Page 63 of His Temptation
“How is school going?” I ask, feeling guilty that we haven’t had more time to talk about him being at a new school for a couple of weeks now.
“It’s good.” He looks up at me and smiles. “Some of the guys on the basketball team invited me to hang out this weekend.”
“Really?” I try not to sound so surprised. “That’s so awesome. I can’t wait to come to your first game. Did you get your schedule yet?”
He nods his head and points at the fridge. “I … hung … it up … on the fridge.”
“I’ll take a look. I promise I’ll make it to as many games as I possibly can. Even if my boss fires me,” I say with a wink.
“Don’t … do that,” he says in a panic. “Then we’d … have … to-to move.”
I realize just how much he loves this new life I’m starting to be able to provide for him. He’s thriving at therapy and clearly liking his new school. He’s making friends for the first time and smiling more often.
“Okay. I’ll make it to as many games as possible as long as my boss allows it. Is that better?”
That seems to satisfy him enough to move on from this conversation, but it leaves me with this sinking feeling that I’m being stupid with this major opportunity in my life. I need to talk to Lincoln about it today. I can’t let what happened between us get in the way of me keeping my job.
But after last night, I don’t know how I can possibly walk away from him. It was the most magical experience of my life. Not only did it feel amazing, but Lincoln was so perfect throughout all of it. It was a side of him—to be so intimate and gentle—that I hadn’t thought existed inside of him.
There’s no denying that my heart is now involved. It weighs heavily on my mind on my way to work and while I make Lincoln his coffee. I don’t even realize that I’m in another world when I walk into his office and place his coffee on his desk.
“Thank you,” he replies, shaking me from my thoughts.
His eyes hold mine with a softness that hasn’t been there before.
“You’re welcome.” I smile slowly, remembering what we did last night.
“How are you doing this morning?” He takes a sip of his coffee.
I look down at him, feeling disoriented from his question.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
I shake my head. “Sorry. I just don’t think you’ve ever asked me how I was doing before.”
He considers my words. “Noted. I’m a self-involved dick, and I need to work on my manners.”
I look at him with amusement. “I never said that.”
He winks at me. “I can read between the lines. But seriously, how are you doing?”
“I’m good.” I smile shyly as I realize what he’s referring to. “Maybe a little sore, but good. I did promise Ben this morning that I’ll be home for dinner the rest of the week. So, I won’t really be able to do anything after work.”
“Oh,” he says with a twinge of disappointment. “Of course. I’m sorry I’ve monopolized so much of your time lately.”
“No. It’s okay. I just feel guilty and want to make sure he’s not feeling neglected.”
He studies me, making me shift uncomfortably on my feet. “You put a lot of pressure on yourself. When do you ever take a break and do something for yourself?”
I tuck my hair behind my ear. “I’d say, last night, I did something for myself.”
Satisfaction shines in his eyes. Before he can respond, his phone rings and interrupts the moment. I give him privacy and walk to my desk to get to work.
Not long after, Lincoln strolls out of his office with a mischievous look on his face. His hands are in the pockets of his dark gray suit, which fits his muscular body perfectly. His beauty makes my heart race. He comes over to my desk and leans his arms on the top.
“Do you have plans for lunch?” he asks lightly.
“No. I was just going to grab a sandwich at the café downstairs.”
