Winning Me Over

by Amber Garza

  "Alright." As I head back upstairs I wonder if Colt will want to come over for dinner or if he'll hate meeting my parents the same way he hates labels and promises. As I sit on my bed, cell phone in hand I feel anxious. I've already pushed him away twice today. Do I really want to do it again?

  My fingers hover over the touch screen, trembling. Finally I decide to just wait and talk to him when I pick him up for work tomorrow. Then I realize that I only know he's working because I checked his schedule during my last shift. Seriously, can you say stalker? Ugh. I'm totally turning into one. I fling my body down onto the bed, my hair fanning out around me. As I lie down staring at my ceiling, my mind wanders to my kiss in the lake with Colt. It was amazing, better than I ever imagined. I run my fingers over my lips, remembering how his lip ring felt against my mouth and how his tongue bar felt sliding over my tongue. I close my eyes, picturing the intense look on his face, the way he stared into my eyes like he was seeing the sun for the first time. I know Colt cares about me, even if he sometimes acts distant. And I care about him. A lot.

  He may seem so broken and lost, but he's helped me so much. He's already taught me more about life than almost anyone I've ever met. And he makes me feel alive; incredibly alive. I don't want to lose him. Not now. Maybe not ever.

  There's no way I'm letting him walk to work early in the morning so I have to call him. If I just show up he'll know I checked his schedule. I sit up, giving myself major head rush. After stabilizing, I dial his number.

  "Hello," his aunt answers.

  "Hi, Callie. It's Paige. Is Colt around?" I hold my breath as she goes to get him. The way he ran off when I dropped him worries me. I hope he wants to talk to me.

  "Hey, McAllistor."

  I release the breath I'd been holding the minute his sarcastic tone comes on the line. "Hey."

  "What's up? You didn't get enough of me earlier?"

  "Nope. Not at all," I say honestly.

  "It's the tongue bar, isn't it?"

  "You got me."

  "Uh oh. So does this mean I have to worry about you mauling me at work to get another taste of it? Because I have to warn you that I take my job very seriously."

  "Says the guy who chased me around with a towel on his first day."

  "I really think that says more about your training technique than my work ethic."

  I giggle, so happy that we are bantering like this. "I hardly think that's true."

  "Either way, I'm happy to give you a sampling of my tongue bar when you pick me up in the morning."

  My stomach flips. I wipe my sweaty hands on my plush comforter while holding the cell between my face and shoulder. "How do you know I'm picking you up?"

  "Isn't that why you're calling? I mean, I know we're both working the same shift tomorrow."

  "How do you know?"

  "I sort of checked yours," he answers softly.

  "That's okay. I sort of checked yours too," I respond. "I guess we're both stalkers, huh?"

  "Speak for yourself. I just wanted a ride."

  A laugh launches from my throat. "Oh, I'm so not picking you up now."

  "Yes, you will," he says.

  "What makes you so sure?"

  "Because I'm guessing you can't wait to see me again as much as I can't wait to see you."

  "You can't wait to see me, huh?"

  "I'm seriously counting down the minutes."

  SIXTEEN

  COLT

  After hanging up with Paige I bang my head against the kitchen wall. Man, I'm like a pile of mush when it comes to this girl. If I was smart, I would've pushed her away. Instead, I drew her closer. Only my brain is seriously not in control around her. It's my heart that seems to call the shots. I really planned to distance myself from her. That way when she learns the truth it won't kill me. But then I got on the phone and heard her crazy sexy voice and I just caved. Man, I wonder if she knows the power she has over me.

  I've never had a relationship that was so easy, so comfortable. I imagine that's how relationships are supposed to be, but my experience has been drastically different. Every relationship in my life, except for the one I have with Zander, has been difficult, tragic even.

  "Colt? Everything okay?" Callie's voice startles me. I hadn't even heard her come in.

  I peel my forehead from the wall and look at her sheepishly.

  "What happened?" Her eyebrows knit together in a look of concern and she walks closer to me, tentatively reaching out her arm.

