Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
Lincoln
I held the cab door open for Erika, feeling as giddy as a schoolboy. As she slipped inside, I followed and settled next to her, glad to escape the noise of the club. Erika pulled her long dark blue wool coat tightly around her legs, her eyes catching mine as I turned toward her.
"Where would you like to go?" I asked, my voice softening as I reached out and lightly brushed my fingers along the back of her hand.
She glanced at the silver watch on her wrist. "I'm famished," she admitted, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe some Chinese food?"
"How about Lotus Flower?" I suggested, my eyes never leaving hers. "They make wonderful dim sum."
"Sounds good," she agreed with a nod.
I relayed the destination to the driver, and as we merged into the evening traffic, I found myself unable to resist touching her again. My fingers traced the back of her hand, and I noticed her shiver slightly.
"Are you cold?" I asked, concern lacing my tone. "I can ask the driver to turn up the heat."
"I'm fine," Erika replied, her voice a little breathless. She glanced at me; her eyes filled with curiosity. "This is... unusual."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Unusual how?"
"What is this we’re doing?" she asked, her tone guarded.
"A meal and conversation," I replied easily, leaning a bit closer to gauge her reaction. "Do you want more?"
"Not at the moment," she said, her voice firm but not unfriendly.
I nodded, though desire coiled tightly in my chest. I wanted more. I wanted her in my bed tonight. But I also knew if we had sex, it would likely be the last time—although something about Erika made me reconsider that rule. There was an unexpected connection here, one that I wasn’t ready to lose.
"Ever?" I pressed, my voice dropping to a near whisper.
Erika turned to face me fully, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Lincoln, aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? I know your type. You think you can charm the panties off any woman, and when you get what you want, you forget their number."
I frowned, a little taken aback. "Is that how you see me? You make me sound like a jerk, but I think the same can be said about you. How many men like Wayne do you have on a string?"
"None," she shot back, her tone sharp but honest. "I make no promises. I like to date, and I like variety."
"And I suspect no man has been able to nail you down," I remarked, my voice carrying a hint of admiration.
Erika’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Interesting choice of words."
"Are you referring to the word nail?" I asked, a playful grin creeping across my face.
"I am," she replied, her voice teasing.
"Why?" I challenged, leaning in closer.
"Isn’t it a reference to sex?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"It is, but not in the context that I’m using it," I clarified, my tone light. "I’m sure there are plenty of men who would love to spend time with you."
"There have been a few," she admitted, shrugging as if it were of little consequence. "I’m having fun."
Without thinking, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. For the past hour, I’d been wondering what it would be like to feel her skin against my lips. I’d imagined pressing them to other areas, like the delicate space between her breasts, but for now, I’d settle for just this—a brief, innocent touch.
Erika seemed surprised when I pulled away, but before I could gauge her reaction, she reached out, wrapping her hand around the back of my neck. Her lips found mine in a kiss that was as unexpected as it was electrifying. Her sweet breath mingled with mine, and I had to fight the urge to deepen the kiss, to take control. But she let me go just seconds later, pulling back and gazing at me, her face illuminated by the passing lights outside.
"That was nice," I murmured, my voice betraying the awe I felt.
"It was," she agreed, her tone playful. "Play your cards right, Elliott, and you might get another."
I chuckled, the sound low and warm, as we pulled up to Lotus Flower. Normally, the place was packed, but it was late, and the crowd had thinned. I handed the driver some money and stepped out of the cab, turning to offer Erika my hand as she exited. Her coat slipped open slightly, revealing a taut leg that sent a jolt of desire through me. What I wouldn’t do to bury my face between her thighs.
“Would you like a booth or a table?” I asked, holding one of the double glass doors open for Erika as she stepped through.
The warmth of the restaurant immediately enveloped us, a welcome contrast to the chilly night air outside. Lotus Flower was bathed in deep reds and yellows, the colors creating a rich, inviting atmosphere. Decorative lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a soothing glow over each table, their soft light reflecting in Erika's eyes as she took in the surroundings.
“A booth, I think,” she said, her voice thoughtful as she surveyed the room.
The hostess approached dressed in sleek black from head to toe appeared, leading us to a red vinyl semi-circular booth that seemed to promise both comfort and privacy. Erika removed her coat, and I took it from her, carefully folding it before I shrugged off my own long tan coat and did the same. We both slid into the booth, instinctively sitting close together, a silent statement of our growing connection, even though there was plenty of room to spread out.
As I placed our coats on the seat beside me, I picked up the menu, my fingers brushing hers briefly. The restaurant was only half full, but I knew it would be packed again once the clubs closed around three. Lotus Flower stayed open until 6 a.m. on weekends, catering to the city's hungry night owls.
