Page 57 of Chasing Wildflowers
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 thatslips 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.
Twenty-four
Lane
Kam’s head bops along to aBritney Spearssong playing from the radio as we drive through town. “Did you talk to Jameson last night?”
I didn’t remember untilafterJameson left that my car was still sitting in the parking lot at work. Kam was more than happy to give me a ride, mostly so she can conduct her daily inquisition into my love life.
A smile spreads across my face as I look out the window, my eyes catching on the trees that are just starting to turn from vibrant greens to yellows and oranges. “Yes. And as usual, you were right. He was waiting for me to bring it up.”
She glances over, her head tilting.
