Page 134 of Love Unspoken

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—"

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 heard his voice. 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.