Free Cheyenne by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page B

myself if anything ever happened to you. When you told me you were leaving town, I wanted to tell you to stay. I didn’t want to let you out of my sight. When Gene and Alexis died, you came to me to find comfort.” His hands hovered at my sides, not touching me, but longing to.
    “ I’ve wanted to give you so much more than just comfort. I’ve wanted to give you my love, my heart, my soul. I’ve been waiting to tell you this; I wanted to tell you this in the kitchen the night before you left. Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you this way.”
    I kept quiet, mulling over his confession. So I hadn’t been wrong that night in the kitchen. That protective look in his eyes, those emotions he pushed back…he loved me! What was I supposed to think? Was this just another act, an attempt to pull me back into his world?
    I stood immobile for a long time. Just a half step back and I would be pressed up against him, just a half a step and his tender embrace would provide the security I wanted—needed.
    I wouldn’t let myself do it. I drove back all emotion and continued to stare out the window. Now I was grateful for the breeze. It cooled my flushed skin.
    Colt was still standing behind me, waiting. Slowly I turned, keeping my gaze locked on the floor as I walked past. His arm stretched out to grasp me, but didn’t.
    It was dark outside as I crawled onto the bed and sank into the mattress. I curled up into a ball on my side and closed my eyes. The bed sagged as Colt sat down. I knew he wouldn’t leave me. He didn’t touch me; didn’t say a single word. He just sat there, my protector. My lids grew heavy, and my head began to ache again. Exhaustion overcame me, and I quickly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
     
    My lids fluttered open. It was still dark. A big yawn escaped me, and I stretched. I had slept fairly well, but was still groggy. I glanced around the room. Dawn was just beginning to break . Shades of red and orange kissed the wooden floor. Twisting, I winced. My right arm was achy.
    I carefully righted myself, only to hear Colt’s deep breathing. He had slept next to me on top of the comforter. I turned to see his face, which was hidden in the shadows. It was peaceful.
    I sighed. Despite everything I’d learned the day before, I still liked it when he was near. He always made me feel good about myself…but was any of it real? I remembered his words last night. He said he loved me, and wanted to be with me. Could I truly believe that?
    But then there was the bigger issue. Callon told me I wasn’t allowed to leave, and I needed to get into the safety deposit box. I was now sure that whatever lay in wait was exclusively for me. If I were a secret Mom and Dad were protecting, then surely whatever was in there would at least throw some light on the subject.
    I bit my lip, as more hurdles began to appear. How was I going to get into town? I couldn’t just tell my guards about the key and box, although Colt might already know what the key was for. They hadn’t been completely truthful with me, so why should I be with them? If they wanted me to trust them, they’d have to earn it.
    I slid out of bed quietly, being sure I didn’t disturb Colt. The last location for the key was in the great room on the table. Glancing to my right stood the nightstand…along with my medications and the key. I swiped the key off the table.
    I grabbed a medicine bottle and remembered I’d woken and taken some, but I didn’t recall the key on the table. At least t hat would explain why I felt so tired and heavy yesterday, all this medicine they’d been pumping through me was surely taking its toll. I slid the bottle back onto the nightstand.
    Next I went in search of my bag. I pulled out some clothes and shoes and silently crept to the bathroom. I changed into something comfortable, something I could run or hike in. I had no intention of staying. They said I couldn’t leave. Ha! They had no idea what I was capable of,