Page 667 of Not Over You

I closed my eyes and balled my fists, inhaling deeply. This is what you wanted. Now get in the damn car and drive away before you lose your nerve.

So I did. I got in my car and drove away even though every fiber of my being told me to go after Lincoln, tell him I’d made a mistake, and beg him to forgive me. But I didn’t. I kept driving even though I could barely see through the tears clouding my vision.

And I didn’t look back.

* * *

That was the second hardest day of my life. I’d left my heart with Lincoln that day even if he didn’t know it.

After debating the rest of the afternoon, I finally decided to take Lincoln up on his offer.

One drink can’t hurt, right?

* * *

Me: Can I still take you up on that drink?

* * *

I gnawed on my bottom lip as I waited for his reply.

* * *

Lincoln: Sure :) Pick you up in an hour.

* * *

My lips instantly spread in a smile.

* * *

Me: :) Ok

* * *

I hopped off the bed to get ready, then watched TV to pass the time until he arrived.

A knock sounded on the door.

I turned off the TV and grabbed my purse before opening the door. “Hey,” I greeted with a smile.

Lincoln grinned, his eyes running up and down my body. “Hey.”

The way he was looking at me caused heat to rush between my thighs. I’d changed from the sundress I wore to meet Piper into a pair of skinny jeans and black strapless top, which he seemed to like. I cleared my throat as I closed the door behind me. “So where are we going?”

Lincoln followed me as I walked toward the elevator. “I was thinking about taking you to this waterfront bar over in Morehead. They have a live band tonight that’s supposed to be pretty good.”

I’d been nervous about going out in public because of the rumors that could be started about Lincoln and me, so I was relieved at his suggestion. “That sounds great.”

We chatted a little on the ride over to Morehead, which was only about ten minutes. The bar was packed, and the music was so loud that I could hear it through the closed windows of Lincoln’s truck as we parked.

I hopped out as Lincoln came over to my side. He extended his arm to me with a goofy grin. “Shall we?”

I smiled at his gesture and looped my arm through his.

The two-story bar sat on a dock, and the deck upstairs overlooked the waterfront. Lights ran along the railing of the deck, casting a soft glow on the water below. Anchored behind the bar was a huge shrimp boat that acted as a continuation of the tavern. The masts were decorated with colorful flags, and people were drinking and socializing on the boat.

“This place is huge,” I marveled aloud, taking in the vast space. There was a large dance floor packed with patrons, a stage where a band was playing, and two separate bar areas. And that was just the first floor.

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