Page 40 of No Ordinary Love

Jax grinned back at me. "I'll check. Maybe it's jewelry this time."

I watched curiously at the entryway from the foyer into my living space and that's when I heardhisvoice. It sent a jolt through me.

Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath.

"I couldn't exactly kick him out." Jax sounded more resigned than surprised as he led Lucas in.

My heart dropped to my stomach. Lucas was holding a bouquet of pink roses. He seemed more determined, less uncertain. There was something in his eyes that made me feel like the floor had just dropped out from under me.

"What on earth are you doing here?" Basil demanded, walking up to Lucas, ready to rip him a new one, no doubt.

"Hi, Basil," Lucas said softly. "Pink roses symbolize gratitude and appreciation."

The room went silent, and all eyes were on me as I stood frozen in place. My heart was racing, and my mind was a mess of emotions I didn't have the time or the energy to untangle.

I glanced at Ace who looked guilty as hell. "I didn't think he'd show up." He raised both his hands in a peace offering.

Gemma cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Well, this just got interesting."

I forced myself to meet Lucas's gaze, ignoring the flutter in my chest. "Lucas, you can't just show up like this."

"I know," he said, taking a step closer. "But I've missed your cooking, and I thought there would be safety in numbers. Also, I'd have called to warn you, but you've not unblocked me yet."

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. I grabbed the flowers he held and turned my back to him.

"Gemma, sweetheart, can you set an extra plate." I didn't look at anyone as I made a big production out of finding a vase for the roses. I set them on the coffee table in the living room.

Basil was in Lucas's face by the time Gemma set a place for Lucas. "You and Amara are not friends, you get me? You have some big brass ones to show up here."

Lucas smiled uneasily at Basil. "I hurt your friend. I understand that upsets you. I get it. I fucked up. I just…want to make amends. Okay?"

"You're still dating that other woman, though, aren't you?" Gemma piped up.

I groaned softly. What a shitshow? I didn't deserve this drama in my life.

Liar! You're so happy to see Lucas after all this time that your panties are wet, and you're ready to drop to your knees to suck him off.

My vagina, obviously, had a mind of her own, which was in the gutter.

"I have not dated Kath, not since we broke up five years ago." Lucas watched me as he spoke. "I'mnotdating her now."

"Then what have you been doing with her?" Emily demanded.

Ace might be Team Lucas but Emily was all Team Amara.

"Hey, Emily." He walked to her, brushed his lips against her cheek, and shook hands with Ace. "I'm not doing anything with Kath except working with her."

He then went to Gemma and gave her a quick hug, which the traitor responded to with a grin.

"It sure looks like you're with her," Jax prodded.

The oven beeped then, loudly, as the timer went off. The room went silent except for the strains of jazz playing on my Bose speaker.

"God! All I wanted was a pleasant dinner with friends for the first time in forever, and we havethis." I flung my arms up in the air and went to the oven. "Everyone, take a seat. Jax, fill glasses with wine, will you?"

Gemma came to me. "Can I help you plate?"

"No." I didn't want anyone near me right now because I was likely to start screaming and not stop. Who the hell did Lucas think he was coming here?

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