“Not exactly. I, uh, wanted to talk to you, and well, I didn’t want to do it over text. Feels… impersonal, I guess. But in retrospect, showing up to your job might be a bittoo personal.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking insecure, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“As long as I get to return the favor, I think we’re okay.” Lou had already asked to go back to the firehouse.
“You’re welcome at the station anytime.” He smiled, transforming his face. His eyes softened, the corners crinkling.
“So what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked, walking toward my car, waiting to see if he followed. In one long stride, he was next to me as we crossed the garage to where I had parked.
“Would you like to go out with me this weekend? I don’t usually do this, and I’m sorry if I’m coming on too strong, but I really want to get to know you. And I would kick myself if I didn’t at least ask.”
My heart raced. We had danced around my non-answer all week, but seeing him in person had my thoughts going haywire.
“I don’t. I—well…” My mind couldn’t seem to focus enough to formulate a coherent response. With Linc that close, my skin felt too tight. Every sense was heightened.
“Honestly? I’m kind of a mess. And I don’t really know how to date or how fair it would be to drag someone into all my drama.” I fidgeted with my scrub top, trying to avoid making eye contact with Linc. I didn’t know why I’d told him that, but it was the truth, and I was too tired to come up with a reason that sounded neater.
“Hey, it’s okay.” I hadn’t realized how upset I was until Linc gently pulled me into his arms. Without letting myself second-guess it, I snuggled into his chest, letting him hold me in a bear-hug that grounded me like nothing else ever had.
“Life’s messy. I definitely don’t have my shit together either. I’m just asking for the chance to get to know you. Anything else that comes up, we can tackle together. That is, if you want to see me?”
“It’s not just me, though. Lou and I are a package deal. That’s a lot to take on. Casual…I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t knowhowto do that,” I admitted.
“I know what I’m asking, and trust me, the last thing I want to do is hurt you or Lou. I’m a big boy, Sophie. I can handle myself, and am confident I can handle whatever you or Eloise throws at me,” he said, his voice soft and sweet.
My head was still buried against his chest, so I pulled away and looked up to study his face. He was so handsome. That close, I could see that his eyes were hazel, a swirling mix of green and brown.
“Okay,” I said, something in his gaze grounding me.
“Okay,” he said with a smile, before pressing a soft kiss to my hair. Taking a step back, he maneuvered me toward the driver’s door.
“Hop in and wait for me. I’ll follow you, make sure you get home okay.” I went to argue, but he gave me a look that had me shutting up. I unlocked the car door, then turned around quickly, almost colliding with Linc.
“I’m taking Lou to the festival this weekend. Would you want to meet us there? I mean, would you like to go? Together?” I sputtered out, knowing my cheeks were filled with color.
“That sounds perfect,” he said, a smile on his face, reigniting the butterflies in my stomach.
“Now, get in the car before I lose what little restraint I have left. I’m trying real hard to be a gentleman here.” I paused, wanting to ask what that meant.
I silently questioned whether I wanted him to be a gentlemanor not, but he was helping me into the driver’s seat before I could make a decision.
“Wait for me,” he ordered, and I nodded, feeling like a bobblehead.
His large pickup truck was a constant presence on the ride home. I checked the rearview mirror more times than I could count. When I pulled into my driveway, the lights were on, and I knew Lou was waiting for me inside with Kendall, one of the neighborhood teens who babysat for me in the afternoons.
The familiar chaos, the warmth of the house I’d created for Lou and me called to me, but I was hesitant to go in, my focus locked on Linc. He stopped his truck at the end of my driveway, rolling his window down.
“Head on in and lock up. I’ll call you tomorrow morning so we can sort out plans.” His voice was husky. That southern drawl sent shivers down my spine. Shaking myself out of the stupor I was in, I gave a weird nod and wave before rushing to the front door.
“Sweet dreams, Sunshine,” he called out, his voice so low I almost missed it. Warmth spread through me at the nickname, and I had to force myself to focus on unlocking the door. Once inside, I leaned my head against the wood, taking a moment to let my heart rate regulate. Out of the side window, I saw Linc’s truck finally pull away.
Now, I had my own riddle to work out.
Would I rather stay in the safe bubble I’ve wrapped myself in since my divorce… or do I risk it all?
Chapter 10
Lincoln
Standing in the parking lot, I felt like I was jumping out of my skin. Since Lou had come bounding into my life, things had started to feel different. Then, after meeting Sophie and seeing the two of them together, something inside me had clicked into place, begging me to claim them as my own.
