Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Then Nash cracks the silence and I could kiss him because it’s perfect.
“Hey, Lex,” he says dryly. “Are you using more conditioner lately, or is that just the glint of mediocrity in your hair?”
Lex barks out a laugh, turning his head enough to shoot Nash a mock glare. “At least I have hair, grandpa.”
“Oh, it’s like that?” Nash fires back, eyes wide in mock offense. “I’ll have you know, this receding hairline is a sign of wisdom. And testosterone.”
“I’m sure that’s what Bex tells you,” Lex replies smoothly.
That gets a full snort out of me, and even the camera guy chuckles. The pose softens enough for the shot to come alive, although only three of the four drivers are grinning.
While Ronan didn’t laugh, I notice his posture eases slightly. His arms are still crossed, but he’s no longer clenching like he’s chewing glass.
We shift positions for another shot—this time staggered, slightly angled like we’re walking forward toward the camera in formation. The photographer calls out adjustments, Timmy chirps praise, and for a second, we’re all mannequins in million-dollar suits.
Then, under his breath, Lex says quietly enough for only Ronan to hear, “Still got that death grip on your jaw, Barnes. Better lighten up or you might crack a molar.”
Ronan’s head turns fractionally, only enough to shoot him a sharp side-eye. “Didn’t realize you were monitoring my dental health.”
Lex shrugs one shoulder. “Old habits. Hard to break.”
A beat of silence stretches between them. I keep my eyes forward but angle my ears toward the exchange, not even pretending I’m not listening.
“Are you trying to be annoying?” Ronan mutters, low and guarded.
Lex doesn’t look at him. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m tired of everyone else tiptoeing around like we’re gonna throw punches again.”
Ronan exhales through his nose, clearly not expecting that. “And you figured what—banter would help?”
Lex finally glances at him. “Certainly didn’t think it would hurt, but I forgot your funny bone must have been surgically excised.”
Something flashes across Ronan’s face—uncertainty, maybe. Or confusion. But not anger.
Then Nash breaks in loudly from the end of the line. “Are you two flirting? Because I’m feeling very left out over here.”
I laugh, grateful for the release. Even Ronan’s mouth twitches, though he covers it quickly with a tight swipe of his hand.
Lex smirks. “You wish.”
“God, I really don’t.”
The photographer snaps a few more shots, calling out encouragement, but my focus lingers on the quiet space between Ronan and Lex—no apology, no grand resolution. Just the smallest shift. A thread of familiarity tugged back into place.
It’s not much, but I can work with it.
After the shoot wraps, Nash peels away with his phone to his ear and I seize the moment by grabbing both Lex and Ronan by the sleeves.
“Okay,” I say, my head swiveling between the two of them. “Now that you’ve managed to stand next to each other without combusting, maybe we try an actual conversation.”
“What the fuck, Accardi?” Ronan snarls, jerking his arm free.
Lex sighs but doesn’t pull away. Ronan looks like he’s going to bolt but he holds his ground, eyeing both of us warily.
“I’m not trying to play therapist,” I continue. “But I’m not going to watch two grown men implode because neither knows how to talk. So… talk.”
Ronan glares at me. “This isn’t your business.”
“I’m making it my business,” I retort. “You can’t keep lugging this bitterness into every shared room.”
Lex folds his arms. “She’s not wrong.”
Ronan turns to Lex. “I know I fucked up, okay? I know, but you don’t have to keep looking at me like I killed your dog.”
Lex blinks in surprise. “That wasn’t my intention, but I’m curious exactly what you want from me?”
Ronan exhales, voice rough. “Nothing. I don’t expect anything. Not from you or Posey.”
“That’s helpful,” Lex mutters and attempts to break my grip on his sleeve, but I hold tight.
I throw my head toward Ronan. “Shocker, I know, but he doesn’t do apologies.” I turn my and fully lock eyes with the recalcitrant Brit. “But I did learn last night that he’s at least forthright. He should probably tell you at least how he feels about what he did to you.”
Ronan looks like a deer in the headlights. Lex looks to his former friend. “And how is that exactly?”
Scrubbing a hand through his wind-mussed hair, Ronan glares at me and then sighs in capitulation. “Like shit for what I did and if I could take it back, I would.”
Silence.
Then Lex says, quietly, “That’s the most real thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
Ronan stares for a long beat and then nods. “Well… I meant it.”
“I appreciate it,” Lex replies.
Ronan’s eyes cut my way, and he’s pissed I forced this, but he can’t deny… the results are good. He spins and moves through the paddock, disappearing out of sight.
Lex lingers beside me. “That went well.”