  She probably thinks I'm having another breakdown or something. I'm probably scaring the shit out of her. What normal person bangs their head against the kitchen wall after having a nice conversation with a pretty girl? Spinning around, I rest my back against the wall and stare at the ceiling.

  "It's Paige."

  Silence. She's waiting for me to continue when I'm ready. I appreciate that she doesn't prod.

  "I just like her so much, Aunt Callie." The words burn as I push them from my throat.

  "And she doesn't feel the same way?" Aunt Callie holds her arms in close to her body. She seems to be just as uncomfortable with touching as I am. Not that I'm surprised since I know how she was raised. Same way as my dad, and I know it seriously screwed him up.

  "No, she does." I run a hand through my hair.

  "Then what's the problem?" Her tone is curious, not accusatory.

  I lower my gaze to Callie's. "What happens when she finds out the truth about me?"

  "You haven't told her everything?"

  Blowing out a breath, I shake my head. "I can't. She's the first girl I've ever really liked and she likes me too. I don't want to lose that."

  "You know, she may surprise you."

  I sigh. People don't surprise me. They always do exactly what I think they will.

  "I saw the way she looked at you, Colt. This isn't just a crush. She really cares about you. So, don't make this decision for her. Tell her the truth and let her choose what to do with it." Aunt Callie drops her hand on my shoulder. "Your past doesn't define you unless you let it. You've changed. I can tell."

  This time I don't shake her hand off. I allow her fingers to rest there. It doesn't burn, and it doesn't make me want to jump out of my skin. Maybe she's right. Maybe I am changing.

  When Paige picks me up she's wearing a black skirt, tank top and boots. Her hair is down, swishing loosely against her shoulder, and her makeup is bright. She has her nose ring in, but she's not wearing the glasses. I slide into the passenger seat and bring my hands up to frame her face. Before crashing my lips into hers, which is what I desperately want to do, I stick my tongue out and wiggle my tongue bar around. It's the same thing I do to Bristol and Paige gives me almost the same response. She smiles, allowing a slight giggle to escape. Then she raises her eyebrows.

  "Are you trying to get this out of the way, so I don't bother you during work?"

  I put my tongue back in my mouth and move my face so close to Paige's that our lips are almost touching. "I take back what I said about my work ethic. You can maul me all day if you want."

  "Ah, see. I knew it wasn't my training technique."

  "Shut up and kiss me," I tease, pressing my lips to hers. As our tongues weave together, Paige's arms come up around my waist. My hands curve around her face, my fingers pushing up into her hair. "I like when you wear your hair down," I speak against her lips.

  "Thanks." We part and she reaches up to smooth down a few strands of hair. "I overslept so I didn't have time to do anything to it.

  "Having a good dream, were you?"

  "Wouldn't you like to know." She turns on the car, and pulls away from Callie's. When we get to the corner, she glances over at me. "Hey, I have something to ask you but I don't want you to freak out, okay?"

  I freeze, nervous. "Okay."

  "How do you feel about coming to my house for dinner this week? My mom really wants to meet you."

  Relief washes over me like a cool breeze on a hot day. "Sure. Let me just check my packed social cal
endar," I joke.

  "Really? You don't mind?"

  I shake my head. "Nope. I don't mind."

  Her hand finds my thigh and rests there. I stiffen, chills skittering up my leg and desire surfacing.

  "Thanks. It'll be fun."

  I'm not sure if it'll be fun or not, but if it means that she'll keep touching my leg I'll meet anyone she wants me to.

  The ride to work is a short one, but it's only Paige and I working this morning so I'll have her all to myself for hours anyway. After Paige unlocks the door to let us in, we both head to the back room to get on our aprons. Paige pulls hers down from the hook and then drapes it over her body. When she reaches her arms around her back, I hold my arm out.

  "Here. Let me get it."

  She bites her lip, and it's so damn cute.

  I shrug. "Just because I know how challenging it can be for you."

  "Sure." She grins before whirling around.

