Linc’s deep, husky laughter filled the room as she curled more tightly into him. “I think the secret is out, Selena. You might as well answer him.”
She looked up, brushing strands of hair from her eyes as she focused on the eager face on the other side of Linc.
“Good morning, Caid.”
“Can we?” he asked again, ignoring her greeting.
“Give her a minute to wake up, Caid,” Linc admonished in a gentle tone. “How about you make us some coffee?”
Caid’s mouth opened wide, his head shaking furiously. “I don’t know how.”
“Well, I guess it’s time you learned. Come with me.” He slid from the bed, wearing a pair of boxers and nothing else. Grabbing a pair of jeans, he slipped into them, leaving the top button loose as he set a hand on Caid’s shoulder. “We men will go to the kitchen and give Selena time to get dressed. Okay?”
Caid looked over his shoulder at the bed, his expression growing serious as he nodded. “Okay, Dad.”
******
“One more piece of bacon. Who wants it?” Linc nodded toward the plate in the center of the table.
“Me!” Caid leaned forward, grabbing it in a quick motion and taking a bite.
Selena sipped her coffee, watching Caid clean his plate. Her heart tripped over itself. She’d fallen in love with not only the man beside her, but his son, as well. The knowledge caused a series of emotions to pass through her. Vulnerability, excitement, fear, and hope all warred with each other to claim a prominent place in her mind. Here she was, acting as if she were a firm part of their lives, yet it wasn’t true. Not once had Linc mentioned love or a future together. Their relationship was as tentative as it had been during their first week together.
Not until he’d gone silent for several days, during the problems at work and learning about Caid, did she accept how deeply she’d fallen for this man. Not for the first time, she thought of his comment a few days before, wondering if Linc felt the need to test the waters, see who best fit into his new life.
“Any relationship I pursue now becomes more complicated.”
She might be reading too much into it, but she couldn’t shake the need to protect herself and her heart. Until Linc expressed his feelings, giving her some clue of his intent, she felt compelled to put some distance between them.
“Mr. Caldwell?”
Nina’s voice came from the front entry, jerking Selena to the present.
“We’re in the kitchen, Nina.” Linc stood, picking up the empty plates.
Selena stood, grabbing glasses and following him to the sink. “I’d better go.”
Taking her hands in his, Linc studied her face, detecting something he couldn’t quite define.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” she lied. “At some point, I do have to get into the office and stop being a slacker. This morning is as good a time as any.”
“You? A slacker? I don’t think so.” Linc chuckled at the ridiculous notion. She and her sisters worked as hard as any business owners to continue the success of the company their father had started.
Blushing at his obvious compliment, she pulled her hands from his. “Caly has decided to pick up some real estate clients, and I volunteered to help her get back into the groove of selling.”
“Will she still be in charge of the property management clients?” He followed her to his bedroom, standing to one side as she picked up her purse, jacket, and a small bag he hadn’t noticed until now.
“Yes. I think she feels the need to expand her skills, and her income. With sales, she’ll be able to pocket a little more cash.”
“What’s that?” He nodded at the bag in her hand.
Biting her lower lip, she glanced up at him. “My extra clothes. I thought it would be best to take them back to my place. With Caid here…” She stopped when she saw the unmistakable look of disapproval on Linc’s face. “What?”
He reached out, gripping the bag and taking it from her hand. “Those are going to stay right here. In fact, bring anything else you need for staying more than overnight.” Tossing the bag into the closet, he closed the distance between them. “After this morning, I think Caid might be confused if you aren’t here.”
“If you’re suggesting I move in, I can’t. We’re, well…you know.”
“We’re what, Selena?”
She shifted from one foot to the other, not wanting to get into this now.
Resting his hands on her shoulders, he pulled her to him, nibbling the corners of her mouth. “We’re what?” he rasped out again, taking her mouth with his.
Leaning into him, she gripped his arms, holding him close as he continued his gentle, seductive kisses. The fact he could fog her mind with such little effort wasn’t fair. Sighing against his lips, she pulled back, resting her forehead against his.
“Please, Linc. Let’s not talk about this now.”
His gaze roamed over her face, trying to decipher what was going through her mind. Usually, she wore her emotions so anyone could tell what she thought. Not this morning, however.
“Are you having second thoughts about us?”
“No, it’s just…” Selena wasn’t prepared to give him an explanation about what bothered her.
“I won’t push. If you need time, more space, just tell me. I don’t want you to feel trapped in a relationship with me.” He swallowed the bitter taste of those words.
Placing a hand on his arm, she leaned up, kissing his cheek. “I don’t feel trapped at all.” She wanted to tell him her feelings, that she loved him, but now wasn’t the time. “May I come back and make dinner for you?”
“As long as you plan to stay the night.”
A small smile played on her lips. “I believe that can be arranged, Mr. Caldwell.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he gave her one more heated kiss, then stepped back. “Good. As long as we’re clear, Ms. Kerrigan.”
Feeling her face heat, she turned, flashing him a glorious smile. “Oh, we’re definitely clear.”
******
“Selena, Chad Donovan is in the lobby. Do you have time to see him?”
