Page 46 of Don't Leave Me

“That. You should go to Skylar’s in that.”

“Something tells me Colt wouldn’t approve.” I laugh at him, wishing Peck were here right now.

“Damn, I'm wondering how fast I can get to you and if there’s a way I can bribe Colt and Zoey into leaving for a few hours,” he murmurs.

I spin around to grab the other dress and Peck lets out a low groan. I peek over my shoulder at the phone and find his gaze locked on my ass.

“It might be better if I stay here. If I come over, I won't be able to look your dad in the eyes when I meet him.” He scrubs a hand down his face and shakes his head.

“Oh my gosh! Stop it!”

I slip the next dress over my head and step closer to the camera. His gaze roams up and down my body and takes his time before he speaks.

“I like this one better than the first. What else do you have?” His voice is deeper and more gravely than when we first started talking. He sounds like he’s about to strip me out of my clothes and make me scream his name all night long.

I try on three more dresses before Pecker gives me his final decision. I love how he doesn’t just tell me I’ll look fine in anything. He takes his time and has me spin in a circle for most of them. He gave me a real answer, not just something that would make me happy.

“The second to last dress. You look amazing in it, but you also look comfortable.”

There are voices on Pecker’s side of the line. He’s glancing towards the stairs and nods his head. I'm sure Sydney or one of the kids were asking him something.

“Hey, babe. I need to help Sydney load up the car so she can go to her in-laws. Do you want me to call you back or just meet you at Skylar and Tucker’s?”

“You can just meet me there. Hey, I meant to ask you, how’d you get out of working today?”

“Colt’s letting me just be on call. As long as nothing comes through in the next thirty minutes, Jared will cover it. They’re awesome co-workers to have. I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Love you.”

“I love you too.”

I end the call and quickly slip my shoes on. I'm not sure how I feel about going to Skylar and Tucker’s house for Christmas. I’ve never spent a Christmas away from my family and it’s making me feel homesick. At least I get to spend it with Pecker.

Chapter 20

Pecker

As soon as I walk in the door, I find Colt down on one knee proposing to Zoey. I'm glad they’re taking this step in their relationship and aren’t worrying about how it’s going to look to others. Sure, they’ve dated for such a short period of time, but a lot has happened in that time.

More than anything, it gives me hope people won't think I'm crazy when I drop down on one knee and beg Sophia to marry me.

“Hey, beautiful.” I head straight over to my girl and drop onto the couch next to her.

“Hey, babe.” She grins at me. “I was talking to Gran about her pie secrets.” She wiggles her brows, making the older woman giggle.

“Oh, well, don’t let me steal your attention. I just wanted to sit next to you and be able to hold your hand.”

“He’s such a sweet boy.” Gran smiles at me. “You should never let go of a man who’s happy to sit at your side and just be with you. The one who will watch you succeed with a smile on his faceand encourage you to keep going. That’s the type of man who will give you the best life imaginable.”

“I don’t plan on letting him go,” she whispers as she peeks up at me.

Right this second, I know I’d move wherever Sophia wants to go. After my conversation with Sydney, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my relationship with Sophia. I'm not ready to drop down on one knee quite yet, but I do plan on doing it sooner rather than later.

When Skylar tells us dinner is ready, I take a seat next to Sophia and drape my arm over the back of her chair. I play with the tips of her hair, anything to touch some part of her.

“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Maverick walks in the room with a big smile on his face.

“Holy crap, who is that?” Sophia mutters under her breath, her eyes locked on him.

“I know, right?” Skylar winks at her.

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