Slowly the sounds of the city began to infiltrate my brain once again. A distant car horn. The squeal of brakes. The roar of a passing bus engine.
Beau’s nearby voice was a reminder of where we were.
I waved in their direction. “We should—”
“Why did you—”
“Hey, sis. Pepper is getting married, and she said I can be in the wedding.” Eric raced over to us, thankfully shattering the awkward moment.
“That’s great,” I said. Pepper’s getting married? When had that happened?
Gratitude filled me for her kindness to my brother. A wedding was a big day. And that she would include Eric meant so much.
“I get to pick the bow tie color,” he said excitedly.
“Oh yeah?” I shimmied away from Lincoln, finally able to take a full breath now that I was out of his space. “What are you thinking?” I linked arms with Eric, and we walked back toward our friends.
“Midnight blue.”
“Oh, nice.”
“What about red for love?”
Eric understood feelings and emotions in a way that most people didn’t. I’d never been able to accurately put my finger on exactly what it was that made him see things differently, but he was so in tune with how people felt it always amazed me.
“We’ll ask Pepper what she thinks.”
“Okay,” he agreed easily.
“Teague would like the blue.” There was that voice again, low and rumbly.
Eric wheeled around. “I knew he’d like that!” He lifted his hand for a high five.
Lincoln looked at it like he was unsure what to do. Eric met him more than halfway and smacked his hand after he slowly raised it.
“Hey, we could wear a vest like yours.” Eric looked thoughtful. “You can wear a bow tie and a vest, right?”
“You can wear whatever you want.”
I gaped at Lincoln. This man dressed better than any I’d ever seen. Every stitch of clothing he wore was meticulously planned. Nothing about him said he believed people could wear anything they wanted.
While I did believe that what people chose to wear was their business, I hated that Lincoln and I had something in common.
We both dressed for success.
At least I wasn’t stuffy about it.
Although he was devastating.
I didn’t like that he constantly caught me off guard. Not just today. He was abrupt to the point of being rude. But somehow it didn’t always seem to come from a negative place. He was concretely in control of every situation, while I felt like a fake pretending to hold it all together.
People had different reactions when it came to Eric. Most were kind, if not a little withdrawn. And I understood. They didn’t know how to handle someone who was disabled. It wasn’t that they meant to be cruel. They were just scared they’d say the wrong thing, or not know how to talk to them. Feared them for some bizarre reason.
I expected Lincoln to simply ignore my brother the way he did everyone else . . . except his siblings.
So maybe I was wrong.
Or overthinking.
Why do I always overthink?
“We decided on suits with vests and bow ties,” Eric announced as he dragged me forward.
Teague gave the side eye to his brother but fist-bumped Eric. “He’s going to make the suits a big deal.” He pointed his thumb at Lincoln.
“It’s a significant occasion.”
See. There was no arguing with solid logic like that, although it was obvious Teague wasn’t thrilled about the suits. It was one thing to do it to please my brother and completely another to be railroaded into it.
“If they want to wear bathing suits, that’s their prerogative.” Why do I have this urge to dispute everything that comes out of this man’s mouth? Even when he’s right.
No one seemed surprised at my behavior when it came to Lincoln.
“Can we still wear bow ties?” Eric asked.
Every bit of tension caused by Lincoln was melted away by my brother’s innocence.
“You’re in charge of wardrobe,” Teague said. “Just don’t let him take over.” He motioned to his brother again.
It occurred to me that they were all acting as if the scene we’d rolled up on hadn’t happened. Other than Beau, who was off to the side, fiddling with the long gold chain around her neck.
“Have you ever had a custom-made suit?”
I whipped my head toward Lincoln, who was focused on Eric. He spoke with a quiet confidence and indifference. Was it practiced? Was that how he had to handle people on a daily basis?
Because I didn’t think he was indifferent.
“No.”
“We’ll change that.” Lincoln put his hands in his pockets.
“See, man. He’s already taking over,” Teague said in warning.
Eric tilted his head. “We’re working together.”
“We can’t afford that,” I said under my breath, praying my brother didn’t hear. I couldn’t stand the thought of disappointing him.
Lincoln scowled as if he’d smelled something foul. “Don’t concern yourself over the cost.” He also spoke in a hushed tone.
“How are you going to take them to get custom suits if you’re behind bars?” I regretted the tone of the question immediately, especially when his look was incinerating.
“You don’t need to concern yourself over that either.”
Tires screeched.
We all looked toward the street. A man stepped out of an exotic sports car and strode in our direction.
“I thought you were in cuffs?” He stalked straight to Lincoln.
At least I wasn’t the only blunt one.
Lincoln didn’t appear impressed.
“Our father got him out of them,” Teague said bitterly.
The man groaned. “I’m still charging you for this.” He reconsidered. “Then again, you got me out of a brunch with my wife. Maybe I owe you.”
Chapter Five
Lincoln
“He’s good. I swear it.”
Teague cornered me after his attorney, Kane Zegas, disappeared with the same flourish with which he’d arrived.
“I’m aware.”
I wanted nothing more than to enjoy my brother’s engagement without the stain of an almost arrest. One I doubted I’d avoid forever, considering the agent now had a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas.
