Page 53 of Missing Linc
“Did you forget something?” he asks with a rumble in his voice that threatens to awaken my core.
Before I can reply, he dips down to kiss my lips, his tongue easing into my mouth and tangling with my own in a wet, sloppy, but absolutely knee-buckling kiss.
Yes, I’m going to be okay. As long as I have Linc, I’ll be fine.
Besides, it’s high time I grew up and became my own man. Right? I mean, I’m in college and barely have made any friends. How sad and pathetic is that?
Thankfully, befriending Isaac and Ezra has already opened up my circle of friends. A circle that includes a suspiciously large number of students that are in relationships with teachers.
When Linc pulls away, he lets out a deep, satisfying breath as if he’s quenched his thirst with my mouth and winks at me.
“Nowwe can go,” he says.
I roll my eyes with a goofy smile and follow him out the door into my living room where all of my friends, and Autumn’s friends, are. All here to celebrate my birthday and my sister’s leaving.
There is party music on low and a hella lot of bunting and party paraphernalia in all shades of blue—my sister’s idea. She did the same thing after my top surgery, and again after I got on testosterone. Her idea of a baby shower/gender reveal party. It has become a bit of a gimmick by this point. A little inside joke only the two of us really get.
“There he is,” Isaac says as soon as we approach, and Autumn turns around to look at me.
“Where did you disappear?” she asks.
“I just… needed a moment,” I tell her.
“A moment alone with his boyfriend,” Isaac says, elbowing my sister playfully with a wink.
“Oh my God. I can’t believe I have to leave now that I met you, Isaac,” she tells him, chuckling.
“Well, then don’t,” I say before I can help myself.
Autumn gives methatlook. The look that says we’ve had this conversation a hundred times so drop it.
“It’s a shame. Isaac said how much he’s gonna miss his new gal pal,” I say, pushing the subject.
Hey, I might be a Cancerian, but I speak my mind. No one shuts this dude up. Especially when it involves my only family.
“I can’t, Cam. I would, but…” she looks at the rest of the guys as if assessing whether she can share before she continues, “I spoke with Parker. He thinks this is going to be his last deployment. He said he might retire and his old lieutenant—my new boss—will find him something to do while he gets back on his feet. He didn’t sound so good. And I want to be there for him. Like I was for you when you were going through your stuff.”
And the award for most insensitive, idiot brother goes to… Camden Hawkins, ladies and gentlemen.
You know, when she puts it like that, how can I say no.
I mean, not that going away for her own sanity isn’t a good enough reason. But I’ve had the benefit of her support for years now, and Parker… well, Parker’s been busy with his navy stuff. Probably killing terrorists overseas or something. He never shared and we knew better to ask.
“Fine. I’ll allow it. But you better come back twice a year and save a spot for me at Christmas dinner,” I tell her.
“Two spots,” Linc cuts in beside me, and I almost punch myself.
Oh yeah. I forgot I don’t go alone anymore.
How could I forget that? How could I forget him? He’s given me everything I’ve ever dreamed of and so much more, and we’ve only been dating for a month.
I can’t wait to see what life holds for us further down the line.
“It’s a done deal,” Autumn says and gives us both a hug at the same time.
The lights go out and the music dies with a snap that makes me jump.
What’s going on? Have they already cut out my electricity? Autumn isn’t even gone yet. I’ll pay the bill. I swear. I’ll pay it.
