Page 135 of Right Number, Wrong Man
“And what if he doesn’t want to talk to me?”
“Don’t do that thing where you stand in your own way because you’re afraid of being vulnerable,” she scolds softly. “The man has been into you since he was a boy and he literally declared his everlasting love for you to thewhole world. He’ll talk to you.”
I rub a palm across my face. “If he breaks my heart a second time, I’ll hold you responsible.”
“Sure, but I think you’ll be thanking me during your wedding speech.” Andrea giggles. “Colt is a good guy. Those years of pining just messed with his head and his moral compass. He made mistakes, but he deserves another chance. Now stop overthinking. Go get your man, Hails.”
She hangs up so I can’t talk back. Smart idea. If she didn’t, I’d rope her into a two hour discussion, trying to find excuses for myself. It happened before over more mundane things.
I trot into the bathroom and turn on the shower. While I peel off the gross pj’s I’ve worn for the past days and untangle my messy hair, my thoughts circle aroundAndrea’s words.
My man, huh?
The mirror is already fogged up when I step into the shower. Hot water hits my skin and goosebumps ripple in waves across my body.
I’ve ignored and hated Colt for half our lives, but he’s still crazy about me. I can’t imagine the pain he went through, hiding his feelings and seeing me in his brother’s arms.
The bad shit he’s done—the lies and the deceit—it was all for me. It was out of love.
Plus, hedidsave me from a serial killer, and though he never said it directly, I’m positive he committed murder for me when he took care of The Eyesnatcher.
That’s a pretty big deal.
I suppose the least I owe him is a conversation… andmaybean apology for shooting him.
51
HAILEY
It’sdark when I gather enough courage to sneak across the street and up the metal stairs to Colt’s apartment. Before I can think too much, I take a deep breath and knock.
High-pitched barking comes from inside. The door opens a slim crack and Gracie shoots out like a furry arrow. Tail wagging, she zooms around my feet. I catch her gently and cradle her in my arms, letting her lick my fingers while I pet under her chin.
Held-back tears burn my nose. I missed this little whirlwind so much.
“I’ll be right there, Cody!” Colt shouts from somewhere deep inside the apartment. “You’re early! Let me put on some damn pants before you barge in.”
A moment later he appears in the door, topless and barefoot. Heat fans across my face as I let my hungry gaze roam over his perfect body.
He wears a pair of old jeans and a towel dangles from his hand. A fresh bandage covers the bullet wound and with the healing cut on his face, he looks likean action hero.
He’s criminally handsome, even with dark bags under his bloodshot eyes like he hasn’t slept for days.
“I-It’s you,” Colt says, looking me up and down as if he can’t believe I’m real.
I dig my teeth into my bottom lip. “Hi…”
“Hi, Sugar,” he whispers, and even without the voice modulator, I hear Jax in his tone.
Now that I know it was him all along, it’s impossible to ignore the hints.
His stance. His movements. The tilt of his head.
But how does that saying go? Sometimes we only see what we want to see—andIwanted to see the masked Dom of my dreams, without complications.
And right now, I’m seeingColtfor the very first time. The real Colt. That contradictory, possessive mess of a man who’s been in love with me for sixteen years. That dominant, beautiful guy I’m in love with, too.
“How’s the bullet wound?” I ask.
