“This is all so sudden. It’s crazy.” Her breaths deepen when my hands continue to work up higher. My fingertips trace the outline of her lace thong, and I’m itching to tear it off her. God, her body feels fantastic beneath my palms. I want to touch her all night.
“Be crazy, have a little fun, and do something for yourself. It’s your life now, Kate. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Love it.”
She gives me a big smile and comes forward to kiss me. Her kiss is hungry and greedy, and I fucking love it. She buries her hands in my hair and her weight presses down on me. My arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close. We deepen the kiss, and her sexy body grinds against me in a perfect dance.
Her mouth breaks away from mine, and I bite her bottom lip, wanting to keep her close.
“Show me your bedroom,” she demands. Her voice has fallen to a lower, huskier version and my body reacts even more than it was by already having her in my arms.
Kate tries to wiggle free to stand, but I keep her close as I get up. I’m nowhere near ready to let her slip from my hold. I’ve bought myself another week with her, but I know if my plan works, she won’t be coming back to Chicago with me or going back to Georgia.
Her arms squeeze around my neck as she lets out a breathy moan. I know right then I’ll spend the rest of tonight making sure I hear it again. I turn from my office, walk her to my bedroom, and follow her down to the bed. We turn into a sweet combination of hands and lips that set out to memorize exactly what the other feels like. There’s no rush tonight because for now, we have all the time in the world. Every thought of what if and what happens after has disappeared as I set out to hear the sounds of Kate letting go.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Kate
Lincoln’s firm body presses into mine as he leans forward and removes the articles of clothing separating us. He starts with my summer dress first, exposing my body to his hungry gaze. He’s always looked at me like he couldn’t get enough. “You’re so fucking gorgeous, sweetheart. I could stare at you all night, but I need to taste you too.” His voice has turned into a deep throaty whisper laced with sex.
“I need to feel you. Please, Lincoln.” I’m not above begging him. He works his white dress shirt off next, and that’s when I get a glimpse of his tattoo again. It’s that hidden rough bad boy he covers up, and you only see it when he’s in bed fucking you.
His mouth comes down, and his hand slides the cup of my bra over. He pulls the material away as he takes one of my nipples into his mouth. My body twists beneath him, but his tongue is relentless as he tastes me. Lincoln pays equal attention to the other, and he moves down my stomach, placing soft, make-you-squirm kisses. He reaches the line of my lace panties, then he pauses and glances up at me.
“You remembered to put these on today. I was picturing nothing under that sexy dress you were wearing.”
The laugh escapes because I’m surprised he remembered such a random conversation from years ago and it makes me fall harder for him because I never left his thoughts for long either. “I’m surprised I remembered too.”
Lincoln looks at me with a heated gaze then slides the lace fabric down my legs. I draw in a sharp breath when his hands press on my thighs. “I want to taste you. Let go for me tonight. Can you do that?”
I nod my agreement, and everything else fades as his mouth covers me. I arch my back and squeeze my eyes shut as my head tilts back into the pillow. “Oh, yes.” The words end there as I learn how good this bad boy’s mouth is. I glance down. His tattooed arms are wrapped around my thighs, his head is buried between my legs, and I lose it. I fall apart.
He crawls up my body, and his mouth steals mine. He’s possessive and hungry and everything I need from him tonight.
“Take me, please, Lincoln. Let me feel you.” My words come out in a pleading tone and I cling to the muscles of his back as I try to get him as close and deep in me as possible. His mouth connects with mine as he slides into me, and I’m where I’m supposed to be. Connected with him in this moment was worth the years I had to wait.