Sighing, Selena leaned toward the speakerphone, wishing she had a legitimate excuse not to, like a pending appointment. She checked her calendar once more, hoping she’d missed something important. No such luck. “Yes, Tricia. Tell Mr. Donovan I’ll be right out.”
Standing, she straightened her skirt. Whatever he wanted, she’d keep it short, then send him on his way.
“Chad. It’s good to see you again.” Extending her hand, she held back a grimace when he took it, squeezing lightly.
“I’m glad you’re here. I wondered if you might have time for lunch.”
“I don’t—”
“It’s important, Selena.”
If it weren’t for the grave expression on his face, she’d have turned him down.
“I don’t have much time before my next appointment.”
“We’ll make it quick. You pick the place.” Chad shoved his hands in his pockets, glancing at Tricia behind the receptionist desk, noting her curious expression. “It’s better we not talk here.”
“All right. I’ll let Tricia know, then get my purse.”
Walking back to her office, she looked up in time to see Julia coming out of her own office.
“You look like you’re in a hurry.”
“Someone from my past showed up and wants to go to lunch. I don’t have time, but…” She shrugged, not wanting to say more.
“Who?” Julia asked, glancing around her to get a look at the man standing in the lobby.
“Chad Donovan.”
Groaning, Julia gripped her elbow, ushering Selena into an empty office and closing the door. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve warned you Chad was in Peregrine Bay.”
Selena’s brows shot up. “You knew?”
“I’d heard, but hadn’t seen him. I meant to tell you, but so much has been happening between you and Linc, it slipped my mi
nd. You know he’s friends with Tom Harten.”
“I saw the two of them together a few nights ago when Linc took me to dinner. It doesn’t surprise me because Chad’s brother and Tom were good friends in college. I saw the three of them hanging out on campus a few times.” Selena crossed her arms, resting her hip against the desk. “I just don’t know what he wants to see me about. He says it’s important.”
“A guess? He wants to talk with you about the arts center bid.”
“In that case, this won’t be a long lunch. I have no sway in that decision.”
“Yes, but he wouldn’t be here unless he suspected you might.” Opening the door, she stepped aside. “Don’t worry about it. Enjoy your lunch, then tell me all about it.” Julia winked as Selena walked past.
Chapter Eighteen
“So tell me what’s so important.” Selena sipped her iced tea, wanting to make this meeting brief. She’d studied him as he ordered lunch. If anything, Chad had gotten more handsome over the years, maturing from a lean college student to a broad-shouldered, muscular adult. It didn’t impress her. She’d already seen too much of his toned physique up close and personal.
Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table. “Well, I mentioned that I work for my stepfather, Ephraim Simondson.”
She held up her hand to stop him. “If this is about the arts center contract, I have absolutely no say in their decision. If you want to impress someone, you should be taking my sister, Julia, to lunch.”
Chad laughed. “I can see I missed out in college by not getting to know you better, Selena.”
“And what makes you think I would’ve been interested?” Her brow quirked up in question.
“Don’t pretend you weren’t attracted to me.”
“That was a lifetime ago, Chad. I am way beyond college crushes.”
“Touché.” He picked up his drink, took a swallow, then set down the glass, his face turning serious. “Be careful of Linc Caldwell.”
Her head jerked back. “Linc and I are none of your business, Chad. If that’s why you asked me here, I might as well leave.” She started to stand, stopping when he held up his hand.
“I’m sorry. I started this off wrong. Please, sit down, Selena.”
She glanced around, cringing at the number of people looking in her direction. Plastering on a smile, she sat back down.
“All right. Why don’t you start over?”
“You already know Caldwell’s company and mine are battling for the arts center award.”
“Of course.”
“What you may not know is TSR has been experiencing serious breaches of their system, jeopardizing client data. I have reason to believe they’re being less than honest with their clients about the extent of the attacks.”
“In fact, I do know a little about what’s happened. I can assure you, they’d never hide any kind of data loss from their clients. I’ve known Linc long enough to know that isn’t the way they operate.”
Chad leaned forward, his gaze boring into hers. “And have you known him long enough to be certain he isn’t using you to get an inside path to the award?”
Anger flared, but she kept her seat, feeling the color drain from her face.
“I can see it has crossed your mind,” he continued. “My guess is you’re shoving your concerns aside, hoping his interest is in you and nothing else.”
Selena swallowed the bile his words triggered, pushing down the doubt. Yes, she’d asked herself the same question when they first went out, wondering why someone like Linc would be attracted to a quiet, small town girl like her. His history had been to date women with a much higher profile, women the press would find newsworthy. Those women, along with the rapid success of TSR and Linc’s enviable record as a SEAL team leader, captured media attention and sold magazines. The over-the-top social media reach of his dating history didn’t hurt awareness of him or his company, and she could only imagine what it did for the women.
“This has nothing to do with my interest in the award. My concern is for you, Selena. If you’re anything like you were in college, you’re still a nice, albeit naïve, woman. And probably still much too trusting.”
Her eyes widened, her lips parting at the brash comment. “Are you referring to the party?”
“What else?” A cocky grin split his face. “Did you think I didn’t know you wandered into the shoot that night? I’m certain you got an eyeful.”
