Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64419 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64419 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
12
ALY
Gina grabbed me and pulled me down the hall as soon as dinner was over. I laughed, astounded that she would be so obvious. What else were we going to talk about but Linc? She dragged me into her bedroom and shut the door.
“When were you going to tell me that you were seeing my brother?” Gina demanded.
“We’re not seeing each other,” I protested.
“Then what was that with the handholding in the doorway?” Gina put her hands on her hips. “And what about all the smiles and winks and looks?”
I laughed. It was clear that Linc and I had a thing for each other, and we were growing more comfortable letting other people see it. I had held back from what I really wanted to do—bury my face in his chest and lick him up and down.
“I had a crush on him in high school,” I admitted, opening up. “Then he came back to town, and I was all weird around him.”
She folded her arms across her chest, waiting to hear the rest of the story.
“A couple nights ago, we both ended up at the park. And we walked a bit and talked. He kissed me right before I got in my car to drive home.” I ended triumphantly, tossing the ball into Gina’s court.
“What do you think he wants?” she asked bluntly, pushing our romantic encounter out of the realm of sweet, insinuating that it had been seedy.
“I don’t know what he wants,” I snapped. I didn’t. Other than the obvious, that we were both attracted to each other, I didn’t know if Linc wanted love or a one-night stand.
“What do you want?” Gina asked.
“I don’t know,” I shot back, feeling attacked. Why was it her business? Just because we were friends and Linc was her brother, did that mean I couldn’t just relax and see where the road would take me? I yanked the bedroom door open and cut the interrogation short.
“Wait, Aly,” Gina said behind me, but I didn’t listen.
I stormed out into the living room, where Porter and Linc were channel surfing. I grabbed my purse. “I’m going home.”
“Is everything alright?” Porter stood up, concerned.
“Everything is fine.” Gina appeared behind me. “I’m sorry, Aly, please.”
“We are both adults and capable of making our own decisions.” I pointed a finger at her, not caring who heard me.
“I didn’t mean—” Gina began.
“Linc, do you need a ride home?” I went to the door.
He looked from me to Gina, obviously torn. Finally, without any sense of urgency, Lincoln stood up. He gave Gina a kiss on the cheek and shook Porter’s hand. “Dinner was great, guys. Thanks for inviting me.”
“What if I promise to stay out of your relationship?” Gina bargained.
I hesitated. As angry as I was, Gina was one of my best friends. It seemed uncouth to air our dirty laundry, even among friends and relatives. I just didn’t want to be under a spotlight while I was exploring my feelings. My connection to Linc was exciting, but it was too new to withstand the scrutiny Gina was attempting to force on us.
“I’m sorry,” I relented. “Just forget it ever happened.”
Gina sighed, relieved. “Stay for ice cream?”
“Okay,” I agreed.
I put down my purse and we all went back to the dining room. Gina found a tub of vanilla and some chocolate syrup and passed out bowls. I was surprised all my shouting and slamming doors hadn’t woken up the baby. I was about to say something when a thin yowl split the air.
Gina stood up, licking her spoon clean. “There’s the little boss.”
“We’ll go,” I said, grabbing my bowl and placing it in the sink.
“I’m sorry again,” Gina said, kissing my cheek.
“Don’t worry,” I reassured her. “It was my fault for overreacting.”
“No, you’re right.” She hesitated, torn between attending to her crying child and repairing our friendship. “Neither of you are my responsibility. Unfortunately, that little boy is so I’ll see you guys next time.”
“Glad we cleared that up,” Linc joked.
Gina shot him a puzzled look before realizing that he was teasing her. She gave him a hug and disappeared down the hallway. Porter led us to the door, holding it open. He watched as Lincoln walked toward the driveway, holding me back.
“It’s less you and more him,” he told me.
I sighed, nodding. “I could have handled that better.”
“No judgment,” Porter said.
I opened my purse to grab my keys, following Gina’s brother to my car. I had been waiting all night to get him alone, but now it seemed like I had ruined the mood. We got in the car and I pulled out onto the street, saying nothing and stewing in my own anger.
“So,” Linc said.
“So?” I asked.
“What happened?”
“Oh.” I sighed, rolling up to a traffic light. “She insinuated that you might be looking for something other than a lasting relationship.”