I WAKE UP TO THE SUNLIGHT pouring in from the bedroom window. This morning, a certain weight disappeared from what I carried yesterday. I’m no closer to knowing where I’m headed in life, but for once, I don’t have to think about it. Lincoln decided for us with something I’ve always wanted. It’s okay to take a break from life sometimes. There’s no reason to move yet, so I stay in bed wrapped in his embrace. One of his muscled arms is covering my stomach, keeping my back secured to his chest. He’s warm and strong, and I’m content with staying right here. So I stay and look at the city through his bedroom windows. I wish I could remain here in Chicago and keep this view. I already spoke to my old boss, and there isn’t a position for me at Orthorn Games anymore, and there isn’t another game company here looking for a designer. My life isn’t in Chicago anymore, and it isn’t in Georgia either. Where is it?
I can’t think about that now because for the next week, I don’t have to. I haven’t had a vacation in years, but Lincoln’s planned something for us. It’s crazy and rash, but I don’t care. There’s nothing to lose by going and so much to gain—the experience of being spontaneous and going somewhere I’ve always wanted to go. The city of Seattle is beautiful and full of possibilities. Also, I’ve wanted to go ever since I heard Monroe Games moved their company there.
If I could dream of where I wanted to design games, it’s with Monroe. They’ve released some of the biggest grossing games of our time. I even applied once, but then I got into college here, and with Julie and Jake in Chicago, I made my decision. I took the position at Orthorn Games instead and never looked back.
Lincoln shifts behind me, his mouth landing on my naked shoulder. He places a gentle kiss there. “Are you up?” His voice is low and scratchy from waking up, and it’s sexy as hell.
I roll over so I can see him. I know he’s over forty, but he hasn’t let his body go. He carried me to bed last night with no problem. His arm that was around me slides up my back so he can pull me closer. There’s a strength to him I love. His hold is always secure but gentle too. He’s sure and confident but this soft and caring gentleman too. It’s sexy as can be.
Even after spending the entire night with him, I don’t think I’ve had enough. So I press him onto his back and slide on top of him until I’m straddling his waist. I could stare at his body all day, so I run my hands across his chest in a greedy caress.
Lincoln lets out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, you’re awake.” His gaze lowers before he rakes it across my naked form. He slides his hands up my waist, pressing into the soft flesh there, then higher so his thumb can brush across my nipple. I let out a sigh at how well he already knows my body. Well, he should, he spent the entire night re-learning it.
“Yeah, but I’m not ready to get up yet.”
“Neither am I.” He growls and sits up, then wraps his hand around the back of my neck and pulls me close to steal a kiss. We lose ourselves in each other, neither ready to let the other go.
I LOOK AT WHAT I’VE gathered on the countertop. Eggs, bacon, and toast. This is the easy stuff, so I can do this. After another round of amazing sex, Lincoln and I passed out, holding each other close. When I woke up this time, I wanted to do something special for him, so I put on his shirt and made my way to his gorgeous kitchen.
I’m not one to cook and I’ve never made breakfast before, but I want to do this for Lincoln. My searching online pulled up this easy recipe for what I found in his kitchen. Which was a lot. He sure enjoys cooking if this kitchen is anything to go off of. The bacon goes into the skillet first, then I grab a bowl and crack the eggs. “Fuck.” I curse when the white shells fall into the bowl. I pick them out and try with the next one. Same result.
Son of a bitch, how do people do this without getting shells in there? I don’t want to feed Lincoln them, so I start the process of removing the shells again and crack enough for us then add milk and seasoning then pour them into another skillet. I flip the bac
on then curse when the grease lands on my hand.
“Shit. I never knew cooking could be so painful.”
“I never knew it could look this sexy.”
I scream and jump at the sound of Lincoln’s voice behind me. When did he wake up and walk in? I didn’t even hear him behind me.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you, but I didn’t want to disturb you.” Lincoln steps up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. The fabric of his shirt shifts to expose more of my legs.
“That’s okay. I didn’t hear you walk in. I hope you don’t mind.” I can hear the worried edge to my voice I tried to hide. I didn’t ask if I could take over his kitchen, so I’ll admit I’m worried that he would care. I wanted to do something special for him like he’s always done for me.
