She leans closer and lowers her voice as she glances at the other two volunteers. They’re at the far end of the table, deep in conversation. “At the risk of Axel getting mad at me for blabbing, he started this place.”
I crease my brows. “Really?”
“Yep, he bought the church and turned it into an outreach center that provides basic necessities—showers, hygiene kits, winter coats, blankets, and gloves. We even give the occasional person a place to stay for the night. He also funds the soup kitchen.”
Shock ripples through me. “He does all that?”
She nods. “The man’s too modest for his own good. He’s helped more people in this neighborhood than you could imagine, including me. I’d been out of work for six months when Axel hired me to run the center and the kitchen.”
I can only gape as her words sink in. The man I’ve been grilling in my column for his ginormous ego is the same one quietly taking care of the needy. It’s official. I’m a louse.
Lizzy gives me a shrewd smile. “Any girl would be lucky to have him.”
Before I can respond, more guests shuffle in. Lizzy claps her hands. “All right, folks, let’s get back to it.”
Later, Axel and I eat something. Then, after the soup kitchen is closed and the volunteers leave, we stay to help Lizzy clean up. I come out of the restroom and go back into the kitchen. Axel’s back is turned, and he’s speaking to Lizzy in a concerned tone. I halt in my tracks, not wanting to interrupt. It sounds serious.
“Any word from Dex?”
Lizzy presses her lips together. “Not for a couple of weeks. You and I spoke on the phone right after he spent the night. I let him take a shower, gave him some clean clothes, and fed him. I haven’t seen him since.” Sympathy softens her features. “I’m sorry, I’ll keep a lookout for him.”
His shoulders fall. “Thanks for all you do.” He sounds worried, frustrated. Maybe even a little defeated.
“You bet. It’s what I’m here for.”
Lizzy looks past him and gives me a smile too bright for the tone of the conversation. I figure she’s trying to let Axel know that I’m in the room. “You should probably get this girl home. I’m sure she’s exhausted.”
Axel turns to face me and blinks in surprise. “Didn’t realize you’d come back in.”
“Yep,” I say lamely.
An awkward silence passes before Axel says, “We should get going.”
Questions percolate in my mind. Who’s Dex, and why’s Axel so concerned about him?
Axel looks at Lizzy. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“We have everything we need and then some … thanks to you.” She gives him an appreciative smile.
Axel looks uncomfortable, like he didn’t want me to hear that part. He’s certainly not one to brag about his good deeds. I’m still reeling from the news that he’s funding all of this.
We say goodbye to Lizzy and head outside, where snow flurries are swirling. We go around the building to get to the car.As I step onto the asphalt, my foot slips on black ice. I let out a yelp as I catch myself.
“Careful.” Axel steps close and takes hold of my arm. His nearness pulses awareness through me as we pick our way to the car. My tennis shoes have zero traction. I’m slipping and sliding all over the place.
He slips an arm around my waist. “Easy,” he says into my ear.
I go warm all over. The temperature has plummeted, but I have a heat wave going on. It’s rushing through my entire body, making me dizzy. I slide again. This time, I take Axel with me. He grunts in surprise, and I shriek. I land on my rear end and then fall to my back as he comes down on top of me.
Trying to get my bearings, I look up. His face is only an inch from mine, his warm breath puffing against my skin. I expect him to be mortified by our predicament, but see something else. The way he’s looking at me … well, it makes me forget that I’m pinned to the cold, hard asphalt. This must be a dream. He’s no longer Axel Cox, the country music superstar, but Seth, the guy who captured my heart so long ago. I’m wondering now if I ever truly got it back. My breath comes faster as I part my lips.
“London,” he murmurs as if truly seeing me for the first time.
His wretched phone rings, breaking the spell.
He blinks as if realizing what he almost did. Then he shifts his weight and gets to his feet. He takes my hand and heaves me up. “Are you okay?” His voice is gruff.
“Yeah. Sorry about that.” His phone is still ringing.
