Steele Family Romance Collection

by Cami Checketts

  “Please, sweet Pearl. I love you. Say you’ll marry me.” He waited with an expectant smile on his handsome face.

  Pearl licked her lips, swallowed hard, clung to his hand, and finally knew she had to spit it out, “Your leg’s a mess, Jex. Irreparable damage is what the doctors said. They put rods and screws in to straighten and support it, hoping the shattered bones will someday heal. They used donor ligaments for your knee that should heal in four to six months. The nerves are … destroyed. They should reroute, but Jex …” She couldn’t even look at him. “Even with extensive physical therapy, you may never walk normally again, let alone run, bike, or do most of your other stunts.”

  She forced her gaze to meet his. Jex’s dark eyes were full of disbelief and shock. He looked down at his leg, which was covered with the white sheet, then back up at her. Blinking as if trying to see through the fog, he released her hand and ripped the sheet off, revealing that his right leg was tightly wrapped in Ace bandages. His face blanched and his lips tightened. “No,” he murmured.

  Pearl pulled in a shaky breath, her body trembling. “Jex, I’m so sorry.”

  “No!” He roared. “No!” He leaned forward and started ripping at the bandages.

  “Jex, stop.” Pearl hurried around the bed so she could restrain him, grabbing on to his hands. “Jex!” she begged. “Stop.”

  Jex stared at her, his eyes wild and unfocused. Pearl felt fear trace through her. Jex was strong, much stronger than her. Would he hurt her? The Jex she’d known and fallen in love with over the years never would have, but this Jex didn’t even look like the man she loved. He looked out of control, horrified, and desperate.

  Jex pulled his hands free, wrapped them around her forearms, and very, very gently pushed her back. “Pearl,” he said in a much saner voice than she’d expected. “Please step back. I would never hurt you, but I am going to look at my leg.”

  Pearl’s heart was thundering out of control. “Thank you for being in control, Jex. Can you let me get some help, and they’ll unwrap your leg and explain your prognosis better than I can?”

  Jex stared at her for a few beats. Pearl’s pulse was calming down, but there was something more terrifying about him now than his craze of a few seconds ago. Now he was growing cold and detached. She could almost feel him shrinking away from her, from everything. He released his hold on her and leaned back into the bed. “Okay,” was all he said.

  “Okay.” Pearl hurried around the bed, pushing the button for the nurse and explaining they wanted the doctor to explain the prognosis and unwrap the leg to show Jex what they’d done. She stood uncertainly next to Jex’s bed after the nurse assured her the doctor would be there as soon as possible.

  Nodding in what she hoped was a convincing way, she said through her too-dry throat, “It’ll be okay, Jex. It’s going to be okay.”

  Jex stared straight ahead. He didn’t look at her. He didn’t answer her. Chills started in Pearl’s spine and worked their way out as she shut her mouth tight, worried her lip, and wrung her hands together. There was no reason to lie further. Nothing was going to be okay.

  Chapter Eight

  Five of the most boring yet terrifying weeks of Jex’s life passed. That was about all he could say about them. Time dragged by as he had nothing to do but heal. His leg was such a mess that they hadn’t even started physical therapy yet. His family had arrived at the hospital in Kauai not too many hours after his pathetic state had been revealed to him by Pearl and then explained by the doctor. They’d all returned to the States two days later and gone to several specialists. Everyone concurred with the doctor from Kauai and said he’d done the very best he could.

  His mom had begged him to come recover at their house south of Boston. He probably should’ve. At least Lottie, all the happily engaged or married couples, and his parents could’ve kept him company, but he couldn’t stand it. He couldn’t stand the pity in anyone’s eyes. So he’d gone home to his house in Boca Raton, Florida. He’d rarely spent more than a few days at a time here. It was a nice place, right on the river, a block from the beach. He liked it. And he was miserable.

  Pearl had come with him. Of course his faithful Pearl hadn’t left his side. She was far too good for him, and he had nothing to offer her now.

