He turns down another road and takes us across town. The stress of running late seems to fizzle away as we talk. “If you were a parent, you’d figure it out though. I did. They don’t come with an actual manual.”
“I thought there were all kinds of books out there for raising kids,” I challenge him. There has to be guidance for taking care of tiny humans, or I’m out of luck in the parenting department.
“The books can’t prepare you for everything. Lily is great, don’t get me wrong, but nothing prepares you for what comes with being a parent. Not that I’d change it. I’m saying you’d figure it out.”
“Ha, we’ll see. I’m not even dating anybody, so that’s a far-off thing to think about, anyway. I’ve dated, sure, but yeah, not interested in one enough to settle down and get married.” I blurt this out in a rush and then wish I could take every word back.
Lincoln laughs then shrugs. “Marriage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Trust me, sometimes when the glittery part wears off, it’s not always pleasant.”
Shit, yeah, I’d be the one to bring up marriage to the divorced guy. I couldn’t make this conversation any more awkward.
“So, anyway, thanks for driving me to pick up Jake. I appreciate it.” Change of subject, please. This guy must think I’m a crazy mess and all over the place. I don’t want him second-guessing the decision to bring me on with this project.
Recalling our moments together, I freak out a little. I ran into Lincoln again, not paying attention and then without thinking, I took my shirt off in front of him. Then sat with him and got emotional over my father. Turned overzealous crazy fangirl when he showed me that video. Now I’m rambling about every damn thing and bringing up his failed marriage.
I slam my head back against the passenger seat headrest and sigh. Why he’s even still talking to me is beyond the point now. Lincoln’s gaze brushes across me when he glances my way again.
“It’s no problem. We’re going to the same place,” Lincoln says, and we let the silence settle between us after that. He’s such a natural person to relax with and doesn’t talk nonstop or try to impress me.
After pulling up to the school, we both jump out to find Jake and Lily hanging out on the front steps. They are the only two students still lurking around the school, which screams how late we are.
“Dad!” She breaks away from Jake and hugs Lincoln. “I can’t believe you’re late. You’re never late.” I roll my eyes and walk over to my nephew who is—of course—smirking at me.
“Hey, Aunt Kate.” He lifts his backpack over his shoulder and heads my way. He glances back at Lincoln then adds, “So you made Mr. Thurlow run late, huh?”
He’s laughing as I put my arm across his shoulders and pull him close. “Shut it, mister.”
“Why are you wearing different clothes?”
“What, are you the fashion police? And have you not looked at it yet?” I question with a raised brow. Jake pauses and turns my way. He glances down as he takes in my new apparel.
“Wait, no way. The new merch is out?” Jake has been with me every step of the way as I coded the Dark Abyss. So, of course, he shares the same passion for it as I do.
“Nope, but when I spilled coffee on me, Lincoln shared them. I have so much to tell you. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me your best friend’s dad and I work together.” I pull him closer and turn toward the road.
“Oh, I guess I always thought you knew each other,” Jake eyes me with suspicion as I walk us toward the road to catch a cab. We still have to get ourselves back across town. “You two drove here together. So what’s up with that?” Before I can form a response, Lincoln calls out to us.
“Hey, guys, you want a ride with us?” Jake and I pause. I turn to find Lincoln standing next to Lily, who has a smile on her face. Before I agree, Jake’s walking their direction.
Okay, well, that answers that question for him, and I have to admit how great it is that Lincoln is such a gentleman. We get into Lincoln’s SUV, but he pauses for a moment and glances in my direction. “So where to?”
I open my mouth to tell him my address when Lily speaks up first. “Since you were both late picking us up, you owe us.” Glancing over my shoulder, I catch Lily’s crossed arms and raised eyebrow. She’s a tough one, and I wouldn’t want to be her dad denying her what she wants right now. I lean back and turn Lincoln’s way. He’s watching her from the rearview mirror with a wrinkled brow. Something passes between them, and he speaks. “I’m sure Kate and Jake both have plans tonight.”
