So I leave her standing in the middle of our room and head down the hall.
Danielle
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
My anxiety builds the closer I get to the commotion in the kitchen. So many voices, music, laughs, even the sound of a game on television mix to create an atmosphere that’s a little overwhelming to someone used to silence.
Instead of heading into the kitchen, I turn left and onto the porch for a quick breath of fresh air. No one is out here, just a line of expensive cars along the teardrop driveway in front of the house.
Sitting on the swing, I take a few quick, deep breaths. The air is so peaceful here, filling my lungs with tranquility. I’ve never felt something like this before. It’s not like this in Memphis or Boston or where I grew up in San Diego. I like it.
The door opens and makes me jump. Graham steps out and spots me and gives me a reassuring smile. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t,” I say.
“Everything all right?”
“Of course,” I smile. “I’m just . . . this is all a little new to me.”
His brows furrow. “What’s new to you?”
“This whole family thing you all have going on. I’m an only child. No cousins or grandparents, really. It’s a little . . .”
“Overwhelming?”
“Kind of.”
“It can be, even for me.” He walks across the porch and leans against the railing. He’s not quite as tall as Lincoln and not as muscular, but I’m sure he’s his own brand of spectacular without a shirt on. He gazes across the yard like Lincoln does when he’s thinking.
“Maybe I should be the one to ask if you’re all right,” I note.
He glances at me over his shoulder and smirks. “I’m fine. Unless you need a job. Then I’ll be great.”
“This sounds like a touchy subject.”
He blows out a hard breath. “I need to hire someone right away. My secretary just walked out.” He sighs again.
“That was nice of her,” I wince. “Did she retire? Get sick?”
“Worse,” he says, spinning to face me. “She fell in love.”
“Ah,” I laugh. “Good for her!”
“Maybe, but it’s terrible for me,” he chuckles, shaking his head. “I don’t see the need to traverse the country because you’re finally getting laid. People fall in love and do the stupidest shit.”
My breath hitches in my throat as I try to figure out if he means any of that towards me in any way.
“I don’t mean you,” he snorts, a grin still on his face.
“How did you know I was wondering that?”
“You mean besides the way you just looked like you saw a ghost?” he laughs.
“Was it that obvious?”
“More or less.” He turns around and faces me, leaning against the railing. His eyes burn into mine and I squirm on the wooden swing. The toes of my boots scoot against the ground, halting the leisure back-and-forth. He doesn’t make me uncomfortable, just on the spot. Graham Landry can switch from casual conversation to interrogation faster than anyone I’ve ever seen. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I say, not at all feeling that way.
“Why do you like my brother?”
His question renders me speechless. My lips part, then close, as I try to figure out what he’s getting at. “I’m sorry, Graham. I don’t understand.”
He almost smiles. Almost. “You know what? Never mind.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “You asked. Now clarify.”
“Look, I’m going to say this and it might come out wrong. But hear me out.”
“Careful,” I warn, a touch of a grin on my lips.
He looks away as he tries to stop his laugh. “Fair enough.” He clears his throat and looks at me again. “I’m a critical guy. I’ll also go out on a limb and say I’m the most serious of the bunch. So when one of the rest of them bring home a new girl or guy, it’s usually a face I don’t get to know too well because they won’t be back.”
“So your siblings are flakes?”
“Yes,” he admits good-naturedly. “But you, Danielle, are different. I can see you sticking around a while.”
My heart leaps in my chest, but I stay composed. You have to with this guy. “Why do you say that?”
“You fit in here,” he shrugs. “You make Lincoln laugh. Relax. Hell, you make him think about things other than pitch counts and that’s no easy task,” he kids. “You bring out something different in Linc that I haven’t seen in years. I have a feeling you’re pretty special to him.”
“I hope so. He’s pretty special to me.”
“Lincoln has a meeting coming up about his contract,” Graham says.
