Lincoln appears in the doorway, slightly out of breath. “Sorry that took longer than expected,” he says, his eyes searching mine. “Are you ready to go?”
I nod, grabbing my purse and the leftover food. As we walk through the hospital corridors, Lincoln's hand finds the small of my back, guiding me. The touch sends shivers up my spine.
We reach the parking lot, and Lincoln leads me to his car. “I’ll drive us to my place if that's okay,” he says. “You can leave your car here overnight.”
The drive to his apartment is filled with comfortable silence, punctuated by stolen glances and shy smiles. When we arrive, I'm struck by how neat and minimalist his living space is. It's clear he doesn't spend much time here.
“Make yourself at home,” Lincoln says, gesturing to the couch. “I’m just going to grab a quick shower and change out of these scrubs.”
While he's in the bathroom, I wander around, taking in the few personal touches - a framed photo of what must be his family, a small collection of medical textbooks, a potted plant that's seen better days. I find myself imagining how I could fit into this space, into his life.
When Lincoln emerges, wearing grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt, his hair damp and tousled, my breath catches. He looks younger, more vulnerable somehow.
“So,” he says, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “What do you want to do?”
He just worked like eighteen hours straight. “You need to rest. I did agree to stay with you, but you are exhausted.”
He grabs the belt loop of my jeans and tugs me toward him. My face just inches from his. “You think I’ll be able to sleep?”
My heart races as I look up into Lincoln's intense gaze. “I… I don't know,” I stammer, suddenly feeling shy despite our closeness.
He brings a hand up to cup my cheek, his thumb gently stroking my skin. “Having you here, Heather... it's all I've been able to think about.”
I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When I open them again, the longing I see in Lincoln's expression makes my knees weak.
“Lincoln,” I whisper. “I…”
But before I can finish my thought, his lips are on mine. The kiss is soft at first, tentative, as if he's asking permission. I respond eagerly, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing my body against his.
Lincoln groans softly, deepening the kiss. His hands move to my waist, pulling me even closer. I can feel the heat of his body through his thin t-shirt, and it sets my skin on fire.
When we finally break apart, we're both breathless. Lincoln rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.
“I might be able to sleep but after I’ve tasted you and heard you moan my name at least two times. Let’s go!”
Chapter Thirteen
Lincoln
Iput Heather over my shoulder and carry her to my bedroom. At first, I can’t remember if I picked up my clothes from this morning, not wanting it to seem messy but then I realize I don’t give a fuck. She will be living with me someday and sometimes things will be dirty. I swat her ass as she tries to shimmy out of my arms. “Not happening, baby. You may as well just stop.” She keeps trying so I swat her ass harder.
Heather yelps at the harder swat but finally stops squirming. “Fine, you win,” she says with a huff, but I can hear the smile in her voice.
I kick open the bedroom door and toss her onto the bed. She bounces slightly, her hair fanning out around her head like a halo. For a moment, I just stand there drinking her in - the flush on her cheeks, the rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyes darken as she looks up at me.
“See something you like?” she teases, propping herself up on her elbows.
I growl low in my throat and stalk towards the bed. “You know I do.” I crawl over her, caging her body with mine. “And I intend to show you just how much.”
Heather's breath hitches as I lower my mouth to her neck, trailing kisses along her soft skin. Her hands come up to tangle in my hair, urging me closer. I nip at her collarbone and she gasps.
“God, I love the sounds you make,” I murmur against her skin. My hands roam down her sides, slipping under the hem of her shirt. “Let's see what other noises I can get out of you.” I trail kisses down her jawline and collar bone. “You have no idea how much I’ve been thinking about this all day.”
“What are you waiting for?” she purrs, propping herself up on her elbows.
I smirk and start unbuttoning my shirt. “Just admiring the view.”
Heather bites her lip, her gaze roaming over me hungrily. “Well, hurry up. I want to do more than just look.”
