Chapter 58

• The night air was filled with the warm scent of dinner, and Karen's house was aglow with soft lighting. Nicole and Ashley were chatting and laughing as they helped their mom put the finishing touches on the meal.
• Lucas and Gage arrived together, Lucas flashing a charming smile as he greeted Karen and the girls. Gage, on the other hand, was more subdued, his eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on Nicole.
• Nicole felt a flutter in her chest as their eyes met, but Gage's expression was neutral, giving away nothing. She smiled and waved, trying to play it cool, but she couldn't help feeling a little hurt by his distant behavior.