And then it hits me. I stand because sitting makes me feel at some sort of a disadvantage to him. I’m not angry at the insinuation—I get it. I was raised with some of the same issues. But I am going to make myself clear. Crystal clear.
“I get what you’re saying,” I say, making direct eye contact. “And, for the record, if he gets dropped and never plays baseball again, I would probably be happier.”
Graham’s eyes widen just a bit, his mouth dropping ever-so-slightly.
“I take that back,” I backtrack, pulling in a breath. “I think Lincoln would be beside himself and I don’t want that for him. He loves the game.”
The words come out and I ignore how hard they smash against my chest, remind me of reality. Of the pecking order. Of the insecurity I have as to how I compare to a game with a wooden stick and a piece of leather.
“I think he loves you too,” Graham says.
I shrug because now I’m thrown off my game. I fight my brain for control over my emotions, to stay focused and enjoy the weekend. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want us both to be happy.
“What about you?” I say, attempting to pivot this conversation back around to him. “Will you have a girlfriend or wife here today?”
He laughs full-out now, sending a flock of birds finding refuge in the trees. “I don’t date.”
“You aren’t one of those that don’t believe in love, right?” I tease.
“I absolutely believe in love,” he says. “I’ve seen it. Hell, I’m looking at someone in love right now.” We exchange a smile before he continues. “But loving someone means giving them some control of your day, your life. That’s not something I’m good at.”
“But doesn’t it make things seem so much better to share your day, your life, with another person?”
“Certain times of the day, yes,” he winks. “I don’t have extra hours free to dote on someone. That’s the reality of it. I’ve spent so many years getting to where I want to be career-wise, getting plans in place to take our company to the next level. I love it. It’s my passion. And it works because I have a system.”
“You’re a control freak.”
“I’m okay with that.”
His mouth opens to say something else when the door creaks and Lincoln steps outside. His hair is styled, kind of swept up and to the side. The wine colored shirt stretches across his lean body and his legs are showcased in dark denim. I almost whimper.
“Hey, now,” Lincoln teases, coming to my side. “Don’t get any ideas, G.”
“Welcome to how Barrett must feel,” Graham laughs. “I’m heading inside for a drink.”
He disappears and Lincoln pulls me into a hug. I breathe him in, letting his scent settle over me and calm my frazzled nerves.
“Want a glass of tea?” he asks against my hair.
“Yes, please.”
Instead of heading into the house, he just pulls me closer. “I want you to know,” he gulps, “that I really like having you here. I was in the shower and thinking about you here with my family today, and well, I haven’t felt like this ever.”
I lift my chin and look at his face in the early morning sun. There is no joke teasing his lips, no distraction in his eyes. It’s
just a simple emotion that I’ve never seen before. A pure sentiment that I think I can read and I definitely feel.
I shouldn’t. Things like this need to be thought out. Yet he strips me of all logical thinking and my mouth opens before I can sort through all the chatter in my head. “Lincoln, I—”
He kisses me before I get the rest out. I gasp, taken aback by the gesture I didn’t see coming. It’s a bit of a letdown that I didn’t get it out. But when he pulls back, his eyes shine.
“Dani,” he roughs, his tone gravelly. “I know what you were going to say.”
I try to look away, embarrassed. Oh, God . . .
Attempting to pull away, I hear him snicker. The embarrassment turns to anger and I flip my eyes back to him, ready to light him up, but I stop in my tracks. His smile is so soft I stutter.
“I wanted to be first,” he whispers. “I love you, Ryan Danielle.”
I do the only thing I can. I kiss him.
Danielle
“I COULDN’T EAT ANOTHER BITE,” Sienna moans, lying flat on her back in the middle of the living room floor. A football game is on the television mounted on the wall. Even though this room is large, with this many people, it feels crammed. It’s wonderful. Maybe even perfect.
I sit on Lincoln’s lap on a love seat next to Ford. Graham and his father stand behind the couch, each with a tumbler of dark liquor, discussing something in detail. Camilla is stretched out beside her sister, her phone in her face, while Barrett and Alison are curled up on the couch. Huxley is leaning against a giant Arrows pillow with a game in his hand.
