2. Leslie

Chapter 2

Leslie

"I'm going to come down in a few days, is that ok?" Sophia holds the phone a little higher so I can see her entire family.

"What up, Zoey?" Jax waves.

"I miss the blonde hair," Cody mumbles, making me laugh.

"Sorry, Cody. I'm doing my best to mix things up." I pull my long brown hair into a bun and freeze when I spot someone I wasn't expecting to see. "Charlie?" I squeal.

"Hey! I wish I had some time to come visit you too. I won't until after baseball season is over though. Maybe we can plan something then?"

"Definitely! I miss all of you."

"Even me?" Uncle Wes pretends to glare at the phone.

"Especially you… I need to get going though. Sophia, let me know what day you'll get here. I have off all next week for winter break though."

"Ok! Bye! "

After a round of goodbyes, I hang up and grab my things. I want to get to the grocery store before it starts to get dark. I don't really like going anywhere once the sun sets. I've found nothing good lurks in the shadows at night.

Living in such a small town can be a blessing and a curse. Everyone knows everyone and it's hard to outlive your past. On the bright side, no one knows much about me here. It makes things a little easier for me.

Maple Springs is far enough off the highway that we don't get many visitors. It's a safe town and the most the police seem to deal with are accidents and kids goofing off. It's nice knowing you don't need to worry about your safety in Maple Springs.

I pull onto the main road, heading straight for the grocery store. As long as I don't get stuck talking to anyone, I should make it home long before the sun sets. Long before anyone can creep around undetected.

I glance in my rearview mirror and find a car a little too close to my bumper for my liking. I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and try to remain calm. I'm sure this person isn't actually following me, they're just riding my butt.

As I pull into the parking lot of the grocery store, the car behind me speeds ahead and I breathe a sigh of relief. I just wasn't driving fast enough for them. I can handle that.

Hurrying into the store, I grab a cart and start moving up and down the aisles. I have an extensive shopping list and planned out my meals for the next two weeks. I want to be out in public as little as possible.

"If it isn't the most beautiful woman in town," a deep voice drawls.

I glance away from the fruit, coming face to face with the man who occupies my dreams a little too often for my liking.

"Hey, Sheriff." I grin.

Skylar gets annoyed when I call him Sheriff, but Colton is the town sheriff. I'm not flirting by calling him that, I'm being respectful.

Before Skylar moved back to town, Colton didn't notice me at all. Now, he seems to be able to pick me out of a crowd with his eyes closed.

I don't blame him. I kept my head down and tried to remain as invisible as possible until I found a genuine friend in this town. Skylar pulled me out of my shell and helped me start living again. I still have a long way to go, but any progress is a step in the right direction .

"I swear you're the only person I like calling me Sheriff." He smirks as he takes a step closer to me. "What are you doing tonight?"

"Grocery shopping, then meal prepping for the week."

"That sounds awful," he chuckles.

"It is, but it makes my week a little easier." I lift my shoulder in a shrug as I turn back to the apples. "What are you doing?"

"Well, I was hoping to take a pretty girl out for dinner." He steps closer, making sure his shoulder brushes against mine. "What do you say?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," I whisper as I drop another apple into the bag and quickly tie the end so they don't fall out.

"Why?"

"We're friends. I don't want to ruin that." I avoid looking at Colt, but he's too smart for that. He gently takes my arm and spins me to face him. I glance up at him before I can stop myself and as soon as my eyes lock on his, I'm a goner.

"But we could be more."

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, his phone rings and breaks the moment. I breathe a sigh of relief. I don't know what I was going to say, but I know it wasn't going to be what he wanted to hear.

It's too hard to trust anyone after what I've been through. I'd rather have a few friends and stay single than let history repeat itself.

"I hate this stupid thing," Colt grumbles under his breath and he lifts his phone to his ear. "Sheriff Brown… Nah, I'll be there in a few minutes… There's no reason to apologize, Pecker. This is what I'm here for… Nah, you're a great cop. You're still learning how we do things in Maple Springs… I'll see you in five. Bye."

He groans as he slips his phone back into his pocket. The movement has me paying attention to his body for the first time today and makes my mouth go dry.

His brown hair is slightly longer on the top than it is on the sides. It's wavy without being too much, making him look a little more like the boy next door type. His bright blue eyes light up the room, especially when they're on me. And recently, they always seem to be on me. But it's the smirk that gets me every time. That smirk could convince me to do almost anything.

His navy uniform pants fit his muscular legs well. Tonight, he doesn't have his uniform shirt on, just a black athletic shirt that's showing off his lean body nicely. He's every woman's dream and I don't think he even realizes that.

"Duty calls." He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, I don't want to keep you from saving the town."

"I'll let the whole thing burn to the ground if you'll have dinner with me." He grins.

"I'm pretty sure that would make me an accessory and I don't think I'd look good in an orange jumpsuit. You better go rescue Pecker." I pat him on the chest and take a step away.

"Do you think playing hard to get is going to deter me?"

"I'm not sure anything is going to deter you if you really want something."

"Then why run from me?"

"Because sooner or later, you're going to realize I'm not worth the chase." I flash him a tight-lipped smile as I step around him and move towards the next aisle.

"That's where you're wrong, beautiful. You're the only woman I've met worth chasing and I'm not going to stop until I catch you."