Page 132 of Love Unspoken

Was Kath selfish? Yes, she was, but wasn't everyone?

"Kath left you because Mercer was already running his father's company, and you weren't. Then he left her, and now she's back because you've taken over LPC and have done great things in the three years you've been CEO. You're now more successful than Mercer." Grandma did not mince her words. "It didn't matter to her that you were living with another woman; she basically bulldozed in and got you."

"She didn't bulldoze⁠—"

"You think your mother didn't know that Amara was listening to your conversation with her?" Grandma seethed.

"What?" Shock ran through me. "No!"

Grandma rolled her eyes and looked at me like I was an imbecile. "Ask Jerome. Patsy may not have made you say you didn't love Amara, but she had a pretty good idea what you would say about Kath."

"Even Mama isn't that devious." I couldn't believe that my mother would purposely sabotage my relationship with Amara and hurt an innocent in the process. But then again, it took only a moment's thought for me to admit that Mama had been doing everything she could to break Amara and me up since I introduced her to the family.

"Lucas, what do you want?" Grandma demanded, her eyes searching mine.

I spoke from my heart, the truth finally breaking free. "Amara. I don't know how it happened, but I fell in love with her. And I've been too scared to admit it, too scared to go after what I really want because it doesn't fit into everyone else's idea of what my life should be."

She reached out and took my hand in hers, her grip surprisingly strong. "Then don't make the same mistake I did. Don't let fear or obligation dictate your life. Kath is not the one for you. I could always see that, even if you're only now starting to realize it yourself."

I nodded, my heart heavy with a certainty I'd been avoiding for so long. "I know. I think I've known for a while, but I didn't want to admit it. It's easier to stick with what's familiar, even if it's wrong."

She smiled, a twinkle in her eyes. "What are you going to do about Jax?"

I blinked. "I thought he was taking care of her because you asked him to."

"Have you seen them together? They have so much chemistry."

I wasn't sure if she was teasing or serious. "Amara told me they're just friends."

"But imagine if they weren't. How would it make you feel?"

"Devastated."

"Good. Now you know how she feels. So, when you go to her, go on your knees. Go with humility. You wronged her."

I sat back down. "I already put my foot in it."

I told her about my phone conversation with Amara.

She laughed, a soft, knowing sound. "Good for her! I hope she makes you crawl. I've always liked Amara. She's real, Lucas. She's got that fire, that spirit that you need in your life. She's not like Kath, with all the pretenses and the games."

"I know." Fuck if I didn't.

"Why do you think Jax likes her so much? He's sick of the society types after what happened with Daniela."

Jax had once dated the love of his life, a woman who wanted to get married and start a family right away. She expected him to give up golf and join the family business. He'd wanted her support; she'd wanted to be married to the Caldwell heir. Dani moved on quickly, marrying into another family just like hers, just like mine—and since then, Jax hadn't been in a relationship with any woman.

"I know you like to work with facts. So, here it is. Kath betrayed you once before, and even if she's changed, the foundation of your relationship is shaky at best. Amara, on the other hand, has got her feet firmly on the ground. She's someone you can build a life with, someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. That is if you can convince her to give your sorry ass a second chance."

"Thanks for your faith in me."

"I have faith in you, but not your groveling skills. Let go of your pride and ego; they're not important. She is. Go after her, Lucas. Don't let fear or obligation hold you back. Life is too short for regrets."

FIFTEEN

AMARA

"He's sending flowers every day?" Jax looked at the yellow roses on my dining table.