Page 66 of Two Hearts' Ploy

“Even I was aware that Wren was supposed to be there recording early Monday morning. It wasn’t any big secret behind the scenes at her final concert since a few of the musicians were excited when they were asked to be there as backup. Garrett was always good at pretending he was a big shot, so maybe he fed Chad some kind of story about delaying her recording because he had a better offer for her. That sounds like exactly the kind of lie he would have come up with. Chad was the kind of guy who would have been fooled by a simple story like that. But I didn’t see the connection at first since Chad was there Sunday night and the fire happened Monday morning. Garrett was furious after that fire, and at first, I didn’t understand why. And then I suddenly realized –Wren was supposed to die.”Tears filled her eyes. “When Wren disappeared…”

“He took it out on you?” Jeff asked.

Robin nodded.

“I vowed that if I had the chance, I was going to stop him, although I wasn’t sure how. I knew I would have to continue to play along. So, I took the position I was offered with Wren and came here for the video shoot, not because he demanded it from me, but because I wanted to keep an eye on her. I wasn’tsure who I could trust, and I didn’t want to go to jail, so that’s why I didn’t talk with the authorities. I know I should have,” she whispered. “I was just so scared.”

The nurse peeked into the room. “Our patient really needs to get some rest now.”

Everyone stood.

And then Wren bent over, kissing Robin lightly on the cheek. “You’ll have my full support through all of this. I promise.”

When Robin burst into tears, Wren just patted her hand gently. “See you tomorrow.”

Chapter Forty-Three

Wren was so quiet on the way back to the house.

“I threw our sandwiches in the fridge before I left the house, but they might not be as tasty as they would have been earlier,” Jeff observed. “So I put in another order. We can swing by and pick them up on the way back to the house.”

Reaching out, Wren laid a hand on his cheek. “I can’t believe it’s finally over.”

“I’m just so glad you’re safe,” he admitted gruffly. For some reason, he felt like crying. Probably because he knew that she would be returning to California soon. “When we get home, I think you should take a hot bath and relax. It’s been a rough day.”

“You’re not mad at me for leaving?” she asked.

“I’m only upset at Kate,” he growled. “I went into panic mode when you weren’t there, and I skimmed through all the videos. And then I called Kate. I’ve never been so angry at her in my life.”

“She was right though,” Wren said dully. “What right did I have to come in and decorate your house and then just leave, so all you’ll have left are the memories?”

“Damn it, Wren,” he growled. “I don’t give a damn what Kate had to say. I would have rather had this time with you than have nothing of you at all. I suppose I shouldn’t say this, but I love you. I don’t think I’m capable of loving anyonebutyou, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to make your life miserable and beg you to stay. You never made any promises, and I don’t expect them from you.”

“Oh, Jeff. This has been the best summer of my life,” she confessed.

He shrugged. “No one’s telling you not to come back. The best things in life are worth waiting for. Despite all the anxiety about your stalker, it’s been the greatest summer of my life too, so let’s enjoy the time we have left and try not to think too hard.”

She sighed, giving him a dreamy smile. “Alright. You’re right, about everything you know.”

“Always,” he muttered, pulling into the parking lot of the Crystal Rock Tap.

A few minutes later, when he walked out with the sandwiches, he found Wren sound asleep.

Smiling, he drove them home. They’d go back and fetch her SUV tomorrow.

* * *

Wren woke while Jeff was carrying her into the house.

“Shall I take you upstairs to the tub, or would you like to try and eat?”

“I’m hungry,” she admitted. “I’d better try to eat.”

He rested her feet on the kitchen floor near the island. “You sit down, and I’ll take care of everything else.”

She yawned. “Okay.”

Jeff ran back out to the truck, grabbing the food along with the packages in back. Slipping the ring box in his pocket,he carried the large gift bag into the house along with the sandwiches he’d just picked up.

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