Chapter Twenty-Three
Twenty-three
Jameson
Like a Stone by Audioslave plays from the speakers, the smooth mellow rock filling the cab of my Bronco. I’m sitting outside of The Broken Bottle, the sky painted bright oranges and pinks from the setting sun.
Guilt sits heavy in my chest as I stare at the door, waiting for Lane to walk out. Lying to her is becoming harder and harder every day. I’m planning a future with her that I’m not sure I can promise.
I’ve tried to tell her but the words get caught in my throat, fear taking over. A fear I’ve never felt before. Losing Lane would destroy me, leaving me a shell of a man.
While I’ve been playing house with Lane, Miles has been working on a program that he says “will pin the asshole down”. The only problem? We need the client to call for it to work. Which he hasn’t.
The fact that he hasn’t checked in with me, demanding my progress, makes my skin itch. Why hasn’t he called?
Impatience wins out, and I call Miles.
“I told you, I’d call when I’m finished. You calling me won’t make that happen any faster,” he says flatly, without saying hello.
This isn’t the first time I’ve called in the past few days and his annoyance is clear.
“I keep getting this feeling like we are running out of time,” I mutter, my eyes snagging on the door as it swings open. A few regulars I’ve come to recognize step out, their laughter spilling into the cool night air.
“I think it’s time we call him.”
I don’t have to ask who the him is. My jaw clenches. “No fucking way. I’m not dragging him into our shit.”
He blows out an exasperated breath. “I’m close, but we can’t even use the program until he calls, which could be anywhere between now and three months from now.
If you want him found faster, make that call; otherwise, I have other cases and a program to write.
Don’t call me, I'll call you.” He hangs up before I can pester him further.
Asshole.
He’s right, though, we still have time. He hasn’t called because he gave us a time limit, and we are still well within it.
I don’t need to call him.
Twenty minutes later, Lane steps out of the bar, locking the door behind her.
Something tightens low in my gut as I watch her.
She’s in a loose-fitting t-shirt that slips off one shoulder, and tight black leggings that hug her legs.
Her hair hangs loose down her back, catching the pale yellow glow from the light above the door.
She turns and heads to her car but pauses, her head tipping slightly as if she can feel my eyes on her. A smile tugs at her mouth when her gaze meets mine, and seconds later she crosses the street. The passenger door gives a soft groan as she pulls it open and climbs in.
“I thought we were meeting at my house?” she asks, pulling the door closed with a sharp click.
I lean across the seat and kiss her, letting my lips linger. “I missed you.”
Lane’s already bright smile spreads wider, and she intertwines her fingers with mine, sinking back into her seat. “Take me home, boyfriend.”
My eyes slowly crack open and I pull Lane closer, breathing in the flowery scent of her shampoo. I’ve become addicted to waking up next to her.
I prop myself up on my elbow, trailing my eyes over her face as she sleeps. Her breathing is soft, her lips tipping up in a small smile. My heart squeezes and I swear an oath to whoever is listening that I will burn this world to the ground before I let anyone take away her happiness.
My phone vibrates on the bedside table. I reach behind me and grab it. The words blur and my stomach sinks, my heart lodges itself in my throat.
Unknown
You’ve been lying to me.
Fuck.
I sit up fully, causing Lane to stir beside me, a sleepy “good morning” spilling from her lips.
I say nothing, a thousand questions running through my head.
What the fuck are we going to do?
How much does he know?
Does he know where Lane is?
Lane sits up, placing a gentle hand on my arm, worry bleeding into her words. “Jameson, is everything alright?”
I place my phone face down on the stand, taking a second to compose myself.
“Everything's fine, Wildflower. I forgot to check something at the last job site I was at. I know we planned on going out for breakfast, but it needs to be done by noon.” I hate how the lie tastes on my tongue, but I swear after today it’s the last one I will ever tell her.
She smiles, completely unaware that her life is about to be turned upside down. “That’s okay, I’ll let you come over after my shift tonight, and we can have breakfast then.”
I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear, my thumb grazing her cheek. “Sounds like a plan, Wildflower.” I kiss her, lingering a moment, afraid it will be the last kiss she will ever grant me.
Only once I’m in my truck do I allow the panic to take over. Pulling out my phone, I send Miles a text.
Jameson
He knows I’m lying to him. Book a flight here. NOW.
I fucking knew our time was running out.