sleeping in my bed at night. You wouldn’t be living here and making everything infinitely better in my life.”

“I like being here, Colt. I appreciate everything you’ve done to make me feel better.”

“You make it really easy to love you,” I repeat her words, knowing that’s what she was really trying to say.

Leslie’s head snaps up and her gaze clashes into mine. She opens and closes her mouth, but nothing comes out.

“You love me?” She finally squeaks out.

“Yeah, I think I do, babe.” I press a soft kiss to her lips and grin when she holds onto me a little tighter.

“I think I love you too.”

She reaches for the hem of my shirt and I take her wrists in my hands to stop her.

“What are you doing?” I chuckle.

“Well, I’m trying to get you naked, but you’re making it difficult.”

“Sophia could come home any second. I don’t think us going at it on the couch is what she wants to see.”

“You’re right. Let’s go to bed.” She tries to push me towards the hallway, but I stop her again.

“What about this mess? I need to clean it up.”

“No,” she pouts. “Can’t we do it tomorrow?”

“Fine, but you’re helping me then.”

“Deal.” She grins up at me.

---