Page 61 of Two Hearts' Ploy

“My one and only effort at composing,” Jeff admitted, looking sheepish. “I forgot that I was going to talk to a singer songwriter friend of Emily Richardson about assisting me with lyrics.”

She grinned. “Why ask someone else when you’ve got me?”

“Okay. I’ll bite,” he said, sitting beside her on the piano bench. “Tell me how you come up with lyrics.”

“I usually have some kind of memory in mind when I compose,” she admitted. “Why don’t you tell me what inspired you when you wrote your music?”

“You,” he confessed softly. “It was always you. And that time in Germany when we first met, when you zeroed in on me in the audience.”

“I never forgot about you either,” she finally admitted. “I’m not sure why I pretended that I didn’t know who you were when I arrived. I recognized you right away when you took off your helmet that morning at the studio.”

And then they kissed – deeply, passionately – although they were both still holding back now that their time together was running short. It just wouldn’t be fair to lead him on, Wren decided.

“Tell you what. This is the original, but I’ve got a copy,” Jeff said, signing off at the bottom of the first page of music. “I’m giving this song to you, to do with what you wish.”

“It’s the most beautiful gift that you could give to me, Jeff,” she said softly, easing further into his arms and resting her head against his chest. “I’ll treasure it always.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Even though they were more or less waiting for the stalker to strike, Jake had reassured them that there were several sets of eyes on the house. Not to mention the top-notch security system that had been installed which had kept them safe so far.

As difficult as it was to admit it, Wren was still planning to leave, maybe even before whoever was targeting her was caught.

So, he’d ordered a few special gifts. He was willing to do anything to keep her in his life, but first, he knew that he was going to have to let her go. She’d been on her own for far too long, so she would have to be the one to make the first move. Maybe the memories of the time they’d spent together would draw her back.

Jeff couldn’t give up hope.

“Wren?” he yelled loudly, walking up the staircase.

“I’m here in the mudroom cleaning out my paint roller and brushes in the laundry sink,” she called out.

“Hey. I’ve got a quick errand to run. Maybe I’ll pick up some sandwiches from the Crystal Rock Tap while I’m at it. I’ll probably be gone for a little over an hour.”

“That sounds good,” she replied, grinning as she peeked into the kitchen. When she looked curious, he was suddenlysurprised to realize that they no longer seemed to have any secrets.

“It’s a surprise,” he confessed. “And no, I’m not going to tell you where I’m going.”

“That’s alright. It’ll probably take me an hour to get all the paint out of my hair anyway,” she admitted.

He grinned. “You’re fixing up my office space for me, aren’t you? I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist decorating with that roll top desk that’s just been sitting there in the room down the hallway.”

“Well, you did say that you were going to have to start putting together some lesson plans for the classroom.”

“I’m sure I’m going to love it.”

“I decided to use the room that connects to the master. It should make it easier to stay organized for work if you have it separate from your studio space in the basement. You’ll have to help me move the desk from the spare room,” she said.

“That’ll be perfect. I do have a lot of paperwork floating around downstairs,” he admitted, tugging her into his arms.

“You’ll get paint all over yourself,” she murmured.

“Like I care,” he muttered, his mouth covering hers.

* * *

Another half hour later, Wren walked downstairs when she heard a knock at the front door. Checking the security screen in the kitchen, she groaned when she saw that it was Jeff’s sister, Kate.

Well, since she wasn’t a coward, Wren better let her in to see what she wanted.

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