His arms tighten around my waist, and his mouth comes down to kiss my neck. “I have a beautiful woman in my kitchen making me breakfast after a night of amazing sex. I don’t mind at all.” His mouth continues to taste, and the need to have him rises again, but then I remember I need to focus. I’m cooking.
“Lincoln, I need to focus. So don’t distract me, or I’ll fuck this up.”
He laughs and steps back with his hands raised in surrender. He takes a spot near the counter and crosses his arms. My gaze trails to that black tattoo again and his chest. He’s only wearing a casual pair of sleep pants, giving me an unhindered view.
“I’ll enjoy the view from over here,” he says.
I shake my head and can’t help smiling at the playful Lincoln. I know my short blonde hair is a mess. Lincoln loves to bury his hands in it when he fucks me. I’m only wearing his wrinkled dress shirt I found lying beside the bed, but he still can’t take his eyes off me. It’s an empowering feeling to be desired by him.
The eggs scrape away from the bottom of the pan. How did they cook so quickly? “Shit.” I look over at the bacon, and it’s darker than it should be too. I haven’t started the toast either. He chuckles beside me as I rush around the kitchen, focusing on my task at hand. Not the guy beside me. I can do this. I can make a tasty breakfast for him.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Lincoln
Kate’s focused and determined look is fucking sexy. It’s taking everything I have to not go over there and take her. She’s only wearing one of my button-up dress shirts which barely covers her ass. It’s testing my self-control right now.
She curses throughout her preparation for breakfast. It’s cute and sweet she’s trying so hard to do something for me. I try to remember not to fall too hard for this woman, but everything about her makes me want to. Even years ago, I had an interest in her, and it’s only growing the more I’m around her.
I know her plan isn’t to move back to Chicago and pick up her old life. That dream has shifted over the years. Also, there isn’t a job here anymore, and her sister and nephew aren’t here. This is her chance to go anywhere and do anything, and as much as I want something between us, I won’t hold her back either. She’s damn sure going to know I enjoy my time with her though. I’ll sacrifice years of my life not having her to have a part of her when I can.
I can’t hide it anymore. I like Kate’s fierceness and loyalty to those she cares about. She’s tough and thoughtful. So passionate in everything she does. A wave of longing for a life with her hits me, and so I distract myself by grabbing two plates and then some juice. I don’t want her to see the pain on my face. I’m always counting the minutes until she disappears from my life again.
“Hey, what’s that look for? Does it look that bad already? I should have ordered something.” There’s sadness and worry to her voice and I hate that I made her feel that way. Pushing all thoughts of the future from my mind until I can figure myself out, I walk up and wrap Kate in my arms.
“It looks perfect. It means a lot that you’re making me breakfast.” Then I add, “After the workout you gave me last night.” I hope to make her smile or laugh, anything to bring back the happiness I need from her.
She smiles and kisses me. “Good, because you’re the only man I’ve ever cooked for.” There’s a slight blush that touches her cheeks with her confession, which makes everything mean more, so I deepen the kiss and press her against the counter. Her legs come up to wrap around my waist, and I move my hands up to grab her ass. Her curves are soft in my hands. I’ve had her all night, and it’s still not enough because I want more.
“Lincoln,” she murmurs. It’s already a needy sound that has me stripping her of what little clothing that’s between us. I need to feel her body close to mine.
“I’ve got you,” I whisper and then show her how much I appreciate everything she’s given me.
“THIS WOULD HAVE TASTED better warm.”
I have to agree with her, but it was worth it.
“You could have thanked me after we ate.” Her eyes dance with humor. I realize a sated Kate is a snarky little thing. I enjoy this side of her and have no trouble getting her there.
“Nope. I needed you to know right away.” I take another large bite of cold eggs and smirk at her. “Yep. Worth it and it still tastes delicious.”
She rolls her eyes and laughs. “The first meal I serve someone and he has to eat it cold. Your fault though.”