  Slowly, I gather the ties in my fingers, touching her waist on purpose in the process. She cranes her head to the side a little, exposing her neck. It makes me want to nibble on it. I marvel at how just a week ago I was nervous to touch her at all. Now I want to do so much more than just that. How did we get so comfortable in such a short amount of time? I tie the apron, cinching it around her middle. Then I slide my arms around her waist, lower my head and steal a kiss on the inside of her neck. She throws back one of her arms, snaking it behind my neck while turning her face to mine. Our lips collide, exploding like a firecracker.

  "Whoa. What have we here?" Jon's voice startles both of us and we jump back.

  Paige's gaze shifts around, a guilty expression cloaking her face. Jon eyes both of us suspiciously.

  "Wow, Paige, I never had you pegged as the coffee shop slut," Jon says.

  "Hey." I step forward, balling my hands into fists at my sides. "Don't you dare talk to her like that."'

  Paige grabs my arm. Jon lets out a bitter laugh. "So this is the kind of guy you want, huh?"

  "Jon," Paige says sternly.

  He throws up his hands in surrender. "No, it's fine. If this is the kind of guy that turns you on, go for it. Be my guest."

  I suck in a breath, willing myself to stay calm. If he keeps talking to her like this I will pop a fuse. And once that happens there'll be no stopping me.

  "What are you even doing here?" Paige places a slender hand on her hip. "You're not even on the schedule."

  "Dad sent me to check in." His gaze roves over me. "And it's a good thing he did too."

  "There's nothing in the handbook about dating an employee," Paige points out.

  "There's a handbook?" I ask. "I never saw one."

  Jon glares at me. "Why am I not surprised that you didn't read it. I still can't believe my dad hired you."

  I grit my teeth. Paige holds my arm steady. "That's enough, Jon."

  Jon stares at Paige a minute and then shakes his head. "Fine. I have to go anyway and you two need to open up the shop. I'll deal with this later."

  After he leaves, Paige turns to me. "Don't worry about him. Like I said before, he has no power here."

  I nod, but anxiety takes root in my stomach. Why had Bud sent him to check on us? Could it be that Bud finally did a background check on me? Does he know about my past? I seriously hope not. I'm not ready for this life I've started here to unravel.

  SEVENTEEN

  PAIGE

  "I don't like you working with him alone." Colt's voice floats through the phone.

  I bend over from where I sit on the edge of my bed, tying the laces on my shoes. "I'll be fine, Colt. I've been working with the guy for awhile. I know how to handle him."

  "He was just acting so strange the other morning."

  "He always acts strange." I huff, sitting up. Then I stand and head to my dresser to pick out my accessories. "But seriously, he's harmless. Jon couldn't beat up a fly. He's a total wimp." I snatch up a couple bracelets and circle them around my wrist.

  "Those are the ones to watch out for."

  "Oh, yeah." I put in my hoop earrings and assess my reflection. "Like on those news shows, it's always the nerdy guy next door who's the serial killer."

  "You're not helping, McAllistor." He groans in my ear.

  "I'll be fine, Colt. I promise."

  "No promises."

  "Sorry. No promises. But I will be okay."

  "Want me to come and sit in the shop? Keep an eye on you?"

  "Now who's the stalker?" I tease, placing the lenseless glasses on my face.

  "I'm being serious here."

  I sigh. "I know you are. But you have nothing to worry about. I'll tell you what. If anything happens, I'll call you."

  "I'll be waiting by the phone."

  "Sounds like a fun day you have planned," I tease. Then I remember. "Hey, you're still coming over tonight for dinner, right?"

  "Of course."

  "Good. See you then, Colt." I hang up, a smile lingering on my lips. His protectiveness of me causes me to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Opening my bedroom door, I step out into the hallway. Mom's snores slip under her door as I pass her room. My stomach tightens. So far it seems that she's handling chemo better this time, but I feel like I'm just waiting anxiously for that to change. Glancing down at the time on my phone, I realize I'm running late for work.

  Great. That'll piss Jon off even more.

