Page 13 of No Ordinary Love

"Am I making you uneasy?" Jax's voice was warm and teasing, and I smiled, grateful for the distraction from the tension simmering just across the table.

"No, of course not." I gathered my reserves and pulled on my mask of calm and cool, the one I had to in front of students and when I presented. "I'm just surprised that Rena would mention me. I don't know her very well."

"She knowsmevery well." He leaned in a little closer, his eyes locked on mine. "And she was right when she said I'd enjoy meeting you."

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. It was flattering, and I found myself relaxing, the tension from Lucas and Kath's presence fading into the background. Jax was easy to talk to, his charm effortless and disarming.

"Jax, I hear you're moving out of your place at Myrtle Beach," Lucas interrupted, his voice cold, and I saw Kath all but jump, her focus on him and then on Jax and me.

"I'm moving to Charleston," Jax declared. "How long have you lived in Charleston, Amara?"

I felt caught between the two men, and I didn't like it one bit. Lucas had no business inserting himself into my conversation with Jax. He had dumped me for his new girlfriend, who was sitting next to him.

"About four years. I came here to do my post doc and then stayed."

Rena noticed the exchange and smiled, clearly amused. "You should ask Amara to show you around, Jax. She recently was in the market for a place, so she's done her research." She turned to Lucas then, "You know, now that I think of it, Jax, Lucas might be selling his townhouse; maybe you'd be interested. I know Amara loved the place."

I felt the heat of embarrassment rise, and my ears burned. Lucas was sellingourhome? Of course, he was. Why wouldn't he? He never wanted to live in South of Broad. He wanted something fancy and big in Battery close to the Covington Estate, if not on the estate.

"Where is it?" Jax wanted to know.

"South of Broad on Church Street," I said at the same time Lucas barked, "Not selling nothin' right now, Grandma."

Kath stiffened. "I thought you were done withit." She looked at me, unflinchingly. "You know, fresh start and all."

I wanted to ask her not to talk to me. She'd stolen my man, and now she thought she could have a polite conversation in societyabout her new boyfriend selling the house that he and I shared? Christ! Just put me on Jerry Springer already!

Jax chuckled a deep, warm sound that made me feel even more at ease. "Are you sure, Lucas? I am looking for a place on South of Broad. I find the rest of Charleston either too modern or too stuffy." He flashed me another one of his killer smiles. "Maybe you could help me find a home, Amara; Rena says you have excellent taste."

Rena was up to something because I had no clue why she'd say these things to Jax. I didn't like being used but I had a feeling I was by the Covington matriarch. But I wasn't going to give her or Lucas the pleasure of seeing me fumble or falter.

"Certainly, Jax." I tilted my head. I was a twenty-eight-year-old woman. I wasn't an ingenue. I knew how to flirt. "Maybe we could spend some time over a weekend, and I'll show you around."

"I'd love it," Jax replied. "Now, I have another question. How's your golf handicap?"

I quirked an eyebrow. "Darlin', I've never played golf."

"Now, sugar, you've got to let me teach you," Jax flirted right back. "You find me a home, and I'll show you how to get a hole-in-one."

It was suggestive as hell and a welcome relief. I found myself laughing, genuinely enjoying Jax's attention. His admiration was obvious, and while part of me knew that sitting at this table was its own kind of torment, another part of me was grateful for the chance to be seen, to be appreciated—especially with Lucas sitting right there, watching it all unfold.

Jax leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "What are you doin' tomorrow, sugar?"

The offer was tempting, and his words were wrapped in an easy confidence that seemed to come naturally to him. I glanced over at Lucas, just in time to see him look away, his attentionsnapping back to Kath, who was saying something heated to him.

Trouble in lover's paradise? I thought petulantly.

I turned back to Jax, feeling a sudden surge of resolve. "I'm at the gym in the morning, but usually free late afternoon." My smile was wideandgenuine.

If I had to have a rebound, why not the golf darling of Charlestonandthe world? I could do worse.

Chapter 6

Lucas

"Stay the fuck away from her, Jax," I ground out at my old friend when I caught him at the bar.

The uncomfortable fucking dinner was over. I couldn't look away from Amara, which Kath noticed and had a hissy fit about.

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