Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
Lincoln
I bounced my knee impatiently as I waited for Erika. It was already twenty minutes past noon, and she was late. Every part of me wanted to reach for my phone, to text or call her, but I resisted. I didn’t want to come across as anxious, even though I knew I’d already laid my cards on the table more than once.
Erika was well aware of my feelings and my desire for a relationship. The thought made me uneasy, and I found myself slipping into memories of my brother Michael. Almost a year had passed since he disappeared, and the pain of his absence still felt fresh. I was lost in thought when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Erika whispered, her breath warm against my ear as she pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. The scent of her perfume teased my senses, and I had to fight the primal urge to pull her close and make her mine right then and there. She was stunning in a short, blood-red dress that showed off more of her creamy skin than I could handle without losing control. I stood as she moved to take her seat across from me.
The Diamond Square was as opulent as ever, its legendary Sunday champagne brunch filling the room with the aromas of gourmet dishes. It was a place that catered to those who appreciated both quality and quantity, but at that moment, the only thing I cared about was Erika.
“You look gorgeous,” I said, my voice huskier than I intended.
“This old thing?” she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
I reached across the table, my fingers grazing the sleeve of her dress before trailing down her arm. I caught her hand in mine, noticing how her nails were painted the same deep red as her dress, matching her full lips. The desire to kiss her was almost overwhelming, but I knew if I started, I wouldn’t be able to stop.
“If this is old, you should wear it all the time,” I murmured.
She gave me a sly smile. “You look handsome. Is that a Vera Lucci suit?”
I glanced down at my graphite suit, surprised she recognized the designer. “It is. You’ve got a good eye.”
“She makes beautiful clothing. My last boyfriend wore her stuff.”
The mention of her ex stirred something dark inside me. “I don’t want to hear about your last boyfriend,” I said, trying to keep my tone light, but the jealousy was there.
Erika giggled, the sound like music to my ears despite the circumstances. “It was a while ago. I didn’t realize you were the jealous type.”
“When it comes to you, doll, I’m very jealous,” I admitted, my voice low and serious.
“And possessive,” she noted, her tone thoughtful. “I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I’m my own woman. I don’t like being possessed.”
“I would never clip your wings,” I assured her, squeezing her hand gently. “I love the fire in you.”
Her expression softened, but she looked down at her lap, avoiding my gaze. “That’s the second time you’ve used that word love in reference to me. You’re scaring me.”
I tightened my grip on her hand, trying to convey comfort and sincerity. “I didn’t mean to…”
Before I could finish, our waitress arrived to take our drink orders. I needed something stronger than the champagne I’d been sipping and ordered a vodka tonic.
“I’ll stick to water,” Erika said, her voice steady.
“No alcohol?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I need a clear head when I’m near you,” she replied, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad,” I said, leaning back in my chair as I studied her.
Before she could respond, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen, then excused herself to take the call. I watched as she stepped away, her voice soft and light as she spoke, clearly talking to a man. My chest tightened with anger, and I had to force myself to stay calm. She continued the conversation for a few more minutes, ending the call with a soft laugh that only fueled my frustration.
When she returned to the table, I couldn’t hide the edge in my voice. “Who was that?”
Erika met my gaze, her expression unreadable. “Just business,” she said, but something in her tone made me wonder if that was the whole truth.
As I leaned forward, my voice dropped to a low, almost possessive tone. “Who was that?” The question slipped out, laced with irritation.
Erika’s response was cool and calm. “My assistant.” She took a sip of her water, her gaze steady.
I reached for her hand, gripping it a bit tighter than I intended. “You have a male assistant?” My voice came out harsher than I wanted, the thought gnawing at me.
“Calm yourself,” she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Your face is bright red.”
I ignored her warning, the jealousy biting into me. “Who is he?”
“Not any of your concern,” Erika shot back, pulling her hand from my grasp. She took another sip of water, deliberately wiping the condensation from her glass onto the pristine white tablecloth, a subtle display of her irritation.
