Page 32 of Don't Leave Me

She’s so good with kids. It makes me wonder for the hundredth time since last night, what it would be like to spend the rest of my life with Sophia. She’s going to be an amazingmom and I want to be able to witness that. I want to be the man standing at her side when she finally gets a family she’ll pour her whole heart into.

I can't tell her that though. Not yet. I know I’ve fallen hard and fast for her, but I'm not sure she feels the same way. Her first text this morning gives me a little hope though. Plus, her comment from last night about staying in Maple Springs for a while.

Pecker: Even covered in flour, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“What if we take the girls out tonight?” I blurt out before I can think this idea through completely.

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s go ice skating. It will be something fun for them and we can keep an eye on the surroundings. I took my niece and nephew last week. The rink isn't huge and there aren’t many places for anyone to stand around without drawing attention. We could keep an eye on the people there and maybe if Jimmy is here and sees you out with Leslie, it could draw him out.”

“You want me to use my girlfriend as bait?” He arches a brow.

“No, I want you to take your girlfriend on a date and we’ll both bring our guns. If he shows up and tries to make a move, we’ll protect her. Do you really expect to keep her locked in your house until Jimmy shows his face somewhere in this world? What if he isn't here? What if someone killed the sleazy idiot and they never find the body? She can't keep living a sheltered life.”

Colt’s quiet for a few minutes before he nods his head. “You’re right. I think that’s a great idea. Basically, the only places she’s going right now since school is on Christmas break is Skylar’s, the grocery store, and home. I don’t want her to stop living any longer for this guy.”

“Apparently Skylar’s put them to work today.” I flip my phone around to show him the dozens of cookies spread around the kitchen.

“Which means she’ll be going to the grocery store at some point tomorrow to get things for Christmas.” He nods and I can tell there’s a lot on his mind.

“Let’s take them out tonight and have fun. We’ll take this one hour at a time and change our plans accordingly. We’ll make sure to protect her without locking her away in your house.”

“Thanks, Peck. I appreciate your help.”

“Hey, beautiful,” I murmur as I tug Sophia into my arms while Colt and Leslie head inside the skating rink

“Hey, handsome.” She grins, standing on her tippy toes to press a kiss to my lips.

“How was your day?”

“Exhausting. Skylar’s such a mean boss when she’s stressed out.” She sticks out her bottom lip in a pout and I lean down and suck it into my mouth.

She lets out a moan and I almost regret doing it. I’m going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself tonight, but I don’t think Sophia wants Colt and Leslie to know about us yet. I'm not upset about it, but it’s annoying to watch what I do or say around them. It’s probably a good idea to keep things quiet until we’re dating for a little bit. That way if things don’t work out, it doesn’t need to be weird between Colt and I at work.

“Let’s get inside before you turn me on too much and I can't hide it.” I place my hand on her lower back and lead her into the rink.

Once we’ve rented our skates and laced them up, we interlace our fingers and step onto the ice. At first, I have a hard time maintaining my balance. Sophia throws her head back and laughs, which makes me want to suck at skating the entire night. I love seeing her so carefree and happy.

“Do you know how to skate?” She giggles again as I pretend to slip again.

“Yeah, I just like to see you smile and laugh. It makes my entire day better.”

I stop trying to goof around and start skating for real. We go in circles, holding hands and skating around those who have fallen on the ice.

Colt and Leslie are skating slower than us. According to Sophia, Leslie wasn’t big on skating when they were kids. With Jax and Cody playing hockey, Sophia spent a significant time at the rink and she picked up skating fairly quickly.

“I think you should do figure skating.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Well, I’d love to watch you spin and jump in spandex.” I grin when she glares at me.

After skating with my girl for a while, my gaze snaps to the seats around the rink. I can't explain it, but I feel like someone’s watching us.

“What’s wrong?”

“I'm not sure. I'm going to quickly go talk to Colt. Keep skating like everything is normal. I’ll be right back.”

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