Page 39 of No Ordinary Love

I frowned. "Jewelry is not going to work on me."

The doorbell rang, and Jax raised a hand, telling me he'd get it.

I had finally decided to invite people for dinner. Basil was visiting for the weekend, so it was the right time to throw a party.Since Emily and I had become friendly, she and Ace were coming along as well.

Gemma walked in, sniffing the air. "What smells divine?"

"Duck a l'orange," I announced and gave her a quick hug.

"You look…wow! What's going on?" Gemma demanded.

I quirked an eyebrow and then nodded. "I had a haircut."

"That's not it.

I gave Gemma a wry smile. "Maybe it's the wine." I raised my glass of a nice Bordeaux that Jax brought.

Gemma tilted her head, studying me with those sharp eyes of hers that never missed a thing. "Hmm, maybe. But it's more than that. You're glowing, girl. What gives?"

I opened my mouth to brush her off with some light comment, but the words caught in my throat. Was I glowing? I didn't feel it. If anything, I felt like I was teetering on the edge of chaos, thanks to Lucas's relentless attempts to…what? Win me back? Or just confuse the hell out of me?

"Is it Lucas?" Gemma prodded, leaning against the counter.

I could hear my other guests at the entrance of the house and wished they'd come in faster so Gemma would stop making me think things I didn't want to.

I groaned, rubbing a hand over my face. "It's definitelynotLucas. Or maybe it is. I don't know. He's been sending me flowers every damn day, and I can't figure out if it's sweet or if it's just another way to mess with my head."

Gemma raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Yellow roses. Not exactly a declaration of undying love."

"Yeah, well, maybe that's the problem," I muttered. "He's sending mixed signals. First, he says he wants to be friends. Then, he's slipping in little notes that make me wonder if there's more to it. And all the while, he's still with Kath."

Thankfully my guests came in through the foyer into my open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area.

I hugged Ace and Emily in greeting. And then saw Basil, who'd just come in. He opened his arms, and I flew into them.

"I've missed you so much," I mumbled into his chest.

"Me too, Sunshine. Me too."

We disengaged, and Jax helped me fill glasses with wine as guests helped themselves to the charcuterie and cheese board I'd placed as an appetizer.

"What are we eating?" Ace rubbed his hands together. "Sorry to bring up the ex, but Lucas said you're an amazing cook."

Emily elbowed her husband, glaring at him. "Excuse the moron here."

"What?" Ace asked innocently, looking at his wife and then turning to me. "I had a drink with Lucas earlier today."

"Is that your orange duck I can smell in the air?" Basil smoothly changed the topic.

I forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. "I'm just trying to impress my favorite people."

"Aww, I'm one of her favorites." Gemma wiped an imaginary tear.

"I'm already impressed." Jax slipped an arm around me.

"I'm so grateful since I live to impress," I quipped, earning a laugh from the group.

"Dinner will be ready in—" Before I could finish, the doorbell rang again. I glanced at Jax, who was already moving to answer it. "I swear if that's another delivery of flowers—"

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