Page 49 of Don't Look Back

“Yeah, you’ll have Sophia with you. Just go during the day and call me when you leave the house and when you get home.”

“This is serious, huh?” She places her hand on my chest and peeks up at me through her lashes.

“I'm not sure, but I'm not willing to risk you, babe. If you want to just make a list, I can swing by the grocery store on my way home. That way you don’t need to go at all.”

“No. I'm not letting him dictate every move I make. I don’t want to be confined to the house until he’s found.I’ll be careful and pay attention to everything around me, but I'm going.”

“Ok. Can you share your location with me on your phone?”

“You’re really cute when you’re protective.” She grins up at me.

“Well, I finally have someone in my life I want to protect. Nothing is going to stop me from trying to keep you safe. Nothing.”

“I love you, Colt. I don’t know what I did to deserve a man as amazing as you, but I don’t plan on letting you go.” She pushes up so she’s leaning on her side and presses her lips against mine.

“I love you too, Zoey.” I brush a strand of hair behind her ear and stare into her beautiful eyes. “I want to take you out again tomorrow.”

“What are we going to do?”

“I want to take you ice skating.” I wiggle my brows. “Have you ever been?”

“I’ve gone a time or two, but I'm not great.”

“That’s alright. I think it will be nice to relax and have fun for a little bit, we definitely deserve it right now.”

“Are you sure it will be ok being out in public?”

“It’s probably the safest place we can be.” I press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Get some sleep. I need to be up early tomorrow.”

Chapter 28

Leslie

“Thank you so much for coming over!” Skylar says for the fifth time. “I'm so overwhelmed. I’ve never hosted Christmas before and I want everything to be perfect.”

“I told you, I don’t mind. Now, what do you need help with?”

“First, I need to make a billion batches of cookies for the thing at school tonight.” She frowns down at her list.

“I don’t know about a billion, but I can make a few dozen in no time.” Sophia pushes her sleeves up to her elbows, stepping past us and into the kitchen.

“What kind of cookies is she going to make?” Skylar whispers.

“I don’t know. Beggars can't be choosers though.” I grin.

“Amen to that. I don’t care how they look or taste. I thought I could do all of this by myself and Tucker’s been warning me it’s too much. But did I listen?”

“Absolutely not.” I chuckle.

“Who are you?” Riley hops up on one of the stools at the island and watches Sophia move around the kitchen, gathering ingredients.

“I'm Sophia. Who are you?”

“Riley. This is my house, what are you doing here?”

“I'm making cookies. Do you want to help? Only helpers get to eat some.” Sophia arches a brow, daring her to say no.

“I guess,” she lets out a dramatic sigh. “Do you say naughty words?”

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