“What would you like to eat?” I asked, glancing over the menu but more interested in her reaction.
“You mentioned dim sum,” she replied, her gaze flicking from the menu to me. “I’ve only had pork and shrimp dishes, but this menu has a lot more.”
“If you would indulge me,” I said, lowering the menu and meeting her eyes, “can I order for us both?”
Erika gazed at me with those big blue eyes, and for a moment, I felt like I could drown in them. She hesitated just a second before closing her menu and setting it aside.
“I trust you,” she said softly, her voice carrying an edge of intrigue.
“Traditionally, dim sum is eaten with tea. Would you like tea?” I asked, watching her closely.
“Sure, what kind?” she asked, leaning in just a little, as if drawn by curiosity.
“Once again, indulge me,” I replied, my voice dipping low as I smiled at her.
She smiled back, a slow, teasing smile that sent a jolt of desire through me. “I’m placing myself in your hands.”
Fuck. The thought hit me like a punch to the gut. I wish you would place yourself in my hands.
My erection, which had barely subsided in the cab, was now a painful reminder of how much I wanted her. Erika had a way of turning me on like no other woman ever had, and that was saying something. Her scent, subtle and intoxicating, filled my senses as she shifted slightly closer.
“We can start with an Oolong,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “And I’ll order a few plates.”
As the waiter approached, flipping the upside-down water glasses sitting on top of the white linen tablecloth and filling them, I rattled off our order, selecting several types of dim sum along with a pot of Oolong tea. While I spoke, Erika sipped from her water glass, a slight smirk playing on her lips. When I finished, I turned back to her, intrigued by that expression.
“What?” I asked, leaning in with a curious smile.
“You’re very confident,” she observed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ve never eaten half of what you ordered.”
“You’ll love it all,” I assured her, a touch of mischief in my voice. “I promise.”
She held my gaze, her expression softening slightly. “I guess I’ll just have to trust you, won’t I?”
We spent the next few minutes talking, our conversation flowing easily. I learned more about her work, her interests, the way she approached life with a mix of pragmatism and passion. There was something refreshing about her honesty, her refusal to play games.
When the food arrived, the rich aroma of the dim sum filled the air, and Erika’s eyes lit up with genuine curiosity. The waiter set down the plates with a flourish, and as I poured the tea, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation—not just for the meal, but for what the rest of the night might bring.
“Oh my God, this is so good,” Erika murmured, her eyes closing briefly as she took a dainty bite of the steamed pork roll. The delight in her voice was unmistakable, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I told you,” I said, watching her savor the flavor. “Would you like more tea?”
She nodded, still chewing, and I reached for the small white ceramic teapot, pouring the last of the amber liquid into her cup. With a practiced motion, I balanced the lid between the pot and its handle, signaling the waiter for a refill. Almost immediately, one appeared, silently whisking the pot away.
“He just knows?” Erika asked, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“Yes,” I replied, leaning back in the booth. “It’s a common practice.”
“You know a lot about this place,” she observed, her tone light but probing.
“I’ve eaten here enough,” I said with a shrug.
“With dates?” she inquired, her eyebrow arching ever so slightly.
“A few,” I admitted, my voice casual. “But if I’m working late and I feel like a bite to eat, this is the perfect place.”
“You conduct business from one of these booths?” she asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
“I have before,” I said, meeting her gaze. “You should try it.”
“I much prefer the comfort of my bed for late-night negotiations,” she said, her voice dropping to a sultry tone that sent a shiver down my spine. Her eyes gleamed with mischief, and I nearly groaned. She was teasing me; I was almost sure of it.
I popped a taro root dumpling into my mouth, chewing thoughtfully before responding. “Is that where you were negotiating with me?”
“Maybe,” she said, her voice light but laced with implication. “What does your mind conjure up? That I was sitting on my bed dressed in white, see-through lingerie while I negotiated for a fair deal?”
I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten. “Were you?” I croaked, barely managing to get the words out.
“In your dreams,” she replied with a playful smirk. “I was wearing a tank top and shorts while sipping a glass of wine. I rarely wear lingerie.”
My heart skipped a beat as I imagined her in that casual yet alluring attire. “What is your preference for sleepwear?” I asked, my voice a little rough.
“Nothing, usually,” she said nonchalantly, as if she hadn’t just set my imagination on fire.
A fine layer of sweat began to form on my forehead, and it had nothing to do with the chili sauce I’d added to my food. The thought of her naked in bed was the last thing I needed in my head right now. I quickly reached for my water glass, draining half of it before crunching a few slivers of ice in my mouth, desperate for a distraction.
