“Yeah, we’ll meet you out front,” and he hangs up the phone. “He’s picked up Aiden and Jessa and wanted to pick us up before the storm gets any worse.”
I nod, hating that this bubble is being burst, but it’s like reality tossing ice cold water over me again.
“Hey,” he says, cupping my face. “We’ll figure this out.”
I nod, wishing I could get over this, that I could give him everything he wants and deserves. Because, to be honest, he deserves the entire world.
I wrap my arms around his waist, resting my head against his chest, my chin on his sternum to look up at him.
“You’re the sweetest man I’ve ever met, though most other people wouldn’t know it. You’d give the shirt off your back to anyone who needed it. I’ve never laughed or smiled more around anyone else in my life. You’re too hard on yourself, but it’s what made you so successful. And… you’re the best fuck I’ve ever had in my life,” I say.
He grins down at me, his smile making my stomach do a flip.
It wasn’t a love confession, but it sure felt like one.
Lincoln wraps his arms around me and picks me up, kissing me roughly.
“One more day,” he whispers against my lips.
One more day and we won’t be surrounded by family constantly and we can really see if this is going to work.
“One more day,” I repeat as he closes our tab and we go outside and wait for my uncle Jeff to pick us up.
Tonight’s dinneris catered and there’s no fear of slicing a finger or Lincoln seducing me in the kitchen. Though I can onlyimagine what other sexy things he could do with other food and drink.
I’m sitting in between Jessa and Lincoln at the dinner table as the first course is served. It’s a Caribbean ceviche, and it nearly melts on my tongue.
“How have things been going at Carlson’s?” My dad asks Lincoln.
“Good, we’ve got the trade show and awards coming up next month,” he replies easily.
“Those things always were a headache,” Lincoln’s father says.
“What’s worse is Krystal, the event planner, is out on maternity leave earlier than expected,” Lincoln says.
“You should take Penny if you need someone to help with events,” Aiden says easily, and Jessa squeaks a little next to me. “You good, baby?” he asks her, and she nods her head.
“Yeah, must have just swallowed wrong,” she replies.
“You know, I really could use someone to keep us on track,” Lincoln says with an easy smile, clearly loving the idea.
“What about Kemper’s?” I ask Aiden.
“It’s just a few days. We’ll be fine. Maybe Tabitha will do some of her own fucking work for a change,” Aiden says, and both Jessa and I snort a little at that.
“It would be great for you, Penny. You love event planning,” my mother says enthusiastically.
“Plus, Lincoln can just get a hotel room with two queens. He doesn’t even need to get you your own room,” my aunt Maggie suggests.
“That truly is so convenient,” Gavin suggests.
“Weren’t you supposed to be with a bachelorette party?” I say as he directs his shit-eating grin at me, changing the subject about Lincoln’s upcoming event.
“And miss time with my lovely family? Never,” he replies.
“I’m so sorry about them. I’m hoping one day they all find girlfriends to help make them a little less feral,” Maggie says to Jessa.
“Don’t hold your breath,” Ben whispers.