Tossing down her napkin, she leaned toward him, her voice low. “This conversation is over. From now on, if you want to talk about the arts center bid or Linc Caldwell, I suggest you take it up with Julia or the mayor. Or even your good friend, Tom Harten. Both subjects are off limits with me.”
“Selena, wait.”
“No, you wait. You set me up that night, and you’re trying to mess with my head again today. I’ll have none of it. I’m not in college any longer, and in case you haven’t noticed, Peregrine Bay is my turf, not yours. You won’t be able to get away with the same shoddy actions you pulled before. Good luck on the bid. If today’s conversation provides any clue, you’ll need it.”
Ignoring the curious stares of other diners, she kept her expression neutral, squared her shoulders, and walked outside. As the door closed behind her, she let out a deep, exasperated breath. Instead of walking toward the office, she headed in the opposite direction, toward the park on the water. Hearing her phone, she reached into her purse. Linc. A sick feeling spread through her.
She hated Chad’s insinuation. Worse, she hated the fact she’d harbored the same concern.
Nodding absently as she passed people she knew, Selena found herself standing near the water, a few feet from the bench where she and Linc had talked the day he’d returned her missing sandals. The memory felt bittersweet. Rational thought told her to heed her own doubts and Chad’s warning about Linc’s true intentions. Her heart schooled her otherwise. Which to believe?
Picking up a small, flat stone, she skipped it across the water, recalling the day her father had shown her his technique at the lake behind their home. She’d practiced diligently for weeks, perfecting her throw. A small achievement, yet doing it right had meant a great deal to her at the time.
All her life she’d worked hard to do everything right, avoiding mistakes and not embarrassing herself or her family. Not because her father had issued any type of warning, but because doing things right was part of her character, a source of pride, defining her as a person. When Chad invited her to the party in college, she hadn’t made the right decision. What made her think his guidance today would be of any value?
Wrapping her arms around her waist, she took a seat on the bench, ignoring another call from Linc. She’d speak with him later, once she felt in control of her emotions. For the umpteenth time, Selena wished she could be more like Caly. Her younger sister had the ability to take life moment by moment, enjoying each minute without regret. If decisions worked out, fine. If not, there was always tomorrow.
But she wasn’t like Caly. Not even close. She tended to worry over her choices, careful to consider every option before committing. With Linc, she hadn’t allowed herself time to think through the reasons for his interest. Her attraction to him had been immediate and overwhelming, flooding her senses with emotions she’d never felt for another man. In hindsight, it had been stupid to rush into a relationship with him—assuming that’s what this was—without understanding why a man such as Linc would find her interesting enough to continue seeing.
Selena knew men found her attractive and seemed to enjoy her company. Then the tenuous connection would fade away, like a fog bank dissipating before your eyes. Nothing had ever lasted. She had to admit, most of it had been her fault. No one had held her interest for more than a few dates.
Her phone rang again. Checking it, she saw Linc’s image for the third time in less than two hours. She let her finger hover over the answer button before touching it.
“Hi, Linc.”
“I’ve been try
ing to reach you. Is everything all right?”
She’d asked herself the same question several times since seeing Chad. “Yes, everything is fine. I’ve been busy trying to catch up after taking those days off. Why?”
“I’m back at the office. We’re experiencing another attempted attack on our system.” When he paused, she could hear voices in the background. “I have no idea when I’ll be home, so don’t worry about tonight. I’ll ask Nina to fix dinner for Caid.”
Selena could hear what sounded like a combination of worry and resolve. He’d take care of what needed to be done at work, but his new parental responsibilities added another layer onto his already hectic life. At least she could do something to relieve part of the burden.
“Nonsense. I’ll stop by my place and change, then drive to your house. I should be there by five. Can you let Nina know?” she asked, pushing aside her doubts.
“Are you sure?” The relief in his voice touched her.
“Absolutely. Take care of business and get home when you can. Caid and I will be fine.”
“That’s great, Selena. I’ll call Nina…” He paused, as if he had more to say, but finished with a simple goodbye. “See you later.”
He hung up before she had a chance to say anything else, which was for the best. What she wanted to say had to take place in person, not over the phone while he scrambled to deal with one more threat to TSR.
Pushing up from the bench, she took one more look across the lake as a flight of ducks landed a hundred yards away. She wondered at the energy it took to migrate hundreds of miles, then embark on a return flight. Unlike humans, their life patterns were predetermined at birth. They didn’t wrestle with what ifs or doubts, like she was doing now.
Straightening her shoulders, Selena considered her two choices. One, ask Linc straight out if he saw a future for them, bracing herself for his response. Or two, take each day as it came, enjoy their time together, and not worry about her own doubts. Neither choice protected her from potential heartache, but instinct told her to go with what felt right.
Relationships didn’t run on a schedule and she had no intention of imposing one. She’d stop overthinking and start enjoying her time with Linc, just as she had the first few weeks. Other than the introduction of Caid into Linc’s life, nothing had changed. Already having grown to love Caid as much as she loved his father, she prayed they’d feel the same about her someday.
Our Kind of Love Page 16
