24. Leslie

Chapter 24

Leslie

After one of the best meals I've ever had, Colt takes me to get dessert at a cute bakery that's open twenty-four hours a day.

I've never seen a bakery open at all hours, but Colt says it's because there's nothing else to do in this town and the teenagers need somewhere to hang out.

"What would you like?" Colt stands behind me with his back pressed against my chest. He's whispering in my ear, making me shiver as his warm breath fans over my exposed neck.

"I don't know. It all looks so delicious."

"We can order a sample pack and take it home with us. I'd love nothing more than to cuddle up in bed with you and savor our dessert," he murmurs.

"That sounds perfect."

"Good. You can pick out twelve things. "

"Don't you want to pick some of it?" I peek at him over my shoulder and he shakes his head.

"Nah, sweetheart. You can do the honors. I like everything they have here."

I'm still scanning the options when the bell above the door jingles and the door swings open. Colt glances in that direction and takes a step away from me.

I immediately stand to my full height, expecting to find Jimmy, but I don't.

A beautiful young girl is standing there staring at Colt. There's a long-jagged cut running most of the left side of her face. She swallows hard as tears gather in her eyes.

She glances at the group of friends with her and motions to one of the booths on the other side of the store. They nod their heads and head in that direction, except one guy that sticks with her, but gives her some room.

"Jenny, how are you doing, sweetheart?" Colt takes a step towards her. I expect her to keep her distance, but she runs into his arms and he catches her easily.

"Thank you, Colt. I don't know what I would've done without you that night."

"I didn't do anything. "

"I know you talked to Billy. I know you said something to him and convinced him to stay with me," she whispers softly.

"I didn't-"

"Yes, you did. I really appreciate it, but I broke up with him."

"You did?" Colt's eyes widen and I can't help the smile that slips over my lips.

"He didn't love me. I knew that, but he was cute and popular." She shrugs her shoulder. "But Joey was at my bedside the entire time I was in the hospital." She reaches out a hand and the guy who was waiting for her instantly takes it. "He told me how much he's always loved me and how worried he was about me. I knew right away Billy had to go, but Joey was the guy I've been waiting for."

"Then why are you thanking me?" Colt frowns.

"Because Billy told me what you said to him," Joey speaks up. "I didn't want to wait around for Jenny to break up with him after she recovered. I realized it was stupid to give him a second more with my girl, so I stepped in and confessed everything to Jenny. I've never been happier and I couldn't care less about the scar she'll have. She's always going to be the most beautiful woman in the room. "

Joey holds her close and presses a gentle kiss to her uninjured temple. Jenny stares up at him like he hung the moon and the stars.

I wonder if that's how I used to look at Jimmy. Or if I look at Colt like that now. I definitely want to find my own Joey. My own man who will love me despite my scars.

"Yeah, she will be," Colt says softly. "I'm glad you two are happy together. I'll let you get back to your friends so I can get back to my girl." He smiles at them and waves as they head to the table to meet their friends.

"They're so happy together. Good job, Colt." I pat him on the chest and watch him carefully.

"Shit, that entire night could've gone so differently. She's lucky to be alive." He shakes his head, lost in the memory of the accident he responded to. "I thought her life was destroyed, but she has her head held high and isn't afraid to let people see her scars."

"She's stronger than you gave her credit for."

"I think I know someone else like that too." He slips his hand into mine and intertwines our fingers. "Now, Miss Jameson, what are we getting for dessert?"

After picking out a dozen desserts we'll never be able to eat in one night, Colt buckles me into the car and takes the roads slowly back towards the house.

The air got even colder than when we left to go out tonight and there's a few flurries starting to drift down from the sky.

"I think we might have a white Christmas this year," I say softly, not wanting to disturb the quiet night.

"Do you mind if I make one more stop before we go home?" Colt peeks over at me with a devilish grin on his face.

"What are we doing?"

"It's a surprise."

A few minutes later, he pulls down a long dirt road and parks the truck in front of rows and rows of Christmas trees. He kills the engine and hops out of the truck. A few seconds later, he's opening my door and spinning me to face him. He steps between my legs, resting his big hands on my bare thighs.

"You told Riley you don't decorate for Christmas and you pretend it's just another day. I want you to decorate with me, Zoey. I want a real Christmas with you. Do you want to help me pick out the tree? "

I blink back tears and nod my head. I'm not sure if it's the use of my real name or how sweet he is. I've never met a man as observant and caring as Colt. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I'm glad I did it.

"Good, because Mr. Graverson is keeping this place open late for us."

He holds out his hand and I take it without a second thought. He leads me down one row of trees after another, letting me pick out what I think is the perfect tree.

"Is this one too tall?" I motion to the massive tree in front of us.

"Nah, I think it will fit perfectly."

Colt crawls under the tree and begins sawing at the trunk. A few teenagers who are working here, grab the tree and help steady it as it starts to sway. As soon as Colt has it cut, they carry it off to wrap it so it's easier to transport.

"Thank you for being so amazing," I whisper as I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips against his.

As soon as our lips meet, Colt angles his head to the side and slowly runs his tongue across my bottom lip. I open my mouth and groan as his tongue slips in and rubs along mine. I haven't been kissed like this is far too long. Hell, I've never been kissed by anyone like this. I feel every ounce of love and affection he has towards me. The care and attention he showers me with on a daily basis.

One of the teens clears his throat and the other chuckles. I'm sure we look like a bunch of teenagers making out, but I don't have it in me to care.

"Sorry, boys. When the lady wants a kiss, you have to show her some fireworks." Colt grins as he takes my hand again and leads me over to the truck. He shuts me in the cab and cranks up the heat to keep me warm while he loads the tree in the bed with the help of the guys.

This might be the best date I've ever been on. And to make it even better, I couldn't have picked a better man to be with.