“Ice again?” Erika asked, amusement twinkling in her eyes as she watched me.
“I’m sorry,” I said, feeling a bit sheepish. “I was being a jerk, but you crunched popcorn in my ear.”
“I guess I deserved it,” she replied with a soft chuckle.
Just then, the waiter returned with our refilled pot of tea. I poured some into Erika’s white ceramic cup, watching her closely.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice warm as she reached for two packets of sugar, emptying them into the tea with practiced ease. I made a mental note of her preference.
“Would you like some dessert?” I asked, setting the teapot down.
“What did you have in mind?” she asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at me.
“They have some delicious mango pudding or egg tarts,” I suggested, leaning forward a bit.
“I think I’ll pass,” she said, placing a hand on her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”
“I’m glad you let me feed you,” I said, smiling at her.
“Thank you for the invite,” she replied, her eyes locking onto mine.
I hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Would you like to share a nightcap?”
“And where would I do that?” she asked, a playful glint in her eye.
“My apartment,” I said smoothly, holding her gaze.
“Your apartment?” she echoed, her voice teasing but curious.
“I promise I don’t bite,” I said, leaning in closer, my voice dropping to a husky whisper, “unless you want me to.”
Erika shivered, a reaction she couldn’t quite hide, and I knew I’d gotten to her.
“Nightcap, huh?” she said, her tone light but with a hint of something more.
“Yes,” I confirmed, offering her a subtle out. “That’s all I ask. We can have a nice conversation and a glass of wine.”
But in my mind, I was thinking of much more. By the time we finished our nightcap, I intended to have her begging me for more than just conversation. The ride to my apartment was silent except for the soft hum from Erika as I ran my thumb over her delicate hand. I slid my fingers under her chin and gently kissed her. Once we got to my apartment, the sparks were flying and I backed her to the couch.
I buried my head between Erika’s breasts, the soft flesh warm against my lips as I inhaled her intoxicating scent. My cock strained against my pants, and it took all my self-control not to rip her clothes off and take her right there. Her nails dug into my scalp, a gentle tug that sent a shiver down my spine. I traced my tongue between her cleavage, trailing up to the hollow of her throat where I focused my attention, sucking and nipping at her delicate skin. A low moan escaped her lips, sending a thrill through me.
“I thought we were just talking?” she whispered, her voice breathy and uncertain.
“I can’t just talk to you. I need more,” I murmured against her skin, my voice rough with desire.
Erika gently pushed at my shoulder, and I reluctantly pulled back, my gaze locking onto her face. Her eyes were conflicted, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
“I can’t have sex with you,” she said, but the way her lips parted, and her pupils dilated told a different story.
“Then why did you come up here?” I asked, my voice soft but insistent.
“For a drink and conversation,” she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Remember? Just a nightcap, and you don’t bite?”
“I lied,” I admitted, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. “You’re too beautiful not to touch.”
“I should go,” she said, her tone wavering. “It’s after 1 a.m., and I have clients to deal with tomorrow.”
I groaned, frustration knotting in my chest. “Erika…”
She smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she rose from the couch and walked to the foyer. I watched, helpless, as she reached for her full-length blue coat. The sight of her slipping into it sent a pang of regret through me.
“You’re really leaving,” I whined, my voice betraying a hint of desperation, like a child denied dessert.
“Yes. I’m sorry, Lincoln Elliott, but I’m not that easy,” she teased, a playful edge to her words.
“I never said you were,” I defended, quickly standing and following her to the door. Before she could turn the knob, I grabbed her gently by the arm and spun her around to face me. Her eyes widened in surprise as I tipped her chin up, pressing my lips to hers in a bruising kiss. I wanted to leave an imprint on her, something she’d dream about long after she left. When I finally pulled away, we were both breathless, the air thick with the undeniable chemistry between us.
“You can go now,” I said, my voice cool and matter-of-fact, though my heart pounded in my chest.
“Bastard,” she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and longing as she turned and opened the door. I watched her walk down the hall, the click of her heels echoing off the walls. Her legs were unsteady, and I couldn’t help but smile, knowing I’d gotten under her skin. Erika Bramwell wouldn’t forget me anytime soon.
I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. The green numerals glowed in the darkness: 3:24 a.m. I couldn’t sleep, and Erika was the reason. When she left me earlier tonight, I had no choice but to jerk off, trying to relieve the intense ache she left me with. It didn’t help.
After an hour of restless dozing, I was rock hard again. Her scent still lingered in my nostrils, and I could almost feel her soft skin beneath my fingertips. Frustrated, I shoved the covers off and slung my legs over the side of the bed, rubbing at my persistent erection.
