Chapter 9
9
VIOLET
Hell’s bells.
He’s more gorgeous without a long beard. His now razor-sharp scruff makes his chiseled jaw look even more defined. He’s had a haircut too. His hair is now shaved up each side of his head into the perfect skin fade, but he’s left a little length on top to style. His black locks are swept back with not a hair out of place.
He’s striking.
Lincoln leans casually against his black Camaro and he looks every bit the expensive bad boy. Black designer jeans, black suede boots, black shirt, sun-kissed skin, and a wristwatch that probably cost as much as his car. My nipples harden against the soft lace fabric of my bra. No one has ever had this effect on me, and I feel an odd warmth ignite between my legs. Lincoln pushes himself off his car and holds his hand out for me to take.
My petite hand gets swallowed up in his warm, spade-sized palm. It’s the perfect spanking size. Oops, where did that thought come from again?
I hold on to my bravery from earlier. “I can’t decide if I love the fact you are even more drop-dead gorgeous without a beard or if I should hate you because every woman in town is going to wish they were out on a date with you tonight.”
He throws his head back, laughing. “Thanks, you’re doing everything to boost my ego. I thought you didn’t like my face for a minute there.” He runs his other hand through his hair. “Now where are we going, m’lady?” Lincoln opens the passenger door, and I muster all the elegance I can to slide myself into the seat of his car.
“Indigo Zen.” I place my purse on the floor as he pushes my door shut.
Lincoln jogs around the front and I can’t take my eyes off his athletic body. I’ve hit the jackpot tonight.
He pulls open the driver’s door and jumps into his side of the car, sending a gust of his addictive zesty scent my way, pushing my senses into overdrive.
He smells good enough to eat.
“Your house is very cool.” He looks out his window at my beachside home.
“It’s my father’s. He bought it for family weekends together, but when he and my mom split, he left it sitting empty for a few years. I live in it now and look after it for him.”
“What a shitty job that must be. Sounds painful.”
“Sunrise and sunset are the worst.” I sigh.
“I can imagine.”
We both burst out laughing.
Lincoln pushes the start button on his car, and it roars to life.
“Your car sounds like an angry bear.”
“V8 engine. She’s an epic-sounding beast. I’m shipping her back with me.” He pats the dashboard. “I’ve always wanted an American muscle car. She’s beautiful.”
“Did you buy this new? ”
He turns his head to look at me. “Are you trying to figure out where I got the money from, Violet?”
“No, I, it’s just…”
“How can the beach bum who works at a gym afford this?”
Dammit. “You got me. I’m curious.”
“I have money.” He gives nothing else away.
“Because you work in hospitality in Scotland?”
“I do.” His face lights up as he puts two and two together. “Ah, you looked me up?”
I scrunch my face up.
“And you found nothing out?” He confirms my findings. Or lack of.
I throw my arms into the air. “You have one private social media account and nothing else. You could be a serial killer.”
“I don’t like social media.”
“That’s weird,” I huff.
“But smart. You are very public. If I was clever enough, I could probably pinpoint when you ovulate next. And if there is a serial killer on the loose, he’ll come for you before me, especially if you keep ‘checking in’ to places.”
“And you only have a private Instagram account; you follow three people, and no one follows you.”
“I don’t use it to post, just to find out when the latest sneakers I want are going on release.” He winks teasingly. “But we have a family group chat. Would you like to see?” He reaches for his phone.
“I don’t need to see that.” I wave my hand through the air. “Is that how you share your photos of your adventures? Hidden away within a private group chat?”
“Yes. Who the hell is interested in seeing my photos? I don’t see the point of taking photos of your food or the sunset. Just enjoy the fucking moment. Hell, you know what I just realized?” he says with a serious face.
“What’s that?”
“I’ve turned into my father. It’s official. I’m a grumpy bastard.”
I burst into a fit of giggles.
“If there is any more laughing at me, I will have to put you over my knee and spank you.” He reaches up and cups my face, running his thumb back and forth across my bottom lip. I’m tempted to open my mouth and suck his finger, but I resist.
He groans, pulling his hand away to rearrange his thick length that’s now visible through his jeans. “But I’m trying to be good for you.”
“I don’t need you to be good for me.” I’m almost panting.
“Well, I need to be good for myself.”
Disappointment hits me like a tsunami.
“For now, Violet. I’ll be good for you for now.”