13. Colton

Chapter 13

Colton

I drop my head in my hands and try to reign in my emotions. I don't want to get back out of my truck to check on Jenny, but I can't leave Pecker out there all alone. She's still screaming and I have a feeling that isn't going to stop any time soon.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and climb out of my truck. Zippering my jacket a little higher, I stuff my hands into my pocket, wishing I had some gloves or a hat. Anything to keep me a little bit warmer. I'm lucky I found this coat in the bed of my truck. I don't remember when I put it there, but I'm happy I did.

"He gave her a fucking mirror, didn't he?" I growl as I stomp across the distance between my car and the ambulance.

This boyfriend has been a pain in my ass since I showed up on scene. He keeps trying to leave even though I told him he needs to go to the hospital. I think he just wants to get away from Jenny, he's having a hard time even looking at her right now.

"Yeah." Pecker rubs at the back of his neck. I don't think he's ever responded to a call like this and I can tell it's really bothering him. "I'm sorry, Colt. I was trying to take notes so I wouldn't forget anything. I should've been watching him more carefully."

Pecker's an amazing cop and he hasn't done anything wrong since he started in Maple Springs, but he's new to the town and is trying to figure out how we do things here.

"That's not your job, Peck. You can't fix stupid." I pat him on the shoulder and move towards Billy.

He needs a swift kick in the ass. He's been a troublemaker since he got his license and I'm sure he was taking the turn too fast in the dark. I could tell him to watch for ice until I'm blue in the face and I know he still wouldn't listen.

"Billy, get your ass over here," I growl, gripping the back of his sweatshirt and dragging him away from the ambulance. I don't need Jenny overhearing us.

"Hey! You can't do that!" He tries to wiggle out of my grasp, but I'm not having it. I'm more than done with this night. I just want to get back to Leslie .

"Shut up and act like the man you pretend to be." I let go of him and wait for him to angrily adjust his clothing. "I want you to listen to what I'm about to say."

"I don't have to listen to you." He folds his arms over his chest and glares at me.

"You're right, you don't have to… but if you don't, I'm going to make your life a living hell. I'll warn every dad in this town about how you won't be careful with their daughter. You'll drive too fast and risk their lives. You'll toss them aside the first time something happens and move on with someone else."

"What the fuck! I didn't do any of that!"

"You took that bend too fast, Billy. We both know that. Because of you, Jenny's going to have an awful scar and my guess is you're already trying to figure out a way to break up with her, without making yourself look like the bad guy."

He opens his mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. I shake my head, more than a little disappointed in him. I expected so much more from him. That's the problem with living in a small town. You've known these teens their entire lives and you have so much hope for their future.

"This is what you're going to do. You'll get in that ambulance and hold her hand the entire way to the hospital. You'll brush her hair out of her face and tell her she's still beautiful. You'll treat her exactly the same as you would've before you got in the car tonight. Do you understand me?"

He nods his head, but when he glances over his shoulder at Jenny lying on the stretcher, he looks like he's going to be sick.

"You're going to pray for her the entire way to the damn hospital and ask God to give her a plastic surgeon who can make sure her confidence isn't ruined forever. And then, you're going to stay by her side while she recovers from the accident you caused. You're going to take her out to public places for dates and show her nothing has changed, she's still just as beautiful as she always was."

"So, I have to marry her now?" He stares at me like I'm crazy.

"Nope. In fact, I would encourage you not to marry her."

"What are you talking about? First, you want me to stay with her, and now you're telling me to dump her?"

"I want you to stay by her side while she heals and show her this doesn't need to affect her self-confidence. You need to show her men are still going to find her beautiful and she still matters. Then, you're going to make stupid mistakes until she dumps your ass and finds someone actually worth her time. Do you understand me now?" I stare at him, waiting for this to sink in.

Do I feel bad forcing a kid to stay with his girlfriend when he doesn't want to be with her? Absolutely. But if he breaks up with her right now, she's always going to view herself as a monster. I'm not about to let that happen.

"And what if she won't dump me?"

"Ha! I'll encourage her along and make sure it happens before summer, deal?"

"Fine," he grumbles under his breath and stomps towards the ambulance.

He climbs in the back and takes her hand in his, but he isn't looking at her, he's too busy glaring at me. I motion to her and he rolls his eyes, but then he leans down and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead. His lips are moving, but I can't tell what he's saying from here.

It doesn't matter though. I'm going to keep an eye on him and make sure he's treating Jenny right. I'm going to encourage the guys Jenny's age to be kind because I know the girls are going to be brutal. I'll make sure she's ok if it's the last thing I do.

