Loving Colt Read online

  Chapter Three

  Alexis

  After breakfast, we went back to the motel. Checkout was at eleven, so I had just enough time to give Maddi another bath, washing away the syrup she wore more than ate at breakfast. I wanted to get her settled for another road trip. Gathering everything into our bag, I returned the key to the front desk.

  One quick stop at the nearest store to grab a few snacks, and then we’d be on our way.

  After a few attempts to start my car, it finally sprang to life, and I felt relief wash through me. It was close to death, and I knew I was pushing it with this trip. I just prayed it held out a few more days. After I was home, I didn’t care if it ever started again.

  Maddi was already beginning to doze off for her afternoon nap, but I needed to keep her awake just a little longer.

  There I was standing in the aisle, making silly faces at my little girl, while she laughed. Acting crazy was something she loved. At this point I would try anything to keep her alert just a little longer.

  I turned to grab a juice off of the center shelf and bumped into a woman. It was actually her stomach that took the brunt of the collision. I looked down at her protruding pregnant belly and felt horrible.

  “I am so sorry. Really, truly, sorry.” Great, Alexis. Assault a pregnant lady.

  She waved her hand out in front of her. “Oh please, don’t you worry about it. This thing should have some sort of beeper or something. Some hazard sign. It’s always getting in the way.” She laughed.

  “Are you okay?” I asked.

  She reached out and placed her hand on my arm. “Honestly hon, don’t worry about it. My husband, on the other hand, would insist I be rushed to the ER. He’s driving me insane with his overbearing ways.” She rolled her eyes and then noticed Maddi in the cart.

  “Oh, she is beautiful. Those eyes.” She looked on at Maddi in awe, and all I could do was smile in return. Her eyes are her daddy’s, that’s for sure. Those gorgeous blues.

  We talked for a few minutes before heading off in opposite directions.

  Keeping Maddison awake was getting harder. My poor little girl was exhausted.

  Coming out to find I had a flat tire was not what I needed. I stood there staring at it, like that was gonna fix the problem.

  Angry tears began to pool in my eyes and I kicked at my wheel. “Son of a bitch.” I growled and kicked it once more.

  “Well, I’m not sure that’s gonna help ya much.” I turned to see the pregnant girl from the store staring at me. She smiled and laughed lightly. “Let me call my husband so he can get that changed for ya.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket.

  “No! Really, it’s okay.” It honestly wasn’t, not even slightly. But she didn’t owe me anything. “You don’t need to bother him.”

  “Hush now,” she insisted.

  I watched her as she held the phone to her ear. I could hear a deep voice filter out from the phone but was unable to understand his words.

  “I’m fine, beast. Please just listen.” She paused and rolled her eyes. “You are a pain in my ass. I’m fine; the baby is fine. Now will you just get in your truck and come to the grocery store? I have a friend who needs a little help.”

  She laughed at something he said. “No, if it was Kori she’d be calling Reed. Just get over here to the market.” She hung up and groaned.

  “That man is going to drive me crazy. He is so overprotective. I had to sneak out of the house just to go to the grocery store by myself. If he had it his way, I would be tucked away safely in bed every day and night.” She shook her head. “I was going stir crazy.”

  “It’s actually pretty sweet. I didn’t have anyone to fuss over me when I was pregnant with Maddison. I think it would have been nice to feel that.” I shrugged my shoulders and looked over to find my little girl asleep. She was hunched over in the cart at an awkward angle, and it broke my heart. What was I doing dragging her around?

  “Hey, you okay?” she asked.

  I nodded my head. “I’m okay. Thanks for the help.”

  “Not a problem.” Her smile was genuine. It was almost as if I was a longtime friend, someone she had known for years. It was comforting, and for the first time in a long time, I felt safe and welcomed. In the whole realm of things, it was odd that a complete stranger had given me that sense of peace.

