They clung fiercely to each other. Their bodies were wet and sticky from Gatorade and champagne. They tasted it on each other’s mouths.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever hold you like this again,” he murmured hoarsely.

“I was so scared. . . .”

“I love you so much. Oh, God, I love you.”

“I was afraid you didn’t, and I couldn’t bear it.” She trembled in his arms. “Oh, Dan, it’s been such a terrible day.”

“You can say that again.”

“Not just the kidnapping, but . . .” With a shudder, she told him about Reed.

She could feel his muscles grow taut as she spoke, and she waited for his explosion of rage. When he offered comfort instead, she loved him even more for understanding so clearly what she needed from him.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “I’m so, so sorry, baby.”

Just telling him about it somehow made it more bearable. She nuzzled deeper into the wet collar of his shirt. “I wish we could stay in here forever,” she murmured.

“Me, too. All I want to do is take you home and make love to you.”

“The police are waiting for me.”

“I’ll have to talk to them, too. And the press.”

“And I need to see Molly.”

He cupped her face in his hands and tenderly stroked her cheeks. “Are you going to be all right?”

“I’m going to be fine. I just want to get all of this over with. We can meet at Ron’s victory party tonight.”

“Don’t plan on spending too much time there.” He gave her one last kiss, then held her hand as they slipped out into the hallway.

Inside the closet everything was still for a moment, and then there was a rustle in the farthest, darkest corner.

“Darnell?” The woman’s voice was soft and ladylike, but clearly distressed. “Did you hear what she said? About Reed Chandler?”

“I heard.”

Charmaine Dodd, who firmly believed in fair play, was indignant. “That rat! He shouldn’t be able to get away with something like that.”

“Oh, he won’t, baby. I know the coach, and I can promise you Chandler won’t get away with anything.”

“I’m glad.” She swatted Darnell’s wandering hand, which had begun to massage her breast through her prim white blouse in the most delicious, although highly improper, manner. “Oh, no you don’t. We’re not married yet.”

“But we’re gonna be, and then I’ll be touchin’ you in places you didn’t even know you had.”