Page 110 of The Locksmith's Promise

Don’t jump to conclusions.

I tried, God help me, I tried, but the fear of being left again devoured me.

I shivered in the cold, unable to move or look away.

Baxter rose to his feet and paced back and forth, running a rough hand through the hair I’d gripped only a few hours before.

I watched as he pulled out his cell phone.

Jerked when mine rang in my pocket.

I pulled it out. Seeing his name on the screen, I tugged my glove off and answered it. “Hey.”

“Maggie,” he began, his voice hurried. “I’ve got a few things to do today. I might not be able to see you until later.”

“What are you doing?”

He dropped to his haunches then sprang back up and resumed pacing.

“I’ve got to see Miller about a few things. Can I call you later when I’m done?”

“Sure,” I rasped.

“Thanks,” he blurted and pulled the phone away from his ear before slapping it back up. “Maggie, I love you.”

“I love you, too,” I whispered.

He stabbed his screen with his finger and shoved it back into his pocket.

Hands braced on his hips, he turned his head away from Jenny.

I could see his shoulders heaving from where I stood.

Then, hands gripping his hair, he curled down onto his haunches and roared, “Fuck!”

26

Bury Him

Baxter

Leaving her had never been more difficult.

I brushed her hair back from her face, watching in wonder as her eyelids fluttered.

“Maggie,” I whispered. “I’ll be back soon, okay?”

“Where are you going?” she murmured sleepily.

“I have to take care of a few things at the house I’m working on, but I’ll come home as soon as I can.”

Leaning over, I pressed my lips to her forehead.

Home.

Home was wherever she was.

The contrast between her warm bed and the icy, morning air meant I couldn’t wait to get back to her.

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