The Return of the Rebel

Soft rays from the full moon bathed the white stucco home, giving it a magical glow. And it was two...no, wait, make that three stories high. With the lights on inside, it looked like a gem against the velvety night. Its sweeping length and elegance left her in awe.

“I hope you won’t mind staying here.”

She blinked, making sure that it was real. “Mind? It’s amazing.” Then she turned to him. “Is it yours?”

He shook his head

. “I don’t have any use for a place this big. It belongs to a friend of mine.”

“That must be some friend. Is he famous?”

Jax chuckled. “You might say that. Remember the movie from last summer, Shooting Stars?”

“You mean the Western romance? I think everyone went to see it, including me. It was a great mix of action and passion.”

“My friend will be glad to hear you’re such a fan.”

“He filmed it?”

“No, George starred in it.”

Cleo’s mouth gaped as she sat there trying to process this information. “No way. Are you totally serious? He’s drop-dead gorgeous.”

Jax smiled and shook his head. “I do believe you’re starstruck.”

“Did you see the movie?” She fanned herself. “He’s so hot. In the film he was the marshal and he was on the hunt for train robbers. He ended up rescuing the heroine from a train accident the robbers had caused. It was so romantic how he cared for her and kept her safe.”

Jax cleared his throat. “I’ll be sure to tell George when I talk to him. Now, is there any chance you want to go inside?”

“And see the rest of his house? You bet.” She reached for the door.

“Wait! I’ll help you. We don’t need any more accidents tonight.” He alighted from the vehicle and circled around to open her door.

“But how did you get George to lend you his house?”

Jax gave a nonchalant shrug. “It’s not his primary residence. He spends most of his time in Hollywood.”

“I still can’t believe he’s letting us stay here.”

“Let’s just say that he owed me a favor and I called it in. George is a really good guy. He was happy to do it.”

“Did you tell your friend that we are on the run from some ape?”

“Ape, huh?” Jax smiled. “I’m glad to see your sense of humor hasn’t been injured.”

She thought back to her run-in with that man and a shiver ran down her spine. “I just refuse to give him power over me by calling him a big, mean, scary dude...even if he was one.”

Refusing to dwell on what happened, she turned her attention to the long sweeping steps that led to the front door. And then she glanced down at her leg. This was going to be a challenge, especially when she wasn’t used to getting around on one good leg.

But before she could ask Jax for the crutches, he scooped her into his arms. Her body landed against his solid chest. He’d definitely filled out in the years they’d been apart.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking you inside.”

Her hand automatically slipped around his neck. “But I can manage—”

“Do you have to argue about everything?”