Vivian enters, looking no worse for the wear after cooking what can’t be described by any other word than feast. A tray of snacks in her hands, she sits it on the table in front of Barrett and Alison. “Anyone need a nibble?”
“Mom, really?” Lincoln asks, rubbing his stomach. “I don’t even want to look at food.”
“I get everyone home for a few days a year. Pardon me for wanting to feed you,” she says. Taking in the scene in front of her, she smiles proudly. “I love having you all here.”
“We love being here, Mom.” Sienna blows her a kiss then groans. “But really, get that food out of here. Ugh. So. Full.”
“What do you think?” Vivian looks at me. “Do you need anything?”
“No, thank you. I’m great. Can I help you with anything?”
She looks at Lincoln, then at his hand on my knee, then back to me. “Just make my baby boy happy and let me know if he gets out of line.”
“Her baby boy,” Ford mocks, grabbing Lincoln in some kind of head lock. “Aw, mommy’s baby.”
“You’re just jealous,” Lincoln laughs, somehow maneuvering out of Ford’s hold.
Ignoring her rowdy boys, Vivian lifts the tray again. “No one wants anything? Huxley? Want a cookie?”
“Are they those chocolate ones with the little candies in them?” he asks, setting down his game.
“Of course. They’re your favorite.”
He jumps to his feet and takes three. “Thank you, Vivian.”
“You are so welcome.”
Barrett reaches up and plucks a bunch of grapes off the tray before Vivian disappears into the kitchen again. “Look, Alison. Your favorite.”
She immediately turns as red as the pillow on her lap. Barrett holds them in front of her before whispering something in her ear. His hand wraps around her wrist as she giggles and refuses to make eye contact with anyone.
“No secrets,” Lincoln says to his brother. “What’s making her blush like that?”
“Trust me, it’s a great story,” Barrett grins like the cat that ate the canary. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you.”
“Stop!” Sienna squeals, her hands over her ears. “I can only guess and I do not want that visual—no offense, Alison.”
Alison laughs, tossing the pillow at Barrett and heads towards the doorway. “I’m going to use the restroom.”
“I bet you are,” Barrett teases her.
Vivian comes back in again and stands by her husband. She seems completely unfazed by the noise level or mess strewn around the room. Shoes, jackets, cups, glasses, notepads and laptops are nearly covering the carpet. If I would’ve seen this picture before, I would’ve cringed. But that was before I experienced it. I get why Vivian loves this so much. I could get used to it too.
“Lincoln,” Harris says to his son. “What day do you and Danielle go back?”
“First thing in the morning. As a matter of fact, we’ll probably be gone before you all get up.”
“Will you be home for Christmas?” Camilla asks. She gives me a sweet smile and I return it. “We have a huge cookie bake on Christmas Eve. We’d love to have you, Danielle.”
Lincoln squeezes my thigh, but I can’t look at him. I’m afraid of all the things I’ll see in his eyes and how I might reciprocate that.
“I’m not sure what I’m doing,” I say truthfully. “The cookie bake sounds fun though.”
“We’ll definitely try to be here,” Lincoln interjects. “You coming, Barrett?”
“Don’t even come if you aren’t engaged, Barrett,” Sienna says, sitting up cross-legged.
“Sienna!” Vivian chastises her.
“What? Alison isn’t in here. I’m not embarrassing her. I’m just saying, time to put a ring on it, brother.”
“I agree.” Camilla sits up too and shrugs. “Ring it, Barrett.”
“Does no one trust me?” he asks, feigning horror. “Besides, little ears are listening.”
Huxley smashes a cookie in his mouth with one hand, his other flying across the video screen on his lap.
“He’s not listening,” Camilla says. “At least tell me you have a ring and tell me it’s vintage.”
“No,” Sienna gasps, looking at her twin like she’s crazy. “Modern, Barrett. Trust me. I have the degree in design.”