  Pearl had hired all kinds of help: nurses, housekeepers, and a world-renowned chef delivering their meals. The physical therapists, occupational therapists, and who knew what other therapists would come as soon as they got approval from the docs. What did it matter? Jex would never return to full health. He would never do another stunt again. What did anything else matter?

  Pearl strode into the room, looking breathtakingly beautiful in a fitted pale blue dress and spike heels with polka dots on them. She mattered. She was the only bright spot in his life. He loved her. He adored her. He needed to let her go.

  “Good morning, love,” she said, all bright and cheery.

  Jex knew she was trying to bring him out of the funk he’d been in the past few weeks, but he couldn’t rise out of it, even for her. He was as independent as possible, getting around on crutches, even doing stairs so he could get up to his main level from his bedroom or gym. This morning, he’d already done the weightlifting moves he could do for his upper body and good leg in his home gym, which took up the space above his four-car garage, before he’d showered and gotten ready. He didn’t want Pearl worrying about him—or worse, being disgusted by him—but he was depressed, and even Pearl couldn’t bring him out of it. He’d tried so hard to stay positive and normal for the past five weeks, but nothing was going to change and he’d finally admitted it to himself: it was past time to let her go live her life.

  “You look good.” She bent down and kissed his cheek. She smelled so good, like coconut and vanilla. He wanted to pull her onto his lap and kiss her until he forgot all about his aching leg and his lost future. They hadn’t shared a real kiss since he’d regained consciousness in the forest on Kauai. Her kiss had taken away all of his pain that day. He imagined it would help him now as well, but he couldn’t be that selfish.

  “Thanks. You look beautiful as ever.”

  She smiled. “So I talked to the doc and told him you’d been lifting on your own with your upper body and … good leg. He was thrilled with how well you’re doing and that you’re maintaining your strength.”

  How good he was doing? Maintaining what strength? His strength didn’t matter if he could never run, bike, hike, swim, wakeboard, surf, soar, or do any of his stunts again. He smiled encouragingly, knowing she saw straight through him, but not willing to drag her into his darkness.

  “He recommended a physical therapist. I contacted the lady, and she’s going to come meet with us today. Is that all right?” She was so sunny and bright that Jex wished he could shield his eyes or put a curtain over her like he did the windows. She was too beautiful for him, and he wouldn’t constrain her to this life. It hurt to even look at her. How did he get her to leave him without hurting her? It would destroy him to lose her, but that was his life now.

  “Of course. Thank you. You’re too good to me.” He winked. Anyone from the outside looking in would think he was reacting to his injury like a champion. What a joke. He could see the flicker of unease in Pearl’s eyes, but she didn’t want to delve into any of his issues either. Were they both just wimps who hated confrontation, or was this pain simply too deep to even try talking about it?

  “I went through your finances last night.”

  Jex jerked. Pearl had done so much for him over the years, and he trusted her implicitly. She had access to all his accounts and worked with his financial consultants to invest, donate, and manage his money. Maybe now that he had nothing better to do, he’d take a more active role in that crap. He’d always hated math, and reading, and science. Unlike his brothers, he’d barely limped through school. Limped. That was fitting. The only thing he was truly good at was being crazy and using his physical strength, coordination, and talent to show off. He was such
a loser now. How could Pearl even stand to be around him?

  “Am I still rich?” he tried to joke.

  Pearl laughed shakily. “Very much so. But, um … you aren’t going to like this.”

  Jex couldn’t help but let out a frustrated grunt of a laugh. Not going to like this? He didn’t like anything right now. Except her. “Lay it on me. I can handle it.” He pushed out his chest as if he were cocky and gave her what he hoped was his irresistible grin. He didn’t think anything about himself was irresistible anymore, yet Pearl stayed with him. Why?

  “I’ve been pretty busy with setting everything up with the house and the doctors and responding to all the media inquisitions,” she began.

