Page 63 of One Little Kiss

“Well, I think it’s time we get movin’ along,” GG says, standing. “Let these kids get some rest.”

Slowly, people leave. Ash is the last to go.

“I’m sorry about today,” he grunts with a grainy texture to his voice that sounds painful. “I’m installing more security tomorrow. It won’t happen again.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Ash,” Colton lectures. “Macomb is after me, and I’m willing to bet he’s behind this, too. It’s time, Ash. Whatever you’re waiting for with him? Is it more important than your family?”

Ashton grumbles words I can’t make out and leans into Colton for a hug. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you,” Colt says, hugging him back so tightly it feels more like wrestling, and I almost laugh.

“You’ll need to get Tilly out here soon, though. One of the assholes was live streaming everything. The entire world is going to know about them by morning.” Ashton’s words have my chest squeezing tight.

“Fu—” Colton growls but stops when Wes wiggles on his chest.

“There will be a lot of interest in you for a bit, Winnie. But we’ll always protect you.” When Ash bends down to hug me, his whispered words sit heavy on my heart. “Colt is a good man, Winnie. You can trust him, and us.”

It’s like every Westbrook within a ten-mile radius knows my kryptonite. The one thing that could destroy me, and they’re all asking me to hand it over to the man before me. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why it’s a bad idea anymore, though.

We’re silent as Ashton lets himself out, and I clasp my shaking hands in my lap. “What does he mean there will be an interest in me?” My words are stilted and much higher than my regular tone. It scares me that I’m not in control here, and my body betrays me.

Colton pulls me farther into his side so my face rests on his chest. With a free hand, he slowly smooths my hair down my back. “Our family will always draw attention, Win. It comes with the territory of having a bank account like ours. But there’s also someone determined to hurt us, and he assumes I’m the weak link, so he’s coming after me. You’ve been drawn into that now. The public doesn’t care if what they print in the gossip magazines is true. They’re looking for clickbait. They live for it. They never once stop to think about how damaging those stories can be. The reason I’m even here right now is because someone came after me, drugged me, and posted false stories anywhere they could. Now, they’re going to print that I have a love child or some other bullshit. That will make people crazy to find out who has tamed the playboy.”

I lift my gaze to find Colton watching me. His barely controlled rage at the situation vanishes when he sees my expression. “We will protect you, Winnie. I’ll protect you both, no matter the cost.”

* * *

The Town Cryer

GG: Colton Westbrook has found happiness with the lovely Wendalyn Darling.

GG: I’m sure a wedding will follow soon enough.

Betty-Anne: They look smitten.

Lexi: GG! WTH?!?! There must be a family code of conduct or something!

GG: Quit your belly-achin.

GG: The public needs to know.

Easton: GG. (hand to forehead emoji)

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CHAPTER20

COLTON

“Are you sure you’ll be okay with him?” Winnie asks, worrying that damn wrist again. I’m tempted to buy her some sort of bracelet just so she won’t rub the skin raw, but I’m afraid it would make it worse. I’ll need to ask Rylan about it.

“CC,” I coo, “I’ve been watching East’s twins for a while now. If I can handle two at the same time, I can handle Wes. Plus, his son, Julian, is slightly insane. I’ve got this, I promise.”

She nods frantically with a frown forming a small V between her eyes.

Stepping closer, I bend my knees to make sure she sees me. “I promise you, he’s in good hands.”

It’s the first time she’s leaving Weston with me, and I can tell it’s hard on her. Ever since the assholes cornered her and Wes outside of our house, she seems to have put a little more trust in me, but it’s still a work in progress.