Midnight Exposure Read online

  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

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photograph by John Tannock Photography

  Melinda Leigh abandoned her career in banking to raise her kids and never looked back. She started writing as a hobby and became addicted to creating characters and stories. Since then, she has won numerous writing awards for her paranormal romance and romantic-suspense fiction. Her debut novel, She Can Run, was a number one bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense, a 2011 Best Book Finalist (The Romance Reviews), and a nominee for the 2012 International Thriller Award for Best First Book. When she isn’t writing, Melinda is an avid martial artist: she holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and two rescue cats.