Chapter 15
fifteen
. . .
Brinkley
“So, this is what you do when you aren’t with me?” Lincoln asked as I guided him to the gated entrance at Maddox and Georgia’s house because he’d insisted on driving. I gave him the code to type in, and the grand iron gates opened, and we made our way up the driveway.
“Yes. And it’s Saturday, so my sister and Maddox aren’t working. She was waiting for me to finish up work with you so I could come over to discuss wedding plans. But since you’re working for me today, we get to come early.”
“This is a nice house.”
“Yes. Georgia’s fiancé, Maddox, bought it when he moved from the city to Cottonwood Cove.” I’d filled him in on Maddox owning the publishing company where my sister had met him and still worked with him.
I recognized Wyle, Maddox’s brother’s car in the driveway. I hadn’t known he was going to be there. We made our way to the door and rang the bell. Georgia pulled it open; her blonde hair bounced on her shoulders, and she beamed at us.
“Lincoln Hendrix. I apologize now for anything Maddox says that’s inappropriate.”
Lincoln just chuckled, appearing completely relaxed. We’d crossed some sort of line with one another, and there was a comfort there now.
There was an obvious attraction, as well. At least on my end. But I would not act on it.
I was finally getting my break professionally. My email inbox was flooded with job opportunities. Sports Today had dropped the news this morning that Lincoln’s announcement would be coming in a few days, and they’d listed my name as the journalist who would be sharing the news.
No pressure. Just the entire world waiting to hear where he’d be going.
It seemed ridiculous since the news was out that he’d just been in New York, where he was rumored to be going. But fans wanted an official announcement. They were particular that way.
“What could he possibly do?” I asked as Georgia hugged Lincoln and then turned her attention to me.
“Wyle is here, too,” she whispered. “That’s Maddox’s brother, and he’s also a super fan. But they promised they would play it cool.”
Lincoln just shook his head and smiled.
We made our way through the grand estate and found Maddox and Wyle in the kitchen, huddled together like they were two schoolgirls waiting for their crush to arrive.
“Are you seriously this excited to see him when you haven’t seen me in several days?” I asked, raising a brow at my future brother-in-law. “Hey, Wyle. Nice to see you.”
“Hey. I just closed on my house, and I needed some, er, eggs. Yeah. I was out of eggs. So, Georgie told me I could come get some.” Wyle cleared his throat as his gaze moved to the football star beside me. “Imagine my luck that my favorite quarterback was coming over at the same time.”
Maddox came around the island and extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Lincoln. I’m a—” He paused to look at me, and I rolled my eyes because this was ridiculous.
“Oh my gosh. Just go ahead and gush all over him. It’s fine.”
“Well, I’m a big fan. Aside from the temporary time that I had to pretend to hate you for Brinkley. And by the way, Brinks, I am equally excited to see you.”
Maddox walked over and wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.
“Sure, you are.” I laughed when he pulled back. “I heard you’ve got your man cave almost done. I can’t wait to see it.”
Maddox’s gaze moved from me to my sister. He looked a little nervous, which was unlike him, but I guess that could be the fact that his favorite quarterback was standing in his house.
“Don’t worry, baby. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
” Georgia chuckled and leaned against Maddox before he wrapped his arms around her.
I was so happy for my sister. She’d found the real deal.
This man loved her so fiercely, and I absolutely loved it.
Loved them together. “Come on. We’ll show you his playroom. ”
“It’s a man cave, Tink. A playroom is for a child.” Maddox kissed the top of her head and led us down the hallway.
He’d had this custom library done for my sister, so she’d decided to design a room just for him.
When she pushed the door open, my jaw fell open.
They’d done a lot to this room since I’d seen it last. There was a wall with four large television screens and a leather couch.
They’d put in a bar area with cherry wood and a marble countertop in the corner.
There was a pool table in the center of the room and dark-framed sports photographs hung all over the wall.
I immediately noticed Lincoln’s framed jersey hanging on the wall and walked toward it.
“Hey, I haven’t been friends with him for that long. When did you find time to get his jersey framed?” I said, my voice all tease. I actually liked that Maddox was a super fan because Lincoln deserved all the fanfare. The man worked so hard.