Colt: Are you sure you still want me to come over?

I press send as I climb behind the wheel of my truck and crank the engine. I'm so happy I chose a truck when I became chief. The smaller area heats a hell of a lot faster than one of the SUVs we have for the department.

I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, trying to entertain myself while I wait for Leslie to text me back. It's almost six o'clock in the morning. I've been gone for three hours. Though I spoke to her a little over an hour ago, she could've fallen asleep since then.

Leslie: Of course.

Those two little words bring a big smile to my face. I've always dreamed of having someone to come home to after a bad call. Someone I can cuddle up with and let the weight of the world fall off my shoulders for a little bit.

Excitement spreads through me with the thought I might've finally found that person. I just need to see if she's actually interested in dating me .

As much as I want to speed to her house, I know these roads have only gotten worse since the accident. I'm not going to risk killing myself just to get to her a little faster.

It takes me almost fifteen minutes before I'm pulling into her driveway and cutting the engine. I sit in the truck, trying to muster up the strength to get out of the warmth and face the bitter cold air again.

The curtain peels back on the front window and Leslie peers out. As soon as she sees my truck, she disappears again, then the front door swings open. That's all the invitation I need to leap out of my seat and rush up the front steps.

"It's freezing out here," she mumbles as she rubs her hands up and down her biceps.

"So fucking cold. I've been dying for a warm bed since I left. The coffee helped keep me a tiny bit warmer though. Thank you for that." I hold out her coffee cup and she smiles.

"I'm glad I could help." She quickly places it on the counter next to the sink, then takes my hand and leads me down the hallway, straight towards where her room is.

My brows draw together, but I don't say anything. I'm shocked she's not plopping on the couch, but I'm not going to complain. I'd love to lay down on a nice comfortable bed.

"Are you ok laying in my bed?" Leslie's gaze is locked on her feet, avoiding me completely. "I figured it's more comfortable than the couch." She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and peeks up at me through her lashes.

"I guess that depends on if I'm going to be alone in bed?" I arch a brow and take a step closer to her.

"Well, it is my bed. It's only right if you share it with me."

"Are you going to touch me inappropriately while I'm sleeping?"

"No!" She rolls her eyes and swats at my chest.

"Well, then I'm going home. I thought you were going to get frisky with me." I take a step away from her and her face falls.

Holy shit, she's adorable.

"I'm kidding, sweetheart." Lifting her hand to my lips, I press a soft kiss on her knuckles. "What side do you like to sleep on?"

"I couldn't care less." She lifts her shoulder in a shrug.

"Good. I like to sleep next to the door. It's easier to protect you if I'm between you and any possible danger." I wink as I take off my belt and lay my gun on the nightstand. I'm definitely not sleeping with that on my hip.

I glance up to find Leslie looking a shade or two paler than she was a few seconds ago. I close the distance between us and tug her into my arms.

"Hey, are you ok? You look like you just saw a ghost."

"No, I'm fine. I'm just tired. Would you mind…" She trails off as her cheeks gain some color and turn pink with embarrassment.

"Would I mind what?"

"Holding me while we sleep?" She whispers softly.

"Sweetheart, I'd love nothing more than to hold you. Do you by chance have a pair of sweats I could wear instead of jeans?" I glance down at the stiff denim and frown.

"I don't, but you can sleep in your boxers if you don't mind."

"Miss Jameson," I tease with a wide smirk. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to trick me into getting naked."

"Oh my gosh, Colton!" She buries her face in her hands and shakes her head. "Sometimes I can't handle you."

"That's ok, I'm a pro at handling me."

As soon as my jeans are in a pile on the floor, I drag the t-shirt Leslie lent me over my head and toss it on top of my jeans.

Her gaze rakes up and down my body, taking in every inch of me. I smirk, waiting for her gaze to meet mine again. When it does, her cheeks turn as red as a tomato.

"Hey, I'm not upset. I've been checking you out all night. These little shorts are doing wonders for me." I motion to the black fabric that barely covers her ass. "Now, get that cute ass in bed with me."

I slip under the covers and hold the blanket up for Leslie to join me. As soon as she's snuggled into my side, I press a soft kiss to her temple and rest her hand on my stomach. I want her touching me as much as possible. I know that will help me sleep and having her head on my chest is going to help her sleep.

Within a few minutes, I feel sleep slowly start to descend over me. I tug Leslie a little closer and let out a soft sigh. I could get used to this.