Page 50 of Undeniable Love
Lucy let out a shaky breath because it didn’t matter how much time had passed, she still could remember so vividly the first time she saw Ty in the hospital after the accident. It was a miracle he was standing up on that stage today.
“There were several days right after the accident when we didn’t know what his recovery was going to look like. I remember being at the hospital with him and seeing not only my best friend, but so many other kids who were dealing with physical limitations. For years, I’ve known that I wanted to do something to give kids a chance to participate in sports no matter what their disability or limitation, and this camp is going to do just that.”
She stood in awe as he described not only what was planned for the camp but also the physical therapy practice that would be available. He called Maddie up to speak for a moment, and after she was done, he explained how he wasn’t doing this alone, but with the help of his friends. After introducing Ty, he then passed the mic to Travis and then Declan. The entire presentation took a little over an hour before Jax and his two teammates stood with ceremonial shovels and broke ground.
There was another round of applause before the construction team took over and everyone was getting ushered back to the makeshift parking lot. The plan was for a casual luncheon back at the pub—for those on the guest list—and she was mildly relieved to be on it. When no one stopped her, she joined the group and began walking away.
Someone wrapped an arm around her before she realized it was her brother. “Ty,” she said, a little breathless, “you scared me!”
They kept walking as he hugged her close. “Aren’t you glad you changed your mind about this whole project? It’s going to be amazing!”
All she could do was nod because…yeah, the way she had originally turned down the offer—and Jax—played on an almost continuous loop in her head lately.
“Ty! Lucy! Wait!” They turned and saw Travis jogging toward them. “The press wants a few more pictures, and Jax wants you both in them.” Grinning, he nodded back at the stage.
So they followed, and Ty held her hand as they walked up and joined everyone. The photographer was positioning them so everybody on this team could be seen and somehow, in all the shuffling, she ended up next to Jax. She looked up at him and smiled, but didn’t get to say anything because another photographer was barking orders at them to look at the camera.
“Closer!” he called out. “You all need to just scooch a little closer so we can get everyone in the frame!”
Lucy scooched and felt Jax’s arm go around her waist, pulling her just ever so closer. Now she could feel the warmth of his body, smell his cologne, while desperately trying not to lean into him. His hand rested almost possessively on her hip and she had to hold in a moan. They held that pose for the next five minutes.
“Thanks, everyone!” the photographer called out and everyone began to move.
But Jax’s hand lingered and when she looked up at him, he was staring down at her with that heated look that made her knees go weak.
“You guys ready to go eat?” Ty asked cheerily, his presence like a bucket of cold water being thrown right in her face.
Quickly, she stepped away from Jax with a nervous glance in his direction as she said, “Absolutely! I’m starving!”
It took almost an hour to get everyone from point A to point B where they were all seated for lunch, and somehow—yet again—Lucy ended up next to Jax. She had actually tried to sit further down on their table, but suddenly people were requesting to sit next to Travis or Declan or Simon and, after what felt like a game of musical chairs, she took her seat next to Jax.
With Simon on her other side.
There were definitely worse places to be.
It was so loud and it seemed like everyone was talking at once, but she had no idea which conversation to join. Fortunately, Simon made the decision for her. He playfully nudged her shoulder to get her attention and when she faced him, his smile was flat-out dazzling.
“I hear you are the best pediatric physical therapist in the region,” he said before adding, “Consider me seriously impressed. The last time I saw you, you were maybe…eight or ten years old, so…I’m still trying to process how the young girl I remember is now this powerhouse sitting beside me.”
She fought the urge to roll her eyes even as she blushed at his praise. “Well, to be fair, the last time I saw you was…well, it was at one of your concerts, but before that, you were auditioning for that reality show.” Then she nudged him back. “And you totally should have won. That guy who did? No one even remembers his name!”
That seemed to please him. “Thank you for that, but…everything for a reason. If I had won, I don’t think my career would have taken the trajectory that it did and believe me, I’ve never been more thankful to lose.”
“That’s kind of crazy,” she mused. “But I love how you made time to come here and support the camp. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to get away. It seems like you’re recording and touring a lot.”
Taking a sip of water, he nodded. “That’s true, but when Juliette—my soon-to-be bride—decided to take advantage of Jax’s downtime and use it for some good PR, I told her I’d do whatever I could to help. Not that I wouldn’t have come even if there wasn’t a need for the good PR, it’s just…” He groaned. “That all sounded terrible, right? It wasn’t how I meant it. I’m incredibly proud of Jax and everything he’s doing, and I’m just here to support him.”
Reaching over, Lucy rested her hand on his. “I didn’t take it as anything but one brother supporting another. It’s incredibly sweet to see how close you guys all are.”
“Family is…” He sighed happily. “Family is the greatest gift. I can tell you’re close with yours too. I mean…I saw you with Ty and the way the two of you were smiling and laughing, it was easy to see the bond there. Is it the same with Wyatt and Charlie?”
She nodded. “It is. Sometimes it frustrates the hell out of me to have three older brothers, but most of the time, it’s awesome.” Glancing around, she spotted Noah and his wife sitting at the other end of the table next to Ty. “And I’m not gonna lie; I’m looking forward to all of my brothers getting married so there are more females to balance things out!”
That made him laugh. “My mother says the same thing all the time. When Noah and Lily got together, Mom was thrilled to have another woman in the family. Then I met Juliette and I don’t think my mom’s stopped smiling. All we need to do is get Jax married off and I’m sure the poor woman’s heart will explode with joy!”
Lucy felt more than saw Jax’s arm coming around her as he leaned in close to join their conversation. “Whose heart is going to explode with joy?” he asked with amusement.
“Mom’s,” Simon told him. “I was just telling Lucy how if we got you married off, Mom’s life would be complete!”