  ***

  At the rumble of an engine, I watched a big black Ford truck pull into the space next to my car. I did everything I could not to drool at the sight of the man who climbed out of the cab. His leering smile was distracting, not to mention he filled out those jeans of his quite nicely.

  The girl who had earlier introduced herself as Maria lit up like a Christmas tree. This was definitely her husband, and I found myself feeling just a little jealous.

  He stepped up to her and pulled her close. Kissing her softly, he whispered something that only they could share before smiling lovingly at her. It almost felt as if I was intruding. The two of them were adorable together, and the love they shared was obvious. He adored her.

  A young boy bounced up next to them and wrapped his arms around her waist in a hug.

  A few seconds passed as they shared a moment, before the man turned to face me. He held his hand out in a kind introduction. “Hello ma’am. I’m Gavin.” He smiled and god damn it if his eyes weren’t that crazy alluring shade of blue. What was it with men and those bedroom blues?

  “Nice to meet you. My name’s Alexis, and this is my daughter, Maddison.” His gaze wandered to Maddi hunched over in the cart. Her head was resting upon her rolled up blanket, and he smiled gently.

  “Let’s take a look at what you got here,” he said as he knelt down next to my tire.

  I watched as he walked over to his truck and grabbed a jack and crowbar from the back.

  After he got my car jacked up into the air, he began working the tire free. The look on his face only made me feel nauseous. I knew it was going to take money that I didn’t have to spare.

  It looked like my plans to leave were being placed on hold for a day or two.

  When Gavin said he would take my tire to a friend in an attempt to plug it, I was grateful, hoping it would fix the problem and I could be on my way.

  I lifted Maddi from the cart and laid her in the backseat of my car, allowing her to stretch out. Camping out in the local market wasn’t my plan for the day, but it looked like I would be forced to do it.

  “Hey, where you staying?” Maria asked, causing me to spin around and face her.

  “Oh, I uh…” I nervously popped my knuckles. Yeah, a nasty habit I know, but one I found myself doing more often than not lately. “I was staying at the motel, but I checked out today. I was planning on heading out this afternoon.” I paused for a second. “Looks like I’ll be checking back in.”

  “Oh, that’s crazy. My momma has a room at her place. She lives alone and would love the company.” She lifted the small bag I had in the cart, with cookies and juice, and turned back to face me with that welcoming smile of hers. “Come on, I’ll take ya.”

  “Oh no, I couldn’t, really. I appreciate it greatly, but the motel’s fine.” This small town was so different, compared to the big city. Everyone was so polite and helpful.

  “Honestly, hon, you would be doing me a favor. She calls me constantly. I thought about getting her a dog or something to occupy her time. Just last night she called me to talk about her couch pillows.” Maria rolled her eyes. “She can’t decide if she should recover them with a new material or just buy new ones.” She laughed and hung her head. “It took me almost forty-five minutes to convince her that getting new ones would be cheaper.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh as I envisioned that conversation in my mind. “My mom has a full house, so she has little time to hassle me about those kinds of things.”

  “Honestly, my momma would love to have you and Maddi, even if it’s just for tonight.” There was something about her that made me feel so safe. I couldn’t explain it. I ha
d no idea who she was until about an hour ago, yet I felt like I had known her for a lifetime.

  Over the last six months, I had managed to slowly lose the friends I did have. I know now that it was Seth who ran them off, but then again they didn’t put up much of a fight. It was nice to feel like I had a friend, one who appeared to care more about me than those I had known for years.

  “Okay, but I insist on paying her what I would pay the motel.” I lifted Maddison from the car, grabbed our bag as well, and walked toward Maria’s SUV.

  “Yeah, good luck with that. I’ll leave that conversation to you and Momma.” I heard her giggle but chose to let it die. I wouldn’t take handouts. I had to leave this place knowing that I didn’t owe anyone anything. I wasn’t one of those people who took without giving in return.

