I was stunned.

Obviously, I knew the way Kylie treated me, and I had spoken to Sadie about it after the gallery opening. But, I had no idea that Kylie had acted that way toward Jed. Even Sadie’s comment about Kylie flirting with him during the taping hadn’t prepared me for the way she’d spoken to him. Leered at him.

I could understand better why he’d gotten so angry when he thought I was in cahoots with her, even though I still wished he’d believed me when I told him I hadn’t been.

Watching everything play out on screen that way had been eye-opening, and from the looks on everyone’s faces after the video ended, I knew Kylie wouldn’t be welcomed back to Fix it Up any time soon.

Sadie came back to the table and looked at me, her face showing her concern.

“Are you okay?” she asked. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you we were going to show that.”

“No, yeah, I mean … Yes, I’m okay. I just can’t believe she did all that.”

“Neither could I. I swear, I was hearing it and watching it, and wondered who else she’s tortured over the years. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that, both you and Jed.”

“Thanks, and thanks for listening and investigating. I really appreciate it.”

I stood and we gave each other a hug, then I looked back to where Jed had been sitting, eager to finally talk to him.

I hadn’t reached out when I’d returned from the spa, needing more time to figure things out in my head. Instead, I’d thrown myself into work at the gallery and had opened up my studio and had finally started painting again.

I was disappointed to see Jed’s seat was empty, thinking he’d walked out again, but when I turned to let my gaze sweep the room, he was there behind me.

My heartrate sped up at the sight of him, right there in front of me, his expression a mixture of hope and nerves. Which, I guess was better than anger or contempt, but in that moment I realized, I shouldn’t have made him wait so long.

“Jed,” I began, taking a step toward him. “I’m so sorry, I had no idea,” I said, gesturing toward the TV. “I told Sadie about what had happened with Kylie at the gallery and during the taping, but I didn’t know she was going to show that stuff with you.”

“That’s okay,” he stated, tilting his head slightly as he looked me over. “It happened, and it was annoying at the time, but, I’m glad Kylie got what was coming to her. She never should have talked to you that way.”

His tone was quiet, so quiet that I stepped even closer as I strained to hear him.

I could feel the heat from his body and smell his scent, a mixture of wood and citrus, and I wanted so badly to step closer and wrap myself in his arms.

“How have you been?” I asked, unsure of where to start.

“Busy with work,” Jed said, then he looked around and asked, “Can we get out of here? Talk somewhere more private?”

I nodded, and when he turned and started walking toward the door, I followed.

My heart was beating rapidly, and I felt my body heat with nerves as I tried to formulate the words I wanted to express.

We walked out of the banquet room, then down the hall toward the back, where there was a small sitting area, which was totally secluded.

Jed gestured for me to sit, so I did, my eyes on him as he lowered himself to the couch next to me.

“Did you have enough time?” he began, jumping right into things. “To think about what you want for us?”

I took a deep breath, and held my hand clasped in my lap to keep from reaching for him.

“I did. I’m sorry I didn’t call you or anything after I came back, but I’ve spent some time in my studio and at work, needing a bit longer to work things out in my head.”

“And?” he asked, persistently. “What have you come up with?”

I gave myself a quick mental pep talk … You can do this, Serena. Be honest, and don’t let him get away.

“First, I want to tell you that Kylie has been the Evil Queen in my life since I met her, and when I ran into her on set that first day, I was completely taken aback. I should have told you then who she was, and how we were with each other, but when I was with you, I only wanted to be with you. We were getting to know each other, and I knew Kylie would only be in town for a short while, so I hoped she’d disappear and I’d never have to deal with her again. I didn’t want her negativity interrupting what we had going.”

Jed reached out tentatively, like he wanted to take my hand, then pulled back. So, I met him halfway and took his hand in mine.

“I was upset with the way you reacted to her, and for the fact that you didn’t believe me when I said I hadn’t made that bet with her … and, I have to tell you, that does still hurt. But, I was just as guilty of letting her influence my feelings and behavior as you were, so, essentially, I was mad at you for doing the exact thing I did, which was play right into Kylie’s hand.”

He caressed my hand, and I had to take a moment to catch my breath and the feelings his touch evoked.

“I’m sorry that I froze and shut myself off, and I apologize for taking the breath and cutting you out.”

“Rena, it’s okay, really. I’m not mad at you for needing time, or for any of it. I’m sorry that I blew off the handle and the way I handled our first obstacle. I’ll work on my temper and always give you the benefit of the doubt. And, I won’t walk away when I’m frustrated or pissed off, I’ll try to work better on my communication.”

“Me too,” I said eagerly, his response filling me with hope. “I’ll work on communication and try not to freeze up whenever something makes me mad, or doesn’t go my way.”

“So, we’re good? You don’t want to end this?” Jed asked, his gaze intent on my face as he watched and waited for my answer.

“No, I don’t want to end it. I’m falling in love with you, Jed, and I want to see where this will lead.”

A large, stunning grin broke out on Jed’s face and he pulled me in for the hug I’d been needing.

“I love you,” he said, his arms squeezing me tightly as I started to cry happy tears.