“I agree with Lily,” Jake adds his thoughts, and I’m not surprised he agrees. What I am startled by is my desire to have Lincoln invite us to spend the evening with him.
“Of course, you do.” I snort and roll my eyes. Lincoln laughs from beside me but doesn’t add his input before Lily starts again.
“I want to get a pizza and then go to the arcade.”
I hum, surprised by her choices but then realize she’s my nephew’s best friend, so I shouldn’t be. She’s sassy as can be, but I like her.
“I’m not surprised.” Lincoln shakes his head and chuckles with Jake. They both knew the plan the moment penance was due by the snarky thirteen-year-old girl in the back seat.
Lincoln glances my way before he pulls into the evening traffic of Chicago. “Well, what do you guys say? Pizza and games and then I’ll drive you home?”
I look over my shoulder one more time and catch the smirk coming from Jake. We would be at home doing the same thing. What harm could come from some company in the form of a man who makes my stomach tie in knots when he looks at me?
Chapter Eight
Lincoln
I find a parking spot outside Mario’s Pizza. This restaurant is a usual spot for me and Lily when we go out and I hope Kate and Jake don’t mind it. I pause Lily as she gets out of my Lexus before she walks around the car to meet up with the others. She has this extra twinkle in her eye, and I’m positive she’s up to something. I’m not sure what yet. I caught it earlier when she saw me get out of the car with Kate, and it hasn’t left since.
My eyes narrow in question as Lily glances up at me with wider eyes and tries to appear innocent, but I know better.
“What are you up to?” I ask, the uncertainty mixing into my words. I’m not trusting the look she’s giving me. It’s as if she’s up to something. She used to give me the same expression as a young girl when she was being mischievous.
Lily shrugs, her red hair lifting with the movement, then turns away to join Jake and his aunt. Kate smiles, waves over her shoulder for me to join them, and leads us inside. With great effort, my gaze stays above waist level, which is a feat considering how well the denim hugs her curves, and follow her inside. Jake and Lily find a booth in the far corner of the restaurant and slide in next to each other—leaving the other side to me and Kate.
I slide in first, moving over to give her enough room to sit. Despite my efforts, we are still close enough that our thighs touch. Something has to take my mind off how much she tempts me by being so close. She has this draw, an orbit around her I want to be in.
“The usual?” Kate asks Jake, and he nods. This dinner date is normal for them, and I release a sigh. I hadn’t realized how nervous I was for Kate’s opinion. Kate fidgets beside me, causing our legs to press closer together. God, her smell tempts me. I want to bury my head in the crook of her neck and taste across her skin, imprinting that scent into my memory forever.
“So, you guys know each other from work?” Lily probes Kate with questions like her mother would do. Kate takes the look my daughter sends her way in stride. It draws my attention away from thoughts of losing myself in Kate’s body. We are at the damn table with teenagers, and I’m the one lost in my head. I never get distracted.
“We have been for a couple years, but we met today. I’ve been working for Orthorn Games since I was in college as a game tester, so that’s six years now.” Kate’s correct. We’ve been working together for a while. I made t
he move from Monroe Games and left behind my dreams two years ago, but I stay locked in my office now, come in earlier than everyone else, and leave later than my coworkers. It’s not surprising I haven’t met her before today. If I ever wonder why my marriage failed that answers the question right there.
“What do you do for work now, or are you still a tester?” Lily asks next.
“I’m a level game designer.”
“How old are you?” Lily leans forward and continues to interrogate Kate. Lily’s gaze is probing as she inquires further about the woman beside me.
“Twenty-five.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
I knock my hand on the table and shoot Lily a stern look. “Give Kate a break with the twenty questions.”
Jake chuckles and elbows Lily in the arm. She throws him a dirty eye roll in response. Kate sighs and relaxes beside me as the tension leaves her body.