“He already had it, and he’d kept it in the garage until you gave the thumbs-up,” Georgia said over her laughter.
“I got it for him for Christmas two years ago.” Wyle glanced at the jersey before looking over at Lincoln, who was reading something on the wall.
“What are you reading?” I asked as I walked in his direction.
I was stunned to see several of my articles framed and hanging on the walls.
“I loved this article that you wrote about Hawk,” Lincoln said. “I just didn’t know you wrote it at the time, nor had I put it together until now. You did the man justice, and he deserves that.”
I felt a lump form in my throat and turned to see everyone watching me. Maddox raised a brow when I gave him a questioning look.
“It’s a sports room. Of course, we want to have your words on the walls in here. We’re proud of you,” Maddox said. “Hell, I was willing to hate my favorite player for you until he made things right.”
“You did give it a try, and I appreciate it. And thank you for including my work in your man cave. I’m honored.”
The next hour was spent with Maddox and Wyle asking Lincoln endless questions and talking about some of their favorite moments of the games they’d been to over the years.
Georgia and I sat on the couch, and she showed me her top three favorite dresses that she’d narrowed it down to.
We had plans to go with my mom and Lila to the city together to watch her try them on next week.
She showed me the color scheme for the wedding, which would be taking place in Paris, France, at the end of the summer.
Hugh and Lila’s wedding was coming up in a few weeks and would be taking place here at Georgia and Maddox’s home.
They’d be bringing in a large tent and tables and even port-a-potties for guests.
I couldn’t believe my brother and my sister would both be married in a few months. I’d been so busy with work and my new client that I’d lost track of time, and things were getting real now.
We’d ended up ordering takeout and having dinner all together, and now everyone was acting like they’d known Lincoln their entire lives.
“So, do we have to wait until the end of the week to know where you’re playing?” Maddox asked, and I glanced over at Lincoln. I hadn’t told a soul because it wasn’t my secret to tell. Well, not yet, at least.
Lincoln chuckled. “I think I can trust you. I mean, you didn’t want to hate me on her behalf, but you followed through. That’s a good man.”
“Dude. It will go to the grave with us.” Wyle held his hands up dramatically.
I laughed and used my hand to cover my mouth. “It’s being announced in a few days. You don’t have to go to the grave with it.”
“You know what I mean,” he said, glancing from me to Lincoln.
“I’m heading to New York,” Lincoln said, without an ounce of hesitation.
“I knew it!” Maddox shouted. “I bought the season tickets already because I didn’t want to risk them selling out.”
“Well, be honest, Bossman. You bought season tickets in three places because you didn’t totally know where he was going.” My sister chuckled.
“You bought tickets for three teams?” I gasped.
“That’s if you don’t include the fact that we already have the season tickets in San Francisco,” Wyle admitted.
“Well, yeah. I had them in San Francisco. I got some in New York. But there was some talk about Chicago and Tampa.” Maddox shrugged. “But I can sell them. It was worth it.”
The room erupted in laughter.
“Damn. You do not mess around. Thanks, buddy. Hey, if you guys ever want to come down onto the field, just let me know.”
Maddox and Wyle both gaped at him.
“That’s a hard yes,” Wyle said.
“Well, their father and brothers wouldn’t be pleased if we left them out of it.”
“Oh my gosh. Cage would lose his shit if you went down on that field without him. Dad, Hugh, and Finn would just spend a few hours pouting,” I said.
“I can get you all a pass. It’s not a problem.” Lincoln winked at me.
Damn, the man was smooth.
Maddox and Wyle were tripping over their words, and Georgia turned to Lincoln and hugged him. “That’s really nice of you. Hey, why don’t you come to Sunday dinner tomorrow at our parents’ house? It would seriously be the best surprise.”
He glanced over at me, and I shrugged.
We were friends now, right? I should have thought to invite him myself.
We hugged everyone goodbye, and of course, the guys all exchanged numbers. They invited Lincoln to guys’ night at Hugh’s house next week for cards and beers.
My brothers were literally going to lose it because they’d get to see him twice this week.
It was late by the time we left their house.
I hadn’t expected to stay that long.
Lincoln opened my door, and I got inside and buckled up as he came around and slipped into the driver’s seat.
