3. Pecker
Chapter 3
Pecker
Driving around town, I smile at the old woman crossing the street and the kids playing in the yard in front of the elementary school. I love this town. It reminds me so much of Tuft Swallow, yet there aren’t groups of old people pretending to look at birds, while they’re actually spying on the residents.
Maple Springs is the correct amount of nosey without crossing boundaries. I came here for Sydney, but I think I might stay here for a while.
I have two more hours of my shift, then I need to change before I head over to Colt’s house. I’m sort of surprised he invited me over for dinner. It’s not that I don’t think Colt’s nice enough to do that, but I’ve worked here for three months and he’s never invited me to do anything.
I really like Colt. He’s a great guy and a really calm boss. He doesn’t get upset if I call him and ask for his help at a job. He shows up with a smile on his face, ready to assist however I need him to. I’m sure he’s going to be someone I enjoy working for as long as I'm in Maple Springs.
I spend the rest of my shift stopping by various businesses in town. Colt told me we’re to keep our eyes peeled for a man who might be in town. I have his physical description, but not much else. All I know is he abused a woman who lives here and we need to protect her. I haven’t been told who the woman is or anything else.
Though I’d love to have more information about this guy and what he’s done, Colt is keeping it close to his chest and I need to respect that. It’s probably someone important to him. I trust him and I'm going to do as he asks. The important thing is keeping this woman safe.
“Hey, Colt. Thanks for inviting me.” I shake Colt’s hand and step into his living room.
My gaze shifts to the other people in the room and I freeze. Standing next to Leslie is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her long chocolate brown hair is hanging in loose curls. Her bright blue eyes are shining with mischief and excitement. But it’s her smile that’s really captured my attention. It’s big and bright, making a smile spread across my own lips.
“Sophia, this is Pecker, one of my deputies. Pecker, this is Leslie’s cousin, Sophia.” Colt motions between the two of us.
I hurry to close the distance between us and trip over my own two feet. I right myself and try to act like a man and not a middle school boy begging for a girl’s attention.
I clear my throat and take her small hand in mine. Her skin is so soft and warm. I don’t want to let go, I just keep shaking it.
“That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
“And Pecker? Is that a nickname because of…” she lets her words trail off and drops her attention to my crotch.
My eyes widen and my mouth falls open as I search for something to say. Anything to keep her attention on me.
“It’s his last name,” Colt groans. “How old are you? Do I need to worry about jailbait?”
“Oh, stop it!” Leslie giggles from next to him. “She’s twenty. No one is going to jail.”
“That’s good to know.” I grin, doing the mental math.
I’m three years older than her. Not enough to make a huge difference, but it’s a big enough age gap to hopefully get her interested. Women love older men, right?
“Are you that sure you can convince me to give you a shot? You did just trip over yourself trying to shake my hand, Pecker .” Sophia arches a brow, teasing me.
I swallow hard and try to find the right thing to say, but I'm stuck on her calling me Pecker. Somehow it doesn’t feel right.
“Brad. Uh, my first name is Brad, but everyone calls me Peck or Pecker.” I drop my gaze as I grip the back of my neck and peer at her through my lashes. I'm so uncomfortable around her. I swear there’s something wrong with me.
“Sophia, come help me in the kitchen and leave Pecker alone.” Leslie practically drags Sophia out of the room. As she goes, her attention never leaves me. Her smile grows impossibly bigger and it makes me want to chase after her.
“She’s…”
“A handful? Going to be the death of me? Give this town something to talk about?” Colt fires off a few choices on how to finish my sentence, but they’re all wrong. I shake my head. It’s taking everything in me to stay in this spot. I want to follow her. I want to ask her a million questions and get to know her better. I just want to be with her.
“Nah, she’s beautiful.”
“You keep saying that.” Colt chuckles as he takes a seat on the couch. “You know, if you want her attention, you can't keep tripping all over yourself.”
“I know,” I groan. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m never nervous around women.”
“Pretend she’s someone else.” Colt shrugs. “And if that doesn’t work, show up in your uniform next time. That always has women melting into your arms.” He smirks.