Page 107 of Colt

Starting the car, I checked my mirrors and carefully pulled out of my spot toward Monument Street, which was just the next street over. Within three minutes, I’d driven around the back of the gallery and parked in a spot that wasn’t visible from the road.

I got out of the car, grabbed my overnight bag, and made my way up the metal stairs to the first-floor apartment. Unlocking the door, I turned on the light, looked around, and beamed a smile.

The tiny apartment was cozy and welcoming. The walls had been painted a soft off-white, and Cara had accessorized the place with dark mulberry-colored cushions, rugs, and throws.

The space wasn’t big, about twenty square meters in all, but Cara had made the most of the room. A bed had been pushed into one corner with a nightstand facing a modern TV attached to the wall. The opposite side contained a small kitchenette with a hob, fridge, and cupboards on the wall. An open door revealed a small bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.

My fingers tremored, and my stomach fizzed. I settled down on the bed and pulled my underwear from the bag along with my Chanel spray.

Time to get ready. Colt would be here soon.

Two Hours Later

I held my cell phone to my ear and waited.

An automated voice came on saying ‘the person you are trying to reach is not available. Please try later.’

My throat heated, and my mind began to war with itself.

It’s still early yet. Colt went out on a job earlier. Give him a chance.

But why is his cell phone switched off?

He’s probably in with Dad and the officers debriefing.

But they went out hours ago.

My eyes swept down my body, noting how good the red lacy bra and panties looked against my olive skin. I’d gone to a lot of effort, but Colt wasn’t here to see it, even though he told me he’d be here by now.

A cold feeling slid through my chest, and my lungs tightened.

That feeling of impending doom was back, and stronger than ever.

I lay back on the bed for a moment, staring at my phone in my hand, trying to control my rising discomfort. It had started to rain outside a while ago, and I wondered if it had somehow held him up. Excuses floated through my head, but underneath, I couldn’t shake the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Taking a deep breath, I tried calling Colt once more, but again, my call went straight to voicemail.

Hot fury began to bubble up inside me.

Was he playing me for a fool?

My lips pursed. Stabbing at my cell phone again, I held it to my ear and waited.

“Hey, babe,” my best friend breathed. “How’s things back in cowboy country?”

Hearing her voice made my eyes well up with tears because it brought home how much I missed her. “Hey Abs.”

She paused briefly before crying out, “What the fuck’s going on? Why are you calling me crying down the fucking phone?”

“Everything’s been going wrong since I’ve been home,” I whispered. “I wish I was back there with you. I miss you so much. Hearing your voice set me off.”

“I miss you too,” she replied firmly. “But you’ve not even been home a week yet. What the fuck’s upset you already?”

“It’s Colt,” I admitted. “I’m feeling neglected.”

She huffed down the line. “He seemed fine when you both left. What fuckery has he managed to pile on you now?”

“I’ve hardly seen him,” I explained. “Eventually, we agreed to meet somewhere tonight and he’s late. I’m laying here in red lacy lingerie, waiting on a man who I’m worried won’t show. I wanted to speak to him about a few things and try to get close again, but he’s not here yet and his cell’s turned off.”

---