  Chapter Four

  Alexis

  “Are you sure this is no trouble?” I asked as Ann led me to the bedroom at the end of the hall. The moment I saw her standing in the kitchen, my heart raced. What were the chances that Maria was the sister of the man from the restaurant?

  Ann smiled from ear to ear as she listened to Maria explain my horrendous morning. She was insisting I stay with her before Maria even got the chance to ask.

  “Sweetie, this is no trouble at all. You stay as long as you need to. My home is yours and Maddi’s for as long as you need it to be.” Her kindness was overwhelming. “And this nonsense about you paying me stops here. I won’t have it. You’re a guest.” She smiled sweetly as she set my bag on the bed. Having company will be a nice change.”

  Maddison looked around the room at the dolls that lined the shelf just above the dresser.

  “Mommy, look,” she said, pointing in their direction. “Pretty.”

  “Yes, they are pretty, but we can’t touch.” Maddison loves dolls. Most of our belongings are in a storage unit I rented. After talking to my landlord and neighbor, they agreed to move my things for me after I left. Once I get settled, I will find a way to get everything. For now, Maddi and I are living with only the necessities.

  “Oh, she can play with those,” Ann said as she pulled a doll from the shelf. “I think this one has some extra clothes. You can dress her up and do her hair. Would you like that?” she asked Maddi.

  I held back the emotions that filled me as Maddison’s face lit up. She nodded her head as she reached out and took the doll from Ann. She was in a state of awe at that moment, and it was heartwarming.

  We settled in and I allowed myself to relax, something I rarely was able to do anymore. I always felt as if at any moment something bad would happen and our world would be flipped upside down.

  ***

  Ann allowed Maddison to help her make dinner. I cringed at the sight before me. Maddison had gotten sauce everywhere, and all Ann could do was laugh.

  Maddison’s giggles filled the house, and her happiness brought tears to my eyes. They were happy tears, of course, because my little girl was doing what she did best. She was making Ann fall in love with her. She seemed to have the ability to capture just about anyone in a matter of minutes. Her sweet smile and gentle eyes were the undoing of anyone within ten feet.

  A deep chuckle from behind caused me to jump forward. Placing my hand on my chest in surprise, I spun around quickly. There before me stood Colt—dirty, sweaty, and rugged yet alluring Colt.

  A sly grin spread out over his lips, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. Accompanied by the dimples, it was impossible to look away.

  Clearing his throat, he chuckled softly. My gaze shifting to his, I could instantly feel the heat flood my cheeks.

  “Hello again,” he said, and I just stared back at him, speechless. Like an adolescent girl, I was trembling at his closeness.

  I stepped back and smiled in return, with a forced smile I was sure he could see right through.

  “So, you’re the cute blonde with the sweet little girl, staying at my momma’s house,” he said, and my cheeks once again felt flushed. “My nephew’s words, to be exact. My sister was a little more on the nose with her description.”

  For a moment, I felt disappointed. What was he saying? Did he not find me attractive?

  “I think “gorgeous blonde” says it a little better. For some reason, Maria felt it was very important that I come over here tonight to fix my mother’s bathroom sink.” He leaned in just a little closer and lowered his voice. “I’m pretty sure she had an ulterior motive for sending me.” He winked before stepping around me and making his way over to his mom.

  I took the time to take a few deep, calming breaths, internally smiling at the idea of him thinking of me as gorgeous.

  Shaking my head clear of the hazy feelings he brought on, I wiped my palms on my jeans.

  Colt kissed his mother on the cheek, but his eyes stayed on mine from across the room. “If I would’ve known about all the pretty ladies in this house, I think I would have come over sooner.”

  I averted my eyes quickly to the floor, as his gaze was intense and distracting. How was a girl supposed to keep her head on straight with him around?

  Maddison’s giggles abruptly broke free, and I looked up once again to find Colt and her having a miniature food fight. I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. I covered my mouth quickly, looking at Ann in horror. Her poor kitchen looked like a war zone.