Instead of celebrating at their apartment or mine, we were still out on the sidewalk in front of what used to be Grey Paws. We’d eaten pizza—actually they’d eaten pizza. I couldn’t think about food, much less attempt digesting it.
“I’ve let you avoid what happened because of Pepper.” He folded his arms over his chest.
“And what about you? Don’t you deserve to celebrate your engagement without all of that?” I waved my hand in the general direction the trouble had taken place.
“Why the hell would they think you did any of that crap he accused you of?” Leave it to my brother to take up for me unconditionally. “That agent got the wrong guy.”
“Damn straight he did.” Beau marched over, her voice raised.
“Damn straight,” Eric repeated enthusiastically.
I flashed Beau a scathing look. It wasn’t like the guy was too young for foul language, but it seemed inappropriate. Not that I had any idea about that sort of thing.
Lexie didn’t appear to mind. Yet when it came to her brother, there was always a softness about her she didn’t have toward anyone else.
Why were they still here?
Why are you such an ass?
They’d prolonged my visit to a federal facility long enough for my father to arrive. Thanks to them in part, I was a free man.
An ungrateful free man.
I didn’t like Lexie’s earlier panic attack. I didn’t like how that agent had treated Eric.
And I hated that I felt anything toward them.
“Watch it,” I scolded. Beau looked at me as if to ask what? “L
anguage.”
She followed my glance toward Eric and furrowed her brow. “Sorry.”
Lexie opened her mouth and then closed it. So the woman could hold her tongue? I found myself curious about what she was going to say.
And I really didn’t want to discuss anything about federal agents, arrests, or my innocence.
Miss Adeline caught my eye. Then she stretched and yawned. “I hate to break up a good party, but I am an old lady. Anybody feel like giving me a lift home?” She batted her lashes at me. “You could, handsome.”
She was just teasing me, but my face got hot. I’d had more than my fair share of flirting from women, but Miss Adeline wasn’t after anything. Although sometimes I wondered if she was serious. With her it was hard to tell.
“I’d be happy to escort you home.”
“Ooh. Fancy. Let’s blow this popsicle stand.” She pushed out of her chair.
“You have popsicles?” Eric asked hopefully.
Miss Adeline tugged on his bow tie. “Not this time, honey. But you tell me your favorite, and we’ll have a popsicle date when I see you again.”
“That’s tomorrow,” he almost cheered. “And I like banana.”
“You can’t leave. We have to talk about your case,” Teague said in frustration.
“As far as I can see, there is no case.” I offered my arm to Miss Adeline. “Shall we?”
She clutched my bicep with a surprisingly strong grip. “Let’s do it.”
“You have a ride,” Pepper said. “With us. Since we’re going home.”
“Do I look like I want to ride with two freshly engaged lovebirds?” She pointed at Teague. “Take the scenic route back. Or get a hotel. I could use a night alone.”
My brows shot to my hairline, and my face grew hotter. How did my brother live with such honesty? Because she genuinely meant for them to spend the evening in a hotel. It was what was implied that had me embarrassed for Teague.
“No way,” Pepper said. “You get into trouble if we leave you alone for fifteen minutes.”
“It’s not a bad idea . . .” Teague slung an arm around his fiancée.
She elbowed him in the side. “Don’t encourage her.”
They had an interesting dynamic. Teague, Beau, and I were close. The two of them certainly weren’t afraid to be honest or give me a hard time. But it was different than this.
Would Mom have been like Miss Adeline when it came to our love lives?
I shoved the thought out of my head.
Yet the image of her slumped on the ground as her blood ran like a river assaulted me.
How many times had I tried to erase that sight over the years? The smell. The horror.
But I couldn’t turn back time.
And I had a secret from my siblings. Teague wasn’t the only one who’d witnessed that horrific event.
I’d seen our mother’s brutal murder too.
Chapter Six
Lexie
“We’ll give you a ride home.”
My eyes bulged as Eric volunteered us for a task I didn’t want to do. No way could I be in a confined space with Lincoln.
“We don’t have room,” I said quickly before I snapped my mouth shut. Had I offended Miss Adeline? Because of course we had room for her. “For you, I mean.” I pointed at Lincoln, as if that needed clarifying.
Miss Adeline linked arms with him. “We’re a package deal.” She grinned.
I frowned. She was such trouble. But she had also been one of the most supportive people I knew. Allowing me to feed her dogs. Allowing me into her life.
“Are you meddling, woman?” Pepper’s voice was a cross between scolding and amusement.
“How many times are we going to go through that?” Miss Adeline threw up her hands, then focused on me. “I always meddle.” Then she held out her arm to Eric so she was flanked by him and Lincoln. “Gentlemen, let’s do this.”
“I’ll take a ride too,” Beau said as she glided toward the van. “It’s a little too lovey-dovey for me over there.” She motioned to Pepper and Teague. “No offense. Love you both.” She blew them kisses.
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” Pepper asked innocently, holding up Sadie’s leash.
A flash of panic set in. I adored Muffy, Sadie, and Ash, but I had a van that smelled like dog food. Who would blame them for going berserk? There were probably some stray treats in the back too.
