Page 104 of Rivals Next Door

“You’re lucky, Alex,” Lincoln said as he gazed around the bar that our group favored when everyone was in my neck of the woods. “You and Jamie.”

I smiled. We were all in Manhattan a week ago for Jamie and Charlotte’s wedding. Charlotte had forgotten that she was supposed to be the center of attention and spent the entire time gushing over Olivia and the baby that was going to belong to all of us.

“And you got a second chance with your first love,” he added. “That’s… I won’t get a second chance.”

My gaze flickered to his face at the wistful note in his voice. And what did he mean he wouldn’t get a second chance? Lincoln never mentioned an ex…

“Are you alright, man?” I asked.

I waited for him to spill the beans about the woman who had his head messed up for months now. I knew there was a woman, and I was confused as to why he hadn’t shared it with us yet. Maybe it was nothing serious? Although, by the tortured look on his face, it probably was…

I squinted at him for so long, and I gave up with a soft sigh when he didn’t share. If he didn’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t push.

“Yeah, I guess I’m pretty lucky,” I said.

“So things with you and Olivia are all good now?”

“Amazing. We’ve rebuilt that bond we had in college, but it’s different. Our love is more… mature, I guess.”

Lincoln nodded. “I get it.”

“Speaking of Olivia, I should get going. I told her I wouldn't stay out too long.”

“Yeah, no problem. I’m just going to stay a while and have a few more drinks.”

I studied him closely. He looked miserable, and I was reluctant to leave. “Linc…”

“Go ahead, Alex. I’ll be fine. I’ll drop by to see you and Olivia tomorrow before I head back to LA.”

“Okay.” I clapped him affectionately on the shoulder as I got up. “See you.”

I walked into my apartment with thoughts of Lincoln and how troubled he’d looked but then I spotted my woman lounging on the couch and my focus immediately zeroed in on her.

She grinned. “You’re back early. How’s Lincoln?” She struggled to get up and eventually gave up with a resigned huff.

Folding my lips to hide my amusement, I hurried to greet her with the kiss I knew she was trying to get up to give me.

“You’re so damn adorable,” I whispered after brushing my lips over hers.

She wrinkled her nose. “And huge, don’t forget huge.”

“You’re perfect,” I said as I sat beside her. “And Lincoln is fine. He’s stopping by tomorrow. I’m worried about him though.”

Her concerned gaze fixed on me. “Why?”

I shrugged. “He’s been off lately. I wish I knew what was going on.”

“Well, you guys are pretty close. I’m sure he’ll tell you when the time is right.”

“I guess…” I gazed at Olivia until her cheeks became tinged with pink.

“What?” she asked, shyly tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Lincoln was right. I am lucky to have gotten a second chance with you.”

Her soft smile damn near made me melt. “I’m lucky too.”

Eyes locked with hers, I said the words I’d uttered for the first time at nineteen years old, “I love you, Olivia Brentwood.”

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