Wild Zone (Rough Riders Hockey 4)

And after watching all the other designs pass by, he could see pieces of Lexi in every one of these. Her subtle richness, her unique character, her endless dedication to understated class. There might not be any doubt that he was partial, but he found Lexi’s designs far and away the most stunning, the most elegant, the most distinct.

Two dozen gowns, probably more, had shown already. Gowns that had all been created by Lexi’s own hands. He might not have had the right, but he was still so incredibly proud of her. And also humbled by the reality that she’d gone on to put all this together even after he’d put her through the stress of a hidden relationship and then leaving her on the spur of the moment.

Lexi was indeed a survivor.

Jax couldn’t keep the smile from his face. Couldn’t drag his gaze from the dresses, each more stunning than the next.

When the model at the end of the runway turned and headed back toward the arch and another model didn’t appear, Jax knew they’d reached the end of the show. He crushed the program in his hands, brimming with anticipation for the sight of Lexi.

Instead of disappearing through the arch, the last model made a sharp turn back toward the runway. The music changed in tandem, signaling not the end of the show, but the beginning of the second act, which the announcer had alluded to.

The model’s movement changed, her steps far more deliberate and pronounced. No longer was she smooth and cool, but sharp and intense, mirroring the music. Then another model came out behind her, and another behind her.

Models streamed onto the runway with accentuated charisma and started…

Stripping.

The audience gasped. Murmured.

Little by little, the models tore away their dresses to reveal various garments underneath. A traditional, formal gown became a chic dinner dress, then a nightclub dress. Each design fell apart into different pieces, and once Jax recovered from the shock, he realized what Lexi had done—created several dresses within one.

“Genius,” he murmured.

But then even more pieces came off and bits of crimson began to show. Red bras. Red garters. Red panties. Red corsets. Red teddies. More gasps erupted around Jax, immediately followed by a burst of insane applause. Within moments, every model paraded along the runway wearing searingly sexy crimson lingerie and dragging their stunning white haute couture gowns behind them along the floor. And Jax thought the applause would bring the roof down.

Whistles, cheers, shouts poured from the audience as the models returned to the entry arch and lined up along either side of the runway. Once they were all in formation, the models turned toward the opening and joined in the applause.

Everyone in the audience stood, the cheering so loud it rattled Jax’s eardrums as they waited for Lexi to appear.

Chapter 27

Backstage, Lexi covered her mouth with both hands and started crying.

Rubi bounced on her to

es beside Lexi, clapping and screaming to be heard over the applause, “Didn’t I tell you? Didn’t I tell you?” She squeezed Lexi’s arm. “Good-bye Galliano! Hello LaCroix. Girl, you don’t need anyone now. It’s all about you.”

Lexi couldn’t speak. She could only shake her head. She’d dreamt of this moment. Of the ear-shattering applause, the standing ovation, the recognition, the validation. And now she was too overwhelmed to move.

Rubi grabbed her hand and pulled her out onto the runway. When she tried to let go of Lexi’s hand and push her toward the audience, Lexi held tight.

“I couldn’t have done this without you.” Lexi pulled her into step beside her.

The ham ate it up, strolling down the runway like the elegant model she was, beaming, holding Lexi’s hand. Lexi waved to the cheering audience, bowed, continued crying, unable to stop and not giving a damn.

Rubi pulled her to a stop at the middle of the runway, leaned close, and said, “First row, directly on your right.”

Lexi gasped, suddenly terrified to look and see Jax standing there. She’d hoped he would come. Prayed he would come. But a big part of her didn’t believe he would come.

“You do your part,” Rubi said. “The girls know theirs.” Rubi released Lexi’s hand and stepped back, giving her the spotlight.

But now that she was here and Jax was right there, she was terrified.

Risk. Jax is all about risk. And letting go.

And both had led her here. Despite whether he still wanted Lexi as a lover or not, she knew he deserved that recognition.

She bowed to the audience again, mouthing thank-yous. Then she took a deep breath and turned right, searching for a black leather jacket. But every male in the row wore a suit. Trepidation snuck in. Maybe Rubi was wrong. Maybe she’d just seen someone who looked like Jax.