“Girls!” Vivian sighs. “Stop. I’m sure Barrett will figure out what’s right for them.”
Sienna rolls her eyes and then looks at me. “Just tell Lincoln when he goes to buy yours to call me. Not Camilla. You don’t want some old thing with a loose gem.”
My cheeks flush and I ignore Lincoln’s gaze from the side. He rubs his hand beneath the back of my shirt, caressing me. I lean into it, but still can’t look at him.
“You’re going to be the death of me,” Vivian says, one hand on her hip. “I’m sorry, Danielle.”
I just laugh. “It’s fine. And for the record, I’m not big on jewelry.”
“So you are talking about getting engaged?” Sienna chirps.
“No,” I say quickly as Lincoln says, “Maybe.”
I look at him and he smirks. “I think it’s a fair topic,” Lincoln shrugs. “Wanna marry me?” he asks, the corner of his lip twitching. “I’m sure my mom and sisters can put something together by the time we leave.”
“Oh my God!” Camilla squeals. “Yes! Let us!”
“No,” I giggle, putting my hands in front of me. “We just met not that long ago. Let’s get to know each other and all that before you go marrying us off.”
Harris clears his throat. “I knew I liked you,” he says, taking one finger off his tumbler and pointing at me. “Level head. Smart. Keep this one, Lincoln.”
“Yeah, not like that one with the fishnets—” Sienna clamps her hand around her mouth.
Lincoln throws his head back and everyone in the room laughs. Even me because his reaction is funny. Whoever fishnet girl was, it’s clear she’s not here and was a joke when she was.
“Sorry,” Sienna cringes.
My hand is tugged as Lincoln stands. “On that note, we are going to bed. I’ll be down later if I can’t sleep. Otherwise, we’ll see you at Christmas.”
We exchange quick hugs and goodbyes with the room. I keep it as fast as possible because it’s obvious Lincoln wants to get out of here, and by the look in his eye, I do too.
Nearly dragging me up the stairs and into our room, I’m thrusted against
the wall before I know what hit me. His gaze sears into mine, heat rolling off his body.
“I need you. Now.” It’s not a question, not a suggestion. It’s an order, one I’m all too happy to oblige.
Danielle
IT FEELS LIKE WE’VE TRAVELED forever when, in reality, it’s not been an entire day. We left Savannah first thing this morning, before the sun was up. Troy drove us back to the airport and we nearly missed our connecting flight in Atlanta because of fog. By the time we landed in Memphis, we were both completely wiped out.
I flop on my sofa and it’s not two seconds before Lincoln collapses beside me. His head crooks to the side and he grins. “Been a long day, huh?”
“Yeah,” I whine. “And it’s not even two in the afternoon yet.” I rub my stomach. “I think I’m still full from yesterday.”
“So, what did you think?” Lincoln asks, his hand resting on my knee.
I smile. “I loved the Farm, Landry. Thank you for taking me for Thanksgiving.”
“My family is pretty awesome, huh?”
“Yeah,” I laugh. “I can’t imagine growing up with all of them. Was it as chaotic as I imagine?”
“Absolutely. There was always something happening, someone into something they shouldn’t be. It was a great way to grow up.” He stretches his neck before resting it against the sofa.
“I hope to have a family like yours someday.”
“Me too.” He draws a pattern on my knee that I can’t decipher. Over and over and over something is traced onto my skin. “What did you think about my sisters?”
“They were sweet. Sienna reminds me of you and Camilla needs a friend that isn’t a Landry.”
“I would recommend you, but she did suggest you be added as a Landry.” His gaze holds mine as I digest his insinuation.
“She’s crazy,” I whisper, feeling the weight of his words sitting on top of my heart.
“Is she, Dani? We’ve been exclusive since I walked off the elevator. You just didn’t know it.”
“You think so?”
“Oh, I know so,” he grins. “It’s been me and you from the start and that’s the way I want it to be. I want you to start staying at my house.”
Swing Page 19
