Chapter 6 #2
“The charming players who pretend to be getting deployed the morning after,” I said.
He reached past me to get the door. His forearm brushed against my side in what was no doubt a practiced move, but it also brought his front much closer to my back.
I felt his breath ghosting across the side of my neck, and predictably, I shivered at his close proximity. When he spoke, strands of my hair moved along with his lips.
“I’m not getting deployed tomorrow if that’s what you’re asking.”
Heat spread from my chest to my cheeks, my heart suddenly racing. My physical reactions to this guy were insane, but I refused to let any man turn me to mush.
“I wasn’t asking, but that’s good to know,” I murmured, squeezing my eyes shut and trying to coax moisture into my dry mouth.
Thankfully, he swung the door open and the cool night air helped clear my mind. I took a step forward, losing his hand on my back but desperately needing not to be touched by him in any way while I regained my composure.
Lincoln, on the other hand, looked entirely unaffected by the exchange. He walked out onto the balcony in purposeful strides, resting his elbow on the railing and turning to look at me as I approached him.
“So, what’s a girl like you doing at a party like this?”
An unexpected laugh tore out of me, but he’d effectively diffused the tension between us. “What can I say? I like to crash retirement parties.”
His eyebrows rose in surprise, and he bit back a laugh of his own. “Fair enough. The booze is free, so it’s not a bad strategy.”
“Exactly. The food was pretty good, too. There’s also always someone like you who’s willing to escape with me.” This was better. The fresh air was doing wonders for my brain. “It’s not a bad way to spend an evening.”
Lincoln’s lips curved into a genuine grin, and my knees nearly gave out. “That’s just because we haven’t spoken much yet. You might regret your choice in escapee once we have.”
“Why?” I cocked my head and faked an inquisitive frown, lowering my voice to a stage whisper. “Are you an escaped fugitive? A serial killer? Boring?”
My eyes went wide on the last word, and this time, he didn’t bother trying to suppress his laughter. His head dropped back as it had before, but now I was close enough to see the way his Adam’s apple moved in the strong column of his throat.
When his eyes came back to mine, they were positively alive with humor. Clearly, this was a guy who knew how not to take himself too seriously.
It placed him squarely in the category of the most dangerous type of bad boy for me, but it had been too long since I’d had a bit of fun.
“I’ve never been accused of being boring before, but there’s a first time for everything.”
“Really?” I arched a brow. “That’s the accusation you’re defending yourself against first?”
“Yep. I’d have to be the dumbest escaped fugitive ever to come here. Even the oldest man in that room would be able to take down a serial killer using only one hand.”
“You could be dumb. I wouldn’t know.”
Those gorgeous eyes shone, but he shrugged his agreement. “Want to find out? How about coming for a real drink with me?”
I narrowed my eyes on his, weighing up my options. This guy was dangerous to me because he was exactly the type of guy I could fall for, which meant I’d have to be careful with him.
In the end, though, my sense of adventure stirred and the rebellious streak inside insisted it’d been forced down for too long. “I have some things to take care of inside first. Later?”
“Find me when you’re ready.”
I lifted my glass of Cognac toward him but took a sip of my beer. “I’ll do that.”
Deciding it was a good time to make my getaway, I smiled and thanked him for the drinks before making my way inside. I was just in time for Dad’s speech and took a seat next to Haley’s to listen to it.
“I met someone,” I whispered to my friend. “I’m going out for a drink with him later.”
She nudged me in the side with her elbow. “I want to hear all about him in the morning.”
“Deal. You seem to be getting along well with the guy who was sitting here earlier.”
Her eyes just about crossed as she swooned, a sweet sigh leaving her parted lips. “You’re not the only one with plans for later.”
“Talk tomorrow?” I asked as Dad started wrapping up. He never had been one for too many words.
Haley nodded, giving me a quick hug before I got up. My father was inundated with people as he stepped out from behind the podium, but I managed to make my way through to get to him.
“I see you have some socializing to do. I’ll meet you back at the house, okay?”
He gave me a stern frown, but then a friend of his slapped him on the shoulder, and he sighed. “Fine. Remember to stay out of trouble.”
“Always, Dad.” I couldn’t agree to trouble staying out of me, but it was hardly the type of comment I would make to my dad. Pushing up to my tiptoes, I brushed a kiss against his cheek. “Enjoy your party.”
He nodded but was already striking up a conversation with another silver-haired man wearing his fancy uniform. I took my cue to leave, weaving my way through the crowd to the bar.
Lincoln was there, chatting to the very blond guy he’d come in with earlier. The guy spotted me making my way to them, said something to Lincoln, then took off.
“I’m ready for those drinks,” I said when I got to him. “You?”
“Always.” He smirked when I grabbed his hand but didn’t fight me as I started dragging him to the door before anyone could stop us.