True Feelings
Natalie waitedfor Colt in the police headquarters lobby. He came out, shirt ragged across the front and a bandage across his chest.
“I’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head. “I ran over as fast as I could.”
“How did you know he was there?”
“The chocolate shop across the street,” Colt said. “I used it as an observation deck. Almost perfect visibility to your window. As soon as I saw him come into view I ran over to your place. When I heard you scream I kicked the door open.”
“He had a knife,” Natalie said. “He tried to stab my dog.”
“He threatened you with it too. We’re pressing charges.”
Natalie nodded. “That will teach him not mess with my dog.”
“That will teach him not to mess with my girl.”
“Your girl?”
“With your permission, I’d like to call you that,” Colt said, his eyes looking at her with anticipation.
Natalie’s heart fluttered. She knew this would happen if she saw him. That he would be the one to change her mind about moving away. “I . . . I’m . . .” She paused for a moment, then, sighed and smiled at him. “Permission granted.”
“Phew. That was probably the most nerve-wracking few seconds of my life.”
Natalie laughed. Colt had a way of saying just the right thing to put her at ease in an otherwise worrisome situation. “So, are you free to go?”
“Yeah,” Colt replied. “Rusty’s ex-SWAT; they know him around here. Everything’s straightened out.”
“I’m glad you’re okay. You are okay, right?”
“What, this?” He patted the bandage on his chest. “It’s just a scratch. How are you holding up? Did he hurt you?”
Natalie shook her head. “Not really. You didn’t give him the chance.”
“And I’ll make sure no one ever gets the chance.”
“I’m just glad it’s finally over,” Natalie said. She swayed on her feet.
“Wanna get out of here,” Colt asked.
“Absolutely.”
As they walked out of the police station, Colt put his hand on Natalie’s shoulder and looked her in the eye. “I’ve never felt this way about any girl before. I’ve been in love with you since the day I gave you that foot rub. I think we have something special, something real.”
Natalie tilted her mouth up to his. “You do?”
Colt nodded. “Do you?”
Natalie rose on her tiptoes and kissed him.
He brushed her hair behind her ear. “Is that a yes?”
Natalie smiled. “Yes! I was scared, at first. I thought I was the only one falling in love. I didn’t think you . . . ”
“Could fall for someone so quickly?” Colt asked.
Natalie bit her lip. “Something like that.”