The waitress chooses that moment to arrive and take our order. We place our order, but Lily keeps her gaze trained on Kate the entire time. God, she looks like her mother with those mannerisms.
“No, I’m single.” Kate crumbles, and my daughter goes right back to her relentless interrogation.
“Any pets?”
“Yes. A tabby cat named Mellie.”
Jake rolls his eyes and speaks up, trying to save his aunt. “Dude, why are you hounding my aunt with random questions?”
“I’m curious, and she’s pretty.”
Jake wrinkles his brow and narrows his eyes, and I’m sure my face must reflect his.
“Oh,” Kate whispers and shifts in her seat again. When I glance Kate’s way, the biggest smile touches her lips. I don’t want to glance away because Lily’s wrong. Kate isn’t pretty. She’s fucking gorgeous. “Thank you, Lily,” Kate says in that sweet, honey-laced voice she has.
The waitress returns with our drinks, but Lily doesn’t miss a beat with her questions. Where did you go to school—Chicago University. What do you do for fun—gaming. What is your favorite flower—lilies, which drew a big smile from Lily. Favorite song—undecided, because who could pick only one?
I latch on to everything they say until Jake interrupts, drawing my attention to him. “Should I be asking you twenty questions, Mr. Thurlow?”
Kate giggles. “Well, Jake, that means you think Lincoln is pretty. Remember that’s how this started.” They make ugly faces at each other in time for the pizza to arrive. I can’t help but laugh at their exchange. Kate said she wasn’t the best with kids, but she’s a natural with Jake. I bet she would be a natural mom even if she doesn’t think so.
We stuff our mouths full of food and bring an end to the conversation. It was nice, spending time with this group. I could see Kate as a friend. A good one, but I shouldn’t, considering we work together, and we need to focus on the launch of our video game. That, and she tempts me to know her on a much deeper level than friends. Like what she would taste like if I kissed her. How soft would her body be if I explored it. What she would sound like whispering my name in the dark.
I want nothing more than to know the girl next to me, but it can’t happen right now. I observe her face. It’s perfect and clear of makeup, which I like. Most women wear too much but not her. Kate’s hair is a mess by this point in the day, but it works for her. I can’t tell how long it is, but there’s a lot there. Enough to tangle your hands in and hold on to while you steal her sweet mouth in a deep kiss. I’ve watched the way she nibbles her bottom lip when she’s nervous. Gorgeous.
I turn away and focus on my pizza to distract myself from this feeling going through me. I peek up when I sense someone’s stare lingering on me rather than focusing on their food. Lily has a gleam in her eyes, and that’s when I figure it out. She’s trying to play matchmaker. I’ll be talking with her after we drop them off, letting her know how much that will not happen. My divorce is hardly finalized and I’m not looking for a relationship right now.
We finish eating, and the kids jump up from the booth, telling us they are ready for the arcade. They rush out the front of the pizzeria and take off down Michigan Avenue. Kate and I follow close behind, not allowing them to break away too far. The city is beaming with people enjoying the evening, so I keep a steady pace to not lose them in the flurry of the crowd.
Jake and Lily have an absolute love and understanding between one another and a close, strong friendship. I’ll keep an eye on Jake to make sure it stays a friendship for now.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Kate elbows me to get my attention, and I look down, curious where her thoughts are going.
“You’re worried about—” Kate moves her finger between Jake and Lily as they walk ahead. Jake keeps himself near her. “That.”
“Well, yeah. Jake and Lily are best friends and are getting close to that age. There isn’t a manual for dealing with that.”
“They’re best friends. You’re safe. Girls and boys can be friends and not kiss. My closest friends are guys, and trust me, they don’t look at me like they want to kiss me.”
If they don’t, then they’re blind, but I shake my head and laugh instead. “I mean, yes a girl and a boy can be friends, and nothing happens, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get curious.” I agree with her, yet I don’t support her theory even though that’s what I want with her.
“My guy friends aren’t curious, just like Jake isn’t curious about Lily. He is a great kid and would protect Lily with everything he had. He will always be by her side to take care of her.”
