Page 50 of Rush

“The night of the ring ceremony. Jay dancing with me prompted Linc to make a move. He said he didn’t like that other guys had the right to touch me and he had no say in the matter.”

“Very romantic. In a caveman way, of course.”

Nora smiled, having had the same thought. She lifted a shoulder. “His jealousy doesn’t bother me so long as it doesn’t get too out of hand. I wouldn’t want him to micro-manage my every move.”

“Linc wouldn’t do that.” She paused as if in thought before amending, “Although, I’ve never seen him serious about anyone before you so I could be wrong.”

Nora frowned. “Do you think I need to worry?”

Emerson waved a hand. “No. Linc’s too easy going to bethatcontrolling.”

Feeling closer to her sister-in-law than ever before, Nora admitted, “I have a confession.”

Sensing the mood had turned more serious, Emerson reached for Nora’s hand. “You know you can tell me anything.”

“I’m not knocking myself but, Linc has been with so many beautiful women—models and actresses, and I’m so ordinary. It makes me wonder what he sees in me and how long our relationship will last.” She felt tears fill her eyes and blinked them back. “I’m worried because I’m falling for him and I’m scared he’s going to break my heart.”

Emerson squeezed her hand. “There are no guarantees in life, especially when it comes to relationships and love. I can’t tell you what to do, but I do believe when you find that specialsomeone, you not only know it here,” she patted her heart, “but here,” she tapped her head. “So, when that happens, listen.”

Understanding, Nora nodded. “Thank you.”

“And, Nora?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re far from ordinary. Don’t ever forget that.”

Nora looked into her sister-in-law’s sincere eyes, warmth filling her. “I won’t. You’re pretty special yourself. Oz is a lucky guy.”

Emerson winked. “Don’t I know it. Not only do I fill his soul, but I fill his belly too.”

As if on cue, Nora heard Oz’s booming voice right before he came into view. “Where’s the birthday girl? I’m ready for some cake.”

Nora and Emerson shared a look then burst out laughing.

Chapter Nineteen

“If I ask again, are you still going to blow smoke up my ass and tell me there’s nothing going on between you and my sister?” Oz asked, after joining Linc, who sat at the bar, nursing a beer.

With eyes trained on their topic of conversation while she and Emerson played a game of darts—badly, he might add—Linc fessed up. “Are you going to kick my ass if I tell you there is?”

Linc heard a sigh and looked over at the guy who he hoped was still his friend. “Naw, man—not that you don’t deserve it,” Oz made sure to tack on, “But, hell, I saw it coming from a mile away.”

That got Linc’s attention. He’d thought he’d hid his feelings well. He raised a brow. “You did?”

“Why do you think I keep asking? You’re my best friend. Hell yeah, I knew. I also know that fake relationship bullshit was just a front to hide how you really felt. You could keep Nora close without having to admit anything.”

Linc was surprised how spot-on Oz’s observations were. He didn’t give the guy enough credit.

“She makes me happy,” Linc confessed.

Oz slapped him on the shoulder. “A good woman will do that.”

“And you would know.”

“Yeah, man, I know that first hand.”

Just then, Nora looked over her shoulder and upon spying Linc, gave him a big grin along with a finger wave.

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