  Jex pushed up to his feet—well, his one foot. He didn’t grab his crutches, but lightly held on to a side table for balance. He immediately felt a little better, not gazing up at Pearl like he worshipped her—which he did, but something was more wrong than normal and he didn’t want to take the news sitting down. “You’ve been amazing.” He wished he could add sweetheart or love, but he’d tried very hard to cut anything like that out of his vocabulary the past few weeks. He didn’t know why she stayed, but he didn’t want to influence her.

  It hit him like a ton of bricks: everything she’d been doing had been setting him up so she could leave. He almost sank back to the chair, but he held his core tight and spread his toes to balance better on his good leg. Every muscle was tight. Pearl was leaving him. How had he not recognized it before now? It was for the best. It was what he wanted.

  No, that was a blatant lie. He wanted Pearl, but he wouldn’t hold her to him when he had nothing to offer her. Sure, he was wealthy, but he had no purpose, no drive to succeed anymore, nothing in his future. He’d keep taking care of himself and pretending for the world that he was dealing with this injury like Jex Steele did everything: with a joking smile and a patient attitude. It would all be a lie. And he’d tell himself the hugest lie of all: that when Pearl left, he wouldn’t spiral into a hole so black and deep that it was impenetrable.

  “Thank you, Jex.” She ducked her head slightly and bit at her lip, and he wished with everything in him that he could kiss her, really kiss her. Maybe when she left, he’d kiss her goodbye. That was at least something to look forward to.

  “Lay it on me. I can take it. Wait, let me guess first. I’m going to lose all my money and have to go live on an island in the Caribbean with snakes.” He grinned and pumped his eyebrows. “Preston and Ally acted like it was so tough, but I think I could hack it.” He could hack anything if Pearl was with him. Well, anything but losing the function in his right leg. Over a month ago they’d finally admitted their love for each other, and within minutes his future had been stripped from him. The good Lord had a perverse sense of humor.

  The thought left Jex with instant guilt, and he should’ve said a silent prayer of repentance. It wasn’t his Father in Heaven’s fault that Jex was good at nothing besides risking his life. Yet he hadn’t talked to the good Lord in five weeks, and he didn’t think today was the day to mend that relationship. He used to pray before every stunt, and look where that had gotten him.

  Pearl’s beautiful lips turned up. “You’re not going to live with snakes, but I agree with Ally on that one.” She gave an exaggerated all-over shudder, and Jex had no choice but to focus on her exquisite shape. A shape he’d never hold close again. “I couldn’t have handled the snakes.”

  Jex let his eyes trail over her perfect face. “You’re an impressive lady, Pearl Davenport-Jacobsen. You could’ve handled the snakes.” If only she could handle the darkness deep inside of him and the fake way he was dealing with his disability. He hated the word “disability”: so proper, so fake. Lame or handicapped fit so much better in his mind. He wanted to pound his fists on his chest and yell that he didn’t need anyone’s help. He had a bum leg. No big deal. Except it was a very big deal, for him.

  “Well, thank you, Jex Jefferson Steele.”

  “Whoa, going for the full name. This must be serious.” He hadn’t teased her about changing her last name since that day in the hospital. She hadn’t brought up those empty hopes again either.

  “You went for the full name, you dork.”

  “Oh, I’m the dork?” He put his hand on his chest.

  “Irresistible dork.”

  “That’s right. You love every inch of me, and you know it.” The teasing had made him forget his current situation. He clamped his mouth shut and wished he could take the last sentence back. Her teal-blue eyes darkened with desire, and she gazed at him as if she truly did love every inch of him. Jex cleared his throat and quickly said, “So, my financial troubles?”

  Pearl stepped back as if he’d slapped her. Jex’s stomach swam with guilt, but he couldn’t lead her on. He knew she could see through his false happiness, but in the past few seconds he’d let it get too real. It was a fine line he walked, pretending he was fine so Pearl couldn’t call him out on what a mess he truly was, even though he knew she knew. Yet he also couldn’t fully tease and let her see how much he loved her. He wouldn’t bind her to him when he had nothing left.