  She waved her hand in the air. “Oh honey, this is nothing. Last Sunday Colt and Mikey had an egg toss in the kitchen.”

  Colt chuckled as he wiped a smudge of strawberry glaze off the tip of Maddison’s nose. “Mikey started that one, Momma. I told him to toss underhand. He went all major league on me and pulled out the pro pitching stance.”

  Ann was now laughing so hard she held her stomach. “Yes, but the look on your face when it splattered across your chest was the best part of the whole day.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she continued to laugh heartily.

  “Messes can always be cleaned up, but those memories will last forever,” she said as she looked at her son in admiration.

  My phone ringing in the other room had me rushing for it. I didn’t even take the time to look at the number. I was so caught up in the happiness of the moment that I hit send and brought it to my ear, my eyes still glazed over.

  “Hello,” I laughed in greeting.

  “Where are you?” I could hear the heavy anger in Seth’s voice. I also instantly picked up on the fact that he was drunk. “I asked you a question, Alex. Answer me. Where the hell are you?”

  My chest tightened and my eyes filled with tears. Fear ran through me, causing my hands to shake.

  “Leave me alone, please.” I pleaded in a whisper.

  He laughed a demented, evil laugh. “Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. You’re mine, Alex. We can do this the easy way. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll come and get the both of you. You went home to your parents’ house, didn’t you?”

  “No,” I cried out. The trembling in my voice only made me feel weaker. “Please just leave us alone. It’s over, Seth. Let it go. Just stay away from us, leave us alone.” I was begging now, but I couldn’t help it. I just wanted it all to stop.

  “Listen here, you bitch.” The phone was yanked from my hand before I could register what had happened.

  Colt held my phone, and the anger pouring off of him was intimidating as he listened to Seth’s words.

  “Who the hell is this?” He seethed into the phone, and his nostrils flared as he listened to the voice on the other end of the phone.

  I could only imagine the things Seth was saying to him. I suddenly felt sick, as my stomach tightened. He had to be filling Colt with all sorts of lies. My stomach continued to twist and turn as my throat burned.

  The lurch in my stomach had me rushing down the hall. I reached the bathroom just in time, emptying my stomach as the tears fell heavily down my cheeks.

  Chapter Five

  Colt

  It took everything I had in me not to smash her phone against the wall. The asshole on the other
end of the line who was continuing to bash her only made my anger harder to handle.

  I had just barely met Alex and Maddison, but I knew the garbage this asshole was spewing was a bunch of shit.

  “Listen to me, you sorry son of a bitch. I don’t know who the hell you are. I do know that you seem to have a negative effect on Alexis, so that places your worthless ass on my shit list. Your best bet is to do as she asked and leave her alone. If not, you better bet the outcome is gonna be one you aren’t gonna like much.”

  I hit end and turned off her phone. I never took the time to hear his reply, because I had to get to her. She looked so terrified and lost at the moment she turned to face me, when I took her phone.

  When I found her kneeling on the bathroom floor, it nearly broke my heart. The moment I touched her back, she scurried off to the side of the tub and tucked her knees in tightly to her chest. Her body trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably.

  “Colt, what’s happening?” My momma whispered from the door and I waved her off. She held Maddison tightly and walked away to distract the little angel.

  I gave Alex a few quiet moments before I made another attempt to reach out to her.

  Steadying my voice as much as possible, I tried to soothe her with words. “Alex, I’m not gonna hurt you. No one is gonna hurt you. You’re safe here.”

  She shook her head without looking up, and my chest tightened even more. Just thinking about what this beautiful girl had gone through felt as if it was gutting me slowly.

  “I’m not safe. I’m an idiot. I did this. I put us in this situation. It’s not going to change. It won’t go away.” She whispered through her sobs.

  I inched just a little closer and sat on the floor in front of her. Without touching her, I tried to reassure her that what I said was true.