Page 21 of Don't Leave Me

Dang, I miss Cody and Jax. They’re exactly what I need at this moment. Cody would wrap his arms around me and kiss the top of my head. He’d tell me Pecker wasn’t worth my time and he’d find me someone better to date.

Jax would be pacing the living room. He’d be ranting about how he’s going to knock on Pecker’s door and demand to know why I'm not good enough for him. He’d threaten to beat the crap out of him and then tell me I'm too pretty for Pecker anyway.

My brothers might be overwhelming and annoying at times, but I know they always have my back. My entire family does and that means the world to me.

“He only asked me out because you told him to.” My brows draw together as reality crashes into me.

Does anyone ever ask me out because they actually want to be with me? I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked out when guys find out who I'm related to. We go on a few dates, but as soon as they meet my brothers or their teammates, I never hear from them again. Why am I never enough?

“If you want alone time with Leslie, I can stay in a hotel. You don’t need to keep forcing Pecker to ask me out just so you can spend time with your girlfriend without me around. I'm not trying to bother you. I thought Leslie was still living alone when I planned this trip. I found out she was living with you the day before I came here.”

“Sophia, you’re not going anywhere. You’re not a bother and I'm not trying to get you away from us. I just wanted to take her on one date. That’s it.”

I glance over at the Christmas tree they got last night. Leslie said he surprised her and then they spent the night decorating it. I came home to a house full of decorations and moaning coming from their room. Thankfully I had my headphones.

“I get it. If we weren’t so worried about Jimmy being here, I’d offer to stay at Leslie’s house.”

“Stop looking for another place to live. I want you here. If you try to leave, I'm going to throw your ass in jail.”

“For what?” I glare at him.

“I don’t know! I’ll think of something!” He throws his arms up in the air and lets them fall to his sides again. “Why are you always so difficult?”

“Because that’s the way God made me. Take it up with him.” I stick my tongue out, making Colt chuckle.

I'm just about to get up when my phone pings on the table. I swipe the device off the cool surface and check to see who’s texting me.

Pecker: Any chance I can convince you to come over tonight and decorate Christmas cookies with me?

Sophia: I’m not sure. Can I let you know in a little bit?

Pecker: Of course. My niece and nephew are over here talking a lot of smack about my decorating skills. They agreed to let me have a partner since it’s two against one. I think you’re the perfect woman for this challenge.

Sophia: Ok, I’ll let you know soon.

Ten seconds after pressing send, my phone starts ringing. Pecker’s name is flashing on the screen with a photo of us from last night. He insisted on taking a picture together and forced me to make it his contact photo.

I mumble something to Colt about needing to take this call and hurry towards my room… the room I'm staying in. I'm not living here. I'm not living in Maple Springs and I need to remember that.

“Hello?” I ask weakly.

After Pecker brought me home last night, I couldn’t fall asleep. No matter how many times I thought about the great time we had, I kept going back to him being forced to ask me out. He didn’t do it because he wanted to.

It hurts more than anything because that was the best date I’ve ever been on. Not only did I have fun, but Pecker is the kindest and sweetest guy I’ve ever met.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Pecker’s deep voice flows through the line, making butterflies swarm in my stomach.

“Why would something be wrong?”

“Because if everything was fine, you would’ve given me some smack talk to pass along to Danny and Bree. Or you would’ve said they were going down. Something to say we were going to beat them.”

“I didn’t even agree to come,” I say softly.

“That’s true, but I still think you would’ve made some joke or comment about beating them if you come… Talk to me, sweetheart.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I'm on duty right now, but I can be at Colt’s house in three minutes. I don’t think he’ll mind me stopping by. We’re having a rather slow and boring day today.”

---