Page 4 of Don't Leave Me

“Try not to get yourself killed, squirt. I kinda like having two sisters.” Cody wraps me in a hug and kisses my forehead.

“Yeah, Mom said she won’t replace you. You were too difficult as a child.” Jax messes up my hair.

“I believe I was talking about you, Jax, not Sophia.” Mom rolls her eyes. “Just be careful, sweetheart.” She wraps her arms around me and sighs. I know she doesn’t like me leaving, but I’ll be back. I have no doubt.

“Do you want us to come with you?” Jax wiggles his brows. “I wonder how many hot chicks live in this small town.”

“Don’t you have hockey practice?” I frown. I’d actually love to have Jax and Cody come with me. They’re the world’s greatest brothers and they’re so much fun to hang out with. I think it would be a blast to go on a trip with them.

“Yes,” Cody groans. “So many practices. I'm not going to be able to walk by the end of the week.”

“That… sounds like a personal problem.”

“Ah, c’mon, man! You just need to find a puck bunny who wants to rub those sore muscles.” Jax winks at our brother and we both groan.

Jax likes to act like he’s a player, but he really isn’t. He’s never gone after a puck bunny and he’s never going to. He loves the chase. Trying to convince a woman to give him a shot. I think it’s one of the things he hates about being a professional hockey player, too many women are happy to give him their attention without him putting in any work for it.

“No, thanks. I’d rather be sore.” Cody grimaces at the thought of a random stranger massaging his thighs.

“Whatever, man. I’d rather be able to walk.” He shrugs.

“If you need anything, you call me. Mason and I can be there in just a few hours.” Dad pulls my attention away from the boys and raises a brow, giving me his ‘dad look’.

“I will. But I think everything will be fine. She’s living with the town sheriff. Jimmy can’t possibly be stupid enough to go after her with the sheriff sleeping in her bed.” I roll my eyes.

“Clearly, you don’t remember Jimmy,” Mom and Dad say at the same time.

“Just be smart and flirt with a cop or two.” Jax winks. “Maybe if you’re lucky, you can be sleeping next to a cop at night and you’ll be slightly safer.”

“There better not be any men in your bed,” Dad growls, making all of us laugh.

“Never, Daddy. I'm going to stay single forever and never let a man touch me.”

“I can’t wait for you to show up pregnant one day and watch his face fall when he realizes a man shoved his co-”

“Enough!” Dad hisses, cutting off Jax.

“Someone’s a little testy.” Jax smirks.

“Don’t say testy,” we all groan.

Chapter 3

Pecker

Driving around town, I smile at the old woman crossing the street and the kids playing in the yard in front of the elementary school. I love this town. It reminds me so much of Tuft Swallow, yet there aren’t groups of old people pretending to look at birds, while they’re actually spying on the residents.

Maple Springs is the correct amount of nosey without crossing boundaries. I came here for Sydney, but I think I might stay here for a while.

I have two more hours of my shift, then I need to change before I head over to Colt’s house. I’m sort of surprised he invited me over for dinner. It’s not that I don’t think Colt’s nice enough to do that, but I’ve worked here for three months and he’s never invited me to do anything.

I really like Colt. He’s a great guy and a really calm boss. He doesn’t get upset if I call him and ask for his help at a job. He shows up with a smile on his face, ready to assist however I need him to. I’m sure he’s going to be someone I enjoy working for as long as I'm in Maple Springs.

I spend the rest of my shift stopping by various businesses in town. Colt told me we’re to keep our eyes peeled for a man who might be in town. I have his physical description, but not much else. All I know is he abused a woman who lives here and we need to protect her. I haven’t been told who the woman is or anything else.

Though I’d love to have more information about this guy and what he’s done, Colt is keeping it close to his chest and I need to respect that. It’s probably someone important to him. I trust him and I'm going to do as he asks. The important thing is keeping this woman safe.

“Hey, Colt. Thanks for inviting me.” I shake Colt’s hand and step into his living room.

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