Page 27 of No Ordinary Love

After breakfast on the balcony, where I discovered that Jax wasnotready for human interaction until he'd drunk two cups of coffee, we headed to the golf course.

The course was stunning, a lush green expanse bordered by tall pines with glimpses of the ocean. The air buzzed with soft laughter, conversation, the clink of clubs, and the occasional cheer for a well-made shot.

Since this was a charity and celebrity event, the atmosphere was relaxed and not quite as competitive as it would be during a regular golf tournament.

Jax introduced me to his friends, all of whom were players or former players in various sports—big, confident men with easy smiles and a camaraderie that felt genuine, not forced.

Davis "DJ" Turner, a former NFL linebacker turned sports commentator, greeted me with a bear hug and a booming laugh that made me feel like I'd known him for years. His wife, Sienna, a petite woman with curly dark hair and a wicked sense of humor, immediately looped her arm through mine and started chatting about everything from the tournament to the best places to get seafood in Myrtle Beach.

Ace Mitchell was a pro golfer like Jax, with an infectious grin and a laid-back attitude that put me at ease. His wife, Emily, was tall and graceful, with a quiet confidence that I admired. She and I bonded quickly over a shared love of literature, and before long, we were deep in conversation about our favorite books and authors, completely ignoring the game unfolding in front of us.

"Jax told me you're a professor." Emily's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "What do you teach?"

"Communication…well, specifically with regards to women's health and public relations. That's what I have my PhD in," Ireplied. "It's not as glamorous as being on the PGA Tour, for sure, but I love it."

Emily shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Don't sell yourself short. That sounds fascinating. I just started my own event planning business after working for one of those big companies. Maybe you can do my PR."

"I'm afraid I'm more on the strategy side of things and not on the tactical, but I can hook you up with some top agencies where my former students now work," I suggested warmly.

As the day went on, we moved from one hole to the next, and I found myself easily slipping into the rhythm of the group. There was no pretense here, no need to prove myself or navigate the tricky social waters that had always felt so treacherous with Lucas's friends and family.

Jax's friends and their partners welcomed me without hesitation, making me feel like I belonged in a way I hadn't experienced in a long time.

At one point, Jax nudged me with his elbow, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You having fun yet?"

I grinned back at him, feeling lighter than I had in months. The mood and the two margaritas that I'd had with gorgeous snacks were absolutely contributing. "I think I might be."

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "Good. You deserve to have fun, Amara. And I'm glad you're here with me."

I leaned into his embrace, enjoying the warmth of his presence. Being with Jax was like breathing fresh air. His world was open and welcoming, and no one made me feel bad about myblue-collarbackground—they appreciated me for me; no fancy pedigree required.

With Lucas, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope, always balancing, always trying to find the right footing. It was simplewith Jax. There was no balancing act. It was comfortable. It was good.

It was also not passionate. As much as I liked him, and he me, I wasn't sexually attracted to him. Damn it!

When we got back to our suite, Jax dropped his golf bag in the corner and flopped onto the couch, looking every bit the picture of masculine repose.

"So, what's the verdict?" he asked, propping his feet up on the coffee table. "Did I manage to show you a good time?"

I smiled, sitting beside him, feeling a genuine sense of contentment. "You did. Your friends are great. I felt…welcome."

He reached out, taking my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "You are. Always. I never expected to have the connection we built…you know, without the…."

"Sex?" I volunteered.

He laughed. "Yeah, without that."

There was something in the way he said it that made me think he knew more than I'd given him credit for. Maybe he could sense the shadows that still lingered around me, the remnants of my past with Lucas that I hadn't fully shaken off. But Jax didn't demand anything more than I was ready to give. And maybe that was precisely what I needed right now.

"I'm not over him," I whispered. "Do you think that's whyweare not happening?"

"I don't know, darlin'. But I'll tell you one thing, I think you're damn attractive, and I'd love to fuck you."

I gasped. And here I thought we didn't have any chemistry.

"I'm a guy. You're hot."

"That simple?"

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