Page 18 of Golden Goal

I reach for my backpack, but Liam pulls it just out of my reach, shaking his head at me.

"I've got it, Sutt. We better get going before Leia starts texting me."

Almost on cue, as soon as Liam mentions Leia's name, his phone dings. He retrieves it from his pocket, glancing at the name on the screen before showing it to me.

I read the text, covering my mouth with my hand to hide my expressions. "Oh, my god. She's insane," I whisper, peeking up at Liam.

He chuckles. "She's a mama bear. Come on, grab your coat, and we can go."

I follow Liam as he rounds the couch and heads toward the front door. However, when I reach for my coat, it's nowhere to be found. I spin on my heels and realize that Lincoln is holding it.

I look up at him and politely ask, "Can I have my coat?"

With a blank expression, he shakes his head no while straightening out my coat and holding it open for me. I stand there, taken aback by his actions, frozen in surprise.

Lincoln clears his throat before shaking my coat and saying, "Arms."

His authoritative tone propels me into action, and I obediently turn to slide my arms into my coat. Almost instinctively, I begin to zipper my coat closed, but I'm halted when Lincoln kneels before me.

Oh no. Seeing him in this position has a peculiar effect on me... a good peculiar.

Coming closer, he reaches forward and takes over the task of zipping up my coat. By the time the zipper travels up my body and reaches my neck, my face is as red as a stop sign.

I quickly step back, and Lincoln's hands fall to his sides.

I force out a strained "Thank you."

A gruff "You're welcome" escapes from Lincoln's full lips. I avert my gaze to avoid making the moment even more awkward.

Ronan's voice startles me as he says, "Bye, Sutton."

Marshall chimes in as well, "See ya later."

I risk a glance at both guys and realize that they've just witnessed Lincoln putting my coat on me. They appear just as baffled as I am.

Liam reenters the living room, mercifully saving me from having to address the weird atmosphere that had settled around us.

"Are you ready?" Liam asks.

I nod. "Yeah."

I take a few steps to stand next to Liam, but before we can walk away, Lincoln's deep voice stops us in our tracks.

"I'll drive you," he offers.

Liam shakes his head, a knowing smile on his face. "My car is already on and heated up, Linc. I've got her."

"But-"

Liam interrupts, "Next time!"

We bid a final goodbye once I get my boots on before bolting out the door and into the warmth of Liam's car.

As we drive back to my dorm, my thoughts circle around Lincoln. He's so hot and cold, but there's a hint that he might want to be friends with me.

And that’s enough for me.

CHAPTERTEN

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