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“Not if you’re kidnapped or killed,” he retorts. “So I’m staying right here.”
Yesterday I would have been thrilled about this declaration. But today it only proves how different we are. I agree I shouldn’t have left. It was stupid, but I genuinely thought I was doing the right thing by Leah.
I don’t think he will ever trust me, case or no case, and I’m beginning to take it personally. “I don’t think so, Dad.”
I kick off my shoes, launching them across the room at him. He doesn’t even flinch as they sail past his face. “I told you to stay. You didn’t listen.” His tone is clipped and harsh.
I roll my eyes. “You said I could help with the case, and I was working on a lead. I cleared Leah’s name. You should be thanking me.”
“She wasn’t even a suspect! Time of death puts Justin dying before she even arrived.”
“Well, that was rude of you for keeping that information to yourself.”
He raises a single brow.
Okay. I get it.
I chew on my bottom lip. “So, uh, how much of my conversation with Leah did you hear?”
“Enough.”
“Well, she said she could see Justin from the front door. When I got there the door and the shower curtain were both closed. That means the killer was still there. Maybe we can—”
“You’re not a cop Amelia!” Caleb shouts. “You’re a hairdresser. Stick to what you know and think things through for once. I don’t need or want your help with this.” Of all the things he could have said to me, this one hurts the most. And I see the regret in his eyes the second the words leave his mouth because he knows it too. I believed I wasn’t too much for him, but I am.
“I didn’t—”
“Leave.” I cut him off.
He shakes his head, spreading his body out on the chair and taking up too much space in the room, and in my heart. “I’m staying.”
“Fine, then I’ll leave.” I turn to go but his next words stop me.
“I’ll follow you.”
I pinch my eyes closed. He’ll follow me because he has to. Not because he wants to. Because he may like kissing me, but he doesn’t want anything more. He’s not falling for me.
I’ve learned enough about myself in the last couple of weeks to know I deserve someone’s unconditional love. And I won’t settle until I find it because I finally know my worth. I’m happy with who I am.
Even as I think it, I know there are probably better options, but none are coming to mind right now. I need him out of here so I can break down in peace and this is my last option.
I reach for the hem of my shirt.
“What are you doing?” Caleb barks.
“Changing. Since I’m not allowed to go anywhere, I think I’ll go back to sleep and if you are determined to babysit me, you can stay and watch.” I lift the shirt halfway to prove I’m not kidding.
His shoulders slump, and he trudges to the door. “Fine. But I’m going to be in the hall. Don’t get any ideas.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, Agent Harris.” I lock the door behind him. Then I collapse onto the bed.
Chapter 42
Caleb
I’m. A. Jerk. I repeat the words to myself while banging my head against the wall outside Amelia’s room. I listened to her cry on the other side of this door for an hour. Every five minutes I got up to knock but sat myself back down like a toddler in trouble. Because I’ll only hurt her more.
I overreacted. Well, not at first. Conducting her own interrogation with a potential murderer by herself? What was she thinking?