“I’m all right,” he finally replied. “I’ve been thinking about dating, but at my age I’m not sure I can handle the dating world.” Most days he felt much younger than his fifty-three years, but when he thought about how much the dating scene had changed in the last thirty years, he felt as old as dirt.
Both of his children were out of the house and his daughter, who was the oldest, was interested in relocating to some place warmer. Concerned about him, she’d been dragging her feet about applying for jobs outside of Cincinnati. It was time he moved on with his life, so that his children felt okay to move on with theirs.
Leaning forward in his seat, Paul rested his forearms on his desk. “I’m glad you’re considering getting back out there. Does that mean you’re planning to attend your partner’s annual holiday dinner party?”
Lincoln pushed the chair back and crossed his legs at the ankles. “No. I haven’t really thought about going.” Despite the prodding from his two business partners, Lincoln hadn’t attended the annual party since Vicky died. The intimate, catered event was usually hosted by one of the partners at their home and Lincoln couldn’t see himself showing up alone. He didn’t want to see pity in anyone’s eyes.
“What if I told you there was someone I wanted you to meet?”
Chuckling, Lincoln shook his head. “I don’t know, Paul. In theory I might be ready to date, but in reality, I—”
“All you have to do is meet her.”
Lincoln released a drawn-out sigh. For the past six months, his partners’ wives had been trying to introduce him to some of their girlfriends, but he hadn’t been ready to date. But now … maybe it was time.
“Who is she?”
“My mother-in-law.”
Lincoln narrowed his eyes, picturing an old, over-weight, wrinkly woman wearing a red and white checkered apron around her waist while puttering around in the kitchen all day. He wasn’t sure why the vision popped into his head, especially since he didn’t know anything about Martina’s mother.
“Why are you trying to set me up with—”
A knock at the door interrupted his response.
“Come in,” Paul called out.
Lincoln and Paul stood when a woman entered the room wearing a white chef’s hat and jacket.
“Dinner is served.” She placed a tray with covered dishes in the center of the round dining table.
“Betty, you should have called me down. I would have come and gotten the tray.”
“Not a problem, boss. I wasn’t sure what you wanted to drink, but Carolyn is bringing water, coffee, and—”
“Did I just hear my name?”
Lincoln’s breath stalled in his chest. He barely kept his tongue from hanging out when the sexy woman from the bar downstairs glided into the office carrying a small tray of drinks held high with one hand. Her other hand rested on her hip.
His pulse kicked up as his gaze traveled over her full breasts, barely contained behind a sleek, black, button-up vest. His attention slid lower down her svelte body. The black, skin-tight pants wrapped around curvaceous hips, covered legs that seemed to go on forever. When his attention landed on the red high-heeled shoes, his body stirred with appreciation. He couldn’t ever remember a woman having this type of effect on him, not even his late wife.
“You guys let me know if you need anything else,” Betty said, cutting into Lincoln’s thoughts as he continued staring at the woman setting the drinks on the table. Bent over, she gave him a good view of her perfectly round butt and all types of wicked thoughts bounced around in his head. His attention only shifted when Betty waved good-bye and exited the office just as fast as she’d entered.
When he glanced back at the woman with the hot body, their gazes met and Lincoln realized she was even more stunning than he first thought. As her appreciative gaze strolled over him like warm honey, all he could do was stand there and let her get her fill.
“Hi, I’m Carolyn.” She stretched out her hand, and for a moment, Lincoln stood dumbfounded, enraptured by the enticing floral scent wafting to his nose. The twinkle in her gorgeous eyes and a smile that could melt ice sent blood rushing from his brain. He enveloped her hand between both of his and a zing of electricity shot up his arms.
“Lincoln. Nice to meet you,” he finally said, still holding on to her. She glanced down at their joined hands and her smile wavered. Lincoln wasn’t sure what suddenly changed, but she eased her hand from his loose grip. The sparkle that was in her eyes only moments ago dulled and she took a step back.
Okay. What just happened?
Turning to Paul, Carolyn said, “I’m getting ready to head out. Can you let MJ know that I’ll pick the baby up at ten in the morning?”
“Will do.” Paul kissed her on the cheek, telling her that he or Martina would call if there was a change of plans.
“You fellas have a good evening.” Carolyn gave Lincoln one last glance before strutting across the office toward the door. Her hips swayed left, then right rhythmically with the sexiest walk Lincoln had ever seen. She stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her, and to Lincoln it felt as if she was closing the door on any opportunity to get to know her.
“So what did you think?” Paul asked as he removed the lids from the covered plates on the table.
“About what?” Lincoln remained rooted in place, still trying to shake off the snub. He clearly needed to get out more. He was acting as if he’d never seen a gorgeous woman before.
“Lincoln? You all right?” Concern pinched Paul’s features.
Lincoln shook his head, clearing the fog that had filled his brain after his brief encounter with Carolyn. There was definitely something that had passed between them. Something he had never experienced.
“Linc?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” He loosened his tie and eased out of his suit jacket, draping it on the back of the dining chair before sitting. Glancing at the impressive spread on the table, he took in the smell of sausage and peppers. He had skipped lunch and suddenly felt as if he could eat a cow.
