Page 26 of No Ordinary Love

"I know, but this pressure campaign needs to stop."

She stared at me, and I saw the realization sink in. "It will. I promise."

I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "Thanks, Kath. Let's try to be friends first, yeah?"

"We've always been—"

"For the past five years, we've been colleagues," I cut in.

She sighed and then gave me a small smile. She cupped my cheek. "I love you so much, Lucas.Pleasegive us a chance."

"Iamgiving us a chance but that means we take it slow."

Is that really what I wanted? Or did I just want to end this? When had I become such an indecisive prick?

She went on tiptoe and brushed her lips against mine. "Whatever you want," she promised, her eyes warm and loving now. But they didn't match the love and warmth I got from Amara, I thought unfairly.

And that's when the epiphany struck me. Maybe all of this indecision was actually a choice, a clear sign that I didn't love Kathanymore. What I'd been feeling was the aftermath of a long and volatile childhood love, the one I'd lost, who I'd wanted backthen. My confusion came not from Kath but from leaving Amara.

Grandma was right. I needed to understand myself first—to look within and figure out who I was—before I could discover whom I loved.

Chapter 11

Amara

Jax had been invited to participate in a celebrity golf tournament, and when he'd asked me to come along as his plus one, I hadn't hesitated. It wasn't just about escaping Charleston, though that was part of it but it was also about seeing Jax in his element, surrounded by people who knew him, who understood his world. And, honestly, it was about having fun, which I'd been sorely missing since my relationship with Lucas ended.

As we drove to Myrtle Beach, the ocean sparkled in the distance, waves gently lapping the shore, and the air was rich with the scent of salt, sunscreen, and beachside grills.

"This is just the kind of break I needed." I leaned back in the comfortable leather seat of Jax's car.

"I don't know how you're surviving without taking any vacation off," Jax muttered.

I had not taken a holiday this summer, and during my time off between summer and Fall semester, I'd been nursing a broken heart and didn't feel like going anywhere. But now, months had passed. There was distance. I couldn't say I had gotten over Lucas, but I could admit that I was more than ready to work at it.

"I'm having one now, thanks to you," I pointed out.

"This is just a long weekend, sugar," Jax grumbled, "Not avacation."

"Oh, yes, it is! For me at least. I'm planning to spend my time on the beach doing nothing but drinking colorful drinks with umbrellas in them."

We were staying at a luxury resort on the beach; the website of which practically screamed relaxation with its sprawling pools, palm trees, and private balconies overlooking the ocean.

Our two-bedroom suite was spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened out onto a balcony where I could already picture myself sipping coffee in the morning, watching the sun rise over the water.

"This is so cool, Jax." I stepped out onto the balcony and let the sea breeze whip through my hair. "You really know how to treat a girl."

Jax grinned, joining me outside, his arm draping casually over my shoulders. "Hang with me, kid, and I'll take you places."

I laughed, leaning into him a little. "That's what they all say."

It was easy with Jax. There were no expectations, no pressure, just two people enjoying each other's company. And for once, I felt like I could actually let go and have a good time.

That first evening, we had dinner at a restaurant at the resort, and after two glasses of wine, I tapped out and slept through the night for the first time in a very long time. It was the sea air, I concluded. It was Jax. It was me, finally, ready to move forward.

Did I still miss Lucas? Yes, every day.

A part of me knew he was the love of my life, but people lost the love of their lives and moved on, didn't they? I, for one, didbelieve that there was life after love.

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