Page 123 of Always Love You More

They both seem satisfied with my answer and start moving around the room, pulling on their shoes and collecting their things. Jameson drags the blue duffle bag out from underneath the bed.

“Can I get another one of those pills?” I ask, twisting my ring nervously. “Just in case I need it today.”

He watches me for a minute, like he’s unsure, before he unzips the duffle and sorts through it, pulling out a small baggie. Taking a step forward, he drops a little blue pill into my open palm.

I pocket it, and he swings the duffle over his shoulder then asks, “Door or window?”

“They already know you’re here,” I answer. “Unless you don’t want to deal with running into them.”

“It’s up to you, baby. I have no problem going down there.”

I don’t tell him that I’m scared to go downstairs alone. I have no idea what I’m going to be met with, but the idea that Billy and Jameson will be with me when I find out calms my nerves.

“Okay,” I say. “Then the door.”

We move out into the hall, Jameson right at my back and Billy following behind him. I strain to listen for any noise, but all I hear is the sound of the TV drifting up the stairs.

I peer over the railing and see Carson sitting on the couch. I then look over to our father’s favorite recliner and find it empty.

I thought he would be home by now. He usually turns up by morning.

We descend the stairs, and Carson moves his gaze over us. I wait for him to start questioning me, but he just drags his attention back to the TV.

As I walk farther into the room, I notice how exhausted he appears. His eyes look heavy, hollow even, and I wonder if he slept at all last night.

I think about asking if he’s all right, but I don’t want to possibly start something with him, especially when he seems to be leaving me alone. Instead, I quietly lead us through the living room and out to Jameson’s car.

Billy comes up in front of me and pulls me into a hug. “Hang in there,” he mutters before rounding the car and dropping into the passenger seat.

Jameson starts for his door, but before getting in, he turns to face me. We don’t say anything, just watch each other for a moment. I step forward until I’m just inches from him, and he leans down, taking my face in his hands and brings his lips to mine.

The kiss is short, but the meaning in it’s clear. It tastes like the three words we haven’t said to each other yet.

He moves back, and I move forward. Stepping up onto my toes, I take his face in my hands and silently tell him those three words back as I press my lips against his.

Chapter 29

Jameson

Thewholeridehome,I prepare myself for what I’m about to walk into.

My imagination is far better than reality.

I push open the front door and am immediately met with the sounds of my mother yelling,pleadingactually. It sounds like she’s being held hostage.

I quickly cut a glance at Billy, who looks just as concerned as me.

Luke’s truck is in the driveway, but maybe someone got to him? A million scenarios play through my head.

Has word about my old man already gotten out?

Did he have someone after him that I don’t know about?

Have they come to collect when they think we’re weak?

My steps move faster as I quickly pull my gun from the duffle bag, keeping it tucked at my side.

I stop short in the kitchen, taking in the scene. The floor is covered with broken dishes, chairs tipped over, the space utterly destroyed. My mother is in a chair, with her arms tied behind her with a dish towel, her back to me.