Manhattan Merger

She wiped the moisture off her cheeks. “After the hearing you were the person who told me that one day I’d look back on my big adventure and laugh about it. That counsel is the only thing holding me together.”

“But it doesn’t do anything for your pain right now. Still it’s nice to hear I’m good for something.”

“You’re good for a lot of things.” She sniffed. “Why else do you think I’m here? I’m just afraid you’re going to be sorry I joined you on your last river trip.”

“Are you kidding? I’m anxious to run some new ideas past you for the store. Tell you what? I can hear the helicopter coming now with the last bunch of tourists. If you’re still awake after they’re settled, we’ll talk.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t think I’m ever going to sleep again.”

“Sure you will. After a day on the river tomorrow, you’ll sleep like a baby.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Would I lie to you?”

“You never have before.”

“There you go then. You want me to light your lantern?”

“That’s all right. I have my flashlight if I need it.”

“Okay.”

When he left the tent, she lay down again. In this protected area of the canyon, the sound of the helicopter rotors reverberated more loudly than normal against the rocks.

She’d never hear one again without thinking of Payne. The sight of him growing smaller as his pilot whisked her away from Crag’s Head filled her with such desolation, Rainey thought she couldn’t bear it.

On a sob, she buried her face in the pillow.

The convulsions that shook her body were worse than ever. Her soul was inconsolable.

While she lay there racked in torment she heard the helicopter take off for Las Vegas. It wouldn’t be long before her brother came back. She was glad because she knew she needed help to get through the night.

Finally she heard him undo the zip of her tent again.

“Craig?” she called out automatically as he crept inside.

“No. It’s Payne.”

“That’s not funny, Craig.”

“I agree,” came a deep, familiar male voice.

Convinced she was hallucinating, Rainey grabbed her flashlight and turned it on.

When she saw Payne hunkered down next to her looking so handsome and alive, she let out a cry.

“Shh, darling.” He brushed his mouth against hers before turning off the light.

She couldn’t believe this was happening.

“I’ll explain everything later. All you need to know is that I’m free. Diane has given us her blessing. Now come here to me an

d let me hold you, feel you.”

Her heart thudded feverishly as he unzipped her sleeping bag and pulled her into his arms.

“Rainey—” he said her name on a ragged breath, kissing her in every conceivable place on her face and neck. “I’ve been living for this.”