I leaned closer, my voice firm. “Any man you’re involved with is my concern.”
Her expression softened into a small smile, but her words remained firm. “He’s harmless, not my type, and my boss’ nephew. I have no interest.”
I searched her eyes, trying to gauge her sincerity. “And who do you have an interest in?”
Erika let the question hang in the air for a moment before offering a playful, “Maybe you.”
“Maybe?” I echoed, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth, but she cut through my attempt to lighten the mood.
“Cut the alpha male shit. It’s not appealing,” she said sharply, her gaze holding mine with a no-nonsense challenge.
I eased back in my chair, raising my hands in mock surrender. “I’m sorry. You do something to me.”
“Hit by Cupid’s arrow,” she muttered, almost to herself.
I couldn’t help but grin at her comment. “Something like that. Do you want to get some food?”
Erika’s lips curved into a smile, the tension between us easing. “I’m famished.”
We both headed to the buffet line, the atmosphere lighter but charged with an undercurrent of unspoken thoughts. As we selected our food, I made sure to grab a small bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries, my mind already forming a plan for later. The playful tension between us had stirred something in me, and I was eager to see where the rest of this meal—and day—would take us.
Juice dripped down Erika’s chin, and I couldn’t resist reaching over, using my thumb to swipe it away. Without breaking eye contact, I brought my thumb to my lips, sucking the sweetness from it. Erika’s gaze heated, sending a thrill through me.
Once we finished our meal, I leaned in, my voice low with playful insistence. “Let me feed you one more strawberry.”
Her full lips curved into a smirk. “I’d like that.”
I held up a chocolate-covered strawberry, the rich scent mingling with her perfume. Erika’s lips wrapped around the berry, her eyes never leaving mine as she took a bite. The sight of her, the way her lips teased the fruit, was almost too much to handle. I shifted in my seat, trying to relieve the growing tension in my pants.
“I think we’re done,” I finally managed, struggling to maintain my composure.
Erika’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I’m not. I’d like one more.”
“You’re killing me here,” I groaned, glancing around the room. A couple of men were watching us, captivated by the scene. I could only imagine their reactions—Erika had that effect on people, her beauty undeniable, but seeing her lips around a plump strawberry was something else entirely.
“Deal with it and feed me,” she challenged, her voice dripping with playful defiance. “One more,” she pouted, her eyes locking onto mine.
I held the strawberry to her lips, and this time, she was quicker. She licked the juice that leaked from the ripe berry before I could wipe it off.
“No fair,” I protested, feigning annoyance.
“Gotta be quicker than that, Elliott,” she teased, her tone light, but her gaze intense.
Despite not drinking throughout the meal, she took a small sip of my champagne, savoring the combination. “Strawberries and champagne are the best,” she mused, her voice soft and thoughtful.
“I’ll make a note of it,” I replied, storing the information away for later.
“What now?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
“I pay the check, and you decide,” I offered, willing to let her take the lead.
Erika’s expression turned serious for a moment. “I have paperwork to do and some calls to make.”
“I finished my calls this morning. Nothing on the agenda,” I said, leaning back, content to spend the rest of the day with her.
Just then, the waitress appeared, placing the check on the table. Erika was quicker, snatching it up before I could. I scowled at her in mock frustration.
“Should have been faster,” she taunted, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
“I invited you to lunch,” I argued, trying to keep the upper hand.
“You’re so cute when you’re angry,” she said, laughing lightly. “I told you to knock off the alpha male shit. I’ll pay the bill.”
I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair as I watched her hand the waitress her credit card. “You’re a handful,” I noted, my voice tinged with admiration.
“You don’t know the half of it,” she replied, signing the slip with a flourish.
“I hope to find out,” I murmured, my eyes lingering on her.
“Perhaps I’ll let you one of these days,” she teased, slipping her credit card back into her black clutch.
“When you’re ready,” I said softly, the words carrying a weight we both felt.
