Page 123 of Lucas

“You look happy,” I say to Cora as we settle into our seats at the café. We haven’t gotten together since the wedding, and she’s the only person I can talk to who knows the truth about our marriage besides Lucas, the only one with whom I don’t have to pretend.

And she sounded thrilled when I asked to meet up.

“Yeah?” She holds her hands to her cheeks and smiles, her eyes sparkling. “I don’t know. I think Arlo might be the one.”

“Really?” My eyes widen. “How long have you been dating?”

The server arrives to take our orders, and we fall silent.

“Santa Fe sandwich for me.” I hand back the menu.

“Same for me. And a vodka orange,” Cora adds.

I shoot her a look, my eyebrow arching.

“What? It’s five o’clock somewhere.”

I laugh. “So, how long have you been dating?” I ask again once the server leaves.

“A few months,” Cora replies with a wave of her hand. “It’s not long, I know. I’m not expecting him to propose or anything, I just want to know I’ve found him. You know? My one.” She sighs and sits back in her chair. “I look at Logan and see how much he’s changed. He was so serious before Sloane. I don’t think he even remembered how to smile, and he’s a different person now. He’s so happy with her. I want that for myself too. That life-changing love.”

I nod, understanding the longing all too well.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She places her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Here I am rambling on about my boyfriend, and you’re stuck in this fake marriage with Lucas, bound by a contract, without love. I really am sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I lower my gaze, fiddling with the napkin in my lap, twisting the paper between my fingers.

“Ava?” Cora narrows her eyes, studying me. “Did something happen with Lucas? You’re blushing.”

“I’m not blushing.” I deny, but my cheeks only heat further under her scrutiny.

“You just turned red before my eyes.” Cora grins, a knowing gleam in her gaze. “You slept with him, didn’t you?”

I smile, unable to hide the truth from her.

“Yes! I knew it. You slept with him,” she gloats, bouncing a little in her seat.

“Shhh...” I glance around, hoping no one overheard her exuberant outburst.

She lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “From that look, it was good.”

“He’s—”

“No! Wait. Don’t tell me. God, I can’t hear stories about my brother. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal or something.” She shudders dramatically.

I laugh, the tension easing from my shoulders. “Let’s just say there’s probably an advantage to the fact that he’s very experienced.”

She grins. “So, you like him now, or is it just sex?”

“I kind of like him,” I admit, picking at a loose thread.

More than like. I think I’m falling in love with him, but there’s no way I’m saying those words out loud. Saying them would make it real and give him the power to destroy me. So I’ll keep it locked away in that small, neglected corner of my heart where I shove all the inconvenient feelings.

“Ooh, I’m excited. It’s funny because you’re already married, but if you become a real couple?—”

“That’s not going to happen.” I deflate her enthusiasm, my stomach twisting at the thought. I can’t let myself hope for the impossible.

“But why not? I know our families aren’t on the best terms, but you know, that was in the past. You’re not your dad, and Lucas isn’t his dad. You can start fresh. Bring the families together. It would be so cool if you were part of the family. I mean, not that you’re not already, but you know...”