by Kelex
Linc looked at the screen. One day.
Come over. Six o’clock. And you’ll have your answer.
-L
Linc ran his thumb over the touch screen, clearing the smears away, hoping for the right answer.
Fine. But no funny business.
-C
Linc grinned widely before throwing his truck into gear and pulling back out on the road. Nope, no funny business. Just a little romance.
Chapter Six
Chance knocked on the front door of Linc’s place, nervous about what he was getting himself into. Knowing full well he had no business being here, that hadn’t stopped him from going home early, showering, shaving, and re-dressing… as if he expected something would come of the evening.
What a fool.
Of course he was walking into the spider’s trap. He knew it. Linc knew it. Now it was just a matter of seeing what Linc would do with him once he was inside. Chance heard someone approach the door. He absently brushed a hand through his hair and stiffened his spine.
The door rushed open and wonderful aromas of cooking food and clean, hard man hit Chance’s nose. Linc stood there, hair and beard still damp, and his shirt wide open, displaying lots of muscles. Those muscles made Chance’s fingers itch with the need to trace them and follow the paths into darker places. Damn the man for being so deliciously gorgeous. When Chance’s stare finally reached Linc’s, he saw the same desire, the same heat, reflected back at him.
“Thanks for coming,” Linc said sheepishly as he leaned on the door. “I wasn’t completely sure you would.”
Chance hadn’t been sure, either. He’d sat in his car out front for a full ten minutes trying to get the nerve to go knock. “This deal needs to be finished up, so I didn’t have much choice, did I?” That was a lie. I could’ve just let the deal fall through. I wanted to come, even though I shouldn’t have wanted to.
“Come on in. I’ve got to flip the steaks,” Linc said, abandoning his post at the door.
Chance took a few hesitant steps inside and shut the door behind him. He wasn’t coming any deeper into the house. He shouldn’t be there in the first place. Scanning the space, he saw Linc in the kitchen, taking care of his steaks. And then his gaze fell on a small table.
With unlit candles. And rose petals.
What. The. Hell?
Chance looked over the romantic—albeit cheesy—table set-up. All the china was perfectly placed, the silverware and crystal gleaming. There was even a bottle of wine open and airing on the table. Chance hid a chuckle with the back of his hand and turned back to see Linc staring at him.
“Too much?”
Chance’s smile withered as he saw the hope in Linc’s face. “A little cheesy, but I’m sure whoever you did that for will appreciate it.”
Linc took a few steps closer. “Golden did all that, not me. That’s not my thing. And it’s most definitely cheesy.” Linc looked at the table a moment and then back at Chance. “It’s for you. I cooked us dinner. I figured I owed you a dinner.”
Chance’s breath caught in his chest. “You don’t owe me anything.”
“I brought dinner, but you didn’t eat a bite, so I do owe you dinner. I owe you a complete do-over. I wasn’t a very good date, and I want to make up for that.”
Chance shook his head. “I told you there was nothing to make up for and we just needed to let it go.”
“I’m not letting it go.” Linc closed the gap between them. “I hurt you, and I need to make it right.”
Chance could feel the heat and smell the cologne rolling off Linc’s large body, and he almost let that sway him. A flicker of fear hit and he turned, his hand on the doorknob.
Before he could get the door open more than a couple of inches, it was slammed shut. Chance looked to his left and saw Linc’s large hand pinning it closed.
“Don’t go. Please. It’s just dinner, nothing more. I don’t expect anything. You can at least give me that, can’t you?”
“I don’t owe you one thing,” Chance said, his back still turned. He couldn’t face Linc, not feeling as raw as he did.
“No you don’t, but you deserve the date you should’ve had.”
Chance stood there silent for several moments, but finally released the knob. He spun to face Linc and glowered at him. “Fine. Dinner and nothing more.”
Linc’s lips twisted a little, as if he were fighting a smile of victory. “Have a seat and let me grab those steaks. Hope you like yours medium-rare.”
