Page 51 of Golden Goal

After freshening up, I hurry back to Lincoln's room. Sliding under the covers, I turn on the TV, hoping to get comfortable. Lincoln stands by his bed, engrossed in his phone, but once I've settled in, he puts his phone down and joins me.

Pulling me close, we lie in silence for a moment, both of us trying to find the right words. Eventually, I summon the courage to turn in his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw. "I like you," I admit, my voice filled with vulnerability.

His gaze traces over my face, and he swallows hard. "I like you too."

I'm taken aback, surprised by his response. Lincoln, it seems, is full of surprises today—much like his unexpected talent with his tongue. A wave of happiness washes over me, and I can't help but smile, knowing that something special is unfolding between us.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

LINCOLN

I findmyself repeating the word "friends" like a broken record. It's become painfully evident that "friends" doesn't even begin to capture what Sutton and I now share.

We've crossed a threshold, a monumental one.

I lay in bed, with Sutton curled up on my chest, her presence both comforting and electrifying. What transpired between us not long ago still lingers in my mind. I can’t believe she wanted me to touch her, and give her pleasure. The aftermath has me feeling like an awkward, inexperienced teenager, my underwear bearing the brunt of the evidence. It's a mortifying experience, and hopefully one I won’t repeat.

My sexual history is limited, but I'm aware that climaxing from friction against the mattress is far from normal. In the heat of the moment, I was so engrossed in my actions that the lower half of my body seemed to have a will of its own.

Sutton, to my relief, didn't appear overly put off by it. However, I doubt she realizes how unusual this is. I can't help but dread the thought of her sharing this intimate detail with Leia. If she does, Leia, with her bold nature, will dissect it in detail.

Sutton and I confessed our feelings for each other, but I can't shake the worry that her opinion might change once she learns how weird our encounter was. I have no doubt that Leia, being as uninhibited as she is, will enlighten Sutton on what usually happens in such situations.

No matter what, sharing that moment with Sutton was nothing short of perfect, exceeding every fantasy I had ever harbored. I crave all of her and would go to any lengths to have her.

The thought of losing her looms in the back of my mind, and I try my hardest to not entertain it.

My panic momentarily recedes as Sutton begins asking me questions, her fingers gently tracing over my shoulder.

"Do you want to play in the NHL?" she inquires.

"Yeah, that's always been the plan," I reply, though I'd rather not delve into that topic at the moment. I shift the conversation's direction. "What's your major?" I ask.

Sutton scrunches her face in thought before replying, "Business."

"And what do you hope to do with it?" I ask, genuinely curious.

"I was hoping my brother would start a charity with all his money and let me run it," she admits.

"Yeah, Elliott's raking in a ton of money," I chuckle. "Are you passionate about charity work enough to turn it into a career?"

She shrugs and flashes me a contented smile. "Yes. Leia's mom is really into all of that, and I've learned a lot from her over the years."

Just as we're getting into the conversation, my phone chimes, interrupting us. I reach over to my side table, grabbing my phone and read the text out loud for Sutton to hear. I groan and roll out of bed, extending my hand for Sutton to take. She accepts, and I pull her up into a standing position.

Together, we make our way down the stairs. The living room is filled with the ridiculous banter of our friends, but they fall silent as soon as we step in. We move to the far end of the couch. I sit down first, ensuring Sutton sits next to me before she can find another spot.

I grab the blanket from the back of the couch and drape it over Sutton, making sure she's comfortable. I can't help but notice the looks everyone is giving us, especially Leia, who eyes Sutton with an apprehensive expression.

Sutton chokes out, "What? What happened?"

Leia's eyes bug out, and she quickly reassures Sutton, "Nothing! Nothing bad! I promise."

Their dramatic antics are getting out of hand, and I can tell it's making Sutton uneasy.

Ronan adds with a sly grin, "Well, we did overhear something interesting."

I glance at Liam and notice his ears have turned bright red, while Marshall seems like he's barely holding back laughter.

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