Page 8 of Don't Leave Me

“Of course. I’d be stupid to not fear someone like Jimmy. People like him are underestimated. You’d look at him and think he isn’t strong or tough, but he hides it well. Just like he hides the evil side of him. The side that can hurt someone the way he hurt Leslie.”

“Colt and I won’t let him near you. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe. You can call me any time, day or night, and I’ll come running.”

I tug my wallet out of my pocket and grab one of my business cards. It has my personal cell phone number on it as well as my contact information for the sheriff’s department.

“What if you’re watching your niece and nephew?” She arches a brow.

“They can sit in the back of my car, or stay home alone, or go to a neighbor’s house. I'm serious, Soph, you call me and I’ll be there no matter what.”

“Thank you,” she whispers as she takes the card from my hand and slips it inside her jacket pocket. She stands to her full height and waits for me to follow before slowly walking back towards the house.

“I think you should give me your number too,” I say softly. Her head snaps up and she meets my gaze. “You know, just in case I need to check to make sure you’re safe.” I duck my head, unsure of how else to get her to give me her number.

“Yeah, I'm sure that’s it.” She chuckles. “Alright, Romeo. Get your phone out.”

She waits for me to get to my contacts, then she rattles off her number. While I enter her name, she glances over at the screen.

“Robinson.”

“What?”

“My last name is Robinson. I wouldn’t want you to have incomplete contact information.” She nudges me with her shoulder.

“That’s very kind of you, Miss Robinson.”

As soon as we’re within a few feet of the deck, Colt’s launching to his feet and startling us. He looks upset and it instantly puts me on guard.

“Sophia, am I old?”

“Um…” She glances around, unsure of how to answer. “No? But also, kinda?”

“What does that even mean?” I eye her with amusement.

“Well, he’s notold,” she stresses the word. “Like he couldn’t be my dad, but he’s too old for me to date, so…”

“But would you date me?” Colt asks a little too eagerly.

“Uhhh… I thought you were dating Leslie.” Sophia frowns.

“I am,” Colt groans like this isn’t that hard and she should be following along easily. He flops back onto the swing with Leslie. “But if I weren’t, would you date me?”

My brows draw together at his question. Why does he want to know if she’d date him? I don’t even want her to answer him, mostly because it’s going to make me angry if she says yes.

“Are you trying to figure out if I think you’re hot?” She tilts her head to the side and examines him like she’s trying to figure him out.

“Yes!”

“Sure. You’re hot for being older.” She shrugs her shoulders and my stomach drops.

Does she have a thing for Colt? I thought maybe, just maybe, she was starting to like me, but I can’t compete with Colt.

“That doesn’t even sound convincing.” Colt drapes an arm over his eyes, being as dramatic as possible.

“Wait until you meet Maverick,” Leslie whispers, making Colt fly forward in his seat so quickly, they both almost topple off the swing.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“I hear a lot of the ladies like Tucker too.” I wiggle my brows, more than willing to piss off Colt a little bit.

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