Page 30 of Jameson’s Salvation

Jameson’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to see Weston had texted that he’d cleared Kennedy’s house and she could go home to check if anything had been taken.

“What have you seen?”

Jameson hated that she’d asked.

“Enough to fill me with hate.”

“Right,” she mumbled. “Full disclosure and honesty from those around you but you get to keep your secrets bottled up.”

“What I’ve done and seen isn’t dinner conversation, Kennedy.”

“Good thing we aren’t eating dinner then.”

She had a smartass comeback for everything and it was annoying as hell.

“I didn’t ask you to come down here and talk to me. You followed me. You apologized, and I’m sorry I lost my temper. We can simply be done now and walk away. If we see each other walking down the street, no hard feelings, we can wave and say hello. And while I’m the type of person who gives second chances, I don’t give thirds, so please don’t ever try to feed me your bullshit again.”

Why did the thought of them going their separate ways make Jameson’s gut tighten? He’d gone a full week without speaking to her and it’d been torture. He’d actually gotten into his truck twice to drive over to see her and had to force himself to go back into the house.

What was it about Kennedy Lane that drove him to the brink? He’d never met a woman who’d called him on his shit, and there’d certainly never been one who’d accused him of being scared.

“Come on, I’ll take you back to your house.”

“Sure,” Kennedy whispered her sad response.

He knew it wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but he wasn’t sure he could tell her about his life, or if he even should. She’d been right yet again, nothing would change. He still couldn’t have her. Not for the long haul. And sex with Kennedy was out of the question, he knew that would be the biggest mistake he could ever make. He wouldn’t call for seconds, he’s simply keep calling until she stopped answering.

* * *

Jameson had spent two hours with Kennedy at her house as she walked through it, checking to see if anything had been taken. Weston continued to comb the outside for anything that the suspect had left behind. Even though they had the guy on video, Weston had wanted more.

When Kennedy declared nothing had been taken, she called Jonny Spenser to report the break-in and Weston had left to go back to the office to email a copy of the recording to the sheriff’s office.

Jonny had come out to take a report and was frustrated when he found out the guy had worn gloves. He’d taken Kennedy’s statement, told her to keep her doors locked, and left.

Holden had called and said there was nothing going on at Kennedy’s mom’s house, but he was staying for a while longer just to be safe.

After Jameson had ascertained that Kennedy would be all right by herself for a bit, he left.

Now he was on his way back to her house and he knew by the way she’d said goodbye to him, she didn’t think he was coming back.

The second his truck pulled to a stop, he saw the curtain in her living room pull back and he knew she was freaked out and probably standing guard.

He grabbed the bag on the seat next to him, made his way to her front door. She opened immediately, a wary look on her face.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, babe, sorry I scared you.” Jameson held out the bottle.

“What’s that?”

“That’s for after I’m done.”

After she took his offering, he went back to his truck and opened the tailgate. The water heater was going to be a bitch to carry by himself but he didn’t think she had a dolly and he hadn’t stopped by the farm to pick one up. He could’ve called Weston for help, but he didn’t want the intrusion.

“What are you doing?” Kennedy asked, standing behind him.

“Replacing your water heater.”