“I was asking what did you think about Carolyn … my mother-in-law?”
Chapter Three
“That was your mother-in-law?” Disbelief dripped from each word and Lincoln struggled to lift his chin from the floor.
Paul laughed. “Yep, that’s MJ’s mom. Trust me, man, I had the exact same reaction. And the coolest part … Carolyn is as beautiful on the inside, too.”
Lincoln hadn’t had a dirty dream in a long time, but from what he remembered, Carolyn could have easily been the star in one of his fantasies. With a body like hers, and a sexy walk that made him hard just thinking about it, he wouldn’t be able to wipe the memory from his mind for days to come.
“Wait. If she’s your mother-in-law, she has to be at least … how old is she? She didn’t look a day over forty. And now that I think about it, Carolyn and your wife could almost be twins. She must have had her when she was a kid.”
“She was nineteen,” Paul replied without elaborating as he dug into his food. Lincoln didn’t pry though he was curious about her story. “I think you should ask her out.”
Lincoln shook his head slowly. “I don’t know, Paul.”
“What better way to meet someone than through friends and family? I never met Vicky, but I bet she wouldn’t want you pining for her. I’m sure if the situation was reversed, you would have wanted her to move on and find happiness again. Am I right?”
“Yeah. You’re right.” Lincoln picked at his food. The sausage, peppers, and onions sat on top of a heap of pasta. The enticing aroma was no match for the sudden ache in his heart. Moving on with his life was easier said than done. Since Vicky had died, he’d been pouring himself into his work. His long hours had gotten even longer this past year. It was either work or go home and stare at the walls.
His thoughts went back to Carolyn and the twinkle he’d seen in her eyes. There was energy in the air the moment she stepped into the room. She oozed sex appeal and
Lincoln had a feeling she was way out of his league.
“What does Carolyn do for a living?” he asked.
“She’s a bartender here.”
“And …”
“And what?”
“Does she do anything else? What’s her educational background?”
“She’s had some college and does quite a bit of volunteer work at a local nursing home. For the most part, she works here bartending and filling in when servers can’t make it in. Is that a problem for you?”
Lincoln thought about the question. Was it a problem for him? He couldn’t imagine someone her age not having some type of career outside of bartending. He hadn’t dated since college, and back then, only dated college women. Vicky had been an RN, and in raising their children, they had instilled in them the importance of continued education. He really didn’t have much interaction with people who didn’t have at least a bachelor’s degree.
“Lincoln, I hope you’re not one of those people who judge others by the amount of education they have or their lack of. If you are, that’s too bad. You’re going to miss out on an amazing woman. Carolyn is brilliant in her own way. Fun to be around, and has more compassion and empathy in her baby finger than most people have in their whole body. Trust me, you could do a lot worse.”
Instead of answering Paul’s question, Lincoln asked, “Why are you trying to set me up with your mother-in-law? Does she have trouble finding dates?”
Paul laughed. “On the contrary. She attracts the opposite sex like food attracts ants. I actually think you two would be good for each other. But getting back to the finding dates comment. You’ve seen Carolyn. Does it look like she has a problem getting dates?”
Lincoln shook his head. No, it definitely didn’t look that way. Physically she was what every man dreamt of, but he wasn’t the type of guy to only see the physical beauty of a woman. A beautiful spirit, great personality, and a positive attitude ranked higher with him. Confident with a vibrant energy that rolled off of her in waves, Carolyn was definitely someone he wouldn’t mind getting to know.
“Can you hook me up with her telephone number?”
*
Two hours and two cardio workouts later, Carolyn still couldn’t get the handsome face of Lincoln Richwood out of her head. Deep, soulful eyes, luscious lips, and just enough …
“Oh hell,” she growled under her breath and increased the speed on the treadmill. Running and pumping her arms faster, her legs moved in sync until the heels of her feet were touching her butt. The workout was supposed to free her mind of him. Yet, she was obsessing over a man she’d seen for a whole three minutes. A man who was off limits. And a man she wouldn’t give the time of day even if he was the last man on earth.
Carolyn upped the incline on the machine, not caring that she was huffing, puffing, and sweating like a sinner in church. After doing the row machine and the elliptical, she’d moved to the treadmill and had been running for the past forty-five minutes. So much for the high intensity workout and the sounds of Beyoncé blaring in her ears through her earbuds. She was still wound tighter than a mattress spring.
I should have known he was married.
She ran even faster, frustrated that though his wedding band popped out at her like a neon sign, thoughts of him continued to dominate her mind. She didn’t miss the interest that shone in his eyes when she entered Paul’s office. And what she hated more than anything was a cheater. Granted Lincoln hadn’t done anything to her but flash a sexy smile, touched her hand, and undressed her with his eyes, but still … a wandering eye often led to indiscretions. But the fact that she found him extremely attractive made her even more angry with herself.
She jabbed her finger at the button controlling the speed, and held onto the sides of the treadmill as the machine slowed, her chest heaving up and down. Blowing out a labored breath, she yanked the earbuds from her ears.
