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Lincoln took the key from her hand, his gaze lingering on it before he reached into his pocket, pulling out his key ring. He attached the brass key to the silver ring, his fingers lingering over hers as he did so.
“Thank you,” he said softly, his voice thick with gratitude.
I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head against his chest. His heart was pounding in sync with mine as he enveloped me in a warm embrace, pressing a tender kiss to the top of my head.
“I love you,” he murmured.
“I know,” I replied, a contented smile on my lips.
Lincoln chuckled softly and kissed my head again, holding me close as we shared a quiet moment of connection.
The holidays with Lincoln were unlike any I’d ever experienced before. The season was bustling with activity, but Lincoln always managed to carve out time for us. We were both busy with clients—his commissions nearing a million and a half by the end of the year, and I was just under a million. It was the first time I’d come so close to that figure. My goal for the new year was to break into the seven-figure club.
When it came to our trip to Palm Springs just before the New Year, I let Lincoln handle all the arrangements. I’d never been to Palm Springs and was eager to spend a few days basking in the sun, wearing nothing but a bikini. We were set to leave on December 13th, so I sent out a mass email to my clients letting them know I would have limited access to emails and calls. Lincoln did the same, but I had a hunch we’d still be putting out a few fires. Four glorious days in the California heat were waiting for us, and I couldn’t wait.
On the evening of the 29th, we were sharing a bath in Lincoln’s apartment, the warm water and bubbles creating a cozy cocoon around us. “Are you all set?” he asked, his voice low and steady.
“Yes. I brought my suitcase, didn’t I?” I replied, leaning back against the edge of the tub.
“I mean, are you set for spending money?” he clarified.
Palm Springs had an incredible art scene, with street fairs showcasing local talent. I was eyeing a few paintings to add to my collection.
“Of course. I brought some cash,” I said, reaching for the soap.
“You don’t need to,” Lincoln said, his tone firm. “I can cover you.”
I turned to face him, my gaze steady. “You don’t need to take care of me.”
He narrowed his eyes, giving me a serious look. “That’s where you’re wrong. I don’t need to. I want to. I think of us as already married.”
“You do?” I asked, a flutter of surprise in my chest.
“Manhattan’s filled with gorgeous bodies everywhere,” Lincoln said, his eyes locked on mine. “But you know what I see?”
“I hope none of them,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.
“Exactly,” he said, his voice soft but intense. “There’s no other for me. You’re it. I don’t need to search when I’ve already found what I want, what I need.”
Tears stung my eyes, and I tried to blink them away. Lincoln’s lips curled into a smirk.
“Don’t laugh,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
“I’m not laughing,” he said, his tone sincere. “I think it’s cute how I can crack that hard exterior of yours every time with just a few words.”
“That’s our secret,” I said, leaning closer. “If word got out, everyone would take advantage.”
“Never,” he said, his gaze fierce. “I wouldn’t let that happen.”
He grasped my biceps, pulling me against his chest. I straddled him, pressing my mouth to his. Within moments, our passion ignited, and I guided him inside me. “Ride me, baby,” Lincoln whispered through gritted teeth.
Our bodies slid against one another in a rhythm that was both urgent and tender. The water sloshed over the edge of the tub, but we were oblivious to the mess, lost in the intensity of our connection. I came first, the pleasure hitting me like a white-hot wave that made me throw my head back. Lincoln’s lips found my neck as he thrust upward, his own release following closely behind mine.
In those few, breathtaking moments, the world outside the bathroom ceased to exist, leaving only us, wrapped in each other’s arms, immersed in the profound intimacy we shared.
I groaned into my pillow. “Leave me alone,” I mumbled.
“Sweetheart, if you don’t get up now, we’ll miss our flight,” Lincoln’s voice was firm but laced with amusement.