I hadn’t been this uncontrollable since I was a teenager. What the hell was this woman doing to me? I grabbed my phone off the nightstand, my fingers hovering over the screen before I quickly typed out a message.
Have breakfast with me today, my treat.
Desperation clawed at me. How pathetic was I? Lincoln Elliott doesn’t chase, I told myself. He pursues, and in his wake, he leaves a trail of unhappy women. I didn’t expect her to respond at this hour, so I was more than surprised when my phone rang in my hand.
“You’re up?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I am, thanks to you,” she replied, her voice sweet and seductive, making my erection throb painfully. My dick was so hard I could probably hammer nails with it.
“Thanks to me?” I echoed, trying to play it cool.
“That kiss of yours,” she said, and I could almost hear the smile in her voice.
“It was meant to be unforgettable. So, will you?” I asked, my voice dropping lower.
“Will I what?” she teased, drawing out the tension.
“Have breakfast with me.”
“I have a showing this morning,” she replied, a hint of reluctance in her voice. “I’m going to be a wreck without any sleep.”
“Are you busy all day? Perhaps we can have brunch or coffee. Don’t leave me hanging, Erika,” I urged, desperation creeping into my tone.
“Don’t you have clients?” she asked, a playful lilt in her voice.
“I can push them off,” I said, too quickly. My heart pounded as I realized how desperate I sounded.
“You can’t see me now, but I’m raising my eyebrows.” she said, a soft giggle following her words.
“I wish I could see you,” I admitted, my voice rough with longing. “I wish you were sharing my bed.”
What the fuck? Was I crazy telling this to Erika? I was admitting my feelings, breaking every rule I had set for myself.
She giggled again, and my heart fluttered. There was no way this was happening. I scrubbed a hand over my face and massaged my erection again, trying to will it away.
“I bet you do, Elliott,” she said, a teasing edge to her tone.
“Why did you bother to call me?” I asked, frustration seeping into my voice. “How many men do you torture on a daily basis?”
“You think I’m torturing you? You should’ve left well enough alone,” she replied, her tone light but with an underlying seriousness.
“Give me five minutes of your time. A drink tonight?” I pushed, unwilling to let her go.
“Maybe. I have a date tonight,” she said, a hint of mischief in her voice.
“With who? Wayne?” I asked, jealousy flaring up inside me.
“Heavens no. His name is Victor,” she said, laughing softly.
“I can show you a better time,” I countered, my voice laced with confidence.
“I can’t cancel. How about brunch on Sunday? The Wyatt serves a delicious champagne brunch,” she offered, a compromise in her tone.
“It’s too public for me,” I replied, already imagining the attention we’d attract.
Erika paused, the silence heavy between us. “If I come to your apartment again, I’m afraid of where it will lead.”
“You want it to lead to the same conclusion as I do,” I said, my voice dropping to a whisper, daring her to admit the truth.
“You’re so sure of yourself?” she asked, but I could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
“I am. I know you, Erika,” I said, my voice firm and certain.
She yawned softly in my ear, the sound making my heart clench. “I need to go to bed.”
“Dream about me, sweet girl,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
“Where do you come up with this crap?” she asked, laughing softly.
“It’s a request,” I said, my tone light but sincere.
“I can’t tell my subconscious what to do,” she replied, a smile in her voice.
“Will you tell me if you do?” I asked, a playful challenge in my tone.
“A girl has to have her secrets. Goodnight, Lincoln,” she said in a breathy whisper.
The phone clicked off before I could respond. Just the way she said my name sent me to the bathroom for another round of relief.
I spent most of my day with Erika on my mind, her image stubbornly wedged between client calls and the endless task of setting up appointments for the week ahead. She had embedded herself under my skin, and I couldn’t shake her off, no matter how hard I tried. This was uncharted territory for me—unsettling and disorienting. For the first time, I began to grasp what my brothers had been harping on about all these years.
My oldest brother, Michael, had been utterly consumed by a woman named Morgan before he disappeared. Then there was Talon, tangled up in some complicated affair with a woman named Storm. At least he still had the sense to play the field, like he did last night.
I’d always scoffed at their talk of slowing down, of finding that one person, but now? Now I was beginning to see what they meant. By early evening, I couldn’t resist any longer. I grabbed my phone and called Erika, my resolve crumbling to dust. It was pathetic, and I knew it. When she didn’t answer, I was left with no choice but to leave a voicemail.
“I was wondering if we’re still on for brunch tomorrow,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I made a reservation at The Wyatt for 11, just in case. Although, honestly, I’d much prefer you join me at my apartment. I know you’re hesitant, but… let me know what your plans are.”
