Page 24 of Succumbed

Headlights swoop across us before fading into the distance.

“I think that’s my cue.” I motion to my car.

Linc opens his mouth, then snaps it closed. He purses his lips briefly, nodding once to himself. “We’re grateful, Lex. All of us. I know we have a shit ton of work to do, and it seems like Dec isn’t doing his share. But he’s going to, and we’re going to make it work. I know we will.”

I study his face for a moment, then reach out to grip his arm gently. My whole body warms at the contact, my nerves practically buzzing. “I believe you, Linc. I wouldn’t have made an offer if I didn’t.”

His hot as sin dimple makes another appearance and, as butterflies take flight in my gut, I know I need to get in my car before I do something I shouldn’t. Like wrap my arms around Linc and lose myself in him completely.

I step to my door and slide into the driver’s seat. Linc reaches out to close it, smiling at me through the window and patting the roof as I start the ignition. He steps back as I give him a wave, then back out and turn for home. Going home is the right choice. But why does it feel like a loss?

Three minutes after I walk in my front door, my phone buzzes with a text message.

Unknown: hey, it’s linc

Unknown: i’ve got your heels and work clothes here

Unknown: can i drop them off?

I stare at my phone, considering. The thought of Linc in my home after dark, after our intimate conversation and stolen glances, is dangerously tempting. It gives me all sorts of unprofessional ideas, and unless I’ve completely lost the ability to read people, I’m not the only one with that particular train of thought.

Unknown: just me, no assholes

Unknown: i can bring food

Unknown: or wine

Unknown: or both?

My lips twitch into a smirk. He’s adorable. And ridiculous. Ridiculously adorable. I save him in my phone quickly, then type out a reply.

Me: Surprise me

I add my contact card with my address, then stare at the screen as anticipation trips through me. I’ve never engaged in anything resembling inappropriate behavior with a client, never been tempted to cross the invisible line I drew for myself. But there’s something about Lincoln and his boyish smile, his infectious energy and earnest gaze. He worked his way under my skin in a whole new way, and I’m struggling to deny him. It feels right to just…give in. What’s the harm? I haven’t been this attracted to someone in ages, and I may as well make the most of these three months.

With the timeline on our partnership and our insane chemistry, it feels almost criminal to let the opportunity pass by. After all, calculated risks are the name of the game for me. And our attraction alone feels worth it, whatever may come.

My phone buzzes again.

Linc: surprises are my specialty

Linc: see you in 15

Chapter 8

Linc

Surprise me.

I didn’t expect her to say yes. Not to going over to her house alone, and not to bringing her dinner and wine. But the moment I saw those two little words, my whole body tightened with anticipation. I’ll always rise to a challenge, gorgeous. And let’s be honest, I’ve been in awe of her since dinner last night and earlier at the warehouse.

She commands every room she enters, sure, but there’s so much more to her than the confident persona she shares with the world. Lex is as quick-witted and playful as she is stunning, but I get the impression she holds most people at arm’s length. But when I’d convinced her to get in her gym clothes and go for a walk? Ugh. Fucking exquisite. Relaxed Lex is my favorite.

She let me see a whole new side to her while I shared more of our story. Dec was a total shithead, giving her every right to storm out and never talk to any of us again. She would have been perfectly justified in dropping us, but she didn’t. She listened.

God, she listens so good. Too good.

I can see myself spilling my hopes and dreams to her without effort. She’s so attentive, the little half smiles and laughs she doles out getting under my skin and doing something to me. They make me want to hear what she sounds like at her most vulnerable, most open. I want to drown in the sounds she would make as she fell to pieces for me.

---