“Perfect,” Chance said hesitantly as he slowly stepped deeper into the house. Linc was sucking him in, seducing him once more, and he was too weak to fight it. Before the end of the night, Linc would likely have him in bed.
Could Chance say he wouldn’t want that? Even though the sex had been emotionless, it had still been more than satisfying. Satisfying? That was an understatement. It had been explosive.
Which had only made it worse when Linc had rushed out.
Linc walked out of the kitchen with two plates in hand. He set them both on the table, filled with a huge cut of steak, a baked potato, and steamed broccoli. Chance’s stomach growled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
“Go ahead and have a seat. I’ve got a few other things to grab.”
Chance was famished. So why not enjoy the food Linc had made himself?
You are the fly in his web.
Linc returned with sauces and such, as well as a basket of fresh rolls. He sat everything on the table, glancing over the unlit candles at Chance. Once everything was set, he clumsily buttoned a few buttons on his shirt and then fished a lighter from his pocket.
“I suppose we should use them if they’re here,” Linc said, lighting the candles quickly before sitting down.
The tension was palpable. Chance stared over the spread and couldn’t not be impressed by the lengths Linc was trying to take. He’d never imagined anything quite this cheesy when imagining a date with Linc, but it wasn’t all that far off the mark.
“Can I pour you a glass of wine?” Linc asked as he grabbed the bottle.
“Sure,” Chance said, his voice barely above a whisper. He took the offered glass and drained half of it, his nerves getting the better of him. He’d barely tasted the wine, but the burn of alcohol down his throat helped him get a little control.
“Well, dig in,” Linc said, lifting his utensils and doing just that.
Chance followed suit, cutting into his steak and taking a bite. The meat melted in his mouth. “Delicious.”
Linc smiled across the table, capturing Chance’s stare. “I cook three things well. Steaks, burgers, and dogs. I didn’t think the last two matched Golden’s table too well.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I happen to like a good burger every now and then, along with my candles and rose petals.”
Linc flushed. “I told him it was too much. I knew I should’ve gotten rid of all this shit.”
Chance watched the worried look cross Linc’s face. “No, it’s nice. No one’s ever gone to this much trouble for me.”
“That’s a shame. You’re worth the trouble.”
Chance grabbed his glass and took another long sip versus looking up at Linc and getting even more drawn in. He could feel Linc’s stare on him as he put the glass down and went about busying himself in prepping his potato. He dug into the food with gusto, starved. Anything was better than meeting the gaze across the table.
“Chance?”
Chance put his fork down slowly before tentatively looking up. “Yeah?”
Linc’s mouth opened slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated. Finally, after a few seconds of silence, Linc spoke. “What are your plans once you get to L.A.?”
Chance shrugged. “I don’t have a full plan of attack yet. I go to the new office tomorrow, and I’ll have to find an apartment. I guess I’ll take a peek at a few after my meeting.”
“Are you coming back tomorrow night or spending some time there?”
Chan
ce knew Linc was on a fishing mission. “I’ll be staying overnight and returning the following day.”
Linc nodded. “And then?”
“Then I work both offices, building my business there before I get out of town.”
“Are you selling your house?” Linc asked before taking a bite of his steak.
Chance hadn’t really considered that thought yet. He loved his house. Chance had bought it because it was absolutely stunning and he knew Linc was a part of that house. Linc had helped to rebuild it and there were his touches everywhere. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“You’ll never find anything that nice in the city, not with all the upgrades we put in. Unless you’re a secret millionaire.”
“The house is paid for. Maybe I’ll just hold on to it in case I don’t like L.A.” Chance wouldn’t let Linc tick off all the reasons for him to stay. “So, talking of houses, did you want to accept the deal for twenty-three K?”
“It’s dinnertime, not business,” Linc said in a huff. He went back to his steak, cutting into it with vigor. He’d already eaten over half his food, devouring it. Big man, big appetite, Chance supposed. Chance looked back at his own plate and he’d barely put a dent in, but Chance was always a careful eater. Linc didn’t have the same worries. He had a very active job that helped keep him in shape.
