Page 17 of Beyond The Barre

Scarlett held up her hands. “Because he didn’t want to sleep with me?”

“Exactly!” Audrey exclaimed as they started walking again. “He’s never done that before because he’s never really liked anyone before.”

Scarlett laughed. “That’s ridiculous!”

“Linc is a complicated person. Who isn’t?”

Scarlett pondered her friend’s words as they entered the gym. She needed to burn off some unspent energy and decide just what to do about Linc now.

CHAPTER 7

Lincoln had already been on the golf course for an hour. He found the peace on the green relaxing, almost meditative. Alone with his thoughts, he could practise his swing and try not to think about the way he had left things with Scarlett.

He should forget about her. Nothing good could come from him trying to have a normal relationship. He didn’t do relationships. He’d never even gone out with somebody for more than a week. He had long ago realised that commitment, marriage, and kids were not in the cards for this long-term bachelor.

But if anyone could change his mind, it would be Scarlett. The ballet dancer with her perfect pointe and pouty lips would be able to soften even the hardest man’s resolve. But a relationship wouldn’t be fair to her, would it? Not with his crazy hours and independent customs. She would be much better off with a man who wasn’t so set in his ways. Someone who truly wanted that happily ever after life.

He glanced at the time on his phone. Hamish was meant to be joining him, but, as usual had been held up by the baby. As cute as Caleb was, he had turned his friend’s life upside down. Now instead of big nights out, drinking and partying, Hamish was home for dinner and bath time without fail.

And Hamish had never been happier. The complete love and adoration showed on his face and echoed in his voice whenever he spoke of his new little family.

But that didn’t mean that lifestyle was right for everyone.

Lincoln loved his niece. But he also loved his lifestyle just the way it was, and he didn’t think a girlfriend would improve it.

He lined up another ball and swung his club, sending the ball to soar and land exactly where Lincoln had aimed.

He replaced his club and pulled his golf bag behind him as he walked to the green. The breeze on the hill was a nice change from the humidity that had been hanging around. A cluster of puffy white clouds drifted across the sky.

He loved Maleny. The rolling green hills, the huge Bunya trees, and the friendly small-town community. Even as an ambitious young entrepreneur, he had never felt the need to leave the town he had been born and raised in. He loved that many of his friends were farmers or lived off the land. They all wanted to give back to the community that had given so much to them.

Caught up in his thoughts, he didn’t see Hamish approaching until his friend was practically right beside him.

“Sorry I’m late,” Hamish said as he wheeled his golf bag over. “Caleb had a rough night.”

“No worries,” Lincoln replied, happy his friend was there to distract him from his thoughts.

They played and chatted for a few holes, enjoying the morning before Hamish finally brought up Scarlett’s name.

“Heard you took her for Thai.”

“How did you hear that?” Linc shot him a look. “No wait—don’t tell me.”

Linc could guess. Greer, Hamish’s wife, was an esteemed chef, having worked at fine restaurants around the world before coming home to her family dairy farm, Emerald Hills. She and her sister Freya had built a restaurant on the property and ran farm tours. It had become one of the most popular attractions in the Hinterland.

“Do you forget how small a town this is? Greer knows all the other chefs in town and is also friends with the owners. Not to mention her cousin’s daughter just started waiting tables there,” Hamish said.

Linc sighed, remembering his date with Scarlett—the easy conversation and the obvious chemistry they shared. She was everything he could want in a woman. She was warm, caring, generous, loving, and passionate. Any man would be lucky to be with her.

“Just my personal opinion, mate,” Hamish said, “but I think you two would make a great couple. Plus I’d really like to see you try having a relationship. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

Linc pondered his friend’s words as they teed off at the start of a new hole. Maybe he should give them a chance. Another date wouldn’t be the worst thing after all. They could take it really slowly, get to know each other better and see if they really were a good fit or not.

That was if he hadn’t already ruined his chances. He pulled out his phone and sent her a quick text, thanking her for last night and asking if she would like to catch up for a coffee soon.

The blinking ellipses appeared on his mobile screen, indicating she was typing a reply. Then, after a minute or so, they disappeared. He refreshed the screen just to be sure, but there was no new message.

Shit. I really might have blown my chance.

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