  I hurry down the stairs, grab my purse from the floor in the entryway and then head outside. It's already warmer than I like as I run toward my car. I drive swiftly to work, grateful that it's too early for many cars to be out. When I take the turns a little too fast, I think about how Hadley would totally chastise me if she was here. As I pull into the coffee shop's parking lot, I find myself hoping that Mom and Dad like Colt more than Hadley does. She's just so suspicious of him. I truly hope my parents trust him. I like him a lot, and I want them to as well.

  Jon's car is already here, and I groan inwardly as I push open the glass door.

  "Look who decided to show up," Jon turns to me with a smirk.

  "Lighten up, Jon. I'm like two minutes late," I retort, stepping further inside. That's when I see him. The police officer standing next to where Jon is stocking the shelves. I gasp and step backward.

  "You okay?" Jon asks, his eyebrows leaping up.

  "Yeah. Just startled. I thought we were alone." My heartbeat bounces under my fingertips as I clutch my chest.

  "You wanted to be alone, huh, Paige?" The smile Jon gives me turns my stomach.

  I narrow my eyes.

  The police officer moves toward me, and that's when I recognize him as the same one who interrogated me the night of the robbery.

  "Officer James just came by to ask you a few more questions, Paige." Jon skirts around us. "I'll take care of the shop while you two talk."

  "Thanks," I mumble.

  "Have a seat." Officer James indicates a nearby chair.

  With trembling fingers, I pull it out and sink into it. I wipe my wet hands on the top of my jean short.

  "You seem a little jumpy today. Everything okay?" Officer James gives me a funny look.

  God, get it together Paige. You're acting like a criminal. Forcing a smile, I sit up straighter. "I'm fine. Just tired, you know. It's pretty early."

  "Do you normally work this shift? As I recall you were working the closing shift the night the shop was robbed."

  I swallow hard. "Yeah, that was the last closing shift I did. I'm a little scared to work at night now."

  "I don't blame you." Officer James smiles, pulling a little pad of paper out of his pocket. "I actually just wanted to ask you again about the boy you told us about. The one you said came in right before the robbery." His gaze connects with his pad of paper, and my pulse quickens. I knew he was going to ask me about this. My stomach knots. "You said his name is Colt."

  I find it difficult to draw breath. Out of the corner of my eye I see a flash of movement. When I crane my neck, Jon is behind the register staring at us.
I wonder if he heard what Officer James said. His expression is unreadable.

  "I was wondering if you ever figured out his last name. Or if you could give us his description."

  "Um..."I bite my lip. "You know what, I don't really remember. I mean, I don't think he had anything to do with this anyway. I was just paranoid that night, you know?"

  Officer James furrows his bushy brows. "At this point it's the only lead we have. A couple witnesses said they saw a young man leaving that night. We think it may be related. Can you just try to remember? Anything you can remember is helpful."

  Bile rises in my throat and I choke it down. "No. I'm sorry. I just don't remember anything more than what I already told you."

  "Okay. Well, if you do, here's my card." He thrusts a business card at me and I take it in my quivering fingers.

  I don't even look up when he leaves. Dizziness sweeps over me, and I'm scared to try to stand up on my shaky legs. What have I done?

  "What was that all about?" Jon's shadow casts over my shoulder, eerie and ominous.

  "Nothing," I mutter. "Nothing at all."

  EIGHTEEN

  COLT

  I'm not the type of guy that spends much time getting dressed. I pretty much wear the same thing every day. Torn jeans and a t-shirt. Preferably black. My shoes are black Converse or boots. If it's cold I wear my leather jacket. And sometimes I even wear it when it's not cold. My jacket is the only possession I have that holds any meaning to me.

  My dad and I have never been close at all. He's always just sort of been there, like background music in a movie. You know what I'm talking about, right? Like you always know it's there, but it's not the focal point. Well, that's my dad. But a few years ago, he surprised me. It was only one day, but it meant the world to me. He spent the entire day with me. He took me to lunch and then out shopping. The only thing he bought me was the black leather jacket.

  There have been times when I wondered if that day was a dream or just a figment of my imagination. But then I look at my jacket, and there it is - proof.