The next few minutes were quiet, but not awkward. They finished up what they chose to eat and both sat back from their plates. Linc drank from his wine glass, his second helping, staring over the rim at Chance.
Chance felt inspected, Linc’s stare too much. “Dinner’s over. So, accept the offer or not?”
Linc shook his head as he lowered his glass to the table. “I need time for my food to settle.”
Chance sighed loudly. “Why are you dragging this out?”
“Because I don’t want you to leave yet.”
Chance stared at Linc, his body tensing with need. He’d felt the thrum of excitement all night. He’d been semi-hard since before he ever walked in. Knowing the pleasure the man could wreak from his body had him ready for anything.
This cannot happen.
Yet, I want it. I want him to take me again, rough like he did last time. Only this time, I don’t want him to run.
Linc smiled and rose to his feet. He walked around to Chance’s side of the table. Chance froze, ready for Linc’s touch.
Linc grabbed Chance’s finished plate instead and walked with it, and his, into the kitchen. Chance watched the man walk away, his body still tense with need. He’d been ready, only to be denied. Linc walked back in, cleaned up a few items, and headed back into the kitchen.
“Grab your wine and keep me company in here,” Linc called over his shoulder.
Chance stared at Linc’s tight ass, knowing he should just get the hell out of there, but he was too far gone. He refilled his glass with the last of the bottle and headed into the kitchen. “Can I help?”
“Grab a stool and talk to me,” Linc said as he continued to clean up.
Chance grabbed a dishtowel instead. “You wash, I’ll dry.”
Linc paused, turning to smile at Chance. The smile warmed Chance from the inside out. “Okay, if you insist.”
They worked there, at the large farmhouse sink, silently washing and drying. Chance caught stares from Linc as he passed washed items to Chance, their gazes locking for a fraction of a second. Their hands would barely touch as Chance took whatever Linc handed him, and the frisson of electricity that zipped up Chance’s hand and into his arm only made his cock harder. He’d never considered a simple act like doing dishes could be so erotic.
When they were done, Chance was nearly breathless with desire. Dinner done, the dishes washed, there was nothing left but the two of them.
Linc turned and leaned against the kitchen counter, the sexy hitch to his hips turning Chance on all the more.
“I’ll accept the offer. Bring me paperwork whenever you get back into town and I’ll sign,” Linc said, drying his hands on a hand towel before tossing it on the counter. He lowered his large, brawny hands to clasp the sink’s edge behind him, looking hungry.
Chance might have just eaten, but he was famished.
He wanted Linc.
Desperately.
“I guess we should call it a night,” Linc said.
What?
Chance’s libido screamed a denial. It wasn’t time to go home. It was time to go to bed. His body hummed with need. Linc couldn’t leave him like that.
Linc walked past Chance and to the door, opening it and standing next to it, awaiting Chance to depart.
Chance took a deep, settling breath, trying to collect himself. He walked toward the door, completely confused. He reached the door and paused, searching out Linc’s stare. Chance saw heat there, fire, and just as much need as Chance felt singing in his veins.
“Good night. Thank you for dinner,” Chance said, his voice raw.
“I owed you one.”
Chance nodded, still shaken by the shift in gears. He headed out, only to feel Linc’s hand on his arm, drawing him back. Linc pulled Chance into his arms and lowered his head. The gentle kiss melted Chance, their lips fitting together perfectly. Linc pressed his tongue against the seam of Chance’s lips, demanding entry. Chance opened for him, letting Linc’s tongue sweep inside. Linc tasted him deeply, the commanding kiss making Chance’s legs weak.
Linc drew back, his eyes heavy lidded as he looked down at Chance. “Goodnight.”
Goodnight? Chance stared up at Linc, more confused than ever. He walked out without saying a word and headed for his car, his head and body screaming at him to go back inside.