“I’m not complaining.” I slip a bite of the crispy bacon in my mouth. It’s the best meal I’ve ever eaten because of the woman who made it. My phone rings and draws our attention. I get up and walk into the other room to find it. I see Lily’s picture pop up and answer right away. There’s a little dad panic that comes every time your kid calls.
“You forgot, didn’t you?”
My brows lower as I run through what I could have forgotten. I’m usually always right on things.
“You must be with Kate, huh?”
I clear my throat. I don’t want to talk to my daughter about that. Why Lily’s questioning me is still beyond me. “What did I forget?” I ask then run a hand through my hair and look back at the kitchen table.
Kate is still munching on her piece of bacon. I find it difficult to look away at most times, but when she’s all sex-rumpled and happy, I find it even tougher and makes it a scene I want to see more of. She glances my way with a wry smile, catching me staring.
Lily laughs on the other side of the line. God, this conversation is awkward. “We were supposed to all meet for breakfast. You didn’t show, and neither did Kate.”
“Shit.”
Kate’s eyes shift in worry, and I shake my head at her. “We forgot to meet up with the kids for breakfast.”
Lily laughs again, and Kate’s face floods in red. Her hands fly to her face and a muffled, “Oh my God, Lincoln,” slips out.
“I’ll let you go, Dad. Have fun.” She hangs up, so I toss my phone down.
“Well, that was interesting,” I remark then glance at Kate who peeks through her fingers at me. The corner of my mouth tips up. “I guess we should go get dressed and then pack. We have a trip to take.”
“I can’t believe you sometimes,” Kate mutters under her breath.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kate
I adjust myself in the seat. We’ve taken our seats for the flight, and the pilot announced our departure. My hands, slick with sweat, grip the armrests. I’ve always had an irrational anxiety that comes from flying.
A warm hand slides under mine and releases my death grip on the armrest. Lincoln tangles his fingers with mine, a gentle and knowing comfort. I give a squeeze of thanks, and Lincoln comments no further.
I glance over, but he’s occupied with a paperback novel. He doesn’t comment on my sticky hand and doesn’t seem bothered by it. So I take the distraction, tilt my head back, and close my eyes, finally letting go of the breath I was holding.
The plane settles in the sky, and the worst part is over for now. It only will become a problem when we land again. There’s a tug on my hand as Lincoln brings his book toward me and uses what of his hand is free to flip the page.
“I’m
sorry,” I mumble and try to release his hand. He doesn’t let go.
“No problem, only needed to flip the page. This is why people read digital even though I can’t give up my paperbacks.” He doesn’t let go of my hand for the rest of the flight, but instead works around it. I let my eyes lower and slip off to sleep.
A hand lands on my shoulder and shakes me awake. “Hey, we are about to land.”
I blink my eyes open the rest of the way and see Lincoln smiling at me. I buckle my seatbelt and prepare myself for the rocky landing ahead of us. His fingers tangle with mine again and remind me he still plans on holding my hand. He’s reminding me he’s here and I’ve got this. I can’t thank him enough for that. It’s something I’ve never had before. The guy who’s there for you because there’s nowhere else he’d rather be at the moment.
We land and exit the plane, then grab a cab to our hotel. Spending time with Lincoln and letting go of my worries is nice, but I’m curious what his plan is. I’m on my first official vacation in forever, so I’m a bit at a loss of what to do with myself.
“Where to now?” I ask, and I can no longer keep the excitement contained. I’m in Seattle for a vacation with this sexy man. I’m about to burst from excitement.
“Anywhere you want to go,” Lincoln says, tucking his hand back into mine. “I’m just along for the ride.”
I LIE IN BED, SURROUNDED by Lincoln’s warmth. His arm wraps around me so I can hold him close. When we find ourselves in bed together, we get as close as possible to the other. “We have somewhere to go today. We should get up,” he whispers in my ear but tightens his hold, not ready to let us up. We’ve enjoyed the last two days touring the city, eating at the best places, and spending the nights together in bed.
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