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“Well, for starters, you’re like a fierce mama bear, ready to throw down, and he looks like—” She paused and laughed. “He’s looking at you like you set the sun, Brinks. Just complete adoration.”
“Says my cousin. Clearly, you’re reading into it a bit.” I smiled, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. These last few days had been filled with endless together time for me and Lincoln. Workouts. Sex. Laughter. Fights. Board games. Late-night dinners. And tonight, we were taking out the boat for the first time.
“Spill it, Cuzzy. Take it from someone who knows that look well.”
I sighed. We’d never kept secrets in our family. Our cousins used to spend their summers here in Cottonwood Cove, and we grew up together. “I like him.”
“You don’t say?” She oozed sarcasm. “I mean, the man is beautiful. He’s a freaking rock star on the field. And from what Georgie told me last week, you two are always together.”
“Well, I am working for him, in a way. So, we are together a lot. We’ll call that research.” I chuckled.
“I’m sure you’re very thorough.”
We were both laughing now.
“I do my best.”
“I’m guessing you’re keeping this on the down-low until the story breaks and you secure a job?”
“Absolutely. I don’t need to be known as the woman who slept her way to the top.”
“It sucks that we have to worry about that. He doesn’t have to worry about a thing, and that’s how it was with Hawk. I had to be very careful myself, and we kept it hidden for quite a while. But people are going to judge, regardless. You’re going to have people that hate you for stealing the heart of the hottest football player out there right now. Jealousy is an ugly beast.”
I hated the thought of everyone knowing and getting into our business. “Well, until I have a signed contract for a full-time position, we’ll be keeping this to ourselves. And the Thomas sisters, of course.”
“Well, you know we take it to the grave. I’m happy for you. I miss you. I’ll see you soon. We’ll all be in Cottonwood Cove for Hugh and Lila’s wedding next month.”
“I can’t wait. It’s coming up so soon. And then Paris for Georgie’s. Thank goodness you’re all married because it’s hard to keep up with these weddings.”
She laughed. “Damn straight. Maybe you’ll be next, Brinks.”
“Okay. I’m hanging up. That’s ridiculous.”
“We’ll see about that. Love you.”
“Love you more.”
I ended the call and shook my head.
Marriage wasn’t even in the realm of my imagination. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled for Lila and Georgia. But I had too much to accomplish before I even considered that.
Didn’t I?
Why did the thought excite me as much as it terrified me?
I looked up to see Lincoln walking toward me from the backyard. His gaze locked with mine, and I had my answer.
It terrified me because a lifetime with Lincoln Hendrix made my stomach flutter.
And that was never supposed to happen.
But here we were.
twenty
Lincoln
“Isthis what you do every day?” Lionel asked after he heaved into a bush for the third time.
