Page 43 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Lemon’s brows bunched. “Why not?”

Lexi’s expression turned grave. “Because Braden was killed in a scuba diving accident.”

Lemon’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the room. Her voice trembled. “How terrible.”

A gloomy silence descended over the room. Finally, Knox spoke. “How does Wesley Livingston fit into the picture?”

“Lemon and Wesley already knew each other when she was engaged to Braden. Lemon and her partner were considering starting a clothing line and opening a boutique in Nashville. Wesley and his dad were selling her a piece of prime real estate in Brentwood.”

“But Lemon doesn’t have a boutique in Brentwood,” Jaxson countered.

“Ultimately, Lemon and her partner changed their minds and decided not to add the clothing line.” Lexi shrugged. “I’mnot sure why.” She looked at Lemon. “You never told me, and I didn’t think to ask.”

“What type of business do I own?” Lemon’s voice had a startled breathy edge.

“It’s called Shade of Lemon. You sell high-end purses and shoes all over the world. In fact—” Lexi made a flourish with her hand, proudly displaying her red heels “—these are yours. I’d been eyeing them for months but couldn’t afford them.” She grunted. “Not on what I make. Anyway, you gave them to me for my birthday.”

Lemon’s hand was cold as ice. Her eyes were wide, features rigid. “You okay?” Jaxson asked.

“Yeah,” she said hoarsely. “It’s just a lot to take in. Shade of Lemon,” she mused. “It’s a neat name.” A weak smile touched her lips. “It’s so strange … hearing all of this. It feels like we’re talking about someone else’s life.”

“You always did love shoes,” Jaxson piped in with a grin, trying to lighten the situation. “You had a whole closet full of them.”

His attempt at humor was lost on Lemon. She bunched her brows. “Who’s my partner?”

“Shade Russell,” Lexi answered.

Lemon’s eyes flitted around the room to all who were present. “How did I get from Franklin to LA? That is where my business is headquartered, right?”

Lexi nodded.

“H—how did it happen?” Lemon sputtered.

Jaxson knew the answer, as he’d followed her success. “After graduation, you went to New York. I’m not sure what you did for work when you first arrived, but eventually, you attended Parsons School of Design.”

“I know what she did for work,” Lexi cut in, “waited tables, same as me.” She chuckled. “I’m always saying that I hope thegood vibes will rub off on me. That one day, I’ll get my lucky break like you did.” She looked at Lemon as she spoke.

“Lexi is a songwriter and singer,” Jaxson explained when Lemon’s face remained blank.

“Oh,” Lemon nodded with a slight smile. “I hope you do get your big break.”

“Thanks,” Lexi said graciously. “God willing, it’ll happen one day.”

Knox spoke up. “Have you talked to Cash? I’m sure he’d be willing to help.”

Lexi sighed. “Cash is awesome. He pitched my music to his label, but they weren’t interested. Said my music is not original enough for them. Hartley has one of my demos. I’m waiting to hear what she thinks of it. Of course, it’ll have to wait until she and Ramsey get back from their honeymoon.”

“I’m sure if Hartley can help, she will,” Knox responded. He looked at Jaxson. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Where was I?” Jaxson asked.

“At the part where I’d just graduated from design school,” Lemon supplied.

Jaxson was pleased to note that Lemon’s short-term memory was fully intact. He continued his narrative. “You apprenticed under a famous shoe designer before launching your company, which you co-founded with your friend from the design school.”

Lemon’s eyes rounded to blue saucers. “How do you know all of this?”

He offered a sheepish grin. “It’s all online.”

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