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But I didn’t try to deny it. Because he wasn’t wrong.
I was in love.
CHAPTER 19
MONROE
Iwas sitting behind the reception desk at the doctor’s office, trying to focus on my work, but my mind kept wandering back to the bouquet of two dozen black roses on the counter in front of me. They were from Lincoln, delivered thirty minutes after I started for the day, and I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy at the sight of them. Black was an interesting choice, but somehow, it fit. This thing between us. It felt far darker and more intense than a plain red rose.
Also, I really wanted a look at the background check he had on me, because he seemed to know everything about me at this point. I definitely had not given him the name and address of the office I worked at.
My thoughts were interrupted when Dr. Kevin walked in. He took one glance at the flowers and then at me, a knowing smirk on his face. I could practically feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
“Those are pretty,” he said, his eyes lingering on me for a beat too long.
“Yeah, they are,” I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. “They’re from a friend.”
“A friend, huh?” He leaned against the counter, his gaze still fixed on me. “Seems like more than a friend to me.”
I tried to ignore the knot in my stomach as I shifted in my seat, desperate for some space between us. “Hmm,” I finally said, hoping to put an end to the conversation.
But of course he wasn’t deterred. “You know, Monroe, I didn’t take you for a flower kind of girl, but I’ll try anything once.”
My skin crawled at the implication behind his words. What was it about him that made me feel so gross?
“Not going to happen,” I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He snorted, like I’d told a funny joke, and then he lingered for a moment longer before finally turning to head back down the hall, leaving me slightly shaken and out of sorts.
The flowers from Lincoln suddenly didn’t seem quite as magical as they did before. I picked up the heavy vase they’d been delivered in and put them around the corner, so no one would associate them with me if they walked in.
* * *
Darkness was creeping over campus, the light of day slowly fading. We’d just been given a new assignment that was due by next class period, and I was trying to plot out how I would fit it in when I realized someone was walking way too close.
The last thing I needed was Connor sidling up like he was trying to glue himself to me. But there he was, invading my personal space without a care in the world.
"Hey Monroe," he chirped, as if I hadn't shut him down countless times since our disastrous “study session.”
I let out a weary sigh. "What do you want, Connor?"
His grin faltered for a moment, but then he rallied. "I was thinking we could try that place again. Actually eat the steaktogetherthis time."
"I'm busy," I said flatly, trying to edge away from him.
But he wasn't deterred. He caught up to me in a few quick strides, his hand landing on my lower back. I flinched away from the unwanted touch, my nerves on edge.
“Connor—” I began, until a familiar form appeared out of the shadows.
Lincoln.
He stood tall, his broad shoulders taking up space, and his jaw clenched as he stared the guy down.
"Hey, dream girl," he rasped, a faint growl in his voice that sent shivers down my spine.
I quickly pulled away from Connor, wondering how this golden boy in front of me felt more like home every time I saw him.
“Ready to go?” Lincoln asked, eating up the remaining distance between us and gathering me into his arms.
