See Jayne Play (21 page)
Authors: Jami Denise,Marti Lynch
She took a few moments to read it over, slid her glasses off, and looked up at me. “I can take care of this first thing in the morning. You’ll be completely free and clear of all of it. Are you positive you don’t want to sell your property? Won’t you need the money?”
Shaking my head, I smiled. “I have enough to get by on for a while. I want to put it all behind me. I never want to go back. I plan on driving down tomorrow to pick up some of my things, but the rest can go to an auction, charity, whatever. I won’t need it.”
I got back home a little after seven, and as I pulled up, I noticed a familiar black town car sitting across the street. My stomach lurched, and my first instinct was to keep driving. Something stopped me, though, so I pulled into my driveway and turned the car off. I couldn’t get out, not at first. I was scared, fear creeping in, so I stayed put, waiting for Collins to make the first move.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what he had to say. It was sure to ruin me, one way or another.
He didn’t make me wait long, and before I knew it, he was crossing the street and approaching my car. My pulse throbbed, and my hands shook. It was surreal seeing him, like I was expecting an apparition. My throat went dry as I pulled the door handle and pushed it open.
“
Miss King,” he said, stopping at the door and holding his hand out for me to take.
“
Why are you here?” I wasn’t interested in beating around the bush. I wasn’t comfortable with him being there. I didn’t feel safe.
“
I need you to come with me.”
I laughed in disbelief. “I don’t think so.”
He let out a frustrated sigh and held out his hand. “You can trust me, Jayne. No one knows I’m here.”
I laughed. “Seriously? I don’t trust anyone. I think you know why.”
His eyes went soft, and he cleared his throat. “He wasn’t involved. I can vouch for that.”
I rolled my eyes and pushed past him. “You expect me to believe someone he paid? You’re as stupid as I was to trust that man. If you’ll excuse me, I have things I need to take care of.”
“
You’re leaving.” It was a statement, not a question.
“
That’s none of your business,” I snapped.
“
Jayne, you’re not out of danger. I need you to come with me. I won’t take no for an answer.”
His tone startled me. I turned, and the look of desperation on his face knocked me on my ass. “He’s alive, isn’t he?”
He merely nodded toward the car and motioned me to follow him.
“
I can’t,” I choked. “I can’t go to him, knowing what he did.”
“
He’s in love with you, Jayne,” he said.
“
That’s not good enough. Love isn’t supposed to hurt, or lie. He did both.”
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a letter, handing it to me and giving me a weak smile.
“
Good luck, Miss King.”
For a long time after his car disappeared down the street, I just stood there, staring at the white envelope and debating whether or not I should read it. He was alive, and for that, I was grateful, but I was still angry.
I finally gave in, ripping it open and discarding the envelope on the grass. Unfolding the letter, I held it up and read it, tears blearing my vision and crippling pain squeezing the life out of my heart.
My love,
I won’t ask for forgiveness, but I do ask for a chance to explain.
Everything I did was to protect you. I was selfish, I deceived you, but I needed to know you. I had to love you, and in my desperation, I took advantage of you.
I know there is a chance I’ll never see you again, but you need to know that I will never give up. I will chase you to the ends of the earth. I told you—I always get what I want, and I have always, and will always, only want you.
So, run if you must, Jayne, but I will find you.
Yours always,
Flynn
NINETEEN
With the wind in my hair and bright lights in my rearview mirror, I let my tears stain my cheeks and my heartbreak take over.
I’d left pieces of myself all over the place. Tiny splinters of heart and soul and smiles followed me from small towns and big cities. I’d left them on the cheeks of men, and the sheets of lovers. I didn’t know if I’d ever feel whole again, if I’d ever be able to put those pieces back together, but with the silence of the desert and the blanket of stars above me as I drove, I was determined to find the girl so many had forgotten and put her back together. Piece by piece.
See Jayne Run
The Jayne Series #2
Six months after Jayne King ran away from everything she hated, and the one thing she loved, she was no closer to finding what she’d set out to find. Peace.
After her father’s death, and her lover’s betrayal, she was lost, but determined to find something to live for. Thinking she’d found a form of quiet normalcy in a small Midwest town, her world is once again turned upside down by the one man she was running from in the first place.
She is again pulled into the life she clawed and fought to escape.
Hearts don’t forget, and it’s a lesson Jayne soon learns. As much as she wants to hate Flynn Maguire, she can’t, and she realizes his promise to never let her go was never a promise.
It was a fact
Coming Winter 2014
SPECIAL THANKS
There are so many people to thank, and without each and every one of them, I would not have been able to do this.
My son, for putting up with my stress levels and moods without putting me in a home.
My Beta readers. They are so much more than that. They are my friends, confidants, shoulders to cry on, and pretty much everything. They give me so much more than an extra eye or advice. They’ve been with me every step of my journey and I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Thank you Beth, Kat, Wendy, and Mary for being there for me and never giving up on me. I am so blessed that you took the time to help me and lend me your wise eyes and advice. You’re all priceless to me, and I treasure your friendship.
My kitties, especially Misty and Maryann for being my biggest cheerleaders.
My girls in the corner, thank you for your friendship.
Kelli, thank you for being there when no one else was. Thank you for always being there, for being the one person that makes me forget that life sucks. Your unwavering support, love and friendship has seen me through things I never thought I’d have to endure. I’d be lost without ya. Most of all, thank you for believing this was more than a dream. Thanks for believing I could do it.
My bff and sister, Carla… I would have quit writing years ago if it wasn’t for you. You told me to reach for the stars, and your love of my words and your encouragement made this happen. There are no words to express how amazing you are. I love you to Bama and back xo.
Erin, my soul sista… we made a pact years ago, and here we are. No matter what, we did it. We will keep on doing it, and no one and nothing will ever stand in our way. Thank you for being the person you are, for encouraging me every day, for not letting me get away with anything, and for standing by my side. Most of all, thank you for loving me in the way only you can. All my fucked up and all. Our adventure is only beginning.
My editor and friend Lynda, thank you for continuing to be my rock. I couldn’t do this without you, nor would I want to. Love you
Thank you L.J. Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations for my amazing cover. It is perfect, as always. You’re the best.
I’d also like to thank ABWO Promotions for the amazing work they did for my release tour. You ladies are awesome!
And to each and every reader. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my words.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
She’s always had a passion for books and words. She loves the freedom to express herself through her stories and share them with others. She likes taking risks, pushing her characters into directions that challenge the reader and bring them out of their element. Her romance is always on the spicy side, with a little bit of sweet to make you swoon. She lives in Long Beach, California with her family, her dog, and her clan of rescued cats.
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