We turn into the arcade and Jake leads Lily to the counter. Jake uses his money to get her tokens. He’s always done those things for her. The more I watch, I see their relationship is shifting. I know how I was at his age, so it puts me on edge. As a dad, I can’t help it.
“Stop. Jake wouldn’t kiss Lily or anything like that, okay?” I shake my head and pinch my nose at this fucking conversation.
“Okay, okay, I’ll change the subject. No dad wants to talk about his daughter kissing. I mean, even though you know it’s going to happen. I’m pretty sure I already kissed my first boy at thirteen.”
Chapter Nine
Kate
Oh my God, Kate, shut the fuck up. I mentally yell the words to stop myself from making this situation any worse. I keep my eyes on the kids and snap my mouth shut.
Lincoln bursts out laughing, and I jerk in his direction, surprised by his response. “The things you say, it’s never boring, but I’ll ask that we move the conversation past my daughter kissing, if you don’t mind. I know it’s coming, but as a father, we know what the boy is thinking.”
“Thinking and doing are two different things. I see the way he looks at her. Jake would never want to hurt Lily, and he knows messing up their friendship would be hard on her.”
Jake and Lily laugh and wander over to the Skee-ball machines. Lily looks happy with a big smile on her face as she shoves Jake aside. Lily was tears and sadness this morning and somewhat tired after school. Now after a good meal and our company, she’s happy. Watching her is fascinating because she can’t help but light up those around her.
Jake won’t mess up their friendship, but I bet no one will be good enough for Lily in Jake’s eyes.
“Come on, Aunt Kate, come and play with us!” Lily yells, and my smile spreads. I’ll play and show them how it’s done. There’s a trick with how you flick your wrist. After placing a token in the slot that makes the yellow balls drop, I pick one up and throw it up the center—landing in the forty on the first roll.
I do a round and joke with Lily as she razzes Jake about his low score. He’s more of a console gaming type. Not that he minds an arcade, but again, we are doing this for Lily, I know it. Both Lincoln and Jake cater to her often, I’m sure.
“Not terrible, Kate, but—” Lincoln drops a token in the machine beside me, and the yellow balls drop down. His hand wraps around the ball, and he tosses it up, landing in the fifty spot on his first try. “I bet I can top that.”
“Mr. Thurlow, please no, don’t say that.” Jake groans. He knows my inability to back down from a challenge and how serious I get with competition.
“Best two out of three rounds. You’ll owe me fifty bucks.” The smirk lifts the corner of his lips, and I can’t deny him a return smile with that look. Also, yeah, Jake’s right—I don’t back down from a challenge.
“You’re on.”
Both Jake and Lily stop and turn into our commentators. Lily takes Lincoln’s side and peps him up. “You can’t lose to a chick, dad. Come on. You’ve got ten years of experience on her.”
Jake comes to my side. “Aunt Kate, are you going to let an old man beat you?”
With a flick of my wrist, I let the ball go. I’m having fun with them and not sure if I’ve ever smiled so much in one day.
We end up tied and then the pressure is on. We’ve let our worries go, and our pains disappear for a little while. A slip away from everyday life together, and it’s wonderful. These are the type of people I try to find in my life and keep them there, snuggled close to my chest. Lincoln could be one of those friends.
We are close in points, so I glance over at Lincoln, letting my eyes devour him. He lost his jacket early in the night and has rolled his sleeves up to expose his forearms. The muscle flexes as he spins the ball in his hand. When he bends over, his pressed dress slacks form to his gorgeous body, and it makes my mouth water. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to feel that body pressed against mine. To have those strong arms wrapped around me, holding me close to that firm chest. I can almost sense those fingers trailing across my skin in a gentle caress as he explores every inch of my flesh. If he gives a woman the same focus and attention to detail as he does with his work and appearance, I bet it’s unforgettable.
Worth Something More Page 5
