Page 34 of Colt

Who the fuck do you think you are? she’d ask.

You’re the one who brought up handcuffs in the first place, I’d reply. You’d best listen to what I say, yeah?

In the terrible fucking dream I had last night, she did listen.

She listened very well when I told her to lie back and spread her legs.

I woke up sweating. Leaking everywhere. Which just pissed me off even more, because I had to change the sheets.

I hate this woman. I’ve known her for all of a week and some change, and suddenly I’m having dreams about her?

Fuck her for life, seriously.

“Okay.” Straightening, I reach for the doorknob. “Thanks. And speaking of Lainey, I appreciate you keeping her occupied.”

“She’s a fuckin’ delight.”

“I beg to differ.”

“You can’t stand her because you like her.”

“This isn’t middle school, Beck.”

Beck shrugs. “Middle school sucked, but this doesn’t have to. Just sayin’, I like her for you.”

Scoffing, I start to close the door. “I love you, but please leave.”

“She’s smart.”

“Bye.”

“And cute.”

“Goddamn it⁠—”

“And she’s different. In a good way.”

I hang my head. “Stop.”

“Never.”

“She’s a pain in my ass.” I lift my head. “She’s an employee. She’s also young. Too young. Not to mention that I’m not⁠—”

“Right.” His smirk is back. “You’re not at all interested. Got it.”

“What kind of message would that send Dean, huh? Me…doing whatever with Lainey? Not like I ever would because she sucks, but…”

“I think it sends the message that you like women who are real and fierce.”

Women who aren’t like Abby.

Because while Abby was many things, real wasn’t one of them.

“It also shows him there’s life after death,” Beck adds softly.

I’m beat. Sighing, I give him a wave. “See you tomorrow.”

“Night, Colt. Love ya.”