“They can come with us?”
Oh no. When Eric looked so hopeful, I couldn’t ever say no.
I let out a long breath and forced a smile. “They can come with us.”
He beamed, and whatever aggravation this caused me—because of Lincoln—would be a small price to pay.
Muffy yanked to get to Lincoln. Sometimes it seemed like the dogs could understand human conversations.
“Mind seeing about him?” Miss Adeline asked as Pepper brought Muffy and Sadie closer.
Lincoln appeared uncertain for only a second. “I’d better not—”
Pepper thrust the leash at him, which abruptly shut him up. I’d have to remember that trick. If I ever saw him again. Which I had no intention of doing.
Muffy jumped, those massive paws landing on Lincoln’s suit jacket. Lincoln snapped and pointed and the greyhound sat statue still as he stared up at him.
“He wants a treat,” Pepper whispered. Discreetly, she pulled one from her pocket and offered it to Lincoln behind her back.
He didn’t immediately take it. Muffy looked at Pepper’s hand and got antsy, yet still didn’t move.
If Lincoln didn’t give this dog that treat, I would.
Reluctantly, he accepted it, though he didn’t give it to Muffy.
From what I’d seen of Lincoln Hollingsworth, everything revolved around him. This sweet dog had done what was asked of him, so why wasn’t he giving him the treat? Was he so used to getting his own way that he didn’t consider anyone else? Arrogant ass.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake.” I snatched the treat and tossed it to Muffy who caught it and chomped happily.
“I wasn’t ready to give that to him.” The tone with which he spoke the words was low and even, making them far more intimidating.
“The poor thing did what you wanted.” I jangled my keys. “Let’s go.”
“He needs to learn patience.” Lincoln was on my heels with Muffy in tow. “As do you.”
I wheeled around and ran into a solid brick wall of chest muscle. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. I thrust my finger at him. “You don’t know anything about what I need.”
“Care to make a wager on that?” He lifted one eyebrow in cool challenge.
“You’re in the back.” I pointed with my thumb over my shoulder as I attempted to rein in my frustration.
“We already went through that.”
Did he have an answer for everything?
“Keep it up and you’ll be on the roof.” I softened my tone when I turned to my brother. “See to it Miss Adeline gets in safely.”
The van had a little height to it, and I didn’t want her to get hurt climbing in. Eric held the door open for her.
“Thank you, honey.” She clambered up like it was nothing. “Our van is higher than this.”
I wanted to kick myself. I forgot they had a van of their own. I forgot that she was Superwoman.
I didn’t forget that Lincoln hadn’t bowed out of a ride gracefully, as he should have.
The dogs jumped into the van through the open side door, their noses going crazy with all the scents of the food. I’d read that if there was a pot of chicken soup, humans basically smelled chicken soup. Dogs could smell the carrots, celery, chicken, individual spices . . . it was incredible to consider and also hard to relate how remarkable their noses were.
If you think you can snap them into submission now, good luck, buddy.
Once again, Lincoln stood at the opening, whatever thoughts going through his mind impossible to tell. Was he worried about his custom suit being soiled? Spoiler alert, it would
be. Was the idea of riding in my lowly van beneath him? Or maybe the thought of sitting on the floor was appalling?
Hopefully something would keep him from taking that final step inside.
“I’ll drive,” he finally said, holding out his hand for the keys.
“I don’t think so.” I lifted my chin and rounded the back of the van. “Train’s leaving. With or without you.”
This man took the term egomaniac to a new level. Or was dictator the word I was looking for? It was obvious he had control issues.
In my van, he’d have to get over them. Because I was in charge.
I climbed in the driver’s seat.
Eric scrambled in the back, with Beau right behind him, and moved some boxes. “Sit here, Lincoln.”
He only hesitated for a moment before he obeyed.
And again, the pendulum of my emotions swung. Because I was ninety-nine percent sure if anyone else had commanded the great Lincoln Hollingsworth to sit on a van floor, he’d have laughed. Well, probably grimaced. Either way, there was something about my brother he respected.
And that meant he had my respect in turn. A little.
Eric slammed the back door and the dogs swarmed them . . . except Sadie, who was investigating every nook and cranny on the hunt for food. Muffy plopped down on Lincoln’s outstretched legs, while Ash nestled against Eric.
I cranked up the engine.
“Me and Bobby McGee” blasted from the speakers.
“Ready to roll?” I called over the music.
“Ready,” Eric yelled.
We waved at Teague and Pepper as we cruised away.
I glanced in the rearview mirror and found Lincoln’s pissed-off face.
I grinned.
Maybe giving him a ride wasn’t so bad after all.
Chapter Seven
Lincoln
“Me and Bobby McGee” played five times between Chelsea and Warren Street in Tribeca.
Miss Adeline, Eric, and Beau sang at the top of their lungs as if every loop of the song was the first time they’d heard it in years.
Lexie drummed the steering wheel, though her singing was more muted. She seemed to be concentrating on making this ride as miserable as possible.
Rise: Rise & Fall Duet Book 1 (Shaken 3) Page 3
