Midnight Exposure (Midnight #1)(87)
Though Scott was unconscious, Jayne lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m so sorry, Reed. I should’ve told you that I worked for the Scoop. My editor got a lead that R. S. Morgan lived at your address and sent me to check it out. But I didn’t confirm it. I didn’t send any shots of you. The paper is running a piece on the kidnappings, though, just like all the rest. Your identity will come out. I don’t see how you can escape it.” Apparently, the only thing that paid better than celebrity humiliation was murder. The ritual Celtic angle of the killing was the cherry on her editor’s sundae. “They’re paying me for an interview, then I’m done with them. Back to travel mags. Money isn’t worth selling my soul. My brothers and I have been broke before. We’ll manage.”
Reed’s eyes softened. “I can’t hide anymore.”
A tear blurred Jayne’s vision. “I know. I feel like that’s all my fault. If I hadn’t come here to expose you…”
Reed reached across the bed. His fingers beckoned. Jayne set her palm in his. Her heart swelled as his hand closed around hers. “It wouldn’t have changed anything. Aaron would’ve kidnapped someone else. Maybe someone less resilient. You foiled his plan by fighting back and escaping. If you hadn’t come here, he might’ve gotten away with multiple counts of murder. Who knows where it would’ve ended.” His voice cracked. “Without you, Scott might not be here.”
Jayne couldn’t believe her ears. Had he really forgiven her? “Your life isn’t going to be nice and quiet the way you like it.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m done with hiding. R. S. Morgan is coming clean.” Reed tugged her closer. “What would you say if I put my house up for sale? I’ve been thinking of moving south, like maybe to Philadelphia.”
Joy bounded through Jayne’s heart.
“I love you, Jayne Sullivan.”
“I love you too.”
“I don’t want to live eight hundred miles away from you.”
“Me either.” Sheesh. She was a blubbering idiot. “But the pictures.”
“I don’t give a shit about the pictures. All I care about is you and Scott. My son almost died tonight. You risked your life to help me save him. Without you, I’d have nothing left worth living for. I owe you everything. And I know you. You couldn’t have gone through with selling me out.” Wincing, Reed leaned forward and kissed her.
Jayne pushed him back onto the bed. “You’ll tear your stitches.” Reed settled back on the pillow. “I assumed the town would ask you to be chief.”
“They did. I turned them down.” Reed tugged at her hand. “I don’t belong here, Jayne. The town council will have to deal with Doug or find someone else for the job. Besides, I want you and Scott far away from Huntsville as quickly as possible.”
“Really?”
“Really. I can sculpt anywhere, Jayne. I just need to be with you.” Reed pulled her onto the bed. “Come here.”
“So, all of a sudden you’re Mr. Easygoing?” Jayne stretched out on her side next to him and brushed her lips across his stubbled jaw. “You didn’t even choke when Scott told you he didn’t want to go to college in the fall.”
Reed grimaced. “After seeing him tied to that post in the woods, I wouldn’t care if he told me he wanted to go to clown college or become a carny.”
“He’s an adult. His choices.”
“Whatever.” Reed pulled her closer. “The moment I met you, my whole life changed direction. Even my work has taken on a new look. No more negativity. No more hiding.”
She stretched out next to him, careful not to touch the large bandage. His arm went around her as she leaned against his shoulder and slid her hand over the center of his chest. Reed’s heart thudded against her palm.
“I need you, Jayne.” Reed covered her hand with his. “Did I tell you the name of my new piece?”
“No.”
“Triumph.” Reed lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “And I can’t finish it without you.”
THE END