Erika rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile as she handed the signed receipt to the waitress. “Why don’t you be a good boy, Elliott, and pay the woman a nice tip?”
I chuckled, pulling out my wallet and handing the waitress a crisp fifty-dollar bill. “Big spender,” Erika commented as she slipped her clutch closed.
“Come. Let’s get you home,” I whispered, standing to help her from her chair.
“You’re going to need to stop using those words,” she replied, her voice low, her meaning clear.
“Come,” I repeated, the word heavy with promise as I guided her toward the door.
“Exactly,” she whispered back, a smirk playing on her lips.
“In due time, Miss Bramwell,” I said, holding the door open for her. “In due time.”
My intent was to resist kissing Erika as we drove to her building. I knew that any contact would only stoke the fire already burning inside me. We sat on opposite sides of the cab, each staring out our respective windows at the debris swirling in the April wind. I hated this month—the way it clung to the remnants of winter, refusing to let go. Even though Michael disappeared on the water, the thought of spending time on the ocean when it warmed still brought me a sense of peace.
“Lincoln?” Erika’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned to find her sliding across the black vinyl seat, closing the distance between us. The second her body pressed against mine, my resolve crumbled. The need to kiss her overwhelmed me, like a dehydrated man desperate for water. Wrapping my arm around her, I crushed my lips against hers. She responded immediately, clinging to my wool coat, gripping the lapels to pull me even closer. We were locked together, lost in the moment, oblivious to everything else.
“Excuse me?”
The voice cut through the haze, and I realized we had stopped in front of Erika’s building. The driver, cap in hand, stared at us through the plastic divider. We broke apart, the sudden distance making me ache for her touch again.
“Uh, sorry,” I muttered, reaching into my jacket for my wallet. Erika, still dazed, didn’t protest as I paid the fare. I got out first, extending a hand to help her up. Neither of us spoke as we walked into her lobby and waited for the elevator. She curled her hand around mine, and I squeezed back, needing the connection.
Upstairs in her apartment, I helped her out of her coat, shrugging off mine as I waited for her to speak.
“I have calls to make. Do you mind occupying yourself for a little while?” she asked, her voice softer now.
“Do I get your attention when you’re done?” I asked, searching her eyes.
“Isn’t that why you’re here?” she replied, a playful smirk on her lips.
“I could go home and come back if you’re busy,” I offered, though the thought of leaving felt like torture.
“Stay. Help yourself to something to drink. I need to change.” She kicked off her black heels, scooping them from the floor as she headed toward her bedroom.
I watched her retreating form, a decision forming in my mind. Without a word, I followed her. Erika was in the middle of removing her dress when I entered her bedroom. The space was just as I imagined—soft pastel shades of peach and yellow that complimented her perfectly. As she freed her head from the fabric, she stood before me in a black lace bra and panty set, her body breathtaking.
“Are you enjoying the show?” she asked, her tone teasing.
“I didn’t come in here for a show. I came in here to make love to you,” I replied, my voice rough with desire.
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze challenging. “After all your teasing, why do you get to make the decision?”
“You don’t want me?” I asked, yanking at my tie, freeing it from the knot and pulling it through my collar.
“I’m busy at the moment,” she said, removing her bra, revealing her perfect, full breasts. The sight sent a surge of need through me, my arousal growing as I quickly unbuttoned my shirt.
Erika turned to rummage through her dresser, pulling out a light pink t-shirt from the middle drawer.
“Don’t get dressed,” I said, tossing my shirt onto the corner of her bed, the tie landing beside it.
“I have work to do,” she replied, her voice clipped as she slipped the t-shirt over her head.
I stepped closer, my hands itching to touch her. “Work can wait.”
She met my gaze, her eyes hardening. “Not in my world, Lincoln.”
Her words hung in the air, a barrier between us. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she forced herself to focus on anything but me.
“Erika,” I murmured, my voice softer now, “I’m here because I want to be with you, not just for this. But if you need to work, I’ll wait.”
