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“It’s kettle corn with a dash of cayenne,” she said, the smile evident in her voice.
“Sounds delicious,” I said, picturing her with the bowl of popcorn, the image somehow making me want her even more.
Erika yawned softly into the phone, her voice drowsy. “I need to sleep. I have a showing at nine thirty today.”
“On a Sunday?” I asked, surprised.
“You don’t do showings on a Sunday?” she countered, sounding genuinely curious.
“Sometimes, but not today,” I replied, trying to mask my relief that I had the morning free.
“You asked me to lunch. Are we still on?” she asked, a note of anticipation in her voice.
“Will you be done with your showing?” I leaned back against the headboard, imagining her day ahead.
“I’m pretty sure I will,” she said, her tone light and teasing.
“Then I can’t wait to see you,” I said, my voice low with promise. “Noon at The Diamond Square.”
“Fancy,” she murmured, clearly pleased. “I knew I liked you.”
“Just don’t wear that same type of dress,” I added, half-joking but knowing it was more of a command.
She sighed into the phone, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “I told you to stop ordering me around, but I’ll take it under advisement. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go back to bed. Some of us have to work.”
“Wait,” I said quickly, not ready to let her go just yet. “You never told me why you’re awake.”
“A woman can’t reveal all her secrets,” she replied, her voice a playful whisper that sent my mind racing. “Goodnight, Lincoln.”
The line went dead, and I let out a frustrated breath, dropping the phone beside me. I stared at the ceiling, willing my body to relax despite the persistent ache of arousal. I forced myself to close my eyes, knowing that sleep was my only escape from the thoughts of Erika that refused to leave my mind.
CHAPTER 9
Lincoln
Ibounced my knee impatiently as I waited for Erika. It was already twenty minutes past noon, and she was late. Every part of me wanted to reach for my phone, to text or call her, but I resisted. I didn’t want to come across as anxious, even though I knew I’d already laid my cards on the table more than once.
Erika was well aware of my feelings and my desire for a relationship. The thought made me uneasy, and I found myself slipping into memories of my brother Michael. Almost a year had passed since he disappeared, and the pain of his absence still felt fresh. I was lost in thought when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Erika whispered, her breath warm against my ear as she pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. The scent of her perfume teased my senses, and I had to fight the primal urge to pull her close and make her mine right then and there. She was stunning in a short, blood-red dress that showed off more of her creamy skin than I could handle without losing control. I stood as she moved to take her seat across from me.
The Diamond Square was as opulent as ever, its legendary Sunday champagne brunch filling the room with the aromas of gourmet dishes. It was a place that catered to those who appreciated both quality and quantity, but at that moment, the only thing I cared about was Erika.
“You look gorgeous,” I said, my voice huskier than I intended.
“This old thing?” she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
I reached across the table, my fingers grazing the sleeve of her dress before trailing down her arm. I caught her hand in mine, noticing how her nails were painted the same deep red as her dress, matching her full lips. The desire to kiss her was almost overwhelming, but I knew if I started, I wouldn’t be able to stop.
“If this is old, you should wear it all the time,” I murmured.
She gave me a sly smile. “You look handsome. Is that a Vera Lucci suit?”
I glanced down at my graphite suit, surprised she recognized the designer. “It is. You’ve got a good eye.”
“She makes beautiful clothing. My last boyfriend wore her stuff.”
The mention of her ex stirred something dark inside me. “I don’t want to hear about your last boyfriend,” I said, trying to keep my tone light, but the jealousy was there.