“That was great,” he said, glancing over at me. “Thanks for letting me tag along.”
“Sure.” I chuckled. “I mean, you’re hanging on the man’s walls because he’s such a fan. You were hardly tagging along.”
“Hey. You’re hanging on the man’s walls, too. Don’t sell yourself short.” He started the car and glanced over one more time. “Am I taking you home?”
I didn’t want the night to end. We’d been out all day, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
“Are you hungry?” I asked because it had been a few hours since we’d had dinner.
“Starving. But I think everything’s closed. It’s late.” He pulled down the driveway.
I sent a text to Hugh.
Hey. Is Reynolds’ already closed up? I’m with Lincoln, and we are starving. Your apple pie and ice cream sound really good right now.
Hugh
I just got off the phone with Maddox. Are you fucking kidding me? We’re going to go down onto the field at a game? I’d give you my firstborn right now if I had one.
I figured you’d like that.
Hugh
The restaurant is closed. You’ve got a key, and you know the alarm code. Go help yourself. Just lock up and set the alarm when you leave. Love you, Brinks.
“Okay, let’s go to Reynolds’. Park in the back.”
“It’s open?” he asked as he drove the short distance to downtown and pulled in behind the restaurant.
“No. But I’ve got a key, and Hugh said to help ourselves.
Get ready for the best pie you’ve ever had.
They have this amazing baker who runs the bakery next door and provides them with the best desserts.
” Lincoln opened my door, and we made our way inside.
I flipped on the lights as we entered through the kitchen.
“Wow. These are some serious sibling perks.” He took the pie from me, and I reached for the ice cream and the whipped cream.
I cut us each a slice of pie and popped them into the microwave to get them warmed up just a little bit. I added a scoop of ice cream and sprayed a bunch of whipped cream on top. I tipped my head back and sprayed it into my mouth because I couldn’t help myself.
Old habits die hard, I guess.
When I put the cap on the whipped cream and looked up, Lincoln’s green eyes were watching me so closely that it made it difficult to breathe.
Well, that and the fact that I had an abnormal amount of sugary cream in my mouth.
I quickly swallowed as he watched me intently.
He moved closer, and his thumb came down on my upper lip.
“You have a little left here,” he said, holding his thumb out to me as he offered a small amount of whipped cream.
I didn’t know if aliens had taken over my body, but on instinct, my mouth opened. His thumb slipped inside, and I swirled my tongue around it and sucked. Desire flooded, and my gaze never left his.
He pulled his thumb out, and his mouth crashed into mine.
My lips parted, and his tongue slipped inside.
The kiss was needy and desperate, the way we both clung to one another.
He lifted me off the floor and settled my ass on the metal counter in the kitchen.
He stood between my thighs, and I could feel his erection through his jeans as it pressed against my center.
My fingers were tangled in his hair, and his large hands were on each side of my face, as if he couldn’t get close enough.
I was so turned on that I couldn’t see straight.
I bucked against him, needing that friction. Needing to feel him against me.
He kissed me harder.
Faster.
He lifted me from the counter, and my legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me to the wall beside the refrigerator.
He pressed my back against the cool wall, and his hands gripped my ass as he slid me up and down his hard cock as I ground up against his gigantic denim-covered bulge.
His mouth invaded mine as he licked and nipped and kissed me like he’d die if he stopped. I’d never felt more wanted.
My hands tugged at his hair as I bucked against him, and my entire body started tingling.
Had I ever wanted anyone more?
“Lincoln,” I groaned into his mouth as this growing need took over, and my head fell back.
“Let go, sweetheart,” he whispered, as he kissed down my neck and continued rocking me faster against him.
I was dry-humping my client in the middle of my brother’s kitchen.
And I didn’t even care because nothing had ever felt so good.
Stars exploded behind my eyes as my entire body started to shake, and I went right over the edge.
Once my breathing calmed and I was able to open my eyes, I found him watching me.
The look in his gaze was not what I expected.
He didn’t look scared that we’d just crossed a line.
He didn’t look bothered that I’d finished and he hadn’t.
There was no sign of panic.
He looked at me like I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Pass me the whipped cream, please.
Because I only wanted more.