Once he reached his car and was safely behind the wheel, he realized what Linc was doing—preparing to twist Chance into a knot.
And proving that Chance wanted Linc.
Chance groaned as he started his car, feeling angry about being played so easily.
Before heading to Los Angeles, Chance walked into his office the following morning to grab a few items he needed. In a hurry, he barely noticed the flowers on his desk.
Pausing, he walked to the edge and looked for a card. He dug inside and withdrew it.
More cheesy flowers. Drive safe.
-L
Chance looked at the pale pink roses and chuckled. They were definitely cheesy, yet Chance couldn’t stop grinning like a fool. The anger of the night before had melted once he was home. The desire had lessened some, too. Chance could fight the effects of Linc’s seductive nature if they weren’t in each other’s company.
It still wasn’t easy. Chance felt the urge to go personally thank Linc for the flowers, but he was already a little late. How Linc had even known Chance would stop in the office and see these were beyond him, but leave it to Linc to set up reminders to keep the man on Chance’s mind.
I have to be strong. And stay away from him. I only have eight more weeks and I am gone for good.
Chapter Seven
Monday morning, Linc couldn’t take it any longer. He hadn’t seen or heard from Chance since their Thursday night dinner, and he was curious how the trip into the city had been. Plus he had papers to sign, before the seller changed his mind. Allowing Chance to leave that night had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done, but he’d had to do it. He wanted to prove he wasn’t just interested in sex, no matter how much he’d wanted to fuck Chance that night.
Slipping his measuring tape into his pocket, he withdrew his cell phone and dialed Chance’s number.
“Good morning,” Chance answered, after a couple of rings.
“Morning. I’ve got papers to sign, don’t I?”
Linc could hear paperwork scattered around. “Yep, I have the contract right here. Any time you’re ready, come on over and sign.”
“Why don’t I meet you at your place tonight? I can sign them there.” Linc needed to see, to taste, Chance again. That kiss had been fiery Thursday night, and Linc needed more.
Chance sighed. “We really
shouldn’t, Linc.”
“Why shouldn’t we? And you can tell me about your trip while I’m there.”
Chance was silent. “This is stupid. I’m leaving, Linc. No matter what you try to do.”
Linc closed his eyes. He was the stupid one. If he’d acted a long time ago, none of this would be happening. He wouldn’t be threatened with Chance leaving. “All I asked for was to talk, to see how you’re doing. What’s wrong with that?”
“You can do the same thing here in my office.”
Linc clenched his jaw, knowing Chance was being too logical. Hadn’t that dinner, that kiss, meant anything? Linc wasn’t blind. He’d seen how affected Chance was. “I’ll see you at your place at six.”
“Linc, just come to my office. I won’t be in, but my assistant Allie will be here all day. She can get your signatures just as easily.”
“Are you avoiding me, Chance?” After all the years of avoiding Chance, Linc deserved this. But it made him ache. Chance couldn’t shut him out now, not when it was so important.
“I’m not. I’m just really busy. Splitting up my time is doubling my work,” Chance said. Linc could hear a female voice in the background. “I’ve got a showing to go do, so just catch up with Allie today. I’ll give her the file.”
Linc growled. “Six. Your house.” And he disconnected the phone.
“Boy troubles?”
Linc spun to see Colt staring at him with a wide smile.
“Fuck you, Colt.” Linc went back to work on the cabinets, which should’ve been finished last week.
Colt leaned on the edge of one, smiling even wider. “So, Jax caught me up in the whole Chance-you thing. You’d better lay a claim on that one and fast.”
Chance drilled into the cabinet back, anchoring it into the wall versus answering Colt. Once he’d gotten three more screws in, he turned to see Colt still standing there expectantly. “Don’t you have work to do?”
Colt stood. “Actually, I do. The cabinets are behind, which is throwing off the schedule. The plumber is supposed to be here later today. Are you going to be done by then?”
“Is this the same new plumber from the McFarland house?”