Reckless (Mason Family #3) - Adriana Locke Page 0,28
to be a part of the harem?”
I snort and peek out the window again. “No such luck. She’s heading to—get this—Hawaii in a few days. I would make a good beach bum, though.”
“You wouldn’t leave your family.”
Larissa’s absolutely right. I wouldn’t leave my family and move halfway across the world for anyone. The thought is like a bucket of iced water over my head.
I do like the idea of being a beach bum, though.
“Nope,” I say, turning around. “You’re right. I wouldn’t. So that makes this slight infatuation I seem to have with her a little stupid, doesn’t it?”
“No. Not necessarily.”
“Why not?”
“Spending a few days with someone doesn’t mean you have to make over your entire life. You, of anyone, know that.”
I consider the parade of women who has been in and out of my house in the last month alone. There were the usual suspects—two women who come by on the regular because we are all young and single and why the hell not. I watched a movie, and only watched a movie, with a redhead from the beach who seemed uncertain about doing anything else. So, I bought us a pizza, we talked about her tattoos, and then she went home. Not a terrible night, all things considered. And then had a one-nighter with a blonde from the bar who I hope to never see again.
Larissa is right. Thank fuck.
“Excellent point, oh wise one,” I joke. “This is why we’re such a good team.”
“Why? Because I’m smart, and you’re not?”
“Very funny.”
I peek out the window again. This time—bingo!
Jaxi stands in front of Libby’s house and looks down at her phone. A pair of jeans hug her lower half and, on top, a lime green jacket feels like a beacon.
Signal received.
“Riss, I gotta go. I’ll call Hollis later,” I say, heading for the front door.
“Tell her I said hi,” she says with a laugh.
“Will do. Later.”
“Bye, Boonie.”
The blast of morning chill hits me hard. I shiver as I traverse the stairs down my porch. I pretend I’m heading to my car and act surprised to see her.
“Well, good morning,” I tell her.
Her head whips to mine. A slow smile spreads across her cheeks.
“Good morning,” she says. “Did you get the spaghetti I left for you?”
She turns to face me as I make my way toward her.
Birds sing overhead, and the grass is wet from the morning dew. Sunshine streams through the oak branches stretched out above us as I reach Jaxi.
“I did,” I tell her. “It was delicious.”
She smiles.
“I’m sorry for having to leave like that. My brothers never need me so I was a little freaked out about his insistence that I help him.”
I stop in front of her and take in the sweet scent of raspberries.
Her hair is piled on top of her head; her skin is fresh and clean. There’s something very straightforward about her—something real and pure—that is magnetic.
“It’s okay,” she says, her freckles shining in the light. “Libby ended up calling me and ….”
She bites her lip. She seems to be pondering something, and I wish I knew what it was. I wonder if she’s replaying a chat between her and her cousin or if she’s talking herself in, or out, of telling me something.
Finally, her shoulders fall.
“What’s going on?”
Jaxi levels her gaze with mine. In it, I can see a concern that prickles something deep inside me.
“So,” she begins, “Libby called me last night. She and Ted are getting a divorce.”
My jaw drops to the ground. “Are you fucking serious?”
My head spins at the news.
“Yeah,” she says. “Libby was pretty upset. I just got off the phone with her again, and she’s heading to her mom’s in Vegas. Ted invited her to San Diego so he could tell her in person. The asshole.”
“Wow. Okay.” Who would divorce Libby? She’s awesome. “Did she say why? It’s none of my business but I’m curious.”
Her eyes narrow briefly. “Ted was having an affair with a woman named Kimmy.”
Kimmy Curtis. Dark hair. Red lips. Mows her lawn in a bikini.
With Ted?
I shake my head to try to focus. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Actually, yes. Can you take a couple of things from the house and save them for Lib? Ted is coming back today and she wants to make sure nothing happens to them.”
“Of course.” I glance up at the house. “Want me to get them now?”
Her lips twist. “Yeah. If you can. I need to get out of here too before Ted gets back because