Colton took Zach to the guest room, then showed him the hall bath. “The towels are in the closet here, and there’s shampoo and soap in the shower. You’ll sleep better when you’re clean.”
“Yeah. Thanks—I mean, really.” Zach appeared on the brink of a breakdown. “Everyone’s been so decent to me. I don’t know what to say.”
He grinned at Zach, a gentleness filling him. He opened his arms, offering the sweet man a hug. Zach burrowed in and clung to him, breathing deep against his shoulder.
“Thanks again,” he whispered. “For real.”
Colton would’ve offered to wait, but he figured Zach was probably exhausted and he could use a beer. He’d had a long day too. “You’re welcome. Get some sleep and we’ll go from there. If you need anything, call or text. You have my number.”
“I’ll text after the shower, maybe,” he said. “I’m… I need some time to think. You know?”
Yeah, no shit. Zach wasn’t the only one either. “That’s part of sitting, sleeping, and going from there. Just don’t overthink things. Most times, it seems worse when you’re alone.”
“I’ll text you when I’m done,” Zach said. “To let you know I’m okay.”
He gave Zach another squeeze. “Good deal.”
“You’re my hero, Colton.”
“I’m just one of the good guys. Trust me. I just want you to be safe.” Colton turned around and headed for his truck. He needed a beer and time to sit and think. Alone. He’d probably overthink things too. Exactly what he told Zach not to do. But Colton needed to figure out how being a hero made him feel like a dick.
