Page 22 of Undeniable Love

And before he could say anything else, their server was back and placing platters of nachos, wings, and mozzarella sticks on the table. “Can I get you guys anything else?”

“Not right now,” Ty said. “Thanks!”

“Actually, can we get an order of sliders?” Wyatt asked.

“Of course!”

Another server appeared and refreshed their drinks. This one gave Jax a lingering smile before asking, “Are you sure I can’t get you something other than water, Jax? All drinks are on the house for you.” Reaching into her apron pocket, she pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “And here’s my number if you’re looking for something to do later.” And with a wink, she turned and walked away.

Ty was holding back a laugh, but Wyatt wasn’t even trying. “It’s impressive that it took that long for someone to do that! I thought for sure the women of South Creek would be flinging their panties at you as soon as word got out that you were in town!”

Rolling his eyes, Jax put the card in his pocket and reached for a wing. “Not looking for any panties. Just here on business.”

Although, he wouldn’t have minded a little extracurricular fun. Ever since Travis’ party, he’d been living like a monk.

And even before it too.

Oh, God…when was the last time I actually slept with a woman?

He was a firm believer in abstaining from sex a bit during training camp and sometimes during the season. But so far, most seasons he broke that rule.

This year he hadn’t.

He’d look at that card again before he left.

They ate in companionable silence for a minute before Wyatt asked, “So if Lucy’s not going to be your consultant, do you have anyone else lined up?”

So Jax told him about his plans to talk to the team PTs when he got back home. “I’ve known most of them for five-plus years, so I know I can trust them.”

“I’m still not willing to give Lucy a free pass on this,” Ty murmured. “But I’m glad you have a backup plan.”

“I didn’t until I walked away from her in the parking lot.” Shrugging, he added, “Plus, with things falling into place, I know I can talk with Declan and Travis and get their thoughts. Maybe they know people too. I had hoped to keep our circle small in the planning phase, but…it is what it is.”

Even though he’d never admit it out loud, there was a small part of him that secretly hoped Ty reached out to Lucy.

And gave her hell.

Chapter Four

The best thing about Gemma was that she always knew when not to push.

The bad thing about Gemma? She didn’t push.

So now, a week after her disastrous confrontation with Jax, Lucy was going out of her mind because she needed to talk about everything! What did he mean that she should check the facts? What was there to check? He was the reason her brother was the one driving that night, and his father was the one who hit their car while he was drunk. End of story.

Or was it?

She’d called Ty several times and her calls always went to voicemail. It was the same with Wyatt. Honestly, she expected to hear from Ty before she was even out of the parking lot that night, but obviously he was pissed at her, so she needed to make things right.

Her brother was kind of a creature of habit, and on Tuesday nights he worked until six and always came home and ordered himself pizza. It was a little after five and Lucy was getting ready to leave the clinic, but she called in the pizza order—Ty liked pepperoni and eggplant on his, so she made sure to get that for him and a small pizza with grilled veggies for herself with a side of ranch. With any luck, she’d get to his house just as he was getting home and use the pizza as a peace offering.

“Lord knows I’m motivated by food, so Ty’s gotta be too.”

At least that’s what she was going with.

But when she pulled up to her brother’s house an hour later, he was already there and Lucy silently prayed that he hadn’t ordered his dinner yet. Letting out a long breath, she grabbed the two pizzas and made her way up to the door. His townhouse was a one-story end unit with a huge front window. She saw him walking toward the door and saw he was grinning so…maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

“The line’s been busy at the pizza place for the last twenty minutes,” he said as he opened the door. “You’re lucky I’m hungry or I’d make you stay out here and beg to come in for a little longer.” Taking the pizza from her hands, Ty turned and walked away, leaving Lucy to follow.