I ended the call, a mix of self-loathing and anticipation churning in my gut. I desperately hoped she’d call me back before heading out on her date. The urge to track her down, to make sure that buffoon Victor was treating her right, gnawed at me. If he wasn’t, I’d happily intervene.
But before I could come up with a plan, my phone rang. I snatched it up, only to have it slip from my fingers and crash to the floor. I scrambled out of my leather chair, heart pounding as I grabbed the phone, praying it was Erika. But it wasn’t.
“What’s up, brother?” Talon’s voice came through the line, casual and amused.
“Why do you ask?” I replied, sharper than I intended.
“What’s with the attitude? For a guy who got lucky last night, you sound like crap.”
“For your information, I didn’t get any last night,” I snapped, irritation seeping into my tone.
Talon chuckled. “Well, I did.”
“Storm?” I asked, already half-distracted.
“Kenzie,” he corrected, smugness dripping from his words.
“Who?”
“Kenzie. One of the women I was talking to last night,” he said, as if it should have been obvious.
“I thought you were hung up on Storm?” I leaned back in my chair, trying to focus on the conversation.
“We both know she won’t give me the time of day. I can’t wait around forever.”
“Kenzie, huh?” I mused, vaguely recalling the woman. “Which one was she?”
“The brunette with the long hair,” Talon explained, a hint of exasperation creeping in.
“They both had long hair,” I pointed out, stifling a sigh.
“The one in the yellow dress,” he clarified.
I pictured the woman who had been sitting on Talon’s right. She had shapely legs and a decent rack. On the surface, she wasn’t my type—too wholesome-looking—but I knew better than to judge by appearances. Sometimes the most unassuming women were the wildest in bed.
“Pretty girl,” I commented, my voice neutral. “Are you seeing her again?”
“She has a boyfriend,” Talon replied, his tone casual, but there was an edge of challenge there.
“Doesn’t sound like much of a deterrent,” I said with a smirk, imagining the mess Talon was likely to stir up. His love life was a disaster, but it was always entertaining.
Talon laughed. “Maybe not, but I’m not looking to cause more drama than I already have.”
"Let me give you some advice," I said, leaning back in my chair and staring at the ceiling. "Don't be me. Be more like Michael."
Talon snorted on the other end of the line. "Yeah? We saw where that got him. Why the change of heart all of a sudden? It’s that woman you were with last night, isn’t it? She got to you."
“She didn’t,” I replied, the lie slipping easily from my lips. “I was just thinking, maybe I should stop with the one-night stands. I’m getting older.”
“You’re twenty-nine,” Talon shot back, incredulous.
“And before you know it, I’ll be thirty-nine,” I said, my tone more serious than I intended.
“I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” Talon muttered. I could picture his disbelieving expression, the way he’d be shaking his head at me.
“Believe it. Are you done with Storm?” I asked, steering the conversation back to him, hoping to distract myself from the gnawing uncertainty in my own thoughts.
“Not done, just taking a breather,” he admitted.
“Forget her, Talon. She’s stuck on someone else,” I advised, the words coming out harsher than I meant.
“I think I still have a chance,” he said stubbornly, his voice filled with that reckless optimism that had always been his downfall.
“Play the field, but don’t sleep around,” I said, surprising myself with the conviction in my voice. “Find the one.”
“Thanks for the advice,” Talon said, his tone uncertain, like he wasn’t quite sure who he was talking to anymore. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Yeah, later,” I replied, the phone call ending with a hollow click.
As I set the phone down, I realized I had just talked my little brother into becoming me. What the hell was I thinking? Talon was too kind, too generous to follow the path I’d taken. I rubbed the back of my neck, the weight of my own words settling heavily on my shoulders.
I paced my office, glancing at my phone every few minutes, hoping Erika would call. But as the hours ticked by, it became painfully clear she wasn’t going to. The silence gnawed at me, a reminder of the emptiness I was trying so hard to ignore.
Needing to burn off the excess energy coursing through me, I decided to head out. The urge to find someone, anyone, to fill the void was growing too strong to resist. I knew it couldn’t be Erika, so it would have to be someone else.
I dressed casually, pulling on a pair of loose-fitting dark blue jeans and a light blue sweater. I slipped on my black dress shoes, then shrugged into my navy wool pea coat. The air was crisp as I stepped out of my apartment, and I made my way to Shanahan’s, a bar four blocks away.
Shanahan’s was a place where people in their early twenties came to unwind, to drink, and to find fleeting connections. It wasn’t really my scene, but tonight, I didn’t care. I was there for a quick drink and a warm body to share my bed for the night, someone to help me forget about Erika, even if just for a few hours.