“You’re not leaving already, are you?” The guy on the treadmill next to her slowed his jogging pace, flashing her a straight-teeth smile.
She swung her small towel over her shoulder. “I’m afraid so.”
She’d been so caught up in her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed him next to her. Glancing around the cardio area, she noticed that most of the machines were now occupied.
“Hope I see you here tomorrow. Maybe we can work out …”
Carolyn tuned out the rest of his words, but maintained the fake smile on her lips as she wiped down the machine with one of the gym’s towel. Grabbing her bottled water from the cup holder she turned to leave, but stopped and said, “Have a good evening.” Just because she was in a funky mood didn’t mean she had to be rude.
She sipped from her bottle as she wove between machines. It was almost nine o’clock on a Tuesday night and she was surprised so many people were there at that time. Heading for the backstairs that led to the locker rooms, her thoughts went immediately to Lincoln. A mutual attraction buzzed between them, especially when his hands enveloped hers. She didn’t understand why married men couldn’t be faithful to their wives. Granted not every married man was a scumbag, but those who were, she wanted nothing to do with them.
Been there. Done that.
Never again would she get seriously involved with a man before gathering as much information on him as possible. Never again would she trust a man at his word when it came to whether or not he was married. And never again would she allow a man to make a total fool of her and then leave her with a baby to raise.
Carolyn gripped the water bottle tighter and realized she must have dropped the top somewhere when water spilled onto her hand. Anger crawled under her skin whenever she thought about Rodrick Lachey, Martina’s father. The man who used her and then trampled over her heart.
Don’t go there, Carolyn.
Since she was beyond her childbearing years, she didn’t have to worry about raising anymore children alone. But hooking up unknowingly with a married man had scarred her for life. She shivered thinking about that dark time. Never again. Now she asked men enough questions to weave out bullshit.
“Why am I even thinking about men? I’m supposed to be taking a break from them,” she mumbled angrily under her breath, debating on whether or not to indulge in more cardio. Clearly she hadn’t burnt all of her pent-up energy. Rarely did she workout this time of night since she usually worked the late shift. But when Judy, another barmaid who was a single mom, mentioned having to go to her daughter’s school, Carolyn switched shifts with her. She remembered those days of juggling two jobs to support her and Martina. Had it not been for her parents, there was no telling what would have happened to them.
Carolyn huffed out a breath, suddenly in no mood for more exercising. She took another swig of her water and opened the door to the back stairs but stopped and glanced down at her untied shoe. She sighed at the exhaustion that was starting to settle in. Stepping away from the door, she set her water bottle on the ledge overlooking the lower level. Forget more working out. She was going home.
She stood and reached for her water just as two guys came barreling into the stairwell. When one of them bumped her arm, her hand knocked over the bottle, sending it sailing over the edge.
“Ah, man, sorry about that,” the young guy who bumped her said just as a string of curses floated up the stairs.
Oh no.
The two men hurried down to the next level, and immediately started explaining what happened. Carolyn glanced over the edge to see the damage and she gulped when angry eyes met hers.
Oh great. Lincoln.
Dripping wet, he wiped the water from his face with his forearm before returning his now surprised gaze back to her.
Carolyn reached the lower level just as the other men scurried off. “I am so sorry.” She started to wipe him down with her towel, but he took a step back. Picking up the empty, plastic bottle, he handed it to her.
“It’s okay.” Lifting the tail of his T-shirt, he wiped away more water dripping down the side of his face. Caro
lyn’s breath stalled in her chest when smooth, brown skin, which covered an impressive six-pack, came into view. Rippled abs that led down to a light dusting of hair that led even lower to …
Good Lord. There she went drooling over the guy again. But damn. If she thought he looked incredible in a suit, his body in a T-shirt and shorts was even more impressive. In his suit, she hadn’t realized how thick his biceps were, or how long and muscular his legs were. She loved a man with thick legs. Earlier, she had assumed that he was around her age due to a hint of gray hair near his temples. Now she wasn’t so sure. Fit with an athletic build, he seemed younger, bigger than life, and oh so sexy.
Giving him another once over, she could honestly say she was impressed with the whole package.
Lincoln cleared his throat and her gaze snapped up and met his. A smile tugged at the left corner of his lips as he shook out the tail of his wet T-shirt, not that it was helping much. The huge water stain from the collar of the shirt to the middle of it was hard to miss.
“I really am sorry. I lost the bottle cap somewhere between here and the treadmill. I just wasn’t thinking when I set the bottle on the ledge and then everything happened so fast.”
“Don’t worry about it. It caught me off guard. I’m just glad it was plastic.” He nodded at the towel in her hand. “If you don’t mind, can I use your towel to clean up the floor? Don’t want anyone to slip and fall. Although I think most of the water landed on me.”
Carolyn felt awful, but what were the chances of him being there and getting hit with her water bottle? Then she remembered why she was trying to rid her mind of him for the past couple of hours. Her gaze went immediately to the wedding band on his left hand and instead of disgust, disappointment radiated through her body.
Love At Last Page 2