The stage manager looked at him in shock. Dylan’s scene was about to start; he couldn’t walk off the stage now. They didn’t have anyone else to play Puck.

Lindsey stepped forward; if it was a case of nerves, maybe she could help him. But he hurried around her over to the door that led to the emergency exit. He yanked it open and said, “Now!”

Out of the secret-keeping shadows stepped Robbie Vine.

29

Lindsey heard the collective gasp sound all around her even as her knees buckled and she staggered, but she managed to catch herself on the clothing rack.

“Robbie?” She called his name with the last bit of breath she had in her lungs.

“Lindsey!” His face lit up at the sight of her, and his grin felt as if it was just for her. He made to stride toward her but Dylan grabbed his arm, stopping him.

“There’s no time,” Dylan said. He shoved the tunic and wreath at Robbie, who quickly pulled them on.

The stage manager was fiercely whispering into his headset as he stared, wide-eyed at Robbie. Then he gave a nod and cued the curtain to rise.

Dylan pulled Robbie into position. Behind the curtain, waiting for it to finish rising, Robbie glanced over his shoulder at Lindsey and whispered, “We’ll talk later.”

Then he narrowed his gaze at her. She must have looked a fright, because he muttered a curse and strode forward, shaking off Dylan and the stage manager and ignoring the curtain that was almost all the way up.

Robbie reached out and grabbed her shoulders. His gaze met hers with an intensity that made her heart pound. He hugged her close.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. His voice was a low, gruff growl in her ear.

Lindsey could tell from the emotion in his voice that he meant it and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak. He released her and pushed her hair back from her face.

“I promise I can explain,” he said.

“You don’t have to,” she whispered. “I know. It’s Joanie, isn’t it? She’s your ‘killer’ and she’s been making Dylan ill, hasn’t she?”

Robbie nodded.

“And she’s the one who pushed me over the balcony because I figured out that Dylan is your son,” Lindsey said.

His eyes widened in surprise. Then he smiled and shook his head. “I might have known you’d figure it out.”

“Robbie, come on,” the stage manager demanded.

Robbie gave him a curt wave and then turned back to Lindsey. He planted a swift kiss on her lips. It was electric, shocking her all the way down to her toes. Lindsey didn’t know what to say or think or believe but the relief that he was here standing in front of her, alive, made her jump forward and throw her arms around him in a tight hug. Just as quickly, she released him.