Reckless (Renegades 1)

“I need my phone. I’ve got a shoot tomorrow—”

“No, you don’t,” she said. “I’ve already worked it out with Wes. He and Troy have at least the next few days covered. The doctor said it will take you that long to kick this. ”

He frowned at her, trying to drag their conversations to mind. He didn’t remember mentioning Wes or Troy. “What…time is it?”

She glanced at her phone. “Almost one. Are you hungry yet?”

“One in the afternoon?” His gaze scanned her. She wore a T-shirt and jean cutoffs. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun. She didn’t have a speck of makeup on. And she looked gorgeous. Like one of those homegrown, heartland beauties. He tried to push up again. “You have another wedding today. ”

Again, she pressed her hand to his chest. “One of my assistants is covering the wedding. If there is an emergency, she’ll call. The ceremony and reception are twenty minutes away. ”

“Shit, I’m sorry. ” He covered his eyes with his good arm. “I keep fucking everything up for you. ”

“It’s an infection, Jax. You didn’t plan it. ”

No, but he hadn’t been responsible about getting his arm checked either. He’d been reckless with his health, and now it was costing Lexi.

“Whose wedding?” he asked.

“Claire Beaumont. ” Lexi stood and redirected a small fan toward Jax’s face and chest. The cool air hit his damp skin, and relief poured over him. “I’ve already talked to her. Told her I had a family emergency. She’s a friend. Rubi and I modeled with her. She’s absolutely fine with it. ”

Family. He released. Yeah, he could easily think of Lexi as his family. “Claire’s cool. I didn’t know she was getting married. To…God, what’s his name?”

“David. ”

“Yeah. ” He dropped his arm. “How did you find Wes?”

“Your phone. ”

“But…”

“There are only five guys’ names in your personal phone. The rest are women. It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. And by the record of your recent calls, I figured Wes was the guy who’d know you best. I lucked out that he also happened to be a guy who could keep things running while you’re down. Good thing too. If I had to send guys out on stunt jobs, people might die. ”

A laugh bubbled out of Jax’s chest. “Christ, where did you come from? And how did I get lucky enough to find you?”

“Kentucky. ” She grinned. “And I found you. ”

Maybe, but he wasn’t seeing that as particularly lucky for her.

He hadn’t been able to stay awake once they’d gotten back here last night. They’d curled up together on her bed and fallen asleep. It had been the most peaceful moment he’d known in way too long.

“You haven’t had anything but water,” she said. “You might get some strength back if you eat. ”

He grimaced.

“I don’t like to eat when I feel sick either. ” She brushed her fingers over his sweat-dampened hair. “What about ice cream? Ice cream makes everything better. ”

He laughed. “Way outside my diet, babe. ”

“Diet?” She looked at him like he was crazy. “You’re joking. ”

“No. This body doesn’t come easy. ” He made light of it, but he was very serious. He maintained a pretty strict diet to stay fit and healthy. Without those two things, his stunt career would be over. “And I’m not getting any younger. ”

“I, for one”—she ran her hand down his chest, leaned in, and kissed him—“greatly appreciate your efforts. ”

He sighed into her mouth, kissed her back. “Have I told you I love you yet today?”

She grinned against his lips. But when she pulled back, apprehension dimmed her eyes.