One Southern Cowboy - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,42
even when he was trying to forget her. They were merely resuming their relationship rather than starting something new.
Knox nodded. “I’m sure Lemon was devastated, which is why she blocked it out.”
Jaxson balled his fist and put it to his mouth, his thoughts swirling like a tornado. “I don’t know what to do.” He looked to Daddy for an answer.
Knox’s head swung back and forth. “It’s a tough situation.”
Jaxson glanced towards the hallway, thinking that Lemon would emerge any minute. He didn’t want her to overhear them. “Do I tell her the truth, or let her remember it?”
“I don’t know, son,” Knox said morosely. “I really don’t.”
Jaxson’s phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his front pocket. “Hello?”
“This is Officer Williams.” Jaxson tightened his hold on the phone as he looked at Daddy. “Yes?” he asked carefully.
“A phone has been recovered in a hay field a quarter of a mile from where Lemon’s purse was found. We think it might be hers. It looks to be in working condition, but the battery is dead. We’re charging it now. Would you and Lemon like to come into the station? Maybe Lemon can help us determine if it is her phone.”
“We’ll be there soon. Thanks,” Jaxson clipped as he ended the call.
“What was that about?” Knox asked.
“A phone has been recovered. The police think it’s Lemon’s, but they won’t know for sure until they can charge it. They want Lemon to come in to see if she recognizes any of the numbers.”
Knox looked thoughtful. “If it is Lemon’s phone, then we could see what calls she received the day of the accident.”
“Yes, and we can also see if she was in close contact with Wesley Livingston.”
“Good morning,” Lemon chimed brightly as she traipsed over and sat down next to Jaxson. “Hello,” she said to Knox, a large smile wafting over her beautiful face.
“Hello,” Knox repeated.
Lemon turned to Jaxson, her gaze flickering over him in an assessment before turning to Knox. “Our guy’s doing much better this morning.”
“I’m glad to see it,” Knox said heartily.
For all her trauma the night before, Lemon looked remarkably rested. She smelled fresh. Her skin was glowing, her blonde tresses shimmering. She seemed to have a renewed sense of confidence about her. Jaxson’s heart twisted. How could he keep the news of her mother from her? And yet, how could he tell her? It might destroy her.
Jaxson placed a hand on her knee. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
Her expression tightened as she nodded.
His insides cringed, seeing the fear lurking beneath her chipper demeanor. “Last night, you mentioned a name.”
“Livingston,” she said flatly.
“Yes.” Jaxson glanced at Daddy who nodded for him to continue. “I believe I know the person you’re talking about.”
She blinked fast. “How?” she gurgled.
“I saw pictures of you online with Wesley Livingston. You were at a couple of charity events together.” Lemon’s expression remained blankly frigid as he continued. “Does the name mean anything to you?”
She clasped her hands in her lap. “No.”
“You should get your laptop out and show her a picture of Wesley,” Knox suggested.
Jaxson searched her face. “Are you ready for that?”
She gnawed on her lower lip. A second later she straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin. “Yes, I am. I can’t keep running from this. Also, I want to go and visit my childhood home.”
Jaxson’s eyes widened. “Really?” Her determination was admirable, but he couldn’t help but question if she was rushing things. Then again, she didn’t know about her mother or the phone.
“If you don’t feel up to taking me, I’ll just borrow your truck. That is, if you don’t mind,” she added.
“I can go with you. I’ll just need you to drive.” No way was Jaxson going to let her go through her turmoil alone. Visiting her home was a huge step. He got the gut feeling that things were escalating. He was grateful that he and Lemon had bonded the night before. He’d stayed with her until she fell asleep, as he promised, then went to his own bed. Seeing her sleeping peacefully, her hair spread like gold over the pillow, tugged at his heartstrings. He was coming to realize that he’d never actually stopped loving Lemon. He only hoped their growing bond would be strong enough to carry them through whatever events lay ahead. Would Lemon resent him for not telling her about her mother’s death? What was the situation between Wesley and Lemon? Was she afraid of him? He’d protect Lemon, tooth and nail,