Can't Fight It - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,72
about a woman, and I’ll be damned if some crooked fucking cop is going to take her away from me.
“I love you too,” she says over a yawn.
I hold her until her breathing changes, and I know she’s asleep before I let myself drift off too.
It’s been four days since Hollis told me her story. Four days since I told her I was in love with her. Four days of restless nights as I analyze every angle and every option to keep her safe. I made a few calls to a few military connections, but there is mandatory training for them through this weekend. So, really all we can do is wait. I want to go to the local police, but this is Missouri, not California, and so far, there have been no real threats made. I’ve replayed the story over and over in my mind, and I don’t understand why they didn’t have someone watching the shelter. They obviously knew she slept there that night. Something is not adding up. Do they know where she is? Is he just trying to scare her to keep her away? Are they just biding their time? I have so many questions. I’ve been on high alert, making sure the alarm is set at night when we sleep, and all the doors and windows are secure. Not that I didn’t do that before, but I’m vigilant about double and triple-checking.
“You know, you don’t have to do this,” I tell Hollis as she puts on her coat.
“Do what? Spend the day with Milo, Gabby, and your mom? That’s not exactly a hardship, Colton.”
“I know, but you could come with me. Both of you.”
“Let’s see. Hang out at a sweaty gym all day or hang out with two women who are a joy to be around and this little guy.” She taps Milo on the nose with her index finger, and he grins, kicking his arms and legs where he sits on the kitchen table, all strapped into his car seat.
“I didn’t tell them, but we need to. It’s not fair to them to not know what’s going on.”
“Okay.” My face must show my shocked expression. She continues, “What? It’s nice to not have to keep it in, to have to hide it. Besides, I already told you if I have to leave to keep you all safe, I will. I agree that they need to know and to be alert. They need to be aware of their surroundings. I hate that I brought this to you and your family. It wouldn’t be fair of me to keep it from them at this point.”
My chest constricts at the thought of her leaving us. “We said no more leaving talk,” I remind her.
“We did.” She’s quick to agree. “You know my position.” She pretends to be zipping up her lips. “My lips are sealed on the topic from here on out, but I won’t stand by and let you all be in danger.”
“We’re already in this, Hollis. If they know where you are, they know who we are. We’re facing this together. There is no other option.” I give her a pointed look. “Right?”
She sighs. “Right. I hate this, Colt. I hate worrying all the time. I just want to… enjoy life with you and whatever that looks like.”
“That looks like forever.” I pull her into me and kiss her. Milo lets out a squeal. “I know, son, I know,” I tell him, making Hollis laugh. “Text me when you get to Mom’s.” I lean in for another kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I help her carry Milo out to her car and get his seat strapped in and watch them leave. Jogging back into the house, I grab my bag and lock up, heading to All Fit. I call Chase on the way.
“What’s up? Am I not going to see you in like ten minutes?” he asks.
“You are. Is Harrison coming in today too?”
“Yeah, we’re both here.”
“Good. I need to talk to both of you before we get started.”
“What’s going on?”
“I’ll explain when I get there.”
“Milo?” he asks.
“Is perfectly fine. He’s with Hollis heading to Mom and Dad’s.”
“All right, bro. I’ll see you when you get here.”
Eleven minutes later, I’m walking into the back door at All Fit. I head straight to the office that Harrison and Chase share. They both stare at me expectantly, waiting to hear what I have to say.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” I go on to tell