  She swallowed hard, and he watched that smooth neck bob. If only he could kiss that neck, just one more time. Maybe he could live in the memories of it. He had the memory of those kisses they’d shared that fateful day five weeks ago. They had to be enough, except they weren’t enough for him. He was such an adrenaline-craving jerk. He wasn’t going to take advantage of Pearl and guilt her into staying just because he needed her worse than he needed to fling himself out of an airplane.

  Pearl collected herself and said, “So there’s an account you have with a credit union here in Florida that we don’t use very often. It’s received an infusion of millions of dollars in the past few weeks.”

  His eyes narrowed. “My family?” His family wouldn’t do that to him, would they? They were all wealthy and successful as well, but he’d patiently explained to each of them individually over the past few weeks that he didn’t need anything, especially not money. His mom and Lottie had stayed the first few days after they’d returned to the States, but luckily, he’d been able to convince them that he was fine, that he had Pearl. Except he didn’t have Pearl.

  She shook her head. “Various donors—some for only a few dollars, some for thousands. After you shut down all the GoFundMe accounts, this bank put it out there that people could donate to you through them after your accident.”

  Jex’s jaw clamped and anger made his blood pump faster and faster. He was not a charity case. Never. That was why his lawyers had very effectively convinced GoFundMe to close every account started in his name.

  Several tense seconds passed as he fought for control. His balance wavered, and he had to lean on the table for support. Pearl’s eyes flickered to his right hand clinging to the table, then back to his face. He pushed away from the table and used every ounce of balance and strength he had to stay steady on his left leg.

  “Donate it,” he finally managed to growl.

  Pearl pulled in a quick breath.

  Jex cleared his throat and tried to not come across as angry, embarrassed, and humiliated. People meant well, but he hated handouts worse than he hated his right leg right now. He tried to speak, but his throat was still gravelly and full of anger. He swallowed several times, licked his lips, and focused on the view of the river and a beautiful yacht sailing past headed out to sea. “Please donate the full balance in that account to the charity of your choice.” Good for him. That had sounded pretty level and unemotional. “And please shut down the account and explain to the bank that what they did was unacceptable, and we are withdrawing all funds from them.” He forced himself to meet Pearl’s gaze and hoped his own eyes weren’t full of all the emotions roiling around inside of him—anger, frustration, and love for her.

  “Sounds great.” She forced a smile.

  “Anything else?” He smiled in response. So fake.

  Jex waited, patiently. He used to be
the patient one; all his life, his mom had told people how patient he was. Not anymore. Now everything made him impatient and very, very angry.

  Anything else? As in you can’t handle me or this fake existence any longer? He hoped he was giving Pearl the opening she needed. She would tell him she was going to visit her mom or brother for a few days; then those days would stretch into weeks. They’d talk less and less frequently. She’d eventually stop texting or calling. Some smart man would snatch her up.

  He felt like Gunner had just slugged him in the gut. He bowed forward, lost his balance, and would’ve gone down if Pearl hadn’t rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his waist to steady him. Jex automatically wrapped his own arm around her shoulder, bracing himself. He put the thought of her and another man out of his head and simply savored Pearl being close, drinking in her smooth curves and her soft scent. He let himself brush his lips against her forehead. Pearl. He loved her so much.

  Pearl glanced up at him, so beautiful and irresistible that he almost bent closer and kissed her. But then he noticed the strain on her face. She was giving a lot of energy to simply help him stay upright. He was leaning on her. No! What kind of a weak man was he? Horror and anger and embarrassment rushed through him. Jex released his grip on her, grabbed on to the table, and shuffled backward. He couldn’t look at her, didn’t want to know if he’d hurt her feelings. That was the last thing he wanted, but if she was leaving him, she’d probably be glad he pushed away.

  “Anything else?” he pushed out.

  “Um … not right now. I’ve got to run some errands. I’ll be back for lunch.”

  Jex nodded, studying the view, not able to make himself pretend right now.

  “Jex?” Her voice was so sweet and full of almost begging that he had to look at her. It was worse than he’d feared. Her teal eyes were bright, and a single tear splashed past her thick lashes and down her cheek. He wanted to brush it away. He wanted to kiss it away. He didn’t want to ever make her cry.