Page 9 of Don't Leave Me

“Yeah, well, both of them are older than me! She’d hate them and tell them they were old!” Colt stands and paces the length of the deck. “What about Pecker?” He motions wildly to me and I freeze.

Though I really want to know what Sophia thinks of me, I don’t really want to find out with this many people around. If she doesn’t like me, I’d rather discover that when it’s just the two of us.

“What about him?” Sophia asks slowly.

“Is he old?”

She lets her gaze trail up and down my body. She takes her time making her decision. I’m not sure if it’s to ruffle Colt’s feathers even more, or if she’s picking her words carefully. Either way, she’s making me sweat. My cheeks flame with heat as I feel everyone’s attention on me.

“Pecker isn't old,” she says softly.

“So, is he hot?”

“Colton! You can't ask her that! Don’t answer him, Sophia.” Leslie stands from the swing, pointing a finger in Sophia’s direction. I think she’s trying to protect me, but now I feel like I need to know.

“I’d like it if she answered him.” I raise my hand slowly.

“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” Sophia watches me carefully.

“Uh… because you’re pretty?” I fidget under her gaze and run a hand through my hair.

When Sophia doesn’t answer right away, I'm seconds away from making up an excuse and making a quick exit. I could saySydney needed me or I forgot I needed to help Danny with a project. Anything to get me out of here.

“That’s very sweet of you to say.” Sophia beams up at me. “I think you could potentially be hot.”

“Potentially?” I ask with a furrowed brow.

What does that even mean? How can someone potentially be hot? You either are, or you’re not.

“Well, I’d have to see you without a shirt on. I need to see what kind of abs and pecs you have. And do you have that drool worthy V that disappears into the waistband of your pants?” She fans herself with her hand and nibbles on her bottom lip.

I reach for the hem of my shirt, more than happy to give the lady what she wants. I have a decent body and I'm proud of it. There’s no reason for me to be embarrassed.

Apparently, Colt has the same thought because he’s also about to take off his shirt and I don’t like that one bit. I don’t want Sophia looking at him.

“Keep your shirts on! I don’t need Uncle Wes calling me and demanding to know why his little girl is hanging out with shirtless men when she’s supposed to be with me!” Leslie reaches for Colt and me at the same time.

“Well, you’re no fun at all. How will Sophia be able to tell if I'm hot if I'm not allowed to take this off?” Colt pouts.

“You’re hot, babe. Does it really matter if Sophia knows that?” Leslie closes the distance between them and wraps her arms around his waist. The two of them are cute together. It makes me want a girlfriend even more.

In Tuft Swallow, I was so close to having a girlfriend. I became good friends with Mel and I had finally worked up the nerve to ask her on a date. Right before I left to meet her for dinner, Sydney called me crying. She told me about Rob and though she never asked me to move to Maple Springs, I knew that’s what I’d be doing. I’d never let her face this alone.

Sophia’s the first woman I’ve been interested in since I moved here. There’s something about her that feels like I'm being drawn to her. Something different. Special. She’s unlike any other woman I’ve ever met. I just want to know more about her.

“No, I guess it doesn’t. I have you and that’s all that matters.” Colt kisses the top of Leslie’s head.

“So… am I allowed to take off my shirt or not?” I mumble, making everyone laugh.

Once we head back inside, Leslie and Colt begin cleaning up dinner. It’s getting late and I'm sure they want this night to be over. They have a lot going on with Jimmy potentially being in town and Leslie looks exhausted.

“Thank you for having me for dinner. I’m going to get out of your hair. It’s been a long night and I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“Oh, Peck, you don’t need to go. You’re always welcome here.” Leslie smiles.

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” I turn towards Sophia and run my fingers through my hair. I don’t want to say goodbye to her. What if I don’t get another chance to see her before she goes home?

Colt and Leslie are busy cleaning up the kitchen. They’re not paying attention to us at all and I think they’re trying to give us some privacy.

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