Wild Zone (Rough Riders Hockey 4)

“I’m not going to tell you to ignore this invitation if that’s not you,” she said. “I’m just going to keep my mouth shut, like I promised. And, by the way, thanks for taking care of that shit photographer.”

She turned on the sparkle, blew a kiss to Wes, who dramatically acted out getting shot in the heart and fell to the cement to the laughter of the group.

“What a hottie,” she said, affection and longing softening her voice. “Too bad I don’t go for those mama-lovin’, sun-streaked country boys who adore sweet women.”

Rubi slid into her sports car, slipped on sunglasses, and turned over the engine.

Jax didn’t move as she roared from the cement canal, and thought about the photograph that had changed everything. He’d hired a private investigator who had gotten to the bottom of it within the twelve hours he’d promised Lexi. Hardly compensation for all the trouble and stress he’d caused her, but all he’d been able to do, other than getting the hell out of her life.

Wes turned from watching the car go and settled his gaze on Jax. One look and he turned toward the guys. “I think it’s lunchtime.” Then yelled toward the bridge. “Troy, get your ass down here. We’re eating out today.”

A loud whoop sounded behind Jax, followed by the shrill grind of Troy sliding down his cable. The rest of the team loaded into nearby trucks, arguing over where they’d eat.

Wes strolled up to Jax and looked down at the invitation. “Let me just tell you now, if that’s for Lexi’s wedding, I quit.”

Jax scowled up at Wes.

“You’ve been hell to live with, dude.” Wes gave him a pitying half grin. “I won’t be able to stand you.”

“You’re not all joy and sunshine yourself,” Jax said to Wes’s back as he headed toward one of the trucks.

Wes flipped him off.

Jax waited until the guys were on the road to pull off his gloves and open the envelope. His dirty hands turned the pristine cream envelope gray and left a streak across the torn flap. He couldn’t help but feel like that symbolized how opposite they were—Lexi all light and promise, Jax all grunge and shadow.

Jax took a deep breath and slid the card inside halfway out.

You are cordially invited to

The Luxe Couture Bridal Show

Jax released the air he’d been holding. The tension left his body, and he bent at the waist, resting his hands on his knees again.

He closed his eyes and swore at the relief coursing through him. Jax struggled to get his air back, then pulled the card the rest of the way out of the envelope. His hand was shaking.

The invitation gave the date in less than a week, the time, the location, and allowed him to bring a guest.

As if.

At the bottom, Lexi had handwritten a note.

If you come, come as you are.

Chapter 26

“Lexi.”

Lexi stopped fussing with a strand of lace that wouldn’t fall right on the dress worn by the fifth model, Kylie, and looked toward Rubi’s voice. She stood near one of the makeup tables in the LaCroix section backstage at the Luxe Couture Bridal Show. On one side of the space, makeup tables with mirrors and lights lined the wall. On the other stood small dressing spaces separated by black drapes, each with the model’s assigned gowns and accessories and a dressing assistant standing by.

Rubi gestured to the hairpiece she was helping a stylist place in another model’s hair.

Lexi squinted, assessing. “Nice, thank you.”

The young woman in the chair stood and started toward her dressing area.

The models lined up along the space, all lace and sparkle, tulle and satin.

“No,” Lexi said, “Carly goes before Stephanie.”