Midnight Caller Read Online Free Page A

David rubbed a hand over the stubble on his jaw, a sign of his increasing impatience. “You left me with dead air, and that’s unacceptable.”
    â€œThen you need to do a better job screening callers.”
    â€œHold on.” Rising from the desk, he closed the small distance between them. “I’m the producer and you’re the talent, remember? Who gets through to you is my decision.”
    Rain kept her words controlled. “This show is supposed to offer advice, not pander to the lowest common denominator. This isn’t what I had in mind, David. You convinced me nine months ago that if I did this show I could reach more kids than I ever could through private counseling. And I believed you.”
    Her eyes slid closed. And I did this for you.
    She wanted to add that she’d agreed to the show to help out the career of the man she thought she’d loved. Until Midnight Confessions, Rain had managed to live her life in relative anonymity. She’d never sought out the spotlight that was in many ways her birthright as Desiree Sommers’s daughter. But she had no one to blame except herself. She’d compromised her principles because she’d been too infatuated with David to deny him, or to think rationally about what he wanted her to do. “You are reaching them, Rain.” David put his fingers under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. “They’re listening to you.”
    Before she could react, his thumb brushed her bottom lip. His head dipped lower, his intent clear. Rain stiffened and placed her hand against his chest.
    â€œDon’t,” she whispered. In her peripheral vision, she saw Ella storm from the production room. David took a stepback, acknowledging her rebuff with a few sharp nods of his head.
    â€œI know I screwed up with you,” he admitted. “But I won’t have you damaging this show.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?”
    â€œIt means you need to get the stick out of your ass, Dr. Sommers. So this guy wasn’t some spoiled teenager, whining because Mommy doesn’t love him enough to buy him a sports car. That’s good. It means we’re broadening the audience. And if it takes some kinky-sex talk to get listeners tuning in, so be it.”
    David raked a hand through his hair, which shone nearly blue-black under the studio’s recessed lighting. “Was this guy a nutcase? Absolutely. But this show’s about ratings, and it’s your job to keep guys like him on the line. I’ve got a lot riding on this, Rain.”
    He looked up as the on-air sign began to blink above them. “We’re back in thirty seconds.”
    â€œDavid—”
    He turned at the doorway. “There’s another caller waiting in the queue. A sweet fifteen-year-old whose boyfriend is pressuring her to have unprotected sex.”
    A flicker of indignation remained in his dark eyes. “See if you can handle this one without a meltdown.”
    Â 
    He drove her home once the show had ended. David’s Jaguar stopped in front of the Greek Revival house in the Lower Garden District, its powerful engine idling as Rain searched on the floorboard for her handbag.
    â€œI could come in for a while,” he suggested. The rest of the show had gone off without a hitch, and David’s foul mood had given way to his usual charm. “Just to talk?”
    Rain shook her head and reached for the door handle. “It’slate and I have a private counseling session early tomorrow morning.”
    â€œI’m sorry about tonight. The guy spooked you. I should’ve been more understanding.” He stared out the windshield before speaking again. “I’ve been under some pressure lately.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” She gave him a vague smile. “Good night, David.”
    His hand returned to the leather curve of the steering wheel. “I want you back, Rain. I’m not giving up on that.”
    Their