Nyla smiled. “You guys are really nice.”
Lincoln frowned slightly. He was likely just as perturbed as I’d been, realizing the young woman didn’t encounter many people with common decency.
“But I’ll be fine. Grady is…” She shrugged. “He’s a hardass, but he’s never hurt me or anything like that. He’s just doing what he’s told.”
Lincoln and I exchanged glances.
“If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” Lincoln said.
Nyla beamed. “Thanks and happy birthday, Lincoln.”
“Thanks.”
Before she walked off, I slipped her the piece of paper with my number. She stared at it, folded it, and held it tightly. Her fingers fisted around the paper as if it were a lifeline. I hoped like hell she’d use that number. Not just because I wanted information, but because I was seriously concerned.
As Nyla walked away, my eyes remained fixed on her back.
“You’re worried about her,” Lincoln noted.
I glanced at him. “She’s such a sweet girl, Lincoln. I feel so bad… You know, going after her for information. But she’s going through something, and I want to help.”
He sighed. “You will when the time is right.”
I sure hoped so. “Thanks for the rescue, by the way. Things were getting tense with that guy.”
“I could tell. Good thing I was watching that door like a hawk.”
I chuckled. “You mean you've been watchingmelike a hawk.”
He smirked and didn’t deny it.
“I think I found the missing piece of the puzzle,” I said. “I just have to check with Alex to make sure.”
Lincoln’s smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of concern in his eyes. He nodded slowly, but I could see the tension in his jaw. He was still worried, still hated the idea of me possibly walking into danger.
Still, he said, “That’s good. If Alex can confirm it, you’ll have something solid.”
I reached out to touch his arm and changed the subject. “Let’s go back inside. After all that detective work, I’m ready to party. And I owe the birthday boy a dance.”
Lincoln’s smile returned. He slid an arm around my waist, pulling me close with that familiar ease that made my heart skip. Together, we walked back toward the ballroom.
25
LINCOLN
The morning breeze coming off the sea felt good on my skin. I stood on the balcony of my room with a coffee mug in hand. After my birthday, I felt good—better than I had in a long time. It was because the visceral feeling of fear that I was missing out on something had dissipated significantly. Thatsomethingwas lying in my bed, within my grasp.
I glanced back at Ava, visible through the glass door. She lay on her stomach, with one hand stretched to my side of the bed. The sheets were tangled around her waist and legs, leaving her back exposed. She faced me, with one side of her face hidden in the pillow. Her profile was soft in the light, lips slightly parted, long, thick lashes resting on her cheek. Her hair was a tousled halo across the pillow. She looked unguarded, peaceful, and…mine. For now, at least.
Who knew what would happen once we got back to LA and she eventually returned to Massachusetts. She might decide that I wasn’t worth a second chance and disappear from my life completely. The thought started a dull ache in my chest. What if she went back to the guy she almost married? She still refused to tell me about him.
Sighing heavily, I turned back to look at the sea view. I’d stop worrying about how long Ava would be mine. Why not just get lost in the fantasy of us while we were here? That method was better for my peace of mind.
I sipped and watched the waves slosh onto the stretch of sand. I must have been staring out for a while because I heard the thud of footsteps behind me. I didn’t turn around, but when she stopped beside me to lean on the limestone railing, I smiled at her.
She smiled back. “Hey.” Her voice was still thick with sleep. Sexy. Just like the rest of her.
“Do you hear that?” I asked.
