Page 139 of Lost Trust

I shake my head. “It’s something.”

Apparently, Buck’n Diesel is a new energy drink hitting shelves, and they want Bryce, Axle, and me for the campaign. Better yet, Ax and I are getting sponsorships for the coming season.

It’s a damn good deal.

Axle leans back, looking pleased with himself for negotiating it all—with the help of our agent, of course.

“And,” he adds, “to sweeten the deal, the Buck’n Diesel girls promoting the brand on the circuit are smoking hot.”

Micah starts laughing.

Axle looks between us. “What?”

“Nobody bothered to fill you in, huh?” Micah asks.

Axle’s grin fades a fraction. He looks at me and back to our bigmouthed cousin. “What do you mean?” he asks.

“Royce is off the smoking-hot-rodeo-girl train.”

Axle blinks. “Since when?”

Jovie appears beside us before I can answer, sliding into the empty seat next to Axle. He immediately throws an arm around her shoulders and pulls her against his side like it’s second nature.

“I told you already, remember?” she says.

Axle looks down at her.

Then his eyes lift slowly to mine.

I can practically see the moment everything clicks.

“Marina Kincade?”

I stab my fork into a fry.

Axle’s grin spreads. “Good for you.”

He gives me the look. The one that says, We’re going to talk about this later.

“I’ve only got a second,” Jovie says, already starting to stand.

Axle catches her around the waist and pulls her right back down.

“Axle.”

He kisses her. Not a quick kiss either.

When he finally lets her go, she smooths her shirt and looks at me.

“Don’t forget. PT today.”

“I’ll be there.”

Axle watches her go, then turns back to me. “So, how’s that going?”

“Good.” I roll my shoulder once. There’s still soreness but only if I push too hard. “I don’t even notice it anymore.”

Micah looks at me over his burger. “Which means you’re skipping surgery for now?”