I know, and I’ll always be sorry about that. But I’m not wrong here.
I know Benton believes what he’s saying, but I know it’s this shit with Gina that has him biased against Lincoln. And she wasn’t even with him. She was with his brother.
Benton, he just came over to apologize, nothing more.I cross my arms over my chest, standing firm, waiting for his response.
Men like Lincoln, his brother and the fucking Scorpions don’t just apologize. They have an ulterior motive.
I just glare at Benton. He’s pissed, and there’s no way he’s going to see reason. All I can think about is how Lincoln came to the table, the ease in his body, the way his lips moved when he spoke to me and my brother. His temper didn’t flare; he stayed calm and collected. My heart warms as my pulse races, remembering how he looked right at me like I was the only one in the room.
Bayleigh…
I just shake my head. I’m done. Turning, I head straight to my room. I love my brother, but right now I am so pissed at him. You’d think I was a three-year-old child instead of a twenty-one-year-old woman.
I drop down onto my bed, and pull off my jacket, laying it down beside me.
Despite my words with my brother, a smile spreads across my face. I met a man, and he actually liked me. For me.
I’m lying in bed, too wired to fall asleep when I feel my phone vibrate on the bed.
Picking it up, my heart deflates just a little when I see it’s James, not Lincoln. A small part of me hoped that he would’ve messaged me by now. It’s been a few hours and doubt seeps in. Is Benton right? Was he just playing me? Getting his jollies offfooling the deaf girl into thinking that someone could actually like her?
James: How are you doing? Are you okay?
Me: I’m fine.
I’m not sure that I believe that though.
James: Are you sure? I know Benton was being a little overbearing tonight. You get it though. If it weren’t for all that shit with him and Brooks, I don’t think he’d be as bad as he was.
Me: Maybe. I’m tired. I’m going to head to bed. See you tomorrow.
It’s a lie. I can’t sleep. But I don’t feel like talking about it. Nor do I want to hear James justify Benton acting the way he is. The situation with Gina was three years ago. Both of them should be over her by now and drop this silly feud. And Lincoln wasn’t even with her, so what’s the big deal?
I bring my hand to my mouth, gently chewing on my nail as I think about him. Lincoln. The spark I felt between us. Surely, he felt that fire, too? Even now, I can still smell his sandalwood scent lingering in my memory. He’s not my scent match, so I shouldn’t be able to cling to it like this, but… I roll onto my side, my hand reaching out for my phone as my fingers draw lazily across the screen. Should I text him? I mean, it is the twenty-first century. Women can message men first, ask them out.
But what if he really was just toying with my emotions? Did he know Benton is my brother? Was the whole grandiose moment of replacing my spilled popcorn was just some calculated act to get back at my brother?
I flip back onto my back and let out a groan. Why is this so hard? Because I’m letting self-doubt seep in. I’m not the same girl from my childhood or even from college. I’m a survivor. Despite all the verbal abuse and ridicule thrown at me, I overcame it. Even the rejection of my scent match, which was the hardest hit of all.
Finally, I sit up and shake off all the nerves and type out a message.
Me: Thanks for the popcorn.
I hesitate before hitting send, staring at the screen, biting my lip as I build the courage to hit the button.
My finger moves before I have a chance to rethink my decision. No turning back now. It’s up to Lincoln if he responds. If he doesn’t, then I’ll know he isn't interested, and I can delete his contact and move on.
I jump when the phone vibrates in my hand and I let out a squeak. He answered! I take a deep breath, needing to remain calm.
Lincoln: You’re welcome. Did you have fun tonight?
Me: I did.
I don’t say it was because of him and his kindness. I don’t want to sound too needy.
Lincoln: Sorry if I caused any trouble with your brother.
My hand goes to my heart, and I want to squeal. He cares about upsetting Benton.