She hesitated, the stubborn set of her jaw softening slightly. “You’re a distraction, you know that?”
“A distraction worth indulging in,” I said, daring a smile.
She shook her head, a reluctant grin tugging at her lips. “Give me an hour. Then we’ll see.”
“An hour,” I agreed, stepping back, giving her the space she needed.
I continued to undress, unbuttoning my slacks and letting them fall to the floor. Erika’s gaze flickered down, landing on my erection, and I caught the quick rise and fall of her chest as she gulped. She slipped on her t-shirt, her fingers trembling slightly as she bent over to search for something to cover her bottom half. When she finally found a pair of black yoga pants, she pushed her panties down her hips and stepped out of them, her every movement deliberate.
My eyes traced the curve of her ass, a masterpiece that I’d admired from afar but never up close. Now, seeing it in the flesh, I felt a surge of desire that made my mouth water.
“Are you sure you have work to do?” My voice came out rough, barely above a croak. I didn’t wait for her answer, stepping closer and gathering her loose blonde hair in my hand. I gently tugged, guiding her to look up at me.
“I do,” she whispered, her voice betraying the conflict in her eyes.
“Don’t be too long.” I leaned in, placing a tender kiss on her lips before reluctantly stepping back. “Is your bed comfortable?”
“Very, but I thought you said I wasn’t emotionally ready,” she shot back, her tone laced with sass.
“I think you are, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t hold off any longer. You’re under my skin,” I admitted, my voice thick with need.
She slipped on her yoga pants, shimmying slightly to get them up her hips. The motion gave me a tantalizing glimpse of her clean-shaven mound, and my breath hitched. I couldn’t wait to kiss her there, to explore every inch of her body with the reverence it deserved.
Erika finally straightened, her eyes locking with mine. The air between us was charged, thick with unspoken desire and anticipation. I nodded, though every fiber of my being screamed to close the distance between us again. But I knew this was a battle of patience, one that I was willing to endure for the promise of what would come after.
I snuggled into her bed, relishing the scents of her which were embedded in the sheets and her pillows. I don’t know how long I slept but if I could wake up to her face every morning, I would be in heaven.
“Lincoln, baby, wake up.”
Her voice pulled me from a deep sleep, and as my eyes fluttered open, I found Erika sitting beside me, her fingers gently stroking my face. The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me just how comfortable her bed really was. After the early morning I’d had, with little sleep the night before, I must’ve crashed the moment my head hit the pillow.
“How long was I out?” I asked, my voice thick with grogginess.
“Long enough for your erection to disappear,” she teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
I couldn’t help but smirk back. “Wouldn’t take long to bring it back.”
Her smile faded slightly as she shifted closer. “We should talk.”
I pushed the covers off my chest and sat up, bracing myself. “Here we go.”
“Why so negative?” she asked, a hint of concern creeping into her tone.
“Because I have a feeling you’re about to tell me this isn’t going to work out.” I didn’t wait for her to respond, already swinging my legs over the side of the mattress, ready to make a quick exit.
“Where are you going?” she asked, her voice sharper now.
“Escaping the heartache,” I said quietly.
“What heartache?”
I stood, but she grabbed my hand, her grip firm and unyielding. “Stop and listen.”
“Don’t break my heart, Erika.”
“Stubborn fuck,” she muttered, pulling me back toward her. “I like you, Lincoln. I want this to work. That’s what I wanted to say. I’m not telling you to go. We should get to know each other better.”
Her words sank in, and the heavy weight in my chest began to lift. She was willing to try. After years of leaving a trail of broken hearts behind me, it hadn’t occurred to me how much pain I’d caused—or how much I might have been trying to avoid it myself.
“How?” I asked, my voice softer now.
“We can talk,” she suggested, her gaze steady on mine.
“But no sex?” I couldn’t help the grin that tugged at my lips.
“Would you like to ravish me?”
“It’s tempting,” I admitted, feeling the tension between us, “but I’ll wait. Let’s chat.”