Page 117 of Love Unspoken

"Amara, that's impressive," Basil exclaimed as I angled the camera to give him a better view of my handiwork. "I didn't even know you gardened."

I laughed, feeling some of the day's tension melt away. "I didn't know either. But I'm spending an inordinate amount of time on YouTube learning the intricacies of planting bulbs in early Fall. It's been nice to have something besides work to focus on, you know?"

He nodded, his expression softening as he looked at me through the screen. "How are you really doing, Sunshine? Gemma told me about Lucas making a pass at you."

Making a pass made it sound tawdry, which it was.

I sighed, moving to sit on the small bench by the magnolia tree. "Honestly? It's been hard. Some days are better than others. That day when Lucas…you know…and days after were not good. This house has helped. It's nice to have a place that's all mine, without any memories of Lucas lurking in the corners."

"You deserve a fresh start, somewhere that's just for you. And this place looks perfect. But you know, Sunshine, you can't hide in your garden forever."

Basil just knew how to push my buttons. "I'm not hiding," I heatedly protested, though we both knew it was true. "I'm just…taking my time."

"Taking your time is one thing, but you also need to start living again. What about Jax? He seems like a good guy. Have you thought about giving things a real shot with him?"

I hesitated, biting my lip as I considered his question. "Jax is great. He's fun and easy to be around. I tried, but there's no chemistry for anything more than friendship. I don't want to lead him on or hurt him."

Basil's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I get that, Sunshine. But maybe you're overthinking it. It's okay to explore what's there, even if it's not fireworks right from the start. And as long as you're honest with him about where you stand, I don't think there's anything wrong with seeing where it goes."

"Are you saying I should use him as a rebound?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugged, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "If that's what you need right now, then maybe. Rebounds get a bad rap, but sometimes they're exactly what you need to move on. You know the saying about getting under someone to get over someone, don't ya? And Jax seems like the kind of guy who can handle himself. Just be upfront with him and see what happens."

I mulled over his words, letting them sink in. Basil had a point—maybe I was overthinking it. Jax was good to me, and I enjoyed spending time with him. Maybe it didn't have to be so complicated. Perhaps I could let myself have a little fun and explore a new relationship without the pressure of it turning into more.

"I don't want you to get a big head," I chuckled. "But, I think you're right. I've been so caught up in what might happen that I haven't allowed myself to just be in the moment."

"Dr. Dearden's pop-psych skills are always at your service." His smile widened. "And call me whenever you need to, okay? I'm always here, even if I'm all the way across the country."

"Ditto." My heart swelled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm glad you and I never have to find out what we'd do without each other," he said somberly. "Now, go text Jax and invite him over for dinner. You've got that new kitchen—you might as well put it to good use. And maybe…your new bed too?"

I laughed as I ended the call. Without allowing myself to ponder further, I pulled up Jax's contact and started typing.

Me: Hey, how about you come over for dinner tomorrow? I'll cook, and you can finally see how the garden is turning out.

I hit send before I could second-guess myself, and within moments, his reply came through.

Jax: Been dying to see it, darlin'. What time should I be there?

I smiled, a sense of anticipation bubbling up. This was a step forward into something new and just for me. It didn't need to be serious, permanent, or anything more than what it was.

Me: Let's say 7? Anything you don't eat?

Jax: I eat everything. But my favorite is…starts with P sounds like hussy.

I rolled my eyes at that. He was a consummate flirt and just what I needed right now. A little bit of fun and a man like Jax to pay me attention and heal my bruised heart and ego.

TEN

LUCAS

Hugh Bellamy had always been in my life. The Bellamys and my parents had been close friends, which was why Shelby, Flynn, Kath, and I had more or less grown up together.

I respected Hugh and looked up to him, especially after we merged Bellamy Foods with Lowcountry Provisions. He was family—hell, his son was married to my sister, and our lives had been entwined for years.

He was also more than just a father figure or a board member, he was a reminder of all the expectations that came with the Covington name, with the legacy I was supposed to uphold. Expectations I was starting to realize I couldn't—or rather wouldn't—meet.